electro^plankton: techness: February 2008 Archives

« techness: January 2008 | Main | techness: March 2008 »

February 28, 2008

New Way To Own A Mobile Phone

Linc 01

New mobiles with updated technologies come out every year so why are we stuck in a model that forces encourages us to buy instead of leasing?

That's the idea behind the Linc, a concept mobile phone and platform by Greener Grass. You sign a contract and they send you a phone. A year from now you send it back for the latest and greatest. Kinda sorta similar to what some companies allow now with trade-ins except your old Linc actually gets recycled, like all of it. This model demonstrates a sustainable cradle-to-cradle solution instead of our current cradle-to-waste system.

Would you be into it? I think Kitsune Noir is.

Linc 02

Linc 03

Robot Will Learn To Speak

Icub-Bot-1

In 4 years time, that robot dubbed iCub (seriously tho) will reach some level of cognitive intelligence. At least that's what A.I. researchers at the University of Plymouth hope. The 3 foot tall humanoid baby (not a bear) will develop language and basic motor skills. They promise nothing sinister; just another study on how babies learn language.

via Ubergizmo

Squeeze My Tentacle

Sensorsquid

Board room meetings are kind of boring. A bunch of people hunched over the table spitting out random ideas, speaking over each other, being anything but productive. The Sensor Squid aims to change all that by making the collaborative spirit fun. Just grab onto a tentacle and speak your mind, control that powerpoint presentation, share information, or lead a brainstorm.

via Make

February 27, 2008

Mighty Morphin Computer Tablet

Siafu Low

One of the new miracle materials is a magnetized oil called magneclay. By using controlled electric and magnetic fields, magneclay can take on almost any shape. Designer Jonathan Lucas uses this technology in his Siafu concept, a tablet designed for people with vision loss and impairment.

The tablet can display brail, create tactile surface imagery, and even bring up dynamic menus for a revolutionary interface.

via Yanko Design

February 25, 2008

Nokia Wants You To Believe!

In the future, your phone is like paper thin okay? It can sniff fruit and self-cleans. It can fold into a phone, a watch, and possibly an origami crane. Okay that last one was a stretch but wouldn't it be cool if it did?!?

Now that I'm back on the Earth, check out Nokia's latest concept device dubbed Morph. A joint collaboration between Nokia Research and the University of Cambridge, it promises a future where flexible materials literally bend to your every whim.

Squeeze This

Softphone

ID people have it tough. They have to forecast the future based on current trends; not an easy job. That's why we always see concepts stretching the bounds of our imaginations. It can be difficult separating what's real from fantasy so here's a hip-tip. In general look for a commonality and that's probably what we'll see hit mass 10-20-30 years from now.

One example are flexible electronics. They come in every form via a designer's imagination so we can be sure our electronics will be flexible in some way in the future. One example is a Soft Phone by Qian Jiang. In lieu of a traditional screen, there's a electric cellulose fabric stretched between rings. The fabric registers deformations as input so just about anything from typing, dialing, to squeezing can be used for navigation. Fascinating concept really.

More at Yanko Design

February 20, 2008

DIY Blubber Bot

Blubberbot

Part of a family of "Transitional Species," Blubber Bots are Do-It-Yourself robotic inflatables that navigate autonomously and intelligently. They are light-seeking helium-filled balloons that graze the landscape in search of light and cellphone signals.

I totally want an army of these I can control with my Wii-mote.

February 18, 2008

Bear With Penguin Feet

Smart-E-Bear

It's only February but toy manufacturers and analysts are already hard at work predicting what the next big "Elmo" toy will be. One company, Kids Preferred, has all bets on their Smart-e series toys. They're semi interactive plushes that can download songs and stories to read for just 99 cents a piece.

So basically it's a Teddy Ruxpin connected to the internet. That and the Smart-e Bear has weird penguin feet. I don't remember Teddy Ruxpin having that.

via Newlaunches

February 15, 2008

My Own Triceratops

Kota

I have ALWAYS wanted to ride a dinosaur since I was a little kid, especially a triceratops. Playschool is going to make my dreams come true with Kota the Triceratops. It debuted this week at the annual Toy Fair and buzz is building. Measuring over 40 inches tall, Kota is fully interactive with the latest tech goodies. He/She can feel touch and reacts to external stimuli.

