A Trailer You'd NEVER call Trash! Tabbert's Paganini Caravan

In the last few years the Tabbert brand has undergone repositioning and has clearly rejuvenated its corporate image. With the luxe Paganini, their designers, developers, and product managers have created a new standard in the category. In the Paganini, Tabbert combines automotive design with innovative technology and quality to result in a trailer that's anything but trash. They refer to it as a "caravan" and so will I throughout the rest of this post.

The Exterior:


The flush F.AC.E window system that runs from the three-dimensionally overarched front of the caravan through to the rear, is unique to the Paganini.




A Silverline package features side walls in wood-free sandwich design, where an insulating core of XPS rigid foam plastic provides more static properties, strength, and stability at a relatively low weight.



One of the most important new constructions is the Tabbert premium roof. With a thickness of 6 cm this roof provides optimal thermal insulation and excellent noise protection when it rains.



The innovative air circulation in the Tabbert premium roof is of new design. Behind a double wall in the top cabinets (in both the front and in the rear areas) there are openings into the roof. The air in the interior is thus continuously exchanged, which guarantees a pleasant room climate and almost completely prevents heat accumulation.

The channels for the optional air-conditioning system also run in the roof. Through a special duct, cold air flows into the roof and then distributes into the air-conditioning channels and can uniformly exit at three positions in the ceiling panels. This technology allows completely draught-free cooling of the interior of the caravan.

The Interior:



Indirect lighting in the circumferential ceiling panels, inset LED spots, and reading lamps in the seat group and in the bedroom provide lighting not usually found in recreational vehicles.




The new light control system allows you to set individual lights that also can be dimmed.



And upon request the ceiling lamp above the seat group also is available with a backlit Tabbert emblem.



Luxurious details and materials are used throughout from the leathers to the wood veneers and stainless steel hardware.





The Kitchen:

Sophisticated functionality and first-class workmanship are also in the kitchen. The interior has a champagne-colored furniture decor and details such as a solid-surface worktop with chopping board and sink cover.



There is a three-burner Spinflo cooker with glass panel and a sufficiently large working area that is easy to clean.

The kitchen equipment is available with a powerful extractor hood and a 189 litre refrigerator (both optional).


The Bathroom:

A very special feature in the 655 DF is the spacious round shower with illuminated ceiling.


Mahogany real wood veneer and solid-surface materials also are found in the bath.


Practical stowage trays and a toilet with ceramic coating provide real 'at home' type comfort.


The Bedroom:






All inclusive

* Tabbert premium roof with integrated air-conditioning channels for optimal cold air ventilation
* Furniture flaps (mahogany real wood veneer) with gas pressure springs
* Ceiling panels covered with Alcantessa and featuring state-of-the-art LED light technology
* Solid-surface worktop in the kitchen, incl. chopping board and sink cover
* Solid-surface panel in the bath
* Alloy wheels painted in black
* High-quality hinges and exclusive SafetyLocks
* Dimmable 20 W bulbs
* Light control system
* Ventilated seat stowage boxes, and rear-ventilation of the top cabinets into the roof (in the front and in the rear)
* High-quality surfaces
* Exclusive fabric groups: Avantgarde, Elegance, Noblesse
* Comfort door with safety concept
* Illuminated entrance step with Tabbert lettering (integrated and insulated; for a clear plus in safety and comfort)
* Integrated aluminium bottle box bottom with spare wheel holder


Standard equipment

* Wide-track safety chassis with axle shock absorbers
* Smooth running chassis
* Stabiliser safety coupling (AKS 2004) with softdock
* Low-profile tyres
* Service hatch in the side wall (depending on the layout)
* Dometic toilet CT 3110 (except 655 MDW)
* Mini-Heki, with forced ventilation
* Lift-tilt sunroof, version 2
* Hinged frame windows, tinted for sun screening
* Combination roller blinds and mosquito protection
* 12 V tent light above the entrance door
* Safety tail lights with round single lights
* White smooth plate (front window or blind panel depending on the layout)
* Comfortable manoeuvring handles
* Truma SL5002 heating, two fan motors and heating circuits, heating fan (12 V) with engine speed control
* 13-pole connector plug, «Jäger» system (DIN 72570)
* Gas pipe (Ø 10 mm) from gas bottle to distributor block
* 45 l fresh water tank, built-in
* Warm air system with automatic speed control, 12 V
* SAT antenna cable laid
* Converter / switching power supply 250 VA
* Hinged bed base with mattress holder (spring mattress)
* Hot water supply (in kitchen and toilet, with Truma-Therme)
* Drawbar cover
* Corner shelves with indirect lighting
* PVC floor covering
* 655 DF exclusive shower with illuminated ceiling and solid-surface covering in the shower column


www.tabbert.de

Tabbert Caravan GmbH
Sandweg 1
36391 Sinntal-Mottgers
Germany

USt.ID-Nr.: DE154871125
Handelsregister Hanau, HRB 90459
phone: +49 (0) 66 64 - 89 0
fax: +49 (0) 66 64 - 61 98
tabbert@tabbert.de

Wakamaru: Mistubishi's Personal Robot, No Longer Personal, But Still 'Alive'

Let me start out this post by letting you know that this 'personal' home robot by Mitsubishi, which initially listed at $8,500.00 USD when introduced to the market in 2005, is no longer available for purchase. When he first came out, there was a lot of news about him and I wondered what had happened to Wakamaru?

