Moonmoons
Astronomers have calculated that it's possible for moons to have their own moons. While they haven't confirmed one exists just yet, they are already debating what to name them. My vote goes to moonitos or Goodnight MoonMoon.
Touchy screen
Marc Teyssier • Mobilimb
A researcher in France has developed a new, more intimate touch interface.
It enables your smartphone to crawl across a desk, caress your hand when someone sends a loving message, or use its limb to prop up the screen while you’re binging YouTube.
I’m honestly surprised that Mattel hasn’t snapped up this tech. It seems perfectly suited for a new-age pinky war game.
Colourful computing
#docubyte • A guide to computing
This photo series is an homage to the early days of computing, pairing old terminals with pristine colour backdrops.
A large format print seems like the best way to appreciate all the details; thankfully, the artist offers them for sale.
Automatically delete your Google activity
Google • My Account
Data privacy is all the rage these days—that’s why this setting is so important for your Google account. It allows you to limit the amount of time Google can store your tracking data, while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of tracking. Namely, better recommendations, search results, helpful map locations, and more.
Follow the instructions at the link and select “Keep for 3 months then delete automatically” within Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History.
This 3D-printed shape blocks almost all sound
Fast Company • Metamaterial
A Boston University team has discovered a mathematical form that, when 3D-printed, silences incoming sound by 94%. Apparently, it’s equally as effective when printed as a ring, a cube, a hexagon, or a variety of other shapes.
Each print could be used as a tile or brick to build a noise-cancelling, permeable wall (think cubicles), or it could be placed inside an MRI tube or HVAC vent, or even under the propellers of a drone. The possibilities are endless.
Your new guard dog drone
Sunflower Labs • Home Awareness System
The Sunflower system is the autonomous solution to external property security. It uses a combination of smart garden lights (Sunflowers) dotted around your property, a charging station (Hive), and a drone (Bee) to monitor activity—no humans necessary. When motion is detected, the Bee launches out of its Hive to patrol your entire property and provide a live video feed to your smartphone.
This might make you brush
quip • Electric Toothbrush
After using the Quip for over a year, I can confidently say it’s my favourite electric toothbrush. Here’s why:
It’s super slim and lightweight.
It’s powered by one AAA (go eco and use a rechargeable)—that means no bulky charger or cables.
The travel cover doubles as a suction holder to keep it attached to your mirror.
The toothbrush and its replacement heads are cheaper than competitors (and the automatic refills have no shipping fees).
It looks good.
Get a $5 refill credit with the code:
9RZS8RNL ↗
Charge in style
Belkin • BOOST↑UP charging stand
If I’m going to put a charging stand out on display, it definitely has to look good. It also needs to support at least 10W (more on that below). This stand allows you to charge in portrait or landscape, and it sits at the perfect angle for an iOS Face ID unlock. I promise you that once you ditch cable charging, you'll never go back.
The Rundown
Wireless charging
The lingo
Qi — Pronounced CHEE, from the Chinese word for ‘energy flow.’ It’s the most popular standard for wireless charging, kind of like Wi-Fi is to wireless networking.
Watts — The only spec you really need to focus on. More watts equals faster charging. 15W is the max you’ll see right now, but 10W is plenty, given iPhones top out at 7.5W (likely to increase in the future), and most Android phones top out at 10W.
The gist
If you bought a new phone within the last few years, chances are it supports wireless charging. And because most chargers runs on the Qi standard, they’ll work with any phone you have.
When you're shopping, go for a 10W Qi charger and look for device compatibility to see if it’s been tuned for your phone, which never hurts. They start around $25, and go all the way up to $150+. Be sure to buy one that comes with an AC wall adapter, otherwise you'll need to buy that too.
Best watts for your buck
RAVPower • Fast Wireless Charger
I bought a similar version of this budget pad for my desk at work; it’s a great low-cost alternative. Like I mention above, make sure to buy chargers that come with a wall adapter. It’s easy to get fooled by cheaper options that only have a USB cable, but they won’t charge at full speed (branded as Quick Charge, Fast Charge, or USB-PD) without a proper adapter.
Automatic online order tracking
Shopify • Arrive app
This app is a godsend for keeping tabs on all your online shipments. Rather than scouring through emails for tracking links, Shopify’s Arrive app will monitor your inbox for you.
It automatically labels and imports your shipments into an easy-to-read list, then it will send you push notifications for status updates. It’s available for iOS and Android, so what are you waiting for?
Sony made a working electric car
Sony • Vision-S Prototype
Every year at CES, car manufacturers love to turn up with mostly-plastic, futuristic prototype vehicles. Sony figured they could do one better, and they’re right. They surprised everyone with a fully-functional electric car.
Unfortunately the VISION-S is just a prototype, meaning it won’t be coming to market any time soon. Its main purpose, though, is to showcase Sony’s 33 sensors for autonomous driving, along with camera systems, and a range of interior entertainment tech.
Maybe it’s just me, but a Sony-branded car actually sounds pretty cool.
Single malt Tide PODS®
YouTube • The Glenlivet Capsule Collection
Scotch is a real pain in the ass to drink. First you have to find the bottle on your shelf, extend your arm grab it, pop the cork, find a glass, pour it out, recork the bottle, and finally take a sip.
Well, no more! Now all you have to do is chomp down on a pod.
Welcome to Futureworld
Designboom • Toyota Woven City
To showcase their vision of the future, Toyota is partnering with Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) architects to build an entire city at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Really. Construction begins in 2021 and it will support 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees, retirees, families, and retailers.
The city will act as a living laboratory for everything from autonomous cars, to smart homes, to artificial intelligence, and more. They’re calling it a ‘woven’ city because it will include an organic grid pattern of three distinct types of streets: self-driving mobility pods, lower-speed electric scooters or bicycles, and pedestrians. Then there’s a whole underground network for autonomous vehicles as well.
Oh, and if Bjarke Ingels sounds familiar, it’s because his group also created the new Vancouver House building here in town.
The first manned SpaceX mission
YouTube • Crew Dragon
SpaceX is bringing humans to space, and a lot sooner than you probably thought. In the first quarter of this year, they’ll be blasting a crew up to the ISS on the Dragon. Exciting times for space nerds!
Bet you can’t find Waldo this fast
YouTube • There’s Waldo
I’ve yet to see an application of machine learning and computer vision that has true, valuable impact on the human race… until now.