Call Me Lazy!

SmartShade: by Quirky

The SmartShade lets anyone enjoy the benefits of motorized window shades without even stepping on ladder. Unlike traditional motorized shades, SmartShade converts your EXISTING manual shade into an app-enabled SmartShade. While existing solutions require replacement of the entire roller system or complicated retrofit, SmartShade installs with basic hand tools in minutes. 

This product is extremely updated as a large portion of the world has smart phones and is extremely technology savy. Of course many would be opposed to this technology because it is viewed as being lazy. Here is where many are wrong with that assumption, it is an excellent solution for multitasking. Many have small childrens at home and this is one less reason a parent would have to take their eyes off of their child. This is also a great technology for senior citizens that are disabled, not being able to get up to do something as little as changing the shades could make life a little bit easier. 

As one can see it isnt any bigger or smaller than a regular blind string.

Problems with conventional manual shades:

1. Snooze on. Manual shades don’t sync to open with your morning alarm.
2. Ouch! They require uncomfortable bending and reaching to operate.
3. Eco-Fail. It’s unrealistic to adjust manual shades throughout the day for optimal energy efficiency.
4. Bad Vibes. You can’t easily adjust in-room lighting, so it’s tough to set the mood the way you want it.

Can be installed within minutes!

Benefits of SmartShades by Quirky:

1. Wake Up Naturally. Set your SmartShade alarm to wake up naturally with the light of the sun.
2. Pain Free. Operate your SmartShades from across the room with just one finger.
3. Energy Efficient. Using eco-mode SmartShade will automatically adjust your shades throughout the day to reduce energy bills while helping the environment.
4. Set the Ambiance. Instantly change the ambiance of any room with the touch of a button.

http://www.quirky.com/ideations/328118

Let There Be Light!

Stardust – Via Lattea by Mario Bellini for Meritalia

Stardust is a set of sofas and pillows that illuminate from within the “textiles”. Being in the modern world that we are in today, having simple side lamp is not the way to go anymore. These new models are called Mappamondo (Globe), Bucco Bianco (White Hole) and Galassia (Galaxy). Each individual product is made with Italian kick, Via Lattea- raspberry flavored Milky way- a white fabric assembled around carbon-based black threads, which is claimed to be indestructible. 

What better way to entertain your guests than be able to role in your own home. These products have been inspired from movies like Austin Powers etc. 

They are also a great way to add some flavor into young bachelors and professionals home. 

http://gizmodo.com/5225188/stardust-light-furniture-opens-plenty-of-possibilities-for-tasteless-bachelors

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://retaildesignblog.net

Green Pod

 

 

GREEN POD

 

Green Pod is a state-of-the-art environmental technology company that combinessustainable materials and luxury, health and comfort. Their exclusive interior packages feature 100 percent organic, naturally antimicrobial, biodegradable materials derived from plant fibers. In addition, all of  their interior wood products contain no chemical dyes or finishes. They specize in sustainable textiles that are derived from certified organic cotton, hemp, plantation grown bamboo, bio-wool and other natural materials.

 



 

They understand the need for water and energy conservation. So they have a line of products

 in each Pod energy-efficient appliances, heating sources, lighting, low flow toilets, sinks, and showers. This is a really easy fix for home owners to not only save money on energy consumption and their water bill. But it helps the environment. These are simple, and relatively inexpensive ways to make your home more sustainable. Adding a low-flow toilet to your home can save up to 3 gallons of water per flush!

 

 

Green Pod also wants customers to switch to LED lights. LED lights can save up to 75% more energy than the regular incandescent bulbs! This helps the Earth and the electric bill your parents are always complaining about.Their website has a lot of simple ideas to transform your home to a happy Earth friendly environment! Work on lessening your carbon footprint!

 

The biodegradable home furnishings are a great way to think about the future of your furniture, rugs, and upholstry. It is also safer to use dyes that have less chemicals in your home. With a lower impact usage of water. Transforming your home to safer proudcts and more sustainable products is a bandwagon that is not going away. So it is important for homeowners to understand what is out there and use it to their advantage!

