Hasta La Ideas The Adventures of Star Wars Figurines in Nature Archives

Mar 27

Henge Docks

Posted in: dockingstations, macs, technologyaccessories

Connect your laptop and clean up your desktop with the vertical docking system

As one of the more useful designs in Apple-specific accessories we’ve seen of late, Henge Docks offers a smart and sleek way to connect your Mac laptop to a desktop monitor or TV. The standup dock secures multiple cords and cables in place to make connecting to external devices more efficient while enabling air circulation and space efficiency. The docking system is available for all recent Mac laptop models and works out-of-the-box with only a few minutes of set-up required.

The product of long time friends, Henge Docks grew from ideation to production nearly entirely inhouse on the back and bill of the company’s three founders—a product designer, lawyer and physics teacher. To keep the concept focused and design driven without hindering the laptop’s own performance, Henge Docks endured extensive testing and prototyping in the years since the concept was hatched—with the final product having been just recently released.

Henge Docks are available in nine specific models to match your Mac, even if it’s four years old. Each docking system comes with multiple specially designed cords for proper alignment and sells directly from Henge Docks online for between $60 to $75 depending on model.

Feb 15

On-Mountain Tech

Posted in: outerwear, ski, technologyaccessories

Three innovative outdoor accessories that make the future now

While the purity of a lo-fi outdoor adventure can be a blissful experience, innovations in on-mountain tech offer enhancements that increase both fun and knowledge. Last week in Whistler I channeled my inner cyborg and tested three devices that are making the future now by informing, recording and entertaining throughout the day’s activity.

Not often can a single product really change the game, but the Recon Mod Live goggle comes close. The goggle is equipped with the world’s first GPS micro optics display specifically designed for a snow sport use. The incredibly small, unobtrusive device displays clear and easy-to-read graphics in real-time—tracking your speed, vertical stats, altitude, location, distance traveled and even temperature. Paired with an Android phone, the Mod Live even will display text messages and incoming call alerts in the heads-up view.

A bluetooth remote wristband allows the user to navigate the dashboard displayed on the LCD screen in the goggle. Paired with a Contour+ camera, the Recon Mod Live acts as a viewfinder for setting up the correct trajectory of your PoV shot. Plus, once the day is done all the day’s stats can be uploaded to the Recon HQ to see just how you did.

Capable of shooting—and live-streaming—full 1080p HD video, the Contour+ is outfitted with the largest lens of any comparable camera and has an f/2.8 aperture with 170 degrees of vision. To avoid that muffled sound synonymous with PoV cams, the Contour+ is equipped with an external microphone jack to capture accurate sound. While the camera isn’t new, it remains my go-to PoV shooter and now being able to see the viewfinder in Recon’s goggles it’s even more usable than ever.

Always an enthusiast for on-hill entertainment, Burton makes your tunes more accessible with the Mix Master Glove. The waterproof leather glove allows the user full control of an iPod or iPhone with gloves on thanks to a few exterior buttons on the back of the left hand. The remote communicates wirelessly with the dongle plugged in to an iDevice, so you’re free to adjust volume, pause, play and switch between tracks with the tap of your finger.

Jan 31

Chick-a-Dee Smoke Detector

Posted in: homedecor, technologyaccessories

A playful alternative to this home necessity

While navigating the endless maze at the 2012 NY International Gift Fair, we came across this playful take on a home essential, the smoke detector. The Chick-a-Dee is, simply put, a smoke detector shaped like a bird; it brings a bit of life to a device designed to protect it. As the winner of the Mooi uit de brand design competition, the Chick-a-Dee previously sold in the Netherlands and has just recently been approved for sale in the U.S. The cutesy appliance draws on the American Black-capped Chicadee for its size and sound, replicating the bird’s iconic “chick-a-dee-dee” call at the first sign of smoke then emiting a louder, more sustained 85 db sound as smoke thickens.

