A video demo of Fujitsu’s Stylistic Q550 tablet has been released, and the company seems pretty keen to differentiate the slate from other Windows 7 machines. According to director of mobile product Meinolf Althaus, Fujitsu’s custom UI attempts to mimic the usability of a hammer: not in that you have to thump it, but in that you automatically recognize how to interact with the tablet, rather than needing to remember what does what.
Video demo after the cut
Meanwhile content creation also gets some attention, being more like a stack of LEGO – i.e. you can actually produce documents – than a slab of chocolate. Meinolf does love content consumption, mind. The eagle-eyed might spot what looks to be a QWERTY keyboard dock in some of the sketches on the wall behind him.
Finally, rather than a scratchy kitchen scouring pad, the Stylistic Q550 will be like a soft scarf – somewhere welcoming and warm, thanks to the overlay showing a day-to-day pane of widgets, calendars, RSS feeds and more. We’ll have to actually wait and see how well the Fujitsu holds up in day to day use, but we definitely give the company credit for stepping out of the ordinary when it comes to their promos.
You might remember an EVE multibox hack from mid-2010 which allowed one arguably-too-dedicated gamer play as up to fourteen characters simultaneously, while still skating on the allowed side of the MMOG’s rules. Now Zhek Kromtor is back with a new game and an even more crazy setup: fifteen suspended monitors playing browser-based MMO Nodiatis as fifteen different characters.
Video after the cut
The fifteen Samsung LCDs – which Kromtor says were bought with $10,000 a family member won on a lottery ticket – are suspended from the ceiling with monofilament wire and each run at 1920 x 1080 resolution. They’re hooked up to eight computers for a total of 34 3GHz+ cores with 48GB of RAM, all using SSDs.
No sign of the low-tech multiplayer controls Kromtor rigged up for his EVE play – which included multiple mice stuck together, with lengths of dowel to press multiple buttons simultaneously – but we assume they’re somewhere to be found too. More details in the videos below.
Nokia’s C7 proved a respectable business handset when we reviewed it, but then we didn’t try remotely-controlling a BMW with the Symbian smartphone. That’s just what two engineers from Nokia Asia have apparently managed, taking just twenty days to create the necessary software and remote control hardware to operate a 1-Series’ steering, brakes and accelerator, as well as all the regular gadgets inside.
Video demo after the cut
We’re not quite sure why the duo did it, beyond them apparently wanting to prank a poor parking attendent by driving off the car he’s just about to get in and park, but we won’t argue that it’s a cool hack. Not something we expect to see in the Ovi Store any time soon, however.
If you’re into musical instruments then you’ve probably heard of Bob Moog, and the Bob Moog Foundation created in the synth maker’s honor is doing a solid job continuing his awesome work. The foundation has collaborated with Spectrasonics’ Eric Persing to create the OMG-1, a custom, one-of-a-kind synth that pairs a Mac mini with two iPads and two iPod touch PMPs.
Video demo after the cut
The setup is running the Moog Little Phatty analog synth, Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere software synth, and the new Omni TR iPad app. All of the pieces fit together into a gorgeous, hand-crafted curly maple cabinet, complete with twin keyboards.
The Moog OMG-1 is intended to be a performance instrument, not something hidden away in a studio, and it’ll actually be given away as a prize to one lucky winner. The competition kicks off on March 15, with more details to be announced by Spectrasonics
Sneak Peek: Spectrasonics Contest to Benefit Bob Moog Foundation
Bob Moog Foundation Gives Sneak-Peak of Spectrasonics Benefit
Custom Hardware Synth Created by Eric Persing Revealed as Grand Prize
NAMM – Anaheim, CA — January 13, 2011 — The Bob Moog Foundation gave a special presentation at NAMM, announcing a unique collaboration with Eric Persing of Spectrasonics on a fund-raising contest to benefit the foundation. Details of the contest are to be revealed when it begins on March 15th. During the presentation, Persing unveiled the Grand Prize for the benefit contest — a stunning, one-of-a-kind custom “OMG-1” hardware synthesizer he created that integrates the worlds of analog synthesis, computers, software synthesis and the latest multi-touch surfaces into one extraordinary instrument.
