We’re off for 2 weeks. All the CrowdSpirit team wish you a merry christmas and an happy new year. We’re back the 2nd of january.

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

Some modder went and made a handheld wooden SNES out of, get this, wood. That’s right folks, that’s not a cheap wood print on a vinyl sticker, that is actual tree right there. Allegedly the modder yanked the display from a PSOne, which makes it a sort of video game console hybrid freak. Sort of like if Pac Man banged Princess Peach and they had kids. Which of course is impossible because he’d just gobble her up before they could do it.

source : geekologie

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

Hello all,

I received last week a message that could interest you. Here is the details. Feel free to answer it.

best regards

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

The garage inventor is a distinctly American character. But new technologies — from powerful home computers to 3-D printers — are driving down the cost of innovation and giving backyard tinkerers capabilities once reserved for well-funded R&D labs.

Have you, or has someone you know, invented a product at home? Improved upon an existing one?

If so, tell us about it by clicking here: Respond.

Home-based inventors are fueling an emerging trend in product development dubbed “user-centered” innovation.

And that has led to all sorts of cheap and useful innovations — like silly string detecting tripwires in Iraq.

What potential breakthrough innovation are you working on?

Tell us about it here.

And please forward this note along to any innovators you know.

Thanks,

Brendan Newnam
Analyst, Public Insight Journalism
bnewnam@marketplace.org

This external hard drive concept entitled “IVY” adds an interesting new aesthetic to a plain old drive via an OLED screen that visualizes the content of the hard disk. Inspired by Sequoiaview visualization software, IVY starts out life as a rather plain looking disk. As you fill it up, the design changes in sync with the content. In essence, you can automatically decorate your drive with a cushion treemap design that continually evolves. Again, it is only a concept —but it is a particularly interesting looking one if I do say so myself.

source: Gizmodo

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

Looks like Google’s Android platform for the cellphone is set to go tough on the iPhone with a really hot looking user interface that will adorn some rather sexy handsets sometime next year. A prototype of the Android-enabled phone is already available, and man does it look sweet. Applications on Android include Google Maps, a photo slideshow that works great and the ability to run Quake on virtually any handset - making the Android operating system being versatile for use in both high- and low-end markets, featuring the ability to accommodate both keypad and touch sensitive controls. What are some of the other apps you would like to see appear on an Android handset?

source: ubergizmo

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

We’ve seen quite a few next-gen nav device concepts, but none with as much potential as the Virtual Cable, from a New Jersey company called Making Virtual Solid. The system uses a laser, a set of lenses, and a moving mirror mounted in the dashboard to project a 3D route-guidance line above the road ahead, as though it’s actually out in front of the driver. Besides making driving that much more like a video game, the company says mass-produced versions will cost somewhere around $400 as a factory-installed option, and can be easily interfaced with existing GPS systems. Sadly, there don’t appear to be any live videos of the system in action, but judging from the number of patent applications and incredibly detailed schematics and explanations on the website, the vapor factor seems pretty low. Check the read link for a set of video mockups of the system in action.

source : engadget

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

Here is an interesting concept from core77 : Not limited to what can legibly fit on a 2″ x 3.5″ piece of stock, the M++CARD expands information exchanges between people to include product data, portfolios, and extended personal information.

source : core77

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

Technology and how its used should not really come as a surprise any more, it seems like every day that a new use seems to come about. Sometimes they catch on and sometimes they fade away, this is one that I hope will catch on.

Continental has begun testing using mobile phones or PDA’s as a customers boarding pass. Currently passengers in Houston will be able to use this new service simply by showing a code that the airline sent to your phone or PDA. The code is a two-dimensional bar code with a jumble of squares and rectangles that stores your name and flight information. That bar code will be scanned by the TSA for authenticity and you will still also be required to have photo identification. According to a TSA official this system will assist screeners in stopping fake boarding passes.

The test period is expected to last three months after which it could expand nationwide. Currently the new electronic tickets are limited to passengers traveling alone, however Continental is working on a system that will allow multiple passengers (a family) to check-in. Continental is the first airline in the US to use this system, however Air Canada has been using this since September.

This would also give a good reason to make sure you have a fully charged or possible spare battery, the last thing we would need it to miss your flight because you drained your battery, of course this has been considered and passengers can get a paper boarding pass by checking in with an agent, but with the typical long lines that could make for a nasty delay.

source : gadgetell

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

Mouscan, a South Korean company, has teamed up with Hewlett-Packard to deliver its newest product. Using HP technology, Mouscan is putting out a device which will scan, translate and read aloud to you any text. They are calling it Voiscan… where do they come up with these names.

While the HP technology isn’t new, when you combine it with the Mouscan optical recognition, translation and vocalization it becomes one amazing device. The usefulness potential is off the charts. Just think of all the people it could help: the elderly, the blind, travelers, students, etc… Oh, did I forget to mention its handy dandy portable size?

This product isn’t on the market yet, it’s expected to be on sale sometime next year. I’m eager to see it in action. I already know now what will start out Christmas Wish List ’08.

source : slashgear

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder

I was instantly hooked when I saw this retro tote, featuring an old record player design on the front. Then when I found out it had speakers for my iPod, I had to resist buying myself an early Christmas present.

I have this issue every year, and then in the end I buy half the things I wanted for my 14 year old sister (we have extremely similar tastes). In case you’re like me and can’t stand to not have a strap you can sling over your shoulder, the bag has a longer strap that can be tucked away inside when it’s not in use.

The amplified stereo speakers run off of four AA batteries, which are as usual not included. It measures 12”x14.5”x3.5” and is being sold for $60.

source: slashgear

best regards,

Lionel, CrowdSpirit Founder