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We love those Lego gadgets and couldn’t pass this one up. About 4,500 people that comprise the Hong Kong Lego User Group were so inspired by the Beijing Olympics that they created their own version. The mini-tribute measures 10 x 26 ft. and took over 300,000 bricks. Included are the Birds’ Nest Stadium, the Water Cube aquatic center (inside and out,) equestrians, cyclists, ping pong, and beach volleyball. It was recently on display at the Grand Century Palace in Hong Kong. We think it should go on tour. More pictures available via the link of the Daily Mail.
Read More 
| Daily Mail
Gallery: HK Lego User Group Beijing Olympics
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iPod nano updated, elongated, and nano-chromatic
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Design, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
The worst-kept secret of today’s Apple Let’s Rock iPod event was the newly updated iPod nano. Apple officially let the cat out of the bag today, sharing all the details. The new iPod nano is taller, and also turns out to be the thinnest iPod ever made. It’s available in a record nine colors, and you get two models to choose from - an 8GB version for $149, and a 16GB version for $199. The battery will hook you up with 24 hours of music or 4 hours of video. The nano now has an included accelerometer, which allows it to sense if you are holding it in portrait or landscape mode, so it can then change the screen orientation accordingly. That same accelerometer also gives rise to a new “Shake to Shuffle” feature. It’s exactly what it sounds like. If you don’t like what you are listening to, shake the nano, and you get a new random track. You can order the new iPod nano now at the online Apple Store, or pick one up at a physical location as they arrive over the next few days.
Read More | iPod nano
Gallery: iPod nano updated, elongated, and nano-chromatic
Napbook Laptop Case Doubles as Pillow
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Design, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop,
Hafsteinn Juliusson designed the Napbook, a laptop case that can double as a pillow. It was created for students, business folk between sessions, or anyone who has the need to catch a few winks. Because the Napbook is only available at the Apple store in Reykjavik, Iceland, it wouldn’t be that much of a stretch to pick up an inexpensive pillow, cut out some of its innards, and make your own.
Check out Hafsteinn’s other ideas, including his Slim Chips, flavored paper with no calories and Growing Jewelry, made with live Icelandic moss.
Read More | Hafsteinn Juliusson
Gallery: Napbook Laptop Case Doubles as Pillow
If you are a photobug but don’t have time to get to a computer, Johanna Schoemaker’s Snap & Lock is a viable alternative. The digital cam and photo viewer/docking system combine with reinforced cable and magnets keep them in their place. The camera features saving, transfer, viewing, and editing when attached and has a flip screen for protection when not in use. While the description doesn’t mention it, the prototype appears to be a touch screen for further simplification. Good job, Johanna!
Read More | Yanko Design
Gallery: Snap & Lock Camera/Viewer/Docker
Ply Concept Phone
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Design, Misc. Tech, Video Games,
As cell phones now can do multi-functions such as play music, shop, have GPS and do our email, perhaps it won’t be that far off before the Ply Concept Phone from Hideo Kanbara is more than a prototype. Made of multi-layered plywood (hence, the name,) it features a photo printer, mini-digital projector, and game controller. The phone was recently on display in Harajuku, Japan at the KDDI Designing Studio. The rest of us will just have to wait a while longer to see it.
Read More | C-Scout
Gallery: Ply Concept Phone
Daniel Deutsch, a designer with the ultimate in talent, built a fiberglass and aluminum replica of the Star Wars Landspeeder in his garage. With an electric drive system, it can hit a top speed of 25 mph, and can go for a few miles with one charge. Even at that slow of a pace, we bet Mark Hamill would still take it around the block. It joins Deutsch’s collection of other clever stuff, such as the R2-D2 shown (Joey Fatone not included.)
Read More | Daniel Deutsch
Gallery: Star Wars Landspeeder
DIY mechanics can now build a Hybrid to save some bucks and help the planet. The XR3 holds two passengers and can get 125 mpg on diesel and 225 mpg when combined with electricity. Weighing a mere 1,480 lbs., designer Robert Q. Riley promises fast acceleration and a maximum speed of 80 mph. With a clam shell canopy and three-wheel platform, use battery power alone for up to 40 miles distance. You can build the XR3 in a diesel only model for less than $10,000.00 while a Li-ion version can cost up to $25,000.00. Plans will set you back $170.00 to $200.00.
Read More | R Q Riley
Gallery: XR3 Hybrid Car Kit
We appreciate the looks of this prototype VOIP phone that has won the 2008 IF, Red Dot, and IDEA awards. The Tatung has Bluetooth, wireless connectivity and a touchpad for ease of operation. The Internet phone has a customized casing and a nostalgic, nonworking antenna. Other than that, the phone would be great for Skyping when it seems you could use the simplicity. Let’s hope that Nova Design’s award winner becomes reality soon.
Read More | Yanko
Gallery: Tatung VOIP Phone
Spruce up your home bar with the Mini Clear Sound System DT-SA101. With an output of 4W x 2 channels, the Wine Vat Digital Amplifier has an input sensitivity of 3000mV. Wine glass shaped speakers with 4 ohm impedance complete the set, with LED lighting to impress your neighbors. The amp measures 62 × 80 × 71.5mm, and weighs 200g, while each of the speakers is 62 × 130mm and weighs 145g. The system is available in Japan for ~¥26,250 (~$240.00.)
Read More | Fareast Gizmos
Gallery: Mini Clear Sound System DT-SA101
Siddharth Kambe designed the aerial camera Skyros because, after all, doesn’t everyone want a bird’s eye view of their neighborhood? Launch up to 120 feet and prescreen photos with its inbuilt sensor. The protective rings open and become a tripod for use as a regular cam. The prototype is made with a biopolymar that contains a pneumatic cylinder, carbon-dioxide canister, RF transmitter/receiver, microprocessor, battery and an LCD screen.
Read More | The Design Blog
Gallery: Skyros Overhead Camera
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