The concept

Remember those jazzy sneakers in vogue in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s that came with built in lights? A lot of us had those as kids and a few adults too patronized the short lived trend. And it seems that the demand for high tech shoes like those is making a grand comeback though this time shoe designers are hitting the general population of the world with shoes that have iPods built into them. This particular pair of sneakers developed by designers Jacob Patterson and Emmanuel Abor are known as Fallout Vault Dweller Dunks and come with an iPod Touch built into them for some reason.

Vault Dweller Dunks

The inspiration

Inspired by the theme of the popular video game series Fallout, the Fallout Vault Dweller Dunks come complete with soldiers painted on the side and a torn up design that show off a sense of ruggedness and a spirit of survival. These shoes were created for a post apocalyptic future where sneakers and iPods would be the rarest of all human necessities. We’re not sure whether people in this grim future world would have access to the internet and/or music download sites like the iTunes store since all other forms of audio players need to have been wiped off the face of the earth to makes someone want a pair of shoes to play their music on, but just in case humanity survives a global nuclear fallout, having a pair of sneakers that can play music should sure ease the trauma of witnessing the end of civilization as we know it.

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Vault Dweller Dunks

Fallout Vault Dweller Dunks by Jacob Patterson

The design

To fit the theme of the Fallout universe, the Fallout Vault Dweller Dunks come with an iPod Touch slotted in the tongues which is completely customized with Fallout-related music, apps, themes and sounds. On the sides, the shoes feature a painted on Ranger from New Vegas on the right shoe as well as a soldier from Fallout 3 in Power Armor on the left shoe. Plugged into the tongues of the shoes comes a custom speaker sculpture that looks like an undetonated nuclear bomb sitting amidst rocks and water devised by EL which allows the iPod to unleash the full force of the mellow soundtrack from the game.

The fabulous

Even if having a pair of sneakers that play music from a video game series (with a post apocalyptic theme no less) can get your beaten up and dunked in a dumpster by the other kids at school, the Fallout Vault Dweller Dunks are a surefire way to get noticed and remembered in high school (even if it means being remembered as the weird guy/gal who wore musical sneakers). For the designer, the implications of having made such a pair of shoes are a little less stark and the endeavor that took the pair a year and half to complete bodes well for the custom shoe range by the artist.

The target

Needless to say, Jacob Patterson’s Fallout Vault Dweller Dunks are targeted at the most dedicated gaming enthusiasts and memorabilia hunters. We also see the geeky pair of sneakers being a huge hit with high school goers struggling through adolescence and maybe even a few gents having a hard time dealing with mid-life crisis.

Related trends

1. Sound-producing sneakers

sound-producing sneakers

Created by artist Alex Nash who also goes by the name Nashmoney, these amazing pair of sound producing shoes were modded from a pair Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. The shoes were fashioned to represent the theme ‘Inspired Ingenuity’ at a Havana Club creative competition. The shoe for the left foot comes fitted with gadgetry to act as a speaker while the right foot of the shoe is fitted with audio controls and the amp.

2. Hi-tech MP3 shoes

Hi-tech MP3 shoes

This pair of high tech shoes makes your butt toning shoes look like beach sandals. With a built in set of tweeters, volume controls, speaker and a CD-ROM, the concept shoe definitely takes music credentials seriously. Though iPod fanatics may be a little disappointed with the fact that the shoe cannot play the files on your flash drive and you’d have to dust off your collection of CDs to use this shoe, the concept shoe does provide a great alternative to having to carry around an mp3 player when you go jogging.

3. Code M Shoes from Dada

Code M Shoes

Dada footwear’s shiny “Code M” sneakers are built for the 21st Century lifestyle and for fitness fanatics that just cannot live without their music. With built in controls, the shoes can be “charged” using a USB cable and you can blast your favorite tunes right from the shoes’ built-in speakers or you can keep your music choices discreet by using a pair of wireless headphones too.

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Everyone these days uses a touchscreen device irrespective of the size of their hands and fingers. But if your fingers are not as petite as you would like them to be, then there is definitely a probability that you will face difficulty while using tiny keyboard that pops on the small cellphone screen. Of course, nothing could be done with the size of the fingers but yes, using a stylus can make your typing a breeze. There are many types of styluses available that work with various touchscreen devices. Here is a list for you.

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One of the rare aspect of design and art is reusability. Not every artist can work conveniently with discarded materials and turn them into something useful. It does take a special skill and imagination to turn the unwanted into the usable. The Steampunk Solar Nightlight is an example of how creatively you can transform electronic waste that surrounds us into an interior decorative. That’s not it! You can also add a touch of novelty by going Steampunk in the process.

