Futuristic indoor pot concept turns your plant into a virtual pet

We all know that plants are living things, but we also often just treat them as objects simply because they don’t behave like animals and humans. It’s almost hard for us to wrap our heads around the fact that the mostly stationary creatures in pots are alive until they show signs of withering and dying. We’d probably have a completely different attitude if those plants started to show expressions or visibly react to changes in the environment and human interaction. That’s the kind of paradigm shift that this smart plant pot concept is trying to develop by creating a holographic representation of the plant that makes you feel like you’re taking care of a pet instead of just a succulent.

Designers: Dingyu Xiao, Bouyan Pan, Jianshen Yuan, “me me” (Suosi Design)

Plants are like pets with very stoic personalities. They don’t immediately react to the way you take care of them but the effects reveal themselves sooner or later, whether they’re good or bad. The delayed feedback might sometimes make us also slow to respond, sometimes leading to a detached and impersonal relationship that could lead to the plant’s untimely demise. Of course, we could just use one of those smart, self-watering planters, but that widens the gap even further.

Planpet is a smart plant pot concept that tries to create a more personal connection between humans and plants by giving the plant a face and changing the way we see it. There’s a glass cube standing on one end of the box-shaped pot, right beside where the actual hole for the plant is. This cube isn’t just some extraneous embellishment, however, and is actually a holographic display that shows a miniature 3D representation of the plant with one big difference: it actually has an expressive face.

The idea is that the user will select a virtual character that best resembles the type of plant being put in the pot. But more than just a passive face, this virtual plant will change its facial expressions based on real-time soil and environment analysis. It will react when you give it enough light, when you water it, or even when forget to take care of it.

Planpet is pretty much like Tamagotchi for plants but with more significant consequences in the real world. Rather than waiting for the plant to dry up and die before you get a clue, seeing the expressions the “plant pet” makes gives more immediate feedback and warnings when things aren’t going well for the plant. It still won’t be able to dynamically respond to your actions or commands unless you add a pinch of AI, but just having a face that can express some emotions is enough to really make the plant feel more alive, driving home the responsibility of raising a plant just as you would a dog or a cat.

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Hisense Automobile Laser Displays hands-on at CES 2024

Hisense recently unveiled its latest products at CES 2024. The company’s array of state-of-the-art technologies, including automobile laser displays and rollable laser TVs, sets new industry standards, offering consumers unparalleled visual experiences.

Designer: Hisense

Automobile Laser Display: A New Era in Vehicle Technology

The Automobile Laser Display, honored with the CES 2024 Innovation Award, is revolutionizing the in-vehicle experience. It features the TriChroma™ triple-laser projection system, delivering a color performance 48% superior to traditional LEDs while maintaining a compact form, 80% smaller than conventional optical solutions. Its 200% luminous efficiency makes it the premier choice for automotive displays. The Laser Holographic AR-HUD transforms the windshield into an expansive holographic screen, merging virtual and real-world elements for safer driving. Advanced optical technology further converts side and rear windows into immersive displays, enhancing navigation and entertainment while focusing on safety and compact design.

Hisense Automotive Laser Display: Eyes on

The display of Hisense’s Automotive Laser at CES 2024 made a lasting impression on spectators. With its remarkable features, this cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize the automotive industry. Let’s delve into the details.

Starting from the driver’s cockpit, the heads-up display (HUD) offers an immersive experience by providing turn-by-turn directions, speed, and other essential vehicle information. While the exact resolution and size dimensions are yet to be finalized, the preliminary concept promises a screen size ranging from 13 to 15 inches, ensuring optimal visibility for drivers.

But it doesn’t end there. Rear passengers are also in for a treat with two additional laser projectors, one on each side, and another centrally located in the rear where the traditional glass would typically be. The idea is that when cars are capable of autonomous driving, the rear passenger seats will swivel around. These laser displays, measuring approximately 30 to 40 inches, create a captivating visual experience for passengers, whether they’re embarking on a road trip or enjoying a romantic date night.

One of the most impressive aspects of Hisense’s Automotive Laser Display is its adaptability to the surrounding environment. According to a representative from Hisense, this technology boasts a 200-percent luminous display, surpassing the brightness of conventional LEDs. This feature ensures exceptional picture quality regardless of external conditions, providing an enhanced viewing experience for all passengers.

Moreover, the possibilities of this innovative technology extend beyond the confines of the car. Imagine transforming any flat surface into a drive-in theater with a built-in movie projector in the front bumper of your vehicle. While this incredible feature is only functional when the car is parked, it opens up a world of entertainment possibilities. Tailgate parties, camping trips, or even impromptu movie nights become even more exciting with this cinema-quality experience. Of course, you may need to find suitable surfaces, such as a garage door, for an optimal projection experience.

And that’s not all! Hisense also showcased a rollable laser display TV, further expanding its range of state-of-the-art products. The colors, clarity, and brightness of this TV are truly mesmerizing, captivating viewers and immersing them in a stunning visual display.

Lastly, a mini-laser projector is located directly under the rearview mirror, providing a luminous projection of the name of the car you are driving.

While Hisense’s Automotive Laser Display is currently in the concept stage, reliable sources have disclosed that leading automakers are actively considering adopting this groundbreaking technology. With its potential to redefine the future of automotive displays, it’s no wonder that industry insiders are closely monitoring the progress of Hisense’s Automotive Laser Display.

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