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The Design blog


Stylish AMOLED wristband to control your Citroën DS3

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:45 AM PDT

B.Sameer Kumar:

Modern concept designs seem to be relying pretty heavily on flexible screens, transparent displays and touchscreen displays that will dazzle you with their brilliance. While most of these concept creations will take a while to materialize, if ever, there is no shortage of designers and digital artists who are amalgamating form with function and sleek design with sensuous appeal to push the envelope of what is possible. “My-Dskin” is a charming wristband that does a lot more than add a bit of digital style to your outfit. Designed by Luciana Berti, it controls the interiors of a Citroën DS3 at the gentle touch of its alluring controls.

My-Dskin
My-Dskin

Luciana Berti is a digital artist who currently lives in Buenos Aires, but on our very first look at the My-Dskin, we assumed that it had to come from an Italian designer. There is something about an Italian design that stands out from the rest and that assumption was proven right as Luciana did finish her design thesis at Italian Design Institute. And the sleek lines, slim design and sheer ergonomics of My-Dskin manifest that fact. The digital wristband will control the French car Citroën DS3. While it might not be very popular outside of Europe, the supermini was voted the car of the year in 2010 by Top gear Magazine.

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My-Dskin
My-Dskin is an accessory that possesses functions of our Citroën DS3.

The My-Dskin design is all about its transparent look as it almost allows you to wear the controls of your car on your skin. It is much like a badge that you are proud of and the transparent touchscreen is an AMOLED display that has been on a bed of silicone that is ultra-flexible. The controls are like an ink tattoo and uncomplicated. The main menu consist of controls that allow you to operate the central locking system that allows the locking and unlocking of the car doors, a temperature controller that will set the internal temperature of the DS3 and a car locator that will let you know exactly where you parked your car using GPS.

Browse through the main menu and you have more options as part of the secondary menu that will help you set the lighting on the inside of the car, music that can be played as you enter in and various other features which we believe are all great to impress that someone special on the first date. And in case your DS3 has been damaged or is being vandalized, you immediately get a bright red flickering light as the whole wristband simply lights up. That should get your attention for sure.

Of course you can also turn the screen into a matching design or tattoo by simply using the preloaded patterns or by downloading them from Citroën web page. This way, you need not sport your car controls all through the evening at a party. We love the design and since Luciana Berti has spent time in Italy, how about modifying it with a badge of the “Prancing Horses” and designing one for Scuderia Ferrari!

Via: Cargo Collective


Innovative technological advancements to ensure a safe, comfy ride

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:42 AM PDT

Mayank:

The problem

One of the major problems in recent times that the whole world is dealing with is car accidents. Automobile industry has implemented various innovative technologies that help in reducing these accidents. First, seatbelts revolutionized auto safety and saved lives of many drivers as well as passengers. Then the air bags came that ensured complete avoidance of injuries. Many other safety measures are also employed in the cars, but none of them is completely successful. In this situation, we need a technology that can accurately judge the scenario of a crash and save people on board. Something efficient and fast is required that could prevent a collision, if the driver makes a dangerous mistake while driving. Even if any program embedded in the vehicle can warn about the vehicle's instability or tell the driver about any obstacle in its path, the lives of a number of people could be saved.

auto technology
auto technology

How serious it is?

Every year more than six billion auto accidents happen in US and financial cost of all these accidents crosses $230 billion. Around 43, 000 people die every year and around three million are injured. About 115 die every day in US, which means one death in every thirteen minutes. According to WHO, 3,000 people die every year due to car crashes. In less developed countries, car accidents are one of the most significant causes of deaths and injuries. These numbers increase or decrease every year, but the average remains the same. Most of these accidents are result of excessive speed. An accident not only costs the life of driver and passengers inside the vehicle, but also injures and kills nearby pedestrians. This is the reason why we require a solid change in the current safety methods that comes with the cars and other vehicles.

The panacea

We need technologies in every aspect of our lives, in fact, we are surrounded by it, and there is no reason why we should not include the same in cars. They are already present inside our cars in the shape of built in televisions, music systems and many other states of entertainments, but the requirement is to employ those in safety features. It is already calculated by many engineers that a number of accident can be prevented with effective crash avoidance technologies.

