Gear4 shrinks BlackBox speaker to travel size

The cubist period for speakers seems to be alive and well, whether we like it or not. As a reflection of its widening influence, the latest example comes from the UK with Gear4's BlackBox Micro.

As the second half of its name implies, it's the little brother of Gear4's larger wireless BlackBox system. As the first half implies, it's a black box.

The smaller sibling isn't wireless, unfortunately, which is one reason the traveling speaker goes for about US$40, as quoted by Electronista. Gear4 claims the USB device has unusual quality for its size, thanks to an "SFX gel base driver" along with a standard one that improves its bass and high notes, respectively. Either way, it could be a perfect addition to a geometrically inspired decor, along with the Audio Cube ottoman.

Via CNET Crave

Jewel Ice Cube Tray for the girl who has everything

All that glitters is not gold. Or diamonds in this case. The Jewel Ice Cube Tray isn't something I'd advocate to the guys since nothing beats the real nugget on your finger. But hey, if you have a sense of humor, you'll look on this ice cube faux (US$7) as, literally and figuratively, a cool joke gift; provided it's not done too often by your significant other. Not to mention being a lot more useful chilling up your drinks than a cubic zirconia that'll do nothing other than looking like pretty bits of glass.

Via Zedomax

Accessories for the iPhone 3G

Now that you've gotten your iPhone 3G, it's time to get some accessories for it.

Digital Life Outfiter (DLO) didn't wait for long and has just come out with a slew of stuff that you can use to protect, carry, and enhance your iPhone 3G. Most of them work with the original iPhone and the iPod touch, too.

To keep your iPhone from scratching or bumped around if dropped, you can choose either the HybridShell (US$24.99) that's bulky yet stylish, or the VideoShell (US$19.99), which is clear and sturdy. Of course, you can get other old-school outfits like the Jam Jacket (US$19.99) or the HipCase (US$29.99).

Personally, I prefer the Action Jacket (US$29.99) for iPhone, which works well for when you go jogging, which is probably the only time I would want to use a case for a smart phone/music player.

DLO also has the Portable Speakers that instantly turn your iPhone into a mini boom box, which works well for a small room or when you are on-the-go. The speakers can be folded up into an "egg" that's a compact 6 inches in diameter. It's rather expensive, though, at US$49.99.

Via CNET Crave

Newspaper of future or yesterday's headlines?

V12 Design created some buzz more than a year ago when photos of its dual-screen laptop design were circulated around the Web. It wasn't so much the double LCDs that drew interest--others have done that--but the digital newspaper pages displayed on the screens.

The concept from the Italian design house raised the possibility of a portable device that might come close to replicating the experience of reading an open-broadsheet newspaper. European newspapers have already been experimenting with single-page e-readers that get hourly updates from wireless connections.

Now V12 is reportedly planning to go forward with a real product, complete with a multitouch screen and built-in microphone for voice navigation, but it isn't expected to be ready for 16 months. That's an eternity, especially considering that other dual-screen prototypes are on the horizon, not to mention the recent proliferation of single-page e-book readers on the market.

What's worse is that V12 apparently developed the concept four years ago, according to Gizmodo. Unfortunately, it seems that the company has adopted the pace of the old media it's trying to bring into the digital world.

Via CNET Crave

Waterproof Vibrating Love Pillow

With the iPhone 3G launch ruling the airwaves, honestly, who cares two hoots about anything that's not iPhone related? Well, all right. Maybe those who've been living under a rock far from the temple of Jobs, or just plain crazy Apple detractors. So this one's for them who march to a different beat. Like this typically unexplainable waterproof love pillow from Roppongi, Japan. No, really, it's unexplainable since there's no literature or instructions anywhere on how to use it. So we'll just let the pictures tell their story and leave the vibrating hot rod component to your imagination.

Picture credit: Tokyo Mango

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