After months of unfounded rumors, scraped from locavore cheese tastings, sampled from triple fusion food trucks, and a journey through several underground clubs I have finally had my first opportunity to look at the "TMNT" Industries' ("Totally Mainstream New Technologies" Industries (yes the quotation marks must be included in the name)) latest tablet. To say this piece of hardware is an inspiration for going in a bold new direction for personal computing and self exploration is a harsh understatement, the simple square design and reclaimed wood panel backing surround a machine that will allow both artists and makers to unleash their creative power. First impressions are difficult to fully describe, "TMNT" Industries lead designer Dona T. Lo is a true perfectionist in her craft, while she allowed me to interact with some truly inspired early drafts of the Aliquid no photographs could be taken and only the idealized render of the system would be shared with your blogger. She feels that consumer experience will sell the final product at launch, come February 30th.
What I can say is that this device takes tablet technology in directions only alluded to in competing products. For me the most distinguishing feature was the three camera array on the tablet. The most humdrum being for selfies and facetime chats with friends the front facing camera serves as a 1080p webcam that is also capable of taking 10 megapixel stills. On the back of the tablet's aesthetic is a contrast of reclaimed barn wood (at least in the prototype I held, designer Lenard O'Devince tells me that customers will eventually be able to bring almost any material in for re-purposing) and a removable black square about 2.5 inches across with a silver ring encompassing a small glass window. For many photographers this will be the Aliquid's "killer app", this removable segment allows for a range of sensors and lenses to be added to the Tablet, using minimal tools. The default design will come with 2/3" CCD sensor capable of sensitivities more than ISO 6400 (issues with sourcing from manufacturers is making exact details hard to finalize) and a fast acting shutter on par with the majority of DSLR cameras. Customers will receive a free Holga lens system and a coupon that will allow them to order a lens mount for most lens supplier as the adapters become available. Above the major sensor lies a smaller camera system, that includes a sensor similar to the front facing camera, but with more advanced audio recording and a brighter flash. While many photographers are likely to attach their own flash assemblies as they create them, "TMNT" has also included a larger flash to the left of the cameras as a back up option.
For makers, tinkerers, hackers, and anyone else not included in this list who likes to mess with electronics "TMNT" Industries has a new technology sure to blow your mind, inductiblu. Inductiblu is an open standard based around the existing bluetooth standard intendend to allow users to add functionality to their Aliquid tablet wherever they need it. Embedded along the bezel of the Aliquid's body there are dozens of micro-wireless power transfer systems, capable of supplying over 5 miliwatts of power per centimeter. These power systems could provide the energy for communicating with small data relays, sensors, if inventors want to make an attachment they can do it. Electrical engineer Chuck Michelangelo noted that he has made several magnetically mounted cartridge readers for various classic systems including the NES and Sega Genesis.
Every detail blew me away, unfortunately my editor is making me cut this post short to get it out on time, so I will finish up with a few final details.
The Aliquid will launch with an optional attachment for playing vinyl records, it will use the system's single USB port for power.
The back paneling is removable and the interior is designed to allow for additional components and modifications to be added, as well as the option to add thicker backings to accommodate larger components
Screen Size 10 inches
Aspect Ratio 1:1
Screen Resolution 2200x2200 pixels
Cameras 3
Battery 8,000 mAh
Processor: Quad Core from a to be announced supplier
Memory: 4 GB RAM 16,32,64,128, 256 GB SSD as well as microSD expandable for all models
Dimensions: 220mm wide 220 mm in height and 9 mm in thickness
Obviously this is a piece of fiction, hopefully you enjoyed reading this post, if you have any thoughts or comments or want more details please say something. Thanks for your time and happy April Fools.
XKCD did a much better job committing to the crazy tablet premise
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