mindblob

Artificial Dummies - From ideas to reality

ARTIFICIAL DUMMIES from todo.to.it on Vimeo.

As promised in my previous post... here is more about TODO interaction & media design, the Italian innovative company we talked about. Again coming with a very nice example of crowd fascination in front of a unique live experience. Talking about ways to give people out-of-the-ordinary experiences... here you go.

Now, maybe some of you have already seen visual things like that before and so might not find it new or innovative. But according to the "creatures" actually reacting to their environment, I see more than a simple light show behind this. That "little extra" is IMHO exactly what makes the difference and drives the live experience into an innovative and unique area. This is why I wanted to find out "how the system works?"... and guess what... TODO brings an answer to people wondering like me (check the video here under).

When the magic brought to the eyes of the public out there is obvious, the technology behind this is not. TODO did mix different theories, programs and technologies to make this happen in an unexpected context. This is what I find "innovative". That achievement (I bounced twice on them!) lead me to check their webpage out. Happy I did, it is full of brilliant ideas. I also found there a few words on the philosophy behind their way to... drive ideas into reality, that I'd like to share with you as well. Just LOVE it! Way to go guys ! And please... please, launch a blog... I'll subscribe!

 

• we ask questions

• we listen

• we research

• we take risk

• we make mistakes

• we like busted knees

• we solve problems

• we are happy

• we'll never retire

 

ARTIFICIAL DUMMIES, the process from todo.to.it on Vimeo.
   

The Belgian 3Gs... "Geee Geee Geee!"

Who could ignore it? The iPhone 3G is about to spread the world. Wired just pointed what could seem to be a little detail when seen from a global point of view. Nevertheless... it's not for Belgians who might want to buy an iPhone.

"BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Belgians finally get the chance to buy one of Apple Inc.'s coveted iPhones on Friday - at the highest prices in the world."

Check for the latest developments here, on "Belgium iPhone", a fantastic blog that popped out after the launch of the iPhone V1 with loads of precious information linked to the (ghost) Belgian market. In the meantime, I'd rather listen to that tune from The 3Gs... and agree that:  "... Belgian Cowboys... will find a way!"  ; )

 

 

Always in BETA - The Conversation Fish

- Karl Long as being filmed by CM's web cam... hi Karl ! -

Imagine you were a fish on misson, in a bowl right at Forrester Consumer Forum 2007. Imagine you could see and hear people there and -wow!- send them text messages to a screen and get instant "live" feedback. What would you actually see? What would you say? Well, the first thing you'd witness is Critical Mass fantastic, audaciously open, conversation experiment : ALWAYS IN BETA.

David Armano and the super team at Critical Mass Chicago are indeed giving us an insightful view on the Forrester Consumer Forum. Letting anyone on the net log onto their open "Always in Beta" site. I encourage you to check it out as this is only a 2 days event (11th and 12th October). CM's blog is here.

As being one of the fishes around the Internet bowl yesterday, I must confess I really enjoyed the experience. First of all the technical aspect, innovative Internet tools (free and available to all of us, provided by UStream). So, no complicated IT server and gear with wires and geeks figuring out the optimal bandwidth in a hidden NASA-control-room-like place. Computer + web cam + Internet connection = that's about it. Well, of course there were some gaps in the video from time to time and the available computer mic was a bit overwhelmed by his assignment (unidirectional might help for next broadcast). But that's not so important, this is Beta, right.

The most important thing is the EXPERIENCE offered there. It opens lots of doors and ideas on how the future of live coverages of events could be. Imagine a phone with super-speed Internet access and a camera and you could broadcast "live" on the Internet from any hotspot. David gave us -fishes- an adrenaline peak when he went "WIFI-LIVE". Walking with his laptop and web cam in the hallways of the Forum felt like being on Neil Armstrong shoulder on July 20, 1969. Wow! David's wifi-walk made me think about this :

 

"It's one small step for man...

one giant leap for Conversation"

 

Congrats guys ! ! ! What an experience! We, fishes, loved it! Thank you for taking us on Enterprise -Critical Mass- spaceship... for a walk & talk on planet Forrester.  Last but not least CM bought 300 Age of Conversation hardcover books and offered them to the visitors of the forum. Now wait a minute... maybe "Beta", means "Conversation"... That's it!

