Hasta La Gadget!

For a technology that’s still largely in its infancy, you can do some things with 3D printing that are pretty much impossible with any other technique. Take, for instance, these intricate 3D-printed mobiles.

Designed by kinetic sculptor Marco Mahler, along with mathematician Henry Segerman, these mobiles are unlike handmade mobiles you might have seen before.

Each one was designed using mathematical equations to generate shapes that range from organic to highly procedural in style. The most complex of the bunch is the Quaternary Tree (Level 6), which has a whopping 1,365 parts. Each model was then output using one of Shapeways’ industrial laser-sintering 3D printers.

Best of all, you can order a variety of these mobiles for yourself over at Shapeways. Since each one is made to order, it’ll take about 1 to 2 weeks to generate and then ship yours. Prices range from $10 (USD) for a small, simple mobile up to $600 for the most complex design.

It still blows my mind that a single 3D printing session can generate complex forms like these in which individual parts come out as separate, moveable objects.

It’s been a while since I did any serious circuit board hacking, but back in the day I saw my share of electronic components. One of my favorite parts was always the resistor – not because of its rudimentary electrical properties – but because its value could always be identified through a convenient color-coding scheme. In fact, I think at some point I had actually memorized a resistor color chart. Of course, now my mind is feeble, and I couldn’t tell the difference between a 22 ohm and a 2200 ohm. While I don’t personally wear bracelets, I’m still highly compelled by this nifty bracelet made from colorful resistors.

Artist Megan Nissen of Techcycled carefully selects resistors and assembles these nifty “ladder” style bracelets which have a rainbow of resistor colors. While the bracelets are definitely geeky, they’re also elegant, with sparkly Swarovski crystals and finished with a nice silver toggle clasp to hold it on your wrist.

The Rainbow Resistor Bracelet sells for $125(USD) over on Etsy. While you’re over there, be sure to check out Techcycled complete collection of  jewelry fabricated from recycled electronic components and wires.

Resistance is futile. There, I said it.

If Google Glass takes off, I think that it’s going to be a status symbol miles above any (current) gadget. The reason is obvious: the damned thing sits on your face, fully visible for everyone to see/want/hate. If you want to get on the hype train early – or if you want to try and build your own wearable computer – you can 3D print this unofficial 3D model of Google Glass’ frame.

The 3D model was made by Sunny Gao, shown above wearing the resulting 3D printed frame.

Gao uploaded the template as a Google SketchUp file; you can download it from his Baidu account if you wish. Now practice saying, “Okay Glass… damn it’s out of battery”, and you’re good to go.

[via Sunny Gao via SolidSmack & The Next Web]

Pixar fans who want to tie the knot really should have something like these awesome engagement ring boxes to help seal the deal. You want to make sure they say yes after all – and every little bit helps. You can’t ask a girl to marry based on just your dashing good looks and knowledge of every Star Trek episode, right?

These awesome custom engagement ring boxes were made by TheModelMaker to look like WALL-E, the house from UP (sans balloons), and a toy chest from Toy Story 3.

How could anyone say no to a ring delivered in one of these amazing creations?

[via Geekologie]

The Songbird in BioShock Infinite is one intimidating character. So it was only a matter of time before somebody tried to tone it down a little bit and make him/her/it a bit more family-friendly.

While this version of the Songbird doesn’t have light-up eyes, it more than makes up for it by being soft and cuddly. It was made by Cherry Kiss with a body of hand-stitched microsuede, and has handmade clay buttons, and hand-painted details.

While it’s not as massive as the one in the game, this Songbird is still much bigger than the collectible version that comes with the Ultimate Songbird Edition, measuring in at 12-inches-tall, with a 20-inch wingspan.

So ask Elizabeth to throw you $150 in coins so you can afford to buy one, and head over to Etsy to order your plush Songbird now.