Tune of the week 31st March 2008

Tune of the Week at the end of March is.... Chris Brown - With You

Sweet Tune that makes you want to twirl around just like brezzy on the video!

Storm Riders 2

After a 10 year calm period, a storm is brewing once again at the announcement of Storm Riders 2.

The next movie will not be a direct sequal to the first, however it will be a new adventure with the original cast from the first movie, minus Sonny Chiba, but plus more Hong Kong stars, such as Nicholas Tse, Charlene Choi, Simon Yam and Tiffiny Ma.

The Pang Brothers (Editors of the first movie and the 'Internal Affairs Trilogy') are taking the helm of this project and is in production in Thailand. It is said that the film will be using full indoor sets and an extensive use of CG.

Recently 13 character artworks have been online. Costume design is said to be taken charge by Oscar nominee and famous Hong Kong art producer, 'Hai Chung Man'. Vast differences can be seen when compared to the first movie.

(Images from 'Sina')

Bang & Olufsen Concept Touchless remote

'Joris van Gelder', is the desinger for the Bang & Olufsen touchless remote. It is said to 'respond to finger gestures and lifts and falls in concert with the volume.'

The idea is that the remote would be used in kitchens, so that with it being touchless, it would mean the user would not spread germs or bacteria when using a remote when cooking.

Transformers Convoy with iPod dock

The Autobots are even more disguise with a 21st Century upgrade.

'Optimus Prime' can now transform into the famous truck/convoy but now features an ipod dock and speakers.

The 'Music Label Transformers G1 Convoy iPod Speaker with Dock', will come with an all white paint finish, However 'Takara' have done a respray to a more familiar colour palette to the Optimus we know and love.

Bape Bearbrick 400%

The Hong Kong Bape store is about to have a few new packs of Medicom Toys Bape Bearbricks in this weekend.

The Bape Bearbricks will come in three classic Bape camo colours, Red, Grey and Blue. They will be available on March 29th 2008.

Also there is said to be a Navy colour edition which will be exclusive to 'Nigo's Favorite Shop members'

Lifted - Newest Pixar Short

Pixar, the world famous animation company, have released a new short to add to their collection, entitled,'Lifted'.

Everyone can relate to the dreaded feeling of being tested and the stress of being in an exam situation and maybe just sometimes people are not destined to do things...

X Files movie Sequel

After a 10 year absence, The X- Files, returns to the silver screens once again.

The next 'X-files movie', which has not yet been named, will mark the return of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as Agents Mulder and Scully, two FBI agents who investigate the paranormal.

It will be directed by the series creator, Chris Carter and will pick up six years after when the series ended.

Microsoft MS Surface

With the new itouch and Apple Mac air using new touch screen/ pad interfaces, it allows users to interact with thier data.

Mircosoft have also been busy researching and developing new ways to interact with information and media too, and have come up with the MS Surface or the 'Milan'.

Tokidoki Mimobots

Mimoco are to release three 'Tokidoki Mimobots USB drives', designed by Simone Legno on April 18th, 2008.

The designs are distinct from one another and are bright and colourful. Each of the three USB sticks has a name and are called, 'Pirate Nero, Pastaio, and Meletta'.

The USB drives will come in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB sizes and will be around just over 2" inches tall.

More info at http://www.mimoco.com/mimobots/tokidoki.php

Speed Racer

Get ready for some serious speed when 'Speed Racer' comes flying past in May 2008.

The Wachowski Brothers, who directed 'The Matrix Trilogy', are 'taking the wheel' so to speak, of this film. Speed Racer is a live action adaptation of the 1960s Japanese animated series, which was called 'Mach GoGoGo'.

The plot of Speed Racer centers all around automobile racing and will be starring Emile Hirsch (Girl next door, Alpha Dog), Christina Ricci (Black snake Moan), Rain ( Korean pop singer making his debut in Hollywood film), Mattew Fox (Lost), John Goodman (Rosanne, Monsters Inc) and Susan Sarandon ( Dead man walking, Enchanted).

ApriPoko - Robot Remote

Toshiba have developed a talking robot that can be used as a voice-operated universal remote control for a range of home appliances, called 'ApriPoko'

Standing at 11" inches tall and weighing only 2.3 kilogram, prototype robot learns how to use different remote controls just from asking questions and watching how you use them.

'ApriPoko' works by placing it in the living room and then it waits for someone to use a remote control. 'ApriPoko's sensors detects infrared rays when the remote is used.

The robot would speak up and ask 'What did you just do?' The user will then tell the robot what they did, for example 'I turned on the TV', and remembers the actions and details to memory, so the next time you want to turn on the TV, just simply tell 'ApriPoko' and it transmits the correct signal directly to the device.

'ApriPoko' is still in the research and development stages but Toshiba hopes to have a viable product very soon.

More news at http://robot.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/news/2008/03/26/958.html (Japanese)

Tokidoki - The Cactus Pups

Back in stock due to high demand on most online retailers is Tokidoki: Cactus Pups!

Tokidoki is the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand created by Italian artist Simone Legno back in 2005.

Tokidoki produces apparel and other products using art and iconic characters designed by Simone. Such products include vinyl toys, clothing and accessories. Tokidoki have also collaborated with 'Hello Kitty' and brought out 'bags'.

The 1" inch 'Pups' vary in colour and style aswell as having a different accessory that comes with each of them. There are 7 in total to collect.

Bape: Hong Kong Branch 2nd Anniversary, White Label Tiger Hoody, Nintendo Collaboration

Bape has been busy as usual and has quite a few new announcements to get off their chests. First off, on April 1st 2008, it will be the 2nd Anniversary of the Hong Kong branch, which has been very popular among everyone in Hong Kong. Expect when the time comes to be a big Bape party.

Also on April 1st, there has been an announcement that Bape will be joining up with Nintendo to make 2 special limited Edition DS lite consoles. The Italian plumber will be stylised in Baby Milo fashion.

The newest Hoody to be produced is the ' White Label Tiger Hoody' and to some Bape fans is known as the 'White tiger Hoody'. Covered in white, this hoody will have some high quality embroidery of a tiger on the hood and around the garment.

1Xtra Live!

Over the Easter Weekend, Coventry, UK was partying away with the stars of Hip Hop and RnB.

1Xrta Live was a event with an all star line up including artists :

Akon, Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Craig David, Estelle, Jay Sean, Taio Cruz, Tami Chynn, Mavado

You can find videos and listen to what was going on at http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xtralive/

Dunny French Series

With Easter just gone, Bunny's are still hopping around...in the shape of 'Kidrobot' Dunny French Series.

The 3" inch tall figures have all been designed by French artiest. In 2007, the French art scene had lots of new and upcoming talent making their mark on contemporary culture.

The Series consists of 19 figures, two of which are rare, not seen on the box designs. They all come in blind assortment.