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News, insight and tips from the social web.
The Hoop blog covers the evolving digital landscape, social media, mobile communications, content marketing and also includes 5 top finds and Fish on Friday. Feel free to make comments.
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5 top finds #42 »
Hoop's Dr Jim O'Donnell at Ignite, a nifty Instragram camera, TED talk on viral videos, a 'heavy' stop motion music video and a spray to waterproof everything! It's the end of the week so that means one thing: our 5 top finds.
1. Hoopster at Ignite
Hoop's very own Dr Jim O'Donnell gave a presentation about the sun at this years Ignite, hosted at 93 Feet East. In only 5 minutes - an Ignite rule - Jim prominences his knowledge (see what we did there) about earth's closest star and it's Coronal Mass Ejections (which are seriously cool).
In typical Jim style, he doesn't just talk the talk, he puts it online as he then goes on to talk about Solar Stormwatch (Twitter), a website he worked on that crowd sources data about solar activity. Your participation could actually help warn astronauts of impending doom.
A genuine Doctor of Astronomy, Jim is also the author of the much read Eat Your Greens Blog and an organiser for the popular London Web Standards(Twitter) event. Find him on Twitter.
2. Concept Instagram camera
Facebook buying Intsagram for $1billion (we have a feeling the meeting went down like this) was front page news. However, little has happened since then. Instagram has continued as normal, as has Facebook. That hasn't stopped people imagining, though. Experienced graphic designer Antonio De Rosa has created a concept design for the first Instagram camera, packed with features.
[Image from ADR Studio]
- 16 GB mass storage
- Wifi and Bluetooth
- 4:3 touchscreen
- 2 main lenses: first for capture, second for 3D filters, webcam applications and QR Code capturing
- Optical zoom
- LED Flash
- Internal printer to make your Instagram photos real
- Paper cartridge with Instagram Paper Sheets
- Dedicated 4 colors ink tanks
- InstaOS 1.0, the operating system built by Facebook and InstagramWhile it is only a concept - unless Antonio can raise some money on his Indeigogo - it is still incredibly cool, truly merging vintage, digital and social media in the physical world.
3. Why videos go viral
Viral video marketing can blow up a brand like nothing else. YouTube has helped give huge exposure for Old Spice, Rick Astley and Taz Zonday (Chocolate Rain). But how does it happen? Youtube's trends manager (job of the century?) Kevin Allocca spoke to the TEDYouth crowd on the four reasons a video goes viral.
We won't give you all four reasons but the most noticeable mention was the influence of 'tastemakers'. With a simple Tweet, celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel can turn a semi-watched video about a double rainbow into the most must see piece of film on the planet. Even this infographic by Online Schools shows how Oprah helped boost Kony 2012 from thousands of views to 9 million... in a day!
4. This stop motion video is heavy
Speaking of viral, this awesome stop motion video by Ian Robertson for Delta Heavy's 'Get By' has racked up over 1million views in three days. What could be considered quite a dark video - especially for fans of such retro, pre-iPhone games - Robertson hacks away at Rubik's cubes, Hungry Hungry Hippos and the original Finger Flick Footballers to create a vinyl record.
Maybe it is a reference to how the modern age is killing all the old games we used to love, or maybe it was just a lot of fun. Whatever the concept behind it is, we can't help but enjoy it. Out of curiosity, we had a quick look to see what 'tastemakers' made this video viral, finding out WiredInsider gave it a helping tweet.
5. Waterproof your life... without a tacky rubber casing
Water damage has ended the life for countless pieces of technology and devistatingly it isn't covered by your warranty. This can be painful when you have no idea how your digital device got water damage in the first place.
The only real option available is wrapping your device in a waterproof case that can look like it's about to go diving with James Cameron.
However, that all looks set to change thanks to a magical new spray called NeverWet. The spray, which works using "hydrophobic" nanotechnology, can waterproof your phone without a cover at all. The applications go beyond digital as spraying anything, from walls to clothes to books, will be waterproofed. We can't wait.