According to Automobile industry, these technologies will decide the future of car safety. As a result, automakers and designers are constantly working on new opportunities to avoid crashes due to driver's inattention and mistakes. They are also researching on programs that can protect fatal collision and imbalance of vehicle. These life savers will soon be a part of cars, trucks and other vehicles on the road. Some of them are already released with most of the automobiles including drug and alcohol locks, speed limiting tools, car-to-car communication systems, advanced telematics, point-to-point speed cameras, advanced air bags, collision avoidance and much more.

The inspiration

Nobody buys a car to die or to suffer from injuries but for comfort and safety. Most of the automobiles come with satisfactory safety measures, but even after that, accidents happen all around the world. Most of the people receive severe injuries and others even die, leaving their families devastated. This is the reason why engineers in automobile industry are developing technologies that will be one of the standard parts of cars, trucks and other vehicles in future.

What others are saying

Toyota says:

If the system calculates that there is not enough time to brake and that a crash with an object is imminent, the PCS takes control of the steering wheel and guides it around the object.

Head of Technical Research & Innovation at Auto glass, Dr Chris Davies, says:

Manufacturers are already working on assistance technologies such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure systems and sign recognition. We believe that within 10 years car manufacturers will have completely revolutionized the function of the car windscreen.

Daimler Engineering Executive, Prof. Bharat Balasubramanian says:

With future driver assistance systems, we will be able to address even more complex traffic situations and therefore ease the dangers of further accident hot spots – like intersections.

The alternatives

1. Steering technology would turn car before crash

Steering technology
Steering technology

Toyota is developing a next generation crash-avoidance technology referred as Pre Collision System (PCS) with collision-avoidance assist, which uses millimeter-wave radars and stereo camera around the vehicle to identify objects in its path and steering it out of that way. The Japanese manufacturer denied commenting on the release of this feature with any commercial mode, but they hinted that it would be offered soon.

2. Auto glass envisions the windshield of 2020

Windshield of future
Windshield of future

Auto glass is working on a windshield that will warn about pedestrians/cyclists in front of the vehicle. It will ring an alarm when there is a speed camera nearby, will hunt a gas station and will also show arrow points towards the destination. Apart from that, it would display speed, music player and fuel. The windshield with this innovative technology will be available in market by 2020.

3. GM’s New Technology Could Potentially Prevent Car Crashes

GM's New Technology
GM’s New Technology

At Intelligent Transport Systems, GP showed a new vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) on smartphones and other portable devices that would allow cyclists, pedestrians and cars to communicate with each other within a quarter of mile. According to the automaker, this will help to cut down the road accidents by 81 per cent. This program will transmit information about slippery roads, upcoming stop signs, stalled vehicles, etc.

4. BMW's driver assistance technology

BMW's driver assistance technology
BMW's driver assistance technology

Engineers at BMW are developing advanced automated driver assistance systems to protect the vehicle and its passengers while the driver tries to attempt a left cut. The technology contains three laser scanners, GPS and a video camera. When the system senses that the car is making an unsafe left turn, it automatically slams on the brakes and alarms the driver accompanied by flashing signals.

5. Mercedes automated driving technology

Mercedes Driver Assistance systems
Mercedes Driver Assistance systems

Mercedes is developing automatic driving systems to create better driver assists for their cars. According to the manufacturer, this system will keep engineers away from dangerous accidents as well as experiments and the results are reproducible.


inTouch Bracelet takes blood sugar and glucose readings in a non intrusive way

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:40 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

If you thought that diabetes is only detected in elders, then think again. There are many kids all across the globe suffering from childhood diabetes, which can even cause death in extreme cases. A child needs to be pricked several times a day to monitor and those suffering from Type 1 Diabetes needs to be given insulin injections. This leads to frustration as getting pricked several times throughout the day is very painful. Designer Micah Lang came up with inTouch Bracelet after discovering that there were hardly any monitoring devices made especially for children.

inTouch bracelet
inTouch bracelet

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inTouch bracelet
inTouch bracelet by Micah Lang

High blood sugar and glucose levels can bring down the confidence of children and makes them emotionally weak. inTouch is non intrusive and can be worn like a bracelet. It will not look like a horrifying medical device and also won't require pricking several times a day. The monitoring device has been fashioned out in a way to keep the overall process enjoyable rather than stressful. It can be easily charged and will also remember previous readings, which can be compared later by the doctor. The bracelet, which is worn all the time, makes good use of near infrared scan that will display a reading every 5 to 10 minutes. The information can be later uploaded on a computer or laptop with the help of a USB clasp to keep it stored for later analysis.

