Toy Trends | Zhu Zhu Hamsters Toy Hit of Holiday Shopping Season

Toy Trends

Zhu Zhu Hamsters continue to be the hit of the holiday toy season, and with good reason: they create a strong emotion and attachment in those using them.

Not only do Zhu Zhu's draw on human emotions, but have a few themselves; each one with a unique personality and likes. Even the interesting names like "Mr. Squiggles," "Num Nums," Pipsqueek," and "Chunk" make you feel like you know them some.

Not only can you enjoy the little Zhu Zhu hamsters, but there are a ton of accessories you can use to create a great play city if you choose to. There are things like a car and garage, slide and ramp, sleep dome, and numerous other things you can add to the fun.

Another interesting element to the interaction is some of the hamsters prefer to be loved on, and chatter away when they're spend time with, while others prefer to explore, and they'll run around at any excuse or curiosity.

Great fun! Just be sure if you find one you get one, as they're getting harder and harder to acquire the closer you get to Christmas because of the extraordinary popularity of the Zhu Zhu Hamsters.

Toy Trends

Christmas Trends | Thomas Kinkade Art

Christmas Trends




I don't think I've ever found something by Thomas Kinkade I didn't like, and that's true with this work of art depicting the night before Christmas.

All those lights on in the house seem to speak of nobody wanting to go to bed because of their excitement, and their color is very nicely done.

The yard light throwing light on the snowman and cobblestone path is also fantastic, as well as the arch behind the snowman.

A nice fire is going as shown by the smoke escaping the chimney, along with the trees filled with snow as the sun starts to go down, depicts just what many of us remember when we were children. Great piece of Christmas art from Thomas Kinkade!

Christmas Trends

Advertising Trends | Converse Hybrid Animals

Advertising Trends

The ongoing campaign of Converse to draw attention to their costumized shoes is very effective, and billboards sporting these animals like seen above and below in the photos really grab eyeballs when you see then, and quickly get the message out that Converse is attempting to convey.

I really like the way you immediately look at the hybrid or chimera animals and get the idea that things are being put together in a different way than normal, communicating their customized message very strongly.

Very strong advertising campaign and message from Converse.

Advertising Trends

Tech Trends | AMD Multi-screen TV

Tech Trends

While this new multi-screen TV from AMD looks cool and everone has been talking about it, my first response was practical, and that was do we want multi-screens which interrupt the flow of the image by the connection points of the TV, like in the photo above. Why not just just use a single-screen TV for films, shows and playing games? I don't see what this adds other than a trophy used in attempts to enhance AMD's reputation. In other words, this may never be more than a marketing gimmick.

As far as the technology involved, it uses a new AMD Eyefinity DirectX 11 graphics card, which allows the graphics to show as one on the multiple screens.

This may be interesting for work and study uses, but as an entertainment device I think once people realize the limitations, it'll fizzle out. Tech is cool, but it still has to have uses consumers' demand. I don't see this being something that will inspire the masses, but will probably be a very expensive niche player, once some uses for it are discovered.

Tech Trends

Medical Trends | Concept Chair to Help Those with Cerebral Palsy Walk

Medical Trends

This cerebral palsy concept walking device could be a great help to children with cerebral palsy over the age of five.

Dubbed the CPLEGIA, it offers children to use the unit to work on their walking skills and leg movement at three different stages, giving those performing cerebral palsy occupational therapy another potential tool to use to help aid therapy for cerebral palsy.

The CELEGIA, in what could be called a treatment for cerebral palsy, operates in three different stages, like mentioned above. The first stage allows the young user to simply use their feet to move around while remaining seated.

For the second stage, you can straighted out the in a way that the children can actually walk.

In the third stage there is no support for the back added and users can walk about freely without any aid of the walker for back support, although they still use the walker to help them walk.

There is not a lot of cerebral palsy help, and so this is a welcome addition for those that are victims of the brain damage which causes cerebral palsy.

Medical Trends

Majority Twitter Users Over 25

Internet Trends

In what is consistent with social networking numbers but relatively unknown by the general public, the majority of users continue to be over the age of 25, even though the perception and media reports usually refer to it as young people's networks.

Twitter is not different, as Nielsen numbers show not only is Twitter not a young user network, but it isn't even close.

An amazing 84 percent of Twitter users are over the age of 25, with 20 percent of those over the age of 55. Only 16 percent of Twitter users account for the under 25 demographic.

This has been the pattern for social networks for some time. Early adopters skew younger, and once their prolific use brings it to the attention of the media, reports attract older users who become the majority rather quickly. That has also been the pattern with MySpace and Facebook.

