Two four-cylinders and a V-6 engine will be offered when the ATS arrives in North America this coming summer, with a 30mpg highway result and the option of all-wheel drive. There’s Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension system, while GM’s engineers have been flirting with different combinations of materials to balance weight, performance and economy. The hood is aluminum hood while the engine mount brackets are magnesium engine; however the differential is cast iron, because that apparently boosted fuel efficiency over aluminum.

Inside, there’s Cadillac CUE, the company’s Bluetooth-enabled multimedia and navigation system, offering USB, aux-in and SD card connections, SiriusXM radio, keyless entry, a 5.7-inch capacitive touchscreen and a heads-up display. If you don’t shell out for CUE, you get a more conservative Bose system instead.

Cadillac CUE:

Safety, meanwhile, calls upon radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors for crash-avoidance, automatic braking, lane-departure warnings, blind-zone protection and more. Eight airbags (or, optionally, ten) along with a year’s OnStar subscription round out the main specs.

There’ll be a 2.0L Turbo DI VVT, 2.5L I-4 DI VVT and 3.6L V-6 DI VVT at launch, mustering 270, 200 and 320 horsepower respectively. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

That V8 puts its power down through a new, eight-speed automatic transmission with shortened ratios, and onto the asphalt via all-wheel-drive and 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. Somewhat bizarrely, Bentley has actually managed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by 40-percent with the new powertrain, though you have to consider that’s in comparison to the existing 6.0 litre, 12-cylinder engine that will remain in the higher-range Continental GT and GTC.

The “wave of torque” is coupled with distinctive new style, each Continental crisping up to suit the punchy engine. New body features include a black gloss matrix grille with chrome detailing, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper with body-color highlights. There are also figure-eight chromed tailpipes and a choice of 21-inch six-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, your swiftly-transported buttocks are coddled in two-tone leather, with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer on the shortened dashboard. As before, you can seat four, though rear accommodation is likely to be tight, despite the car’s oversized aesthetic.

Bentley hasn’t confirmed exactly how much the new Continental V8 models will cost, though it’s worth noting the existing GT starts at around $190,000 and these V8s will slot in underneath that.

Maybach cars found some favor among the custom-obsessed, thanks to Mercedes’ willingness to modify and tweak vehicles according to buyer whim; its hefty power-plants and brutal looks also saw third-party firms try their hand at customization, such as Xenatec’s outlandish Cruiserio. The brand rode a short wave of popularity among rap artists, though was subsequently usurped by Rolls Royce’s distinctively luxe Phantom and later convertible variants. Even so, rap’s target audience generally lacked the cash to follow the trend.

Those who do have sufficient funds will find Mercedes still eager to swipe their credit cards. “Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class,” the insider says, “which will be offered in three wheelbase variations and six different body styles, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman.”

Mercedes has never been shy of in-car technology, and the new S-class is expected to be a tour de force of electronics and gadgetry. Hybrid engines – in which electric motors will augment modular V6 and V8 traditional power plants – have already been tipped, along with a host of safety and entertainment options in the cabin. Sales should be considerably stronger than those of Maybach, which reportedly failed to even achieve its 800 per year target.

Hovering just behind are two dials, for showing completely independent times. MB&F are keen to point out just how independent that actually is: rather than allowing for 30 or 60 minute offsets, it’s possible to set the two dials to whatever time lapse the wearer chooses.

As if that wasn’t enough eye-candy, at the bottom of the face is what’s said to be the world’s first vertical power reserve indicator, with the remaining power shown on a curved dial standing proud. Manually wound, the LM1 engine can last up to 45 hours and incorporates 279 components and 23 jewels.

The 44mm diameter, 16mm thick MB&F LM1 is available in 18k red gold or 18k white gold. No word on pricing, but as is always the case with this company – and luxury timepieces in general – it’s not going to be cheap.

Before we continue to speak on whether or not this device was created several years ago, this then explaining the old version of Android, lets be clear about when this device will be released: sometime within “the end of November 2011.” In addition, images for this watch-like device have only been released this month, August 2011. This device is currently only available through pre-order and at the moment, the creators have no plans to have it carried in stores. This device does not connect over Wi-Fi, instead working solely with Bluetooth, using bits of your smartphone to function fully.

The way this watch works is with a combination of alerts sent from your smartphone and with an independent Android system working on the watch itself. Explained most clearly through the apps it’s running, you’ll find that this watch has the ability to work on its own (functioning then very much like an iPod Nano), or with your smartphone very similar to a Sony Ericsson LiveView – this link leading you to our full review of the device.

We’ve seen a couple other similar devices as of late, the first being just a whisper of a Motorola device by the name of Tracy XL, this perhaps transforming into the MotoActive we saw this past week. Then there’s the WIMM Wearable Platform which we got a full hands-on of this past week as well. How will the i’m watch compare?

In the apps is where you’ll find some of the answers. You’ll first and for most have a full analog or digital format, whichever you prefer. You can check the weather with Weather Forecast, see future events with Appointments, check a ticker with Stock Market, and look through a set of images with Photo. As for items such as Calls, Message Preview, Email Preview, and Notifications, you’ll be getting “previews” of items as sent to your i’m watch through Bluetooth from your smartphone. You’ll still need to take out your smartphone to actually access your phone calls, your messages if you want to reply, and your full emails, but previews can be seen from the i’m watch.

Then there’s i’music and the i’market. It’s not entirely clear how either will work save that i’music will at least be able to play music you add to your i’m watch like any average digital music player through your headphones which you can plug into the device, and the i’market will have new apps you can download once the device is in action and developers begin developing specifically for the device.

And what about these gigantic prices spoken about in the first paragraph of this post? First, the lower prices right around 250 Euro, those are simple colors White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Pink, and Black. Then there’s the really fantastic versions, Titanium for 599 Euro, Yellow, Pink, or Black Gold for 11,999 Euro, and White Gold with Diamonds for 14,999 Euro. You can request unique combinations of luxury materials as well, and each of these luxury editions are numbered and you can have you name engraved in them as well.

Sound like your kinda watch?

The BeoSound 5 Encore acts like a central control center for aggregating all the media in your home, including music from your local network as well as any USB-attachable media device such as iPods, networked NAS, and other external hard drives. It can also connect to Apple media devices via AirPlay. Internet radio is the primary appeal and it offers a highly curated selection to ensure optimal reliability and uptime.

The device itself, however, is a bit garish with a 10.4-inch color LCD display propped up but a cylindrical stand that sports a large aluminum control wheel. Users spin through albums, artists, and songs using this wheel, with album art displayed on the screen.

Up to eight Encore hubs can be placed throughout the house to stream different songs simultaneously from the same network. However, this certainly isn’t for everyone, since one BeoSound 5 Encore hub already costs $3,350.

[via Twice]

This device will be running Android 2.2 Froyo with a fully customized UI on the top, has a candybar shape, and will be able to use “any SIM card” connecting over Edge & HSUPA working with 3G, has 4 Band GSM/Tri Band WCDMA, AGPS, Wifi, WAPI, and stereo Bluetooth. And such a wild device like this would never be able to get in under Google’s radar and get approval for the Android Market, would it? It sure did – you’ve got access to the full official Google Android Market and all of its thousands of apps, with a few fine favorites already built in: Google Search app, Google maps, Gmail, YouTube, and a lovely new oddity E-Blogger.

This device has a 3.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 800×480 pixels. The TAG Heuer LINK has a standby time of up to 330 hours (14 days) supposed on a 1400 mAh battery, and on the back of the device you’ll be rocking a lovely 5-megapixel camera. Have a look at this presentation video and head below for the rest of the specs. Get ready for some slow motion passes over some fine craftsmanship to be sure:

This device is no thin sissy, sizing in at 118mm (H) x 67mm (W) x 16.6mm (D). It’s not made, though, to be held in your pocket with your wallet, your tablet, your box of crayons and your remote control though, it’s meant to be rough and touch. Have a look at this short description of the elite nature of this device, as provided by TAG Heuer:

Luxuriously crafted and detailed, the TAG Heuer LINK incorporates the most prestigious materials and advanced components in the watchmaking and automotive worlds, including black PVD, diamonds and rose gold. The mirror-polished and fine-brushed stainless steel is premium grade surgical 316L, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. The big display front is made from visually stunning, lightweight, and highly damage-resistant Gorilla glass®. The exclusive, hand-worked coverings are in calfskin, alligator or lizard. Every material, precious stone and exotic skin or leather is sourced within the strictest industry standards.

This design is mean to be as rough and as tough as any similar device on the market, coming in steel, titanium, or 18k rose gold – also making it a rather luxurious device if I do say so myself. You’ll also be able to choose between rubber, alligator, and leather. The TAG Heuer LINK is shockproof, airtight, water-tight, and has Gorilla Glass up front – so GOOD LUCK trying to bust this.

What do you think? You gonna pick one up when they become available at TAG Heuer retailers this July?

[via Android Community]

Lets talk about these gold-plated phones first, shall we? They’re the Signeo USA: SOUL by Ludacris SL300, and their called “high-definition, noise canceling headphones that combine sleek style with professional sound.” The reason you should be interested in this particular pair is that they cost $299 USD and feature gold-plated connectors. Fresh and wild! They’ve also got an over-the-ear design, advanced, breathable pad and ear cups, and have standard and iPhone detachable cords with in-line remote included. Also they come with a protective case door travel.

Next are the red and blues, the Signeo USA: SOUL by Ludacris SL100, “high -definition on-ear headphones deliver big sound with stylish urban aesthetics.” These also have a breathable headband pad, standard and iPhone detachable cords with in-line remote, and come with a case. And what’s this? They come with gold-plated connectors as well! These SL100 phones ring in at $149 USD.

