Gadgets

Simon Cowell Plays Second Fiddle to Sean "Diddy" Combs in St. Barths

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Jan 13th 2011 at 7:01PM

American Idol bigwig Simon Cowell got one-upped by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs in St. Barths over the New Year's holiday where his superyacht played second fiddle to the rap mogul's state-of-the-art iPad-controlled craft. Cowell chartered his favorite yacht, the 196-ft. Slipstream (above) built by France's CMN Shipyard, for $450,000 plus expenses. With luxe accommodation for 12 guests plus a crew of 14, Slipstream features mirrors above a giant waterbed, a Jacuzzi, an observation lounge with panoramic views, gym and a sky lounge with a retractable roof. Diddy's yacht Solemates runs to $600,000 per week plus expenses and is a critical 12 inches longer than Cowell's. In addition to the iPad concierge Solemates accommodates 12 guests in six luxurious cabins and features a sun lounge wrapped around a Jacuzzi forward; a discotheque sound and lighting system turns it into an al fresco nightclub. Cowell's cruise was also somewhat hampered by the fact that he had several warring females aboard. While Diddy's yacht is blandly luxurious, Cowell's yacht has a bit more style; take a look at the images of both below and tell us what you think.

Gallery: 'Solemates' iPad Superyacht Charter

Gallery: Simon Cowell Superyacht 'Slipstream'

[via JamesList]

Tags: American Idol, celebrity, Diddy, iPad, P. Diddy, Sean Combs, Simon Cowell, simon+cowell+yacht, simoncowellyacht, Solemates, St. Barths, superyacht, yacht

Luxist Giveaway: Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 10th 2011 at 10:04AM

One of the best things about cold winter weather is the chance to warm up with a hot drink. If one of your New Year's Resolutions was to dial back the runs to the coffee shop you might want to get your hands on The Milk Café from Breville. This handsome gadget creates rich, creamy, perfectly frothed milk for your favorite coffee drinks or truly decadent hot chocolate so you can recreate and even surpass the coffee shop experience. The easy-to-use fully automatic frother has an induction heating system that allows it to reach temperature rapidly, efficiently and consistently creating the small bubbles that result in the creamiest, tastiest foam (check out a video demonstration after the jump).

The machine has a simple dial lets you to set desired temperature and foam quality. It also has a cold stir setting that froths milk without heating and two attachments for latte and cappuccino. The removable lid has an opening for adding mix-ins like shaved chocolate and when you are done you can toss the jug in the dishwasher. The compact machine has a power cord that stores in base and attachments store in side of machine. The stainless steel machine has a suggested retail price of $160 but sells for $129.95 at Williams Sonoma. We are giving away one of Breville Milk Cafe. To enter the giveaway leave a comment about your favorite hot drink.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before January 17, 2011 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive the Breville Milk Café Milk Frother with a suggested retail price of $160.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See complete giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: breville, coffee, luxist giveaway, milk cafe, milk frother

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The Standard Hotel Headphones By WeSC

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Jan 9th 2011 at 11:01AM

Like Andre Balaz's The Standard Hotels? Stay in them often? Listen to music? Then you might like a new line of The Standard Hotel headphones designed by fashion and gadget designer WeSC (We are the Superlative Conspiracy). The headphones are quite attractive in their design. Good looking enough to make you want to ditch those flimsy earbuds for a pair of these. They will come in four colors, and be part of a large range of accessory and leather goods made as a collaboration between The Standard hotels and WeSC. The headphones have a leather cushion on top with round ear cans. Not sure where you can buy them yet. Some light Googling ought to solve that. Price is $88, see some tech specs below.

• WeSC & The Standard
• Type: 40mm power drivers
• 1kHz sensitivity: 110 dB
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Frequence range: 20-20 000Hz
• Plug: gold-plated 3,5mm stereo
• Cord: 0,5m + 1,0m extension + 0,1m adaptor, PV C cord
• Handsfree

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: audio, B405963, headphones, standard, wesc

P. Diddy Charters the $600,000-a-Week iPad Megayacht in St. Barths

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Jan 3rd 2011 at 7:02PM

The other day we told you about Solemates (above), the $600,000 per week 197-ft. superyacht charter designed by the great Espen Oeino and launched by Lürssen earlier this year, the first of its kind to offer clients control of its various high-tech systems via the iPad. Now none other than Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has turned up on the yacht in St. Barths, where he chartered the ultra-luxe vessel for a family vacation over New Year's with girlfriend Kim Porter, their daughters D'Lila and Jessie and son Justin before jetting to Las Vegas to party. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas visited as well. Via the iPad Diddy and co. can control the shipboard entertainment, climate and lighting systems and even summon crewmembers to bring refreshments.

