Geek Video of the Month

This month's Geek Video of the Month is a Pebble Smartwatch Review, highlighting key features and summing up what’s great about this wearable technology.

There has been a lot of talk in the tech media about how the Pebble Smartwatch is setting a standard for other Smartwatches in the industry to keep the wearer connected. The appearance is sleek and minimal, lightweight, connects with both iOS and Android smartphones in delivering SMS, emails,  notifications, alerts and reminders. It has a 5-7 day battery life, is waterproof up to 5m, has a screen that is readable in full daylight, works with some apps, music control, alarm clock and will even automatically track your runs and other activities without you having to press a button.


This additional article gives some further insights into the engineering challenges that were overcome during the creative process in developing the Smartwatch. Will you be wearing one? 

Author: Fiona Anderson

Geek Video of the Month

Celluon Magic Cube has been chosen as 'Geek Video of the Month'.  We like the product and the video is a good example of what a product video should deliver: facts, facts and more facts. 

The Celluon Magic Cube is a full-size laser projection keyboard and touchpad which connects to any BlueTooth HID device and is small enough to fit in your pocket.  The virtual keyboard is made possible through the incorporation of the 3D Electronic Perception Technology (EPT).  EPT enables everyday devices to “see” the world around them, so that they can perceive and interact with it.  

EPT systems send out pulses of light and then time how long it takes for the reflection to return to the sensor, this enables the system to determine depth.   The uses of this technology are vast, Celluon give an overview of possibilities for future applications of EPT and how the Celluon Magic Cube works.

Celluon’s strapline is: “A World Of Possibilities At Your Fingertips”. Great work!  Looking forward to hearing about your future applications using EPT, maybe in automating manufacturing processes or transportation.

Author: Fiona Anderson

Geek Video of the Month

The Independent ran an article on the 21st August 2013 asking the question:  Is Google’s Chromecast the future of television?  With the author stating that he believes the £30 dongle / USB device will transform the way you watch your favourite shows.  

Sounds pretty exciting? And this is precisely the reason why the Google’s Chromecast teaser advert / video has won Geek Video of the Month for September.

Find out more about the Digital media streaming adapter developed by Google here:
http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/

The video, shows a number of situations where you may need the USB attachement, highlighting the main USPs as computer to TV mirroring, streaming YouTube, Netflixs and other sites to your TV.

Google's Chromecast is expecting to hit the shops before Christmas?  Will it be on your Christmas list?

Personally I will be sticking with our Apple TV as this plays videos from many more services than those found on Chromecast.  An additional negative of Chromecast is that it only lets you mirror what is on your PC from Chrome tabs to the TV, also mirroring is not available from a mobile device.   

Alas if we didn’t already have Apple TV, Chromecast would be a must have, as it is a steal at £30! 

It will be interesting to hear more about the devices popularity in the coming months.  

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

Last week (August 4th of 10th) was the first annual Geek Week on YouTube. So if you are a geek or a wannabe nerd, head on over to view geek culture from around the world.

The Agenda for the Geek Week was as follows:

• Blockbuster Sunday 

• Global Geekery Monday

• Brianiac Tuesday

• Super  Wednesday

• Gaming Thursday

• Fan Friday

• Best of Saturday

This month’s ‘Geek video of the Month’ was part of Geek Week’s Brianiac Tuesday and features 10 Videos that will make you smarter. Excellent work.

You may also want to get involved with the Geek Test that is featured on their channel, to find out ‘What’s your Geek IQ?”.

We are really looking forward to the next Geek channel takeover, hopefully for a month next time, as their is clearly too much Geeky content being shared.

Well done to Jason Bradbury (of Gadget show fame) for launching his own YouTube Channel 'Supa Robot Attack' on Gaming Thursday, the channel brings remote controlled fighting robots to YouTube.
Sounds fun!

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

This month’s 'Geek Video of the Month', shares ‘10 amazing science stunts from the psychologist, author and performer that is Richard Wiseman. View his website for a 30 second introduction slide show on him here: www.RichardWiseman.com

We sourced the video from Richard’s YouTube channel ‘Quirkology’, which has nearly 800K subscribers. Well done team Wiseman!

Some of these science stunts featured on this video you will remember from school, others were totally new to us. So if you do have a need to impress your friends, class mates or neighbours, this Summer, with impressive science stunts, then Richard’s Quirkology YouTube channel is a must watch.

Enjoy ;) 


We would love to know if you are thinking of trying out any of these interactive experiments. Feel free to comment below.

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

Sharing with you a topical Geek Video, topical as relates to Wimbledon and ties in with our most popular blog subject Google.

For the past two weeks the American Pro tennis player Bethanie Mattek-Sands (AKA: Bee), often referred to as the Lady Gaga of Tennis thanks to her non traditional outfits on an off court, has been part of a select Google Explorer group of about 1K people who are testing Google Glass in the products pre-release format. To keep up to date with the project, follow Project Glass on Google+ or view some of their Google Glass introduction videos over at their YouTube Channel.

