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February 28, 2007

You Hold The Power In Your Hands

Imagine a future where snapping your fingers plays music. Imagine replacing all your remote controls with simple finger taps. Imagine video game control mechanics that make the Wii-mote feel archaic.

Que in the Control Glove by Engineered Fibre Structures. The lightweight stretch glove houses small sensors that interpret and translate your finger gestures via bluetooth to any compatible device; be it a computer, TV, game console, kiosk etc. By removing the myriad of buttons and knobs currently infesting today's electronics, the Control Glove makes them all intuitive again. Hand gestures are natural to us so it only makes sense that we design interface and control mechanisms to mimic how we communicate with our hands.

Posted by tranism at 2:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

February 25, 2007

Robot Swarms Evolve

This story is fascinating and yet slightly unnerving. Swiss researchers (really?) recently demonstrated how robots can evolve and pass on traits to later generations.

The research revolves around groups of robots that start out as individuals, each with their own unique randomly generated digital genome. Their only preprogrammed instructions are to explore, find food, avoid poison and do it all in the most efficient manner. Their anatomy consists of a motor, wheels, sensors and LEDs.

Each staging area contains large red knobs. Some are food, represented by the Apple icon and some are poison, represented by a skull and crossbones. The bots are unable to distinguish which is which until they're up close but by that time, real food sources may already be depleted by other bots.

Here's the fascinating part. The bots figured out if they work together, they can locate food sources much faster. After some 500 generations later, they formed a rudimentary communication system to notify others when foods sources are found and to flag areas where poison is located. The bots that inherently had genomes better suited to working in groups and splitting tasks successfully passed on their "DNA" to offspring. Those that worked alone eventually starved themselves to death, thus removing their genome from the gene pool.

Now here's the scary bit. Some of the starving bots found an alternative way to get food. After all, they were all programmed to find food in the most efficient manner. Given their environment and situation, they evolved a new behavior whereby they lure other bots using false signals to steal from them and it seems the other bots have yet to figure out a defense against this.

The researchers caution this is no where near real biological evolution since it's infinitely more complex. However this research does demonstrate how behavior and evolution are directly affected by the environment. I believe that's another strike against Darwin nay-sayers.

via New Scientist

Posted by tranism at 7:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

Start Something PC

The ISDA have announced all finalists in the Microsoft sponsored Start Something PC design competition. The challenge is to rethink what a Windows PC experience will look in the future in regards to productivity, entertainment, mobility and lifestyle.

Just a quick note tho, this is heavily based on industrial and product design, not software. Of course usability is a factor but "new and different" grade better in this competition. You can vote for your favorite if you have an MSN passport. Hit the jump to see my top 2 picks.

via Yanko Design

The Pussy Cat is part Aibo, part mobile PC. The main idea behind this concept is a computer that is not only as mobile as a laptop, but also a companion to its owner. All your basic computing tasks like watching movies, listening to music, playing games, surfing the internet, emailing, etc., can all be done via the Pussy Cat. Just like Aibo, it keeps you entertained since a person traveling with a laptop is usually alone. Voice and face recognition not only assists in security, but also as a way for humans to have a greater appreciation for their Pussy Cat.

The Seed is a huge paradigm shift in computer design by taking its cues less from appliances and more from home decor. All the upgradable hardware components exists as blades or leaflets that are attached and arranged onto a hub. The overall design mimics a floral arrangement allowing it to easily blend into your home. Need a new graphics card? No problem; just pull out and upgrade your graphics blade.

Posted by tranism at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

February 16, 2007

Maybe a MacBook Nano?

First don't take the image too seriously. It's just a mockup - a fantasy of mine for an ultra-portable Macbook. AppleInsider has reason to believe Apple is indeed looking to release such a computer, hitting store shelves in 3 months. They believe in a smaller, wider MacBook with solid state memory in lieu of an optical disc drive. The former dramatically increasing battery life; the latter enabling the computer to go as thin as 3/4 of an inch. But why would Apple build such a computer?

