The Morph Concept

Launched alongside The Museum of Modern Art “Design and The Elastic Mind” exhibition, the Morph concept device is a bridge between highly advanced technologies and their potential benefits to end-users. This device concept showcases some revolutionary leaps being explored by Nokia Research Center (NRC) in collaboration with the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre (United Kingdom) – nanoscale technologies that will potentially create a world of radically different devices that open up an entirely new spectrum of possibilities.

Morph concept technologies might create fantastic opportunities for mobile devices:

• Newly-enabled flexible and transparent materials blend more seamlessly with the way we live
• Devices become self-cleaning and self-preserving
• Transparent electronics offering an entirely new aesthetic dimension
• Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge
• Integrated sensors might allow us to learn more about the environment around us, empowering us to make better choices

In addition to the advances above, the integrated electronics shown in the Morph concept could cost less and include more functionality in a much smaller space, even as interfaces are simplified and usability is enhanced. All of these new capabilities will unleash new applications and services that will allow us to communicate and interact in unprecedented ways.

Flexible & Changing Design

Nanotechnology enables materials and components that are flexible, stretchable, transparent and remarkably strong. Fibril proteins are woven into a three dimensional mesh that reinforces thin elastic structures. Using the same principle behind spider silk, this elasticity enables the device to literally change shapes and configure itself to adapt to the task at hand.

A folded design would fit easily in a pocket and could lend itself ergonomically to being used as a traditional handset. An unfolded larger design could display more detailed information, and incorporate input devices such as keyboards and touch pads.

Even integrated electronics, from interconnects to sensors, could share these flexible properties. Further, utilization of biodegradable materials might make production and recycling of devices easier and ecologically friendly.

Self-Cleaning

Nanotechnology also can be leveraged to create self-cleaning surfaces on mobile devices, ultimately reducing corrosion, wear and improving longevity. Nanostructured surfaces, such as “Nanoflowers” naturally repel water, dirt, and even fingerprints utilizing effects also seen in natural systems.

Advanced Power Sources

Nanotechnology holds out the possibility that the surface of a device will become a natural source of energy via a covering of “Nanograss” structures that harvest solar power. At the same time new high energy density storage materials allow batteries to become smaller and thinner, while also quicker to recharge and able to endure more charging cycles.

Sensing The Environment

Nanosensors would empower users to examine the environment around them in completely new ways, from analyzing air pollution, to gaining insight into bio-chemical traces and processes. New capabilities might be as complex as helping us monitor evolving conditions in the quality of our surroundings, or as simple as knowing if the fruit we are about to enjoy should be washed before we eat it. Our ability to tune into our environment in these ways can help us make key decisions that guide our daily actions and ultimately can enhance our health.

Peptide Power: The Science Behind the 30-second Phone Charger

Lots of quantum dots

The new technology, which seems to be a brainchild of Gil Rosenmanand colleagues at Tel Aviv University in Israel, is based on biological quantum dots.

A quantum dot is a tiny crystal that is typically made of asemiconductor material such as gallium arsenide, and is small enough (less than 10 nanometres) to exhibit quantum confinement effects(which allow the electronic and optical properties of quantum dots to be controllably tuned).

The concept of using quantum dots for electronics is not new. In the past, electronic devices have focused on using inorganic quantum dots for transistor, solar cell, light emitting diode (LED) and diode laser technologies.

They are the building blocks of modern electronic devices, but these inorganic quantum dots are prepared using highly toxic components such as cadmium, zinc, sulphides and selenides.

Professor Rosenman’s group is working on bio-inspired self-assembly of biological, organic materials – peptides – to achieve the similar tasks as achieved by traditional inorganic semiconductors.

Going organic

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play different roles in our body.

In nature, the controlled self-assembly of peptides and proteins is critical for us to perform different tasks. If those processes are disturbed, they can lead to uncontrolled aggregation of peptides which can cause various disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Over the past decade, knowledge gained from nature has enabled scientists to fine-tune the self-assembly of peptides in the laboratory, so peptides can now be artificially modified to self-assemble in different conditions, and function outside a biological organism.

This has led to new applications of peptides in areas such as bio-nanomedicine, bio-nanotechnology, electronics, optics and energy storage.

StoreDot seems to have manipulated the chemistry of such peptides. This has allowed controllable self-assembly of two peptide molecules into an organic quantum dot of only two nanometres in size.

Since biomimetic self-assembly processes are highly specific, this may lead to an organic quantum dot manufacturing process with high yield and fewer imperfections in the final product.

It is critical to maintain a narrow size range of quantum dots in the final product. This is because different sized quantum dots act differently, but the current manufacturing protocols for inorganic quantum dots tend to suffer from such challenges.

Beyond chargers

It is clear that different biological semiconductors can be created to perform a myriad of tasks relevant to electronic devices. These include quick charging batteries and visible light emission for displays, on which StoreDot is currently concentrating.

It is not fully clear whether the rapid charging capacity shown by biological semiconductors makes use of the ferroelectricity(spontaneous electric polarisation), piezoelectricity (charge acquired through compression or distortion) and/or other properties of self-assembled peptides such as second harmonic generation (where two photons “combine” to create new photons with twice the energy).

Overall, the proof-of-concept demonstration to speed up charging times of current electronic devices is clearly remarkable.

Based on the crystallinity of the peptide-based quantum dots, StoreDot claims that they are stable over multiple cycles of charging – but bio-molecules such as peptides are prone to degrade under standard operating conditions.

Only time will tell whether such bio-based electronic devices will pass the rigorous stability tests expected by consumers across a range of environmental conditions.

Cortana: Microsoft's voice assistant

"Yay, it's Nick! How can I help?"

Thanks for asking, Cortana. And thanks for making the Windows phone software better, Microsoft.

With the new Cortana virtual assistant, Windows catches up with Apple's iOS and Google's Android in a major way. Microsoft takes some of the best parts of Apple's and Google's virtual assistants and adds a few useful tools of its own. The result is Cortana, named after an artificial intelligence character in Microsoft's "Halo" video games.

The new Windows system, Windows Phone 8.1, has several other new features, which I'll review separately later this week.

The update, including Cortana, will come with new phones starting next month, while existing phones will be able to download it for free in the coming months. On Monday, Microsoft made a preview version available to software developers. I was able to test that version over the past week.

Apple's Siri virtual assistant on iPhones and iPads has a feisty personality. She has good comebacks for such questions as, "What is the meaning of life?" She's also helpful with directions, restaurant recommendations and appointment reminders. Google Now on Android phones is boring by comparison, but better at anticipating your needs and giving you information before you even ask.

Cortana combines Siri's personality with Google Now's knack for anticipation.

Cortana also incorporates a feature for blocking calls, texts and notifications during times of your choosing, while letting you set exceptions for specific people or emergencies - defined as someone trying to call again within three minutes. That feature is separate on iPhones (though you can turn on Do Not Disturb, as it's called, via Siri or directly from its "Control Centre") and Samsung's Android phones. Cortana will also identify the name of songs heard in a retail store or bar, while you need separate apps such as SoundHound or Shazam on other phones (though the iPhone and iPad versions of Shazam can listen continuously in the background; that isn't yet in the Android version.)

Other differences include:

• Cortana asks rather than assumes

When you first use Cortana, she guides you through a brief questionnaire to gauge your interests. You can tap an icon on the top right to pull down a notebook and change your preferences.

Cortana also offers to scan your email for flights and other events to remind you about. Unlike Google Now, Cortana asks whether you'd like that flight tracked. Google Now does that automatically, and erroneously picks up itineraries that your travel companions send you. Also, Google Now works only with Gmail, while Cortana works with all major services except Yahoo, which Microsoft says it couldn't track because of Yahoo's terms of service.

Although Cortana avoids mistakes by asking, she requires slightly more work on your part. After asking Cortana about the latest Mets game, I had to tap a link to get future updates automatically. I didn't have to do anything with Google Now. But Google Now also assumes that just because I search for a company once, I want its stock quote every day.

Cortana shows you game scores - but might forget what you asked. Photograph: AP

• Cortana lets you ask follow-up questions

After asking Cortana for Mexican restaurants, I asked for ones that are open and got my list narrowed. I then asked for the ones that are good. Cortana responded with the Mexican restaurants that are both open and have at least four stars on Yelp.

Siri and Google Now tend to treat each request as new (though asking Siri "Which are the good ones?" will re-sort them by rating rather than distance), though both will let you make reservations through OpenTable. Cortana tells you only that a place takes reservations.

• Cortana offers more ways to set reminders

Like Siri and Google Now, Cortana lets you set reminders based on the time or location. When you arrive at work, for instance, she can remind you to mail a package.

Unlike the others, Cortana also lets you set people-based reminders. Let's say your friend Mary just had a baby. You can ask Cortana to remind you to mention that the next time you call, text or email Mary.

Some of the interactions got frustrating until I manually added my work and home addresses to Cortana's notebook.

Me: "Remind me to turn off the stove when I get home."

Cortana: "All right, where should I remind you?"

Me: "Home."

Cortana: "OK, what should I remind you about?"

Me: "Turn off the stove."

Cortana: "When would you like to be reminded?"

Me: "When I get home."

Cortana: "Sure, remind you when you get to home. Is this the one you want?"

The suggestion wasn't for my home but "Home Restaurant."

Microsoft says Cortana will figure out where you work and live over time.

Beta, could be better

Cortana is still in a "beta" test mode, so these kinks are to be expected. It's fine for basic queries, though sometimes you have to ask a few times. In requesting directions, I sometimes got a simple web search for my destination address. But repeating the address then got me actual step-by-step directions.

I asked all three virtual assistants on Friday whether I needed an umbrella. Siri and Google Now both told me I didn't, based on the fact that it wasn't raining. Cortana answered, "I'm not entirely certain." All three then presented a forecast.

By Sunday, Cortana seemed to have figured out I didn't need an umbrella. But I asked the same question 10 minutes later and got web results for "Do I need an umbrella?"

Both Siri and Google gave me movie times when I asked, "When is 'Frozen' showing?" Clicking on a time took me to a ticketing service. Cortana simply conducted a web search.

Cortana warns me of conflicts when adding a calendar event, but the warning comes after the fact as a "by the way." Siri warns me ahead of time, while Google Now offers no warning at all.

Ask Cortana to "tell me a joke," and she tries to text "a joke" to my cellphone, or "Me" in the address book. Cortana also won't compose email. Siri and Google Now do both email and texts.

These are all small points that I'm sure Microsoft will address over time. The company plans to keep Cortana in beta and limited to the US until the second half of the year, when the assistant will also debut in the UK and China.

Perhaps by then, Microsoft will offer a male voice, as Apple now does with Siri. In the meantime, enjoy interacting with Cortana. You can ask her to sing a song.

Overall, Cortana's improvements over Siri and Google Now aren't enough to compel a switch from an iPhone or Android phone – but Cortana does address an omission in Windows Phone for those already thinking of getting one.

LG's Home Chat

Dying for a beer in the comfort of your own home but can't remember if there's any left in the fridge? No worries - use LG Home Chat to text your fridge to check for you. You can also text your washing machine to start a load whilst you're out and about, or tell your robotic vacuum cleaner to start tidying up. Truly the next generation of home appliances

Panomo panoramic camera

Throw the Panomo camera ball into the air to take incredible 360 degree photographs from all angles. Possibly don't throw it too hard though

Goji Smart Lock

The Goji Smart Lock bypasses the need for keys, allowing you to gain access to your home with the simple tap of a smartphone or electronic fob. And no more worrying about whether you remembered to lock the door or not - it sends you a text when the locks are activated

Brain-computer Interfaces

The ability to control a computer using only the power of the mind is closer than one might think. Brain-computer interfaces, where computers can read and interpret signals directly from the brain, have already achieved clinical success in allowing quadriplegics, those suffering “locked-in syndrome” or people who have had a stroke to move their own wheelchairs or even drink coffee from a cup by controlling the action of a robotic arm with their brain waves. In addition, direct brain implants have helped restore partial vision to people who have lost their sight.

Recent research has focused on the possibility of using brain-computer interfaces to connect different brains together directly. Researchers at Duke University last year reported successfully connecting the brains of two mice over the Internet (into what was termed a “brain net”) where mice in different countries were able to cooperate to perform simple tasks to generate a reward. Also in 2013, scientists at Harvard University reported that they were able to establish a functional link between the brains of a rat and a human with a non-invasive, computer-to-brain interface.

Other research projects have focused on manipulating or directly implanting memories from a computer into the brain. In mid-2013, MIT researchers reported having successfully implanted a false memory into the brain of a mouse. In humans, the ability to directly manipulate memories might have an application in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, while in the longer term, information may be uploaded into human brains in the manner of a computer file. Of course, numerous ethical issues are also clearly raised by this rapidly advancing field.

Polaroid Socialmatic camera

Originally floated as a concept back in 2012, the Android-based Socialmatic could revive the beloved Polaroid as we know it. An inkless printing system enables users to print stickers of their sepia-tinted images, and customise them using the 4.5 inch touchscreen. Slated for release by the end of 2014, it may be hipster, but it's also incredibly cool

Screenless Display

One of the more frustrating aspects of modern communications technology is that, as devices have miniaturized, they have become more difficult to interact with – no one would type out a novel on a smartphone, for example. The lack of space on screen-based displays provides a clear opportunity for screenless displays to fill the gap. Full-sized keyboards can already be projected onto a surface for users to interact with, without concern over whether it will fit into their pocket. Perhaps evoking memories of the early Star Wars films, holographic images can now be generated in three dimensions; in 2013, MIT’s Media Lab reported a prototype inexpensive holographic colour video display with the resolution of a standard TV.

Screenless display may also be achieved by projecting images directly onto a person’s retina, not only avoiding the need for weighty hardware, but also promising to safeguard privacy by allowing people to interact with computers without others sharing the same view. By January 2014, one start-up company had already raised a substantial sum via Kickstarter with the aim of commercializing a personal gaming and cinema device using retinal display. In the longer term, technology may allow synaptic interfaces that bypass the eye altogether, transmitting “visual” information directly to the brain.

This field saw rapid progress in 2013 and appears set for imminent breakthroughs of scalable deployment of screenless display. Various companies have made significant breakthroughs in the field, including virtual reality headsets, bionic contact lenses, the development of mobile phones for the elderly and partially blind people, and hologram-like videos without the need for moving parts or glasses.

Body-adapted Wearable Electronics

From Google Glass to the Fitbit wristband, wearable technology has generated significant attention over the past year, with most existing devices helping people to better understand their personal health and fitness by monitoring exercise, heart rate, sleep patterns, and so on. The sector is shifting beyond external wearables like wristbands or clip-on devices to “body-adapted” electronics that further push the ever-shifting boundary between humans and technology.

The new generation of wearables is designed to adapt to the human body’s shape at the place of deployment. These wearables are typically tiny, packed with a wide range of sensors and a feedback system, and camouflaged to make their use less intrusive and more socially acceptable. These virtually invisible devices include earbuds that monitor heart rate, sensors worn under clothes to track posture, a temporary tattoo that tracks health vitals and haptic shoe soles that communicate GPS directions through vibration alerts felt by the feet. The applications are many and varied: haptic shoes are currently proposed for helping blind people navigate, while Google Glass has already been worn by oncologists to assist in surgery via medical records and other visual information accessed by voice commands.

Technology analysts consider that success factors for wearable products include device size, non-invasiveness, and the ability to measure multiple parameters and provide real-time feedback that improves user behaviour. However, increased uptake also depends on social acceptability as regards privacy. For example, concerns have been raised about wearable devices that use cameras for facial recognition and memory assistance. Assuming these challenges can be managed, analysts project hundreds of millions of devices in use by 2016