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Thursday, August 25, 2011

A Look at Steve Jobs' 313 Apple Patents

A Look at Steve Jobs' 313 Apple Patents: With Steve Jobs' resignation as Apple CEO yesterday, there have been many reflections on his career and the impact he had on shaping Apple, the technology industry, and beyond. The New York Times takes an interesting perspective on his attention to detail, noting that Jobs has been named as an inventor on a total of 313 Apple patents. Of those, Jobs appears as the lead inventor 33 times.









Image from Jobs' glass staircase patent



Jobs' name appears not only on patents for iconic devices like the iPhone but also on a number of less prominent details ranging from the glass staircases found in some Apple retail stores to power adapters to cardboard packaging for various iPod models.
Mr. Jobs appears as the principal inventor or as one inventor among several on 313 Apple patents. Most are design patents that cover the look and feel of a product, rather than utility patents, which may cover a technical innovation like a software algorithm or computer chip.





Still, the number of patents is far larger than those granted to most other technology company chiefs, including those whose technical breakthroughs and inventions were instrumental to their companies’ success. Just nine Microsoft patents carry the name of Bill Gates, who was a co-founder of the company and its chief executive for more than two decades before stepping down in 2000. And little more than a dozen Google patents carry the names of co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, according to a search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Web site.
The New York Times has put together an interactive feature highlighting Apple patents attributed to Jobs. More than 200 of the patents attributed to Jobs also list Apple design guru Jonathan Ive, indicating the close collaboration between the two in creating the vision for Apple's products.



Traktor Kontrol S2 EXCLUSIVE!


Traktor Kontrol S2- Exclusive Look  re-blog from DJTECHTOOLs

 
Today Native Instruments announced a new installment in their DJ line of products, the two channel all-in-one controller called Kontrol S2. This is a more portable and streamlined version of the popular Kontrol S4, which condenses a four deck workflow into a very compact form, using decks C and D as always available sample/loop players. Since I shot the S2 promo video for NI last week (video after the jump), we got the exclusive chance to really dig in and test the unit fully.


DETAILS



  • Product: Native Instruments Kontrol S2
  • Price: $699 (MSRP), $599 (Expected Retail Price)
  • Communication: MIDI over USB
  • Available: October (Pre-orders here)
  • Ships with: Traktor Pro S2, loop collection, international power adapter, USB 2.0 cable, Traktor Pro 2
  • Weight: 6 pounds (3.4 kg)
  • Dimensions: 17.25 x 11.5 x 1.75 inches

Good

  • Very simple loop workflow involves 4 decks without bloating controls
  • Maintains the same professional mixer spacing of the S4 while trimming size
  • Can run without a power supply (USB powered)
  • Separate loop/sample volume knob provides dedicated volume for decks C/D

Bad

  • The filter knobs are gone
  • Missing DVS/Audio inputs
  • Lacks control over effects units 3 and 4

Bottom Line

Simple and straight forward, the S2 provides a clear interface for mixing two tracks and a group of loops. Without a lot of controls you are forced to find creative ways to mix and interact with the music, which was a welcome change from increasingly complex DJ controllers today. Price at $599 (including Traktor Pro 2), this is going to be a hard package to beat for new DJs looking to get into djing or established DJs that want a smaller controller without all the bells and whistles.



LIVE IN ACTION



The video above is a live remix I put together of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” for this release. Rather than random controllerism madness, the focus was on creating something musically compelling that would work well on a dance floor. If you like the mix, follow my sound cloud page where we will be posting a longer dj version soon.
  • In the left deck is a dubstep instrumental I worked up for the song
  • In the right deck I triggered the acapella using cue points
  • each of the 2 jog wheels are sampling and effecting the instrumental and accapella to create fills.
  • In each loop deck is a different loop that I drop over various sections and effect individually

