COMMENT: …why not.
by JD Rucker
It’s been a long time since a concept car has really sparked the
imagination of tech geeks and car enthusiasts alike. When Toyota
unveiled their latest concept car, the Fun-Vii, at the 2011 Tokyo Motor
Show this week, everyone from Automobile Magazine to Mashable jumped in to discuss its proposed paradigm-shifting features.
It’s clear what the “Fun” part of the name means just by watching the
second video below. The “Vii” stands for Vehicle, Interactive,
Internet. Inside and out, most aspects of the car can interact with the
internet and be controlled by a smartphone. Most surfaces on and within
the vehicle are giant touchscreens that can be adjusted to the whims of
the driver, including color changes, graphics, and interactive surfaces.
Did we mention that the car will be able to drive itself? Through
wireless connections that interact with other vehicles as well as the
infrastructure of its surroundings, the vehicle can go “hands free” from
point to point (in theory, at least). While in “Auto Drive” mode, the
augmented reality interface includes a virtual concierge. Note in the
second video how the helpful female concierge is “upgraded” to a
less-clothed variation (stay classy, Toyota!).
At 13-feet long, the small 3-seater won’t be a family-hauler.
Toyota has no plans to produce the vehicle anytime soon, but the
concepts and technology that it represents will likely find its way into
production vehicles in the coming years.
Here are two videos, first of the unveiling of the vehicle than the
promotional visualization of what the vehicle would represent in a
Utopian society. More images of the vehicle are below the videos.
by yournestinspired
I have designed this stand to hold your iPad at any angle.
Making it ergonomic, whether you are watching a Netflix movie, or typing
an email.
The two slim stands are positioned on either side of
the iPad for perfect balance. Magnets embedded within the wood,
connect the two stands into one, when not in use. Keeping them always
together.
Measuring 1″ x 2.5″, each stand is just 3/16″ thick, making it the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season.
The
iPad stand is available in maple, cherry, or walnut wood, with a cream,
milk chocolate, or charcoal felt lining. Please specify you favorite
combination, as well as which iPad you are using, upon purchasing.
kenneth cobonpue: phoenix bamboo concept car
‘phoenix’ by kenneth cobonpue and albrecht birkner
image © kenneth cobonpue
all images courtesy of v2com.biz
filipino designer
kenneth cobonpue and german product designer
albercht birkner
explore the connections between technology and nature in the ‘phoenix’ bamboo concept car.
in 10 days, craftsman and weavers handmade the automobile from bamboo, rattan, steel and nylon.
the form of the outer shell mimics the structure of a leaf, using a single spine similar to those found
in vertebrae and plants. the exterior shell is woven starting at the front, proceeding to the rear, enveloping
the interior which seamlessly forms the dashboards and seats as it continues backwards.
the two parts are connected in the tail of the vehicle, creating the ‘stem’.
phoenix does not only focus on the form, but also the idea of a car being heavy and industrial.
the biodegradable materials challenge the notion of dense, long lasting materials in vehicular design.
it looks at the option of inexpensively and ecologically replacing the shell if need be while maintaing
the same inner construct. the proposal introduces nature and craftsmanship into automotive technology.
side view of frame and rattan shell
image © kenneth cobonpue
view from behind
image © kenneth cobonpue
