« March 2007 | Main | May 2007 »
April 30, 2007
A Giant Insect Robot Could Save Your Life
The Elios RescueBot by Industrial Designer Marcos Nolan solves an interesting challenge. How do we rescue people trapped in in-traversable areas or war zones? Where humans can't go, the Elios can.
The damage resistant armor protects the robot as it walks to its target. A bevy of optical and biometric sensors keep the robot on course dynamically calculating new routes as needed. The main feature are the 10 lifting arms concealed beneath the robot. When it reaches its target, the arms open and descend carefully lifting people into safety. The robot then makes a swift return out of harms way and transports the rescued victims to the nearest hospital.
I realize insect and arachnid physiology are ideal for applications that require great maneuverability but some how the friendly markings on Nolan's rescue bot don't temper its menacing appearance. Although I think it's super cool, I can't help but thing of the Fuchikomas and as I recall, they had limited artificial intelligence that could easily be hacked.
Posted by tranism at 5:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
If PUMA Made A Video Game Console
I had fun exploring the portfolio of Industrial Designer Berdan Cercioglu (his last name is awesome) this weekend and I must say, he's got spunk and A LOT of talent.
Take for example his PUMA Gaming Console called the Drive360, sound familiar? There's a reason for the name which I'll get to later. The project is more practice than practicality. He wants to know what a PUMA designed video game console would look like and for that he studied all things PUMA.
It was pretty cool going thru his slides. He understands PUMA'S culture and design sensibility. His numerous sketches led him to a design that would feel right at home amongst a shelf of expensive PUMA shoes. He envisages a console with generous curves like a cat with linear cable management mimicking the lines of a PUMA running shoe. He sees color and customizable skins representative of the youth and energy in PUMA design. The bottom of the console even has a tread-like foot to prevent slipping. Lastly he envisions a forward kinetic design almost leaping in its stance like the iconic PUMA logo.
He's not a technical engineer but he proposes an interesting slot loading CD/DVD mechanism. The drive can rotate 360º in a full circle able to accept discs from any direction, thus the name Drive360. The purpose of this feature allows the gamer to set the console down in any direction. It may be minor but it's interesting since the console was designed to be as beautiful as it is technical.
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 4:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
A Wrist-top Cellphone Watch
We all know how popular hip-tops are. It seems everyone between the ages of 10 - 18 has a T-Mobile Sidekick. Say what you will about it but the turnstile flip-screen is pretty cool. Isn't there something like that for us adults?
According to designer Jimmy Zhu, yes - yes there is. He doesn't name his concept but from what I can tell the entire watch face is actually a module. Interchangeable wrist strips let you express your style and with just a flick of the finger, the screen rotates up to reveal your standard numeric and softkey buttons.
No specs are listed so it's total fantasy HOWEVER, technology does exist to support his design. The screen could probably be OLED or AMOLED based. A lithium ion battery could power the thing for days. Throw in a bluetooth module to support handsfree use and you have yourself a winner. All in all, I like it!
via Gearfuse
Posted by tranism at 3:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Lunar Resonant Streetlights Are The Future
The winner of the fourth annual Next Generation Design Competition went to a trio of San Francisco based designers for their Lunar Resonant Streetlights project. The contest challenges designers to create solutions to problems of their choosing that speak to one of 6 disciplines; architecture, urban planning, landscape design, interiors, product design and graphic design.
Streetlights account for 38% of all electricity used in the U.S. and that produces an estimated 300 million tons of carbon emissions per year. The Lunar Resonant Streetlights project proposes a way for cities to conserve up to 95% of that energy by simply looking at the moon. The moon goes thru different phases and reflects varying amounts of light on Earth. LED bulbs with built-in photo sensitive sensors could replace current bulbs in streetlights. These sensors detect which phase the moon is in and adjusts illumination accordingly. By working in tandem with the natural cycle of moonlight, we create far more energy efficient cities. No major infrastructure changes are needed since it's all in the bulb.
Congratulations to the three designers, Anton Willis, Kate Lydon and Christina Seely on their $10,000 prize.
via ArchNewsNow
More pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 3:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Almost A Star Trek Shield
The US Military is currently developing a plasma shield capable of disrupting projectiles from penetrating it. A short intense laser ignites gas and creates a ball of plasma. A second laser generates a supersonic shockwave within the plasma to generate an intense flash and loud bag. Repeat this process in rapid succession in mere milliseconds and you have yourself a good old fashioned energy shield.
Now of course when I say old fashioned, I mean it! In the Star Trek universe, shields are created by amassing a large concentration of gravitons to generate a barrier. Unfortunately current science has failed to prove the existence of gravitons so until then, the plasma shield is almost a Star Trek shield.
via Aurum Newtech
Posted by tranism at 2:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 28, 2007
Live From Coachella Björk
It's night time and it's 'effin HOT here at Coachella, mostly because of all the people breathing around me. UGH! But my night is made better by Björk who performed some of her oldies and lots of new material off her upcoming album Volta. One of my fav performances was her encore of a song called "Independence".
This is the Björk I fell in love with; the hardcore electronica bass thumping screaming girl. The crowd was nuts and if they weren't nuts to begin with, they were by the time she reached the climax of this song. "Independence" sounds like old school Sugarcubes mixed with the B-52's. This ladies and gentlemen is techno. No wait, scratch that. This is Björk techno!
UPDATE: Many more videos from last night's performance. Hit the jump!
Posted by tranism at 6:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Another Sony Ericsson Concept
Probably one of the better Sony Ericsson concepts floating around, this unknown design comes from China's interwebs so unfortunately not much is known. Based on my very basic grasp of Chinese, it's a Walkman phone with a gesture based touchscreen.
The designer seems to have been inspired by the current crop of Sony's dedicated MP3 players borrowing their OED display technology. Look closer and it seems the text floats on the screen, or so that's what Sony claims OED is. Overall, the design is clean, undisturbed by hard creases and seams - perfect for a mobile phone.
The other design feature is the gesture based touchscreen. Menu navigation is achieved by drawing paths with your fingertips right on the screen. For example sliding your finger from left to right takes you to the next screen over. Drawing a right arrow indicates "play". Simple right?
The phone interface looks like your standard numeric keypad. The translation indicates the keypad can switch to alphanumerics for texting. Again, accessing the softkeys or dialing a number takes a series of taps and finger gestures.
Of course carrying the Walkman logo means heavy emphasis on music. This concept lifts most of those features from current SE mobile phones. Playlists, song ratings and workout biometrics have all found their way into this concept.
There's no mention of a camera or video playback. Even so, this concept would make for a great entry level Walkman phone. The design seems feasible and within Sony's language. Regardless of what you think of the design, I do agree with the emphasis on Sony's slick OED technology. Anytime you see an embedded screen that appears to float on the surface, you instantly think Sony. It's something the company should use more often to further set their handsets apart, especially from the upcoming barrage of iPhone and clones.
via JAMPB
Lots more pictures after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 6:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 27, 2007
Want A Free Trip To Hollywood?
