Google gets a makeover
You can call it Exteme Makeover: Google Edition. Over the past few weeks Google has been rolling out a new look across many of their services, including the Google homepage, Gmail, Google Calendar, and YouTube. “The way people use and experience the web is evolving, and our goal is to give you a more seamless and consistent online experience—one that works no matter which Google product you’re using or what device you’re using it on,” explains Google. In a word they’re simply streamlining all their intertwined experiences, and the changes are ” founded on three key design principles: focus, elasticity and effortlessness.”
At Google‘s homepage you’ll surely notice the new black strip located across the top; the colorful logo is smaller and centered, the Search and Lucky buttons have a new hue, and the About, Privacy, and Advertising links have been moved to the bottom left-hand corner of the page. In Gmail and Calendar everything is bolder and more roomier to match the new homepage aesthetic. Design cues were certainly carried over from Google+. Google’s also experimenting with YouTube’s look; Cosmic Panda is the codename for the video player’s new sheen. YouTube is positively sleek in its new coat of paint.
Google’s homepage and Calendar changes have been rolling out to users automatically. To experience Gmail and YouTube’s new flairs you must enable it manually. In Gmail, select “Preview” and “Preview (Dense)” themes in the Themes tab in Gmail Settings; to play around with Cosmic Panda head over to this YouTube portal and click “Try it out.” Since Google’s still testing it out and awaiting customer feedback, you can revert back to the classic look at any time.
It will take time for every Google service to fall in line aesthetically with the new homepage, but there’s no denying that Google’s first wave of cosmetic changes is simply delightful and, well, downright sexy.
Don’t stare directly at the center..this deck will suck you in!
Ok, this deck is not a vortex in disguise, but it sure looks like one. This trippy, mind-bending deck belongs to Jeff Dauber, an Apple senior executive of all people. “I wanted someone to barf when they look at it,” says Dauber.
The Japanese maple in Jeff Dauber’s San Francisco backyard is not at the center of a carbon-sucking vortex. Sorry, sci-fi fans, but the Berkeley-based architect Thom Faulders’s perfectly flat deck only looks like its far corner has its own warped gravity. Ever since Francesco Borromini’s Gallery Spada, in Rome, forced perspectives and architectural patronage have gone hand in hand, but whereas the Renaissance architect employed a mathematician to make that arcade seem longer through foreshortening, Faulders used 3-D–modeling software to achieve Deformscape’s dipping effect.
[Via Gizmodo; Metropolis Mag]
Shower has three modes, one that washes your crotch area
The Smart Shower by Hansa combines three different shower heads into one setup.
The aptly named Smart shower lets you activate three different shower heads and alternate between modes with the push of a button. Set your water as a gentle shower or a cascade; start the pivoting body spray [(aka the crotch spray)]; or wash away the cares of the day using the new slim hand shower. And it looks as good as it feels…
Oh, I’m sure it does.
‘Ventura’ light fixture is spacey, me likey
‘Ventura,’ designed by Leo Krol & Vincent de Rijk.
The pendant light is constructed out of two aluminium disks covered by a two-tone polyesther transparent diffuser in different colours.
[Via KanyeBlog]
The Beatles x Bape
Japanese clothing brand Bape has teamed up with Apple Corp. Ltd. to fashion out new Beatles-inspired Bape t-shirts, sweaters, and coin pouches. This follows Apple Corp. Ltd.’s collaboration with COMME des GARCONS that features Beatles-branded t-shirts and bags. The latter collab is expected to sell later this month, but there’s no word on the Bape set. With The Beatles Rock Band and now all these clothes it seems like The Beatles are taking over yet again. Fine by me.
Coke design concept is green-friendly
Designed by Harc Lee.
A convex logo substitutes colorfully sprayed can. Naked can help to reduce air and water pollution occurred in its coloring process. It also reduces energy and effort to separate toxic color paint from aluminum in recycling process. Huge amount of energy and paint required to manufacture colored cans will be saved. Instead of toxic paint, manufacturers process aluminum with a pressing machine that indicates brand identity on surface.
‘Dancepants Kinetic Music Player’
Designed by Inesa Malafej and Arunas Sukarevicius (from Lithuania).
The “Dancepants” convert kinetic energy from your rapid movement into electricity to run your MP3 player. In layman’s terms: you run and the music plays; you stop running and the music stops playing. The designers say the leggings are a “100 percent interactive way to feel the value of energy on your own.”
Pretty neat way to keep you going at a fast pace when exercising or making a quick dash to your next class. If you want your beats to keep playing you gotta shake your groove thang, shake your groove thang.
