Excuse me, your ring is ringing...

Talk about giving someone a ring. Literally. That is if said person was wearing one of Nokia's Icon Handsfree Kits for good measure. We've no word yet from the local office if this upcoming Finnish creation will see light of day in this part of Asia. But it's hip enough to show up on our radar. Hopefully, the sticker price won't be too much of a shock.


Meanwhile, if the Nokia Icon nudges at your memory box, that's because it resembles the 7280 in color and styling, and is, in fact, meant to work with it (via Bluetooth). However, the Icon is a darn sight more versatile when it comes to accessorizing.

For one, the rubberized pair of thumb rings and wristband set come with interchangeable sections for mix-and-match customization. For another, the kit not only features a duochromatic OLED screen which displays SMS, incoming calls and graphics, it also doubles as a watch. Argentine designer Manuel López Revol clearly has high fashion taste.

In terms of operation, when a caller rings in, the wristband will flash messages from the handset. The ring will also glow in different colors of red or white to alert you when you get a message or a call.

For potential fun and fashion, this one gets our Icon-ized thumbs up.

Palm adds Wi-Fi to future Treos

Better late than never. The US-based PDA manufacturer is finally setting its sights on the seven-year-old wireless networking technology, citing high battery drain for previous no-shows. In an interview with Washington Post in May, Palm CEO Ed Colligan reiterated the importance of Wi-Fi and the company's plans to introduce such onboard capability in its future lineup of Treo Smartphones. He stopped short of providing specifics such as a product roadmap and release dates.

However, thanks to a leaked document from Palm's partner Cingular Wireless, the first Wi-Fi-enabled Treo may come in the form of a 3G smart phone under the codename Lennon. Networking aside, the upcoming Lennon is also rumored to be equipped with Windows Mobile 5.0 and a 1.3-megapixel camera.

Paper planes that weigh 4 tons

Unless you have access to Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works research facility in California, it's unlikely (we think) you'll be able to "print" your personal plane. But if you've already made plans to smuggle out that microwave oven-sized chamber dubbed a 3D printer, let us have a go at it, too, after you've had your fun.

Paul Marks from NewScientist.com reported that Lockheed Martin has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) known as the Polecat with a wingspan of 28m and a feather weight of 4 tons. According to Skunk Works, the UAV can be built within 18 months and is constructed using low-cost rapid prototyping materials and methods which provide cost-saving advantages.

We don't recommend that you try this at home, but if you really must, you can use laser beams to heat a polymer or metal powder and fuse it layer by layer to form the object of your desire.

That sure beats the paper planes we've been folding using the recycled garbage from our office printouts.

The Water Wrist Bottle

Ok, it looks ridiculously like something Captain America would wear. And it probably takes some getting used to, literally and figuratively. But we're suckers (no pun intended) for convergence, and the Hydro-Sports does 2-in-1 duties rather cleverly. It's both water bottle and light weights for joggers, power walkers, even bikers planning to tone up faster. Designed to strap onto your wrists, it removes the need to lug along that cumbersome water bottle, while putting the drinking straws within sipping reach. Until the manufacturers jazz up the next edition, be warned. You may look silly running around the block with these. But at least you're home free and handsfree! One tiny consolation: These come in five colors of Neon Green, Pearl, Purple, Pink, and Blue to match your workout attire.

Get more images here

Via NMOA

Price: US$9.99 a pair
Availability: Direct sales at Hydro-Sport
Device: Handsfree water bottles
Basic specs: Each unit holds 4oz water or sports drink, strapped onto wrist, pull top, about 0.5lbs each, dishwasher safe

Nikon teases, tickles, whatever

You go, Nikon. The camera manufacturer is running a teaser campaign which promises a more powerful and versatile 10.2-megapixel dSLR targeted at photo enthusiasts. Word on the Web has it that the Nikon could be a successor to the D70/D70s.

We hate to count, but if we're lucky enough, the launch of this new camera might coincide with the birthday of Singapore which falls on August 9. Until then, we'll all wait, just like everyone else.

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (779)

» Digital Cameras (431)

» Notebooks (506)

» PC & Peripherals (531)

» Handhelds (264)

» Printers (44)

» Home AV (523)

» Music & Play (439)

» Gadgets (1002)

» Future Tech (171)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads