The luxury entertainment brand, Bang & Olufsen has unveiled the latest tech in its BeoSound range, the Beosound 5 Encore Music Interface. Designed by Anders Hermansen, The BeoSound 5 Encore is a plug and play digital music system, that lets you instantly index and access your digital music collection from any USB, wireless handheld device, hard disc or computer. It also connects you to over 13,000 internet radio stations from all over the world, constantly updated automatically by Bang & Olufsen. Taking intuitive music experience to another level, the BeoSound 5 Encore is ideal for those that struggle to navigate a vast digital music library or simply lack the inspiration to generate the perfect playlist. Using Bang & Olufsen’s patented MOTs algorithm, the BeoSound 5 Encore can automatically generate playlists based on the selection of a single track. Based on your track selection, the BeoSound 5 Encore analyses every track on your device to automatically select music with a similar musical signature. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 5 Encore costs $3,725. It can be wall-mounted as is, or used with the table stand or floor stand, both available as optional extras.
BMW has given out the first details and images of its i3 and i8 models before the concepts are shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the most notable features of the new design is a bodywork largely made of carbon fibre, described by BMW as a “revolution in automotive design.” The new material, which has never been used for a car body on a volume-production scale before, offers a weight reduction of between 250 and 350 kilograms, which should considerably lengthen the range and speed of the electric vehicles. The i3′s concept city car design currently offers a range of approximately 150 kilometers using a 125 kW electric motor, said BMW, with four seats and a 200-liter luggage compartment. Thanks to a weight of 1,250 kilograms, it can manage 0-100km/h in less than eight seconds, and the charging time is also pretty nippy, with an 80 percent charge in around an hour using a high speed charger. The larger i8 isn’t a fully electric vehicle but a plug-in hybrid, managing a consumption of under 3l/100km with a drive system that outputs 260 kW. Designed as a luxury sports car, it offers a top speed of 250 km/h and a 0-100km/h time of under five seconds, although at a more temperate speed the i8 will run for up to 35 kilometers on all electric drive before the hybrid system kicks in. It’s expected that both of the cars will be on show at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, which runs September 15-25 in Germany.
I’m always at the airport, and it never occurred to me that the 4th amendment is CONSTANTLY violated by the TSA, but the 4th Amendment clothing line is a little poke under the ribs at this intrusion. Now there’s a way to protest those intrusive TSA X-ray scanners without saying a word. But with the 4th metallic ink-printed undershirts and underwear, your saying everything you need to. Assert your rights without saying a word.
Mashups are all over the place, they come and go, and are part of the music entertainment world. But few people outside of the select few know what it takes to compile a solid mashup. Fortunately I was told that one of the incredible Daft Punk mashups I’ve acquired recently from Cameron Adams, came with a chart of all the songs it was blended with, and a real time map of the mixing. Click the pic below (or above) to see this intricate and interesting look about the making of a mashup.
This superyacht – dubbed the ‘Tropical island Paradise’ – has been designed by British boat builders Yacht Island Design. The 90m Tropical Island Paradise design has a theme that is centred around a secluded island paradise, with elements inspired by the islands of the Caribbean. The main exterior deck is a private beach “cove” with a voluminous ocean view swimming pool located forward that is fed by a stream emanating from a cascading waterfall on the volcano further aft. The main deck is a secluded beach ‘cove’ of cabanas surrounding a massive ocean view swimming pool. Behind these cabanas there is a bar area, communal seating area and an area for al fresco dining. Inside the huge, towering volcano is a cinema, library, games room, gym, spa and VIP suites – including an owners pad spread over two decks. The exterior of yacht was designed to give the impression of waves breaking around a volcanic island, whilst maintaining the look of a contemporary yacht design. The lavish yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests – and can travel along at a top speed of 15 knots.
For years people have seen totally transparent hand held devices in sci-fi movies, and although they look super cool, I never personally wondered how they would be powered. My good friend Anna Novikov has a thing for a particular translucent cell phone I featured on the blog a while back, and the technology in this post is exactly what was supposed to power that concept. Researchers at Stanford University have just created a thin, flexible, totally transparent lithium-ion battery. It is about the size and shape of a Listerine breath mint strip, and as clear as Saran Wrap. According to an article on the university’ website, researchers were inspired to make a see-through battery partially because they want transparent Apple products to be a reality in the future. The challenge of making a battery see-through is that certain key materials that make a battery work are fundamentally not transparent, and no good transparent substitutes could be found. The Stanford scientists found a way around the hurdle by making the non-transparent parts of the battery so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye.
This concept computer-of-the-future by designer Jakub Záhoř allows the user to operate the device anywhere they can find a glass surface. The user simply attaches the central unit to any glass surface like a window or coffee table, switches on the power, and watches their system light up before their eyes. The display appears as an interactive hologram on the glass that the user merely has to touch to operate. It also makes for an easy, take-anywhere way to project photos and presentations or stream movies. Windex not included.
