The “Cloud” is an interactive lamp and speaker system, designed to mimic a thundercloud in both appearance and entertainment. Using motion sensors the cloud detects a user’s presence and creates a unique lightning and thunder show dictated by their movement. The system features a powerful speaker system from which the user can stream music via any Bluetooth compatible device. Using color-changing lights the cloud is able to adapt to the desired lighting color and brightness. The cloud also has alternative modes such as a nightlight and music reactive mode. This is a new kind of magic, one not based on illusions and trickery, but on sensors and code.
For the past few years designers have been adding more and more skills to their tool kits. The Arduino platform is one such opportunity for designers themselves to prototype and design what is inside the ‘black box’ of electronic devices. Inexpensive and easy to program microprocessors allow both designers and users to better understand the nature of electronic goods, and thus help in the creation of new and meaningful interactions. On a higher level the Cloud is an effort to assist in the development of this industry. In fact the Cloud’s code is available to the public to freely use and improve, helping to provide the blueprints for the next generation of smart objects. You can buy the “Cloud”here at Richard Clarkson’s online web store.
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