Concept: ‘Milky Way’ alarm clock
Conceptualized by Henrik Amberla.
The creator of the Milky Way chose the shape in order to “reflect on the duality and unity of the sleep/wake cycle.” To engage the snooze function you simply turn the device. Setting the clock and the alarm is also done through another turning motion.
Ah, to wake up to such a smooth, chocolatey nougat-filled–oh wait, that’s Three Musketeers. Anyway, cool idea.
Washboard necktie
This “brushed stainless steel tie” is pretty rad. “Tie any look together with this quality, stainless steel clip-on instrument with two thimbles, included for strumming.” Strummin’ your tie, a fad or a new way of life? Give it a whirl at your local UrbanOutfitters.
Double-finger ring
Dress made of 24,000 LED lights
Designed by Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz of CuteCircuit.
The GalaxyDress provides a spectacular and mesmerizing effect being embroidered with 24000 color LEDs, it is the largest wearable display in the world. Constructed using the smallest full-color LEDs that are flat like paper and measuring only 2 by 2 mm.
Says the duo: “The circuits are extra-thin, flexible and hand-embroidered on a layer of silk in a way that gives it stretch so the LED fabric can move like normal fabric with lightness and fluidity.” They add that the dress uses the same amount of electricity as two household bulbs.
Paper Shoes
Music video: Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
Some are calling Gaga’s latest video for her new single “Bad Romance” “her best yet,” and I tend to agree with these sentiments. Though her music video for “Paparazzi” was very unique and stands out in its own way, “Bad Romance” just feels bigger and, well, better. The costume designs, the choreography (with a nod to MJ’s “Thriller”), and the overall production design of it is flat out superb and entrancing. Take a look for yourself and enjoy Gaga and her, erm, eccentric-ness.
Apple constructs another architectural masterpiece in new NYC Apple Store
On November 14 the glass doors will open to a brand new Apple Store located in the Upper West Side. It will be the fourth (and largest) Apple Store placed in New York City.
During today’s official announcements, Apple made it clear that “customers can now reserve their favorite Apple product” online and pick it up in-store between December 15-24. Also, for the first time ever Apple Store employees will giftwrap ”any iPod or portable Mac for just $5.”
Oh, and for all you Apple fanboys and collectors listen up: “The Apple Store Upper West Side is located at 1981 Broadway, on the corner of West 67th Street. The first 2,500 visitors to the store will receive a limited edition, commemorative t-shirt.” Doors open at 10AM; what are you waiting for?
Be sure to check out some shots of the gorgeous Apple Store in the gallery below, courtesy of Gizmodo.
[Via Gizmodo]
“The Cloud” to “broadcast the climate of humanity” during 2012 Olympics
Researchers at MIT have designed a tower structure to be built in London in time for the 2012 Olympics. It’s called “The Cloud” and its two towers will stand 400 feet tall and be connected by a series of plastic bubbles. LCD screens will display scores and highlights from the Games and also act as a “barometer of the city’s interests and moods.” “The Cloud” will run on ‘zero power;’ this means it will be powered by solar energy and will utilize regenerative breaking (like hybrid cars). Besides displaying information, the structure will also house an observation deck. The cost of the construction will be funded by citizens by way of micro-donations. The research team is still deciding on a final location. For more information visit raisethecloud.org.
Spore doorbell designs
Industrial designer Jony Ive talks Apple
And this is why I love Apple.
*Ive does say “aluminium” more than once during his interview. Don’t miss it.
[Via Gizmodo]
The Dubai Fountain is world’s tallest, most expensive
The Dubai Fountain, designed by WET Design.
It’s “illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors; 900 feet long; shoots water 490 feet into the air; and is synchronized with classical and contemporary Arabic and world music. It’s located right by the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building. Oh, and it cost $217 million to build.
Whale-inspired pavilion to unite us all
“Fluid,” designed by Australian architects Peddle Thorp.
Fluid, a pavilion shaped like a whale, is currently under contruction and being built for World Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea.
“The architects hope the design will draw attention to the preservation of oceans and ecosystems, and encourage greater collaboration between Asian and Pacific countries.” It’s been reported that there is no information whether or not Fluid will make it to the US. Because it can float from harbor to harbor around the world and hold various events inside it.
[Via Gizmodo; SoftSailor]
Vertical bed allows you to sleep whilst standing up
Vertical Bed armature collapses into briefcase. Fully supports body weight by attaching to subway ventilation grating. Noise-cancelling headphones, opaque sunglasses, and free standing umbrella included.
I could use one of these.
[Via Gizmodo; SubstituteMaterials]
