Brought to you this week by the smells of sneaker feet and five eels exploding from a tub of low-fat greek yogurt, be sure to check out the all new episode of Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff! By the way, we love our SolidSmack readers! Have something cool you’ve come across and want to share it on SolidSmack? Don’t hide it in your neck skin! Send it on in to
How to Watch/Listen
Hit play on the embedded video above!
Download the MP4 video or MP3 audio.
Subscribe to the Cool Tools podcast on iTunes.
Subscribe to the CTOD Feed!
Watch on Youtube or Vimeo.
The SolidSmack Cool Tools of Doom n’ Stuff is GO. This short video features some of the coolest finds we’ve discovered on the web this week.
This week we look at:
DESIGN
Xo Tablet – The popular One Laptop Per Child initiative has partnered up again with design legend Yves Behar for the post-PC age. Their latest release is the XO Tablet, a kid-friendly tablet design featuring a green rubber shell and a unique interface that focuses on aspirations rather than apps. It’s currently being sold at Wal-Mart for $150 with the goal of raising money to send XO Tablet’s to developing countries.
Cross Cut Sleeve – The Cross Cut Sleeve is the new post-cash wallet sleeve from Octovo. Yes, designed to hold nothing but an iPhone and a couple of credit cards, this clever little design features a built-in screen cleaner and is made of premium Italian vegetable re-tanned leather. Show your phone some love and check it out at Octovo.com.
APPS
Crowsflight – Crowsflight is our new favorite navigation app. Unlike a typical map app, Crowsflight uses your phone’s compass and GPS location data to ‘point’ you in the right direction. Not recommended if you need to get some place in a hurry, but that’s the whole point of it. The ability to ‘point you in the general direction’ allows you to explore a new city or a new route while keeping you on track. Sleek design and super-easy to use. Free on iTunes.
IFTTT – Stands for If This Then That and now… it’s available for iOS. Previously only available on desktops, this clever service automates tasks using public APIs from companies such as Dropbox, Facebook, Foursquare, and Evernote. Using pre-composed ‘recipes’, users can automate notes, uploads, and shares without touching a single button. Get it for free on iTunes.
DIY
NeverWet Spray – It’s the perfect time to start prepping for the wet season if you have a few spare hours, and the recently released NeverWet spray from Rust-Oleum is certain to change everything you know about waterproofing. This new ‘miracle’ silicone-based liquid-repellant coating can be used on just about anything to keep the wetness out—whether it’s rain, ketchup, or the random water balloon. Get two cans for $20 at Home Depot.
Garlic-Dill Pickle Recipe – For those passionate about their pickles, be sure to check out this home canning project from Simple Bites. Using a Garlic-Dill Pickle recipe you’ll be taken step-by-step through the canning process and come out the other end in pickle heaven. Remember, sharing is caring so make enough for that upcoming Labor Day BBQ. Check it out at SimpleBites.Net.
ROCK AWESOMENESS
Mean Mower – Honda has created the lawn mower of all lawn mowers. The Mean Mower is a modified HF2620 Lawn Tractor that features a new chromoly chassis, a custom body, ATV wheels, and a 1000CC engine from a VTR Firestorm motorcycle. This monster has a top speed of 130 MPH and accelerates faster to 60 MPH than the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG. While it’s not for sale, it’s fun to imagine mowing your entire lawn in 10 seconds. See the video of it in action on YouTube.
Steak Wrapping Paper – And finally, what better way to show someone you love them than giving them a present wrapped in steak paper? The Steak Wrapping Paper Set features—you guessed it—–wrapping paper that looks like steak! Also included is a cutting board paper to create a steak-on-the-chopper illusion. Check it out on Kickstarter starting at $15.
What’s on cadjunkie?
Last week we formally launched our SolidWorks 101 series! Head on over to cadjunkie to check it out and get that free membership today at cadjunkie.com!
What’s on Engineer vs Designer?
What’s on EngineerVsDesigner? This week we talked with those cool cats over at CustomMade.com, Mike Salguero and Jim Haughwout! We’ll talk with them about what it takes to play matchmaker between Makers and customers in 2013. Check it out at EngineerVsDesigner.com or here on Solidsmack. Rock!
Ask SolidSmack
And there you have it! Send your cool tool finds to smoth@www.solidsmack.com, sign up for our newsletter there in the sidebar or ask us a question in the comments or via email about diy, design, tech or anything else. Smoth would love to help.
