If you cannot find a pair of headphones that visually meets your needs from Kotori’s more than 100 variations, you may have more serious problems than just the lack of cool audiowear.

However, if you just don’t like any of the suggested color combinations, you can easily design your own by selecting the color of each of the 10 components, or just hit shuffle and see what happens randomly.

With the technology of the Japanese Fostex, supplier of recording and speaker gear for professionals, Kotori headphones should meet your needs also in audio quality.

These headphones will likely add a few problems to your life, though: They are so cool that you will forever be telling everyone where you got them AND you will have to keep a close eye on your Kotoris as your design-hungry friends will want to borrow them.

Apparently, kotori means little bird, or lucky bird in Japanese, and screech owl spirit in native American Hopi language. Either way, you will want to flaunt these, even if you only played mute.

In the appealing Japanese style that it both cute and sleek in its rounded friendliness and minimalist functionality, Kotori headphones have a yummy sensibility that makes you want to choose several pairs at once. Each of the seven pre-set themes – pop, sweet, cool, vivid, natural, animal, and delicious – has 15 variations. Our current favorites are the Mikan in Vivid and the retro Woody in Natural. - Tuija Seipell

In days gone by, headphones were the size of half-a-head and blocked out the entire outside world. The audio was amazing but you sweated profusely because of the generous foam padding. And you looked idiotic. Through several mutations, we then ended up at the other extreme, with minuscule earbuds that nearly vanished in your ear — and you still looked dorky.
 
Now, we have moved on to “audio fashion wear” that combines the best of all worlds. Copenhagen’s AIAIAI with its design partners at Kilo has come up with stylish, light-weight Tracks Headphone Series that combines toned-down nostalgic looks with superior sound quality. A leather version of Tracks, in natural and black, is apparently in the works as well.

More retro on-ear fashion is available at WeSC (WearetheSuperlativeConspiracy), established in 1999 in Stockholm. Some of their latest models seem eerily and comfortingly familiar, especially our current favorite, the MARACA 0004068 created for WeSC by Stockholm-based Norra Norr. - Tuija Seipell

When Philippe Starck works, our world watches – and when Starck teamed up with LaCie to help design two new external hard drives, we stayed attentive. Both the mobile and desktop hard drives appear to have fluid silver magma protected by a hard aluminum outer shell – or as Starck describes it, a brain with a motorcycle helmet.

Beyond pure aesthetics, the inner ‘brain’ is touch-sensitive as well, allowing users to manipulate applications. The devices connect via a USB cable and do not require their own power supply. The desktop model comes in 1TB or 2TB capacities, while the mobile drive holds either 430GB or 500GB. - Andrew J Wiener.

Maybe you're someone who constantly thinks: if only I were more organized? Or maybe you're one of those overly organized people who knows exactly where everything is at all times and is always searching for the next best thing to fuel your obsessive compulsive tendencies? Either way, the Cocoon GRID-IT! Organizer could be just what you need. 

Woven elastic bands hold your stuff in place - whether it's electronics that were previously shoved into extra pockets of your laptop carrying case - or the bottomless pit of a toolbox that's stored under the kitchen sink waiting to explode open. The Cocoon GRID-IT could even be used for toiletries - so imagine not having to worry about leaky shampoo bottles floating around inside your travel bag. Organization never looked better. - Andrew J Wiener

Just when technology couldn't get much easier, it suddenly does, thanks to some handy new devices from IPEVO - a company specialising in enhancing experiences over the internet.

Take the TR-10i for example, your new desktop pal. It's the ultimate accomplice for anyone who uses Skype and iChat as much as we have been lately.

So what exactly does it do? It works as a desktop mic, a speakerphone and also as a handset for when you want to take a private call. With dedicated Skype buttons, you may never have to pay for a call again. Want to record a call to listen back to at a later date or to add to your podcast? This gadget has got you covered. It also weighs next to nothing so is pretty handy to take with you on business trips and of course it helps that it is a bit of a good looker.

Also from the IPEVO team come some new WiFi toys for the office, including the desktop Skype phone (no computer needed), and a wireless digital frame that actually looks nice (hurrah!) and streams images straight from your computer. Because fussing around with memory cards is not such a fun thing to do. Another sweet feature is the inbuilt search function which allows you to search and display images straight from flickr and content from RSS streams.

