wired nextfest this week!

[NOTE: Transferred from blog.makeitmade.com]

just a few reasons to go to the wired nextfest this weekend in nyc:

the hug shirt: The Hug Shirt (F+R Hugs) is a shirt that allows people to exchange the physical sensation of a hug over distance. Embedded in the shirt there are sensors that feel the strength of the touch, the skin warmth and the heartbeat rate of the sender and actuators that recreate the sensation of touch, warmth and emotion of the hug to the shirt of the distant loved one

the pixel roller: The PixelRoller is a paint roller that paints pixels, designed as a rapid response printing tool specifically to print digital information such as imagery or text onto a great range of surfaces. The content is applied in continuous strokes by the user. PixelRoller can be seen as a handheld “printer”, based around the ergonomics of a paintroller, that lets you create the images by your own hand

3D display cube: A patented system that integrates LED technology to create true three-dimensional imagery, the 3D Display Cube has wide spread uses with retail and public display, signage applications, home display, and advertising

dandelion: Interactive dandelion that allows users to blow away the seeds of a dandelion clock by using a real electric blowdryer.

brainball: Brainball is a game where you compete in relaxation. The players' brainwaves control a ball on a table, and the more relaxed scores a goal over the opponent.

sonicolumn: SoniCoumn is an interactive sound installation that can be played by a person’s touch. The installation takes the form of a column-like cylinder, of a height that does not quite reach the ceiling but just high enough for one’s reach. Grids of LEDs installed inside the column light themselves on by the users’ touch and emit unique sounds. When a user cranks the handle, the column slowly rotates itself and plays the light patterns of the user’s touch

sound flakes: If faucets of "do, re, mi ..." are twisted, each sound will drip into the pool and begin to float as flakes of sound. Moreover, they can be stirred and scooped up with a ladle. If you stir the sound flakes in the water, each flake will ring. If one of the flakes is scooped up, it will rotate and sing in the ladle.

lifestraw:LifeStraw is a portable water purification tool that cleanses surface water and makes it safe for human consumption. It is just 25 cm long and 29 mm in diameter and can be hung around the neck. LifeStrawrequires no electrical power or spare parts.