Gizmodo: Tattoo

Is Microsoft Abandoning the Zune? Zune Guy Smells So

matt buchanan — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EDT

In his apparently final transmission, the Zune Guy reveals that it wasn't just the lack of a Zune announcement at E3 that choked the last pepperoni-scented fanboy breath out of his furry, tattooed frame. No, he "can kinda smell" that Microsoft is "slowly pulling out of a product," and "backing away from what they created." It has been pretty dry in Zuneland. Do you think it's just a temporary drought, or might he be right? Will his profanity-laden, emotion-packed video missive spur the Zune gods to quench the thirst of fanbase clearly crying out for more? Tune in, uh, next week! I guess? [Thanks Johnny!]

Laser Tattoo Body-Modding, This Time it's Not Painful: Fingernails

Kit Eaton — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:10:00 EDT

The skin-ablation laser tattoo we showed you recently was creepy mainly because burning your naked skin is going to hurt, but this new laser body-mod tackles a safer target, fingernails. The portraits of famous bods you can see in the image are laser-etched into black nail polish (I know, it looks like they're made of seared, blackened nail, but they're not), and member lamedust over at Instructables has got a pretty comprehensive guide. So if you're crazy, you too can etch pics onto the end of your digits. The video makes for interesting watching.

So, all you need is some artwork, a laser-etch machine and the urge to burn your fingers. Or, if even that's too creepy for you, the technique also works on artificial nails.

And I know the headline says "not painful"... but if you check out the Instructables link, you'll see that's not strictly true. Aligning laser and nail and avoiding sensitive skin is sometimes not so easy, it seems... as is not cooking your nail because the laser intensity's too high. Watch it, and promise me not to try this body mod either? I'm pretty sure the lid should be down and all safeties engaged on these machines, for a reason. [Instructables]

Guy Uses Laser-Etch Machine to Tattoo Himself (Verdict: Flaming Nutcase)

Kit Eaton — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:50:00 EDT

See that robot there? It's burned by a laser-etch machine. On genyoowine human skin. Ohoho yes: that sent an icky feeling up your spine didn't it? If it didn't, then it should have. Try looking through the gallery, and then watch the video of a skin-etch in action, and that should do the trick...

Over on Instructables this chap has a "how to" guide, so you can try it yourself. Assuming a) you can get hold of a laser-etcher and a helpful operator, b) you can defeat the safeties on the machine designed to stop you doing this and c) you're a total nutcase. Because doing this cooks your skin, frying small parcels of it into vapor. It's basically digital branding, and it exposes your body to mahoosive amounts of laser energy. And it hurts.

Got it? Look at the gallery again, and then promise me you're not going to try it. [Instructables]

Zune Tattoo Guy Asks Microsoft's Permission to Change Name to 'Microsoft Zune'

Jason Chen — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:35:00 EDT

As if this Zune Tattoo guy couldn't get any crazier, he's actually starting the process of legally changing his name to "Microsoft Zune." As you'd suspect, Microsoft might have a problem with that, so Mr. Zune Tat called up tech support to ask their permission on whether it was OK. And for all of our enjoyment, Steve decided to record his call and put it up on YouTube. The result? The tech support line he talked to doesn't have any real information for him and they advise that he write a letter to legal. If you're interested, hit the jump for a tech support call that has all of the holding and none of the resolution that you'd normally get from your own tech support calls.

[Zune Scene]

University Logo Tattoo on Human Hair: a Micro-Scale Rebellion?

Kit Eaton — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:29:07 EDT

What do you do if you have a focus ion beam microscope normally used to make nano-devices, a scanning electron microscope and some spare time? Well, you etch your university logo onto a human hair, of course! At least, if you're the Engineering Dept at McMaster University you do. It's not the smallest logo ever— that's an IBM one with 35 xenon atoms, I believe. But it's possibly the ickiest, and it's certainly high resolution. Impressive. We've only got one quibble: the uni logo, guys? I'm sure Giz readers would be more imaginative.

Now, this is done on a plucked hair by steering a beam of gallium ions over the surface to etch the 20-micron logo into the hair cells. But imagine you really could have your hair tattooed. No-one would see it, it would be just like painting the pilot inside a plastic airplane model: you'd know it was there. What would you have?

Not imaginative enough for you? Suggestions in the comments, then. [BBGadgets]

Cellphone Display Concept Designed for Dracula Is Bloody, Ridiculous

Kit Eaton — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:45:37 EST

Here's a design that Dracula would love: a subcutaneously-implanted, wireless digital tattoo display whose fuel cell is powered by blood. An entrant into the same Greener Design Competition as the gravity clock, the concept uses Bluetooth to communicate with your portable gadgets—or even devices implanted elsewhere in your body.

