Tag Archives: new technology

Sep 28 2015
1 Comment
3D Printing, new technology

in a heartbeat

I’ve always been excited about the possibilities with 3D printing, since the first time I worked with a team to print a fairy (yes you read that right), the wings were like lace, the clothing detail challenged the needlework of the mice in The Tailor of Gloucester and it took minutes to be born from the model we sent to print.

But that feels like nothing compared to the evolutions in the last few months so I just had to share my recent favourites:

In at 3, the first missile by researchers at Raytheon Missile Systems, who are celebrating the fact 3D printing gives them the freedom to make design alterations with much less hassle and cost. 

3D-printed-missile-by-Raytheon-Missile-Systems

At 2, the cancer patient who had his sternum replaced with a titanium implant printed by Anatomics. They partnered with a surgical team to custom design the area that needed replacing so the surgeon could be targeted and precise in removing only what was necessary, safe in the knowledge the replacement part would be an exact fit.

Image found on digitaltrends.com - thank you

And my top spot goes to the guys at MIT who worked with doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital to turn an MRI scan of a heart into a 3D model which was then printed and implanted.

3D printed heart

My heart just skipped a beat. 

Tagged , ,
Feb 10 2014
Leave a comment
new technology, Uncategorized

The return of the geek…

It’s been brought to my attention a few times this year that I haven’t posted to this lovely little space for quite some time now, I had no idea I was letting my fellow geeks down so I’m making a commitment to be back in 2014 doing what I love most, distilling down the innovative technologies I’m so lucky to explore into terms, us mere (non coding) mortals can understand so we can all spread the excitement!

To get started again I’ve put a little review of my top favourite things I got to play with in 2013, and over the coming weeks I’ll be looking into the techy trends I predict will explode in 2014 too, plus some other cool stuff…

 

Number 4: Google Glass
After months upon months of beta testing, these sleek little glasses are starting to resemble something that could actually be useful in every day multi tasking, they still have a way to go before what they can do matches the price tag but, across 2013 Google have evolved the rudimentary to something tangible that takes your smartphone to your head in a fairly comfortable lightweight way…

It still strains my eyes a little though…

google glass

Google Glass

Number 3: My PS4
I recently donated my Xbox 360 to my 10-year-old cousin, whom I haven’t seen since as he’s now mastering his new found love of gaming.

It was a tough call, but this time round I’ve gone with Sony, why you ask? Simply put; the graphics have more horses behind them than ever before, the interface is brilliantly simple and intuitive and my thumbs don’t hurt as much due to the sleek controller. Oh, and it’s much quieter… shhh

Sony PS4

The full PS4 kit

Number 2: Bio stamps
You’ve all heard of the Nike Fuel band or the Pebble smart watch right? Take that and put into a silicon plaster laced with a circuit board one fifth the width of a human hair and you have Bio Stamps, taking the bulky nature of technology and matching it the soft contours of the human body; simply fascinating.

MC10 Bio stamp

Courtesy of MC10, a Bio stamp

You can explore more here; http://www.mc10inc.com/

 

Number 1: Oculus Rift
A clear winner for me; the guys I work with have been exploring the future of this amazing piece of tech for quite some time now and last year saw us launch a world first experience combining martial arts and car prototyping in a world that felt so real it caused some users motion sickness.
Launched on Kickstarter in 2012 to gain funding following a demo at E3, Oculus have raised millions since and a version should be available to consumers at the end of this year.

Oculus Rift

Oculus Rift

Words can’t do it justice so check out this video to get an idea of where it can take you…

Tagged , , , , , , ,
Apr 19 2010
Leave a comment
Interesting stuff, new technology, social networking

Foursquare

The next step in social networking…?

Like all social networks, Foursquare is about interacting with friends, this certainly ticks all the boxes but adds an extra element too.

In the first instance you can invite your friends to join you through the app or use existing networks such as facebook and twitter, you can also find friends in your local area. In addition you can let your friends know where you are and read/ leave recommendations on the activity you’re partaking in.

It doesn’t stop there though, what’s different about Foursquare is that you get a gaming element added in too. As you leave reviews and recommendations you gain points, and as the points add up you work your way to a Mayor badge, which although doesn’t give you any particular power or ability to change local laws, does mean you receive offers and vouchers for your loyalty.

The technology supporting it seems pretty solid but we’re still waiting it for to catch on in the UK at the moment but I get the feeling there’s still a ‘big brother’ nervousness around location based apps (remember www.pleaserobme.com ?) scary or genius?

To learn more visit www.foursquare.com

Tagged , , , , , ,