With so many cool things coming out each week, it can be hard to wade through all the rock-awesomeness. With ‘Cool Tools’, we’ve done the hard work for you.
This week we saw everything from the announcement of an even smaller new GoPro action camera, a biodegradable stool inspired by glacier formations in Alaska, the release of the official Star Wars app for iPhone and Android, a mash-up of The Simpsons and Akira and more…
Ready? Let’s go!
This week we look at:
DESIGN
“HERO4 Session packs the power of GoPro into our smallest, lightest, most convenient camera yet, featuring a rugged and waterproof design, easy one-button control, 1080p60 video and 8MP photos…”
“GLACIER is a result of an on-going research of NOWlabs’ investigation on natural processes of material formations…”
APPS
“The Star Wars App is your official mobile connection to a galaxy far, far away. With a dynamic interface, the Star Wars App immerses you in breaking news, rich media, social updates, special events, and interactive features…”
“It all begins with your images. Take your camera and compose a photo, or select from your Camera Roll. Once you have your image, the enhancing is in full effect. Unleash your inner artist and choose from a collage of inspired frames, shapes and patterns. Watch as your image is “fragmented” instantly into a myriad of prism-like glass pieces, thanks to a lightning-fast interface that works in real time. No lag time here, thank you…”
DIY
“This rustic, modern coffee table is made from 2x8s, angle irons and black iron pipe. I used angle irons to bind the pieces of 2×8 together and made legs for the table out of 3/4″ diameter plumber’s pipe. It’s a sturdy table that can be made in a variety of sizes and heights…”
“These tree speakers were handmade from +14″ thick sections of what was once a towering elm tree, that have now been transformed into a completely unique piece of hi-fi art. The speaker enclosure is made from one solid piece of elm, sectioned only at the rear of the speaker in order to hollow out enough material to create the speakers internal volume of air…”
ROCK AWESOMENESS
Bartkira | The Animated Trailer
“Bartkira is an animated parody mash-up of The Simpsons and Akira…”
The Iron Giant Returns to Theaters

“For everyone who missed out on seeing this touching blend of Americana, pacifism and computer-enhanced (but not 3D) animation on the big screen, you‘ll have a second chance. The Iron Giant: Signature Edition will be simulcast at theaters nationwide care of Fathom Events on Wednesday, September 30 and again on Sunday, October 4.”
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.