The white over-ears are the Signeo USA: SOUL by Ludacris SL150 set, “High-definition on-ear headphones boast professional sound, distinct personal style” like the last set, the same specs are present. It seems that the difference between each of these sets is the aesthetic really, the industrial design shaping its way around your head. SL150s cost $199. Also yes, gold plated connectors!

Finally there’s a couple sets of earbuds, one named SL99 with a price of $99, the other called SL49 with a price of $69. Each of these has tangle-resistant cables, hard protective shell case for travel, and gold-plated connectors for seamless signal transfer.

Check out the full family over at http://www.soulbyludacris.com/

BONUS: did you know that our man in England mister Chris Davies had an interview with Ludacris for the album before the one he’s got coming out currently? For real! Take a look at that post back here.

According to Nokia, the Oro is targeted at the Middle East and Russia. “We have a large number of users who are looking for products with a build quality and superior materials that attest to their success and social standing” General Manager for Russia, Gabriel Speratti claims. ”In some areas, possession of such premium products is the passport to being taken seriously.”

Such buyers will obviously be reassured that any heavy thumbing of the home button will be met with resilience and stoicism: “That’s a real sapphire crystal in the home key,” materials designer Robert Lihou boasts, “which makes it eight times sturdier than glass.” Nokia tells us that there are no recorded instances of C7 home buttons shattering after over-ambitious use, but we admire the Oro for going the extra mile in ensuring thumb-safety.

The Oro will go on sale in Europe, Eastern Europe, China and the Middle east in Q3, priced “upwards of €800″ ($1,122).

That suit is more complicated than the sinuous curves might suggest. Each front wing in fact consists of seven pieces, formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks and then combined; the distinctive bubble-roof took five pieces itself.

Best of all, this isn’t some museum show-piece that will never get above 5mph. Zagato has outfitted the V12 with a steel roll cage, front and rear double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV Dampers, and a 120ltr endurance racing fuel tank. No word on pricing, but as of May 28 the car will be hurtling around the Nürburgring in advance of a 24hr race in June.

[via Top Gear]

While you wouldn’t think it to look at it, under the black PVD is a white gold case, while the charcoal-coloured movement plates and bridges and the white gold clover-head screws are meant to be reminiscent of a studded biker jacket. Inside are 36 functional jewels and 304 components in an inverted mechanism, paired with two large-diameter, high-tech ceramic bearings.

Best of all is the “mystery” rotor, which appears to defy physics by appearing outwardly balanced. However, MB&F shave away at the underside so as to unbalance it without that being visible. No word on pricing, but we’re guessing this isn’t a cheap replacement to your Swatch.

Press Release:

Horological Machine No3 ReBel

James Dean was a Hollywood Rebel Without a Cause; Billy Idol had a Rebel Yell; Star Wars had its Rebel Alliance; and now MB&F pokes the establishment firmly in its conservatively-focused eye with the HM3 ReBel. Whereas James Dean was the epitome of movie star bad boy, MB&F is the wild child of haute horlogerie; the lone biker in a black leather jacket when everyone else is wearing grey suits and driving Volvos. And unlike Dean, the HM3 ReBel knows exactly what its cause is: horological anarchy!

ReBel: R for right (hand), B for Black (case). The black-coated ReBel is a distinctive, rock ‘n roll mirror-image of the HM3 designed to be worn on the right wrist, as a few individualists out there are wont to do.
And like all true rebels, nothing on the HM3 ReBel is quite as it first appears, especially when you take a closer look behind its nonchalantly cool façade. Under the ReBel’s open black leather jacket – or to be more precise, its black PVD-treated white gold case – charcoal-coloured movement plates and bridges form a darkened backdrop to the resplendent flash of the 22K rotor as it speeds by.

Despite its anarchistic appearance and unorthodox right-wrist architecture, the HM3 ReBel has a serious side. This dynamic, three-dimensional sculpture is a highly technical wristwatch as well as a statement of attitude. The ReBel’s twin cones ergonomically indicate the hours and minutes, with the hour cone capped by a day/night indicator. The top caps of the truncated cones are brazed (not glued) to ensure maximum water-resistance and the red “hands” of the hour and minute indicators are cut by laser to obtain the incredibly high precision/minimum mass ratio the design necessitates.

White gold clover-head screws on top of the black case resemble rivets in an upmarket biker’s leather jacket, while the large, legible numbers of the over-sized date wheel around the rotor enable the date to be read off easily against a neat, engraved triangle on the case.
The rotor and oscillating balance on top provide a clue that the ReBel’s movement, featuring no less than 36 functional jewels and 304 components, is actually inverted. Turning the Machine over reveals the technical secret behind the powerful and superbly hand-finished engine: two large-diameter, high-tech ceramic bearings racing inside bright blue cages efficiently transmitting power up to the time indication cones and date wheel.
We think James Dean would have worn one; Billy Idol would have sang about it; and the Rebel Alliance would have fought for it.
HM3 ReBel is a limited edition of 18 pieces in black PVD-treated white gold, blackened movement and 22K gold rotor.

Horological Machine No3 ReBel – Technical Specifications

HM3 ReBel is a limited edition of 18 pieces

Movement:

Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/Agenhor;
Powered by Girard-Perregaux base
Balance oscillating at 28,800 bph.
22K gold battle-axe shaped ‘mystery’ automatic winding rotor
Hour and minutes information transmitted via ceramic ball bearings to laser-cut hands.

Number of jewels: 36 (all functional)
Number of components: 304

Functions:

Hour and day/night indicator on one cone
Minutes on second cone
Date around the movement

Case:

Black PVD coated 18K white gold case; limited edition of 18 pieces
Screwed-down crown
Dimensions (exclusive of crown and lugs): 47mm x 50mm x 16mm
Number of case components: 57

Sapphire crystals:

Cones and both display backs with anti-reflective treatment on both faces.

Strap & Buckle:

Black hand-stitched alligator with 18K white gold and titanium custom designed deployment buckle.

Horological Machine No3

Inspiration and Realization: Horological Machine No3 was developed to display the machine’s beautifully finished movement in operation. Harmoniously crafted bridges, rapidly oscillating balance wheel, gearing and distinctive battle-axe shaped automatic winding rotor are all open to view. This allows the wearer to fully appreciate the art and craft that makes up HM3 and draws the viewer’s gaze inside the highly complex machine; a machine comprising more than 300 fine-finished, high-precision components.

The movement of HM3 has been literally turned upside down to allow for an uninterrupted panorama of the solid gold winding rotor’s graceful arcs and the high-speed oscillations of the balance wheel. Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, winner of the inaugural award for Best Watchmaker at the 2007 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, was entrusted with turning the drawings and designs of Max Büsser and designer Eric Giroud into horological reality and, with his team at Agenhor, he not only met but surpassed the challenge.

Starcruiser and Sidewinder: MB&F’s Horological Machines are for individualists who demand art, craft, excellence, exclusivity . . . and choice. To cater to these demanding aficionados, Horological Machine No3 is available in two versions: ‘Sidewinder’, with its cones lined perpendicular to the arm and ‘Starcruiser’, with its cones in line with the arm. Just like their potential owners, each is very special, each is very different.

Indications: The three-dimensional time-indicating cones allow for telling the time at a glance, whether driving or typing; however, the fact that nothing like them had ever been attempted before in horology posed considerable challenges. The top caps of the truncated cones are brazed (not glued) to ensure maximum water-resistance and the red ‘hands’ of the hour and minute indicators had to be cut by laser to obtain the incredibly high precision with minimum mass that the design necessitated.

The over-sized date wheel is actually a larger diameter than the movement, a fact that allows for very legible and well spaced 2.5mm high numbers. A neat triangle engraved into the top of the case marks the date.

Mystery Rotor: the prominence of the 22K solid gold battle-axe shaped rotor on the dial of HM3 is certain to increase the recognition of this already iconic MB&F symbol. The rotor is a ‘mystery’ because it appears to defy the laws of physics in being symmetrically balanced instead of having a visibly off-centred mass. This is achieved by machining the underside of one arm to a razor-thin edge so reducing its mass.

“The knack of flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”
-Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

As one might expect, given Apple’s history of secrecy, details are slim on the possibility of the company launching a television. But given the value people find in the iPhone, iPad, and countless other products Apple sells, the excitement is palpable.

Just about everyone is wondering what kind of television Apple would sell. And they want to know if it would move that market forward the same way the iPod changed the music industry and the iPhone changed the smartphone business.

But I’m not nearly as excited. I believe that the most Apple will do if it ever offers a television is integrate iTunes into the set. The technology just isn’t there for the company to drastically change the way we interact with televisions or dramatically improve quality over other sets in the space.

Moreover, I’m not sold on the idea that Apple will be able to command the television market with the same “cool” factor that it has delivered elsewhere.

Like it or not, there are already some really “cool” sets in the space already.

Take, for example, the Samsung C8000 or C9000 series of televisions. They have a great silver-colored bezel and come with an application store to extend their functionality. Plus, the C8000 is less than an inch thick, making it one of the more sleek options in the business.

The same might be said for Vizio’s line of HDTVs. The company consistently delivers nice-looking sets and it delivers a featureset — including Wi-Fi built-in — that makes all others in the market look awfully cheap with their services.

Assuming Apple wants to break into the television market, there’s no telling how it will fit in. As mentioned, it will likely add iTunes integration and include some extras that some other TV makers haven’t thought about. But other than that, I just don’t see Apple doing much more than delivering a nice television at a high price. After all, that has been Apple’s way over the last decade.

But I’m not quite sure that Apple’s strategy of delivering high-end products for a high-end price will necessarily work in the TV market. As Vizio’s meteoric rise in the television space has shown over the years, being a more budget-friendly HDTV vendor pays off. And there’s a reason why LCD prices have been plummeting over the past year.

Needless to say, I’m bored by the idea of Apple delivering a television at some point in the near future. Will it be well-designed? Sure. Will it offer some neat features? Of course. But will it be worth spending serious cash on?

