Mobiledia: Whirlpool today began testing “smart” washing machines and dryers, monitored and controled from computers and cell phones. The pilot project, called “Laundry Time,” is part of an open collaboration involving Whirlpool Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Panasonic and Procter & Gamble. To be conducted in Atlanta homes between today and early September, Laundry Time is built around a connected laundry […]
Laundry Time
Novels for Cellphones
IHT: In Japan, cellphones have become a tool for writing and reading e-mail messages. Now, publishers in Japan want mobile subscribers to read more than simple text messages. Publishers like Shinchosha and Kodansha and their distribution partner have been bolstering readership for novels and comics on cellphones. According to Shinchosha, cellphone users are gravitating to authors like Mika Naito, who […]
Mystery Threatre
TrendCentral: The latest hot show in New York isn’t in the Theatre District, or even in any theatre for that matter. In fact, audiences are more like “participants” as they’re on their feet for the duration of the performance. Part theatre, part scavenger hunt, part walking tour, Accomplice: New York is giving participants a whole new way to experience the […]
Missile Alert!
Globes: Israeli start-up Cellact, a developer of cellular messaging technology, has begun marketing a system to kibbutzim (collective communities), towns and factories in northern Israel that enables the issue of warnings of missile attacks. The system, which will be available to subscribers of all cellular companies, will issue a warning of a missile or bomb attack, shooting, or other emergency […]
Tennis, Anybody?
Springwise: Mesh Tennis is a new social networking site just for tennis players, connecting the tennis community online. The website lets tennis players find other players of their own skill level, in their own area. It also lets players record scores and matches, review tennis gear, schedule events and read the latest tennis news. Becoming a member is free. Groups […]
Ecomiles
Business 2.0: Airline miles are nice, but wouldn’t you feel better about splurging on a new flat-panel TV if you were helping to save endangered species? That’s the idea behind Ecomiles, a rewards program where the points translate into charitable donations. Members simply log on to Ecomiles’s e-commerce portal, which links up with Barnes & Noble (Charts), eBay (Charts), Hotwire, […]
Wrist Bottle
Strange New Products: A company called HydroSport is marketing a new water bottle that fits on your wrist. Described as a “Wrist Water Bottle”, each unit holds 5.5oz of water or sports drink, for a total of 11oz when you have one on each wrist. When fully loaded, the unique bottle weighs one-half pound, providing you with some additional exercise. […]
Spacevertising
Trend Hunter: It seems we’re running out of advertising space (or at least good/fresh space) so now companies are eager to increase their market share in space. In 1985, Coca-Cola and Pepsi seized an opportunity to test the viability of carbonated drinks in space. Both companies benefited from the first unofficial taste test in space. Then in 2001 Pizza Hut […]
Youth Vacations
TrendCentral: In addition to jewelry and electronics, recent high school grads have been telling us the most sought after graduation gift isn’t actually a material possession, but rather an experience. Pre-paid trips from Contiki were the most desired gifts amongst the recently graduated Class of 2006. Targeting 18-35 year-olds, Contiki is a hip vacation company that gives participants the opportunity […]
Handy Dispenser Flap
PRWEB: Cerealtop™ is a box lid made up of two parts and sealed with a handy dispenser flap. Made from food-safe plastic, Cerealtop™ has a clever slider system that means it can be adjusted to suit just about any box. These days, breakfast muesli and cereals come in every conceivable flavour and pack. Atmospheric advertising campaigns are created to promote […]