HARDWARE


The hardware is largely the same as the S4, but stripped down to the essentials. There are a few things missing that you might care about:
  • Dedicated filters
  • Ability to switch decks (platters and faders)
  • Loop length indicators
  • Cue points 5-8
  • Loop recorder
  • Phono inputs (for DVS control)
While some DJs may feel that these are necessary, the reality is that most of the mentioned controls are extraneous to most common mixing scenarios (except filters, which are a legitimate gripe). The S2 does provide all of the essentials controls you need for basic mixing and layering loops and samples over two tracks including:
  • Transport controls
  • Four cue points/ loop deck launching
  • Dedicated loop volume control (similar to an aux channel input)
  • Effects routing and control over FX units 1 and 2
The VCI-100 kicked off this wild controller interface trend and now the S2 circles back to that form factor – providing a more affordable and portable controller in the classic two deck format. We have certainly found in our own testing and conversations with artists that mixing four full decks is rarely actually used – what people really want is a simple way of layering extra sounds.

SOFTWARE


The S2 controller comes bundled with Traktor Pro 2 and does not have it’s own software. Instead, a new update for Traktor Pro 2 will include a custom panel in which you can configure the s2 to your personal taste.
This panel is missing the level of configuration found with the S4 (jog wheel effects are gone for example) but NI did bring one new feature to the table that more than makes up for that. They have improved the S2′s custom user mapping, so you can modify and change the way your controller works without losing all of the resolution offered by the native HID connection. This is a step up from the s4, which would only allow removal of functions by turning the controller into MIDI mode, which limited it’s functionality.
For my Depeche mode video, I built a custom mapping which added the option for FX control through the the jog wheels without losing a high resolution connection. This custom mapping was based on our old Fader FX mode, allowing access to FX units 3/4, which dont have dedicated controls.

RELEASE INFORMATION


The data we have is that the controllers should be shipping in October. To help out our readers get them first, we have secured a very large batch of S2s that will be shipping promptly upon release. DJ TechTools members and readers can reserve one (while available) in our store and will get an exclusive tutorial DVD and my custom effects mapping included for free.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The S2 may not have any ground-breaking new features or design elements but it does do the intended task of mixing tracks and loops very well. This controller, augmented by a more performance-oriented controller could provide a great center piece to your DJ arsenal. My staff and I were all lamenting the lack of a filter knob but it was really nice to have a NI controller that takes up less space and has a focus on the basic mixing controls. The S4 is great, but it does end up being a bit large, and at $899 the price is simply out of some DJs’ reach. This new piece strikes a nice balance and offers a good value without scrimping too much on functionality.
Check back in with us in a month when we will have a comprehensive review of the brand new Kontrol S2.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Gancore Bwoy - Seragapoi (เซรากาปอย) Official Music Video
























Seragapoi Official Music Video by Gancore Bwoy
(MV เซรากาปอย ก้านคอบอย)

Artist/ศิลปิน: Joey Boy, สิงห์เหนือเสือใต้, Buddha Bless, SpidaMonkee, and DJ LEO (http://gancoreclub.tumblr.com)
Direct/กำกับ: LINGDUM, เก๋าโต้ง Buddha Bless
DP/กำกับภาพ: Gazang
Cinematography/ถ่าย: ทีม Clear FC (http://www.facebook.com/clearfc)
Editing/ตัดต่อ: LINGDUM via SWERB.tv
Motion Graphic: ทีม SWERB.tv (http://www.facebook.com/swerb.tv)
Type Design: MAMAFAKA
Subtitle Font: Layiji (www.f0nt.com)

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Hayashi Natsumi’s Levitation Self Portraits

Hayashi Natsumi’s Levitation Self Portraits:re-blog from TheCoolist


Zen philosopher Suzuki Daisetz once explained that the experience of zen is like ordinary, everyday life, except about two inches off the ground. Photographer Hayashi Natsumi apparently understands this first-hand, as exampled in her collection of levitative self portraits. Natsumi is the central subject of her photography, a floating focal [...]


