Good Thinking
October 29, 2004 Since being released last week, the device has generated massive publicity to the extent that its web site died due to excessive traffic. We saw the press release a few days ago and discarded it as an irrelevant toy. Four days later we're writing about it as a potential technological phenomenon ... Read More
October 25, 2004 Marquis Jet have become the global leader in private jet cards sold in 25 hour increments, offering all the benefits and advantages of owning your own private jet without the long term responsibilities. And now they have partnered with luxury consumer electronics manufacturer Bang & Olufsen America, Inc. in a promotional program in the United States. Read More
October 17, 2004 The Ryobi AIRgrip laser level is a first-of-its-kind product that uses patented AIRgrip vacuum technology to affix itself to walls without marring surfaces. The AIRgrip laser level went on sale this month in the US for US$39.97. The AIRgrip laser level uses a small battery-powered motor to create a vacuum on the bottom of a rubber base so that it can stick to painted walls, glass, untreated drywall, most wallpaper and many other non-porous surfaces. Read More
Pilot Pen is world renowned for its popular and affordable ink tools. This year they also released their most expensive model - the Shark - a hand crafted limited edition collector pen in the Namiki line of fine writing instruments that retails for US$10,000. Combining exceptional artistic vision with top-level craftsmanship and the finest materials, each hand-made Shark pen takes one artist four months to complete, using the traditional raised Maki-e (raised lacquer work) technique, painting the illustration on the body of the pen with brushes so small that some have only two rat-hair bristles. Only 80 pens will be released worldwide so retail value is sure to soar. The task of transforming an outline drawing into a complex decoration of sprinkled powders and fine lines is lengthy and requires many years of study and practice. The lacquer itself comes from trees that grow only in Asia and the ornamentation is done with 18k gold and sterling silver. Read More
October 5, 2004 Girls not knocking down your door to go out with you? Tired of dealing with those complex issues such as feelings? How about getting a "virtual girlfriend" instead? Hong Kong based company Artificial Life have developed an interactive virtual girlfriend that appears as an animated girl for new mobile phones with video capability. According to a company spokesperson, users of the latest 3-G mobile phones who subscribe to the service will be able to send messages to the virtual girlfriend, who will respond by voice. Each girlfriend will follow an evolving daily and weekly schedule which includes visiting her virtual home, work or bar, and shopping with her virtual girlfriends. Read More
It is the stuff of science fiction but soon enough you'll be reaching in to the pantry for that ice cold drink. It's a paradox that's still a few summers away from supermarket shelves but the I.C Can is very real. Created by Tempra Technology and Crown Cork & Seal the I.C Can works through simple evaporation not compressed gas. The I.C can is about the size of a normal 500ml can and holds just over 300ml of drink. The can consists of two compartments and cooling is activated by turning the base of the can which breaks the seal between both compartments. Read More
A new lie detection technology promises remarkable benefits in determining whether people are telling you the truth IN REAL TIME. The technology is already being tested in a wide variety of applications such as anti-terrorism, law enforcement, and insurance claim assessment and has even been built into a pair of glasses with internal LED lights which will run a real-time analysis of conversations of the wearer, reporting on the veracity of the person the wearer is speaking to with a claimed accuracy of better than 95%. Read More
Australian music consumers will soon be able to purchase vouchers to buy music online without the need for a credit card. Pre-paid voucher vending terminals will be introduced in around 10,000 retail outlets across the country over coming months with a view to capturing the web-savvy and normally credit card-less under 18 marketplace. Read More
November 26, 2003 The Survival Pod is a waterproof shelter, a storage unit for first aid and food supplies, an emergency stretcher, a water purification unit and even a lifeboat in extreme situations. The compact, durable design from Euforia Design was inspired as a response to the devastating and recurring flood situation in Mozambique that leaves hundreds of thousands homeless and bereft of clean water, food and shelter. Read More
Monday November 10, 2003: The ever-growing list of redundant job titles may yet claim another prized scalp - the receptionist. With Qantas already trialing automated check-ins in Australia, the latest news is that hotels in America are now testing a similar kiosk design. Read More