Jim Mielke's concept would be implanted beneath the skin on your arm. It then taps into your bloodstream, converting the oxygen and glucose into electric power. The display then "works" by changing the color of smart-ink pixels tattooed over the implant. It also acts as a touchscreen input device, so you could manage your cellphone calls by tapping on your arm. Most creepily, there's potential for a 3G video call to be shown on your skin.

What with this blood-powered idea, the urine rubber and the blood pen, there's clearly a rich vein (ahem) of bodily-fluid-related ideas out there for inventors to tap into. Let's hope this one remains just a concept, though: I'd hate to have to shave my arm to get good quality video from my tattoo. [Core77 via Geekologie]

CG Tattoo Program Allows You to Try It Before You Buy It

Sean Fallon — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:52:09 EST

For those of us who have gone into a tattoo parlor sober, the decision to be permanently inked can be a difficult one. Fortunately, computer graphics artist Loic Zimmermann has developed a program that will allow users to get a look at what a complex design might look like on a 3D figure. If this technology catches on, the possibilities for pushing the art form are obvious. Let's just hope Zimmerman can refine his software to include a program that illustrates what that naked chick tattoo on your chest might look like 30 years and 3 cup sizes from now. [Loic Zimmerman via Needled via Cool Hunting]

Philips Electronic Tattoo Concept or Peter Petrelli Tantric Sex Video?

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:30:17 EDT

WARNING: EURO-STYLE SUGGESTED SEXUAL CONTENT
If you caught that weird tattoo moment in Heroes last week, you will especially appreciate this new Philips Design electronic body art project, Skin: Tattoo. The girl makes the dude's tattoos ooze mysteriously by getting him into a tantric embrace. My only confusion: with such a scary soundtrack, it kinda seems like she is draining away his life essence, and replacing it with black subcutaneous ink. Not exactly a selling point, Philips! [Philips]

Classic NES Power Glove Tattoo

Mark Wilson — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:45:36 EDT

We thought we were over looking at tattoos on the Internet. Then Kotaku posts this Power Glove masterpiece. We might have to say it...can't resist the cliché...but trying so hard...

Best. Tattoo. Ever.

What just happened? We blacked out for a minute and someone stole our wallet/pride. [kotaku]

The Zune Tattoo guy's got three more tattoos ...

Matt Buchanan — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:19:00 EDT

The Zune Tattoo guy's got three more tattoos up his figurative sleeve for the new Zunes, and hopes Microsoft will send him a free Zune 80 to listen to while he (probably) stands in line to buy another one on launch day. [Laptop Magazine]

Zune Tattoo Guy Gets Third Zune-Related Tattoo

ybaranovsky — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:50:48 EDT

Remember Steven Smith, the Zune tattoo guy? Well, having promised us a third Zune tattoo for a while now, Steven has re-emerged with not only pictures of the new design but also bearing a new, slimmer body. The tattoo is the catchphrase, "Welcome to the social" and is proudly (and apparently painfully) tattooed on the back of his left shoulder. What's next, Steven? [ZuneMax]

The Blue Screen of Death Tattoo

Jason Chen — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:50:35 EDT

We're not sure what's worse; the Zune guy getting three Zune tattoos, or this painful-as-hell Microsoft blue screen of death (BSOD) tattoo up this guy's entire right arm. We're guessing this guy is a Windows fan, because nobody hates Windows THAT MUCH to endure hours of pain just for the constant reminder that Windows occasionally crashes when you install the wrong driver. [ModBlog via Crunchgear]

Zune Tattoo Guy to Get Third Mystery Tattoo

Brian Lam — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 21:34:41 EDT

Idolator, our sister site that likes music (on iPods or not), had a visit in the comments from none other than Zune Tattoo Fan #1, who explained:

I am the Zune tattoo guy, Steven Smith, I would like to be able to put my 2 cents in an explain my 1st and 2nd zune tattoo as well as my 3rd tattoo I will be getting. As far as what Microsoft is doing for me, it isn't important, I did not get either tattoo to be rewarded later. But for your info I am being flown out to Redmond, Washington to have a meet and greet with the Zune Team, and to do an interview for [www.on10.net] so I think that more than makes up for my $80 tattoo. Also, I know I am fat:)

Steven, you sound like a nice guy, not one of those scary cultists that shake their fists at product announcements like book burners and get tattoos on their...wait.

Steven, I respect your dedication to both Zune and to Pepperoni Pizza, and your honesty about the whole thing. Just to let you know, whenever Engadget scoops me, I eat an ice cream sandwich, and boy are those guys good at gadget blogging. These days, I don't fit any of my pants except the sweats. Seriously, though, you're not that big.

However, you never explained why you love Zune so much you decided to get tattoos of the logo. And what is your third tattoo going to be? Jokes aside, I'd like to hear your answer.

