Foléo: The New Mobile Companion from Palm

by Josh Rubin

Jeff Hawkins, founder of Palm, unveiled a new mobile device called Foléo today via webcast from the D: All Things Digital Conference. Dubbed as a "mobile companion," the device is to be used as an extension of your smart-phone providing one button email access, a 10" screen, full size keyboard and five hours of use off a single charge.

Built on flash memory, which can be expanded with the use of both SD and Compact Flash cards, the unit can be turned on and off almost instantaneously for quick and easy access. Syncing of email and documents is done live via bluetooth connection, and it also boasts WiFi capability. Although it has a 1024x600 screen that doesn't require reformatting for browsing the web, the processor is not that powerful and it can result in videos that are a bit choppy. There is a VGA out option that allows you to hook up the device to bigger screens. Your phone can act as a key that unlocks the Foléo when it's in Bluetooth range.

With an open software development kit it seems as though Palm will rely on its users to conceive and develop new applications to supplement the modest initial offerings. Further development and future applications could greatly improve the functionality of the Foléo.

Foléo will support all smartphones and will be available worldwide late this summer for $500. More images here

Robert Adam Mayer

by Fiona Killackey

Despite having worked with some of the world's biggest celebrities and publications (including The New York Times, Allure, Harvard Magazine, The Age and Popular Science) NYC-based photographer Robert Adam Mayer remains down-to-earth in his approach to his craft. "I used to look at things like fame, etc., however as I get older and more spiritual I try to think less about money and focus instead on meaningful imagery. It is a balance," admits Mayer, "It's wild that I get paid to do this and truly a gift—don't get me wrong, I do create photos for payment and make others 'just because.' Commerce and art have been combining lately."

Art exhibitions have also been featuring his work lately. Mayer is contributing to the upcoming Art Walk Nyack exhibition as well as an auction for Kids for Tomorrow, a charity that benefits kids in Nairobi, of which he says "I'm doing mainly portraits and a very large collage of the World Trade Center—shot in 1994."

Click on images above for an enlarged view. More images after the jump

Obus

by Fiona Killackey

Just when you thought fashion had become a mish-mash of ill designed, over-the-top and unflattering pieces, along comes Obus, the Aussie-based label that has been fueling the serious style-starters around the world since its inception seven years ago. Structured, original and incredibly well-designed, Obus stands alone as a definitive label, intent on breaking the cycle of fad fashion. Akin to Frankie Morello, Marc Jacobs and Chanel, it's timeless, elegant and unique. Cool Hunting caught up with the mastermind designer behind the stunning label, Kylie Zerbst, to talk about landscapes, fashion and Cat Power. (Click on images for enlarged view.)

How, why and when did Obus start?
The first Obus journey was around seven years ago, in Melbourne, taking the first Obus travelers into the heart of the forest in winter. It had to start, because I didn’t want to keep doing what I'd been doing before (Graphic Design).

What differentiates Obus from other labels on the market?
Obus is Australian-made, which is becoming a rarity. Many labels are now made in China. I hope that people appreciate this and understand what it means in terms of quality and economy. Aesthetically, Obus belongs in many different landscapes. It’s versatile and practical, yet sill manages to take you somewhere different each season. That’s what Obus is all about. Catching the Obus. If you catch it at the moment you’ll be on route no.13 (northern hemisphere) or route no.14 (southern hemisphere). Who else can promise that?

Biggest influences?
Traveling of course. Camping in the snow, driving at night, beautiful colors and sound.

What's playing in the background?
Lots of hip hop. Cat Power, of course. Vashti Bunyan, the radio…rain on the roof.

What can we expect from your coming collection?
The winter range, soon to arrive in-store in the States is something to do with a dark and cold, yet still very dreamy, road at night. Route no. 14—it's called "Asphalt Dreaming." Lots of grey, lots of layering, sharp tailoring, muted tones, hooded coats and long cable knits. Really long chunky socks.

Where can we buy Obus?
Check out our site. We have our Obus store (Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia), lots of stockists in Japan or if you're in the U.S., p45 in Chicago, Kelly’s Closet in Atlanta, Inago in L.A., Kick Pleat in Texas, Otte and Blush in New York.

Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life

by Jacob Resneck

Set to be released next month Charley Harper:An Illustrated Life is a 420-page behemoth of an art book of illustrations published by AMMO Books.

Spanning six decades, Harper's minimalistic style captures the natural world with broad strokes, leaving out the fine details while representing a whole that's greater than its parts. He's said to have famously remarked that when drawing a bird, he doesn't bother counting the feathers in the wings; he just counts the wings.

Editor Todd Oldham reportedly rediscovered the 84-year-old Cincinnati artist's work six years ago and has since collaborated with him to produce a large format volume of work designed to bring Harper out of relative obscurity and reach a larger audience in what is the first single retrospective. Pre-order from Amazon.

Virgin Gorillaz Train

by SummerSeventySix

This is how public transport should be done. Unveiled Monday and travelling back and forth between London and Manchester, this tricked-out locomotive from Gorillaz aritst Jamie Hewlett is to promote the forthcoming circus/opera he's involved with called Monkey: Journey To The West . It's based on an ancient Chinese legend and the music has been composed by Hewlett's partner in the cartoon band, Damon Albarn. The show kicks off this year's Manchester International Festival which runs 28 June - 15 July 2007. Click here for more info on the festival.

More images after the jump.