Why can't we build on a real-world model that keeps everything I create by default, and only throws away changes?

ENGADGET: Entelligence: Stains on the sleeve of my operating system

In order to create a real-world model, MyEnergi Lifestyle is planning to launch a contest awarding one lucky family an energy efficient home makeover.

ENGADGET

The new model has also been real-world tested and proven by Contour's roster of professional athletes and film partners in the world's most diverse conditions, ultimately fine-tuning its sensor to improve the overall sharpness of the image, the speed at which the camera adjusts for fast lighting changes, and the underwater video quality.

ENGADGET: Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

That opens up the possibility of putting virtual objects into the real world, letting you "pick up" a computer-generated 3D architectural model and spin it around in your hand, for instance, or gesture to control a virtual display appearing on an actual wall.

ENGADGET

But in my experience, the real gear geeks are heavy into microphones, a mysterious world of invisible "pick-up patterns" and model names that read like alphabet soup.

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