If you’re a guitarist, you own an iOS device, and you’re down with using digital tech, DigiTech (by Harman) has put out what could be the last stompbox you’ll ever need. Or at least the last one until you need a wah-wah pedal. Anyway, the iStomp basically works like every other guitar effects pedal, but this one can hook up with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for downloading new pedal sounds, tweaking settings, or creating entirely new effects using a matching free app.

Like typical analog stompboxes, the iStomp plugs between the guitar and your amp, but adds an extra connector for hooking up with an iOS device running the Digitech Stomp Shop App. It also features four physical knobs for tuning, as well as a customizable LED light that can be set to show different color depending on the effect being used.

The iStomp costs $230 and comes with two standard effects – Total Recall Digital Delay and Redline Overdrive. One more effect can be bought from the DigiTech Stomp Shop App can be bought for $0.99 after buying the kit, but downloads after that will cost “as little as” $4.99. The Stomp Shop lists more than 20 different pedals (check out the list of available effects with audio samples here), with more coming soon.

Glass maker corning has published a new video that shows their concept of the future, filled with glass tablets, touchscreen walls, and other trippy virtual technologies. The video basically covers what could be possible in the future – or at least what’s possible with glass, mobile, and touchscreen technologies – in education, the medical industry, transportation, energy, domestic life, plus an awesome concept on what could be done in a nature park using  augmented reality (spoiler: it has dinosaurs!). If you only had the time to watch just one future concept video this week, watch this one. It’ll make you wish you were born in the future, or at least make you hope you could live long enough to see it happen. Amazing video after the break.

Interested in looking at how it all could work? Corning also published an “unpacked” version of the video that breaks down the tech behind the concepts, explaining what’s possible and what’s not – or at least not right now:

Is Apple planning to add a camera to the next-gen iPod nano? According to the images shared by Apple.pro, they might be. According to the post, the photographed nano prototype features the same compact square case, but with a noticeable hole at the back that’s filled with a mobile camera’s bits and pieces.

The design reportedly ran into some issues though. It features a1.3MP cam that’s said to be prone to taking overexposed photos, while a 2MP camera that was tested also proved to come up with below-standard images.

While it’s not impossible for Apple to experiment with such designs, it doesn’t make sense to add a camera to the next nano. Anyone who rocks a nano is likely to also be packing a mobile phone, and today’s average phone cam should be better than whatever they can fit into the nano’s tight frame. Adding the ability to take photos would also take up an already-limited storage space, not to mention the added cost that could push the price enough to make it impractical to choose over the iPod touch. And besides, that screen is simply too small to appreciate photos.

For all we know, this is just one of the prototypes that just wasn’t good enough to make it to production. If we had to choose a feature for the next nano, we’d rather they find a way to add Bluetooth for use with wireless headphones. That way, wearing it as a wristwatch wouldn’t make it too awkward with a headphone cable running from our wrists to our ears.

[via MIC Gadget]

Are you looking to go places but you don’t want to spend for gas or arrive as a wheezing, sweaty mess? Check out what Boxx Corporation just put out. Called the Boxx, this unique box-on-two-wheels is basically an electric bike – or something that we all could be using for personal transportation in a few years if gas prices continue to go up. We say “personal” because it’s a bit too small to fit your date in, since the Boxx is only a meter long; just enough for (ideally) fitting one rider. Despite the size limitations, the 120-pound Boxx is still a pretty capable man-hauler, with a build that’s listed capable of taking 300 pounds of weight for a ride.

Technically, it’s not really a “bike” (if “bike” strictly means “bicycle” to you), since it doesn’t have pedals you can push on with. You could think of it as a compact electric moped instead, but with a far more interesting design. Built using aluminum to keep it light, the Boxx is equipped by a modular power system that can top out at 35 miles per hour, and sports a number of built-in modern goodies such as onboard storage, all-wheel drive and an anti-lock brakes, and LED lights.

The whole package starts at $3995 with a bike that’s powered by a standard CORE power module, which gives it a 40 mile range and a 4-hour charge. Other upgrades are available from here, starting with an upgraded CORE 2 power module (for an 80 mile range on a 1-hour charge) for $599, and a heated seat for $149.

External customizations are also available when you place your order, with ten colors and two styles to choose from. Check out Boxx’s configure page here.

[via PC World]

Nike+ has just introduced the FuelBand, a new iOS-connected product that’s described to help people who want to be “more active.” To do that, the wristband measures and displays four different metrics: time, calories, steps and NikeFuel. NikeFuel is basically technology that measures movement through the wrist that gets boiled down to a measurable number.

