20 Minutes Into The Future

Lightbulb above head moment

December 3, 2012 – posted by David de la Peña

What do you get when you put a camera, projector and computer inside a lightbulb? An ingenius bit of interactive augmented reality on any surface…

The Imaginable Future of Augmented Reality

September 25, 2012 – posted by David de la Peña

A film presenting a terrifying and intriguing look into the future of AR.

Last weekend I had the pleasure to be part of the first GameHack event in London. GameHack is a “hackathon” where groups of people try to make a game in 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday. It not only involved programmers but also designers, graphic artists, illustrators and musicians. The event took place at Pinewood Studios.

Asteroid Mining – how imaginable becomes inevitable

April 26, 2012 – posted by Maciej Baron

This has nothing to do with advertising but shows how quickly concepts known from science-fiction stories are becoming a reality.

A couple of days ago a group of billionaires, scientists and engineers announced a very ambitious projects which could become the most important enterprise in human history: they are planing to send machines into space that will mine asteroids in order to extract valuable metals and chemicals.

Goodbye bar codes?

April 20, 2012 – posted by David de la Peña

Are we here already? Can a computer really recognise real objects?
I remember first using a self checkout terminal a few years ago. I secretly was very excited about it.
Of course.. the novelty has worn off now and it’s just another way of paying for your goods.
Fujitsi were looking into ways of improving the POS experience a year or so ago with this rather advanced self checkout 360 degree scanner.

Control your dreams? There’s an app for that.

February 6, 2012 – posted by Maciej Baron

Ad agency Hakuhodody created a new iPhone app that “controls” your dreams. The idea is simple: whilst you’re sleeping, the app will play sounds to provoke your brain to dream about certain things.

10 techy things that won’t be around in 100 years…

January 27, 2012 – posted by David de la Peña

John Elfreth Watkins made some astonishing predictions 100 odd years ago.
And whilst some of them were a little off the mark (strawberries as big as apples!), he totally hit the mark with Photographs will be telegraphed from any distance, wireless telephones around the world, and vegetables will be grown with electricity.
We thought it was only appropriate do put our own twist on this.

Love is in the air…

January 26, 2012 – posted by David de la Peña

KLM are introducing a way of using social networks (namely facebook) to seat people with similar interests together. There is speculation that is could end up being a subtle matchmaking service!

Samsung’s Smart Window

January 20, 2012 – posted by Maciej Baron

It’s funny when you see a new technology being introduced while, probably due to watching a lot of science-fiction films, you have this uncanny feeling that you’ve seen it before and it should have been invented ages ago. This is what I felt after seeing Samsung’s interactive transparent window display.

Toyota’s vision of the future

December 5, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

This might disappoint fans of The Jetsons, but Toyota doesn’t seem to think we will be using flying cars in the future. Instead, it is focusing on “classic” cars and how can they interact with the environment. In this short video, Toyota presents different concepts and technologies that might be used in the coming decades. One of the most interesting concepts is wireless charging and using the car as a display to show advertisements (I assume you get something in return, like a free coffee?). The video might be a tad clichéd, filled with happy people wearing white, interacting with bright and colourful objects, however it’s still worth a look.

Google Indoor Maps

November 30, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Have you ever got lost in a shopping center? So many floors, so many places… Where’s the toilet? Well, have no fear – Google has improved their Google Maps technology by introducing indoor maps of buildings like shopping centers, airports and stations. At the moment they’ve partnered up with retailers in USA and Japan, but soon this technology will be usable in other countries too.

Little Printer – product concept

November 29, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Little Printer is, as the name suggests, a little printer. It looks like one of those receipt printers you can see in Tesco, but it’s a lot more than that. It is wirelessly connected to the internet and can print you your own, personal “mini-newspaper” with news stories and (theoretically) interesting ads.

Kijja – The future of gaming?