In summary 'Google Glass' or 'Google Glasses' is a voice activated device designed to be worn as a pair of spectacles. It can be used for activities you would normally use your phone for, for example: take pictures, reply to emails, check diary, view sat nav directions...

This video is a good example on how you can use Google Glass in your daily life.  Bee reports in the video: 

"Glass helps me stay organised, so I can stay focused on my tennis and what I need to do"

Personally I love the part in the video, when she is packing her bag and she has her packing list, right there in her eye line. Brilliant ! I would find this feature so useful when wrapping presents at Christmas time.

I Google so much, Glasses would be ideal for me, to find out about the things around me.

Bee will be reporting back to Google's Explorer team soon, giving her thoughts on usability and what things could be improved upon.   

So are you excited?  Can you see yourself embracing Google Glasses in the coming years? 

I certainly can. So Google if you are reading this, the answer is yes, I would love to be part of your #glassexplorers team, send me a pair!

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

This month's Geek Video was sourced by Fiona Anderson, from the Flashlight Search Marketing team.

The 37 second video promotes a 'pro-type' smartphone which changes shape dependent on whether it receives a text, email or phone call.  The idea is that the flexible smart phone technology will provide visual cues as to what type of communication you are to engage with.  The 'brains' behind this are researchers at Queens University Human Media Lab in Canada.

Despite all the work that must have gone into developing this prototype, the flexible smartphone reminds us of those 'little red palm reading fish' (named 'Fortune Teller, Miracle Fish') that you receive in cheap party bags. If it curls up you are happy, lies flat bored, raised edges in love etc.  The fish are a novelty and we believe the above is too.

What do you think?   Can you envisage this technology being used elsewhere in the home or office?

Personally, rather than changing shape to tell me whether I am to receive a call, text, email etc, I would be more interested in the smartphone if it was able to jump out of my handbag  (or where ever I put it down!) and walk, or roll over to me, or even better, fly. (Harry Potter Talking Letters AKA Howlers!).

Now that would be smartphone progression!

Author: Sarah Griffiths (Sourced by: Fiona Anderson)

Geek Video of the Month

Our Geek Video of the month was sourced from the Bit Rebels' blog (top blog for Geek News, Tips and Trends) who profiled the JWT Intelligence 'Our 10 trends for 2013 in 2 minutes' video, which researched lifestyle trends for 2013. Read the Bit Rebels take on the video here.

The video is only 2 minutes long and features some great content on the lifestyle of 'digital natives'; a lifestyle we may all soon be living.  The purpose of the video is to profile the JWT Intelligence's 171 page corresponding report, which is available to purchase.

Find out more about JWT Intelligence, the New York based HQ, Marketing Communications brand and their methodology for retrieving all the data over at their website.

The research is relevant to a UK audience, as the survey included 519 Americans and 497 from the UK.

We are especially interested in this video as several of the featured trends for 2013 link with the work we are conducting for our clients; such as database developments, personalisation, connectivity from objects to brands and peer power / social media strategies.

The 10 Trends for 2013 include: 

1. Play as a competitive advantage
2. The Super Stress Era
3. Intelligent Objects
4. Predictive Personalisation
5. The Mobile Fingerprint
6. Sensory Explosion
7. Everything is Retail
8. Peer Power
9. Going Private in Public
10. Health and Happiness Hand in Hand.

If we can help you get ready for the 2013 online digital lifestyle trends, then we would love to talk to you further. Call our Sales team on 01202 678777 or visit our contact us page.

We hope you all enjoy your Sensory Explosion this year and here's wishing you a happy on the move shopping trip.

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

Jack (year 10 student) joined Rocktime last week on a two week work experience placement. He has mostly been working with the web developers as this is a career he is considering pursuing.

Rocktime's Search Marketing team tasked Jack with a quest to find this month's 'Geek Video of the Month'. Jack had to source three potential Geek videos and one would be chosen for this month's Geek Video of the Month. And here it is!

We are pleased to announce that Jack has been very successful. He interpreted the brief well, did some good research and was able to provide creative ideas. Jack's choice of Geek video is certainly worthy of being voted 'Geek Video of the Month'. It is truly awesome!

The Geek video was created by Microsoft in 2011 titled, "Productivity Future Vision" it has been very popular with over 4m views. The video looks at what technology will be like in 5 to 10 years time, focusing on how people will get things done at work, home and on the go. The video is six minutes long, but well worth the watch. Our favourite part is the on the go interactive smart phone booking of a charity concert.

As with all visionary projections it can stir up controversial comments but we think it is a good way to demonstrate how so many of the science and technology features in the video are already coming to life just 2 years later.

