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Future phones will have security measures built into the glass
The glass on your smartphone screen doesn't do a lot right now: it lets pictures and touch input get through, and that's about it. It may pick up a few extra talents in the future, though. Researchers at Polytechnique Montreal have developed sensors that can sit under the surface of the scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass used in many mobile devices. Their approach etches optical waveguides into the display, letting it track changes in light. As a result, the screen can do things that would normally require either wiring or dedicated sensors. Your phone could check its temperature using light, and the manufacturer could even embed a unique optical pattern into the glass that lets the phone identify itself; it might get much harder to clone a device (and, presumably, its information).
The transparent Mac trick
Usually these wallpapers don't work well with desktops, but this is a big exception. [Photo credit: Thomas Huxley]
Transparent development tales from three indies baring it all online
With crowd-sourced development practices on the rise, indies are taking steps to more deeply entrench their fans in the game-creation process: Transparent development means pulling back the curtain and giving the audience a close look at the minutiae of making a game, including failed ideas, bad choices and awkward conversations – and hopefully some good moves, too. By opening up the development process, indies are molding the way players view the games they play. Game ideas change drastically throughout development; mechanics get cut and evolve; art styles waver; sounds shift from joyful to moody to dark and back to joyful again. Everything changes. Rather than a static, final product, players now have the option to see what a living, in-development game really looks like – and they're lining up around the digital block. Vlambeer, the team behind Ridiculous Fishing and Super Crate Box, draws in 25,000 to 30,000 viewers twice a week with live development streams of its next-gen roguelike-like (roguelove?), Nuclear Throne. Dejobaan shares its live design document for Drop that Beat Like an Ugly Baby, and months into it, random players still pop into the page's chat to ask questions about development. The ex-Zynga team at Proletariat Inc. streams its World Zombination review meetings every Friday and has learned that its audience is interested in some weird stuff. These are three stories of three different approaches to transparent development, from three different indie teams, but the audience, it turns out, is roughly the same: curious, nosy and extremely intrigued.
MIT's new transparent screen may lead to cheap heads-up displays
Transparent screens just aren't very practical these days -- bigger models are frequently expensive and bulky, while smaller heads-up displays tend to have very narrow viewing angles. However, MIT may have solved all those problems at once with its prototype nanoparticle display. The device creates color images on a glass surface simply by 'tuning' a silver nanoparticle coating until it lets only certain light wavelengths pass through. The technique is both cheap and compact, since it requires little more than the coating and some off-the-shelf projector technology. There's also no need for beam splitters or mirrors, so you can see the picture from just about any angle. While there's a lot of work left before there's a finished product, researchers note that their display would be as easy to implement as window tinting; don't be surprised if MIT's screen shows up on a car windshield or storefront near you.
Grippity returns as a transparent Android tablet with two-sided touch (video)
When we last saw Grippity, it wasn't much more than a pretty media center keyboard. Well, it just grew up -- its creators have revived the concept as a full-fledged, crowdfunded Android tablet. The new design still centers on a transparent, dual-sided touch surface, but there's now more to do than type. The PS Vita-style back control lets users tap interface elements without obscuring the screen, and it opens the door to more complex multi-touch gestures. The infrared remote control and thumbpads have also returned from Grippity's previous incarnation. If you're intrigued, you can pledge $235 ($159 for a few early birds) to Grippity's Kickstarter campaign to reserve a tablet for yourself; provided the team reaches its funding goal, you should have the device in your hands by October.
Visualized: Pebble's insides exposed in rare transparent casing (hands-on)
Once upon a time, Pebble engineers crafted a small number of watches with a completely transparent casing. They were never intended to be used for public consumption (hence the discoloration from the product's glue), but rather were conjured up as internal validation devices. After enduring heaps of strenuous testing, only one of the watches is still functional -- and our old friend Myriam Joire brought it with her to Expand. After taking a peek at the watch, it's easy to see why it would've been so ideal for internal testing purposes: you can see virtually every part of the watch, both inside and out. The gallery below won't feature any new information that the iFixit teardown hasn't already revealed, but it's fascinating to have a closer look at a different kind of Pebble that we haven't seen before. Update: We've been told there are actually a couple other functional ones floating around the ranks of Pebble, but they're still quite rare.
