Let it be known that when the technological hall of fame is built (no doubt by our future robotic overlords), I’d like to nominate Legos as a first ballet entrant.
Sure they aren’t as flashy or “capable” as say your iPhone, but ever since 1949, they’ve been a tool for innovative minds to hone, and show off, their skills through, as well as a consistent source of amusement that has managed to evolve and adapt with the changing world.
While new and exciting Lego creations routinely make the internet rounds, there are a couple fresh ones I had to share today.
Equipped with built in status screen, and functioning knobs and lights, the Lego Pipboy’s design is impressive, and immediately recognizable, but the ace in the hole is the built in FM radio, tuned to the Wasteland’s favorite DJ Three Dog in the demonstration, that takes this invention from “oh cool” to “holy crap” on the Lego creation scale. Further bonus style points are awarded for the “retro meets future” design the device has, which sums up the entire “Fallout” style nicely.
No details on how to make one are currently available, but considering I used to have trouble make even a paltry Lego house, that may be moot.
Of course, in terms of items from the “never be able to build it in a million years” school of Legos, the next design is even greater.
That machine takes the previously simple task of creating and launching a paper plane, and turns it into an automated mass production device that is the envy of any second grader. Constructed by Lego Mindstorms user hknssn13 with almost 7000 Lego bricks, and a few NXT model “smart” Legos for the automated parts, the almost 5 foot long creation builds and launches the perfect paper airplane every time.
No word yet on whether a rubber band launcher of the same design is in the works but, considering the offensive potential of that device, that information may be classified.
How comfortable are you letting technology into your life?
A company called Neurowear is hoping many of you answered “very,” as they get set to roll out a unique pair of headphones designed to read your brainwaves and pick the music that matches your mood.
Using what is called electroencephalography sensors, the “Mico” headphones detect your subconscious and works with its native app to select the track based on your evolving mood and feelings. The headphones even indicate your general outlook through a visual setup built into the sides.
The goal of the Mico is to create what the developers are calling “Music Serendipity,” where you never have to consciously decide on, or physically choose, your music, but can rather sit back and enjoy the perfect playlist, as chosen by your brain.
Debuting to the public at SXSW this year, details on the release timeframe and pricing are scarce. Further questions abound regarding the variety of the music selections, or how your personal music can be integrated, among other functionality queries.
While apps like Moodagent have been performing this same function for years, the idea of it being incorporated into a piece of hardware is somewhat more original. If the user is able to work off a diverse playlist, the pricing and sound quality of the set is right, and the program accomplishes the majority of its promises, then this headset might just be more than an intriguing idea.
As someone who is confined to an office chair all day, let me tell you that they are not the comfortable prospect they may seem to people who spend their working days on their feet. Instead they are usually a rung or two down from the most diabolical medieval torture devices, and their design inspiration rarely stretches beyond that of “chair.”
Which is why I like the idea behind the Optimal Posture chair, the office chair designed for the modern day average human, who can’t manage to sit perfectly straight for eight hours a day, five days a week, for most of the calendar year. It encourages the user to maintain their ideal sitting posture, largely by moving the backrest to the front, and making room for you to droop your arms comfortably over, while incorporating the natural lean most people tend to have when sitting. The rest also swivels to the more traditional position, where it still incorporates your shoulder positioning to provide maximum support.
More than just a twist on the classic chair design, the Optimal Posture chair also takes into account your lower body, as it forces it into a position of “semi-standing” that also counters the dreaded slouching efect. Put it all together and you can remove your daily pain in the back from your pain in the…elsewhere…job, for the not so low price of $499.95.
Designed with the help of spine doctors, this chair reminds me of the “As Seen on TV” success Snuggie, in that its bizzare, somewhat easy to mock looks also appear to be insanely comfortable and produce a desirable effect when actually used. So while it may look a little strange, and have a notable asking price, for optimal comfort in your day, it sure beats the hell out of waiting for the employee with the good chair to quit so you can steal it.