So get involved, get communicating, and give your friends a call on your nifty new gadgets. They'll be well impressed. - Brendan McKnight.

Drum roll please.....introducing the G1, the new Google phone - one of the most hotly anticipated gadgets to hit our techno-hungry world in the last few years. The world's first Android phone, the GI has been developed so users can have the Google 'instant' search experience on their phones. It boasts impressive features such as a motion sensor, which allows users to navigate Google Maps just by turning the phone. The good-looking handset features a 3.2 inch touch screen and slide-out qwerty keyboard, so it slips easily between the two functions withouth one crowding the other.



The phone was designed by San Francisco-based designers Mike and Maaike, who worked with Google to create a pioneering mobile communications device which fulfills all of our phone, internet and search needs just as efficiently as our laptops or desktops. What does it mean for Apple, we hear you wondering out loud? Time will only tell. It's certainly the first real competitor the iPhone has faced. Whatever happens...it's got us interested. We want one. Now. - Lisa Evans

 
The venerable Italian brand Brionvega thinks the 60s and 70s are worth bringing back, or that at least some of the design sensibilities of the era warrant new life. The classic, groundbreaking Radiofonografio, divined in 1965 by two of the three Castiglioni brothers, Pier Giacomo and Achille, is making a new entrance as RR226. In 1965, the 'musical component robot' was a home electronic marvel that in one sleekly designed device included a radio, amplifiers and a record player (for both 45s and 33s).
 
The modernized model has also a CD and DVD players but otherwise it is as close as possible to the original. The amplifiers are moveable which makes it possible to create different configurations both for visual and listening pleasure. Showcased at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, RR226 may be a while coming to a store near you. But like so many of the Castiglioni brothers' objects, still produced and/or displayed by Zanotta, Flos, Artemide and MoMA, the Radiofonografio is most likely going to stay with us for yet another long period. - Tuija Seipell


 

Here at The Cool Hunter we are always on the look out for innovative gadgets that as well as being aesthetically pleasing, are also practical and can be used in real world situations. miShare is such a product.

One of the biggest problems that people have with iPods is that unless you have a diploma in hacking, it is extremely difficult to share your tunes, especially without getting a computer involved. That is of course until now. Want the latest album from your friends' iPod? Simply connect both iPods to the miShare unit, press the button and away you go. It's kind of like swapping football cards in the playground, although much cooler.

Providing that your files are not DRM protected (that's digital rights management to you technophobes), everything from movies to photos to songs can be transferred. Even entire playlists. Nice. There is however one downside - for now the unit does not work with the iPhone or iPod touch, although we are told that a firmware update is being looked in to.

Developed in Brooklyn and currently being shipped to all corners of the world for US$100, may the sharing epidemic begin. By Brendan McKnight
 

Remember when Joey and Chandler from Friends started a foosball craze in the 90s? This new product could well mark a revival of the game and attract a league of new players and also be a hit with those who are already passionate about a bit of table football with the gang.

'11' is a new table designed by GRO design and developed by TIM model makers. It is due to be exhibited for the first time at Milan Design Week later this month

The thought behind the design was to reflect the many football stadiums built in recent years that are architecturally stunning, have become landmarks and represent the spirit and passion of the game. If the stadiums are becoming so spectacular, then why shouldn't the foosball tables?



Much thought and care has gone into the craftsmanship and concept. The 22 players are finished in bright silver chrome that represents footballers' status in sport and society. The lighting effects and the software controlling the game add further excitement to the atmosphere and to the experience of playing the game.

And now that we have whet your appetite and you have your credit cards ready, we must give you the bad news. For now, only one prototype model exists . However, it will not surprise us if they end up being manufactured very, very soon by the hundreds. By Brendan McKnight

Ohm, the measured frequency of the elliptical orbit of the Earth as it travels around the sun, as well as our musical centre of gravity. Ohm is said to be the purest of sounds — the vibration and resonance created first and foremost by our place in the universe. But how many of us have actually heard the subtle tone created by our planet?  And what about the possibly millions of other undetected sounds that surround us each day?

