Pulse news reader is an elegant application for iPhone, iPad and Andriod devices. It incorporates colorful panning story bars and fills them with content from your favorite sources. Pulse redefines news, giving you the opportunity to experience the news you desire from traditional sources, your favorite blogs and social networks – all in one beautiful interface.
I have been personally using this app for a while now. It makes checking my content easy and it gives it a more professional look. I even like how I can share right from my phone in this app without having to go to another app to share it. The guys at Alphonso Labs got it right when they set out to make mobile content less frustrating and more user friendly as well as visually pleasing.
Design concepts interest me. The thought process that goes behind a project is intriguing. So today we are going to look at the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse ($70). This is a minialistic ergonomically-sound pointing device. The flexible palm rest allows you to flatten the mouse to turn it off and make it more suitable for packing. The metallic middle strip lets you perform gestures to quickly and easily move around your documents. This mouse is packing a 2.4 GHz wireless USB Nano Transceiver that can connect wirelessly right out of the box with virtually no interference and has up to a 30-foot wireless range. Just in case you could see 30-foot away from your computer. Below is a video of Young Kim the Senior User Experience Designer talking about the design process of making this new Microsoft mouse.
I'm a sucker for Ghetto Blasters of the past but TDK is bringing back the boombox with a new line of boomboxes updated for today's technology. There are two models, the 3 Speaker Boombox($499) and the 2 Speaker Boombox($399). The difference between the 3 speaker and the two speaker is that the 3 speaker system has a dedicated subwoofer in the center. Both stereos have a glossy finish with a touch screen control panel and it also has the classic retro shape of the OG (Original Gangster). The touch screens on these boomboxes are embedded into the front of the device, similar to those found in many Smartphones. Each of these boomboxes have the option to be plugged in or battery operated. Both models have USB, 3.5mm and RCA auxiliary ports to connect a variety of music sources. There is also a larger auxiliary port that allows you to connect a guitar or microphone in case you want to jam or sing with your music. These boomboxes will become available online starting in January 2011 and should be in stores by Februrary.
Christmas is only 23 days away and you're still trying to find that perfect gift. How about getting one of these bad boys. The Logitech Revue with Google T.V. ($299). The one stop shop to turn your TV into the future of entertainment. Revue is a companion to your TV and not a TV itself, so it can be easily updated. Plus Google TV is an open platform, with developers creating more apps and functionality next year, so your TV will do more as Google TV does more. One of the great features of the Revue is the fact that your Smartphone can become your remote and even do voice search's for those that are lazy and don't want to type. I admit I'm one of them. You can even watch a video on your phone and then push it to your TV. The only drawback of this media hub so far is that Hulu doesn't work on Google TV yet, but that can change in the future. More than likely you will have to pay for Hulu Plus for it to work. There are way too many functions for this box so I have added some videos to show the demo of this hub.
We all remember the Smart car right? The company that brought that little tiny car that so many craved to own. Well how about owning a pedal-powered bicycle with electric assistance named ebike. The ebike is powered by a 36-volt/9.6Ah Lithium-ion battery pack which is concealed within the frame paneling above the crankcase. It can be charged from a household mains socket and is said to take just two to three hours to fully charge.
Unlike some other pedelec (pedal electric cycle) vehicles available at the moment, the electric drive on smart's e-bike is not activated via a throttle grip on the handlebars. The 250W brushless direct current wheel hub motor activates as soon as the rider starts to pedal and provides four levels of electric support, controlled by a button on the handlebar. Depending on the motorized support level chosen, smart says that the ebike has an effective range of between 30 and 90 km (18.6 and 55.9 miles) per charge.
The ebike also has a spot for your smartphone. Not a selling point for you. How about if I told you this bike will integrate with your smartphones via a smart drive kit app. When placed in a special mount, the phone automatically activates the electric drive and becomes an information and control center for the vehicle. A trip computer interface advises the rider of battery status, current and average speed and also includes a heart-rate monitor and navigation system. There's even a GPS tracking function to help users locate a parked e-bike. This ebike not only has some great features but this bike has a stunning design which I would feel pretty slick riding around town. How about you?
Jawbone the leader in Bluetooth headsets with their tiny earpieces that not only work the way they should but also have a beautiful style to them as well. So it's only ideal that they took the same approach with their new product the JAMBOX ($199). The JAMBOX weighs less than a pound and looks like an over-sized LEGO, however don't let that fool you. It packs some serious sound in this over-sized and underweight speaker system.
The JAMBOX can be connected via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm stereo jack and it comes in 4 different colors to match your style. It's one of the only speakers in the world that gets smarter every time you plug it in. Jawbone has incorporated its MyTALK online platform to download apps, software upgrades and latest features to your JAMBOX. Its part technical wonder, part modernist artwork, JAMBOX looks and feels as striking as it sounds. Whether placed on a desk, coffee table, or shelf, JAMBOX not only declutters jumbles of wires and clumsy computer speakers, but adds a distinct touch of style. This would be a great gift for the holidays to someone who loves music. (hint, hint).