 

http://www.greenpoddevelopment.com/interiors.php

The Snoozerpedic MD DreamWeaver Body Pillow

The unique, patented Snoozerpedic MD® Dreamweaver conforms to the natural curves of your body in all sleep positions. The pillow is constructed using a high-tech “pillow core” technology. The outer layer of the pillow core is constructed out of Memory CoolTM temperature sensitive visco-elastic foam and the inner core of the pillow is filled with a premium quality synthetic down.

The unique shape of the pillow follows the natural motions and positions of your body and minimizes repositioning throughout the night.

 

It is designed to improve sleep quality by helping to:

• Promote proper spinal alignment
• Enhance muscular relaxation
• Promote healthier circulation
• Reduce head, neck, and back strain 

The outer layer of the pillow is constructed using 1 ½ in thick sheets of 2 Lb. density Memory CoolTM temperature sensitive visco-elastic foam to provide advanced contouring ability.

The inner core of the pillow is filled with a premium quality synthetic down that reduces heat buildup as well as the overall weight of the pillow

The entire pillow is lighter and softer than solid memory foam products to improve ease of use

The outer memory foam portion of the “pillow core” is covered with a zippered tan velour case for added durability

Pillow comes with a luxuriously soft 500 thread count 100% SATEEN cotton removable pillowcase for ease of cleaning

High-Tech Blanket.

This is the new wave of blankets. Studio NMinusOne says their blanket, IM Blanky, could be a very useful tool. It collects data about people's sleeping habits and communicate the data to a dedicated IP address that could provide an important glimpse into that third of most people's life spent under a blanket.  The IM Blanky may look uncomfortable but actually drapes like a regular blanket. It has 104 tilt sensors along with lots of other small sensors built into the pretty floral pattern. The blanket also monitors vital signs in the ill or elderly or it could just give feedback to troubled sleepers. IM Blanky could actually count the cuddles shared by couples or provide a hugging sensation for those who are lonely. This blanket really could tell you a lot about a persons sleep habit and give feedback on what is right or what their problem could be.

The above picture shows the senors on the blanket. It was developed in the RAD lab at the University of Toronto.


The link below is a video that shows the blankets capabilities and how it works. 
http://vimeo.com/41284785




*http://gajitz.com/space-age-snuggie-blankets-become-high-tech-babysitters/

A New Way To Nap!

Pillows play a huge roll in how we sleep. Adding technology would be the next sensible thing in this day and age where technology is king.

The first type of pillow is called d'light huggable pillow.



 Designed from Diana Lin Design, this pillow not only lights up but warms you up. It's powered by 4 AA batteries and will last for four hours. You can also connect it to electricity with the help of an AC adapter which can last for days in the winter!


 The second type of pillow is Glo Pillow.

Made by Ian Walton, this pillow is an alternative alarm clock. It uses light in place of sound to wake you up. This pillow uses an LED fabric below the surface to wake the user with light. 40 minutes before the alarm is supposed to go off, the pillow begins to glow so it wakes you up gently. 


Third type of technological pillows are LED pillows.

 Invented by Zuzka, these pillows use Luminez, which is a light emitting fabric. It blends optical fibers with other fibers and is connected to a light source, which can be activated by battery or directed current. This price range up to $500.

 The last type of pillow is the Digital Pillow.

Made by a Turkish Designer Erdem Selek, this pillow connects to a webcam and it transmits to your computer the images of your child. 

 These pillows will make sleeping and napping easy and more fun!


*http://www.hometone.com/entry/15-hi-tech-pillows-that-geeks-would-love-to-sleep-on/

When The Cool Side of the Pillow is No Longer Cool Enough

 Ever have that issue where the bed just gets too hot but it is too cold to not use the covers?

Sick of sleeping with that foot hanging out?

Does this scenario look familiar (not necessarily including the monster under the bed)?

  

Finally, there is a solution that does not include sleeping with the bed and/or blanket plugged in and attached to the wall.

Our friends at Sleep Number created the answer; the In balance Layer

These covers minimize temperature swings while you sleep and absorbs excess heat; additionally they products are hypoallergenic so almost everyone can use them!

Simply place the mattress pad under the sheets (which adds a bit more padding to increase comfort) and put the zipper enclosed covers on the pillows; now instead of tossing and turning do to lack of stable temperatures one can escape to an oasis of comfort.

 

The cooling itself is strong enough to make a difference but subtle enough to not be disruptive during sleep; the pads regulate the temperature of the bed rather than setting a specific one.