Duncan Wilson knows that sound resonates from every surface in our environment — if even in the form of the must subtle whisper. Wilson wondered how many of these undetected sounds could be identified, combined and amplified to create a new sonic experience in the form of ambient music.

OTTO (meaning ‘ear’ in Greek), created by Wilson, along with Manolis Kelaidis at the Royal College of the Art, is a device that uncovers diminutive vibrations by placing magnets and suction mechanisms on various surfaces and magnifies them through an integrated speaker.  By placing several units on your window, a glass of melting ice water, a goldfish bowl, or any other unassuming item in your surroundings, OTTO devises a multidirectional audio atmosphere. By Andrew J Wiener

If you’re like us, you sometimes get that nostalgic feeling for picking up the phone your mum had in your kitchen growing up.  But in the constant struggle to find a phone small enough so you can’t see it in your pocket when you leave the house, you probably forgot how comforting it was to cradle a phone between your ear and shoulder and talk for hours. 

Now YUBZ has designed a USB Skype phone for computers and mobile phones. YUBZ TALK ONLINE works with most PC’s and Mac’s (US$44.95) because it comes with VOIP plug-and-play technology in black, red, white and yellow. For the same price you can also get the YUBZ TALK MOBILE in 10 different colours.  It’s designed to attach to most mobile phones. By Andrew J Wiener

Even though the word wireless gets used as often as 'I love you', our lives still seem inundated with cords at just about every turn. From the mobile and ipod charger through to the vibrator and epilady, its cords, cords, cords. This new wall-mountable charging station does not eliminate the hordes of wiring that surround these devices, it simply disguises them. The slim line station stores all the wires inside it, revealing just a few simple docking slots where your lifeless devices slip in for a full recharge. At $35USD, its the best 'swept under the carpet' routine on the market. By Andy G

>

Lighting Stripes and magic tape are illuminating advertising spaces. These products project a continuous 180-degree light, bright enough to be seen from up to 130 meters (426 ft) at night. The tape is totally flexible and can be wrapped around
any surface as well as cut to any shape and size.

Lighting Stripes & Magic Tape are completely dimmable for funky lighting effects, as well as appealing backlit displays. The concept behind the tape has also been used in a range of furniture pieces by the manufacturer Elshine.

The tapes thousand and one uses range from wearing them as a Flashdance headband and hitting the clubs through to gift wrapping Grandma's birthday gift and blinding her.

One thing is for sure, if these were around in the 80's, George Michael would have wallpapered his entire house with it. OTT!
By Andy G

Isn't it about time you invest in a new laptop sleeve? Here's one sure to raise a few eyebrows in the office. Spotted any  other interesting laptop sleeve/bags we should know about? tip us

Sometimes, as speakers get smaller, so does the sound. Not so with the first ever FireWire bus powered speakers by Lacie.

Designed by Neil Poulton, these little wonders have a minimum output of 5W, producing amazingly clear sound. The fact that they are firewire powered means that they do not need an AC adapter, resulting in better portability and less cable clutter.

The sleek, and simple design perfectly reflect their brilliant function - simple and clear. And for $79, its a steal. by Andy G

When it comes to cycling, combining safety with style is not always easy. However, these new bicycle tires from Sweetskinz merge the two effortlessly. Sweetskinz is a range of nocturnal tires which are light reflective at night.

Unlike many reflective add-on features, the entire rubber tire itself is reflective. With urban edge, graffiti inspired patterns such as the fiery 'Scorch' and the snake like 'Rattleback', riders can be seen at night in style. by Andy G

see also, pac man bike spokes and hokey spokes

With a cargo ship load of various portable sound systems and accessories on the market, the battle for the funkiest design has been fiercely fought for a few years now. One design that certainly stands out is the transparent ghetto-blaster from Nokia.

This simple, brief case inspired design comes complete with old school handle for portability and small feet for stability. Inside, which you can clearly see from the outside lies a simple shelf that seperates your Nokia Phone from the internal speakers. Thats it!  With the addition of volume control, the transparent ghetto-blaster is pretty much complete.