Limited edition PlayStation 3 controller goes 'skeleton style' for Japan, others might call it see-through
While Sony's third home console has seen transparent controllers before, this is the first time that they've also packed a rumble. Announced a day late for Halloween and headed to Japan only for now, the press release suggests that being able to see the inner workings makes it the first 'skeleton style' (translated from the Japanese) controller. The not-even-slighty-spooky DualShock 3 will go on limited sale December 19th priced at 5,500 yen (about $56). It's not cheap, but then limited edition gaming merch never have been.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha hands-on
Alcatel OneTouch has turned a new leaf in 2013. In the past, the TCL-affiliated manufacturer has been known to crank out a dozen or more cheap smartphones at European trade shows with no apparent focus on quality, but after a recent adjustment in brand strategy, we're looking at the company in a completely new light. The frequency of new phones hasn't changed much, but Alcatel is working hard to change its reputation by adding a few high-end devices to its portfolio, such as the Idol Alpha. Taking the lead as the flagship of the company's premiere Android lineup, the Alpha is a 5-inch beaut that appears to live up to its name, complete with aluminum build and a new type of transparent material on the top and bottom. It's a phone that took us a bit off-guard, so join us after the break (and the gallery below) to read more of our first impressions. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Researchers devise new image sensor that could meld screens with cameras
CCD sensors have long ruled the digital imaging roost, but a team of researchers at Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria have concocted flat, flexible and transparent image sensors that could eventually change things up. Made from a flexible polymer film suffused with fluorescent particles, the prototypes catch only a specific wavelength of light and shoot it to an array of sensors that surround the sheet's edge. At that point, the rig calculates where light entered the polymer by measuring how much it has diminished during its travel time, and then composes an image from that data. It's said the process is similar to how a CT scan functions, but uses visible light instead of X-rays. Not only is the membrane relatively inexpensive and potentially disposable, but the solution is a world's first, to boot. "To our knowledge, we are the first to present an image sensor that is fully transparent – no integrated microstructures, such as circuits – and is flexible and scalable at the same time," said Oliver Bimber, co-author of the group's paper. As of now, the setup only snaps black and white images with a resolution of 32 x 32 pixels, but there are plans to boost its fidelity by leveraging higher quality photodiodes (or even composite photos). Also, color photographs could be achieved by using several sheets that capture different hues of light. So, what's this all mean for practical applications? Researchers believe its prime use lies in layering the film on TV screens and other displays to offer gesture controls without pesky, additional cameras. In addition, objects can be imbued with sensor capabilities if wrapped with the layer, and even CCD's could benefit from having a slice of the polymer slapped on them to take photos at different exposures. Hit the second source link for the scientific nitty-gritty, or head past the break for a glimpse at the setup's photos.
Transview touch-sensitive transparent display case eyes-on (video)
Transparent displays are nothing new, but while trawling the labyrinthine backstreets of CES in search of hidden gems, we couldn't help but stop at IL WOO's booth and ogle one. The company was demoing a couple of its Transview display cases with see-through Samsung panels, intended for interactive advertising and other commercial uses. We were particularly drawn to the 22-inch, 1,680 x 1,050 model with infrared touch control, mainly because of the nifty Flash program running on it, which did a great job of showing how the cases could be used. It was very much a treat for the eyes, so we'll leave it there and just point you to the gallery and video below. Kevin Wong contributed to this report.
Tokyoflash Kisai Spider watch goes from concept to wrist-flaunting product (video)
Tokyoflash threw a transparent LED timepiece with a web-like display against the proverbial concept wall earlier this year, and danged if the Kisai Spider didn't stick. The new watch lets you inspect your wrist while attempting to decipher the time or date, which are read from the outside-in through a highly geometrical display of digits -- the above image showing 09:58, for instance. You'll be able to score the dapper device in black and silver brushed stainless steel with a black, blue, green or red display for $159 until this Friday, after which time it'll run an extra twenty bills. For the oh-so-vital instructions on how to to read it, along with ordering info, check the source or video after the break.
