The greenest form of energy is still the sun. It's free and it's everywhere. Australian design firm Buro North in partnership with the Victorian Eco Innovation Lab show off their VEIL Solar Shades installation. Photovoltaics aren't new but these cobras as I like to call them do more than collect solar energy, they also provide shade. Sun's great and all but I can't stand the heat. These cobras are right up my alley. Just don't bite me.

via Josh Spear

I may not own a Zune since I'm a Mac user but I do like the whole Zune arts initiative where artists team up and create videos preloaded on the Zune. The latest one called "Mother Like No Other" by The Bird and The Bee comes well timed for Mother's Day.

Somebody buy me a Zune so I can see what all the fuss is about.

Made of pure white ceramic, covered in 200 square cut topaz gemstones, and created by a designer with a very blingy name himself; Vlad Icobet - it's no wonder this concept Shine watch could potentially be the next big hit with celebs and socialites if it were real. Time is displayed digitally using a proprietary laser projection system. The gemstones only help to amplify the light which essentially "shines" thru.

Do want! via Yanko Design

So with all the press the HTC Touch Diamond is getting, no one's really discussing its origins. Sure it's HTC branded but the smartphone is actually a collaboration between HTC in Taiwan and One & Co. in San Francisco. HTC has the hardware chops but One & Co. knows how to meld the minimalist with the meaningful. Hit the jump for more beauty shots.

HTC just released it's "iPhone Killer" dubbed the Touch Diamond. It's powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, comes with a 2.8" VGA touch screen, GPS, WiFi, and 3G. Hit the jump for the full list of specs.

So what do you think? HTC did a great job with the interface but underneath it all it's still Windows Mobile. iPhone killer?

Supra today announced the limited edition 413 series sneaker. The Skytop (high-top for you hipsters) comes in a silver/white/turquoise colorway perfect for that spring lull and approaching summer. If you want one and live in the L.A. area, hit up the 413 store on May 10th to get first dibs.

If you don't live in L.A., look for it Training Camp, Wish, Leaders, Palace 5, Premium Goods, MIA, Vinnies Style, Bodega, Ubiq, and Shoebiz stores near you.

via High Snobiety

Sure Pleo may be no match for a Battlebot but mark my words,

"On the 1st year when tiny calves grow to become lords of their shepherds, will the Earth see them exact their revenge on those machines of unholy purpose and nature."

They don't call 'em thunder lizards for nothing.

M83 is back again with a different sound from his previous works. Saturdays = Youth is a little Thompson Twins and The Cure so if you like the sound of that mash up, you'll love M83's latest. If you've got 10 bucks laying around and are in need of some new music, give this Frenchie a try. It really takes me back to the days of "Pictures of You" and "Just Like Heaven".

Just what is Echochrome. The PS3 downloadable game is a little difficult to understand without actually playing it. Yeah, it's one of those types. The simplistic graphics inspired by MC Escher's work is really a ploy to make you think it's a lot easier than it looks. Truth be told, the 54 puzzling levels will have you questioning spacial relationships between you and your environment since what you see tends to be the limit of your reality until you decide to look at it from another angle - literally.

In Echochrome you control the camera and perspective, not the character. Guiding this mannequin figure by carefully tilting and turning the level to create a continual pathway allowing your mannequin to get from point A to B safely.

That's about as simple as I can put it. You really have to play it to understand the experience. Hit the jump for more pics.

So out of no where a french blogger sent me this link and I found it pretty interesting. A new music video directed by Romain Gavras for French duo Justice. It's an eye opening and seemingly controversial production that reflects some of the youth gang culture in Paris. Make your own assessment.

Side note; they're pretty stylish for a gang.

Side side note; I can't say I would exactly fear them since being raised in New York and Los Angeles, they're about as threatening as local high school hooligans. The day when they carry firearms and conduct international money laundering business is when I get scared. See - that's the brooklyn in me talking. I lived next door to projects for almost a year without even knowing it! Thank god the locals got used to me and nick named me "chink man".