Second Life for the blind

December 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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Students at IBM in Ireland have designed an audio equivalent of the virtual world Second Life using 3D sound to create a sense of space. When the user enters the virtual world, the items are described as well as their positions. There is also sound attached so for example, if there’s a tree nearby the user will hear a rustling of leaves. Each avatar will have a sonar attached to give them an idea of the environment they’re in, and they will be able to communicate with other members through a technology that uses text to speech software that reads out any chat from fellow avatars in the virtual world that appears in a text box.

Posted by Jamie Coomber | Filed Under Blog, Community, Internet, Social network 

Google gas stations

December 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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Google will launch a series of internet connected pumps with Google Maps across 3,500 gas stations in the US.  The pumps, made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, will help travellers find local attractions (hotels and restaurants for example) and will be free of charge. Google’s Karen Roter Davis saying that the move is part of Google’s drive to make its services available whenever and wherever people need them.

Posted by Jamie Coomber | Filed Under Blog, Innovation, Technology 

Digital paint brush

December 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment

“I/O Brush is a drawing tool that explores colours, textures, and movements found in everyday materials by “picking up” and drawing with them. I/O Brush looks like a regular paintbrush but has a small video camera with lights and touch sensors embedded inside. Outside of the drawing canvas, the brush can pick up colour, texture, and movement of a brushed surface. On the canvas, artists can draw with the special “ink” they just picked up from their immediate environment.” This is a really great innovation and I am waiting for the consumer product version to launch. Source and images: MIT Media Lab

Posted by Jamie Coomber | Filed Under Bizarre, Blog, Creativity, Design, Innovation, newsMain 

Barcode revolution

December 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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This is not new, but it is still cool which is why I am writing about it. Design barcode are a collective based out of Tokyo who design barcodes which reflect the product on which they appear. They have firmly established themselves in Japan and have recently partnered with PACARC, LLC to take the produce to the United States. I haven’t seen this being used within the UK market as yet but if any of you have, please post a link in the comments box as would love to see brands start to bring innovations like this to every element of their product.

Posted by Jamie Coomber | Filed Under Bizarre, Blog, Business, Design, Marketing, newsLeft 

Social networking for bumps

December 4, 2007 | Leave a Comment

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Someone had to do it.  Yes, Foops is a new social network due for launch in April 2008 for bumps.  Now you don’t even have to be born to have your own profile page.  Until the site is launched, the information available is currently limited but I will provide a full write up after launch.

Posted by Jamie Coomber | Filed Under Bizarre, Blog, Community, Social network, newsMiddle 

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