Someday, when curved organic LEDs (OLED) are cheap enough, an arc-shaped iMac will actually be possible (to give you an idea, a 11-inch non-curved OLED screen costs $2500 today). Until then, we’ll have to settle for iView, a design concept by Nuno Teixiera with a screen he describes as “giant.” Its curved surface is said to conform naturally to the curvature of the human eye, and if it’s big enough, it’s sure to make you feel almost claustrophobic as it envelops you inside its gently curving façade.
This is sure one great-looking mockup, and we especially like that little slot on the side to store the remote control, and smile at the uselessness of the screen on the back of the thing. The idea of that is to devote a second display to whomever sits behind your Mac all day, and yes, there’s a second webcam for that obverse desk lurker as well. Nice dream, Nuno, and we look forward to its ship date, maybe sometime before man lands on Mars.
Friday, February 29, 2008
iView
Fentix Cube
Combining the brain-teasing appeal of a Rubik's cube with a multi-touch interface, British electronic engineer Andrew Fentem's Fentix Cube might be the ultimate geek toy. The full-color screens are bright enough to see in daylight and the lights can be programmed to simulate any number of multi-dimensional puzzles, including Rubik's classic (watch the video to see it in action), games or ambient lighting themes.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Glitter Gun
In what can only be a hint from the time traveler Doctor Who, the Glitter Gun has appeared on store shelves. It'll fire six fearsome shots of glitter from each cartridge like bursts of confetti — though be ready to modify it to fire gold dust in the event of an invasion. Just aim right at a Cyberman's chest-mounted breathing apparatus and pull the trigger.
The Glitter Gun sells for $8. That gets you the gun and three cartridges. For that price, you could buy one for every pocket, just in case.
The Glitter Gun sells for $8. That gets you the gun and three cartridges. For that price, you could buy one for every pocket, just in case.
Toshiba 815T PB
There's a new show coming out on Japanese television called Ketai Sousakan 7 and, as you might have guess from the massive picture between here and the headline, it features robotic phones as the main characters.
The stars of the show will also join as in the real world as the Toshiba 815T PB. It uses Japan's Softbank service, has a 3.2 megapixel camera and, curiously (as it may mean the phone will be released abroad), is 3G ready. Rumor has it the phones also transform from robot back to a handset.
They come out in Japan in April, though details are sketchy right now as to where else they'll be available, or at what cost.
The stars of the show will also join as in the real world as the Toshiba 815T PB. It uses Japan's Softbank service, has a 3.2 megapixel camera and, curiously (as it may mean the phone will be released abroad), is 3G ready. Rumor has it the phones also transform from robot back to a handset.
They come out in Japan in April, though details are sketchy right now as to where else they'll be available, or at what cost.
Spinning Shower Head
Shower technology is definitely an area that has been neglected over the years. Shower time is one of the best times of the day, so why not put bright minds to work developing products like this five-headed spinning shower head. It includes an outer, stationary ring that has 32 of the tiny shower spouts. On the inside the five head spin at 120 revolutions per minute that provide a massaging effect. It doesn't require any kind of electricity to operate (thankfully) and just needs a minimum of 0.5Pa to get the heads spinning. It is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $100 and is probably worth every penny in looks alone, not to mention functionality.
TOP Waste Bins
Sometimes the smallest measures make the biggest impact. These TOP waste bins are designed so that they can hook up to one another and form a more powerful trash-collection train — an easier way to sort garbage than if you have only one bin. They also come with a pad of adhesive labels that'll let you know exactly what refuse to put in which bin, such as glass, metals and biodegradables. At only 9.25 inches wide and holding 25 liter bags each, you can have 100 liters worth of trash sorted in a little more than three feet of space.
TOP waste bins are made by Authentics and designed by Konstantin Grcic. Any number of them can be connected together, and they sell in groups of five for the environmentally-though-not-wallet-friendly price of $140.
TOP waste bins are made by Authentics and designed by Konstantin Grcic. Any number of them can be connected together, and they sell in groups of five for the environmentally-though-not-wallet-friendly price of $140.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Q Fan
Q, the letter, confounds you in Scrabble. Q, the character, amuses you in James Bond. And Q, the subway line, frustrates you in Brooklyn. Now, Q, the fan, can keep you cool in the summer. Swiss designer Carlo Borer conceived the Q, a surprisingly practical design: the circular shape (14.2 inches diameter) is perfect for a fan, and the "tick" sticking out the side keeps the thing from rolling away — genius!