The OMG-1 was designed by Persing as a live performance instrument and is not a commercial product — it’s truly one-of-a-kind. The state of the art dual manual OMG-1 combines a Moog Little Phatty® analog synthesizer, Spectrasonics’ flagship Omnisphere® software synthesizer, a powerful internal Apple Mac Mini computer, dual Apple iPads®, dual iPods®, and Spectrasonics’ brand-new Omni TR™ iPad app — all integrated into a beautiful, hand-crafted curly maple cabinet created by American artisan Daniel Auon.
During the special sneak-preview presentation, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, and Eric Persing talked about their collaboration and Eric gave a live performance with the OMG-1.
“I’ll never forget the first time I played a Minimoog when I was a little kid…it truly changed my life!” says Eric Persing, Founder and Creative Director of Spectrasonics, a leading music software company, “So it’s a privilege after all these years to give back to the foundation honoring my hero Bob Moog and keeping the spirit and history of his inventions alive for the next generation. I had a blast designing the OMG-1 with Dan and I can’t wait to see who wins it!”
Michelle Moog-Koussa added, “The Bob Moog Foundation is grateful to Eric Persing for creating and sharing this one-of-a-kind innovative instrument. The foundation’s mission is to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation. It is fitting that Eric’s OMG-1 does just that. His instrument represents the contemporary convergence of analog and digital, hardware and software. I think Bob would applaud Eric’s efforts to transcend boundaries in order to create an instrument with new and unique capabilities.”
Complete details about this exciting benefit will be announced by Spectrasonics when the contest begins on March 15th, 2011 (www.spectrasonics.net).
Daft Punk is well known for the eye-catching helmets that have become synonymous with the group itself, but that’s not to say a keen DIYer with an iPad and a hot-glue gun can’t compete. DJ Kid Chameleon has given up face recognition in favor of a home-made helmet that mixes a classic Macintosh Plus with an iPad faceplate and sound-activated LEDs.
Video after the cut
A custom video on the iPad, designed to be played in time with other A/V content at the set, was triggered by a Bluetooth keyboard, and the rest you can see in the video below. It’s the handiwork of Terrence Scoville, initially started as a sculpture class project, and now co-opted into musical duties.
You’re desperate for popcorn, but you’ve only got a pair of Arctic Spyder III lasers to play with; can you still enjoy a movie theater style treat? According to WorldScott, the answer is yes, as long as you also have plenty of time on your hands or very little appetite. His video shows that with some patience – we’re talking kernel by kernel here – you can create popcorn using just the strength of the two high-powered lasers.
Video after the cut
It takes a couple of minutes, and involves balancing the kernel on a swivelling platter and keeping a steady hand, but it’s undoubtedly another important step in combining cooking and lasers. At $299.95 a piece, however, lasers probably aren’t the cheapest way to make a movie time snack.
Last we heard, matter and antimatter couldn’t be put together in the same picnic basket lest the universe explode; now scientists are telling us that the stuff is actually streaming out of storms. Researchers manning the Fermi telescope have discovered that violent thunderstorms are giving out both gamma rays and positrons, the antimatter-equivalent of electrons.
Those positrons (and the electrons) align with the Earth’s magnetic field and spar out for huge distances. When they collide, it produces a flash of light and a distinct color; it’s that color which the Fermi telescope spotted.
“I think this is one of the most exciting discoveries in the geosciences in quite a long time – the idea that any planet has thunderstorms that can create antimatter and then launch it into space in narrow beams that can be detected by orbiting spacecraft to me sounds like something straight out of science fiction” Steven Cummer, atmospheric electricity researcher, Duke University, North Carolina
The results of the research will be presented at the American Astronomical Society, and are expected to help researchers understand how lightning works. Scientists don’t exactly know the implications of the discovery yet, but they’re already calling it “truly amazing.”
New year, new bizarre Tokyoflash watch. The Kinsai Console is the latest special edition from the Japanese company, and this time around it’s based on a fan-voted concept called Bright Time. A full three separate screens are squeezed into the stainless steel casing, taking on hours and different portions of minutes.
