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mirror posts

Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 1st 2009 at 3:56AM

We've said it before and we'll say it again, sports, not movies or video games is 3D's killer app, and this prototype camera from Sony is designed specifically to help bring the two closer together. Set to debut at CEATEC next week, the HFR Comfort-3D records at 240 fps through just one lens instead of two thanks to a new half-mirror system that takes left and right eye images at the same time, better for capturing fast motion and providing viewers lacking polarized glasses a 2D picture with minimal blurring. One of our few complaints during last year's BCS National Championship 3D experience was occasional benefits caused by fast left-right motion which this system could make a non-issue. Check after the break for a detailed (in Japanese) diagram that should help make things clearer -- for those that can read the language -- the rest of us are waiting for ESPN or someone else to tote a few of these down to the Super Bowl in 2010 and make magic happen.

[Via AV Watch, thanks Derek for English PR]

Continue reading Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

Universal mirrors: more useful, less fun than carnival mirrors

by Darren Murph posted Jul 20th 2009 at 6:33AM

You know those invisibility cloaks scientists have been struggling to master for decades? This here is said cloak's perfect opposite, and it's bending our minds in ways you can hardly fathom. Ulf Leonhardt, a professor at the University of St. Andrews, has worked with a brilliant team of scientists in order to construct what he calls a universal mirror, or if we're being proper, an omnidirectional retroreflector. Unlike conventional mirrors which simply reflect objects at 90 degrees, this concoction reflects objects back at any angle. In other words, a device such as this would make aircraft, boats and satellites entirely easier to track with radar, but it'll have to mature quite a bit before it's ready for that kind of action. The current build is just a single centimeter high and ten centimeters in diameter, and as with invisibility cloaks, the main ingredient here is metamaterials that we won't pretend to fully understand. Just one word of caution, boffins -- don't let Geek Squad get ahold of this stuff.

[Image courtesy of Barbara Rich, thanks JR]

Violet starts shipping Nano:ztags in the US

by Darren Murph posted May 19th 2009 at 3:59PM

Like the Rolly, it's hard to say exactly why having an RFID-enabled Nano:ztag in your life will make sleeping, eating and breathing each day any easier. In fact, the jury's still out on whether these things are simply novel or primed to take over where the Tamagotchi left off. Starting now, Violet is offering a rainbow's worth of its micro Rabbit devices here in the US, with prices ranging from $6.90 to $12.90 depending on color. Now, if only you could figure out how to integrate RFID into your life, you'd be set.

Laser-etched Motherboard mirror reflects art, life, and circuitry

by Laura June posted Apr 27th 2009 at 5:06PM

Nonesiste's Motherboard mirror is the kind of design piece that any decoratively-inclined nerd might really want in his / her abode. Its designer, Romolo Stanco, has some really big ideas about the meaning behind the mirror, saying that "the etchings are circuits, an intersection of lines borrowed from the world of electronics, a metaphor for connections, global systems, [and] electronic systems for common use which few of us understand the real technical sense." We actually don't understand what he's talking about, but whatever: it looks pretty cool to us. Stanco's mirrors have recently been unveiled in Milan, and are limited to a run of six -- in oval (as above) and rectangle. One more shot of this handsome mirror (and man) after the break.

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading Laser-etched Motherboard mirror reflects art, life, and circuitry

Transparent OLED rearview mirror both dazzles and distracts

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Apr 20th 2009 at 11:28AM

Although we've been hearing about transparent OLEDs for years now, mum's been the word on an actual product. So far the focus has been on Germany, but it looks like some interesting things have been going down in Korea as well. Researchers at ETRI (the flexible OLED folks) have apparently applied for 51 patents both nationally and internationally for the tech, including one for a transparent oxide resistor that helps increase the aperture ratio of AMOLEDs. And while all this is going down, NeoView KOLON has unveiled a new prototype rearview mirror that utilizes a transparent OLED display for -- well, displaying things. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road, eh?

