consumer electronics

O.update

5 July 2012

Only Alexander du Preez, Peter Krige and Hannes Harms know what the consumer electronics industry will be like in 2025, but if some risky VCs are willing to put some good money into their ideas then the O.System and their many more DIY projects could become a reality much sooner.

wall speaker system with printed wall interface
wall speaker system with printed wall interface

Imagine that if in 2025 we all have a 3D printer and an electronic board printer (or a combo!) @ home then all we’ll need is to design our home appliances and look for the electronic board documentation on-line, send it to your O@Home printer kit and voilà! “Cheap”, replaceable and recyclable devices made with love from your sofa.

fna pull out
fna pull out

The trio propose developing a “local consumer electronics industry”. Maybe printing shops aren’t dead after all!

In this system, people select their electronic products online. They can then visit their local O.Store to talk to the technician about the purchase and add personal touches. O.Products can constantly evolve through update cards in the post, while old electronic cards are sent back for re-manufacture or recycling.

update card for wall mounted electronics
update card for wall mounted electronics

Designed @ home, manufactured @ home with a little bit of help from some great technologists who will post the documentation on-line and voilà! More info on the project page.

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