Hey peeps, the 15 GIGS OF FEAR Contest is back, this time in support of the upcoming horror flick 28 Weeks Later. Just like the previous one, you create the scariest video mash-up and upload to Fox Atomic's site. If you win, you'll get an all expensed paid trip to Hollywood, tour the Fox Studio lot and be made into a bleeding, oozing, brain-hungry zombie just like in 28 Weeks Later.
All submissions must be entered by April 30th. Then it's up to the public to vote for which is their favorite. On May 11th a winner will be chosen from the top 20.
Posted by tranism at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Conserve Energy Or This Tree Gets It!
That's the concept behind Ben Arent's Energy Tree. We're accustomed to energy and power on demand. Anytime we need it, as much as we need, it's there. The Energy Tree is supposed to change how we perceive energy use, more importantly how we should conserve it.
The Energy Tree monitors your home and habits. Every bit of energy usage is noted and anytime the system feels you're wasting energy, it does something morbid. It feeds the real live tree growing out of it with poison! The incentive here is be a good "green" go-getter and the tree gets water and nutrients. Be careless and wasteful and the tree slowly dies. Of course it might be hard to judge how well you're doing without any actual data so the Energy Tree outputs all that info on a display. Now ask yourself how much energy is this Energy Tree using to do all this? It uses A LOT but all that energy comes from its built-in solar panel.
I find the whole idea intriguing if not morbid. Any system designed to encourage certain behaviors and habits should do so thru positive reinforcement. We can learn new tricks but just like dogs, treats and praise are the keys to success.
via Yanko Design
Another picture after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Happy Birthday Wii Name
It was this time one year ago when Nintendo foisted the name "Wii" upon us. They claimed in time, it would become a part of our everyday vocabulary. They claimed people all over the world would have no problem pronouncing it. Most important, they claimed our hate for the name would change to love and adoration.
So one year later, the question is was Nintendo right? And since I haven't done this in awhile. . . Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Posted by tranism at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 26, 2007
History Of Social Blogging
Inspired by The Presurfer
Posted by tranism at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
2008 Olympic Torch Designed By PC Manufacturer Lenovo
There you have it, the most GORGEOUS Olympic Torch I have ever seen. Granted I haven't seen every single Olympic Torch but I have seen the last 4. This by far is the most beautiful.
Funny thing is, a PC manufacturer designed the torch. Lenovo is best known for its Thinkpads which used to be IBM's computer business. If you recall, Thinkpad designs aren't anything to write home about so it comes as a surprise their torch beat out 300 others.
Lenovo designers took 10 months to design the torch. They wanted it to symbolize the design language inherent to China. It resembles a rolled up scroll and when looked on from top down, appears to be the very familiar stylized cloud design seen in Chinese art. To top it off, the torch is red lacquer with gold accents, colors that have traditionally symbolized luck and royalty. They've named the torch "The Cloud of Promise". Lenovo says they wanted to create a modern design, streamlining it making it one of the lightest Olympic Torches ever created at only 2 lb.
It's gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I'm sure the Athletes chosen to run the torch will be happy to know it's incredibly light.
Posted by tranism at 4:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Wake Up To A Glowing Pillow
That's the gist of it. Here are the details. Instead of waking up to a loud repetitive sound, the glo Pillow simulates a natural sunrise by using a series of LEDs and cloth substrate developed by Phillips. The time is displayed in an embedded LED grid. Approximately 45 minutes before your designated wake-up, the light intensity from the pillow gradually increases all the way to 250 lux which is how bright a sunrise is. Using light to wake the body calmly reactivates the system instead of jolting it which sends a shot of adrenaline. What's really cool is the battery induction technology that recharges the pillow wirelessly. Just place the induction pad underneath the pillow. As long as the pillow stays somewhere near the pad, it'll be charged. The pillow itself is made from 5 layers of cotton, batting and visco-elastic memory foam or more commonly known as tempurpedic.
Unfortunately it's concept only designed by Eoin McNally and Ian Walton.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Poor Sick Honey Bees
Turns out the reason why honey bees are dying (which I was totally oblivious to) is not because of cell phone radiation, but caused by a pathogen.
The honey bee population has dropped dramatically within the past few years. So dramatic that nearly 50% of honey bee hives have disappeared. Whole colonies are collapsing at alarming rates all over North America and Europe. After examining some dead bees and deserted colonies, scientists have found a strange pathogen that may be the culprit. They haven't yet figured out exactly what the pathogen does but there's a huge movement to find a cure fast. If honey bees die out, it would mean HUGE ramifications for the environment and economies around the world.
Aww, I feel so bad for them. I didn't know they were so sick. It's like mother nature is playing some mean trick on them. They're also the nicest bees. Ironically as I eat this honey sandwich (mmm), I can't help but notice the bottle is shaped like a bear. Bears like honey right? But bees don't like giving up their honey to bears. I think I see it clearly now. I think I know who done did it!
via Science Daily
Posted by tranism at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
One Robot I Can't Have
The Miuro robot announced last year is now finally for sale. To refresh your memory, it's a robot that streams music from your computer all the while following you around like a puppy. It even has built in motion sensors to keep it from bumping into obstacles and rolling down the steps. For an extra $133, it'll come with software for you to remotely control it via cellphone, snap pictures and upload to a web gallery.
So why can't I have one? It works with PCs only. :(
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Order Of The Phoenix International Trailer
Screw YouTube and its crap quality videos. I've uploaded a higher quality version for you readers. It's the Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix international trailer. I got chills watching this. OMG I can't finish this post. . . faints!
Posted by tranism at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
April 25, 2007
Boom Boom Boom Boom
That's the sound of my taiko drumming. Taiko Drum Master is coming out for the Nintendo DS this summer! Japan only but it's a music game so who needs to read anything? Just do what comes naturally and drum to the beat. Some new songs are the Super Mario Bros. theme and Flight of the Bumblebee. No idea how it'll use DS controls since the game has traditionally been in arcades and on Playstation systems but it will include 4 player battles and custom costumes for your character. I want I want I want!
via Wired
Posted by tranism at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Nearest Thing To A Happy Tree Friends Video Game
It's called Muzuiro Chang. The image is cutesy gory if that makes any sense. I mean just look at it. It's telling me I can find some cuddly cat-like ball character that rolls around on 4 casters and apparently spills blue blood.
Designed for the Nintendo DS (my favorite platform) but in Japanese only. Fortunately the DS isn't region locked so importing this will be easy. Hell, the design and ubercute website are enough to convince me. Horrific graphic mutilation to cute characters you say? Not usually my cup of tea but I'm entranced now. Looks like fun mini-games ala WarioWare Touched. Any fluent Japanese readers out there care to translate?
via Kotaku
Posted by tranism at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Hello, Anybody There?
I'm sure that's the first thing somebody says when they come across one these interactive bus shelters ads for Canadian mobile provider Solo. The ads promote their new walkie talkie phone which annoy the hell out of me, but these ads are pretty cool nonetheless. They're spread across Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. They invite people to "push here" to talk to someone at another bus shelter in another city in real time!