Read - "Korean Researchers Develop Transparent Transistors OLED Displays"
Read - "Neoview Kolon transparent OLED prototype"

Print magazine + RFID = hyperbole

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Mar 23rd 2009 at 3:27PM

Adding to an exclusive -- but growing -- list of things that were just as well off before running headlong into RFID technology, the next issue of France's Amusement Magazine is billing itself as the "first ever connected to the Internet!" The PR we received for this bad boy asks some questions: "What if a magazine... could consist of paper, ink, electronic components and digital content all at the same time? What if the contents of a magazine could go on living forever in cyberspace? What if the difference between written and digital text finally becomes one in the same?" May we add one more question to the list? How about, "why can't you just throw in a CD-ROM / DVD-ROM like everybody else?" Or maybe, "What am I supposed to do with this?" If you're a Francophone with a Violet Mir:ror laying around, hit that read link. PR after the break.

Continue reading Print magazine + RFID = hyperbole

Violet brings Mir:ror to the States, let the RFID superfluity begin!

by Paul Miller posted Mar 18th 2009 at 10:28AM

While initially enthused at the prospect of RFID tagging our objects for swipability by a home-based RFID reader -- like Violet's new Mir:ror -- we eventually came the realization that we would never use it for anything, ever. Still, perhaps that's just us: Mir:or, which retails for $59, packs two Nano:ztags (the little bunnies with a tag inside) and three Ztamp:s (adhesive tags), allowing you to specify computer functions to trigger when the Mir:ror is approached by one of those RFID tags. A classic usage scenario involves placing your keys on the Mir:ror, with the device letting your computer know if your keys are resting there or not -- something potentially achieved by looking at the Mir:ror itself, if you're into spoilers, but hopefully hackers can put this to better use. Violet also offers tagged children's books, and a set of 12 extra Ztamp:s, for $8 and $20, respectively. Demo video is after the break.

Continue reading Violet brings Mir:ror to the States, let the RFID superfluity begin!

MP3 Mirror has potential, could be so much more

by Darren Murph posted Feb 1st 2009 at 2:39PM

Given that we've seen mirror TVs and MP3 players designed to emit sound within one's shower, we'd say Antonio Lupi's MP3 Mirror is just one of the gang. In fairness, we do appreciate the sleek design and its reported ability to integrate into any steel frame mirror, but unless we're badly mistaken, the user is still responsible for adding speakers. Our suggestion? Hook up with Emo Labs and concoct an all-in-one device with sound emission baked right into the shiny stuff.

[Via DVICE]

Valli Arredobagno Hi_Mirror lets you check the weather and your hair

by Donald Melanson posted Jan 16th 2009 at 6:01PM

It's not quite as elaborate as some mirror / display combinations, but Valli Arredobagno's new Hi_Mirror looks like it'll at least get the job done, and with a good deal more style than some other setups we've seen. Unfortunately, the Italian design firm isn't all that forthcoming with technical specifications just yet, but it appears that the mirror contains a touchscreen-based device of some sort, which will let you check the weather, watch some TV, and enjoy a few other multimedia features while you check your hair or makeup. There's no word on a price either, but it does appear that the mirror is more than just a concept, with the firm's website promising that it and some other luxury housewares are coming "soon."

[Thanks, sk]

KO Digital's RM2300: the disappearing screen PMP that reflects you, your alcoholism

by Tim Stevens posted Jan 15th 2009 at 10:14AM

It was a neat trick when LG's Shine hid a screen behind a mirror, but the sadly non-disappearing keypad left little doubt about what the thing's intended purpose was. KO Digital Technology's RM2300, however, goes for a rather more subtle approach. When off it looks like a slab of polished titanium, but flick it on and a screen appears from below the surface (also appearing in more photos after the break). Get past the mysterious looks, though, and what you have is a standard PMP that can do standard PMP things: play videos and tunes in numerous formats, support TV-out, and handle photo and e-book browsing. No mention of price, capacity, or availability, but by now you should know how these things go -- don't expect to be gazing at yourself in one of these any time soon.

Update: Gallery added so you all can lust a little more.