October 28, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

The concept of the second screen has grown to become a reality through 2011. This is the same, but different. Taking the idea Pirata had to the next level, but controlling a first person shoot em up using your iPhone!
WOW.

The future (according to Microsoft™)

October 27, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Large, interactive, holographic screens; ubiquitous AR and motion detection; transparent displays. This is the future envisiged by Microsoft presented in this brilliant video.

Bodymetrics – 3D body scanner

October 25, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Buying clothes that fit perfectly just got a lot easier (especially for women). Bodymetrics, a London-based company, launched the world’s first fill 3D body scanner. It is suppose to revolutionise the way people buy clothes and can be seen in New Look in the new Westfield shopping complex in Stratford.

HoloDesk – Holy dooley!

October 24, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

The clever folk at Microsoft Research Labs came up with a 3D interactive holographic desk, which you can interact with using your hands. You can pick up and move 3D objects which are visible via a see-through display. Have a look at the video to see it in action!

“Image fulgarator” adds images to other people’s photos

October 19, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

So, you’re wandering around London, taking pictures of different monuments like the Big Ben. You go back home, transfer your pictures to your PC and suddenly realise, that the Big Ben has a strange image displayed on its surface? Is it a ghost? Definitely not, don’t be stupid, but it might have been… the Image Fulgulator!

OmniTouch – multitouch screens, everywhere

October 18, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Carnegie Mellon University in conjunction with Microsoft Research created a novel wearable device that enables interactive, multitouch input on everyday surfaces. This means that any wall, table, objects like notepads or even your hands can turn into interactive “screens”.

Interactive clothes hangers

October 17, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

A clothes shop in Shibuya, Japan called 109 Men’s has introduced interactive clothes hangers which are used as triggers to provide customers with fashion tips and suggestions. Content is played on a screen above the hangers after the they get picked up by an unsuspecting shopper.

(Are You Ready) Do the Bus Stop

October 7, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Strange.. it was only the other week I was commending the timely nature of the electronic bus countdown boards in London- chatting to my flatmate as the bus arrived.. ON TIME AGAIN! according to the countdown timer. This is a revelation by the way, to any of you non UK residents. In the UK, everything [...]

Hot Air

October 7, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

The home of the future is finally here! UK energy company British Gas, is rolling out Smart Home, a system to allow you control appliances remotely though your mobile phone. The star of the show is the remote controlled thermostat, enabling you to turn on your central heating remotely using an app or even text message. It [...]

Plink, a multiplayer music experience

October 5, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Another great Chrome Experiment (requires Chrome 14+). Plink is a “multiplayer music experience” where you click and create music on the screen with other users. What’s great about it is that you form a “band” with complete strangers and spontaneously create music.

Local web app on Tokyo trains

October 4, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Yet another alternative to developing an app that customers need to download. Tokyo Rail has developed a special information service for their Tokyo Yamanote line which can be accessed on smartphones via an on-board Wi-Fi network.

iPads and Toys

September 28, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Well we like this.

Of course, just because it’s called a touch screen doesn’t mean we have to touch it with our fingers.

No doubt we will see more things like this. The smartphone and tablet is a great distraction device for children.

Clever anti-racist t-Shirt

August 15, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Neo-Nazis in Germany were given free T-shirts at a recent right-wing extremist rock concert. The black shirt had a skulls and bones logo and a slogan which said “Hardcore Rebels: National and Free”. However after one wash the t-shirt revealed a secret message.

Nike+ City Runs

August 8, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

YesYesNo has created an impressive visualisations of runs performed by Nike+ shoe owners. The end products is a “light painting” formed by all the routes that the runners have followed.

String DNA

August 3, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

String DNA is an interesting generative art application that creates visualisations based on text inputted by the user. It can use any collections of characters, numbers and symbols and will create a unique art piece for every combination.

ToyToyota Backseat Driver

July 19, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Toyota has released an app that provides kids with entertainment while they sit in the back of the car. It works like most GPS navigation apps but it’s played like a game where you can score points and collect prizes.

