Walking in your mind (live mashup) from Ithaca Audio on Vimeo.

It’s amazing what has become possible with live audiovisual sampling. Monome, tonematrix and tenori-on sampling devices have really evolved over that last few years. Fun stuff to keep an eye on.

Visit -> http://www.facebook.com/ithacaaudio?sk=wall

Related -> http://circuitbreaks.com/2010

I’ve got to say, things were looking pretty grim for ol’ Facebook when Google+ rolled out. G+ seemed to offer up some pretty nice enhancements to the social networking space with ‘circles’ and being able to follow non-friends, similar to Twitter. For me though, it lacked in the area of visual presentation, other than the [...]]]>

I’ve got to say, things were looking pretty grim for ol’ Facebook when Google+ rolled out. G+ seemed to offer up some pretty nice enhancements to the social networking space with ‘circles’ and being able to follow non-friends, similar to Twitter. For me though, it lacked in the area of visual presentation, other than the ‘circles’ interface, the concept was pretty reminiscent of Facebook’s aging interface and overall layout/flow. Myself, being an extremely visual person, I was pretty underwhelmed by G+ in that respect.

Having said all that, I am really excited about Facebook’s new ‘timeline’ layout. I followed the simple steps to activate the invite via this TechCrunch post and am having a lot of fun with it (screen shots from my ‘timeline’ above). The timeline functionality offers something beyond just a ‘nifty interface’ that I really value and I’m certain many others who have been using Facebook for many years will value as well. It’s an amazing capture of your life, friends and the memorable milestones, all in one place. It’s a display of Facebook’s built equity, our loyalty and years of engagement that makes this ‘timeline’ so powerful and enjoyable. Something very special that Google + will have to build and earn on their own, over time, if they can keep up. Nice job Facebook.

As Google continues to expand as a company, I expect to see more and more innovative ‘risks’ emerge from within the walls of their empire. Google is now asking us “What do you love?”… Not quite as fancy as the Google ‘art project’ that came out earlier this year, but just as interesting from a [...]]]>

As Google continues to expand as a company, I expect to see more and more innovative ‘risks’ emerge from within the walls of their empire. Google is now asking us “What do you love?”… Not quite as fancy as the Google ‘art project’ that came out earlier this year, but just as interesting from a search visualization perspective. Seems to be a simple dashboard of Google’s services more than anything. Worth checking out.

Visit -> http://www.wdyl.com/

Google -> related posts

Let’s face it, people love their stuff and they love to document and show off that stuff. This Tumblr blog asks one simple question, “If your house was burning, what would you take with you?”. Nice concept, it will be fun to see what people share as time goes by.

Visit -> http://the-burning-house.com/

Being a long time fan of Amsterdam based influential music and lifestyle blogger Nalden, I’m pretty excited to try out his new super-slick iPad app. Just a few months ago he was soliciting for a talented experience designer to help him build out his dream app, now it seems that it’s come to fruition in a [...]]]>

Being a long time fan of Amsterdam based influential music and lifestyle blogger Nalden, I’m pretty excited to try out his new super-slick iPad app. Just a few months ago he was soliciting for a talented experience designer to help him build out his dream app, now it seems that it’s come to fruition in a very nice way and is now available to download. Have a look for yourself, there are some very nice interactions happening within.

Get the app -> http://itunes.apple.com/app/

Visit- -> www.nalden.net

Turin Brakes: Ascension Day from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

I thought this was interesting… World renowned film director and photographer/blogger, Philip Bloom, just released this music video that he shot with a Panasonic AF-101. The interesting part to me, is that he used the Plastic Bullet photo/video filter software made by Red Giant Software to add [...]]]>

Turin Brakes: Ascension Day from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

I thought this was interesting… World renowned film director and photographer/blogger, Philip Bloom, just released this music video that he shot with a Panasonic AF-101. The interesting part to me, is that he used the Plastic Bullet photo/video filter software made by Red Giant Software to add a gritty/aged effect. I’m a big fan of the Plastic Bullet iphone app, it’s cool to see the higher end filter software in use. Have a look.

More info -> http://philipbloom.net/2011/01/21/turinbrakes/

Red Giant -> http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/

Related Post -> http://circuitbreaks.com/2010/

It’s been a while since I’ve seen anything interesting from Mtv but this is pretty nice. It’s a top 100 music chart that is purely fed from social buzz, which is cool because it’s less about corporate hype and more about what people are actually digging. The design is simple, dynamic and shareable. I wonder [...]]]>

It’s been a while since I’ve seen anything interesting from Mtv but this is pretty nice. It’s a top 100 music chart that is purely fed from social buzz, which is cool because it’s less about corporate hype and more about what people are actually digging. The design is simple, dynamic and shareable. I wonder if they plan for a mobile extension? I’ll have to look into that.

