According to the Pileus website…
Pileus is an umbrella connected to the Internet to make walking in rainy days fun. Pileus has a large screen on the top surface, a built-in camera, a motion sensor, GPS, and a digital compass, and it provides two main functions; A Social Photo-sharing and A 3D Map Navigation.The umbrella users services such as “Flickr”, “YouTube” and “Google earth”
The VW GTI W12 650 concept car is powered by a 6.0L bi-turbo W12 that pumps out 650hp and 530 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic, with an estimated top speed of 201mph and a 0-62mph in around 3.7 seconds. Lower and wider than a stock GTI, the body retains the production car's doors, hood and lights, but otherwise it's all new. A number of intakes and a redesigned C-pillar help feed air to the 12-cylinder behemoth supplying the go-power. To keep the car planted to the tarmac, VW didn't want to use a massive spoiler to generate down force. As such, the car's carbon-fiber roof acts as a giant diffuser that funnels air under the small spoiler at its trailing edge. In summary, the whole thing is a big exercise in the awesome.
The interior is Alcantara leather and fire extinguishers are integrated into the glove compartment. Don’t expect to see this for sale in a showroom near you or on the street driven by a 'boy racer'; as this is purely a show car!!!
Source: Techeblog via Autoblog
If you are tired of having to pack several chargers when you are traveling then the Callpod Chargepod might be the answer. The Chargepod is a 6-way charger that allows you to charge multiple cell phones, PDA’s, Bluetooth® headsets and mp3 players at the same time.
Just plug the Charpod into the wall socket and then connect your devices using the manufacturer-specific adapters. Chargepod uses voltage regulator technology and interchangeable power adapters to work with all of your mobile devices regardless of manufacturer or model. Blue indicator lights highlight which device is being charged. So throw away all of those individual chargers and pack a charger like this the next time you travel.
Note: the Chargepod is not suitable for laptops or other large electronic devices and I am not sure how warm the device will get when charging 6 devices at the same time.
Price: $49.95
Source: SlipperyBrick via callpod
The HomeDock Music Remote lets you dock your iPod by your stereo, then view and control all your music from the palm of your hand. Designed to mimic the iPod in style and function the HomeDock allows you to see what is playing as well as control what is playing. The remote even works through walls and ceilings upto 150ft, giving you control from virtually anywhere – even from the backyard!
To get the HomeDock up and running, simply connect the charging base to your hifi, dock your iPod, download your artists and playlists to the remote and you are good to go.
Your HomeDock Music Remote comes with AC power adapter and RCA-to-mini stereo cables and the iPod support stand.
Price: $129.99
Source: Gadgetell & DLO
Have you ever needed some place to put your car key and credit cards when you are off to the beach? Well, the Reef 1527 Stash Sandals have been designed allow you to 'stash' some personal items in the heel of the sandal.
There is not much space, but you should be able to store a credit card, some money and your car key. The 'Stash' sandal specs are:
JERSEY LINING WITH POLYESTER WEBBING TOE POST
MOLDED EVA MIDSOLE, WITH BUILT IN ARCH SUPPORT
NYLON DRAWER CASING ENCLOSED IN SOFT POLYURETHANE
FEATURES A PULL OUT DRAWER FOR YOU TO "STASH" YOUR TREASURES
DURABLE RUBBER OUTSOLE
SYNTHETIC NUBUCK UPPER & UNDERLAY
The ‘Stash’ compartment does not look waterproof to me, so keep that in mind when you are strolling along the beach.
Priced around $45.99
Source: Reef.
Motorola has announced its new ROKR Z6 mobile phone. This is a Linux/Java music phone with Windows Media technologies, including Windows Media Audio (WMA) Windows Media DRM 10, and media transfer protocol (MTP).
The phone offers:
Music dedication for one-touch access to the library.
4-way navigation wheel.
High-speed synching with High Speed USB 2.0, allows downloading of songs from a PC
500 song library in 15 minutes, instead of 2 hours.
Load up to 2 GB microSD cards with the music collection
More than 10 hours of music enjoyment in airplane mode.
The ROKR Z6 also features stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, for wireless mobile stereo with compatible Bluetooth-enabled stereo headphones. On sale in Asian markets starting in May, and in Latin America, Europe, North America and other markets beginning in June.
Source: Mobiledia
When is a phone not a phone? When it is a mobile communication device designed by students from the University of Dundee, College of Art, Science and Engineering program.
The students have designed radically different communication devices such as:
The Aware, which sends a tingle down your back if a friend, is nearby.
The Boom Tube, which allows people to make music together
The M:ssage, that allows you to receive a soothing massage from a loved one.
The Hive, which uses flashing LED lights to communicate.
The Aura, which communicates emotions through light motions activated by stroking the device.
More information on these alternative communication devices can be found at the ‘phone / not phone company’ website, founded by Graham Pullin and Jon Rogers
Source: phone / not phone via BBC News.
