the InAir 3D TV interface by SeeSpace

InAir is a completely new way to experience TV viewing. It is an animated interface that uses the main TV screen, and the space between the screen and the viewer, to display web content. Internet content is blended seamlessly with TV content to add context, without having to juggle a second screen. Specifically, InAir comes in the form of a smart HDMI adaptor, which can be plugged into any existing TV and set-top-Box for the consumer to start enjoying the InAir experience.

The concept involves augmented technology that analyzes the content that the user is watching on TV, which then superimposes related content from the Internet over the existing picture. For those viewers with a 3D TV, the layers also appear to float in space in between them and their TV screens revealing a more interactive and intuitive TV experience. Therefore if someone is watching sports for examples, users could look up further information on where the event is taking place, information on the tracks or grounds and stats on the players all vastly enhancing their viewing experience. [1]

Recently launched at CES 2014, SeeSpace, the company that aims to revolutionize the way we engage with our televisions created InAir. According to the company’s description, SeeSpace is a technology company focused on reinventing the way we watch TV. Viewers want to watch TV in context and the audience wants more control. The InAir viewer interface puts the power back into the hands of the viewer.

An interesting point is that the company specifically states that a 3D capable TV is strictly optional, since InAir works with any existing TV, including the anticipated new 4k ultrHD. Content can be displayed entirely in a 2D format. Use of the 3D format is entirely optional. Check out the project’s Kickstarter campaign page here. However, when activated in 3D mode, the layers of Internet content appear to be positioned in front of the screen and can be dynamically manipulated by the viewer. These foreground layers of information appear to be holograms, and floating "in air" (and this is where the name came from).

Guessing that one of the key selling points will be exactly that “minority report” feature. As opposed to having to use a mouse or keyboard to navigate content, users have two options; they can either work the adapter through their Android or iOS mobile device using its screen as a track pad or take it to the next level by using gesture control via a Kinect or Leap device. [1] Apart from making this device highly futuristic, it may be a way of reviving the interest in 3D TV sets, which seems to has lost its momentum.

[1] Ref. http://www.psfk.com/2014/01/augmented-tv-interface-ces.html#!r32AO

Circuit Scribe : draw circuits instantly

To describe it in a concise manner, Circuit Scribe is a rollerball pen that writes with conductive silver ink. It makes creating circuits as easy as doodling. Now can you imagine what you could do with that ? You can build a circuit with nothing but a coin battery, paper clip, and LED, or build out complex circuits with multiple components. In essence it allows you to draw your circuits, cut them out, and stuff them into your inventions - instant robot guts. Conventionally used breadboards add a level of abstraction and annoyance to circuit building.  With Circuit Scribe you can draw exactly what you want, no wires or breadboard required. Check out the Kickstarter page here.

the DIWire wire-bending desktop machine

The 3D printing revolution is in full swing and is providing inspiration for a number of similar ways of creating new objects. If you have already seen how successful the 3Doodler pen — which enables users to draw physical pieces into existence — has been, now the DIWire hopes to follow suit by bringing wirebending capabilities to designers’ desktops for easy wireframe prototyping. [1] The DIWire is the first desktop wire bender, a new archetype for rapid prototyping, that transforms drawn curves into bent wire that can be assembled to make just about anything. Check out their Kickstarter campaign here.

Created by Pensa Labs, the device is around the same size as a typical office printer and can be connected to any computer. Users first digitally sketch out the shape they want their wire to be and then send the design to the DIWire. After loading the wire — which can be made of any bendable metal, even steel — the machine feeds it through and bends it according to the digital file. Users can make simple 2D designs or connect multiple wires together through soldering or clips to build up a 3D object. [1] The video below shows the machine in action:

[Ref.] http://www.springwise.com/machine-bends-wire/

MOSS : the dynamic robot construction kit

MOSS is a brand new robot construction system from Modular Robotics. It was designed, prototyped and engineered over the last two and a half years. Building with MOSS is incredibly fun and easy thanks to an intuitive, magnetic construction system. With MOSS there is no need for coding or wiring your construction. The power and data are sent through an elegant single button contact, while the ground passes through the steel spheres. MOSS uses over-molded neodymium, "rare earth," magnets and carbon steel ball bearings to build a wide variety of constructions. The tactile click of building with MOSS is enough to keep you entertained for hours. Check out their Kickstarter page.

