Kochi-based Nimo Planet created quite a buzz at CES 2024 with its spatial computer which features Nimo 1 OS, Nimo 1 Glasses, and Nimo 1 Core. The company aspires to create a pocket-sized portable computer dedicated to boosting employee productivity.

“Apple’s Vision Pro can provide an immersive experience to users for one or two hours inside the home, but it is not designed for the workspace where you can carry it in your pocket for multiple hours at work. That’s where Nimo Planet steps in,” said Rohildev Nattukallingal, Nimo Planet’s chief in an exclusive interaction with AIM. 

Lately, there have been reports about customers returning their Apple Vision Pros under the 14-day return policy, citing discomfort and the poor price-to-features ratio. 

Nimo ♥️ Work 

“Some customers are adopting a hybrid workspace, working a few days from home and a few days from the office. Such people prefer to use Nimo,” said Nattukallingal, adding that the initial category of customers comprised traveling professionals.

The company has shipped its products to companies like KPMG Consulting and a few other consulting firms. Additionally, it has some enterprise use cases in companies from the Middle East, US, and Europe, who want to use it to better their employee experience. As of today, the company has delivered Nimo OS to 15 enterprises. 

Comparing Nimo Planet with Quest 3, Nattukallingal said, “With their VR headsets, Meta is focusing more on the metaverse and games. The way we see it, our focus is on increasing work productivity for enterprises and we don’t concentrate on general use cases.” He added that even with AI integration, the company aims to find ways to build operating systems and applications specifically for employees.

In the near future, the company aims to replace traditional input devices like keyboard and mouse. However, Nattukallingal believes that hand gestures are not a suitable alternative for keyboards, as typing in the air proves to be challenging.

“Right now, the keyboard is the best option. But in the future, I see voice plus AI that does some automation as a potent option. However, voice does not work in some scenarios, such as when I’m sitting in a flight,” said Dev, adding that he expects advancements like Neuralink, allowing mouse control with thoughts, to emerge.

Nattukallingal anticipates a future without laptops. “I would say, in the next five to eight years, let’s imagine people start forgetting to take laptops because if they have something like this, they can just carry it in their hands or pockets.” 

What Nimo OS Offers 

Nimo OS allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously, each displayed on a separate virtual screen in the 3D space. This makes it easy to switch between tasks and compare information side-by-side. It is built on the foundation of Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and Linux . 

“We built a custom rendering system and have not used any wrapper products in the market. This means I can run stereo 3D videos, create apps, and convert any existing app into stereoscopic,” he said. 

“One of the biggest advantages of this architecture is that I can run multiple Android, Unity, and web apps simultaneously,” he added, saying that the only other company to have adopted this approach is Apple.

However, Nimo Glasses currently lack a camera for video-calling. Nattukallingal said that they are planning to introduce a new case equipped with a battery and a camera that can be connected for video calling. Nimo OS also supports Mac and Windows applications through USB-C or remote desktop. It has been granted a US utility patent for Nimo OS Spatial Workspace and Multi-Window Architecture.

Nimo’s Roadmap 

“The immediate goal is to ship 3,000 to 5,000 units of Nimo OS to early customers in the next six to eight months. We are fundraising to help us with mass production,” said Nattukallingal, saying that it plans to partner with enterprises and companies manufacturing AR glasses.

“Plus, we are starting a developer programme in which people can start developing custom applications,” he added. The company recently partnered with Rokid Global, a US-based AR glass manufacturer. Nattukallingal said that there are plans currently in the pipeline to partner with three more companies, and further announcements will be made soon.