Running on what looks to be a Microsoft Surface the Reactable, Infractor is software that represents all of the New York Times as a streaming beam of light, with individual stories floating through the stream like fireflies. Placing an interactive prism on the table splits this beam, allowing you to assign filters like “Obama” to make the stream more relevant. (A jog wheel, placed next to the prism, can alter the prism’s specific sensitivity.)

Eventually, you’ll tailor the beam to only hold topics you’re interested in. Well that, or you’ll remember why the printing press doesn’t use prisms to convey information.

[Infractor via notcot]