Monday, 21 April 2008 |
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 $100, may the sharing epidemic begin. By Brendan McKnight.
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Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
A year ago, we featured a prototype for Emotibles in our 'hot pick'
section and boy, were they ever a hot pick! Following the buzz,
husband and wife team Jonathan and Kate Hall - the brains behind
the product - decided to roll with the project. They have not looked
back since. Even the New York Times featured them based on the impact we created.
So what is the hype all about? Huge with the teenage market, Emotibles are
essentially accessories for accessories. We all love to customize so
think of these as the Spokey Dokes for the screenager generation.
Emotibles are marketed as "expressive charms to snazz up those boring,
white, everywhere-ad-nauseam iPod earbuds." The Halls based their
emotive characters fittingly on emoticons and have expanded the line by
featuring them on baby tees and post-its.
As with all popular ideas, other players quickly pop up. So, now we introduce to you Budclicks.
It is essentially the same concept, this time aimed at a slightly
broader demographic. The team at Budclicks has thought of everything
from cutesy flowers, to indie-kid skulls, to representing your
candidate with 'polito-clicks', because campaign buttons are soo last
year, baby. By Brendan McKnight
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Thursday, 31 January 2008 |
Ohm, the measured frequency of the elliptical orbit of the Earth as it
travels around the sun, as well as our musical center 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.
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Tuesday, 15 January 2008 |
Apple releases the new Macbook Air - The world's thinnest notebook.
The new year – the time for change – the time for resolutions – the
time for the latest announcements from MacWorld in San Francisco.
We oohed when Steve Jobs pulled the first iPod Nano out of the small
pocket in his jeans. We counted the days until we could feel the
new iPhone in our own hands. And just this morning, we marvelled
when the world’s thinnest laptop was pulled out of an envelope.
Weighing just 3 pounds, a remarkable 0.16 inches at its thinnest point
and merely 0.76 inches at its maximum height, the MacBook Air was
born. Typically as laptop computers have become smaller,
sacrifices to the size of the screen as well as the size of the
keyboard had to be made. Miraculously the new MacBook Air did not
suffer on account of its weight loss. The design includes a 13.3
inch widescreen display using LEDs that consume less power and still
provide a sharp picture. And forget about cramming your fingers
while you’re typing, the MacBook Air has a fullsize, backlit keyboard
as well.
But naturally size alone is usually not enough to impress us. Along
with the features and programs we would expect to find on any new
Apple computer, the coolest new addition is the multifunctional
trackpad. Of course we’re used to Mac’s two-finger tap and
two-finger scroll trackpad features. What excites us here is that
multi-touch innovations created for the iPhone have been adapted for
MacBook Air. The new and improved trackpack allows users to pinch
(increase or decrease text/photo size), swipe (three finger gesture to
scroll through multiple pages) and rotate (photos).
For this new year, if one of your resolutions, like always, includes
getting thinner, the new MacBook Air could have you covered. The
world’s thinnest notebook has arrived – and check out apple.com/hotnews for the complete list of MacWorld 2008 announcements. By Andrew J Wiener
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Tuesday, 18 December 2007 |
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The scene: crowded international airport. The dilemma: delayed
flight to destination. The solution: quick and easy call on
mobile phone detailing situation. The annoyance: dead cell phone
battery from daily overuse. The remedy: desperate hunt for any
available wall-mounted power outlet in terminal. The problem: power
charger for cell phone packed in checked luggage.
While the exact details of the above situation may have never actually
occurred for each and every one of you, chances are most of you have
known the frustration of losing use of your cell phones. Although
it would seem not many of us consider battery life a top priority when
purchasing a new phone for ourselves. A much higher priority is
given to the features of the phone as well as its aesthetics. Can
I access the internet? How much of my music library can it
hold? And what about picture and videos? No wonder we’re
constantly worried our phones will die by the end of the day if there
is no way to recharge!
