Prosume This, A Technophile's Recollections (by Ozhan Karacal - est. 2006)

The Apocalypse Gaming Case

2011-09-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to build this portable gaming case for a while now.

No more messing around with hotel LCD rear panels or carrying the consoles in backpacks. Now we can take our gaming wherever we go.

Here's the the build details.

1) Military grade, air tight SKB hard case on wheels. Perfect size to fit in the overhead bin.

2) The screen proved to be difficult to find. I finally found a 19" LED TV that can fit nicely inside the lid. It's not a PC monitor, it's a proper 1080p HDTV that I found in Akihabara, Japan with 5mil:1 contrast ratio.
Inputs:
HDMI
Component
RCA
VGA
USB
Coax

Built in speakers and an options 3.5mm audio output

3) Find the slimmest wall mount for the LCD & bolt it inside the lid.

4) Attach memory foam pieces on the back as seen on the image. Pay attention and don't block the vent or speaker holes. These foams are crucial as they'll provide the suspension the screen needs to not to break in case of impact

5) Find a soft zipper bag for the cables (I used a travel size toiletry bag) Keep all the cables you will need inside this.

6) Case fits the original size and new size PS3s. Cables bag cushion the console. I also put two strip of memory foam on the lower section.

7) Case packs a good amount of controllers and accessories in there as well. I don't use the move controllers necessarily but wanted to see what will fit in there.

8) There is a thin layer of foam between the screen surface and the lower section so they don't contact.

9) You got to plug it to the wall wherever you go. There is no room for battery nor the desire to carry the size of battery to be able to run this gear for few hours.

10) Off we go...

Update:
Realized that I want an HDMI system selector in there so I attached a 3x HDMI hub on the side of the lid as well.

Put an Apple TV 2 inside the cable bag and an Apple HDMI to Display port adapter.

Nike Mag Fail

2011-09-09T04:45:00.001-07:00

Nike built & donated 1500 pairs of Nike Mags (Marty's 2015 model shoes from Back to the Future II) to Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's disease foundation. Shoes went on auction today and with 15 hours to go, the bids are at an average of $4000 right now. Also seems Sergei Brin (co-founder of Google) will be matching whatever the auction profits. Nice.

So I realized that fans are upset because the shoes don't have power laces as they did in the movie. So basically it's a prop shoe with lights on it. As a product developer, I understand why Nike couldn't put auto lacing function on the shoe. That would need a lot of power, a big battery and motor to achieve so if they pushed for auto lacing they couldn't have came up with the same form factor.

Yet the shoe must have some circuitry and a battery to power up those LEDs and the EL lit logo. Therefore you must charge these batteries somehow. I was wondering what charging method Nike picked and was hoping for a wireless, induction charging. But seems that's not the case. From the below low res image I found on the auction site, I can tell that's an AC adapter that plugs in somewhere on the shoe.

I admire the cause and hope the shoes will fetch tens of millions of dollars but wish Nike paid some more attention to detail to make these collectibles a bit more high-tech or just current tech.

Online Everywhere

2011-09-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

Iridium makes satellite phones that can make a call regardless of network status. Now with this data modem you can also connect online even if you're in Antarctica. It's quite pricey but it's for those who need to go online when they need to go online.

True Love in Hong Kong

2011-08-20T09:42:00.001-07:00

Don't read it wrong. They're probably playing a co-op mission on those PSPs.

XL-1: How This Camcorder Changed My Life

2011-08-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

I was fresh out of college with a BA degree in International Relations from Bilkent University back in 1999 and I was gunning for the Turkish Foreign Ministry exam. I was told that a good internship could make my application more attractive and so via some proper networking that summer I found myself working as an unpaid intern at the diplomacy desk of the newly opened offices of CNN Turk Ankara.

At first my regular tasks ranged from getting news director's coffee to write down lazy field reporter's confused thoughts down on a piece of paper over the phone just to be yelled at later on for not doing it in an organized manner. It simply sucked for the first few weeks. You are an unpaid worker and everyone tries to take advantage of you with only few people care about teaching you something remotely useful.

One of these people was a young cameraman named Korhan & he absolutely loved being behind the camera. CNN Turk was the first and only digitally broadcasting TV channel back in 1999 and the equipment was top of the line, even for today's standards. That's about when I got my hands on the gorgeous Canon XL-1. Me & Korhan became good friends, we were about similar age & we both smoked like a chimney. Although we were from entirely different backgrounds, something clicked and we started talking about everything. I was especially curious about the digital broadcast cameras around us. The main camcorders CNN Turk cameramen used were Panasonic DVC-Pro camcorders which costs around $70.000 if I recall correctly. The Canon XL-1 was merely a detail unit, a secondary camera which was around $10.000. CNN Turk purchased them for the reporters in an attempt to help them multi-task when they're out in the field. CNN XL-1 was not in an out of box state though. It was heavily modified to become news camera worthy. The small battery pack was rigged and replaced with a bracket that could hold a giant 4lb, 20000mAh battery which was supported by a custom shoulder mount. Built in audio receivers for wireless microphones, a variety of alternative lenses, the XL-1 was truly an excellent pro camcorder with lots of features that you start to see in modern day consumer camcorders just recently.

Korhan knew the camera very well and was obsessed with technique. In news stations when cameraman is not in the field, he gets some tea or coffee & go online while there are TV monitors all around them. Even in the ordinary daily news footage they can catch glimpses of great camera work. A smooth zoom out, a steady shoulder pan are noticed by these guys and could be ridiculed, praised or just ignored. These guys, some college communication department grads and/or old timers who learned the art from a former camera master, are true geeks. Korhan was a new grad too and he was an idealist still. Thought me, in a mere couple months too, many things from white balance to a proper mezo pan, fundamentals of properly using the camcorder and learning its eccentric features.

It was all fun and games until one morning when the news director came and said:
- Hey intern, I've been seeing you playing with that Canon day in day out, I'm one cameraman short this morning, one of my guys just called in sick, are you up for it?

