Zilog ePIR Sensors
by admin on Feb.04, 2010, under DIY
It’s here! The Zilog sensor is a fully functional motion-detecting single-board computer. It’s super small and somewhat low-profile. It has right-angle headers that won’t work well on a wearable project. For now, let’s focus on the art installation. We’re teaming up with a group of artists and maker friends to put this on canvas. Check back frequently for more updates.
It’s R&D/design time!
WiFi Dectecting Bumper Sticker
by admin on Feb.04, 2010, under DIY, Wearables
We all know and love ThinkGeek’s Wifi Detecting Shirt, but modifying it to add to a your car is dork-tastic! Instructables has a relatively easy project to upgrade your car from chic to geek. Not sure how useful it is, but we imagine it can make any traffic bound geek pretty happy.
Via [Instructables]
ThinkGeek’s Locked ON – Proximity Sensing Shirts
by admin on Feb.02, 2010, under Wearables
Well well well…this is very interesting. ThinkGeek has come out with yet another cool concept: The Proximity Sensing Shirts. These shirts work in pairs to scan one’s immediate area and within a few meters of the other user, will lock on and detect each other. While we don’t have all the spec’s we do know a proximity based radio frequency transmission/detection is being used. Very Bond.
We certainly appreciate the technology and application and will take notes for a similar project in progress over WW Labs: The Mona Lisa Art Installation.
Check out the ThinkGeek Locked ON -Proximity Sensing Shirts after the jump!
Wearable Health Monitor Patch
by admin on Jan.29, 2010, under Wearables
The Japanese firm WIN Human Recorder Ltd is coming out with an always-on health monitor patch that attaches directly to the body and transmits the user’s health data wirelessly to other devices like computers and phones.
The device, set to retail at around $330, has it’s roots in Tokyo’s Advanced Institute of Wearable Environmental Information Networks. From the looks of the links on the site and this product, they are doing some interesting things.
Health monitoring devices are popping up more frequently as components and power sources get smaller. Body area networks will provide us with communication protocols that allow all of our wearable sensing devices to communicate with central devices that will relay data to doctors or interpret the data to set off alarms or administer medicines.
We’re very curious to know the power used by this device and how frequently it needs to recharge.
Via [Singularity Hub]
Human’s Empathize with Robots
by admin on Jan.24, 2010, under Robotics
Studies show that with our increased exposure to robots, humans are becoming more empathetic toward this growing technology. Twelve adults, all about 23 years old, were asked to view computer-generated videos of either a humanoid robot or a person reaching out with their right hand to grasp an object. The hand movements in each case were either smooth (human-like) or jerky and mechanical (robot-like). The team found that the MNS – a collection of neurons in various parts of the brain that play a key role in creating empathy – was activated in the 12 adult when the robot performed actions; but only when the actions were robotic, not when the robot’s motion was smooth and human-like.
And here we go…humans start getting soft on robots and before you know it the human race is getting whipped by Ipods and we’re the ones on the gerbil wheel waiting for our next pellet. Maybe not, but it is interesting. We’re not the Jetsons (yet) but we are getting used to the idea on a realistic level.
Via [NewScientist.com]
Upcycled – Heated Clothes and Ipod Hats
by admin on Jan.24, 2010, under DIY, Functional Wearables, Wearables
Upscycle clothing and accessories is the new black – well, maybe not just yet, but we’re on the way. Our economy isn’t the greatest, going green is going pop and commercials are telling us we have to change – energy sources, light bulbs, cars, cleaning products, everything. Why not your clothes too? Upscycle old clothing into one-of-kind designs and throw in wearables technology for an inexpensive boost to your wardrobe.
We hear the critics out there. Eh- I don’t even own and Ipod. Well, to that we say no problem. Everyone may not have an Ipod, or a desire for light emitting clothing, but if you live any where you sometimes have to wear layers of clothing to get to the mail box, you’ll certainly appreciate this. Do-It-Yourself Heated Clothing.
You can find heated clothing almost everywhere online to the tune of $50-$200. But with this Instructables description you can upscycle any winter item in your closet, save yourself a few bucks and brush up on your soldering skills. 
Oh and for those of you who do have Ipods read more after the jump for an Ipod Hat from Sweater DIY also on instructables.
The Electric Heliotrope Theatre
by admin on Jan.17, 2010, under Wearables
Lorne Covington was at Liv Nightclub in DC yesterday with NoirFlux’s current project: The Electric Heliotrope Theater. Sporting ThinkGeek’s T-Qualizer shirt , Covington man’s his station, the music is loud, everyone is dancing and there is a group of graceful moving body parts translated into smooth, color changing kaleidoscopic images. First thought: what is that?!
Awesome is an understatement. Using a program called vvvv (a toolkit for real time video synthesis), an infrared light source, an infrared camera and a projection system, users can dance freely without touching or holding any sensors. You simply move in front of the canvas-like screen and watch as your movements are put to life.
Read more to check out the videos. (continue reading…)
J’adore Solar
by admin on Jan.16, 2010, under WW Wish List
Ikea will unveil their new line of solar powered lamps and outdoor lighting. This très chic line, called SOLIG, will be available in a few weeks.
Via [Inhabitat]
Hymni Portable Fan& Solar Powered Charger Give Away
by admin on Jan.16, 2010, under WW Wish List, Wearables, Wearables News
Solar power chargers are gaining a bit of popularity. So much so they’re just giving them away! Yes, it’s true! Check out Inhabitat.com to find out how you can win this very green, very awesome solar powered charger.
Stroke Sensor
by admin on Jan.14, 2010, under DIY, Wearables
This is a neat DIY offered on Instructables; a switch that turns on an LED light by literally stroking the hairs of conductive and resistive thread. Using neoprene to hold each thread, the user’s strokes turns on a LED light powered by a 3V coin cell battery. Simple, practical and cost effective.
A lot of potential in the wearables world. Imagine gloves that when worn and rubbed together trigger the heating element, instantly warming the user’s hands. Could the threads be sensitive enough to detect wind movement? We’re very curious.