Zune tune
Inspired by soft, comforting fabrics such as flannel and cotton, Microsoft’s “iPod killer” layers colored, sueded plastic for a distinctive look. The $249 Zune arrived in stores in mid-November and comes in white, black or brown. Pink and orange versions are rumored to be next. Zune holds 7,500 songs, samples of which can be wirelessly zapped to other Zunes.
Appearances matter
Dutch design group Ego Lifestyle reworks the laptop with materials such as wood and zebra stripes. The Tulip Ego costs $5,000 and is available in white, raspberry or black at Barneys New York.
Bubbly dress
A Philips research project on “emotional sensing” resulted in several garments that express the emotions and personality of the wearer. The Bubelle dress’ outer layer of bubbles is illuminated by patterns that change according to body states picked up by the dress’ inner layer of skin sensors.