World's smallest MP3 player for swimmers

As any music-loving swimmer will tell you, the last thing you need while doing laps is something cumbersome strapped to your head. And while there have been waterproof MP3 players on the market, this latest wearable version makes that oft-repeated claim of being "the world's smallest".

Based on its appearance, Ubana's uCan does look less bulky than other models we've seen--and more important, it appears less likely to slip or fall off. The player has 1GB of built-in memory, claims 15 hours of playback time, and can be submerged up to 10 feet, according to Pocket-lint. And just in case it does slip off, it floats for "easy retrieval".

Via Crave CNET

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

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

Genie turntable has a zen philosophy

As long as we're on the subject of vinyl, it's interesting to note how the designs of modern-day turntables seem to gravitate toward the extremes. At one end there's the impossibly complicated and, at the other, the absolute minimalist. On the latter front, the Genie 2 from Henley Designs seems to take the spartan approach to an extreme.

It has many qualifications that audiophiles should appreciate, according to Tech Digest, such as a high-torque motor and a peripheral drive to improve stability. But it's hard to imagine where else anything other components are housed in this stripped-down player. In fact, looking at something like the quarter-ton, US$150,000 Transrotor, one wonders how the two can provide the same basic function.

Via Crave CNET

The world's ugliest DS Lite

The world's ugliest cell phone may have found the perfect mate in this customized DS Lite from Japan found by Akihabara News.

There's certainly no shortage of places willing to uglify the gaming handheld for a price, as even Paris Hilton has made clear. But like the aforementioned "Serendipity" phone, this one looks as if it could have been done as a pre-school art project with some plastic charms and Elmer's glue.

The name of the outfit offering its unfortunate services should have been a tipoff: King Deco.

Via Crave CNET

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