New packaging tech sure needs some “sexy”

The problem with the term “package designer” is that it’s so nebulous that an industrial designer, a graphic designer, and an engineer with absolutely no aesthetic training whatsoever could all rightfully have it on their business card. I bring this up because a company called PTI Packaging Systems has just come up with a new dual-chamber stick package, which sounded cool until I saw the photo; improved utility aside, holy cow is it ugly!

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Called Twin Stick, the new packaging tech is capable of holding either liquid and/or powder in each of its dual chambers. When you think about all of the consumables that work in pairs–salt and pepper, cream and sugar, shampoo and conditioner, etc.–the benefits and cost-savings of a package design like this become obvious. I just wish the public presentation of this new tech didn’t look like someone’s cousin shot it on a cell phone from three years ago.

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Hot In The Hive: Revo Heritage Table Radio

imageSure, retro “gadgets” may look cool in a stylishly old-fashioned sort of way, but when it comes to actually using them, our geeky reliance on modern-day tech has us too cyber-spoiled and impatient to put any effort in something that can’t keep up with our 3G speediness. The solution? A techie piece of equipment that just looks vintage, but packs all the convenient specs and capabilities of the most recent releases in the gadget world. The Revo Heritage Table Radio has the 60s-style walnut veneer surface, but boasts some seriously modern features in that retro-looking package: an iPod dock, WiFi for all your favorite internet stations, wireless streaming from your laptop, a remote control for maximum laziness, and even an alarm clock in case you doze off while listening to your tunes. It’s the perfect device for the music lover who may have an old soul… but secretly can’t live without a healthy dose of modern tech!

Price: 229,95 GBP
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Revo Heritage Table Radio to the Hive.

Pocket Light

Un nouveau projet par le designer new-yorkais Harc Lee, déja auteur de l’idée Time Swith. Voici “Pocket Light”, une carte ultra-fine intégrant une lumière, à emmener partout avec soi. Explications à travers plus d’images dans la suite.



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Portfolio d’Harc Lee.

Previously on Fubiz

HTC You Campaign

La marque HTC vient de lancer sa nouvelle campagne de publicité à la fois en presse et en TV, autour de l’image du constructeur et de terme You. Une baseline efficace : “You need a phone that get’s you” et une série de spots très réussie. A découvrir dans la suite.



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Previously on Fubiz

Sustainable Minds: Web-based Life Cycle Assessment Software

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Sustainable Minds has just released the first version of their web-based, on-demand life cycle assessment software. Based on the Okala Design Guide 2009, this comprehensive SaaS software encourages the design of greener products by providing information at the beginning of the design process about the potential impacts of material choices on the environment and human health.

Features include optimization for electro-mechanical products; assessment for any portion of the product (whole or subassembly); streamlined use with CAD and PLM systems; 450+ impact factors with CO2 equivalent values; and much, much more.

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You can watch the video demo or look through the comprehensive information available on their website. The cost is $700 for a single user, annual subscription, and a 30-day free trial is available as well.

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Titanium ID Mouse

Après la souris Apple Magic Mouse, voici un nouveau coup de cœur pour ce design entièrement réalisé en titane et en résine de haute qualité, avec optique laser. Un travail de la société hollandaise “Intelligent Design” compatible Windows et Mac OS X. Plus d’images dans la suite.



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Portfolio d’Intelligent Design / Prix annoncé : 800 euros

Previously on Fubiz

Interactive MultiTouch Sphere

Basé à Londres depuis 1998, voici le studio créatif Seeper. Un collectif qui explore les différentes interactions utilisateurs et numériques en créant des expériences multi-sensorielles. Un exemple avec cette sphère tactile et interactive. A découvrir dans la suite.



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Previously on Fubiz

Love Connection

Un nouveau concept de téléphone imaginé par le designer coréen Joonho Choi, influencé par les énergies du Yin et du Yang. Love Connection : une utilisation multimédia (lecteur vidéo, mp3 et appareil photo) basée sur la connexion des 2 objets par un fil rétractable.



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Previously on Fubiz

The Nook: Raising the Bar

Launched just last week by Barns and Noble, the Nook has added a few sexy features to rival Amazon’s Kindle e-reader. It’s white, has an e-ink screen, and is priced at $259, all like the Kindle.

The biggest distinctive feature is its ability to wirelessly “lend” ebooks to other nook users for 14 days. For more info on the Nook go here.

Social Media Counter

How much is social media growing? Gary Hayes’s flash application is based on data pulled from a myriad of social media sources and gives you a glimpse into the activity of Facebook, blogs, Twitter, and much more. To download the Social Media Counter go here.