Category: Gadgets and Tech

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Music

Fi-Hi Urban DJ cassette cross-fader – home DJing made easy

Posted on | Leave a comment

Fihi

We love the Fi-Hi Urban DJ for many reasons, not least because it uses the profile of an old cassette.

And it’s a useful but of kit too. What does it do? Well, it sets you up as an impromptu DJ – just hook up any two of an iPod, iPhone, MP3 player, CD player, mobile phone  or similar to access all the tunes contained within them. Then hook up to an audio system to get started on some (not so) serious mixing. There’s even a headphone monitor so you can cue up the next tune.

Powered by 2x AAA batteries (good for 8 hours of solid music) and available as a gold or silver cassette, it sells for $30 (around £20), with shipping worldwide.

Find out more at the Fi-Hi website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Scandyna space age Dock Pack audio system

Posted on | Leave a comment

Scandy

Remember the Scandyna Micropod space age speakers? Well, now they’ve become an audio system – the Scandyna Dock Pack.

It uses two slimmed-down Scandyna Micropod speakers, each able to knock out 15w of output, with a matching dock able to host a variety of iPods or other makes of MP3 player.

But there is a downside – you can have any colour you like, just as long as it’s pink. And that’s certain to put off more people than it appeals to. If you like pink, it sells for around £200.

Find out more at the Scandyna website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Men's Fashion

Softwear by Microsoft – 80s-style retro t-shirts

Posted on | 2 Comments

Softwear

Microsoft continues its quest to get down with the kids, moving into the clothing game with the Softwear by Microsoft t-shirts.

Set to hit ‘selected’ stores in December, the range is described by Microsoft as "a clothing line that taps the nostalgia of when PCs were just starting to change our lives…". Or in other words, the 1980s. The range includes the two shirts above (certainly the pick of the range) and (more worryingly) a shirt featuring a mug shot of Bill Gates, along with some ‘celebrity’ designs by rapper Common.

If you want to check out the whole range, follow the link below. So far, we’ve no details of price or the specific stockists.

Find out more at the Softwear by Microsoft website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Gadgets and Tech

Meet Dieter Rams at London’s V&A

Posted on | Leave a comment

Rams
Now here’s a rare treat – one of the godfathers of 20th century design is doing a ‘meet and greet’ at London’s V&A – Less, but Better with Dieter Rams.

We’ve featured numerous Dieter Rams products in the past, including the SK 55 stereo, the Vitsoe 620 chair and the Braun RT-20 radio. And he’s been widely acknowledged as the inspiration behind the majority of Apple’s designs.

Now in his late 70s, the designer will be discussing his ‘design ethos’ and ideas on the future of design. I suspect a few people in the field will be on the front row taking notes. The session takes place at the V&A’s Lecture Theatre on Friday 20th February 2009, admission is £8.

Find out more at the V&A website

Categories / Art and Photography, Gadgets and Tech

Blackbird Fly retro camera now available in the UK

Posted on | 1 Comment

Blackbird

We featured the Blackbird Fly when it hit the market in Japan, casting envious glances and hoping they just might find a way into the UK. Well, they just have.

Yes, you can now pick up one of these super-cool retro cameras before Christmas. Created by SuperHeadz, the camera is a modern take on the classic twin lens reflex Rolleiflex camera, but adapted to use 35mm film. And just like a vintage camera, you look down the top to find your shot, which is produced as an old school square image.

They are limited editions and already doing brisk business, so get in while you can – the price is £59.95.

Find out more at the Ikon website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Music

iPod Ghetto Blaster from Fred Flare

Posted on | Leave a comment

Ipod_ghetto_blaster

Eighties style ghetto blasters seem to be one of the most covetable sound design items of the moment, and the more garish the better. There are plenty of fun options for adapting your MP3 player or iPod into a full scale portable speaker system, and Fred Flare have thrown out another for the Christmas gift market.

This version is lightweight, affordable and looks great too. Opting for a more cartoonish representation of the must have breakdancing sound system, this is a really great gift idea for enthusiasts of eighties style. The spec includes adapters for different sized iPods (free with purchase), mic input, 12W speakers and a built in radio and clock.

It’s available online from Fred Flare now for $249.

Find out more from the website