Folding balcony

Unusual idea aside, we're not entirely sure if this creation is even secure. What's anchoring it down? How high can this thing go? Is it even safe to contemplate two or more people sunbathing on it? What kind of wear-and-tear is there from all the moving parts? Why not just tack on a fixed balcony? Who's the space-saving for? Questions, questions. Though apparently, there's a preppy market for the BloomFrame--which won an award for Hofman Dujardin Architects--over in Sweden where old condos and buildings are now rediscovering a love for balconies. The Bloomframe allows homeowners to retrofit it to an existing wall where it poses as a picture window until you surprise your guests by telescoping it out into a balcony. All we can say is last one out is a scaredy cat.

Via Smart Stuff | Photo credit: Hofman Dujardin Architects

Photo frames to be heard as well as seen

As long as some people simply can't stand leaving their USB ports unoccupied for any length of time, here's at least one way that they can be used without making a fool of oneself while saving some desk space at the same time. The Photo Frame Speakers will blast away in stereo from behind the frames on either side of the computer, though the pictures aren't digital--not exactly seemless technological convergence, as Everything USB notes, but it'll do in a pinch. Especially if you use them at the office while your Metal Gear Solid 4 headset is recharging.

Via Crave CNET

If you see this hovering overhead, cover up

We saw this item a couple of days ago but passed on it because we were certain we'd seen it before--here. But despite the similarities in appearance, there's one big difference: The Aeryon Scout is a flying camera, not just a remote-controlled toy.

The Scout is made of four foam rings connected by a rotor in the center, according to Inventor Spot. The camera is attached to the bottom so it can take aerial shots like a miniature satellite--or at least with better range and control than a mini-chopper or rocket cam.

But at an estimated US$30,000 to US$50,000 price range, it's probably slightly more than your average stalker can afford. Unless, of course, paparazzi and celebrity babies are involved.

Via Crave CNET

Driving on the F1 night track

Earlier today, we had a go on SingTel's F1 simulator. Designed by UK-based BallRacing Developments, this machine is not your usual arcade machine. The Singapore operator commissioned it to simulate just one track, the one that F1 drivers will be zipping around in Singapore come September.

Not only does the external chassis look like an F1 car, getting into it felt real, too. You are in an almost inclined position while an assistant adjusts the foot pedals to the reach of your legs. The steering wheel is then snapped on, just like in a real F1 car.

Once you start the engine, the entire machine starts to vibrate. Though you are controlling what happens on the screen, the "car" that you are in will move according to your driving. Granted, it won't spin you around like a theme park ride, but it does add to the sensation that you are really in an F1 car.
Read more »

Sound off with the Personal Soundtrack T-shirt

For those of you who've oft-times been called (read: Maligned) a loudspeaker to your face, get it off your chest. The Personal Sountrack T-shirt actually sports a working speaker right on the front--though, if you ask me, it's an awkward placement for the well-endowed female since, well, like the saying goes, "three's a crowd". Still, if you don't mind music thumping right off your chest like an Alien offspring erupting forth, ThinkGeek's actually put this crazy item into production after it proved an April Fool's hit.

So if you want a wearable audio solution that's, ahem, right upfront, it's ready for pre-order at US$39.99. A pocketable remote lets you access over 20 different themes and sound effects, ranging from drum rolls to boos, to Western face-off theme.

Wacky ThinkGeek vid clip to follow on how you can snag a gal with one. Though it'll be a challenge cuddling up if she starts to sport her own Personal Soundtrack T-Shirt, too.
Read more »

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