Why do I blog this?: Aibo and the Nabaztag are definitely two of the most interesting examples of interactive gadgets. Aibos are sensitive to the physical environment and “learn” from it, while Nabaztag focuses on reacting to network events (feeds, email, other Nabaztag statuses) to create instances of peripheral (ambient) knowledge. The idea of these two agents interacting is fascinating, and gives some early hints at the Internet of Things and spime concepts.
The TENORI-ON, Toshio Iwai’s new interactive digital music instrument, was presented last week in soho.
Why do I blog this?: musical instruments are very efficient worlds where to test interactions, which are intrinsecally social. They also create intimate game spaces, where the reward bounds the player (as in both music player and game player) to a learning experience. I think the Tenori-On is a very interesting exploration of the boundaries and overlaps between toys, musical instruments, intimacy and social spaces.
For a while I was confused: reading the “Why do I blog this” I thought to be on the blog of Nova. :P
Back to us…
Nice videos. :)
I think that the maximum expression of sociality and creativity is when a group of uncoordinated people will join together and play some music, together, maybe using common objects. :P
P.S.: btw, I love the syntax “Why do I blog this”. :P
Yeah, borrowed the “Why” practice from Nicholas… I’d like to be able to always do it (it’s very useful, first and foremost to me) but I’m usually just too lazy ;)
The expression of sociality that you suggest is not too uncommon, quite easy to reproduce actually, and you can try by yourself, as an excercise: go and find a busker in town with a couple of friends, and, on by one, try joining in a jam session. Some of the people will look shocked, most will pass by careless, but a few will start at least clapping hands. Been there, done that :)