Some April Fool's jokes come true.
Back in 2004, an electronic product review site Pocket Lint pranked about a new Apple phone add-on for the iPod. The first-generation iPhone was released in 2007.
"Ratatattle" a real-time map of rat infestations in restaurants, announced by Cnet on April 1, 2007, was actually implemented by the government of New York City in 2009.
Ultrasound-based network for unborn babies (2007) was prototyped in form of a wearable belt Kickbee in 2008. The product got a lot of press coverage but ceased to exist in 2015.
Some 1st-April jokes have the potential to be prophetic or ominous.
Like Google's Smartbox (2015) fusing physical mail with electronic kind and sorting everything into subject-specific categories. Or electro-fitness shoes (2016) that would never let you stop moving. And a full-body wearable (2017) monitoring the body and keeping you connected 24x7x365. In addition to non-wearable technologies recording all your bathroom activity.
Some April Fool's products we really wish existed.
Such as a Duolingo pillow (2016) teaching us a new language overnight. Or Ab-hancer grid (2012) quickly developing ab muscles when placed over the midsection. And a holograph-projecting drone to attend meetings instead of you.
Back in 2004, an electronic product review site Pocket Lint pranked about a new Apple phone add-on for the iPod. The first-generation iPhone was released in 2007.
"Ratatattle" a real-time map of rat infestations in restaurants, announced by Cnet on April 1, 2007, was actually implemented by the government of New York City in 2009.
Ultrasound-based network for unborn babies (2007) was prototyped in form of a wearable belt Kickbee in 2008. The product got a lot of press coverage but ceased to exist in 2015.
Some 1st-April jokes have the potential to be prophetic or ominous.
Like Google's Smartbox (2015) fusing physical mail with electronic kind and sorting everything into subject-specific categories. Or electro-fitness shoes (2016) that would never let you stop moving. And a full-body wearable (2017) monitoring the body and keeping you connected 24x7x365. In addition to non-wearable technologies recording all your bathroom activity.
Some April Fool's products we really wish existed.
Such as a Duolingo pillow (2016) teaching us a new language overnight. Or Ab-hancer grid (2012) quickly developing ab muscles when placed over the midsection. And a holograph-projecting drone to attend meetings instead of you.
The best April Fool's technology stories of 2018 focused on car tech, genomics, sensory perception and wearables. Toyota's luxury car division Lexus announced a new personalized car design based on 23andme data. Likelyhood to consumer higher levels of caffeine, for example, would translate into larger cupholders, susceptibility to back pain would add dozens of controls to front seats and new-car smell will be genetically personalized to match expression of olfactory receptors.
A new 4d6andMe Stat Discovery Kit will use genetic information to quantify your charisma, saving throws, ability modifiers, skill proficiencies, hit die, passive wisdom, and initiative all in one easy-to-read form - a Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition character sheet.
A taste-bud analyzing attachment to a smartphone and Artificial-Intelligence software will help to select a perfect Hummus dish for everyone - thanks to Hummus API from Google Israel.
A taste-bud analyzing attachment to a smartphone and Artificial-Intelligence software will help to select a perfect Hummus dish for everyone - thanks to Hummus API from Google Israel.
A Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda's new QuarrelKancel technology identifies the first signs of an argument and starts to filter out backseat bickering and sibling squabbles, to let the driver concentrate on the driving.
As part of global-wide push within the motoring industry to run cars using sustainable energy sources and help reduce vehicle emissions, MG Motor UK has announced a new engine running on alpaca waste.
As part of global-wide push within the motoring industry to run cars using sustainable energy sources and help reduce vehicle emissions, MG Motor UK has announced a new engine running on alpaca waste.
If you want to be even more environmentally friendly, walk instead of driving - Jabra Sneakers will also help you to develop dance skills, providing Hi-Fi audio grade quality on the go with voice activation, stereo sound, dust certification and wireless charging with unique Foot Mat.
Online tutor company Chegg is offering the Chegg Osmosis Pillow that will not only adapt to the shape of your head, but also pack your memory with actual knowledge. And you can also make money while you sleep by renting out the unused space in your bed. Mattress company Lucid just launched a cheaper version of Airbnb, the ShareBED app. There exist potential for new applications in sharing economy.
Which new technologies offer the most potential? Only time will tell.
Online tutor company Chegg is offering the Chegg Osmosis Pillow that will not only adapt to the shape of your head, but also pack your memory with actual knowledge. And you can also make money while you sleep by renting out the unused space in your bed. Mattress company Lucid just launched a cheaper version of Airbnb, the ShareBED app. There exist potential for new applications in sharing economy.
Which new technologies offer the most potential? Only time will tell.
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