Smartphone Brainwave Reader App

July 19, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

KDDI R&D laboratories has created the first mobile game which incorporates neural science. Players wear a headband-like headset which is then connected to their phone. The technology was shown at the International Modern Hospital Show.

NFC posters appearing in London

July 15, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

I have recently started spotting NFC posters in London. You are suppose to “touch” the poster with your phone and it will redirect you to a website. The only problem is that I don’t know anyone if an NFC-enabled phone.

Google+

July 8, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

So, Google has properly entered the social networking business, heh? Their latest baby, Google+, has been surrounded by a lot of hype lately, even though it is not open to the public yet (although people have found ways of inviting their friends to join it). Many say that creating another Facebook is a fruitless endeavour, however this isn’t the case if you’re Google.

But is this really just another Facebook, or is it much more then that?

Comic with hidden “thoughts”

July 8, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

SVK is a comic book, illustrated by Matt Brooker, which contains hidden messages which are only visible under UV light. The idea is that you can read thoughts of the characters in the comic book, revealing more information about the plot.

Tesco Virtual Subway Store

July 7, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Buy your groceries in a virtual subway store! Well, I would find it weird to if I were to buy fruit & veg on my way home on a London Underground station, but this is a pretty cool idea.

Energy Flash

July 5, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Rave, techno, acid house, drum and bass, the inevitable, imaginable and the inconceivable in Creative Technology..

3D AR Video with Kinect

July 5, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Guys at Laan Labs have created an 3D video demo using Kinect and AR. It simply displays the 3D data read by the Kinect sensor onto a flat surface where the tag is placed. We have posted a similar concept earlier. A simple mashup, but still cool to watch.

Digital Education

May 12, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

This is a nice idea. A site to help educate clients about digital and dispel any digital myths. Is it going to seem a bit rude and smarmy sending this on to clients?

Finally – Facebook Page Tagging

May 12, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Finally Facebook allows you to tag “fan pages” in your photos (that is, pages within the categories of brands, products or people). This feature will be rolled out during the next couple of days.

Converse Canvas Experiment

May 12, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

480 pairs of Chuck Taylor All Star used to create a “screen” to play Space Invaders. Obviously it’s just a gimmick as it’s actually difficult to make out what’s on the screen (mind you, it’s made out of shoes) but still, quite cool to watch!

“Crumpable” Paper E-Ink

May 5, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

You may have heard about E-Ink Screens, the technology used in e-book readers like Kindle for low-power displays that look like print. Here’s the same technology used on a piece of paper! A screen that you can crumple!

Desperados

April 8, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

A really cool interactive YouTube channel “take-over” for Desperados. Reminds me a bit of the Expendables idea.

..Nearly Really Holograms..

April 1, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Star Wars holograms have always been at the forefront of boys minds, and they will be until they are truly invented… what, in about 3 years?The stuff of science fiction is nearly here. Check out this video.

Nearly holograms in Manchester Airport

March 31, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

It’s quite a surprisingly modern way of broadcasting information to the public… don’t you think?

Check In – Get Dog Food

March 29, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

It’s true! Check into this bog ad, and it dispenses dog food. I guess it’s a great way to let your dog show you how great it tastes!

The Footprint Poster

March 29, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Lovely campaign, using a special poster that develops through the day.. picking up peoples shoe dirt to reveal the message..

RedBull Creation campaign targets geeks

March 24, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Red Bull has targeted geeks by sending open-source hardware to so-called “hackerspaces” to promote the Red Bull Creation event.

Interactive Facebook Like Video

March 21, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Not my sort of film (of course). However, this innovative use of Facebook Likes in a Video is interesting. http://chaletgirl.findanyfilm.com/

Hyundai i40 Reveal

March 21, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Interesting idea which bridges the gap between the digital and real world. Anyone can go to Hyundai i40‘s website and control (live!) light that reveal the car.

