lighting
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Colossal overhead clock tells time, replaces boring light fixtures
Realities:United has created a device that will likely bring back fond memories of Coldplay's X&Y tour a few years ago, particularly if you were there for the first 60 or so seconds when a gigantic timepiece such as the one seen above counted down the show's start. Without getting too reminiscent up in here, the artistsspace commissioned project not only keeps track of time impeccably well, but it also replaces those mundane fixtures that have become an unfortunate mainstay in corporate offices. Now, if only the workday would whiz by as quickly as the one shown in the demonstrative video located in the read link, you'd be all set. [Warning: read link directs to video][Via MAKE]
Programmable NeuroLED lighting solution has brains, man
Joining the elite club of intelligent lighting solutions that are sophisticated enough to not be laughed at is NeuroLED. Truth be told, we're pretty far from understanding exactly how this contraption works, but we are told that the system is controlled by software written in Java and that it can be altered to react in different ways via toggle switches or wall-mounted touch panels. From what we can tell, the system can be used for pure entertainment, educating or even spicing up a nightclub, and considering that it can play nice with WiFi, remote access is also within the realm of possibility. That's about all the explaining we can do -- click on through to let the vid do the rest of the yappin'.
Twitter supposedly used to control house lights
We'll preface this by saying this whole thing could be one giant hoax, but it's most certainly within the realm of possibility. We're told it's a mixture of Insteon, SMS and Twitter, all of which are utilized in order to give one particular homeowner the ability to activate / turn off lights remotely by sending a specific message to the latter. If your interest is unquestionably piqued, click on through to check out the video -- 'tis a shame there's no how-to guide to be found.[Via Digital Tech News]
Constellation Light puts LED twist on chandelier
Though not quite as elegant as the Neues Licht, the Constellation Light is still way more practical. Designed by Kenzan Tsutakawa-Chinn and showcased at the recent BKLYN Designs expo, the LED chandelier is crafted from clusters of 3-millimeter LEDs (364 in total on the tips of 91 copper tubes). Notably, it's creator is currently seeking UL approval for the device and hopes to get it on the market in short order, but there's been no mention yet of just how costly it could one day be.[Via Inhabitat]
NOVA 3D LED light display runs at 25fps
You know we love the crazy light fixtures, and it doesn't get much crazier than the NOVA, a 3D LED display developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology for its 150th birthday. Each of the 25,000 suspended lights contains 12 LEDs, and it's capable of pumping out 16M colors at 25fps. It's on display in Zurich until September 2009 (and we hear it might make an appearance at Wired's NEXTFEST), but if you're thinking about nabbing it for yourself, you'd better bring a crew -- it weighs in at over three tons. Hit the read link for way more info.[Via Digg and Today and Tomorrow]
Light-emitting wallpaper runs your lamps right out of a job
Looking for a fanciful way to dress up your room even more after tossing in a set of ASCII Curtains? Fret not, as designer Jonas Samson has crafted light-emitting wallpaper that's sure to go over better than that solar iteration you tried years ago. Currently, the technology behind the invention has yet to be divulged, but all those tidbits should get clarified when it goes on display at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. We do know, however, that it removes the need for bulbs in areas that just require basic lighting, and judging by the shots on the creator's own website, designs could be lit in part, in whole or not at all. Still, don't write those fixtures off just yet -- you do care about resale value, right?[Via Inhabitat]
OSRAM unveils Ingo Maurer-designed Early Future OLED lamp
Though we've seen OLEDs used for interior lighting purposes before, OSRAM and designer Ingo Maurer have churned out what's possibly the world's first dedicated OLED lamp. Aptly named Early Future, the creation is being produced as a limited edition and unveiled at the Light&Building Fair in Frankfurt, Germany this week. Each OLED tile measures in at 132- x 33-millimeters, but we're not told exactly how energy efficient this desktop illuminator is (nor where to find one). Leap on past the break for a closeup of the tiles.[Via OLED-Info, thanks Ron]
Lifelites' eLite LED kits add pizzazz to those humdrum LEGO models