We love the fresh thinking and fun approach from the multitalented Dutch artist and designer Louise van der Veld, bringing design ideation to a corner of the home where it’s not normally found. Now let’s just hope the batteries are easy to access for those unfortunate—and all to frequent—burned dinners. The Chick-a-Dee smoke detector is now available online in white, white with black base, pink and blue for $75.

Jan 10

SpareOne

Posted in: technologyaccessories

The cell phone that holds its charge for 15 years on just a single AA battery

Relying on just one AA battery, the newly launched SpareOne mobile phone holds its power for an astonishing 15 years, with 10 hours of consecutive talk time on a single charge. Developed by industry giant XPAL Power—which also makes the combined battery pack and phone case PowerSkin—SpareOne’s basic interface may not have the bells and whistles of an iPhone, but it works well for kids or seniors who need to carry a phone in case of emergency.

The SpareOne works optimally with an Engergizer Ultimate Lithium AA battery—another XPAL Power product—but will operate with any alkaline, NiMH or Lithium power source. The lightweight, compact design is also ideal for outdoor adventurists who want to stay in contact, but without the bulk of a smart phone or the worry of losing a more valuable device.

Premiering this week at Las Vegas’ CES, theSpareOne will soon be available online for a moderate $50, with various versions created specifically for the U.S., European and Asian markets.

Jan 09

Sonos Play:5 Giveaway

Posted in: streaming, technologyaccessories

Art-inspired grills deck out our latest audio giveaway

As part of a New Year’s resolution to up our music game, we’re giving away a special-edition Sonos Play:5 speaker system to one of our readers. With a custom grill bearing music-inspired art, these speakers are the largest—and most powerful—of the Sonos line. The line made an impressive debut at the NADA Art Fair, where Sonos teamed up with a crop of artists to produce and sell the limited run of custom speakers to benefit Creative Growth, an Oakland arts center for adults with disabilities.

The grills feature artwork from Susan Janow, Donald Mitchell, Gerone Spruill and Aurie Ramirez of Creative Growth. As it turns out, the pieces make a brilliant canvas to incorporate artwork into everyday items. Besides the design appeal, the Sonos system incorporates five integrated speakers and five Class-D digital amplifiers that pump room-filling sound with a host of streaming options, and allows you to control playback through a desktop app, a mobile app and a dedicated remote. We hope you enjoy the HiFi sound and streaming ease as much as we do here in the CH HQ.

For the giveaway, we’re letting the winner select one of the four designs shown here. To win, Tweet your favorite song of the moment to @coolhunting and @sonos with the hashtag #CHSonosGiveaway. We’ll be taking entries through 12 a.m. EST on Wednesday, 11 January.

Dec 15

Pro Messenger AW Series

Posted in: technologyaccessories

Lowepro’s latest line of camera bags meld function and style in classic form

Unlike other tech-heavy camera bags, Lowepro’s Messenger AW Series is thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality but is styled to be understated. Each model in the series—200, 180 and 160—fits a full-sized DSLR with grip and attached lens, plus plenty of room for extra lenses and accessories. The canvas outer fabric and simple profile disguise the purpose and contents of the bag which is a welcomed benefit for street and travel shooting situations.

With the largest of the three, the 200, you’ll find the front flap pocket is large enough to accommodate two DSLR bodies while the main compartment features customizable padded sections to fit lenses, a flash and other accessories. Each successive model reduces capacity for different uses. For street and travel shooting the 160 has become my new favorite bag as it’s small enough to pack in my luggage but big enough to house my DSLR, one extra lens, a flash and other assorted items I grab for a day of shooting.

One innovative detail that deserves a special note is the folding main compartment flap featured on all three in the series. Fold it in half and use the magnetic closures for silent access, extend it to utilize the velcro patches for more secured storage, or simply fold it under the grab handle for open-bag access while shooting.

Another welcomed feature is the extra-comfortable sling strap. The addition of gel padding to the slightly oversized shape really helps prevent fatigue during long days of shooting. The last feature worth a nod is the hidden waterproof fly pulls out from under the front pocket to cover all when caught in an unexpected rain shower.