The interior of the yacht, which accommodates 12 guests in six luxurious cabins, was designed by Glade Johnson in a blend of elegant, rich woods and textures and classical details paired with contemporary, sleek lines. The main and upper deck salons are awash with natural light and offer impressive spaces for formal or casual dining and entertaining. The sun deck features an outdoor dining area and a sun lounge wrapped around the Jacuzzi forward, and a discotheque sound and lighting system turns it into an al fresco nightclub. There are several toys and tenders aboard for a variety of recreational activities.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: 'Solemates' iPad Superyacht Charter

Tags: celebrity, Diddy, Espen Oeino, iPad, New Years Eve, p+diddy+ipad+yacht, p+diddy+yacht, P. Diddy, p.+diddy+ipad+superyacht, p.diddyipadsuperyacht, pdiddyipadyacht, pdiddyyacht, Sean Combs, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Solemates, St. Barths, superyacht, yacht, yacht charter

Denon AH-NC800 Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Dec 29th 2010 at 11:01AM

Noise canceling headphones have been quite popular for a while. The first models were quite bulky, but the technology has been getting smaller, and for a while now models are available that look like other full-size headphones. Today I will review Denon's AH-NC800 noise canceling headphones and tell you what this product is all about.

Why do you want or need noise canceling headphones? Well they serve at least two purposes. First is for ambient noise reduction. That means if you are sitting in a place where there is a lot of annoying ambient noise, noise canceling headphones will reduce or entirely eliminate the noise.

They work by emitting a sound frequency that while hard to detect by your ears, helps mask other noises. They seem to work best for low frequency noises and hums. For example, the hum of an airplane engine can be masked out, though a baby's cry will be merely dampened. Noise canceling headphones also create a close to air-tight barrier around your ears that prevents vibrations and noise from getting to your ears. this is particularly convenient for over-the-ear headphones that work via this same principle to get quality sound into your ears. Denon uses two methods of noise-reduction in each speaker. One helps reduce vibration in the unit itself, and the other method as I said, works on reducing external ambient noise.

Tags: AH-NC800, denon, headphones, noise-canceling, review

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Weber Wins the Luxist Editors' Choice Award for Best in Outdoor Entertainment

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 29th 2010 at 9:31AM

Weber, which makes grills and accessories, wins the Luxist Editors' Choice Award for Best in Outdoor Entertainment.

Weber, which makes the best outdoor grills, according to its millions of customers around the world, is the winner of the Luxist's Editors' Choice Award for Best in Outdoor Entertainment. What is outdoor entertainment, after all, without a Weber grill to pull it all together?

In fact, it is not too surprising Weber has developed a cult-like following among people who own one of its gas or charcoal grills or any one of a number of the accessories it manufactures. Afterall, this is the company that is credited with revolutionizing outdoor barbecues. Weber grill owners are such fanatics about their purchases that tens of thousands from around the world have joined the company's Facebook page with many posting photos of themselves proudly posing alongside their beloved grills.

Weber was founded by George Stephen, Sr., whose inspiration came in 1952. Frustrated by the windblown flames emanating from his open backyard grill---and the resulting impact on his steaks---he decided to take matters into his own hands. He headed over to Weber Brothers Metal Works, his place of employment, and created the prototype of the dome-shaped grill that would become Weber's trademark product.

Gallery: Weber grills

Tags: awards-main, charcoal grill, gas grill, gas grills, is+weber+the+best+choice+in+outdoor+grills, isweberthebestchoiceinoutdoorgrills, luxist-awards, nicest+outdoor+entertainment, nicestoutdoorentertainment, outdoor grilling, outdoor grills, outdoor+grills+in+wins, outdoorgrillsinwins, Weber, Weber grills, winners-outdoor-entertainment

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$600,000 Superyacht Charter Comes with iPad Controls

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 27th 2010 at 11:02AM

The 197-ft. superyacht Solemates designed by the great Espen Oeino and launched by Lürssen earlier this year is the first of its kind to offer charter clients control of its various high-tech systems via iPad – perhaps helping to justify the $600,000 per week price. The captain hands each guest their own iPad upon boarding, which remains theirs for the duration of the voyage. Via the device they can control the shipboard entertainment and climate systems, adjust the blinds and lights in their cabins, and even summon a crewmember to bring more cocktails. The interior of the yacht, designed by Glade Johnson, blends elegant, rich woods and textures with contemporary sleek lines. The main and upper deck salons are awash with natural light and offer impressive spaces for formal or casual dining and entertaining. The sun deck features an outdoor dining area and a sun lounge wrapped around the Jacuzzi forward. A discotheque sound and lighting system turns it into an al fresco nightclub at nightfall. The yacht accommodates 12 guests in six luxurious cabins.

