Ubiquitous computing is all about embedding computation into everyday objects. But why embed when you can just screw one in?

Nathan Linder, of the MIT media lab, has parcelled two important computing trends into a neat invention he calls the LuminAR. He's created a portable computer which you can screw into any light socket. The  computer is coupled to a lumen projector and a camera, transforming any surface in the lamps vicinity into a touchscreen.

It's the low cost of user adoption that's crucial: how many light fittings within your line of sight are crying out for a touchscreen makeover? Lamps are clearly an element of our media ecologies whose time has come: check out the algorithmically sentient Pinokio Lamp for more.