[CEATEC] Mitsubishi Shows Off Semispherical OLED Display
by: Tech-On! : tech news - straight from Asia., 2011-10-04 06:54:00 UTC
Mitsubishi Electric Corp exhibited a semispherical display consisting of many OLED devices at CEATEC Japan 2011, which runs from Oct 4 to 8, 2011, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

[CEATEC] Smartphone Camera Helps Control Calorie Intake
by: Tech-On! : tech news - straight from Asia., 2011-10-12 06:58:00 UTC
NTT Docomo Inc prototyped a system that enables to monitor the number of calories taken in just by using a tablet computer's or smartphone's camera to take pictures of dishes.

Wireless Tech is Key to Energy Savings
by: Environmental Leader, 2011-10-12 09:03:51 UTC
An emerging wireless-enabled environment has the potential to drive billions of dollars in energy savings in a range of American industries, according to a report by BSR. One example in Wireless and the Environment: A Review of Opportunities and Challenges, is that of wireless-enabled fleet management solutions, which could allow trucking and logistics companies to [...]

Electronic Eyeglasses Change Prescription On Command
by: fast company, 2011-10-11 19:38:27 UTC

Had enough of having multiple pairs of glasses lying around for different activities? A new breed of spectacles modifies your sight for every occasion.

Maybe you need multiple pairs of eyeglasses for different situations. That's pretty wasteful. Or maybe you find that your glasses only help in certain situations. That's inconvenient. Electronic eyeglasses that change prescription on command may be the solution to all of your eye woes.

Developed by a company called PixelOptics, emPower electronic focusing eyewear does exactly what it sounds like: change prescription with help from a microprocessor that alters the transparent liquid crystal lense. The technology, which has been in development for years, doesn't come cheap--the glasses start at $1,250. But according to PhysOrg, people who have tried the emPower glasses are impressed. Daniel Quon, a California-based optometrist, explains:

Wearers of traditional progressive lenses frequently complain that the ground looks blurry when they look down, as their vision is channeled through the close-up portion of the lens, Quon said. That can make it difficult to navigate stairs or hit a golf ball. The first time he wore the new glasses and walked down stairs, he was amazed: "Oh my God, I could see the stairway clearly."

[youtube 9BB3TeG2xg0]

Adjustable glasseses are also being used in the developing world, where Oxford Professor Jonathan Silver's glasses allow people to adjust their prescription (though on a one-time only basis) by inserting silicon gel into their lenses, instead of traveling to an optometrist.

While we are beyond that low-tech version in the developing world, there are downsides to PixelOptics' glasses (besides the sky-high price). Since the glasses are electronic, you can't wash off the lenses with water. And the emPower's "automatic" mode could exhaust the eyes, since the prescription is being changed constantly. But PixelOptics' glasses, which are already being sold in some Southeastern states, aren't the only kind of prescription-changing eyeglasses on the horizon.

A company called Superfocus manufactures eyeglasses made out of a membrane filled with optical fluid. The lenses change shape as the wearer moves a slider on the glasses. The catch: The lenses only come in a round shape. PixelOptics' glasses, in contrast, look like normal frames. But for people who don't want to shell out over a thousand dollars for a pair of glasses, it probably makes sense to wait until prices drop.

Reach Ariel Schwartz via Twitter or email.

valentin vodev: vienna bike
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2011-10-12 10:35:00 UTC


read more

com-oda wood tattoo on folding chairs
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2011-10-10 17:12:00 UTC


the furniture pieces explore the concept of transformation as they turn from one object into another, changing their function as well as their form. 
read more

Top 10 organic cleaners for eco-lovers
by: Ecofriend, 2011-10-11 23:27:52 UTC
Sapna Bist:

Nowadays, everyone prefers using organic products because organic products are safe and environmentally friendly. Organic cleaners do not consist of chemicals and toxins and thus do not present a threat to your health and environment. These organic cleaners enable you to do the day to day cleaning without damaging the environment and without exposing you to harmful chemicals and toxins. These organic cleaners are also known as natural cleaners as they are made from natural ingredients like aloe, fir needle oil, natural spruce, tea tree, etc.

1. Organic cleaner by Dr Bronner Sal Suds (16 oz)

Price: $8.09

Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds formula is made of balanced mixture of surfactants which are plant based and fir needle oil and natural spruce. It is an all purpose cleaner. Though it is strong on dirt and grime, it is very gentle and mild on the skin. This cleaner is effective in soft as well as hard water and also in hot or cold water. The best news for animal lovers is that this cleaner is not tested on animals and thus is absolutely cruelty-free. It is environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable and thus maintains the natural balance. The fragrance of Sal Suds is great. It is gentle on hands and does not give rashes to the hands.

