At first glance I presume that Nikon’s new “Media Port UP” was some sort of specialized, head-mounted imager — yet another take on the Gargoyle media-streamer idea I’ve been dorkily looking forward to for ages. But nope: it’s a media player. (Albeit one with Wi-Fi and a built-in web browser.)
The UP has 8GB of storage built in, can play music over its headphones or display video on its mono diopter, simulating a 50-inch screen. The higher-end “UP300x” includes motion sensors which allow you to change the volume by tilting your head, which doesn’t sound the least bit annoying when listening to music. (Surely they have some lock that prevents the motion controls from whipping the music back and forth as you bop.)
Super weird. No plans for this to be released outside of Japan — and I don’t suspect that’ll break too many hearts. I just don’t understand why they couldn’t have put a camera in it.
Live from Nikon’s Press Conference: The UP300x hands-on [AkihabaraNews.com via Gizmodo]
“It is useless to resist us.” Very Borg. As Umbriel said, reminds me of the targeting headsets in Aliens, and probably other sci-fi films.
I really want one of these – ever since I visited IBM Hursley, and had a play on one of their wearable PC’s (running Windows CE, but this was back in 1999), I’ve longed for one of those monocle displays.
How much would an import cost me? Financially and emotionally?
The monocle-screen looks weirdly familiar to me. I’m sure I’ve seen something similar in some cheap sci-fi flick.
I’m more tempted by these: http://www.firebox.com/product/2029/Vuzix-iWear
Aah, if only I were rich. Wearing these and the Pong watch I’d have all the chicks running after me. There’d probably be more derisive laughter than I’d like, but one can’t have everything in life.
Id prefer a set of glasses that looked like light and sound machines, but projected an image in front of you so its not right up against your eyes. The only way they would know your looking at pr0n is if you forget your in a public place and start ummm well you know…
Cute Asian babe with cyberpunk hardware FTW!
Not so cheap, Bugs… It reminds me of the targeting headsets worn by Drake and Vasquez for their “smartguns” in Aliens.
This would be great if you could plug a video camera into it.
IT’S OVER NINE THOUSAND!!!!
Well I guess this is another step to our cyberpunk future.
I didn’t know I wanted one of these. But it seems like I do. It’s a lot less stupid looking than some other head mounted displays.
If the screen position is adjustable so I can center it, I might use it on long flights. It might beat holding my media player up to my face or looking down to see it in my lap.
Also, it’d be nice to be able to plug my laptop into it. I’d like to be able to take notes in class without having three or four people around me being able to see my notes, email, etc.
Thanks, Nikon. Tell me, what else do I not yet realize that I want?
A good heads up display would be awesome for me. I’m too nearsighted to use a laptop. Heck, I have a 20″ screen set to 1024 x 640 and I still hunch forward over my keyboard just to read it. To have a clear, readable screen close to my eyes where I could see it without excess eye fatigue, and maybe even using good posture would be so nice. Oh yeah, a camera would be great too. Might make it safer for me when I ride my bike.