RFiDJ: the coaster-controlled HTPC switches playlists while you switch drinks (video)

You know, RFID hasn't done much for itself in the consumer market. To most average Joes and Janes, the tech is really only around for use in complex supply chains and warehouses that they'd rather block from their minds. Thanks to Roteno Labs, we now have at least one glorious example of just how awesome RFID tags truly are, as the RFiDJ project demonstrates how tagged coasters can be used to instantly switch playlists stored on an HTPC. You simply set a designated coaster on top of the machine, and within seconds a new playlist is activated. We hear that videos actually do speak louder than words, so we'll just stop here and beg you to hop on past the break for a memorable encounter with splendiferousness.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 10th 2009 11:35AM]

I don't really see how useful this incarnation is, now if this were associated with bottles instead of coasters it would be good. Playing salsa with tequila, americana with bourbon, etc. automatic mood setter.

[SimonRichards Posted Nov 10th 2009 10:53AM]

Needs more OLED.

[JakeMG Posted Nov 10th 2009 11:41AM]

I disagree.

When I look at this, I think, what do all modern gadgets have that this doesn't have? What can we slap on there to make this thing hip? Then I have it: social media integration. Oh yeah. Make it Tweet. Add Facebook support. Give it a cluttered MySpace theme. We need that on every gadget that comes out this year. Without it, no one will buy it.

[SimonRichards Posted Nov 10th 2009 9:32PM]

At least with a screen of some kind you could change the artist/album easily.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 10th 2009 10:55AM]

Well i guess that is one way to keep a "CD" or "LP" collection alive digitally.... ide rather have a touch screen but it is still cool.

[JakeMG Posted Nov 10th 2009 11:03AM]

Why?

[monkeyontherun4 Posted Nov 10th 2009 4:40PM]

why not? i mean look at all the crap gadgets out there, this is WAY better than those.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 10th 2009 11:48AM]

I did this last year using only a Squeezebox, no HTPC required. It has a video too!

http://www.trileet.com/node/34

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 11th 2009 5:33AM]

why does this make me think of waiting in line at the Olive Garden?