microsoft brings fun to the conference room.
On his last CEO Summit, Bill Gates debuted the touch wall. Basically, it's Microsoft Surface, installed vertically. Your conference room dreams of this. Your living room dreams of this. Retail stores dream of this.
Finally, something cool from Microsoft, that you really want. But can't afford.
Labels: microsoft, technology, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:09 AM
1 comments
train tunnels: the only place people will watch speed racer?
The tunnel between Hollywood and Universal features a special show for it's train passengers. An ad for Speed Racer, played over 360 individual LED frames. The movement of the train animates the piece.
NYC had a similar piece a while ago, but it didn't include LED panels.
The bigger whoop-de-do: People are riding trains in Los Angeles?? Like, actually using public transportation? Do they have valet parking at the train stations?
Labels: ads, newyork, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:32 AM
1 comments
mobile phones more important than wallets
More than one-third of workers would choose their mobile phone over their wallet, keys, laptop or digital music player. Thankfully, pants and shoes are still important.
Labels: mobile, technology, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:27 AM
0 comments
what you could learn from a couple rocket scientists
Last week, a few of us from Plaid had the distinct pleasure of meeting a couple of the original engineers/developers for Segway. As a part of their worldwide brand team, we were entertained with some of the most glorious background on Segway. Doug Field, Scott Waters and Michael Taylor presented background on the device, with details on it's history, development, and shared some of the overall R&D philosophy at Segway.
We could all learn a lot from Segway. Their development team is an inspiration to creative people anywhere. I wish their presentations were bottled up for sharing with the world. These were some of the most inspiring, passionate, and intelligent people that I've enjoyed meeting. Here's a couple of awesomely sweet nuggets from my notes at the brand summit:
They celebrate what they call "Frog Kissing Days." These are days where engineers attempt to produce wildly creative devices and ideas that are beyond anything they'd normally attempt. Development without rules. When complete, they celebrate the grandest failures. Kissing frogs. That's a holiday that should be celebrated every month, at every agency.
How do you know that you've created something grand? When your solution creates 50 additional problems. That's what Doug had to say about creation and invention.
The technology adoption curve applies to branding. They detailed some history on great technological advances and explained the technology adoption curve (detailed here), which details how humans accept and use new technological advancements. It turns out that the typical adoption of brand new advances usually takes 15 - 20 years before they're accepted by society. Pretty amazing when you look through history and place items on the curve. This is an important consideration for branders who are dealing with technology - so as to best understand where your audience is in the curve, and what messaging they'll be open to.
Thanks to Michael, Doug and Scott for hanging with a bunch of creative types, and allowing a few people that couldn't even complete a basic math equation, bask in their intelligence.
Labels: branding, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:30 AM
1 comments
sun powered leds say light up the world
This massive light wall was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Nothing you haven't seen before, until you learn...that the whole thing is powered by the sun.
Wow. Imagine Vegas, or Times Square - powered by the sun. Oh, the future is going to be a spectacular place. Sun powered, color changing cars. Entire streets as art projects. Roads that light up as you drive on them. And jetpacks will come in to play somewhere, I'm sure.
Labels: architecture, green, outdoor, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:05 AM
0 comments
what to do with those ugly malls
A recent episode of ScobleizerTV features a tour of the new RackSpace facility, in Austin Texas.
You may find this interesting on a few fronts. They're converting a massive shopping mall in a previously dead neighborhood in San Antonio, to RackSpace headquarters. Imagine having your office in a dead Orange Julius??
In this episode, they tour the space in development, and talk about how they convinced a couple thousand people to move to a neighborhood that was pretty much abandoned. You'd think that with all of that space, that they'd be spread across the joint "I call the Gap! I call the food court!" But instead, they've kept their people tight. To foster community. (A little too tight, in my opionion.)
They've reduced real estate costs, reduced power costs, and have tons of space to have fun in. This is an interesting piece for anyone into urban planning, architecture or workplace design.
