Dyson 360 Eye Robotic Vacuum

September 04, 2014 by dit in Abode, Tech

The problem so far with robotic vacuums it that, frankly, they've been terrible vacuums. The challenge is jamming enough cleaning power into a small form factor, so much so that it has taken Dyson 16 years and tens of millions of dollars to achieve a solution. This is where the Dyson 360 Eye (~$1200) comes in. Dyson has developed their own unique digital motor to accommodate power demands and the company hasn't stopped at just power. The bot has a full 360 degree sensor system that maps your rooms and uses key points to guide its tank track driven self around your abode in the most efficient pattern - even if that requires driving over a change in surfaces. The only issue is that you'll have to sack your cleaning service just to pay for it.

DemerBox

September 04, 2014 by dit in Gear, Tech, Media

DemerBox (~$300) harks back to the days of the true boom box with its carrying handle and lunch box-esque form factor. Yet, technology and ruggedness set the Demerbox far apart from its D sized battery toting predecessors. The portable bluetooth speaker is built off a rugged pelican case platform and packs a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that can deliver up to a whopping 90 hours of playback and usb port to charge your devices. Inside the box there is room to spare as all of the components and electronics are designed into the lid. That means you can still keep and handful of goodies inside secure and dry. Durability is the DemerBox's best asset as it is waterproof, freeze proof, and shock proof for wherever your wanderings end up taking you.

Laser Engraved Skate Decks

February 25, 2014 by mak in Tech, Gear, Abode

Magnetic Kitchen is a small laser cutting and design studio based out of Brooklyn NY. The group has always done laser cut skate decks on the side and have just released their newest line of decks via Kickstarter ($70). The engraving quality is immaculate, highly improved over one-off renditions we have seen elsewhere. For those unfamiliar to the unique process they describe it as, "...using super powerful light (a laser) to apply art to the board instead of the conventional method of laminating the board with a printed graphic. To accomplish this the laser burns away a small layer of wood that creates an awesome embossed effect that you can see and feel while allowing the grain of the board to show through." Possibly the coolest part of this campaign is the fact that they are inviting backers to put their own art on the boards using the process... we're already dreaming up designs for ditmak HQ. As with any kickstarter campaign support and most importantly share. Peep the video here.

Lightt

February 20, 2013 by mak in Tech

Somewhere between photo and video, Lightt (Free) captures a 7 second burst of photos and plays it back in a flip book motion. These 'Highlights' are then uploaded instantly and can be viewed by friends and followers. See whats happening with your friends and family in, faster than life, videos all housed by the app. Simple upload features allow to post your warped moments to facebook and twitter. Grab the free app here.

Revolights

February 13, 2013 by mak in Whips, Tech, Gear

Tron Lightcycles may not be invented yet, though for those of you who can't wait Revolights ($200 *Valentines Day Special) will light up your bike like a machine from the future. Powered by USB rechargeable batteries; two thin rings of LEDs are mounted to each side of the wheel and illuminate the front or rear of the wheel by utilizing magnets and an accelerometer. Visibility ahead and by others is increased for much needed safety while racing your fixie in the night.

Hoerboard Spin Age

February 13, 2013 by mak in Tech, Abode

No matter your DJing abilities, you will look like a pro spinning behind Heroboard's Spin Age ($3000+); the third creation of their beautiful and minimalistic DJ workstations. The laser cut metal frame houses a slightly curved main platform that encases a variety of inlays for your specific DJ hardware setup. Hoerboard offers several glossy or matt colors and connection options to fit your desired look and function.

Clarity Bike

January 18, 2013 by mak in Whips, Tech

Developed by Designaffairs, the Clarity Bike ($TBA) takes a whole new approach to bicycle frame engineering and production. No, this is not a glass bike, actually the frame is made from an advanced injection molded polymer creating a lightweight, high impact structure that allows for a slight flex similar to old Italian steel frames.

Symbol Audio - Tabletop HiFi

January 17, 2013 by mak in Tech, Abode

Hand made in the USA, the Symbol Tabletop Hifi ($1800) may be the next audio accessory you will crave to save up for. Housing two 4" drivers with titanium cones and a downward facing 5.25 subwoofer allowing this retro looking unit to produce some very modern sound. The Tabletop Hifi comes with 4 cabinet finish options and 4 speaker finish options. Connect any audio device through a 1/8" audio jack sit back and enjoy.

Lapka - Personal Environment Monitor

January 16, 2013 by mak in Tech, Health

Designed in Moscow and distributed in the US, Lapka ($220) is a minimal and beautiful group of instruments designed to measure and play with hidden qualities of your environment. Lapka can determine radiation levels, check humidity, temperature, EMF and even check if your food is organic. All the information is housed in an app that displays the results in way any user can understand by saying "This is acceptable." You can bet there will be more sensors to come from the micro tech firm in the near future.

Recon Instruments Mod Live

November 19, 2012 by dit in Gear, Tech

Mod Live ($400) is a type of heads-up display created by Recon Instruments designed to enrich the alpine experience. The unit fits into compatible goggles giving the user access to a host of information at the blink of an eye. The small display provides clear widescreen graphics when you want them, and keeps them just out-of-sight when you don't. Speed, vertical descent, jump airtime, navigation, buddy locating, number of descents, and distance are all delivered using built-in precision GPS and an integrated suite of sensors. Ingenious optics on the tiny display ensure that your eye does not need to refocus to read information- it's the same as looking at a fourteen inch screen from a distance of five feet. The unit also boasts smart phone connectivity to allow you to control your epic pow playlist and do other smart phone stuff, but hopefully you don't care to much about that on your mountain excursions. Gone are the days of soggy maps and fumbling with your gloves or touch screens. A host of compatible goggles are already available from Smith, Oakley, Scott, and more. Stay tuned- Recon is already applying this same tech to base jumping for the squirrel suit junkies.

Belkin Lightning Dock & Car Charger

November 06, 2012 by mak in Tech

Belkin happens to be the first to officially release lightning connector accessories for the iPhone 5 after it was released two months ago. The Charge + Sync Dock ($30) uses the existing apple lightning cable to connect your iPhone 5 while seated on the dock, it even has a fold away AUX passthrough jack to listen to tunes while charging. Belkin has also developed a Car Charger ($30) with a 4 foot hardwired cable. Currently the car charger supports iPhone 5, iPad Mini or iPad with retina display. Both the dock and the car charger are available for pre-order with shipping beginning mid November.

Braven 625s & 650

October 18, 2012 by mak in Tech

Small speakers equal small sound... Not the case with the rugged Braven 625s ($180) and the hi-fi 650 ($190). Both units support bluetooth audio playback and handsfree calling through bluetooth or 3.5mm connection. You can even charge your mobile devices through a built in USB connection. The 625s is built with a shock resistant case, 16 hour battery life, detachable flashlight, and water-resistant carrying case for those adventurous outdoor type. The 650 is equipped with slightly different HD drivers and 20 hours of battery life for the more exquisite music lover. Each boost dual 3W amplifiers; one for two small subwoofers and the other for two main mid/high drivers to fill the room, or forest with life like sound.