Huawei gives Australia peeks at its network hardware and code to regain trust
Huawei has had an image problem lately among countries skittish about trusting a Chinese telecom giant with the backbone of networks that its home government might like to snoop. The company's Australian chairman John Lord thinks that's just paranoia, and he's planning radical transparency in the country to recover what trust he can after Huawei lost a National Broadband Network deal. The firm is willing to give the Australian government "unrestricted" access to both networking hardware and source code to prove that there's no espionage afoot. Lord even likes the idea a domestic inspection agency that would greenlight equipment across the industry. All of the proposals represent a one-way conversation, however -- Canberra hasn't said if it's receptive enough to drop the cold attitude. There's a distinct chance that any successful return to favor wouldn't come soon enough to recover the most lucrative contracts, which could make any Australian change of heart a Pyrrhic victory.
Sharp unveils semi-transparent solar panels, lets you see the sun while reaping its benefits
Sharp has announced an unusual photovoltaic panel for the Japanese market that collects energy from the sun while still allowing the light to shine on through. Though it's rated at a lowly 6.8 percent / 98 watt max efficiency, the glass-like properties make it useful as a construction material (as shown in the balcony railing above), with the semi-transparent nature giving occupants privacy, to boot. The energy-producing cells are embedded in a laminated glass structure and an air slot provides a thermal barrier, allowing the panels to also be used as "windows, curtain wall and eaves" according to Sharp's PR. Though the system won't win any potency prizes, it has garnered a design award in Japan, so it won't blight any landscapes. There's no mention of pricing or western availability so far, but you can hit the source for all the technical details.
Haier's 46-inch transparent display shows up at IFA, we go eyes-on (video)
After last year's awesome mind-controlled and small transparent television, we made naturally a beeline to the Haier booth on the floor of this year's IFA. While it wasn't yet fully unpacked, we were still pretty impressed with what we saw. The first stop on the visit: this year's version of the transparent TV prototype. So, how's it different than its predecessor? For one thing, it's a lot bigger. At 46 inches, this set feels a lot less like a toy. In fact, it's actually intended for retail usage, and as such, the company had it set up in front a group of mannequins showing off the fashions of Kaska Hass. You can see them quite well through the other wise of the set in the videos and images. The display is connected to a Windows PC at the moment, a tower visible in a nook below the set. You can use touch to control the interface -- it's capable of detecting up to six touch points at once. We used the display to open Quicktime and launch a video, playing, not surprisingly, some footage of Kaska Hass fashion shows. The touch was fairly responsive, the image, on the other hand, is quite dark and not particularly hi-res, particularly when surround by a booth of much nicer sets. Again, keep in mind, this isn't intended to be a consumer technology -- at least not for the time being, and retailers may well not be quite as picky as people sitting in their living room -- and, like a lot of the more forward-thinking products, it's not quite ready for prime time. Still, you can check out a video of what we saw after the break. %Gallery-163805%
Haier celebrates IFA with ultra high def 3D, transparent and eye-controlled TVs
Haier was a bit of a sleeper hit at last year's IFA, and the company looks to be taking on 2012's Berlin-based show in way. For 2011, TV maker showed off its futuristic transparent and brain-controlled TV technologies. This year's selections are set to follow in that vein, beginning with the debut of a new 46-inch transparent TV built on last year's technology, capable of detecting six points at the same time. As before, Haier's seeing business potential in the device, and will be showing it off in the context of a window display at this year's show. Also on the slate is the company's first 3D LED Ultra High Definition set, a 55-incher that will be displaying Ultra High Def footage of booth visitors. Haier will be showcasing even more 3D stuff at the show, including a 55-inch glasses-free LED set with 28 viewing angles and 3D Multi-View, "which allows two people to watch two different images at the same time, on the total surface area of the screen," according to the company. Also on the docket is an eye-controlled set that lets viewers take charge of volume and channels with their peepers and a 3D gesture control system that has a camera built into the set's frame. On a more old school tip is the "high performance sensitive" remote, which has a nine-axis gyroscope inside.
