The Transformers Chrono Label will come in two versions: Cybertron Autoceptor and Destron Time Limit. The old-school dot graphic timepiece detaches from the wristband, and with a bit of tugging becomes a tiny little transforming robot.

It can be pre-ordered from NCSX for $290.90 each. Wow, is there anyway we can transform that price into something less ridiculous? And maybe bring back this cute pop-up Transformer watch instead? At least it's got colors. [Geek Alerts]

Cool trivia: Jones created the input device for his thesis at the University of Victoria:

Physical modeling synthesis has proven to be a successful method of synthesizing realistic sounds, but providing expressive controls for performance remains a major challenge. This thesis presents a new approach to playing physical models, based on multidimensional signals. Its focus is on the long-term research question, “How can we make a computer-mediated instrument with control intimacy equal to the most expressive acoustic instruments?” In the material world, the control and sounding properties of an instrument or other object are intimately linked by the object’s construction. Multidimensional signals, used as connections between a gestural controller and a physical model, can in principle provide the same intimacy. This work presents a new, low-cost sensor design capable of generating a 2D force signal, a new implementation of the 2D digital waveguide mesh, and two experimental computer music instruments that combine these components using different metaphors. The new instruments are evaluated in terms of intimacy, playability and plausibility. Multidimensional connections between sensors and a physical model are found to facilitate a high degree of control intimacy, and to reproduce as emergent behavior some important phenomena associated with acoustic instruments.

In addition to the video above, Jones has supplied WAV files of each of the techniques he plays in the demo. Check out his thesis and the video for more, including his very happy hands. [Thesis via MAKE]

The films, with titles such as Glass Dreams, Private Werner's Big Surprise and F***ing for the Fatherland, were made on 12mm cameras. Initially, a dozen men were involved, but by the mid-'80s, there were 160 people in the know. Soldiers were measured up to see if they were well-enough endowed for a starring role in the films, which were short and shoddy.

Former soldeier Dietmar Schuertze, now a media spokesman for the Bundeswehr, worked as both actor and sound assistant on the movies. "They were made, essentially, in secret but nothing got done in that man's army without the approval of the brass," he said, adding that they were made for the ruling classes' consumption. Filming often took place at garden parties, with officers and party officials checking the action out.

Some of the less salacious moments were shown on German TV earlier this week, but the quarter-century-old movies were incredibly dated. "I didn't recognize myself," said one former soldier. "And neither, thank God, did my wife." [Telegraph]

So, I'm very happy to find this classic moto styled brick phone with a GSM SIM slot inside. And the china-import even has MP3 ringtone support, a speakerphone, SMS, a color screen, and other modern niceties. It is 3/4 of a pound, and nearly 8 by 2 by 3 inches in size, though. At $170, it's a steal, when you think about it per pound. One wish — I'd like a shoulder strap, and a chiropractor on speed dial number 1.

Stat smather, post jump.

* GSM Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900 * CSTN, 65K colors LCD Display * 128 x 160 pixels, 29 x 35 mm Display Size * Speaker phone * Screensavers * Wallpapers * Polyphonic (32 channels), MP3 ringtones * 500 Phonebook entries * Call records: 10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls * SMS Messaging * Java MIDP 2.0 * English and Chinese English languages and text input * T9 text input with Chinese Pin Yin * Calendar * Calculator * Alarm Clock * Rechargeable battery * Dimensions: 195 X 41 64 mm (7.69 X 1.63 X 2.5 inch) * Weighs 12.5 oz. (including battery)

–Brian Lam

80's Brick Cellphone [Thanks Curtis!]

If, as a young impressionable child, you always wanted to grow up to be just like Michael Knight, only to find years later that fate had dealt you a cruel hand and you were unable to croon in German or grow luxurious chest hair, perhaps you will find some solace in the fact that while you may never be half the man the Hoff was in the 80s, you can totally still have his car.

All you've got to do is purchase a car from Pontiac's third generation series of Firebirds, track down every single part in the Knight Replicas catalog and then follow their conversion guide. No sweat, right? Not for a cool cat like you. Hell, play your cards right and maybe you'll have your sweet, sweet ride ready in time for the 2006 Knight Nationals & Convention in Dayton this August. Don't forget to send us a postcard from Ohio!

Guide to KITT and KARR [Knight Replicas, thanks Scott!]