Hasta La Ideas

App-driven toy helicopter puts flying at your fingertips

The latest in iPhone- and iPad-specific gadgets, Griffin Techonology’s Helo TC Touch RC Helicopter recently launched to the cheers of tech-savy kids “ages 14 and up” around the world. As a leap forward in app-powered innovations, the “Flight Deck” module attaches to your iOS device and works in conjunction with the Helo TC app to control and direct the helicopter in flight.

Although the agile little vehicle is impressive enough, the software is the real winner of the bunch. The iOS-specific controller works with multiple generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. For a familiar remote-control feeling use the joystick controls on your iOS device or switch controls and tilt your device to fly the mini-chopper. When you’ve found a path you like to fly over and over, use the app’s Flight Plan to record up to three routes to fly on demand anytime.

Keeping the twin-rotored helicopter flying high, the craft is constructed of a lightweight metal frame encased in a polycarbonate body; it charges (and recharges) by any USB power source. At just $50, the Helo TC has been in and out of stock since its release, so keep an eye on Griffin Technology online to claim one for yourself, then head to iTunes for the free app download.

Take Nikon’s newest compact camera on an underwater adventure

Nikon has not released a compact waterproof camera since stopping production of their popular Jacques Cousteau-approved Nikonos camera in 2001. Launching today for the consumer market is their answer to the modern adventure seeker’s needs—a durable, waterproof, freeze-proof and shockproof Coolpix camera called the AW100.

With an internal GPS system and full HD 1080p recording capability, the camera is ideal for documenting off-the-map escapades. The camera’s macro close-up mode is great for scuba diving, capturing intricate underwater fauna just one centimeter away with total precision, and its overall weight—6.3 ounces—makes it perfect for surfers who want to secure it in a zippered pocket while not in action or hikers concerned with every ounce of gear on their backs.

The Coolpix AW100 will sell for $380 in black, blue or orange from Nikon retailers worldwide.

Visually harnessing the power of digital information in Manuel Lima’s new book

In our multimedia-saturated times, the way we experience information constantly shifts. Using Google to instantly settle a debate or Facebook-stalking exes are just a couple common examples of the type of purely contemporary phenomena resulting from the ways digital formats have replaced traditional platforms. Another natural offshoot, the wash of infographics and meme-driven charts, also reflects growing obsessions with these vast quantities of facts and figures, and the tremendous potential for shaping how we understand our world. Manuel Lima‘s new book, Visual Complexity: Mapping Patterns of Information, explores the history of visually representing information and how imagery can interpret data.

Born from his MFA thesis work at Parsons on mapping internal structures and transmission of links across the blogosphere, Lima returned to his passion for visually mapping networks and information during weekend downtime after graduating. Lima started the site Visual Complexity in the Summer of 2005, bringing his academic research back into play. What started with 80 projects, the curated collection (an attempt to increase understanding of network visualization) has grown to over 700. Some studies, from fields ranging from economics to neuroscience to political analysis, serve a dynamic purpose for portraying information, while others are passion projects for the curious seeking to explore the visual beauty of data sets.

The book, a platform for preserving these projects, offers a historical perspective on the evolution of our natural human instinct to visually organize information. These systems, setting up hierarchies of spirit, heritage and society (like the ancient ontologies the Tree of Life or Kaballah’s HaShem) have deep roots as methods for finding meaning while also incorporating our connections to one another.

Beyond the historical context, the book’s fantastic imagery of visualized information and data sets spans a range of subjects—from the interconnectedness of one person’s email network to a map of five million links across millions of IP addresses circa 2003. Each project dissects information in unique and at times extraordinarily intricate ways. Simple line connections explain a political campaign, while projects like intricate protein maps make bridges linking a dataset clear, giving a better understanding of complex relationships. Resulting images and ideas fascinatingly condense large amounts of information into manageable formats, suggesting great potential uses in economics, science and social research.

Lima goes into great detail to classify the different manifestations of how to map these networks. Addressing several theories on methodology and practices gives insight on how you personally can start to look at and process information with visual maps. These webs of knowledge at times enable readers to clearly understand vast quantities of information in aesthetically pleasing ways, though some simply astound, creating visual representations of unimaginably enormous amounts of data.

The author’s efforts extend beyond mere interpretations, crossing into artistic analysis. The transformation of data into graphics has a profound affect on the senses. Shapes, colors and patterns lend enchanting insight into individual curiosity and our inherent connectedness. Perusing the pages makes patterns become increasingly clear, exposing the purpose of this methodology—to find meaningful connections within complex networks of data. This goal goes back to this methodology’s origins, early in human history.

The Tree of Life appears in many forms throughout almost every culture and religion on the planet. As a metaphor, the tree, with its roots in the Earth and branches reaching to the heavens, was one of the original symbols for visually conveying interconnected information and meaning. Transforming into systems for mapping genealogy, social hierarchy and spiritual stages, at its core the discipline affirms our connected nature as humans to one another as well as to the planet. Original charts, like those in the book, combine data with intricate details to create something that engages on both intellectual and fundamentally imaginative levels.