Toy blocks infused with LEDs aren't items that your youngster isn't familiar with, but implanting hints of light into existing LEGO kits just adds an element of satisfaction not bundled with pre-fabricated alternatives. Enter the Lifelites eLite kits, which enables builders to wire LEDs within LEGO models fairly discretely, and given the option, you can spring for models that actually let you control the flashing action. Available now, the kits range from $30 to $50 sans a 9-volt battery box and cell, and you can tempt yourself further by checking out a finished product after the jump.[Via BoingBoing, video courtesy of BrickJournal]
Luxim wants to brighten your block with ultra-powerful plasma lightbulbs
Sure, we all enjoy a Tic Tac from time to time, but what if that minty Tic Tac were also able to generate the same amount of light as an industrial LED? You probably wouldn't want to ingest that, though according to the company Luxim -- known to us for its work in the A/V world -- you might want to stick it in a streetlight. Apparently, the company has created a micro-sized bulb that uses 250 watts of power, but outperforms a 400 watt LED. Gas inside the tiny bulb is electrified by a component called a puck, which heats the gas into plasma and produces light, allowing a sizable chunk of energy to become light rather than heat -- thus the ultra-bright performance. Inside the mint-sized bulb the gas reaches 6000-degrees Kelvin -- or about the surface temperature of the Sun -- producing 140 lumens per watt, or roughly ten times that of a standard lightbulb. Really, it's quite bright. Still, a Tic Tac would probably be more refreshing.[Via CNET]
GE researchers create printable, flexible OLEDs
Researchers at GE have created the world's first roll-to-roll manufactured OLEDs -- a newspaper printing-like process that is the first step to plentiful, cheaply produced, flexible lighting. Production of the thin, organic materials in this manner could lead to a wide array of innovations in the use of lights, sensors, and displays, and could make a noticeable impact on the efficiency and environmental performance of lighting and electronics. The company envisions a new playing-field for businesses, architects, and lighting designers who need access to cheap, energy-conscious materials, and see this research as a first step to an emerging field of commercialized OLED lighting. Yes, a new vista of discovery, wealth, and prosperity awaits those who take this bold step into the wide, wonderous, and uncharted worlds of scientific research and prototyping -- let's just hope it doesn't end up all Bioshock-y and weird.[Via MetaEfficient]
Philips wants to bring copy-and-paste to interior lighting
We'll be straight with you -- we've never actually waltzed through the rooms at Engadget HQ and had the urge to reproduce the exact output from light A with light B. Evidently, we're the exception and not the rule. According to a lingering patent application from Philips, it's seeking to create a system in which sensors could be used to detect "light attributes" from one location and paste them over to another location in order to produce perfectly uniform scenarios throughout the home / office / etc. Heck, it even details a memory bank in order to easily set the mood of the entire building when necessary. Can't say this is where we envisioned the future of copy-and-paste going, but we suppose it'll do.[Via NewScientist, image courtesy of Fusion Lighting]
LED displays keep folks guessing at nightclub bathrooms
Interactive nightclubs aren't entirely unheard of, but we'll be sure to relieve ourselves just before prancing into any party scene with these displays on the lavatory doors. The small LED Matrix displays can be mounted on both male and female doors, and the image shown can be switched as folks enter and leave. Needless to say, such a setup caused quite a bit of hilariousness / confusion when caught on candid camera, so be sure and take a peek for yourself after the break.[Via Halfmachine]
Interlocking Pac-Man lights offer endless mazes, zero subtlety
Those intrigued by the idea of interlocking light blocks but disappointed by the subtlety of some of the current options available may want to take note of Remake Design's latest creation, which takes the idea to excessive new heights. As you can see, they've churned out a series of blocks to let you relive your past Pac-Man adventures on a grand scale, including blocks of dots, ghosts, and Pac-Man himself -- no power-ups though, it seems. No word on a price just yet, but given that the firm's standard set of four solid-colored lights costs $300, you'll likely have to part with a sizable stash of quarters if you want to add this particular retro touch to your living room
Photon Light Boards smothers your skateboard in LEDs