I just don’t think so.

The French-finished memory disc comes in a “charming gift box” and LaCie reckons it’s ideal for wearing around the neck on a chain; we’d also suggest replacing your boring old pocket-watch with one, or perhaps wearing it as a less-useful monocle. The LaCie Galet is available now, priced at £94.99 ($152).

Press Release:

Christofle and LaCie Reveal Luxury for Every Day: Galet USB Key

• Imagined by Christofle
• Assembled and silvered in France
• 4GB of storage

London, UK (20th January 2011) – Today, two distinguished brands, Christofle and LaCie, introduce an elegant object for your digital belongings – Galet, design by Christofle. With its beautiful pebble shape and magnificent silver-plating, the Galet is a conversation piece that proves beauty and functionality can easily co-exist in our daily lives.

Changing the definition
The Galet is a new way of thinking about personal technology. Like a designer watch or a luxury pen, the Galet is an essential accessory.

Hand-crafted in France, each piece is individually plated with precious silver through Christofle’s 150 year-old silvering process. Then it is carefully inspected for a smooth finish and radiant polish, which guarantees its excellence. The Galet is assembled and hand-packed in a charming gift box at LaCie’s factory in Paris, ensuring each Galet represents the finest presentation and quality. Once the process is complete, the result is a timeless gift that will bring convenience and luxury to one’s daily life.

Mobility made chic
The Galet is a collector of photo and music memories. It is a beautifully simple USB solution to keep your cherished files close and accessible. The Galet’s pebble shape easily fits into your life – in your pocket, on your key chain, or even around your neck – so you can take it with you wherever you go.

“The spirit and philosophies of Christofle and its luxury brand, combined with the technical expertise of LaCie, have come together to transform a universal technology into an object that is as beautiful and simple a treasured piece of jewellery,” said Luc Pierart, Business Unit Manager, Consumer Peripherals, LaCie “Each time you open it, its mystery is revealed – an elegant USB key.”

Availability
The Galet comes in 4GB and includes LaCie’s Private-Public software with password protection. The Galet is available for £94.99 in Christofle boutiques worldwide, as well as the LaCie Online Store. For more product information, visit www.lacie.com.

SOUL won’t just consist of a single pair, either, but five different models: the High Definition Professional SL300 Powered Noise Cancelling headphone, High Definition On-Ear models SL150 and SL100, and the SE99 and SE49 High Definition In-Ear headphones. Each gets noise cancellation technology and “ultra precise audio mix balancing.”

No word on pricing, but the new headphones are expected to arrive early this year.

Press Release:

Signeo USA Officially Unveils SOUL by Ludacris®

Company to Launch Full Suite of High Performance Audio Line with World Renowned Artist Ludacris at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show

January 5, 2011 – Signeo USA, a global leader in pro and consumer audio manufacturing, announces the worldwide launch of a superior new line of personal audio products – SOUL by Ludacris®. In a highly collaborative effort with the Grammy winning and globally renowned artist Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, the SOUL® brand kicks off with an initial 5-model line-up of high definition headphones that offer the elite sound caliber of a professional headphone with a distinct flair for self expression and style. Driven by his famously artistic vision, and supported by an award-winning design team with resume credits spanning from luxury automotive to world-class electronics, the line dons a sleek form factor and presents an array of eye-catching colors and uniquely designed styles.

“It was important to our team to create a collection of audio concepts that not only delivers a powerful and precise listening experience, but also embodies the kind of style people look for in a nice pair of sunglasses or even a sports car”, said Bob Bonefant, Executive Director of Signeo USA. “Ludacris is a perfect partner for us as he is the consummate individualist and has such a talent for infusing a distinct style into everything he does.”

The SOUL by Ludacris line debuts with the High Definition Professional SL300 Powered Noise Cancelling headphone, High Definition On-Ear models SL150 and SL100, and the SE99 and SE49 High Definition In-Ear headphones. The entire line contains professionally voiced sound technology with advanced circuitry and drivers designed by a team of engineers who have developed some of the most notable acoustic breakthroughs in the audio industry. Elements such as world-class noise cancellation technology and ultra precise audio mix balancing deliver deep bass without sacrificing clarity of mids and highs to provide a listening experience fit for a wide audience that reaches the business traveler or casual music lover to the pro musician or audiophile.

Signeo USA Executive Director Len Davi commented,“ Delivering an impactful sound experience is an art form. Music is a passionate expression, and when you hear a great performance it’s a very powerful thing. The SOUL name and concept is founded on the idea that you should be able to experience that feeling with each listen.”

The SOUL by Ludacris® product line will be exclusively distributed by Ingram Micro, Inc. (NYSE: IM) through its Consumer Electronics Division. The new line is scheduled to hit retail shelves nationwide in early 2011.

For More Information, please visit www.SOULbyLudacris.com

About SOUL by Ludacris®
Expression, Passion and Superior Sound are at the core of the SOUL by Ludacris ®experience. Here to prove that style and sound quality can coexist, the SOUL line offers an array of personal audio products that masterfully balance elements such as world-class noise cancellation technology with superior sound quality, allowing you experience the full range of your music. Pair that with an award winning design team and the expressive vision of world renowned artist Ludacris, and you get the first headphone that effectively merges style with professional acoustics.

About Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
Boasting a collection of hits that spans over a decade, Ludacris has sold more than 12 million albums domestically thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Number One Spot” and “Money Maker.” 2010’s acclaimed “Battle of the Sexes” album release brought more chart topping hits, including “How Low” and “My Chick Bad.” With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit and imagery, Ludacris has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. Although he’s best known for his infectious tunes, Ludacris has shown that he’s equally adept at writing powerful songs with serious subject matter, including runaways on “Runaway Love.” This versatility and artistic complexity enabled Ludacris to make a seamless transition to acting. His global popularity soared with his work on the Fast & the Furious motion picture series, and his acclaimed performances in films such as Crash and Hustle & Flow plus noteworthy television roles (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) have Hollywood and critics alike buzzing about his increasingly impressive screen resume. The SOUL by Ludacris audio line joins Ludacris’ Conjure Cognac and Disturbing Tha Peace Records as yet another successful venture of the business mogul.

The Xenatec Maybach Cruiserio – which sounds a bit like a name from The Culture – keeps the original four-door saloon’s V12, turbocharged engine, which is capable of over 600bhp, but then makes some significant changes to the bodywork. Two large doors go on, the windshield is raked back and the roofline is lowered. It’s the design handiwork of Fredrink Burchhardt, who was responsible for the €25m Maybach Excelero concept.

Happily the Cruiserio doesn’t cost quite that much, but it’s still a fair chunk over and above what you’d pay for the “regular” 57 S. It’s priced at €675,000 ($894,000) with a 9-month waiting list, with options including a fully glass roof and ridiculously large wheels.

[via Luxist]

Video after the cut

There are a full five en-suite double staterooms, each lavishly equipped with iPad control units and 52-inch Bang & Olufsen TVs. The carbon-fiber foredeck has a jacuzzi and wet bar, while the flybridge and radar mast both retract – as you can see in the animation below – so as not to spoil the aesthetic when they’re not required. You get the feeling the Strand Craft’s designers have spent a little too long in dank, underground nightclubs: there are lashings of red leather on the walls, chrome and brushed aluminum, and you can optionally have the whole interior clad in bullet-proof Samurai leather.

The car itself is a custom creation by Gray Design, though you could easily slot in your own Ferrari or Lamborghini instead. A 40 knot top-speed rounds things out nicely. No word on pricing – let’s just imagine lots of zeros – and no sign of a date as to when we might see the first Strand Design 166 take to the waves; this may well end up another design exercise that never actually gets wet.

[via Autoblog]

Press Release:

Strand Craft 166 by Gray Design

The Strand Craft 166 is an uncompromising superyacht that is as outrageous as it is daring. Designed entirely around an automotive theme, this yacht is ideal for owners who are addicted to that new leather smell. Her low stance, enormous length and curled haunches give this vessel a dynamic aesthetic that is guaranteed to turn heads in the the most well appointed marinas.

Retractable flybridge
Contributing to the sleek profile of the yacht is the retractable flybridge and radar mast that retreat into the skin of the yacht when not in use. Both can be deployed independently of each other and are available only when they are required, ensuring the yacht keeps the cleanest possible lines for making that first impression. Strengthening this philosophy are the twin concealed entrances to the yacht, hiding the stairway to the upper aft deck as well as providing access to the garage, bar and lounge areas.

Hidden jacuzzi deck
Concealed beneath the carbon fibre inlaid fore deck is a sun deck equipped with a large jacuzzi, sporting a built-in bar to ensure that every party is well catered for. Access is through a vertically sliding glass door in the windscreen of the pilot house where there is ample seating for 8 guests. The pilot house itself opens up to the lounge to provide a smooth transition and connection between the driver and the main guest area and at the same time letting in light from the main windscreen to the spaces below.

Supercar tender
Following Strand Craft’s automotive tradition, the SC166 comes equipped with it’s own custom supercar tender. Created in the same design language as it’s carrier, the tender ensures you can roll out at your favorite port in ultimate style. With a V8 engine producing 620 horsepower and a top speed of 305 kph, the tender is an accessory that will certainly put a smile on your face.

Alternatively, you can order your own choice of conveyance to accessorize your superyacht. Be it Koenigsegg, Maybach, Lamborghini, Ferrari, or a waterborne tender, the choice is yours.

Interior and exterior automotive styling
The automotive theme is rich in the SC166, from the cockpit like glasshouse on the upper deck to the red leather covered upholstery that adorns large surfaces of the interior. Chrome highlights sparkle in every part of the cabin and the walls are treated to a highly polished gunmetal automotive lacer. Brushed aluminum trims the windows and bar area and the hallways are bathed in soft LED spotlighting.

