Cool Hunting
Entries with keyword "technology"
25 result(s) displayed (76 - 100 of 192)
Advertisement
Switchgrass-Derived Bioplastics
(13 October 2008) - Environmental tech company Metabolix recently announced that they have discovered a way to derive large amounts of bioplastic (plastics made from renewable biomass resources) by growing it in switchgrass, a common prairie grass. Their efforts are part of an increasing movement to manufacture alternatives to petroleum-based plastics by making biodegradable plastics out of renewable resources. The company uses the plant to create its own...
(13 October 2008) - Environmental tech company Metabolix recently announced that they have discovered a way to derive large amounts of bioplastic (plastics made from renewable biomass resources) by growing it in switchgrass, a common prairie grass. Their efforts are part of an increasing movement to manufacture alternatives to petroleum-based plastics by making biodegradable plastics out of renewable resources. The company uses the plant to create its own...
Untethered
(19 September 2008) - We're always fascinated when the surreal and the practical intersect. That would explain our past delight with Blendie, a blender that responds to growling noises and is included in the upcoming group show, Untethered. Opening at Eyebeam next week in Manhattan the exhibit is promises a myriad of creative curiosities. With 15 artists on display, this season's offerings include a a photocopier that reads...
(19 September 2008) - We're always fascinated when the surreal and the practical intersect. That would explain our past delight with Blendie, a blender that responds to growling noises and is included in the upcoming group show, Untethered. Opening at Eyebeam next week in Manhattan the exhibit is promises a myriad of creative curiosities. With 15 artists on display, this season's offerings include a a photocopier that reads...
Helly Hansen Odin PCM Soft Shell: Self-Regulating Temperature Control Jacket
(15 September 2008) - Regulating body heat is always a challenge during cold weather — it's always too hot or too cold, especially when running around town from crowded subway to overheated office. Helly Hansen's Odin PCM soft shell jacket solves the problem with technology that automatically adjusts according to your body heat. Fabric called Phase Change Material uses paraffin to store and release heat when needed most....
(15 September 2008) - Regulating body heat is always a challenge during cold weather — it's always too hot or too cold, especially when running around town from crowded subway to overheated office. Helly Hansen's Odin PCM soft shell jacket solves the problem with technology that automatically adjusts according to your body heat. Fabric called Phase Change Material uses paraffin to store and release heat when needed most....
Ciamillo Lunocet Monofin
(21 August 2008) - You've seen the Speedo LZR-Racer and its effect on Olympic swim times, but the Lunocet Monofin promises to have an even greater effect on swimming speeds. Although it will most likely never be allowed in competition, it represents another product design that is sure to change the swimming experience. Designed by Ted Ciamillo, the 42-inch carbon-fiber monofin acts much like a dolphin tail. In...
(21 August 2008) - You've seen the Speedo LZR-Racer and its effect on Olympic swim times, but the Lunocet Monofin promises to have an even greater effect on swimming speeds. Although it will most likely never be allowed in competition, it represents another product design that is sure to change the swimming experience. Designed by Ted Ciamillo, the 42-inch carbon-fiber monofin acts much like a dolphin tail. In...
MotoRokr E8 and Nas Giveaway
(15 August 2008) - With features like localized haptic touchscreen feedback, a touch-sensitive scroll arc, buttons that automatically adapt to the feature in use and a built-in FM radio with song recognition, we've been geeking out on the ROKR at CH HQ for months. Lucky for you, we're willing to share. As if the deal wasn’t sweet enough, the ROKR comes preloaded with the new Nas album. "Untitled"...
(15 August 2008) - With features like localized haptic touchscreen feedback, a touch-sensitive scroll arc, buttons that automatically adapt to the feature in use and a built-in FM radio with song recognition, we've been geeking out on the ROKR at CH HQ for months. Lucky for you, we're willing to share. As if the deal wasn’t sweet enough, the ROKR comes preloaded with the new Nas album. "Untitled"...
Sound Unbound Book Talk and Benefit
(15 August 2008) - DJ Spooky has had one foot in music and another in academia over the years and the release earlier this year of his new book "Sound Unbound: Sampling Digital Music and Culture" is no exception. The "literary mixtape" is a collection of "reports from the front lines on the role of sound and digital media in an information-based society." Tasking authors, musicians, designers, curators...
(15 August 2008) - DJ Spooky has had one foot in music and another in academia over the years and the release earlier this year of his new book "Sound Unbound: Sampling Digital Music and Culture" is no exception. The "literary mixtape" is a collection of "reports from the front lines on the role of sound and digital media in an information-based society." Tasking authors, musicians, designers, curators...