Up for it? I felt like I was born for this moment. Something like this was unimaginable to me at that time. At the end of the day, it was the least important agenda item that morning which didn't even make the news, a boring press conference at the police headquarters, but it was my first real camera work indeed and I nailed it. In the coming weeks, I get to go to few more stories as secondary, support camera and things started to get interesting.

My birthplace, Ankara, Turkey, is an eventful place. Only a small glimpse of the events are caught on tape. Sometimes even if it's caught on tape, it's never shown on TV either because it's just another murder suicide or something the network owners decided not to make a story of off due to its sensitive, political nature. I guess it must be similar around the world. But I get to witness the raw footage behind the XL-1 camera for a year and it taught me about life much.

I never saw a dead person in my life until 1999, I was 22, but that year I get to see lots of interesting things and unfortunately many many dead people. I witnessed the aftermath of a 7.4 earthquake, saw cities in complete ruins. Followed Clinton, the US president of the time, during his Ankara trip. Shot a police operation during an armed robbery by sheer coincidence. Saw 150 car crash, vans, cars, trucks stuffed like sardines on an icy bridge. Saw people who made it against impossible odds, and some who perish for simply no solid reason. All in all, if being an intern/cameraman left me with something, it was the feeling that the life was not as certain as death sure was and that I had to live my life, each day as if it's the last one.

Another useful item was a great reference letter from Mete Belovacikli, head of CNN Turk Ankara branch at the time, which then I sent to San Diego State University Communications dept. along with my application for their masters program in broadcasting and my reel. I was admitted for fall 2000 semester with much enthusiasm. After all that effort It took me less than one semester to realize I didn't really want to master broadcasting, but I just liked running around with the XL1 on my shoulder from story to story. Yet, there I was, summer of 2000, San Diego, CA., simply the most livable city in the US and perhaps on earth & with my whole life ahead of me.

Right now, 11 years later, I end up making a career developing electronic products for consumer electronics industry but I can tell that this camcorder had a lot to do with why I chose what I do today.

Alien Tech?

2011-07-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

I used to ride bicycles. My need to move faster and reach farther in my adulthood changed that. Yet if this University of New Mexico project by Steven Mora becomes real I might get on the bike again. It just looks out of this world.

Mix and Match

2011-07-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Draw this recently as tribute to my old Technics set up back in San Diego. I am planning to put it on canvas as a three piece set.

UPDATE: Here it is on canvas.

Electronics as Product Design Elements

2011-07-23T09:42:00.001-07:00

PCB, a printed circuit board, is where the electronic components inside your daily gadgets reside. You have seen one before and it was most likely in green color. Lately I broke some ground in China by making custom color boards. No one has done this before because the PCB is not necessarily a design element. Well, I made it one. Here are some of my new PCBs with matching LEDs inside a clear housing game controller.

Headset you're amazing!

2011-05-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

Old iPad Gets Stationed

2011-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Since started rocking the iPad2 3G outdoors, the original iPad WiFi found an almost permanent home somewhere.

iPad2 Camera Kit

2011-04-24T08:59:00.001-07:00

Although the iPad2 camera is pretty crappy, the best camera is the one you have with you. Combined with the iMovie app it's very compelling to shoot and edit movies on the move.
Yet, there must be a way to carry the iPad easily and be able to attach it to tripods.

Check this iPad 2 case mod I put together.

Clear iPad2 PC case / thin 0.8mm eggshell version
DSLR hand strap accessory with tripod mount
DSLR strap

I fixed the hand strap piece with superglue and placed weight on it overnight; been several days testing, it’s quite sturdy.
The shoulder strap is most convenient. It’s an OEM Canon piece with this non-slip interior lining.

Wireless DJ

2011-04-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Last month in Thailand, during a pool party, I experimented with wireless music. We did have a traditional DJ set up too but I wanted to give a shot to this new iPad app I have called; the Djay. This is the first proper DJ app that lets the user to work with his/her own music. Streaming to an AppleTV-2 via AirPlay and then into the mixer.

Additionally, I had two sets of Audio-engine AW1 wifi receiver and transmitters. These little guys can transmit audio signal over 150 meters without any noticeable lag. How we used them?

While the main channel is playing a song which everybody is listening, I gave these transmitters to friends who had audio effect or percussion apps on their iPads or iPhones. They plugged the AW1s to the 3.5mm audio port and joined to the music from other channels becoming wireless instruments. I want to see it in clubs where talented people can contribute to the sound.

White iPhone 4

2011-01-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Spotted this white iPhone4 in a Hong Kong shop few hours ago. Since I heard Apple has not yet released the white iPhone 4 due to some quality issues, I knew it was sketchy to see it in shop windows.

I was told it was 10000HKD ($1290.00)

Red Bull X-1

2010-12-08T12:23:00.001-08:00

Designed for GT5

Motorstormers Everywhere

2010-12-04T23:55:00.000-08:00

gamingArt

2010-11-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

Life Photogenic

2010-09-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

There is a new location at http://lifephotogenic.blogspot.com where I publish some of my pictures.

Initial D Trueno / MNR Kart

2010-06-24T09:51:00.001-07:00

TRON LIGHT KART

2010-06-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

One of my mods in Mod Nation Racers

Next iPhone Leaked

2010-04-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

Very interesting development as Apple displaces one iPhone prototype which seems to be the next one in line. Judging from the design aesthetics I can say it makes perfect sense. This iPhone looks more in the family look with iPad and Macbook than the current iPhone does. Looks like it has a front facing camera, a side sim slot. Gizmodo, the website that unearthed this unit, has a good write up on it. Check it out.
http://gizmodo.com/5520164/this-is-apples-next-iphone?skyline=true&s=i

2010-04-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Magnetic Levitation

2010-03-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

I heard Albert Einstein said if he had 100 years more to live he'd study only on magnetism. I love magnets too especially when they are strong enough to levitate stuff of my interest. This is a new method of POP display I spotted at a Hong Kong show but it would be glorious if it was a charger too. You know? An induction charger that floats the gadgets too.

