Do androids dream of electric sheep?
And if they do, would they want to shear them and make the wool into glow-in-the-dark carpeting? We don’t know if she’s an android, but an Estonian designer has come up with a fiber that absorbs daytime light and emits it back at night. Might have wayfinding applications for seniors and people with low vision.
Magic Carpet: Runway Lights for Late-Night Jaunts
Draw–win or lose?
Logitech has released a set of hardware and software to facilitate use of Creative Suite 2 and Photoshop on a Macintosh. Features of the hardware include three buttons that “provide instant access to commands, modifier keys, and tooldial menus.” The software allows users to access command shortcuts and build custom toolbars. Could facilitate graphic design for individuals with some types of dexterity impairments.
Auricle of Delphi
Biometrics used for authentication sometimes exclude people, such as those of us without retinas or fingers. But anyone trying to use an ATM or get into a top-secret lab has a heartbeat! So this new technology does an auditory and electrical analysis of your heart’s signals, and confirms your identity, even when you’re right next to that totally hot security officer.
New biometric devices promise better ID - Forbes.com- msnbc.com
Mouse-on-a-stick
That’s what the ATC looks like: a conventional mouse (albeit one with a good gripping surface) attached to a stationary rod. You move it in the direction you want the cursor to go, and it stays there until you move it again–definitely a plus for people with tremor disabilities or others who accidentally move the mouse while they’re trying to click. Could also be an interesting alternative to trackballs for people with shoulder problems.
Praise Bob
Technology the kids definitely won’t request for Christmas. Bob is a device that can be programmed to permit access to a computer (or a TV, or a video game player) for a given number of hours per week. When time’s up, Bob turns off the power. Given the epidemic of repetitive strain injuries–a prestigious local university is accommodating more 18-year-olds with RSI than any other disability type–this may just help prevent the need for assistive tech down the road. Wouldn’t be a bad thing for some adults, too.
Photo watch
The Digital Photo Frame watch can hold up to 26 pictures (and yes, it also tells time). Might be very helpful for people with cognitive or some types of communication disabilities. For example, they could have it display a picture of their house or other target location, and then show it to people to get directions, or use it to remind themselves where they want to be.
Text pain
Another survey confirming all that text messaging is injuring thumbs and fingers, and may not be so great for social skill maintenance either.