 |
Internet Kiosks Around The World
Internet kiosks? Americans have been sold the idea that they need to take one wherever they go (in other words, a laptop or other device for access). However, elsewhere on the planet, people would rather just be able to go to a convenient Internet kiosk.
Here's one from Finland from 1999; it can now be found in hundreds of post offices throughout the country.
(Internet kiosk in Finland [internet service automat])
Streets in Aberdeen, Scotland sports these cool umbrella kiosks. First introduced in April 2006, they have dual operational viewing screens. In addition to having a screen, they generate a Wireless/WiFi service and provide all the Public DataWeb multiple content services, plus video email and VOIP/SKYPE Freephone telephony. An on-screen avatar helps you figure things out, and can also read messages to you. At night, the umbrella top is illuminated.
(Internet kiosk in Scotland)
Our next stop is Italy; this internet kiosk is planned for hotel lobbies, museums, schools, banks, offices and stores. Fabricated of wood laminate, it sports an embedded Apple iMac. Truly "futuristico."
(Internet kiosk in Italy)
In London, England we see this retro-futuristic masterpiece courtesy of NCR Financial Knowledge Lab.
(Internet kiosk in England)
The Brussels city government established five open-air Internet kiosks that provide WiFi-enabled web surfing for all citizens and visitors. The weatherproof kiosks have a touchscreen for those without a laptop or PDA; passers-by can go online to send email, check the timetables of public transportation services and look at maps of the city (and even print them). The kiosks also have a multimedia component: anyone can walk up to a kiosk and send a picture or short video of themselves via email.
(Internet kiosk in Belgium)
Take a look at the ANRITU information kiosk terminal “FT9300.” It has a CCD camera and IC card leader and the interface for fingerprint recognition. It can do ticket sales and it can utilize news/music; it also works as a and the public view-phone.
(Internet kiosk in Japan)
Thanks to an anonymous reader who got me started looking; feel free to paste in URLs of your favorite international-style Internet access points.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 1/24/2007)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 1 )
Related News Stories - (" Communication ")
SIRI Virtual Assistant Like Pohl's Joymaker
If this iPhone app actually does what it says on the tin, this really is Frederik Pohl's joymaker come to life.
HDTV Videophone From LG And Panasonic
I'm not sure whether marketing departments have asked whether people really want to be seen in high definition on their videophone.
Nozzl Real-Time Local News
Interesting experiment in real-time, localized automated news.
Mendeley Research Tool Like iTunes Genius
If this site can bring interactive social networking and iTunes-style genius recommendations to the scientific community, it could be the biggest thing since the Royal Academy was founded.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Current News
Put MercuryHouseOne Anywhere
Perhaps looking out through the spray of Victoria Falls.
Computational Wood: Grow Circuits In Living Trees
Just tap into the information tree.
SIRI Virtual Assistant Like Pohl's Joymaker
Man Forrester! Your joymaker is ready.
Liquid Glass Universal Spray-On Protectant
Also used to protect galactic way stations.
WIND Wearable Robot Controller
Robot wirelessly sense, robot do.
Gesture Cube Touch-Free Input
Just think of the gestures you'll use!
IMPASS Robot 'Smart Wheel' Video
I love it when good robot research comes together.
Predator, Prey Robots Evolve
Humanity must make a choice about robot evolution.
Mind-Control Lights At Vancouver Olympics
Bringing The Game to the Olympic Games.
PALRO Companion Robot
Who's your favorite companion robot?
Wasabi Smoke Alarm Now Available
It's an odalarm!
Spyder Olympic GS Suit With d3o
An impact suit made with a shear thickening material.
First Transistor That Mimics Brain Synapse
The Nexus Six phone will need a Nexus-6 brain.
Legged Squad Support System Monster BigDog Robot
A robotic pack mule for soldiers.
Implantable Energy-Harvesting Rubber Sheets
Take a deep breath, and power up that cell phone!
Bose Ride System Smooths Your Ride
Ride the spaceways - uh, roads - in comfort.