Categories: 5 top finds
Tags: 5 top finds, Ignite, Instagram, iPhone, Waterproof, YouTube
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5 top finds #41 »
Hyperrealistic drawings, sun assisted QR code, Android mirrors, fully automated student bedroom and a handmade suit for....a hand. It's a great end to the week with 5 top finds.
1. Photo realistic drawings
[image from The Sun]
Yes, this image is what the title says, a pencil drawing. These amazingly real pieces of art are by Paul Cadden, who recreats photographs using little more than a pencil.
The Scottish born 47-year-old's work is described as hyperrealism and has earned him a spot on the Artist of the Year 2011 shortlist for his drawing, 'Painted context.'
Currently, Cadden's work is on show at the Point One gallery - which focuses on hyperrealism - in Pimlico, London. For a full range of his work, visit his website here.
2. Sunny QR code
E-Mart, Korea's answer to Wal-Mart, found themselves struggling to sell during the lunch hour. Many of the shops were close to empty and their sales graphs looked like a shopping basket, dipping in the middle of the day.
However, rather than accepting the slump in sales and making cuts, E-Mart decided to embrace mobile by installing a 'shadow QR code' outside stores that is only scannable between 12 and 1PM.
The unique QR code works by using the shadows available when the sun is at a certain point in the sky. At mid-day, the shadows fall perfectly into place to complete the code, making it available to scan. The most amazing thing is that it worked, pushing lunch-time sales up by 25% and giving the company more media exposure. Then again, we aren't that shocked as we know mobile works.
3. Android rearview mirror
[Image from Tech Beats]
The car and the mobile have always had a close relationship, with mobile telephony in cars dating back to 1960. Even now, with the huge popularity of handheld devices, many people integrate the two by having the phone synced to their dashboard.
Of course, this wasn't going to end there and the next step has been made, in a rather James Bond gadgety way. At this year's CES, one company called Rydeen showcased their new rearview mirrors with a built in Android operated touchscreen. Currently, Rydeen state that it is a research tool but a production version could hit the shelves by 2013.
We are not entirely sure if having a touch screen built into your rearview mirror is the safest idea, with texting while driving being such a danger (this video was so close to making 5 top finds) but it is interesting nonetheless. With it, you can unlock the ability to check weather conditions, traffic reports and the Hoop blog without having to pull out your mobile phone.
4. Automated dorm-room with emergency party button
There probably isn't any demographic lazier than the male undergraduate student. Waking times usually vary between 12PM-3PM and making dinner means finding a pizza coupon. However, one student was particularly proactive about being inactive as he built, what he calls, B.R.A.D (Berkeley Ridiculously Automated Dorm).
Controlled by motion sensors, remote controls, iPhone, iPad and speech, the Berkeley student's room is set up so well that throwing a party is as simple as hitting an emergency red button. What must have taken a while to set up, the hours put in are saving precious time throughout the day.
5. A handmade suit
[Image from Wallpaper*]
UK based design, fashion and art magazine Wallpaper* recently commissioned Dutch artists Lernert & Sander - along with London based production company White Lodge - to make a short film showcasing the handmade quality of Brioni's bespoke tailoring.
The short film, which shows the making of a particularly tiny suit, was shown at Brioni HQ for Wallpaper*'s handmade exhibition, celebrating quality hand made products.
It is amazing to see how a bespoke suit is made, let alone a very small one designed for a hand, who models the suit with such grace you'd be forgiven to mistake it for a human model.
Categories: 5 top finds
Tags: Android, Art, Hyperrealism, Mobile, Paul Cadden, QR code, Wallpaper
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5 top finds #40 »
Holla Tupac at Coachella, Mario LEGO art, awesome animated movie quiz, world's safest bike light and High Fidelity meets Twitter with social mixtapes. It's another edition of 5 top finds.
1. Tupac comes back to life à la Princess Leia
[image from The Guardian]
In case you have been like us and swamped in the immense amount of sport on over the weekend (our very own Sophie won £18 on the Grand National!), you might have had a weird moment on Monday when your co-workers showed you Tupac performing at Coachella.
A mixed reaction went about the Hoop office. Were we watching the future of performing or a one off homage to Tupac? It is still quite weird to think that now it seems completely plausible to watch Keith Moon drum with The Who or even a reunion of Paul, George, Ringo and John. Good news is now we don't need The Beatles 2.
If you still haven't seen the creepy resurrection of one of rap's more controversial and outspoken figures, check out the video above. While it is incredibly cool, one can't help but feel a little weirded out.
2. Epic Mario made from Lego
Another Kickstarter project here on 5 top finds with Zachary Pollock's latest project, Epic Mario. The artist has set a $26,400 goal to build the first level of Super Mario Bros. in LEGO bricks, which will take almost 780,000 LEGO studs.
The project is more than just some fun as Pollock is using it as a tester for a potential foundation that will work with children doing 'healing art projects using LEGO bricks'.
This project aims to push the limits of imagination about what you can do with LEGO bricks and particularly to break down stereotypes people have about both LEGO and video games only being toys. I want to show the world LEGO and video games can be works of art as well. Last but certainly not least I, and I think many other people, really want to see the entire level 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. made from LEGO because it is just FUN! Right now I think we all need a little more fun in our lives.
3. ABCinema video quiz
Evan Seitz started his movie quiz series two months ago with ABCinema. The short animations uniquely reference movies based on a topic - colour, alphabetical and numerical - which has left thousands of people trying to figure it all out.
Original, fun and aesthetically pleasing, Seitz's work showcases an animator at the top of his game. We can't wait for more.
4. Gotham create world's most secure bicycle light
Here at Hoop, we like to ride our bicycles. However, city cycling can be a dangerous hobby - especially on those dark, wet winter journeys home. One of the best gadgets to aid you in being a safer rider is a good quality light. You know, those things that require you to click several times just to turn off and on and are easy to break or be stolen.
After a friend of Brad Geswein & Slava Menn got knocked off his bicycle, due to his light having been stolen that night, the MIT students decided to create their own.
The Gotham Anti-Theft Bike Light - which is so durable and hard to steal Batman would probably use it on his bike - is one of the latest success stories from Kickstarter, having outdone their goal by nearly $70,000. With specifically designed keys to unlock the bike, no screwdriver available in shops will unlock this thing and there are only three settings; on, off and flash.
5. Be modern and retro, create social mixtapes
"Tweet me later" [Image from The Plays The Thing]
The digital revolution is an amazing thing. The way we access and consume our data has changed forever. If films like Minority Report have any prophetic qualities, we will immerse ourselves in digital tools and, with the analog tower switching off this week, it doesn't look like we have long to wait.
However, many feel that with digitalisation, we lose certain romantic aspects of life. Would Romeo have rushed to Juliet's window had he had Twitter? "@romeo-mon @romeo-mon, where for #art thou, @romeo-mon" "@juliecapz I'm at home. Your cousin freaks me out! Can we just Skype later?" Would we have found it so heartwrenching if The Notebook was instead called The Macbook, with Drake reading out emails on his new 12" Air? And would we have liked Rob Fleming as much if he was whining about his iTunes collection and sending girls his Genius recommendations?
Everyone's Mixtape look set to bring back that personalisation but mixing it with the possibility for collaboration and engagement. It is mashing the romantic and fun days of the mixtape with the connected and social world of today.
Here is the link to our Top 5 finds playlist, why not add a tune!
Categories: 5 top finds
Tags: Everyone's mixtapes, Kickstarter, Social media, Startup, Tupac Hologram
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5 top finds #39 »
Google make fools of us, have your own beatbox crew, the new generation is connected, texting can be bear-y scary and get prepared for the zombie apocalypse. It's another 5 top finds...
1. Google's April fools
Ok, so this was more of a find from last week but we were busy!
April 1st has always been an exciting day of the year, especially online, as we are treated to joke products, misleading websites and humorous pranks. This year was no exception and it was the world's most popular search engine, Google, who had us giggling away with 'new products'.
The best was probably Google Chrome's multitask mode. The video illustrats that people need better tools to multitask, leading Chrome to introduce the option to use two mice at the same time. The best part of the video is when a couple talk about how Chrome Multitask has helped them as they share one computer, "Who's David?"
Other pranks involve Kangeroo's in Google Street Roo, Google Maps in 8-bit for the SNES and Gmail Tap, a service to replace the QWERTY keyboard on your smartphone with a more-code dot and dash. Check out the full list here.
2. Incredibox
Slightly reminiscent of Bjork's 2004 album, Medúlla, is Incredibox, a music mini-game created by beatboxing samples that is incredibly addictive. The flash site gets you to put different samples on to your black and white beatboxing men, who get a nice outfit to suit their sample.
Think about what you're creating though, because, if done correctly, you are rewarded 3 cut away videos. However, if you just feel like listening to a quite funky but relaxing tune, hit the shuffle button and enjoy.
3. Generation C
According to this video, the class of 2015 will be considered generation C, for connected. We find it interesting that this is only three years away. However, we aren't surprised as we have believed for a long time in social and mobile.
Some insightful bits of information to take from this are that the class of 2015 are 3 times more likely to follow a brand than a family member, 66% will look up a store if they see a friend check in from their mobile device and 73% of them would have earned and spent virtual currency.
Actually, the most shocking thing about this video is that it isn't like this already.
4. Bear frightens man on mobile
Speaking about the world going mobile, this man was highly immersed in his until he saw a bear about 2 feet away. Even though it's a scary moment and shows how people don't look where they are going, it does demonstrate beautifully our belief that everything is mobile.
Ironically, he was probably checking the news about a bear loose in his area on his Twitter feed.
5. Map of the dead
Just watched the latest episode of The Walking Dead and worried how safe you would be in your home town? Maybe you have just finished reading The Zombie Survival Guide and want to know everywhere around your area to stock up. Either way, Map of the Dead has your back as it highlights infected areas, supermarkets, hospitals, shelters, gun shops and more using Google maps.
Definitely worth a look for fun... or for preparation.
Categories: 5 top finds
Tags: 5 top finds, Google, mobile marketing
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Top 5 finds #38 »
Smartphone gaming with a twist, tiny treats for your necklace, interactive video calls, fantastic tree inspired chair and Walk Off The Earth's Little Boxes. It's this weeks fantastic top 5 finds.
1. Spaceship Pilot
As we know here at Hoop, mobile is the future (or more accurately, the present... but that's another conversation we'll save for later). However, we also know that doesn't mean the end of desktop browsing and when the two work together we get excited.
Spaceship Pilot gets you to scan their QR code with your iOS device, which then launches a mini site on your iPhone/iPad and uses its accelerometers to control a space ship on your browser. Whilst it can often lose connection and getting past level two is a huge achievement, it is a lot of fun.
2. Miniature Food
[Image from The Wondrous]
A whole table full of Mexican delights but this supper won't fill you up more than a single olive as you notice that the only 'real' thing on that table is the match. Amazingly, Israeli artists Shay Aaron [Etsy] has created these tiny miniature food jewellery - so no, it is not edible.
Originally, we thought that Shay Aaron's tiny tasters were a one off. However, after finding the Mini Food Blog, we discovered that there's a whole market out there for miniature food. Not actual stuff you can eat, but beautifully hand made designs of steaks, burgers, pies, vegetables, eggs and pretty much anything you can think of.
3. Galileo - making communication interactive
Thanks to services such as Skype and Facetime, communicating with colleagues and loved ones miles away has never been so easy. However, Josh Guyot decided that, when Skyping with his son, the lack of control over where he could look made him feel even more disconnected.
With the support of Kickstarter, Guyot is now able to control where he can see and, if his son walks out of view again, he can follow thanks to his company's new piece of kit, Galileo. The iOS-controlled robotic iPhone device means you can remotely spin your recipient's iPhone to where you want to look, meaning people don't have to bunch in to fit the camera's vision. The device can be applied to more than just video calling however, as it also has benefits for photographers, demonstrated in the video.
