Speaker docks are dime a dozen these days, but how many actually come in a traffic stopping form factor? iLuv has certainly outdone itself with this wine glass docking speaker which was unveiled at SEK 2007, but unfortunately for the rest of this world who are ready to hand over their money to iLuv, it remains a concept at this stage. There is no word on whether it will be manufactured or not, but I certainly hope it would. Features include a LCD display that shows the current song, time, and equalizer bands. I don’t know about you, but the word ‘dock’ sure has more than one connotation with this utterly hot model standing beside it.

Source: AVING.net

With a fifteen million dollar grant, DARPA is researching the feasibility of creating personal, self healing shields. The idea is rapidly looking to become reality thanks to “metamaterials,” a composite molecule is not only self repairing, but invisible to boot. Think of a Harry Potter like invisibility cloak that also repels a 7.62mm round from an AK47. The result hopes to be invisible body armor good for just about any combat situation that is lightweight, easy to deploy, can capable of return fire.

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For the past year, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has tested photovoltaic roofing products on roofs in Maryland. And the results are rather encouraging – with solar power efficiency varying from 6 to about 16 percent.

Based on various kinds of roofing products – ranging from tile, slate, and the single most popular shingle, all have photo-voltaic cells and surrounding inactive areas where roofers can secure them the old fashioned way – with a hammer and nail.

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Bathroom fixtures aren’t what they used to be, thanks to the advent of technology. With the advancement of function comes a refinement in form, and this is exactly what designer Kai Tan wanted to achieve with her Tapware faucet fixture. The Tapware design is an inverted cone that folds up nearly flat to the wall when not in use. Tapping it will unfold a cone in a 135º angle, where the inverted shape acts as the spot. A knob is also unveiled, letting you adjust the temperature according to your preference. Too bad a concept remains vaporware until a manufacturer decides to take action.

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Imagine camping in the wild and an emergency happens. Luckily, you discover you have a cellphone signal! In the wild no less! But the bad news is, you’re battery has just died as you reach 911. Too bad you didn’t have a way wind charge that GPS cellphone so rescue workers could find you.

Well, you have to applaud the effort in creating this wind powered cellphone charger. A mini windmill weighing a feathery 150 grams sits atop your tent.

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… and for a cheaper price!

Admit it. You thought that the Segway was way cool, but the sticker shock simply made it not worth it. Now, the Easy Glider may take the Segway on a run for it’s money. It may sound like something “as seen on TV that promises amazing fitness results,” but this new transportation gizmo has a serious pedigree.

Winner of this year’s prestigious ISPO Brand New Award, the main wheel of the Easy Glider is powered by a 360-watt electric motor and will garner a top speed of 13 mph within a 10 to 15 mile range. It also comes with headlights and an optional MP3 player.

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Strange to see how wood is making an appearance in electronics. It seems as though people are growing sick and tired of those cold surfaces that do not convey any sense of character or warmth. Designer Roland Kaufmann have thought up of a concept known as the Jano bicycle. This two-wheeler will be made out of wood, and has a dual purpose, being able to be used for everyday commute between home and office as well as making for a sturdy off-road bike.

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European scientists have come together for a common cause – to develop clothing which they claim will be capable of monitoring a person’s health. Dubbed the “intelligent textile” (no, it isn’t smart enough to do your homework for you – yet), the finished product will be used to look up different groups such as recovering hospital patients, folks who have been afflicted with chronic illnesses, and injured athletes. Funded partly by the European Union, the Biotex program as it is known will pool together the knowledge and expertise of researchers from eight different institutions. To date, a prototype multi-sensor test patch is already being finalized and will be ready soon, while the next step involves getting a group of volunteers to try out this experimental fabric. According to project co-coordinator Jean Luprano from Swiss-based CSEM, these sensors have been built and tested in the lab, with the integration into textile patches going underway.

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