Even with all the Twitter hype though, very few people follow others, whether they sign up to or not. And many don't do much with it once they have an account.

Internet Trends

Tech Trends | Digital 'In Newspaper'

Tech Trends

While the idea of an e-newspaper is nothing new, the concept 'In Newspaper is interesting in giving a glimpse at what some are imagining that world to be, and I could say that while looking interesting, it's pretty underwhelming.

You hook up a thin screen device to an outlet which charges up the device so you can access the news in the morning. My first thought is: so what? It adds absolutely nothing to what we do now except to be able to read from a thin screen held in our hand in the house.

We can do that on a regular computer, laptop, or thin laptop now, and get all the news updated on a continuous basis as well.

This would be a possibility if it were offered on public transit of some sore where people could read it from a comfortable and relevant position, but other than that, I can't see this adding any value to the home or workplace.

Tech Trends

Auto Trends | Metro Cell Vehicle

Auto Trends

I couldn't call this Metro Cell Vehicle an auto, but because it defies description at this time, we'll just use that for identification purposes.

This unique transportation device, offered as a 'human delivery system,' is designed specifically for the Los Angeles metro area, but could have potential in other regions as well.

At this time it's being called a PDD (pickup-drive-drop), and can be called upon by people and you can use it to get to where you want. When you're finished with that, you just get out and the Metro Cell Vehicle will return to a unique hub stack built for it.

Of course this is a Concept and is not certain to be used at this time, but it sure would give an interesting, futuristic look to those using them, and the LA area.

I wonder if it will include air conditioning? It looks like it would be extremely hot to drive in if it didn't.

Auto Trends

Bicycle Trends | Studio Raar Bikes

Bicycle Trends

What better place to have a great bike than in the heart of Amsterdam, and what better place is there to develop them?

Studio Raar is that company, based in the center of Amsterdam, who is rolling out some great bikes, even by the bike-loving standards of the area.

Some of these bikes include leather finishes and real sterling silver.

I wonder if you have a strong enough lock to be able to leave something like this anywhere?

Bicycle Trends

Motorcycle Trends | Scorpion EXO-900 Helmet

Motorcycle Trends

The newest motorcycle helmet - the Scorpion EXO-900 - is the latest addition to riding safely; for those in extreme sports, as well as everyday riders.

This could even get those who prefer to ride without a helmet a reason to get one, as it's great for year round with the 3/4 helmnet, flip front modular and full face helmut in one.

The latest state-of-the-art fog free technology is used for the EverClear No-Fog Faceshield, and the SpeedView Sun Visor, which is retractable, includes a hardened coating which is anti-scratch. Both of these can be removed simply with no tools, making them even more attractive to the user.

For the helmet itself, it has a moisture-wicking breathable liner along with an AirFit helmet pump inflation system which will result in a customized fit for each user. You can't get any better than that.

Add this to the Dainese-d-air airbags and motorcycle riders are getting a lot of great and cool equipment to aid in safely, and look great at the same time. The Scorpion EXO-900 Helmet definitely adds to that trend.

Motorcycle Trends

Retail Trends | Microsoft to Challenge Apple with Consumer Electronic Stores

Retail Trends

Microsoft strategy and store design plans were 'leaked' recently, and Microsoft confirms much of the leaks are true, but in reference to store design, they're still at the early stages of decision making.

As far as the strategy of placing a number of their consumer electronic outlets near or right next to Apple retail stores, Microsoft confirmed that is definitely part of their strategy, and they'll be rolling out some this year, and moving quicker in 2010.

One of the very cool design features of the stores, which many people have commented on if true, will make Apple stores look boring. Now wouldn't that be a change for Micrsoft.

The design talked about is a video wall which goes around the entire store, along with numerous other cool features that will make people want to hang out and shop.

Assuming Microsoft goes with a number of these features, they will have a great place to visit, and will seriously challenge Apple in consumer electronics retail competition.

Retail Trends

Gaming Trends | Illustrations from Tribute to Resident Evil Ending

Gaming Trends

After about 10 years of Resident Evil capturing the imagination of fans, it looks like it's finally winding down to its final days, and in tribute to that, Richard Michaud offers some incredible illustrations to pay tribute to the compelling franchise.

Among the illustrations, which include major characters from the final game, with Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and Sheva being given some illustration love.

While nobody knows if this is really the end, because if a popular movie is made again or someone with a new twist to the gaming 'Resident Evil' twitch comes along, we just may see it come back again as the popular series it has been.

But at least for now, we've seen the end of the video game series of Resident Evil.

