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Who says digital cameras have to always be simple and plain looking? The Olympus Limited Edition Mju 1020 shows that digital cameras can be as artsy and funky as an obscure abstract painting with 3 uniquely-styled skins.

Designed by Romanian artists Matei Apostolescu, the limited edition Mju 1020 puts vibrancy and color in the true meaning of the word, to the otherwise usual casual design of the Mju 1020. The 3 skins would certainly appeal to the younger audience, most specifically to women photo enthusiasts. I doubt if the more serious photo hobbyists would fine it appealing though. But if you want to be different from the rest of the digital camera using crowd, the Mju 1020 would definitely give you the edge and that second look from folks seeing you with the Mju 1020.

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After many delays, the Optimus Maximus keyboard has finally begun shipping. Now don’t get that excited yet, because they are not shipping on a regular basis, those who ordered last year will soon be receiving their keyboard.

In addition to those lucky ones who will be getting their keyboard, the Optimus Configurator software utility is also available. This software will allow you to customize your new keyboard and is available in both a Mac and PC version.

Via [Optimus Project]

Remember that Optimus Maximus keyboard auction we showed you a little while back, well the auction has ended, keyboard has sold and we can only imagine the seller was very pleased.

With a final bid of $2,750 it has sold for quite a bit over the regular retail price of $1,564.72. Wonder if the buyer will follow through with the purchase or if this will have to be re-listed for another attempted sale.

Read [eBay] Via [Engadget]

You now have your chance to be amongst the first to get your hands on an actual Optimus Maximus keyboard. Currently up for auction is just that, assuming you are willing to pay the premium price. We had thought people would be crazy to pay the $1,564 that it will retail for, but this auction seems to be taking that to another level, currently with 62 bids the auction sits at $1,900 with about 5.5 days left to bid. Of course the seller is kind enough to include free shipping. Winning this auction will either help you to impress your friends or possibly have them set up an intervention for spending so much money on a keyboard.

Read [eBay]

Again.  The once great, now non-existent Optimus Maximus keyboard from Russian designer Art Lebedev has been delayed. This is not the first time that such delays have happened; the name of the device is practically synonymous with vaporware.

To put things in perspective, the Maximus was first announced right around July of 2005. Since then, it’s release has been marred with delays due to lack of OLED keys, and so on.

This time around, the delay is a result of Lebedev wanting to completely finalize the firmware of the keyboard. The keyboard is said to be ready by February. For those who can’t wait, you could buy the keyboard now, and figure out to download the software when the time comes.

Via [Engadget]

This is for anyone who thinks that American television is losing its artistic integrity. TV2Art Screens, created by Daniel Goldstein and John Kapellas, are placed over a TV screen, blocking out “most of the content and leav[ing] only abstract areas of moving light and color.” When used in combination with a broadcast, it creates a series of glowing artistic patterns, but the creators claim it still looks pretty cool when the TV is tuned off. It’s meant to be used with flat panel TVs and ships with a DVD sampler.

The TV2Art screen attaches to the TV monitor using micro-suction tape built into the back of the screen. When not in use, the TV2Art screen can be peeled off so you can resume your regular programming. Screens are available in three sizes to fit most screens: small for TVs up to 32 in, medium for up to 42 in. and Large for TVs up to 50 in.  Prices range from $210 (Small “Rollercoaster” design) to $360 (Large “Leonardo’s Flood” or “Rollercoaster” designs) each. A portion of all TV2ART profits will go towards Under One Roof and Visual Thinking Strategies, two non-profit organizations that benefit Aids/HIV service organizations and public school art programs, respectively. See, now even watching infomercials and Dawson’s Creek reruns can have artistic merit and help others… well, sorta.

Read [TV2Art]

You really, really love your $2,000+ flat screen but unless it is >$8,000 it is probably not the prettiest object in your house (not because of the price, the more expensive models tend to be sleeker), especially when it is turned off. You have heard of people displaying works of art on their plasma’s but aren’t sure how to do it yourself or if it is safe, then read on…

As long as you keep the images rotating every few minutes you should not have an burn-in issue, which occurs mostly on plasma sets, LCDs and projection sets are safe. There are three easy ways to turn your TV into a multimillion dollar piece of artwork:

• DVDs - All you do it load it in and press play. Most discs will rotate images every two minutes. Check out Plasma Window, where DVDs are $19.95.


• Downloads - If you are good with home theater and home networking then find a way to hookup your PC to your TV. Then all you need to do is download files that you want to “watch” such as from Dream City or Gallery Player.


• Media Players - Finally, why hassle with DVDs or your PC when you can purchase a dedicated media player such as Roku’s PhotoBridge HD or device that allows you to pop in a memory card and view your multi-megapixel vacation photos in stunning clarity.

Gadgetell would like to welcome Chris to the gadge. He is a computer wiz who loves to talk and write about tech. Watch out, his posts may go all crazy digital 0101010101110000 on us.

Ever get that eerie feeling that the furniture in your room is alive and moving around? No? I am really the only one? Well you will after watching this Dynamic Art project.

Max Dean, Raffaello D’Andrea and Matt Donovan have created a chair that breaks apart and then reassembles itself. Though not much information can be gathered from the video as to whether the chair is being controlled by remote or using artificial intelligence to get back together, it’s still cool.

Via [Make]
Watch video [D’Andrea Group Interactive & Dynamic Art]