Apparently he got a job as a salesman at the New York Soho Uniqlo store!

Yep, I saw on Engadget that he's now being used in the SOHO Uniqlo store as a salesman (salesrobot?) of sorts.


Read the story about that here.

Back to our little "Wakamaru". He was created by the development staff at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., incorporating advanced robot technology and designed by Toshiyuki Kita. "Wakamaru" was created to communicate with people and all of his features were developed to enable such communication.



"Wakamaru" is not a home electric appliance you just turn on when you want to use it. Nor is it a robot that will activate after receiving a command. Rather, it remains active without the assistance of humans as long as it is powered on. "Wakamaru" has its own rhythm of life and moves around autonomously. It will want to be near people in movement, stay active throughout the day by charging itself, and rest up at the charging station at night.



"Wakamaru's" rhythm of life may be left autonomous or set to a pre-determined schedule.
He can recognize the faces of people that have been recorded, respond when spoken to, meet a person's gaze, offer up subjects of conversation, etc., all to ensure naturally rich communication. As "wakamaru" freely moves about a predetermined area and decides for itself when to recharge, its movement require no human assistance.



How does he work?

"Wakamaru" may operate continuously as long as it is powered on. The owner may set a time at which "wakamaru" will become active in the morning, or stop at night.
"Wakamaru's" daily activities may be set by day of the week.
The following four modes of activity may be selected:
1) Stay at charging station.
2) Stay near office.
3) Circulate around designed area.
4) Sleep at charging station.
"Wakamaru" will recharge or move as necessary when in modes 1) - 3) , When in mode 4), It will be inactive unless instructed for activity. During the night, he will remain at the charging station as per mode 4).





Eyes
"Wakamaru's" eyes are not only necessary from a technological viewpoint, but their size and shape were created to take on and express emotions. This is intrinsically connected to "wakamaru's" personality. Wide eyes express understanding when being spoken to, indicating that reliable communication is established. Eye expressions have been choreographed to create a partner of credible intelligence.



Mouth
The mouth may take on a slight smile or even express an air of melancholy. As with the eyes, the mouth will change depending on the emotions of the person with whom the robot has contact. This robot actually assumes a role when "living with humans."





Eyebrows
Although the eyebrows were designed to serve a functional necessity, their position and shape ended up giving rise to "wakamaru's" character. In fact, the name "wakamaru" came from the resemblance to 12th century warrior Ushiwakamaru's eyebrows. As with Ushiwakamaru, who grew up to be the famous Yoshitsune, we can expect growth and development in the future.



So, if you really want to meet Wakamaru, I guess you'd better go mosey over to the Uniqlo store in Soho and ask him to help you out.


Above: designer Toshiyuki Kita

By the way, if you really want your own personal robot, Gecko Systems just announced the release of their latest, the CareBot MSR 3.8 Read the press release here

Sweet Dreams Security: Safety Never Looked So Good.

Who says that elements designed to keep people away can't be inviting? Certainly not Matthias Megyeri of Sweet Dreams Security in Great Britain where safety, preventative and secure elements are functional but fun. Butterfly-shaped razor wire, teddy bear shaped padlocks and lace embroidered Beware of Dog signs are some examples of the whimsy interjected into products usually designed to be foreboding and unattractive.

Several of their designs like the heart shaped link chain and glass landscape toppers are ordered by commission, but others are available to purchase. Definitely the cutest security precautions you'll ever take.

Below are all of their products to date with descriptions taken directly from their website.



Sweet Dreams Security™
Fences with bunny rabbits for railheads, razor-wire woven with butterflies, padlocks shaped like teddy bears and feline CCTV covers – a few of the products in the Sweet Dreams Security™ range. Matthias Megyeri has carved an exciting new niche market for products that respond to what he sees as an uncomfortable balance between the growing demand for security products and an over-saturation of the kitsch, the‘cute', the garden gnomes and the frilly curtains.

Railings: R. Bunnit , Peter Pin and Didoo


The first set of three unique railing-top characters by Sweet Dreams Security™ is now available. This contemporary take on traditional Victorian street furniture injects a sense of energy into often-lifeless urban landscapes. Let the jagged but friendly little creatures guard your home with a warm smile.

Razor Wire: Mr. Smish & Madame Buttly
The Sweet Dreams Security™ razor wire is our most vicious but cute product to date. Standard razor wire has been transformed from a purely threatening object into one that is highly playful, yet every bit as effective.



‘Mr. Smish & Madame Buttly’ had the honour of gracing the cover of the 2005 ‘SAFE: Design Takes on Risk’ MoMA exhibition catalogue, in New York.


