Orange, Newlands, and Ambient to Test
Consumer Reaction to Next Generation Connected Table
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Hull, UK - 09 July 2002: Orange S.A., one of the world's largest mobile communications companies, has partnered with Newlands Scientific plc ("Newlands"), a leading smart materials application company, and Ambient Devices Inc on a design-research project, to prototype and then test consumers' response to the concept of a communicating wirefreeTM table. Utilising Orange's connectivity expertise, Newlands' smart audio materials, and built using Ambient Devices' platform for developing connected embedded devices, the companies have prototyped a unique personalised table and smart cube that will enable users to communicate with family and friends within and without their home. Dominic Smith, a graduate of the MSc Integrated Industrial Design at the Department of Design at Brunel University, has designed both the table and cube as a focal point for family communications. Users will be able to leave audio messages for individual family members, or group messages, to be listened to around the table. A wirefreeTM smart cube using Ambient's lighting interface module glows specific colors to identify who has a waiting message. The desired message can be played back by placing the cube in the centre of the table, causing the message to be heard through the surface of the table using Newland's smart audio materials. Orange's Orange at Home, Europe's only consumer-focused connected home research centre, will be used as the backdrop for the consumer research on the table. A working prototype of the table will be installed in Orange at Home next month, with the observational research beginning soon after. The table will be researched with a range of different consumers alongside a number of other more futuristic technologies, including a special sound system, also developed by Newlands, which uses advanced 'sounders' to turn the conservatory glass into a speaker. Dr. Alex Hum, Senior Researcher, OrangeImagineering, explains the technology architecture of the connected table: "The smart cube and connected table is a good example of pervasive computing. The computing elements disappear into the background, surfacing whenever and wherever needed. The interesting blend of emerging short-range wireless technology, contextual awareness and human-computer interactions used in the project highlights the philosophy of humanising personal communications within the dynamic environment in which we live. We continue to explore new and exciting ways of enhancing communications, capturing sensuality and contextual awareness in the way we communicate with each other." Nabeel Hyatt, VP Strategic Alliances, Ambient Devices states: "This project is unique in trying to re-establish a sense of place and community for family communications that is lost in our increasingly mobile lifestyles. The partnership is a great example of how Ambient's flexible development environment for embedded wireless products, and Newlands' smart audio technology, allows product developers to easily design products they dream about. Orange is clearly dedicated to researching tangible examples of pervasive computing." Brian Smith, Managing Director, Newlands, commented on the agreement: "The connected table is an exciting and innovative project that has been made possible by the integration of three complementary technologies. I am very pleased that Newlands' technology is being used so imaginatively, to make Orange's 'humanising technology' philosophy come alive and offering such an exciting opportunity to improve the way we all communicate in our own homes." David Townson, Innovation Scouting Manager, Orange Imagineering, added: "Some of the most innovative products come from an insightful combination of technologies, in a context of user-centred design. By focusing on the user and making the technologies almost invisible, this design has the potential to be such a product. We are very pleased to be working with Newlands Scientific, Ambient Devices and Dominic Smith from Brunel. We are also delighted that Orange at home is being used to undertake true consumer research for this project."
Notes to Editors Orange, Wirefree and any other Orange product or service referred to in this release are trademarks of Orange. Orange provides a broad range of personal communications services, including Orange GSM 1800 services and other digital cellular telephone services. In August 2000 Orange plc was acquired by France Telecom, leading to the creation of Europe's second largest mobile operator. The new Orange has operations in 20 countries across Europe and beyond, and aims to have a presence in markets covering 1.5 billion people worldwide by 2005. As at the end of March 2002, Orange had over 12.7 million customers in the UK, 18.3 million in France and approximately 40.5 million controlled customers worldwide. In May 2001, for the fourth consecutive year, the J.D. Power and Associates study on the UK mobile market ranked Orange number one for customer satisfaction. Orange provides high quality coverage to 99% of the UK population and over 80% of the geographic area. Coverage is based on hand portable, unlike some other operators which choose to base their coverage on boosted car kits. Orange UK now offers roaming in 121 countries on 267 networks. Information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.co.uk and media information can be found at www.orange.com Ambient Devices provides the platform for product designers and manufacturers to easily create embedded wireless devices. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ambient's vision is to embed information representation in everyday objects, making the physical environment an interface to digital information. In May 2002, the company began shipping the Ambient Orb, the first in the next generation of objects that deliver ambient information. Ambient provides the hardware, infrastructure and services for global companies in financial services, consumer electronics, and healthcare to embed wireless into their products. For more information on Ambient, visit www.ambientdevices.com. Newlands Scientific is focused on the conceptualisation, design, development, and commercialisation of innovative products based on smart materials, in the fields of consumer audio, ambient audio (including noise reduction) and household products (initially ultrasonic cleaning). The first audio product, the Soundbug , was launched in March 2002 at CeBIT. For further information on Newlands Scientific go to www.newlandsscientific.co.uk Brunel University's Department of Design has over 600 students at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels studying a range of degrees in Industrial & Product Design and Design Management. The Department has an established track record of research excellence and strong links to industry. Its research covers a spectrum of issues from design process and media, through smart products and user interaction design, to environmental concerns with products. The overall strategy is to promote high quality design research and design excellence at an International level. |
Enquiries Orange S.A. Ambient Devices, Inc. Newslands Scientific PLC Merlin Financial Brunel University - Department of Design |