Apple does tremendously well in almost all markets. For them, it's not about being number 1. It's about seeing consistent growth year after year and there's one market where Apple continues to slip - Japan. The Japanese are obsessed with ultra-portability and miniaturization. Even the thin MacBook isn't thin enough. With subbie notebooks from Sharp, Fujitsu and a slew of others - it's a tough market to crack but Apple has a huge advantage. There's cache behind their name and excellent hardware/software synergy. Even Time Cook (Apple's second in command) recently told analysts;

"The market in Japan is among the weakest in the world for us. However, having said that, we're not pleased with our performance and we've got a number of activities underway to improve them"

They can't be talking about the iPod since it does pretty well over there. All that's left is OS X adoption and that requires machines to run them. The Japanese are not about desktops. They're not about notebooks. They're all about ultra-compact sub-notebooks and Apple is not a company to segregate their hardware line up by region so rest assured, if the Japanese get a sub-notebook, so will we.

So what kind of specs could one expect from a machine like this? Ultimately to shed weight - some newer expensive tech would have to be implemented OR cuts would have to be made to meet the new profile. For Apple and because of how Apple operates, I believe both rules will apply. Here is my realistic wishlist.

MacBook Nano

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 60 GB solid state memory
• No hard disc drive
• Optical superdrive located on bottom of notebook
• New 13" backlight widescreen LCD display
• Edge to edge screen with almost nonexistent bezel
• Integrated iSight camera
• Integrated graphics chip
• USB 2.0, Firewire, Bluetooth, 802.11n, mini DVI, HDMI

My reasoning;

• The Core 2 Duo processor is more than enough to "brain" this computer.
• Solid state memory is very expensive and this is where Apple will add newer tech to dramatically increase battery life and performance since solid state memory can be read and written much faster than a hard drive. Not to mention OS X's excellent memory management; solid state memory could even be used to supplement and/or assist RAM.
• In order to increase battery life and slim the notebook, there will be no hard drive. Using solid state memory means cutting other things out. Although solid state memory is not yet upgradable - external portable hard drives are getting cheaper and cheaper every month.
• Some believe Apple will eliminate the optical disc drive but I think doing so would undermine Apple's whole iLife mantra. iMovie and iDVD are both important aspects of the company's consumer friendly software and they both require an optical disc drive to be fully utilized. If anything, Apple will simply redesign its superdrive enclosure where it can be easily accessed but also out of the way. Since there's no hard drive, there's plenty of room for a disc drive.
• Aside from going thin, Apple's key strength is design. When you go smaller - the challenge then becomes how to make things look or remain bigger so they're still usable - things like the keyboard and screen. Japanese sub-notebooks suffer from squished keyboards and screens that are ultimately too small for long term use. I believe Apple will decrease the bezel enclosure around the screen making it look edge-to-edge. This gives the illusion of "bigger" while still maintaining the full sized keys on the keyboard. Not to mention the gawking and jaw dropping people will do when they see you flip up a screen that looks like it's encased in few millimeters.
• Although the screen will look edge-to-edge, there's still plenty of room for the integrated iSight camera. Similar to how the iPhone is designed.
• Going this small means no chance for uber-powerful graphics chips. instead, the MacBook Nano will follow its older brother's lead and utilize integrated solutions from Intel.
• Peripheral ports will be same 'ole, same 'ole with the addition of HDMI. Yes I believe (hope) Apple will embrace the standard sooner than later. Japan is HDMI happy and the rest of the world is starting to follow suit. If HD graphics and stereo sound can come out of one cable - it would make sense for Apple to embrace technology that will enable that, especially since they're now more keen on moving into other rooms of the house begging for Apple logo'fied electronics.

Posted by tranism at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | | |

Andre Stubbe's Robotic Eyes

Computational Designer Andre Stubbe's thesis project consists of two robotic eyes, one blue - one red. They're really just painted webcams but interaction with each other and humans is what Stubbe is after. The eyes are able to move within their sockets and blink. They focus and react to each other but anytime a third person steps into their silent conversation, their behavior changes. They track that person's movement and may decide they're of no interest or they may become agitated and give you that "go away look". They may even pretend to be indifferent but just as you turn away, look at you from the corner of their eyes.

flickr photos of Andre setting up his eyeballs

via wmmna

Posted by tranism at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | | |

February 15, 2007

Precursor To Tron's Light Cycle

What initially started at the Carver concept aptly named for it's ability to tilt almost 45º in turns, has just received to green light for mass production as the VentureOne.