My gripe is Playschool says Kota is only strong enough to support the weight of kids, not adults. THAT IS NOT GOING TO STOP ME. What might stop me is the $300 price tag but I've got til' this Fall to save up. Look out cuz I'm me and my dinosaur are coming thru!

via Popgadget

February 14, 2008

Dr. Labcoat and Elmo Live

Elmo didn't do so hot this past holiday season. SHOCKER! But he's spent the last several months learning a few new tricks. This Elmo not only laughs uncontrollably, but also dances, sings, tells stories, and OMG JAZZ HANDS!

Hit up Gizmodo to see more action.

Aura Healing Concept

Frogmed Aura 01

Frog Design Studio just introduced their latest concept called Aura, a futuristic health oriented device that combines both traditional and ethereal healing methods. By monitoring a patient's vital signs, customized regimens of light, sound, and aroma can be combined with medicine for an all encompassing treatment, revitalizing both the body and mind.

Frogmed Aura 02

Frogmed Aura 03

February 11, 2008

Air Drying The Dyson Way

Dyson-Airline 7071

Dyson, the company behind those super vacuums and hand dryers are at it again, this time with drying clothes. We all know electric/gas dryers use up boatloads of energy, which is bad for the wallet, bad for the environment. Hang drying is the only green alternative until now. The Dyson Air-line uses wind and solar energy to air dry your clothes.

I believe it's just a concept for now but the Dyson vacs were once also too and you know how successful that became. The Air-line promises to dry your clothes in the same amount of time using no electricity whatsoever.

Another pic after the jump. Thanks Gearfuse.

Dyson-Airline-3 7071

Glove Tracking

Vie 7447

As a kid I was totally envious. . . okay jealous of Penny and her book computer. You know, Inspector Gadget's niece, or was it his daughter? Whateves. Point being I wanted some sort of mini computing device. Tho we live in a society of notebooks and smartphones, I really like the Vie - a GPS enabled pair of gloves. They help you keep track of your route, jog, and progress. They'll also send out an SOS should you get lost or come across a mountain lion while jogging on those trails that say, "beware of mountain lions".

via Gearfuse

Dream Little PSP

This fan made PSP is a whole lot better than the real thing. Amazingly it looks more Sony than the real PSP too.

February 8, 2008

Computer Mug To Go

Computer-Mug

I posted this interesting concept that's sparking quite the debate over at Yanko Design. It's a mug with a built-in touchscreen to get your morning news, stocks, email, traffic updates, etc. Some argue it's possible while others believe this is a case of design exploration.

February 6, 2008

Alien Alarm Clock Lamps

Check out the Hasbro Room Tech Clock and Room Tech Lamp, the idea is that you set the alarm clock and it will turn on the lamp for you. The Room Tech Clock wakes kids (or adults) up with a bang as it stamps on the bed-side table with its arms. Alternatively users will be able to be wake up by tunes from the radio or their MP3 player. The clock then communicates with the lamp through a wireless link so when the alarm goes off, the lamp lights up.

Should be available just in time for the holidays.

February 5, 2008

Sleeping Itch Free

Npyjama105

A lot of people fail at getting a good night's sleep. It's true and part of the reason why is itchiness. The onset of itchies stems from a number of reasons, most of which can be controlled. Enter the dreamer's material Dermasilk. Billed as the end all of restless nights, this fabric regulates body temperature and allows skin to breath. Developed by the Travelodge hotel chain, the company is currently beta testing would be patrons and should it prove successful, see commercial development.

And yes that woman is totally wearing a onesy.

via Telegraph

February 4, 2008

Mint Condition Brand New Apple IIc

Appleiie Mint

How much of an Apple fanboy are you? And by Apple I mean the original computers - pre-Mac. Probably one of the most familiar Apple computers is the Apple II series. Some guy name Dan managed to get his mitts on an unopened mint condition Apple IIc (color) for a cool 2 G's off ebay. He posted a bunch of photos in flickr and boy does it bring back memories.

It's also nice to see even then Apple led the way with thoughtful industrial design. For a computer in its day, the IIc was quite compact. I love how the cooling vents on the CPU and monitor look more design than functional which is key for a great design. Even the packaging and those ultra rare Apple stickers are a sight to see.

flickr set

Mobile Phone's Best Friend

mcube-1.jp

Man has his dogs and mobile phones could have something like the MCube, a peripheral that extends the capabilities of your phone. It's a wireless charger, bluetooth stereo, and information display. Simple place your mobile phone nearby to wirelessly recharge and stream music to the MCube via bluetooth. It'll also display basic information from your phone like caller ID and text messages.

Just a concept for now but none of the technologies it proposes is beyond the reach of today. Expect to see something like this in the near future.