Hasta La Gadget!

On today’s session of “things to ponder before lunch,” we have a strange new text string added to the iTunes preview of some iOS apps, which identifies an “ix.Mac.MarketingName” as one of the compatible devices with software designed for iOS. We’re seeing it listed alongside a whole bunch of apps, but importantly not all of them, which hints that it might not be just a stray piece of code or a bug in the system. The location-aware and voice-centric MyVoice Communication Aid and Microsoft’s Bing for iPad apps do not include that funky MarketingName code, suggesting that it’s there as a placeholder for a new supported device of some sort — could apps finally be coming to the Apple TV? For now, we’d rather not stack speculation on top of uncertainty, so we’ll just jot this down as another interesting development in the walled garden of Cupertino and wait patiently to see what (if anything) comes from it.

[Thanks, Daniel, Chris and Nick]

What is ‘ix.Mac.MarketingName’ and why is it listed as a supported device for iOS apps? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zaff’s concept Globike looks like it would smash at the first pothole

Zaaf Design’s Globike “is inspired by ergonomic principles enjoying comfort with style.” It’s a shame that while the Italian design house was enjoying this inspiration, and studying the “energy needed to produce movement,” it didn’t stop to make a bike that could actually last five minutes on a real road.

Aesthetically, it is indeed inspired, a gorgeous take on the classic Dutch bike. It also looks comfy, with a laid-back geometry position and high handlebars for an upright riding position. And the combination of carbon fiber frame and titanium seat post should keep it light enough to ride up hills and carry up stairs.

But take a proper look. Let’s start at the front. The head tube curls around into the down tube in a joint that looks as if it would snap like a chicken’s wishbone, and would flex distractingly right up until it did so. Let’s move down that down tube until we reach the shame that is the seat tube and bottom bracket. The seat tube goes straight through the main frame in another flex-friendly joint, and continues down to the crank, which appears to be dangling down there at the bottom.

As someone who broke two steel frames in this exact spot, in the space of one month, I’m pretty sure this is a high-stress area. There appears to be a cable strung down from above, but lord knows how it would help.

As for the “specs” of this concept design, Zaaf has decided on hub gears, a disk brake and a nice sprung saddle. These off-the-shelf pieces seem to be the only practical part of the entire concept.

To finish, one more quote from the blurb:

All these elements permit flexibility and control of the main frame and forks to achieve a distinguished lightness and comfort.

Flexibility? Oops.

Globike [Zaaf via Bicycle Design]

See Also:

• Cannondale Concept Updates The Dutch Bike
• Flawed Bike Concept for Danger-Loving Hipsters
• Folding Penny-Farthing Is a Closet Unicycle
• Flawed

Get all Cecil B. DeMille with the Handy Cropper

The Handy Cropper is two things in one. First, it’s a 35mm-shaped frame which will let you size-up a photographic composition without even having to lift a camera to your eye. Second, it is a lovely piece of photo nerd jewelry, thanks to the color-coordinated frames and straps.

Made in Korea by Etsy maker Mijonju, the Handy Cropper also comes in a square version for 6×6 film cameras, or any digicam that can switch formats. Available in three Hammerite-esque finishes — green, yellow and red — each frame comes with a matching leather neck-strap which has been tied with a knot that looks like barbed wire.

And unlike the DIY version (an old slide mount), this one comes with lines on the thirds to make composing easier.

Why bother with such a thing when we have live screens? Because it is way easier to check framing with something so small and, well, so handy. The alternative is to make a frame from your fingers and thumbs, but unless you are wearing a beret and sporting a waxed mustache than you’re going to look like something of a douche (come to think of it, if you are wearing a beret and a waxed ’stache, you’re also going to look like a douche).

The Handy Cropper is currently sold out in 35mm format, but can still be had in 1×1 (or 6×6, or whatever). Prices are $49 and $61 respectively.

35mm Cropper [Etsy via DIY Photography]
6×6 Cropper [Etsy]

The Ventu looks great, like a stainless-steel Armadillo. It also looks really hard to clean

Quirky — It’s not just a design-by-community site which makes plastic widgets that take almost a year to actually manufacture. It’s also a place where you can find innovative and complex kitchenware.

Today’s product is the lovely-looking Ventu, a combination colander and serving bowl. The stainless steel receptacle is perforated, just like any other strainer, but it also has another bowl below the holes which keeps the one above shut tight. Push down on one of the acacia-wood handles and this section moves away, letting liquids escape.

It is clever, looks gorgeous, and makes meal prep easy: you can drain pasta and sauce it in the same bowl, for example. It also introduces needless complexity.

First, the big sell is convenience. This is true, right up until you wash it, when you will be faced with nooks and crannies into which sauced has seeped. And don’t even think of putting this into the dishwasher, unless you want to shrivel and spoil those wooden handles.

Still, there’s no denying that this would look great in your kitchen, or your dining table, and it costs a very reasonable $55. If you want one, and are prepared to wait a while, then head over and pledge your cash to the cause.

Ventu product page [Quirky]

See Also:

• 'Lid with Wings' Is a Clever Kitchen Upgrade
• It Was Bound to Happen: Kitchen Scale With iPod Dock and Speaker …
• Beautiful Foot-Cranked Kitchen Appliances
• The Smoking Gun: Best Kitchen Gadget Name Ever

If steampunk wasn’t, like, totally over, then we might be tempted to use the label for this iPhone speaker dock — fashioned from brass, cogs and tubes. As it is, we won’t insult Christopher Locke’s amazing “Analog Tele-Phonographer.”

As you quite clearly see, the horn speaker is fashioned from an old trumpet and a selection of discarded machine parts. We have seen horn speakers for cellphones before, but never one that used an actual trumpet. Since the horn is likely the hardest part to make yourself, this is a rather sensible design decision.

So how does it sound? Well, it’s hard to say, as I’m listening to the video soundtrack through my MacBook’s speakers. What’s clear is the before-and-after difference as the iPhone is dropped into and lifted from the dock. The sound which is channeled through pipes and horn is certainly louder and clearer than from the iPhone’s speaker alone.

Have a listen:

Chris will sell you a trumpet speaker for $400. I’m not sure I have the space for such a thing, but it sure would match my brass typewriter-style keyboard, my Pac Gentleman game and my Victorian-style 3D spectacles.

Analog Tele-Phonographer [Heartless Machine]

See Also:

• Steampunk Keyboard MkII: Now with Built to Order Option
• The Opti-Transcripticon Steampunk Scanner
• Datamancer Goes Deco with Hot New Keyboard Mod
• Steampunk Star Wars Figures
• Steampunk Blaster Gun