Energizer
has developed a way to ensure our cell phones will never go flat
again. The Energi To Go supplies immediate power anywhere at
anytime. The device plugs into all major phone brands and runs on
two long-lasting Energizer AA Lithium batteries. The Energi To Go
($20) provides up to nine additional hours of talk time once your own phone
battery has lost power – so you’ll never feel anxious or stranded
again. By Andrew J Weiner.
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Monday, 01 October 2007 |
If you’re like us, you sometimes get that nostalgic feeling for picking up the phone your mom 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 cell 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 colors. It’s designed to attach to most mobile phones. By Andrew J Weiner
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Tuesday, 31 July 2007 |
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 cell phone 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 re-charge. At $35, its the best
'swept under the carpet' routine on the market. By Andy G
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Friday, 15 June 2007 |
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
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Wednesday, 18 April 2007 |
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? If so, tip us at
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Thursday, 22 March 2007 |
Techno craftsman Gresso
are better known for their African Blackwood mobile phones. The
collection of phones are beautifully constructed out of 200 year
old wood and have placed Gresso in a unique market where wooden
craftsmanship meets technology.
Now, Gresso have developed their own line of MP3 players called, The
Symphonia Collection. The model is again crafted from African Black
wood, whilst the front panel is made of a scratch resistant 18 carat
gold surface. The idea behind it's conception is for the Symphonia to
be worn as a piece of jewelry rather than an MP3 on a lanyard. With
this exceptional finish, this is easily achieved.
The Symphonia Collection holds 1 GB of memory and when it debuts later
this year will be priced between US$4000 - $6500. At that price, I'll
take six and an extra one for the maid. By Andy G
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Thursday, 11 January 2007 |
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
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Thursday, 14 December 2006 |
If you're looking for a camera which captures the beauty of panoramic shots with precision and ease, the Kodak Easyshare V705 is a distinctly unique model in a world of similarly designed cameras.
When Kodak designed it's latest Easyshare model, the V705, it really had the bigger or in this case wider picture in mind. The V705 is totally cool and has features rarely found in other cameras.
This dual lens camera uses one zoom lens which covers the usual 39-117 mm scope which is captured by the
majority of 3X zoom digital cameras on the market today. Add to that another lens which doubles up as a 23 mm, and you have a WIDLEY appealing camera.
Through the use of these lenses, the Easyshare can capture panoramic scenes effortlessly. Now you can photograph the whole family without leaving bitter and twisted cousin, Gladys, out of the shot (well not deliberately anyhow). With added anti blur function, 5X optical zoom and a footprint of only 101 X 50 X 20 mm, this 124g power horse of a camera is extremely compact in size.
We road tested the V705 during our recent stay at the new W Maldives last week and found the camera not only easy to use, but were thrilled with the real estate it covers in only a few shots . At only $349, this camera is an obvious choice in the digital camera race. by Billy T
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Wednesday, 01 November 2006 |
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 Billy T
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Monday, 23 October 2006 |
There are only two things you should be shoving in your ears. The occasional Q Tip, and the new Bose in-ear headphones.
Created
with perfect balance in mind, the Bose in ear, delivers a greater low
frequency output resulting in brilliant overall sound quality. The
design of the buds themselves are engineered to fit comfortably and
securely in your ear making sure they don't pop out on the run like
many other bud phones so often do. Removable sml, med and lge tips are
included so you can custom fit the units to your ear. When it comes to
bud phones, it's Bose or bust! by Billy T
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Tuesday, 10 October 2006 |
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
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Tuesday, 26 September 2006 |
In the 80's, kids had the Glow Worm' - a cute and cuddly plush worm
who, when squeezed lovingly tight, emitting a soft glow that kept kids
feeling safe and secure. Two decades later, in a world were minimal is
the order of the day, comes the modern version Moon Beans'.
This
series of gel like, squishy creatures respond to a light tap on the
head by radiating a soft glow light that can be set in different modes.
From strobe to dim, through to beat sensitive, the Moon Beams cater for
all moods. Each character in the series is delightfully different from
the other and lets off various light colors also. Think of them as
illuminated cousins of the Jelly babies. by Andy G
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Thursday, 20 July 2006 |
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
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Tuesday, 18 July 2006 |
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
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