The Microsoft HoloLens headset could be used for a variety of applications, and that might even include a new way to interact with the printed page. The company was awarded a patent today that describes a method to show "holographic visual aids" on a head-mounted display when a person is reading a book.
The patent, which was first filed in 2012, lists Alex Kipman, one of the main leaders of the Microsoft HoloLens team, as one of its inventors. Here's its summary:
"A system for generating and displaying holographic visual aids associated with a story to an end user of a head-mounted display device while the end user is reading the story or perceiving the story being read aloud is described. The story may be embodied within a reading object (e.g., a book) in which words of the story may be displayed to the end user. The holographic visual aids may include a predefined character animation that is synchronized to a portion of the story corresponding with the character being animated. A reading pace of a portion of the story may be used to control the playback speed of the predefined character animation in real-time such that the character is perceived to be lip-syncing the story being read aloud. In some cases, an existing book without predetermined AR tags may be augmented with holographic visual aids."
So far, Microsoft has emphasized how HoloLens could be used to make more immersive games, along with applications such as building 3D models and communicating with others. This patent may show that the company has even more ideas for how to use HoloLens.

Acer's Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition is a 3D gaming laptop
Getting tired of gaming in 2D? The Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition has a special display and built-in app that offers a 3D stereoscopic experience in more than 50 games.

Acer refreshes its Triton 300 SE 14 and also launches a new 16-inch version
Acer pads its gaming laptop lineup with a new 16-inch Triton 300 SE and a refreshed 14-inch Triton 300 SE available in two different designs.

Acer shows off six new TravelMate P4 and Spin P4 business laptops
Acer makes it easy to decide on a new business laptop with 14- and 16-inch TravelMate P4 PCs with Intel or AMD hardware, as well as 14-inch TravelMate Spin P4 laptops with the same options.

Find the best compact GPU for your next Mini-ITX PC build
If you're building a small form Mini-ITX PC, you'll want a compact GPU to fit. Here's our selection of the best graphics cards for your next pint-sized powerhouse.