Labels: architecture, technology, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:29 AM
0 comments
desktops are back
Desktoptopia has released a product that feeds desktops to your computer. You can rate them, and it learns what you like, and continues to feed your desires. And there's a kabillion beautiful, cool and fun images.
Hal Thomas, VP of Marketing at Desktopia, says they're open to including brand-styled desktops, too. Not the trashy stuff - but think entertainment properties, lifestyle brands, and things people would actually like on their desktops.
I'm intrigued, because desktops have largely been ignored for the last few years. Not long ago, it was presented as the future of communication.
What elements exist within your brands, that people might want on their desktops?
Labels: branding, illustration, photography, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:46 AM
0 comments
microsoft: let's be more like apple.
Rumors have it that Microsoft is planning to go into retail. You know, just like Apple. Only, they won't be selling Apple products. Bummer. From Brian, via Twitter
Labels: apple, retail, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:28 AM
0 comments
what has the internet done for you?
Irina Slutsky shares the answer to the most important question of all. What has the internet done for you? See some internet famous and other people, taped while Irina was at SXSW. Always cute and funny.
Labels: pop culture, sxsw, technology, webdev
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:47 AM
0 comments
the ultimate communicating device
Sometimes the simplest things just make you laugh at how far we've come. Thanks, Milk. From Make the Logo Bigger.
Labels: adindustry, technology, web2.0
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:19 AM
0 comments
internets = confusing? you're getting old.
It's true. If you're between the ages of 25 - 60, your ability to use websites declines by 0.8% per year.
Want to feel even worse? I've added the world-famous clip of that stupid five year old, kicking ass on Guitar Hero. Just turn off the machine and go home.
Labels: technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:00 AM
0 comments
sony bravia spot: most fun on a shoot
This is a shoot that looks like fun. Imagine getting to cover Miami in foam. Sony has rocked the blogosphere repeatedly with their Bravia spots. And they're doing it again. They invited some bloggers to the shoot of their new spot. Sent others (like BrandFlakes) behind the scenes shots (above). All to build anticipation about an upcoming video spot.
This is working, because we've all loved the consistently wonderful spots, and want to know more about how they're made, and what's up next. PR people - pay attention. This is how you build buzz.
Labels: adindustry, ads, technology, television
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:21 AM
0 comments
reinventing note taking
While I absolutely love my moleskine notebooks, I'm trying hard to stop using paper for note taking.
So what a delight to discover MetaNotes. I've just started experimenting myself, but it looks to be the most robust note taking application ever created.
Having everything web-based is totally sweet...but there's more. This is a tool that will have you wetting your note-taking-pants.
You can give your notes tags. You can share your notes with others. You can even take group notes - in real time - together. This is an awesome tool for conference calls. Put the agenda right in front of everyone, and then take notes live. Everyone on the call can add their input, live. Add video. Photos. Whatever. And when the call is over - everyone has access to the document.
Are you already using Metanotes? How have you applied this to your day?
Labels: technology, web2.0
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:35 AM
0 comments
never let a meeting run over, again.
This is a blog has discovered the secret to corporate productivity. And it doesn't involve lighting the conference room on fire. Or duct taping anyone's mouth shut. (Although, those would be very good, in some companies.)
Introducing the TaskWatch. A whiteboard with a clock built into it. You can schedule an agenda around a clock that's in everyone's view.
They should have wall sized versions of these installed across the corporate world. Like world leaders should band together today, and require it. The end of senselessly long meetings. Thanks for saving the world, This is a blog!!
Labels: productivity, technology, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:54 AM
0 comments
we're off to sxsw!!!
Rob, Dave and I are on the way to the airport, heading for SXSW. We'll be blogging our trip in as much detail on our SXSW Edition of BrandFlakesForBreakfast. Check in often - we're expecting to meet some fabulous people, learn some new cool thinking, and show Austin how to party.
I'll be keeping BrandFlakes up to date, in between panels, meetings, work and beer. Should be interesting.