Microsoft. Get off your cheap ass and give this guy a huge box of Zunes in every color, give him a Job in Zune PR, and give him lifetime subscription passes. –Brian Lam

MSZuneFan Comments [Idolator]

Fanboy #1 Gets Zune Tattoo #2

Brian Lam — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:41:08 EDT

~~I didn't get it before, and really don't get it now.~~ I get it! This is just iPod counter culture!

You know that guy who got a Zune tattoo, and a reward of 5 free songs and some Zune stickers from Microsoft? Here's his second tattoo. Guess he wants more stickers. Perhaps there's some subliminal programming in those new ads?

Image of new tattoo from Engadget, image of the old Tattoo:

I also notice that guy has shaved his handlebar mustache between now and then. We notice the little things, here at Gizmodo. –Brian Lam
Zune Scene [Thanks Nate, image from Engadget]

A Sidekick Fanboy, Perhaps?

Travis Hudson — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:15:48 EDT

I know some people really enjoy their Sidekick, but the halo and golden wings are a bit much. OMFG is correct. –Travis Hudson

[Via 32 Nerdiest Tattoos on the Planet]

Gizmodo How To: Recreate Britney's Head-Shaving Weekend Meltdown

Brian Lam — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:04:11 EST

In case you missed the tabloids this weekend, Britney Spear committed the most pathetic of self mutilation acts, the spontaneous, emotionally-driven head shaving, quickly followed up with a bit of tattoo parlor action. Here's the right combination of gadgetry so you can meltdown just like America's favorite fallen idol.

Wahl "Balder" Ultra-Close Haircut Kit
Wahl's 26 piece hair clipper piece holds the number one spot on Amazon, but this set of trimmers is endowed with an overbite that gets your fades and flat tops so close you can feel the heat of the metal teeth nuzzling into your flesh. The gold trim honors Britney's trailer-lifestyle heritage. Yee Haw!

IdealSalon's All-In-One Tattoo Kit
Includes a Tattoo gun, a rainbow of ink, a foot pedal, 4 stainless steel tips, 5 disposable tips for your skeezy friends, and an aluminum case anodized in black. That's easily enough gear and ink to xerox yourself wrist and hip with the lips, and jesus-cross Britney has.–Brian Lam

Wahl 79111-100 Balder Ultra-Close Haircut Kit [Amazon]
Tattoo Kit [Amazon]

Biz 2.0's 100 Dumbest Biz Moments, Plus the Genius of I-Tattoo

Brian Lam — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:32:28 EST

Business 2.0's 101 Dumbest Moments in Business article earned some major pickup today, recapping blunders by McDonalds, Starbucks, Walmart, Sony, and Microsoft to name a few. We recall all of the mishaps, saying Doh to ourselves 100 times, but there was one product mentioned which I felt was not dumb, but Brilliant.

See the I-Tattoo, a mock tattoo kit for kids, comes complete with vibrating ink pen. It sounds like a bad idea, but think about how it could change the tide for nerds being beat up in grade school. Tattoo = major street cred for 9 year olds. Then again, maybe it'll just give the bullies another reason to beat em up.–Brian Lam

101 Dumbest Moments in Business [Business 2.0]

Removable Tattoos Coming Next Year

Adam Frucci — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 09:55:02 EST

How many people would get a tattoo if it didn't come with a lifetime commitment? I certainly would seriously consider getting inked if I didn't have to worry about being happy with my choice in 50 years. Scientists at a company called Freedom-2 LLC have developed an ink that can be removed with a single laser treatment, making it simple to remove when you decide you don't want that 30 Seconds to Mars tattoo anymore.

The fancy regret-free ink should be available to parlors early next year. Look for jokey, stupid tattoos to skyrocket by about 10,000,000%. –Adam Frucci

SF Gate [via MedGadget]

T-Mobile Tattoos MOTORAZR V3s

Jason Chen — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:49:41 EDT

Just launched from T-Mobile, these tattooed MOTORAZRs let everyone know that even though they've been around the block a few times, they can still break a pool cue over someone's head with the best of them. Designed by Ami James, the tattoo artist on Miami Ink, the dark grey "Dragon" and the pink "Cherry Blossom" still have the old RAZR V3's VGA camera, but work with T-Mobile's myFaves, which you can read more about here.

T-Mobile still doesn't have the MOTOKRZR, so if you want a RAZR, you're pretty much stuck with these. No word on whether these tattoos can be removed once they get married and have kids. – Jason Chen

Disappearing Tattoo Ink

gizmodo.com — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 11:59:04 EDT

We realize it was only inevitable that someone would develop tattoo ink that's easier to remove than the current kinds, which necessitate painful, expensive multi-session laser treatments that aren't always effective, but c'mon now: disappearing tattoos are to permanent body art what Britney's Las Vegas wedding was to the sacrament of holy matrimony. Expect a marked increase in stupid tattoos on sorority girls and frat boys when this product finally hits the market.

Tattoos made of 'disappearing' ink [New Scientist]