The shiny design is thanks to the stainless steel and aluminum construction, and there are three speeds to choose from. Want one for your desk? Be sure to get an electrical adapter, too, since the Q is made only for European voltages. Staying cool via the 17th letter in the alphabet will cost you $200.
The shiny design is thanks to the stainless steel and aluminum construction, and there are three speeds to choose from. Want one for your desk? Be sure to get an electrical adapter, too, since the Q is made only for European voltages. Staying cool via the 17th letter in the alphabet will cost you $200.
Credit Crad Piggy Bank
Ah, the old piggy bank. It was a great way to learn how to save your pennies when you were a kid, and there was always that satisfying smash to look forward to when you had finally saved up enough to buy that skateboard or whatever other high-priced item you wanted more than anything else in the world. As adults, we don't really need such items anymore. But that's not stopping high-minded designers from trying.
The Credit Card Piggy bank is a concept that allows you to save money by inserting a credit card in and having it wirelessly connect to your bank. It can also be used as a donation center, essentially just acting as a public credit card reader for places where you'd want to give money. Of course, there are already plenty of card readers out there that aren't shaped like pigs. Somehow, I don't think this'll be catching on, but hey, you never know.
The Credit Card Piggy bank is a concept that allows you to save money by inserting a credit card in and having it wirelessly connect to your bank. It can also be used as a donation center, essentially just acting as a public credit card reader for places where you'd want to give money. Of course, there are already plenty of card readers out there that aren't shaped like pigs. Somehow, I don't think this'll be catching on, but hey, you never know.
Glass Knives
I bet our ancient ancient ancient cousins would be jealous of these tools. Carved from glass, these knives designed by Noa Bembibre slice thru tomatoes like a hot wire thru wax.
Message Bean
An ordinary bean turned into a memorable gift called Message Beans. The bean is carefully etched in such a way that when the bean germinates and sprouts into a miniature plant, your etched in message appears, i.e., "love you". Ready to grow in its own canister, all you need to do is add water. Pretty neat gift I thought.
Modern Gnome
These peculiar ceramic gnomes are called Gno's and they are the latest addition to the lifestyle product line of Vitamin living. Gno's are meant for the modern urban consumer to correspond the outdoor garden to their stylish indoors. Pretty neat looking aren't they? These gnomes are just one of many cool and well designed products in their line, I definitely like the artistic dart board as well such a cool idea.
Sleepypod
By far the best looking pet carrier I've seen. Sleepypod by meowme is the perfect place for your cat or small dog to sleep and travel in - much more comfortable than a hard crate. The outer shell is made of ballistic nylon. Inside you'll find a nylon covered foam bed with an optional heating pad. Your pet sleeps in a plush washable shearling bed. The dome can be removed or zipped open just for a peek-a-boo. The shoulder strap completes the package; heavily padded to make transport comfortable for pet owners. At 17" in diameter and made from such high quality materials, not to mention smart looking, it's a steal at only $200.
Fish Loft
Ironic that I thought about moving into a loft all month and after doing a convoluted google search; end up with a loft for fish. The Fish Loft is a design set-up consisting of a clear acrylic tube that's pressurized so water fills the tube beyond the natural water level. The tube sits on a filtering board with openings to allow your pond fish to swim up and enjoy a higher arial view of its home. I wonder how this affects their psyche considering that most fish probably never see what's above the surface and if they did, they probably never found their way back under the water. Clearly this was designed for human entertainment because vertical tanks don't allow enough oxygen to circulate, which is why vertical fish tanks are generally bad. If you'll notice, it's only the bourgeois pretty gold fish that are swimming up there. I guess you have to be more than a bottom feeder to afford a view like that.
