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Saucer Vehicle : You Can Sleep While You Drive

TheFuture — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:47:57 +0000

The Saucer is a modular self-driven vehicle that features a single size bed arrangement, allowing the driver to sleep in peace while the vehicle takes him or her to the destination. This innovative idea is specially targeted for those who have to drive a long way home from their night shift work place. The soundproof interior of this vehicle is equipped with various programming consoles for self-driving the vehicle. Moreover, if you don’t want to sleep when you are commuting, there is enough space to lay back and relax or perhaps reading a newspaper or a magazine, or just enjoying some entertainment. The rear end of Saucer has a medium-size baggage compartment where you can store your required stuffs like suitcase, briefcase, etc.

Text from John :
Imagine sleeping while you drive. This notion may sound insane, but it is very possible with the Saucer. The world today is growing at a very fast pace and will continue to do so, meaning that people will not have enough time for anything and sadly that includes our precious sleep-time. Just to mention a few, perhaps you often have late nights from work and are too tired to drive or you need to get to an appointment, which is hundreds of miles away, early as possible the next morning or maybe you were invited to a party, but too drunk to drive back home. This is where the Saucer comes in…

Of course, the vehicle is not designed for an alcoholic individual or to cure insomnia, rather it is designed for those with very busy lives that leave them with little or limited sleep time.

The Saucer is a self-driven vehicle with a single size bed arrangement, where the driver is no longer the driver and instead take the time to sleep as he/she travel to his/her destination. This unique vehicle is especially targeted at night-shift individuals who are a long way from home. Simply put, if you’re feeling too tired to drive, don’t leave home without it.

The interior is soundproof and is equipped with a set of programming consoles that self-drive the vehicle. Even when awake, while traveling to your destination, there is enough room for you to lay back and relax, and keep yourself busy. Perhaps reading a magazine or newspaper, or simply turning-on some entertainment. A medium-size cargo compartment is also integrated at the rear end of the vehicle where you can store up some of your gear, such as a briefcase or a suitcase. – inspired by the Alien Flying Saucer.

Designer : John Bukasa

Oxygen of Green : Natural Air Purifier Table for Your Living Room

TheFuture — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:41:06 +0000

The traditional air purifiers can keep a good healthy condition for homeowners inside the room, but they are not so good for the environmental balance, especially because of the huge amount of energy they are consuming for their functionality. The Oxygen of Green is an innovative air purifier that has combined stunning industrial design with the calm of nature to ensure fresh air inside your house. This concept implements air plants at the center-section of the house that produces a good amount of oxygen, particularly after dark. These air plants grow without soil, because water, CO2 and other nutrients are absorbed through the leaves and produce oxygen during the night time.

Designer : Mingling Wang

First Aid Travel Kit for Emergency Situation While Traveling

TheFuture — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:20:14 +0000

How many times you have faced the difficulty to get to the first aid kit box when emergency arises? Maybe you were in need of quick first aid attention but your family members were not able to locate the kit because of its quite unfamiliar appearance. This issue gets worst when you are participating in an adventure biking trip on a hill track and your traditional and bulky kit is too good to take with you. The First Aid Travel Kit is a comprehensive first aid kit that is specially designed to perform. Its meaningful shape, attractive color and ultimate functionality to get attached easily with a bike frame will make it a great piece for both travelers and home users.

Designer : Anton Babushkin

TFL Bikeshare Network Concept with Foldable E-Bike and Electrical Modular Buses

TheFuture — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:29:30 +0000

The TFL Bikeshare network concept outlines an efficient and healthy way to realize the ultimate solution for commuters. This concept comprises a foldable e-bike that can be rode from the home and deposited to modular mobile hub, and board a bus. Upon arrival at destination, another hub will be there to rent another bike through using the unique Oystercard which can be availed by leasing the service on a per trip or monthly basis.

The E-bike has been designed with airless tires, robust tubular construction and shaft drive, ensuring durability, while the luminated front bar and dazzling graphics increase the visibility and safety for the rider. E-bikes have designed to be folded quickly and intuitively by the user and deposit it into the storage modules after arriving to a transit hub. RFID technology has been utilized to charge the users on their Oystercard according to the amount of E-bike rental time. When docked, E-bikes act as hub seating and get charged for the next renter.

Transit hubs optimize the traveler’s transitional experience between renting bike schedule called Bikeshare and boarding on a bus. The hubs provide real time transit schedule by allowing access to the Bikeshare. The Ionic modular design provides the concept with distinctive architectural identifiers all through the cityspace, increasing both the desirability and visibility of city public transit. During the time passengers board on a bus, its ultracapacitors get charged until next stop via a small arm extended from the hub. The busses collect and disperse E-bikes according to demand, effectively diminishing the need of third party distributors.