So how does this work?     

The fabric is made by Outlast, a company whose technology is increasingly found in a variety of products. The fabric uses phase change materials that absorb, store, and release heat in order to maintain a comfortable temperature using thermocules that are permanently enclosed and protected in a polymer shell. Simply, they absorb heat and disperse it away from the skin when the body becomes hot and does the opposite when the body becomes cold; creating a perfectly conducive temperature for rest.

 

No longer do we need to toss and turn until we find a level of coverage that is comfortable (and safe from the bed monster)! Sleep Number and Outlast has once again brought sleeping to a new level.

http://www.hightechdad.com/2012/06/06/powerless-cooling-technology-in-your-bed-check-out-sleep-numbers-in-balance-bedding-solutions/

A Cool New Way To Sleep!

This isn't just a normal bedroom. This is a VERY high-tech bed! It's the new futuristic high-tech HiCan bed design. It's a virtual all in one stand alone room with literally everything you need to relax, read and remain super comfortable. A theater screen pulls down in the front of the bed for viewing a movie or TV. A personal computer systems is built in as well so you can surf the web while in bed as well. Game consoles are also built in for added entertainment since many tech lovers are also gamers. Different lighting is also added for shade and comfortable sleeping. Below is a video that shows the bed and it's function:
                             

*http://dornob.com/high-tech-bed-has-built-in-tv-computer-game-systems/


One other bed that was very interesting is the new Starry Night bed..It's a different type of technology that was mentioned in the HiCan bed. Starry Night is the first bed that includes: anti-snore technology, duel programmable temperature control from 68 to 117 degrees Fahrenheit, sleep diagnostic center which monitors body movement and breathing pattern, internet connectivity, wireless RF remote via Microsoft's Media center, ipod docking station, and lifeware connected. This bed will make sleeping more fun and comfortable!

*http://www.starrynightbed.com/

Reduce Reuse Recycle!

An exciting new movement in the home textile department is the carpets that are being made by recycled plastic soda bottles. A simple invention that is taking home-wear by storm. One brand of carpeting that is made from recycled plastic is Shaw Clear Touch Filament PET (polyethylene terephthalate) carpet. They pride themselves on saving millions of soda bottles per year, with an amazing stain resistant carpet. Soda bottle carpet feels as soft as normal carpet, but because of the plastic filament is extremely stain proof. In these types of carpeting, 40 two-liter soda bottles are recycled per square yard of carpeting. The backing used for recycled content carpet is the same as traditional carpets. The fibers are moisture resistant, soft, and colorfast. They are very similar to nylon. And while these fibers are not the best for high traffic areas around the house they are great for home usage. This is a great start to making your home more eco friendly! Simple changes like this when you are redecorating can really make an impact on the environment.

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Interior-Partitions-Ceilings/recycled-content-carpet

http://shawfloors.com/ClearTouch

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=safety-of-recycled-pet-plastic-carpets

Finally! A Cure!

So we seem to have a bit of a trend in home technology; relationships and pillows. Well good news! We have found the pillow that can help save a relationship. It can make living together drastically easier. It can help you wake up after a fight and not want to strangle your partner.

Want to know what it is?

Introducing, the SNORE-STOPPER PILLOW!

The Japanese interior company, France Bed, uses a new and innovative technology to take snoring head-on with the goal of cutting down or eliminating it completely. The pillow itself is made of memory foam, and uses and audio sensor to detect snoring. When snoring is recognized, the pillow responds with a light vibration that reduces snoring.

Even more so entertaining, the pillow can record the offending snorer. We have all been there; the typical “you need to stop snoring” allegation with the “I do not snore” response. With this feature, your partner can never deny snoring again! Think of how many issues will be either resolved or completely avoided!

