The Tholos project is one ambitious puppy. Basically the company is planning to install a network of 7 meter diameter, 3 meter high advertising sponsored kiosks which incorporate a 360 degree screen, microphones and HyperSound directional speakers (rather like Audio Spotlight I suspect).

The idea is that each gateway kiosk will be linked to another in a different country, so that tourists and inhabitants of the two cities can interact, talk and wave to each other etc in real time. Funky eh? Fifteen in Europe initially, with the US following after. They also plan to install coffee shop/exhibition area lounges built around the same idea.

‘The prototypes are large, attractive cylinders, with a 360� projection surface producing panoramic views of the environment and inhabitants of another city in perfect picture quality. Direct personal contact among visitors to the various THOLOS locations is encouraged by image and sound.’

The London one is apparently due to be installed this year and will link to one in the centre of Vienna. I reckon that it needs a wifi network included so that people can chat to their friends in different cities using voice over IP whilst having a cup of coffee and watching them on the big screen.