Super.Fi 5 Noise Isolating Earphone Monitors
(15 August 2008) - Best known as the producer of custom in-ear monitors for professional musicians and sound engineers, Ultimate Ears also makes a line of consumer headphones that employ much of the same technology with a much smaller price tag. The Super.Fi 5 is their latest addition and it continues UE's reputation for dynamic sound and sleek design. The tiny earphones are decidedly low profile with attractive...
(15 August 2008) - Best known as the producer of custom in-ear monitors for professional musicians and sound engineers, Ultimate Ears also makes a line of consumer headphones that employ much of the same technology with a much smaller price tag. The Super.Fi 5 is their latest addition and it continues UE's reputation for dynamic sound and sleek design. The tiny earphones are decidedly low profile with attractive...
Five Wooden Gadgets
(14 August 2008) - As technology continues on its upward trajectory, designers occasionally grow nostalgic for simpler forms. Consumers also want the basic aesthetics of yesterday, without sacrificing the technological advances of today. One way to get the best of both worlds is wood-based electronics. Whether for the eco-minded, who prefer it to non-biodegradable plastic, or for pure classicists who are charmed by its timelessness, the wooden form...
(14 August 2008) - As technology continues on its upward trajectory, designers occasionally grow nostalgic for simpler forms. Consumers also want the basic aesthetics of yesterday, without sacrificing the technological advances of today. One way to get the best of both worlds is wood-based electronics. Whether for the eco-minded, who prefer it to non-biodegradable plastic, or for pure classicists who are charmed by its timelessness, the wooden form...
Dyson Airblade
(12 August 2008) - Dyson's futuristic Airblade hand dryer has been around for about a year. It seems awfully good on paper (faster dry time, more hygienic and increased energy efficiency over conventional driers) but we needed to see it to believe it. So, to test the Airblade's claims, we installed a couple in our office. And after a few months of dry hands and conserved paper towels,...
(12 August 2008) - Dyson's futuristic Airblade hand dryer has been around for about a year. It seems awfully good on paper (faster dry time, more hygienic and increased energy efficiency over conventional driers) but we needed to see it to believe it. So, to test the Airblade's claims, we installed a couple in our office. And after a few months of dry hands and conserved paper towels,...
Branislav Kropilak Contemporary Photography
(28 July 2008) - Branislav Kropilak's portrayals of modern technology and industry are far too alluring to be considered dystopian. And yet, if one were to seek a literary correlate to his photography, one might readily find the work of J.G. Ballard a suitable mirror. Achingly beautiful and hauntingly perfect in their composition, Kropilak's digital depictions of airplane landings, lobbies, parking garages, billboards, and factories question the psychological...
(28 July 2008) - Branislav Kropilak's portrayals of modern technology and industry are far too alluring to be considered dystopian. And yet, if one were to seek a literary correlate to his photography, one might readily find the work of J.G. Ballard a suitable mirror. Achingly beautiful and hauntingly perfect in their composition, Kropilak's digital depictions of airplane landings, lobbies, parking garages, billboards, and factories question the psychological...
BigDog: The Most Advanced Quadruped Robot on Earth
(15 July 2008) - by Passa ChattraTake a cursory look at BigDog and you might think you're watching an agile, newly-discovered species of deer. On closer inspection, you'll realize the animal is in fact a robot that mimics the movement of several animals both real and imaginary. Designed by the engineers at Boston Dynamics and funded by DARPA, BigDog can carry loads up to 340 pounds over rough...
(15 July 2008) - by Passa ChattraTake a cursory look at BigDog and you might think you're watching an agile, newly-discovered species of deer. On closer inspection, you'll realize the animal is in fact a robot that mimics the movement of several animals both real and imaginary. Designed by the engineers at Boston Dynamics and funded by DARPA, BigDog can carry loads up to 340 pounds over rough...
Pulse: An Emotion Visualization Organism
(10 July 2008) - Pulse is a live visualization project by Berlin-based artist Markus Kison. It's based around a shapeshifting, heart-like object that reacts to the emotions expressed by the authors of private weblogs on blogger.com. A program aggregates words in blogs' text and scans for synonyms that correlate with the emotional concepts in Robert Plutchik's three-dimensional circumplex model describing the psychoevolutionary theory of emotion. The more one...
(10 July 2008) - Pulse is a live visualization project by Berlin-based artist Markus Kison. It's based around a shapeshifting, heart-like object that reacts to the emotions expressed by the authors of private weblogs on blogger.com. A program aggregates words in blogs' text and scans for synonyms that correlate with the emotional concepts in Robert Plutchik's three-dimensional circumplex model describing the psychoevolutionary theory of emotion. The more one...
Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Humidfier
(09 July 2008) - After using Sharp's combination air purifier/humidifier, the Plasmacluster, for a couple months now, we're fans (no pun intended). While it's a little on the larger side for a tiny Manhattan apartment, with a true HEPA filter, a state-of-the-art ionization system and some choice extra features, we think it's worth it.Using technology that automatically senses the air quality and adjusts fans, humidification and the degree...
(09 July 2008) - After using Sharp's combination air purifier/humidifier, the Plasmacluster, for a couple months now, we're fans (no pun intended). While it's a little on the larger side for a tiny Manhattan apartment, with a true HEPA filter, a state-of-the-art ionization system and some choice extra features, we think it's worth it.Using technology that automatically senses the air quality and adjusts fans, humidification and the degree...
Sony TG3E HD Video Camera
(08 July 2008) - Sony's new titanium HD cam is the epitome of consumer-friendly. Besides the fact that it's the size of a stuffed wallet (it's the smallest HD camera in the world), it includes a button labeled "easy," making great HD video attainable for anyone. The button allows the shooter to simply point and shoot without any concern for settings. While a great feature for most, utilizing...
(08 July 2008) - Sony's new titanium HD cam is the epitome of consumer-friendly. Besides the fact that it's the size of a stuffed wallet (it's the smallest HD camera in the world), it includes a button labeled "easy," making great HD video attainable for anyone. The button allows the shooter to simply point and shoot without any concern for settings. While a great feature for most, utilizing...
Tâke Personal Pocket Safe
(02 July 2008) - One problem that comes with the internet's high level of data fluidity is how to keep your most private information private. Black Box Innovations attempts to ameliorate the issue with the Tâke Personal Pocket Safe. What appears to be an average flash drive is loaded with unique software to help organize all of your personal records. It includes fields for everything from your credit...
(02 July 2008) - One problem that comes with the internet's high level of data fluidity is how to keep your most private information private. Black Box Innovations attempts to ameliorate the issue with the Tâke Personal Pocket Safe. What appears to be an average flash drive is loaded with unique software to help organize all of your personal records. It includes fields for everything from your credit...
Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
(01 July 2008) - The Livescribe Pulse Smartpen is the kind of invention that marries a brilliant idea with the best available technology of an era, provoking a gee-whizz response rarely experienced in this age of rapid advancement. While smartpens have been around for some time, previous models have been riddled with problems and failed to gain a following. Livescribe nails every feature on the dot. Essentially, the...
(01 July 2008) - The Livescribe Pulse Smartpen is the kind of invention that marries a brilliant idea with the best available technology of an era, provoking a gee-whizz response rarely experienced in this age of rapid advancement. While smartpens have been around for some time, previous models have been riddled with problems and failed to gain a following. Livescribe nails every feature on the dot. Essentially, the...
Camerautomata Charlie: Image Digesting Robotic Duck
(30 June 2008) - by Scott J Lachut If documenting trips to faraway lands is beginning to take time away from actually enjoying them, then a robotic picture-taking duck may be just what you need. In an effort to "to liberate cameras from human operation," South Korean artist Taeyoon Choi created a traveling companion, "Camerautomata Charlie: Image Digesting Robotic Duck," that snaps photographs in response to other camera flashes...
(30 June 2008) - by Scott J Lachut If documenting trips to faraway lands is beginning to take time away from actually enjoying them, then a robotic picture-taking duck may be just what you need. In an effort to "to liberate cameras from human operation," South Korean artist Taeyoon Choi created a traveling companion, "Camerautomata Charlie: Image Digesting Robotic Duck," that snaps photographs in response to other camera flashes...
Cool Hunting Video Presents: Fashionable Technology
(27 June 2008) - A massage-based video game controller, panties with wings and an inflatable dress were just a few of the concepts exhibited recently at the NYC gallery Eyebeam to launch Sabine Seymour's new book "Fashionable Technology." In this video, we interview Sabine about the burgeoning field and her lifelong obsession with fashion. She also helps us peruse the exhibit, chatting with the designers and artists behind...
(27 June 2008) - A massage-based video game controller, panties with wings and an inflatable dress were just a few of the concepts exhibited recently at the NYC gallery Eyebeam to launch Sabine Seymour's new book "Fashionable Technology." In this video, we interview Sabine about the burgeoning field and her lifelong obsession with fashion. She also helps us peruse the exhibit, chatting with the designers and artists behind...
Plant Sense and the GardenGro Sensor
(26 June 2008) - Plant Sense, a start up announced in 2006, is just entering public beta testing of its GardenGro Sensor. Think of it as Nike+ for your plants. After connecting the sensor to your computer and telling it whether you want to monitor an existing plant or analyze soil for a new plant, place the sensor (pictured above) in the soil/next to the plant for 24...