To give you an example, Yellow faces conduct power. If you look at the BATTERY module, you'll see that it has only yellow faces; this module's main purpose is to supply power to other modules. To power up a MOSS module like a SPIN, for instance, you'll need to connect one of its yellow faces directly or indirectly to one of the yellow faces on a BATTERY module. Blue and green faces conduct data: blue is data output and green is input. If you want a DISTANCE sensor to control the speed of a SPIN, for instance, you'll need to connect the DISTANCE's blue data out to the SPIN's green data input. Get it? There's only one more face, the pink passthrough face, which can pass any signal, either power or data. If your BATTERY is a few modules away from something you need to power, use the pink faces on a FLEXIBLE module (or a few single cubes in series) to transfer the power.

FlyKly smart wheel for bicycles

The FlyKly Smart Wheel, allows riders to easily convert their existing bike into an electric ride simply by changing the wheel. Launched on Kickstarter, the FlyKly system comes with a light that is charged by energy from the front wheel of the bike, and excess energy is used to charge your Smartphone. Smart Wheel’s genius design packs a lot of power and keeps its weight as light as possible. It goes up to 20 mph (25 km/h) for a 30 miles (50 km) range and it weights only 9 lbs (4 kg). Smart Wheel is a pedal assist which means it helps you ride your bike effortlessly. The motor turns on when you start pedaling and begins accelerating to your desired speed. It stops when you stop. It saves you time by getting you to your destination faster and gets you there without losing your breath or breaking a sweat. Check out the Kickstarter campaign here.

Smart Wheel is designed to fit practically any bicycle frame. It comes in different sizes and colors. It is also designed with simplicity of installation in mind, so there are no cables etc. to install. The FlyKly operates via Bluetooth on an iOS, Android and Pebble Watch compatible app, which allows riders to set a maximum speed, track rides, lock the wheel from spinning and in the unfortunate event of a theft, track its location. The FlyKly's user interface is seamless: Simply set a maximum electric speed and start pedaling. The electric motor kicks in then, and will accelerate the the desired speed pedal faster and the max speed can be exceeded. If a rider starts coasting, the electric assistance shuts off automatically.

Rubbee Electric Drive for bicycles

Today’s electric bikes represent a great alternative to traditional pedal-powered bikes, especially when you’re traversing a hill or on a hot summer day. The biggest drawback is the larger investment over a standard bike, not to mention the dilemma of what to do you do with your old pedal-powered bike once you’ve purchased an e-bike. Rubbee has created a unique and easy way to convert just about any traditional bike into an electric bike with a small motor that can be added above the rear wheel.

Rubbee’s new electric drive mounts onto almost any bike in just a few seconds. With an integrated clamp mechanism, it can be mounted on a bike’s rear wheel in just a few seconds and the innovative drive motor with an integrated battery pack keeps you going without having to pedal for up to 18 miles. The Rubbee electric drive uses a motor that can produce a maximum of 800 watts of power and a 280 volt battery pack. The system has the ability to reach speeds up to 16 mph; it weighs only 13 pounds and can be fully recharged in two hours.

The London-based designers are currently trying to raise production funds with a Kickstarter campaign. If you pledge at least £799 ($1,226 US) or more you can get your hands on the first batch of electric drive units that will be available in November.

[Ref.] http://inhabitat.com/rubbee-electric-drive-gives-a-boost-to-any-pedal-powered-bike/

Handibot : a unique power tool

The Handibot is a new kind of portable, digitally-controlled power tool for cutting, drilling, carving, and many other machining operations – a first Universal Digital Power Tool (UDPT) – or just, a Smart Tool. If you're familiar with industrial CNC (computer numerically controlled) equipment, think of the Handibot tool as a portable version of CNC. But instead of taking material to a stationary machine, you bring the Handibot to your material ; that being your jobsite, your remodeling task, your project, your work, etc. That essentially means that you can put your Handibot tool to work on a table, the floor, the ceiling, the wall, wherever you need to precisely cut, drill, or carve. Armed with a software application developed just for the kind of job you need to do, a Handibot tool is ready to go to work on your job, task, or project with a squeeze of the “Start” button. [1]

Arcs, curves, complex shapes, and 3D forms are no challenge for digital cutters. The tools will cut a curve or complex form as easily as a straight line. They can cut virtually anything with precision and repeatability. There is an almost unimaginable range of jobs and tasks for which the Handibot will be helpful.