Sure, hoverboards may be all the rage in a decade or so, but for now, we're going to have to give some serious kudos to these bad boys. Designed, created and sold by Photon Light Boards, these LED-covered skateboards are sure to light up the night (and the streets). Each board can be customized to the hilt and features an on / off switch, a thin Li-ion battery / charger and a protective metal plate along the bottom. Instantly interested in ditching your boring deck for one of these creatures? Hit the read link for all the details and a plethora of photos to boot.[Via BeSportier]
Researchers using nano-imprint lithography to make LEDs brighter
Considering that there are quite a few nations out there aiming to ditch incandescent bulbs in the not-too-distant future, it follows logic that we should start making LEDs more suitable for in-home use. Of course, we've already seen a couple of advancements in the area, but scientists at Glasgow University -- along with the Institute of Photonics at the University of Strathclyde -- have reportedly found a way to make traditional LEDs a fair bit brighter. The process, dubbed nano-imprint lithography, involves "making microscopic holes in the surface of LEDs to increase the level of light they give off." Unfortunately, said process is still quite time consuming and expensive, but you can rest assured they're working to make the process quicker, simpler and cheaper for the good of mankind.[Via FarEastGizmos]
USB Moody Ball apes Ambient Orb, soothes your soul
Connectland's USB Moody Ball may look awfully soothing, yet awfully familiar at first glance. If so, you're probably conjuring up memories of the Ambient Orb, which this device no doubt takes more than a few design cues from. Nevertheless, this USB-powered soul soother automatically changes hues to ease your mind, is constructed from "bump-resistant" materials and weighs in at 179-grams. Best of all, this one's just $20, but convincing your boss to leave the office lights dim just so your Moody Ball can have a greater effect will be the real challenge.
Project LifeLight set to illuminate African homes -- no electricity required
First it was radios, now lights. The Freeplay Foundation has undertaken a new project -- dubbed LifeLight -- which aims to provide just a few hours of lighting each night to the 500 million or so sub-Saharan Africans without appropriate access to electricity. The idea is to place a wind-up (or foot-pump driven we presume) base station into the home which charges a collection of detachable lights. Similar to the technology behind the 150,000 wind-up Lifeline radios (pictured) they've already distributed. Freeplay hopes to replace expensive and unhealthy kerosene or battery powered lamps currently in use with their low-cost, environmentally safe alternative -- local women will be trained to sell and repair the devices. Prototypes are being readied with tests to begin in Kenya in the "next few months."
The DS Life: Lights, Camera, Strobist!
The DS Life is a weekly feature in which we scour the known world for narrative images of Nintendo's handheld and handheld gamers. If you have a photo and a story to match it with, send both to thedslife at dsfanboy dot com.It's easy to tell the work of an amateur photographer from a practiced shutterbug's -- shots are over- or underexposed, still objects appear blurred, and their subjects' eyes have been flashed a demonic red. Sometimes, you'll even spot a murky finger peeking into a corner, confused and out of focus.Strobist helps you avoid those clumsy mistakes and get professional results with your camera. We're sure that if you follow some of Strobist's tips, the next photos you submit to The DS Life will be picture perfect! Jump past the break and see how Strobist can help you!
Seoul Semiconductor's 420-lumen LED puts the sun to shame
We're not really sure if Seoul Semiconductor is completely accurate in asserting that its new 420-lumen (peak) LED is the world's brightest at 8-watts, but considering that we were pretty impressed by the company's 240-lumen model late last year -- and the fact that even the most blinding LED-based tactical flashlights rarely exceed 200 lumens -- this still seems like a fairly notable development. We should start seeing commercial products sporting these mini-suns sometime before the end of the year, so now might be a good time to check up on your insurance plan's optical coverage.
Philips to launch Ambilight successor Aurea
Consumer electronics manufacturer Philips will demo their successor to Ambilight -- the ambient lighting technology that generates light effects on the sides of a television -- at European expo IFA on August 30. The new technology, named Aurea, will be featured using a film by director Wong Kar called Seduction by Light. From early photos, the new sets incorporate the lighting directly into the frame, instead of using the previous method of a glass frame around the set.