USP

Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds’ formula is made of balanced mixture of surfactants which are plant based and fir needle oil and natural spruce.

Pros

1. The cleaner gives better result than other cleaners when used to clean the windows.

2. It can be used in with dish detergent and laundry detergent.

3. It is of great quality.

4. The cleaner is biodegradable

2. Greenshield organic, biodegradable surface wipes

Price: $33.69

Biodegradable Surface Wipes from Greenshield Organic is effective to clean greasy and grimy surfaces. Its ingredients come from sustainable resources. This cleaner is not ammonia based. It is pet, people and planet friendly. It consists of the antimicrobial cleansing agent (patented formula). This formula kills and prevents the growth of the bacteria which causes odor. It is completely biodegradable

USP

This cleaner is not ammonia based. It is pet, people and thus planet friendly. It consists of the antimicrobial cleansing agent (patented formula). This formula kills and prevents the growth of the bacteria which causes odor.

Pros

1. The cleaner is made of ingredients from sustainable resources.

2. The formula is not ammonia based.

3. The cleaner is pet, people and thus planet friendly.

4. It is completely biodegradable.

3. Natural all purpose cleaner by J.R. Watkins

Price: $3.84

This cleaner is made of green tea and aloe. It does the cleaning without using toxins. It is an all purpose cleaner so can be used for several purposes. The cleaner removes grime and grease without leaving any streaks. It is an environment friendly natural cleaner. This cleaner works well on appliances, sinks, stainless steel, countertops, fixtures, walls, floors, granite, tiles, etc. It has stimulating fragrance of aloe and green tea.

USP

This cleaner is made of green tea and aloe. It does the cleaning without using toxins.

Pros

1. The cleaner removes grime and grease without leaving any streaks.

2. The all purpose cleaner is environmentally friendly.

3. The fragrance of the cleaner is stimulating.

4. Green bean all purpose cleaner organic disinfectant

Price: $42.79

The “Green Bean” All Purpose Cleaner is 100 percent organic made of all natural ingredients. Soy Bean extracts is used to prepare the formulation of the cleaner. Due to the natural feature this cleaner has become a part of every house hold. The best part is that the cleaner is very safe and can be kept near senior people, pets and children. The formula of the cleaner uses the patent Lab soy bean ingredients. This has been tested extensively in the labs and is approved to be a safe organic cleaner and disinfectant. The formula is very strong. You just need to apply it on the dirt, no scrubbing is required, and the dirt comes off on its own. It has a refreshing fragrance. It can be used to disinfect surfaces and also to remove grease and odors immediately.

USP

The formula of the cleaner uses the patent Lab soy bean ingredients. This has been tested extensively in the labs and is approved to be a safe organic cleaner and disinfectant.

Pros

1. Soy Bean extracts is used to prepare the formulation of the cleaner.

2. The cleaner is very safe to use.

3. The cleaner is tested extensively in the labs and is approved to be a safe organic cleaner and disinfectant.

5. Seventh generation free and clear liquid dish soap

Price: $9.30

Seventh Generation Free and Clear Liquid Dish Soap do not consist of any dye or perfume. It is biodegradable, non toxic and non allergic. It is strong on grease but very gentle on hands. This dish washer makes the dishes clean and sparkle. It is natural so is friendly for earth. The ingredients used to make this dish soap do pose any risk on chronic health. The soap is not tested on animals. It should not be used in dishwashers.

USP

The ingredients used to make this dish soap do pose any risk on chronic health.

Pros

1. The liquid dish soap does not have perfume.

2. It is biodegradable, non toxic and non allergic.

3. It is strong on grease but very gentle on hands.

4. It is natural so is friendly for earth. The ingredients used to make this dish soap do pose any risk on chronic health.

5. The soap is not tested on animals.

6. Toy cleaner spray – (dapple organic green technology)

Price: $5.90

Toy Cleaner Spray by Dapple is ideal cleaning formula for cleaning toys, chairs of kids, children’s swings, etc. All ingredients of Organic Toy Cleaner Spray are natural and thus compatible with green technology. Therefore it is healthy and safe for the environment as well as for your kids. The Dapple’s Toy Cleaner Spray also boosts the immunity system of children when they play. The spray does not contain paraben, SLES, dyes and phthalate. It has the fragrance of lavender. It is packed in bottles which are biodegradable.

