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Updated Daily: December 2008

 
Published in: June 2007
    Regulars > Reviews and Commentary > On the Cutting Edge of Luxury - The Rise of Luxe Tech
 
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On the Cutting Edge of Luxury - The Rise of Luxe Tech
They Just Work Better
From the dawn of the Industrial Age to the advent of electronics, technology’s core function has simply been to make our lives easier. Indeed, many technological advancements of their time, such as the first motorcar by Karl Benz, were available only to the affluent.

The Sub-Zero Pro 48 adds futuristic cool to the kitchen
The Sub-Zero Pro 48 adds
futuristic cool to the kitchen
Today, robotics is a branch of science that would find little application in the home if not for the efforts of Microrobot USA, which designs and manufactures the UBOT robot vacuum cleaner. This compact technological marvel uses artificial intelligence and sensors to avoid obstacles in your home, while vacuuming and mopping your floor methodically.

In the kitchen, a humdrum appliance like the refrigerator is recast as “a monument to food preservation” by US company Sub-Zero Preservation. The flagship Pro 48 model features the best in “freshness technology” with auto closing doors, precise temperature controls and readouts, dual compressors to prevent odor transfer and three evaporators. Its minimalist, industrial design fits perfectly in a modern kitchen, and perhaps also underlines the company’s commitment to function over form.

 
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Tech devices like computers and mobile phones have interfaces that are heavily tactile in nature, and it is thus no surprise why some companies have invested heavily in the intelligent use of materials to improve the interface between man and machine.

 
The pioneer in the luxury mobile phone industry, Vertu, was the first to integrate precious metals, leather and ceramics into their phones. Design-wise, Vertu phones are visual treats, with intricate hand detailing on every panel. The company has also invested heavily in improving the user experience, with features like ruby bearings under each number key to improve durability and tactile feedback.

Wood Contour Computer Accessories
Transform your office with computer
peripherals from Wood Contour.
The Luvaglio Laptop
The Luvaglio laptop is stylishly
finished in leather.

Fancy a computer that goes with your fine mahogany desk? Wood Contour Corporation specializes in making computer peripherals out of wood and stone.As every piece of wood is different, no two items are ever alike. Besides the sheer attention-grabbing abilities of a computing device encased in wood, many customers of the company attest to the superior feel of typing on wooden keys.

Luvaglio, a new brand manufacturing a "million dollar laptop", promises to finish its product to the owners' exacting specifications with precious metals, leather and wood. Details are sketchy at the moment but there's no doubt that products like these push the boundaries of material integration in electronic products.

 

 
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