Handibot is the creation of ShopBot Tools, a North Carolina innovative company which designs, manufactures and distributes professional CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) routers for milling, drilling, and cutting of wood, metals, plastic and other materials ; powerfully, precisely, and affordably. ShopBot founder Ted Hall created the company to make the power and precision of CNC technology affordable by individual 'makers' and small to midsize manufacturers.

[1] Ref. Handibot Kickstarter page http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1320575205/handibottm-a-smart-digital-power-tool

Embrace+ the wrist notifier

The EMBRACE+ is a smart piece of wearable technology that alerts you to changes in your environment. Through a combination of visual and tactile cues, the EMBRACE+ gives you the information you want to know - while your Smartphone stays in your pocket or purse. It brings a smart and subtle change to our daily lifestyle as it keeps us connected to our phone no matter what we are doing, when we are doing it, and where we are at. Through a simple set-up of some basic parameters on the Smartphone you already have, the EMBRACE+ will show you what you want, and when you want to know it. What it shows, how it displays your information, and how frequently you see the information is completely up to you.

It is primarily made from silicone that allows for a subtle diffusion of light as that is emitted from the bracelet's light source. It pairs with your phone via Bluetooth, and has the ability to operate for 10 or so days, on a full charge. Available in two sizes (one for men, the other for women), it is planned to be open source, to allow for extensive integration to existing or future applications. The funding campaign on Kickstarter was ended on the 9th of June, but check on their page for latest news and availability.

Paul Cocksedge launches The Vamp on Kickstarter

Thanks to modern technology, we’re now able to carry our entire music libraries in a range of portable devices, from laptops to mobiles and tablets. For sheer sound quality, however, the devices have not matched the superior audio quality of the conventional speaker. And portable Bluetooth speakers, which give consumers the freedom to link devices wirelessly and play music at any location, are expensive.

London-based designer Paul Cocksedge has created The Vamp which launched on Kickstarter. The Vamp is a gadget which allows traditional hi fi speakers to communicate with today's world of portable digital devices, allowing them to be used in the house, the garden or the park – in fact, anywhere. Old speakers can now be transformed into a portable Bluetooth speaker –for as little as £35. New technology can quickly make our gadgets and appliances obsolete, The Vamp makes a real contribution to allowing us to retain the craftsmanship and quality of well-made speakers and use them to embrace the newest wireless technology.

The Vamp is a cute cube shaped object with an inner magnet that allows it to stick to the side of the speaker. The internal battery can power any size speaker and means all the wires and clutter we are used to seeing are gone. It can receive sound via Bluetooth from any Bluetooth device within 10m. Paul Cocksedge says: “For me, reusing perfectly good technology makes sense. Hearing the rich sound coming out of these older speakers in a new way is a delight. They are a part of our music history.”

Paul Cocksedge Studio is the internationally acclaimed design practice of directors Paul Cocksedge and Joana Pinho. With over 10 years experience and a strong team of collaborators, the practice has developed a unique reputation for thoroughly original and innovative design, underpinned by research into the limits of technology, materials and manufacturing processes.

[Ref.] Kickstarter campaign : http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1238747394/the-vamp-bring-back-the-sound

Print & assemble your own home

Enter WikiHouse, a community for open-source home designs. There you can mix and match architectural plans using Google SketchUp; once you've settled on your dream home, just print to your waiting CNC router and start building.

