concept

Hummer doesn't embody environmentalism, but that's the spin GM CEO Rick Wagoner gave when he introduced the Hummer HX concept at the 2008 Detroit auto show. The Hummer HX is smaller and lighter than Hummer's other three models, but, more importantly, uses an E85-capable 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Wagoner extolled the virtues of ethanol as fuel during the press conference, punctuating the point by announcing a partnership between GM and Coskota Inc. to produce ethanol fuel using a new, cost-effective process.

As for the Hummer HX, it is a rugged-looking concept that brings Hummer design cues into … Read more

Some companies just refuse to give up on an idea, no matter how illogical it may be. That seems to be the case with VTech, which is still trying to sell the concept of a land-line phone with computer-like features.

More than a year ago the company came out with its "infoPhone," a cordless handset that included limited online functions, such as getting news headlines and doing local directory searches--a classic example, we thought, of a solution in search of a problem. But this year, rather than ditching the idea, VTech has actually expanded the concept in its … Read more

Almost by definition, concept gadgets are some of the coolest things going. They're fun to look at, and probably fun to play with, assuming you and they were ever in the same room. But that's the other thing about concept gadgets--they may never venture far beyond the lab or the press release. Consider for the moment the apple-shaped remote control from Sony, the Toast Messenger, and Rinspeed's Squba Diving Car.

They're all here--with lots more eye candy to boot--in Smashing Magazine: "Monday Inspiration: Innovative Designs and Devices"

When we first opened the PDF containing the concept images of Omaura's concept TT chassis, we thought for a second it was a large, TV-stand-ready all-in-one PC whose display had a seriously distorted aspect ratio. We'll confess to a little disappointment once we realized it was simply an upright case, but that shot of its interior got us excited again. Imagine sticking the TT on a low-profile table under your wall-mounted LCD or plasma screen.

The shots of the TT concept come to us by way of Chris Morley at Omaura North America. The former Velocity Micro Director … Read more

Design collaboration service ConceptShare, which turns one years old next month, has launched the second version of its service today, along with an all new branded version for CorelDRAW users called CorelDRAWConceptShare.

We originally checked out its core service back in late November, and with today's release, the company has focused specifically on UI improvements to help its users get work done with "less clicks" than before. The new version also gives users more vertical workspace, to suit the needs of design users with vertical display configurations who previously had to make due with the mostly landscape-centric … Read more

Something of a novelty only a year ago, devices that waterproof the iPod are almost too many to count today. But we're willing to give credit to the "iConcepts Shower Radio" for originality of design if nothing else.

The oval-shaped dock will work with other MP3 players as well, according to 7Gadgets, as long as they fit in the space behind the mirror. But in case you have any thoughts of using it as a Christmas tree ornament, be aware that it weighs 3 pounds. If you paint it green, though, it might pass for toy grenade.… Read more

Having shown prowess on the rally circuit with its Lancer Evo series, Mitsubishi turns to road performance with its Concept-RA. The company teased us today with some sketches of what its new concept car will look like: a very low-slung coupe that reminded us of the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe shown at the recent LA Auto Show. From Mitsubishi's press release on its new concept, the car's specifications are complete. It uses an aluminum space frame to keep weight down and all Mitsubishi's current electronic road-holding tech, such as Super All Wheel Control, Active Steering, Active Damping, … Read more

Do good things or bad things come in threes? Ford hopes for good, unveiling the second in a series of three Ford Verve concepts at the Auto Guangzhou show in China. Ford put its first Verve concept, a three-door hatchback, on the stage at this year's Frankfurt auto show. The new Verve concept is a four-door model, and Ford says it embodies its new "kinetic" design language, as did the earlier Verve concept. The center stack controls use a configuration similar to that found in the new Mondeo, although Ford designers also took cues from cell phone … Read more

Another handset that tries too hard? Not quite. We actually would like to see this Sony Ericsson mobile phone with a full-size USB port on store shelves. At least that's one designer Vincent Palicki's dream.

But it's far from reality. From the picture, the concept phone is shown together with a Sony Micro Vault Tiny with exposed USB contacts, so we're not sure if flash storage devices with shielded contacts would work. Also, the alphanumeric keypad could do with larger keys and the control panel more tactility. What were we thinking? This is just a concept … Read more