With the units campaign launch set around parks and beaches around Finland, the push to take your music out of the house was a key factor in the successful marketing of this clearly brilliant device. Nokia’s vision is clear. by Bill T

Dutch giant 'Philips' has showcased its new cutting edge product line up at the Philips Simplicity Event, which kicked off in London last week. The event was decked out to create a futuristic environment in which the products where perfectly suited to be presented. Set in sleek white home environments, the products were demonstrated not by bikini clad bimbos like at a car show, but rather by actors who played the role of the everyday consumer. From lifestyle displays through to health tips, the demonstrations were a hit, and provided audiences with a great range of variety. Some event highlights included:

A . E. C. L (top left)
The Ambient Experience Catheterization Lab is a breakthrough in exploratory techniques and patient comfort. By inserting a thin and flexible catheter into a patients blood vessel, doctors can gain access into the heart without exploratory surgery. Then through the use of x-ray imaging diagnoses, treatment can be performed.

The beauty of this break through lies in the patients mindset. A large mirrored monitor projects a mixture of light and images onto the ceiling and in the patients view to create a soothing ambiance which comforts and distract the patient from the procedure at hand.

THE FAMILY ALBUM (top right)
An interactive digital frame that allows photos to be downloaded, stored and displayed, all within the photo-frame. The unit comes with built in sound and visual effects, which allows users to create soundtracks or voice notes to accompany the vast range of pictures it hold. Perfectly replaces the traditional, hard to store photo album.

DRAG & DRAW (bottom left)
Kids can get as creative as they like with this laser beam drawing kit. By using a wand over a laser projection bucket, kids can draw on walls with light rather than crayons. The unit allows virtually any surface to become a blank canvas, and kids can draw happily without the need to clean up after themselves or fear of running out of colorful pens.

LOOKING GOOD (bottom right)
The Philips' looking-good' system is a facial skin care revolution. The unit virtually makes skin care creams and procedures redundant by using the technology of light. The concept involves the use of a base, a skin analyze, a bowl and a cleansing stick which actually diagnoses the state of your skin. Once the stick has analyzed the skin, it assesses the treatment required. Light techniques enable blue lights to heal breakouts, whilst the bowl itself omits red light that rejuvenates and nourishes tired skin. Ella Bache look out, the bowl is in control! by Billy T

Get lost? Do you? Well, yet another bright young designer from the U.K is developing a system that will have tag and name exactly what your staring at. Google Vision is a conceptual product developed by Callum Peden, for the worlds favorite search engine. The product provides the user with a truly unique information hub by combining GPS, OLED technology and advanced image recognition in the form of a retractable screen device.

The Global Positioning System will see the end of wondering the streets asking for directions and the small roller ball will allow for easy navigation of the flexible screen. Brilliant for identifying landmarks whilst on holidays, Google vision acts as  a personal; tour guide.

As well as this, advanced image recognition will mean Google Vision can target well known landmarks. Then using the increased coverage of wireless internet, provide the user with information on their surroundings wherever they may be. by Andy G

http://www.thecoolhunter.net/images/stories/_2006/PICS/3dgoogle.jpg" /> src="http://www.thecoolhunter.net/images/stories/_2006/PICS/3dgoogle.jpg" />

Designed by a young UK designer, Pei Kang Ng, Google3D is meant as a viable business proposal for Google, five to ten years from now. With Google3D, the idea is literally, to bring the conveniences of the search engine to your fingertips.  Now, you can find out things on the move - wherever and whenever you want to - just by taking a picture. You don't even have to type! Considering the technological advances in search, wireless technology and flexible screens, it should be a matter of time before the concept becomes feasible in technical terms. This handy partner brings the Google search bar into your world of real, tangible objects - you do not have to sit in front of your computer anymore. Armed with a camera, it allows you to search live! with a simple snapshot.
 
Scenario 1) Looking for a bargain? Take a picture of the product and Google will tell you where to buy it cheaper.
Scenario 2) Lost? Take a picture of the nearest road sign or any landmarks, and Google tells you where you are.
Scenario 3) Looking for a good restaurant? Simply take a picture of the restaurant’s signage and Google will tell you its customers ratings. by Andy G