Two Simple iPad Product Concepts

2010-03-13T22:01:00.001-08:00

My best ideas surface after I hold the device but for now I can think of 2 basic homerun products for the Apple iPad.

That screen will be just awesome to sketch on. A pen with a capacitative tip would be a good tool for designers.
iPad needs to be carried around. A leash to make that simpler might be useful too.

Steampunk Cellphone

2010-03-13T21:23:00.001-08:00

Micro mechanical mechanisms on a modern device: Good.
The fact that these mechanisms can only move the arms of the clock: Bad.
300K price tag for a flipping cell phone: That's just ugly.
Yet I am intrigued that the Stempunk lives on in Celcius X.

Hakan Pehlivan Oils Up for SFIV

2010-03-10T05:13:00.001-08:00

When I suggested Ikeno-san from Capcom to make a badass Turkish character for Street Fighter:

I was just trying to make conversation
I wasn't particularly thinking of an oil wrestler but more an Istanbul style street fighter who fights a bit dirty, head butts unexpectedly etc.

Regardless; here's Hakan Pehlivan, second major Turkish video game character after MGS' Big Boss.

Macro Art: The Tune Valley

2010-03-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Close up of a single groove of a vinyl record. Magnified 1000x.

My Cybershot Goes HD

2010-02-12T07:22:00.001-08:00

I've been using my dependable Sony T-30 for the last 4.5 years and it never gave me any trouble. Yet thousands of brilliant shots later I find it necessary to switch to a new machine that can shoot movies in true HD. TX-7 is my weapon of choice and this shot was taken from my Hong Kong apartment with the low twilight mode. TX-7 enhances the lights and takes great shots in dark. Another thing I was sold on is the sweep panorama which lets you take panoramic shots with a simple swipe. Other spec: 3.5" touch wide-screen, docking station with HDMI out, 10mp 16:9 aspect ratio still mode among my favorites.

Techno Fashion Accessories

2010-02-03T04:02:00.000-08:00

Techno apparel is on its way. I personally think it could be subtler than this Tokyo Flash Bluetooth necklace called Escape C but it's coming indeed. Escape C will let you control your BT cell-phone, listen and manage your music as well as pick up calls just like any Bluetooth stereo headset does. Yours for $150 sometime this year.

iPad = iFail?

2010-01-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

So about 2 years after I blogged my version of the Apple tablet the iPad is here and it's definitely less than what I was expecting. OK, I know that hoping for a decent core processor in there was naive but I don't like the following either:
- No multitasking
- No flash
- No widescreen
Heck even the above mockery image is more capable than iPad being able to run 4 apps simultaneously and all.
Regardless, I'll have one on day 1 because I got to invent stuff for it. Mei ban fa!

Concept: Wii Wall Mount

2010-01-17T04:34:00.000-08:00

My Wii stand concept not only looks good but solves problems.
This is a vertical wall mount system for the Nintendo Wii console that is designed for minimalist homes where you don't have traditional entertainment centers but just your TV on the wall. CDs are loaded from top therefore the cables point towards the floor which are also hidden behind the tower so no messy wiring visible. The tower is in two parts as top section serves as game storage, the bottom portion houses controllers and with a modular mechanism can store charging docks for your Wii remotes.

Shorts from Separation: Jean Michael Clarisse

2010-01-17T04:18:00.000-08:00

He wanted to store all his digital data within. Surgeons implanted expandable SSDs into his body and an I/O on his arm. He kept updating his records as he wished and carried all his favorite music and movies inside him. At a later upgrade he was built in wifi and was sending and receiving data at will. There were no reported medical complications

Hong Kong Toy Fair

2010-01-17T04:13:00.001-08:00

This was the best toy I saw at this show. An RC helicopter with a gyro for enhanced stability, proximity sensors for collision detection and rocket launchers that shoot rubber darts; sweet.

Dances with Avatars

2010-01-17T03:52:00.001-08:00

Watched Avatar finally and as expected it was indeed Dances with Wolves in space. Visuals are excellent and all but what saddens me is with hundreds of millions poured into such productions they don't choose to produce an original script. I guess applying an Oscar winning formula is just safer.

TOMEI-GT

2009-11-10T03:33:00.000-08:00

Oh NoEss!

2009-11-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Many GT-R sightings since I arrived my new town but I wasn't expecting to see a totaled one. Brought tears to my eyes

Golden Center

2009-11-02T00:51:00.000-08:00

There are many benefits to living in Hong Kong but my favorite is a place called Golden Center. This is actually a district known for small electronics shops. These are literally 10 feet square tiny shops cramped in multi level labyrinths, one after another, look so similar yet each so different. This is where you get the bottom dollar in electronics and all the crazy little gadgets that never make it to Best Buys nowhere.

Super bright LEDs never looked sexier

2009-09-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

As they did on a new Ferrari 458 Italia

Techno Art

2009-09-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

By Gabriel Dishaw

I see fat people

2009-09-10T16:00:00.001-07:00

It's called HAL (Human Assistive Limb) and it will cost you $4500 starting from October. Developped by Cyberdine (the real one, not the Terminator fantasy) it has already started to show up on Tokyo streets. HAL is about 25kg in weight but will boost your muscle power upto 10 tiger more so you can run around, carry groceries and beat the crap out of that bully effortlessly. As glorious as the future looks on exo-skeletons, I see a lot of people getting addicted to laziness artificial muscles will offer.

Shorts from Separation: Doreen Styles

2009-08-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

An artist who lost her left eye in an accident 5 years earlier. A tera-pixel digital camera was successfully implanted in her eye socket and wired to her receptors. She asked for sephia lens option as well as a zoom in feature. She saw the world much differently after this. At a later upgrade she was given digital solid state memory which was connected parallel to her bionic eye as Doreen wanted to record everything she saw from that point on. As Times Magazine’s human of the year, she let the way for many others that followed her path.

