Luddites are always kvetching about how cell phones, mobile devices, and laptops remove people from their “real” lives. But what if technology could augment and enhance your experiences rather than remove you from them? What would happen if such a device accompanied you on, say, a hike or was running in the background as you shared a meal with your friends?
At the time of this writing, it’s uncertain whether the Matter Meter Wave by Mullox Studios of Boise, Idaho will hit its $5,000 Kickstarter goal. The techy, pill-shaped zoetrope device has a microphone sensor encased inside a sculpted ear on its handle. As the Wave operates, a disc inside the case begins to rotate with a satisfying metallic noise. Porcelain bees attached to the disc spin, giving the illusion of a bee in flight. Mullox states in the description that the Wave gives its user a new way to interact with his or her surroundings. Judging by the demonstration video, the Wave looks like it would be at home inside a college dorm room, but that might be because Mullox chose Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” to activate it.
The Matter Meter Wave is open-source. If Mullox hits their goal of $5,000 by January 16, they’ll work on research and development and create a permanent online home for an editable Wave manual. Mullox will also work on two more versions of Matter Meter, Pulse and Proxy, which will have different zoetrope dials, casings, and sensors.
Bill Rodgers is a Contributing Editor at CFile.
Above image: The Matter Meter Wave uses a sound sensor and porcelain bees to engage its user with his or her surroundings in a new way. Courtesy of the designers.
The Matter Meter Wave by Mullox Studios. All images courtesy of the designers.
Visit the Matter Meter Wave’s Kickstarter page
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