In most cases we would consider automated font adjustment (using the bold button in MS word rather than using a bolder font weight) a crime against the printed word. LAIKA however, seems to have taken the automated rendering of typography in a new direction with shockingly good results. LAIKA is the BA thesis work of Nicolas Kunz and Michael Flückiger and is one of the first examples we’ve come across of real time dynamic type rendering.
“Type has always been something static.
In considering type we speak, for example, in terms of bold, thin, grotesque, classical, roman, italic: terms that all describe a defined variant of the font family. Thus we only ever see individual fixed points in what is actually an infinitely wide space of possibilities.
With digitalisation, however, typeface has left its manifest image – cast in lead – behind, and with it all the associated limitations. Computer-based applications, the Internet and new, fluid advertising media allow us to go beyond the existing, static view of typography.” -from LAIKA website.
If your phone can have a touch screen with out actual buttons, why can’t your house do the same? The Living Wall project, led by Lisa Buechley at the MIT’s Media Lab uses conductive paint in wall paper. This allows for a flexible surface that can be used as a touch sensor and could control almost anything electronic via bluetooth (albeit within a certain distance). In the image above, LED circuitry is incorporated into the material and conductive paint stenciled as a design motif produce light directly from the surface.
From New Scientists interview with Lisa Buechley “Our goal is to make technologies that users can build on and change without needing a lot of technical skill,” says Buechley.
To create the wallpaper, the team started with steel foil sandwiched between layers of paper that are coated with magnetic paint – acrylic paint infused with iron particles. Over this base they paint motifs such as flowers and vines using conductive paint, which uses copper particles rather than iron. The designs form circuits to which sensors, lights and other elements can be attached.
“It really is just a sheet of paper, and could be produced with existing printing and construction methods,” Buechley says.
Having exposed circuitry on your wall might sound dangerous, but Buechley says the system runs at 20 volts, drawing around 2.5 amps when fully loaded with devices. “You can go up and touch the wall and not even feel a tingle,” she says.
There’s a lot of speculation going around, but all signs point to the reality of an Apple Tablet being released, possibly in time for Christmas. This is essentially a large format ipod touch with wireless internet access. This idea is largely considered to be apples next huge sea changing idea and for good reason.
Building on the tremendous success of iphone applications, a tablet would provide a larger format app developers to work with. This could be used to display anything from a browser, keyboard, photo gallery, to a video screen that could display HD video.
We’re guessing this would probably be about as big as a small- medium sized laptop, maybe 13-15 inches. Apple is speculated to release this for about $800 subsidized by a multi year internet access contract, rumored to be partnered with Verizon.
At last, a litter box which not only hides it’s unsightly contents, it looks at home in a minimal setting. The clever design also keeps litter inside so it doesn’t spill which your cat jumps out of the box or digs.
Available in five colors. 15″ t x 16″ d x 16″ w. You can buy it here for $180.
Finding a good laptop bag is a never ending search. In the latest chapter of our quest we found the Mrs Moore and Mr Miller bags from German boutique Aunts & Uncles. We are very much in favor of a decidedly retro look for transporting our technology. The classic look of waxed leather looks decidedly cooler after a few good nicks and scratches, so this bag may outlast your next three laptops. While black canvas and zippers have certainly had their day, we think it may be time for technology to stop looking so futuristic.
The BMW Lovos (Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity) concept is an interesting solution to how to integrate solar technology into a car body. The scale shaped cell panels can lift and turn to adjust themselves to the angle of the sun and absorb the most reflective light. The “scales” can also affect handling by lying flat for maximum aerodynamic performance or lifting to create airfoil braking and stabilization. Read the rest of this entry »
Alessi Watch Daytimer by Will Alsop. Who knew cubism was due for a comeback. Urethane case and strap, 3 ATM Water Resistance. Available in black, green, orange, and purple. You can pick them up here for $120.
The day has finally come. A Panasonic 50 inch 1080p Plasma for under $1000. Now you can watch your Baraka Blu-ray in its full glory. If you’re not a member of Costco and are in the market for a TV, you might consider signing up for this alone. Available from the Costco website, you can order it for $999 to your door. Instant rebate valid through September 6th, 2009. Check it out here.
In these videos Japanese artist/programmer Daito Manabe experiments with sound triggered electric stimulus. While we’re not sure how safe this is, it’s awesome to watch. Maybe there’s hope for the most uncoordinated of us to finally pop lock. Sign us up.
Los Angeles based Taalman Koch Architecture recently brought their signature prefab system to the world of pop-up stores. This month a 240sf Pop-Up store was set up for the Palm Pre phone. The small glass building appeared at the Americana in Glendale and was later disassembled, moved to the Grove in Hollywood, and reassembled a single 24 hour period. The entire project was designed, fabricated, and erected in less than 5 weeks. The structure will be on display at the Grove through the end of the month.
Taalman Koch is perhaps most famous for their itHouse. You may have also seen their work at Space 1520, home of the Hennessey + Ingalls design bookstore in Hollywood.
If your phone can have a touch screen with out actual buttons, why can’t your house do the same? The Living Wall project, led by Lisa Buechley at the MIT’s Media Lab uses conductive paint in wall paper. This allows for a flexible surface that can be used as a touch sensor and could control almost anything electronic via bluetooth (albeit within a certain distance). In the image above, LED circuitry is incorporated into the material and conductive paint stenciled as a design motif produce light directly from the surface.
