WatchThru: An Augmented Reality System for Your Wrist

Up until now, most of the augmented reality discussion has been focused around headsets like Microsoft’s HoloLens. However, a team of researchers from University of Bremen, Google, and Hasselt University have created a concept that brings AR interactions to your wrist.

WatchThru is a new method for extending the display on your smartwatch with mid-air visuals. There are currently two different prototypes — one consisting of an Android Wear adding only a transparent second screen, and another version that also implements an external tracking system.

Though perhaps not as immersive as a HoloLens or even a Google Glass, this form of smartwatch augmentation can make AR data available when you need it the most without interfering with your vision otherwise.

As shown in its demo video below, the device could be employed for “Pop-up Visuals,” where the user can get a quick peak at how important a notification is without even lifting his wrist. A map could be displayed on the watch screen normally in 2D, while when a user positions his wrist correctly, an arrow is revealed instead.

One could use it to overlay schematic data over an Arduino to better visualize how a project should be put together, or to learn board game strategies such as chess. WatchThru can even highlight unseen aspects throughout a room, such as a power outlet.

It’s an interesting yet brilliantly simple concept. Perhaps we’ll see even more uses for this kind of reflected display in the coming years. According to its creators, future models will hopefully feature a transparent screen that can fold out when needed. Until then, be sure to check out the entire paper on the subject here.

[h/t Co.Design]