Visit -> http://www.mtvmusicmeter.com/

More Super Slow Motion [Water] – 550D from Rickard Bengtsson on Vimeo.

One of the more amazing capabilities that affordable digital video has brought to us is super-slow motion via super-high frame rate captures. Rickard Bengtsson has spent some time playing with puddles, sand pits and various human acrobatics… all captured at frame rates as high [...]]]>

More Super Slow Motion [Water] – 550D from Rickard Bengtsson on Vimeo.

One of the more amazing capabilities that affordable digital video has brought to us is super-slow motion via super-high frame rate captures. Rickard Bengtsson has spent some time playing with puddles, sand pits and various human acrobatics… all captured at frame rates as high as 1000 fps. The specs for the above video -> Shutter: 1000, Iso: 400-3200, Twixtor speed ranging from 2-20%., Lenses: Canon 18-55, Sigma 70-300. I personally find the water captures to be extremely captivating, have a look for yourself.

Older but related post -> Photron SA1.1

Research and marketing analytics firm TNS Global created the above pictured data visualization tool called ‘Digital Life’. They have interviewed tens of thousands of consumers world-wide in order to research and study their daily web-use in the hope of providing corporations and businesses with helpful information and guidance in today’s unpredictable market. The design alone is worth [...]]]>

Research and marketing analytics firm TNS Global created the above pictured data visualization tool called ‘Digital Life’. They have interviewed tens of thousands of consumers world-wide in order to research and study their daily web-use in the hope of providing corporations and businesses with helpful information and guidance in today’s unpredictable market. The design alone is worth checking out, I really enjoy the simplicity and ease-of-use filtering that the sample demo offers.

From ‘about’ page:

‘Utilising cutting edge techniques and taking advantage of market-leading expertise, Digital Life offers both a lens on the digital world and the frameworks required to make actionable business decisions within it. It can be used to drive global strategies or inform local tactics.’

Visit -> http://discoverdigitallife.com/

My buddy Jamey Erickson is always up to something interesting and fun. Whether launching weather balloons to take pictures of the outer stratosphere, prepping for his next outrageous Halloween costume (I’ll spare you the visuals) or just coming up with interesting ways to make his Minneapolis based design studio Sevnthsin an inspiring place to work… he’s bubbling [...]]]>

My buddy Jamey Erickson is always up to something interesting and fun. Whether launching weather balloons to take pictures of the outer stratosphere, prepping for his next outrageous Halloween costume (I’ll spare you the visuals) or just coming up with interesting ways to make his Minneapolis based design studio Sevnthsin an inspiring place to work… he’s bubbling with passion for sure.

His latest experiment at Sevnthsin is called ‘Distance Makes No Difference‘, where he and his team have dispersed from the studio for ten days, all to work and keep up with their heavy client demands from separate locations across the country. Why? Well, to prove that ‘Distance Makes NO Difference’. To display their progress they are tracking location with google maps and documenting their commentary with twitter (and other various social-nets), all bundled up in a super nicely designed skin and a mobile app. To get the full story, have a look via the links below.

Visit -> http://www.distancemakesnodifference.com/

Visit -> http://www.sevnthsin.com/

I guess this has turned out to be a two-part post… One part, to bring attention to a new iPhone/Pad/Touch app called Poolga, that is a great source for illustration and designed wallpapers. Really nice works from some very talented designers and artists can be downloaded through the Poolga app right to your device. The [...]]]>

I guess this has turned out to be a two-part post… One part, to bring attention to a new iPhone/Pad/Touch app called Poolga, that is a great source for illustration and designed wallpapers. Really nice works from some very talented designers and artists can be downloaded through the Poolga app right to your device. The other purpose of this post is to showcase some of Michael Paukner’s amazing illustration/designs (above) that I discovered while browsing Poolga’s art library. Poolga makes for another nice platform for artists to showcase their works, making it a Win + Win for both Poolga and artists.