Conceived as a meandering ribbon-like form, the design of the park aims to bind the facility together with the surrounding community. Pinched in its appearance, the smooth and complex structure creates a series of dynamic spaces that seem to reflect the vibration and energy of the city. Iconic and bold, the mixed-use ‘park’ stands out from the retail context of its neighboring plots, possessing a highly visible identity that when complete, will become a destination in its own right. Defined by its calligraphic gesture and distinctive metallic envelope, the mixed-use building features four twisting and elongated volumes, each representing a distinct cluster of activities. Intimate courtyards sit in the negative space between the intersecting wings, and together with the green roof, integrate nature into the dense urban environment. Curvilinear forms and expansive interior volumes continue throughout the internal spaces, where the architecture begins to dictate how the facility is used and experienced.
Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka has collaborated with Cartier to bring a traveling exhibition called “Cartier Time Art”. Cartier Time Art is an exhibition that will take visitors “on a journey to the heart of Cartier watchmaking.” The exhibition unites the largest number of Cartier timepieces ever displayed in public, from its origins through to the present day.
The unique journey offered by the exhibition begins in 1874, displaying 158 vintage pieces from Cartier collection. Introducing twelve movements and seventeen Fine Watchmaking timepieces, the journey finishes in the present day with the ID-One watch, a concept timepiece which offers a glimpse into the watchmaking future at Cartier. It will be held at Bellerive Museum, Ein Haus des Museum für Gestaltung Zürich from Friday, August 26 to Sunday, November 6, 2011.
2011 saw the launch of the first automatic mechanical movement for Corum’s iconic Golden Bridge watch, featuring an innovative linear winding system. Corum has take the watch to a new level for the special Only Watch event, the one-of-a-kind piece has a titanium case with a matte finish and provides great views of the movement from both the dial, case-back and sides of the watch. The back of the watch is specially engraved with the Corum logo and the “Only Watch Piece Unique” inscription in red.
The ASUS-Automobili Lamborghini VX7 has come speeding onto the UK market. Fans of the iconic Italian brand, especially those who can’t afford the cars’ million-dollar price tags, can bring a piece of grand touring tradition into their office. The laptop offers a distinctive outer-casing design, a 15.6″ display, dual 750GB hard drives and quad-core 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processors and is the world’s first laptop with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics. “The VX7 stays faithful to its Automobili Lamborghini pedigree with sheer performance for gaming, multimedia, online entertainment and productivity.
What’s more, in two directly licensed colors and with exquisite style in detailed design finishes, it perfectly reflects the panache of the Lamborghini’s iconic image”. The laptop is priced at £1,999 (€2265) and is available now from Anvika or Amazon. For those of you wanting something a little more portable, Asus makes a Lamborghini VX6 laptop with a 12.1″ display.
Excentricity is defined as a deviation from what is ordinary or customary. To match this definition we couln´t just modify an existing vehicle but had to start designing something new from scratch. The result is a completely new driving concept: The driver lies headlong on his three-wheeled vehicle and accelerates the “EX” with sprawled out arms up to 30 km/h. Eccentrically is also how the steering works: A specially developed joint tilts the back wheel and leans the driver´s weight dynamically into the curve. The vehicle was built and designed in cooperation with Sebastian Auray, Ruben Faber and Ludolf von Oldershausen.
The driver controls the vehicle with brake and gas handles and by tilting the back wheel with its body. The headlong position gives you an exiting driving experience. Both screwdrivers run in the same direction to get the maximum power out of them. To avoid one screwdriver blocking the other, overrunning clutch gearwheels are used to transmit the torque. Steering with the spine-shaped joint is very different from holding a steering wheel or handle bar. You have to use your whole body to tilt and bend the vehicle. After going through numerous tests and models, the joint´s individual parts were CNC milled. Modified bicyle parts are used for most of the drive components. Instead of hiding all mechanical parts under a bodywork everything is left uncovered to show how the vehicle works: A skeleton with its organs was the inspiration for this design.
After my recent trip to my boy’s lake house on Lake Almanore, I’ve been obsessed with boating. So when I found this watch from Frédérique Constant, I felt like I needed it. Since 2009, Swiss watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant celebrates the legendary Runabout yachts of the roaring 20s by offering an attractive series of limited edition timepieces named “Runabout”. To complete the best-selling range, the Geneva-based brand this year introduces a new version: the Runabout Moonphase. Absolutely magnificent through its stunning design, this model is available in a limited quantity of just 1’888 pieces per material. Featuring a case diameter of 43mm and presented in stainless steel or rose gold plated, the new Runabout Moonphase watches offer finely decorated silvered dials. Traditionally, each Runabout timepiece comes with its own luxurious, handmade wooden case that echoes the passionate craftsmanship of the yachts. Alongside the watch, a miniature reproduction of a classic Runabout boat can be found inside the unique gift box.