Monday, August 8, 2011

Amon Tobin’s ISAM, Behind the Scenes; Ask Your Questions

Amon Tobin’s ISAM, Behind the Scenes; Ask Your Questions:re-blog from CreateDigitalMotion


By now, you’ve likely heard about the eye-popping, three-dimensional architectural live visuals for Amon Tobin’s immersively-transmedia tour ISAM LIVE. It’s clearly a new high water mark in live audiovisual experience.

So, how were the visuals done, and who did them? Derivative, the developers and visual collective behind the Touch Designer software that powered the show, have written up a detailed look at how the show works. Isabelle Rousset sends her article:

A Behind the Scenes Report on the Making of the Show Visuals and Delivery Systems

We’re in touch at CDM with Derivative and the folks who worked on the show, so here’s a unique opportunity: let us know what you want to know from them, whether technical detail or artistic inspiration, and we’ll take a selection of those reader questions to the artists directly. Fire away in comments.

In the meantime, here are some quick facts at a glance about the who, what, and why in the work:

The creators

V Squared Labs, North Hollywood CA

Director Vello Virkhaus (V Squared)

Designer and Programmer Peter Sistrom (V Squared)

Leviathan, Chicago + USA

Chief scientist Matt Daly (Leviathan)

Bryant Place (CPU / CyberPatrolUnit), Los Angeles









The tools

TouchDesigner runs the show, including projection mapping, media and effects, and integration with…

Microsoft Kinect

TouchOSC control from an iPad

One of the many reasons it’s cool – it’s four-dimensional.

Vello explains:

4D in mathematics is a very abstract concept in which this additional dimension is indistinguishable, yet acknowledged. This unknown to me relates to the pronounced visual effect the mapped structure of Tobin creates for the viewer. What is fascinating is that we give viewers an idea of what it might be like to see beyond 3D space, to see all points simultaneously for both the exterior and the virtual interior of the set. The combination of this mapped effect and Amon’s music produced some very intense emotional reactions from people after the MUTEK performance.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

MOVE

MOVE:re-blog from Computerlove


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3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an
exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to
turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food
....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....


= a trip of a lifetime.


move, eat, learn


Björk Biophilia: The Ultimate Edition

Björk Biophilia: The Ultimate Edition:re-blog from CRBlog


As the world's stock markets look ready to self-combust (causing a global economic meltdown which may see the recession deepen yet further), music-loving folk with cash to burn can consider spending £500 on the Ultimate Edition of Björk's new album, Biophilia – a made-only-to-order edition that comes in a beautifully made lacquered and silkscreened oak hinged-lid box...



The box, approximately 260 x 204 x 48 mm contains the Biophilia Manual, along with ten chrome-plated tuning forks, each of which is silkscreened on one face in one of ten different colors, and stamped at the back – presented in a flocked tray. Each fork is adjusted to the tone of one of the tracks from Biophiia, and the set covers a complete octave in a non-conventional scale:


Moon: E (329.6 Hz)
Thunderbolt: B (246.9 Hz)
Crystalline: G (392 Hz)
Cosmogony: F# (370 Hz)
Dark Matter: Silent fork
Hollow: C (261.6 Hz)
Virus: C# (277.2 Hz)
Sacrifice: A (440 Hz)
Mutual Core: Eb (311.1 Hz)
Solstice: A (220 Hz)



As well as these fetching tuning forks, Biophilia, The Ultimate Edition also contains The Biophilia Manual – a 48 page hardbound, cloth-covered, thread-sewn book, with a lenticular panel tipped on to the front cover. It can be removed from the case by means of a ribbon pull. The box also contains two audio CDs including the Biophila album plus additional exclusive recordings. The discs are housed in uncoated black board wallets with foilblocked covers and spines.



As mentioned, this edition will only be made to order – and orders must be placed by August 12. The box sets will be released and posted out towards the end of September.Available exclusively from shop.bjork.com and also nonesuch.com.

Credits: Design and drawings by M/M (Paris). Photography by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin and M/M (Paris). Daniel Mason was the production consultant on this box set - and the manufacturing of it will be overseen by Something Else.

NB: Photography shown here (by Will Thom) is of a prototype. We've been asked to mention that they might not be wholly accurate to the finished edition.

