Oh! Gizmo

By Jonathan Kimak

This conceptual headset, named the Nike FeelFree, uses binaural beats to stimulate the brain in a variety of ways. Binaural beats are a combination of two tones at slightly different frequencies. One tone is presented and heard by one ear while the second tone is presented and heard by the other ear. The user must have stereo headphones on for the binaural sounds to have an effect.

Depending on the frequencies, the binaural sounds emitted can help with meditation, focus, learning and sleeping. The FeelFree will have adjustable settings for each of those functions. The aim is for an individual to wear this for a period of time during their activity of choice and be able to get the maxium beneficial effect from it. The frequencies for concentration, betweeb 13 and 40Hz, are also linked to arousal, so be careful where you choose to study.

I have a CD that uses binaural sounds mixed in with relaxation sounds that is meant to stimulate the brain into a meditative mode without the need to spend 20 years sitting atop a mountain. I haven’t used it often enough to say whether it actually works or not though. The FeelFree would not use music or hamper your hearing as it would conduct the sounds through the bones in your head.

I think it would be quite cool if this ever got made.

[ The Design Blog ] VIA [ Tech Digest ]

By Jonathan Kimak

Before I delve into this interesting concept camera I’d like to share my confusion with the name of this camera. The camera appears to be called the Yang Ying camera. It is shaped to look like the Yin and Yang symbol of the harmony between the light and dark sides of humanity. Yang Ying, from the information that I could find, appears to be a Chinese table tennis champion. So either the name is a result of a common mistake about the term Yin and Yang or I could be reading way to much into it.

Anyways, the camera istelf looks pretty snazzy. Half of the camera houses the LCD screen and the actual camera, the other half houses the storage and the USB connection. It also looks like the camera was designed to be worn around the neck as an accessory for the fashion conscious. The camera was designed by Polish designer Kubasek Krzysztof.

VIA [ DVICE ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I don’t get out camping as much as I used to, but one of the skills I at least mastered as a kid was how to build and start a fire. (Because when you’re a kid, when else are you allowed to play with fire?) However the Kinderlite disposable campfire seems designed for those who probably wouldn’t last much longer than a weekend in the great outdoors.

From what I can tell it uses a hanging cardboard container that probably contains a fuel source as well as kindling-type material, as well as a wooden frame with pre-drilled holes that makes it easy to create a teepee structure from gathered twigs. It was designed by Philip John Luscombe from Northumbria University and while it looks like a ridiculously easy way to get a fire started, you’ll probably want to be throwing some bigger logs on there once it gets going if you want it to burn for longer than 20 minutes.

[ Kinderlite Disposable Campfire ] VIA [ Cribcandy ]

By Jonathan Kimak

Now when I say closer, I mean that scientists have actually made something appear invisible, it just happens to be nano sized(one billionth of a metre). It’s still a step in the right direction, the direction of absolutely awesome invisibility suits and laser guns and women in tight, form fitting clothes. Well, 2 out of 3 at least.

Researchers at the University of California in Berkeley have created a material that bends visible light around nano-sized 3-dimensional objects, rendering them invisible. The material is artificially made and has properties smaller than the wavelength of light which allows for the unique effect.

An interesting point is how one professor chose to explain cloaking bigger objects like people.

In order to have the ‘Harry Potter’ effect, you just need to find the right materials for the visible wavelengths,” says Prof Hess, “and it’s absolutely thrilling to see we’re on the right track.

[ BBC News ] VIA [ Engadget ]

By Jonathan Kimak

USB-powered coffee warmers are nothing new, but they are usually little coaster like devices that range in quality and leave your coffee either at a nice temperature or at just above frigid. But never has a device that can heat up your beverage had the possibility of branding you or a co-worker.

When I see the Heat Me coffee heater I think it is both neat and more dangerous than any other heaters whose only flaw is that they may heat up your elbow. For now the Heat Me is still in the concept stage but with billions of coffee drinkers around it’s sure to be created regardless of it’s dangers.

I don’t drink coffee myself, I choose a healthier lifestyle by only drinking a 6 pack of red bull each day.

VIA [ Engadget ]

By Luke Anderson

I don’t like coffee, so I rarely find myself in a situation where I’m attempting to carry several cups of Joe. I have gathered that it can be something of a difficult situation to coordinate all of those hot cups, even with the various carriers out there.

This cool design actually looks like it would make transporting hot coffee (or any other similarly-sized beverage) fairly easy with a simple device. It appears to be just a flat piece of cardboard with a well-designed shape which allows you to carry two cups and a few extra napkins. I’m sure we’ll see something like this popping up a coffee joints all over.

[ Sinn-Frei ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Luke Anderson

I can’t imagine how much peanut butter I’ve managed to waste in my lifetime. I’m not even talking about the stuff that gets stuck on my fingers and wiped on my pants. No, I have a bad habit of throwing out the jar while there is still plenty of peanut butter to be had at the bottom. I just don’t enjoy trying to scrape it out with a knife whilst getting my hand covered in the stuff.

This cool double-ended jar seems like it would be perfect for always getting out the last of your peanut butter. Just flip it over and scrape out what’s left. You’d probably be surprised at how many sandwiches you’d manage to get out of it. Unfortunately I don’t see companies jumping on board with this design. It will likely cost them more to produce, and since people will be getting more out of their peanut butter, they would be selling less.

[ Sherwood Forlee ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Luke Anderson

I live in a house that has carpet in almost all of the rooms, which means there is much vacuuming to be done on a regular basis. I’ve got one of those nice bagless models which works really well, except for those times when the stairs need cleaned. Here’s a concept that I can’t wait to see on the market, as it would make my life much easier.

Rather than dragging some large unit around all the time, the BakVac is a small cleaner that attaches to your back. This eliminates the hassle of trying to balance the vacuum on the stairs as you work to clean them. What’s even better is that the device would be powered by fuel cells, rather than needing to be plugged in all the time. Now if only it weren’t a concept.

VIA [ Dvice ]

By Luke Anderson

I’m not good with plants and never have. When I was young my mom used to ask me to help her with her garden, however, she quickly figured out that I was the reason she couldn’t keep anything alive. Needless to say, I don’t even bother these days. However, those of you that enjoy growing your own fresh herbs, check out this cool indoor herb garden.

This discreet piece of furniture will easily store away your garden whilst making sure your plants are fresh and healthy. Of course we all know that if this does get put into production, potheads everywhere will be rushing down to their local stores and grabbing one.

VIA [ Yanko Design ]