I'm personally recruiting reader A.J. to find one of these bus shelters and ask, "what is the meaning of life?"
via ad goodness
Posted by tranism at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Building Material Of The Future
ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is the building material of the future. This wonder polymer, a transparent plastic related to Teflon is replacing glass and plastic in some of the most innovative buildings being designed and constructed today. Its selling points? Compared to glass, it's 1% the weight, transmit more light, is a better insulator and costs 24 - 70% less to install. It's also resilient able to bear 400x its own weight, self cleaning because of its non-stick surface and 100% recyclable.
The current largest ETFE construction projects are the Beijing National Stadium and Aquatics Center for the 2008 Olympics. They will be the strongest and most energy efficient buildings in the world.
image via core77
story via Business Week
Posted by tranism at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Dandelight By Drift
Kinda ironic that a design studio name Drift would create a delightful device based off a plant who's livelyhood depends on drifting. The Dandelight is an LED adorned with phosphorus bronze seeds. I have always thought Dandelions to be pretty even tho they're technically weeds. It's such a shame something so delicate could be so easily disturbed. No worries of being blown away here. It illuminates with a soft glow powered by a 9 volt battery.
I want a field of them. I wouldn't run thru it barefoot but it would definitely seal my image as the weird faerie-like guy among the neighborhood kiddies.
via core77
Posted by tranism at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Time's 100 Most Influential And I'm Torn
Time Magazine is currently polling for the top 100 most influential people of the year. For the most part, I agree with the top 20 but within that are 3 people I love and adore. I've given them all 100 percent ratings but feel all 3 equally deserve to be number 1. Who am I to root for?
Shigeru Miyamoto
This man is responsible for my childhood entertainment. His ideas revitalized video games during the industry's collapse in the late 70's and early 80's. He created Donkey Kong, Zelda and video game's most famous character Mario. He refuses to take video game entertainment towards the generic violent themes we see everywhere today and continues to preach the values of imagination and play. He was also the driving force behind the Nintendo Wii and DS, inspiring new generations of designers to think different.
Jonathan Ive
Steve Jobs right hand man, Ive is responsible for Apple's design renaissance. That design language catapulted Apple back into the world of high-end industrial design defining a new language for electronics. So influential is Ive's work that it's probably the most copied style. In the past 5 years how many times have you looked at an electronic device and said to yourself, "that looks very Apple".
J.K. Rowling
A teacher turned writer turned internationally renowned author. If you haven't heard of Harry Potter then you've been living under a rock. Although stories about kids, magic and wizards are nothing new, it's Rowling's storytelling that sets the Harry Potter series apart. In no other time have a set of books enthralled both kids and adults. Her books are responsible for making reading cool again spurring an onslaught of reading clubs across the world. Libraries and bookstores have never been busier.
Posted by tranism at 4:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Flat Packed Arm Cast
Designer Yoon Bahk wants an emergency alternative for people who break their arm. The Emergency Cast is a flat pack sling with an inflatable lining to hold the arm in place while the wearer seeks medical attention.
I think it's a great idea and provides a much easier surface area to write on.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 1:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The First Habitable Planet Found!
European scientists believe they have found the first Earth-like planet beyond our solar system. It orbits a red dwarf star and is estimated to be 50% larger than Earth also making it the smallest planet found outside the solar system.
Gliese as it's been named is located in the constellation Libra 20.5 lightyears away. Gliese orbits its sun 14 times closer than Earth does to its sun. A year just lasts 13 Earth days and gravity may be twice as strong. Although it's closer to its sun in proximity, dwarf stars aren't nearly as bright. This puts Gliese in the habitable zone with temperatures ranging from 32º - 104º F, perfect for liquid water.
Unfortunately we have no technology to traverse the great distance in our lifetime. Instead scientists are using super powered telescopes and theory to determine how much of the planet might be liquid and how much might be solid rock.
Just imagine 250 years from now, somebody's birth certificate will say "Gliese". That's so awesome.
Posted by tranism at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 24, 2007
The Five Statesmen
Socialsexuals is a term I made up to describe the 5 different groups of men who's identity can be easily characterized by their look and lifestyle. In general they share some common characteristics. They're stylish and fashion conscious. They're sometimes mistaken for and labeled gay. They are also better groomed than the "average" man. Most importantly, each one makes a bold statement. They stand out and that's why I call them Statesmen. So here's my breakdown of who's who and what's what in order of appearance.
EDUSEXUAL
They're the rarest of the socialsexuals. They have a strong desire to constantly learn thus their whole identity is fueled by it. Intellect is their modus operandam. They have a wonderful sense of self even tho they may not be as physically attractive as other socialsexuals. Their clothes are relaxed and harken to a collegiate life. Edusexuals possess the unique ability to mix and match clothes that seemingly don't match. Their grooming habits are also more relaxed. They keep their faces clean shaven and trim their body hair. The most they do with their hair is leave-conditioner and a light texturizer. Edusexuals are mostly found in suburban or college towns away from the big cities.
UBERSEXUAL
The ubersexuals are often confused with metrosexuals but they deserve a classification all their own. For starters, they're all incredibly fit. Their hairless bodies are chiseled and muscular thanks to a personal trainer. They're well traveled, cultured and incredibly respectful. They usually wear their hair short and keep it clean cut - nothing too fussy. Clothing is body conscious, usually tailored and expensive. They all share an affinity for high fashion and have no problems sporting large man-bags which contain water, vitamins, extra clothing, hand creme, lip conditioner, cologne and a smaller bag. Their skin is flawless from countless hours spent with a befriended Dermatologist and Cosmetologist. The most distinguishing characteristic of an ubersexual is confidence - the most dynamic, masculine, stylish, uncompromising and intimidating of all socialsexuals. They can be found in large cities in upper-class neighborhoods.
METROSEXUAL
The most well known of all socialsexuals, the metrosexual can be characterized as having an obsession with their appearance - sometimes grooming well beyond anything nature intended. Examples are shaped eyebrows, tans, styled and color treated hair. This misleads people to label them gay. They also follow trends more so than any other socialsexual spending a significant amount of money on clothing. This also extends into their lifestyle habits. They're trendy and always want the newest, hottest and latest. Some metrosexuals also wear make-up, not to hide flaws, but to accentuate their features. They also love accessories as it further helps distinguish their look. They stand out in crowds and are often admired by many women. Metrosexuals were once only found in urban cities but are now so prolific, can be found anywhere.
ECOSEXUAL
They're one of the newer statesmen to arrive on the scene. A number of recent events led to their birth, namely organic clothing finally reaching high fashion and the current trend to "go green". They're characterized as being extremely eco-friendly and environmentally conscience. Their morals and principals dictate their lifestyle which sets them apart from other socialsexuals. All clothing comes from organic cottons, hemp and other plant fibers. Their shoes come from a blend of plant fibers and recycled materials like plastic. They're fashionable but not as loud as other socialsexuals since their clothes only use organic dyes and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Totes and man-bags also come standard but again, only made from plant fibers or recycled materials. They're well groomed but the most relaxed of all socialsexuals, sometimes letting facial grow beyond the 12 o'clock barrier. Their most notable characteristic is the need to talk, sometimes preach the values of conservation and research for clean energy. Expect their homes to use the most energy efficient appliances and if they're not driving a hybrid, you'll find them riding a bike. They're mostly found in the west and north west United States and parts of Scandinavia.
