designbivouac

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Getting Smarter

With the Smart fortwo becoming available in the United States, perhaps more sustainable attitudes towards transport will shift into a higher gear. Who knows, maybe we will see a new generation of innovative modes of moving designs like BMW's C1 coming into the marketplace . It won't be easy to overcome significant challenges, as evidenced by the Smart fortwo vs. Hummer H2 size comparison image below. However, with new advances in active and passive safety coming to the market each year, perhaps we can find smarter alternative modes of movement before gasoline hits the $5.00 mark.

Sony Launches Xperia

Sony's Xperia X1 appears poised to compete strongly with the hipster while incorporating a large touch screen like the Apple iPhone. For those who are all thumbs, the X1's Arc slider design and QUERTY keypad may be just the thing they have been waiting to get their hands on.

Seiko and Final Fantasy

This is an addendum to a previous post about the notable interaction design featured in the computer generated feature length film "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within". Seiko apparently produced a limited edition of watches similar in appearance to the one Dr. Aki Ross wore in the film. Kudos to Seiko for pushing the edge a bit on this one and getting something unique out there in the market. Now if only the film had a slightly better story line. Oh, yeah, and a holographic display on the watch would be cool too.

Back to the Future

Not sure just what is going on over at Cadillac headquarters these days but let's hope they keep it up! Ed Welburn and his design team continue to successfully explore the edged aesthetic reminiscent of some of Syd Mead's vehicle designs which inspired so many to think about what the future of vehicle design might hold. The CTS Coupe concept is another successful design exercise in that regard. Thanks to the folks at Cadillac for bringing back that feeling of future think once again. Now, if we could just start seeing more vehicles like this on the road...ideally with a hybrid power plant.

Lamborghini Reventon

Inspired by military aviation and the stealth aesthetic, the Lamborghini Reventon is admirable for its purity of statement. Not a bad performer either as evidenced by its recent run against an Italian Air Force Tornado. View more here.

Sony Rolly

Regardless of how it strikes you from the perspective of an organization investing time and development resources into a product like this, the Sony Rolly is captivating to watch. A candidate for the bivouac's notable products category for sure. Thanks to Nicholas for the heads up.

One Laptop Per Child

Starting November 12, One Laptop Per Child will be offering a Give 1 Get 1 Program for a brief window of time in North America. For $399, you will be purchasing two XO laptops—one that will be sent to empower a child to learn in a developing nation, and one that will be sent to your child at home. If you're interested in Give 1 Get 1, visit www.xogiving.org and get giving.

Sony QRIO Stands Tall and is On The Ball

The Sony dream robot QRIO has fluid gestures and several sensors allowing it to better negotiate the world and gravity in a more natural way. As see below, QRIO can stand up if it should fall over which means the handle design feature behind QRIO's neck may not be ued that often. QRIO is also capable remembering people and talking. Impressive technological advancements all contained in a small package.

The X Factor

Finally, BMW Motorrad's X Series bikes offer three form factors light and agile enough to really kick around. Take a closer look via: www.bmw-motorrad.com/g650x

Future Bivouac

Sean Godsell’s Future Shack prototype emergency housing concept creatively balances sustainability with sensible and minimalist design. Now that's bivouacking in style.

Before and After

Some people may have a tough time spotting the differences between the older model X5 and the all new for 2007 redesign. However, enhancements and changes are significant. This morphing promotional video clearly shows that signature character elements can be retained while achieving significant design revision.

Tesla Motors Electric Powered Roadster

Thanks Ken for the reminder about this unique offering from Tesla Motors. 0-60 in about 4 seconds. Top speed of 130 miles per hour. 250 miles EPA highway.

Learn more at teslamotors.com

Slick Detail

Apple has long been know as a company that pays attention to details. The sliding element on their new headphones is yet another example of a product feature that enhances use. Wires still tangle on thier own but when you slide the element up, the left and right headphone speaker are held closely together, thus reducing (in a way) the number of wires that can tangle to two rather than three. Nice and cleanly executed.

Apple's Newest Attraction

The bivouac has had some close up time with Apple's new MacBook. One notable feature is the MagSafe power supply. Having had an iBook pulled from a desk by its power cord in the past, this feature is a welcome enhancement. While the ubiquity of the previous power supply design will surely be missed, there is just something magical about the new design's self-locating nature. Just getting the connector close to its port is enough to have it click into place with the assistance of magnets furthering enhancing the attraction of this latest MacBook design.

Everything Old is New Again

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin with a 5 year 3.9 billion dollar contract to build the agency's next generation space vehicle. Looking very much like a slightly scaled up version of the Apollo program's Command Module, the Orion space vehicle will carry astronauts back to the moon and ultimatley on to Mars. Orion's first launch is expected no later than 2014.

For more information visit David Darling's helpful Orion spacecraft overview page.

Michelin Tweel

Coming to a vehicle near you. Not clear when but Michelin is working on a airless wheel, called the "Tweel". Some advantages beyond not having to worry about air pressure include some unique contact patch capabilities as shown in the photos below. Tweels also have obvious applications for lighter personal vehicles.

Fore more information visit Michelin's press release page.

Let's Tango!

The Tango!, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device created by Blink Twice, helps children who are speech or hearing impaired with communication and self-expression. Users create and customize sentences using touch screen pictograms and text. The device then reads them aloud. Vocabulary can be built upon through the use of a built in camera. The device is also useful as a tool for teaching English.

The device also has a USB connection for expanded functionality, CompactFlash, and SD, with the option to use a keyboard. Cellular conectivity is planned for later models. Current princes for the units are still very high at approximately $6899. Blink Twice hopes to get prices more accessible through meeting quantity orders in the future.