Charming Pins
This may be a sign of age but I've grown fond of these pins. In fact, I've been sorta pin crazy lately. Pretty soon, I'll graduate to full on broaches. These beautiful pins (yes designed for men) by Nicola Vruwink are custom made and so are their prices; $88 - $142, eeeekk! I still want one tho. Go ahead and splurge; get me one (^_^)
Luau Lamp
A simple design enhanced by some cool features. The Luau Portable Lamp is elegant enough to find a place in your living room, yet functional enough to be lifted off it's tiny charging base to do double duty as a portable lamp.
The amount of light can be controlled and at full brightness, gives you anywhere from 6 - 10 hours of light. The shell is made of polycarbonate making it super lightweight and the built in metal handle makes moving it around a snap.
I already have the candeloo light set. I think I may have to add the Luau to my home soon.
The amount of light can be controlled and at full brightness, gives you anywhere from 6 - 10 hours of light. The shell is made of polycarbonate making it super lightweight and the built in metal handle makes moving it around a snap.
I already have the candeloo light set. I think I may have to add the Luau to my home soon.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Michael Jackson Would Be So Proud
Life behind bars is no picnic and recreational activities are limited. However in the Philippines part of rehabilitation is learning how to work together. And so I give you Michael Jackson's Thriller by the inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention Center.
Nokia Wants You To Believe!
In the future, your phone is like paper thin okay? It can sniff fruit and self-cleans. It can fold into a phone, a watch, and possibly an origami crane. Okay that last one was a stretch but wouldn't it be cool if it did?!?
Now that I'm back on the Earth, check out Nokia's latest concept device dubbed Morph. A joint collaboration between Nokia Research and the University of Cambridge, it promises a future where flexible materials literally bend to your every whim.
New Meaning To Mile High
Standing over 5,000 feet, the proposed MILE tower in Jeddah City Saudi Arabia will someday claim the coveted title of world's tallest building. Although technically we can build as high as we want, other variables prevent skyscrapers from every going this tall. Issues like transport, safety, and evacuation.
But that's not gonna stop the investors in this project. If anything it's more a symbol of power and wealth in the Middle East. Still this is chump change compared to Japan's proposed XSEED.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Bambi Borg
It's a little steampunk, a little borg, and a little disturbing. Still I somehow can't refrain from staring at these pictures. Check out artist Lisa Black for more of her assimilated creations.
The Super Bowl Ad You Never Saw
Peta's TV spot was rejected by the NFL and network execs on the grounds they don't sell air time to anyone to judge or impose their personal views.
Jim Jones - Love Me No More New Video
Jim Jones goes three full wardrobe changes deep in the first 30 seconds of this video, which just goes to show how seriously intense JJ is—and has always been—about his sartorial statements. It's difficult to know where to start with his new Dipset style manifesto, what with all the distressed denim, red leather and silky fringed LV scarfing (scarves are the new bandanas) all up in the visual montage. It's safe to say though that only Jones and Juelz could ever tackle a look that's one-part Floyd Merriweather and one-part Mother Teresa, with the same kind of gusto. The rest of the Byrdgang (Cobe) might be better advised to leave that one well alone.
Sterile Masks with Style
Asia seems to be an area of the world on the verge of a hypochondria meltdown. You can often find people wearing thin sterile masks, the same one your Dentist wears, walking about the city, as if it will protect from germs and pollutants.
Designer Samira Boon plays on that distinct cultural oddity by turning a dreary preventative into something humorous called Get Well Soon Masks. 15 masks, each designed to make you look silly and make others laugh.
Matrixachu
Oh Pikachu, what have they done to you?!? DJ Kaseoshacho's flickr set isn't for the faint-hearted Pokemon fan but for those of you who despise the collectable battle creatures, you'll probably crack a smile seeing Pika looking very Borg. The 12 Pikachu circuit-bent orchestra finally makes those hardy "pika!" sounds musical enough to stomach.
Cubed Images Lit & For Sale
Remember those 3D display cubes every tech and design blog raved over a few months ago? They're finally for sale and at $3000 a piece, it's not cheap but def. an eye catcher no matter where its placed. To refresh your memories, the 3D display cube is the brain child of James Clar & Associates. It uses LED technology to generate 3D imagery from 2D data. It would be even cooler if you can import true 3D data from Maya or something to create real-time 3D imagery. Possible uses are signage, advertising, or just home display.