USP

All ingredients of Organic toy cleaner spray are natural and thus compatible with green technology. Therefore it is healthy and safe for the environment as well as for your kids. The Dapple’s Toy Cleaner Spray also boosts the immunity system of children when they play.

Pros

1. Ideal cleaning formula for cleaning toys, chairs of kids, children’s swings, etc.

2. All ingredients of Organic toy cleaner spray are natural.

3. It is healthy and safe for the environment as well as for your kids.

4. Boosts the immunity system of children when they play.

5. It is packed in bottles which are biodegradable.

7. Nature clean tub / tile cleaner ( 6×16 oz)

Price: $28.08

Nature Clean Tub / Tile Cleaner is an organic cleaner used to clean the tubs and tiles. It is a naturally made cleaner. The cleaner does not contain chlorine Therefore it does not scratch the surface on which it is used. The cleaner is very good as it is very hard on the dirt but very gentle on the surface and your hand.

USP

The cleaner does not contain chlorine Therefore it does not scratch the surface on which it is used.

Pros

1. It is a naturally made cleaner.

2. The cleaner does not contain chlorine. Therefore it does not scratch the surface on which it is used.

3. The cleaner is very hard on the dirt but very gentle on the surface and your hand.

8. Nature clean toilet cleaner enzyme ( 6×16 oz)

Price: $25.62

Nature Clean Toilet Cleaner Enzyme is an organic toilet cleaner. It is natural and is not made of any toxic substance, thus is not injurious to the user’s health. The cleaner does not contain hydrochloric acid. Therefore this cleaner does not corrodes the substance on which is used and also it is non-toxic. The cleaner is further made disinfectant as well as antiseptic. To do so Australian tea tree oil and thyme oil are added to the cleaner.

USP

The cleaner does not contain hydrochloric acid, so it does not corrode the substance on which is used. The cleaner is further made disinfectant as well as antiseptic. To do so Australian tea tree oil and thyme oil are added to the cleaner.

Pros

1. It is natural and is not made of any toxic substance

2. It is safe

3. Does not contain hydrochloric acid. Therefore does not corrodes the substance on which it is used.

4. Is made disinfectant as well as antiseptic by adding Australian tea tree oil and thyme oil to it.

9. Simple green all purpose cleaner (22 oz)

Price: $13.75

This all purpose cleaner is biodegradable and non toxic. 22 oz of the cleaner concentrate can make 5 gallons cleaner. If required it can be used diluted or in full concentration. It can be used to clean ovens, showers, chrome, marble, wood, laundry, grills, etc. This is a revolutionary product. The reason being that it is very strong and adequate to remove dirt and grease from car engine, and yet gentle to be capable to remove stains even from fine fabrics. In fact, it can be used to clean anything and everything. People use it to clean oil from the garage floor, fireplace’s soot. It is also used to remove paint from hands and paint brushes. It has been seen that some people who have sensitive skin face some irritation. Thus, it is advisable for these people to wear rubber gloves while using this cleaner. The cleaner does not stink

USP

This is a revolutionary product. The reason being that it is very strong and adequate to remove dirt and grease from car engine, and yet gentle to be capable to remove stains even from fine fabrics.

Pros

1. This cleaner is biodegradable and non toxic.

2. 22 oz of the cleaner concentrate can make 5 gallons cleaner.

3. It is very strong and adequate to remove dirt and grease from car engine, and yet gentle to be capable to remove stains even from fine fabrics.

4. The cleaner does not stink.

10. Basic H2O organic super cleaning concentrate

Price: $12.15

Basic H2 Organic cleaning concentrate contains 16 oz of cleaning formula. This is ultra concentrated formula and out of 16oz 48 gallons of cleaner can be made. This cleaner can be used for several purposes. The cleaner is safe and very powerful. It can be used to clean everything from spilled milk, to stubborn dirt from the floor. Thus it is versatile in removing grease, dirt or grime easily. The instructions to dilute are provided with the bottle. The cleaner is not required to be rinsed and it does not leave any streak. It can be used on windows, walls, mirrors, floors, countertops, furniture, appliances, stove, pans and pots. Its formula is nontoxic, natural and consists of biodegradable surfactants. It can also be used to clean cloths and fibers like nylons, woolens, etc.

USP

Basic H2 Organic cleaning concentrate contains 16 oz of cleaning formula. This is ultra concentrated formula and out of 16oz 48 gallons of cleaner can be made. This can be used for several purposes.

