Startup aims to steal Apple's AR thunder by launching the Spacetop augmented reality laptop

AR technology is capturing the tech world's attention, with Apple's much-anticipated Reality Pro headset on the horizon. However, Sightful, an ambitious startup, is determined to make its mark in the AR landscape. This Israeli-based company has unveiled the Spacetop, the world's first AR laptop, which has the potential to be a game changer if it lives up to its promises.

Sightful's co-founders, Timer Kahan and Tamir Berliner, boast impressive resumes with experience at renowned companies like Magic Leap, N-Trig (acquired by Microsoft), Broadcom, and PrimeSense (acquired by Apple). Recognizing the growing prominence of remote work, the duo has created the Spacetop AR laptop, offering an intriguing glimpse into the future of flexible and immersive work environments.

The current iteration of the Spacetop relies on a Snapdragon 865 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Surprisingly, despite lacking its own display, the laptop still manages to tip the scales at 3.3 pounds, although the design may still evolve. To get started, users don a tethered but reasonably lightweight headset and can employ hand gestures or the laptop's keyboard and trackpad to manipulate virtual screens and applications. The virtual space created can extend up to 100 inches diagonally, offering an immersive - and private - working experience.

Currently, the Spacetop is available only to a select group of early access users with the company inviting the first 1000 early adopters to join the program through their website. Details regarding pricing, wider availability, and final specifications are still under wraps but we will certainly keep an eye out for anything else we can learn about it.

Purchase the Meta Quest 2 VR headset from Amazon for $379.