Why get all of our information through computers via sight and sound when we have a sense of touch? Korean and US researchers have developed a flexible tactile display small enough to wrap around your fingers, similar to a Band-Aid. Overcoming the bulkiness that plagues current devices of the same nature, this soft, flexible alternative could possibly aid communication for the blind

“When you apply a normal device to a non-flat surface like human skin, it is impossible to stimulate the whole skin through its shape. In the case of a wearable tactile display, however, it can be applicable to many kinds of surfaces without the limitation of stimulus area because of its flexibility.”

With absurd flexibility, efficient power usage, cost-effectiveness and easy fabrication, the finger tactile display could prove to be a valuable commodity to the visually impaired. Though the design is in its infancy, the results are looking promising.
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Depending on your political affiliation, this site is now offering the three major contenders as downloadable and printable finger puppets. But really, shouldn’t it be the other way around? Shouldn’t they have finger puppets of us?

Whether you are a McCain man, a Clintonite, or an Obama brotha, you can print out all three of the finger puppets and hold your very own debate. And sorry boys, the Clinton figure isn’t anatomically correct. (more…)

The touchscreen community has been pretty unsympathetic to the fat fingered crowd. For people with sausage sized digits, pressing one key on a touchscreen keypad is usually accompanied with the pressing of a second button and the escape of a fucking expletive from their lips.

The TAD Custom Finger Mod slides a ring on your finger with an attached screen poker for easier keypad navigation for those of us with bloated paws. They offer up to size 0.7-inches, so anything higher than that and you either have to lose some weight or get some dialysis to relieve that water weight. Get yours for $6. — Andrew Dobrow

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Just because you’re not a DJ or “MC” doesn’t mean vinyl isn’t your musical preference. The Turntable Ring offers a choice of real vinyl or silver for the mini-record, plus a moving stylus needle and base decked out in silver.

Each Turntable Ring is handmade so pretty much custom crafted to your pleasure. Each ring will cost you around $300, so it’s probably a little too expensive for a stocking stuffer for next Christmas. — Andrew Dobrow

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