New-York City, John F. Kennedy International Airport, February 10th 2017. 9.00pm - “Attention to all passengers of the KLM flight KL0644: Due to the current bad weather conditions over the Atlantic your flight to Amsterdam Schiphol has been delayed to further notice. We expect the next flight to take-off tomorrow morning at 8.00am. KLM thanks you for your understanding and wishes you a pleasant night in John F. Kennedy International Airport.”

Such an announcement in 2009 would trigger a wave of panic and distress among travellers waiting for their flight, and a comment like “KLM [...] wishes you a pleasant night in John F. Kennedy International Airport” would be  more than inappropriate considering the context.

Thanks God we’re in 2017 and Airports waiting lounge don’t look like what they looked in 2009.
For the past 10 years, engineers have been working on projects of small individual resting rooms which could provide travellers, moments of quiet sleep and rest from the city without wasting their time searching for a hotel. Such projects, like SLEEPBOX to name the most significant, have started to emerge a few years ago in places like Airports, Railroad stations, Expocentres, Accommodation facilities and even in Public and shopping centers.

Thanks to those revolutionary infrastructures, any person now has an opportunity to spend the night safely and cheaply in case of emergency, or when they have to spend a few hours waiting for their flight or train with their luggage. Most of those resting rooms provide their users with a basic service: a soft  2×0.6 m bed equipped with automatic change of bed linen system,  a ventilation system, a built-in LCD TV screen, WiFi access, electric plugs with built in adaptors and a system that darkens all the windows of this pod to give its user a minimum intimacy. And it is possible to use the service from 15 minutes to several hours.

Just like those public restrooms we could find in many developed countries at the end of the last decade, those resting pods are fully automated. After the clients exit his room, automatic change of bed linen starts and quartz lamps turns green to report that the pod is clean and free for use. Payment can be made on a shared terminal, which provides the client with a disposable electronic key or access key sent to his smartphone.

Sleeping the night over in one of those rooms has turned, for most passengers, to be more convenient and cheaper than a regular hotel room. Since the majority of pods are located near boarding gates, passenger can wait until the very last moment to comfortably board their flight. An unforgettable night before an unforgettable flight on board one of KLM’s brand new WB-1010 “Spruce Whale”.

I can tell now that I don’t fear any more to book this 8am morning flight since I can spend the night on site.

***

SLEEPBOX
Area: 3.75 m2
architects: Goryainov A., Krymov M.
Design: 2009 – Arch Group

***

Too bad we’re only in 2009? Maybe, but at least you can tell one day your kids or grandchildren that once in your live you ended-up sleeping on a bench like a homeless.

Still need some info to spend a pleasant night in your favorite airport? Check The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, The worst, and best, airports to sleep in

The iLuv Micro USB Car adapter turns your car’s cigarette outlet into a universal USB charger, so you don’t have to buy specialized car chargers for all of your USB-chargeable gear.

The device is tiny (1.7-inches long), so once plugged in only a small portion of the gadget will stick out from your dash, so it shouldn’t be much of an eyesore. Then, rather than buying car chargers for your cellphone, your iPod, your camera, or whatever else you’ve got that can already charge via USB, you can just plug your cheap USB charging cable into the USB car adapter and call it good.

The gadget will set you back $15, so it’s probably just as cheap (if not cheaper) than dedicated chargers. It’s currently not available from the iLuv store, but it’s supposed to be sometime in September, meaning it should be available sometime in the next week.

Equipped with GPS and a small projector, Maptor allows the user to display map on almost any surface and view their current location. It somehow reminds me the mobile phone with embedded GPS which displays arrows on the ground in “Microsoft’s vision to the future”.

Creating a concept is nice, turning it into reality is even better.

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Want more? go and visit Nokia labs

“And then the invasion slowly started, deeply burying its roots in the neuralgic points of major industrial cities, before it spread all over the World.

And there they were, all around us, before we realized it was too late.”

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To that point you are maybe wondering if this is some kind of stupid joke like the Crop Circles, a punk movement like the Army of the Twelve Monkeys or if this is real and we are under the threat of an Alien-like invasion.

“None of them” you’ll say. And you’re damn right and clever! Those weird drawings are only QR Codes.

Very common in Japan, QR Codes or “Quick Response Codes“  basically look like this:

Yes I do agree, not so attractive.

Technically speaking, QR Code can be described as a two-dimensional barcode which can be decoded quickly by cameras, especially those in mobile phones, supporting the codes.

