Oculus - The Great Beast Yacht

Millionaires Club

Given the amazing economic state that we’re in, and the fact that you’re certainly one of those lucky recipients of those six-figure holiday bonuses, you’re more than ready to hear the full details behind the “Oculus.” This yacht’s unique shape “is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals.” What does that tell you? It’s not quite [biomimicry], but it does really look at home in the sea.

Designer E. Kevin Schopfer has hell-of details:

Oculus is the first “design launch” of Schöpfer Yachts LLC. This 250-foot vessel was designed by E. Kevin Schöpfer, founder and owner of his namesake company. Designed to accommodate 12 guests in extraordinary comfort and style, Oculus is a long distance cruising yacht capable of speeds upwards of 25 knots. The exterior styling is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals. Featuring a dramatic reverse bow configuration, the yacht’s armature balances an elegant expression of symmetry and structure. In addition to the bow, Oculus also features a “low rider profile”. This slightly lowered surface allows for new side recreational areas, alternate dockage access and light cruising openness.

Lateral retractable side panels close this area when heavier wave action is indicated. The interior features of Oculus focus on a 12 foot high ceiling in the main salon, a cylindrical double height dining room, central stair and elevator tube, and seemingly anatomical ceiling and floor lighting extensions giving definition to the seating areas. The second level is the dedicated Owner’s suite.

Living areas and bedchambers are divided by a series of four freestanding tubes, which house bath and storage necessities.

For further details about ordering one of these, or of course if you want more details for other reasons, post questions below and I’m sure Mr. Schopfer would be happy to let you know what you want to hear.

Designer: E. Kevin Schopfer

Via YankoDesign

Apple TV

Audio,Video, & Image

Tired of ripping and having to deal with compressions and codecs to get videos onto your iTunes then on TV? Well don’t nag, you probably don’t have Apple TV. It is still the best way to stream media from iTunes to your TV. An ever-increasing TV shows are now available on HD, YouTube, photostreaming and film trailers. Streaming speed remains highly usable with n-powered computers and the HDMI output gives crispness.

Thermal Leak Detector

Apparels & Utilities

By Andrew Liszewski

Simply sealing off any drafts or leaks in your home can lead to substantial savings when it comes to your heating or cooling costs throughout the year, and this new Thermal Leak Detector from Black & Decker appears to take the guesswork out of finding those problem spots. (And it’s probably more accurate than holding up a lit match to the cracks around windows and doorways.) You just point the detector at a wall to set a reference temperature, and then aim it at any trouble spots in your home to determine exactly where the problems are. When the measured temperature changes by 1, 5 or 10 degrees F (switchable to Celsius) the projected light will either change to red or blue to clearly indicate where there’s a hot or cold spot.

The Thermal Leak Detector will be available from the Black & Decker online store for $39.99, but at the moment it’s still listed as “Coming Soon”.

The New Windows - MS Windows 7

News, Services/Software

Here is a leaked Windows 7 boot screen video. Take a good look at it, it will be everywhere soon.

Kor ONE Hydration Vessel

Apparels & Utilities

I’ve been toting around the KOR ONE Hydration Vessel for a week and the first thing someone said to me was, “that’s a water bottle? Looks pretty spacey man.” Yes it does look quite futuristic and some have even accused me of being wasteful - all that pretty packaging and design just to hold water. What gives? Hit the jump to read my review.

Over a million plastic water bottles end up in U.S. landfills everyday so if you really want to be green, you should be using some refillable vessel. Water is (for the most part) free, disposable plastic bottles aren’t so you end up saving money by using your own container. So what makes this $30 bottle different from the cheapo plastic ones?

Most refillable water bottles are made of Polycarbonate (PC), even though scientists have known for years that Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in the PC manufacturing process, leaches into whatever liquid goes inside. BPA is a known hormone-disruptor that’s been linked to birth defects. Mounting evidence suggests that even small quantities pose major health risks.

The team at RKS Design evaluated glass, acrylic, and many other substances. They eventually found a new material that featured the clarity and performance of polycarbonate without the dangers of BPA called Tritan.

Aside from proudly wearing its BPA FREE label, thee KOR ONE is designed to be ergonomic. All those soft curves make it easy to grab, hold, carry, and set. The bottom is cushioned by a rubber ring. The handle comfortably curves around your grip. The cap unsnaps with a push of a button and clicks tightly when you shut it. The spout is also curved and sized perfectly to assist the flow of water into your thirsty mouth.

Wait, that’s not all. Underneath that cap is a space for a KOR stone; an inspirational message you can swap out. Mine says “Better Me, Better World.” AIN’T THAT THE TRUTH! There are also a couple blanks in there for your own personal messages like, “JUST SAY NO!” Sorry, Nancy Reagan moment there.

What we liked:

• Holds 750 ml of water. Drink a little over 2 of them to your daily requirement
• Extremely durable plastic that’s lightweight. A lot lighter than you think despite its bulk
• BPA FREE, no poisons leeching into my drinking water thank you
• Comfy carrying handle
• Rubber base is a nice touch, feels like quality when I set it down
• Wide mouth for drinking
• Dishwasher safe! Gotta love that
• KOR stone concept is a great way to give yourself reminders before every sip

What could be improved

• The price ($30) for a plastic water bottle is a little crazy but you are getting something beautifully designed. $1 of every purchase goes back to the environment, and it’s BPA FREE. Finding a sexy BPA FREE water bottle was already challenging enough.

Designer: RKS Design [ Buy it Here ]

Via YankoDesign

Ad-Tech MP15A is a Full-Blown Mobile Projector

Audio,Video, & Image

We’ve seen a matchbox-sized miniature projector designed as a modular integrated system for portable platform devices. The Lcos-based miniature projection technology is proven useful and extremely portable. Here’s another with similar technology but a full-blown mobile projector promises to deliver a big picture.

The size of a palm, the Ad-Tech mobile projector is easy to carry and can throw 60-inch of picture from a distance of 7.87 feet. Placement is flexible thanks to its zoom focus lens that allows 4-inch of image from as little as 14cm of throwing distance. The Lcos based small wonder has a standard 4:3 size VGA resolution, 200:1 of contrast, 15 lumens of brightness and life expectancy of 20,000 hours.

Battery might not be the power source you would imagine from a projector but the mobile version certainly has one. The unit has a built-in battery that would lasts 40 minutes of continuous use. That’s not all the small wonder has to offer; it also comes equipped with a built-in monaural speaker, composite video and analog RGB inputs as well as a mini-audio output.

Pricing information has not yet revealed but the Adtech Ad-MP15A is slated to ship in mid-December.

The Smoker’s Umbrella with Ashtray

Apparels & Utilities

It’s a frustrating time for smokers, you’re no longer allowed to smoke in a lot of the places you used to be able to. In some areas you’ve been banned from pretty much everywhere, you might have to walk halfway down the block away from your job before you can light one up. Well for those that need a smoke even on rainy days, this umbrella has you covered. It comes complete with smoker themed song titles printed on the top. Then below the umbrella is a handy little ashtray that attaches or detaches from the umbrella. You can pick it up for £12.99 or about $20 on Chalfont Gifts & Gadgets.