Labels: plaid, sxsw, technology, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:03 AM
0 comments
you need this in your office
Tell your boss it's creative exploration. The coolest new musical device, the Tenori-On is lighting up the internet. Giuli, can we get one for our office??
Labels: technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:52 AM
0 comments
visual pollution or killer street team tool?
Oh, the fun we could have with projectors in our pockets. So many possibilities.
Labels: art, outdoor, streetteams, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:48 AM
0 comments
the most annoying and relevant game
This is the most annoyingly stupid yet totally relevant and complete waste of time game ever. ForumWarz is an interactive game that plays off of everything current and past and relevant or annoying on the internet. It's as awesome as it is annoying. A perfect picture of internet pop culture.
If you're an internet worker, you'll get this. If not, you may look puzzled at your screen and wonder what all of the fuss is about. From BuzzFeed
Labels: creativeinspiration, gaming, pop culture, social media, technology, trends, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:23 AM
0 comments
what old people used to do before today
Someone's keeping track of obsolete skills, just in case we need a record. As Adverlab points out, there's a bunch of skills that we've retired very recently. Important things, like rewinding VCR tapes, remembering phone numbers, formatting floppy disks, or loading film into a camera. Mmmmm. Floppy disks.
Labels: technology, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:03 AM
0 comments
meet chumby.
A few weeks ago, we purchased a Chumby, for our office. We were intrigued by the buzz this little device has been getting.
What's a Chumby?
It's a streaming internet player in a plushy shell. You program your Chumby channel, picking from a variety of RSS streams and widgets. Stream your Flickr photos, Facebook newsfeed, YouTube videos, local weather and so much more.
Chumby also has a touch screen, and motion sensors.
So, why do you need a Chumby? You don't...but you might enjoy it, if you do. We've got a couple of fun ideas, that might be good for your brand:
+ As a door opener for sales calls and promotions. Sure, it's expensive, but if your sales leads are few, and your average sale is big, the investment would be worthwhile. Imagine having a cool device sitting on your potential client's desk that's streaming videos of your product or event, photos of your product, or a live webcam from your event.
+ As a retail display device. Get a few Chumbys, and put together an interactive display that enhances your brand. Utilize the touch screen to create a fun Chumby application that customers can interact with.
+ As an employee motivator or informant. Place Chumbys around your office, and program the Chumby channel to feature company photos, your company's YouTube channel, or webcams from field offices.
Rob and I do our best to show you the Chumby and talk through these ideas, in the video above. (Oh yeah, don't worry - I got a haircut this weekend.)
How could you use a Chumby?
Labels: art, creativeinspiration, technology, webdev
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:25 AM
1 comments
watch the demo demonstrations from the comfort of your home. or office.
Today is the last day of DEMO, a super cool conference geared toward emerging technologies, stuff, and new stuff.
A little bit trade show, a little bit product demonstration, a little bit venture capital party. Anyway - you can peak in on the fun and some of the cool new products at their site - where they stream the presentations live. You can also watch the presentations from earlier in the week, like Skyfire (above), the new mobile internet browser that has everyone's pants on fire with excitement.
Labels: technology, tradeshow, trends, web2.0
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:55 AM
0 comments
jj abrams inspires at ted
Watch JJ Abrams, the man of the moment, and his presentation at TED. Totally inspiring. See JJ's mystery box, learn about tools, tricks and be inspired. Will make you want to dive into the tools you're surrounded by, and create things.
One of the things that amazed me: the original episode of Lost was written, cast and produced in ELEVEN weeks. I'll never bitch about a production schedule again.
Wanna go to TED yourself this year? There's a pass for sale on eBay.
Labels: creativeinspiration, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:28 AM
1 comments
after the dinosaurs died, there was ansi art
Geek goddess Irina Slutsky stops by the coolest geek art show - an entire gallery show devoted ANSI art. This is a wonderful tribute to the artists of the earliest days of the world wide interweb - who typically used this art as headers to their bulletin boards. It's especially inspiring when you learn how time-intensive the production process was.
That's what the internet was like, before there was internet, and when we all lived in caves. Without wifi.