[via JamesList]

Gallery: 'Solemates' iPad Superyacht Charter

Tags: Espen Oeino, iPad, ipad+yacht, ipadyacht, superyacht, superyacht+charter, superyacht+ipad, superyachtcharter, superyachtipad, yacht, yacht charter

"Letter Clock" iPad App Duplicates the Pricey QlockTwo

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Dec 26th 2010 at 3:02PM

Show off a well-developed sense of style and love of unique design by telling time via a QlockTwo-style timepiece on your iPad. The original QlockTwo is a pricey bit of wall decor ($1600) that comes in several colors and languages and spells out the time in illuminated words, and although the "Letter Clock" for iPad is presumably without full endorsement it certainly looks identical, albeit smaller, cheaper, and way more mobile.

The app store only offers this one screenshot so we're not sure if there are other color or personalization options available but at only $1.99 I'm calling it a must have regardless.

Tags: ipad, ipad app, qlocktwo

Special-Edition BlackBerry Bold 9780 for Selfridges

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Dec 25th 2010 at 10:01AM

Limited Edition BlackBerry by Bill Amberg

Bill Amberg for BlackBerry, for Selfridges. This exclusive special edition BlackBerry Bold 9780 was created by designer Bill Amberg and although it's available in six colors the yellow, shown here (the backplate) was made exclusively for Selfridges. The backplate features Selfridges' earthy mustard yellow and it comes with a matching leather case that's crafted in Europe and polished until it shines with a sleek lacquered finish. Inside the limited edition phones are the first to come with the new BlackBerry 6 operating system and (I'm assuming) come loaded with a special Bill Amberg theme. Each of the six colors is limited to ten numbered editions, the Selfridges' yellow included. £1000

Tags: bill amberg, BlackBerry, cell phone, selfridges

The Travelteq iPad Case

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Dec 24th 2010 at 2:01PM

There's a new member in the Travelteq family, and it's not a new suitcase or bag but a sleek iPad case. Handmade of Florentine Vacchetta leather it's made to be more than just a basic sleeve and is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, like everything in Travelteq's line. It folds into three different positions for comfortable use on your lap, on a plane, while in bed, or even at your desk at work, and there's even a little leather pocket for your business cards. Although it has a distinctly masculine vibe I say it's a great option for business-savvy women as well. $295

Tags: ipad, ipad case, travelteq

Jet Meets Heli: Rolls-Royce Powered Eurocopter X3

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 21st 2010 at 11:01AM

Eurocopter's ultra-cool X3 prototype (above), which combines the technology of a turboprop plane with traditional helicopter engineering, just attained an airspeed of 180 knots (207 mph) in level flight in testing in Istres, France. The X3, which was not operating at full power, is expected to break the official helicopter speed world record by the time testing is complete. Over the last few months of testing the X3 has performed such feats as reaching an altitude of 12,500 ft. and maneuvering with left and right turns at bank angles of up to 60°. Utilizing a Dauphin helicopter airframe, the X3 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. In terms of sheer speed it still may not top Sikorsky's experimental X2 which we wrote about last month, but its stylish looks and jet-like features should more than make up for it.

Tags: Eurocopter, eurocopter+x3, eurocopterx3, France, helicopter, rolls+royce, Rolls-Royce, rollsroyce, Sikorsky, sikorsky+x2, sikorskyx2

The St. Regis New York Launches E-Butler App

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 20th 2010 at 11:01AM

The St. Regis New York has just launched an innovative new E-Butler application, allowing guests to interact with the famed luxury hotel's butlers and concierge as never before, and featuring exclusive content including an Insider's Guide to New York City curated by some of NYC's most celebrated personalities. The St. Regis New York E-Butler app is a modern twist on traditional butler service, providing guests with the world renowned St. Regis service at the touch of a button. The app will offer guests the ability to "chat" directly with The St. Regis E-Butler in real-time via their iPhone or iPad, arranging all of the important details of their visit to the city instantly. In true St. Regis style, the hotel has tapped some of New York's most celebrated personalities including Andre Leon Talley, Jason Wu, Alain Ducasse, Danny Meyer, Michel Musto and Peter Som to share their insider info. on favorite shops, restaurants and city landmarks. Through St. Regis E-Butler, guests will have the ability to book these favorite spots directly, and the app will also feature a curated calendar of events for the season's most interesting and anticipated happenings around the Big Apple.

Tags: Alain Ducasse, Andre Leon Talley, app, apps, butler, Danny Meyer, iPad, iPhone, Jason Wu, luxury hotel, New York City, Peter Som, restaurants, St. Regis, St. Regis New York

Aperion Zona Wireless Surround Speakers Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Dec 10th 2010 at 11:01AM

I tend to be very skeptical of wireless speakers (wireless anything for that matter). Past experiences with them have been often less than good. I tend to rely on a good ol' wired connections, because the promise of wireless + quality is not always met. My fears aren't always justified however, and Aperion's newer Zona wireless speakers are proof that you can be very happy with a set of wireless speakers - even if you need loud, clear sound.

