WIREDInsider

THE BIG SECRET BEHIND TECH'S MOST ELITE

wiredinsiderblog — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:10:36 -0400

Image via Flickr

A recent New York Times post revealed a secret of the tech elite: they don’t use tech 24/7. They drive until cell service drops. They leave their phones at home when they’re out for Sunday brunch. They shut off their wi-fi on weekends.

I’m not surprised. As a freelance writer who’s often glued to my computer screen, the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is stare at a screen—so I don’t. And I might be on to something. Author Robin Sloan published his first successful book after time spent on a technological detox. It made him more productive, and more creative.

Are you willing to go phone-free or Internet-free to get your work done faster or to make family time more focused? Comment below or tweet us @WIREDInsider.

GET WIRED INSIDER PICKS FOR DADS + GRADS

wiredinsiderblog — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:04:08 -0400

Don’t know what to get your Dad or Grad this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:

1. House of Marley Chant and Bag of Riddim Bluetooth Audio Systems

Is your Grad a little down in the dumps about the end of their collegiate career? Have no fear! Your budding scholar can keep the party going post-University with the House of Marley’s Chant and Bag of Riddim Bluetooth Audio Systems. Their unique, earth-friendly designs pack a whole lot of style and you can bring your music with you from a friend’s backyard BBQ to a beach party to the campfire. Compatible with hundreds of different Bluetooth-ready devices to start the party wherever life takes you. Can you say, “We be jammin’?”

2. Fitbit Flex

Dads and Grads alike suffer from a common enemy: boredom. The Flex is the latest in a long line of digital trackers. This version is wearable, accurate, and understated.

3. Apple TV

You know what your Dad or Grad needs? Not more TV, no, better TV. The Apple TV works with Netflix and iTunes, and will change the way you couch potato.

4. Pentax Q

The Q is small, but packs crazy punch. Interchangeable lenses allows for amazing control and range. Your Dad can finally start documenting his birdwatching activities.

5. Pebble Smart Watch

The Pebble is the most popular Kickstarter, ever, and for good reason. The open-source, e-paper-based watch is as stylish as it is smart. Keep your Grad looking fly with this must-have tech.

INSTA-PORTFOLIO

wiredinsiderblog — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:53:00 -0400

Image via Dunked

Basic programming knowledge is a decidedly good skill to have these days, but sometimes you need to build something for yourself without the requisite two weeks muddling through tutorials and GitHub repositories. For the designers out there looking to get a digital portfolio together fast, allow me to introduce Dunked.

Similar to the About.me’s of the world, Dunked allows you to upload your artwork to a pre-designed template, then simply drag and drop things around to your liking. If you want to tweak your own CSS, it’s no problem. Dunked even hosts the site free of charge. The really cool stuff under the hood is device compatibility: Dunked makes sure your site looks good on any mobile device, be it iOS or Android, retina or…what did we call screens before retina?

A good sign: Dunked launched just last month and already has 8K+ Twitter followers.

PROTIPS: CLOUD STORAGE EDITION

wiredinsiderblog — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:27:59 -0400

Image via Justin Beere

If you’ve recently jumped on the cloud storage bandwagon with the likes of Google Drive or Dropbox, you owe it to yourself to understand the single greatest misconception about cloud storage: files you sync to Drive or Dropbox do not live exclusively on some remote drive in Oregon; they still reside on your physical hard drive. A cloud-based service isn’t meant to replace your local storage. Rather, it’s meant to allow your stuff to automatically reside locally on multiple devices.

It doesn’t necessarily have to work like this, exactly. You also owe it to yourself to understand the single best-kept secret of cloud storage: selective storage. You can tell these cloud services to keep certain files exclusively in the cloud, and in doing so protect some valuable hard drive space. Super easy to do in both Dropbox and Google Drive.

IS SCENT THE NEW 3D?

wiredinsiderblog — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:01:10 -0400

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.

STAPLES RELEASES 3D PRINTER

wiredinsiderblog — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:00:00 -0400

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.

MAKE A MAGIC WAND

wiredinsiderblog — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:00:38 -0400

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.

COMBINATION OFFICE AND HOME GYM

wiredinsiderblog — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:29 -0400

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.)

ELECTRIC BIKES: YAY OR NAY?

wiredinsiderblog — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:01:00 -0400

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.

GLOW BIKES

wiredinsiderblog — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:49 -0400

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.

