Conserve Socket: Eco-friendly Gadget With Timer to Prevent Wastage of Energy

These days it’s not uncommon for a person to carry at least one gadget with them at all times. Sometimes you’ll carry more than one, depending on your needs. In order for these devices to keep pace with you, they need to be charged for a few hours. But how often do you charge them for the exact amount of time necessary? Well, when you leave them on the charger for hours after they’ve received a full charge, you’re wasting electricity. How do you prevent this? By getting a wall outlet that cuts off power after a certain amount of time.

The Conserve Socket is a simple eco-friendly gadget that ensures you waste as little power as necessary when charging your gadgets. On the side you’ll find a switch that reads 30 minutes, 3 hours and 6 hours. Just set it to the appropriate time, and plug in your gadget. Once the timer is up, the socket will cut power to your device. This can also be used for other home electronics, such as lights, fans, heaters and more. Saving electricity doesn’t come at a high price, as this device will only set you back $10.

Nokia E-Cu: Designed by Patrrick Hyland - - A Copper-coated Cellphone Charged by Heat in Surroundings

It is very frustrating when you realize that you forgot to pack your cell phone charger on your business trip. The one you borrow from your colleague turns out to be another make and doesn’t fit your phone. Those are the times when you really wish you had a phone that did not require a charger. You are not the only one so Nokia E-Cu concept phone has been developed that need not be plugged in to be charged.

Designer Patrrick Hyland has developed the phone that can soak up energy from any heat source. The designer is confident that the phone would work off the warmth of your pocket also. The phone will charge itself if kept someplace where the temperature ranges between 86 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Initially the phone will take seven hours to be charged fully. After that it will simply keep charging itself if it finds itself in sufficiently high temperature.

There is a thermo generator in the phone that converts heat into electrical energy. The phone has been encased in copper with engraved heat sinks to collect and conduct more heat for the phone. The shimmering copper coating enhances the look of the phone as well. Nokia has no immediate plans to manufacture the phone commercially but Hyland is open to collaborate with anyone who is convinced about its commercial potential. It could be termed a green phone if you consider the saving in terms of chargers not produced and the electricity they consume being plugged in all day.

Self Power Generating Watch by Ventura to be Unveiled at BaselWorld 2011

Converting one kind of energy to another leads to various applications and has given birth to many inventions and innovations. Watches have been using kinetic energy or the movement of the hand of the wearer to power the mechanical movement. We take it for granted now as it has been used by watch makers for ages. But Ventura, a watchmaker has stretched this concept further to convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy to power the LCD display of the new watch they have designed.

The new timepiece designed by Ventura is called the SPARC MGS and has mechanisms incorporated in it that uses the movement of the wearer’s hand to generate electric power for its LCD display and other digital bits. The timepiece based on a new concept is set to be unveiled at BaselWorld 2011 in a few weeks from now. The watch is sure to grab the attention of the visitors there for the new concept that has been incorporated in the mechanism.

Ventura has installed an oscillating mass just above the display of the watch that will turn on an average about 4,000 times in a day. These movements help to tension a spring through a set of connecting gears. The spring when fully tensioned will transfer its force to a micro generator that will produce electricity to keep the electronic bits running. To encourage the movement of the wearer’s wrist an EasySkroll system has been incorporated in the watch that allows the wearer to navigate the UI by simply moving the wrist.

Source: Ventura

“EX Vehicle” Designed by Nick Ferbis - - Three-wheeled Electric Machine Getting Powered from Electronic Screwdrivers

When we think of bicycles and screwdrivers, we don’t naturally think of putting the two together. Let alone having the screwdrivers be the source of power. Thankfully there are some extremely creative people out there with dreams to build little cars out of bicycles and tools, and the time to put into making it a reality.

Designed by Nick Ferbis, this “EX Vehicle” is a three-wheeled machine that can travel at speeds of up to 18 mph. Though it may look a little uncomfortable, this is still a pretty neat construction that can get you from point A to point B. Using 2 twin 18-volt electronic screwdrivers as batteries and modified bike parts, you too can go at breakneck speeds of under 20 miles per hour. There’s likely going to be some debate on where it should be used, and how safe it as you’re pointed out head first, but as a contraption run by screwdrivers, you can’t be all that picky.

Solar Pool Skimmer - - Help You Out Skim and Clean Your Swimming Pool

Seeing that it’s still really cold outside, my mind is on the summer months. Of course, the warmer months aren’t all fun and games. Instead of bundling up, you’re trying to stay cool. One great way to do so is by taking a dip in the pool, should you have one at your disposal. The downside of having a pool in your yard is all of the upkeep. Every day you have to skim it, then vacuum it rather often as well. Wouldn’t it be great to have a gadget that would do some of the work for you?