(26 June 2008) - Plant Sense, a start up announced in 2006, is just entering public beta testing of its GardenGro Sensor. Think of it as Nike+ for your plants. After connecting the sensor to your computer and telling it whether you want to monitor an existing plant or analyze soil for a new plant, place the sensor (pictured above) in the soil/next to the plant for 24...
Fashionable Technology Book Launch
(19 May 2008) - Professor, designer, CEO and curator Sabine Seymour's new book "Fashionable Technology" collects 50 examples in the burgeoning field that integrate technology with clothing. From the conceptual to the practical, the survey features gorgeous photographs and detailed descriptions of work by artists, designers and institutions.We don't want to give too much away here as we'll be covering the book in detail and if you're in...
(19 May 2008) - Professor, designer, CEO and curator Sabine Seymour's new book "Fashionable Technology" collects 50 examples in the burgeoning field that integrate technology with clothing. From the conceptual to the practical, the survey features gorgeous photographs and detailed descriptions of work by artists, designers and institutions.We don't want to give too much away here as we'll be covering the book in detail and if you're in...
Schmap for the iPhone and iPod Touch
(15 May 2008) - When we first learned about Schmap digital travel guides a couple years back, we loved the concept but were frustrated by the lack of options for Macs. With their new beta version for iPhones and iPod Touches, they've one-upped themselves by providing their interactive maps in a format designed to take advantage of the device's unique capabilities. Using the gyro feature and either a...
(15 May 2008) - When we first learned about Schmap digital travel guides a couple years back, we loved the concept but were frustrated by the lack of options for Macs. With their new beta version for iPhones and iPod Touches, they've one-upped themselves by providing their interactive maps in a format designed to take advantage of the device's unique capabilities. Using the gyro feature and either a...
Highlights from the Spring 2008 ITP Show
(14 May 2008) - Our pilgrimage to the ITP show yesterday yielded more than a few great finds. From musical interpretations of an individual "color profile" and automated paintbrush robots to oversize models of a scrotum and a digital version of Exquisite Corpse, the projects (as usual) ran the gamut from the sublime to the absurd. Colorful Melody Colorful Melody analyzes a person's color profile based on their skin...
(14 May 2008) - Our pilgrimage to the ITP show yesterday yielded more than a few great finds. From musical interpretations of an individual "color profile" and automated paintbrush robots to oversize models of a scrotum and a digital version of Exquisite Corpse, the projects (as usual) ran the gamut from the sublime to the absurd. Colorful Melody Colorful Melody analyzes a person's color profile based on their skin...
Ikan Wireless Scanner
(14 May 2008) - The world is filled with technology designed to make lives easier, but many are more nuisance than time-saver. The recently-launched Ikan, however, proves to be both effortless in use and hugely efficient in everyday life. The system consists of a small kitchen appliance about the size of a toaster (shown at right). Once registered, the unit scans barcodes on empty products as you finish...
(14 May 2008) - The world is filled with technology designed to make lives easier, but many are more nuisance than time-saver. The recently-launched Ikan, however, proves to be both effortless in use and hugely efficient in everyday life. The system consists of a small kitchen appliance about the size of a toaster (shown at right). Once registered, the unit scans barcodes on empty products as you finish...
ITP Spring Show 2008
(06 May 2008) - Spring in NYC means trees in full bloom, lightened moods and NYU's semi-annual mega-exhibit of art and technology, the ITP show taking place this year 12-13 May 2008. While every season promises an outpouring of creativity, this time around I was particularly intrigued by a project more straightforward than most but with a subject after my own (and Josh's) heart called "Born Dropped Out,...
(06 May 2008) - Spring in NYC means trees in full bloom, lightened moods and NYU's semi-annual mega-exhibit of art and technology, the ITP show taking place this year 12-13 May 2008. While every season promises an outpouring of creativity, this time around I was particularly intrigued by a project more straightforward than most but with a subject after my own (and Josh's) heart called "Born Dropped Out,...
Times: A new RSS application
(02 May 2008) - I use my RSS reader religiously but oftentimes suffer from information overload so I'm excited about Times, a new RSS reader released today by Acrylic. Instead of a vertical format reader that resembles your inbox, Times presents your feeds in an attractive, digestible and, more importantly, customizable newspaper-like format. Starting with a blank slate separated into three sections you have the freedom to customize...
(02 May 2008) - I use my RSS reader religiously but oftentimes suffer from information overload so I'm excited about Times, a new RSS reader released today by Acrylic. Instead of a vertical format reader that resembles your inbox, Times presents your feeds in an attractive, digestible and, more importantly, customizable newspaper-like format. Starting with a blank slate separated into three sections you have the freedom to customize...
Advertisement
