transformers

Film camera takes on a whole new meaning

Although its Web site calls it the Transformer Camera, we don't really see it resembling an Autobot or a Decepticon. However, there's more here than meets the eye as this large film canister is actually a working 35mm film camera.

The online store is in Korean. Here's what we can make out of it after running it through Google Translate. The lens' focal length is fixed at 35mm with an aperture of F10, and it requires an AA-size battery to operate.

Measuring 2.5 inches by 5.5 inches and weighing just less than half a pound, … Read more

U.S. National Design Policy initiative poised to 'redesign America's future'

Design is not the answer to everything, but it certainly has an important role to play in almost everything that holds a society together.

In light of the current economic crisis, several U.S. professional design organizations (AIGA, IDSA, and others), design education accreditation organizations, and Federal Government officials have seized the historic opportunity and joined forces to launch an initiative to shape a U.S. National Design Policy. In a moment of great global uncertainty and an erosion of national confidence, designers are perfectly positioned to take on a leadership role in "Re-designing America's Future," and … Read more

A limited-edition 'Transformers' LG Versa phone

Bringing new meaning to the phrase "more than meets the eye," LG has partnered with Dreamworks to bring you a limited edition of the LG Versa with a Transformers theme to help promote the sequel to the 2007 summer blockbuster. In fact, Michael Bay himself will be on the scene at the LG booth in CTIA at 2 p.m. PDT Thursday to promote the phone and the movie, titled "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

It's fitting that they chose to make the LG Versa their promotional phone, as the touch-screen handset is quite transformative … Read more

The 404 280: Where we get Synched Up with Rich DeMuro

We have a sneaking suspicion that Natali Del Conte crept into the podcast studio over the weekend and planted a cherry bomb in our computer, because we run very, very close to losing the entire recording of today's show with Rich DeMuro of Synched Up. Luckily, Wilson "Al Borland" Tang is able to save the show, and although the audio isn't quite up to par, we gotta make do with what we got (it's not a lot).

So be sure to listen to today's show. We ask Rich about his new show Synched Up, … Read more

Rinspeed to debut transforming electric concept car

Swiss automaker Rinspeed will debut at the 2009 Geneva auto show an electric concept car that changes shape to conform to the number of passengers on board.

The iChange is a lightweight, 4,280mm (approximately 14 feet) EV sports car with a teardrop-like silhouette designed to maximize fuel efficiency for the single passenger. But with the push of a button, the sloped rear of the car pops up to accommodate two additional passengers, if needed.

The concept sports car forgoes doors, opting for a very ADA-unfriendly clamshell roof. Rinspeed is obviously assuming that in the future, women will no longer wear skirts. … Read more

What the fashionable nerd is wearing

I admit, I'd totally get these if I had the remotest chance of needing them. I mean, they're silver-plated Transformers cufflinks. What's not to like? You get one Autobots logo cufflink and one that represents the Decepticons.

OK, while they don't transform into robots, a pimptacular car, or a boombox (yes, I'm still bitter I never got Soundwave), maybe they will convince someone that there's more to you than meets the eye.

Alas, they're sold out at finkstudio's Etsy store right now, but who knows? They could be back soon. Hope springs … Read more

Gadgettes 95: The beauty and the butt episode

Beauty...that's the easy part. Working "butt" into the podcast in multiple places, now that's simply raw talent.

Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 95

Estee Lauder makes vibrating mascara http://fashionista.com/2008/06/estee_lauder_makes_vibrating_m.php

Pamper your beauty products with the B7 http://www.beautygizmo.com/pamper-your-beauty-products-with-the-b7

The iPhone fingernail problem http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/06/the-fingernail.html

Setgo Transport lets you wear your geekiness like a badge of honor http://dvice.com/archives/2008/06/setgo_transport.php

Laser-cut scarfs http://gizmodo.com/5017927/laser+cut-scarfs-verdict-fashion-and-laser-beams-ftw

Lasers for fat http://www.allure.com/magazine/2007/08/A_Laser_For_Fat … Read more

Gadgettes 88: The 'scaring the bejesus out of us' episode

They're creepy, sometimes crawly, and some might classify them as ooky. Then there are people like Kelly who don't seem to be afraid of the dark like the rest of us. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 88

Robometer concept device promises to help you feel happy http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/ robometer-concept-device-promises-to-help-you-feel-happy/

BAE Systems working on spider-bots, other ways to scare you to death http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/ bae-systems-working-on-spider-bots-other-ways-to-scare-you-to-d/

Coffin sofa brings creepy furniture to new extremes http://dvice.com/archives/2008/04/coffin_sofa_bri.php

Push-kun, the cute robot with the … Read more

'All Spark' cube transforms into USB hub

It seems like yesterday, but it was a year ago that we were in the throes of Transformers mania. For months its merchandizing machine was flooding the market with everything from earphones to shoes trying to capitalize on the blockbuster movie. We thought they'd exhausted all the possibilities, but apparently one was left out near the end of the geek food chain: a USB hub.

It's not as bad as it sounds. Though hardly the most sophisticated gadget, the "All Spark" cube bears a design and significance that true bot-fans are sure to appreciate, as Everything … Read more