ASUS has unveiled the WL-330NUL pocket router at CES 2013. It is seen as the world's smallest wireess router, which is powered by a USB port or by plugging directly into a power socket. The device creates a secure hotspot for sharing of a wired or wi-fi connection with multiple devices. It looks to have a release date of February 14th but currently the price is unknown. All Asus let us know was that the device supported 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity, supports various security protocols, and was designed to connect to computers via a USB connection. Asus also noted that the device is capable of receiving Wi-Fi and sharing wireless hotspots with other users via the integrated Ethernet port. You can read more about it on the CES press release.

Source: slashgear.com

Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Japanese agency signed the proposed individual home in Hiroshima. In the heart of the city, built right between high buildings, Optical Glass House would open on a street side garden protected from the everyday bustle on the street by a screen made of 6000 blocks of optical glass.

Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP give a little detail about the house:

Optical Glass Front:

A panel of some 6.000 pure-glass blocks (50mm x 235mm x 50mm) was employed. The pure-glass blocks, With Their wide mass-per-unit area, Effectively shut out sound and enable the establishment of an open, Clearly articulated That allowed on the garden city scenery. To Realize Such a facade, glass casting was employed to Produce glass of extremely high transparency from borosilicate raw material for the optical glass. The casting process was exceedingly difficulty, for it required slow cooling to remove Both residual stress from within the glass, and high dimensional accuracy. Even then, however, the glass micro-level Retained Surface asperities, we aim Actively Welcomed this effect, for it Would Produce unexpected optical illusions in the interior space.

Waterfall:

So wide was the 8.6mx 8.6m façade Could not stand it if indépendamment Constructed by laying rows of glass blocks a mere 50mm deep. We therefore punctured the glass blocks with holes and strung 'em on 75 stainless steel bolts suspended from the beam above the façade. Such a structure vulnerable to lateral Would Be stress, however, so along with the glass blocks, we aussi strung on stainless steel flat bars (40mm x 4mm) at 10 centimeter intervals. The flat bar is seated Within The 50mm-thick glass block to render it invisible, and Malthus has uniform sealing gasket entre le 6mm glass blocks was Achieved.  The result?  -a transparent facade When seen from the garden Either or the street. The façade Appears like a waterfall flowing downward, scattering light and filling the air with freshness.

You can find out more about this house on Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP website.



Photographs:  Nacasa & Partners

Source: Archidesignclub

How would you like to have a different way of securing your bike then carrying around multiple locks?  How about the concept design of this Saddle Lock.

Per the designers, "Saddle Lock provides a way to quickly lock the rear wheel without the need for additional locking accessories. The seat post swings down around the main frame when a button is pushed. The saddle features a cut-away shape that allows it to sit over the rear wheel. A combination lock allows the release of a special alloy rotating lock that extends from one end of the saddle to the other, securing its connection to the wheel."

Saddle Lock is a 2012 red dot award: design concept winner and was designed by Lee Sang Hwa, Kim Jin Ho & Yeo Min Gu.



Source: YankoDesign

So what is Plair you ask? PLAiR apps let you play photos & videos from your laptop, phone, and tablet on your big screen TV using the PLAiR device ($99). PLAiR works with all TVs that have a HDMI port and receives video over WiFi from custom apps for Android, iOS, OS X and Windows. It only takes three simple steps and you will be beaming shows from a multitude of different devices in no time.  The only downfall that I have noticed so far is that Hulu and Netflix's are not yet supported with this device but I'm sure it is only a matter of time before it becomes available.  Check out the video on there site to learn more

Urbanears has made this minimalistic and aesthetically unique new accessory, the Slussen. It is said to be the "most powerful after-party weapon know to man", the Slussen essentially brings the DJ experience to everyone even the wannabe's.  This $15 adapter plugs into one audio source and the other is for your headphones. Once you're ready to go, just load up the upcoming Slussen iOS APP (Feb 1st) which give you a simplified, streamlined DJ kit that lets you mix tracks, cross-fade, equalize tracks, and preview tracks through your headphones. It also come with the keychain holder so that you don't lose your little new buddy.  I'm wondering though if it can be used without the App and can be use with other Andriod and iOS and computer software?



Source: Acquiremag