Optimus Aux Keypad Body Photographed, Doesn't Surprise Anyone

From the haze of renders, name changes and unflatteringly exposed prototypes emerges the best evidence that a real-life Art Lebedev Optimus Aux keypad is nigh. The sexy, CNCed body doesn't look to have deviated at all from the proposed design, and the guts shouldn't pose any challenges that haven't already been overcome in the larger Optimus products. In other words, the Aux might be showing up on rich peoples' desks sooner rather than later. [Optimus Project] More »

Optimus Aux Prototype Looking Prototypical

Optimus has revealed their prototype of the 15-key Putius, that's now been redubbed the Aux. While the case is metal, here we see the plastic circuit board chassis and the complete electronic heart of the Aux. No, it's still not something you can actually buy, but we're getting oh so much closer. [Optimus]

Art Lebedev Design for the Rest of Us: Pixelated Mouse-Pointer Fridge Magnets

When they're not designing $1,500 OLED keyboards or hot WiMax phone concepts, it's good to know the guys over at Art Lebedev Studio like to keep the common folk in mind, sometimes. The common folk who will like to pin up printouts of Gizmodo posts to their fridge with these pixel-art mouse-pointer magnets. They're about 2.5-inches tall and will run you $4 in the Art Lebedev store. [Art Lebedev via Pocket Lint]

Art Lebedev Plans "Popularis" Optimus Keyboard Priced Under $1000

Art Lebedev has unveiled plans for a new addition to the Optimus keyboard family with a keyboard dubbed the "Optimus Popularis." Details are scarce as the device is only a mock-up at this point—but we do know that it will be shorter than the Maximus, and it it will not use OLED screens to save cash. Instead it will be based on a "totally different principle" (ooh, mystery principle!). Naturally, no release date has been unveiled, but look for it to retail under $1000. [LiveJournal]

Next Gen Optimus Maximus Details: Sub-$800, One-Screen and Raised Keys

Apparently, when Jesus called Art.Lebedev's Optimus Tactus keyboard "Optimus Retardus" for its lack of physical keys, the design team listened. Or not. Either way, Lebedev's latest plan is to indeed make a visual keyboard with just one full-color screen as opposed to many tiny ones. But it will overlay physical transparent keys (like on the Upravlator). In the end, you'd actually have a hard time noticing that each key isn't its own display. The goal is to get this thing into production by year's end, and to sell it for under $800—a bargain by Art.Lebedev standards. Later, the dudes will move to E-Ink or e-paper for lighter, wireless keyboards. [Optimus Project]