The data it collects can then be synced with the Nike+ website via USB or through an iPhone app to record activity and track progress. Basically, it’s supposed to help you reach certain daily goals (using NikeFuel points), showing you how much you’ve done, and how much more you need to do to reach it.

Or, just wear it for kicks if you don’t care much for sweating it out. If you’re the type of dude who wears those baller IDs and Live Strong bracelets, then consider this a high-tech version for geeks. One that costs $149.
Release dates haven’t been revealed, but it’s available now for pre-order.

If the rumors are true, then we’re about a month away from an official introduction and about a couple of months away from an iPad 3 launch day. Of course, that means we’re about to get the usual rotation of accessories from China, usually cases that may or may not match the final product. Right on cue, some new cases just popped up from accessory maker Chinee, showing designs that match rumored descriptions of the iPad 3, but labeled as the Hypercover for the “iPad 2S”.

The cases being peddled by the company fits an tablet that looks similar to the iPad 2, but measure about 1mm thicker – which coincides with a number of reports that the upcoming iPad is going to be a bit thicker to fit the updated spec. Chinee also mentions that the case designs are based on details from Apple’s Asian suppliers.

In any case, it’s unwise to go looking for a case this early anyway. Historically, there have always been early reports of this sort for Apple products, but they aren’t always accurate. During last year’s “iPhone 5” hype period, a number of early cases have pointed to an iPhone with a bigger screen size and a curved, iPod touch-like back. Ultimately, Apple came out with the iPhone 4S that’s shaped exactly like the iPhone 4.

[via 9to5Mac]

Nissan (yes, the car company) has announced that they’ll be entering the mobile accessory business with a new protective case specifically designed for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Called the Scratch Shield case, the simple shell is made of ABS plastic and molded to fit the iPhone perfectly. While it looks simple enough (you’ve seen plastic iPhone cases before, right?), the Scratch Shield comes with a unique feature that allows it to “heal” itself to get rid of fine scratches.

The unique healing feature is made possible by Nissan’s Scratch Shield paint, the paint technology that the company uses on their Infiniti automobiles. The paint technology features a chemical structure that allows it to react to damage by reverting back to its original shape to fill the gaps caused by scratches. The process takes between an hour and a week depending on the severity of the damage.

Sounds like an awesome idea, right? Unfortunately, the case is still a prototype undergoing testing and is not commercially available yet. Nissan mentioned that they’ll start producing them for later this year if there’s demand for it.

Press release:

WORLD’S FIRST SELF-HEALING iPhone CASE

Nissan brings automotive innovation to the world of technology

• Nissan announces unique self-healing iPhone case – the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case
• The case uses innovations from the automotive world to create a robust iPhone case, including Nissan’s pioneering self-healing paint finish
• Nissan’s Scratch Shield paint is a world first in paint technology that allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves
• Addition benefits such as scratch-resistant and easier-to-grip than normal glossy phone surfaces
• The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is made from ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry to create a more rigid, robust, and tighter-fitting case
• Trial underway with initial batch of prototypes

Rolle, Switzerland, 16 January 2012: Nissan today announced the latest piece of must-have kit for the iPhone* – a ground-breaking self-healing iPhone case. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand’s pioneering self-healing paint finish, a world first in paint technology developed in 2005 and already used on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models. Now this ground-breaking technology has been applied to a product that’s prone to scratches through everyday use – the smartphone – with Nissan’s new Scratch Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking at its best for longer.

Developed by Nissan in collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc., the unique Scratch Shield paint finish was initially designed for automotive use and is available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the Infiniti range of products.  Now, thanks to Nissan’s pioneering approach, this technology is being trialled for the first time on a non-automotive product in Europe, with the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case.

The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefits: the highly flexible and elastic properties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves**; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer ‘paint’ is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap – ‘healing’ the blemish.

An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for BETA testing with selected journalists and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year.

Bob Laishley, Overseas Programme Director Business Development for Nissan in Europe, said: “We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we’ve got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues. The Scratch Shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive technology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shifting the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product.

“We’re really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we’ve already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the Scratch Shield technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the automotive world. We’re passionate about innovations that get people excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre.”

Nissan has been licensing its unique technologies for various non-automotive applications since 2004. Other technologies that have been licensed include its Miniature Thermal Imaging Sensor: initially designed to make driving at night safer by detecting the presence of people even in places not illuminated by the car’s headlights; the technology has been licensed to create a device which allows customers to monitor heat generation, or collect temperature readings via infrared sensor. Nissan will continue to research and develop breakthrough technologies that can benefit other industries, and promote these non-automotive applications globally.