Most cell phones * (see the list at the bottom of this article) are today able to scan QR Code and open the associated resource in the cell phone. The resource is usually a website but can also be a phone number, sms or text. Anyone using a cell phone to open websites can imagine how much faster and comfortable this method is.

I’m using this technic for the day to day business, as for instance I featured a QR code at the back of my own business cards (print and digital)

Some print publications also started to include QR codes in their magazines to provide their readers with a better experience, and every articles in the print version of this blog features a QR code so that readers are able to access them online from a mobile phone Internet browser.

If until that point you’re lost or not convinced by the good of QR Codes, this video will clear all your doubts.

A nice illustrated story by Kaywa is also available here

You got it now: a QR Code Generator allows anyone to create QR Codes easily. Websites such as Kaywa, BeQRious and QR Jumps offers this functionality. The good thing about Kaywa and BeQRious is that there is no need to register to create new QR Codes (which is unfortunately not the case for QR Jumps). Both sites distinguishes between basic and advanced QR Code and Damatrix generation. The basic form contains of course fewer options. But it is still possible to use the basic QR Code form to create url, sms, phone number, text resources and RSS feeds for mobiles!

Indeed, most Blogs or websites have an RSS feed, but content is still unadapted for mobile devices. Feed2Mobile will simply let you create a mobile version of your content and make it available to mobile visitors. For instance, by scanning the below QR Code with your mobile phone, you’ll be able to easily reach and bookmark the mobile version of of 52nd & West

[singlepic id=43 w=426 h=320 float=center]

Kaywa also offers the possibility to download a 2D Barcode Reader for your cellphone. The Kaywa Reader is a 2D Barcode Reader to install on your mobile phone. Once installed, you can scan 2D Barcodes and the content of the 2D Barcode is then immediately resolved on the phone.

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The URL is certainly the most interesting type of information which can be encoded. After scanning the 2D Barcode, you get a connection to the mobile site.

[singlepic id=86 w=320 h=240 float=left]

[singlepic id=87 w=320 h=240 float=center]

The user selects the content type at the top and enters the information below. Creating a QR Code for an url would mean to enter an url in the form. The generator will then create the QR Code image which can be created in various sizes and the two image formats jpg or png.

Easy, isn’t it?

BeQRious regularly publishes interesting news on how QR codes are used around the world. You can access them from here

So next time you see a QR code-like art in the street, don’t freak out, unless you see this…

[singlepic id=89 w=640 h=480 float=center]

muuuuhahahahahhahahahah

***

* Compatible OS include: Symbian 2nd Edition, Symbian 3rd Edition, Symbian UIQ 2.x / 3.x, J2me, windows Mobile 5.0 / 5.5 / 6 / 6.5, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Palm (Palm OS / Windows Mobile) Windows XP / Windows Vista (Webcam Reader).

Online resources:

- http://reader.kaywa.com/

- http://www.beqrious.com/

Don’t have a cell phone with embedded QR code reader? Dowload a QR Code Reader for your mobile here or use an online QR Code Decoder.

A faithfull companion

Basically Nabaztag/tag is a desktop companion that utilises Wi-Fi technology to fetch information from the Internet and convey it in various charming ways. Indeed Nabaztag doesn’t have any of the boring devices a normal computer has, such as a keyboard, mouse, or monitor. No, instead your new rabbit friend lights up and speaks information from the Web directly to you. He can read you the weather, your e-mail, the news, or even your favorite blog posts as RSS feeds. He also plays music, keeps you up to date on your stocks, and acts as a musical alarm clock. Nabaztag/tag can also signal specific information via coloured lights in his belly; so you can set him to glow yellow if the weather’s going to be sunny or red if an email from a loved one arrives. A wiggling ear could signify a falling stock price and a pattern of lights accompanied by a Westlife track could indicate that it’s time to get up… and get a life.

“Upgrade me I’m famous!”
But Nabaztag is also an application programming interface (API) which gives you coding resources and samples to have fun with with your rabbit! You can custom the Smart wifi Rabbit of Violet on http://nabzone.com and use apps like Nabaztag Rock Paper Scissors, The translator Rabbit, Magic 8 Ball, Telepathy Game, Fortune Cookies, Nabgo : The Rabbit Bingo, Memory Game ‘Simon’, News, Messenger…

Last but not least, Nabaztag fully supports services in German, Italian and Spanish, and reads text messages in 16 different languages: English (USA), English (GB), Spanish, German, French, Italian, Flemish, Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Icelandic, Swedish, Norwegian, Turkish and Polish.

