Imagine a tool that allowed people who communicate via sign language to communicate directly and easily with people who don't understand sign language.

In case you can't imagine it, first prize of the 2012 Microsoft Imagine Cup (a student technology competition), went to the creator of a pair of gloves that does exactly this. The gloves actually translate sign language into verbal speech.

Wow.

Sensors in the gloves translate a user's hand movements into text, which is then sent to a smartphone where it's processed into spoken words.

Currently, only a prototype exists, but again … wow! I love learning about (and sharing) these incredible and exciting steps forward in the world of technology. They're coming at us from all angles, faster and faster these days, and they're truly inspiring. Love 'em.

If you're curious and would like to learn a bit more, the students put together a YouTube video about their glove concept, which you can view right here: http://tinyurl.com/lqamqp6.

Grab Bag: Your Three Random Links of the Week

1) http://tinyurl.com/m3sm7mw — What a project! An architecture student purchased a bus on Craigslist, spent $6,000 on improvements, and turned it into a fantastic living space. Lots of fun photos, clever ideas and super-smart use of space here.

2) http://tinyurl.com/k5yo6vh — A great, no-hassle app that lets you (very) easily print beautiful matte photos straight from you iPhone. They arrive at your doorstep (or, for most of us in Summit County, our P.O. Boxes) in five days or less.

3) http://tinyurl.com/kvq7oyr — The folks at Meta (a company started by former Columbia student Meron Gribetz) are focused on making a version of Google Glass that you'd actually want to wear. More along the lines of pair of designer Ray Bans instead of the geeky and awkward-looking model that exists now. This article offers some interesting insights into technology adoption — specifically on how new technologies typically bask in the status-symbol limelight prior to becoming mundane and part of everyman's every day.

Erin Pheil is the owner of TimeForCake Creative Media — the Web Strategy company voted No. 1 in Best of Summit. Visit the timeforcake website at http://www.timeforcake.com or email Erin at erin@timeforcake.com.