#496: The World’s First Blue Light Free Computer with Anjan Katta & Tristan Scott
Apr 8, 2024
auto_awesome
Anjan Katta and Tristan Scott discuss the creation of the Daylight computer, emphasizing the importance of hardware over software, the challenges of starting a hardware company, and the impact of artificial light on health and productivity. They also touch on the fiat culture, the success of Daylight, and the importance of creating technology that respects user well-being.
Development of a unique display technology focusing on reducing eye strain and promoting health benefits.
Navigating complexities in the hardware supply chain to secure manufacturing partnerships.
Revitalizing almost discarded display technology using decades-old research for innovative screen creation.
Successful transition of academic research into a tangible product by bridging theory and practical application.
Deep dives
Creating a Healthy Computer Option
Developing a unique display technology that enhances user health by reducing eye strain, flicker, and blue light exposure. The aim is to design a distraction-free and health-improving digital experience. Initial prototype success in creating a reflective, paper-like screen technology that minimizes eye strain and promotes outdoor usage.
Supply Chain Challenges and Resilience
Navigating the complexities of the hardware supply chain, facing obstacles like high minimum order quantities, substantial upfront costs, and limited manufacturing options. Overcoming industry norms and securing manufacturing partnerships through persistent efforts and fortuitous encounters.
Innovative Screen Technology Breakthrough
Leveraging a Japanese professor's decades-long research on screen technology to revitalize an almost discarded display technology. Incorporating key advancements to enable the creation of a high-quality, fast-refreshing, reflective screen that mimics paper-like characteristics in digital devices.
Fortuitous Encounters and Serendipitous Opportunities
Benefiting from fortunate encounters, including meeting a supportive industry leader and presenting the display technology prototype at a crucial event. Seizing rare opportunities to engage with top executives from a leading manufacturer, resulting in the acknowledgment and potential adoption of the innovative screen technology.
Building a Conceptual Bridge into Practical Reality
Translating years of academic research and breakthroughs in display technology into a viable product. Bridging the gap between theory and implementation to introduce a unique and beneficial computer technology that aligns with natural design principles and human health considerations.
The Evolution from Academic Endeavor to Real-world Application
The podcast episode delves into the transition of a long-standing academic pursuit into a tangible real-world product. Initially rooted in academic research spanning decades, the innovation faced skepticism and lack of practical application due to the absence of immediate use. However, key developments, like the shift from LCD to OLED screens by major manufacturers, provided an unforeseen opportunity. This shift enabled the innovative technology to find a market, highlighting the interplay between academic curiosity and practical industry demands.
A Call for Health-Centric Technological Innovation
The discussion underscores the importance of prioritizing health-focused innovation over mainstream technological trends. By challenging prevalent practices, such as the dominance of LCD screens and attention-capturing devices, the podcast emphasizes the significance of creating hardware and software that align with user well-being. This shift from conventional tech paradigms towards health-conscious designs aims to mitigate adverse health effects associated with prolonged screen exposure and offer a more mindful digital experience.
0:00 - Intro 5:05 - Light and temperature 16:31 - Honesty 21:57 - Wisdom 25:56 - Creating Daylight 32:12 - Gradually, Then Suddenly 32:52 - Hardware has more impact than software 41:44 - Don’t start a hardware company 47:02 - Getting the screen made 59:10 - Fiat culture 1:06:42 - How Daylight succeeds 1:17:41 - Amusing Ourselves To Death