TECHNOSEXUAL
This statesmen is not the geek or nerd many mislabel them as. They have a strong aesthetic sense just like other socialsexuals but also have a love for gadgets and technology. They're technophiles that have become metrosexual. They're characterized by having not only tons of gadgets, but the desire to have the latest and greatest. Like other socialsexuals, they have deep pockets but spend most it on electronics instead of clothes. They're technology's early adopters. What makes them technosexuals are the grooming and fashion habits found in other socialsexuals. Clothes are important but they prefer the casual approach. They care about their hair and skin just the same but again, take the relaxed approach. They don't heavily accessorize like metrosexuals but their man-bags are all about utility, often eschewing designer names for something that charges all their electronic goodies inside. The technosexual is hard to find in the wild since it detaches them from their computers, but many can be found online chatting. Many of them also have their own blogs and love to post their thoughts all over the blogsphere. Speaking of which, only technosexuals understand terminology like "blogsphere, AJAX, mark-up, IPTV, solid state memory, etc.
Posted by tranism at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
DIESELWALL.COM
Clever Diesel ad in Milan reads;
Left: "Maybe one day we'll be on that wall"
Right: "Impossible"
Posted by tranism at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 23, 2007
23 Skidoo! Predictions From The Year 1900
Taken from the December issue of The Ladies Home Journal in 1900 and I must say, some of it may sound ridiculous and some are very telling. I've only posted the 7 I found interesting. There are lots more here. To preface, the writer says:
These prophecies will seem strange, almost impossible. Yet, they have come from the most learned and conservative minds in America. To the wisest and most careful men in our greatest institutions of science and learning I have gone, asking each in his turn to forecast for me what, in his opinion, will have been wrought in his own field of investigation before the dawn of 2001 - a century from now. These opinions I have carefully transcribed.
Prediction 1
There will probably be from 350,000,000 to 500,000,000 people in America and its possessions by the lapse of another century. Nicaragua will ask for admission to our Union after the completion of the great canal. Mexico will be next. Europe, seeking more territory to the south of us, will cause many of the South and Central American republics to be voted into the Union by their own people.
Prediction 2
The American will be taller by from one to two inches. His increase of stature will result from better health, due to vast reforms in medicine, sanitation, food and athletics. He will live fifty years instead of thirty-five as at present – for he will reside in the suburbs. The city house will practically be no more. Building in blocks will be illegal. The trip from suburban home to office will require a few minutes only. A penny will pay the fare.
Prediction 3
Photographs will be telegraphed from any distance. If there be a battle in China a hundred years hence snapshots of its most striking events will be published in the newspapers an hour later. Even to-day photographs are being telegraphed over short distances. Photographs will reproduce all of Nature’s colors
Prediction 4
No Mosquitoes nor Flies. Insect screens will be unnecessary. Mosquitoes, house-flies and roaches will have been practically exterminated. Boards of health will have destroyed all mosquito haunts and breeding-grounds, drained all stagnant pools, filled in all swamp-lands, and chemically treated all still-water streams. The extermination of the horse and its stable will reduce the house-fly.
Prediction 5
There will be No C, X or Q in our every-day alphabet. They will be abandoned because unnecessary. Spelling by sound will have been adopted, first by the newspapers. English will be a language of condensed words expressing condensed ideas, and will be more extensively spoken than any other. Russian will rank second.
Prediction 6
Coal will not be used for heating or cooking. It will be scarce, but not entirely exhausted. The earth’s hard coal will last until the year 2050 or 2100; its soft-coal mines until 2200 or 2300. Meanwhile both kinds of coal will have become more and more expensive. Man will have found electricity manufactured by waterpower to be much cheaper. Every river or creek with any suitable fall will be equipped with water-motors, turning dynamos, making electricity. Along the seacoast will be numerous reservoirs continually filled by waves and tides washing in. Out of these the water will be constantly falling over revolving wheels. All of our restless waters, fresh and salt, will thus be harnessed to do the work which Niagara is doing today: making electricity for heat, light and fuel.
Prediction 7
There will be no wild animals except in menageries. Rats and mice will have been exterminated. The horse will have become practically extinct. A few of high breed will be kept by the rich for racing, hunting and exercise. The automobile will have driven out the horse. Cattle and sheep will have no horns. They will be unable to run faster than the fattened hog of today. A century ago the wild hog could outrun a horse. Food animals will be bred to expend practically all of their life energy in producing meat, milk, wool and other by-products. Horns, bones, muscles and lungs will have been neglected.
Posted by tranism at 6:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
I Think I Want A Twizzler
I'm what they call a futurist so my taste in design doesn't always mesh with the happenings of today. Take for example the Chicago Spire designed by Architect Santiago Calatrava. He's currently lobbying to have it built and it looks like it's getting close to approval. If approved, the 2,000 ft. building will become North America's tallest skyscraper.
Although Calatrava's design has gone thru numerous revisions to appeal to its critics, I still find it difficult to believe such an esoteric design would ever be built in America. We don't exactly have cutting edge skyscapers here anymore. That era has long passed and now belongs to the Chinese with their monolithic towers and massive sprawling glass communities. No folks, what we have here is just practice and it's making me crave a twizzler.
via Chicago Business
Posted by tranism at 4:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Sexy Enough To Make Me Wanna Try Surfing
Plankton and I don't often agree on our idea's of fun. One activity he enjoys that I don't is surfing. I like water just fine (I'm a Cancer) but I never got into surfing. Maybe because surfing is more about being in a natural state - to be one with the water sort of speak. Technology has no place there so it never appealed to me. The Light Wave Surfboard may be the ticket to get me back in the water.
Designed for surfers who prefer to ride in the early mornings, the Light Wave Surfboard features headlights, rail lights and fin lights. The lights are activated by pressure sensitive dimmer switches and by tilting the nose up above the water to light the way. The entire system is powered by two replaceable batteries.
Meh, now that I've written this, my excitement has subsided. Maybe when they find a way to integrate wings so I can fly across the surface like a stingray.
via Cool Hunting
Posted by tranism at 3:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Nokia Wants To Know What's In My Pocket
Shame shame shame on you Nokia. I didn't know you were so KINKY! But seriously tho, they have these cool interactive memory game ads installed at select bus stops. There's a video of it after the jump. I did a little research and found the ads are tied in with their current campaign and a contest called "There's something in your pocket". Nokia wants you to create and upload a short creative video of you pulling something out of your pocket. Each week they'll choose a winner out of the top 10 most viewed videos. The prize is a brand new Nokia N95.