               

Anti-snoring Pillow features:

•    Material: Urethane Foam

•    Size: L510×W325×H110mm

•    Weight: 1kg (includes batteries)

•    Power: 4AA batteries

•    Manual: Japanese

Control Panel features:

• 1) Power on. Flashing light means low batteries.
• 2) Sensitivity switch for high-low snoring levels
• 3) Vibration level control
• 4) Internal pillow sensor (not shown)
5) Output for audio recorder (recorder not incl.)
• 6) Off button (auto shut-off after 8 hours)

Couples Counseling Via Couch

Designer: Danielle Sobik

 

 

Having problems with your loved one or significant other? Tired of paying large psychiatry or couples therapy bills? Designer Danielle Sobik may have found the answer. Sobik has created a couch that represents the lifestyles that we instantly recognize, modern and impersonal.As a couple sit apart on the sofa they are supervised when a cold blue pattern begins to grow around them. The blue pattern signifies their distance apart from each other. With the pattern changing in relation to proximity, as they move towards each other warm pink petals begin to form signifying their closeness. Surrounded by warm pink petals and the occasional blue, the thoughtful and playful development of the pattern means an ever evolving and changing pattern display occurs.

 

While the couch may not give exact word on word advice, one partner can clearly identify if the other partner is being distanced towards him/her. Sobik has created this sofa Using light emitting (Electrolumiscent) technology in conjunction with trigger sensitive materials the visual pattern displays a randomized pattern which forms depending on where a person is located on the sofa.

 

 

 As for Psychological experts, while this product has yet to hit the market, instead of hurting their business from the competition, they could use it to their advantage. Many couples are embarrassed/ ashamed to seek professional help. This could give the professional a heads up of what is really going on if the couple is not honest about what they are feeling and why to begin with. This might also give their office environment a little spice in comparison to the typical, boring leather, "lay on the couch and share your feelings" chair.

Chair Savvy

 Who wouldn't want a chair that can tell your mood or even help you multi-task!?

Rizki Tarisa's Go invented a new high tech chair that takes chairs to a whole new level. This piece of furniture is a lounge chair, exercise bike, a workstation, and a desktop all in one. Would you like to lose some weight while getting some work done? Well this is the chair for you then! This chair can also access the internet and plays music. It has harness human power to "juice" up electronic devices as well.

Another awesome high tech chair that many tech savvy people would love is the Empower rocking chair. Not only is it a cool looking rocking chair but Ryan Klinger made it so that it harnesses energy from its swing and transfers that energy via USB to "juice" up different electronic devices.

Lastly, the Mood chair! It's the most interesting piece of interactive furniture. It can read your mood by just sitting on it. This chair uses embedded micro-chips, LEDs and certain sensors that translate your feelings. This chair also uses different color patterns to indicate what mood you're in!

http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/rizki-tarisas-go-joins-the-league-of-unique-high-tech-chairs/

Eco Friendly Sun and Mood Lamps

How cool are these? Make your own solar lamps! Or purchase them!

Interested in saving up the sun? With these lamps you can light up your house, and carry the sun around in your purse. 

The lamps are made by a rechargeable battery and a low energy LED light. When the mason jar is put in direct sunlight during the day, the battery is charged by the solar cell electrical current. They can then be used at night from the power of the LED lamp. They use a AA battery so they can be reused forever! Also because they are in a airtight mason jar they can be used inside or outside on a summer night. These lamps can be purchased for around $20, but they can also be made as a DIY craft with the right LED light, and battery! 

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/994a/

Ask Not What You Can Do For Your Curtains; Ask What Your Curtains Can Do For You!

        

Today is all about becoming sustainable. The human race has caused a lot of damage to this earth and now that we are faced with the repercussions, the time has come for thoughts to run wild and innovation come to light. 

            No...I mean literally, innovation has come to light. Solar energy has been one of the biggest endeavors in regards to the idea of a fully sustainable lifestyle. Research and development has led to solar panels on houses, chargers for phones, technology for cars, and many, many more. Now, it looks like will be taken even further. 

Sheila Kennedy, an architect and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is convinced that solar textiles will revolutionize the way we collect and consume power. By using flexible materials to convert sunlight to energy, “soft power” can be harnessed. Her firm has been working with a thin-film photovoltaic material; a fabric that looks and moves like cloth but does the job of a solar panel. The photovoltaic material is paired with a semi-conductor material that takes sun energy and does two things; some of transformed into electricity and some turns into light. There are rechargeable batteries into the hem that can be inserted into a larger home battery for use.

            Although still in the prototype stages, this material can be the starting force of an era where even our curtains can be used for clean energy.

For More Information, Read the Original Article at http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/01/solar.textiles/index.html