Showing posts with label gadgets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gadgets. Show all posts

Friday, October 22, 2010

2020 Apple iMove Study: Macintosh thinks differently as it hits middle age


A while back there was a rumor going around that Apple and its overlord Steve Jobs were going to be getting into the city car game. Although nothing official has been announced in the years since those rumors started - and Google looks ready to shut down anything Apple has coming with its driver-less cars - the iMove, an independent design study, is likely close to what people were thinking as soon as Apple mentioned "car".

Designed by 20-year old Liviu Tudoran, the iMove is simple, smooth, cute, and most of all, blends right into the Apple product lineup of pods and user-friendly design.

The exterior uses "photocromic material" to adjust the exterior hue of the vehicle (at least on the transparent parts) based on a variety of presets. Think of it like the Mustang's MyColor gauges, but on the outside of your ride.

Have a look at the pics below (and use our new edit function, if necessary) to check out some of the designer's ideas and explanations behind them. While the spelling may be a bit off, the idea seems to be fairly on.

The iMove, though currently just a sketch and rendering, will be right at home in the cities of the future. I'll take mine in Vintage Mac Beige please.

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

How Cute: Smart Fortwo Says Hello Kitty to U.S. Buyers with Special Wraps


Hopefully, most of our readers will agree that a Smart Fortwo is a far more suitable candidate for a 'Hello Kitty' makeover than a Ferrari 360 Modena [weep here]. Furthermore, unlike the custom Modena, the Fortwo Hello Kitty is an officially licensed product as Smart's US distributor, Penske Automotive and Sanrio, the owner of the 'Hello Kitty' brand, signed an agreement to add a series of car wrap designs featuring the popular feline to the carmaker's vehicle customization program.

"This is the first time that Sanrio will offer a Hello Kitty car in the United States," said Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio Inc. "The modern, environmentally-friendly features of the smart fortwo combined with supercute Hello Kitty designs deliver an exciting offering that responds to the demands of our fans for special edition lifestyle products."

The Smart Expressions program will offer buyers in the States a choice of three different full-body Hello Kitty designs, each with a selection of color schemes. In total, the company offers 22 full and partial wrap design and color combinations from which to choose.

According to Smart, the Hello Kitty wrapped Fortwo cars will make an appearance at many Sanrio events this fall for the brand's 50th Anniversary.


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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

2010 Mini Cooper Christmas Gifts


MINI has released its 2010 MINI Christmas Collection and autoevolution has photos of the items available. The new collection includes Mini Cooper Christmas gifts suited for all ages, from the youngest Mini fans, to people who got the chance to drive the original Mini.

MINI's latest Lifestyle Collection includes numerous items ranging from the Sonoro Internet Radio that can receive over 18,000 web radio stations via WiFi or LAN and the Cuckoo Clock, to the Snow Rocker toboggan, a Baby Racer, pedal cars, the Baby Rocker Newborn Set and various other toys.

Furthermore, the MINI Cuckoo Clock comes in a classic chrome look and has an original MINI speedometer-style dial. Also, you can store Christmas photos and videos on the MINI-branded USB Stick.

The list of Mini Cooper Christmas gifts for her includes in 2010 various boots, a briefcase, a Rooftop Cabin Trolley, a Lapeer Hat and a stylish umbrella.


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Press Release

Munich. Time flies, and before you know it Christmas is just around the corner. To make the annual gift hunt that much easier, MINI has put together a selection of the best ideas for all the family. The MINI Lifestyle Collection has something everybody will enjoy unwrapping under the Christmas tree.

The best gift ideas for him.

MINI has teamed up with design audio products experts sonoro audio to bring sounds from around the world into our living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and offices. The result of the cooperation is the MINI Limited Edition sonoro Internet radio, which combines urban chic with a boundless musical experience. The MINI rocks sonoro limited edition of the elements W Internet radio can receive over 18,000 web radio stations via WiFi or LAN. The design radio also boasts a media player function for streaming music libraries direct from a computer. The alarm clock, sleep and snooze functions, Radio Frequency remote control and eDock external iPod® docking station with charging function are all easy to use.

Whether you’re setting off on a road trip with your motorbike or taking a tour on a quad bike, trike or snowmobile, you’ll always be playing safe with the stylish MINI Jet Helmet. The helmet meets all the relevant safety standards and plays the stylish understatement card to perfection. A Union Jack print and bonnet stripes provide a spotless retro look, while high-quality workmanship ensures the requisite protection. The Jet Helmet is made from a fibreglass and synthetic compound, and has a polycarbonate visor. Other features include a quick-release fastener and an antiallergenic, removable and washable inner lining.

