Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are hot topics in today’s technology industry. What will it look like when the smart home market adopts these technologies?
Hayo, a New-York-based startup, has created a smart augmented reality system designed for the connected home. With the Hayo device at home, users can set up virtual buttons wherever they like and begin to control devices at home.
Hayo is a long cylinder device. Once placed in the room and connected to the Wi-Fi network, it will start scanning and create a 3D map of the room.
Homeowners can then go to the Hayo augmented reality app and start creating virtual buttons; for instance, a button on the table acting as a switch for living room lights. When the user places his hand on the point, the light will turn on. Hayo will be sensing user gestures and movements all the time.
There are more control possibilities with Hoya. For example, users can play music and adjust volumes, turn on the TV and play movies, or take a phone call from friends, all with virtual setups around the house.
With built-in artificial intelligence technology, Hayo will also learn user preference over time, helping to satisfy users’ moment-to-moment needs on its own.
The device’s embedded infrared technology allows it to work in low-light conditions. It can be placed in the living room or kitchen and senses movements within a six-meter radius.
The supported platforms currently include Nest, Wemo, Sonos, Philips Hue, Amazon Dash, LIFX and IFTTT.
Hayo’s crowd funding campaign was launched on Indiegogo pledging to amass US$80,000. The retail price is set at US$299 and product shipping will start in May 2017.