It's logical that some companies try to stretch the definition of a 'hologram'. More work is still needed to achieve the original product, and many projects are focused on providing a similar experience. With that in mind, we came across the Holus, an interactive display shaped like a pyramid that projects content from a mobile device at four different angles.
Virtual reality is approaching, but holograms are taking a bit longer. Of course, no one can forget Microsoft's HoloLens and its impressive demos, however, that development is more aligned with augmented reality. Let's be honest: When we talk about holograms, the first two references are Star Trek's Holodeck and Princess Leia asking for help in Episode IV. Over the past few years, different experiments have tried to reproduce both examples in different ways, but it will take many more years for a definitive product to appear on shelves. Until then, I guess we'll have to settle for certain 'hologram simulations', although some initiatives reproduce the effect much better than others.
A Pyramid-Shaped Interactive Display
We won't have to wait long to see how the Holus, a new 'holographic' display that includes support for motion detection and tracking, will do. Its design quickly reminds us of the 'Pepper's Pyramid' concept, inspired by the famous optical illusion of the 19th century. What Holus does is project content stored on a smartphone or tablet onto the inner faces of the pyramid and offer the user the possibility to interact with that content from each of those angles. Its creators also describe the ability to connect other interfaces like a Leap Motion or an EEG system, and transmit verbal commands to Omi, a small virtual assistant.
Kickstarter Success and Pricing
The Holus display is making its rounds on Kickstarter, and in a very short time received three times the expected amount (50 thousand Canadian dollars, or 36 thousand euros). Besides being an attractive technology, another quite appealing point of the Holus is its price. The two cheapest options sold out immediately, and the only way to receive one is by purchasing the Home edition at $850, or the Pro for $100 more (includes an SDK). First deliveries will take place between March and July 2016.
