Neatorama » Gadget http://www.neatorama.com The Neat Side of the Web Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:36:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Happy Clouds http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/31/happy-clouds/ http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/31/happy-clouds/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:08:00 +0000 Miss Cellania http://www.neatorama.com/?p=25886
Artist Stuart Semple uses soap and helium to create floating foam clouds in the shape of smiley faces. A machine he developed makes and releases them, thousands at a time, in public places. Link (with video) -via Metafilter

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/31/happy-clouds/feed/ 3 Why Technology Loves Rounded Rectangles: They're Easier on the Eye http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/05/why-technology-loves-rounded-rectangles-theyre-easier-on-the-eye/ http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/05/why-technology-loves-rounded-rectangles-theyre-easier-on-the-eye/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:20:17 +0000 Queuebot http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/05/why-technology-loves-rounded-rectangles-theyre-easier-on-the-eye/ Ever wonder why so many tech gadgets, OS windows and images all have rounded corners?  It may be more than just visual appeal.  The rounded corners may make things easier on the eye!

Nänni confirmed my theory: “You are absolutely right. A rectangle with sharp edges takes indeed a little bit more cognitive visible effort than for example an ellipse of the same size. Our “fovea-eye” is even faster in recording a circle. Edges involve additional neuronal image tools. The process is therefore slowed down.”

Professor Nänni is saying that rounded rectangles are literally easier on the eye. Put another way, compared to square-edged rectangles, rounded rectangles are more computationally efficient for the human brain. To me, this is a revelation. An idea that at the very least demands more investigation.

Link – via twitter

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Lee.

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2009/08/05/why-technology-loves-rounded-rectangles-theyre-easier-on-the-eye/feed/ 11 Get Ready to Add the Buzzball to Next Year’s Wish List http://www.neatorama.com/2009/01/26/get-ready-to-add-the-buzzball-to-next-year%e2%80%99s-wish-list/ http://www.neatorama.com/2009/01/26/get-ready-to-add-the-buzzball-to-next-year%e2%80%99s-wish-list/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:47:25 +0000 Queuebot http://www.neatorama.com/2009/01/26/get-ready-to-add-the-buzzball-to-next-year%e2%80%99s-wish-list/

Grab your barf bag and get ready to strap yourself into the Buzzball. Best described as a hamster ball for humans, the Buzzball delivers a unique rollercoaster ride where the pilot is in complete control of the ride experience.

The product is still in the development phase but looks like a blast. The Buzzball is a dual motor configuration that enables its pilot to control the motion and direction of travel via control triggers and provides power to the driving wheels. The amount of power each wheel receives determines the Buzzball’s direction of movement.

Link

From the Upcoming Queue, submitted by whitespace.

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2009/01/26/get-ready-to-add-the-buzzball-to-next-year%e2%80%99s-wish-list/feed/ 12 How Physicists Make Lunch http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/02/how-physicists-make-lunch/ http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/02/how-physicists-make-lunch/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:33:27 +0000 Miss Cellania http://www.neatorama.com/?p=21205 For coffee, a pot just won’t do. Neither will a microwave oven. How about a YAG laser beam? For hot dogs, forget the grill or toaster oven. Cook them with a 10-foot tall Tesla coil! See videos of both procedures at Talk Like A Physicist. Link -via Dark Roasted Blend

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/02/how-physicists-make-lunch/feed/ 4 Stitch Humidifier http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/01/stitch-humidifier/ http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/01/stitch-humidifier/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:38:45 +0000 Alex http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/01/stitch-humidifier/ I love this little humidifier shaped like Stitch, the little blue alien in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch cartoon!

The water vapor looks like Stitch is belching off something foul, but the only bad thing about it seems to be the price tag. At $120, this Stitch humidifier may just be leaving your wallet in tatters.

Link

]]> http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/01/stitch-humidifier/feed/ 3 Geek Gifts http://www.neatorama.com/2008/11/30/geek-gifts/ http://www.neatorama.com/2008/11/30/geek-gifts/#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:09:51 +0000 Miss Cellania http://www.neatorama.com/?p=21162

Oooh -a bat-shaped boomerang that’s really a money clip! The Batarang Folding Money Clip is just one of the picks at The Geek Guide to Holiday Gift-Giving. There’s also gadgets, movies, jewelry, and fashions that you won’t find at your local department store, all with links to ordering information. Link -Thanks, Yan!

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