Keeping up with technology is a lot of work. Luckily, we enjoy wading through the noise just to find the gems of awesomeness sprinkled throughout. Fusion Radar is our gift to you, Current or Potential Client, so that you can enjoy all of the awesome without any of the drudgery. Unwrap it each week, and know that you’re loved by the geeks and pixel-pushers at Agency Fusion.
Mocky
Mocky is a simple way to generate custom HTTP responses and test your web services. It’s a tool you can use to mock your HTTP responses to test your REST API.
LivIcons
LivIcons are animated icons that use scalable vector graphics to achieve animation. They’re built with JavaScript, and designed to work cross-browser on any device.
Mars One
The Mars One mission is to establish a human settlement on Mars in 2023. They’ve developed life support units, living units, and a whole host of devices, landers, and shuttles. Applications are up online, and you can view and vote on those people you’d like to see man a mission to Mars in 2023.
http://applicants.mars-one.com/
McDonald’s Theory
The principle of the McDonald’s Theory can be illustrated like so: if coworkers are having trouble deciding where to eat, and no one’s really offering any suggestions, try recommending McDonald’s. It’s such a distasteful option to people, that they’ll immediately start suggesting better ideas. The same thing goes for trying to make decisions at work, or trying to come up with product or campaign ideas. Just jump in and suggest something, especially something that’s not a great option, so other people will feel comfortable making their own suggestions.
8 New and Necessary Punctuation Marks
We actually wish these punctuation marks existed. From the “I’m Not Angry” Mark (for when you need to be brief, but you’re not upset) to the Sarcastises (parentheses you use when you want to make sure people get your sarcasm), these punctuation marks would be incredibly useful as more and more of our communication goes online.
8 New and Necessary Punctuation Marks
Microwave S’mores Maker
The Microwave S’mores Maker is for anyone who wants delicious s’mores but doesn’t want to smell like a campfire. This little gadget is surprisingly cheap, and takes care of every part of s’mores preparation: weighted arms push down the graham crackers as the marshmallows melt, and a water reservoir ensures even heating.
3D Printed Gun
The Liberator is being touted as the world’s first plastic gun that’s completely manufactured with 3D printing. 15 of the 16 parts are produced by the 3D printer; the 16th piece is the firing pin, which is a simple nail. The plans are available for free download at DEFCAD.
Bacteria-produced Biofuel
Gas prices are a constant source of pain for consumers, which is why researchers have been searching for a way to create biofuel – a renewable source of fuel that will work with the same cars we currently use. Recently, researchers at the University of Exeter used E. coli bacteria to produce a biofuel that has the same molecular makeup as the petrol we already use. If they can work out how to scale-up the project to mass-produce this biofuel, it could become the next viable fuel source.
Download Google Fonts
Google Fonts has always enabled users to download their fonts for web use for free. And now they’ve paired up with SkyFonts to let you download their fonts for offline use, also free of charge. The fonts are updated by SkyFonts automatically, so they can add new characters or font types without you having to go search for them.
XE Currency App
XE Currency app is exactly what it sounds like: an app for your smart phone that will show you the appropriate currency conversion rates. If you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll likely run into all kinds of cultural and language barriers, so this app could be handy if you don’t know where to go to exchange currency or what rate you should be getting.
YouTube Paid Subscriptions
The days of completely free YouTube content may be coming to a close for some channels. Although the announcement hasn’t officially been made, Google has confirmed that they’re looking into enabling subscription-based videos and channels.