Talking paper!
Some Swedish scientists with way too much time on their hands have invented talking paper:
Researchers from Mid Sweden University have constructed an interactive paper billboard that emits recorded sound in response to a user's touch.
The prototype display uses conductive inks, which are sensitive to pressure, and printed speakers.
The team envisages that the technology could be used by advertisers, and in the future, it might even be employed for product packaging.
[...]
"This pilot project could be used for stands in shops and in other marketing displays," said Dr Gulliksson.
[...]
"One interesting idea would be to use it on cigarette packaging, so instead of having a written message warning you of danger to your health, you would have a spoken one."
That cigarette package remark got me to thinking about possible applications of this technology:
Newspapers: Our attention spans have shrunk to that of the average fruit fly, and newspapers are looking for new relevance and new business models. So, why not have talking newspapers? Just touch a photograph and a voice reads the associated story to you, while your attention flits away to the nearest shiny object. (Seriously though, this would be pretty dang cool for the visually impaired.)
Condom wrappers (what they should say): "Are you sure about this? Are you going to regret this in the morning? How much have you had to drink?"
Condom wrappers (what they would say): "Woo hoo! We're gonna get some!"
Fast-food wrappers (what they should say): "This Whopper contains eight billion calories and enough cholesterol to choke a rhino. Put it down and eat a salad."
Fast-food wrappers (what they would say): "This Whopper contains all the nutrients you need. Don't eat anything but Whoppers for a balanced diet. Only wimps count calories and fat grams. Sodium is your friend."
Garbage bags: "You know, you really should do a better job of recycling. You're throwing away paper, plastic, AND glass. Don't you care about the planet?"
Napkins: "Mmmm ... chocolate."
The possibilities for porn magazines shall be left as a mental exercise for the reader.