I plan on making my video tomorrow. Finally some use for iMovie! The current crop of video submissions aren't anything spectacular so odds of winning seem pretty good. So what are you waiting for? It's the hottest phone out right now!
via Fresh Creation
Posted by tranism at 3:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 22, 2007
Wii Channels Is Inaccurate Nomenclature
That's the Nintendo Wii's interface, designed around a tiled system that scrolls horizontally. Each of those tiles are called channels. The Wii remote was designed to be held like a TV remote. You use it like a pointer to select channels. When Nintendo revealed all of this last year, I got extremely excited. Praises from third party developers like Square Enix only reenforced my belief that something BIG was on the horizon. Fast forward a year later and I love the Wii but I'm disappointed with the interface, lack of features and Nintendo's inaccurate nomenclature for what "Wii Channels" really are.
To date, Wii Channels are just place holders for system features and downloaded games. I envisaged something bigger. Wii Channels and a TV remote-like controller led me to believe Nintendo would take the most successful aspects of TV and gaming to create an interface widely understandable by anyone. That experience we call channel guides, channel switching and channel surfing.
I thought maybe Nintendo would dedicate a channel to each developer. The developers would then have complete control over the programming in their channel. They would launch demos and schedule special events to take place in different time slots, just like real TV. I envisioned an Independent Channel where the most unique games would live, enabling smaller studios to publish their games online on a major console. New Channels could be added as more developers jumped onto the Wii bandwagon. I saw Chat Room Channels where people would take their discussions right into a game. Nintendo and its third party developers would have space to advertise instead of relying just on the traditional methods. I even imagined people creating their own channels and sharing it with their friends and families anywhere in the world - an amalgamation of MySpace and YouTube where people could "tune" in. I took it a step further and imagined TiVO like capabilities where people could record their in-game play sequences and post them in their channel. For privacy and security purposes, Nintendo could easily implement a parental control system to deactivate inappropriate content just like in real TV. My ultimate envisage was IPTV, something the Xbox 360 showed off earlier this year at CES.
We already knew the console would never turn off, essentially staying online 24 hours. All the pieces seem to fit and I felt this would be how Nintendo could come back from 3rd place. They wouldn't need horsepower. They would win with content. Although the Wii is doing insanely well in terms of sales, I can't help but feel there was missed opportunity here. I'm not saying the Wii isn't fun. I'm just critical of how much potential was unseeded. Nintendo is always apathetic about doing more than gaming, but that doesn't mean they can't take the best characteristics from other industries and apply them to their medium. The console is still young so who knows, maybe sometime in the future we'll see some of these features - sooner than later I hope.
Posted by tranism at 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
HAPPY EARTH DAY 2007!
This year we have many things to celebrate for. Never before have environmental issues been on the front pages of so many publications around the world. The word is out and it's spreading. There's still a lot of work yet to be done but I'm confident we'll get there if we just make a small effort. I'm not asking for anyone to turn their lives upside down to go "green". I'm asking them to make small incremental changes that can improve our planet's health and secure a future for the generations to follow.
I myself struggle to be "green" but here are some things I did that you can do too.
Replace all incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs
They're the bulbs that look like frozen yogurt squishes. If you leave now, Home Depot is giving them away for free to celebrate Earth Day! If not today, then grab these coupons from GE and do it soon. If you replace every bulb, you'll use 50 - 90% less energy. Think of the savings!
Donate a small amount of money to offset your carbon emissions
Almost everything we do emits carbon. By offsetting, your money goes towards programs to "green" our earth. Go here to calculate your carbon emissions, then offset it!
Switch to "green" electricity
Did you know your city's power municipal has access to electricity generated from clean sources like wind and solar? Not only that, but you can ask to switch a sizable portion of your monthly power to it. It cost pennies per watt more but it increases the demand for green power which means less need for fossil fuels. In some states, that portion of "green" electricity is deductible!
Use Eneloop batteries
Organically made, they're designed by Sanyo and are the best rechargeable batteries. They're ready to use right out of the pack. They hold more power than ordinary batteries and have a longer shelf life. They can be recharged 1000 times with no degradation and once they're totally used up, they can be 100% recycled. I bought mine at Circuit City.
Recycle, reduce, reuse
In most cities, it's an included service. Call up your trash utility and ask for recycling bins if you don't already. You'll save thousands of trees and spare the Earth from rising mountains of non-biodegradable plastics. For old electronics, go to Earth 911 to locate the nearest e-waste facility. Most places will even come pick it up!
Install low-flow shower heads
I always avoided this because I like lots of water when I shower but you know what? I didn't even notice it was using less water. Saving water means less heating required. Less heating required means less electricity used. It's like a domino effect. Here's the one I bought.
$5 to plant a tree
That's all it takes and you don't even have to dig a hole. The Conservation Fund will plant a tree for you to aid reforestation which can slow global warming.
Reusable shopping bags
Use natural hemp or organic cotton shopping bags instead of the plastic bags found in most grocery stores. OMG, this is the easiest thing to do on this list. Get them for dirt cheap here.
Donate $50 to the WWF
Save an animal affected by our carelessness. I've chosen the polar bear. With a donation of $50, you'll receive a beautiful glass cup with the WWF logo on it.
Spread the word
Tell one person about this. That's all I ask is for one person. Email or call them up.
Posted by tranism at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
April 21, 2007
Because I'm A Freak About Harry Potter
Have you pre-ordered your copy of "Deathly Hallows" yet? If not then do it now!
Posted by tranism at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Just Add Water
Building future electronic components could be made easier by using self-folding mechanisms. The only instruction is to just add water. French researchers are currently experimenting with how complex they can make these systems. If successful, it could bring about a revolution in micro engineering.
via Techeblog
Posted by tranism at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
As Sweet As A Honeysuckle In The Morning Dew
I know the Nintendo Wii has been short on original IPs but that will all change later this year. I already wrote about one of my anticipated games last week. Here's another hotly anticipated game called Dewy's Adventure.
As you watch the gameplay trailer, don't be fooled by the primary colors. Take a closer look and you'll see there's amazing art direction in the title. Besides, how many hyper-realistic video games with drab brown and grey environments can you play? We all need a little color!
Befitting of my weekend Earth Day celebration, the story has tinges of environmental ideology. The world is being taken over by dark water (kinda like pollution) so the Great Tree gives birth to a tiny dew drop appropriately named Dewy. Using his transfigurative powers, he's charged with the task of saving his fellow brethren and cleaning the world of dark water.
Because it's an original IP on the Nintendo Wii, there are some cool innovative gameplay mechanics that make use of the Wii's motion sensing controller. The controller is held horizontally and tilts the world to move Dewy around. He can also control temperature, changing into different states of matter; liquid, gas, and solid. In liquid form he can fit thru the tiniest of cracks. In gas form he turns into a cloud able to to rain lightning bolts. In solid form he is an immovable obstacle. Now close your eyes and imagine the kind of platforming gameplay possibilities!
It's great to see big developers taking a risk and making something different. I remember video games used to be as diverse as people. I hope Dewy's Adventure is just the beginning of a video game renaissance. I can't wait!