The system is very straight forward, and has only a few minor quirks - but they are worth discussing. I will first mention the issues I have noticed (which aren't huge), and then share with you what I believe are the good qualities that make this a really good system.

Under certain circumstances (such as connecting the speakers directly to many television sets), you'll need to use the included remote control to adjust the volume (as well as treble and bass). Hook the speakers up to a PC or a dedicated audio receiver, and I don't think this will be an issue. Why is this a problem? Because you not only need the included remote (yet another remote...) to adjust the volume, but if you lose it, you are not gonna be in a good place. This is further compounded by the fact that aside from the remote there is no native way to adjust the volume. Again, this is not an issue for all uses of the speakers, but in my situation it was an issue. Second (and it is related to the first issue), aside from the remote there are no ways of adjusting the volume or other level on on the speakers themselves or wireless transmitter. This causes a problem if you lose the little remote or it runs out of batteries. It uses a small CR 2025 battery that you likely don't have laying around the house.

Aside from those issues I have no real complaints about the Zona Wireless Surround Speakers. In a nutshell, Aperion really thought out the product well, the construction quality is good, and the performance is impressive.

Tags: aperion, audio, audiophile, review, speakers, surround, system, wireless, zona

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Origin PC Genesis Review: Defining A Luxury Computer

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Dec 8th 2010 at 9:01AM

With just how advanced the computer industry is, it is incredibly odd that there is no coherent and definable "luxury computer" market. I mean, there are "luxury" branded computers, but they would hardly pass muster to any even basic computer enthusiast. I am sorry, but adorning a laptop with a leather wrap or building a desktop computer out of mostly varnished wood is not my idea of a luxury computer. Especially when it is what is on the inside that counts.

If you see a computer being advertised as for the well-to-do-segment, it is often a ruse with a semi fancy exterior, and nothing special happening on the inside. This doesn't cover everything out there of course, but has been most of what I could find.

You might argue that computers are tools and advance too fast for someone to invest a lot of money in one as a luxury item. Regardless of whether you are right or not, the automotive market has for years been making luxury cars that aren't the peak of technology for very long, and then there Is that almost amusing high-luxury mobile phone market. It appears that there are plenty of consumers wanting nice items, even if they only remain "special" in the short term. It isn't that I am not a fan of luxury. Quite the opposite – I making a living by writing about luxury. It is rather that I see a big hole open for a luxury computer industry - and I want it filled with something satisfying. The good news is that there is a luxury computer industry, but it isn't called by that name, and luxury consumers could quite easily miss it.

Tags: computer, genesis, luxury, Origin PC, review

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Luxist Giveaway: Win A Pair of Cisco's Umi Telepresence Units

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Dec 6th 2010 at 10:02AM

It's not hyperbole to call Cisco's new umi telepresence system a revelation. Indications are that it will completely change the way we communicate long distance. We blogged about this new product a few weeks ago but now we get to give away two Cisco umi telepresence units complete with a year of service. If you have loved ones far away you really want to win this.The Cisco umi (pronounced: You-Me) helps family and friends be together in real time and high definition, whether they are around the corner or across the country. It connects to any existing HD television and broadband internet to deliver a real video communications experience through the TV that is so clear, natural and lifelike, users will see and hear their loved ones as if they are in the same room. The system lets you pan the room, zoom in or pull back. Privacy features like call screening and blocking, and a camera shutter that closes, keep users in control of their privacy. Video calls can be placed and received on any computer with a webcam and Google video chat.Cisco umi videos can be created and then shared on Facebook, YouTube, or email and you can check your video messages on-the-go with a laptop (new video message notices arrive via text on a mobile phone).

The product is available to demo and purchase ($599) in all Best Buy/Magnolia Home Theater stores across the country and ūmi is already being used on The Oprah Winfrey show to bring guests into her studio virtually. Within Magnolia Home Theatre stores, consumers will be able to experience Cisco ūmi, get expert advice on the product and required broadband, as well as purchase Cisco umi, with installation and support provided by Best Buy's famous Geek Squad.

Our giveaway includes two Cisco umi telepresence units plus a year of service, a total value of $1798. To enter just tell us who you want on the other end of that call.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below letting us know who you'll be sharing your Cisco umi telepresence with.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before December 13. 2010 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive a pair of Cisco umi telepresence units and a year of service, a value of $1798.
* Open to legal residents of the continental United States (no Alaska or Hawaii) and the District of Columbia.

See complete giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: Cisco Umi, Cisco umi Telepresence, luxist giveaway, Telepresence

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