Rechargable Steampunk Solar Nightlight

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Rechargable Steampunk Solar Nightlight

Rechargable Steampunk Solar Nightlight

Steampunk designs are very popular and are a big hit when executed in a proper fashion. This one might not be the most glowing example of the particular style, but it still can still make heads turn. The design of the Solar Nightlight is simple enough and all you need for this is an LED light bulb, a photovoltaic panel and a Light Dependant Resistor (LDR). Add a battery that can store energy during the daytime that could be used at night and you are good to go.

Of course, you will need to put them together and with a little bit of guidance or even basic knowledge in electric circuits, you can get it done pretty easily. While this particular Nightlight takes the Steampunk route, you can add a style of your own to the creation. With LDR on board, the lamp will switch on automatically once daylight starts to fade. The design is simple, ergonomic and free from hassles of cables, making it appealing for use.

Via: Instructables

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The Model T is something of an icon when it comes to open wheeled saloon cars that were in vogue during the early years of personal motoring and we’re not surprised to see the trend make a grand comeback in the new millennium as well. This saloon car concept by Ukrainian designer Mi Otra is a great case in point and the electric car can be a great city vehicle for tourists and sightseers.

Electric car

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Electric car

Electric car by mi-otra

The body of this saloon car is crafted in sheet aluminum with polyolefin or waterproof vinyl being used extensively in the open concept cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by a 21.3 kW Perm-Motor PMS-156 that has a peak power generating capacity of 46 kW and a 73.2 Nm max total twisting moment.

Offering more than 6000 revs per minute, the motor stays good for a range of around 80 kilometers on a full charge when the vehicle is operated at a cruising speed of 70 km/h. The battery pack on the vehicle consists of six 12V units that can be fully charged up in 8 to 9 hours. The electric car has a kerb speed of around 650kgs though that doesn’t deter this nifty little two seater from reaching maximum speeds of 100 km/h.

[Thanks Mi Otra]

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You sow it, you reap it, you shape it and you play it! Wood has been the “mother material” for crafting many exotic musical instruments. From dulcet strings to thumping percussion, wood is the resonant wizard behind the enchanting and enthralling tones. Small wonder that now it should play role in today’s “tech born” devices of music listening. From Germany comes an mp3 player crafted in wood. It is aimed at capturing the imagination of very young listeners. Well “wood” it? Let’s see.

Hörbert

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Hörbert

Hörbert is the portable mp3 player for kids - made of wood

The beautiful wooden cabinet encompasses a portable mp3 player specially designed for children. The product has been designed in the Baden-Wuerttemberg state capital and its specialty is that it has been crafted using non-toxic materials with a lot of manual work. The materials used to craft this cute mp3 player include anodized aluminum, stainless steel and four local species of wood. Quality has not been compromised at any point of its design.

The interior of mp3 box is well equipped with all the needed things. Adults can open the back wall and insert SD card and swap battery without using any tools, making it safe for children. The buttons, switches etc. are very roust keeping in mind the target group that would be handling this product. Music player also come with ear protectors for the same reasons. Soft sound with limited volume of piano and forte could be maintained with a switch located inside.

This mp3 player can be transformed to a complete disc jockey for your kids with its nine colorful selections of buttons to produce different plays and music. Rewinding and jumping back buttons are also available that could be used without any trouble. The portable mp3 player weighs around 950 g and is quite sturdy with rugged switches and volume controls.

Source: Hoerbert

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Mathematical geniuses out there may have perfected probability theories and formulae that can predict the likelihood of a certain set of numbers appearing when a random number generator is used but that hasn’t taken anything away from that any game which used the traditional dice does. Even though the cubes with numbered faces are not geared to do much other than indicate a number or a set of numbers when rolled up, no one has ever thought of improving their design and the only change we have ever seen in a set is having die with softer edges.

DICE+

However, GIC a Gaming startup, thinks it’s about time dice were given the new millennium makeover and have come up with a set of, and wait for this, digital dice that come fitted with Bluetooth connectivity, cheat roll detection software and LED backlights. Dubbed Dice +, the futuristic random number generator will also be compatible with most cellphone and computer operating systems including, Windows, Linux, Symbian, Android and iOS though the company hasn’t yet specified the default platforms for the dice and whether they will be offered with any particular set of digitized board or casino games.

The Dice+ will be launched at the E3 later this year and the digitized cubes are expected to be retailed for around $30-40.

Via: Engadget

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If comfort and class is what you look for while traveling, then the Lufthansa’s all new Business Class Seat and Cabin for its Boeing 747-8 fleet is the answer. Designed by PearsonLlyod, a Hackney Studio, the cabin space and passenger ergonomics were kept in mind all the while. The stylishly fashioned space puts forward a 1.98 meter lie flat bed, while the overall cabin environment comes smothered in functionality and complete comfort.

