I just came across this interesting post from O’Reilly’s Tools of Change conference.
Manolis Kelaidis‘ idea is to embed hyperlinks in traditional books, or as the website puts it:
The blueBook created at the RCA and pictured here is a traditional book over-printed with conductive ink. This conductive ink creates hyperlinks on the page which, when touched by the reader, activates a processor concealed in the cover of the book. This processor then connects via bluetooth to a nearby computer, triggering different actions.
It is rather Ingenious , with a capital I. I can see this technology going places. For example: I’m currently reading ,yet again ,the lord of the Rings. The book could sense as I move from scene to scene and bring up the appropriate artwork, or music from Howard Shore’s excellent score, or bring up trivia, etc. Obscure names could link to an online glossary of all of Tolkien’s books.
In a technical context, links could be provided to get updated code samples, errors or updated technical information that adds to or supercedes the text.
This is a true hybrid since we get the best of both worlds: a user experience that has yet to be surpassed, and the functionality of eBook readers.
Question is, will it take off?
PS In response to Tim O’Reilly’s question in the comments:
But Sarah’s comment is also really crucial to understand: “people made a real emotional connection.” Why was that?
The emotional connection comes in because of the format: books. People can and do form emotional connections with books, I mean, I still have my Famous Five books in a cupboard – I refuse to throw them ( no matter what the improvement to the order in said cupboard). I can’t imagine forming such an emotional attachment to an eBook reader, laptop or webpage.
Random Musings 