Skinput

Interesting experiment and proof of concept for human-computer interface via the acoustic signals coming from simply tapping ones arm.

Something that bugs me...

I guess this is a rant combined with a lesson.

The Rant: Social Networking websites are really excellent tools for exposing talent. Both showing off and being seen, they're really quite ground breaking. Having been involved in a couple of these communities I've got a couple hang ups. I feel like I'm not taking advantage of one of the key features - whore your creations out to different groups. I'm not sure if its something to criticize in other users: submitting a photo or video to 50+ groups to get 40 views. Perhaps it's the opposite: I'm not talented enough to get alot of views. Also, I don't know many intellectuals to converse about my passions. In any case I choose to not whore out my photos like crazy.

The Lesson: I don't spread my photos to more than two, maybe three groups because it reminds me why I do what I do. I take photos because it's something that makes me happy. I enjoy the technical challenge more than the challenge of capturing an emotion.

I value creative dialogue, but I find that's very difficult to find on flickr. I don't know if it's a communal pretentious attitude or my expectations being projected.

I don't want to appear as though view counts matter to me, but I do yearn for educated, positive reinforcement.

 

Above: John + Overabundance of Thought

Tokyo Glow

This is an epic timelapse that I would hang myself for not reblogging.
tokyoglow-low from Nathan Johnston on Vimeo.

The Future of Gaming

Jesse Schell, a former Disney Imagineer currently teaches at the Carnagie Mellon Entertainment and Technology Center. Basically in this keynote, he's rationalizing the progression of 'games' in the real world using advanced technology.

 

Schell Games at Epcot, in the Innovations Pavillion

He outlines the fact that facebook applications have been an unexpected form of revenue generation and are now worth hundereds of millions a peice. He then uses the example of the new Ford dash to exemplify the fact that these games with arbitrary point systems are popping up more and more.

He eventually suggests that these point systems will take over more and more as the SPIMEworld is developed through electronics miniaturization.  Eventually you're entire day will be a game of MafiaWars or Farmville in which the priority goal is to earn as many points as possible. The duality of this concept comes from the fact that doing things better (ie brushing teeth - via touch senstive toothbrush; or reading a certain number of novels - via Kindle with eye-tracking support) will support the companies investing in the technology, but also it will encourage users to live a better life because there will be a more thorough and transparent competition going on between all people.

Very interesting. Very scary.

Kopin Golden i

Chris Pirillo brings us a new video highlighting this exciting new concept from Motorola. It's essentially a hands free wearable computer that gives the user the ability to voice control a complete version of Windows CE 6.0.

The exciting part about this is how it can apply to people working in the field. The device has an integrated digital compass, so as you rotate your orientation realtime and the image from the built in eye-peice adapts.

According to the break in the story from The Inquirer last September the device should be on sale within the year for about $2000.

Missile Defense Shield or "That Thing I've Seen Pictures of all my Life in PopSci"

Hey, this is a pretty cool image.
I hear all these rumors in the blogosphere about Obama and the missile defense shield. Like, it's not feesable, that we can't have it. That the current budget can't afford it.
Well, if you think that wacky program was off the rails for good I've got a picture for you!

This is a infrared imaging photo posted on Engadget, possibly my most frequented techblog.
The blob on the left is a air-based missile being dominated by the blob on the right, a project spanning multiple decades, Boeing's Missile Destroying 747.

Wicked stuff here

Toyota Response

 

This was easier for Toyota than explaining to all the mechanics what to do.

And no, this is a put on by a major corporation, so I'm not worried about protecting these two schmoes privacy.

Now, I know that Toyota has been putting in alot of effort to make sure they resolve the gas peddle issue, but I find a Facebook reachout a little silly. Doug Coleman seriously did not sign up for this.

Red Eyed Robots

I was wondering why is it we commonly associate red eyes with evil. I guess it's from some biblical verse explaining demons in some physical detail. Was it always this way in literature? Where did it start?

I wonder if it was ever attempted on stage?
Anyway, early movies with AI and robots, like Metropolis didn't mainstream the trend.

It seems it wasn't until the heyday of 1980-1990's Hollywood that it was widely adapted and almost seems common.

Anyone can be a Film Maker

Might this be the start of something new where film buffs pay good money to watch something created by the (real life) Gorillaz. I doubt it. One day, we could take advantage of them for financial gain.

Gorillaz single tomorrow, iTablet Wednesday. It should be an exciting week for us consumer whores.


- Posted from my iPhone