The same USB clasp also keeps the ends of the bracelet together and makes sure it doesn't fall off from the wrist. The need to prick a finger takes a backseat as the near infrared scanner makes good use of an optical fiber, which scans the blood stream through the skin in a non intrusive way. It easily tells the blood sugar and glucose levels, while keeping an active history of previous readings.

[Cheers Micah]


Play undercover agent with the bulletproof armored case for iPhone 4

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:37 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Guns, guys and dangerous sports are perpetually inseparable. So, if you are a hunk who has just brought the latest iPhone 4, then you gotta take a look at this. The clever case has been designed especially for the new iPhone 4 handset. This heavily armored case made from solid steel has a rusticated finish and will make you feel like a stealthy spy on the move. The hi-tech piece actually has a 4 inch thick solid steel wall. It covers the phone entirely from the back while the front side stays open so that you can view the screen.

iPhone case
iPhone case

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iPhone case
Marudai’s case for the iPhone 4 can stop a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet

The bulky casing is actually bulletproof and can even stop a .50 caliber bullet from damaging your phone. Even if a bullet hits the bolt of the casing, your phone will be left untouched. Slotting the phone inside the case will also feel dramatic. You will have to literally bolt your handset inside using an Allen wrench. Also, a separate lens will be required for the camera, which will sadly restrict its viewpoint. The piece has been manufactured by a Japanese company called Marudai Corp.

However, you should consider a few features before you think of buying the piece. Firstly, it adds tremendous amount of weight to your phone. The handset will weigh 4 pounds heavier with weight amounting to 4.5 pounds after the case is bolted. But, if you want to show off your brawn to the opposite sex, then this will not be a hitch. The thickness of your phone will also increase from just half an inch to 1.5 inches. So, sliding the phone inside your pocket will not be very easy.

The super cool image does come at a cost. You will have to shell out a whooping $650 or 52500 yen for a package that contains the case, spare lens and a dummy bullet. Even though the shipping is free, the casing does cost more than your brand new iPhone 4, and that too twice as much. Nevertheless, busy executives who need to keep their information loaded phone heavily covered will like the piece.

Via: Gizmag


Art of music mixing captured in a tiny acoustic device

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:35 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

Walking not only makes sense considering sustainable perspectives but is also more economical as well a healthy. A good walk is sufficient to refresh your day and keep you lively and positive throughout. Another positive aspect being that you can soak in impressions from surroundings while walking and listening to the music. But listening to the music in crowded places can create safety risks. What if characteristic surrounding sounds could be used to create a splendid blend of environment and music? Yes, right! The device has been created that combines walking pace with music beats and performs rest of the matching for a more seamless walk.

Sound Hack
Sound Hack

The device lets the music library adapts according to the walking pace. Mixing of music is an art and this has been used as the basis for creating this innovative device. Pulsating bass effect can be added by a moving car and ticking crosswalk sound can boost the drums sound. Isn’t that amazing! The workable interface was created taking users feedback. Only single sliding button was presented for two basic functions of pace mixing and sound hacking. You can tap the device to let it know that the mixing did not please you. The interface will automatically turn red like a sad face and remember you preference for the future.

Sound Hack
Sound Hack

You can also award it for producing good music by giving it a pat, which will turn its color to yellow or green and will again make it remember your preference for the future. The device produces good music by building a stronger bond with the user.

Source: Adam Henriksson


Nauta’s 90m Light offers roomy sundeck, al fresco dining space and a pool

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:27 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Nauta Yachts of Milan, known for its custom sailing boats, has unveiled its latest cabin cruiser. The new model called 90m Project Light is roomier and has various activity zones for those onboard. High point of the ship is its flybridge deck that holds a suite cabin and sky lounge. It has a marvelous radio house with a wheelhouse. Also, its sundeck is roomy, al fresco dining space is a treat and there is a pool if you want to take a dip.