Second Story uses Kinect for augmented shopping, tells us how much that doggie is in the window (video)
Second Story isn't content to leave window shoppers guessing at whether or not they can afford that dress or buy it in mauve. A new project at the creative studio uses the combination of a Kinect for Windows sensor with a Planar LookThru transparent LCD enclosure to provide an augmented reality overlay for whatever passers-by see inside the box. The Microsoft peripheral's face detection keeps the perspective accurate and (hopefully) entrances would-be customers. Coming from an outlet that specializes in bringing this sort of work to corporate clients, the potential for retail use is more than a little obvious, but not exclusive: the creators imagine it also applying to art galleries, museums and anywhere else that some context would come in handy. If it becomes a practical reality, we're looking forward to Second Story's project dissuading us from the occasional impulse luxury purchase.
Nintendo's transparent 3DS XL poses for the camera, makes you wish you had one
We know what you're likely thinking: "I want this. I want it now" -- or, you know, something along those lines. Unfortunately, don't expect this transparent beauty to show up at retail stores when the supersized 3DS launches later next month, as it's nothing but a mere demo unit. The see-through XL was recently used by Nintendo to showcase the handheld's guts during a Q&A session on its website, and while it's currently just an extra-large test dummy, it could potentially be a sign of big things to come. We wouldn't hold our breath, though, so for now you'll have to be satisfied with one of those opaque options you have to choose from.
UCLA creates transparent solar cell, dreams of current generating windows
Transparent photovoltaics have yet to grace the face of your smartphone, but don't give up hope -- UCLA researchers are working on a new see-through solar cell that's showing potential. Using a new type of polymer solar cell, the team has been able to build a device that converts infrared light into electrical current. Current prototypes boast 4 percent energy conversion efficiency at 66 percent transparency -- not crystal clear, but certainly clean enough to peer through. According to a study in ACS Nano, the technology could be used in "building-integrated photovoltaics or integrated photovoltaic chargers for portable electronics." Translation? It could one day be used to build solar windows or better sun collecting smartphones. Don't get too excited though, the technology still has a ways to go before any of these dreams come to fruition. Still, feel free to head past the break for the team's official press release, or skip to the source to take in the full academic study.
Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video)
See-through displays may or may not be making a comeback, but NTT DoCoMo is at least trying to give them a different spin. Working with Fujitsu, it's added a Vita-style extra touch panel to the rear of the screen, which works with the transparency to let the user navigate Android without ever obscuring the UI with their fingers. It also allows new types of interaction based on "gripping" objects -- holding down a finger at the back to modify the effect of a swipe on the front. The prototype was actually announced a little while back, but DigInfo has a video (embedded after the break) that shows how it works in practice -- just don't expect to be enjoying Netflix on that washed-out QVGA display anytime soon.
Explay Crystal revives transparent display phones with dash of color, low price
If you've been lamenting the passing of transparent display phones like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness as those vile, opaque smartphones took over, you'll be happy to know that Russia's Explay has taken up the mantle with the Crystal. The basic song remains the same, a numberpad-driven dumbphone with a display that will help you avoid the lamp post up ahead, but it's remixed through colors that render the experience a lot less monotone. We saw this in the Lenovo S800, but the dual SIM card slots and Bluetooth 3.0 at least see the Crystal keep pace with more recent phones in its category. By far the biggest advantage Explay has over its ancestors is pure cost: at 7,000 rubles ($218), it's less than half the $500 that Lenovo wanted and that much more palatable for a handset that isn't running a sophisticated OS like Android or Windows Phone. Russians have to wait until July 1st to pick up the Crystal, but wouldn't count on the see-through phone seeing its way to the US through official channels.