How Slim is PS3 Slim

2009-08-21T16:07:00.001-07:00

When PS2 slim launched it was 75% smaller than the original PS2 - Now looking at the PS3 slim; it is only 33% smaller than the original PS3 and although shoter, it is in fact wider than the old model. I think I'll stick with my Original 60, MGS and Ceramic White PS3s. Regardless, Sony says their manufacturing costs are down 75% and the price went down to $300. For this price you're buying a blu-ray player and the most capable game console out there. It just became a sweeter deal.

Travel Mac

2009-07-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wow! I did not only had the best vacation of my life, I probably had the best Turkish vacation anyone ever had. 3 weeks duration helped, plenty of time for family, friends and the blue waters. I don't think I had a single dull day, Started with an international music festival and bliss on tab in Istanbul continued on a blue voyage in cool Mediterranean waters. When I close my eyes, I can still recall the olive, oregano and fine tobacco scents as I sit in this Hong Kong airport lounge.

On a tech note for quite a non-tech vacey; I've been in 7 different airports in the last month and countless places that I've been online before. Had some web activity mostly for navigation and I realized all I had to do was to open my MacBook and we were on. No questions asked, no set up needed. My Mac remembered everywhere it has been and didn't second guess. Makes me think; if IT guys are like doctors in the PC world, in a Mac world they'll probably be the first ones to lay off in a pinch. Macs let you learn and discover other things in tech while letting you take an easy set up for granted.

Go to Turkey, go to Gocek, light a candle at night, you'll see your entire future ahead of you.

Transformers DS Stuff

2009-06-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Next Wednesday the new Transformers movie, Revenge of the Fallen, is coming out and it is significant event for me as the DS products I designed and developed will hit the markets the same day. This DS kits include a protective case and a character stylus and it is available in Megatron and Bumblebee at launch where buyers have a choice to get the stylus by itself also. Developing these was quite a long road where my company had to seek countless approvals in many stages both from Hasbro and Nintendo but the end result in my opinion worth all the pain and suffering. I worked with a great factory that gets toys and painting very well and kudos to my sculptor Denis Carratala for bringing the concept out to the model. Take a look at Megatron stylus becoming.

Where is PSPGo Going?

2009-06-19T14:24:00.001-07:00

Sony says current PSP is going to be an ongoing product and PSPGo is a complimentary item on shelves but I don't really buy this. I believe once PSPGo hits the market this October the old PSP is a goner. I got a chance to play with the new model PSP at E3 earlier this month and it's pretty solid. Eversince my iPhone got great games I am questioning the need for another handheld gaming gadget though. PSPGo is missing a camera and that second analog stick everyone was bitching about.

Help for Throttle Fingers

2008-11-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't believe how much this little DS3 add on improves your racing game. Added leverage to the trigger allows more precise throttle control and most importantly it helps you with the fatigue. for those who take their Motorstorm or GT seriously. Gioteck makes them and retails for $9.99

TGS Bound

2008-10-04T23:30:00.001-07:00

OK, I know i've been gone for a while but I'll start updating the site again starting with my Tokyo Game Show coverage next week. I'll spend 3 days in Tokyo and then head to the electronics show in Hong Kong. Stay tuned.

Bino Grip Controller

2008-06-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

I've designed this controller looking at a pair of Bushnell binoculars. The grips are vulcanized rubber over plastic and they open and close letting you adjust the piece for your hand size and finger lenght specs. Traditional controller design has grips that sit in your palms but little many players know; you mostly use your fingertips to stabilize the controller in your hand thus the short and small grips of a dualshock controller

Linited Edition MGS4 PS3 Unboxing

2008-06-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today finally has arrived and MGS4 is in the house. Check out the limted edition bundle unboxing video.

Projector on a Laptop

2008-06-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Computex is going on in Taipei. I didn't go this year, quite bummed about it; this show is usually a great venue for unique and innovative stuff coming out from Taiwan. I've spotted this Asus laptop on the web for example. It has a built in projector which is certainly a trend that will pick up in years to come.

Touch Turntables

2008-05-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with traditional DJing has been tough on me as vinyl gets pretty expensive especially if you want all the new stuff. I've messed with Serrato which let's me use my digital music and regular turntables to mix them but this new concept created by a student named Scott Hobbs in Dundee Univ. would be cooler to have. While he is working on to make the product marketable you can go to his design site and drool.

http://www.scotthobbs.co.uk/

MGS4 Limited Edition Console

2008-05-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

OMG; the blog turned into a MGS tribute site but o well; excited about the game; can't wait to play it. Here's the real special edition console I saw in Japan.

Behold! The Metal Gear Headset

2008-04-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

It's in production and it is on shelves by the game launch on June 12th.

Been working with contacts over at Konami and manufacturers in Asia to develop the licensed Metal Gear accessories for several months now. You are looking at the Solid Works renderings of the licensed headset which is being mass manufactured right now and will be available at game launch for $59.99.

It's a 2.0 Bluetooth headset with built in battery for PS3 as and it will also sync up with other BT compatible handsets.

- 8 hrs talk time

- 160 hrs standby

- 30' range

- Auto shut off

- Auto sync

I like the XBox360 headset. I like it because it's a solid gaming headset; I like the silicone loop; it's comfortable to wear. I like the oversized speaker cover with soft foam that sits on your ear rather than going in it to collect your ear wax. Industrial design was inspired by one of the MGS4 gizmos that Snake will use to gather intel in the game. It's the extension of his Solid Eye system where he can peek at his enemies with this camera on wheels. If you have a solid eye, notice this headset and go buy it in June.

Apple Tablet Concept

2008-03-28T14:49:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that Apple will soon take a stab in bringing back the tablet computer. I don't know if the tablet will look like my giant iPhone concept above but we should be certain of some things already:
- It will utilize multi-toch interface and utilize many iPhonesque functions and more
- It will have a Solid State drive and no moving parts
- It'll be light as a feather

I kind of wish it to be this extra widescreen UMPC style tablet which should be roughly the size of a full size laptop keyboard. What do you think Mr. Ive?