Syndyn – audio/visual game experience

March 11, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Syndyn is an Artistic Sports Game that ‘merges aesthetics, physical activity and entertainment’. Check out the video! Everything’s Tron-like!

Take a Picture – invisible images

March 7, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

You can’t see anything on this blank canvas, but when you take a picture with your smartphone, you can see a smiley face! What’s going on?

Repetto Interactive Display

March 2, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

A very cool interactive display created by Marcel for a French boutique called Repetto.

Real Life Tweetometers in The British Library

March 2, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Why not pop across to the British library to check these out one lunchtime…?

What is NFC?

March 2, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Can you imagine not having to pick up a card or key for your hotel room, but simply get your mobile charged up with the right stuff?

Glowing Cereal Boxes – Smart Packaging

March 2, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

No, this isn’t another augmented reality demo – these boxes really glow and have flashing lights!

NewSpeak

February 18, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Interesting Flash, Twitter and Flickr mashup. NewSpeak is a project created by Immo Blaese. As new words are picked up every minute, NewSpeak will display the opposite meaning (antonym) based on an Orwellian scenario of doublespeak.

Living Room

February 18, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Yet another projection mapping project – but this one’s really cool! The whole room changes in a split of a second. Preview different designs, patterns, textures.

Street(Art) View

February 17, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

A very simple yet effective idea – people around the world tag street art using Google Maps and Street View in order to create “the world’s largest art collection”.

Beercamp Zooming Website

February 17, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Another website showcasing what you can do using modern web technologies. Instead of scrolling down, you zoom in!

Selective Memory Theatre

February 16, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

An intriguing visual digital installation which receives the newest images from flickr that get distorted, mixed and blended to pursue notion of sensory noise and portray memory and perception.

Electronic Paper Tablet

February 11, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Noteslate – a very cool idea for a tablet that acts like a digital sketchbook – just write and draw on it and save every page on its hard drive!

Kinect-based music video

February 11, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Music video for Catalina, a track off the Chocolat EP by Moullinex, created using Kinect and Processing. Really cool visuals!

Honda Jazz TV ad using screen hopping

February 2, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

The mobile app uses something called screen hopping.. which listens to the soundtrack of the advert, so your mobile knows what part of the advert is playing. Then you can interact with the advert in real time.

Interactive Touch Vending Machines

February 2, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

These Japanese Vending Machines are just the latest ingenious incarnation of the classic Japanese vending machine. Also, if there’s an earthquake it apparently serves up a free drink (apparently). There’s a good reason to give it a good shake!

RFID in shoes

January 25, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Interesting concept, which uses RFID tags embedded in shoes to interact with social networking platforms.

Mouth Controlled Music

January 24, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Interesting concept from Japan. Control music through a device that fits in your mouth.

Microchips on Contact Lenses

January 24, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

These clever cloggs scientists have found a way of getting a chip onto a contact lense…

Voice Controlled Video Projection

January 24, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Yes yes we know.. ANOTHER video projection thingy.
BUT.. this one is voice controlled and a great example of 3d animation.

Robots Will Inherit the Earth

January 17, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

I’m serious.

A terrifying insight into what we can now automate.
The video speaks for itself.

WC Interactive Window

January 13, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Really cool interactive window installation for the clothing company Worldwide Conspiracy

Facebook Places Case Studies

January 10, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

It’s only been out for a few months, so in case you were wondering what people have been doing with it, here’s a nice overview of Facebook places used in campaigns

GPS Stamp

January 10, 2011 – posted by David de la Peña

Only a concept. However, this stamp, with disposable GPS and battery offers a glimpse of what could be possible in the future. Slap a GPS device on the local tabby who keeps eating all your flowers to find the owner!

Intel – The Chase

January 7, 2011 – posted by Maciej Baron

Really cool ad which incorporates many different pieces of software in order to create an animation showing the power of multitasking on Intel’s multicore processors.