The machine just got more “humanised”, thanks to computing company Intel. In an effort to make interaction with technology simpler and more “natural”, Intel Corporation today outlined how it, in collaboration with other companies, was bringing human-like senses to Intel-based devices in a new family of hardware and software products called Intel RealSense technology.
The first product to be launched in this family is the Intel RealSense 3D camera, which Intel claimed, was the world’s first integrated 3D depth and 2D camera module that helped devices “see” depth much like the human eye.
Instead of humans being trained in new languages and commands, Intel had decided to reverse the process and apply it to machines.
“For decades, people have had to learn new languages, techniques and commands to get our devices to do what we want,” said Mooly Eden, senior Vice President, General Manager of the Perceptual Computing Group. “By equipping devices with technologies that mimic human senses in a more genuine way, our everyday experiences such as learning, communication and gaming are transformed; and entirely new ones are possible.”
Speaking at a press conference at the CES-2014, Eden also detailed collaborations with 3D Systems, Autodesk, DreamWorks, Metaio, Microsoft Skype and Lync Scholastic, Tencent and more. He also introduced the next-generation Nuance Dragon Assistant to the journalists.
What is RealSense 3D camera?
The first Intel RealSense 3D camera features:
- A in-depth sensor and a full 1080p color camera
- The ability to detect finger level movements enabling highly accurate gesture recognition, facial features for understanding movement and emotions
- The ability to understand foregrounds and backgrounds to allow control, enhance interactive augmented reality, simply scan items in three dimensions
The Intel RealSense 3D camera will be integrated into a growing spectrum of Intel-based devices including 2 in 1, tablet, Ultrabook, notebook, and all-in-one (AIO) designs. Systems with the new camera will be available beginning in the second half of 2014 from Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and NEC.
Intel CEO
Brian Krzanich
at CES-2014
Intel expects that gestures, voice and touch will encourage children to become more active participants in games rooted in learning. To underscore the potential in edutainment, Eden announced a collaboration with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing education and media company, to design interactive experiences for two of its most iconic global franchises, Clifford the Big Red Dog and I SPY. Showcased on stage with multi-user functionality, where, in a Clifford game, children ages 3 and up can engage using arm and hand motions, talking and touch to advance the experience while learning core literacy skills along the way.
Eden said Intel was also working with other companies to enhance the edutainment and gaming experience. One of them was DreamWorks Animnation. Lincoln Wallen, Chief Technology Officer at DreamWorks Animation said the Intel RealSense 3D camera technology would be integrated into mainstream devices.
Natural Language Personal Assistant
To advance the computer’s “hearing” sense, Eden also announced that the next-generation Dragon Assistant from Nuance was now available on a variety of systems from Acer, Dell, HP and Lenovo 2 in 1, Ultrabook, notebook and AIO devices, and coming in devices from Asus and Toshiba in early 2014.
The new Dragon Assistant was an entirely new conversational personal assistant that works with popular websites and applications. It came bundled with selectable personalities, and allowed for an ongoing dialogue with Intel-powered devices. People can simply tell it to play music, get answers, connect with friends and find content – all by using natural language. Dragon Assistant is also capable of calendar checks, getting maps and directions, finding flights or booking a dinner reservation. Available offline, people can control their device, dictate notes and more without an Internet connection.
Image Credit: Intel
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