The bag you see above isn’t actually the core component of interface device — that’d be the sensor tile at its base, which generates and monitors a magnetic field. Any disturbances in the field — that’s where the bag, filled with some kind of magnetic substance, like iron filings, comes in — can be translated into movement, whether it be simple X/Y gestures around a flat plane, or more complex gestures that take into account prod pressure. Technically interesting, but I feel like this concept needs a little something extra:

[A researcher said] making a device that could switch between an input and output device would be challenging. While moving ball bearings using magnetic fields shouldn’t be too hard, “[moving] ferrous fluid bladders would be trickier,” he says.

WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT OUTPUT? Consider this, mouse jockies: a few years from now, your Intellipoint might be an actively pulsating pouch of magnetic fluid. John C Dvorak, 1984:

The nature of the personal computer is simply not fully understood by companies like Apple (or anyone else for that matter). Apple makes the arrogant assumption of thinking that it knows what you want and need. It, unfortunately, leaves the “why” out of the equation – as in “why would I want this?” The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a ‘mouse’. There is no evidence that people want to use these things. I don’t want one of these new fangled devices.

Just replace “mouse” with “undulating sack of ferrofluid” and then tell me I’m crazy. Anyone? [Technology Review]

[Haglöfs via Stilsucht via OhGizmo!]

[wannekes]

The bizarre commentary on global warming, the the fact that it looks like a bomb and that it is part of an exhibition called Laughing Prohibited! makes this quite an amusing peace of artwork. Naturally, the exhibit comes with one of those pretentious and absurd descriptions:

Laughing Prohibited! states this clearly: there is no reason to laugh at all. Is there any (artistic) freedom of speech left after the debates on the Danish cartoons and the AEL counter-cartoons? Should you laugh about the works of these producers, than you are not sincere. Is there the legacy of Theo van Gogh still fertile? We need to concentrate and to focus in order to ask these fundamental questions. To be able to do so, we need clarity and parameters. Therefore, as a start: do not laugh!
Look closely and question: relate!

Oh, I believe my laughter is sincere. [onomatopee via Mocoloco]

If there’s an argument to be made, it’s one of durability. These vintage Nazi backpacks are rated to last another 50 years (apparently WW2 was meant to go on a long, long time). Retrofitted with solar panels and batteries before being rebranded as KILLA Vintage series #1 bags, I have a feeling that the electronics will fail long before the cloth will wear away.

And while admitting this feels a bit awkward, I’m smitten with the design of the pack itself. It’s almost too bad that only 20 bags will be produced yearly for an unspecified price. [Killa via taktomyshirt via therawfeed]

[Solar Vest via Chinavision]

Pro Bag Ads is a company installing sun-resistant HD LCD displays into the bags of pro golfers. These LCDs then play advertisements for companies like “19th Hole Wines” during tournaments—we assume without sound—while the caddies enjoy the extra heft of a TV and batters on a midsummer day.

So far, they’ve only signed up one guy, 2009 Senior PGA Champion Michael Allen. The chief flaw, beyond the general tackiness, can be seen in the lead shot. Stitched logos appear brighter than that screen.

Oh, and when Tiger misses his first put because a Cialis ad enters his periphery, trust me, these guys are finished. [Pro Bag Ads via gizmo watch via DVICE]

The Crave is only available in navy blue, however besides the 16-inch backpack form you can get it in a 15.6-inch slipcase and a smaller netbook size. The backpack is $US50 which isn’t so bad considering it could double as a travel pillow.

The other two lines of notebook cases seem pretty standard and by standard I mean boring. There is a typical mix of leather and canvas business looking bags. However, the Phobos netbook case which apparently is a “throw back to acid-washed jeans” seems interesting though I haven’t seen a picture.

Those two are probably the most interesting since the rest are all business all the time. Those interested can hit the link for the full release. In the meantime, I’ll be remembering how good those college class naps were. [Targus]

“Who’s ECO WARRIOR?” Anyone can be a HERO! ECO WARRIOR BAG is a eco-bag that represents you are an Environment activist. If you see “Anti-manner” people like throwing away a cigarette butt on street, not separating garbage by type, transform ECO WARRIOR! Then, give them a warning very kindly instead of a drop kick. Standard class and High class that is printed with lame ink are available.

OK, that’s pretty amazing. Because seriously, what litterer wouldn’t be turned to the side of goodness and light after being berated by someone with a bag on their head? [Kawamura Hideo Activity]

A cursory scan of camera bags on Amazon will reveal that they all pretty much look like crap from a design standpoint. Yes, they get the job done, but if you’re more of a hobbyist and not so much of a photo pro, you still might want to attempt to blend in with the rest of society. Which is why Carrying Case and Sling Pack bags are refreshing. To the naked eye, they more or less just look like normal bags.

The Carrying Case is meant for a single camera and lens, plus a couple of small accessories. The Sling Pack has room for additional lenses and flashes, and as the name implies, fits like a messenger bag. Both bags are professional-grade, water-resistant products that will sell for $US60 (Carrying Case) and $US80 (Sling Pack). [Incase via Uncrate]

AU: Uncrate don’t ship to Australia (yet), but we can still look!