The electrical modular buses aim to optimize the needs of next generation commuters by providing ultimate convenience for public transit. The specialized interior space addresses the diverse needs of passengers. The compact and ergonomically bended seating arrangement provides a safer environment for seat occupiers and the standing passengers downstairs for short distant travel. On the other hand, long-distance travelers and tourists will be able to enjoy the city from panoramic second floor.

Designer : Gabriel Wartofsky

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with 8.1 Megapixel Camera is Lighter Than X1

TheFuture — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:18:05 +0000

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with its 3.2” touchscreen has been officially unveiled after its sleek-looking predecessor X1. If you consider dimensions, the latest X2 is close to its previous version; however, it’s lighter than the X1. The X2 features a redesigned keypad just like that of a netbook and reveals by sliding out the upper portion. The 8.1 megapixel camera is one of the major upgrades of X2. The custom panel interfaces have been enriched with fourteen preloaded and sixteen more downloadable ones. Besides, it is the debut of Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system as default on a Sony Ericsson handset.

[Press Release]

Live life in the fast lane with the XPERIA™ X2 from Sony Ericsson. Designed for those who always need to be connected, whether it’s for business or personal life, the XPERIA™ X2 blurs the boundary between work and play.

London, UK – September 2, 2009 – Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA™ X2 a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView gives an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable – the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

“In the fast moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important.” said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. “We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA™ X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA™ X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities – perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance.”

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

“Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world – from work to home to play – on a single handset,” said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp. “The XPERIA™ X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are.”

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call.
XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

Live life without boundaries

* Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier
* Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet
* Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®
* Slide view – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity
* Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable
* Never get stranded – XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance
* Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality
* 8.1 mega pixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums
* Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA™ X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100. XPERIA™ X2 will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

Designer : Sony Ericsson

Moleculair 3D Food Printer to Provoke Innovative Ideas of Cooking

TheFuture — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:57:18 +0000

The Moléculaire concept is actually a marriage of science and cooking, which is actually a 3D molecular food printer. This device is inspired by chefs who painstakingly and scientifically experiment with food to surprise the guests and provoke innovative ideas of cooking. The Moléculaire simplifies the existing hectic, tough and time consuming process of food experiment with this Computer Numerical Control (CNC) food printer for both domestic and professional kitchens. This gadget works with a layer by layer printing method using small elements from diverse ingredients, whilst providing accuracy, simplicity, repeatability and great tasting food. Vote for Moleculair here.

Interview with Nico :

What was the inspiration for your concept?
The inspiration was the experimental approach to molecular cooking. Even after several decades of molecular cuisine, it still seems to be an exclusive game for specialists. So it became my main goal to bring some of the fantastic possibilities and ideas of molecular cooking to all ambitious cooks with an easy to use, affordable appliance.

How does your concept fit into this year’s competition theme “Designs for the next 90 years”?
I think the idea of molecular cooking is forward-looking, but the procedures and methods of preparing molecular dishes are still conventional. I would like to change this with my concept. At first, the idea of printing food seems to be something straight out of a science-fiction movie, but on second thought it is not unrealistic at all. I even think that Moléculaire could be the future kitchen tool that opens up possibilities for food-makers interested in molecular cooking.

What are the main consumer benefits of your concept?
Moléculaire is a futuristic kitchen appliance that offers several new possibilities to professional chefs as well as home users. It’s based on a layer-by-layer printing technique that arranges small particles from a set of ingredients. Within minutes, it prints out three-dimensional desserts, complex structures, shapes for molecular dishes, and patterns for decorating a meal. In addition, it’s easy to use. You simply insert a blister pack into the reservoir, place Moléculaire on top of a plate, and press the start button. Users can also create their own recipes with special software and their own ingredients. Ambitious users can download recipes and share them with other users in an online community.

Describe the consumer research behind your concept.
I conducted interviews with chefs and did a lot of research on the Internet. These approaches helped me to understand users’ interests, concerns, wishes, needs and desires. The outcome shaped my initial ideas and helped them grow. The most difficult thing about designing for the future is predicting the possible social and technological developments (their direction and speed). Therefore, it was very useful to read reports like sociological studies about cooking and future scenarios about the development of new technologies.

What kind of materials would you use to build your concept?
For my concept, I would use polycarbonate as the main material. I plan on applying this material in three different variations, each providing the right characteristics for the different parts of my design. Transparent polycarbonate can be used for the window, black tinted for the lid/display, and white for the body. The robotic printer arm and head could be made from aluminum. A blue (O)LED backlight accentuates the processes inside the printer.

