Mozilla is showcasing an Open Web concept phone that uses advanced motion capture capabilities and multiple pico projectors to offer netbook-quality interaction.
“[Although] mobile CPUs, connectivity and development platforms have begun approaching that of desktops, the lagging ability to efficiently input information has grown ever more pronounced,” explained Seabird creator and Mozilla Labs community member Billy May.
“[As such, this concept phone] introduces a few possibilities into how user interaction might evolve with the advancing motion capture and projector driven innovation in the market.”
According to May, the Seabird “imagines” how a multiple use dongle could be exploited to augment a crowded gestural interface with greater precision and direct manipulation of content in 3D space.
“[This is accomplished] by working with the projector’s angular distortion to deliver interface, rather than content…[And] with the benefit of a dock, each projector works independently, [while] delivering laptop levels of efficiency.”
May added that Seabird’s form development was based on “cues” from various aerodynamic, avian and “decidedly” feminine forms.
“[For example], its erect posture intends a sense of poise, while its supine conformity to the hand reconciles that with the user’s desire for digital control. [And] the curvature of the back also serves a functional role in elevating the projector lens elements when lying flat.”
It should be noted that Seabird remains a community-driven exploration concept, with Mozilla insisting it has “no plans” to produce a mobile phone at “the moment.”