To read Eliza's recent post about Björk's most recent video project (directed by Michel Gondry) click here

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

At Home With Banksy

At Home With Banksy: re-blog Computerlove

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A look at Julia Kim Smith's photo project, At Home With Banksy.

Read more

The world's largest stop-motion animation

The world's largest stop-motion animation:re-blog Computerlove

Gulp' is a short film created by Sumo Science at Aardman, depicting a fisherman going about his daily catch. Shot on location at Pendine Beach in South Wales, every frame of this stop-motion animation was shot using a Nokia N8. There's also a making of. Cool.
Gulp. The world's largest stop-motion animation shot on a Nokia N8. on Vimeo
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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Polargraph | Sandy Noble

Polargraph | Sandy Noble:re-blog Computerlove

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A polargraph is what I decided to call this drawing
machine that I made, but it also describes the output. The machine is a
simple device, that draws picture using a normal pen, some motors and
some string. It is only just good enough to get the job done, and in
keeping with this technical brevity, I'm going to spare you more
explanations about how it works: The pictures tell the story better.
~ Sandy Noble

www.polargraph.co.uk



It's called a polargraph because it uses a dual-polar coordinates system internally, rather than the regular cartesian system we (and computer systems) tend to use.

The mechanism is not wholly original: I have mainly taken inspiration from Hektor the spraycan robot, but in researching my machine came across prior art in the form of the AS200 drawbot and Harvey Moon's drawing machine. And draftsmen will recognise this as a primitive, gravity assisted pen plotter. An awesome one.

Technology

The whole system is fairly technologically agnostic, but the current incarnation uses an Arduino microcontroller and an Adafruit Motorshield, along with a couple of stepper motors. The application that drives it from the computer is written in Processing. It decodes a bitmap and creates a map of the file using a polar coordinates system, recording pixel position, size and brightness. The hardware requests each pixel in turn, and renders it on the page using it's own shading and movement algorithms.

I'm experimenting with the rigging and the gondola all the time, trying to find the best way to hold a pen stable to let me draw reasonably quickly and accurately.

I'm using bristol board and smooth cartridge paper to draw on (bristol board doesn't come in A1 sizes), with Sharpie markers, Kuretake ZIG Writers and ZIG Millennium pens and UNIPIN fineliners for fine stuff.


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Erik Spiekermann | Typography

Erik Spiekermann | Typography:re-blog from Computerlove

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Typographer, graphic designer and businessman Erik Spiekermann has
created timeless, influential and, yes, Meta-physical work over the past
three decades.


Next to founding MetaDesign and FontShop, the latter being the first
ever digital distributor of fonts, and designing more instant classic
typefaces than any other, he has been recognized as an outstanding
expert internationally as a lecturer and professor.


Listen to the design genius talk about new visual languages, design
processes, the analogies of music and typography, and why we need better
client culture in our latest Gestalten.tv video and you will easily
realize why. Before heading to new visionary pastures, the bike
enthusiast will make a short stop to receive the German Design Lifetime
Achievement Award 2011 in February.

spiekermann.com/en ~ English

Moonbot Studios | The Fantastic Flying Books iPad App

Moonbot Studios | The Fantastic Flying Books iPad App:re-blog from Computerlove
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The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad App Trailer from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.




The award-winning short film is now an interactive narrative experience.
William Joyce's 'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore',
blurs the line between picture books and animated film.

www.moonbotstudios.com

Motherless Brooklyn

Motherless Brooklyn:re-blog from Computerlove

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During 3 months, Remy Le Rumeur worked full-time on a title sequence dedicated to the movie 'Motherless Brooklyn'.

This movie will be the next Edward Norton's directing. Adaptation of the book 'Motherless Brooklyn' by Jonathan Lethem.


See more on motherlessbrooklyn-thetitlesequence.com

MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN Title Sequence Proposal


Directed by Remy LE RUMEUR - remylerumeur.com


Sound by FAT CLUB MUSIC - fatclubmusic.com