Staring at it head on, the Amethyst X-1 looks more to be a space battle cruiser from the distant future. In fact, its a docking system for your Apple iPhone, iPod, or any other popular MP3 player. As imposing as it looks, the Amethyst X-1 features a 2.1-channel speaker layout, with a speaker on each of its “wings” and a subwoofer at the middle. A remote control lets you access playlist, volume and other controls. But access also comes in another, more interesting form. Magically manage your Amethyst X-1 by simple hand gestures and the system’s hidden IR sensor will translate the movements into commands. Its the perfect conversation piece at the New Year’s Eve party tomorrow. Available now through Brookstone for the price of $149.99 US.

On mere appearance, this hazy cellphone pic offers little clues. The snake skin image can certainly be from a fancy purse by a high-end fashion house, or just a replica accessory for your cellphone. But what if the photo was from Kojima Hideo‘s Twitter account? Uploaded by the creative director of Metal Gear gaming franchise this morning, the teaser is the first clue on a rumored Nintendo 3DS limited edition to coincide with the launch of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D next month – a 3DS covered in faux snake skin. More details to come as the launch date of January 20th draws near. via: Kotaku

With mobile devices performing multiple tasks, the in-built speakers on these devices are sub-standard to say the least. Whether it is a cell phone, laptop, MP3 player or a tablet, the joy in enjoying your favorite music or video is multiplied by an awesome sound. Nixon took the initiative to think outside of the square by designing the portable Block Speakers. Its clever design allows it to dock onto itself by some magnets inside the speakers. It comes packaged with an USB and headphone jack so that you can enjoy great music while at a BBQ, the beach or the skate-park. These speakers are available in white or black colors and it comes equipped with its own volume knob for optimal control. Nixon dealers nationwide should have these in stock already, or visit the Japanese online store zoetrope.

New meets old in the Trumstand for the iPhone, a gramophone inspired dock by Japanese design company Pleiades that uses no electronics to amplify the acoustics of the iPhone. Instead, the device utilizes an S-shaped metal horn. The process is simple: the Trumstand picks up sound from the iPhone’s speaker via a sold aluminum base, carrying it up the curving cylinder and outward through the horn like an old-fashioned Victrola. The horn itself is hand-crafted from brass and plated with pure sterling silver, delivering vivid sound and rich bass notes, thanks to the unique “S” shape. The Trumstand is available now through Japan’s Restir.

RESTIR
9-7-4 Akasaka | Map
Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan

Following their previous collaboration, VANQUISH & fragment design are expanding their denim collection to include an iPhone 4/4s case which also doubles as a supplemental power-pack.   With only the VANQUISH and fragment design logos and a playful “smile” message interrupting the otherwise minimalist design, this black or white hard case provides iPhone owners with a built-in battery that can be charged separately from the iPhone itself. Given its overall look and lightweight construction, this cover is a smarter way to boost your phone’s life without lugging around any extra cords or external batteries.

Check out more looks at the VANQUISH x fragment design case after the jump before heading to the ZOZOTOWN to pick one up.

Headed by the father and son team of Jorg Hysek Sr., Jorg Hysek Jr., and designer Fabrice Gonet, watchmaker HD3 set out to create a timepiece perfectly aligning the two worlds of mechanical complexity and futuristic styling. They succeed with the HD3 SLYDE.Drawing inspiration from smartphones, where functions can be switched with a simple slide of the finger, HD3 developed a touchscreen digital dial face with a multitude of time-related operations such as chronograph, moon phase, timer, calendar, time zone, etc… While it is quite similar to many of its digital counterparts, all of its technical features were created by HD3. Encased in a titanium shell with a domed sapphire crystal screen, the SLYDE siphons power from a 3.8V lithium polymer, rechargeable via a USB connector. Water resistant up to 30 meters, the high-tech, high-end timepiece is currently available for pre-order at RESTIR for $9,360 US.

RESTIR
9-7-4 Akasaka | Map
Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan

Images of this spectacular VANS waffle sole case for the iPhone 4 first surfaced on OffTheWallSite.net a year ago. At the time, the case was believed to be a special promotional item that wouldn’t be available to the public, which would have been a shame — the construction was flawless, featuring the signature details of a typical VANS sneaker. There was the unmistakable waffle gum sole, textured toe bumper and red “Off the Wall” heel tab. Cut to present day, and it turns out the VANS iPhone case is a production item available in stores right now, although getting your hands on one might be something of a challenge. They’re sold out at the VANS online store, and evidently the’re selling out at VANS retail stores as well, though it’s believed some stores still have them in stock, while others have yet to receive delivery of them. Do a little digging, and you just may come home with VANS for your phone to match the pair on your feet. Good luck! via: OTWS