Max Engel - the 8BitKid » cool stuff

Presentation On Social Ties and How We Form and Structure Friend Groups

8BitKid — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:34:38 +0000

While I try not to venture off-theme when blogging, sometimes there is something so amazing that I just want to share it. This is one of those times. Paul Adams, a user experience researcher at Google, gave the presentation embedded below. It provides an illuminating look into how we tend to naturally organize our groups of friends into buckets and offers insight into the levels of friendship we tend to have.

This should be required reading for anyone who works on the internet, since he outlines the influencing factors that should guide any web product being built. However, much of this will be fascinating to anyone interested in sociology and wants to learn more about how we structure our social lives, online or off.

Video of Pixel Qi’s Netbook Screen

8BitKid — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:49:24 +0000

Pixel Qi has developed an amazing screen technology that allows it to function as a regular display under normal conditions but also as an e-paper-like monitor you can use outside. This allows a netbook equipped with this display to gain a level of portability and versatility that regular laptops don’t provide.

Currently, Pixel Qi is only selling this to modders who want to install it on their own netbooks, but hopefully some vendors will start offering it as an optional component. If you’re interested in buying it, you can find it via Make Magazine’s store for $275.

Panasonic Note Headphones’ Beautiful Packaging

8BitKid — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:45:13 +0000

Panasonic is using a gorgeous and simple design for the packaging of these headphones. I found this on Lovely Package, which you should definitely check if you are into these sorts of things.

Optimus Prime Made From Junk

8BitKid — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:47:25 +0000

Check out this amazing statue built in Beijing’s Olympic park entire from junked cars. You can see more photos of this scap-metal Optimus here.

Video of BlackBerry’s Upcoming OS 6

8BitKid — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:48:54 +0000

Check out this footage of BlackBerry OS 6. I actually am currently a BlackBerry user, and stick with the platform because of the amazing keyboard and BlackBerry Messenger. If Android ever were to release a QWERTY Candybar handset I would seriously consider switching. While this video does demonstrate some cool features, it still looks woefully behind other mobile platforms and lacking in true innovation.

Announcing Brickd.com

8BitKid — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:05:45 +0000

I’m excited to introduce my latest web project: brickd.com. Brickd is a simple photoblog with the best Lego design work from around the web. I’ve found myself getting back into Lego building recently, and wanted to share some of the most impressive custom work that other builders create.

Please be sure to check out the site, subscribe to the RSS, follow Brickd on Twitter, and tell your friends.

iPhone 4 vs. the HTC Evo Video

8BitKid — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:40:06 +0000

This hysterical video was made by a Best Buy employee who was later suspended because of it. While the PR storm that ensued eventually led the company to agree to take him back, the creator is considering going into visual design. Regardless of the drama, check out this video for a good, nerdy laugh.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Racing Team

8BitKid — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:27:15 +0000

So Neon Genesis Evangelion, the seminal anime series, continues to permeate into every facet of Japanese culture. Check out the new Eva-inspired racing team here. You can see some race photos here as well.

UV Laser Painting

8BitKid — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:07:24 +0000

Check out this awesome DIY project that would be a great and cheap addition to any party. It could be cool for kids too, except for the potential blindness they might incur if they look into the UV pen…

2010 Club Nintendo Platinum Award: Super Mario Characters Statue

8BitKid — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:08:07 +0000

Nintendo runs a pretty cool rewards program for people who love to buy Nintendo products called “Club Nintendo”. When you purchase certain games or hardware, you’re given a unique code you redeem online to earn points, and you can also receive additional points for filling out surveys. You can then spend these points on exclusive Nintendo merchandise.

Each year, Nintendo rewards the most financially-supportive fans who reach the “Platinum” level with a special prize. This year’s will be the awesome figurine pictured below. I’m certainly excited to receive mine, although I’m a little embarrassed to have spent so much on Nintendo products over the past year.