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"Tangible computing has a long history of interest in technology circles; like augmented reality and computer-supported cooperative work, it has long been the focus of research studies in academic institutions, and not ironically, the focus of a large quantity of science fiction movies, too. It is only in the past half-decade, however, that the stars have aligned to support tangible computing in practice The low cost of technical components, a more ubiquitous approach to rapid prototyping, and introductory behavioral memes (such as touch-based computing, made popular by the iPhone) have pushed tangibility to the forefront of actually shipping consumer products and have encouraged the development of product ecologies as related to systems, services, and the blurring of lines between physical and digital computing. Timely, then, is Mark Gross and Mark Baskinger's cover story describing the opportunities-and challenges-of tangible computing in normal life. They introduce the new and old, and emphasize the importance of product form in bringing tangibility to life in an appropriate and reflective manner. Don Norman builds on the premise of "transmedia"- technological media solutions that aren't just functional, but are also pleasurable and satisfying."