Breguet has unveiled a new one-of-a-kind Reveil Musical watch, created specially for Only Watch 2011. It enchants the audience with a unique tune, “Castle in the sky”, played on demand or at a pre-set time. The new Breguet watch boasts a round-shaped 48mm case in 18-carat white gold. The case-band is engraved with a musical stave. The model reveals rounded and soldered lugs as well as screw-secured spring-bars. Its back side is engraved with the “Piece Unique” inscription. Inside the timepiece is hidden an automatic mechanical cal. 0900 movement. It is numbered and marked with the Breguet signature. The mechanism incorporates a silicon escape-wheel and a lever as well as a Breguet balance spring. Adorned with 59 jewels, the caliber operates at a frequency of 4Hz and offers a 55-hour power reserve. The new Breguet Reveil Musical watch strikes the eye with a rotating hand-guilloched dial. It depicts a child whose hand is reaching out to an adult hand, a symbolic gesture of the “inter-generational solidarity and support for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy”, according to Breguet.
High functionality, fine materials and impressive style characterise the new AMG Selection 2011 of first-class accessories. The products are available in a business line for the office and commercial environment and a casual range for sport and leisure. The collection includes items such as a functional laptop trolley suitcase in leather/nylon with variable interior compartments for clothes, a laptop and cable compartment plus wheels with AMG styling. Other business accessories include a documents case with credit card and organizer compartments, a matt-finished aluminum retractable ball-point pen, a wallet, a key case plus a credit card holder. Finally, the sports and leisure items in the AMG Selection 2011’s casual range include practical windcheaters, polo shirts and caps for women, men and children. he collection includes the compact or full-size umbrella with a leather handle, Teflon coating, fiber-glass ribs and an embossed AMG logo, plus a leather sports bag, a key case and ring in carbon fibre/leather plus a matching lanyard in AMG-look. For model car enthusiasts the AMG Selection 2011 also offers the gull-wing SLS AMG as high-quality 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18 scale models.
There are so many things folks can do in New York, but one of the first things that newcomers tend to do is take a tour. But recently someone out in the city had the smart idea to just film a tour… and this isn’t one from a bus, a bike, or a boat. A small camera was strapped to a professional grade remote controlled air plane, and let loose around the city. Check the video below, the images they captured are pretty dope.
There are some truly great graphic artists out there online who turn in work that rivals those of the professionals who get paid the big bucks. Evidence such another great talent has just manifested itself over at SlashFilm in the form of some great computer animated character designs for one of my favorite films of all-time: Ghostsbusters. The man behind the work in question is Fabrizio Fioretti who merely worked on these designs in his free time on evenings and weekends. The collection reminds me so much of the ‘TMNT‘ version of the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles. These are truly breathtaking and make our proton-packing heroes look like they just came straight out of Pixar Animation Studios. Here are Fabrizio Fioretti’s computer animated Ghostbusters characters.
I got a sneak peek of the movie ‘Bad Teacher’ the other day, and was thoroughly impressed. I went to the screening with my good friend Jeanie, who happens to be a nurse in the Bay Area, and she told me there are some people on her hospital staff that remind her of Ms. Halsey from the movie. In the process of the conversation she mentioned a fake stethoscope that actually functions as a pair of head phones. I was so fascinated by this, I did a little digging and I found them. “Stetheadphones” allow you to make and receive calls, access voice-control features, and manage music playback from your iPhone or iPod. Quite ingenious.
Just a few months ago Romain Jerome announced a licensing deal authorizing the manufacture of a Space Invaders-themed timepieces–and now they have arrived. In a nod to 1980’s pop culture, Romain Jerome has introduced two 78-piece limited edition watches featuring the iconic Space Invaders characters on the dial. Taito Corp. created Space Invaders in 1978 and is also known as the developer of Arkanoid, another popular favorite video game from these times.
The two 78-piece limited series of the RJ-Romain Jerome Space Invader watches are distinguished by their dial. The latter is composed of three layers of pixelated and shotpeened dies featuring hand-drawn file strokes. The 3.5 mm-sized Space Invaders are lacquered in different colours (“day” version) or coated with Superluminova (“night” version), each individually machined and hand-applied.
It’s easier than ever to produce professional looking photographs. Some mobile phones can produce stunning results but ask any professional photographer and they’d say people are diving into the prosumer market without understanding key fundamentals like framing and composition. The SLOW concept turns your mobile phone into a camera that gives you control over three built-in lenses; fixed, macro and fisheye. Frame your composition and push the shutter.