Visit -> http://apps.poolga.com/

Visit -> http://www.substudio.com/

I came across designer Patrick Molnar’s video game console archive site called ‘Consollection.de’ and thought it was pretty fun, simply designed and interesting. Not only does it reveal a bunch of gaming systems that I had no idea existed, it also gives us a nice eye shot of console industrial design trends over the past [...]]]>

I came across designer Patrick Molnar’s video game console archive site called ‘Consollection.de’ and thought it was pretty fun, simply designed and interesting. Not only does it reveal a bunch of gaming systems that I had no idea existed, it also gives us a nice eye shot of console industrial design trends over the past 25+ years. Everything from faux wood paneling, knobby paddles to the sleek minimalist looking designs that are more of today’s era. The site also holds tech specs and product info on each console as well, making it really informative and a good throwback. Be sure to check out Patrick Molnar’s portfolio site via the link below.

Visit -> http://consollection.de/

Visit -> http://www.patrickmolnar.de/

I’ve seen a lot of silly uses for AR lately, probably because of the relentless urge for many companies to embrace the technology because of it’s ‘cool factor’ and to be considered ‘bleeding edge’. The problem is, if you don’t think it through, the experience is at risk of falling flat or just being really [...]]]>

I’ve seen a lot of silly uses for AR lately, probably because of the relentless urge for many companies to embrace the technology because of it’s ‘cool factor’ and to be considered ‘bleeding edge’. The problem is, if you don’t think it through, the experience is at risk of falling flat or just being really difficult to experience at all. Lego has in my opinion applied the use of Augmented Reality in a very smart fitting way. First of all they make it easy by setting you up with everything you need to make this technology happen in-store. You don’t have to fumble around with your own equipment to make sure you have the right version of flash or that your webcam is turned on… Secondly, they have a product that really lends itself to be a good fit for AR, and lastly, they have tied the experience to their pre-existing packaging and not some kind of paper coaster that you have to print out on your own. Nice experience from Lego (this experience seen in Woodfield Mall, Schaumberg, IL).

Visit -> http://www.lego.com/

The wonderfully classic/retro NYC store front has been taken to new heights recently as Gawker Artists have come together to produce this amazing rooftop exhibit called Mom & Popism. Seen above, the near-life size photos have been mounted to the walls of the rooftop and then enhanced by the graffiti work of a few select [...]]]>

The wonderfully classic/retro NYC store front has been taken to new heights recently as Gawker Artists have come together to produce this amazing rooftop exhibit called Mom & Popism. Seen above, the near-life size photos have been mounted to the walls of the rooftop and then enhanced by the graffiti work of a few select artists curated by Billi Kid. This exhibit was constructed in celebration of the book ‘Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York’ by James and Karla Murray. The exhibition will be opened to the public on Saturday, August 15th from noon to 4 p.m. 210 Elizabeth Street, 4th Floor.

More info -> http://artists.gawker.com

More photos -> http://arrestedmotion.com

Lumix GH1 – firmware 1.1 update from Ken YIU on Vimeo.

The intention of the above video is to show off the capabilities of the new Lumix GH1 frimware 1.1 update. Ken Yiu shot this video using a 1/2 slow shutter speed enabled by the new firmware. By shooting at 1/2 speed the camera captures more [...]]]>

Lumix GH1 – firmware 1.1 update from Ken YIU on Vimeo.

The intention of the above video is to show off the capabilities of the new Lumix GH1 frimware 1.1 update. Ken Yiu shot this video using a 1/2 slow shutter speed enabled by the new firmware. By shooting at 1/2 speed the camera captures more motion-lag (or blur) detail than shooting at a standard setting. When sped up the effect is a wonderful combination of smooth, blurred movement and great detail when objects are static. In the above video each shot was taken for 15 – 30 minutes and then sped up in Final Cut Pro. This technique definitely makes for a nice effect. See for yourself.

Click here -> more info/download the firmware

A new Web Trend Map has been released by Information Architect. These maps are a nice way to foresee what’s on the rise and what’s on the decline as far as web trends go. Be sure to check out the large image on Flickr.

More on how to read this map -> Trendspotting.com

Notes from Trendpotting post:

A [...]]]>

A new Web Trend Map has been released by Information Architect. These maps are a nice way to foresee what’s on the rise and what’s on the decline as far as web trends go. Be sure to check out the large image on Flickr.

More on how to read this map -> Trendspotting.com

Notes from Trendpotting post:

A new exciting Web Trend Map version was recently released by Information Architect.

