It hasn’t been an easy year for Research In Motion, the hi-tech company that developed BlackBerry communication device. From service outages to the much publicized failure on its tablet device, the BlackBerry PlayBook, investors have called for the company’s dissolution while former fans are flocking to Apple iPhone and other smartphone alternatives. One glimmer of relief from all the negative press, however, was the introduction of Porsche Design x BlackBerry P’9981 Smartphone.

Like many corporate head honchos who utilized their BlackBerry like addicts on illicit drugs, Porsche Design‘s CEO Juergen Gessler approached Research In Motion for a collaboration opportunity. What came about was the P’9981 Smartphone. While its essentially a BlackBerry Bold 9900, engineers at Porsche Design reworked the case in stainless steel instead of plastic. Added also are Porsche Design themes on the BlackBerry 7.0 OS, a new key pad layout and revamped optical touch pad. Scheduled to launch this November with a purported price point of $2000 US, the phone aims directly at well-to-do customers of Nokia’s ultra high-end Vertu cellphones. At the ongoing CES in Las Vegas, editors from Engadget were able to take the device for a “spin” and give their initial assessments of it via video. via: Engadget

Moviebuffs, hopefully you’re already sitting down. If not, you may want to hold onto something once you get a look at the newly unvieled XVT 3D Cineawide TV by Vizio, which actually delivers theater-style 21:9 aspect display using a monster 72-inch 480Hz LCD. The 2560 x 1080 passive 3D HD display is made of a new anti-reflective material that prevents nearby light or those annoying black bars from ruining your viewing experience. And when you’re not being blown away by the XVT’s ability to bring the theater to your living room, the built-in Apps put top internet and online services at your fingertips, including Hulu Plus, Facebook, Flicker, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter and Yahoo!. The 72-inch Vizio XVT 3D is set to hit stores later this year along with models in two other sizes, 50 and 58 inches, each with a QWERTY keyboard integrated into the universal remote control.

Lively decorated with inspiration from the iconic Mind Dynasty’s blue-white porcelain, Swatch celebrates the upcoming Chinese New Year (January 23rd, 2012) with this limited edition Year of the Dragon timepiece. Elaborate art of a blue dragon dashing across the white sky, its also symbolic of water, this new year’s elemental. On the dial face, the Chinese character for “dragon” written in abstract block form, on an all-white backdrop. Part of the Swatch Originals Gent series, the Year of the Dragon watch is now available at all Swatch retail locations and online store.

Legions of professional photographers still swear by the reliability their Canon EOS. Though its closest competitor, Nikon, been gnawing away those allegiances the last few years with innovative functions. Features like dual slots for Compact Flash media in case of “overshooting” the maximum image capacity to the ethernet port on its latest DSLR camera, the Nikon 4D. With a high speed ethernet cable tethered to camera during a photo/video session, photographer and videographer alike can streamline their digital workflow. They can even control adjustments on the 4D via Apple iPad, thus be more involve in the actual “photo process” without being stuck behind the camera. See as Nikon technicians demonstrate the ethernet function on the video after the jump. via: Engadget

Designed by French designer Philippe Starck, Parrot‘s Zik headphones were introduced during this year’s CES. In addition to its striking good looks, the Zik features active noise cancellation technology, Bluetooth connectivity, NFC and touch controls at the earcups, and a capacitive touch panel controlled by gestures (swiping upwards raises the volume, downward lowers it, while swiping forward and back enables you to move through your playlist). Additionally, an onboard sensor can detect when you’re listening to music or not — when the headphones are resting on your shoulder, the music automatically stops playing. A jawbone sensor reportedly carries bone-conduction technology that results in clearer sound during calls, while the memory foam inside the earpads provide superior comfort. Check out an introductory video of the Zik, including interviews with Philippe Starck and Parrot founder Henri Seydoux, after the click.