This Solar Pool Skimmer might not eliminate all of your pool-related work, but it will certainly help. As the name implies, the device is a pool skimmer that gets its power from the sun’s rays. The great thing is that the device doesn’t need to be charged, since it’s not only going to function while the sun is up, but it will keep going for a few hours after the sun goes down. Also, since you’re skimming the water all of the time (instead of just once or twice a day), you’re actually going to catch more of the debris before it sinks to the bottom, giving you less to vacuum up later. Of course, being lazy doesn’t come cheap. This contraption will set you back a full $500. At least you have a few months to save up before you’ll be able to use it.

Wooden Framed Bikes From Early Rider - - Let Your Children to Learn Ride in a Traditional Way

Early Rider is a brand of bikes for young children designed to help parents teach them how to ride without training wheels. The frame designs by Early Rider are made out of wood and follow a traditional aesthetic.

The available models from Early Rider include the Lite Series which is aimed at kids as young as 20 months, the Classic Series for children two years old and the Evolution series for tykes three and a half years old. These Early Rider mini-bikes will have your little guys racing down the street in no time.

Maria Westerberg T-shirt Chair - - Winner of Green Furniture Award 2011

Maria Westerberg T-shirt Chair is a great way to recycle and old but beloved wardrobe. The Swedish designer won this year’s Green Furniture Award for her beautiful and contemporary seat. The chair uses old textiles woven through the wire frame to create a comfortable and colorful piece of furniture.

The Maria Westerberg T-shirt Chair isn’t just visually appealing, its very being creates a personal story considering the materials used.

F2O by David Cardoso L - - Electric-powered Amphibious Vehicle

This F2O design by Belgian industrial designer David Cardoso L  has been made to go on the road as well as in the water. Looking like a small aircraft, it has adjustable wheels that can also be used as propellers.

The F2O by David Cardoso L is electric-powered, so it is eco-friendly and safe for the fish. The huge rear spoiler suggests that it is a fast going vehicle. Let’s hope that this concept will be brought to life one day and will be seen being driven or at least floating somewhere.

SoloWheel: Eco-friendly and Self-balancing Unicycle - - Must-see Video

There are a lot of people movers out there that claim to be beneficial to those of us that just don’t feel like walking. They are usually very bulky and look terribly awkward when in use though.

The SoloWheel is the smallest and most convenient people mover that I’ve seen to date. It runs off of rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, and has a compact design with two folding foot platforms. This is very lightweight at only twenty pounds and has a two hour battery life, with need of a 45 minutes charge to be at full battery. Leaning forwards and backwards will control your speed so that you aren’t relying on a switch by your feet. There is a handle to make toting this around a lot easier.

If you’re really wanting to forsake walking in favor of gliding down the streets, it’s going to cost you $1,500 when it goes on sale in April. Is it going to be the next Segway? Only time will tell. More videos and info at the SoloWheel blog. 

H2O Shower Power Radio: Draws Power from Water to Let You Enjoy Music While Taking a Bath

If you enjoy listening to music in the shower, you have a few options. One is to put a radio of some sort out by the sink. That’s good and all, but you don’t have the ability to adjust the volume or change stations. There are ones that you can stick in the shower, but you have to deal with batteries, since you obviously don’t want to run a power cord into a place full of water. Neither is a perfect solution, which is why the H2O Shower Power Radio was brought into existence.

This shower radio is rather unique, in that it’s not just waterproof, but it actually draws power from the water you’re already using. It hooks into your existing line water line, and generates power from the flowing water. It even stores up energy so that the radio doesn’t cut out once your shower is over. The biggest downside is that you’ll need to likely do away with your existing shower head. That’s alright though, as for the $56 price, they include one for you. 

Source: H2O Shower Power Radio

Latest Version of Jumbo 747, Jet 747-8 Intercontinental, Unveiled With Latest Technology and Improved Eco-efficiency

The latest version of the 40 year old 747 jumbo jet, Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, was unveiled on Sunday. The 747-8 Intercontinental is coloured a alluring Sunrise livery of red-orange, known for good luck and opulence, rather than the traditional blue and white.

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the only airplane that will serve the 400-500 seat market. This airplane swanks of technological advancements that make it tremendously productive for its customers. These latest improvements include the best of the 787 Dreamliner as well and that facilitates the Boeing 747-8 to have a unique and spacious interior. 

The Boeing 747-7 will function at around 12% lower operating costs, 16% better fuel economy, 16% lesser carbon emissions per passenger and 30% smaller noise footprint than its oldest predecessor, with more room for passenger belongings and a curved, unique architecture.