It began in 2011, as an experiment for the Gwangju Design Biennale in Korea. Designers Alastair Parvin and Nick Ierodiaconou started exploring practical applications of their philosophical commitment to a more democratized design movement. With this in mind, they created a blueprint that would allow everyday people to build their own homes using open sourced designs and locally sourced materials. They posted their designs and assembly directions online and encouraged anyone to try it out, iterate on it, and upload their own ideas. [1]

So far, 8 prototypes have been constructed, and the project was awarded the 2012 TED Cities 2.0 prize. As Ierodiaconou adds, “The factory of the future must be everywhere.”

The WikiHouse construction system is based on the use of plywood fins that connect together to form a robust timber frame structure. Once the fins are printed or cut out, the structure fits together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Without the need for any power tools, builders simply lay out the parts for each section before bolting together the layers to create individual sections. The sections are then positioned vertically before primary connectors are inserted between the sections to stabilize the structure. This is all achieved using wooden pegs and a mallet provided. Once all the secondary connectors are in place, the external cladding panels are screwed into position. The structure is then ready for insulation, cladding, sealing and wiring. [2]

[1] Ref. http://www.thecity2.org/stories/a-house-and-home-for-the-99

[2] Ref. http://www.gizmag.com/wikihouse-print-your-own-home-project/22548/

When You Wish

When You Wish is an innovative crowdfunding website that makes it possible for people to raise funds for an idea, charity, or organization from many people instead of going to a single investor or donator. When You Wish has a versatile way of contributing to a fundraiser. Essentially there are two ways to contribute, Pledging and Donating. Pledging means your money will be refunded if the fundraiser does not meet the goal it set for itself. A donation is an unconditional gift with no strings attached. However, When You Wish gives sponsors the unique opportunity to contribute to a fundraiser by selling their goods or services.

Since Kickstarter, a number of startups look to offer the same service for different kinds of ventures, from funding future sports stars to the healthcare costs of the needy. Instead the

When You Wish platform is open to any kind of personal or commercial project – within the law – and suggests categories such as funding wedding costs, raising children, study or the setting up of a small business.

When You Wish does not have an application process to fund raise. Any one can create a fundraiser. However, to make the most out of this platform, campaign managers must carefully plan their fundraiser by providing a video, pictures and a detail-oriented description alongside utilizing the reward system and efficiently promoting their fundraiser to increase the chances of getting fully funded. Once they have entered the details of their funding goals and any rewards donors will receive for pledging their money, users pay five percent of their final takings if their target is reached; they pay nothing if their project fails. Campaigns can be easily embedded onto other sites and social networks via widgets to help organizers promote their projects

Some further insight :

• When You Wish is not and All-or-Nothing platform. A fundraiser is allowed to withdraw whatever amount the campaign has raised.
• As per their calculations, all-in, you'll end up paying about 8% to fundraise.
• When You Wish gives sponsors the unique opportunity to contribute to a fundraiser by selling their goods or services. How does it work? A Seller can list items on a fundraiser’s page and the proceeds of the sales benefit the fundraiser. It’s an opportunity for you to contribute to a fundraiser by doing something meaningful with your talent, skill, or valuable items.

Draw a stickman !

Draw a Stickman began with a very simple idea. What if you could draw a stickman and he would come to life? In 2011 the website drawastickman.com was launched, featuring an interactive adventure where you were able to do just that. Your stickman would then become a hero in a short story where you faced an assortment of imaginary obstacles and overcame them by drawing a variety of things to help you.

A brilliant idea, with exceptional realisation, that earned the people recognition and a Webby Award, for Best Use Of Animation Or Motion Graphics. On the website, two episodes are offered. Due to popular demand, "Draw a Stickman Epic" is taking that concept to a whole new level by creating a full length game. Kickstarter funding was then requested. For more info on the ongoing project, since the creators have more to offer, can be found on Kickstarter here.

As far as the released game is concerned :

"Get ready for a creative gaming experience unlike anything you've ever played before! Draw a stickman and then guide him through a fantastic world using an assortment of pencils, draw elements, tools, and weapons to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Draw a Stickman Epic combines adventure, puzzle, action, and creative thinking, like no game you've ever played before!. Draw a Stickman Epic immerses you in a fantastic world where you have complete creative freedom! "

Available for iOS and Windows 8 devices.