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NAIAS 2008: Saturn Aura Hybrid
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation,
Saturn seemed to be one of the few companies that decided to put some foresight into their cars, especially the concepts. We were struck by the uniqueness of the display of the Hybrid Aura, which apparently charges its battery with pre-kinetic energy while braking, at least thats what the nearby video explains. We just wanted to know how this ordinary looking car caught our attention just by the special effects on the display. Check another shot out after the jump.
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| NAIAS 2008
Gallery: NAIAS 2008: Saturn Aura Hybrid
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NAIAS 2008: Mazda Miata
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation,
We seem to be drawn to not only the concept cars, but also the sportiest on the floor. The Mazda Miata still runs around $21,000 and looks pretty much the same. It still has that unique PRHT (Power Retractable Hard Top) that is hidden between the trunk and the back seat. Push a button and it pops up in about 12 seconds; no struggling needed. Another button push and it retracts again, at least we think it does. Either we broke it or too many folks had played with it too long. A pic of that after the jump.
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Gallery: NAIAS 2008: Mazda Miata
NAIAS 2008: Ford Bullitt
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation,
In honor of Steve McQueen and the 40th anniversary of the movie “Bullitt,” Ford recreated its 1968 Mustang GT in a Limited Edition. Its creators took the 4.6L V8 to 315 horsepower and included a live rear axle from the Shelby GT500. Another tweak or two with its shocks and struts and you get the 2008 Bullitt. There will only be 7,700 of the vehicles available in dark highland green or gloss black and, unfortunately no mustang in the front grill.
Read More | NAIAS 2008
Gallery: NAIAS 2008: Ford Bullitt
NAIAS 2008: China Left Outside Main Hall
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation,
We headed for the NAIAS in Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit yesterday and were surprised at how little was going on, but greatful because we showed up on an industry “crowd” day so there wasn’t a lot of hype. Even before you get in the main floor, you notice that the Chinese cars weren’t allowed in with the American cars, so we wandered over to a couple of them before going inside. One of these is the TX4, created here as a taxi. This is what LTI refers to as a “multifunctional classic business car.” Included in its advantages is u-turns without 3-point turning, ABS for anti-lock, and basic comfort for passengers.
Read More | NAIAS 2008
Gallery: NAIAS 2008: China Left Outside Main Hall
To Clone or Not to Clone
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Editorial, Misc. Tech, Science,
We understand assembly lines pumping out electronic gadgets at unholy speeds so that the masses can have their toys. But when the FDA announced that cloned beef is acceptable to eat once the USDA has determined that we are “used to the idea,” we just had to wonder. Whatever happened to natural foods? We are still getting accustomed to the hormones injected into our meat that causes puberty in children a few years earlier than seems natural. Genetically altered grain runs rampant. But do we really want to eat a poor animal who has been created solely through scientific means? Should that be considered organic? What do you guys think?
Read More | Washington Post
Gallery: To Clone or Not to Clone
Go Green with United Pepper
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Corporate News, Design, Misc. Tech, USB,
Green is Good. Definitely the newest buzzword, there is a trend now to create gadgets that are not only functional but good for the environment. Some companies rely on guilt, but others seem to believe in what they sell. Created in Vietnam and designed in Belgium, United Pepper’s accessories are made of paperboard, cotton, and Kapok, a natural tree-fibre. Their Oscar USB 2.0 hub and LILI 1.3 Mpixel webcam are completely recycleable, energy efficient, and composed of fairtraded goods. It doesn’t hurt that they are cute, either. Find them for £20 (~$40.00) and £30 (~$60.00) respectively on the green site.
Read More | United Pepper
Gallery: Go Green with United Pepper
Spam Some Time
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Transportation,
One truly can never have enough Spam. Its makers seems to know this and consistently provide its high quality foodstuff and enough product placement to make us positively ecstatic. This time it is the Spam Compact Travel Alarm Clock. Operating on a single watch battery (included,) the blue clock stands 2-inches tall and displays “Spam American Classic Est.1937,” should anyone forget. Pop up the time display with a simple push of a button. Available online for only $5.00 each, buy several and Spamalot.
Read More | Spam Alarm Clock Product Page
Gallery: Spam Some Time
Our latest find in silly things to do online when you should be working is the HairMixer. You simply choose two faces and swap their styles. You can also upload your own image and try on a celeb’s do or search for one on the site. Furthermore, if you are not pleased with the results, the site gives you tips and tricks to adjust the image to look more natural, or at least more amenable. After switching the hair on Bill and Hillary, we found he did not really look all that different, so maybe its true that couples tend to resemble each other after a few decades together.
Read More | HairMixer
Gallery: HairMixer Changes Dos
New Zealander Reinvents the Mouse
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Peripherals,
Although it hasn’t changed much since its inception in 1964, Grant Odgers in New Zealand built what he believes to be a better mouse. He will be meeting with Microsoft and perhaps Logitech to show off his Swiftpoint. While sketchy on details, apparently the device is held between the thumb and index finger, and can be used with or without a flat surface. This sounds to us pretty close to the description of a pen, and in fact MS may be considering if it can replace those now used with its tablets. The Swiftpoint will make its debut March 4 at the CeBit in Hanover, Germany.
Read More | stuff
Gallery: New Zealander Reinvents the Mouse
CES 2008: golla, for Those Who Have
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, CES, CES 2008, Design, Handhelds, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video,
We don’t often indulge in designer goods, but this is the CES and we want to be fair. The website alone was so impressive that we just had to mention it. First off, Finland’s golla bags are a “collection, ” not an assortment, that changes bi-annually. They describe themselves as a blend of “lifestyle, fashion, and technology.” We didn’t check, but we are pretty sure Paris must have one of their mobile, musical, digi, laptop bags and sleeves, or backbags. Look at this! It’s a cotton, polyester, spandex sock! Finally, don’t even hunt around the site for a price. Once again, if you have to ask… By the way, ever since someone stole our flipVideo cover, we have been using an old Nike sock to carry it around. Price: $00.00. Usefulness: priceless.
Read More | CES Planner