The current map is based on categorization of the web according to 13 trend categories, while the 3d visualization captures brands stability (width) and success (height). Trendsetters were added to the map as well. Influencers have indeed become powerful web brands.
TrendsSpotting has been suggesting the 3d features since the earlier versions of Web Trend Maps. Ranking brand’s strength is an important step for an initiative as this. Though, we are not sure if IS has done what it takes to present the power of the web brands.

I think we have all started to recognize a trend in the last few years . It seems that many celebrities, artists and businesses from around the globe have begun to reverse their thoughts and behaviors. They have become less selfish for the most part and have started to take notice of the importance of [...]]]>

I think we have all started to recognize a trend in the last few years . It seems that many celebrities, artists and businesses from around the globe have begun to reverse their thoughts and behaviors. They have become less selfish for the most part and have started to take notice of the importance of community. The traditional ways in which we used to measure our worth (wealth, power and celebrity) have seemed to swing in the direction of something that is much more spiritual and much more cultural. People seem to be getting more into themselves as a population and less interested in themselves as somebody or someone who “lives large” or is “big pimpin”. Life just ain’t all that fun when when you’re the lonely guy at the top I guess? I don’t know. I’ve never been that guy. I do know that I’ve seen some great signs lately that the more you should choose to open yourself up to the rest of the world/population, the more you make yourself accessible and easy to hang with, the better your chances are of success. Seems almost logical doesn’t it?

For instance, the fine art world has seen some significant change in the last twenty years. Galleries have become much more community focused and less concerned with mass stardom. Group shows are much more common than solo shows and exhibitions. Many of the shows carry a common theme and support a charitable cause rather than dump all the focus and revenue into the pocket of one sole contributor. Artists like graffiti artist Banksy, have escaped the gallery altogether (for the most part). Banksy has become popular not only because of his thought provoking and politically charged messages, he has also gained a healthy following because his work actually becomes a part of the community in which he creates it. Adoring fans no longer have to step into a fancy gallery to see their work. There is no charge. The work in many cases compliments the community. It speaks of the people and to the people that walk the streets. The work is more of a gift to the community than an unobtainable luxury that the average person could never afford. One of my favorite Banksy works is a mural of a modern day maintenance worker, pressure washing ancient cave paintings (hieroglyphics) from an otherwise typical urban street wall. It makes me think of how insensitive an establishment or organization can become. Erasing something of cultural importance without taking into concern it’s meaning or origin.

In regard to establishment and organizations,  it’s happening there as well. I was fortunate enough to take part in an interesting social media conference last year in Las Vegas. There were Microsoft guys, Google guys, Facebook guys… I even met a guy from one of the big oil companies (I think it was BP) all talking about big business and the next big emerging trend and how to speak to your consumers… so on and so forth. The one speaker/story that stuck out to me the most came from the mouth of Tony Hsieh (Zappos CEO). He was speaking about one night when he and some of his his business partners were out on the town in Santa Monica. Hitting the bars, painting the town till 3a.m. causing trouble an what not… When they finally got back home they were dying for some late night (or early morning) pizza action. Now, if you’ve ever been to Santa Monica you know that most places are closed by 3.a.m. So after some failed attempts to order a pie Tony decided to challenge his buddies to call the regular Zappos 24hr service number and try to order a pizza from them… long story short the Zappos help desk guy went out of his way to make sure they found a pizza (without knowing the CEO was behind the request). Zappos not only enables us to order amazing products. They also kick the traditional customer service ideas of mail order to the curb. They pick up the phone and help you out in many more ways than you would ever expect. Zappos service people are trained to approach each call from less of a business perspective and more of a human perspective (so I gathered). This is just one company amongst many that I have noticed in the past couple of years that is making a change to better the community it is part of.

I feel that the next generation will only embrace these ideas further. I foresee a society that is truly interested in prosperity and gain by means of a cumulative effort. The days of relying solely on celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina to make things right are hopefully coming to an end and we’ll all get to help out. Social portals, blogs and mobile apps are connecting people like never before globally and internationally. The next few generations will have the opportunity to have friends from all over the world without ever leaving their home towns. Here are a few related links:

Streetsy Urban Art Blog -> http://www.streetsy.com/

Graffiti Research Lab -> http://graffitiresearchlab.com/

Globally recognized avatars (profile icons) -> http://en.gravatar.com/

Largest U.S. mobile social net -> http://www.mocospace.com/

Myspace comes to TV with Intel and Yahoo -> Networkworld

Poster Boy – NYC Subway poster artist on -> YouTube