2008-03-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Let the milking of GranTurismo fans begin. Prologue is hitting shelves on April 15th for $39.99; it can also be downloaded for the same price. I've been playing the game for couple months now but there was a catch. I tricked a PS3 console in thinking it resides in Tokyo and downloaded the Japanese version; it was a bitch to get thru the JP screens though; now we can play it properly.

What should you expect from this Prologue to the GT5 game which is coming in Xmas?
- 60 cars: (don't worry the GT-R and EVO X GSR are there) - 6 tracks (London & Suzuka are my fav)
- Drift Mode
- Tuning on the fly
- Up to 16 player online
- This new cockpit view

Since these games started to look insanely realistic, I think now it's up to the hardware to allow the user to experience real driving feel. Logitech wheels are good built but not on coffee tables they don't feel realistic. We can tuck a giant home exercise rig under the couch, Prosumers everywhere need driving rigs to attach their wheels too; so they can tuck that under the couch when they're done driving. They need precise adjustment features on their gaming controller and they need 1080p TVs to experience these games in full resolution. If GT5 is going to make you say "enough; I am getting a PS3" and assume you have an old ass TV set; let's see what you need to shell out: PS3 $500 + 1080p display (say 32") $700 + Game $100 (Prologue + GT5) + Logitech Wheel $200 = $1500 + tax

You can go and buy a used Nissan 300ZX with that cash vs driving the simulation GT-R below but you wouldn't now would you?

Machines Building Machines

2008-03-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

One manufacturer was showing me this unmanned production line. A product which was done by 35 people production line just last year is now about 10 times faster when fully automized and runs 24/7.

Travelling 220 mph

2008-03-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am back from Asia and I have to tell you that it was a fast paced trip. Stayed in 6 different hotels over 14 days. First time this trip I've also visited Zuoying which is a town south of Taiwan. Unfortunately, I can not yet tell you what I was doing there but the way I got there was pretty exciting. I took this bullet train from Taipei doing 350km/h top speed. Check out the video.

Hong Kong Bound

2008-03-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

I am off to Hong Kong in few hours. After spending about a week there working on my products, I will go to Taiwan for another week. I will try to post stuff but do have an insane schedule so expect the detailed trip notes after my return.

Once Woman, Now Monster

2008-03-05T20:41:00.001-08:00

You've been seeing them making my blog pretty, they are cunning and they are deadly. Let me introduce them to you. These are a group of villains from the 4th and possibly the final instalment of the Metal Gear Solid game, Guns of the Patriots, which is hopefuly coming on June 12th if Kojima doesn't delay it one more time. This is Laughing Octopus and Doc Oc has sh*t on her. We'll know why she is laughing very soon but then I already have a feeling that Snake will be the last one to laugh.

In this version we see Snake in near future. He got old but refined. He will fight (or sneak) his way through enemies and reveal final details about D.A.R.P.A. and Metal Gear project. This is Raging Raven. You remember the badass Raven from the first game with his F16 Vulcan gun; I wonder if there is any relation.

In the new MGS, country A invades country B in the Middle East which is the new venue for Snake's adventures. It sure sounds like something we're witnessing nowadays. This is Crying Wolf. I remember a woman, Sniper Wolf, from the first game; she was a Kurdish militia who fell in love with a Turkish guy from enemy lines who happened to be the Big Boss. I sure am looking forward to find out what made her cry.

These villains were once woman and they transformed into these monsters. They used to help Country A's cause and now out of control or under someone else's. We'll get to know them much better in the game. This is Screaming Mantis and she is my favorite already. Got to love a woman who thinks she's in control.

I studied International Relations in college and the first MGS storyline helped me to get an A+ in a final exam once. I just can't wait to get my hands on the new game. Metal Gear Solid 4 will be the best game EVAR!

Giant Earbuds

2008-03-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

I thought it was pretty clever; it's from a company called Fred. Here's their pitch

Sometimes bigger IS really better, especially when it comes to sound. That’s why we took a puny pair of earbuds, put them in Fred’s highly technical Way Big machine, and created 500XL - it’s 500 times the size of the original! How great will these look on your desktop alongside your mp3 player or PC? 500XL includes a built-in amp and 3-way power - it runs on batteries; you can connect it to your PC’s USB port with the supplied cord; or plug it into the wall with a generic power supply (not included). The stand-up, peggable clamshell packaging really makes a statement

www.worldwidefred.com

Macro Art

2008-03-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

Sony PSP Optic Reader via Cybershot T30 :: click to enlarge

Light Cast HDMI

2008-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever find yourself behind your entertainment system trying to figure out where that damn cable supposed to plug in? With the Light Cast HDMI cable your frustration comes to an end. OK, I know this is not groundbreaking and a cable is a cable and you plug it once and forget about it. Yet with HDMI cables having huge margin buffers why not have some unique features built in? Monster Cable calls out platinum plated contacts for their HDMI cables as if it means a thing for a digital cable which is supposed to transmit nothing but ones and zeros.

MGS4 Cover Art

2008-02-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

I saw this cover art leaking to major gaming blogs and Konami not denying it as the official MGS4 game cover. I asked my Konami contact; Todd K; and he says; "yup, this is it" Just can't wait till the game release; got to find a way to get my hands on a beta copy.

Memory Lane: The Original Wii Zapper

2008-02-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Many will remember; it was the Wii E3 debut back in 2006. It was such an exciting time for gaming industry; despite of Sony and their big and massive PS3; Wii truly stole that show as everybody met this new norm of interactive gaming for the first time. Now that couple years passed and there is a new Wii peripheral coming out almost every day; I remember Nintendo's original gun concept back from E306; it was behind the glass so we never get to hold it but it was looking beautiful. Nunchuk built into the grip which was probably was a seperate button itself, it still is a much better product concept than any other that ever came out for Wii. I don't understand why Nintendo dropped it.

