Gizmodo: Trends

Steampunk Going Mainstream?

Mark Wilson — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:03:00 EDT

Here, in our niche technological world, we'd already considered steampunk as a mainstream phenomenon. But according to the NY Times, it could be the next major trend for, you know, normal people.

Quaint to some eyes, or outright bizarre, steampunk fashion is compelling all the same. It is that rarity, a phenomenon with the potential to capture a wider audience, offering a genteel and disciplined alternative to both the slack look of hip-hop and the menacing spirit of goth.

As soon as we see the cast of The Hills applying lipstick via a 20lb brass doohickey while wearing heavy leather gloves to stave off burns, we'll know steampunk has reached its potential as a cultural phenomenon. Meanwhile, a vintage train conductor will rise from his grave to vomit. [NYTimes]

CES Touchscreen Roundup

Adam Frucci — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:36:34 EST

I don't know if you guys have heard, but buttons are totally out. Touchscreens? Totally in. Yeah, I know. I'm not psyched about it either. But let's see a sampling of some of the new devices you can expect to see touchscreen functionality forced into in 2008. Drumroll, please…

-RealEase Shogo Digital Picture Frame
-Asus R700 3D GPS Navigator
-iRiver Wing UMPC
-Sony Mylo 2
-Samsung SC-HMX20C HD Camcorder
-Sony NV-U83T GPS Navigator
-Logitech Harmony One IR Remote

So, sage readers: what devices have earned the right to have a touchscreen, and which ones are forcing it? Lay your judgment down in the comments.

Technosexuals: We're Heeeeeeeere!

Jason Chen — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 17:30:39 EDT

As our khaki-wearing cousin Valleywag reported, the term "technosexual" is becoming replacing metrosexual, ruralsexual, and ludditesexual as the "sexual" term of the moment.

In this video from our local news channel, some guy named Ricky explains that being a technosexual is all about having the sexiest gear and setting up wireless routers for women. If this is all it takes, then this is the one "sexual" we're definitely suited for (the heteros only let us in begrudgingly).

Faaaaaabulous! – Jason Chen

Technosexual - the new new buzz [TechieDiva]

Digital Picture Frames: By Kodak...and Everyone Else...and Their Mother

Mark Wilson — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:30:00 EST

Kodak announced 4 new Easyshare digital picture frames at CES to be released in March this year.

I like their two WiFi versions, the EX1011 (10") and EX811 (8"). Both frames feature 128MB of internal memory, 800x480 LCD displays and photo streaming from a PC folder or their proprietary service. While most models fill their spec sheets with standards like memory card support and USB connectivity, these models can support MP3/MP4/mov/avi with audio playing out of their built-in speakers.

Look for them in March for $279 and $229.
Their non WiFi MP3 model runs $129. Video models start at $179.

But while I was impressed by Kodak's line, most of us at CES have noticed a trend:

Digital Picture Frames are everywhere.

Seriously. Kodak claimed that this is because of consumer demand, and then she quoted a study by (the CEA?) that I have since heard again from other manufacturers. 70% of consumers are on their 3rd digital camera purchase. 70% of these purchasers are women. Along with that, most digital photos never make it to any sort of viewable medium. To Kodak, the influx of digital frames is "natural progression". Philips supported the idea, adding that their product availability was very scarce over the holiday season.

I think that displays got cheap. – Mark Wilson with photo gallery by Curtis Walker