Yanko Design

All you design junkies out there probably know Yanko Design, which is a great blog devoted to the modern aesthetics of technology, interiors, architecture, and industrial design. Now comes the news that Yanko has opened an online store filled with crave worthy designs.

Yanko partnered with a number of luxe brands, including Eva Solo and Umbra, to fill out its inventory. The store features everything from computer accessories to the Sumo Omni Lounge ($149, above left) I blogged about a while back and this very cool Rosendahl Wine Tube ($99, above right). Check out the shop and tell me what you think.

We've seen a lot of wacky concepts, but Timo Wong's CELLS phone deserves special recognition for its unusual inspiration and tactile body. The design of the phone looks a lot like the contours of a typical fruit tray and the number keys are separated by alternating contours on one single surface. It reminds me of a quilted Marc Jacobs bag, so naturally, I love it.

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You know something is cutting edge when it comes to your attention twice in less than 12 hours. Both geeksugar and sugar user tdamji are into this blending of uber contemporary technology and the ancient practice of yoga.

Designer Hui-Zong Chen has conceived of a yoga mat, made of an electronic paper screen that unfurls from a metal tube that is a stereo with cute little speakers housed at each end. The yoga mat can play streaming videos at the top of the mat, so you can follow a virtual yoga instructor through a series of poses. Better yet, you could “conference” in your friends and create a group class situation with participants in different parts of the globe.

Alas, this hi tech mat is still in the conceptual stage, but cool nonetheless. I love the idea of my Warrior I riding the technology wave, how about you?

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The real question is, who doesn't wish they could control their iPod or iPhone with a tiny ring? When I came up with the idea for iGems I never considered how great it would be if the jewelry actually manipulated my Apple devices. Of course, I'm not a designer like Victor Soto, who came up with the stylish design for the iRing.

The iRing allows you to control playback and volume on any of your Apple media devices and features a bright OLED status display with touch-sensitive function strip, and a rechargeable battery life of up to 2 days. It's just a concept, but I love it.

Source: Yanko Design

Every time I strap an MP3 player around my arm I get agitated by how tight and clunky it feels — whether it's a nano, mini or regular sized iPod. The Lobster multimedia player concept designed by Danilo Mangini serves to break up that bulky player syndrome in many different ways. It's made up of an LCD screen that acts as a base for a multitude of media modules. When you snap those small modules on, you extend the Lobster’s features and create a bendable arm band that's multi-functional and malleable. I love the idea of being able to make a player smaller by taking away video or storage capacity when I work out and still be able to add other functions back on later when I need them. It's just a concept, but here's hoping this one makes it onto the market!

Source: Yanko Design

If Naomi Campbell had thrown this bendy and soft mobile phone at her assistant we might never have seen her marching to community service in haute couture and she might not have an assault record. The phone is encased in a flexible plastic housing so you can essentially play Bop-It with it without damaging it. It features a soft flexible display - it's 2.75-in. diagonal, 433 × 266 pixels - and the keys are located on the surface and made from a malleable plastic. I don't have any aggressive diva tendencies, but I wouldn't mind one myself. Sadly, it's just a concept.

Source: Yanko Design

Most 360 cameras are goofy looking at best, but the Panoramic Digital Camera concept offers a stylish take on a device few companies have mastered. When you fit the device on a level surface, angle it and push a button you can watch it spin to take the perfect 360-degree view of your surroundings. It saves your content on a memory card and can take video. Ahhh, if only I could get my mittens on one.

Source: Yanko Design

Just when I thought CDs had gone the way of the Dodo, I learn that designer Yong-Seong Kim has come up with the DMP, a portable music player that supports CD and MP3 files.

You can use the MP3 player normally, or unclip the sides and insert your favorite CD. I like the idea because it might encourage me to whip out my classic early 90s CD collection and the fact that the CD is exposed while playing gives it a bit of a retro, record player appeal.

Source: Yanko Design

You might not be able to sing in the rain with this concept design by Hae Lim, but you can sing in the shower! The mp3 player is specifically designed for wear and tear in water as it conveniently docks on your shower head to play music. Just detach it from the head/speaker to change songs with the control buttons and in no time you'll be rocking out to your favorite band and lathering up as well! The fun red and white shower accessory most likely holds a removable flash media card to store songs. Stay tuned for further revelations!

Source: Yanko Design