This week we have QR codes to shed light on anonymous graves, AR projection mapping illustrating the future in real-time and peripheral projection that takes over your living room.
Number 5) QR code anonymous gravestones
In a somewhat unconventional use of QR codes, the Welsh town of Monmouth is helping passers-by learn more about a number of mysterious Canadian gravestones at St Margaret’s Church, Bodelwyddan. Each code takes the intrigued visitor to detailed information about each of the soldiers as well as related images.
Via @Springwise
Number 4) ReDigi - the ‘world’s first pre-owned digital music marketplace’
ReDigi is an interesting, and undeniably brave, music model that challenges the convention that you shouldn’t be able to resell the electronic music you’ve purchased. It works by taking a small cut from every transaction made on its site. Songs sell for an average of about 60 cents, compared with a typical 99 cents on iTunes. Their argument is that we should have the same ability to sell digital music as we had with records and CDs.
“Companies like EMI [which owns Capitol Records] are trying to change the status quo by trying to take away people’s property rights and their rights to resell their goods just because they happen to be digital.”
It’s certainly a compelling argument – why shouldn’t you be allowed to sell your own digital stuff - it’s your stuff after all? The likes of Bruce Willis would certainly agree anyway.
Via@FT
Number 3) BMW AR window into the future
Here’s an interesting execution from BMW who used motion projection combined with augmented reality to map their BMW i concept cars over those actually travelling up and down 6th Avenue. A giant window display transformed cars outside into their electric concept cars in real time showing what their version of the future would look like.
Via@DigitalBuzzBlog
Number 2) LED gym?
Next up is a super smart concept from Germany that uses LED lighting to mark out boundaries on a court so it can easily be configured for different purposes. The technology involves a new type of glass flooring that utilises programmable LED lighting to create lines as well as video messaging or specific wording directly underneath the glass surface. You could imagine it transforming current sporting events such as showing in real time where a ball landed, illustrating foot faults or service speed within tennis.
Via@DigitalTrends
Number 1) MS illumiroom
In number one spot this week is a really smart invention from Microsoft Research called Illumiroom. Apart from the video released on YouTube they’ve been very secretive about how it works other than calling it "peripheral projected illusions for interactive experiences." Here’s a more useful explanation from ReadWriteWeb:
Illumiroom is a projector that works in conjunction with a conventional television to project some of the content on the edges of the screen onto the walls, floors and ceiling. Illumiroom creates the illlusion that a game played on a Microsoft Xbox, for example, overflows the boundaries of the television screen.
It’s mind blowingly awesome – check it out below.
Via @MirandaLuis
Referred by @robertbellamy
This week’s posts were clumsily written one-handed thanks to a broken collarbone so apologies for anything completely nonsensical. As ever, if anything screamingly awesome has been missed out, let us know in the comments below. Or feel free to ping any recommendations for next week to @jamescfilmer.
James Filmer
Chief Innovation Officer
UM