To find out more about the video we found a related article over at Computer World, titled:
"Why Microsoft's vision of the future will really happen".

Other videos sourced by Jack include:

A very recent (3 weeks) ago news of a Transparent Mobile Phone prototype developed in Taiwan and a trailer of the World's first and only 3D drawing pen the '3Doodler'. The video outlines how the 3D drawing technology works and sectors that may be interested in using the tool.

Potentially Jack may win Geek video of the month for April too.

Thanks so much Jack for providing such great content, it has been great working with you. If you continue with the blog you created, please do let us know about it over on Twitter @RocktimeSocial.

Author: Sarah Griffiths & Jack Williams

Geek Video of the Month

As we like to give focus on the blog to rising trends, this month's Geek Video of the Month, comes via the Hybris Software YouTube channel, titled "Shopping Gets Sexy with Hybris" the video includes technology such as in-store NFC tags, gesture-based product navigation and geo-fenced alerts.  The video highlights that "window-shopping" need not be a low margin activity and shows how window shoppers can socially engage with a product, even when the shop is closed.

For more information on NFC tags, read our latest blog titled is; NFC the next big thing?

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

Google has defined the definition of 'Geek' as a person with eccentric devotion to a particular interest.

So it seems fitting that this month's Geek Video gives praise to the 22 year old Digital Film Design student 'Kaleb Lechowski'.

Lechowski received attention from Hollywood executives after they viewed his six minute sci-fi animated film, titled 'R'ha'.

Thanks to his impressive work, he is now headed to Hollywood and there is talk of the potential of making a full feature movie from his ideas.

View the talked about short above and find out more over at Mashable about; what the experts say, the films that inspired the short movie and what's next for the talented student.

Mashable Entertainment Article: 22 year olds sci - fi short gets Hollywood attention

Congratulations Kaleb, we are looking forward to seeing your name in the credits list, when the time is right for you to launch your full featured movie.

Author:  Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

This week's Geek Video comes via the Extreme Tech website, which is popular with our Technical Team as it provides comprehensive technical content about new products and technologies including reviews and resource links.

The video highlights that bionic eye implants are finally hitting the market. The video introduces the Laser Powered Bionic Eye or Nano Retina which gives 576 pixel grayscale vision to the blind - if their blindness is caused by a faulty retina.

The Natno Retina’s Bio- Retuna captures images directly in the eye, and a rechargeable battery powered mini laser powers the implant remotely.

Pretty exciting and geeky stuff.

You can read more about the progress with bionic eye implants in Europe and the USA, over at the Extreme Tech website here.

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

The Airpod has nearly arrived, the car that runs on air!  We first heard about the Airpod back in 2009 when the Guardian Environment talked about the Airpod here.

The creator of the Car India’s Tata Motors is debuting the Airpod again. Since the previous debut, they have been working closely with MDI an engineering company which has been developing zero pollution engines since the early 90s.

The Airpod isn't powered via peddle power, (AKA Flintstone Stylee!!) it is powered by compressed air, which you refill with an external pump. The electric motor on board the Airport will 'refuel' while in motion (takes 2 minutes to fill up). The Car is ideally suited for urban city folk as top speed is 43mph. It looks tiny but we have read that it will seat 3 adults and a child, plus there is room for luggage.  There is no steering wheel inside, just a joystick (The movie Total Recall springs to mind, Google "Total Recall Taxi" to see what we mean!).

The video shows the car in action, it isn’t very compelling, perhaps they need help with their online marketing.

So would you consider getting an Airpod ? let us know in the comments section below.

Author: Sarah Griffiths and Fiona Anderson.

Geek Video of the Month

This month’s Geek Video of the month, was spotted over at www.notcot.org. The website which seeks to bring you ideas, aesthetics and amusement. For more random videos and inspiration you can follow NotCot on Twitter here.

I am a huge fan of Lego, so when I was invited to source this month’s Geek Video of the month, it had to be this jaw dropping Lego masterpiece, which as I type is being shared between lego geeks across the social networks.

The Great Ball Contraption took more than 600 hours to create over two years, and is being referred to as ‘the most insane Lego machine ever built’.  After being launched on YouTube it went viral in just 2 days.!!  At the time of writing this blog, the video has had over 5 million visits and it continues to rise.

I think the popularity in the video is because the machine has no real purpose and the detail that has gone into the build, for no reason other than, because he can, is just awesome.

It was created by Lego genius Akiyuki (YouTube account here: http://www.youtube.com/user/akiyuky) in his living room and transports little balls at a rate of one ball per second.   My personal favourite parts of the Lego machine masterpiece is the digger that moves the balls and the firing of the balls into the basketball net. Genius!

Let us know below what your favourite part is in the comments section. Happy viewing!