To learn more about the Pro Messenger AW Series bags, get a 360-degree view or watch instructional videos head to Lowerpro online. The series sells for around $230, $210 and $190 respectively; available at Amazon

Dec 12

Hi-Fi Gifts

Posted in: furnituredesign, technologyaccessories

Select items for music junkies of all degrees from our 2011 gift guide

The latest crop from our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide selects inspired audio delights for the music lovers on your list. From album-art coffee tables to subscription music services, we provide the perfect option for every occasion.

Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs

Capturing the most renowned musicians of the past century, Linda McCartney’s photography reveals lager-than-life subjects in intimate moments. This 288-page retrospective pulls some of her best shots from a body of work that includes more than 200,000 images.

Music-Inspired Furnishings

With gorgeous vinyl occupying the dark corners of basements across California, this LA-based company has found a new way to bring album art back into the living room. This side table is one of many inspired creations from Bug House, who give you the option of customizing pieces to suit your individual tastes.

Playground Sessions

This gift for aspiring pianists combines video game addiction with personal music lessons in a downloadable program. Synching with an electric keyboard, Playground Sessions promises to gear you up for a live recital with easy-to-learn, enjoyable tutorials by YouTube-sensation instructor David Sides.

Spotify

A newcomer to the U.S., Spotify gives you unlimited access to over 15 million songs on your computer or mobile device. Because it’s accessible from virtually any location, the gift of boundless music will follow your loved one wherever they go.

Jazz: The Smithsonian Anthology

Smithsonian Folkways dares to define jazz with 111 tracks over six CDs that follow the development of the art form from its meager roots to global prominence. The anthology includes a 200-page catalog of liner notes to educate and enthrall the jazz enthusiast.

HEX Vision for Nano

Of all the accessories designed with the iPod Nano in mind, this watchband from HEX offers the most subtle way to play. The stainless steel band comes in silver and gun metal colorways, providing mobile sound with a look to dress up or down.

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Headphones

With the luxurious leather detailing and clean design that we’ve come to expect from Bowers & Wilkins, this is our top pick for noise-isolating headphones. The comfortable and fashionable fit delivers natural sound without the irritating interruption of ambient noise.

McIntosh MC275

The original MC275 was designed in 1961, and this update is a refreshing dose of exposed mechanics and unparalleled sound for design addicts and audiofiles alike. The vacuum tube amplifier was designed and engineered by McIntosh co-founder Sidney Corderman.

Dec 01

Gifts For Gadget Lovers

Posted in: earbuds, scanners, technologyaccessories

Tech-centric highlights from our 2011 holiday gift guide

Many adults—including a majority of CH staffers—classify their favorite toys in the tech sector. We’ve culled a batch of coveted electronic items from the Cool Hunting Gift Guide for all the gadget lovers on your list.

Ultimate Ears

Developed in 1995 by Van Halen’s touring monitor engineer and drummer, this line of earphones ranges from the simple $50 set for the daily commuter to the extravagant professional in-ear monitor custom-made to mold to your ear ($450-$1350).

Qlocktwo and Qlocktwo Touch

The gorgeous display on this digital wall clock will deliver accurate readouts without the stress of a ticking second hand. Qlocktwo comes in multiple colors and sizes, with a design fit for home or office.

Ray Solar Charger

Power your life on the go with pure sunlight from ray, a portable solar charger for digital devices. The handy contraption comes with a silicone suction cup and kickstand to harness solar power anywhere. Coupling convenience with responsibility, this is a sure win for conscientious gadget users.

Moshi Moshi 03i Handset

French designer David Turpin presents Moshi Moshi 03i, a wireless handset and dock for iPhones and personal computers. Link up via Bluetooth or USB and use the slick desktop accessory to call and Skype to your heart’s content.