4. GVAL chair by OOO My Design
[Image from OOO My Design]
According the OOO My Design website, the GVAL chair "pays homage to the most archetypical of all production materials, wood, in its most natural form: a tree." The tribute is attained by the shape of the chair and the texture of the plywood, taking inspiration from the pattern of tree rings, commonly considered it's memory.
Designed by Vanesa Moreno, Gustavo Reboredo, Louis Sicard & Nenad Katic, the smooth, sleek and modern design is not only pleasant to look at, it also packs an ergonomic punch as the lighter insides pull out to either make a foot-rest or, if you put both together, form another chair entirely!
The GVAL chair won first prize for the Making Chairs category in the international competition, Art On Chairs, awarded by the Paredes Center of Furniture Design. See, we aren't the only ones who like it.
5. Little Boxes performed with little boxes.
The incredibly talented Canadian five piece Walk Off The Earth have followed up their internet sensation cover of Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know (where all five members performed the whole song on one guitar, racking up over 80million views so far!) with another video viral delight.
Little Boxes, a cover of the 1962 hit by Malvina Reynolds, has only been uploaded for a couple of week and has already hit over 1million views. The best thing about the video however is that it performed using instruments made of boxes or tubes, with the added delight of long haired singer/guitarist opening and closing his guitar box to add to the beat. Creativity, musicianship and viral marketing (for O2) fused brilliantly.
Categories: 5 top finds
Tags: Design, HTML5, iPhone, Kickstarter, Photography
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5 top finds #37 »
Ecotricity blows up cool anthropomorphic cooling towers, NASA explore the universe, disguise your iPhone as a vintage book, lunch bag illustration and the hottest sci-fi short on the internet. It's this week's 5 top finds...
1.Collapsing cooling towers
Our first top find this week is a great advert for Ecotricity's campaign to "dump the big six", which is actually quite cute in a sadistic way.
When our Kate found this video, we fell in love with it as the classical music, anthropomorphised cooling towers mixed in with absolute destruction had us giggling away. A great find and a great way to kick of this week's picks.
2. Discover the Cosmos with Nasa
[Image from Nasa]
If you have ever wondered how big the universe is, or if how small the tiniest microbe can be, then this flash animation on the Nasa site created by HTwins, has the answers. By being able to zoom in and out, you will be surprised by the scales of our universe.
After having a quick play, we learnt that one of the Martian moons, Phobos (which is the larger one), was smaller than Rhode Island. Try not to go on it at work though as a couple of hours will fly by.
3. Genius iPhone case
[Image from Twelve South]
iPhone theft is, unfortunately, a concern. Many people who have just been on their way to work, home or for a night out have had their iPhone ripped from their hands.
So what can you do? You could try and stop using your phone in public but that somehow defeats the point of a portable device. You could however, go to the guys at Twelve South who have designed an iPhone/iPad/Macbook cover that makes it look like you haven't upgraded since the 19th century. Introducing, the BookBook, a smart case that will hold your iPhone, cards and give you a sophisticated scholar look all at the same time.
4. Lunch bag art
[Image from Lunch Bag Art]
This incredibly creative blog by a dad drawing on his kids' lunch bags has exploded in popularity these last few days.
Rather than just giving his children a bland brown paper bag for their lunches at school, this dad creates beautiful works of art, usually based on computer games, comics and cartoons. Probably making his children the most popular kids in school, the father works on these bags during his own lunch break.
5. Ruin: The new sci-fi animated short film from Wes Ball
This graphically stunning short animation by Wes Ball is sure to blow you away. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Ruin is packed with enough beautiful scenery, adrenaline fuelled action and fear of Big Brother, that it will excite you as much as a full length Hollywood blockbuster.
It also features a pretty cool looking mobile device which, of course, we love at Hoop.
Categories: 5 top finds
Tags: iPhone, lunch bag art, NASA, Ruin