YOU CAN DROP THIS PHONE IN THE TOILET

wiredinsiderblog — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:00:45 -0400

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.

FINALLY! FITBIT FLEX!

wiredinsiderblog — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:38 -0400

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.

ALL MY FAVORITES ON DEMAND

wiredinsiderblog — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:07:02 -0400

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...

wiredinsiderblog — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:02:28 -0400

The Connective: The editors in the final stretch of the 48 hour magazine

GEOGUESSR

wiredinsiderblog — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:37 -0400

Image via Geoguessr

You wake up suddenly in a sweat. Dusting yourself off, you find you’re in the middle of a field. It’s hot. There are no markers, just endless plains stretching in every direction.

Kafka story? Nope, it’s Geoguessr, a crazy addictive game built on Google Maps. The game drops you in a random location and it’s your task to guess where you are. You can navigate all you want to try to find clues and you’re awarded points based on how close your guess it to where you really are.

My strategy: find a street sign, or better, a business sign or phone number. Googling that info should lead you to the actual address. And if you’re dropped in the desert and can’t find a sign? Well, good luck with that—you’re probably in Western Australia.

My top score is 33,162. Beat that, globe trekkers.

AN IMPOSSIBLE 8X10:

wiredinsiderblog — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:11:45 -0400

Image via The Impossible Project

The artists behind The Impossible Project are the necromancers of photography. First, they resurrected the classically campy Polaroid 600. And now, they set their sights upon an even older, slightly creepier format: the 8x10.

This is the format from back in the day when everyone looked ghostly (probably because some of them were). The Impossible Project sought to bring new life to this medium by setting up an 8x10 camera studio in their SoHo space. Jokes aside, it’s a cool project and 8x10 pics create gorgeous images.

Old-timey moustache and corsets not provided.

TURNING WINDOWS INTO OUTLETS

wiredinsiderblog — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:49 -0400

Image via Yanko Design

This might be the greatest thing ever. As a freelance writer who likes to travel, I find myself in coffee shops all the time. You’d be shocked to know that most coffee shops don’t have plugs and don’t have food. This invention by Yanko Design can’t fix the latter but it sure as heck can fix the former.

Ready for this? I’m talking about a solar-powered outlet. It sticks to windows with a simple suction cup. The device harnesses power via solar panels and is fully charged within five to eight hours. When it’s powered to the max, it can provide 10 hours of electricity. Think of the possibilities: electricity in the car, in a plane, on the bus, or outside. It’s only a prototype now, but I’ll certainly be the first in line to buy.

AN APP FOR DEALS

wiredinsiderblog — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:03:58 -0400

Image via Sudo

If you’re like me, you get at least 5 “daily deal” emails sent to your inbox every morning. Once in a blue moon, you find something awesome, so you don’t want to unsubscribe. For the most part, though, they’re a pain in the butt.

Looking to reduce your inbox clutter? Get Sudo. It’s is a free app for iOS and Android that manages local deals. Get only the ones you want, when you want them. Plus, Sudo has a map that geotargets the daily deals. Pull up your current location and you’ll see select retailers (based on your interests) offering a deal.

The other piece of this equation is the little kickback that Sudo gives you with each purchase. For example, the app told me that Restaurant.com currently has a $100 gift certificate for $40 to a local Moroccan restaurant. If I buy it, Sudo will give me $3 back. Nice.

About The Connective theme: Mass Transmit Available in the WIRED...

wiredinsiderblog — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:51 -0400

About The Connective theme: Mass Transmit

Available in the WIRED container on Wednesday, May 15.

GOOGLE GLASS ETIQUETTE

wiredinsiderblog — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:33 -0400

Image via Google

I freely admit that, despite my dashing good looks and smoldering digital personality, I was not selected as one of the Google Glass Explorers. Still, I’ve been closely following my comrades in eyewear and there appears to be an emerging question: what is proper Glass etiquette? Proper, you say? Etiquette, you ask? Say no more.

Treat Glass like a Gun. That is, don’t point it at anyone who you don’t want to shoot. Take it off when going to meetings and at social events.

Treat Glass like a Camera. That is, don’t go wearing it in the bathroom. Or anywhere where privacy is paramount.

Treat Glass like a New Toy. That is, be sure to let others check it out. Sharing is caring.

Treat Glass like a Baby. That is, we want to hear all about it.