Labels: art, creativeinspiration, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:33 AM
0 comments
the land of misfit toys really exists
BuyMyTronics is a new service that buys your old, unwanted, or broken ipods, iphones, Playstations, Zunes (!) and other gadgets. They repair them, and then sell them used. It's the ultimate in green gadget recycling program.
You don't have to feel guilty about your dead iPod in a landfill, and you make money to boot. Someone who couldn't afford a new iPod gets your refurbished model, once it's fixed. Everyone wins. What an awesome business model for our greenlicious future. From EcoGeek.
Labels: green, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:28 AM
0 comments
how to beat the iphone: watch nokia
Nokia's on fire. They've got sweet product placement in Cloverfield. They've got new web2.0 services like Qik practically dependent on them. And they've got something the iPhone doesn't have: video.
You can trick your iPhone into recording video. And some future software release (or the next iPhone) will surely include this. But for now - Nokia's taking advantage of the situation. They're even (supposedly) putting together a nice deal with Facebook. They've found features and benefits that offer something the iPhone can't - and are doing everything they can to make you want them. That's marketing. Awesome.
Labels: hacks, iphone, marketing, technology, video
posted by darryl ohrt @ 9:37 AM
3 comments
social media and the next disaster
Google's doing good stuff again. Google.org's technology project titled InSTEDD, is pulling together some friendly technologies like Twitter and Facebook, to better prepare us for situations like emergencies or natural disasters.
This is a cool idea - but we've got a ways to go as far as stability is concerned. Twitter was brought to it's knees earlier this week, because too many people were twittering about the Steve Jobs keynote speech. One can only imagine how it would hold up in the event of a natural disaster. That said, as a communication tool for regional disasters (like Hurricane Katrina) these tools would be awesome.
Labels: facebook, social media, technology, twitter
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:42 AM
0 comments
blacker than black is the new black
Some really bored scientists have discovered how to make the blackiest black black. With nanotubes and magic beakers and science toys, they've scientifically proven this is the blackiest of all blacks. Blacker than dark black. Blacker than flat black.
No word on whether or not they plan on releasing a line of black jeans or cool black sneakers. I would really like a pair of black jeans that could immediately absorb all of the light of any room that I walked into. They should get working on that.
Labels: design, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:25 AM
0 comments
orange you glad you didn't do CES?
Engadget has a good rundown of all the things you needed to see at CES. Or wanted to see, but the media you watch only covers the big tv screens. Whatever - they just saved you a lot of hassle, walking around on sore feet, and a trip to Vegas. Not that that's a bad thing.
Labels: technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:21 AM
0 comments
write this down. seesmic is gonna be huge.
I've been going on and on about how I really believe this is the year for video to make a difference in our internet lives.
We bought Flip Video cameras for our crew here (no tape, and quickly upload with a built-in usb) so that we can document things that happen on the fly around our office. Already, we've recorded some embarrassing moments. My intention is that we'll be more aggressive about sharing video clips on our agency blog, on a more regular basis.
And now, I recently started playing with Seesmic. This is going to be MASSIVE. I'd describe it as Twitter meets video. Which is funny, because almost everyone on Seesmic is also on Twitter.
Possibly the coolest thing of all is its ease of use. Rather than recording and uploading a video clip (although you can do that, if you wish), Seesmic integrates with the camera in your laptop or machine. So with the push of ONE button, you're recording. When done, push another button, and it's published. It's really that simple.
This facilitates some amazing group conversations. Because it's quick and easy to respond to people.
I've also noticed another important dynamic, after only a few days on Seesmic. You become comfortable with yourself on video quicker than you think. I recorded my first Seesmic post and re-recorded it about three times. I was concerned about the way my hair looked, the way I sounded, and the lighting. After about a day or two, you lose all care for these things. Which is awesome for communication.
I've participated in some cool conversations with people from all over the world. About mundane topics like dogs vs cats, and about the latest internet trends. I told a client yesterday that it feels like I've gone to a really awesome party, and just met some cool new friends.
