stainlesssteel
Latest
Xiaomi's latest phone gets a steel frame, IR blaster and top specs for just $320
Having sold 26.11 million phones in the first half of this year, the beast from the East that is Xiaomi is back again with a new flagship Android phone: the Mi 4. For the first time ever, the company is adding a touch of metal -- the common SAE 304 stainless steel, to be exact -- to the phone's frame, which is sandwiched between a flat 5-inch 1080p screen and a swappable, slightly curved plastic back cover. The internal specs are as you'd expect: 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 SoC, 3GB of RAM, 16GB/64GB of internal storage, 13MP f/1.8 main camera, 8MP selfie camera, LTE radio (at last), 802.11ac WiFi plus a 3,080mAh battery. As a bonus, you also get an infrared transmitter to play with the TV (which Xiaomi also sells). As usual, the Mi 4 will be very affordable: Just CN¥1,999 or about $320 for the 16GB version, and CN¥2,499 or about $400 for the 64GB version (both off-contract, of course).
Truffol's iPhone 5 cases prove that luxury doesn't need to mean expensive
I've probably seen every iPhone case in the world at one point or another. For every ten or twenty low-cost plastic cases I see, I might see a single luxury case. These cases are different from the rest, often showing better workmanship, materials like wood, leather, and steel, and a higher price tag. A new entry into the crowded iPhone case market is a company named Truffol, and it appears that they're off to a good start by offering luxury cases that won't empty your wallet. The cases won't be available until July, but I'm going to try to stir up your interest by reviewing the Truffol Signature line of cases. There's the Minimalist (US$60), a beautiful stainless steel "bumper" for your iPhone 5, and the Classic ($75, seen above), which adds Italian leather for good looks and additional protection. Design Let's start with a look at the Minimalist. It truly is a minimalist case, adding only a thin stainless steel frame around the iPhone 5. It adds just .9 mm (.03 inch) to the thickness of an iPhone 5, yet protects the sides from accidental scratches or nicks. The Classic adds a leather backing to the design of the Minimalist. For those who want a bit more protection and a whole lot more Italian leather, the Classic is perfect. Both the Minimalist and Classic cases come in silver and navy, with different colored leather backing (red and navy). %Gallery-192443% Truffol notes that their manufacturing process runs the CNC-cut stainless steel through a nylon brushing process that produces a smooth and beautiful surface. Each one of the cases arrives in a pair of boxes that is worthy of an expensive watch -- one half contains the stainless steel frame and a separate mute button, while the other contains a slender steel bezel and screen protector (Minimalist) or the leather backing (Classic). Functionality One thing I always tend to get irritated about with luxury cases is the need to the manufacturers to ship tools for installation. Sure, it adds a bit of prestige to a product to add a tiny tool set that you use to lock the iPhone into a case, but it also adds unnecessary cost and (in many cases) frustration. Fortunately, neither of the Truffol Signature cases require tools for installation. In fact, of all of the luxury cases that I've reviewed, the Signature cases are about the easiest to install an iPhone 5 into. Opening one of the boxes, you remove the small mute button "cover" and place it into the corresponding hole on the iPhone 5. Then you just take the iPhone, align the mute button on it with the mute button cover on the frame, and drop it in. Next, you open up the other box where the back of the case is located. It has six small metal "fingers" on it -- you drop the back onto the back of your iPhone, then push it down towards the bottom of the iPhone to lock it into place. Now your iPhone is securely locked in the case. It was a pleasure to not have to insert tiny screws or press down on levers that felt like they were going to crack open the iPhone. A big thumbs-up to Truffol for thinking through the installation process. As for the cases, I like the look of the stainless steel. It adds protection all around the sides of the iPhone, and the workmanship is flawless. The leather back on the Classic is also well done, and incredibly thin. Fans of "naked" iPhones will love the Classic, as it adds protection without adding any bulk at all. Conclusion Truffol's entry into the luxury iPhone