The MINI Calendar 2011 is the work of Hamburg artist and graphic designer Wolfgang Block. “Transformation and Crossover” is the basic idea behind each month’s image. The artist blends differing techniques – such as Rorschach, graffiti and pop art – in a personal interpretation of the collision between fantasy and reality in the MINI Accessories world. It’s enough to turn any bare wall into an eye-catching canvas.

This cult MINI Cuckoo Clock comes in a classic chrome look and has an original MINI speedometer-style dial. At the strike of each hour the garage on the underside opens its doors and a detailed miniature MINI moves around the dial, accompanied by faithfully reproduced MINI engine and horn sounds. A small photo sensor enables the clock to distinguish between day and night, and therefore ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.

The elegant MINI USB Stick borrows the unmistakable design of the MINI ignition key and features a handy neck strap. With 8 GB storage capacity it offers ample accommodation for Christmas photos and the like.

The best gift ideas for her.

For anyone heading for faraway places, MINI has the perfect travelling companion. The robust MINI hardshell suitcases from the Rooftop line can take anything you throw at them. The MINI Rooftop Cabin Trolley, for example, represents a stylish and reliable means of carrying your kit. Decked out in either the Union Jack or racing stripes, it has an extending telescopic handle, two strong carry handles and smooth-running wheels. The main compartment is fitted with packing belts and a divider, while the centre section has two small side pockets. Also provided are a protective transportation cover, an integrated lock and a nameplate to help the trolley find its way home should – perish the thought – owner and case become separated.

The design of the extensive Black Jack luggage line from MINI stands out with its classy black finish and tone-in-tone Union Jack motif. The MINI Black Jack Briefcase ensures you have everything you need for a day at the office. It boasts a clever inner compartment system with pockets for a mobile phone, pens and business cards, and your laptop slides away securely into a separate padded compartment. The briefcase can be fixed easily to the trolley’s telescopic handle with the help of the slide-in pocket on its reverse side.

Should the inevitable happen and the long awaited white Christmas fail to materialise, the MINI Countryman Boots will keep your feet dry amid the mud and rain. With their Union Jack motif, rock-style print and Countryman badge, the black unisex wellies make a stylish statement, as well as a fine Christmas gift. The British flag also crops up on the inside of the boots.

Its snug fake fur lining makes the trapper-style MINI Badges Lapeer Hat a good bet for warm ears during the chillier times of year. Badges on the “dog ears” provide the de rigueur vintage look. On warmer days, the ear flaps can be neatly folded up and fixed to the top of the head section.

Fashion meets pop art as ‘Pop Style’ series accessories in contrasting shades – from radiant yellow to electric blue – recall classic Andy Warhol creations. The bright and colourful MINI Pop Style Umbrella opens and closes automatically, and lightens the mood on grey days. The design of the handle takes its cue from the MINI gear selector.

The best gift ideas for the youngsters.

The hot-heeled MINI Snow Rocker toboggan is destined to give both kids and adults hours of sliding fun. Made from robust and ultra-slick material, the Snow Rocker is suitable for all snow conditions. Measuring 66 cm long and weighing just 2,500 grams, the toboggan is easy to steer through slight shifts in weight. A Union Jack print and racing stripes on the seat surface ensure it attracts envious glances on any sledge run.

The MINI Baby Racer brings the hallmark MINI driving fun to fledgling drivers aged 1 to 3. The design of the red push-car combines high levels of safety, impressive quality and an eye for detail – from the MINI style front and rear lights to its modern wheel rim design and the original MINI colour shade Chili Red. The wide plastic wheels ensure a quiet ride, without leaving marks on parquet floors, so budding drivers can set off on their first few laps around the Christmas tree without ado.

Dads will also be tempted to take the blue, single-seat MINI Cooper S Convertible – for car fans aged between 3 and 5 – out for a spin. The sporty pedal-drive system ensures impressive output potential, but for those looking for a more leisurely experience there’s also a motorised version. Special rubber tyres help to minimise “road roar” and ensure stress-free indoor use.

After nine months on tour, you’re crying out for style. So this ultra-soft MINI Baby Rocker Newborn Set of romper suit and bib makes the perfect gift for all MINI rockers aged 6 to 12 months. The neutral grey will suit both boys and girls, and guarantees the littl’uns will make a big impression.

With his MINI collar and black dog shirt, the furry MINI Bulldog Soft Toy will melt the heart of any animal lover. Kids will take the four-legged charmer with the cute nose straight to their hearts, while grown-up MINI fans will surely agree that this dog is not just for Christmas.

The soft and cuddly furry MINI Bulldog Plush Cushion with bulldog design is just what you need to unwind after the Christmas hurly-burly. An endearing bulldog appliqué adorns this otherwise simple and plain coloured chill-out cushion. Bring on Christmas!