I couldn’t help but think of the movie Blade Runner when I saw this next product. If you haven’t seen it, you should probably check out the latest version now available on DVD and those other formats.

The reason why I bring it up is because the 1982 film justly predicted that our urban sprawl would be decorated with as much electronics as possible. There is a scene in which a “Don’t Walk” sign has become a blaring voice commanding the citizens to “Cross now”. If you watch that scene, you feel this terrible feeling that machines are in charge of the future as they command them to cross the street like a harsh parent.

You can see how this applies to the School Zone. Though just a concept now, it is designed to make it safe for our children as elevated slabs that match the height of the curb come interlaced with LEDs, so arrows will point the way when it is safe to cross.

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If you’ve ever had to crawl behind your entertainment center to switch out a DVD player or game console, you’ll know how much of a pain it is to unplug your device. It seems like it would be a simple process, however, when you can only fit one hand back there it becomes much more difficult than if you had the use of both hands. This is because when you pull on the cord, your powerstrip has a tendency to lift up too. This is exactly why someone came up with this Raise Me Up powerstrip concept.

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I think we all knew that a device like this was inevitable. After all, everyone dreams of being Superman, and it isn’t just because of the super-strength and flying, but the X-ray vision.

Some company out of Torrance California called Physical Optics Corporation is presently working on a camera that can see through walls. This device, called LEXID (Lobster-Eye X-ray Inspection Device) can see through wood, concrete, and steel by beaming X-rays, and then focusing on reflection of objects.

I’m sure you are wondering why our edible crustacean friend the lobster is included in the acronym on this device. Well, apparently Lobsters have this innate ability to see through murky waters that we are seeking to emulate.

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The Take-A-Seat chair, brainchild of Jelte van Geest of Eindhoven Design Academy, plays upon the concept of interactive mobile seating, making sure that your rear end will be in its proper resting spot at all times as you peruse through tome after tome. The chair itself houses an RFID card, where it will activate to closely follow you through the library, ensuring there is a place for you to sit at all times. Once your physical presence leaves the range of its service, it will head back to its original spot in a haunting session. I don’t think this would be suitable for use in a library though.

Source: American Inventor Spot

I found a most disturbing and gross conceptual product today through Gizmodo. Disposable Soles. Like for your feet…so you can walk around “barefoot” without having to have your feet touch anything but some gross film you stick to your feet. From the site:

Some people like it barefoot, some like house slippers. For those that fall in the latter check out these Disposable Soles by Jun-Soo Choi. They come in a stand premade sticky. Just step on it and you’re off. Supposedly it’s a good way of maintaining hygiene and protects your feet.

Supposedly? Or it could supposedly be the worst waste of resources to date. I could totally see coming home from work to see all three of my cats tangled up in a mess of Disposable Soles, cat hair and cat food mewling pathetically at the indignity and embarrassment of the whole situation. Read the rest of this entry »

The Micro TV concept by Tokyo Fiber was developed after the 1960’s version of Sony’s mini TVs, but you can be sure that this concept comes packed with 21st century technology. It is covered in fabric and fits into the palm of your hand easily. Images shown are clear while sound emitted will be soothing to your ears. The Micro TV concept has been dubbed “senseware” - small, soft and rounded. Don’t wait up for a commercialized version in the near future though.

Concept Page

I’m looking forward to the digital paper decade, where all our information will be moving and active on digital paper as both a hard copy and soft copy all at the same time.

The Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan has made a great stride in this effort with their debut of the 10.4 inch Cholesteric LCD (Ch-LC) flexible display and flexible LED backlighting unit.

The unit has two plastic substrates with a thickness of less than 10mm, and its structure is less than 10 millimeters. This takes the thickness of a traditional color Ch-LCD and cuts it in half.

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There are a few things that I take with me almost everywhere I go. These items include my Nintendo DS, cell phone, wallet, keys and business cards. Sure, my wallet, keys and business cards aren’t exactly glamorous or tech-friendly, but they’re necessities. However, if I could at least spice up my cards with a little bit of technology, I’d do it in a heartbeat with these M++Cards.

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