(Credit:
Timex)
Now here's a concept timepiece that could literally stand the test of time.
The brainchild of designers Christophe Koch and Lea Kobeli, Time-aid is a custom-made wristwatch that relies on the imaginary Timex clock network. In short, it's capable of displaying clock faces around the world via a live satellite feed. If you are in London, you could be looking at the Big Ben on your wrist, or the tower clock at the Star Ferry terminal if you are in Hong Kong.
The solar-powered concept is waterproof up to more than 16,000 feet and makes use of a wraparound assembly that's purportedly indestructible. That's not all. You also get to tattoo your name and birth date to make Time-aid a personalized timepiece.
Of course, don't expect this to be available soon, but with the Time-aid scoring a big win at the "Timex2145: The Future of Time" competition co-sponsored by Timex and design blog Core77, we figure someone at Timex could be looking to bring this into production sooner than you think.
(Via Crave Asia)
Related story:
(Credit:
Core 77)
In the year 2154, no one will want to wear wristwatches anymore. They'll probably be out of fashion or too bulky for our hands. The in thing will be the nail watch, known as the TX54. Well, that's what Timex and design site Core77 think will be the future, according to the global design competition Timex 2154: The Future of Time." The two held the contest to mark the watch maker's 150th anniversary.
TX54, the runner-up in the event, is a concept watch by three Americans designers: Napoleon Merana, Steffen Schubert, and David Takacs. The nail watch is designed to be hooked to the thumbnail. The user should be able to view the time in the dark just by pressing the tip of the nail. Wearers can also switch between available colors. It is also disposable. One hopes it's waterproof as well, just in case you forget to take it off while you're in the shower.
Although the TX54 is a good concept, I can't imagine how small the numbers are going to be, probably putting a strain on your eyes.
(Via Crave Asia)
The iPod Nano: just one of six super stylish MP3 players
(Credit: Apple)Style may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you're searching for an MP3 player, but it plays a part for most people. The definition of style can be highly subjective--especially when it comes to gadgets--but I had to come up with at least some loose guidelines before compiling a list of fashion-forward MP3 players. Namely, a device must be sleek, easy on the eyes, and--ideally--inspire positive feedback from bystanders who take notice of it. In my opinion, all of the players included in this feature fall nicely into that definition. Let's break them down, shall we? Check out the players.
(Credit:
I4U News)
(Credit:
Seiko)
Seiko was once known for its coveted high-end watches, often sporting the latest timepiece technologies. For several years on the U.S. market, however, it's been associated more with department store displays that cram watches into their cases like passengers on Tokyo subways.
But the watchmaker is showing that it hasn't lost its techno-mojo by trotting out its "Spectrum" model, which features a display that uses high-contrast electronic ink from the aptly named partner E Ink. On display at Switzerland's BaselWorld show this week, the watch has a "360-degree continuous sapphire crystal" and will sell for $2,000, according to WristDreams.
Despite its formidable appearance, the Spectrum weighs less than 3 ounces. Seiko apparently thinks its bangle-bracelet design makes the watch more appropriate for women, so it's marketing it appropriately. But in the metrosexual world of high-tech fashion, this watch could be worn by just about anyone, anywhere.
My, what shiny sides you have
(Credit: Dada footwear)Almost exactly one year ago, LL International--parent company of Dada footwear--quietly announced the Code M system, a "proprietary, patent-pending wireless technology application for footwear that delivers both audio and data." Today, I'm refreshing my original Alpha Blog here to remind us all of the original design of these--how shall we say? Awesome shoes. You may be rightly wondering why, and the reason is twofold. First, we've just recently managed to get our hands on a preproduction pair of said footwear, and the final sale model is due for review any day now. Second, I once again found myself in the involuntary position of having to sport wearable electronics in a (public) CNET video... and, well, embarrassing action makes for good video, right? (Head over to the Code M product page to view the video, which should be up shortly.)
Essentially, the Code M plan came to fruition because Dada wanted to get its hands in the big money pot that is the consumer electronics industry. The development of the technology stemmed from LL International's president and CEO, Lavetta Willis, who was looking for a device that would not only play music while she worked out, but also track her mileage, pace, and heart rate as well as allow her to answer her cell phone and keep track of time. (The Philips-Nike MP3Run comes close.) Although the product pictured doesn't immediately address all of these needs, the Code M technology that's integrated into its tongue and heel has the potential to. The Dada Supreme shoes, which are set to launch next month, are capable of holding up to 100 songs and have a USB port built in for music transfers and battery charging (rated six-hour battery life). The shoes also come with a wireless headset with a 30-foot range. The cost for haute technology? $199.99.
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