Nauta's 90m Light
Nauta's 90m Light

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Nauta's 90m Light
Milan-based Nauta Yachts has revealed a new 90-metre project

This vessel has all amenities you dream about. About 12 people apart from the owner can easily sail on this cruiser. The lobby is located on the main deck of the ship. The owner's deck has a studio, gym, walk in wardrobe and also a suite cabin. One can access an outdoor seating cum sunbathing area surrounded by a Jetstream pool directly from the owners private zone.

On the starboard side is the VIP cabin while the guest lounge area is right in the front. Six guest cabins are also located nearby. Near the lobby is the main salon and dining room for 14 people. Just behind the lobby is the upper deck salon. From here one can go to the outdoor seating area that stays sufficiently sunny. The pool along with the entertainment area is located near the stern.

The yacht powered by two MTU 16V4000 M71 engines can easily attain a speed of 18.5 knots. When it is sailing at a speed of 12 knots, it will acquire a range of 6000nm. Built from solid steel and aluminum on the lines of an old 80 meter model, the new 90 meter version is slightly more spacious. The additional 10 meters ensures that there is space for stowage of tenders on the lower deck.

Via: Super Yacht Design


iFoolish Magic Drawing Case for iPhone 4 some makes sense

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:25 AM PDT

Dakshina Thakur:

Like appearances, names can be deceptive too. At least, that's what most of you will swing by from here on. The new iFoolish Magic Drawing Case for iPhone 4S and 4 has recently been designed to abridge the gap between everyone in today's digital gadgets arena. Designed by Basic Principles, the product however may look humorously foolish for adults but magical to the young ones out there.

iFoolish
iFoolish

So what exactly are the horns for? Well, the accessory for iPhone basically allows you to draw and scribble on the surface using a stylus. Although some believe the concept has picked up its inspiration from Magna Doodle (a drawing board, if you remember), iFoolish still makes some sense for those who enjoy sketching or penciling in whilst keeping their delicate iPhone under the wings.

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iFoolish
iFoolish Magic Drawing Case

Aimed at popping up fun times when everything's quiet around, the magic drawing case however provides remarkable protection to your smartphone as well. So whether you want to simply safeguard your iPhone or just want to hone your creativity skills, the cool looking accessory allows you to do almost everything. Featuring a 3.7-inch retro red magic drawing board, the device comes equipped with clean edges and a handy drawing pen (you know for what).

The protective case also ensures that your smartphone stays thoroughly shielded when elders perform some sketching magic. Great, isn't it? Well, in a way, the case enables people to stay protected, stay magical and stay foolish at the same time (however, no literal meaning for the latter one here). Designed primarily to infuse technology into fun times, the case does its job even when your iPhone has run out of its juice or is offline. What's more, the need to download any app for exploring the product's capabilities has been eliminated too. Doused in red, the new iFoolish Magic Drawing Case for iPhone 4S and 4 is available now for about $32.

Via: B-ponline


Ferrari approved F1 simulator promises ultimate speed thrills

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 03:29 AM PDT

B.Sameer Kumar:

Being a Formula 1 fan is exciting enough for most of us, as sitting in front of the television sets and waiting for the five lights to go green gives us sweaty palms at times. Of course, if you are someone like Michael Schumacher, then after all these years it might well seem a bit too dull and routine. But sitting inside a fast car and going on spin on a race track is enough to leave most of us breathless, let alone an F1 vehicle. Evotek though have decided to offer the thrill of driving a real F1 car without the speed hazards and the possibility of broken bones.

Evotek SYM 026 Formula 1 Simulator
Evotek SYM 026 Formula 1 Simulator

Evotek is bringing the world's best Formula 1 simulator to the US for the very first time, as Whirly Dome in Orlando Florida will house the much talked about SYM 026. And it is not just any other racing simulator as Ferrari themselves have approved of the SYM 026 by asking the folk at Evotek to install one at their headquarters in Fiorano, Italy. Ferrari asked for the installation of the SYM 026 since they wanted to entertain some of their most important guests for who arrived for their meeting with their prime sponsors Santander.