NeatDesk Digital Scanner

Digitizing all kinds of clutter from tax returns to receipts to business cards, NeatDesk is a scanner-and-software combo that records and organizes your most essential information. The intelligent software is able to digitally categorize the content of your scans; in the case of receipts, it finds the date, payment type, purchase amount as well as other important details.

Ceramic Speakers Version 2

The second installment of SF-based industrial designer Joey Roth’s ceramic speakers pump out massive sound in a simple package. Made with durable and natural materials like cork, porcelain and maple plywood, this classic set will enliven your living room for years to come.

Kogeto Dot

The adorable Dot from Kogeto snaps onto your iPhone 4 or 4s to enable 360-degree recording from the palm of your hand. The attachment comes in a rainbow of colors and is a perfect gift for amateur videographers to record their latest youtube shenanigans.

iPong

The nifty iPong robot provides expert ping pong training without a partner. Best of all, the cylindrical, super slim design allows setup in less than a minute.

Nov 10

Powerbag

Posted in: accesories, charger, smartphones, technologyaccessories

Sleek satchels that pack some serious power

Fit for arduous travel schedules and lengthy commutes, the recently released luggage line from Powerbag features an on-board charging system to keep you on the grid no matter how far from an outlet you may be. Each bag’s removable and rechargeable power source comes equipped with an Apple device connector, Mini and Mico-USB cords, and a standard USB port, putting out enough power for up to four devices at once. Most importantly, the smart charge system diverts power to the devices that need it most, preventing your tablet from hoarding all the juice.

On the outside of each bag you’ll find a small button that illuminates to display the current battery level of the internal power source. The bag’s deliberately subtle design—charging level is momentarily displayed at a touch of the adjacent button—allows you to safely carry expensive electronics without drawing attention.

The Business Class Pack is a basic backpack with all the highlights hidden on the inside. We love the the number of compartments and velour-lined pockets, preventing your gear from getting all scratched up. Its most notable claim is a “checkpoint-friendly” zipper that opens to lie the bag flat so you don’t have to remove your laptop from the rear compartment for airport security screenings. Life changing.

Much like its over-the-shoulder brother, the Instant Messenger bag is defined by its subdued design and tech-driven inner workings. With a padded laptop sleeve and numerous zippered pockets, this sling bag has more than enough room for long-distance travel or the everyday commute.

Outfitted with a removable 6000mAh battery, the bags offer enough juice to fully charge an average smartphone up to four times before the power supply needs to be refilled. Both packs feature a small AC adapter plug on the outside that connects to any wall outlet for easy recharging. The Business Class Pack and the Instant Messenger bag sell for $180 each directly from Powerbag online. Other styles are also available, and smaller chargers are available at a lower cost.

Nov 02

BioLogic Bicycle Accessories

Posted in: iphoneaccessories, iphoneapps, technologyaccessories

A new rugged case and free app keep you on track and your iPhone safe while cycling

Bicycle gear and accessories brand BioLogic is set to release its strongest product yet—the completely weather- and shock-proof ReeCharge iPhone case. What makes this adventure-ready case truly unique is the integrated lithium polymer battery that keeps the battery charged, thus making the fully enclosed case perfect for cold weather—which typically drains battery life—and able to sustain longer adventures on the ski slopes or in the saddle.

The ReeCharge case, which drops in mid-November 2011, is optimized for cycling by connecting it to the handlebars with an optional mount and using BioLogic’s BikeBrain app to turn a cell phone into a cycling computer.

BikeBrain uses a phone’s existing GPS system to track movement, speed, distance and even altitude, all displayed in an easy-to-read, customizable format. The thoughtful app also keeps time on rides and stores the data for consistent training stats or to track sight-seeing routes.

BikeBrain is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store, with a sizable upgrade to unlimited training options and trip logs, and the ability to directly connect and share via email and across most channels of social media.

For more information and to watch informative videos on the ReeCharge iPhone case or the BikeBrain app head to Biologic online.