Posted by tranism at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
An Earth Day Reminder
This year will be my first year celebrating Earth Day. It may seem trivial since it truly is a holiday that should be celebrated 365 days a year but it was only until this year that I had the knowledge and the means to celebrate it the way I wanted.
For the past 2 months I've been working on a new website for an organization called Get On Board (launches on April 22). I've learned so much about conversation and now have all the tools necessary to move forward and really embrace the message, "recycle, reduce, reuse". This year I will be donating a large sum of money to offset my carbon emissions. I will also plant 20 trees to aid reforestation and I will recycle all my old and outdated electronic gadgets.
All this conservation work reminded me of a WWF ad in Beijing, China this past January. It calls for every Chinese citizen not to drive one day out of the week. The smog balloon represents how much pollution would be spared by each car.
So this is my early Happy Earth Day post. Remember it takes very little to go green. A good place to start is by checking out all those links above.
Posted by tranism at 1:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 20, 2007
Robot Nau Takes His First Steps! Awww
Nearly a year after French robotics company Alderbaran laid out plains for a bipedal robot called Nau, they’ve succeeded in doing something we all take for granted - walking. Not only that, but we get to revel in Nau’s first steps.
The company hopes to further refine Nau’s walking prowess since it looks a bit unbalanced but I’m sure they still feel like proud mommies and daddies nonetheless. The question now is how long will it take before before Nau walks as well as Asimo or Qrio?
via NextLust
Posted by tranism at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sony Ericsson W999i Pretty Please
If ever there were an interim phone before the iPhone's release, it would probably be the Sony Ericsson W999i. It takes the best features from the W580 and M600 and merges it into a slick 12.5 mm slider. Other specs are QWERTY keyboard, 2 megapixel auto focus camera with flash, Wi-Fi, HSDPA, 2.4 inch 320 x 240 screen and dedicated audio/video controls. Coupled with Sony's custom Symbian OS and this is one powerful smartphone. Now to the bad news.
Sony hasn't officially announced it. This is just some purported leak. We do know Sony is working on new smartphone but the exact details are still fuzzy. So there you have. I want this phone. I want to replace my craptastic WinMo smartphone with something that actually works. I want this phone to hold me over until the iPhone arrives to my doorstep. To recap, I want this phone.
via Slashphone
Posted by tranism at 3:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
See It, Hear It, Now Imagine It
Created by the same people who made the H-racer toy fuel cell car, the Hyfishinair is the world's first fuel cell jet. Although small, it demonstrates technologies that may give insight to how we might fly in the future.
The Hyfishinair's design affords it unmatched aerial maneuverability resembling a fish in flight. The jet is capable of 200-km per hour and leaves behind a soft hiss as it flies by. Is this the sound of the future?
Check out the video after the jump.
via Techeblog
Posted by tranism at 12:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 19, 2007
Has A Jumping Red Zebra So It Must Be Good
I don't know anything about this search engine called RedZee but it has an extremely happy zebra on the front page. He's constantly jumping and smiling so he must know something I don't.
The search results are okay. It definitely doesn't pull as many results as say Google or Yahoo but the neat thing is it generates thumbnails of each link. The image search query also isn't very good. While Google will give me over 10 pages worth of results, RedZee only gives me one. However, every image in RedZee's search was relevant to my inquiry. So this could be a case of quality over quantity. You decide.
via Notcot
Posted by tranism at 3:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
One High Tech Locket
If I could travel back in time, I'd go back to when Mark Twain were alive. I'd tell him of our future without giving him any visual reference. I'd then ask him to design what he thinks our future looks like. He'd might come up with something like the Kodak 1881, a digital camera concealed in a locket. The design harkens to an era where anything of value was an heirloom.
The lens is cleverly integrated into the front looking like an expensive piece of onyx. The controls are all hidden along the edges. Opening the locket reveals LCD screens for photo viewing. The Kodak 1881 is just a concept by Lindsey Pickett but I suspect Mark Twain would totally approve.
Another picture after the jump.
via Yanko Design
Posted by tranism at 3:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
April 18, 2007
Super Radtacular!
Those Insomniac peeps, I tell ya are ACES with me. Here's the story. Tune in April 22 for Extreme Home Makeover. Unless you're heartless, the episode will move you to tears. It involves a boy name James Westbrook who was paralyzed in a car accident in 2006. He has had a really hard time adjusting but still dreams about becoming a video game designer one day. To make the story even more heart wrenching is his father Gene Westbrook who was also paralyzed while serving in Iraq!
As you can imagine, the medical bills are mounting and their current home isn't equipped for wheelchairs which is where Extreme Home Makeover steps in. As an extra bonus, all 160 employees at Insomniac Games were hard at work creating a digital playable James for their next entry in the Ratchet and Clank series on the PS3. He comes equipped with space suit and flying saucer!
"We were immediately moved to do something special for the Westbrook family when we learned about the tragic situation and James' passion for video game design," said Ted Price - founder and CEO of Insomniac Games.
"For all of us at Insomniac, this opportunity to help such an amazing family with our game-making experience was a real honor. We've never inserted a member of the public into our video games and we think it's incredibly appropriate that James will be the first to enjoy that unique experience."
I love those Insomniac Guys. There were named one of the best companies to work for in America and they're located right in my city - Burbank. It's amazing they rallied the entire company to make this happen.
Posted by tranism at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
To Sex Or Not To Sex
Apparently that is the question. Two species of Crotoniidae mites have done something scientists thought only plants were capable of doing - the animal kingdom's first known case of reversal sexuality.
That probably confused you so let me explain. These mites were once sexual meaning they mated, but that was a long long time ago. Then they evolved to become asexual reproducing via parthenogenesis. Now it seems they are changing their minds and once again mating. Scientists have examined their genetic sequences and confirm these mites actually went from being sexual to asexual back to sexual. They also now have to reevaluate the idea of sexual reversal in higher organisms since the little mites have proved them wrong.
Can I just say these mites are more finicky about sex than my last two ex's. SHEESH!
via Neatorama
Posted by tranism at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
A New Video Search Engine
Google is good and all but most of it's video search results are from Google Video and YouTube. Both of those services have nearly been stripped clean of any broadcast television shows. Those shows do exist out there and many in their entirety. That's where Blinkx comes in.
It's the worlds first GOOD video search engine. I know it's good because I searched for Tiny Toons (one of my favorite cartoons growing up) and received listings from almost every season. The integrated player only gives you a short preview. Clicking on it takes you directly to the source. I've also found the service useful for past news stories. It seems somebody, somewhere decided they would record and catalogue everything off TV.
I also think it's cute that their logo is as colorful as the city they were founded in; San Francisco.
Posted by tranism at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
You Go Boy!
That's what I would be saying to my dog but my dog doesn't hump. I'm beginning to think he's asexual because he's sooo not into it. As for other dogs, I know they go on hump freenzies. Believe me, I have many plush toys that could attest.
The Hotdoll is a sex doll for your dog. It's sorta shaped like a dog and has curves in all the right places to get fido going. Hump, hump, humping away until he collapses and lights up a cigarette. I have only one question. Is it dishwasher safe because I refuse to scrub anything raped by a dog.
