Rumor: Dior phone coming in two weeks

A bunch of blogs were reporting last week that Christian Dior would unveil its first mobile phone last Friday. Didn't happen. Now there are rumors supposedly coming out of the phone industry that it will make its maiden appearance in two weeks instead. Whatever.

All we know is that it supposedly is festooned with Swarovski crystals (ugh) and, according to the ad pictured here, has some kind of built-in remote control. The latter feature could add an interesting twist, at least technologically, to the growing trend of phones emanating from the Europe's leading fashion houses, such as those from Armani and Prada. But we're not holding our breath.

Via CNET Crave | Credit: Engadget

SIA integrates iPod into its in-flight entertainment

Passengers on Singapore Airlines (SIA) can now tap into their own iPod or iPhone for in-flight entertainment when traveling on the company's direct flights between Singapore and New York. According to SIA, each seat will come with the necessary iPod/iPhone connector. Once the player is hooked up, passengers can not only enjoy the multimedia content (music, movies and pictures) through the in-flight 15.4-inch widescreen display and active noise-cancellation headphones, but can also charge the connected device at the same time. The iPod/iPhone will automatically mute during cabin announcements.

In its press release issued earlier, SIA claims it is the first carrier to offer iPod integration through its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system. CNET Asia understands from an SIA representative that it will also review and monitor the response to the new iPod entertainment feature before deciding to introduce similar features on its other flights. The new iPod feature is now available first on its all Business Class Airbus A340-500 flights between New York and Singapore, followed by the Singapore-Los Angeles non-stop flights in August.

Via Singapore Airlines

iPhone dock that looks like a mini iMac

What's the best way to show off your iPhone to jealous cubicle buddies? Get the coolest accessory to go with it. Mobis Technology, a mobile accessories maker has recently launched a metallic rotating stand for the iPhone.

The XStand is made from solid aluminum and allows users to adjust the viewing angle by rotating the holder. There's also a circular hole on the spine for you to slot your cable through when it's connected to the handset.

According to the company, the XStand will be available in June at all its distribution outlets including Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan at US$44.90. Yes, it does make your iPhone look like an ultra-mini iMac, which is pretty cool.

Aliph breaks out the Jawbone 2

Aliph has just announced the Jawbone 2, the highly anticipated successor to the Jawbone Bluetooth headset that debuted almost two years ago. If you'll recall, the Aliph Jawbone broke new ground by being the highest-rated Bluetooth headset here on CNET, mostly due to its excellent noise-canceling technology and unique eye-catching design.

However, many of you had a few problems with it: It was bulky, a little tricky to wear, and the charge connector seemed a bit flimsy. Well the Jawbone 2 has changed all of that. It is about 50 percent smaller than the original, with a brand new diamond pattern design that puts its predecessor to shame. No longer is there the awkward and unusual springy ear loop; instead you get an optional curved ear hook that's far easier to put on.

Also, the Jawbone 2 now has a magnetic charging connector similar to that on the Apple MacBooks. But of course, the best part about the Jawbone 2 is its noise-canceling abilities--it still has that Voice Activity Sensor nub that helps to enhance your voice and eliminate background sound, plus its "Noise Shield" technology has been upgraded to "Noise Assassin" (which is clearly a marketing term) that promises to eliminate even more noise than the original. The Aliph Jawbone 2 is available now in black for US$129.99, though silver and gold versions are coming down the pipeline.

Via Crave CNET

Charge your iPod with a solar-powered bra

Lingerie maker Triumph International has certainly taken the company's eco-friendly efforts to new heights with its latest product, the Solar Power Bra. Unveiled in Tokyo recently, this green-colored bra is made of high-quality organic cotton and features a detachable solar panel which is worn around the stomach. According to Triumph, the solar panel can generate enough electricity to power a mobile phone or iPod.

Unfortunately, even if you are daring enough to wear the solar bra out on the streets, it is still a concept product for now. A Triumph company spokesperson says there are still problems that need to be resolved such as the bra's lack of water resistance and the fact that "people usually cannot go outside without wearing clothes over it". The company, however, believes the Solar Power Bra does send out a positive message on how lingerie can play a part in saving the planet.

Triumph's earlier green efforts included a bra that can double as a reusable shopping bag and one that is designed to promote the use of reusable chopsticks.

Via Reuters
Picture Credit: Triumph

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