   

Idea saves planet

 

Our planet is in danger, we all know it. Even if we all agree about that "fact", what can we do as individuals to help or influence a positive change? The PICNIC Green Challenge is launching a contest to help fight climate change. They challenge creative thinkers and innovators, to come up with an original idea for a product or service that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

 

   

They also require from the participants that they present a concrete plan of action to launch their idea within 2 years. The price/help to market the idea is 500.000 Euros, coaching from business leaders and a list of potential clients. The president of the jury is fantastic-Richard Branson, entrepreneur incroyable, chairman of the Virgin Group and the Galactic space project. "This contest is going to help people to realize how much they are capable of,” he says. “Great things really do come out of simple ideas.”.

   

 

Richard Branson together with former vice President Al Gore are also behind a wider project -launched in February 2007- linked to the reduction of the greenhouse effect, the Virgin Earth Challenge. Contest will award $25 million to the individual or group who are able to demonstrate a commercially viable design which will result in the net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases each year for at least ten years without countervailing harmful effects. This removal must have long term effects and contribute materially to the stability of the Earth’s climate. See them on the CBS "Eye-to-eye" TV show here, talking about the reason why of the project.

 

I take a moment here to point the axis we discussed in the previous post. It seems that more and more companies develop green policies to link their businesses to positive intentions for the planet. Well, if the intentions are shared, supported, and driven into reality, then some positive actions could (really) follow. But, at this stage thinking about this process, it appears to me to be more like a talent search/call, than a real collaborative work using the brain/linking power of the internet. Food for thoughts (yeah, again!) - (to be continued...)

 

   SHARED IDEA(S) - DRIVER-  POSITIVE ACTION

 

Do you have an idea that could help?

 

007 iphone

 

Well, now we know... Steve Jobs said it all at the Macworld Keynote this morning (makes me smile to say that, as it is –was- evening in Brussels by then). Many new stuff coming from Apple in 2007. Apple computers inc. is now Apple inc. (more than computers, right!). Then a quick reminder of the announced code-named iTV now launched under its definitive name: AppleTV.

But the main piece was, as expected for years now, the iphone. A mobile as it is, but a lot closer to a 007 gadget than it is to a phone. Full of fancy techno features and innovative patents, this one was worth the wait. It has naturally all the main features of the smart phones, like sms, internet, email, blutooth, 2.0 megapixel camera, and also WiFi.

But hey... more is less : not a single button, no slider, but a large multi-touch display, detecting your finger tips to enable you to browse the device. An “accelerometer” sensor automatically switches from portrait to landscape orientation, detecting when you rotate the phone. It has 4 or 8Gb of memory, runs under OSX, is an ipod, has access to Google maps, makes conference calls... and more.

Make sure you check it out on Apple site. And in case you want to view it, Steve Jobs’ full Keynote presentation is now available on this link.

So, are you ready to "Phone Different" ?

 

Galactic (Space) Marketing

This message seems to come straight out of a science fiction film, an Arthur C. Clarke book (Mmmm, just between 2001 and 2010, right!) or a Star Trek film. But wait a minute, this is happening today, well tomorrow, actually.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, brings this dream into reality.  Although the Virgin Galactic site is not new, it was recently upgraded. Whoever has $200,000 to spend and wants to travel into space, can now order tickets online directly from the site.

Even if all this may seem to be a crazy eccentric challenge today, I wonder how people felt back  in 1919 when Henry Farman, proposed the first commercial flight between two cities with his F.60 Goliath. 11 passengers could experience the flight between Paris and London and back on a daily basis. History tells that comparable, and even more ambitious airlines spread within the next few years. From airline to spaceline, here we are now.

