Yet another technology looking for a use

Leave it to the Aussies to extend (in this case) the social-media practice of trending (back) into the real world of people, bodies, and face-to-face discussion in one big, giant buzzing visualization.
Clemenger BBDO Sydney describes its project as "Mimeisthai - the world's first spoken-word trending engine."
Drop those smart phones, and forget texting, tweeting, etc. A series of mics throughout the auditorium picked up and digitized snips of f2f discussions, then crunched them into a visual representation of topics in conversation that were trending.
Like other examples noted here previously, it represents a great potential--if only now someone figured out a compelling use beyond a roomful of tech-nerds.

Ignore the Cheesy Campaign Name

Forget the "Emart Sunny Sale" campaign. But pay attention to how it connects the medium (in this case QR codes) to the time as well as the place in which users encounter them.

The QR code can only be scanned during certain times of the day.

It's some great thinking that takes this technology and adds relevance.

Thinking the Future iPhone

Really new media need to be thought. It's not enough to simply invent a cool device then wait for someone to figure out what to do with it.

For example, pair the current craze for holograms (think augmented reality) with the craze for the iPhone.

What do you get?

Some pretty cool ideas about what could be.

Another Device To Yet Have a Use

On the heels of my last post comes this gizmo from Google Labs, the AR eyeglasses.
Who needs a screen and interface in front of your hands when you can have one in front of your eyes?
While it too has yet to reach the level of really new media, it is ripe for really-new-media thinking.

Another Tech Still To Become Really New Media

Here's another example of an intriguing technical capability. It has yet to reach the level of really new media because no one yet know quite what to do with it. But, hey! Just the details...
Matterport is a means by which you can capture 3D environments for later use and manipulation. Now, why I'd want to do that with my office, home, kitchen, etc., I'm not sure. Nor why I'd want to inflict it on others!
But, like my earlier post about Bing Maps and AR, before, this demonstrates not only an intriguing capability yet to be anchored into a compelling use. It also demonstrates the high degree to which the thinking behind media still lags behind technical developments, instead of taking place with them.

Make Room, Make Room!

A recent piece in Ad Age notes how important it is to get digital developers (the guys who know all the technical ins-and-outs) to the concepting table with the copywriters, art directors, and creative directors.

Couldn't agree more (especially since I noted the same point in an earlier post.)

Shine a Light on Me

After a dearth of good creative work in really new media recently, along comes this notable effort from Sony Ericsson (try not to let the sugary-sweetness of the video recap get to you).

What makes it notable is that it isn't simply a slick, technical demonstration. It's also not yet another online game or competition (anyone else getting sick of these?).

Instead, it's wrapped within a general human need. How many of us are perked up in our day by someone touching bases with us, just to say hi and that they're thinking of us?

The creative team took this insight some great steps further. And demonstrating some specific capabilities of the phone to boot.

In recognizing the social basis of personal relationships, this exemplifies some great thinking right in line with really new media.