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Locus OS concept video shows the future of computing... right now
While we're sitting around complaining about the lack of innovative user interfaces and experiences in modern consumer electronics, a man named Barton Smith is actually doing something about it. In 2008 the industrial designer hatched a concept for an OS called Locus which completely upends many of the use paradigms we're familiar with in current desktop or mobile operating environments. Besides looking absolutely beautiful, a major chunk of the Locus concept focuses around the idea of having separate, easily accessible workspaces for different settings, such as on a train, at home, while out with friends, etc. Each of those scenarios is stored in a set of "panels" which can change based on geolocation or by user choice, and has its own combination of desktop arrangement and application shortcuts. Locus also incorporates a Zune-like content browsing interface, and a project management UI based around real world interactions (something like BumpTop, but cleaner). The whole concept is slickly put together and well thought out... but it doesn't just end with the software. Smith envisions this platform running on another concept of his: a portable computer called Stream. Stream would be a small, modular tablet / mobile device which can be docked in a variety of components, thus changing its functionality (along with Locus). It's fascinating stuff, for sure, and doubly intriguing considering Barton began developing these concepts so long ago (though the video below is brand new). Now where is the super-rich partner this guy needs to make this thing a reality? Update: As noted in comments, Microsoft branding is shown at the start of this video, but this is not a Microsoft product -- it seems Barton added the name and logo for effect. Update 2: Barton Smith got in touch to fill us in on the Microsoft logo at the beginning of the video. In his words: "The reason for the Microsoft branding is because it was originally going to be for the Microsoft next Gen computer comp from 2008." Well, there you go!
Bandai's Project A.i.R. is a $525 blue grid that blows up
Okay Bandai, we get it. After over 50 years of making cheap toys and video games you want to show the world you can make overpriced stuff too. As if your $2,200 Ginza diorama wasn't enough of a statement, now you're producing a $525 box that lights up and blinks like a miniaturized monochrome disco floor. It's called Project A.i.R., or Art In the Room, and it's basically a 5 x 5 grid with blue LEDs covered by some sort of translucent fabric. Inside each square in the grid is a fan that makes the cloth billow, slightly increasing the brightness of that section of the grid. It's an interesting effect for sure, but as you can see in the video below its functionality is somewhat... limited. But is it art? [Via CrunchGear]
Alcatel comes to the US, prepaid style
Alcatel had mentioned a few months ago that it planned to roll deep with US launches this year -- kind of hard to swallow, considering the non-presence they've had here for years and the difficulty for a new player to break into the market -- but sure enough, here we go with the first volley. Locus Telecom's prepaid O2 Wireless brand (naw, not that O2) has launched two low-end Alcatel sets two accompany its range of LGs and Motorolas, the E206a candybar and E227a flip. Both are sans camera or high-speed data of any sort; in fact, they putt along with mere dual-band GSM radios, and in the case of the E206a, a positively miniature 96 x 96 display. Not exactly a groundbreaking entrance into the market for Alcatel, but an entrance nonetheless. O2 says its service is for "students, seniors, and trendsetters," so if you're a trendsetter, go ahead and get your Alcatel on.[Via MobileBurn]
