LED technology is on the rise. Invented in 1962, LED used to represent low intensity light and a short lifespan. As late as 2000, LED technology cost about $200 per unit. Today, everything has changed.
Modern LED lights are eight times more energy-efficient than the average incandescent light bulbs. In the mid-90s, high-power LED hit the scene, creating light that was ten times as bright as the original technology. This added light, combined with a price reduction to what is now around five cents per unit, has led to widespread LED use. In addition to more conventional lighting scenarios, LED technology is lighting up some unexpected objects. Read on to discover 10 unique uses of LED technology.
4K Digital Signs: Ultra HD is here, offering a minimum resolution of 3840 x 2160. While the rest of us wait for consumer culture to catch up, sign companies are capitalizing on 4K technology to create stunningly sharp digital displays for public consumption.
Solar-Powered LED Car Sunroof: LED car headlights and turn signals are already widely used, but this sunroof takes that technology a step further. With the flip of a switch, drivers can transform their normal, clear sunroof into a solar-powered light that brightens the inside of the car.
LED Faucet Light: This light easily attaches to most faucets and shines down on the water stream, making it pour out in living color. The light changes from blue to red according to water temperature.
Throwies: Pinterest addicts already recognize LED throwies as a simple DIY project designed to decorate festive gatherings. Made with a combination of diffused LED lights, lithium batteries, tape, disc magnets, and conductive epoxy, these tiny lights can be strewn just about anywhere to create a modern kind of graffiti. Best of all, they only cost about $1 per throwie to make.
LED T-Shirt: If throwies are in short supply, you can always up the ante with an LED t-shirt from TechnoTeez. An integrated LED equalizer display actually rises and falls with surrounding sounds – whether from voices or loud music.
Bionic LED Contact Lens: Still in development, these incredible virtual display devices aim to do everything from assist the visually impaired to help users gain a more interactive video game experience. Moreover, once complete, users may be able to experience a much-altered version of reality.
Virtual Sky: In addition to being impressively energy-efficient, LED lights seem to be able to create a happier, healthier work environment. The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO created LED virtual sky panels to replace the usual office lighting panels. Their virtual sky mimicked a blue horizon with its own passing clouds, generating more than 16 million shades across the light spectrum.
LED Wallpaper: With an LED wallpaper unit in place, it’s no longer a chore to alter the appearance of your favorite room. Simply flip a switch and the wallpaper will glow with a variety of color combinations.
Sunshine in a Bottle: South Africa’s Consol has created a solar-powered jar lamp. Left outside to collect sunlight all day, its LED lights will glow after dark. For those who venture outside the power grid, there’s no longer any need to mess with kerosene lamps.
LED Eyelashes: If the LED t-shirt isn’t really your style, you can make a scene at the after-party with LED-lined eyelashes. The integrated LED lights are designed to make lashes seem longer and wearers can turn them on an off with a tilt of the head.
Glow-in-the-Dark Air Quality Balloons: In addition to looking cool, these LED balloons react to local air quality, turning green, yellow, or red according to low, average, or high quality. They set the mood at a nighttime picnic and alert picnickers to unreasonable quantities of diesel and exhaust.
