Amazing!

Absolutely GORGEOUS mp3 player

from engadget

Quite possibly the most gorgeous mp3 player I've ever seen, the iRiver SPINN is going to be released soon. If I wasn't b*lls deep in the iPod/iPhone world, this would absolutely my go to player (assuming the user interface was easy and enjoyable to use). The most amazing feature is the spinning barrel that allows you to select through the menu system and apparently features haptic (read physical) feedback as you scroll through it. According to engadget, it features a 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 pixel AMOLED display, T-DMB TV, Bluetooth, and new analog SPINN Wheel we've seen kicking around since CES. Currently on pre-order for South Korea with the 4GB model fetching 259,000KRW (about $259) or 8GB for 299,000KRW (about $299). That's right, it maxes out with just 8GB of flash. Check out their product page (in Korean): SPINN  

This is one of those few products that I'll be keeping my eye on after its been on sale for a while... 

COMMENTARY SECTION:

I don't know about you my fellow designers, but I actually collect products, packaging and items that I've loved over time as samples of what our collective humanity has made that inspires and enhances our lives. Like art but in a very different sort of context – I've always been inspired by the functional, creative and unique methods that humanity (for good and evil) has sought to solve problems and excite people. I've kept my ipods and I plan on keeping my iphones... I've kept my Nokia l'amour phone because it was in my opinion a great expression of adding value and customer connection to an otherwise disposable product etc etc; And if I have the ability, I'll do the same with this!

Sherif

Wow, amazing computer concept

“B-membrane” design by Korean designer Won-Seok Lee. 

He has taken the need for a bulky monitors right out of the equation and opted for beaming your YouTubing onto any surface you can point the omni-directional projector at. Some highlights of this Kubrick inspired mother ship computer include a membrane keyboard that appears when needed, integrated optical drive and when not used as a computer, the projector can beam ambient light effects on any surface you desire.

via Yanko Design

Validation, inspiration & a life forever changed

For the last year I have spoken with some of you about the future of transportation - more importantly how we can truly change and delve further in to not only the concept of transportation but the physical representation of it. I have, through my dialogue with each of you, grown and realized a vision that is becoming refined more and more each day – but today my life has forever been altered. I don't know how to relate my ideas and understanding of what I'm about to show you – but the future is now a much brighter place... I was brought to tears watching this; something which I have not experienced in many years, over any subject.

The best I can do is to share this simple thought; this is the beginning of the change of how we look at vehicles, how we understand design and what it can do to both elevate and express the user in new ways. I can't even begin to think about what tomorrow will look like when I wake up - things will be soo different from this point forward, this is a quintessential moment in history not only for myself, but for all of us....

The most amazing jet ever

The Su-30 Flanker doing some highly technical maneuvers. 

Why I have renewed faith in Nintendo

 

With the advent of the original Nintendo system, Nintendo became the de facto king of the console market place. Yet they couldn't stave away the onslaught of competitors. Sega then Sony and now Microsoft. Their market share began to wane and eventually fell from grace – formerly ranking 1st in sales (and in our hearts) to 3rd (Sony 1st, Microsoft 2nd). But now, Nintendo has staged a bit of a coup. 

They have changed their gaming paradigm to fundamentally control a whole different segment of the market. Which, you may ask... well consider the following titles: Big Brain Academy, Brain Age, Wii Fit. I think it is a genius move and shows to me that Nintendo is not only an intelligent company but also has a clear vision for where they and the rest of the industry is heading. They chose to elevate their users. Nintendo, rather astutely, evaluated the marketplace and realized that there will always been competitors to handle the new cutting edge in graphics, 1st person shooters, racers and sports games – yet not a single competitor sought to make games which could increase the physical or brain activity of a user.  They chose to make products that could help them improve their lives. 

Its no wonder I own a Wii and a Nintendo DS but no PS3 or XBOX. They get my nod as a great company whom is trying to build a future in not just providing entertainment but also helping their users to build a better life.