Do-It-All Accessory Concept for iPod

2008-02-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here's another product of my multipurpose peripherals fixation. An iPod accossory concept that will serve 3 purposes; it will protect your iPod, double as a viewing stand and provide external power. Best of all worlds. You all know by now that iPods are designed to last couple years and their battery will make you go buy another one; with this product you might as well keep yours for a little longer as it's shiny and new in this protective hard casing.

Macro Art

2008-02-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Took this picture with a Cybershot T30 and in magnifying glass macro mode. It's the bottom of my RC car and its tiny flywheel; 2cm in diameter to be exact. Click image to enlarge.

Keyboard Case for PSP

2008-02-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

We're expecing a PSP 1st party keyboard sometime soon. Actually, PSP needed a keyboard eversince the 2.0 firmware update with the browser but somehow it never happened. Anyhow, I am sure the one Sony making will worth the wait. Since I've been programmed with a 3rd party mentality and a big fan of multipurpose peripherals; I'd have made a soft keyboard for PSP sewn inside a protective case.

Snake Cam for PSP

2008-02-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

If you had a 3rd eye where would you want it? I am telling you; although you'd look charismatic with one on your forehead; I'd probably prefer one on my finger tip. This way, I can peak at the corners, slide under doors, do all the SWAT perv stuff one can imagine. Now that the PSP camera is out in the market and it's pretty much doing nothing for Sony; maybe it's time for ProsumeThis to redesign it for them. Check out my snake cam for PSP; it is a camera at the end of a flex cable and complete with 2 tiny flash lights to shed light to dark places.

I have to tell you that I was inspired by a new Metal Gear Solid character, Laughing Octopus, while thinking this camera. Obviosly Kojima was inspired by Doc Oc but she looks way cooler than him. So as a side note; in the new Metal Gear game Snake has to deal with these 4 monsters that were once woman. Laughing Octopus is one of them.

Independent Drum Pedal Concept

2008-02-27T00:03:00.000-08:00

Another Rock Band product idea of mine was an independent drum pedal. If you played the game you'll realize that the drum pedal has a short spiral cable and the set up forces the player to use the pedal in straight position. Some might prefer to have the pedal at an angle. You wear this pedal and it has a button facing the floor so everytime you tap your feet on the ground you pressed the pedal. Heck, it might even help the noise issues; shall make an anti-eviction kit and bundle this with some drum silencers.

Invention: Tambourine Mic

2008-02-26T23:45:00.000-08:00

I created this product concept for Rock Band game while thinking unique peripherals that would further enhance the game. At certain parts in the game you do actually need to tap on the mic to replicate a tambourine effect but why not do it in style? Sadly, this idea got shot down as a gaming peripheral but I wonder if it can have other usage? I do believe it'd be really cool to actually see Steven Tyler with one of these on stage one day.

Save the Vinyls

2008-02-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

Numark can help you out with this turntable with built in iPod dock which will set you back $199. I own some vinyls and a Numark Battle Station to go with them but quite frankly I don't mess with DJing as much as before yet it'd be nice to record the music digitally so I can also listen them on the go.

Another DJ equipment I've been watching is the Pacemaker. This is a pocket DJ system letting you mix your digital tunes on your fingertips. On second thought; both of these gadgets are probably a disgrace to real DJing but hey no one really knows what you're doing behind that set up anyways; you could be playing pre-recorded sets for all we know.
www.pacemaker.net

Solid Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Deal

2008-02-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

I've been a big fan of the Metal Gear series and today I learned the launch date for the 4th game; Guns of the Patriots; it is June 12th. Sony also announced a MGS4 PS3 bundle which includes an 80G PS3, the game and the Dual Shock3 for $499 which is a great deal actually. I wonder if there will be some sort of MGS graphic treatment on the PS3 console itself. Just like the red GOW PSP below. Metal Gear will sell a lot of PS3s.

UPDATE: Judging by the box image; PS3 will be in classic black. Everyone seems to drool over the box art but there is a major design flaw on it actually. Check out Snake's reflection on the PS3; since it's the mirrored image of Snake's 2D rendering it's not realistic as a true reflection; if it was you should be able to see his inner thigh in this pose.

Destination Playstation

2008-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Destination Playstation is a Sony event and it's going on as I write this. For the next 3 days Sony will entertain their customers, buyers, vendors and show them what's coming down their product pipes. There have been numerous new product announcements today but the God of War edition blood red PSP was probably the most attractive of all.

1080p on Office Desk

2008-02-25T16:23:00.001-08:00

Have all the toys at home but I have to admit that I'm pretty lucky when it comes to work related gadgets I have to surround myself with also. When I needed a monitor for my office desk the IT guy Evan was kind enough to hook me up with a 24 incher. All I asked for was HDMI interface with 1080p output and LG's Flatron happens to be the smallest size my company has access to. It cost $599 + tax & shipping; not a bad deal even for home use actually with its decent 3000:1 contrast ratio and 1900 x 1200 resolution. Hooked up my laptop - (VGA), PS3 - (HDMI) and the Wii - (Component); no ports left for the Xbox 360

(don't really give a sh*t) Life's pretty pretty good now ;)

Neat iPhone Dock

2008-02-25T15:34:00.000-08:00

My friend Keiko over at PowerSupport (a.k.a. Pawasapo) gave me an iPhone dock to test. It's made out of airplane grade aluminum with tilt adjustment and complete with soft suede lining to comfortably hug your iPhone. It's a well made product; it's not in Apple stores yet but soon will be for $59.99. Contrary to their name; Power Support does not deal with power products at all; they are known for their quality screen protectors for iPod's and Apple laptops as well as high quality accessories made out of aluminum complimenting Apple's sleek metal look such as on the Mac Book Pro or G5s. Small but an effective organization ran by an attractive Japanese entrepreneur. She speaks very slowly with well chosen words and it's just soothing to listen her talk tech.

http://www.powersupportusa.com/

Garage GT is Home!