Interestingly, the Kinsai Console’s battery is recharged via USB; a full charge takes around 3.5 hours and Tokyoflash reckons each charge should last 1 month. There are 300 charges in one battery and the battery is replaceable.
Some readers may get a faint whiff of Blockbusters – the old gameshow, not the DVD rental company – about the Kisai Console, which we think only adds to the retro charm. It’s available now, priced at $200.
Brain-monitoring mental agility game Mindflex has spawned a new version, Mindflex Dual, and as the name suggests it allows two players to go head to head and see who has the most powerful brain. Expected to ship on August 15, Mindflex Duel uses the same “mind-eye” concentration headbands as the original Mattel game, but allows you to battle it out against an opponents mental skills.
Various types of challenge are on offer, including collaborative modes for those less interested in competing, but all involve using the brain to guide a foam ball along the game area. Various slot-in obstacles can be fitted to add some extra challenge, or you can just play at virtual sumo, trying to push the ball into your opponent’s end-zone.
Polaroid‘s involvement with Lady Gaga still seems a little offbeat, but the unusually-costumed “Creative Director” has just unveiled a range of instant photography devices at CES 2011. Polaroid Grey Label consists of two sensible products – the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer and the GL30 Instant Digital Camera – and then a crazy one, the Lady Gaga GL20 Camera Glasses.
Video demo after the cut
The GL10 printer and GL30 camera each use ZINK instant camera paper and can either print the shots from another digicam or, in the case of the GL30, take the shots itself and then produce hard copies. The GL30 also has various filters for adding retro and other affects. The GL10 will go on sale in May 2011, priced at $149.99, while the GL30 will arrive later in 2011, price tba.
As for the GL20 Camera Glasses, they’re a set of oversized sunglasses with an integrated digital camera in the bridge and a pair of LCD displays behind the lenses. That means you can snap a shot and then display them rather than your eyes, which is probably great for fashion but not so useful for navigating rooms. They’ll go on sale later in the year, pricing tba.
Press Release:
Polaroid and Lady Gaga Announce Grey Label
A Collaboration Between Two of the Most Influential Icons of Our Time, Polaroid Grey Label Comes to Life With Three New Products That Showcase the Magic of the Polaroid Instant Experience
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Polaroid and its Creative Director, Lady Gaga today unveiled Polaroid Grey Label, an original line of products co-designed with Lady Gaga. This collaboration between two cultural icons reflects Polaroid’s long standing tradition of innovation tracing back to founder Dr. Edwin Land and Lady Gaga’s mission to deliver products that enable creativity for all, celebrate artistry and make sharing instantaneous across the physical and digital. The inaugural Polaroid Grey Label line is truly expressive of Lady Gaga’s artistic vision and includes the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer, GL30 Instant Digital Camera and the GL20 Camera Glasses, a unique new look at how to turn images into a fashion statement.
“I consider myself to be a visionary, not just a songwriter and a singer. I am an artist,” said Lady Gaga, Polaroid’s Creative Director. “I brought my vision and love of fashion, technology and obsession with the future into all of my work with Polaroid.”
Polaroid Grey Label Products
Polaroid and Lady Gaga today unveiled the first trio of Polaroid Grey Label products at Polaroid’s CES booth:
1. GL10 Instant Mobile Printer:
Advanced Technology: The newest instant printing experience begins with the embedded dye-crystal ZINK® Zero Ink® Technology from ZINK Imaging. Patented ZINK Paper™ is an advanced composite material with cyan, yellow, and magenta dye crystals embedded inside. Before printing, the embedded dye crystals are clear, so ZINK Paper®, looks like regular white photo paper. The GL10 Instant Mobile Printer uses heat to activate and colorize these crystals.
Superb Print Quality: The GL10 Instant Mobile Printer uses ZINK’s second-generation thermal technology, delivering image quality that rivals a photo-lab. Prints emerge fully developed and protected by a smudge-proof, water-resistant coating.
Aesthetically Pleasing and Environmentally Responsible: Designed for both form and function for use both in the present and future. ZINK technology requires no messy ribbons, toner or inkjet cartridges.
