Bonfire of the Brands the book
August 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
A while ago, some of you may remember I posted an invitation to join journalist Neil Boorman on a Sunday afternoon as he set fire to everything he owns that is branded as he embarks on a journey to live a brand free life. Since the bonfire, Neil has adapted his lifestyle to only shop at local markets, independent shops and second hand retailers. He no longer owns a luxury gadgets like a TV or an iPod and yet despite this lifestyle change, Neil states that his quality of life has improved dramatically. Neil has documented his experience in a new book “Bonfire of the Brands” published on 6th September, which I would advise each and every one of you to read.
O2 stareout rugby challenge
August 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
O2 have launched a new game to tie in with their Scrum in the Park event, where users have to out stare their challengers: British Rugby’s Mike Tindall, Josh Lewsey and Tom Rees. To play the game users need to position themselves in from of a webcam and using BitmapData, the webcam can detect when the user has indeed blinked. As well as the game the site offers an array of extras including a `making of’ movie. The campaign was developed by Archibald Ingall Stretton and is an excellent example of advances in technology being used in an engaging way to connect with consumers.
The most expensive URL in the world
August 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Last week Moniker.com hosted a domain name auction in New York’s Grand Hyatt hotel. Out of the 218 URL’s up for sale two managed to sell for over $1 million each: Seniors.com sold for $1.8 million and Creditcheck.com went for $3 million. With the average URL selling for just $3,000, I cast my mind back to 2000 when a flash of inspiration slapped me round the face when I thought of buying what I considered could be the most popular URL’s. Being a girly girl, diamond.com was of course high on the list which went for an astonishing $7.5 million last year leaving me with a the most uncomfortable feeling of self-loathing. The most expensive URL in the world? At $12 million, Sex.com of course! Source: Forbes
The Playseat Evolution
August 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Playseats have come up with the ultimate driving experience for gaming fanatics, a racing seat that holds your steering wheel and control pedal, providing an experience that is almost as good as the real thing. Held together in a metal frame, the seat folds away for storage when not in use so as not to take over your home completely.
Tank Books in a cigarette packet
August 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Tank, the creative and publishing agency have recently launched a series of books that mimic cigarette packs. They have a flip-top lid and a foil wrapping all packaged up in a cellophane cover making them every product designers dream. They have reproduced some of the classics including “Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and Tolstoy’s “Father Sergius”. I headed over to Daunt Books at the weekend and picked up Hemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and I love it, but be warned, they are flying off the shevles fast.
Plazes personal satellite feed
August 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Cross between Socialight and Twitter, Plazes is a new micro blogging platform that enables you to geotag exactly where you are or where you are heading to. This means that rather text your friends to see who is out of an evening, you can actually browse your contacts and see their location. One of the key features is being able to send a text, and the application can pick up your location. The company states “Think of it as your personal satellite feed for your friends and readers of your blog”. I have registered and will be playing with this over the next couple of weeks. Source: PSFK
Tower Hamlets inspire creativity
August 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment
London borough Tower Hamlets have taken some really positive steps to inspire creativity within the community by investing millions into developing millions into developing Idea Stores where members of the community can learn to read, pursue hobbies, obtain career support or expand their knowledge. The stores will offer a library containing books, CD’s and DVD’s, day and evening courses and archives of information both through online sources and local studies compiled by the council. The idea was created when residents told Tower Hamlets they would like to see libraries located where they could get to the more easily. Plans for seven Ideas Stores to be built over the next five years are in place and each store will be located near or within shopping centers making them easily accessible. A wonderful idea. Source: Futurelab
Cadbury give in to social networking pressure
August 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Cadbury announced today that they are reintroducing the Wispa bar into the UK market following pressure from Social Network groups. The company discontinued the product in 2003, but with mounting pressure from groups on MySpace, Facebook and Bebo which have collectively raised over 14,000 names demanding the product be brought back, Cadbury will be selling the bar for an undisclosed period of time depending on it’s success. Source: Brand Rebublic
Disco keyboard
August 19, 2007 | 1 Comment
Want one, want one, want one! Korean based firm Luxeed have developed a way to take the edge off the 9 to 5. They have designed a keyboard that changes colour with every key stroke through LEDs under every key. Hard to imagine I realise, but try to think of a 70’s dance floor a la Saturday Night Fever on your desk. The colours can be changed to create a more subtle ambiance for those that like mood lighting as they work. Sadly they are only available within Korea at the moment but keep your eyes peeled as hopefully they will be making their way over soon.
Watch videos through your glasses
August 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Scalar Corporation in Japan have just released a revolutionary new product that offers a new way to watch videos on the move. Users connect the Teleglass T3-F device to a pair of glasses and a small screen that fits over one of the lenses displays video content whilst still being able to look where you are going through the other lens. The device (that can be connected to either an iPod, digital camera or a DVD player) is currently only available in Japan and is retailed at $850, although the company will be expanding overseas soon.