One of the more entertaining Seesmic-citizens, Seth, described the environment (and social spaces like Twitter) as anarchy. In a good way. What's really cool is that everyone is immediately an equal. There are no "a-listers" like what exists in Twitter or the blogosphere. You're only as good as your last post. Traffic or friend counts really have no bearing.
I'll continue to explore and experiment, and report discoveries. But I'm convinced this will be one of the most talked about applications of 2008. And it's only January!! This is going to be a sweet year on the internet.
For now, you'll need an invite to join Seesmic. (And sadly, I don't have any.) My advice is to kiss up to your Twitter friends, and see who has one.
Labels: blogging, social media, technology, twitter, video, web2.0
posted by darryl ohrt @ 12:37 PM
1 comments
bill gates gets his cool on
Just in case you haven't seen it, here's a link to the opener to Bill Gates's keynote at CES this week. AWESOME.
Gizmodo also has a cleaner version of a little more than the first half of the video.
Labels: technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:34 AM
0 comments
you're cursed.
Cursed with knowledge. Here's a fantastic piece in the NY Times about how you know what you know, but that the people you talk to don't know what you know. Read the piece, and you'll know what I'm saying.
Labels: technology, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:48 AM
0 comments
free.
Find 40ish minutes today, stop everything and watch this clip. Chris Anderson, Editor in Chief of Wired Magazine, and author of the Long Tail talks about Free (the subject of his coming book.) This was his keynote speech at Nokia World.
This is a must watch for internet workers, marketers, branding people or anyone in business. Geez, this guy just drips with smarts. Found on Core 77.
Labels: future, longtail, technology, trends
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:24 AM
1 comments
text yourself an email reminder
Ever find yourself in a situation thinking "I should check that out" and then totally forgetting by the time you're in front of a computer? (Another reason to have internet with you, all the time, everywhere.)
With Kwiry, you can text yourself a message, and the Kwiry bots will email the message to you. The site is down this morning (not a good sign), but the service sounds interesting. I'm wondering what kind of mashups and integration can be done with other services and online promotions. From bub.blicio.us
Labels: mobile, technology, web2.0
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:24 AM
1 comments
dead people talking to people in nyc
To promote Paranormal State, A&E is running a billboard on Prince and Mulberry streets that uses ultrasonic sound to broadcast audio to very specific locations. Pedestrians directly in line of sight of the speakers (seen as the little black boxes in the image above) can hear the 'voices' that are broadcast. People steps away hear nothing.
We blogged on this technology years ago, when we first read about it in Wired. It's awesome to see the tech actually used. Soooo many possibilities.
UPDATE:
Ashley points out the technology is from Holosonics, and they've also done campaigns for Target and Court TV. Cool.
Labels: outdoor, streetteams, technology, television
posted by darryl ohrt @ 6:42 AM
0 comments
how to play video games with your building
Dorm room Tetris. Wow. Unbelievable. Nuff said. Thanks Rob!
Labels: gaming, hacks, streetart, technology, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:34 AM
0 comments
there is absolutely no bubble.
Sweet, bubblicious video.
Labels: technology, trends, video, viral, web2.0, youtube
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:12 AM
1 comments
twitter on csi!
Not sure why this is exciting in the least bit - but Twitter was incorporated into the storyline of a recent CSI episode. I'm too lazy to count, but it looks like that first post featured is longer than the 140 characters that Twitter allows. Not that I expect realism on tv. Unless it's reality tv. Or something.
Labels: technology, trends, tv, twitter
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:20 AM
1 comments
teens: IM is easier than speaking
This is nothing new to you, if you read Brand Flakes on a regular basis - but if you're putting together a presentation for your board on how to connect with teens, here's some great fodder for your PowerPoint. (Or, be old-school, and email the links to your boss.)
First, Wired News reports from the Associated Press story. And then The Slate has an excellent write up too.
Expect to see Matt Lauer and the Today Show doing a special report on this subject, in a few weeks. And acting all amazed, like they've just discovered some new cult that kids are participating in.