The GL10 Instant Mobile Printer will be available in May 2011 (US $149.99 MSRP). ZINK 3×4″ Paper will be available in May 2011 at a price to be announced.
2. GL30 Instant Digital Camera:
Brings the Polaroid Instant Experience to Life: Introducing a new generation to the joy of instant photography, the GL30 uses next generation ZINK Zero Ink Technology from ZINK Imaging.
Fuses the Digital and Physical Worlds: Featuring the benefits of a digital camera, instant photo printer and digital display, the GL30 is a creative tool that delivers the best of the digital and physical worlds.
Pays Tribute to Polaroid’s Legacy: Reminiscent of Polaroid cameras of the past, the GL30 is clearly a significant departure from a typical camera. Designed for longevity, the GL30 is not only for the future, it’s an object of desire. Users can select from a number of filters and borders to create truly original images that instantly fit in the palm of your hand.
The GL30 Instant Digital Camera will be available later this year, at a price to be announced.
3. GL20 Camera Glasses:
Merges Fashion With Photography: Never before has the world seen fashion, photography and technology come together in one, singular product.
Tells Your Story to the World: Users can instantly capture or upload photos with the built-in camera and then display the images on the glasses’ LCD screens for others to see.
Expresses True Artistry and Originality: Only Lady Gaga could create a hybrid that’s part fashion statement, part revolutionary technology and part tool for self-expression.
The GL20 Camera Glasses will be available later this year, at a price to be announced.
The Polaroid Grey Label Evolution
After being named Polaroid’s Creative Director in January 2010, Lady Gaga and Polaroid collaborated to define a direction for the line that blended the brand’s core values with Lady Gaga’s creativity. Stemming from “greige goods,” a fashion-industry term for fabric in its purest form, the Polaroid Grey Label line encompasses Polaroid’s heritage of delivering simplicity with the style, wit and sensibility of Lady Gaga.
Committed to bringing originality back to product design across all genres, Lady Gaga articulated that all Polaroid Grey Label products communicate three essential elements of self-expression:
Creativity: All Polaroid Grey Label products are designed with the idea that creativity and sharing go hand in hand, in both the digital and the physical world.
Instant Artistry: All features found in Polaroid Grey Label products celebrate, express and bring an element of artistry and originality to the act of image making.
Fashion: Intended to be just as much everyday fashion accessories as innovative imaging tools, all Polaroid Grey Label products feature unexpected design elements such as leather touch points, brushed metal and exposed mechanical details.
“The Polaroid Grey Label line embodies the Polaroid brand, with an injection of the future-looking fashion and design mantra of Lady Gaga that simply can’t be replicated,” said Scott W. Hardy, Polaroid’s President. “It represents Polaroid innovation for the new generation, one in which there are no limitations to sharing creativity through photography, both physical and digital.”
About Polaroid
Across several generations, people regard Polaroid as one of the most trusted, well-respected and recognizable brands when it comes to instant photography. The Polaroid brand has been around for more than 70 years starting with polarized sunglasses which then evolved into instant film, camera and camera accessories, marking the beginning of the well recognized Polaroid Classic Border Logo. In recent years, the Polaroid brand has expanded into flat panel televisions, portable DVD players, digital photo frames, digital HD camcorders, waterproof digital cameras and more. People can expect to see new Polaroid products that will deliver the fun, instant gratification and value for which the brand has long stood.
For more information, visit www.Polaroid.com.
Polaroid, Polaroid & Pixel, Polaroid Grey Label, and Polaroid Classic Border Logo are trademarks of PLR IP Holdings, LLC.
About ZINK Imaging
ZINK Imaging Inc., a privately held company, was founded to enable millions of customers to enjoy the magic of ZINK® Zero Ink® products. ZINK Imaging invented, manufactures, and is an OEM supplier of the ZINK Printing Technology and the award winning ZINK Paper® to partners that will bring ZINK?enabled products to market under their respective brands. ZINK Imaging’s headquarters and research and development labs are in Massachusetts, with a state of the art manufacturing facility in Whitsett, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ZINK.com.