Bulletproof
The SC 166 comes with the option of having upholstery made from an exclusive Japanese Samurai tread leather. These custom designed leathers are woven from a bullet-proof textile made of Vectran fibres. Optionally all walls can be covered in Samurai leather to make it a bullet proof yacht

Completing the specification list, there are five double en-suite staterooms, each equipped with 52 inch Bang & Olufsen TVs, top of the line sound systems, LED mood lighting and a iPad control and information center from Poets Road to allow you to activate any function from wherever you are on the yacht as well as providing essential information about the running and status of the vessel and it’s massive engines.

Powered by two MTU 20V4000 M93L 2x4300KW (2x5766hp) engines with a Vericor TF50 4177KW (5600hp) booster engine the SC166 is capable of cruising speeds of 30 knots with a top speed of 40 knots.

SC166 Specifications

LOA—————————————50 m
BEAM—————————————9 m
CONSTRUCTION————–High Tech Composites
DRAUGHT (loaded)————————-1.9 m
WEIGHT———————————230 Ton
ENGINES——————-2 x MTU 20V4000 M93L
BOOSTER—————————Vericor TF50
PROPULSION——-Water Jets Rolls-Royce KAMEWA
TOP SPEED—————————~ 40 Knots
FUEL CAPACITY————————–35000 L
FRESHWATER CAPACITY———————5000 L
BOW THRUSTERS——————————TBA
STABILIZERS——————————–TBA
GENERATORS———————————TBA
WATERMAKERS——————————–TBA
GREY / BLACK WATER CAPACITY—————-TBA

SC166 Tender Specifications

ENGINE—————————-4.3 liter V8
TORQUE——————————-347 lb-ft
HP—————————510 hp @ 8500 rpm
0-62 MPH—————————3.7 seconds
TOP SPEED——————————196 mph

The camera back will work with Phase One 645DF and AF and Mamiya 645DF and AF cameras, most Hasselblad V models and a selection of large format cameras via adaptors. On the back there’s a 3.5-inch touchscreen for control, and the end result is up to 10,320 x 7,752 images at up to 480MB.

The concept is not to replace DVDs or streaming platforms like Netflix, but to find room in the market that’s previously been untapped. “We’re not here to replace anything,” claims company founder Jason Pang, “we are trying to create new revenue streams for studios and new viewing opportunities for moviegoers.”

That target audience is, more accurately, those who would like to see new releases but in the comfort of their own home cinema room rather than at a public theater. Hollywood already circulates launch-day copies among a limited cadre of high-profile figures, but Prima would allow them to expand that number as well as make some money from it. Industry analysts are skeptical that the company will find a sufficient audience with both interest and cash, but Prima has already secured backing from Universal Pictures and the venture arm of Best Buy.

[via WSJ]

Not just any old owl, of course: this is a jewel-encrusted bird crafted by Boucheron, with fluttering breast feathers described as “a visual illusion created by the faintly perceived oscillations beneath the translucent stone of MB&F’s solid-gold battle-axe-shaped rotor.”  Inside there are 305 components keeping the watch mechanism going, with the time being told by his bug eyes.

MB&F and Boucheron will be making custom versions of JwlryMachine in various colors – not just the purple you see here, but a particularly vivid pink, too.  We’re not entirely sure who would actually wear one, and since they’re made to order we’re guessing you have to wave cash in their faces to find out the exact price.

Press Release:

The JwlryMachine: Boucheron’s sparkling interpretation of MB&F’s Horological Machine No 3

What could possibly bring together the 152-year-old House of Boucheron, that most venerable of France’s high-jewellery Houses, and MB&F, the young, cutting-edge Swiss creative laboratory whose Horological Machines first invaded our planet only five years ago?
The answer is the JwlryMachine, an astonishing haute-joaillerie version of MB&F’s Horological Machine No 3 (HM3).

The catalyst: Horological Machine No 3
The original HM3, in gold and titanium, sent tremors through the fine-watchmaking world when it was launched in 2009. It pushes the technical and aesthetic limits of horological architecture and design further than even the most open-minded observers could have imagined.
The viewer’s mind has to adjust to the fact that its kinetically energetic engine is displayed on the top of the watch, where the battle-axe-shaped rotor – an iconic MB&F symbol – and the oscillating balance are clearly visible. But the eye is also assailed by the twin cones that rise majestically from the three-dimensional sculpted case. It is hard to believe that this dynamic sculpture also tells the time.
And yet this is a highly technical wristwatch and a feat of micro engineering. MB&F’s engineers and watchmakers have to machine, hand finish and assemble the 305 parts of the HM3 engine working to tolerances of a micron – one thousandth of a millimetre. The 22-karat rose gold “mystery” rotor appears to defy the laws of physics, in being visually symmetrical instead of more obviously off-centred. This was achieved by machining the underside of one arm to a razor-thin edge, thus reducing its mass. Two high-tech ceramic ball bearings visible on the back of the case drive the time indications on the top and sides of the twin cones: one cone presenting the hours and day/night indicator, the other the minutes. An oversized date wheel around the rotor, actually larger in diameter than the movement itself, frames the engine.
When the HM3 was launched, one press release began, “Warning! Horological Machine No 3 is so far outside existing time references that it may cause sensory overload”. It was scarcely an exaggeration.

The JwlryMachine: breathing the magic of Boucheron
With the HM3 as unsettling as ever, the House of Boucheron is poised to create its own seductive shock waves with the JwlryMachine, an haute-joaillerie version of Horological Machine No 3. In a spectacular flight of fancy, the House’s peerless artisans have conceived the watch as a splendid three-dimensional jewelled owl, presented either in 18k white gold, with amethyst, diamonds and blue and violet sapphires, or in 18k red gold, with pink tourmaline, rose quartz, diamonds and pink sapphires.
The owl’s eyes are large glowing cabochons, set over the twin cones, and its sparkling wings, wrapped protectively around the precious HM3 engine, are entirely pavé-set with brilliant-cut stones. Its feathered breast is sculpted and engraved from a single block of amethyst or rose quartz. The glowing eyes, sparkling wings and softly gleaming breast create a carefully choreographed play of light. But most mesmerising of all: beneath the owl’s breast, its heart appears to be beating. The visual illusion is created by the faintly perceived swings of MB&F’s solid-gold battle-axe-shaped rotor beneath the translucent stone.
This effect typifies the hint of secretiveness that Boucheron’s artisans instil into some of their best-loved jewels; as does the fact that the uninitiated will need to search for the time indications on the sides of the cones among the owl’s sparkling plumage.
True to the original HM3, the JwlryMachine is not for the faint hearted. It is an imposing piece, made all the more so by its sheer beauty. The extreme refinement that radiates from the proportions, the choice of stones and the quality of craftsmanship makes this creation “very Boucheron”.

A legendary dynasty of jewellers
On the face of it, the two creators, Boucheron and MB&F might seem an unlikely team. The House of Boucheron, in its historic setting at 26 Place Vendôme, Paris, is a legend in the rarefied world of French high jewellery. A family dynasty, founded by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858, it has never ceased to enchant its discerning clientele. Royalty, aristocrats, billionaires, film stars, authors and artists find a fitting match for their celebrity and status in its magnificent creations.
Over the generations, Boucheron has acquired unparalleled expertise, centring on its passion for precious stones. Its designs are free-spirited and audacious, and with the ease of the true artist, its master jewellers create exclusive harmonies of colour, selecting from the world’s most rare and covetable gems.
While Boucheron’s sources of inspiration are eclectic, love of nature is a cherished theme. The collections abound with references to flowers, raindrops and waves and charismatic animals, birds and insects, whose air of having been effortlessly conceived is part of the Boucheron mystique. Today as ever, Boucheron keeps its promise of luxury and fascination.
An iconoclastic creative laboratory
In direct opposition to his time-honoured creative partner, Maximilian Büsser founded his creative laboratory just five years ago. And where the House of Boucheron’s jewels are clearly objects of desire, the initial reaction to MB&F’s Machines may well be one of shock and awe.
After 14 years spent managing prestigious watchmaking brands, Maximilian Büsser broke free of the constraints of traditional horology. He decided to create for himself, drawing on the imaginary world of his childhood, peopled by spacecraft and fantastical beings, and on his passion for working with other creators and artists. In forging the concept of the “Friends”, (the “F” in MB&F), his aim is to transparently recognise and credit those involved in realising his dream.
MB&F’s Horological Machines certainly tell the time, but they are light years away from classic haute horology. They are daringly engineered works of performance art that owe their power to the tension between their radical concepts and the meticulous traditional watchmaking skills that bring them to life. Each new avant-garde, three-dimensional Horological Machine takes us further into an alternative reality and out of our horological comfort zone.

Shared values
MB&F’s iconoclastic Horological Machines were never conceived with diamonds in mind. However, Maximilian Büsser had been nurturing the idea of working with the House of Boucheron for years. “I was impressed by their immense savoir-faire,” he says, “and by their creative passion. They are resolutely avant-garde, and each of their jewels is a virtuoso performance. So in a way, although their creations are sensuous and feminine, and ours are not, we speak the same language. And they love to surprise. I knew that they could take one of our Horological Machines and transform it into an incredible feat of three-dimensional haute joaillerie.
The idea accelerated when Maximilian Büsser made the acquaintance of Jean-Christophe Bédos, CEO of Boucheron. According to Mr Bédos, “MB&F showed an appreciation of the excellence that Boucheron embodies. A collaboration between our two Houses was certain to lead to an exceptionally creative concept, with a sparkling result and even a sense of humorous audacity.”