This is how it works:
To operate, slide the front face open and insert your mobile phone.
Turn the lens to select which lens effect you want.
The Slow Photography camera has three lenses; fixed focal length, macro and fisheye. Carefully compose your shot by looking through the viewfinder and push the shutter release to capture your shot.
If you want to see what Earth looks like from space, become an astronaut (or, barring that, a space tourist). For the next best view, pay a visit to Tokyo’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation where a massive, nearly 20-foot spherical OLED orb–the world’s first large scale spherical OLED–offers a satellite’s-eye view of the planet in super high resolution.
“Geo-Cosmos” is made up of 10,362 OLED panels that display continuously-updating satellite footage of our tiny blue marble, representing what our planet looks like from space in something close to realtime. It replaces an earlier model covered in LED panels, offering museum-goers a full 10 million pixels, a resolution 10 times greater than its predecessor.
And like any good museum exhibit, Geo-Cosmos is interactive. Touchscreens surrounding the globe allow viewers to tap all kinds of earth science data streaming in from all over the world, like simulations showing the origin of the March 11 earthquake that devastated Japan and the dispersion of all of that energy via tsunamis that reached all the way around the Pacific. See it for yourself below.
Bell & Ross‘s one-off timepiece for the Only Watch auction features a roulette design built on top of their popular BR 01 watch. This timepiece, done in all 18k pink gold, is a tribute to the country of Monaco which will be hosting the Only Watch auction this upcoming September. The “0″ number on the roulette wheel indicates the hours (there are 12 little diamonds on the outer edge of the dial for standard timekeeping), the roulette ball indicates the minutes. The roulette spinner which will rotate once every 60 seconds. The auction will take place in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Yacht Show on September 22th 2011. The watches will be exhibited in an eight-city tour that includes: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Milan and Geneva.
A futuristic airplane concept could herald a future where business and economy class give way to work and play areas on board the aircraft of the future. That’s the vision of Airbus, which this week unveiled its ideas of the plane of 2050, complete with a ‘bionic’ shell which turns partially transparent to provide a panoramic view for passengers. In the front, the company has integrated a relaxation (“vitalizing”) area, while the rear of the aircraft includes a “smart tech” space for working and virtual conferencing.
In the middle, an “interactive” zone allows passengers to move around a virtual reality cocoon, with the walls transforming to offer them lifelike experiences such as rounds of golf or video conferences. Passengers will be able to enjoy seats that mold to their body shape, and an automatic bag loading system which delivers hand luggage to the correct place above their seat. Some of this technology simply doesn’t exist yet, but in many cases the airline is building on ideas which have already been implemented, to some degree, by today’s airlines — if you can’t wait, here’s how to enjoy tomorrow’s technologies today:
Fully stocked bar: Already a staple of Virgin Atlantic’s offering, a place where business class guests can mingle, sip cocktails and tuck into nuts.Electronic passenger identification using handprints: not used on aircraft, but used to speed up security by some airports (often as part of a premium package).Mood lighting: available on some carriers and is set to become even more so — it comes as standard on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to go into service with All Nippon later this year.
Angled seats: A variant is offered in the new business class cabin on board Cathay Pacific‘s long-haul routes, where the long seats have been angled to point towards the windows to give a better view.
Seat canopies: Emirate’s first-class suites feature electronic sliding doors, while some KLM business class services feature “privacy canopies.”
Virtual screens: Not quite in cabins yet, but the size and shape isn’t a million miles away from the wide screens offered to passengers bySingapore Airlines, Etihad and Emirates (among others), some of which offer a view from the front of the aircraft via cameras mounted on the fuselage.
Virtual golf: Space restrictions mean this isn’t a reality yet, but Air France already offers a virtual art gallery using touch screens on board its A380 aircraft.
‘Through The Wormhole’ is a show hosted by Morgan Freeman on the science channel, where he breaks down certain scientific mysteries. I personally found it hilarious that a person who played God in multiple movies, and has never been young hosted a show about time travel. (Yes, Morgan Freeman has never young, it’s true). But all in all, the show was quite interesting. Check it out below.
Luxury mobile phone manufacturer Gresso, unveiled its new exclusive project, the iPhone4 Time, “designed specifically for people living in the rhythm of world time”. The iPhone4 Time Machine houses six independent mechanical Swiss watches behind the smartphone’s case protected by a mineral glass with diamond coating. The 6 clocks display time zones of the world’s business hubs: Tokyo, Moscow, Paris, London, New York and Hong Kong. Amazingly, Gresso claim that the iPhone 4 Time Machine is only 1mm thicker than a vanilla iPhone 4 (which measures 9.3mm). The Gresso iPhone 4 Time Machine is coming out “in 2011” and it will set you back $6,000.