Oh and THERE'S A HOLE. Hit the jump to see it. You know you want to.
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Who Controls The Remote In Your House?
It's an inevitable fact. Once you move in with your significant other, control over the remote will be one of the first issues to come up. That's why I whole heartedly endorse Didier and Nickolas' Cushion Control pillows. Volume, channel and power buttons are split up between 3 pillows. The designers aim to provoke users to argue over "who has the remote", ultimately resulting in a pillow fight.
That is so 'effin HOT.
via core77
Posted by tranism at 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Turn Your Plasma Into A Work Of Art
I know one person that despises TV. I'm gonna put him on blast. His name is Eric. He lives in Venice and even tho he's more nature-boy than he is tech-boy, he's still my friend. He believes people should be out and about experiencing and enjoying life instead of glued to a flickering sea of pixels that may or may not be sucking out your soul.
So Eric, to you I offer a compromise. What if I could turn your plasma into a work of art? All you need is a $150 overlay from TV2Art called the Lightascope. It adheres to the your TV via non-intrusive sticky tape. When you turn the TV on, the light from the screen is transmitted thru the overlay into patterns that dance. Color and light bleed in and out based on what's playing underneath. The whole experience is kinda pretty.
Although it's a bit trivial and expensive, it does offer a great way to hide a TV when not in use. Of course if I spent $3000 on a nice plasma, you better believe I want that sucker displayed whether on or off.
via MoCo Loco
Hit he jump and check out the video.
Posted by tranism at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mechanical Sculptures By Christopher Conte
The works of Christopher Conte enamor me. Something about them makes me smile. Perhaps it's the technical wizardry involved in making ordinary objects come alive or it could be his life story and how he got into art.
Christopher actually studied human anatomy and went on to design and build prosthetic limbs for amputees. He always had a love for science and art and one day his work and hobby collided. Good thing it did too, otherwise we wouldn't have some of the most amazing micro sculptures I've ever seen. My favorite is the Singer insect, made from old Singer sewing machine bits.
via Notcot
Posted by tranism at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
A Little Hot Piggy
I wasn't quite sure what to make of it when I first saw it but it has grown on me. I do eat a lot of noodles and dang if them noodles don't get hot! The rubber lid looks like a pig tried to escape from the hands of a butcher but just didn't quite make it. Reminds me of many cartoons.
Anywho, it's cute and the nose is supposed to act as a handle since the pressure from hot air trying to escape forms a seal along the edge. That way you can hold your bowl without scalding your hands.
via Nexus404
Posted by tranism at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Virtual Museum That's Actually Good
There have been several failed attempts at online museums. Experiencing art in person is a key element to enjoying it which is why online museums never caught on. Technology has finally caught up with our grand vision and the OrganisMuseum is the first online virtual museum that I actually enjoyed.
You walk thru the museum from a first person's perspective. Clicking on art brings brings it into line of sight and additional information. Just like a real museum, there are running exhibits with the current one showing 22 portraits by Andrzej Dragan. You will need to install the 3D Life Player plug-in but it's free and works both on Macs and PCs.
So now you have no excuse. Install it and give it a try.
via Cool Hunting
Posted by tranism at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I Want A Submarine
Since I can't really have a submarine I'll set for the next best thing, a tub-toy. I know, I'm a grown man now which is why some plastic floating thing won't cut it. That's why this tub-toy comes equipped with a built-in radio. And don't make fun of me for taking baths and/or playing with tub-toys. The toy makers themselves say it's okay.
"The Submarine Radio would be a great toy for children and adults alike."
So which one of you readers will buy me one hmm? Only $30.
via Nerd Approved
Posted by tranism at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Microsoft's Silverlight
Microsoft showed off their Flash competitor called Silverlight at this year's NAB event. Flash is now the most popular way to deliver video and interactive content over the web and Microsoft refuses to be left out. Silverlight promises to do things impossible with Flash while staying cross platform - a rarity for Microsoft technology.
The Silverlight plug-in can be installed on both Macs and PCS and works on IE, Firefox and Safari. Highly optimized and lightweight (less than 2MB), Silverlight does something Flash can't - stream full HD 720p video. Videos can easily toggle between fullscreen and windowed mode without have to start the stream over, another advantage over Flash. Just light Flash, video interfaces can be customized but it's all built with vectors and AJAX making scalability another key advantage.
Microsoft is currently offering a preview version of the plug-in with all kinds of content for you to try out. Building applications to play in Silverlight couldn't be easier since Microsoft is also offering their full suite of web and design software called Expression Studio for free.
So if you're a web guru looking for a better way to deliver media experiences, give it a try. If you're still unconvinced, hit the jump and check out the video demo.
Posted by tranism at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 16, 2007
Dot Kite Lab Snello
My boy Thomas Mylonas is at it again. This time a table with a unique folding mechanism called the Snello. The design is modern yet elegant enough to fit in almost any decor be it home or office.
"When neat design and flexibility are paramount, the Snello table system is an excellent solution. The simple and elegant aesthetic of the table allows for compatibility with other furniture styles. Its space-saving attributes makes it ideal for different environments such as modern living rooms, hotel lobbies, lounges, bars and living applications."
I love it Thomas, so when am I gonna get one? :)
Another picture after the jump.
Posted by tranism at 7:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Fortune Cookie Tells Precarious Fortunes
I'll admit I get a kick out of fortune cookies. I don't really like how they taste but it's nice to crack one open and read something telling like "your future is bright!".
Unfortunately I don't eat Chinese food everyday nor do I have the desire to buy fortune cookies in bulk. Thankfully I can buy the Smart Cookie Fortune Teller which is basically a Magic 8 Ball. However, the fortunes it tells are a little bit precarious.
- Future sticky like rice
- You don't wonton know
- Answer sweet and sour
- Don't mock the cookie
- Try the eggroll
- Cookie busy - try later
via perpetual kid
Posted by tranism at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 13, 2007
Treasure Island-Z Looking Fantastic
I live for games like this. The cell shading is reminiscent of Zelda The Wind Waker which by and far I still feel one of the most visually impressive games last generation. By the looks of this video, Treasure Island-Z stands to be the same. It's like playing a cartoon come to life. On top of that, the lucky few who have played thru a demo are gushing over how it brings point & click action adventure games back from the dead. A true showpiece on imagination and creativity. I mean look at him! He's a pirate with a giant bell as a weapon and some strange flying monkey as a sidekick!
Bring it on Capcom!
Posted by tranism at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
I'm Joosting
I just want to thank the boys over at Fresh Creation for the Joost invite. Because of them, I am now enjoying Saturday morning cartoons right on my desktop.
For those not in the know;
"Joost is a new way of watching TV on the internet. With Joost you get all the things you love about TV, including high quality full screen pictures, hundreds of full length shows and easy channel flipping."
There's actually a ton of other things too like chatting with people watching the same programs. Anywho, once I start getting some invites to send, I'll let you faithful readers know.