The concept: a meeting of two worlds
Right from the initial get-togethers, it was clear to MB&F that the Boucheron creative team would amaze and delight them with their characteristic flair.
Nevertheless, one of the Boucheron designers in charge of the project remembers his first impression of Machine No 3. “Completely insane! All I could think was, What are we going to do! How can we find a meeting point between this Machine and Boucheron’s world of sensuousness, jewels and femininity? But our work wouldn’t be rewarding if there were no challenge.”
The designers found that meeting point. At the creative presentation, they unveiled sixty-three concepts, each a work of art. But Maximilian Büsser homed straight in on the owl. Structurally, it is a perfect match for the Machine. Like all the best ideas, once you have seen it, it becomes self-evident. And it has that gentle touch of humour that makes an important jewel lovable as well as impressive.
Boucheron’s design team couldn’t have been happier with MB&F’s choice. The great House’s feeling for nature is legendary; reflecting the Art Nouveau influence in their jewels, it is a constant source of inspiration. Preference has always gone to the strangest, most extravagant of Nature’s creations – including the mysterious night creatures – and the exquisitely constructed, delectably coloured jewels that result are so particular to the House that it refers to them as its Cabinet of Curiosities. Contributing ever-more audacious, unexpected pieces to the Cabinet is one of the Boucheron artisans’ greatest joys.

Beautifully built
The young creative laboratory and the 152-year-old jeweller have created a perfect fit. Boucheron’s artisans conceived the owl’s splendid jewelled body as a complex framework of solid gold that fits snugly onto Horological Machine No 3, transforming it into the JwlryMachine. The framework is cast as five separate segments, which are then sent to MB&F to be assembled on the watch. MB&F’s engineers had selected five points on the upper face of the watch where there was enough substance for the segments to be screwed down without disturbing the watch’s complex timekeeping functions. Screws are used so that the segments can be removed when the watch requires service.
For the segments to be anchored correctly, Boucheron has to work to tolerances expressed in microns – demonstrating the extreme precision that its lapidaries, gem-setters, engravers and goldsmiths bring to their work.

Reserved for the master craftsman
In a piece where every detail is perfect, the owl’s most striking feature is nevertheless its translucent breast. It is formed from a single block of amethyst or rose quartz, which must be sufficiently large and exceptionally pure. As amethyst and quartz are both very hard stones, the artisan must have a very delicate touch when carving out the breast’s irregular contours and sculpting the feathers, so as not to shatter his handiwork. Compounding the risk, the stone is also shaped in cross-section to achieve a gradation in the depth of the colour over the breast from the owl’s beak to its feet, just enough for the shadowy movement of the rotor to be perceived.
“Even Maximilian Büsser thought we were mad to suggest the beating heart,” says one of the Boucheron designers on the project gleefully. The final effect works on two levels: it is hypnotic, and it hints at the mysteries of the engine inside.

A polished performance
Maximilian Büsser says that in all his ten years of joint creative adventures, he has rarely seen a collaboration proceed so smoothly. In his opinion, the Boucheron creative team’s spirit exemplifies “Where there’s a will there’s a way”. For their part, the Boucheron team emphasise the joy that they had in bringing the owl to life. They relished the challenge of making the two worlds meet – the world of MB&F’s alternative reality and the world of Boucheron’s warmth and seduction.
The JwlryMachine will be made to order, and other colour combinations are possible.

They’re all linked up via the car’s own network, complete with a UMTS/HSPA cellular data connection, and there’s a USB 2.0 hub for plugging in peripherals (though you get a Bluetooth Apple keyboard, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse too, all with their own storage slots).  They’re not just standalone gadgets, either; BRABUS has integrated the iPads with the S600′s COMAND system, responsible for navigation, climate control, phone and A/V.

The rest of the interior is finished in two-tone custom BRABUS leather, with power-operated curtains and color-changing LED lighting; a special iPad nook in the center console lets you hide away the slates when they’re not slotted into the portrait/landscape stands in the tray-tables.  As for the S600 iBusiness’s grunt, there’s a BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 12-cylinder engine good for 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 211mph; don’t be surprised if your iPad is pressed up against your face with the g-forces at that speed, though.  No word on pricing, but this build-to-order Merc is not going to come cheap.

[via Born Rich]

That breaks down the artificial division of homescreen and widget, and instead gives you full-screen widgets for things like news, social networking and more.  There’s also a new media player and cross-platform instant messaging/communications app.

Kim obviously reckons oleophobic displays aren’t good enough for keeping smartphones clean, and has instead decided on a UV light hidden behind the glass touchscreen that can zap bugs while the HTC 1 is charging.  Throw in a flip-down stand, stereo speakers (one at each end) and inspiration taken from Leica cameras, high-end watches and even illy espresso cans, and you end up with something decidedly slick.  How about it, HTC, fancy taking on the iPhone 4 with a seriously high-end Android smartphone?

[via Twitter]

Video demo after the cut

The two mainspring barrels in the HM4 movement can together store up to 72hrs worth of power and transfer them via vertical gear trains to the indication pods.  Sapphire glass top and bottom means the mechanism is visible, and if you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of MB&F’s “distinctive streamlined cock” which supports the balance.

There are 50 jewels and 311 components in the engine, five sapphire crystals and a black hand-stitched calfskin strap with a titanium and white cold clasp.  The design reminds us a little of the Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Watch but a whole lot more complex; similarly, the $158,000 price tag is also impressive.

[flv]http://mbandf.com/_flash/HM4_video.flv[/flv]

Press Release:

Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt

A traditional wristwatch has a relatively straightforward role: to tell the time. All that is needed is a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and perhaps a power reserve indicator to keep track of running time. Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt has a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and a power reserve indicator. HM4 Thunderbolt tells the time.

HM4 Thunderbolt is not a traditional wristwatch.
The aviation-inspired case and engine of the Thunderbolt are one. Neither would, nor could, exist without the other, yet each is so transcendental as to be able to stand alone as a work of art in its own right.

The Thunderbolt’s engine is the culmination of three long years of development. Each of the 300-plus components – including the regulator and even the screws – was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating hours/minutes and power reserve.

But describing HM4′s engine through its mechanical functionality is like describing Renoir’s work through the chemical composition of his paint. Only careful contemplation enables full appreciation, and the sapphire case section and display panels top and bottom allow full access to the flawless fine finishing of HM4′s intricate and vibrant micro-mechanics.

The sleek aerodynamic form of the Thunderbolt’s titanium and sapphire envelope has its roots in Maximilian Büsser’s childhood passion for assembling model plane kits, though none looked remotely as futuristic as this. The striking transparent sapphire section of the case requires over 100 hours of machining and polishing to transform an opaque solid block of crystal into a complex, exquisitely curved panel allowing the light to come in and the beauty of Thunderbolt’s engine to stand out. Every component and form has a technical purpose; nothing is superfluous and every line and curve is in poetic harmony. Articulated lugs ensure supreme comfort. Highly legible time is a fringe benefit.

About MB&F

After decades learning and conforming to the corporate rules of watchmaking, Maximilian Büsser broke the chains and started a rebellion – a rebellion called MB&F. MB&F is an artistic and micro-engineering concept laboratory in which collectives of independent horological professionals are assembled each year to design and craft radical Horological Machines.
The ramifications of these audacious projects are profound. Respecting tradition but not shackled by it, MB&F fuses traditional, high-quality watchmaking with cutting-edge technology to create three-dimensional kinetic sculptures.

In the 19th century, photography liberated art from realism: Monet painted “Impressionism, Sunrise” giving rise to a new artistic movement based on re-interpreting light.
In the 21st century, electronics liberated watchmaking from timekeeping: MB&F created Horological Machines, giving rise to a new artistic movement based on re-interpreting horology.

Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt
Inspiration and Realization: A long childhood passion for assembling model aircraft had Maximilian Büsser’s walls, cupboards and ceiling covered in small aircraft of every description. Planes were what he saw last thing at night and planes were what he saw first thing each morning.
The boy became a man, but something of the child and his planes remained, quietly waiting until…HM4 Thunderbolt!
Many boys sketch supercars and fast planes, but few have the drive and determination to make their dreams come true. Büsser created MB&F to do just that. The HM4 Thunderbolt is born of the child’s fantasy and the man’s tenacity.

Engine: HM4′s engine was entirely designed and developed by MB&F over three years of intensive work with Laurent Besse and Beranger Reynard of Les Artisans Horlogers. Each of the 311 components were developed specifically for the Thunderbolt, no off-the-shelf mechanisms or parts were used at all due to the extreme nature of its architecture.

Two mainspring barrels connected in parallel provide 72 hours of energy, and they transfer their power to the dual jet-turbine-like indication pods (one displaying the hours and minutes, the other the power reserve) via vertical gear trains.

Visible through a shaped sapphire display panel on the top of the case, a distinctive streamlined cock supports the balance, its centre cut away to reveal as much of the oscillating wheel as possible and validating the “kinetic” in MB&F’s “kinetic art”.

A work of art rewards when viewed from different angles and the Thunderbolt is no exception. Turning the machine over reveals a veritable panorama of meticulously finished micro-engineering through the sapphire sections. In a playful trompe d’oeil, what at first glance appears to be a micro-rotor in the form of MB&F’s iconic battle-axe is actually a bridge.

Indications: For a timepiece not developed specifically to tell the time, HM4 performs that role superbly. In fact, with its highly legible dials perpendicular to the wearer’s wrist, Horological Machine No4 might be described as the perfect pilot’s or driver’s watch.

On the left pod, the amount of fuel in the tanks – or power reserve – is clearly indicated by a skeletonised hand echoing MB&F’s battle-axe motif. On the right, hours and minutes are displayed by bold, arrow-tipped Super-LumiNova filled hands. Each of the two aviation instrument-styled dials is directly controlled by its own crown, one to wind and re-fuel the tanks, the other to set the time, which provides direct and instantaneous feedback of the action performed.

Case: Inspired by aviation, more specifically the model aircraft kits of Maximilian Büsser’s childhood, the case of HM4 imparts speed, power, technology and refinement in equal measure. Visually, the case is composed of three parts: two streamlined jet-turbine-styled pods supported by a horizontal section housing the engine, which is clearly visible through transparent sapphire display panels and the central section of the case itself.

