Spacetop’s AR Software: A Glimpse into the Future of Portable Workspaces, or Just a Gimmick?
Imagine a world where your laptop's screen expands infinitely, creating a massive virtual workspace you can take anywhere. That's the promise of Spacetop, a subscription-based software that aims to redefine productivity by leveraging augmented reality (AR) glasses. But does it live up to the hype?
Spacetop, developed by Sightful, isn't just about mirroring your existing display onto AR glasses. It creates a curved virtual desktop space that floats in the air, allowing you to open, resize, and arrange Windows apps as needed. Think of it as having a 100-inch monitor accessible anywhere, providing an expansive workspace without the need for extra hardware.
As CNET's Scott Stein puts it, "Provided you're OK wearing display glasses, this is the way I'd prefer to work: Making my own screens wherever I go and feeling like I've got a larger-scale office without needing to prop open anything else." This concept opens up exciting possibilities for professionals seeking enhanced productivity on the go.
However, the reality isn't quite as seamless as the vision. PCMag's Matthew Buzzi notes, "During use, the windows are spread out in front of me like a big digital curved monitor, rather than truly floating in space around me like some of the renderings show—it’s a more limited field of view, even if it's still something much more expansive than a laptop screen."
One major hurdle is the reliance on specific hardware. Spacetop currently requires an Intel Core Ultra processor and Xreal Air 2 Ultra smart glasses, significantly limiting its accessibility. Furthermore, the subscription model adds another layer of cost. A yearly subscription to Spacetop will run you around $200 per year with needing a specific pair of $699 Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses. And while the software aims to expand user's workspace through a larger screen, there are limitations to the use. "We are still working to make advanced applications like video editors or 3D graphics software run smoothly," Sightful says on it's website.
Despite its potential, Spacetop faces practical challenges. As Buzzi experienced, wearing the AR glasses for extended periods can be uncomfortable. "But I could only get through a half-hour to an hour with the glasses, and that’s coming from someone who has worn glasses since he was about eight years old." Additionally, the limited field of view and occasional software glitches can detract from the overall experience.
Stein highlights the clever software touches, such as the toolbar for app launching and the duplicate laptop display at the bottom of the floating desktop. However, quirks like slow-to-launch pop-up displays and the limited field of view can hinder the workflow.
Despite these drawbacks, Spacetop offers a glimpse into the future of portable workspaces. It provides a unique way to expand your laptop's screen real estate and create a more immersive working environment. While it may not be for everyone, it's a compelling option for those seeking increased productivity on the go.
Will Spacetop revolutionize the way we work, or is it just a niche product for early adopters? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
