Paper Four initiative developing talking paper

Interactive billboards and advertisements have been (trying) to catch our eyes for some time now, but a team of Swedes are apparently hoping that adding speech abilities might convince you to take an even closer look. The Paper Four project has reportedly developed a prototype digital paper that uses embedded sensors to detect touch, and when you graze over a certain spot, it actually talks back to you via "printed speakers." Now in the fourth generation of development, the device combines paper with "printed graphic codes and electronically conductive ink that is sensitive to pressure," and it is already being showcased as a way to invite tourists or other customers to get up close and personal with ads in order to hear auditory information. Best of all, the team has hosted up a video showing exactly how this stuff works, so do yourself a favor and hit the read link to catch a peek.

[Via BBC]

[Tyk @ Jun 6th 2007 9:12AM]

How durable would this be.. i could see a bunch of vandals destroying it in a hurry.

[Squeemish @ Jun 6th 2007 9:59AM]

OOhhhh Yeah... Touch me there... That's right...

[AlisdairC @ Jun 6th 2007 10:41AM]

Would the paper scream when you burned it?

[ITR @ Jun 6th 2007 12:20PM]

Where is my Talky Toaster?

[Maxx @ Jun 6th 2007 1:21PM]

I would just love to touch the ads in the subway. I can't wait to touch the walls. Yummy.

[henry @ Jun 6th 2007 2:14PM]

Ooh, looky, drug resistant TB is in the news headlines. Let me just wipe my hand on this
subway wall to learn more. Right.

[Court K. @ Jun 6th 2007 3:41PM]

"You haven't attached a cover sheet to your TPS report!", "Don't Shred Me. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

[L.Rawlins @ Jun 6th 2007 4:03PM]

It's hardly Wonka's lickable wallpaper... but it's a start.