Gaming Trends

Auto Trends | New Transformer Bumblebee Chevy Camaro

Auto Trends

Riding on the popularity of Transformers and one of the favorite robots of them all - Bumblebee - Chevy is releasing a limited edition Camaro, which is an exact replica of Bumblebee in the Transformers.

Of course that doesn't include changing into Bumblebee, but you can't have everything.

Fans of the Bumblebee Camaro will get a nice insignia with the word 'Transformers' on the hood and side of the car, and is sure to draw the attention of some rabid Transformer fans out there.

One thing I love about it is the deep yellow color, which is one of my favorites for a car, so Bumblebee or not, I like this new Chevy Camaro.

Auto Trends

Auto Trends | 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Auto Trends

Saying it took about five years to bring the 2010 Buick LaCross to the market, the company presented their luxury sedan and it looks like they have a winner.

According to exterior design manager Mike Pevovar, “The overall impression is one of harmony and continuity. There’s an international look and feel to the 2010 LaCrosse, yet it is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with cues pioneered by the Enclave."

Included with the design are a number of safety features as well as advanced intelligent personal technology, along with four-wheel drive.

Check out their website for numerous other features on the 2010 Buick LaCross.

Auto Trends

Bicycle Trends | Team Tentakulus

Bicycle Trends

The latest bike from Team Tentakulus looks like a hybrid bicycle/motorcycle, and the look is very cool.

Even though at first glance it looks like a hybrid, in reality its a greatly-designed bike that is just very compelling and makes you want to go out and get one.

Dubbed the Chopper Shocker, this should definitely catch on among those who love a good ride while getting the attention and envy of those around them.

Bicycle Trends

Trends Self-propelled Printer

Tech Trends

The Mini Giant, a newly developed inkless printer has been developed by designer Paula Adina Sumalan for the 'Futures' category of the Zero Boundaries Zink Product Design Competition, for which she won first price.

This nifty little printer has no need of ribbons or ink cartridges, rather it uses crystals which are heated onto a special paper.

All you have to do is place it on the top left corner of the ZINK paper and it self-propels itself to create the print.

You can fit the Mini Giant into the palm of your hand.

Tech Trends

Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit

Motorcycle Trends

Now this is very cool. Any motorcycle rider that is a fan of the Dark Knight, or Batman, can now dressed as the caped crusader with the latest motorcycle outfit from Universal Designs.

I could see doing some riding in your garb, and then coming home and doing some cosplay on the side.

Included in the awesome duds are body armor that is literally made of Kevlar and Molded leather, which is approved by CE for the jacket and pants.

The need to stretch just like the most recent Dark Knight film is acknowledged by the designers, and so spandex at in places where it can stretch in all direction via the inserts.

The base of the suit is made of heavy duty Cordura mesh, while the suit itelf is made of cow hide. Sweet!

Motorcycle Trends

Trends | Solar Pool Skimmer

Tech Trends

Here's a pretty cool solar pool skimmer tech gadget you use in your pool to keep all that surface stuff out of your way and keep it from interfering with your swimming experience.

It includes a couple of solar panels at the top where it soaks in the sun's rays and gets energized. Two paddlewheels then propel the little guy and off it goes cleaning your pool's surface. It also has wheels on its side panels which allows it to maneuver around.

A NiMH recharageable battery stores up the energy and run for 8 hours on a charge.

The skimmer also identifies when its batteries are getting low and will take it to a part of the pool which has sun through an internal microprocessor.

It also recognizes when there is no sun and will slow down in order to conserve energy; whether at night or on cloudy days.

The pool skimer measures 6 1/4" H x 20" W x 23" L.

Tech Trends

Auto Trends | BMW S.X concept

Auto Trends

The latest concept car from BMW has been designed by Iulian Bumbu, who has also designed the Lamborghini Insecta concept.

What's impressive to me about it is its adherence to the way BMW expressives itself in its cars, but at the same time taking it into some new areas, which should delight fans of the brand.

It's expected that the BMW S.X concept could be the successor to the BMW 6-series.

Very sleek and nice charcoal. Nice sports coupe from the Italian designer.

Auto Trends

Robot Toy Trend This Summer

Toy Trends

There's no doubt the latest installment of Terminator and Transformers have made robot toys a must buy this summer, and they're flying off the shelves, and many more are expected to for some time.

This doesn't mean that the robots have to be Transformer bots or Terminator robots, as many others unconnected but fun to play with are selling well too.

Some of the more popular toy robots selling beside the movie tie-in robots are those that include some type of personality with them.

One such robotic toy filled with personality is Penbo, which includes a little baby that comes out of her stomach and chirps.

Toy Trends