Image via Flickr
In 1960, Smell-O-Vision made its debut and tanked soon after. Throughout the 80s, scratch and sniff stickers were all the rage. Nowadays, theme park “4-D” films squirt scents into unsuspecting audiences. The concept has never really taken off in a big way, but it seems like today’s makers want another whiff: smell is back again.
A Japanese company called ChatPerf has created an iPhone add-on that’s a tiny perfume tank. When the tank is attached to a phone via the connector, a “puff” button appears on screen that will release the scent when tapped. Smells can bring an added layer of reality to mobile video games, movies, retailers, text messages, and the like. The company has even released a software development kit for “smell-hackers.”
Where do you think technology and scent should intersect? Read more about it at Mashable.
Image via Cubify
Now the masses can head over to their local Staples store and pick up a 3D printer – if they have $1300 to spare.
The Cube by 3D Systems prints in 16 different colors and up to 5.5” in length, width, and height. Twenty-five free 3D files are included with each machine. 3D Systems’ online store includes files for things like robots and high heel shoes, which range from 99 cents to $29. Cartridges for the wifi-enabled printer will set enthusiasts back $49 each. The Cube will hit stores in June, but is already available to order at Staples.com.
Are you for or against the sale of 3D printers at the big box retailer?
Image via Instructables
This is a project meant for kids, but don’t be embarrassed if you kinda want to make it for yourself. It’s pretty cool.
What if you could turn on an electric device with a simple tap of a magic wand? It turns out “magic” really just means “magnet.” First, embed a strong magnet in a toy wand with tape – either a fairy princess or wizard wand will do. From there, you’ll need a magnetic reed switch (often used for door security systems). There’s a little bit of soldering that needs to happen, but don’t worry, it’s all explained in the video directions at Make.
What device will you rig? Comment below or tweet us @WIREDInsider.
Image via Darry Lagawin, Gifmaker
Not everyone has the luxury of space and time, but what if you could transform your office furniture into a gym? Now that’s another story.
This three-piece furniture seat – ironically titled “No, Sweat!” – doubles as both a work and an exercise station. It’s not only a space saver, but a time saver too. There’s no excuse not to work out when you’re sitting on an exercise bench while you type. The furniture includes a step, balance board, weight bar, jump rope, and kettle bell, which is just enough for a full-body workout.
Watch a video of the transformation on furniture designer Daryl Agawin’s website. (Via PSFK.)
Image via WIRED
Imagine going for a leisurely bike ride or, heck, even an athletic bike ride, and getting just a little help when you need it. See a hill ahead? Just push a red button and jet over it at a swift 27 miles per hour. That’s possible with the Specialized Turbo.
It’s been available in Europe for a year, but the Specialized Turbo is just now hitting the streets of the US thanks to a mechanism that caps its speed at 27 miles per hour. This thing looks like a street bike, charges like your phone, and rides like a motorcycle. Cyclists still pedal and break as usual, but the touch of a button gives them superhuman speed. (Watch the video here.) I’d imagine it also heavily increases the number of dooring incidents, a rising problem in cities like Chicago.
The price tag is $5,900, so I’ll just stop talking right now. If you’ve got a lot of dough to drop, read more about it at WIRED’s Playbook.
Image via Pure Fix
I’m a sucker for anything that glows, and you must have noticed our EL wire obsession here on WIREDInsider. So it’s no surprise that the Glow Series collection stopped me in my tracks.
LA-based Pure Fix Cycles created a line of glowing goodness for bikers who love to hit the streets after sunset. A Glow Wheels set of two wheels will set you back $140. If you want the total package, pick up one of Pure Fix Cycle’s $399 fixed gear bikes. There are three different styles, each completely coated in a solar-activated paint. Let your bike power up outside during the day; an hour of charging time provides and hour of glow-y riding time.
Image via YouTube
Technically, Sony’s new Android smartphone is being advertised for its ability to take underwater HD videos and photos, which is way cool. But when you say “waterproof” I think “toilet proof,” and that’s even cooler.
How many times have you put your phone in your back pocket only to find it smacking on the bathroom floor, narrowly missing sudden death? The Sony Xperia Z can be submerged in fresh water up to five feet deep. Unfortunately, salty ocean water isn’t in its realm. For the pool boys who put their phones in their swim trunks – and never remember to take them out – this one’s for you.
Watch a video on how it works here.
Image via Wired
Have you placed your order yet? The much-anticipated Fitbit Flex is finally available.
Those who pre-ordered were a little angry that select retailers, like Best Buy, had Fitbit Flexes for sale the same day their orders shipped. What was the point of pre-ordering? Well, who cares. The good news is the Fitbit Flex is a go. We gave it a “Nearly flawless; buy it now” rating of 9 out of 10.
I ordered one immediately. As of Monday, the wait time was set for 3 to 4 weeks, but I just checked my order status and it’s now 6 to 8 weeks. I called the local Best Buy and they’ll be getting a Fitbit Flex shipment in two weeks. It looks like canceling my online order in the not too distant future!
I’m looking forward to keeping track of my steps and my sleep. What are you most looking forward to? Read more about what the Fitbit Flex can do at WIRED.
My Samsung Smart TV is like an ultra-organized personal assistant in TV form. My Media Hub saves my favorites shows and movies and even provides recommendations on what I might “like” (or even “love”) and it’s right on. You can also use Voice Interaction to navigate menus, find movies and shows, or even look up the latest cat-pic meme. Find out what you “like” and enter for a chance to win a 55” Class (54.6” Diag.) LED F8000 Series Smart TV packed with intelligent features here http://wiredinsider.com/samsung/.
The Connective: The editors in the final stretch of the 48 hour magazine
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