case market may have a positive effect for iPhone owners. Not only is the company producing high-quality cases, but it is also entering the market at a price point that may force down luxury case prices across the board. Between now and July 10, 2013, Truffol is giving away five Signature cases as part of a pre-launch celebration. You can enter by simply submitting your email address on the Truffol website. TUAW will also be giving away a both a Minimalist and a Classic Signature case later this summer. Pros Very thin and lightweight, while offering good side protection to the iPhone 5 Low price point for a luxury offering Excellent craftsmanship Easy to install or remove without tools Both Minimalist and Classic designs include a clear screen protector Cons None Who is it for? The iPhone 5 owner who wants classy protection but doesn't want to pay the exorbitant amounts charged by others in the luxury case market
Tokyoflash's Kisai 3D Unlimited watch turns time into a colorful ice cube (video)
The folks over at Tokyoflash tend to come up with some pretty inscrutable watches, but their latest creation, the Kisai 3D Unlimited, looks refreshingly... simple. Its cube-like, "3D" time display may not be conventional, but its mirrored LCD doesn't require a degree in cryptology, either (the time displayed above is 12:34. See it?). The watch also features a pretty sleek, stainless steel design, with a case measuring just 8.5mm thick, and a fully adjustable strap that can fit even the daintiest of wrists. If you're interested in grabbing one, you can choose from seven different colors at the source link, for about $120. Otherwise, check out some more pics in the gallery below, or slip past the break for a couple of demo videos from Tokyoflash Japan. %Gallery-130228%
University of Birmingham researchers develop antibacterial stainless steel, mysophobes clap from within their bubbles
Answering the call of germphobes and their Stepford ladies-in-waiting everywhere, researchers at the University of Birmingham have devised a silver-infused technique of warding off unwanted bacteria. Eschewing the previously attempted, but short-lived coating method, these scientists have "developed a novel surface alloying technology" that infuses silver, nitrogen and carbon into a newly germ-resistant stainless steel surface. The team hopes this super durable steel will soon find its anti-bacterial way into hospitals and the surgical implements they employ -- not to mention your college cafeteria. Modern Lady Macbeth homemaker types can breathe a sigh of "Out, damn'd superbug spot" relief and get back to sealing up the furniture.
Cadence's 4-Bit Chrono Watch lets you do business, disguises your inner geek
Glance above and you'll notice a normal, elegant chronograph watch, correct? Not exactly... See, that jet-black dial is rocking 4-bit binary hour-bars in place of numbers, and looking very geek-chic doing so. Announced today, Cadence's 4-Bit Chronograph Watch is the chrono revision of its $80 4-Bit Watch, sporting a larger casing, darker dial, greater water resistance, and most notably, a UTC display to help you stay on schedule while globetrotting. The luminescent hands -- perfect for late-night hacking -- are kept in motion by an automatic Miyota quartz movement wedged inside of a 42mm stainless steel case, which is rated water-resistant to five atmospheres (165 feet). The watch is further protected by a sapphire-coated glass crystal, and topped off with a black leather band to keep things extra classy. When the 4-Bit Chrono ships come July, getting one around your wrist will set you back $195, but slyly wearing your geek cred is only $119 if you reserve one now -- a full press release is after the break to help you decide.
Hasselblad H4D-40 Stainless Steel medium format camera: limited to 100 units, priced at €13,990
Wondering just how large a premium that Ferrari badge was adding to Hasselblad's Ferrari-branded H4D? Oh, around €7,500 (if not more). Hot on the heels of the aforesaid announcement, Hasselblad has just revealed yet another variant of the famed H4D-40, with the Stainless Steel edition offering a classy, classic motif and another limited run item for collectors to snatch up. Only 100 of these will be produced, with each one selling for €13,990 ($18,497) sans lens or €14,990 ($19,809) with the HC 2.8/80 mm. If this guy's more "within reach" than the Italian-inspired alternative, hit up your local dealer as soon as humanly possible... or just before your 100 closest friends, anyway.
