Computer-less computing

IoT, wearable mobile computing, mixed reality, and other forms of ubiquitous computing have captured our imaginations. They promise to deliver the virtues of computing without the burden of never-ending upkeep for unwieldy devices.

The logical next step is to expand our concept by an order of magnitude: our whole environment must become Smart. We can equip rooms with the ability to see and hear us, and to project information back onto the surfaces of the room, tables, walls and floors. This solution will not only reduce the overhead, but it will encourage a natural compatibility with our digital assistants.

The Smart Room will allow us to virtually assign ‘Smartness’ to a wide range of dumb objects there. A light switch no longer needs to be wired, or even mechanical. A drawing placed on the wall can serve the same purpose. The Smart room, operating silently in the background, is able to observe and assist on our behalf. Any traditional object can become a temporary means to govern any functionality you can imagine, keeping you immersed in the environment and unplugged from devices.