spotcoolstuff      tech

Normally Spot Cool Stuff avoids conceptual or soon-to-be-released products. We review products we can get our hands on. But the (totally theoretical!) iRing was too cool for us not to mention. The idea of designer Victor Soto is to have a ring that could control an iPod via Bluetooth. Small buttons on the bottom of the ring would provide the play, pause and next/previous track functionality. The ring’s outer band would rotate to control the volume. And a small clasp would lock the controls in place. We don’t know if such a ring is technically possible. We just know we want one. [via Yanko Design]

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The new iPod Nanos are out! The first iPod came out in 2001 and still Spot Cool Stuff gets a bit of a tingle every time an upgraded version is introduced. What’s new about the latest Nano incarnation?

• The choice of nine colors is the most visible change. You can now rock out to pink, green and purple among other color selections.
• Automatically generated play lists, based on your musical tastes, through a new feature on the upcoming iTunes 8 called Genius.
• Much improved screen from the last version of the Nano. This one is clearer, and two inches wide.
• Motion-sensing technology, with a screen image that adjusts appropriately when the device is held sideways or vertically.
• Longer battery life. The new iPod Nano can play songs for 24 straight hours, video for 4 hours.
• Perhaps coolest of all: Some controls are now possible simply by moving the iPod in certain ways, without touching any buttons. With a flick of the wrist you can now flip through photos or album covers. Shake the new iPod Nano while playing a song and a new random song will come on. (Don’t worry, this feature can be turned off so your iPod isn’t constantly skipping to new songs while you are jogging or, say, being shaken up by some one trying to steal your new iPod Nano).

The new iPod Nano comes in an 8GB version for $149 but we suggest spending an extra $50 on the 16GB model.

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In the marketing for the P’9120 Elton has been playing up how this clock radio speaker system was designed by Porshe. Indeed, the P’9120 definitely catches the eye. It is not necessarily an intuitive design — some one seeing a P’9120 for the first time probably wouldn’t even know what this boxy, knobby thing with rubberized paint is used for — but it certainly draw people’s attention.

The design is so overwhelming that most reviews forget to mention this fact: The P’9120 sounds fantastic! Especially the bass notes, which boom through the 15 watt 3″ active subwoofer thanks to a superior air flow system. The P’9102 is also feature rich with a pleasing alphanumeric clock display, radio equipped for XM and short wave (as well as the obvious AM and FM) and a stylish iPod dock. We wish the P’9120 were easier to use without the remote control. We also think the current price of $800/£480 is a bit steep, but look for that to drop soon (in fact, click here to check the current cost).

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