Hasta La Ideas

We brought 24 guests on Safari in Zambia and they got to test the new K-30 DSLR

For our first Cool Hunting Edition travel experience we brought 24 friends and readers on safari in Zambia. Over the course of eight days CH Zambia guests experienced the wonders and wildlife of Africa with a few surprises from our brand partners. More stories and videos here. The first…

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Full impact protection in a new line for photographers

Brenthaven, a leader in hardcore casing for laptops and devices, recently made the jump to camera bags in a collection that continues their focus on providing the best protection possible. The complete collection includes a lens case, holster, waist pack, shoulder case, messenger bag and backpack—just about the gamut of any photographer’s lugging needs. In our hands-on test of the backpack, the feature that stood out most was Brenthaven’s brand-new “BX2 Xtreme” foam that provides burly, lightweight padding for cameras and lenses.

The organization of the backpack includes a customizable main cavity with front and side accessibility as well as a top area for smaller stowage. Additional flat sleeves provide storage for smaller items and a side loop allows for tripod attachment. One novel design detail is the side access to a laptop sleeve separate from the main compartments.

The backpack is also built for the elements, with a stowable rainfly and gray exterior that resists water and keeps compartments cool. Overall, the pack makes a stellar option for multiple lens photographers looking for impact protection above all else. As an added bonus, all Brenthaven products come with a lifetime guarantee and are sustainably produced.

The BX2 Backpack can be found along with the rest of the collection at the Brenthaven online shop.

Images by James Thorne

A table and Airplay-enabled sound system in one

Combining precision German engineering with beautiful Finnish design from their offices in Berlin and Helsinki, multinational studio Mela & Vanamo debuts with the stunning Kaikuuu01 table sound system. Designers Teemu Kurkela, Martti Mela and Päivi Meuronen created the Airplay compatible table with integrated speakers and radio, all encased in a spare, unassuming design.

Constructed of Canadian maple by a specialized cabinetmaker in Berlin, the glass-topped table relies on an audio exciter pressed against the underside of the glass surface that effectively turns it into a loudspeaker—a technique Mela says is commonly used in showroom windows and sound art installations. The boxed wood frame both acts as a natural soundboard to amplify low frequency tones and keeps the electronic innards out of sight. The glass plain rests on a dampening cushion that eliminates the transfer of sound and vibrations to other objects placed on the table.

The Kaikuuu01 is controlled by an Apple Airplay-compatible device within the structure, and powered by an AC cord that runs out of sight through one leg. For more information on the acoustic table and pricing—which can be constructed in any requested size—contact Mela & Vanamo directly. The designers also have a headboard, light and alarm clock in the works.

Bluetooth audio enabled with a simple accessory

Aiming to free you up from pesky cordage, EarTop Flow is an after-market bluetooth gizmo that attaches to headphones for wireless streaming. The device, currently fitted for Bose and Beats by Dre headphones, utilizes advanced Bluetooth 2.1, EDR and APTX technologies for high fidelity feeds with a 30-foot range. A practical design allows plug-and-play via a 3.5mm jack while the lightweight body floats externally.

A touch control system allows you to manually manage your music as well as interrupt playback to take calls through the headphones, and a full charge will deliver 12 hours of uninterrupted, studio-quality sound. The concept was developed by CEO Ketan Rahangdale, a former deejay who was looking for a low-cost option for bluetooth streaming. EarTop Flow technology also has potential applications in cars, home stereos and anywhere 3.5mm jacks are used—which is practically everywhere.

For now, EarTop Flow can be pre-ordered for $50 as part of the company’s Kickstarter campaign.

The shape-shifting arts and fashion publication goes stereoscopic

Continually pushing the boundaries of traditional publishing, quarterly art and fashion magazine Visionaire has released their 62nd issue in conjunction with NYC-based design firm Aruliden and Brazilian retail developer and contemporary art patron Iguatemi. As with each issue, the theme and format has once again changed. This time Visionaire takes the form of a stereoscope. Designed, developed and manufactured by Aruliden, the “issue” contains 18 slides depicting photographic works by a wide range of renowned artists to express the life, culture and arts of Brazil without any of the samba dancing clichés. Artists featured include Maurizio Cattelan, Marco Brambilla, Alas & Marcus Piggott and even Karl Lagerfeld.

Each slide features two images, shot from two cameras at a measured distance from both each other and the subject. The stereoscope’s two lenses are spaced from each other and the viewing plane at the same proportion putting the slide at the correct distance ratio from your line of sight to best capture the stereoscope’s ability create the illusion of three dimensions. The impressively sharp images are seen as if at the end of a long dark hallway. Much like one would encounter art in a gallery—surrounded by white walls with a single object of attention—the user gets a uniquely isolated viewing experience from the black box stereoscope.

Described by Aruliden founder and lead designer Johan Liden as a “non object,” the stereoscope’s beautifully designed block-like body seems both intuitive and ambiguous at the same time. On one end the soft nose and eye cutouts seem to encourage the user to hold it to their face, while the sharp edges and matte finish of the other sides offer few clues as to the product’s purpose. “Architecturally it’s very linear and square,” says Liden, explaining that the injection-molded plastic is produced with a slightly silky, soft touch finish to soften the device without changing its shape and make it more “friendly.”

While the low-tech stereoscope may seem basic in form, it was no easy feat to create. Liden and his team worked on the design for an entire year, toying with options from shapes inspired by an open book to an ode to the classic ViewMaster 3D toy. After extensive prototyping and testing ideas, the design team settled on the final, elegant shape.

Available in a choice of two lenticular-paneled boxes, the limited-run Visionaire issue 62 Rio can now be bought directly from Visionaire. Limited to just 2,000 total editions, issue 62 sells for $375. For a closer look at the packaging and product design see the slideshow.

Images by Graham Hiemstra and Aruliden