Gizmodo: pixel

The Rubik's Cube's Secret Life as an 8-Bit Work of Art

Jack Loftus — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

First, the venerable Rubik's Cube recreated the masterworks of Da Vinci. Today's example, while not quite as grandiose, is still impressive. Ladies and Gents, the Space Invaders are here.

And Sonic. And Pac-Man. Even President Obama makes an appearance, although I don't think Hope: The Video Game is out just yet.

For reference, artist John Quigley says the Obama one took about 20 hours to complete. That time, since I'm a self-deprecating kind of guy, puts my personal Rubik's Cube record—which will remain undisclosed—to shame. [Technabob via CrunchGear]

Pixel Light Adds Bloom Lighting to the Drab, Analog World

Mark Wilson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:40:00 EDT

There comes a time in every geek's life when he must unplug. While ingenuity, like carrying a laptop to the bathroom, can often stall such inevitability, it cannot thwart all of the social pressures of friends and loved ones.

This pixel lamp softens the blow of the smooth, analog world. And after a beer or two coaxing your imagination, the simple 10-inch cube could resemble a Space Invader, zoomed JPEG or unidentified SNES Mode 7 piece of heaven. $70. [Meninos via Unplggd]

Pixel Art Book Jackets Hide Your Shameful Reading Habit

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST

Project: Buy a bunch of white book covers and color them strategically with marker. Enjoy the fumes and the fact that your fifty-seven copies of Catcher in the Rye are properly hidden. [icoeye via bbGadgets]

The History of Computing as Told by Pixelated Dancing Scientists (and Jim Guthrie)

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT

You might think the history of personal computing is way too complex to explain in under four minutes. But Canadian animators Superbrothers teamed up with singer-songwriter and all-around awesome dude Jim Guthrie to create this amazing music video that'll prove you wrong. The story: two heavily-pixelated scientists have a dance battle that echoes the transition from primitive '60s computers to today's cloud computing. The video is after the jump.

DOT MATRIX REVOLUTION* from superbrothers on Vimeo.[io9]

Pixel Drink Coasters Can Have Any 8-Bit Shape You Want

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT

These pixel drink coasters are made of paper and come in 50-unit packages for $8. Nothing special there until you notice that they have different shapes, which are not actually made at the factory: The coasters come in a single sheet, folded in 50 segments that you can cut in any way you want using the one-centimeter-long square perforations that divide each segment into 110 pixels. The results are beautiful, including an obligatory Space Invaders theme.

According to Technabob, the paper is special, which allows to resist the condensation and even get reused. [25togo via Technabob]

Stolen Pixel Jewelry Proves Valkryrie Needs Bling More Than Food

Jason Chen — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:00:17 EDT

Essentially the female version of the 8-Bit Tie, these "Stolen Jewels" designs from Mike and Maaike are pixelized jewelry that you can actually wear. Sure, they look like they're either made out of paper or cheap cloth, but it's the idea that counts.

However, even though they look cool to you, if you ever get your wife these instead of real jewels, well, take a look at that video again. – Jason Chen

Designer Page [via Mocoloco via Yanko Design]