Back to the Future Nike Air Mags

2015 is the year that Nike releases the Back To The Future II, Nike Air Mag with power laces. Although it is an iconic piece from the movie, the design of the Nike Air Mag is true to the time period of the eighties. Yet, people have paid top dollar to get their hands on the few non powered laced replicas that were released back in 2011 for Micheal J Fox's foundation. The color scheme of white and grey embedded with LED lights, and the traditional high top combination is outdated. If it were not for the movie's strong fan base and popularity the design of these shoes would have stayed in the eighties. Now with the integration of the powered laces, there is an even stronger hype for these shoes. The design still remains the same and will not be changed to accommodate it's new powered laced technology. Overall, with the new technological components and eighties heritage, the Nike Air Mags is a fun design that will make any Back To The Future fan overjoyed. 

Pepper the Robot

This is Pepper. Created for Softbank Mobile, a cell phone company in Japan by Aldebaran, he is the first robot created specifically to be a human companion. Pepper is programmed to understand human emotion and facial expression. The more time you spend with him, he will evolve and adapt to your personality. For instance, he will be able to play your favorite song when he senses that you are upset about something. He is able to connect on the internet, either to help you look up something, or to reference something himself. He has a built in 3D camera, and ultrasound system. Also, he is self-sufficient and capable of charging his internal battery and monitoring his body temperature. But do not expect Pepper to be like Rosie from the Jetsons. He does not cook, clean, and cannot climb stairs. 

Pepper's overall design is interesting. Pepper was meant to be a human companion, however, he does not resemble a person at all. His faculties and movements are close to resembling human gesture   except for his legs, which they decided to keep as a single unit. They did not include any hair, or possible clothing. The face is similar to a power ranger's mask. The facial features are to simple. Selecting to have an almost all white exterior makes Pepper appear to be another appliance, instead of a companion. With the advanced technology, why not give pepper two legs instead of one, and a mouth that will actually move. For such a fascinating piece of technology, the design needs to be updated.  

For more information click on the link below:       https://www.aldebaran.com/en/a-robots/who-is-pepper

Mini Battery

The paper battery is a concept in development by Tsung Chih-Hsien. Basically, using a biodegradable paper casing and a small battery that can be recycled after purchasing a new one. In general a person would be able to purchase different increments of battery time. Ranging from 2 hours to 6 hours. What makes this product stand out is it's small carbon footprint. Everyday, disposable batteries in general contain many harmful chemicals and find their way into landfills. But the mini battery, everything can be reused, if not recycled. The design is simple and self explanatory. The time is listed on the battery and plug it in. Even though it is not as efficient as a regular rechargeable battery, the concept inspires other designers to be more earth friendly and resourceful. 

To learn more click on the link below:

http://www.fastcodesign.com/3038609/wanted/this-tiny-cardboard-battery-is-like-a-vitamin-for-your-smartphone

Mod Laptop Case

The Mod Laptop case is a great gift for that friend obsessed with  organization. Made from premium leather, this case contains several pockets and holders for a laptop, iPhone, credit card, pens, charger, head phones, etc...  This must be a dream come true for Martha Stewart, if she has not made one herself. Finally, a case that can keep up with the technological needs for all our electronic devices.   A place where everything can easily be found, and a time saver when trying to locate a pair of headphones lost in a deep abyss of books and pens. The design is simple and elegant. The brown leather enhances the look and feel of the case. Making it more than a simple organizer for your things but gives the impression that you have your shit together. However, the premium price of $575.00 or more, depending on the size of your macbook, excludes a lot of consumers. Second, this case is customized for apple products only. Aside from that it revamps your typical computer case into an everyday home for the rest of your stuff.  

If you can afford the premium price click on the link below:

http://thisisground.com/collections/mod/products/mod-laptop?variant=981820616

Forever Pininfarina Cambiano Pen

Out of the many ink less pens, the Pininfarina Cambiano pen encompasses sophistication and luxury. Using a metal alloy instead of graphite or lead, it is permanent and smudge proof. Does not need to be sharpened nor, require any refills. Combining the permanence of the pen and the markings of a pencil users are guaranteed quality. The body of the pen was inspired by the Cambiano concept car using an aluminum frame and wood body. The design is sleek, utilizes elegant lines, and a walnut wood case. The product itself is a work of art that can be admired when it is not being in use. Anyone who uses this pen will not be disappointed in this craftsmanship and design. Made in italy, this pen can be purchased for about $137 US dollars.

If you are interested click on the link below to purchase this item:

http://store.pininfarina.com/en/forever-pininfarina-cambiano-21041.html

Smart Earplugs by Hush

Having a hectic schedule, I try to catch up on sleep whenever I can.     Whether it be in the car, library, or an abandoned classroom there is always some sort of sound that keeps me from achieving REM sleep. Also there is the worry of sleeping through my phone alarm and missing class. When Hush introduced the smart earplugs I thought it was something that was intended for the fatigued student. Turns out it was made by students who understood the importance of a goodnights sleep. The material selected was made to wear for long periods of time, especially when your trying to sleep next to your snoring boyfriend, or girlfriend. Also, it is sweat resistant, so you do not have to worry about it getting wet during the summer. These ear plugs are also technologically savvy. It comes with a small charging unit and a battery life that can last up to seven days.  With the downloaded app on your phone, you can customize it to block certain phone calls, text messages, play your favorite tunes and set your alarm so that you are the only who hears it. Making it easier for you to get up and go. If you lose it, you can easily locate it on the app. Overall, the design is simple. The product uses blue and white and a logo of a person shushing. It is a piece of technology that is simple and clever and an awesome design. I want one.    

For more information click on the link below:

https://hush.technology

Somabar

Technology is evolving to accommodate the smartphone revolution using applications and wifi connection. Somabar is literally a mini bar that can make 300 different types of mixed drinks both alcoholic or nonalcoholic with a touch of a button through the downloaded app on your smartphone. It uses precise calculations and measurement to make your drink of choice. Say goodbye to your martini shaker! The unit comes with 6 drink containers that you can fill with your necessary ingredients and are dishwasher safe. The design is aesthetically pleasing with the incorporation of the transparent drink containers that allows the colors of the various ingredients to be seen. The only drawback is that it's design is similar to the Keurig, and other drink dispensers. But it makes up for it through its large selection of drinks.

For more information about Somabar click on the link below:

http://www.somabarkickstarter.com 

Prynt Case Poloroid Camera

With everything becoming digital, there are still people, like me, who enjoy holding a picture in their hand. Since the majority of the population has a smartphone one company decided to bring back the concept of the polaroid camera. Prynt is a phone case with a built in printer that allows you to print directly from your phone.  It is compatible with both the apple and android platform and require the user to download the the Prynt app. Via bluetooth the printer and phone are connected and capable of printing a picture within 30 to 50 seconds. The second Prynt version includes more features. It will allow customers to print up to 10 photos at a time and introducing a unique feature  that will bring life to your photos. An augmented reality, where the camera will record a video before and after the picture was taken. When the photo is printed out, you can hold the image in front of your camera, as long as the Prynt app is open, the video will play. 

The overall design gives the impression of a camera body. However, it is not like your traditional case that covers the entire phone and cannot be relied on to protect your device. In order to use the Prynt case, you have to carry it separately and remove any protective phone cases. Also the design has not accommodated the phone/tablets like the iPhone 6 plus. Aside from that, the Prynt case idea is great idea, since it incorporates both something traditional and new. 

If your interested in the Prynt click on the link below. http://www.pryntcases.com