Case (continued): Technically there are also three main sections, but these comprise a fore section in titanium, which includes the dials and articulated front lugs; a central section in sapphire offering unprecedented 360° access to the superbly finished engine; and an aft section tapering down to the dual crowns and framing the animated balance, which is supported by an aerodynamic cock. Methods borrowed from aeronautic engineering are visible in the externally mounted screws, which provide both rigidity and watch resistance to hold the case’s three sections solidly and elegantly together.

Beginning with a solid piece of sapphire, more than 100 hours of intricate machining and meticulous polishing are required to turn an opaque block of crystal into the clear, light-filled atrium of the central case section, which reveals part of the Thunderbolt’s engine and engineering details. The metal case sections are milled from solid blocks of high-tech Grade 5 titanium, which undergoes hundreds of hours of machining before polishing, masking and finally satin-finishing of the surfaces. The results speak for themselves.

The contrasts of matte with highly polished surfaces, titanium with sapphire, straight lines with seductive curves and rigid forms with articulated arms endows Horological Machine No4 with a life and vibrancy that sets it apart from anything that has ever gone before.

HM4 Thunderbolt is the quintessential machine as three-dimensional kinetic art.

Rupture in Art, Rupture in Watchmaking

Impressionist paintings scared classicists and were greatly misunderstood. MB&F’s Horological Machines scare classicists and are greatly misunderstood. Horological Machine No4 is unlikely to change that, but the rupture with traditional watchmaking is so complete that it allows HM4 to be appreciated for what it is, i.e. raw, unfettered three-dimensional kinetic art.

Until the 19th century, art was fairly straightforward: painters did their best to replicate what they saw and their skill was judged on how closely they copied reality, with little latitude allowed for a brush-stroke or two of emotion. With the introduction of photography, even the greatest traditional artists could not compete in terms of realism. But that liberated more adventurous artists like Monet, Cézanne and Renoir to break from realism and to paint, not just with a brush-stroke or two of emotion but with raw, unfettered emotion.

In impressionist art, the fundamentals of the medium remain, i.e. paint on canvas, but the result was a rupture with the past. With MB&F’s Horological Machines, again the fundamentals of the (horological) medium remain, i.e. intricate mechanical movements, and again the result is a rupture with the past.

Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt – Technical Specifications

Engine:

Three-dimensional horological engine developed 100% by MB&F
Manual winding with two mainspring barrels in parallel
Power reserve: 72 hours
Balance frequency: 21,600bph/3Hz
Number of components: 311
Number of jewels: 50

Functions:

Hours, minutes and power reserve indicator
Hours and minutes on right dial, power reserve indicator on left dial
Separate crowns for time setting and winding

Case:

Grade 5 titanium and sapphire
Dimensions: 54mm wide x 52mm long x 24mm high
Number of components: 65
Articulation of lugs: 3°

Sapphire crystals:

Five sapphire crystals: 2 x dials, 1 x central case section, 2 x display panels (top and bottom)

Strap & Buckle:

Black hand-stitched calfskin strap with titanium/white gold custom designed deployment buckle attached to articulated lugs

‘Friends’ responsible for Horological Machine No4 “Thunderbolt”

Concept: Maximilian Büsser/MB&F

Product Design: Eric Giroud – Eric Giroud Design Studio

Technical and Production Management: Serge Kriknoff/MB&F

Production logistics: David Lamy/MB&F

Movement Development: Laurent Besse, Béranger Reynard and Patrick Lété of Les Artisans
Horlogers

Movement manufacturing: Daniel Uhlmann/Azuréa Technologies, Nicolas Broquet/Broquet
Décolletage, Yann Ryser/Tital

Hand-finishing of movement components: Jacques-Adrien Rochat and Denis Garcia of
C-L Rochat

Movement assemblage: Didier Dumas and Georges Veisy/MB&F

Case and buckle construction and production: Jean-Pierre Kohler and Lionel Gavignet of Profusion
Martin Stettler of Stettler
Dominique Mainier and Bertrand Jeunet of G.F.Châtelain

Dials: François Bernhard and Denis Parel of Nateber

Hands: Pierre Chillier, Isabelle Chillier and Félix Celetta of Fiedler

Strap: Olivier Purnot/Camille Fournet

Presentation box: Olivier Berthon/Berthon & Co

As before, the AM02 and AM03 take the blades of regular fans and house them in the bottom part of the Dyson system.  The fast-moving air is then ducted up and through the hooped “head” section; because there are no blades to chop at the air, the fans are quieter despite being stronger than traditional models.  Both new models come with a remote control for easier use.

Both the AM02 and the AM03 are priced at £299.99 ($443), £100 more than the original AM01.  The AM03 is only available in white/silver, while the AM02 will come in silver or blue.  No word on when exactly they’ll go on sale, but you can register for more details.

[via Tech Radar]

The HM4 engine is the end result of three years of hard work and a whopping 311 individual pieces, and we’re expecting MF&F’s casing to be suitably ostentatious.  Full details are promised on July 7th, and we’ll also likely find out pricing then too; that’s probably going to be pretty ostentatious too.

In fact, there are 53 diamonds – totalling 25.5 cts – which are mostly used to recreate the Apple logo on the back.  The irony is, of course, that you probably want to coddle the iPad Supreme in a case, in which case you won’t actually be able to see the gems at all.

Only ten of the extravagent tablets will be made, each one priced at a not-inconsiderable £129,995 ($189,999).  Frankly we’d rather buy a regular iPad WiFi + 3G and spend the rest on… well, just about anything else.

Having reviewed the Luxa2 H4 iPad Holder last week, a surprisingly flexible stand that comes in at around $50, we had high hopes for the significantly more expensive Joule iPad Stand. The latter certainly answers a reasonably common complaint about the H4, that it dominates a desk when the iPad isn’t in place. Instead, the Joule is a compact aluminum bar with a velvet-lined slot running its length and a discrete metal rod sticking out the back to keep everything propped up.

If you’re going to buy into the concept, then you need to accept that you’re paying for style and design as well as functionality, since at $129 (or $139 for the black version) this is about as far away from crafting your own stand out of the iPad’s packaging as you can get. To be fair, we can’t fault Element CASE’s craftsmanship. Both the polished and black anodized finishes are flawless, and we have no qualms about sitting the unprotected bottom edge of our iPad into the groove. Three possible angles are supported, thanks to the “tilt foot” rod at the back having three holes into which it magnetically slots.

There are two cut-outs, one deep slice intended to give you access to the iPad’s home button, and a more discrete slot to the right which lines up neatly with the tablet’s speaker. That way you can still hear email notifications and music while the iPad is in the stand. There’s no cut-out for a sync cable, however, so you’ll either have to take the iPad out to recharge it or – since there’s no limit on which of the four orientations you put the tablet in at – you could feasibly turn it upside-down or to landscape view. Of course, depending on which way around you have it, you might make accessing the headphone socket, lock button or volume controls more tricky.

Weight is sufficient to allow you to type with the on-screen keyboard without too much concern that it might tilt over and fall backward, and at its most reclined position it’s actually quite well set up for text entry. Still, it makes more sense to use a Bluetooth keyboard, and Apple’s own ‘board matches quite nicely.

While the angle adjustment works reasonably well, we’d prefer to have seen some sort of pivoting leg that could hold the iPad in a broader range of angles rather than just three. Still, the flip side is that such a mechanism could, if relying on friction to maintain it, be difficult to adjust (otherwise you’d push the iPad back with every tap); if it locked into place somehow, however, that would introduce extra complexity to what’s in effect a pretty minimalist design.

Whether a stand is worth a quarter of the price of an iPad itself will depend on the person considering buying it. Although the Joule is obviously well made and reasonably pure in its aesthetic, we can’t imagine many people will be able to get past its cost. Still, that fits in with Element CASE’s positioning: the silver Joule is apparently limited edition, and the black version – which has a custom logo option – is even more expensive. These aren’t mass-market products (though we can’t imagine it’ll be long before budget rivals “borrow” their style) and most people would be satisfied with something cheaper from another firm, but the few who opt for the Joule will have a well-designed, beautifully made accessory.

From the side it does look a little like a stainless steel pan on top of a portable stove, but we’re guessing that’s not a comparison DaVinci would particularly like.  Underneath there are custom adjustable feet, and the company will also sell you an optional second tonearm.

Don’t expect any of this to come cheap, however.  DaVinci Audio Labs are asking 29,600 Swiss francs for the UniSon MK II, which works out to a heady $27,800.  You’ll also need a suitably rarefied amp and speaker system, of course.

[via Born Rich and via]

With that touchscreen – and the Zipel’s WiFi b/g support – you can browse the internet, stream media via DLNA, take notes and even pull up nutritional information for more than 500 different types of food.  It’ll also show Google Calendar entries and weather reports, again with internet updates, as well as news alerts and other articles.  Slap in a memory card (no telling what type) or hook up some sort of wireless storage and the Samsung Zipel can show a slideshow of your favorite photos, which is frankly much better than sticking on rubbish painted pasta pictures that your offspring comes home with and expects you to fawn over.

Unfortunately, this sort of 21st century magic doesn’t come cheap.  Samsung will be launching the Zipel refrigerator in South Korea with a 2.49 million won price tag ($2,182) which makes for a darned expensive way of looking at pictures and keeping your paté chilled.  You could, of course, recreate your own version by sticking a WiFi photo frame or iPad to the front of your existing fridge, though we doubt you’d get a happy Korean lady to come and sit next to such a style travesty.

[via Tech Ticker]

As before, there’s a 1.8l four-cylinder VVT-i engine paired with a Lexus Hybrid Drive electric powertrain.  Four different driving modes are on offer, ranging from EV Mode for electric-only, Eco which tempers throttle response and air-conditioning to save fuel, Normal which has a linear throttle response for standard driving, and finally Sport for a more responsive throttle and tweaked ESP for speedier response to driver input.