Designed by BWM Design, the VentureOne looks to be the first of the trike onslaught ready to pepper roads across America and perhaps the world. The vehicle seats two and is capable of 100 miles per hour while maintaining its 100 miles per gallon fuel efficiency going from 0 - 60 in a respectable 6 seconds. How is that possible? Well the VentureOne is an electric hybrid with an all electric version optional. Total range is between 300 - 350 miles which is equivalent to most compact cars like the Civic and Corolla.

Venture seems to be pushing the tagline "Fly the Road" and it makes perfect sense. If you watch the Carver concept videos, you can see how the driver centric cockpit coupled with the vehicle's manuervability makes for an almost jet fighter-like experience.

The VentureOne goes on sale this year at a base price of $18k. 20K gets you the top of the line model and all versions come with GPS navigation, HIVAC, airbags, cruise control and iPod integration as standard features. So are you getting one?

another picture after the jump

Posted by tranism at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | | |

February 12, 2007

Mobile TV in U.S. Goes Against The Grain

So America is finally catching up in the mobile TV space with Cingular (now the new at&t) announcing MediaFLO will power their mobile TV networks. Sprint and Verizon have already signed on board. T-Mobile has yet to make a commitment. On the other side of the fence is the more widely accepted DVB-H which Europe and Asia uses.

Although I'm no expert as to why one is better than the other. I am again a little disappointed because that means all the cool phones from Europe and Asia will have one more major incompatible component. In any case, please don't charge us an arm and a leg and stop with the "downloading clips" thing. We want full programs just like real TV.

My rant is done.

via engadget

Posted by tranism at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | | |

Motorola's Z8 Slides Differently

Proving that they still have some design chops left after the success and now copied RAZR, Motorola unveiled the Z8.

The phone runs on the latest Symbian mobile OS with a super sharp QVGA screen, 2MP camera, VGA camera for 2-way video calls, music, video, microSD slot, messaging and full POP/IMAP email access. However the real juicy bit here is the Z8 will be HSDPA which means 3.6Mbps of fast mobile broadband speeds. Still not as fast as Japan's recent 5+ Mbps tests but fast enough for now dammit.

Wait wait, that's not all. The final feature worth mentioning is the unique sliding mechanism and form factor. If you look closely at its profile, the phone curves to hug the face making it more ergonomic. Motorola hopes this new design will grace them with another RAZR-like runaway hit. Time will tell, just please do me a favor and get rid of any neon green accents from production units before the April 2007 release date.

Posted by tranism at 3:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

Neonode N2 Optical Touchscreen Phone

Those funny Swedes are at it again with the brand new, just unveiled Neonode N2. Still maintaining somewhat of a similar form factor to the N1 but this time looking less mobile phone and more like something they would use on Star Trek to scan for life forms.

The N2 runs on the Open Platform which is a fancy-schmancy UI designed for easy file navigation. The other interesting tidbit is the touchscreen which isn't really a touchscreen at all. Neonode calls it an optical screen because it's overlaid with a network of invisible beams that detect your finger's position. Hmm, COOL! Oh and one last bit of coolness is their WRR client which is sort of like a Tivo for radio stations. A desktop client records from any of 100+ radio channels that can sync with your phone, commercial free.

The specs are run of the mill for 2007 phones; 2" screen, 2MP camera, bluetooth, music, video and miniSD card slot.

So there you have it. Not sure what to think of the design yet but I am interested in the Open Platform OS/UI and this optical screen thing they've patented. Neonode, SEND ME ONE!

more pictures after the jump

via I4U

Posted by tranism at 2:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | | |

February 10, 2007

A Warm Gift

Plankton is always complaining about how cold his hands are. Then he proceeds to grab my hands just to prove it and you know what? His hands are like ice. I still believe it's because he's Swedish but I digress. When I saw the Eneloop Kairo, I immediately thought of him.