Pros

1. This is ultra concentrated formula and out of 16oz 48 gallons of cleaner can be made.

2. The cleaner is safe and very powerful.

3. It is versatile in removing grease, dirt and grime easily.

4. The cleaner is not required to be rinsed and it does not leave any streak.

5. Its formula is nontoxic, natural and consists of biodegradable surfactants.

6. It can also be used to clean cloths and fibers like nylons, woolens etc.

BrightFarms CEO Paul Lightfoot Wants To Grow Lettuce On Your Roof [VIDEO]
by: fast company, 2011-10-10 18:55:57 UTC

If you're a grocery store, BrightFarms thinks your roof would make a fantastic location for a hydroponic greenhouse.

The company designs, finances, builds, and manages rooftop greenhouses for food retailers--to the tune of up to $2 million a pop--in return for a long-term contract to purchase the output. CEO Paul Lightfoot says it's his mission to reduce transportation and storage costs and provide fresher, healthier produce to consumers. The company says its hydroponic greenhouses--which typically produce lettuces and leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers--can grow food with none of the land and 95% less water used in traditional crops, with no chemical pesticides and a drastically reduced carbon footprint. 

"The current produce supply chain is broken," Lightfoot says. "We have produce that's not fresh, it's not safe to eat in many cases, it doesn't taste good, it doesn't last long, and it lacks nutrition."

If you're buying a head of lettuce in a New York supermarket, about half of the cost is going to have it transported from some far-off field on a carbon-spewing refrigerated truck. Because it's been in transit, it wilts more quickly both on the shelf and in your fridge. The same concept goes for nearly any perishable vegetable or fruit.

"I'm bringing an opportunity to retailers and consumers of the U.S. to have fresher, longer-lasting, more nutritious and tastier produce, improving the health of our society," says Lightfoot. "And with a lower environmental impact, improving the health of the planet as well."

Click through on the video below to see Lightfoot talk about BrightFarms's mission.

[video_twistage 1]

Check out our Who's Next series for more profiles of the big thinkers everyone's talking about. For more leadership coverage, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

How Open Data Could Make San Francisco Public Transportation Better [UPDATED]
by: fast company, 2011-10-10 21:39:20 UTC

Instead of relying on almost-never-correct schedules, Kicker Studio has come up with an innovative system to use the city's data streams to give up-to-date transit information. When can we start using it?

Unlike many cities, San Francisco offers a wealth of open data, with information available about everything from parking meters to public artwork. The trouble is, not everyone realizes quite how valuable this information can be. At last week's GOOD Design event, which pairs city leaders with designers--San Francisco director of innovation Jay Nath challenged Kicker Studio to come up with an innovative approach to educate the public on the value of open data. Kicker's solution: using data to help fix the city's busted transportation system.

Kicker had a slew of open data feeds at its disposal, including bus routes, incident reports, the fastest and safest routes, and parking information. After meeting with MUNI (San Francisco's transportation agency), Kicker discovered that NextBus--the system that updates riders on when the next bus is coming--runs off schedule data and only allows for four updates per year. That means in the case of any delays--and there are many--predicted arrival times are way off, and MUNI has no central communications system (drivers just write down incident reports and turn them in at the end of the day). Note: NextBus contacted us with updated information about this--see bottom of post.

So Kicker proposed using an SMS interface that allows for incident reports and for drivers to reroute their buses if, say, their services are needed after a ballgame and the scheduled routes can't handle all the people waiting for the bus.

Kicker even had a decent solution to the antiquated scheduling system with an interface that takes in data feeds related to traffic and traditional route timing to provide better estimates of when the bus will arrive. That same interface could allow users to crowdsource bus information, like whether there is a belligerent passenger on the 14 Mission line.

The best part of Kicker's presentation was a user interface (for phone or web) that shows the nearest bus lines, when the next bus is coming, which nearby routes are most common for cabs (they aren't always so easy to find), and where the best routes are for bikers--all using publicly available data. The interface could also tell users which method of transportation is the most cost- and time-efficient.

Our only question: When can we start using these apps? At this moment, there are innumerable stressed-out San Franciscans wondering why the bus never seems to run anywhere remotely on time.

Update: NextBus tells us: The NextBus system generates the arrival predictions based on current and historical GPS data. This means that the arrival predictions take into account delays and traffic in real time. You can see more info here.

[Images: Flickr user Thomas Hawk, Kicker Studios]

Reach Ariel Schwartz via Twitter or email.

Nissan developing a 10-minute car charger, report says
by: Gizmodo , 2011-10-10 22:45:50 UTC
Nissan's next-generation super-rapid car chargers will recharge an EV battery in 10 minutes or less.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog