Musicians can get hands-free metronome features while they practice and play – without worrying about privacy or needing signal. Hands-free music makes sense. If you’re an instrumentalist, it means the ability to use your music gadgets along with your instrument, without taking your hands off the keys, string, bow, and so on.
https://cdm.link/2019/12/voice-controlled-metronome/
Final prototype of the Ethical Stack by Virt-EU released
We have had Virt-EU involved in ThingsCon in multiple occasions and we were happy to contribute to the process of making this Ethical Stack. The final prototype is ready, “a series of tools to support creators of new connected technology to reflect on the ethical and social impacts of their products.” Check it out here:
https://www.virteuproject.eu/servicepackage/ethical-stack/
Sonos + Snips + IKEA = responsible smart speakers for the masses?
With the news of Sonos buying Snips and the positive track record of their partner IKEA in smart home products, everything seems to be in place for seeing the first responsible speakers for the masses in 2020/2021. We at ThingsCon hope to welcome them back to one of our events when that happens, but will be following them closely in them mean time. Currently we are interested in how Sonos’ decision to Shut Snip’s Local Voice Options down will play out and the news that the Sonos’s “recycle mode” intentionally bricks good devices so they can’t be reused.
The Low Carbon Design Institute launches in pilot form
Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino is launching a pilot design programme based on mitigation of climate change – and is looking for applications. [via Imperica]
http://designswarm.com/blog/2019/12/low-carbon-design-institute-ideas-for-a-net-zero-compliant-design-education/
The Nabaztag is alive again!
At the time of last year’s ThingsCon Salon on resurrecting IoT darlings, Olivier Mével and team had just announced their crowdfunding campaign. With the funding done, they have now released a kit to breathe new life into an IoT classic. A strong sign which shows that an IoT product does not need to be bricked by default when the initial servers go dark.
Buying 40 year old tractors. A new tactic in the fight for the right-to-repair?
For tech-weary Midwest farmers, 40-year-old tractors now a hot commodity.
http://www.startribune.com/for-tech-weary-midwest-farmers-40-year-old-tractors-now-a-hot-commodity/566737082/
“How to future” – new book by Scott Smith coming this year
Book to look forward to! Scott Smith launches a new book ‘how to future’. It seems like the alternative futures idea is really taking off where ‘understanding through narrative’ gives hope.
https://omny.fm/shows/this-is-hcd-human-centered-design-podcast/scott-smith-how-to-future