Computer-in-a-ball: Smartball reimagines computers of the future as spheres

Designer Laura Lahti has come with a new computer keyboard design for the next-generation of computing that could entirely revolutionize the way we look at and interact with our personal computers. Named Smartball, the concept takes the notion of a touchscreen interface to the next level and makes it more user friendly, interactive and functional. The gadget is intended to work as a game controller and a remote control as well as a mouse and a keyboard. The form of the Smartball will essentially resemble a soft, malleable balloon though instead of being hollow and bouncy, it would be made of e-textile smart fabric and would feature an electronic core.

Smartball Computer

The seamless interface of the spherical computer system allows users to place their fingers anywhere on the ball and the Smartball will automatically reposition its home keys to the position of your finger. By pumping a single finger, you can then confirm the orientation and the screen will display the control keys on the surface. Until the your motor memory with the ball is up to par and Smartball has decided your speed, a visual keyboard will show up on the ball as well as a the bottom of the television monitor or computer screen.

Smartball Computer_01

The device holds a lot of potential for 3D developers and designers who create apps with integrated Augmented Reality since the most exciting quality of the Smartball is that the user’s interaction with this surface screen occurs from inside the ball. This unique functionality allows surgeons, architects and engineers to grab, pull, twist and pinch virtual simulations. The Smartball will also allow these users to use the tactile feedback of the e-textile to feel the texture of various materials. The surface of the device could thus be used to present users with the ability to experience textures like silk, flower petals etc. via the interface of the Smartball itself.

Smartball Computer_02

The honeycomb structure of the device allows all kinds of exploration possibilities within websites since users will be able to experience textures when interacting with images. The Smartball will be compatible with any external display and the device can interact with any display-based gizmo as a universal remote. The OLED components within the ball will allow the device to serve as a self-contained content viewer.

On the surface, the programmable ball can be set up to display users’ server cloud as an internet browser or a computer desktop and users will be able to set up their own passwords for the device via finger gestures like pinching and snapping. For watching a movie, holding the ball is a very ergonomic position for the wrists, and it has a slight weight that prevents it from rolling away or needing to be propped for relaxed viewing pleasure.