This project is a collaboration with Liubo Borissav, ITP 2005.
As an exploration of networked "objects", this project had a simple mission: recreate the can and string phone, but replace the string with the internet. Our purpose was simple, to keep the metaphor and aesthetics as close to the same as possible on the outer edges, and employ the technology in the middle.
Our device did just that. Using two tin cans, with embedded electronics and micro-controller managed connections to each other, these two devices could be plugged into working cat-5 internet wall plugs, and locate and communicate with each other. Standard audio signal rates posed a problem on devices with so little room for compression and audio filtering, so our output on either end became nuanced and "colored" with the static that the internet often provides. We felt, in many ways, this was an added aesthetic, as it brings to light the distortions whatever technology you employ has.
Unfortunately, this project was never appropriately documented.