Digital shoebox

As social media becomes more and more about documenting our lives a new app, Shoebox, claims to provide a way to record and share that chunk of time that's been missing so far; our stories and experiences pre 2004. Facebook recently announced a new timeline feature which sees profiles as scrapbooks, but the new app developed by 1000memories aims to give people a 'scanner in their pockets' where they can start 'taking that content out of the closet and put it in a sharable space.'

Running on 'genuis scan' implemented by Grizzly Labs, Shoebox one-ups your smartphone's camera by auto-detecting the edges and frame of a photo and auto-flattening the image to adjust for the camera's tilt. When you've scanned it in, you can then tag people in the photo, share it with family members, and add the data to your family tree on 1000memories' site.

Rudy Adler (1000memories' co-founder) hopes that the app will allow for a 'a new level of discovery' among family members who might have divided old photos among different households. Alder himself already came acorss 'photos of me as a kid with my brothers that I had never seen before', digitalised by his cousin. 'Usually your shoebox is full of tons of stories and lots of different people's lives', says Adler. Now those stories can find a home online.

This app could be a great feature for sharing you photo's with future generations, and as Adler points out, it is a great way of sharing across families. However, I probably wouldn't stomp on my shoe box so quickly. There's definitely something that can be said for bringing out that special box when all the family are together, even the smell seems to conjure memories! Also, some of the fun and wonder of it is seeing them together and discussing them one one of those once-a-year days. Perhaps you could keep a few aside for special days!

Mission alarm clock

Mission Alarm Clock is for those of you who struggle to wake up on time every morning. It requires its users to complete challenging games to switch off the alarm, so by the time you are done, you'll be bright eyed and ready for the day ahead. The free version of the app only features one mission; the full version can be bought for $0.99. 

With Plymouth Uni

here design has launched a new identity for Plymouth University which sees the logo take on a modern and more versatile feel. 'With Plymouth University' uses bold capitals, bright colours and a range of buzz words to inspire and connect with students and faculty. here comment that the identity 'repositions the university as an inclusive and democratic studying environment, encouraging collaboration and enterprise'. With a few members of our team originating from the west country we agree that the branding is certainly stronger and a step away from the 'marine life' theme which is so current in the city.

Thomson - Quality time

Thomson 'Quality Time' from Academy Films on Vimeo.

Beattie McGuiness Bungay (BMG) have created this beautiful ad for Thomson. Rather than focusing on locations - grand cities, dessert islands, 5* resorts and such like - the concept presents the importance of quality time with your loved ones, time away from the rush and tumble of working life. Beautiful, serene shots are interwoven with families and children playing with the voice over from a young boy - giving his advice to working parents - making the message simple and more memorable. The synchronicity of each shot and the sound cannot be faulted and it is a lovely representation of a regular family holiday - what a lovely ad!

Horrific prints

Little Print Shop of Horrors is a project created by Manchester based Creative Spark in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. A series of horror film-themed prints can be purchased here, with all money raised going to the charity. The series includes such classic horror films as Hocus Pocus, Saw, and - of course - Hitchcock's Psycho.