Posted by tranism at 1:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Say No To Jeans & Dress Shoes
I will be a fashion snob right now and tell you guys, STOP WEARING DRESS SHOES WITH JEANS! Sure it's the easy way out. You want to stay comfortable and casual but dress it up a bit. This is just plain wrong and I want to beat down the man in Milan who came up with it. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!
Everywhere I look I see this atrocity. Young guys, older guys, cute guys and guys on vacation. If you're going to wear nice shoes, WEAR IT WITH NICE PANTS. Enough said.
All guys who march to their own drum beat can ignore this post. I know you're wild and don't follow any rules. This is just an FYI for the guys that follow mainstream.
My rant is done.
Posted by tranism at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Keepon Keepin' On
The brainchild of mad roboticists Marek Michalowski and Hideki Kozmi, Keepon is quite simply just another dancing robot.
I don't want to take anything away from him by my last statement because he is the cutest thing. Seriously I want him to be alive and be my friend. Equipped with two cameras as eyes, a nose mounted microphone and some really cool robotic mechanisms underneath that Peeps-like skin, Keepon interacts with you in a way that seems almost sentient.
The creators aim to develop robots that synchronize their behavior to human emotions to illicit a positive response. You know what? They've succeeded.
With that being said, his best features are his dance moves. Seriously tho, he dances better than most people I know.
Posted by tranism at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
The Voltron Of Mobile Phones
WillCOM (a Japanese Mobile manufacturer) believes the future of mobile phones will be in hardware customization. In their WP004 concept, each mobile component - camera, keypad, GPS, fingerprint sensor, extended batteries, etc. can modularly connect to each other and form VOLTRON! I'm kidding.
The WP004 phone only comes with a SIM module. Then it's like Build-A-Bear. Choose from over a dozen components and make your dream phone.
How cool is that? God it seems like we'll never catch up to them. Even so, it would have been cooler still if it really could form VOLTRON!
via Ubergizmo
Posted by tranism at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Intel Envisages The Ultra Mobile Computer
Intel has made no qualms about how they think current UMPCs have got it all wrong. In this video they demonstrate the right way - the Intel way.
In the future our ultra mobile computers will wirelessly connect to everything. Gone are monitors. The TV is now our large display format. It has unrivaled speech recognition. Take it with you and everything is at your control via multi-touch display. Music, navigation, videos and automation all at your finger tips. If true, this really will be an amazing future but somehow I still prefer Microsoft's robotic companion over this.
Check out the video.
Posted by tranism at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wafer Thin Sony OLED TV
Is your TV only 3mm thick? No? Mine either. One of OLED's main technical advantages is it's slim profile. The display doesn't require a backlight and so it can stay wafer thin. Until now we haven't really seen any OLED screens bigger than those for cell phone applications. Sony just announced their upcoming 27" OLED TV and yes it's coming to a store near you later this year.
The screen has unmatched color reproduction and contrast - 1,000,000:1. Did you count all the zeros? Most high end plasmas and LCDs top out at 10,000:1. With those specs, image clarity can even be seen at extreme angles as demonstrated in the picture above. The OLED TV will come with all the necessary modern inputs like component and HDMI.
Sony hasn't announced pricing but you can be sure one of these beauties will set you back a house, car and probably wife and kids.
image via Core77
Posted by tranism at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Intruders Concept Phone
Looking like an alien spacecraft or a high tech powder compact, Dennis Hopkin's (no relation) Intruders concept makes UFOs a chic muse for mobile phone design.
The compact, errrr I mean the phone is only 1/3 of an inch thick when closed and opens up to reveal a 220 x 176 pixel display. The numerics and softkeys are arranged in a circular pattern because we all know how well that works in real life (insert smirk). The cool thing is it glows blue when it rings.
Throw in a tractor beam, transporter and digital frisbee functionality and I'll be the first buyer.
via Gizmodo
Posted by tranism at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Sony Says Yay To Virtual Reality 3D
It seems Sony is not content with losing the "we are the innovators" tag line so in an effort to do something that can truly revolutionize gaming, they've been working on a new type of VR 3D controller.
As illustrated in this patent, it's a handheld computer interactive device that incorporates motion sensors (hello Wii), multi-touch dexterity (hello Apple) and tactile feedback. The device allows the user to grab and manipulate on screen objects in 3D space, assigning different functions to each finger.
They make no mention of when such a device will see the light of day but I am sooooo ready for it. Just look at the hands! Don't they look like they're having fun? Image the kind of gameplay possible with this controller. It's like Minority Report sooner than later.
via Unwired View
Posted by tranism at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 9, 2007
One Well Traveled Pussy
Seems there's this beautiful white cat that's been catching the bus to get to his favorite fish and chips restaurant in London.
Every morning on Chuchill Road, Macavity as he's been named, jumps on the bus and heads for one of the seats. He then gets off at the following stop only to repeat the whole trip the next morning.
"I don't know why he would catch the bus but he seems to like it. I told some of the other drivers on this route and they have seen him too. He doesn't bother anyone and the passengers seem to like him." said the driver.
That is one smart pussy. Not only has he figured out London transit but manages to ride for free! I wonder if it's any coincidence he's named after Macavity the mystery cat from T.S. Eliot's poem. As I recall that cat was pretty smart too.
via Dlisted
Posted by tranism at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Oooh A Giant Ass Tea Cup!
Didn't you ever watch Alice in Wonderland and think, "I want a giant tea cup". If you didn't then stop reading and just hit the jump to see more of the cat. For those who did, now you can have one.
Gitta Gschwendtner's Plant Cup planter is big enough to hold a gallon of English breakfast tea or a nice bed of daisies. Made from white glazed earthenware, the cup is actually quite strong. It's a little pricey at $338 but you get what you pay for right? I can imagine myself showing up at a brunch, cup and saucer in tow.
BTW cat not included. Now hit the jump!
Posted by tranism at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
AU by KDDI Coming To The U.S.
YESSS! Japan's second largest mobile provider au by KDDI just announced plans to launch their service in the U.S. this coming June! They're renting space from Sprint Nextel's communications network which means all their phones in their current lineup should be compatible. Although they make no mention of which phones will make the trip, they did say they want to make the U.S. line up parallel the Japanese one.
Even tho they're sparse on details I'm going to hope for the best. High resolution screens, crazy megapixel cameras, GPS navigation and email, mobile TV and mobile epay transactions! "Faints"
Just to remind you of their AMAZING phones, check out my post on au's Project Neon from last year.
via Yahoo News
Posted by tranism at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Just A Light Wind
I have a fascination with self-powered garden lights. I love walking my dog late at night squinting my eyes to see the soft white and blue glows from lawns afar. I think it's cool they're solar powered. They seem to make an ordinary lawn feel magical. I do wish they were more kinetic in their design. Leave it to Demarkersvan to make the garden light of my dreams.
It's called Light Wind. Inspired by Dutch windmills, the little device sports a funky propeller atop the light. The slight breeze sends the propellers spinning storing up enough energy to power the light all night.
Another picture after the jump.
via Core77