Boeing 747-8 improves the eco-efficiency of the fleet it is associated with. The management at Boeing Commercial Airplanes is confident that this airplane will set a new standard in economic and eco-efficient performance and also provide a world-class experience to its customers.

Zero Motorcycles 2011 Lineup - - Four New Models Showcased of All-electric Dirt bikes And street Motorcycles

The Zero Motorcycles 2011 lineup has just been debuted and it is the way of the future for sport bikes and dirt bikes to come. The all-electric dirt bikes and street motorcycles have four new models to show for the new year.

The Zero Motorcycles 2011 line is quicker than ever and features 50% quicker charge times than last year. The bikes have a top speed of 67 miles per hour and can drive for up to 43 miles. Zero Motorcycles is your perfect companion, whether it’s on the trail or on the pavement.

Freitag Hind Shopper - - Hand-texted bag Named After Canadian Ella Cora Hind

The Freitag Hind shopper is part of a line of bags inspired by contemporary journalists. The hand-texted bag was named after Canadian women’s lib writer Ella Cora Hind. 

The Swiss manufacturer’s newest line is cut from vintage truck tarpaulins patterned to resemble snakeskin. The textured scale exterior channels a sleek and classic feel. The Freitag Hind shopper is one of 22 styles available in the Reference collection.

XL1: Super-efficient Vehicle From Volkswagen - - With Amazing Fuel Consumtion Ratio of Just 0.9 l/100 Km

Volkswagen has just unveiled its XL1 concept to the world. The super-efficient vehicle is the third iteration of Volkswagen’s continuing mission to mock today’s emissions regulations by creating a concept which returns 313mpg. The XL1 is the successor to previous VW experimental units as the L1 concept of 2009, which achieved nearly 200 mpg, and the earlier 1-Liter Car in 2002.

The XL1 has a fuel consumption of just 0.9 l/100 km. The Volkswagen XL1 measures 3,888 mm in length, 1,665 mm in width and 1,156 mm in height and has a 2,224 mm wheelbase. The Volkswagen XL1 features a plug-in hybrid power train, connected to a rear wheel drive system that also includes an 800 cm3, 2-cylinder TDI engine developing 35 kW / 48 PS and 120 Nm of torque. The electric part of the Volkswagen XL1 is represented by a motor that produces an additional 20 kW/27 PS and 100 Nm of torque. The Volkswagen XL1 is mated to the company’s 7-speed DSG transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack. The Volkswagen XL1 is actually compliant with the Euro VI emissions standards.

This makes us think that you and I could be driving diesel-electric hybrid engineered cars in the near future and all this technology is not merely a showcase of Volkswagen geniuses. Finally, car technology seems to be catching up with the race against reducing greenhouse emissions, and making this planet a cleaner, greener planet for ourselves as well as our future generations.

M44: The World’s First Eco-friendly Mouse From Fujitsu - - Hope to Catch the Market on Large Scale

There seems to be a craze to save the planet lately, and a lot of us tech junkies are feeling some backlash for using plastics that were made in a factory setting. Well now there is a light at the end of the tunnel with Fujitsu’s new M44, which they are touting as the world’s first eco-friendly mouse. The creation of this mouse takes less carbon dioxide than it’s regular plastic counterpart.

The other plus to this device is that all non-metal parts are made from biologically sourced renewable compounds such as lignin, starch, and natural resins. It is rumored that this mouse is also more comfortable as its materials are far more elastic in nature. Hopefully this will catch on to the market at large. This new tree-hugging mouse will only cost you $22, which is not too shabby when you’re trying to save the world. 

Source: Fujitsu

Navetta 26: Eco-friendly Luxury Yacht From Italian Yacht Maker Filippetti - - Holder of “GREEN STAR YACHT” Plate

The rich are becoming more conscious about the environment and like products that are designed with environmental sustainability criteria. There is lot of design and research work is going on the field of automobiles but now the yacht makers have started taking steps in this direction. Filippetti, the Italian yacht maker is working on a green collection and released recently Navetta 26, a luxury yacht that is first in their eco-chic series of yachts.

Navetta 26’s displacement hull, soft and rounded lines, low emissions and consumption, long range fuel and water have been designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Even the event organized for the launch of the yacht was a zero impact event on the sea where the emission of carbon dioxide during the event was totally offset by the reduction of CO2 in the same quantity. Filippetti Yacht’s Navetta 26 was on display at the Marina of Rimini for the benefit of the clients and press.

