Lost and Found
These sneaks can’t sneak away, because they come with a GPS homing device embedded in their soles. The global positioning system chip transmits its location via satellite to a cell phone, laptop or emergency services. Maker Fele Holding Corp. of Miami said it believes the shoes will have practical applications, such as finding lost children and adults with dementia. The shoes will retail for approximately $285; the wireless service that connects the data to as many as 10 destinations costs $30 a month. Fele said it hopes to sell the shoes through department stores starting in August.
White, Black, Red and Loud
The Geneva XL sound system amplifies an iPod and comes in black, red or white lacquered wood. The 600-watt XL will retail for approximately $1,075.
Music Interrupted
Doffing Headphones, from London-based design student Synnove Fredericks, solve a newfangled problem with old-fashioned manners. If you’re listening to music and you run into someone you know, you can gesture hello by lifting the armpiece up and away, much as a gentleman might have once doffed his hat. Or you can tuck it under an arm if you stop for conversation. This conceptual prototype is made of tortoiseshell acetate, brass and holly wood. A working version would use the Bluetooth wireless technology standard to transmit music. The idea was inspired by “mobile clubbing” parties in London, where people gather in public places to drink cocktails and dance to their iPods. Doffing Headphones will be demonstrated in an ongoing fashion show at the CTIA Wireless conference in Las Vegas this week.