The Official Oscars App Expands To Android, Kindle

ABC announced today that the official Oscars app is now live, and for the first time, it’s available for Android. Specifically, it’s available on Android 4.0+ devices, including the Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 10.1 and GSIII, as well as the new Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD.
As before, the app is available for iOS as well.
The app was developed by the Academy and Disney/ABC’s digital media team, and includes the following features, as listed by ABC:

• Magazine-style format featuring photos, videos and the latest social media buzz.
• Viewers can watch the live Backstage Pass experience in two different modes, Watch or Direct. In Watch mode, viewers will be guided through the live behind-the-scenes show. In the Direct mode, viewers can select the cameras they want to experience.
• Live video grid allows viewers the ability to watch all available cameras simultaneously or zero in on one.
• Once in a camera view, a ticker will display over the video updating viewers to what is happening on other cameras. Fans will be aware when their favorite actor enters another view, allowing them the opportunity to navigate between cameras.

“Our goal is to create a really full, immersive experience leading up to, during and after the Oscars,” said Karin Gilford, SVP of Digital Media for ABC Television Network. “Last year, we saw a huge increase in the number of people using the app. With its availability now on the Android platform we look forward to bringing even more people into the Oscar experience. We want this to be the next best thing to attending the show itself.”
“We’re always looking for ways to bring fans closer to the show and this app provides a unique and fun way to do that,” added Josh Spector, Managing Director of Digital Media and Marketing for the Academy. “More fans than ever will be able to enjoy the full Oscar experience now that our app is available to Droid users.”
The Oscars will air on Sunday, February 24 on ABC, with coverage beginning at 7PM Eastern. You can find the Android app on Google Play.

The Flip Headphones

The Flip is a hybrid speakers and headphones concept, something that is getting very popular these days. With two modes to use them, the flick of a switch allows you to stream music straight into your ears or share it with friends. Both modes work with your devices using a headphone jack or USB, depending upon how you want to go about it. Awesome! 

 Designer: Oliver Sha

Does Camera Size Matter

At a recent event I was up in arms, struggling with my DSLR in an awkward stance, trying to capture the best shots for the day. In walked my friend with an adept digital camera and took some amazing photographs (if not better), and he didn’t even have to struggle with his equipment. So the question is, does high-tech photography equipment have to be bulky and difficult to manage? The IO Camera Concept says no!

The IO Camera Concept shows that the large-format camera can be built seductively ergonomic. The multi-format digital camera platform can achieve 35mm format convenience and quality. It supports large-format (up to 90 x 120 millimeters or even more) digital sensors. With its flexible changeable bayonet, it supports the majority of contemporary middle- and large-format lenses.

Features:
 IO feels comfortable in your hands, is great to take along for point-and-shoot photography, and its supporting capabilities of tilt-shift techniques (when using an external tripod and flex) are convenient to use. The concept is to redesign and give a new face to the typical large-format camera and counteract the stereotype that large-format cameras are always big, heavy, and could even have a wooden body.
The goal is the creation of a light and elegant camera with a sensitive touchscreen, without forgoing the large-format sensor. This modern technology would give you the opportunity to get extra high-resolution images, a shallow depth of field, as well as dynamic perspective control (tilt-shift).

The changeable bayonet construction allows any kind of lens from any system available on the market.
Its AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) shutter is installed in the camera body, so you can use shutterless lenses (from focal plane shutter systems).
It is absolutely soundless and lightweight. The sensor cooling system is important for mirrorless cameras (as the sensor is working permanently).
The symmetrical handle grips allow good ergonomics, for right- and left-handed people.
The large, sensitive touchscreen allows you good operation and control.
You don’t need a laptop to see the details anymore.

Butt Stamp And More [NSFW]

Got to hand it to designer duo Yongjae Jeon and Wonpark Jang for giving us a lighter side to expressing ourselves. The Mark – Stool and Clip & Pin are two kinds of stamps; the first is an embossed seat that leaves a stamp on your butt with a quirky message. The second is a set of clips and pins that can be used to stamp your finger pads. Giving non-verbal communication a new lease of life, combining the two sets can definitely add a dash humor to our daily drudgery! 

 Designers: Yongjae Jeon and Wonpark Jang

Smart Measure

Why this doesn’t exist already, I’m not sure. But it should. Now. 3 problems with common measure spoons: they don’t stay together, you need a second utensil to level the ingredient for an accurate measurement, and they spill easily. Sucks right? This super-smart solution solves all three problems in one of the most simple designs I’ve seen. Wham, bam, problem solved. Check out the vid to see how it works! 

 Designer: Juan Jimenez

This Ain’t No Holiday Inn

Instead of letting hotels dictate where you vacation, why not make the hotel go where you want?! The latest in a trend of micoarchitecture, DROP is a moveable suite suitable for being placed wherever the heart desires (and land permits). The design is slightly elevated to avoid contact with the soil so as not to interfere with the environment when it’s removed. Spherical transparencies on either end can be positioned to face the most desirable views while bringing guests into direct contact with nature. 

For the modern nomad, these eco-friendly ‘rooms’ are not only sustainable but surprisingly comfortable and perfectly integrated on the surrounding landscape. It’s especially suitable for anyone who has an inherent yearning for nature but doesn’t want to negatively impact on the environment. 

 Designer: IN-TENTA