[Via PMP Today]

Gallery: KO Digital RM2300

Continue reading KO Digital's RM2300: the disappearing screen PMP that reflects you, your alcoholism

Nabaztag's Violet debuts "Mirror" general-purpose home RFID reader

by Paul Miller posted Aug 30th 2008 at 8:10AM

While we'll always know Violet for its iconic bunnies, the company is branching out into a more direct RFID application. The Mirror RFID reader is a USB-pluggable little platter that can read RFID tags and launch an assigned action on the computer when it spots a tag it knows. Examples we saw included a tagged post card of Vegas launching a corresponding picture on the computer (lame), a tagged toy car bringing up a map (getting warmer), a tagged umbrella launching the weather forecast (now we're cooking with gas), and a cute little mini-Nabaztag figurine doing whatever it wants (en fuego / choose your own tired metaphor). We could see the reader being put to use for the computer illiterate, or children having their first go at a PC, but we're more excited to see what hackers can make of the tech -- old people and children are overrated. No word on price or release date yet, but Violet has a press conferenced planned for Monday, so we should know more then.

Gallery: Nabaztag's Violet debuts "Mirror" general-purpose home RFID reader

Virtual mirror destroys all the fun you have trying on outfits

by Darren Murph posted Aug 27th 2008 at 9:44AM

The always-imaginative gurus at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft never cease to amaze, and at this year's IFA, they're delivering once more. The so-called "virtual mirror" gives to-be garb buyers an accurate look at what different outfits look like on their person without requiring them to try a single thing on. Granted, shopaholics are apt to detest this thing, but anyone with better things to do than try on four sweaters to see which one makes them look fat should be completely in love. The concept here is far from new, as we've seen both virtual makeover machines and fitting room enhancers before. Still, Fraunhofer's dream of getting you suited up and out of the store in mere minutes is one we'd love to see come true. Just don't ditch the traditional stalls too soon -- we wouldn't want any kind of worldwide uprising.

[Via Physorg, image courtesy of Flickr]

Pantel readies trio of weatherproof Mirror TVs

by Darren Murph posted Jul 26th 2008 at 9:41AM

Just because you haven't ~~been remotely interested in~~ seen a mirror TV in, oh, years, doesn't mean that companies aren't still interested in exploiting the niche. Take Pantel, for instance, who is totally stoked about debuting a trio of 'em at CEDIA 2008. Set to launch in 20-, 32- and 42-inch flavors, the Mirror TV line is aimed at folks looking to add a multipurpose display in their bathroom, shower or sauna. The 20- and 32-inch editions arrive with a 720p panel, while the 42-incher checks in with a full 1080p resolution. Price wise, you're looking at $1,200 for the little guy, $2,755 for the 32-inch sibling and $5,800 for the mack daddy.

Space solar power potential highlighted in report

by Conrad Quilty-Harper posted Oct 14th 2007 at 10:40PM

A report into the feasibility of space-based power rigs that would beam solar power down to earth in the form of microwaves has been published, with its findings being along the lines of "yes, it'll happen, but only when the money's there." The Pentagon is itching to get its hands on the technology, which would include mirrors several miles wide focusing sunlight onto solar cells, highlighting the potential for beaming energy to remote regions of the world (read: wherever they're fighting.) The problem is more of an economic one, with the technology behind the project apparently being feasible since the 70s: only now that oil prices have tripled, and the technology has become greatly more efficient, is an actual space installation seeming realistic. In fact, we could see early efforts for the giant mirrors as soon as 2012: any bets that they'll double as death rays?

Weave Mirror neglects glass, stuns onlookers

by Darren Murph posted Sep 17th 2007 at 3:01AM

Rest assured, we've seen some pretty fancy mirrors in our day, but Daniel Rozin's Weave Mirror ranks pretty high up there. This zany installation relies on "768 motorized and laminated C-shaped prints along the surface of a picture plane that texturally mimics a homespun basket," and as curious mortals approach it, it "paints a picture of them using a gradual rotation in greyscale value on each C-ring." We know, you're probably still confounded at how this thing actually wows anyone, but give the video (posted after the jump) a peek and clarity will be yours.

[Via WeMakeMoneyNotArt]

Continue reading Weave Mirror neglects glass, stuns onlookers