Frequently asked questions

1) Who is Tardis?

Tardis is a pioneering housing solution initiated by 5 enthusiasts. The concept is originated from a famous British TV Programme --- “Doctor. Who”. We would like to bring the concept of Tardis, which is a spaceship much bigger on the inside while the exterior is of limited size, into real life.

2) Are we partnering with any companies?

We are currently an independent startup. However, we are looking for funding and potential partners to realize our plan.

3) How can Tardis address the housing crisis?

The housing crisis is about the affordability, quantity and quality of housing. It arises from the imbalance between demand and supply. Land resources are limited but our wants are unlimited. We need a sustainable solution - Tardis is the solution that reshapes the real estate by targeting the quality-side issues.

4) Is Tardis eligible for different housing categories?

Yes! Tardis’s vision is to reshape real estate and turn it as a portal to the cyber-future. We initially target new private residential completions, followed by subsidized housing units, and ultimately public rental housings. The market penetration process matures with product development. We aspire to penetrate through the real estate market and to expand our coverage.

5) Is Tardis suitable for the elderly and children?

Yes! Your well-being is our top priority and so Tardis is designed to be user-friendly. The suitability of Tardis would improve as tech advances. The prototype of Tardis suits adults more and we advise the users to adjust their usage time reasonably. As Tardis reaches its first and second generation, we encourage more people, including the elderly and children, to try it out.

6) Will Tardis cause any cybersickness?6) Will Tardis cause any cybersickness?

At the current stage, cybersickness may affect some of the users, such as the image delay, real and virtual discrepancy, resolution problem. But it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts through technology advancement and we are confident that with the emergence of semi-transparent smart glasses, it will cause fewer impacts on human begins.

7) Will Tardis users be addicted?

No! Your well-being is always our biggest concern and hence at this stage, the system would friendly remind our users in case of extensive-use of Tardis. We believe that with the help of technology, the negative impacts of addiction could be alleviated.

8) How to interact with others while using Tardis?

This is possible in mixed reality (MR)! Incorporation of MR technology is the ultimate development goal of Tardis. Before MR coming into play, we suggest Tardis being incorporated in a separate room and interactions could take place outside the room.

9) Can I cook while using Tardis?

This is, in fact, possible and the MR technology could instead assist the users from cooking by showing the respective ingredients in the VR goggles. It could even be connected with the smart home system and alert the users in case of any fire danger.

10) Do I have to wear the VR goggles all day long?

At the current stage, wearing the VR goggles continuously may be problematic. However, we strongly believe that this problem could be alleviated with the advancement of technology. It is expected that in the near future people could use Tardis simply with the VR glasses and even contact lens.

11) Will there be software and hardware upgrades?

There will be constant software and hardware upgrades from time to time according to the technological breakthroughs. Based on the current direction on technology, the foreseeable upgrade includes, but not limited to, higher resolution, wireless control and charging and enhanced motion sensitivity. Tardis will undergo evolutionary change and is targeted to reach two milestones. It is hoped that the first generation will come into the market as smart glasses in 2021 and the second generation with the incorporation of smart wall panels will appear in 2025.

12) What if there is a fire?

Tardis will be integrated with a Smart Home System which is an additional branch to perform the Internet of Thing (IoT). The whole system will be interrelated to the safety system, where users would be alerted immediately with fire hazard signals. This automatic and mechanical notification system, compared to manual detection, could provide a safer living environment. In addition, heat-motion sensors will be installed on the headset or smart glasses as a contingency to send out warnings.

13) What if there is a power failure?

Tardis acts as a supplementary tool to break the physical boundaries and hence enhance the quality of life in the dwellings. In case of power failure, the functions of enlargement and entertainment are temporarily suspended but it does not affect the basic function of a flat. Occupants can still perform daily activities without Tardis.

14) Will there be any ethical issues and standards associated with Tardis?

​

Introduction of new technologies usually contradicts with conventional approaches. Relevant regulations are under challenge consequently. We foresee that such challenges may stir up ethical concerns. We believe the irrefutable convenience and benefits brought by Tardis will eventually change people’s mind and gain their acceptance.

When Apple first launched their Touch ID and Face ID system, people raised privacy and safety issues. Yet, they have already become a common feature among smartphones within a decade. So, why not Tardis?