Klhip your fingernails with this $50 personal grooming device
We've never stopped to think that the world needed an "ultimate" nail-trimming device, but lo and behold, it now has one. Such is the modest tagline accompanying the Klhip nail clippers, which are composed of stainless steel and offer the not unheard of ability to collect your nail shards instead of ejecting them out into space. What's advanced (and award-winning) about its design is that you place pressure directly above the cutting blade, which is touted as being precise enough to omit the need for filing afterwards. If that sounds like the thing that's been missing from your bathroom cabinet, you can pre-order one for $50 ($80 with a leather case, visible after the break) for delivery in a month's time.
Apple patent application offers promise of stronger, scratch-proof stainless steel
As with all patent applications, it's a bit early to get too excited about this one, but a recently published filing from Apple dubbed "Nitriding Stainless Steel for Consumer Electronic Products" is one of the more interesting we've seen from the company as of late, especially when you consider its recent acquisition of Liquidmetal's intellectual property. Whereas Liquidmetal promises to let Apple create metal devices that are stronger and not limited to the usual structural or strength limitations found in conventional metals, this new patent application suggests that the company might also be working on a nitride coating for stainless steel that's described as "both scratch and impact resistant." What's more, the application suggests that the coating would not affect the appearance of the underlying stainless steel, and not cause any RF interference either. As pointed out in the application itself, that means it could be used on laptops, portable media players and, yes, even cellphones -- or it could simply be filed away with the countless other applications that haven't seen the light of day. Here's hoping for the former.
Apple exploring new scratch-proof coating
If a new patent application from Apple is any indication, the company is getting obsessive about making sure that future products are highly scratch-resistant. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published Apple's application this week titled "Nitriding Stainless Steel for Consumer Electronic Products," outlining methods for depositing a very thin layer (just over 15 microns thick) of nitride to stainless steel to provide scratch and impact resistance. Nitride coatings are unique in that they allow the natural feel and look of the stainless steel to show through, while creating a tough scratch-proof surface. In the patent filing, Apple notes that stainless steel is a highly desirable material for consumer electronics since it is non-magnetic and doesn't hinder Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular signals as much as other metals. However, as some iPhone 4 owners have noticed, the material is relatively easy to scratch. Apple also entered into an agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies earlier in 2010 to explore using the company's amorphous metal technology in future scratch-proof Apple products. Liquidmetal materials are twice as strong as titanium, but as easy as plastic to process. [via AppleInsider]
Cut My SIM does as its name commands
In case you haven't noticed, all the cool kids are using Micro SIMs nowadays. But help is at hand if you're stuck with an old and busted Module, thanks to this stainless steel SIM trimmer. Painfully simple to use, it accepts old school chips, smashes down on them with the full force of modernity, and spits out an appropriately streamlined Micro SIM. But wait, you can reverse the modification too -- just use the included "back to normal" kit to turn back time and restore compatibility with your dated gear. The first batch of 500 has already sold out, but the next is expected to ship by the end of this month at a price of $25 or just under €20, depending on where you reside. What else do you need, a written invitation?
iPhone gets a stainless steel clamshell case, we'll wait for the titanium version
You know, for all the praise the iPhone has received in its time, we never thought it looked quite Matrix-y enough. Thankfully, that all-important deficiency has been remedied by a man named Ryan Glasgow up in Portland, who has just started selling the above case to all who care to have one. It's built out of stainless steel on the outside and silicone padding on the inside, with strategically located cutouts for wireless signals and heat emissions to get through. You can flip the front plate open, turning it into a rather outsized clamshell, or you can just talk with the lid closed, it's all up to you. Aluminum and engraving options (how about "my other phone is a Vertu"?) are also available with each case costing a slightly spendy $95. See more of it in the gallery below.%Gallery-87319%
Pocket Tool X's Piranha looks like it's a multipurpose animal
How many uses can one tool have? If you think the answer is "never enough," the Piranha by Pocket Tool X might just be for you. A multipurpose job (which kinda reminds us of a dinosaur's head), the Piranha boasts a double-ended bit holder, both open and box wrenches, a bottle opener, a nail puller, a scraper, and pry ends -- and it's made of heat-treated S30V Stainless Steel -- which means it should be sturdy enough to make it through a few family camping trips. The tool is available for pre-order now, with shipments heading out sometime in December, and for $49 it could be all yours.
