International

Electronic textiles are the natural outgrowth of the wearable technology explosion, but problems with their creation concern durability and washable capacities. Read on to learn more about one innovative solution devised by researchers at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

It’s hard to think of our world prior to the Internet, PCs and on-demand entertainment - even though most of us have been around for the last few decades to have experienced this technological transition. In retrospect, we also wonder how TV dramas raised enough awareness without the communication push and virality tools of social media.

New materials and techniques made possible through advances in technology are leading to highly specialized sportswear designs, particularly in shoe-wear for the football industry. Consider the world's first pair of digitally knitted football boots that are pushing both technoogy and creativity to unimagined levels.

Omron's robotic prototype - showcased this week at CEATEC - probably isn't going to win any Ping Pong tournaments. As a matter of fact, it's pretty awful on the table. Fortunately for Omron, Ping Pong is just a means to an end - and that end is to create smarter, more flexible robots for factory work.

The alarmingly cubic Daihatsu Tanto appears to have taken on the shape of the box it was shipped in, much like those cool square watermelons grown inside molds. Being boxy isn't all bad, however, as the Tanto's interior is far more expansive than one might expect from a minicar.

An innovative collaboration of Dutch designers and researchers has presented an incredible garment at Beijiing Designer Week  that purifies the air surrounding the wearer. Read on to learn more about some amazing advances in cold plasma technology.

Lumi Deco LED Light-up Nail Stickers are designed to respond to NFC waves emitted by Android devices, mobile wallet functions, and digital cash IC cards. No batteries required... where would you put them, anyway?

Move over, Red Bull, a challenger from Japan is seeking to earn its wings in the increasingly crowded energy drink sector. Kobe-based Seeker Energy Drink eschews cans for bottles, is tinted a particularly brilliant shade of yellow, and could use a dash of copyediting before it's really ready for prime time.

An industrial designer by the name of Naomi Kizhner  has created a most unusual concept for innovative jewelry known as Energy Addicts. The jewelry taps into body movements which are then converted into an energy source. Read on to learn more about this fascinating line of unique accessories.

Not only is the MG auto brand alive, it's doing very well thank you! Owned (since 2007) by Chinese automaker SAIC, MG now offers a full range of cars to the Chinese market and assembles others from knocked-down kits at its venerable British production plant. The newest of these, proudly wearing the iconic octagonal MG badge and the legend “Morris Garages”, is the impressive MG GT sedan.

Show of hands if you had a pen pal at some point during your time in school. Just as I figured, quite a few of you. Wayfare is letting you relive your days of international correspondence with an app that pairs you with someone from the country of your choosing for seven days. An interesting concept, but how well does it work?

And then there were none... a street intersection in Qingdao, China notorious for its ridiculous cluster of 19 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras is suddenly, inexplicably, thankfully free from Big Brother's prying eyes.

Finally, coffee-lovers get their very own holiday, and vendors the world-over are using social media to capitalize on this special event with free 'Cups of Joe.' September 29th marks the day when caffeine-aholics get to celebrate their popular “social” beverage with complimentary deals being offered by some of their favorite baristas.

Fuel Wear's Battery-Powered Flame Base Layer promises a new warmth for the cold winter months to come. Read on for more about this amazing Canadian innovation combining the worlds of fashion and technology.

Do you find yourself compelled to spend more money than you have? Are you in need of a not-so-gentle reminder that you have exceeded your credit limit? Met the iBag, Australia's answer to tracking credit card spending.

VW doesn't often produce pickup trucks but when they do, they're some of the most interesting pickup trucks in the world. Take the newly unveiled Tristar concept pickup. The sharp-looking, diesel-powered Tristar features a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and pampers drivers with an interior mobile office complete with espresso machine.

Toyota has announced an integrated system for disabled passengers that better integrates wheelchairs with a range of its popular minivans. The “Well Chair”, introduced at the 2014 International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition, is expected to be rolled out by the end of this year.

Have you ever heard of a skirt made from 35 smart phones? Talk about always being prepared to take or make a call! The Finnish firm, fashion designer, Fyodor Golan, and creative Design House Kin spent three months on this unusual project. Learn more about this fascinating fusion of geek chic, wearable tech and every day fashion.

What's in a name? Car buyers scouting out the new Brilliance Dolphin will be pleased to know this entry-level mini car is no longer known as the Brilliance CaCa.

Bus transportation for new mothers just got easier in Jinhua, China. The city's public transportation authority has unveiled an innovative pilot project that offers lactating ladies a private, curtained space within which to breastfeed their children.