Now That's Smart

DaimlerChrysler AG has announced that it will be making the smart brand available in the U.S. market beginning in 2008. The successor to the smart fortwo will be available in three models. Surely a wise decision. Thanks to those at DaimlerChrysler who have been thinking small...in a big way.

Touring with Tourist Trophy

The bivouac recently logged some laps with Polyphony Digital's Tourist Trophy Playstation 2 motorcycle simulator. The folks at Polyphony are the same ones who brought us the excellent Gran Turismo racing series and this title is equally impressive.

Beyond convincing riding dynamics, an extensive range of motorcycles and riding gear to explore, and near photorealistic racing venues, perhaps one of the most pleasant features of the simulator is the photo mode. It allows riders to replay a race and capture memorable moments. Extensive image manipulation capabilities are available so riders can pan to a perfect angle at a critical moment in the competition and stylize their photos to their choosing. As for the level of detail achieved, the images below are photos output from the simulator.

It was remarkably easy to plug in an iShuffle USB drive into the PS2 and save the photo content. For added control and immersion, you may want to try adding a Yamaha Motor Sport Game Controller to the mix. Ride safe, smart and strong.

Catch You on the Flipside

So what can designers do to make watches more usable? First keep things simple overall. Then, why not put the manual on the back? Sound impossible? Well, that is close to what Philippe Stark did when creating his "Sand" digital watch.

The rear base plate contains a legend showing the four main function button icons. Each icon contains one to four dots and the corresponding function for each icon is listed. This not only keeps a handy reference close to hand...er wrist...but also keeps the exterior surfaces of the watch clean.

BMW Night Vision

The safety advantages offered by BMW's night vision system are well...easy to see...in photos of the system at work. The driver assitance technology was introduced in the company's 7 Series in the fall of 2005. Now BMW is making it available on 5 and 6 Series vehicles in March.

Read more about the system on germancarfans.com.

Watching the Details

It is nice to see fashion oriented companies getting technological aspects of their offerings right. Nixon takes the time to custom craft numeric characters for their "Connect" watch. This results in characters of...well...character. The fine line intersection areas in the numbers add distinction and element of precision to the timepiece.

BMW Motorrad Introduces Three New Models

BMW introduces three new motorcycle models. The F800ST, the R1200S, and the K1200GT. Take a closer look at images in motorcycle-usa.com's photo gallery via:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com

BMW F800ST

BMW K1200GT

BMW R1200S

BMW R1200GS Adventure Photos

Here are a few more revealing photos of the recently released BMW R1200GS Adventure.

Groovy Groovetube

This product is cooler...er, groovier in real life than it appears in the quicktime reel on the site. It can really change the ambiance of any space and, given today's reality tv programming, often improves today's televised content.

Change the channel via: http://www.groovetube.tv

BMW R1200GS Adventure

The BMW R1200GS Adventure is set to launch in the Spring of 2006. By effectively integrating drop bars, engine skid plates and what appears to be a larger fairing, the bike seems well positioned to offer more protection from the elements while at speed.

Take a closer look at the unveiling via www.worldofbmw.com.

Roomba...meet Scooba

From iRobot, the makers of the innovative Roomba robotic room sweeper comes a new addition to their product line...the Scooba. Jane and George Jetson would be proud. Not sure how Astro would feel about this one though.

Visit www.irobot.com for more details.

Paperfoam

The choice of Apple and Motorola for their recently released iPod Nano and Razr, PaperFoam is catching on as a flexible packaging material.

Take a closer look via: www.paperfoam.com

BMW's R1200 GS HP2: Less of a Good Thing

BMW Motorrrad follows the release of the highly acclaimed R1200 GS with the R1200 GS HP2 (High Performance Two Cylinder). Sometimes less is indeed more.

An overview of the HP2's key features are as follows:

-1170cc flat-twin engine (as per the R1200 GS) but with an increased maximum output of 77kW (105 bhp). Maximum torque remains unchanged at 115Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm
-nNew muffler construction almost 2 kilos lighter than before (the HP2 is not designed to carry hard luggage)
-The frame's tubular space-frame structure is based on the R900 R racing machines used by BMW works teams from 1999-2001 in the Dakar Rally
-Upside-down telescopic forks with 270mm of spring travel. (This level of spring travel cannot be provided by conventional Telelever configuration)
-Redesigned Paralever, now 30mm longer than on the GS
-The world's first spring/damper system running exclusively on air. Weighing just under 2.3 kilos the air/spring damper system is approximately 2 kilos lighter than a conventional component
-Cross-spoke wheels for the toughest conditions. The front wheel features a 305mm semi-floating single-disc brake with floating calliper. At the rear is a 265mm single-disc swing-calliper brake. The HP2 is not presently offered with ABS
-The fuel tank is made of extra-tough, semi-transparent (for viewing fuel level) polyethylene and has a capacity of 13 litres
-Seat height of 920mm. A lower seat (900mm) is available as special equipment
-On-board network with CAN-bus technology (Controller Area Network) as per the R1200 GS
-Instrument cluster as per the R1200 GS but with no rev counter. As an additional display, the rider can select the number of operating hours the motorcycle has run (important for changing the air filter at appropriate intervals when riding off-road on dusty tracks).
-Side components on the tank and front wheel mudguard are made from fully-coloured, grained plastic (without paint) so that scratches and marks remain virtually invisible
-A wide range of special equipment for retrofitting is available for customisation, allowing the owner to broaden the HP2's range of features and equipment.

The worldwide launch of the HP2 will be in September. Further details, including the price will be released shortly.