You can either order ‘Mr. Smish’ and ‘Madame Buttly’ separately, or together as the dream team of security.

Preventative Wall Toppers: Landscape


‘Landscape’ by Sweet Dreams Security™ consists of ten glass objects designed as security features for the top of garden or backyard walls. The strong, sharp structures offer an original and appealing alternative to broken bottle shards, which are now illegal to use.‘Landscape’ is now also available in various vibrant colours as a result of collaboration with a traditional Stuttgart-based glass company.

Padlock: Billy B.


Sweet Dreams Security™ introduces a fresh, friendly face to the Old English Padlock by offering ‘Billy B.’ to grace your backyard or private space. Made by Henry Squire & Sons Ltd UK – family-owned lockmakers since 1780 – this fun, new product boasts the quality workmanship expected from an old favourite.’Billy B.’ is now being sold in selected design outlets worldwide.



Chains: Heart to Heart


Sweet Dreams Security™ developed ‘Heart to Heart’ to enhance a classic product icon with a sprinkling of sweetness.The heart-shaped chain will inject a dose of good, old-fashioned charm to your front garden, backyard or other private space.

Alarms: Daisy T.
 

The ADT alarmbox flower attachment from Sweet Dreams Security™ transforms your existing alarmbox from dull and dreary to chirpy and cheery, giving a playful look to your building exterior and bringing a smile to the faces of passerby. The extra shell provided by the flower’s petals also provides an extra layer of protection against wily burglars’ expert ways.

The one-year installation of ‘Daisy T’ at the Design Museum, London, has greatly raised her profile and even turned her into somewhat of a local celebrity.

Security Cameras: City Cat TV
These quirky Sweet Dreams Security™ CCTV camera attachments add a welcome touch of humour to our increasingly security-conscious lives.


The sliding feature on the outdoor camera ensures that the quality of the images captured is never impaired by bright sunlight.

Security Illusion Curtains: Mrs Welcome
Sweet Dreams Security™ proudly introduces ‘Mrs Welcome’. Woven to look like a metal security shutter, this traditional lace curtain with a twist is soft and welcoming on the inside, yet cold and harsh-looking on the outside: a placebo product designed to keep the burglars at bay, without making you feel imprisoned in your own home.

Made in Nottingham, UK, this product also marks a return to traditional English lace-making roots – a much-needed boost for a fast-fading local industry and identity

Beware of Dog Sign: Snoopy D

‘Snoopy D’, from Sweet Dreams Security™ is an ironic remake of a classic warning sign. The phrase ‘Beware of Dog’ takes on an entirely new slant when embroidered onto a delicate lace window hanger using the traditional German hand-embroidery technique known as ‘Plauener Spitze’.

‘Snoopy D’ lends a touch of old-fashioned class to a society ruled by suspicion, where niceties are all too often forgotten.

Sweet Dreams Security™ has found international acclaim, exhibiting widely and attracting high profile bespoke commissions - two projects in Tokyo this summer, Colour By Numbers and Tokyo Hipsters Club, and a window installation at Paul Smith in New York. After participating in the ‘Hometime’ exhibition organised by the British Council in China and showing at the Design Museum's Design Mart exhibition of new British design in 2004, the products were included in Paul Smith's Great Brits exhibition at the Milan Furniture Fair in 2005. As well as participating in the Pop noir exhibition at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem the product range is also being exhibited at ‘Safe – Design Takes On Risks’ at the Museum of Modern Art, New York and in a show curated by Droog® design in Amsterdam.


above: designer Matthias Aron Megyeri



SweetDreamsSecurityTM
Matthias Aron Megyeri, Designer
18 Trafalgar Mews
E9 5JG, London, Great Britain
m.megyeri@sweetdreamssecurity.com

Telephone 0044 (0)20 8986 5116
Mobile 0044 (0)77 7962 4974
For information regarding prices please contact us.

Seinfeld And Gates: Shoe Shopping For Microsoft

The below spot, the first ad produced by Crispin Porter+Bogusky for Microsoft, is being severely criticized and attacked by some Microsoft advocates on twitter and several other social media sites as "bad".



Personally, I think it's hilarious, memorable and one of the first Microsoft ads that will have great appeal to the Mac audience and jaded Microsoft users. It's true that it shows no hardware, software or 'technology' per se but we all know that's what Microsoft does and we don't need to be told that yet again.

Microsoft doesn't need to explain who they are, nor show us a particular product (for that, you can just look at any tech site or magazine), but instead help broaden their appeal and build confidence back into the brand after the Windows Vista release disappointed so many.

This spot makes Bill Gates approachable and likeable as opposed to an 'evil corporate giant' and the message is about the future. Besides The 'shoe circus clown club member' bit (a nod toward Seinfeld's past ads for American Express) is worth the entire 60 seconds.

The spot is the first commercial ad released by Crispin Porter+Bogusky (and apparently one of several to come) for Microsoft but their "Mojave Experiment", a series of internet ads and banners that utilize the unoriginal, but tried and true "try it, you'll like it" approach, has been out for sometime now.