Save Nabaztag
For the past four years, Nabaztag has been living his quiet life, while continually monitoring the Internet to provided the services your have requested, accomplishing the tasks you have assigned, giving you real-time info and transmiting messages from your friends. A devoted companion in your everyday’s life.

But Nabaztag’s existence is today at stake: Violet, its company, filed for bankruptcy. That would mean that those little “e-rabbits” will soon fall silent and gather dust instead of enriching our lives. But three Nabaztag lovers couldn’t accept this fate and decided to do something crazy: Allow Nabaztag users to buy the company and somehow become Violet’s new shareholders! Their focus is to raise enough funds before the 4th of september. The estimated 2 Millions Euros they aim to raise is not the price of the acquisition (it could be fairly less of course) but it is the amount believed necessary to revive the rabbits and make them happy again! So far they’ve managed to gather approximatively 129,500€. But we can do better than that!

So if you have yourself adopted a Nabaztag, or if you find the concept attractive, innovative, creative and futuristic, take a moment to connect on savenabaztag.com and help make things change with a couple of euros.

To be continued!

***

Want to know more about Nabaztag? connect on nabaztag.com

Want to help? connect on savenabaztag.com

Facebook “Save Nabaztag” group: here and here

Features

• Blinks, moves his ears, talks, plays music

• Reads out loud written texts in 32 languages

• Obeys spoken commands (voice recognition)

• Detects and reacts to the presence of a Nano:ztag or any other object featuring a RFID Ztamp

• Feeds off the Internet. Transmits, reacts, obeys what’s on the Web

• Gives short news with speech & colour-coded lights (Weather, Markets…)

• Reads out loud real time news from any Website (RSS)

• Reads, sings and dances messages and songs sent by your friends over the Net

• Sings and dances MP3 tunes sent by your friends over the Net

• Chat with other Rabbit owners through voice, music and ear movements

• Ability to create your own content channels and applications (API)

• Ever-expanding set of free services and content

• Easy to program through a Web interface

• Connects to your Wi-Fi network and works even when your computer is powered off

• And much, much more…

Technical specs

Technical details

• Size and weight: Height excl. ears: 16 cm / incl. ears: 23 cm – Diameter of base: 13.5 cm – Weight: 1 kg

• Interchangeable magnetic ears

• Power supply: 110-220 Volts

• Wi-Fi card: 802.11 b or g

• Encryption supported: WEP and WPA

• Built-in 2 W speaker

• Audio-out jack for outside speakers

• Volume adjustment control

• Microphone

• Ears with output/input motors

• RFID reader, ISO14443 Type-B. Includes one Nano:ztag Micro-Rabbit containing a RFID Ztamp (additional RFID Ztamp stickers available separately)

System requirements

• Broadband Internet connection and Wi-Fi Access Point

• Wi-Fi card (built-in or USB key) needed for the inital setup

• Mac, PC/Windows, PC/Linux compatible

• Compatible Mac, PC/Windows, PC/Linux

Warranty and Support

• 1 year warranty, repair & replacement

• Technical support Hotline

]]> http://www.52ndwest.com/design/save-nabaztag-because-we-dont-like-to-see-bunnies-die/feed/ 0 http://www.52ndwest.com/design/picture-of-the-week-mobile-evolution-matryoshka/ http://www.52ndwest.com/design/picture-of-the-week-mobile-evolution-matryoshka/#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:30:24 +0000 Nicolas http://www.52ndwest.com/?p=922

These Matryohska dolls creation isn’t just creative but also allows us to see the true evolution of cellphone by size, looks and portability. Each phone fits snug inside its predecessor and should help us appreciate the innovation of mobile phones.

The faithfully reproduced collection includes (from big to small):

1985 – Motorola DynaTAC
1988 – Nokia Mobira Cityman 1320
1991 – AEG Teleport
1993 – Ericsson GH198
1996 – Motorola Micro TAC 650
1998 – Siemens C10
2001 – Nokia 3210
2005 – Motorola Razr V3
2009 - Samsung Tocco

Want to know more? http://72rivingtonstreet.com/

About the designer: http://www.kylebean.co.uk/portfolio/

* * *

On Time Sound headset system is a Project that looks into the future, aiming to new trends and styles. According to Pedro Gomes, its conceptor, this device “re-designs the concept of headsets as a futuristic clock-bracelet. When using it as an headset, the bracelet works as a clock and the LCD touchpad screen allows the user to see the caller id. When calling, the bracelet vibrates for a silent warning and to answer the calls, it only needs one touch on the screen and two to reject it.”