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SYM 026 Formula 1 Simulator
First Evotek SYM 026 Formula 1 Simulator Arrives in US after Receiving Rare, Real-life Endorsement by Ferrari Formula 1 Automaker

Coming from a company that no doubt has the very best simulators for its own drivers, this is an endorsement that Evotek can be very proud of. Considering this unofficial approval of sorts from Ferrari, those in Orlando and ones planning to visit the Whirly Dome must be pretty excited to try out the SYM 026. The simulator itself comes in four different variations that Evotek has carefully crafted so that it caters to different set of users. Coming with unique software, attention to detail, motors that provide a realistic motion and a body shell that has been crafted to the regulations laid down by FIA for a 2011 F1 car, this provides a racing experience that is the closest possible one to the real thing.

The simulator's professional version is for racing drivers and teams who want their simulator to be identical to the real cars and it provides every single feedback that you would get from a real F1 vehicle out on track. From fuel consumption to tire wear, from taking into account the weight of the driver to the aerodynamics, teams can perfect every possible detail in the simulator where motion is powered by three specially crafted motors underneath.

Then there is the “Training version” that uses the same software but has a few modifications that will help racing schools and of course the “Gaming version,” which will be most likely the one on offer at Whirly Dome. The Gaming Version does away with the technical data and the feedback as this would distract the casual gaming enthusiast and would be largely pointless. But it does provide the same racing experience and there is also an opportunity to try out various cars and tracks to make it more entertaining. The fourth is a “Static version” which will not have the motion card or the motors. Are you ready, Orlando?

Via: Prweb


Bluetooth enabled wireless keyboard from Elecom for easy calling and typing

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 03:29 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

A common hitch with most tablets is that they do not come with elementary phone features. But web surfing and other apps work just fine on them. So many people need handsets along with their tablets to make voice calls. This is exactly where all new gadget called TK-MBDD041 comes to your rescue. Using this device, you can keep track of your email messages and also make quick calls whenever required.

Bluetooth keyboard
Bluetooth keyboard

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Bluetooth keyboard
Elecom new Bluetooth keyboard fill the gap between keyboards and phone

The handy contraption has been designed very thoughtfully and can implement a lot more than basic call functions. Information from your tablet to this piece can be sent in a jiffy. The gadget, essentially a wireless keyboard, can easily sync with Bluetooth enabled devices. This means that it can be connected to gadgets like PCs, MACs, Tablets, DAPs and even cell phones.

So, the piece can be used as a regular keyboard and also a wireless handset. In fact, the TK-MBDD041 Series is actually a Bluetooth HID, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP embedded gadget. It is a product of Elecom and it is currently being retailed in Japan. But people from other parts of the globe can also buy the piece as it is available online at GeekStuff4U also.

Its keyboard is quite spacious and heavy typists will appreciate the neat layout. The OLED screen lets you check out all relevant information pertaining to your calls. It displays incoming calls and also has vibration alerts. You can also control your music player applications using the piece. A Bluetooth earpiece has also been slotted in it. Its battery will run for 3 days on a single charge. The piece can be yours for a cool $230.

Via: Akihabara news


Lofty fish tank at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin will draw marine enthusiasts

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 03:28 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Gazing at sea creatures inside a giant sized tank while you are sitting cozily in a hotel foyer is definitely a stupendous idea. You don't have to imagine what this would look like as you can check it out in actuality. The unique plan has been put into action at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin. Another upside of the marvelous installation dubbed as Aquadom is that the Sea Life Berlin Aquarium is also located nearby. In fact, Aquadom is actually managed by the aquarium and two scuba divers are always present inside to look after the tank and the fishes it holds.

largest cylindrical aquarium
largest cylindrical aquarium

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largest cylindrical aquarium
The Radisson Blu Hotel hosts the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium

You can watch the tank for hours together as there are about 1500 tropical fishes from 56 different species inside. The 82 feet tall cylindrical tank that holds all the fishes is quite a sensation as it contains about 260000 gallons of water. The astounding habitat also has a small reef at the bottom. A dynamic light filter adjusts the quality and intensity of light all through the day. The tank, sitting on a 30 feet concrete foundation, was made from four pieces.

If you want a closer look at this wonder, then just ride the see- through glass lift that goes from the center of the tube to a platform located on top. The platform is situated just under the glass roof of the hotel. Another mind boggling fact about the hotel is that the entire structure was built around the hotel rather than the other way round. Cranes were used to pull together the hotel around the tank. The 427 suite hotel charges at least 180 Euros for a room.

Via: Dvice


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