"Next, on Today. Are teens abandoning email!? Find out how teens are communicating on the internet. When we return...this new teen trend may take you by surprise..."
Matt Lauer: So, you're telling me that you really don't check email at all??
Teen: Uh....dude, what's up with your hair?
Labels: facebook, mobile, technology, trends, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:41 AM
0 comments
the boom is coming
I'm about as far as you can get from an economist, or from anyone that understands anything to do with numbers, really.
But I've observed something interesting, recently. There are loads and loads of media reports about bad consumer confidence, poor economic indicators, and the like. Many friends in other industries are worried.
On the other hand, all of the internet workers that I know are booming. Like never before. People can't hire fast enough. Our agency is experiencing the same.
And then, Steve Rubel points (through Twitter) to an amazing study. Look at the number of job postings in the map above. They're exploding in a lot of the tech centers - San Jose, New England, Austin, DC area.
And then, look at the graph of social media, web 2.0 job postings. Through the roof.
The boom is here. (Either that, or we're heading into a recession.) I'll go back to watching YouTube videos now.
Labels: technology, trends, workplace
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:49 AM
2 comments
mind control for your second life avatar
Ummm...this scares me a little bit. Control your Second Life avatar simply by thinking about it.
Labels: secondlife, social media, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:27 AM
0 comments
aggregation. the solution for social media overload?
Fleet Street PR has an excellent post about the growing number of social media tools, and how there's less and less time in your life to use them. The graph above shows the number of social tools being used by the author David Fleet, over time.
This is the same dilemma that I hear from all of my blogger/social media friends. We're running out of time in the day. David points to the answer to all of our problems: aggregation.
Totally agree. But we need more of it. Faster. Now. I believe Facebook will become this in the near term. But there's another problem, too:
Content overload. I can no longer read all of my RSS feeds in a single day. Too many subscriptions. My Twitter feed is growing, and many days I miss important Tweets. I can see my Facebook newsfeed going in the same direction. I've decided not to participate in the Digg social profile/tool. Something's got to give.
Aggregation will be a part of the solution, but I fear that it's going to be necessary to limit the amount of content we consume, too. I've sadly nearly eliminated books from my life. No time. Replaced by RSS and other media. Aggregation can allow us to consume more, faster - but there's still a limit to the amount of media that a human can ingest. So...until Facebook can solve this problem for us, I think it still comes down to....content is king. The best will bubble up to the top, and the rest will sink to the bottom.
Labels: facebook, rss, social media, technology, trends, twitter
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:38 AM
7 comments
everything is miscellaneous
Michael Wesch has a new short film, titled Information R/evolution. Wow. A wonderous summation of how we categorize, read, track and share information.
Labels: blogging, social media, technology, trends, youtube
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:48 AM
0 comments
future of media consumption, summarized in one quote.
Beautiful quote from Robert Scoble, via Twitter:
"Wow, over past three days I've read more than 10,500 items among 900 feeds. Whew!
I don't skim. I "imprint" on each item. If it makes an impression due to a variety of things that I look for, then I read. Then I share. "
Exactly.
Labels: social media, technology, trends, twitter
posted by darryl ohrt @ 8:17 AM
0 comments
kids today.
WOW. Nothing that you don't already know if you read BrandFlakes regularly - but this is a stunning presentation of students today. Awesome.
Labels: facebook, pop culture, social media, technology, trends, youthmarketing
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:44 AM
0 comments
not comfy in your own skin? try yourself as a third person.
Ok, this is a little bit confusing, but freakin' amazing. It's an an avatar machine. A crazy looking clunky device that you fasten to your body, so that you can experience your life as an avatar.
The camera records your image from the third person perspective - and then feeds that back to your virtual reality helmet. So you can go about your life in the third person. I soooo want to wear this to my next client meeting. Found on Reblog.
Labels: art, secondlife, technology
posted by darryl ohrt @ 7:40 AM
0 comments
zune just wants to be an ipod