Three-dimensional or 3D technology is nothing new, but if we get lucky, we might see consumer-oriented 3D cameras and digital frames in shops as early as next year. Fujifilm Corp. has developed a Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D System that includes a digital camera, digital photo frame, and photo-printing services.
The 3D camera, for example, features two lenses and two sensors that take different pictures from different angles at the same time, then combines them to create a single high quality image. Images taken with the 3D camera are then displayed on the camera’s 2.8 LCD where they can be seen in 3D by the naked eye thanks to Fujifilm’s proprietary technology called “Light Direction Control System,” which controls the direction of light. Details of how this is done are not explained, but the company swears the images are captured exactly as your eye sees them, so you won’t be needing those 3D glasses at all.
Once you take 3D pictures, it would be shame to keep them stored in your computer for no one to see. That’s why Fujifilm is also working on a 8.4-inch FinePix Real 3D Photo Frame. The LCD on the frame also features Fujifilm’s “Light Direction Control System, so images are displayed in 3D for all to see.
And if that’s not enough, then you can then head to the 3D-printer and make a few copies of your fun pictures so you can share your 3D memories with all your friends and family.
Designers have been working on the perfect alarm clock for years, and I think they finally got it. The Glo Pillow, created by a pair of university students, has built-in LED lights that light up gradually in the morning to gently wake you up from your deep sleep. The method is supposed to be more effective than a buzzing alarm clock that only shocks your system and leaves you feeling tired in the morning .
Despite the fact that the pillow has bright LED lights inside to recreate the natural light cycle, the designers say the pillow is soft, flexible and no different than your average pillow. A soft control panel on the side of the pillow displays the time, and has several controls that allow you to change the time, set the alarm, and turn the light on or off.
Glo Pillow has lights on both ends of the pillow so you won’t be able to escape the bright light in the morning, but you’ll be feeling alert and less stressed out when you wake up. The pillow goes from 0 to 500 lux over the course of 40 minutes, but most people will be up by the time the light hit 220 lux. Designers, Eoin McNally and Ian Walton, say this helps set your circadian rhythm or body clock and results in more healthy sleep/wake patterns.
The pillow started out as a design school project, but is expected to go into production at the end of the year after the design won several awards. Look for it in shops next year for around $80.
Think Geek who’s solely responsible for the strange Wi-Fi, Dynamic Life, and Personal Soundtrack t-shirt has now added a shirt that makes various drum noises when you tap your chest. Forget Rock Band or Guitar Hero. With the Electronic Drum Kit Shirt you can play the drums anywhere, anytime without ever picking up a pair of drumsticks.
The shirt includes a drum kit decal that can play seven different drum sounds when you hit them with your finger. And thanks to a built-in speaker with adjustable volume controls that amplifies the sound, you can jam out with musician friends or join the Rock Band party even if you don’t have an extra controller.
Think Geek is currently selling the t-shirt for $30
Eco Media Player, the crank-powered media player got a makeover and is now called the Eco Media Player Revolution. The second generation media player is the perfect device for travelers, hikers, and just plain emergencies, seriously. It doesn’t require batteries, and winding it for one minute gives you about 45 minutes of MP3 playback.
As a media player, the Revolution can play most music formats (ACC, WMA, MP3, OGG), video formats (MP4, WMV,AVI), photos (JPEG, GIF, BMP), and it even includes FM radio with recorder so you can record your favorite shows. The internal memory has been bumped to 4GB, and if that’s not enough, it also features an SD card slot so you can store another 4GB when you travel. An ebook reader has also been added, although it’s doubtful anyone can read a book for too long on a tiny screen, in which case you can switch to audiobooks. But my favorite feature is the player’s ability to power up your phone when it runs out of juice. According to the site, one minute of winding is enough to make that vital call.
You can find the Eco Media Player Revolution at Ethical Superstore for about $240.
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