Besides that, while listening to Branson's promotional trailer on Virgin Galactic site, I was almost gone into dreaming of this extraordinary voyage, when suddenly one detail attracted my attention out of the blue. In the promotional film, I noticed Mike Melvill, test pilot of SpaceShipOne pointed something quite interesting out. While describing the experience passengers will go through, he mentioned one brand : "... I'm sure with everybody being loose in there, they'll be letting go M&M's ...".

Then the film shows a camera view of the pilot in flight, releasing M&M's out of his arm pocket. Was it prepared that way? Pure coincidence? It could have been Skittles or Jelly Beans... Or is it a sign that some brands are already interested in space advertising or space product placement linked to SpaceShipTwo? After a quick search I found that M&M's had already been in space in 1981 (thanks to Fresh Creation)

Anyway, if we look a little backwards (article of CNN.com/space), Pizza Hut did also think about it in 2001, with their logo on Russian Proton rocket. So did RadioShack with the first live advert in space station Alpha. This pushed me into thinking of the new advertising opportunities linked to space travel and its future evolution. I dreamed myself in such a flight, trying to check through the windows of SpaceShipTwo if I could see the first floating space billboards, while listening to a gentle cabin announcement : "Virgin Galactic wishes you a pleasant flight. Free snacks brought to you in space by M&M."

I wonder what brands will be next to think about space marketing? Many could... and probably should. From cameras, camcorders, to glue, sunglasses, even vacuum cleaners... (yep, to help you clean the M&M's mess!).

Well, the sky is the limit. Woops! Not anymore!
Thank you Mister Branson.

SKYPE video for MAC is out!

Great news for the Mac fans. Today, Information Week announced that Skype video for Apple computers was launched. This means that from now on, video calls between Windows and Mac platforms will be as easy as phoning with Skype. Version 2.0 beta is now available for download.

Coming soon :

Yesterday was full of Apple news as well. Steve Jobs delivered a special announcement from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco (link to watch the full special event). The soon available "iTV" (first quarter 2007), a living room streaming box will soon let you beam your media from your computer directly to your TV. Jobs also introduced the colorful new ipod nano range, the ipod shuffle clip and the launch of itunes 7 with downloadable (and yes legal) movies and ipod games. Pictures of the coming iTV player covered on Gizmodo.

These new products are here to remind us that the link between internet, computers and our homes is growing stronger everyday.

The era of the electric cars

(Zapworld’s Obvio 012 and 012E – Fantastic eco cars are on their way)

Time to think green guys. It’s a fact, we are desperately watching the prices of petrol and gas going crazy and there is not much we can do about it. The forecast of future prices is definitely not optimistic for all car drivers. I can hear you scream already... "Oh nooooo, need my car… don’t want to pay so much for gas!” Any idea? Yes, turning to alternative electric or ethanol cars… maybe? They are definitely out-of-the-ordinary cars (for the moment!) and some of them will blast your expectations.

If you've already been considering alternative power, maybe you’ve already seen Ian Wright’s incredible, absolutely stunning, X1 electric car. As mentioned indeed, unfortunately still in the category “prototype” (0-60mph in 3sec. beating Ferrari 360 Spider and Porsche Carrera GT - listen to Ian Wright’s interview for Discovery Channel & take a ride with him on board). Estimated price : $100,000. So you thought : “Mmm... still a bit pricey and what if it rains?”  ; )

(Ian Wright’s X1 prototype)

Then, of course you fell in love with the ultra-sexy Tesla roadster… with a Lotus Elise mod feel, this one is convertible, comes with a roof... tops a 0-60mph in 4 seconds and has a range of 250 miles, top speed 135mph (video from Associated Press here). Still have to pay $90,000 to get one, though. Although electric cars have had terrible range and embarrassing styling, the X1 and the Tesla turned to history the stereotypes of slow, low performance vehicules some previously had in mind. Plus, and this is probably even more important, these technologies are a lot cleaner for our planet than gas engines.

(The Tesla roadster - Tesla Motors)

“Ok ok, but what about the price, then?” Well, don’t be disappointed, more new ecologic and economic cars are coming your way, with 4 seats, still stunning performances and... cheaper prices. 