Browsing the book, I became easily become immersed in what promises to be an integral part of our technological experience in the future. As these kind of data sets become increasingly important for tracking and understanding information—whether it’s Microsoft tracking search histories, cell phone carriers monitoring data usage or as artistic expressions of the structure of online social interaction—the ability to create and access comprehensive visualizations presents a novel method for digesting data. The historical section alone makes the book worth purchasing, while the exploration of the concepts and visually impressive layout will keep you engaged throughout. If you are the type who obsesses on Google Analytics or just feel the need to nerd out for a bit, pick up a copy on Amazon or from Princeton Architectural Press.

How some of the most tech-savvy are using the latest social network

With any new networking platform, the tech crowd always takes the lead while the rest of us are still complaining about our parents joining Facebook. When Google+ launched last month it seemed like a particularly novel way to stay socially organized, but we still weren’t quite sure what to do with it. Turning to the digital community and beyond, we asked around to see how some of the earliest-adopters are engaging. From Refinery29’s VP of Engineering Jorge Lopez, Gina Bianchi (who herself enabled anyone to make their own social network by co-founding Ning) and Selectism editor Jeff Carvalho to Jean Aw, Notcot founder, the overwhelming response from the total of 10 people that we surveyed was that, while there’s tremendous potential, there’s still a lot of learning that has to happen on both the consumer and Google’s side.

Brett Renfer (Interaction Designer at Rockwell Group Lab) told us that the more he uses it, the more he’s discovered a need to share in the selective way that the site allows. Many from our list were on Google+ (or Plus, as some call it) since its launch, like technologist Joel Niedfeldt who described it as a “veritable ghostland at first.” Matt Spangler (a friend of CH and digital entrepreneur) relays his more common experience, “I’ve read about it in articles more than I’ve used it.”

Despite initial hesitations, most are checking Google+ two or three times a day. Ben Lerer, a Thrillist co-founder, and Taj Reid, who’s the brains behind WeJetSet, point out they visit more thanks to the mobile app. And, as illustrator Keren Richter predicts, while it doesn’t have the same activity as Twitter or Facebook, it “has a chance of catching on.”

Which feature do you use most often?

Jeff: Circles, based on common interests. I have circles for people I know interested in technology and music, for example.

Jorge: The Stream is pretty much as far as I go with it. Going to Google+ has pretty much been a chore.

Taj: Definitely the Stream and Circles. I’m also interested in making more use of the photo section.

Gina: My team and I kicked Skype to the curb and now use Hangouts for our daily stand-ups because of the higher quality and reliability. I think they just nailed it.

Keren: I use the Stream, I post photos and update my status.

What’s different about Google+ that you really like?

Ben: It feels like a blend between LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to me, but it has some advantages of all of them.

Brett: The Circles more closely mimic real-world social structure. I can see Google+ growing into more of a hub for me, especially in a work context.

Joel: They’ve built a very mature social networking platform that does away with the early-stage stuff that just annoys me now on Facebook. It’s more of a tool.

Jorge: If they had events, I like that I could create a public event and exclude some people. (Sorry parents, I love you, but I don’t want you to hang out with my drunk friends.)

Taj: I like how the posting works—it encourages stickier conversations.

Matt: I like the simplicity and clarity of its design and user interface. Its biggest advantage is integrating the magic of push notification alerts into my everyday media activity.

Gina: It’s seamlessly connected to Gmail as well as my Google docs and apps, so it fits in beautifully with the fabric of my workday.

Is Google+ better for business or social aspects?

Brett: My job is very tech-centric, so my circles lean more towards people I’m interested in because of work rather than people I know in a social context.

Jeff: Socially. We’ll see how their business model turns out for the service. I have a feeling it will not be free.

Jean: So far it’s the same mess I have on Facebook and Twitter.

Matt: I’ve started creating some client-specific circles that I’m monitoring, but its just the beginning of that. Once they open up the API and allow for third-party developing, I think I’ll both use the system more and it will drive a lot more adoption. I can imagine ways my small groups of trusted individuals can connect in more exciting ways, but it will depend on how well done the API is.

Keren: I’m not the most business-minded. Right now, it’s mostly for friends and memes, but it’s not SO much better than Facebook that there will be a mass exodus.

Contributions from Karen Day, Graham Hiemstra, Ami Kealoha, Evan Orensten, Josh Rubin and Greg Stefano

AOL’s personalized newspaper app

To keep up with the fast-paced iPad app industry, AOL’s latest effort to up their relevance comes in the form of Editions, a magazine-esque daily news update specifically geared to the reader. After a test run, it rates surprisingly good—well worth the free download at least.

The aggregator aims to stand out by allowing for customization from preferred news sections all the way down to font size and banner cover. By syncing with AOL, Twitter and Facebook identities, it adapts to user preferences, providing only the news and information most important to them.

Once you have a personalized profile, you can browse the app’s automatic suggestions or search for other sites to add. Messing around with tags and keywords provides more or less from any given source. These choices then roll into your profile, which updates for the following day’s issue, tailoring the content to your interests.

Also of note, once you choose a news story from the in-app excerpts, the magazine redirects the user to actual news providers’ sites. This nice little ethical decision gives actual pageviews to the original publisher, giving credit where credit is due—an Internet-era practice we’ve always backed.

Look to the iTunes App Store where Editions is now available for free download.

via The Unofficial Apple Weblog