2008-02-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

GarageGT has moved to its new location in San Diego and it's looking better than ever. New place is 4 or 5 times the old location and it can hold 12 cars while 6-7 of them are being worked on. This place used to be the Ferrari showroom so it came preloaded with a long list of coolness such as the checkered flooring, great lighting and a racing theme in general, fitting GarageGT's image perfectly.

In other good news for this premium JDM tuner; the MIG Supra project is complete and Cenk's first car (once his daily driver) is up and running and with a big roar. Naturally it's not street legal but this monster car done up with all mods one can imagine is most likely the fastest drag Supra in SoCal with apprx 1200hp under its hood. To see GarageGT project cars in action in Laguna Seca or Streets of Willow; goto http://www.youtube.com/

Cenk did it up inside the lounge / showroom area as well and prepared a comfortable and fun place to spend your time while your car is becoming faster, more reliable and most importantly; unique! The lounge room features a large flat screen so you can watch Option DVDs or play GranTurismo on a PS3.

GarageGT became the best tune shop in San Diego in just 5 years and well on its way to be the best shop ever as it promises quality workmanship and a tasteful character for your ride. Congratulations!

http://prosumethis.blogspot.com/2007/07/garagegtcom-re-visited.html

What We Play?

2008-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

I was playing with my newly acquired software NPD data and wanted to see which game genres are selling the most. It wasn't surprising to see the music genre being on top with almost 1.2billion in sales thanks to Guitar Hero & Rock Band, or the FPS in the second. What is sad to see is that the old huge genres such as Racing or Fighting are the bottom of barrel now. Then again; this is the year of GT as well as Street Fighter is making a big come back. Let's see how will these will effect the bars.

Wii Fit US Edition?

2008-02-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

Wii Fit has hit Japan sometime ago and sold a million units in couple weeks. This Nintendo branded scale is targeting Wii players with who wants to be concious of their physique and entertain themselves with mini games or step exercises. We have been waiting for a Europe and US release date for the peripheral which has been finally made public today. Accordingly, Europe will have the Wii Fit on April 25th and US release is on May 19th. Now get this; a very reliable source working on licensed accessories for Nintendo told me that the US release of the scale is pushed back because Nintendo had to adjust the very precise mechanics of the balance board to be able to handle 400lb on the US version vs the maximum 300lb limit on the Japanese version. Speaks pretty damn loud. Shame on Nintendo for not doing their homework. 70% of the population is overweight here.

So long HD DVD

2008-02-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

It's not official yet but all indicators show that we're in HD DVD death watch. After the Warner announcement back in CES, HD DVD never recovered. Best Buy's decision followed by WalMart's yesterday as they are going to carry Blu Ray format moving forward also. I feel quite sad for those consumers who spent all that cash on HD DVD. Well Sony's revenge was harsh as they got back at Toshiba for beating Beta with their VHS & I believe this was the last of the physical format wars.

Is this Apple's gaming Normandy?

2008-02-10T12:58:00.002-08:00

Apple just applied for trademark protection for handheld devices that play electronic games. Patent classified as follows:
"toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game machines; electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games."

With Apple's recent patents on multi touch interface for gaming devices; this is enough proof that we should be expecting a gaming handheld from Apple pretty soon. Just don't call it iPippen.

iShower Speaker for iPod Nano

2008-02-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Nice iPod speaker concept from Japanese designer Kaori Iwatsuru. Idea is to match your showerware with this see thru waterproof iPod Nano case complete with which I thought could be a passive speaker. This way you don't really have to change batteries either.

SneakBook for PSP or DSL

2008-02-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

Reading is good for you kids; but video games are even better for you! They improve your analitical thinking and help you make quick decisions under pressure. For example: look at this perfect justification I just came up with. The fact is that video games will teach you stuff you'll definately need once you grow up. Your parents or your teachers will not embrace this truth so quickly. So, let them think you're reading with this cool invention. You can rock your handheld games with this playthru "case" and keep your games and accessories safe from harm. Optional sleeves include Mein Kampf, Idiot's Guide to Video Games & Thomas More's Utopia

UPDATE: Well, I got some bad news; we blatantly pitched this concept in a product development meeting and it got shot down like a Kurdish chopper in Northern Iraq. We've even dreamed up a stylus in disguise of a highlighter for the Nintendo DS version. O well, it's not going to be a mass market item just yet; not every author was understood from get go; maybe it was the book covers that turned the execs off; hmm; now kids; while we figure out a way to re-pitch this; find a book and an exacto knife, you'll know what to do next.

Sphere Controller Concept

2008-02-06T18:01:00.001-08:00

Joystiq held a design competition way back during PS3 launch. It was a mystery how the new PS3 controller was going to look like and they asked their readers to pitch in. Sony played it safe and kept the Dual Shock design but I recall this cool concept submitted by one Adam Portilla. It's a sphere shape controller and I believe it'd be quite ergonomic to hold it too. I'll prototype one and will update it here with feedback. Kudos to Adam indeed. I think it can never be a mass marketed item but would make a very nice special edition licensed controller. Katamari Damacy maybe?

Leak: Sony Ericsson Phone called Alona

2008-02-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

There is a european mobile phone show coming up next week and as a show classic you expect to see some concept phone leaks from companies; I saw a couple today but the noteworthy one is this one from Sony Ericsson called Alona. I can't tell how thin it is but it sure is a slider with a touch control interface on the front. Safe to assume it has a MS Duo port on the side. japanese design influence; it loosk quite yummy indeed. Will update this with pricing and availablity details after the show.

UPDATE: W980; HSDPA, 2.2" TFT (240 x 320), 8GB mem, 3.2MP camera, BT, FM Radio, Turns out to be a clamshell design afterall. In stores June 2008

Paper Thin Lighting

2008-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

Check out this electroluminescent light module and imagine the possibilities. The way it glows is that each cell has a phosphor ink compound and you apply a certain current.