Playsam Goes Fitzsu
Two design enthusiasts and owners of the Fitzsu Society, a Los Angeles based home decor store decided to take the classic PLAYSAM Streamliner toy and invite 33 of their favorite designers to create their own version of the toy. The one of a kind toys were auctioned off to benefit the World Childhood Foundation. Fitz and Su chose PLAYSAM because cars are such an important part of L.A. culture.
Wonderbra + Men = BIG BULGES
An Australian company claims they have invented the "wonderbra" for men. The new undergarments lift and separate your eggroll and dumplings to make you look fuller, regardless of what your real size is. So go ahead and wear that speedo. As you can see from the picture, you can have that much and maybe more if you were blessed to begin with. My my, what will they think of next? ahaha
Freeze Me Now and Thaw Me in 2054
Because if Venezuelan designer Carlos Agell is right, we all could be driving cars with laser gyro-stabilization and liquid metal bodies. Actually, it doesn't seem too far fetched. The best shape for a car would be a circle or a sphere of sorts. After all, it is inherently the strongest shape (provided it's made up of triangles) and offers the best mass : volume ratio. I only have one question for Agell. Please tell me more about this liquid metal you speak of. I'm totally fascinated.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Resin Lamps
These plastic resin lamps by Asahi Kasei (no, not the beer company) are hauntingly beautiful. They illuminate via an ambient glow and there's a strange alien/retro quality to them. Too bad they're not for sale. :(
Drag & Draw
Those Philips people make much more exciting products in their labs than they do in the market. One of their latest inventions is the Drag & Draw installation. It's a little over my head but from what I can comprehend, it uses lasers, sensors, and digital paint to allow you to draw glowing illustrations in numerous colors. This would be a great installation for a kid's room.
Linkasink
Do you have a landlord so strict about paint, curtains, blinds, nails, etc... you can't do anything other than live in a white-walled, beige carpeted apartment? Not to worry because little things can really make your apt. uniquely urs. One thing you can do is add a little whimsical touch to that drab sink drain. Linkasink creates charming drain covers in all shapes, designs and sizes to make you smile everytime you look down. At $100 - $150 a pop, it ain't cheap but definitely an eye catcher.
Aeros Airships
When I was a kid, I had a certain vision of the future. To date, reality has only fulfilled about 25% of that vision. Where are our flying cars? Where is our unified world government? Where are the giant airships that making flying around cities a sightseeing adventure? It seems the light gliders of yesteryear are on their way back and with current advances in technology, they're safer, faster, quieter and much more ecologically sound. The Aeros company wants to make their airships available for commercial use on short range trips. They can fly at over 150 knots while expending far less fuel and provide a smoother ride for those that get air sick. The luxury liners can make that trip from Los Angeles to Vegas feel like you just spent the last hour in a posh hotel rather then locked down in an uncomfortable seat surrounded by strangers. I'm pretty much sold and would like to know how much a ticket would cost.
1984 Fishbowl
The genius of human industrial design often focuses more on our happiness than our animal cousins. Designer Danny Cheung opts to take that focus and shift it towards its subject, in this case - a goldfish. They live pretty boring lives, totally exposed for our amusement. His 1984 Fishbowl is innovative in meeting the needs of the goldfish which engages our own instinctive curiosity. The domed portholes create an ethereal magnifying lens for compelling entertainment while the opaque white walls provide refuge and privacy for our friend. The design was the star at the Australian design exhibition workshop and is now for sale. $390 buys you a piece of art and design suitable for both you and your aquatic friend.
MIT Interactive Board
Seriously tho, those guys at MIT truly are geniuses. As the Professor here demonstrates their interactive board, I can only imagine how easier physics would have been for me to grasp if I had this learning tool. The board is actually a large projection of a desktop application. Anything the professor draws, the computer can identify and apply the correct physics to the animated machine. Basically, the drawings come to life easily translating what is static to a visceral learning experience.
watch:
People of the Cirque
The athleticism and artistry that is Cirque du Soleil really defies what one thinks the body is capable of. After watching Adam Menzies practice, I'm in even greater awe knowing he does this day in, day out without flux. He makes it look so effortless that I'm almost convinced I could do the same. The flips, the balancing, the twists and twirls all show incredible strength. Just remember, he is human. It's just his equilibrium and strength are near perfection.
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