In this Episode
In this interview, Rohil takes us through the journey of creating Nimo’s AR glasses, a groundbreaking device designed to revolutionize personal productivity. We explore the challenges of building a hardware company, the evolution of augmented reality in the workspace, and how AI integration improves the user experience with Nimo. Dive into this conversation to discover the future of augmented reality and its role in redefining the personal workspace.
Interview with Rohil
Host: Rohil, can you start by telling us how you came up with the concept for Nimo?
Rohil: In 2017, I realized we lacked a device as portable as a smartphone that could also offer a full workspace on the go. That’s why we chose glasses as the medium. They’re like headphones; small yet capable of delivering a rich experience without carrying a big device. We focused on making AR smart glasses sleek and portable, offering bigger and multiple screens for enhanced productivity without compromising mobility.
Host: How does nimo work? How do the glasses and computing parts interconnect?
Rohil: Initially, we tried integrating everything into the glasses – batteries, processor, display – making it a standalone device. However, comfort and portability are crucial, and we decided to attach the glasses to the Nimo core, that has a similar form factor than an AirPods Pro case, and houses a full computer. This connects with Nimo glasses, and our goal is to support other lightweight AR glasses too. The operating system, Nimo OS, is designed for multi-screen productivity, running Android apps, web apps, Unity apps. For inputs, we use Nimo Core as a mouse and trackpad, and users can connect their keyboards directly to it.
Host: What challenges did you face building a hardware company, and how did you manage to focus?
Rohil: Starting a second hardware company was challenging, but my passion for integrating hardware and software design made it worthwhile. The first company I built was a gesture-based smart ring, but I lost control of it due to management issues. The lessons I learned there, especially in hardware building and team management, significantly helped in building Nimo. With Nimo, we managed to create the product with just $1 million in investment, focusing sharply on our core vision of portable productivity. This focus was crucial. We avoided getting sidetracked by too many features and concentrated on delivering a multi-screen experience.
Host: Starting a hardware company is tough. Can you share a key lesson for budding entrepreneurs in this space?
Rohil: The key lesson is resilience and focus. Hardware is challenging, but having a clear vision and staying true to it is essential. Avoid spreading yourself too thin across too many features or market segments. Concentrate on your core offering and perfect it. Building a hardware company requires patience, a solid team, and an understanding of your market. Also, learn from each iteration and be open to adapting your strategies based on customer feedback and technological advancements.
Host: How do you see the market evolving for augmented reality in productivity?
Rohil: The market will split into two device categories: VR/AR modalities with immersive experiences and lightweight AR glasses like Nimo, prioritizing portability. These devices will offer unique solutions to productivity challenges, with differing form factors and features. Our focus with Nimo is on delivering an optimized user experience from hardware to software, emphasizing unique, well-designed interactions and interfaces. We aim to make every aspect of Nimo – from the hardware to the operating system – distinct, fresh, and user-friendly.
Host: How does the digital content interact with the physical space using Nimo? How is it positioned or anchored?
Rohil: Currently, Nimo operates on a 3DOF tracking system. Screens are placed and locked in a specific space based on head movement. In the future, we plan to introduce 6DOF and more advanced tracking, but for now, we focus on lightweight and comfortable glasses. The calibration mimics the natural movement of turning your head to look at different screens, like you would with a multi-monitor setup. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate the digital with the physical, without overwhelming the user, especially those new to AR.
Host: Can you elaborate on the Nimo GPT? How does AI enhance the user experience in Nimo?
Rohil: Nimo GPT is integrated deeply into the operating system to automate workflows and boost productivity. For instance, if you’re writing a LinkedIn post, you can directly summon ChatGPT to generate content ideas. This AI integration makes every Nimo user a power user by reducing the learning curve of new apps. It helps users accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently, without needing to master every feature of an application.
Host: How are you tackling the challenges of different environments, like variations in lighting, when using Nimo?
Rohil: Addressing environmental factors like brightness is crucial for AR devices. Initially, we use shades to reduce light interference, similar to other products in the market. Our second phase will introduce electronic lenses for dynamic light adjustment. Advances in micro LED technology and optics will enable us to offer better experiences even in bright outdoor conditions in future versions.
Host: What's the future of Nimo? What's next on your roadmap?
Rohil: The immediate future involves further refining Nimo for mass production, focusing on enhancing the multi-screen experience. We aim to introduce new features and technologies gradually. Future iterations may include advanced tracking, biometric authentication through eye-tracking, and more immersive AR experiences. Our long-term goal is to make Nimo a universal productivity tool that's adaptable to various user needs and evolving technology trends.
Check out the full interview below 👇
