High technology captivates the imagination, revealing new concepts and devices that are radically changing the world around us. Today, we'll be looking at an amazing bracelet that reduces hand tremors, intrusive space ads, cool smart glasses, as well as flexible TVs and digital dashboards for a comfortable driving experience.
1. Project Emma – a bracelet to combat Parkinson's symptoms
In mid-December 2018, Microsoft published a patent for a device designed to alleviate the suffering of patients with Parkinson's syndrome. The gadget (called Project Emma) is a special bracelet and was originally created for Emma Lawton. The bracelet reduces hand tremors, allowing the patient to perform simple tasks again: writing on paper, drawing, buttoning buttons, brushing teeth, and so on. Emma Project's technology uses rhythmic vibrations transmitted to the wrist by small motors. The current model of the bracelet is designed exclusively for Lawton, but researchers at Microsoft intend to study all the nuances of the disease so that such an invention can be made generally available. Parkinson's is a fairly common disease, but let's hope that bright minds will do their utmost to create thoughtful devices and give people the opportunity to fully enjoy life again.
2. Flexible OLED TVs from LG – a new word in design
Interest in gadgets that roll up like a manuscript has been on the rise lately. New models of the stunning LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R, captivating with their exquisite design, will soon be available. This lightweight, durable, and portable device will free up significant space in your home, transforming the look of your home. With just the touch of a button, you can retract the device into a special panel. By changing the screensavers, you magically transform an ordinary TV into a cutting-edge work of art—a moving picture that complements the style of your home. This is the ideal option for those dreaming of a large home theater monitor but don't want the device constantly on display. Needless to say, the color contrast and sound quality are worthy of praise. The inclusion of an AI system, allowing users to easily adjust settings to suit their preferences, is also a welcome addition. The model has three modes: fully expanded (Full View), partially collapsed (Line View), and completely collapsed (Zero View). When Full View is activated, the monitor protrudes slightly above the main panel, transforming it into a unique device for other purposes, such as a music center or a clock.
3. Futuristic Digital Cockpit 2020
At CES 2020, the experts at Samsung & HARMAN International unveiled a new generation of digital instrument clusters. This model features enhanced personalization features, as well as enhanced connectivity and safety. Using onboard cameras, the 2020 Digital Cockpit recognizes the driver and passengers, adjusting vehicle parameters accordingly. This includes seat height, display settings, and even selecting favorite music playlists! A significant contribution to the development of such concepts was integration with the Bixby system, allowing drivers to control the car with simple commands. Voice commands allow you to adjust the cabin temperature, dim the lighting, check the fuel level, and more. With 5G technology rapidly advancing, cars (equipped with these digital clusters) will be able to integrate into a unified communications system, seamlessly receiving and processing data about the surrounding world. This, in turn, guarantees a more comfortable ride, helping avoid traffic jams.
4. Vuzix Blade – unique augmented reality glasses
Another interesting gadget at CES 2020 was the Vuzix Blade AR Smart Glasses, presented by Vuzix Corporation. The model was awarded the "Outstanding Design and Engineering Award." The glasses provide a natural view of the real world while also providing access to AR content. They can be used to view maps, check weather forecasts, participate in video conferences, and more. The smart glasses are controlled using a touchpad located on the side arch. Noise-cancelling microphones are located in the bridge of the nose, and HD (8MP) cameras are embedded in the lenses. However, the exorbitant price (approximately $2,000) remains a drawback. Unfortunately, the cost of any smartglasses model remains a significant barrier to their widespread adoption.
5. StartRocket will launch advertising in space
Advertising is a word that makes many people wince in irritation. Everywhere you look, there are intrusive advertising messages: on billboards, on cars, on the walls of buildings. And only the sky remained untouched, for the time being... The Russian startup StartRocket has seriously decided to implement an idea from science fiction by broadcasting advertising directly into the sky. I can imagine how romantic love stories will sound now: "We kissed all night under the starlight and the shimmer of space advertising." The plans call for the messages to be displayed in low-Earth orbit, using CubeSat technology, which will act as unique fragments in the advertising mosaic. A cluster of small satellites will be positioned approximately 400-500 kilometers from the planet's surface. Sunlight will reflect off the satellites, and each CubeSat will appear as a single bright point, creating glowing slogans and company logos. Advertising will be visible anywhere on the planet at night. However, the idea is still far from being realized, as it poses a direct threat to the safety of air travel. If the very thought of such advertising strikes a chord with you, don't despair. Much to the delight of lovers of natural celestial beauty, such "billboards" cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and not all corporations are willing to spend money on such advertising. You'll agree that progress cannot be resisted, even if some of its aspects are less than pleasing. Given all the useful features of new inventions, ubiquitous advertising is a small price to pay for a comfortable modern life.
6. Artificial memories
A close collaboration between the Riken Brain Science Institute and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory has led to the discovery of a method for creating false memories in the mouse brain. This medical breakthrough significantly advances our understanding of human memory and expands psychiatric horizons in the treatment of mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
7. A billboard that produces clean water
The University of Engineering and Technology of Peru, in collaboration with the advertising agency Mayo DraftFCB, developed a billboard capable of converting atmospheric moisture into drinking water. The lack of clean drinking water is a significant problem in Peru, and this invention will improve the quality of life for the local population.
8. Artificial pancreas
The artificial pancreas uses technology to help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels using the mechanisms inherent in a healthy pancreas. The first patient to test the device was four-year-old Australian Xavier Heims, who suffers from type 1 diabetes.
9. Recorder Pen: A pen that turns handwriting into typed text
Korean designers have developed a unique gadget – a pen capable of recognizing handwritten text and decoding it into printed text. When transmitted via Bluetooth to a computer or smartphone, the text is decoded and saved as a text file. Nowadays, most people type on a keyboard more often than write by hand. As a result, writing skills are significantly reduced and handwriting deteriorates. This is becoming a serious problem for modern schoolchildren and students.
10. SkyTran: A New Mode of Transport
A new form of public transportation is currently being developed by NASA and SkyTran. This revolutionary vehicle consists of a flying cabin suspended on rails. SkyTran, an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, will debut in Tel Aviv.
11. Flying skateboard
Fans of the cult film "Back to the Future" were terribly disappointed when it turned out that the mega-popular ad for the HUVrTech hoverboard was nothing more than a clever prank. But Californian inventor Greg Henderson has created a real-life prototype of the fantastical device.
12. Anti-slouching device
Lumo Lift is a smart, chip-like gadget that attaches to clothing (it can be hidden under the collar of a shirt or, if desired, used as a stylish accessory) that analyzes the position of your neck and spine and vibrates when it’s time to straighten your shoulders.
13. Smart ring
Even jewelry is now going electronic, like this Ringly ring, designed by a former eBay designer. It connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and vibrates and lights up when calls and messages arrive. This 100% feminine gadget was met with a bang: the first thousand rings sold out within 24 hours.