No doubt that Captain Kirk would have traded his transponder’s communicator for that one instead…

* * *

Source: Core 77 / Coroflot

More on Beam me up, Scotty: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beam_me_up,_Scotty

That panel can be left protruding but still attached – for use with the keyboard – or removed completely and passed around as a photo, video or internet viewer.  It would also have its own internal storage and a desktop stand, meaning it could be used as a digital photo frame.

The Envelop E97 Concept Phone for Nokia is an extremely innovative take at the dual-orientation mobile phone, with its super sleek lines and its tear-off LCD screen. The 80′s consol pixeled-like blue screen gives a final geeki/retro touch to the whole device.

Nauroy certainly got the Nokia design language down to a fine art; the Finns could do worse than looking to Paris for their next inspiration.

* * *

Links: Take a look at Fabien’s portfolio here

I think this is how in-flight ISPs Aircell, Row 44 or OnAir should have called their piece of hardware they supplied airlines with. But I doubt that their engineers were whistling Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” while working on their solution… or is it because it’s still light-years away from being something decently called “broadband Internet”? who knows…

Anyway…

Most of us know that airlines have been touting the possibility of in-flight Internet access for, oh, seemingly forever now.

But chances are that even the most well-traveled fliers haven’t had the opportunity to update their Facebook pages or surf YouTube at 30,000 feet, at least on a U.S. carrier. Despite industry promises over the years, Wi-Fi broadband service is available on relatively few flights. Blame technological hurdles, financial turmoil and a general reluctance by airlines to invest in upgrading fleets.

The U.S. airline industry, though, now appears serious about moving forward with Wi-Fi in the sky.

A half-dozen carriers – including airline heavyweights American, United and Southwest – are testing or implementing Internet service on select flights. Other airlines hope to roll out the technology on a broader basis later this year.

Ars Technica posted yesterday a very detailed article on the current state of in-flight Internet. If you’re interested in knowing more about « Internet access at 35,000 feet », I strongly recommend you to read this interesting review which explains how the technology works, which airlines offer Internet service, and what’s coming up.

I’ve so far not have had a chance to fly on any of those airlines which have in-flight Internet service, to try myself how good the access is. But I’ve experienced earlier today on my Paris-Brussels train trip, an other meaning of « high speed Internet » which does not amount here in Kbit/s but in Km/h (or mph)…

From theory…

Three years ago, Thalys, made the news when the company announced that it was launching an innovative service for its customers traveling between Paris and Brussels: on-board true broadband access . The idea behind it was to provide passengers traveling across national borders at 300 km/h with a continuous Internet connection on board trains.

…to reality…

Today the service is fully operational between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne and allows travelers to stay connected during their journey, which is sometimes critical when you still need to access your office’s server to rework the presentation you’ll give your clients in a couple of hours (yeah, to some extends we’ve all done that at least once).

Thalys’ wifi service allows VPN access to professional applications, sending and receiving emails from your email client (Outlook, Thunderbird), web browsing, VoIP as well as free information services (news, Thalys timetable, online ticket reservation, etc.).

Free information? Indeed, as the email and web access services will cost you a small fee (€6,5 for a 60 minutes access or €13 for an unlimited access for the whole journey – note that if you’re traveling between Paris and Brussels, a 60 minutes access is well enough) if you’re not traveling in 1^st class. In Comfort 1, travelers enjoy from a free access to all ThalysNet services.

…there is still a gap to fill

In terms of quality of service, some users and others agree to say that the service is “painfully slow”, hardly delivering more than 33k output (which is bad dial-up speed)…

So what is my feeling about this? Well, reading the news and checking Thalys’ time table on their onboard server (http://portal.thalysnet.com/) was really fast and smooth on my netbook, but for the email and web access I chose to rely on my FonJoiku Spot’s application for Symbian devices which gives me fast access to the web. And I confirm that 3G works really well at 200km/h!

So, I think that we still have some work ahead of us to set what we’ll proudly call on day “on-board/in-flight broadband Internet”

I just can’t wait to be the next Chuck Yeager who twitters at (almost) the speed of sound!

]]> http://www.52ndwest.com/bora-bora/environmentgreen/%e2%80%9cthey-wanna-make-a-supersonic-man-out-of-me%e2%80%9d-surfing-the-web-at-the-speed-of-sound-well-almost/feed/ 2