How Wearable Tech and Social Media Will Destroy (or Build) Brands in Five Years

Really interesting article about the way we perceive emerging technologies and our human tendency to misinterpret how tech can and will change our lives. Worth a read!

http://www.experiencetheblog.com/2013/02/how-wearable-tech-and-social-media-will.html

Is A Smart Home In Your Future?

Connected door locks, video, thermostats & washers & driers remotely controlled by smartphones.

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_22594157/is-smart-home-your-future

Disruptions: On the Fast Track to Routine 3-D Printing

the prediction that 3-D printers will become a part of our daily lives is happening much sooner than anyone anticipated. These printers can produce objects, even rather intricate ones, by printing thin layer after layer of plastic, metal, ceramics or other materials. And the products they make can be highly customized.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/disruptions-3-d-printing-is-on-the-fast-track/

Sony: AR Headphone Music Festival

Seriously cool. In Shibuya, Tokyo, people who wear headphones (or wanted to try them) were treated to a one of a kind Augmented Reality Music Festival late last year, called the ‘Sony Headphone Music Festival’, which ultimately expanded to ‘Headphone Music Festivals’ all over Japan.

The Augmented Reality Music Festivals were created using Sony’s proprietary 3D augmented reality technology, called ‘SmartAR’ where they created original AR videos with four best-selling local rock groups. Activated off typical band tour posters in key locations, Sony also setup Headphone trial stations so that anyone interested in joining in, could, while trialling Sony headphones. Very cool.

http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/sony-augmented-reality-headphone-music-festival/

Navigating With Devices That Know Landmarks

An important goal for makers of GPS navigation devices is to deliver maps and route guidance that will not be dangerous distractions for drivers.Spoken directions would seem to be a good solution, but telling people “Turn right at Baker Street” might just make people ignore the road ahead while straining to read street signs.

Garmin has taken the next step with its Real Directions feature, which gives route guidance using landmarks, much as people naturally do. Instead of saying “Turn left at Belvedere Avenue,” six of Garmin’s new models, ranging in price from about $200 to $380, say “Turn left at the stoplight,” or “Turn left after the Starbucks.”The screen shows a map with an icon for the landmark.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/automobiles/navigating-with-devices-that-know-landmarks.html

Intel: Trust Us, the Camera on Our New TV Device Won’t Be Creepy

Intel confirmed today that it is working on a subscription service to carry TV programming and a device to stream TV shows. The device to stream TV, moreover, will include an unusual element: a camera.

The camera is meant to help the device recognize people and customize the way it offers them content, Mr. Huggers said. A dad may see different recommendations, for example, than one of his children. He said it could also help friends or family across the country watch shows together, creating a virtual “family experience.”

http://adage.com/article/media/intel-camera-tv-device-creepy/239767/