Nissan has long been an innovator when it comes to advancements in the automotive world, heralding the start of a remarkable new era in motoring when it launched the first Crossover, the Nissan Murano, followed by the hugely-successful Qashqai and recently joined by the Juke – with its innovative fusion of compact SUV and sports car styling. Nissan’s range of crossovers has since gone from strength to strength, with the Nissan Qashqai selling more than a quarter of a million models last year in Europe and the newly launched Juke having now notched-up 120 thousand sales. Built in Nissan’s manufacturing plant in the UK, these two models helped the plant break its all-time production record to build 480 thousand units in 2011.

Currently the Nissan Juke-R, another Nissan Innovation combining the transmission, drive train and engine of a Nissan GT-R with a Juke, is being put to the test on the streets of Dubai.  To celebrate this event, Nissan has joined forces with Ministry of Sound, who will be hosting a pre-race party for Nissan with internationally renowned DJ Pete Tong, to release the first 100 of the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case prototypes.

Designed to be “ideal” for the iPod, iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy S series (along with other music players thanks to a generic 3.5mm connector), the case still provides access to the device even when it’s inside the case, letting you play music through the speakers or take phone calls using the SmashBox Pro’s built-in microphone and speakerphone function.

Device operation can be done via external buttons, which can be used to control volume, track skips and answer phone calls. It’s powered by two AA batteries to avoid draining the device’s batteries.

For traveling purposes, the SmashBox Pro comes with a hanging clip, carabiner and Velcro strap for clipping it just about anywhere from travel packs to a bike’s handlebar. To avoid draining the device’s batteries, the case comes powered by two AA batteries.

The DreamTraveler is basically an all-in-one charging station… that looks good. Or at least good enough to win the iF Design and CES Innovations award, thanks to a simple triangular design that features an Apple dock connector and two USB ports. It’s designed to charge an iPhone, iPod and iPad either through the slide-out dock connector, or through the USB ports.

Besides the iOS-leaning ports, it also works as an all-around power strip. One side of the triangular DreamTraveler sports three extra grounded outlets with surge protection for plugging in other devices. It also features an adjustable strip for keeping the cords neat.

The SmashBox Pro is due out in May for $25, while the DreamTraveler costs $70.

Casio Japan will be releasing their new G-SHOCK GB-6900 watch in March, a wristwatch that’s built with the typical G-SHOCK ruggedness but updated to support Bluetooth 4.0 LE (low-energy) tech – basically a Bluetooth connection that consumes less power than your garden-variety Bluetooth (despite the live connection, Casio says the watch’s battery is still good to last two years). Like a number of Bluetooth-enabled wristwatches that we’ve seen before, the GB-6900 will be able to display info for incoming calls, as well as alerts for e-mail and text messages. The Bluetooth tech will also let it sync the time with paired smartphones.

The wireless connectivity option allows it to work with newer smartphones that support the Bluetooth 4.0 standard – a standard that’s supported by the iPhone 4S, as well as the upcoming Android-based NEC LTE N04D and Medias PP N-01D phones in Japan.

It was supposed to go on sale in December 2011, but the release has been delayed to mid-March due to the recent flooding in Thailand. It’s listed to go for 18,000 yen (around US$230) once it goes on sale.

Apparel designer and (former) tattoo artist Ed Hardy is the latest celebrity from the fashion world to enter the tech arena by outing a new line of headphones and ear buds. Okay, slapping a name and graphics on a headset probably isn’t that tech-y, but it’s still something you’d use with a smartphone, music player or tablet, so there you go. The new line includes two pairs of over-ear headphones and three sets of in-ear buds.

The headphones and in-ear kits are all pretty similar, with the two stereo headphones featuring differing colors and graphics (the red one is called the EH New Tiger, while the blue kit features a Skull and Bones design), while the “Tiger Ear Buds” come in different colors (blue, black and gold).

Not much tech in these kits – the $66 stereo headphones feature 40mm speakers, 20-20,000 Hz frequency range and 32 ohm impedance, while the $29 in-ears rock 8mm speakers, 20-18,000Hz frequency range and a 32 ohm impedance – so we’re guessing you’d buy these for their tribal/tattoo-y designs. Not sure if that’s still the in-thing in 2012, but you know where to get them if you want ‘em.

The Tiger Ear Buds also come with a built-in microphone for use as hands-free accessories with a phone.

[via ChipChick]