26 photos of the hottest and freakiest design at CES
When gadget makers try to emphasize design, it can produce a mixed bag. Some products nail form, function and innovation simultaneously. Some just hit one or two of those. Others are disasters, missing the mark on all three — but with a fearlessness that leaves us amused.
Hit the jump for photos of eye-catching items from CES whose design is extremely notable, for better or for worse.
View Images
Núvelli Cylinder Bluetooth audio and speakerphone. Simple design made from a machined tube of aluminum. Speakers at each end and a mic in the middle. Works for music and phone calls.
Núvelli Cylinder Bluetooth audio and speakerphone. Simple design made from a machined tube of aluminum. Speakers at each end and a mic in the middle. Works for music and phone calls.
Núvelli Cylinder Bluetooth audio and speakerphone. Simple design made from a machined tube of aluminum. Speakers at each end and a mic in the middle. Works for music and phone calls.
Núvelli Cylinder Bluetooth audio and speakerphone. Simple design made from a machined tube of aluminum. Speakers at each end and a mic in the middle. Works for music and phone calls.
Núvelli Sphere bluetooth audio with line out. Easy Bluetooth addition to any stereo. Has button-free capacitive touch interface. Simple and elegant.
Núvelli Sphere bluetooth audio with line out. Easy Bluetooth addition to any stereo. Has button-free capacitive touch interface. Simple and elegant.
Núvelli Sphere bluetooth audio with line out. Easy Bluetooth addition to any stereo. Has button-free capacitive touch interface. Simple and elegant.
Núvelli Cylinder Bluetooth audio and speakerphone. Simple design made from a machined tube of aluminum. Speakers at each end and a mic in the middle. Works for music and phone calls. Volume is at one end, power is at the other.
iConnect Music is a Midi breakout box for the iPhone. The final version might not be raw aluminum like this prototype, but we really hope they reconsider.
iConnect Music is a Midi breakout box for the iPhone. The final version might not be raw aluminum like this prototype, but we really hope they reconsider.
To enhance the perception of bass response, these $80 earbuds from Pineapple vibrate with the low frequencies. It's believable, but not truly wonderful.
Mpower is a $289 flashlight whose appearance is thanks to F.A. Porsche Design. It sports a high intensity LED and a USB charging port. It runs on a pair of 3v lithium cells in regular use, but the spare energy cell can be used in an emergency. They say it's got a 20 year shelf life. We wrote about it before, but it's still a sexy flashlight. http://dvice.com/archives/2009/11/would-you-pay-2.php?p=0
Mpower is a $289 flashlight whose appearance is thanks to F.A. Porsche Design. It sports a high intensity LED and a USB charging port. It runs on a pair of 3v lithium cells in regular use, but the spare energy cell can be used in an emergency. They say it's got a 20 year shelf life. We wrote about it before, but it's still a sexy flashlight. http://dvice.com/archives/2009/11/would-you-pay-2.php?p=0
Mpower is a $289 flashlight whose appearance is thanks to F.A. Porsche Design. It sports a high intensity LED and a USB charging port. It runs on a pair of 3v lithium cells in regular use, but the spare energy cell can be used in an emergency. They say it's got a 20 year shelf life. We wrote about it before, but it's still a sexy flashlight. http://dvice.com/archives/2009/11/would-you-pay-2.php?p=0
Mpower is a $289 flashlight whose appearance is thanks to F.A. Porsche Design. It sports a high intensity LED and a USB charging port. It runs on a pair of 3v lithium cells in regular use, but the spare energy cell can be used in an emergency. They say it's got a 20 year shelf life. We wrote about it before, but it's still a sexy flashlight. http://dvice.com/archives/2009/11/would-you-pay-2.php?p=0
Mpower is a $289 flashlight whose appearance is thanks to F.A. Porsche Design. It sports a high intensity LED and a USB charging port. It runs on a pair of 3v lithium cells in regular use, but the spare energy cell can be used in an emergency. They say it's got a 20 year shelf life. We wrote about it before, but it's still a sexy flashlight. http://dvice.com/archives/2009/11/would-you-pay-2.php?p=0
Speakal makes cute speakers. They don't sound half bad either.
Macworld went away, leaving plenty of bedazzlers alone in the dark, apparently. This is certainly the only thing that could make Apple earbuds any worse.
A pair of fake high heels with speakers in 'em. It's kitsch at its best and we can't help but give props. They sound like hell. They look like hell. In a way, that's a double negative that works. Good job ElectroJoe.com.
ElectroJoe makes these keychain speakers. They're cuter than they are useful, but sometimes that's just what the situation calls for. And at $15 each, they aren't a total rip off.
The remote control for the Boxee device is simple on one side, having just three buttons, and a full keyboard on the back to aid in searching media libraries. It's one of the best media center remotes we've ever seen.
The remote control for the Boxee device is simple on one side, having just three buttons and a directional pad. While a full keyboard on the back aids in searching media libraries. It's one of the best media center remotes we've ever seen.
Ed Hardy. It's a growing pop culture juggernaut and now the assault has landed on the shores of consumer electronics with a line of products that bedazzle laptops and iPhones. This may be the first laptop we've ever thought was a douchebag.
This is simultaneously one of the least rack friendly and best looking set top boxes ever made. Looking like it's sinking into the table, DLink's Boxee hardware is awesome inside and out.