Dyson Air Multiplier bladeless fan explained by James Dyson

Earlier this week, at the launch of the new Dyson Air Multiplier or bladeless fan, we spoke with its inventor James Dyson about it and his other inventions.

It's clear from even one glance that Dyson's Air Multiplier is unconventional. Where other desktop fans have a giant set of blades enclosed in a grille, the Dyson fan's focal point is basically a large hole.

Air is drawn into the base of the device and pushed through a tiny 1.3mm gap at the rear of the circular section. This creates a draught of air, which in turn sucks in more air from the sides of the air stream, as well as from the back of the device.

The Dyson Air Multiplier is available now in three colour schemes and two sizes. The AU$399 model features a hole measuring 30cm in diameter and comes in either white or grey, while the 25cm unit is slightly cheaper at AU$379 and is grey with blue highlights.

Watch the video above to find out from the horse's mouth how the Air Multiplier works, details on some of his more obscure inventions, the process of reinventing common household goods and whether he's a Windows or a Mac man.