ZAP World located in Santa Rosa, California has more than one solution to propose. Whether you'd like to drive electric or ethanol, several car models are there to please you. The great thing about it is that these car designs are going in a direction worth attracting our attention. The era of ugly-odd-looking electric vehicles is definitely over.

There is an interesting article on CNET with interview of CEO Steven Schneider.

Article refers to testing one of their actual models, the Xebra, a little plug and drive funny looking electric car. Let's call it the starter. Because of both its performances, look and price. The Xebra top speed is 40 miles per hour, it has a range of 40 miles and sells for around $9,000. Deliveries to begin Summer 2006.

(Zapworld’s Xebra)

Now, the most sceptic of you will say… cool, but we want more. Well, just take a look at this other car the Obvio 828 and 828E. This one (still on the funky looking side, indeed) aligns performances you might like better (view video here). With this car, you’ll be able to choose between ethanol and/or gasoline engine (up to 250HP) or totally electric motor (0 to 60 < 4.5 secs with 200HP’s and CVT transmission system – distance range : 200 to 240 miles). On pre-sales only for the moment, the Obvio 828 should come out end of 2007. Price of Obvio 828 around $14,000. How about that? Electric 828E estimated around $49.000.

 

(Zapworld's Obvio 282 and 282E - to check the set of pictures from CNET, here)

That’s not all folks… Last but not least the same idea is under development for yet another model. The Obvio 012 (ethanol/gas) and Obvio 012E (electric) – top picture of this post. We’re now talking about a microsport car with outstanding performances. No toy colours, but a stylish silver paint. The Obvio 012 is capable of top speed of 160mph. The Obvio 012E will reach top speed of 120mph, and punches a noble 0-60 < 4.5 secs. This post wouldn’t be long enough to feature all the equipement of this car… iMobile Carputer : GPS, internet and email access, personal organizer, satellite radio, digital multimedia player, DVD player and other fantastic things. On pre-sales, of course… delivery to be determined. Estimated price : $59,000.

(Zapworld's Obvio 012 and 012E) 

So, please Mr. Schneider, if you need test drivers for ZAP electric vehicles, don’t hesitate to send us a mail, we’re definitely ready to wizzzz for you!

Wired : How to… be an expert on anything

Wired published a special "How to..." feature. "We live in the age of DIY. Knowing how to use the technology that surrounds you is good - a little creative hacking is even better. This special section is your instruction book on how to do, well, anything - ... - Kiss Default mode good-bye – and step up to the tweaked-out, souped-up, overclocked life you crave. "

If you don't already ready Wired... this issue is worth  spending some time on. You'll find a surprising article by Stephen Colbert on "How to be an expert on anything". From telling you to "pick a field that can't be verified" to just saying that "being famous helps"... Colbert brings all sorts of ideas in his definition of the anti-expert. Anyway, even if you don't plan to follow his hints, they will definitely make you smile.

Introducing ... "mindblob"

Dear Darwin, here we are. We've been challenging our brains for ages of existance to figure out who we are, where we're from and where we are going to. We created an infinity of tools to facilitate the exchange of information from man to man. Time and distance became less and less problematic.

But now, we reached a point where, for the first time, brains can instantly connect to other brains, regroup, and grow... through time and space. So... great! What's the next step? What will internet and access to global knowledge and communication bring us? Anything new? Yep! It is a revolution, an evolution, a real new perspective.

Big brands and labels don't have the ultimate power of mass communication anymore. Simple customers, PC users, have the opportunity to talk back to the entire world with the strongest of all the communication tools ever : the internet. The inter-connections between people like you and me, making groups within a click of a mouse are changing the shape of our society. It is unstoppable, and is shaking (...positively imo) our world.

Creativity is now different and so is innovation. Brands have to rethink the way they talk to people and most of all the way they listen to their customers. Marketing has to adapt as well (marketing 2.0) to the new tools available on the WEB 2.0. Last but not least, advertisers, the super-hero-trend-setters of the old days, have to catch-up with this new reality.

What are the new perspective? The trends to expect? How are the marketing and communication professionnals going to react? Yes... this is another blog talking about the (same) subject. Let's feed the mindblob!