Navetta 26 is a yacht that cares for the environment and Registro Italiano Navale presented to Fausto Filippetti the plate “GREEN STAR YACHT”, the noble recognition reached only by boats that provide environmental protection and energy saving. This is the starting point of a new and exciting project for the Filippetti family and they thanked one and all for their support.

Source: Filippetti

FIDA: Compact and Transformable Furniture Designed by Partick Frey for VIAL - - Winner of 2011 iF Product Design Award

The good thing about transformable furniture is that they are compact, manoeuvrable, and make things so much more convenient for us. This year at IMM Cologne, such a furniture was showcased. Called FIDA, this fabric pad is made by Partick Frey for VIAL. The interesting thing about this fabric pad is that it can be folded in different ways to create a chair like furniture for you.

 

One would be bewildered as to how a fabric can be turned into furniture. The designer has attached semi-rigid elements on one side of this fabric that gives it the sufficient rigidity to retain a shape, and also sufficient softness to make it foldable. The fabric piece comes with straps and clasps that can be used to give it the desired shape or fold up when done.  FIDA has been covered with CORDURA®, a military grade outdoor fabric which is water resistant and does not fade in the sun.

 

 I had my doubts whether this would actually have the required hardness to make it comfortable as it is after all made by a fabric, but FIDA is surprisingly comfortable. Well I guess it’s quality and innovation is backed by the fact that it has won the 2011 iF product design award.

All New Auto Union Type C e-tron Study With Electric Drive Experimented by Audi AG - - Set to Be Showcased at 62nd International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany

One of the leading names in luxury automobiles, Audi AG, has now taken a paddle driven toy car and transformed it into an electric vehicle (EV) in the form of the all new Auto Union Type C e-tron study with electric drive, that will be showcased at the annual 62nd International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany. The conventional model of the Auto Union Type is being sold by quattro GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Audi and based on the popularity of this model, the German automobile behemoth decided to bring for the power of electric transportation to children as well.

The all new Auto Union Type C e-tron study is made entirely of aluminum and carbon and as per Audi, this magnificent vehicle is more than suitable for children as well as adults. The heart of this gorgeous new car is a lithium-ion battery, that produces 1.5 hp, thereby enabling the vehicle to reach an impressive top speed of 30 km/h or 18.64 mph and this phenomenal new car also comes with a rear gear as well. The battery of the Auto Union Type C e-tron study can be fully charged in approximately 2 hours via a conventional 230 volt household socket and as per the driving conditions, this marvelous four wheeler can provide a maximum range of 25 km. Furthermore, the 62nd International Toy Fair will also feature a plethora of baby products inspired by the world of motorsports and will be showcased by quattro GmbH. Some of these incredible products include an all new racing bodysuit, power/brake socks, pit stop baby bottle and the mini sound absorber kit (pacifier).

Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, Bali: Ofers Private Little Villas Themed After the Five Elements

Behind an antique village tucked amidst rice fields lies Fivelements Bali. Instead of a traditional luxury hotel, Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, offers private little villas themed after — you guessed it — the five elements.

Everything at Fivelements Bali is designed to be in harmony with the natural environment. The property is covered in lush plants, walkways that stretch elegantly over fish-filled ponds, and a series of Balinese-style huts that house guests, act as healing centers, yoga shalas, and as meditation pavilions. The tallest structure on the Fivelements Bali grounds is the two-story open-air restaurant, the Sakti Dining Room. The vegan food, which is mostly raw, is presented as if each dish and beverage will be photographed for an international culinary magazine. 

The element-themed rooms have beds cloaked by cascading mosquito screens, outdoor bathrooms that include showers surrounded by flower-covered stone walls and pebbles instead of tiles, and big-stone bathtubs with color-changing lights.

The healing center brings a grassroots feel to the luxury, as it not only offers pampering, but esoteric treatments from authentic Balians who facilitate sacred healings.

 

"The holistic Sacred Arts programmes at Puri Ahimsa involve movement, creative expression and self-awareness. The individual or group sessions are multi-disciplinary and are guided by specialists in Meditation, Yoga, Somatic Therapy, Aikido, Dance, Vibrational Healing Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Healing Dance Aquatic Bodywork. These programmes help us to reconnect with our authentic selves, opening our bodies and minds to newfound trust, freedom and joy."

Raindrop Mini by Studio Bas van der Veer: A Recyclable Alternative to Watering Your Plants

The Raindrop Mini by Studio Bas van der Veer is a recyclable alternative to using tap water for both indoor and outdoor gardening.

Instead of watering plants with water from your faucets, give those greens the most natural nourishment from Mother Nature. An integrated watering can fills up from outside when the weather pours, making it really easy and convenient to use rainwater instead of tap water. The Raindrop Mini makes you want those rainy days to come.