Inside, there’s a sizeable LCD display and a trackstick-style control system; you can expect the usual mixture of PND functionality, media playback and multi-zone air-con.  We’re keeping our fingers crossed for an F-series version of the CT 200h, hopefully bringing back the gaping vents and slicker styling, but the regular model will get its US intro at the New York International Auto Show 2010 on March 31st; no word on when it’ll actually be available to drive, nor how much it will cost.

Press Release:

All-New Lexus CT 200h Premium Compact Hybrid Makes North American Debut at 2010 New York International Auto Show

• Only Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment
• 1.8L Four-Cylinder Engine Paired with Lexus Hybrid Drive
• Engineered for Dynamic Handling and Agility

NEW YORK – March 3, 2010 – The all-new Lexus CT 200h premium compact hybrid will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2010 New York International Auto Show March 31 through April 11. The sporty and versatile five-door, which had its global premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show today, will be Lexus’ second dedicated hybrid and fifth hybrid vehicle in the line-up in the U.S.

“When the all-new Lexus CT 200h enters the market it will be the only hybrid vehicle in the emerging premium compact segment,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.

“The CT 200h combines luxury features, eye-catching styling, and driving excitement that we know will attract a whole new buyer to the Lexus brand.”

The Lexus CT 200h evolved from the LF-Ch concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and was styled with optimum aerodynamic efficiency. Its size, packaging and hybrid technology meet the requirements of the discerning, environmentally-conscientious consumer in the emerging premium compact market. It offers no compromise on the quality, refinement and driving pleasure which hallmark the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.

Lexus has offered consumers hybrid powertrain technology since 2005. Marking the introduction of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology to the premium compact segment for the first time, the all-new CT 200h not only reinforces the company’s clear leadership in hybrid technology, but also the unrivalled breadth of Lexus models available as a hybrid.

The CT 200h features a 1.8-liter gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a high performance battery, power control unit, transmission with an electric motor generator, a power split device to re-allocate power from the engine and electric motor generator according to operational requirements.

Four drive modes enhance the capabilities of the CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and change the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-pedal angle. EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response while Eco mode reduces throttle response relative to the pedal angle and adjusts air conditioning settings to emphasize fuel economy.

The new CT 200h has been specifically developed to combine superior handling agility and a sporty driving experience with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus. The Sport mode provides a more responsive throttle and modifies the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) settings to give a faster response to driver inputs.

In the interest of maximum fuel efficiency, particular attention has been paid to the aerodynamic efficiency of every aspect of the CT 200h’s design. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight to improve the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle and minimize wind turbulence within the wheel arches. The sides of the cabin have been tapered, the rear edge of the roof lowered and even the lower body painstakingly detailed to optimize airflow. Completing the look are unique 17-inch alloy wheels and blue badging specific to Lexus hybrid vehicles.

The interior offers unprecedented levels of refinement in this segment. Efficient and elegant, the cabin combines superior ergonomics with hand-crafted, premium quality materials to create an outstanding driving environment. The extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the luxury experience.

Despite the compact package, the CT 200h does not compromise interior roominess. Its long, 102-inch wheelbase offers front and rear seat passenger accommodation that is amongst the most spacious in the segment

“Lexus has been at the forefront of luxury hybrid technology for the last five years. The CT 200h is just another example of our commitment to developing cars that are innovative and different from what’s already out there,” said Templin. “With its exceptional fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, dynamic handling, and beautiful styling, the CT 200h is a car that doesn’t sacrifice excitement for efficiency.”

If the color scheme wasn’t enough for you, there’s an inscription of what’s said to be Mao Zedong’s front type – “Long Live The People’s Republic of China” – a picture of Tiananmen Square and plenty of Chinese calligraphy.  There’s even a “luxury wooden box” to hide it in.

Since owners may want to take some photos with their limited edition camera, there’s a special Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Gold lens in there too, though the plastic lens cap looks a bit cheap.  Figure on putting aside 199,900 Chinese Yuan ($29,300) if you want one yourself, though you’ll probably have to book a flight to China, too.

[via iTechNewsNet]

It makes reasonable sense, too.  Sunseeker’s Predator series is more likely to be found trolling the luxury ports like Monaco or Cannes, where owners are more interested in getting from Marina to casinos or shopping than they are hooning about in a smaller powerboat.  Not having to call ahead to rent a car means you’re saving valuable time to pick out pastel-colored polo shirts and espadrilles.

Of course, the Caterham Se7en is also a pretty marvellous chunk of good fun, with room for two people and a power-to-weight ratio that will cock a snook at many so-called supercars.  The Sunseeker Predator 108 Special Edition is priced at $11.3m, whereas of course the common sense to wait until you’re docked right up close to dry land before you zip out for some milk in your Caterham is priceless.

[via Born Rich]

Though it’s based on the Toyota iQ, the grafting of the traditional Aston Martin snout onto the Cygnet has left it looking quite a lot like a Smart ForTwo.  Expect plenty of leather on the inside, as the company attempt to differentiate the Cygnet from its origins ahead of the expected European launch sometime in 2010.

Aston Martin originally said they intend to shift a mere 4,000 to 5,000 Cygnets per year, and in doing so they’ll likely take a big bite out of their overall CO2 output and MPG figures.  Considering incoming emissions regulations judge marques on the average of their results across the whole range, rather than on a model-by-model basis, the Cygnet will help drag down the eye-watering stats associated with Aston Martin’s more profligate sportscars.

Otherwise the specifications are exactly the same as for the standard handset (which is normally to be found in far more sober black and chrome).  That means you get a 5-megapixel camera, GPS/A-GPS and 3G connectivity among other things.

It’s not exactly to our tastes, we have to admit, but we’re sure the ostentatious handset will find some buyers when it arrives in Q1 2010.  Estimated pricing so far is €370 ($545), pre-tax and carrier subsidies.

Inside, the simple hands move around the spiral clock face – also made of white gold – or you can flip it over to watch the mechanics at work.  Hermés say there’s enough power for 200 hours of use in-between windings, and that the inspiration for the design was a classic clock at the company’s museum in Paris.

Of course, a large part of the appeal of something like this is the exclusivity.  It’s apparently a one-off, and priced at an eye-watering $560,000.  Despite it being roughly the size of a cricket ball, then, we’d recommend you not actually hit it with a bat.

[via bookofjoe]

Now, mentioning Sea Shepherd usually kicks up all manner of argument about whether the organisation – which you could precis as a more aggressive version of Greenpeace – does more harm than good, but we’re going to try to avoid that.  Instead let’s all marvel at Earthrace’s new paint-job, the trimaran having switched from silver to some seriously Batman-esque matte black.

Matte black is already passé in cars, but we reckon kick-ass speedboats can still get away with it.  Life have a few more pictures – including of the cabin, which has some new lime-green racing seats – but the really clever stuff is the paint, which apparently helps the Earthrace to not show up on radar.

[via BoingBoing]

While B&O would far prefer you to pair the BeoVision 10 with one of their similarly-pricey speaker setups, the HDTV does have a stereo speaker pair behind the lower mesh section.  It also offers direct surround sound outputs, a DVB-HD digital TV tuner and electronic curtains – since you need some drama in your life – as well as a hinge on the left or right hand side so that you can tilt the BeoVision 10 out from the wall.

Elsewhere it’s all brushed or polished aluminum, glass and “floating” fabric for the speaker cover, the latter of which is magnetically mounted so that B&O can sell you replacements in alternative colors.  The Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 10 is available now, priced at around 43,495 Danish Kroner ($8,750).

Press Release:

Bang & Olufsen launches 40-inch beauty with brains

Designed with the idea of adding life to your wallpaper, the new LED-based BeoVision 10 from Bang & Olufsen is a slim, fully integrated TV solution with a classic Bang & Olufsen identity developed specifically for wall placement. The elegant appearance mingles extremely well with the paintings and interior decoration of any home.

“BeoVision 10 is the Bang & Olufsen answer to a flat screen concept designed to be wall mounted. In every detail the design has been optimised for wall placement, at the same time it has been very important for us to secure an outstanding sound performance – also when it comes to an extremely flat TV like this one”, Product Manager Heidi Hausted Fredberg explains.

The 40-inch, full HD TV is a new exciting LED-based, 200/240 Hz LCD panel with impressive picture performance applying the latest picture improvements technologies. The 200/240 Hz technology combined with sophisticated motion compensation technologies take the motion performance of the LCD panel to a yet unseen level of smoothness. Besides a fantastic picture the slim beauty offers an impressive sound performance. BeoVision 10 has an integrated stereo speaker placed below the screen and covered by a fabric front. It offers integrated surround sound and DVB-HD module, electronic curtains and an extensive connection panel allowing you to add up to five extra speakers for a surround sound setup.

BeoVision 10 is discretely hinged in the left or right-hand side, allowing you to manually pull it out to an angle of 45 degrees from the wall which offers you extended viewing comfort.

Slim design thanks to LED-based LCD technology

The slim design of BeoVision 10 is obtained by applying a new LCD technology, where an edge-type LED backlight is used, and by placing the chassis and the loudspeakers below the LCD screen. The backlight unit consists of a large number of white LEDs positioned all around at the edge of the panel. The light from the LED’s is spread evenly across the panel by means of an optical light guide system.

The entire TV solution is covered by an elegant front glass with a sophisticated anti-reflection coating and framed by a high-gloss polished aluminium profile on both front and rear. The designer has been playing with both surface treatment and angles trying to get the maximum surface on the screen. The two aluminium profiles are angled which means they take up a minimum part of the total glass covered TV surface. This has resulted in one large piece of black glass in a square format which enhances the impression of the TV as an elegant wall decoration when switched off.

The slim look is further enhanced by the curved rear profile that reflects the colour of the wall and thereby gives optical impression of almost being part of the wall. The frame is split in a front and a rear part to make the TV look thinner. As a result, you can hardly see the rear frame, even when looking at the TV from an angle.

