Computing goes horizontal
Altwork, a US design company, is set to release an adaptable office chair that lets users sit, stand or lie down while using their computers. The concept is aimed at high-intensity users, meaning people who spend at least four hours a day at the computer. So that’ll be the entire Creativepool office then. The concept is aimed at “high-intensity computer users” which it defines as people who spend at least four hours a day in front of a computer. The chair can be adapted to allow the user to work in one of four key positions: sit, stand, collaborate and focus, each of which can be uniquely tailored to each users’ specific requirements. It can hold computer equipment weighing up to 15kg, which should accommodate two computer screens. The keyboard and mouse, meanwhile, are kept in place using magnets fitted to the devices, which then connect to a layer of steel under the desk. The mouse pad has a ring of steel on its outer edge but no steel in the centre to allow the mouse to slide easily.
Altwork is set to release an adaptable office chair that lets users sit, stand or lie down while using their computers
A statement on the Altwork website says: “Nothing has changed [in office furniture] in the last century. Even with the advent of lightweight laptops we’re still bending to our machines and working on tables and chairs like we did in 1899 – never mind 1999. While there is no formal ergonomic data, many experts believe a large part of the health benefits from standing come from keeping the torso and legs at greater than 135 degrees apart to allow blood flow vs. the 90 degrees that a traditional chairs require.” The Altwork design team has been developing the concept for five years and has been through a number of prototypes before developing the market-ready design. The Altwork Station is set to be released next year, with a list price of £3,800. We know what we’re putting on our 2016 Christmas lists!
iPad Pro sooner than you think
In the same week that it was revealed the tech giant has made $234 billion in 2015 so far (that's almost a quarter of a trillion!), with record numbers of iPhones reportedly sold, it's also being speculated that Apple is planning to release the iPad Pro as soon as November 11 (next week). Multiple sources have claimed that the 12.9 inch device will be available at both retail and online stores the second Wednesday of the month. The device's accessories, namely the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, are also said to launch on that day, in the US at least. The base WiFi-only model of Apple's new tablet starts at $799 in the US, which will probably translate to around £650 on these shores, and comes in 32GB and 128GB options. Meanwhile, those interested in the 128GB model will have to shell out a little over a grand!
Google to pioneer digital paper
MultiAdaptor has been working on a campaign to promote the “Think with Google” service, which is an online hub of research, case studies and insights is aimed at brands and the creative industries. The results of their efforts is this remarkable printed notepad, which can be plugged directly into the internet and used to control the digital experience, essentially bridging the digital and physical worlds in the process! Pretty neat right? MultiAdaptor struck upon the concept after being asked by Google to develop a fresh and unique way of connecting the platform it to its potential audience. It was initially developed following a hack day at maker space Makerversity at London’s Somerset House, which brought together a cross-disciplinary team of designers. Industrial designer Roland Ellis developed the notepad using conductive ink and conductive bookbinding glue. This allows the circuit board to be connected to the printed pages of the notepad, without the need for cables or circuitry. The notepad, which is being sent out to creative businesses to promote the service, features a series of “ticks” that users can touch to navigate to different pieces of content on the website, such as statistics, articles or video content.
MultiAdaptor has created a printed notepad for the Think with Google service, which can be plugged directly into the internet and used to control the digital experience
MultiAdaptor co-founder Andy West said: “They came to us and said: ‘we need an exhibition.’ We did some research talked through this idea with a few agencies and they weren’t so sure it would actually connect with them. They wanted something useful. Early on we thought about the idea of plugging a piece of paper into the internet and that doing something in a checkbox or notepad form. You could play with it and it would somehow control the website experience.” Fellow co-founder Ben Brookbank, added: “We wanted to achieve this emotional response that when it’s received there’s this genuine sense of curiosity. Then this moment when you’re surprised that it’s working in a way you didn’t realise.”
Yamaha and the Robot Driver
Yamaha revealed its autonomous motorcycle-riding humanoid robot during the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan this week. Dubbed “Motobot,” the robot was revealed in a video that shows the imposing-looking creation operating a motorcycle equipped with training wheels at 102 kilometres per hour. The robot successfully corners, swerves and uses the throttle and clutch without a single hitch. We’re still not sure we trust it 100 yet though. Motobot’s robotic voiceover in the video (above) addresses multiple MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, quite frightening stating at one point: “I am Motobot. I was created to surpass you.” Rise of the machines indeed. Yamaha is currently working towards developing a Motobot capable of riding an unmodified motorcycle at more than 200 kilometres per hour and the company will apply the technology acquired during its development to future advanced rider safety and rider-support systems.
Beeline is a safe, streamlined Satellite Navigation device for cyclists
BeeLine is a cost-effective and simple navigation device for cyclists created with industrial design consultancy Map, which works in tandem with their mobile phones. It was set up this year by Mark Jenner and Tom Putman with the aim of using technology to make cycling safer. It’s attached to the handlebars of a bike and shows the direction and distance to a destination allowing for any deviation along the way. It connects with a rider’s phone via Bluetooth and the accompanying phone app allows for the destination and waypoints to be determined before the cyclist sets off.
BeeLine is a cost-effective and simple navigation device for cyclists, which works in tandem with their mobile phones
The device is made from a two-part ABS case and joined together by a silicone strap, can be fitted to any bike easily, it contains a magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope to constantly recalibrate a rider’s location. A low energy e-paper display means that it can be used for up to four weeks without charge in all light conditions and there is a backlight for cycling at night. Knowing that many cyclists like to push the limits on occasion, the device has also been made with durability and portability in mind, and to this end a brushed stainless steel keyring has also been designed for it. It is being launched as a Kickstarter project for just £40 per unit or £30 for early backers. Perfect stocking filler for the cycle monkey in your family then!
TBWA\Helsinki turn a Nissan Qashqai into a PlayStation controller
TBWA\Helsinki has effectively turned a Nissan Qashqai into a video game controller to celebrate Nissan’s global automotive sponsorship of the UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Champions League. Following the “Innovation that Excites” messaging, the company has brought together a team of intrepid car engineers, gamers and UX designers to combine Nissan’s driving interface with a gaming console controller. Nissan has invited game influencers around the world to support the development process of Nissan Controller and in November, football fans will be able to steer players in PES 2016 with a Nissan Qashqai, offering them a thoroughly unique experience. Though we reckon it’s probably a LOT harder than it looks! The Nissan Controller will be launched during UEFA Champions League game between Malmö FF and Paris Saint-German on the 25th November.
