A new concept, which could improve the functionality of the iPad, and encourage users to make the most of the applications on their gadget.

This idea was developed by Cliff Thier, who is aiming to get funding from Kickstarter – a funding platform for designers, artists and inventors.

The iKeyboard is the latest addition to a string of accessories that have become available for the iPad, following its rise to “must-have” status.

The iKeyboard acts as a physical keyboard, and an alternative to the small, touch-screen version on the iPad. It can often be difficult and time-consuming to type properly on the iPad, unless you have had plenty of practice.

The iKeyboard generously fits over the iPad, slotting over the bottom half where the touch-screen keyboard would be situated. It also  has cut outs where each key should be, which helps it to fit over the iPads actual keyboard.

Each cut out has a thin layer of film inside it so that when a key is pressed, it also presses the touch-screen key underneath.

Read full post

The British Sculptor invites visitors to take a look inside an enormous PVC sculpture at the Grand Palais in Paris.

With his largest ever artwork and his first exhibit in Paris in 30 years, Kapoor has created a huge Sci-Fi themed structure that he has dedicated to missing Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei.

Ai, whose sunflower seeds work closed recently at the Tate Modern, hasn’t been seen in over a month. He was arrested as he tried to board a flight to Hong Kong from Beijing on 3^rd April for “economic crimes” and has been missing ever since.

Despite never meeting him, Kapoor considers Weiwei as his colleague and feels that his disappearance is a true tragedy, stating; “Accuse him of something. Give him a lawyer. Let him defend himself…The state is not threatened by artists.”

He has also called for a worldwide day of action where museums and galleries close for a day in sympathy for Ai Weiwei.

Anish is no stranger to creating larger than life artworks after previously filling the Turbine Hall at the Tate in 2002 with his trumpet-like sculpture, Marsyas.

He is also currently working on a 140ft tower for the Olympics stadium next year. However, Leviathan has proved to be a harder task than filling the Turbine, as it is three times the size, both horizontally and vertically.

Read full post

After touring the Asia-Pacific region since the beginning of 2011, The Absolut Art Collection has stopped in China to add to its growing range of artworks.

Absolut Vodka has been driven by creativity since it was first bottled 30 years ago, and has now built a reputation with artists worldwide for its involvement with the art world.

Ever since 1985, when Andy Warhol became inspired by the aesthetic of the Absolut bottle and created Absolut Warhol, the brand’s creative journey has continued to flourish. The whole collection now features over 800 pieces of artwork and over 400 artists.

Since early 2011, Absolut, which is regarded as the world’s leading premium vodka from Sweden, has toured cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai and Sydney.

It has taken 19 of its most famous pieces of original artwork, and has settled in an exhibition held at Beijing’s Today Art Museum. The chosen artworks span a variety of mediums, from canvas to photography, and also include works by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Louise Bourgeois.

The two most classic works, the Absolut Warhol (1985) and the Absolute Bourgeois (2003) will be the flagship pieces of the Absolut Art Tour 2011.

Read full post

Since the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles were introduced in 1926, the company has led the way in creating innovative features to the automobile industry and has become one of the world’s best-known car brands in the world.

Not only is Mercedes-Benz the oldest standing automobile brand name still in existence, but ever since its inception, the German car manufacturers has become synonymous with style, quality, durability and luxury.

Given the brand’s seemingly inherent dexterity to withstand the boundaries of time and produce features and components which become mirrored by car manufacturers across the globe, it is almost taken-for-granted when Mercedes-Benz announce a concept car with a design that is said to be inspired by “the wind and the waves, as well as engineering aviation”.

Incorporating a dash-mounted tablet, the modern-day gadgetry society has now become reliant on is at the heart of the Mercedes A-Class concept car.

The ‘aviation-inspired’ car will also have a BlueEFFICIENCY 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, which will produce a whopping 210-horsepower, guaranteed to get the pulses races of lovers of high-speed, quality vehicles.

Read full post

Miami-based firm, NC-Office is planning to provide shelter to those who live in disaster-struck areas, particularly Haiti.

A house archetype, which was conceived for Haiti, aims to help those who are in need of relief in terms of shelter.

The structure will be split into 4 modules, measuring 8’x 8’ which can each be used like normal rooms. The whole area is divided into a bathroom/kitchen area, a living/dining area and also has a sleeping quarter.

The plans also include an ‘L’-shaped porch around the exterior. This shape will ensure that each house gets its own garden area to relax in. Not only will the house provide shelter for those that need it, but it will also help to rebuild a sense of community for those that lost their homes in the Haiti disaster.

The homes are aimed at places that are particularly earthquake prone, and are built to be sturdy enough to tolerate extreme conditions.

The structures contain crucial 4”x 4” steel ‘H’ beams and columns, and the whole unit is believed to form a rigid box that will be positioned over a chain of stone walls. They will be able to tolerate high force winds and earthquakes to prevent the residents from facing the same problems as before.

Read full post