A good application could be to make a funky dance pad for DDR to light up your dance floor 70s disco style. The below pad is from carbon Flux and it does light up yes but also sets you back $500 plus it's one ginormous pad.

Pocket Projectors

2008-01-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Pocket projectors are pretty cool and becoming a consumer item. Wait few more years and you'll be attaching them to your phone and such.

PSP Phone

2008-01-12T23:47:00.001-08:00

Sony announced Skype for PSP during CES. You can use standard PSP headset to make Skype calls; PSP to PSP or PC is free. PSP to landline is $29.99 a year and you get a unique number for your PSP. I thought about this concept for PSP2000; I know it will make you look like an uber geek but still if PSP is becoming a phone; this is how you hold a phone.

Garage GT Driving Rig

2008-01-12T23:43:00.000-08:00

I've seen similar ones at CES but I'd like to show you my friend Cenk's (GarageGT) driving sim set up. Recaro seat, custom frame and 360 wireless wheel. Still has some stability issues but overall it's a great set up in front of a 150" curtain. A mass market product should have a sturdy frame where you can attach your wheel but where do you store it? Makes me think of those home excersize equipments where you can place them under the couch after you're done. At that point it's up to you if you want to buy a Recaro seat or just use your good ol La-Z-Boy.

Porsche Design Radio

2008-01-12T23:39:00.000-08:00

Porsche design AM/FM radio.

Logitech Keyboard

2008-01-12T23:38:00.000-08:00

Logitech Universal Wireless Keyboard; perfect for Windows Media Center and Playstation 3.

Belkin Tune Dock Groped

2008-01-12T23:33:00.000-08:00

Remember the Belkin Tune Dock I blogged during last year's CES; it was behind the glass. This year it was up and running and I had a chance to pla with it. It's a brilliant device which let's you mix tunes from your iPod and adjust all the adjustables of sound. It will sell for $199.99 and it worths every penny. Furthermore; I learned that the company that produce this item for Belkin is one of my company's vendors. I met them over at CES also and they are one of the best vendors I've ever encountered. Kepp up the good work guys.

RF Tank in Action

2008-01-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

Found a Korean company in the dark corners of the Asian pavillion. They came up with a unique wireless chipset which lets the user to control this "tank" with your Playstation controller. Tank operates in 75" range and complete with a motorized camera on top. These guys are my new best friends. This product must be a mass market one. It'd be fun to play with it.

Gift for Grandpa

2008-01-12T23:26:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine grandpa chasing aftet you in the frozen food section with one of these; sheesh

Lebedev Delivered

2008-01-12T23:23:00.000-08:00

Art Lebedev, talented Russian designer; been pitching the Optimus keyboard for almost 5 years now. It has been a pretty image on the paper for a long time but first time this CES we were able to touch the actual thing. Lebedev's keyboard features a small OLED screen for each key on this full QWERTY keyboard and you can customize it with your PC or via memory card slot. Will set you back $1500; yikes.

Note: Met Lebedev at his booth and he tells me he'd like to make a gaming version with less keys. Hmm...

Wireless Charging is Real

2008-01-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Wildcharge got an innovations award with the first wireless chaging pad. It'll charge any handheld with Li-Ion and Ni-Mh batteries wirelessly; you just need to place the handheld on the pad and it'll trickle charge. Amazing technology and destined to be very widespread. This model will sell for $99.99

CES Time of the year

2008-01-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. Consumer Electronics Show is starting Monday. I am going to skip the first day madness and fly in Tuesday as usual. I am planning to spend more time at Sands expo where I spotted increased number of up and coming Japanese & Taiwanese companies in gaming last year. I am also interested in realtime digital HD recording, plasma fual cells, flexible displays and new bright LEDs, flat SMD lighting. It would be nice to go check out the laser TV at the Mitsubishi booth too.

GARAGEGT.COM RE-VISITED

2007-07-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

GarageGT.com kicked off back in 2002 - Cenk Ocakoglu, a true car guy, was creating his future business plans while graduating from SDSU with an MBA. His decided to open up a performance shop and asked me if I can help him with the website design. I decided to be a part of the project and designed a GranTurismo inspired website. GarageGT was up and running as of 2003 and now in 2007, it's a reputable tuner shop in San Diego. O:Z design is still revisiting the project from Los Angeles and just did some updates for this premium JDM tuner garage's home. Check it out at http://www.garagegt.com/

Champion of Handheld Computing

2007-02-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

This little handheld computer from Sony does it all. One seen in the image is the latest rev from Vaio group, the UX390, 32G flash based memory, 4.5" touchscreen, state of the art processor, slide up screen exposing a backlit keyboard; Wi-fi, Bluetooth caps, and pretty much everything a high-end laptop can also offer. The benchmark of handheld computing in this day and age with no challengers in sight. Will set you back about two grands which is essentially a steal :)

CNET review: http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VAIO_UX390N/4505-3126_7-32306444.html?tag=pdtl-list

So long Clippy

2007-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of Microsoft's most successful decisions lately; they've killed Clippy; u know; the annoying icon of MS Office help that kept popping on your screen making you feel like a retard of some sort is gone now.

Cell Phone Analog Stick Concept

2007-02-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Eversince I beat the snake game by filling my Nokia screen completely I quit playing games on cell phones. But this concept from a Russian design house might get me back into games on my cell.

http://www.industrialdesign.ru/project_09_eng.html

Rollable Display Coming to Handhelds

2007-02-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Well I've suggested this concept for the next PSP but looks like Polymer Vision is coming up with this e-reader soon; I found out this company Polymer Vision is pretty big on this rollable displays and they should be growing rapidly; too bad they are privately owned still and we can't buy their stock. No price or availability info yet but this is a 2007 product. Color screens should follow in couple years. This is the next screen trend in portable electronics. Watch out

Update: Here's a closeup of the screen itself;