Inspiration for the new masthead comes from this fun website.
Anyway, now that we’re all in lockdown, I thought a new issue of the newsletter might help lighten the mood. Scroll on for some fresh links.
If a baguette could move, how do you think it would move?
With everything else going on, it’s always nice to take a step back and consider the truly important questions of our universe.
Check yourself out before the next video call
Rafael Conde • Hand Mirror app
I’ve been using this one a lot lately. It opens a pop-down view of your webcam, allowing you to do a quick ‘do I look stupid’ check before you join your daily work video calls. Mac-only, unfortunately.
Delete Mac apps without making a mess
FreeMacSoft • AppCleaner
This is a great tool for properly uninstalling apps on your Mac. While dumping an unwanted app in the Trash is (mostly) fine, it still leaves a lot of unwanted clutter on your system.
AppCleaner has a great feature called SmartDelete, allowing you to maintain your move-to-Trash habit while automatically trashing any related files at the same time.
Automate your workouts
Fitbod
The Fitbod app has quickly become my go-to choice for home workouts. (But it works just as well at the gym, too.) You can enter the specific equipment you have on hand—or none, for bodyweight-only plans—and it will automatically generate workouts for you.
Even better, it tracks the muscle groups you’re hitting with each workout and offers video instructions for each exercise; a nice bonus when you’re trying new moves for the first time.
Back to the good old days of LEGO
LEGO • Pirates of Barracuda Bay
Never have I been more tempted to dive back into LEGO than with this new (old) set.
They are reviving the classic sets, like the ‘Pirates of Barracuda Bay’ (originally released in 1989), seemingly targeted at nostalgic adults instead of kids.
A great GIFt idea
Infinite Objects
The team at Infinite Objects believes that moving images should be appreciated the same way posters, prints, and photographs have been for centuries—not just trapped on your camera roll, YouTube, or on GIPHY.
That’s why they created an intentionally non-updateable display, or what they’re calling a ‘video print.’ The seven-inch frames can hold up to 24 hours of video playing in a perpetual loop like a GIF. There’s a curated store with their own prints, or you can upload/select your own with their online configuration tool.
Potato chip spy tricks
MIT NEWS • Extracting audio from visual information
Researchers from MIT, Microsoft, and Adobe have figured out a way to reconstruct audio using the vibrations of objects in a video feed. The algorithm can even recover speech from the vibrations on a bag of potato chips, photographed from 15 feet away through soundproof glass.
They also had success with aluminum foil, a glass of water, and the leaves of a plant. Coming soon to a James Bond movie near you.
Keep the family updated on your work status
Twitter • @cairn4
This is a fun project: Steve Forde was looking for a solution to share his working/not working status with the rest of his family, especially now in quarantine.
The result is a simple picture frame that is controlled remotely over the Internet to indicate his status upstairs, while he’s in his office downstairs.
Show off your whip in style
Designboom • Supercar Capsule
Like your own private luxury showroom, Supercar Capsules offer a completely one-of-a-kind garage for your luxury vehicles. The company works with owners to create a solution that fits their vehicle and their house, using top-quality materials, elevators, and rotation systems, along with any custom manufacturing and installation.
From designer concept to official Mattel UNO deck
Bless This Stuff • Uno Minimalista
Designer Warleson Oliveira created a minimalist version of UNO, posted it online, and it got so much traction that Mattel decided to make it for real.
The ‘Minimalista’ edition features an all-black look for the rear face, paired with vibrant colours on the front, as well as streamlined logos, symbols, and numerals.
When are we getting delivery drones?
YouTube • Wingcopter
UPS has started working with German startup Wingcopter to develop a new type of delivery drone with a range of up to 75 miles and speeds as high as 150 miles per hour, so it seems like we’re edging closer to this reality.
I for one can’t wait for a drone to ditch a package right on our balcony, if only to feel like we’re finally living in a sci-fi movie.
When stuntmen get bored…
Twitter • @RexChapman
They make fun videos.
Why is every COVID ad the same?
YouTube • Every Covid 19 Commercial is Exactly the Same
They’ll say we're living in “uncertain times,” but that “we’re here for you.” And that their top priority is “people” and “families” with services available in the “comfort and safety of your home.” Last but not least, that “we're all in this together.” Barf.
#LifeCommentary
Twitter • @nickheathsport
If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, look no further than the #LifeCommentary series from sports commentator Nick Heath.
Like so many others, Nick suddenly found himself without a venue for his vocal talents, so now he’s narrating everyday scenes from his London neighbourhood with all the excitement he'd bring to a rugby match.
Retro arcade fonts are super impressive
YouTube • The 8-bit arcade font, deconstructed
Vox does a great job covering the amazing variation designers were able to achieve within the 8-bit typographic grids of retro video games.