Who is your favorite designer?
I don‘t have a favorite designer.

What are your career goals?
After I graduate in 2010, I want to gain more professional experience in a product-design company. In the long term, I want to further develop my conceptual and strategic skills and step into product-related design management.

Designer : Nico Kläber

GAEAforms Leaf Hammock is Strong Enough for Two People

TheFuture — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:30:55 +0000

Simple engineering and innovation can turn simple things into extra-ordinary and useful stuffs. The Leaf hammock is the prominent example of this. The rope cradles are quite common as they are used in gardens and beaches for short time relaxation. But the Leaf Hammock is a much improved version of the rope cradles and it is good enough to be used as a piece of contemporary furniture at home. The hammock is spacious and strong enough to accommodate two people. The parrot green oval frame holds the close-knit rope-net firmly which makes it durable and comfy as well. The Hammock is aesthetically pleasant and can enhance the interior of your room.

Designer : Pinar Yar and Tugrul Govsa

Serene, An Interactive Therapy and Stress Reliefer Device

TheFuture — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:02:14 +0000

In today’s stressful times, the new device by San Frisco based Industrial Design Pinpach Piyatiratitivorakul is exactly what the doctor ordered. This interactive therapy and stress reliever designed for home is something that will relieve the users of stress that is inculcated in their day to day life. Serene is a device that can be played in groups or solo, when one has leisure time at hand. The device consists of two parts with the top being a remote control which gives the user the flexibility to connect it to other devices via Bluetooth. Being portable and easy to carry it sure is a good distressing tool.

Designer : Pinpach Piyatiratitivorakul

Roomba 560 Vacuuming Robot from iRobot Review

TheFuture — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:03:33 +0000

After being persistently recommended by my friend I finally bought the new Roomba 560 about three months back, and must admit that it was a wise decision. As they say that good things come in small packages, this little powerhouse is something that I will recommend as a must have for all you working people with pets at home. [Buy It Here]

One thing all we pet owners face is the shedding that they do, but can’t blame them because this comes natural to them. Even our cat keeps shedding a lot, and honestly used to have a hard time maneuvering the same. But this new device seems like an answer to all my prayers. Not only does it clean the regular vacuum stuff, but cat hair too.

The best part is that the physical presence of the user is not even necessary. Just set the time when you want the house to be clean and this device does the rest. So if you are out for work or sleeping after a long hard working day, once done see for yourself how a spic and span house is waiting for you. With a compact size it is easy to store and keep and is quite noiseless even while operating which is completely opposite of what all vacuum cleaners are synonymous with.

There are many innovative features that have been incorporated in this new Roomba, like the sensors present in it helps it to identify that if it approaches a solid object the speed automatically drops, thus it’s quite gentle on furniture and other important parts of the house. Apart from this it also timely warns if the dirt bag is full or the brushes need cleaning. Another technology that is featured is that of lighthouse, wherein the Roomba automatically cleans the rooms without moving to the next one. With loads of innovation and user friendly options I may sound as a brand ambassador for the Roomba, but would admit that you too would turn into one if you use it too.

[Buy It Here]

FurReal Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup Product Review

TheFuture — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:40:46 +0000

I don’t like pets and there are several reasons behind it. First of all pets like the dogs have fur and I am allergic to it. Second of all we do not have much room to accommodate a dog who needs space to move around and play. And the most vital reason is that we are out of the house for at least 7 hours a day and if we get a pet it will have to be alone in the house for that long. This is quite inhuman as pets often love to be surrounded by the inmates of a house. Now the logics I have in mind are pretty complicated and you might have the same opinion as me, but it is simply impossible to make your kid understand those. Perhaps your kids used to scream every afternoon at least for an hour asking for a doggy and you were tired of declining their request.

This is when I heard about furreal biscuit my loving pups and decided to take a look at the puppies they sell. I was almost sure that these are going to be just like another soft toy and will not satisfy children much. But when I finally had a look, could not stop myself from buying it. After the toy reached home and was opened, my little cousin who happened to stay at my house didn’t even give me time to activate it as she started cuddling it. Now after activation, it became more attractive. The toy dog was shaking its paws in a manner the real ones do. He was able to lie down and sit whenever he was asked to.

He was able to follow the voice commands without fail. If he wanted the kid to pay him attention, he started barking which made my daughter felt that it was not a toy but her favorite companion. He also starts to snivel whenever he wants to get a biscuit. This was quite normal that people thought I finally gave up my dislike for pets and brought little cousin this new doggy. I didn’t correct them as this was fun to confuse them. But this is a genuine fact that by now I have grown strong affection to this harmless being that seems to be very real even though he is not one.