Tech company Sightful has launched a new version of its Spacetop system that works with Windows laptops. According to NewAtlas, this new system lets people use special glasses to see a big computer screen that only they can view. The company announced this launch on April 24, 2025.
What is Spacetop?
Spacetop is a virtual computer workspace that uses special glasses to create a large screen you can see wherever you look. These special glasses are called AR glasses (Augmented Reality glasses), which means they add computer images on top of what you see in the real world. Think of it like having a personal movie screen that follows you around but doesn’t block your view of everything else.
The system creates a 100-inch virtual display, which is about the size of a big wall-mounted TV. Only the person wearing the glasses can see this screen, making it perfect for working in public places where you want privacy.
How Does It Work?
Spacetop works with modern laptops that have special computer chips called NPUs (Neural Processing Units). These chips help computers run AI programs (Artificial Intelligence – computer systems that can learn and make decisions). The system doesn’t need any extra hardware like it did before.
The glasses used are called XReal Air Ultra 2, made by a company named XReal. When you wear these glasses and use the Spacetop software, you can arrange multiple windows in the space around you. You control everything using your laptop’s keyboard, moving windows around with simple keystrokes.
The system works with these types of computers:
- Microsoft laptops with AI features
- Lenovo AI-ready computers
- HP models with NPU chips
- Newer Acer laptops
Where Can You Use It?
One big benefit of Spacetop is that you can use it almost anywhere. Unlike carrying around big monitors, the system fits in a small bag and works in many different places:
- On trains or buses
- During airplane flights
- Coffee shops and public spaces
- At home or in the office
- Even outdoors in some conditions
| Feature | Regular Laptop | Spacetop System |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 13-16 inches typically | 100 inches (virtual) |
| Privacy | Others can see your screen | Only you can see content |
| Multiple Windows | Limited by screen size | Many windows in virtual space |
Pricing and Availability
Spacetop is launching first in the United States and Germany. The company plans to bring it to more countries later in 2025. The system costs $899 (about ₹76,754), which includes:
- The XReal Air Ultra 2 glasses
- A 12-month subscription to the Spacetop software
Tamir Berliner, the co-founder and CEO of Sightful, said they created this new version because many users and businesses asked for a Windows-compatible solution. The original Spacetop was first developed in 2023 but required special hardware.
Future of AI Computers
According to research companies Canalys and IDC, about 19% of computers shipped in 2024 have AI capabilities that can support systems like Spacetop. They predict this number will grow to 60% by 2027. This forecast is based on studying industry trends, computer maker plans, and growing demand for AI features.
IDC’s 2024 report says there will be 167 million AI-capable computers shipped by 2027. These computers have special chips (NPUs) that help run AI programs much faster than regular computers. The growth is happening because companies like Apple with its Neural Engine and other manufacturers are putting these special chips in more computers.
What Makes a Computer “AI-Capable”?
A computer is considered “AI-capable” when it has a special chip called an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). This chip is designed specifically to handle AI tasks like recognizing images, understanding speech, or creating content. Regular computers without these chips can still run AI programs, but much more slowly.
The combination of NPU, CPU (the main brain of a computer), and GPU (the part that handles graphics) working together is what makes these new laptops powerful enough to run systems like Spacetop without extra hardware. Think of it like having three different specialists working on a project instead of one person trying to do everything.
Spacetop represents a new way of using computers that combines AI technology with augmented reality. By creating a private, large virtual workspace that can be used anywhere, it offers a glimpse of how we might work with computers in the future.