You'll go ga ga ga ga ga over Elecom's Like a Spoon mouse
Travel mice don't tend to be fashionable things. Tiny? Yes. Lookers? No. Elecom's latest, the Like a Spoon mouse, bucks that trend, following in a long line of tidily designed gadgets from the company. In terms of buttons it's got nuffin' on the OpenOfficeMouse, but it looks to fall to hand much more comfortably, with a soft effects coating on top and a stainless steel rim 'round the edge. The price is set at a somewhat steep ￥8,000 in Japan, which equates to about $90, though sadly we doubt this one will be making the transference to America.
Apple introduces new iPod shuffle colors, adds a new $59 2GB model
Along with the new iPod nano, iPod touch and iPod classic updates, Apple today also introduced 3 new colors of the iPod shuffle, a special stainless steel edition, and a 2GB model for $59. The new colors are green, pink and blue, and are available for both the 2GB and 4GB models. Also, there's a new $99 4GB stainless steel model, available for $99, $20 more than the regular 4GB colors. Finally, there's a new 2GB model of the 3rd generation shuffle, available for $59, and also comes in black, sliver, green, pink and blue.
Lengda shows off stainless steel X10K netbook, 11.1-inch CULV model
Lengda isn't exactly one of the best known netbook manufactures around, but it looks to have made a decent enough showing for itself at Computex, where it had its new stainless steel X10K netbook on display (pictured above), along with its new 11.1-inch CULV-based M11A laptop. The former of those is basically your average 10.2-inch netbook, but with a bit of added weight from that stainless steel enclosure (and interchangeable cover), although the company is apparently also looking at producing an aluminum version. The M11A, on the other hand, looks to be among the first CULV laptops with an 11.1-inch screen, and sports a more traditional glossy plastic exterior, along with a few bonuses like an extendable TV / 3G antenna depending on the model. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but you can get a closer look at both of 'em after the break courtesy of the folks at Netbooknews.com.Read - Netbooknews.com, "Lengda X10K stainless steel netbook"Read - Netbooknews.com, "Lengda M11A 11.1-inch CULV notebook"
Sega announces Happy Tree Friends game for XBLA, PC
The absurdly adorable animal cast of Happy Tree Friends is set to appear in a new digitally distributed PC and Xbox Live Arcade game, Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm. Of course, as fans of the internet series and television show are well aware, said appearance would likely be cut short by all manner of sharp and obscenely violent implements. Developed by Stainless Games and published by Sega, the cute critter-sploitation splatterfest is scheduled for a Fall 2007 release. Billed as an action-puzzle game, False Alarm will largely feature a "physics-based reactive environment" and "accidental mayhem." Players control one of three characters, namely Flippy (a bear), Lumpy (a moose) and Handy (an amputee beaver carpenter... it says here). Kenn Navarro, creator of the deeply demented property, notes that "Sega is a perfect partner for us because of their rich tradition of creating compelling, character-based games, and true to form they're developing a truly original game that we think our fans will love." Of course, said tradition is generally devoid of chainsaws mutilating cuddly creatures, so a Sonic the Hedgehog cameo seems unlikely. [Via Sega press release]
Transcend JetFlash 180, the shiny new flash drive
We're not really sure how many people worldwide have been pining for a flash drive to match their Zippo, but Transcend's decided that's exactly what we need. Beyond coming in the normal assortment of sizes ranging from 1GB to 4GB, the JetFlash 180 "also comes bundled with some very useful software applications," although we're not really sure which ones. Still, it's got some decent read and write speeds, coming in at 10-12MBps and 8MBps, respectively. Unfortunately Transcend's sped off without letting us know when or where we can get our greasy paws all over this shiny new drive.[Via Far East Gizmos]