Lufthansa Business Class Seat and Cabin

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Lufthansa Business Class Seat and cabin

Lufthansa Business Class Seat and cabin by PearsonLloyd

The spacious cabin has a layout that allows maximum seat width and bed length, killing any uncomfortable encounters. The most attention grabbing trait is the V arrangement of the seat, which not only lets the passengers face forward but also ensures complete privacy putting a stop to prying eyes. Such an arrangement also makes sure that passengers traveling alone don’t get disturbed or feel conscious. The soft seats come covered in synthetic leather, which stretches out to become a bed.

All the amenities have been kept in place, which will blend well with the needs of both regular and occasional travelers. The tray table is placed in the center console, which will bow down to both dining as well as work needs plus can be used fully unfolded or partially folded as per a passenger’s whims and fancies. Among other facilities, the center console also contains a life vest and personal stowage. All the functional have been placed under the armrest, which will be visible only when they need to be accessed.

The use of colors and materials were chosen in a way to provide a domestic feel rather than a very industrial appeal, which doesn’t allow a passenger to relax completely.

Via: Dezeen

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Crafts from sci-fi movies made in Lego are nothing new though a larger than life Battlestar Galactica starship weighing 111 pounds has got to catch your attention for more reasons than one. Created by Battlestar Galactica fanatic and avid Lego modeler Garry King who has given us beauties like the 56 lb. Berzerk Lego model, the heavier and bigger model is called Valkyrie and needless to say, this one too is also crafted entirely out of Lego bricks.

111-pound Lego model

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111-pound Lego model

111-pound Lego model of a Battlestar Galactica starship

Fantastically gigantic, the Valkyrie measures by 43.3 inches wide by 122 inches long and stands at 14.9 inches high with a 5.7 inches high X 9.25 inches wide X 51 inches long landing bays and pod size. The entire piece is composed of over 42,341 Lego pieces and took over five months to complete. What’s really remarkable about this fantastic project, however, is the fact that King used nothing but a few images sourced from the internet to get the details on the Valkyrie just the way he wanted.

And even though the model is utterly remarkable on its own, King insists that he could have made it better had he owned a Blu Ray player using which he could have seen the actual prop from the movie is greater detail. The model is pictured with equally impeccable cosmos backdrops that are very characteristic of the modeler.

Via: Dvice

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For data-thirsty passersby, an ice-cold Coke isn’t enough to quench their thirst. Accepting this reality, the Coca-Cola store on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro has fashioned a soda machine that dispenses free mobile internet access as a replacement for beverages. Christened as the Happiness Refill, this modern looking soda machine provides internet credit for internet savvy. This dispenser gives cellphone users data credit enabling them to browse the internet.

Soda Fountains Dispense Free Mobile Internet Access

The project was designed keeping in mind Brazil’s young, rising middle class consumers who love internet surfing but cannot afford a liberal data plan. It was found out that around 80 percent of this target group used prepaid phone. To serve these prepaid users, the county offers very few Wi-Fi hot spots and taking advantage of the fact, Coca Cola designed this dispenser.

The dispenser in bright red and white is an open air kiosk at the Coke store. Using this dispenser is quite easy. You just have to hold your cellphone up to the dispenser and data gets credited and a Coke browser is downloaded. To make the process simple, the dispenser has been provided with just three buttons namely, Coke FM radio to listen to the music, social networks like Twitter and Facebook, and Weather forecast to facilitate Rio de Janeiro beachfront.

What Coke is calling as “20 liters of happiness” in actual means 20 megabytes of “refill” that would last for two weeks for a moderate user! This new style of the brand to keep younger generation connected every minute of the day would definitely bring “happiness” which is a synonym of “being connected” for them. Presently, the dispenser is being tested for 50 users with Android handsets and company is hoping to install more machines for other smartphones as well.

Via: Gizmodo

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2012 London Olympics is about to get another piece of recognition with plans to come up with Floating Olympic Lanes, which will be constructed on the very famous Thames River. The plan was unveiled by London Mayor Boris Johnson and has been designed by Dowling Jones and Stone, a studio based in London.

Floating Olympic Lanes

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Floating Olympic Lanes

Floating Olympic Lanes by Dowling Jones and Stone

The emergency plans to come up with such a design have come up just to make sure that traffic remains under control and moves smoothly during the games this summer. The Olympic lanes and other traffic plans have fetched heavy criticism, which forced the Mayor to unveil a plan like this in a hurry. These floating lanes are being designed specially to be used by official cars that will run during Olympics. The structure will be of a temporary nature and will be made at an expense of a whopping £12 million.

The floating bridge will have an access junction at the Tower Bridge, which is a world famous 118 year old structure. This will be responsible for allowing an easy access to the river road, which will fetch a lot of attention once it is completed. The access junction will stretch from Wandsworth to Limehouse and will be a beautiful sight as it moves along the water. London has been thrown with transport challenges and the Floating Olympic Lanes is a great way to keep traffic flowing.

Via: Dezeen

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