The Kairo comes to you from our friends at Sanyo and although it looks like something Apple made, it's actually a portable heater! In fact, from the reviews I've read it's quite powerful. It utilizes Sanyo's Eneloop battery technology which gives it 5 hours of heat after a full recharge. The small round shape makes it easy to cup in your hands or slip down anywhere your heart desires.

Unfortunately Sanyo isn't selling this one outside Japan, however you can buy it from Amazon Japan for a measly $30. There's even special pink packaging this month to celebrate Valentine's so get 'em while they're hot, pun intended!

Posted by tranism at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | | |

February 8, 2007

Japan's Snow-Digesting Picachu Bot

Our Japanese technologic-overlords are at it again! This experimental robot roams parking lots and sidewalks in search of a certain white powdery substance (no, not THAT substance). Using GPS sensors, built-in video cameras, tank-like treading, and no human supervision, the Yuki-taro bot seeks out and gorges on snow; scooping it into its hungry mouth.

That's where things get weird. Instead of simply blowing or melting the snow down, the Pokemon-inspired automaton's guts compress it into tightly packed blocks of ice; which are then pooped out the bot's backside(!!!) and later collected and stored for Summertime refrigeration needs.

The inspiration for 800 pound Yuki-taro seems to come from mankind's increasing fear of any sort of manual labor. Afterall, no one hates shoveling snow more than a Japanese scientist.

via Pink Tentacle

Posted by mac at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | | |

February 1, 2007

A Different Timescale

Most of us measure time with the standard 12 or 24 hour clock. We've been doing it this way for thousands of years. Every device created to indicate that measurement has by and far been the same at the core. Is it "time" to offer another way?

Product Designers Pierre Haulot and William Boullier seem to think so. Their Elio Linea Scale watch measures time on a personal level, customized to each person's goals. Modern life is made up of short term goals strung together to form long term goals. Current timepieces can only tell us how far in the day we've progressed but not how far into completing each task. The Elio Linea reads like a computer progress bar; telling you your position within a predetermined period vs. the time spent and the time remaining. Always know how much time you have left to get to work vs. how much of a work day is left. Always know when it's time for a nap vs. how much time is left before bedtime. The watch personalizes itself to your schedule.

What do you guys think?

via yanko design

Posted by tranism at 8:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | | |

Swatch Infinity Watch

Wow! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Do I really need to say anything else?

The Swatch Infinity is marvel of wrist-wear devices. Not only a digital watch, but also a MP3 player, video recorder and photo album. The face can be detached to sync and recharge. The design is sleek and absolutely stunning. The band looks to be made of synthetic leather and utilizes a magnetic clasp. Oh man, if this baby has bluetooth then forget about the other watch I was raving about earlier today.

via yanko design

more GORGEOUS pictures after the jump

Posted by tranism at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | | |

I've Got Mickey in My Hands

NOTE: That is not my hand. I'm way more moisturized than that.

Now that I've got that out of the way, check out the new Mplayer by iRiver. Isn't it cute! iRiver claims it's not Mickey's head nor have they joined in some partnership with Disney. But anyone with even just one good eye can clearly see who's head that is. The simple silhouette evokes images from hats to custom made pancakes you get on Main Street in Disneyland. I know that's a mouse and not just any mouse, but a mouse that rules over a land called the Magic Kingdom. iRiver, you can prove me wrong by sending me one for evaluation.

all images via iriverfans

fun colors after the jump

Posted by tranism at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | | |

iRiver S10 is so HOT!

Now I love the iPod Shuffle but I'm still boo'ing Apple for not including a small OLED screen. Pundits say the iPod Shuffle is designed to just shuffle music as its moniker suggests. Okay pundits, I'll give you that one. In the Shuffle's case, function has dictated form, so when there's a legit reason for a Shuffle to get a screen, I'll expect a name change as well.

Unfortunately for the Shuffle, another DAP player I blogged about called the iRiver S10 Watch takes its moniker just as seriously. Quick stats; 256 color OLED screen, not sure about memory but I'll assume 512 mb - 1 gig. Comes in black or white and yes it does tell time. Too bad it doesn't work with iTunes. DRM locks be damned!

all images via iriverfans

more pictures after the jump

Posted by tranism at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | | |