Planned obsolescence is a method a number of designers use to ensure that people continue to buy their products. One product that planned obsolescence is used in is laptops. The new software is often carefully calculated to reduce in value to consumers of the previous version. They do this by making programs upwardly compatible only, meaning the new versions are the only ones that can read all the files of the old version, but it doesnt work the other way around. Laptops also do not last for a long amount of time. Sooner or later the laptop’s quality will reduce and will begine to get slower and not function as well as it used to.
The DreamCom 10 Ergonomic Laptop Transformer is similar to every other existing laptop. However, it does include beneficial functions for the user. It is a pretty standard Intel-Based computer (featuring UMTS/HSDPA). It has the ability to transform into multiple configurations for improved user comfort. It does so with an expandable neck and an attached dock allowing for a tipi-like biped stance. It is less hunch-back induced than a standard laptop.
The Genibo was produced by the Korean company Dasarobot of Dasatech. It is an autonomous pet robot. It was created to be much like a real life dog in appearance and behavior. It was modeled to resemble a Bull terrier. It can identify itself and the surroundings using its sensors, camera, and voice commands and share feelings with the user. With input information, it forms ‘Emotion/Mood/Intelligence/Character/Intimacy’ to feature unique character. It is capable of understanding over 100 voice commands (such as “sit”, “come here” and “do a headstand”) and has the ability to praise or scold the dog using the touch sensors located on its head, back and flank. The dogs mood will change according to user interaction and can express happiness, pleasure, sadness, surprise, anger, boredom and sleepiness. To control the robot, it comes with a PC Control Manager software that allows you to see a live view of what the dog is seeing, take photos, create skits/dance routines, record voice memos, MP3 playback, and set alarms.
It functions with batteries that can be charged. Its width is 192 mm, length 334mm and its height is 330mm. The robot weighs 1.6 kgs. The cost of this product is 1500$.
(As you can see, there are a variety of colors to choose from, including black, white, pink and blue.)
One of the most fascinating products that has been invented in my opinion is called “Smart Glass”. Smart Glass was created by a New York based research company called Research Frontiers. This invention may appear just like any normal glass, but in reality it isn’t. Smart Glass can regulate the level of incoming light and can control temperature levels for a range of environments.
Howdoes it work?
Well, in Smart Glass there are microscopic particles that absorb the light to prevent it from passing through the film. When electrical current is added to the film, that allows sunlight to enter the room the glass is protecting. (The higher the current–> the more arranged the particles are–> the more light is allowed through the glass.) When the current is switched off however, the particles begin to scatter and separate which inhibits any light to penetrate. Users or owners can control the transparency of the window.
A comment by the CEO of Research Frontiers:
Joseph Harary, CEO of Research Frontiers, sees great potential for SPD-SmartGlass in several areas. “With regard to aesthetics, there are expanded opportunities for building designs that are elegant, sleek, and modern. In addition, having the ability to utilize, when desired, very dark window tinting can reduce air conditioning costs for tenants and building operators.”
There are controllers that owners and users can use to adjust the glass to whichever preference they have. There are options of both manual switches and automated methods.
What are the advantages of owning Smart Glass?
By owning Smart Glass, you are saving yourself the cost of various products that many people own today including heating or air-conditioning and lighting. An individual could also avoid the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens, blinds, and/or curtains.
Which Smart Glass technologies are included?
There are mainly 4: electrochromic devices, suspended particle devices, micro-blinds and finally liquid crystal devices.
Planned obsolescence is a method a number of designers use to ensure that people continue to buy their products. One product that planned obsolescence is used in is laptops. The new software is often carefully calculated to reduce in value to consumers of the previous version. They do this by making programs upwardly compatible only, meaning the new versions are the only ones that can read all the files of the old version, but it doesnt work the other way around. Laptops also do not last for a long amount of time. Sooner or later the laptop’s quality will reduce and will begine to get slower and not function as well as it used to.
