I keep coming across innovative solutions I want to write more about, so here's the latest collection.
Connected homes
Piper ($199) is a clever system combining home automation with home security and iOS integration. The small bookshelf speaker sized unit hosts a 180-degree live video camera and will monitor activity in your home on your behalf. It also includes environmental sensors, a motion detector and alarm siren, and optional Z-Wave integration. That last point means you can use this as a hub for Z-Wave-equipped home automation solutions, which will also be iOS compatible once HomeKit ships.
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Smart machines
I'm interested in the Aether Cone ($399), a speaker that learns what, when and how you like to listen to music. The idea is that when you turn this gadget on it immediately plays exactly the music you'd most love at that time. Want to hear something else? No worries, just speak your track selection. Inside the wireless speaker (you can tote it anywhere) there's a 3-inch woofer, dual tweeters and a 20-watt amplifier. AirPlay compatible and controlled via an iOS app, Cone plays audio from streaming music services, Internet radio stations and podcasts. One day all your domestic appliances will know what you want. (Honorable mention:Libratone Loop).
Intelligent cars
I've mentioned this before but I'm still fascinated at the potential of theAutomatic Smart Driving assistant. Not only does this device unlock all the information about your vehicle held on your in-car computer, making it useful to you as well as your local service center, it also delivers a host of really useful features to improve your driving behavior...and remembers where you've parked...and will even call for help if you have an accident. And, naturally, integrates with iOS devices via a handy app. For just under $100 this is the future of driving. (It really is, you know).
Smart cycles
Expect to see hipsters riding these things in summer 2015 when they ship. TheRogue 6 smart bike is equipped with built-in LED light, integrated location services and the ability to track your bike using SMS from anywhere in the world. It's a top class bike, of course, featuring Shimano Alfine hydraulic brakes, oil-free eight-speed gearing, dual platform pedals and more. There's also an iOS app that will track your bike and help navigate, as well as displaying speed, cadence, elevation and other data.
3D printing
Apple users should take a little time to get familiar with 3D printing. Sure, this has been around for decades but now -- right now -- this is becoming an accessible technology and seems likely to become far more commonplace in the next few years. New to the US,Ultimaker 2 ($2,500) will print almost any plastic thing you like using 3D reference designs. That's just the beginning -- work is accelerating to explore new processes and technologies -- NASA are even putting 3D printers into space to make space station components. One day you might even print your next iPhone.
Qwerk, strangeness and retro charm
Qwerkywriter is a retro Bluetooth/USB 84 key keyboard that's compatible with Macs, iPads and iPhones (as well as other devices). What's nice about this contraption is that it adds the tactile feel of using a vintage typewriter to your computing experience. This isn't a portable solution, it weighs 3-pounds. Oh, and you can't get it this year (sorry) because Qwerkywriter won't ship until Summer 2015.
Scan for life
Fujitsu have done something pretty clever with the ScanSnap iX100 (c.$200) wireless portable scanner. Not only can you stash the scanner in a large draw rather than occupying valuable desk space, but you can use it in conjunction with the ScanSnap Connect app to scan to any iOS device, as well as your Mac.
Apple history
OK, this is kind of a money no object collection of Apple-related paraphernalia, and at $1,900 this thing isn’t cheap. This is a hand-painted recreation of the Mac Pirate Flagthat flew over Bandley 3, the Macintosh building at Apple in 1983. Individually made to order these flags are created by Susan Kare, who painted the original flag for the Mac team. Kare also designed the icons used in the original Mac OS and was part of the original Macintosh team. So you're buying a priceless slice of Apple history, really. "It's better to be a pirate than join the navy," said Steve Jobs. Learn more Apple history in these great books.
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