Button 2.0 Is The First Button Innovation in Centuries

Here’s a clever upgrade on the staid, boring button: you put a little hook behind it so it can keep your headphone cords in place. It’s pretty simple, but considering how many people walk around with headphones every day, it could make a huge difference. It’s a 3-D printed object available for $3.28 from Shapeways. It’s an improvement on the button for a specific use that probably never would’ve been dreamed up had it not been for widely-available 3-D printing. I mean, you can probably wrap the cord around a normal old button and it will do the same thing, but customizing your gear–and that includes clothes–is always cool.

If you want a Button 2.0, you can order them here. Compatible with cords with a 2mm diameter.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Reebok and MC10 has smart skullcap to help detect head injuries, Nikon D5200 announcement coming soon?,

The Lowly Button Gets a Brilliant Upgrade

There should be a special Nobel Prize set aside for geniuses who find ways to improve the simplest things in life. And this year’s award would go to Shapeways user OliveBird, whose Button 2.0 turns any shirt into a convenient headphone wrangler. More »

Bloomberg Used Incredible 3D-Printed Scissors for a 3D Printing Factory Ribbon Cutting [Image Cache]

Not only did Mayor Mike Bloomberg cut the ribbon today at the new Shapeways 3D printing factory in New York, he did it using 3D-printed scissors. And they came out of the printer fully assembled. More »

Super Mario Bros. Möbius Strip: Your Princess is Always in Another Castle

You can do some amazing things with 3D printers. You can make toys and all sorts of cool things. Look what Joaquin Baldwin created with one. This is a Möbius strip showing the first level of Super Mario Bros.

mario mobius

Mario can run his little legs off as fast as he can in order to save the Princess, but he will still be trapped in a never-ending hell level for all eternity. Well, unless Doctor Who comes to his rescue or something.

super mario mobius strip

What’s most impressive is the level of detail. Every mushroom, turtle, cloud and star are there, all carved at different heights, which makes it look amazing. Best of all, you can order one for yourself over on Shapeways for $24 (USD). Great job Joaquin.

mario mobius 2

[Reddit via Nerdcore via Neatorama]


Spaho Design’s Ripple Case Puts an Optical Illusion on Your iPhone

I’m not sure how well cases with holes will actually protect your iPhone, but since there are some available from major manufacturers, they must help at least a little, right? If you don’t mind having a case with holes in the back, then check out the 3D printed Ripple case.

shapeways spaho design iphone 3d ripple

The Ripple case design was obtained after modifying one with straight lines. The series of curvy opening creates a pattern which produces a sort of 3D optical illusion, which is definitely unusual.

shapeways spaho design iphone 3d ripple side

It was created by Spaho Design and it’s available through Shapeways for $30(USD), and you can choose from a number of different materials if you’re going to get one.

shapeways spaho design iphone 3d ripple back


The iPhone MacPro Case: 3D-Print Yours for Free!

Well, it probably won’t be free for most of us who don’t have our own 3D printers, but still this is a great-looking case, perfect for all of the Apple fanboys who just love the Mac Pro. Heck, who wouldn’t want to have a Mac Pro they can stick in their pocket?

mac pro iphone case 3d printed

The iPhone 4/4S MacPro case takes the front of the Mac Pro and fits it onto the back of your iPhone. The design was created to maintain the integrity behind Apple’s design philosophy. I have to say as an iPhone case, this looks pretty awesome.

mac pro iphone case 3d printed phone

The designer Cinemo recommends 3D-printing this baby on Polished White Strong & Flexible (Nylon), but Polished Alumide would look cool as well. You can get yours directly through Shapeways if you don’t have a 3D printer for about $30(USD).

mac pro iphone case 3d printed empty

[via Shapeways]