Every now and then I get really excited when I come across a piece of technology that confuses me. Confusing not because it’s difficult to use, but confusing because I can’t exactly figure out why it exists. I get even more excited when that mysterious technology is well-designed, fluid in function, and so original that perhaps it’s hinting at a future that has yet to fully materialize. This week I encountered two such mysteries. The first one is the website for this Sunday’s upcoming Grammy Awards. It has this gnarly, technological, algorithmic function where you upload your picture, color it, and plug in a few of your favorite bands and it instantly outputs a visual collage of links, videos, blogs, etc. all ghosted onto a dynamic mosaic of your pic. Here’s mine. If you look closely enough, you’ll see I’m a huge fan of euro techno pop as well as a bit of black man beat. I can’t exactly figure it out just yet, but I get a sense that the web is going to evolve into something like this. The TED site has a similar aesthetic (another site I love) Click on my pic if you want to make one for yourself. It’s kind of a trip.
cyber music Fan
The other piece of technology is the iPad. All feminine hygiene jokes aside, I get an erie feeling that this thing is intended for a tomorrow that has yet to come into full swing. I’m a life-long Apple user who rabidly uses my iPhone, MacBook Pro, Final Cut Pro, iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iCal, Safari, etc. everyday. Even after a few hours of online study of the iPad, only 50% of me really understands it’s true purpose. There something else I just can’t put my finger on, a greater intended use for this technology that isn’t written in the instruction manual…yet. I guess only time will tell. And though 50% of me is still a bit puzzled, I’m pretty sure that the mysterious purpose of the iPad is crystal clear in the mind of our techno savior, Steve Jobs. We’ll see…
Im struggling with the ipad concept as well. It’s a reader, it’s an Internet tool, but it still doesn’t support flash so 80% of videos can’t be watched (praying for html5 to take over). But somehow, Apple still makes me want one
Apple products truly are seductive. every time i open up a new apple product, i think i’m about to drink from the fountain of youth. sigh…
Oh yes, Steve Jobs’ purpose for the iPad is crystal clear–too make more money! Other than that, I don’t think there is any reason for an oversized iPhone that can’t make phone calls.
true Iris. perhaps i’m getting to geeky about this whole iPad thing. maybe it really is all just about making the bling. sigh…
Actually, this is the few technological device that I am excited over – and no, I dont’ understand why they compare it to the iphone when u can’t make a call off it. But i’m on the road alot and to have a device that i can go online with (I think its real speed so ipad > internet phone) and cheap since it doesn’t have enough memory for regular software ie: photoshop, illustrator. But shoots, I imagine that PC can come out with a similar device and lower the price point even more.
*My info about the ipad is just what i hear from other peeps so it might completely wrong. LOL.
yeah! finally, an iPad lover! can’t wait…
I’m actually curious about the ipad. Sounds like stepping into a new realm… I’m waiting for more features. If they ever get handwriting recognition on it or dictation ability, I may be sold forever….