Also, this may interest you, I found out over at Lego’s Wikipedia page that the Lego Group's motto is det bedste er ikke for godt which means roughly 'only the best is the best' (more literally 'the best is never too good'). I wonder how they will encourage Akiyuki to continue his amazing work. I also found out that the company name “Lego”, derived from the Danish phrase leg godt, which means “play well”.  Well after watching this I think I have found a new hobby, it’s play time ;)

Author: Sarah Griffiths

Geek Video of the Month

Raspberry Pi smart glasses translate in real time

It's great when various technologies come together to create something innovative, exciting and useful!  We have already seen the scope of the Raspberry Pi and the hope that it might get children interested in programming.

Will Powell is a good example of that creative approach to technology; he read about Google’s 'Project Glass', which was our May Geek Video of the Month.

Will decided he’d have a go at a DIY attempt to try to achieve something similar. And what he’s come up with is downright remarkable. Here’s his automatic translation system, which uses a couple of Raspberry Pis, a 3d headset, some microphones, a TV and an iPhone to display real-time subtitles in your glasses as you have a conversation.
We could all have done with this technology whilst travelling throughout Europe in the 80's!

If you want to see examples of where Rocktime shares a love of innovation with our clients please check out OM Property Management's Property Online (YPO) Business System ARMA Innovation Award 2011, or our approach to web consultancy as a way to determine the best strategy for your business website.

Author: Andy Clarke, Fiona Anderson

Geek Video of the Month

To honour Alan Turing, the clever people at LEGO have built a simple LEGO Turing Machine, to show everyone how simple a computer actually is. This is a great way to make every operation as visible as possible. LEGO Turing Machine was made using the automatic components of just a single LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set.

According to Wikipedia: "A Turing machine is a device that manipulates symbols on a strip of tape according to a table of rules. Despite its simplicity, a Turing machine can be adapted to simulate the logic of any computer algorithm, and is particularly useful in explaining the functions of a CPU inside a computer."

The Rocktime software developers are very impressed with the Turing machine language. If you require something a bit less complex but of great importance and bespoke for your business development, then please give us a call.

Author: Andy Clarke, Fiona Anderson

Geek Video of the Month

The GPU Technology Conference (or GTC12 for short), which ran in California last month, aims to highlight advances in computing advances and their importance to the future of science and innovation.

With an agenda like that, it's no wonder we're finding technology that looks like it's straight from a science fiction film!

This month's Geek video courtesy of Andy, our Technical Manager, feels very Minority Report. Built by Eyesight Mobile Technologies, the firm's software uses a regular web camera and allows you to control a laptop with hand gestures. The software works regardless of the camera hardware, computer power and light; maybe before long we'll be seeing this Touch Free user interface technology.


Author: Alice Cheetham, Andy Clarke

Geek Video of the Month

 It's early days yet, but last month, Google released this video of Project Glass, perhaps showing a taste of things to come?

Looking like they've come straight from a science fiction flick, the concept of these augmented reality specs show us a wire-framed glass with a small display over the right eye. Also included is a camera, microphone, GPS and one would assume a wireless connector to make the whole thing work.

Project Glass emerged from the Google X Lab, responsible for other interesting technologies such as Google's self-driving car. Apparently, the glasses are rumoured to cost around the price of a top range smart-phone and hope to be out by the end of 2012.

Whilst I think the idea behind it is great, I'm not sure our current hardware is quite up to it! But fingers crossed!


Author: Alice Cheetham, Andy Clarke

Geek Video of the Month

Why go to the supermarket, when the supermarket can come to you? Check out this month's Geek Video for an innovative idea from big-name retail brand, Tesco.

Their Korean network of shops, Homeplus, ran this fantastic campaign using QR codes and mCommerce. As you can see in the video, the subway store allows commuters to do their shopping on the fly, with deliveries arranged in hours and minutes rather than days, so your shopping is on the way to your house, as you are!

From the looks of it, the idea was very well received, the return on investment is certainly more than tangible. At the time this campaign ran, in June of last year, new customer registrations for Home Plus increased by 79% and sales by 130% and Tesco Homeplus became the number 1 online and 2nd offline supermarket in Korea.


Author: Alice Cheetham

Geek Video of the Month

Touch screens are pretty cool right? We certainly seemed to have embraced them, with the popular trend of smartphones and tablets in fairly common use. How about a touch screen that can project onto any surface?

This month's Geek Video from Andy, our Technical Manager, demonstrates some "work in progress" tech from Microsoft; a Wearable Multitouch Projector. It may not be the most elegant of pieces to wear about, but it's definitely a start! The projector uses motion and depth cameras, as well as projector, to turn any flat surface into a gesture sensitive display.

It doesn't seem too far-fetched to think that in time they'll be able to shrink it down to something more manageable. Alternatively, maybe we'll see smaller wall mounted units for pop up displays or touch screens. It's an interesting idea, just imagine the potential!


Author: Alice Cheetham