Is it a camera? Not quite. But Polaroid‘s new SC1630 isn’t really a smartphone either. Hence the creative designation of “smart camera”. With a 16-megapixel camera plus a 3X optical zoom lens housed in a nifty, leather bound case, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera is capable of recording High Definition videos and ultra sharp still images. On the device’s back is a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD display. It doubles as a Smartphone and controls to the camera. Thanks to its Wi-Fi and cellphone capabilities, images and videos can be geo-tagged, edit, and upload to the social network of you choice. Though competitors like Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, and Sharp all have peddled similar two-in-one devices in the past. This debut design from Polaroid shows the revamped label is thinking outside of the box. Currently on display at CES in Las Vegas, the Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera will be available sometime this year with price yet to be determined.

Throughout our childhood, we’ve been taught to believe that if something seems too good to be true, it usually isn’t. And while your gut may be telling you that XPAL Power‘s claim that their new SpareOne cell phone can hold a charge for 15 years and provide up to 10 hours of talk time on just one AA battery is a little fishy, in this case you’d be wrong. Requiring no cords or plugs and focusing only on the bare essentials, the SpareOne gives you 24/7 911 capability and, if you want to broaden your range, calls outside of the emergency system using your own SIM card (not included). Coming in your choice of either a black or white face, the SpareOne showcases the battery prominently in its front window and reaches back in phone design to the pre-smartphone era to give you only the basics. Check out more pictures at this slim and simple phone after the jump. via: Cool Hunting

Since the initial launch of the Fujifilm X100 last March, Fujifilm has been inundated with requests for a black version of the popular high-end compact digital camera. Listening to their customers, Fujifilm produced 10,000 of a new limited release black edition of the X100, which includes the camera unit, a genuine leather case, lens hood, and a protective filter within the set. Also, each camera comes with a message card listing the number as proof of its authenticity. This camera isn’t all show, however; it features Fujifilm’s new Fujinon 23mm F2 lens and a 12 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor to deliver premium image photos. You can check out more looks at the blacked-out X100 after the jump.

Limited to 1000 sets only, the Stussy x Megabass x LUMINOX watch box set consists of a 3150 LUMINOX timepiece with both leather and rubber wrist straps. Stainless steel case with harden crystal glass and 100% carbon fiber dial face, the watch is water resistant up to 200 meters. Each also comes with a floating keychain and a XPOD Jr. fishing lure, courtesy of fishing supplier Megabass. Numbered 1 to 1000 for authenticity, now available at Stussy retail location and online store.

Delivering beats is nothing new for Monster, but their recent collaboration with Italian design powerhouse Diesel on the Vektr On-Ear Headphones does seem a like an interesting match-up at first blush. While Diesel’s name is synonymous with edgy apparel and accessories, deep down, music is an equally important part of the brand’s identity. A founding partner of an international talent support network, the sponsor of several youth creativity projects such as the Diesel-U-Music contest, and the recent launch of the Diesel Noise Division proves their love of creativity isn’t picky.

The Vektr On-Ear Headphones were designed to be super-light, easy to carry, and offer a “scientifically-backed assault on your senses.” It’s triangular High-Def cable offers you a tangle-free and ultra-clear music experience while its sharp faceted look and range of finishes, including rubber and matte, give these headphones a truly distinctive look. The Vektr’s also collapse to fit within a touring case and feature ControlTalk Universal hands-free control of your music and phone calls. You can pick up these headphones at select retailers or directly at Monster’s online store.

Amazingly, it was just months ago that Fujifilm introduced the X10 digital camera from the X-Series product family and already a new camera is ready to launch. Announcing the Fujifilm X-Pro1, an all-new interchangeable lens camera from its cutting edge X-Series of premium cameras. Created with photo enthusiasts and professionals in mind, the X-Pro1 will incorporate a new CMOS image sensor named X-Trans CMOS. Unlike traditional CMOS sensors, Fujifilm developed a new color filter whereby RGB pixels are aligned in 6×6 pixel format. Because there is an even distribution of RGB pixels, the sensor is less prone to generate false colors. Taking full advantage of its Fujinon optics, long a favorite among TV professional, a set of three prime Fujinon lenses – XF18mmF2 R, XF35mmF1.4 R, and XF60mmF2.4 R, will be available for purchase as well. Beautifully hand finished and precisely crafted to perfect specifications, down to the “click” of aperture settings, the Fujifilm X-Pro1, like the X100 and X10, is more than just a camera but a work of art in itself.