The combination of glass, high-gloss polished aluminium and a completely black screen makes BeoVision 10 an extremely elegant solution in any environment.

Genius acoustic solutions

Although BeoVision 10 is a flat screen TV, it offers anything but flat sound. It has a genuine active two-way stereo loudspeaker system with a centre bass. The bass system is ported while the treble and midrange are working in a closed cabinet. The acoustic engineers have met the challenge of the slim TV, by making a creative bass port design. By placing the port opening behind the screen you get a better bass performance as noise and turbulence from this port is masked by the screen.

Colour of your choice for the loudspeaker

The appearance of the black glass surface is broken by a rectangular fabric front cover for the speakers. The cover is surrounded by glass so it visually hovers above the glass surface. The cover will be available in black, white, silver, dark grey, blue and orange. The front is just clicked on with magnets so it is very easy to change colour whenever you wish.

There’s also a 2-inch LCD, aluminum scroll wheel (that doubles as a four-way D-pad with center-select) and plenty of metal and glass in the the construction.  It’s also possible to set the screen and keypad backlight to different tones, so as to differentiate between handsets – up to eight are supported simultaneously – or even match your decor (facetious, surely, since B&O kit only ever ends up in monochrome loft-style apartments).

No word on pricing as yet, but given this is B&O we wouldn’t expect it to be in the realms of affordability for most buyers.  Still, if you’ve already outfitted your home with Bang & Olufsen tech, the BeoCom 5 will slot neatly into the system.

Press Release:

BeoCom 5

A versatile and elegant phone for modern living

An individualised two-line handset for the household, BeoCom 5 supports IP telephony and includes a cordless speaker phone, built-in phonebook and full-graphic display.

BeoCom 5, the new cordless phone from Bang & Olufsen, is an invaluable and elegant companion that follows your lead when leisure time is in short supply. From its support of IP-telephony to its brilliant mobile speaker phone, BeoCom 5 includes the features you need, when and where you need them.

BeoCom 5 allows IP telephony, which allows you to send and receive telephone calls via your computer instead of an older landline connection. This gives you the data security and integration with other Internet services that characterizes IP-telephony. At the same time, BeoCom 5 is a two-line phone, making it possible for you to have dedicated home and office lines in the same phone system, which in turn can include up to eight handsets. This makes BeoCom 5 the ideal choice for modern homes.

The jet-black BeoCom 5 handset is stylish as well as easy to use, whether it’s lying on the table or mounted in its portable speaker phone. “BeoCom 5 combines utility, elegance and user-friendliness in a really unique way,” says Product Manager Rie Kold Pripsø. “The handset fits your hand extremely well, and with the full-graphic display and backlit keypad on the rear, facing away from you, the surface keeps its shine.”

With BeoCom 5, you can select colour patterns for display information to give each handset a unique appearance, perhaps matching the décor of each room. The handset can be placed in the speaker phone, but also in a charger you can place on a table or mount on a wall. A built-in magnet holds the handset in place.

In standby, the phone surface appears to be uniformly black and glasslike, but when BeoCom 5 is placed in the charger, the dimmed clock feature appears. The clock is visually captivating; you can choose between normal time indication with digits and a solution where the minute and the hour hands are replaced by circles which move gracefully, like planets orbiting each other. When you pick up or operate the handset, the backlight in the display and keypad activate smoothly, magically revealing the colour theme of the individual handset.

With the portable speaker phone – which doubles as a charger – you don’t need to stop in your tracks the moment you get a call. You simply take the speaker phone with you as you move from room to room. Continue the conversation – and include the rest of the family – without breaking your stride. “The real genius of BeoCom 5, the portable speaker phone, gives BeoCom 5 its unique identity in a world where so many people are walking around with phones seemingly glued to their heads,” states Rie Kold Pripsø.

BeoCom 5 brings user-friendliness to a new level, making the most of the 2-inch LCD display, 176 x 220 pixel resolution, and crystal-clear graphic rendition. This gives you as comprehensive an overview of call information as a mobile phone. In addition to the display, the aluminium navigation wheel makes browsing the phonebook, call lists and menus easier than ever. The wheel includes four push points at the edge and a selection button in the middle for activating the most frequently-used functions.

A DECT telephone, BeoCom 5 can be used with its dedicated two-line base, BeoLine 2, but can also be used as a one-line handset in existing BeoCom phone systems, such as BeoCom 6000. Up to 400 numbers can be stored in the Phonebook when BeoCom 5 is used with BeoLine 2.

In fact, the SUB 1 packs a 1,700W RMS amp capable of 3,400W RMS dynamic peak bursts, and the SUB 2 trounces that with a sustained 4,500W RMS and 9,000W RMS dynamic peak.  The unusual driver layout, Paradigm claim, means that vibrations are minimized; a glass of water sat on top of each sub, so they say, “will barely ripple”.

Of course, as with anything hexagonal in life, neither subwoofer comes cheap.  The Paradigm SUB 1 is priced at $3,499, while the Paradigm SUB 2 comes in at $7,499; both include the company’s Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) for automatic room correction.

Press Release:

PARADIGM REFERENCE SIGNATURE SUB 1 AND SUB 2 UNLEASH THE PERFECT STORM

Silent, hexagonal cabinets will redefine the audio industry’s performance standard for bass reproduction.

TORONTO, CANDADA – October 1, 2009 – Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, introduces the Reference Signature SUB 1 and SUB 2 as the flagship models in its growing line of high-performance, smart subwoofers. The SUB 1 and SUB 2 models are more powerful than any other Paradigm speaker to date; they are completely unique both in their internal elements and aesthetic qualities; and they represent the best in audio bass technology and highest performance characteristics in the subwoofer category.

The SUB 1 and SUB 2 cabinets offer virtually no shaking despite moving vast amounts of energy via the drivers and 3000W “Kilomax” amplifier platform which is capable of 4500W when connected to a 208V or 240V line. The SUB 1’s six high-excursion, low-distortion 8-inch (10-inch for SUB 2) woofers are arranged in stacked pairs and geometrically aligned so the resultant force vectors, producing up to 7,500 watts of dynamic peak power, cancel each other out. Even a full glass of water placed atop the SUB 1 or SUB 2 will barely ripple. This radial alignment concept is successful because the pressure waves inside the cabinet generated by each driver as the cone and voice coil move in and out are effectively cancelled, leaving a silent and distortion-free cabinet.

Another benefit to the new models’ woofer design is their compactness. In the SUB 2, six 10-inch drivers move as much air as a pair of 15-inch or a single 21-inch woofer in a smaller, more compact form factor. Handsome finishes and eye-catching but not overbearing design elements support the ability of these subwoofers to be hidden in plain sight. With the added flexibility conferred by Paradigm’s Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) room correction, staggering performance is assured in just about any listening area.

Advanced scientific features such as AC line voltage detection, power consumption monitoring, and a universal power supply on the SUB 1 and SUB 2 ensure that the subwoofers are fed a diet of clean, unadulterated energy.

SPECIFICATIONS
Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 1
Design
Six high-excursion eight-inch drivers, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power amplifier, USB port, sealed enclosure
Amplifier
3,400 watts Dynamic Peak/1,700 watts RMS Sustained
Auto-On/Off, Trigger-On/Off, soft clipping, thermal protection, electrical shorting protection
Bass Drivers
38-mm (1.5-inch) four-layer voice coil, high-temperature composite former, 4.7-lb. (2.1 kg) ceramic/ferrite magnet / motor structure
Oversize FEA-optimized Pleated LCS™ Linear Corrugated surround
AVS™ die-cast heatsink chassis, 203-mm (eight-inch) RCR™ mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cone

Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 2
Design
Six high-excursion 10-inch drivers, USB port, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power isolation amplifier with Power Factor Correction, sealed enclosure
Amplifier
120V – 50/60Hz (20amp dedicated circuit recommended): 7,500 watts Dynamic Peak/3,000 watts RMS Sustained
208V/240V – 50/60Hz (30amp dedicated circuit recommended): 9,000 watts Dynamic Peak /4,500 watts RMS Sustained
Auto-On/Off, Trigger-On/Off, soft clipping, thermal protection, electrical shorting protection
Bass Drivers
76-mm (three-inch) 10-layer voice coil, high-temperature composite former, 12.6-lb. (5.7 kg) triple ceramic/ferrite magnet / motor structure
Oversize FEA-optimized elliptical surround
AVS™ die-cast heatsink chassis, 254-mm (10-inch) RCR™ mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cone, dual spiders

The SUB 1 has an estimated US FMV of $3,499 including PBK, and SUB 2 has an estimated US FMV of $7,499 including PBK. Both subwoofers will be shipping by the end of October 2009.

For more information on Paradigm, please visit www.paradigm.com.

There’s also HSDPA and Bluetooth, together with a DMB TV tuner for use in Korea, and a microSD card slot (happy with up to 16GB cards) for local media.  The whole thing measures 100.9 x 57.7 x 15.1 mm and weighs 132g.

Unfortunately there’s no 3.5mm headphones socket, and the W8200 looks to use Samsung’s proprietary connector rather than the far-preferable mini- or micro-USB.  No word on launch date or availability, either, though we’re guessing this will carry a luxury price tag to go along with its luxury branding.

[via HDBlog.it]

Happily for Sony Ericsson’s accountants, positioning the Pureness as “niche” means it can have a massive price tag.  Expect to pay £530 ($881) in the UK when the handset – which has only basic calls and texting functionality – arrives on shelves.

While the gimmick is clever, we can’t help but wish that Sony Ericsson had taken a leaf out of Nokia’s book and blended exclusivity with functionality.  The Finnish company’s Erdos is a good example: a handset that’s both fashionable with luxury materials, but still offers the usability and flexibility of a current device.

[via T3]