Upgrade and Evolve!

Previously, I have been blogging about great new innovations in the world of ICT that help to make our lives a little bit better in their own simple way. From 3D printers, to electronic paper and even an iPhone app that helps the blind. Today, however, I am going to be following up on these amazing innovations and update you on what has been happening with these devices.

First up is the 3D printer that I explained a few weeks back. A quick recap will tell you that this printer is capable of creating marvelous 3D sculptures made of different plastic-based materials depending on the printer itself. Users will be able to design something from scratch using dedicated software or even replicate an object using a 3D printer/scanner combo.

Back then, one of the obstacles for these babies was the price. I say back then because just recently, I read that a former executive of MakerBot has branched out and is now launching a 3D printer that costs less than US$500! Called Solidoodle, you might want to watch the following video to learn more.

Although reading on a tablet provides no substitute to actually holding a piece of printed paper in terms of clarity, dedicated readers with e-ink technology comes close to the real thing. However, just like paper, these alternative reading solutions don’t glow in the dark like tablets do – until now, that is. Barnes and Noble has just announced the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, allowing you to read even in the dark, thus effectively one-upping its paperback competitor.

Last but certainly not least, you’ve undoubtedly seen this awesome iPhone app, which helps the blind to identify currency. Don’t get me wrong, I find this app incredible and definitely more than helpful to the visually-impaired American citizens, but this new EyeRing (currently in development by MIT Media Lab) is even more intuitive than the app. This is because this small little device relies on OCR technology, so it can even recognize words in addition to currency.

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