3D Prints Hit The Apple Store

If it's in the Apple Store it's got to be good, right? That might be debated, but regardless Freshfiber has landed their custom-printed iPhone covers in US and Canadian Apple Stores. 

 

At this point only two models are offered (the "Weave" and the digital-like "Double Mesh"), but you can check out large quantities of alternative designs at Freshfiber's web site. There are as of this writing dozens of spectacular designs for not only iPhones but also cases for iPads, Galaxy Tabs, iPods and even Blackberrys. 

 

Some of the designs are totally abstract, while others incorporate realistic shapes, transforming your phone into say, an old-time camera or a boom-box. Prices for phone cases range from €35-40 (USD$46-52, while the much larger iPad cases range from €35-60 (USD$46-78). 

 

Beyond the beauty of the designs there is a major story here: a 3D printed item has now appeared in a major retailer. It won't be the last. 

 

Via FOC and Freshfiber

Freedom of Creation: Absorbed!

We've written many times about the amazing 3D printed furniture and artwork produced by the design house Freedom of Creation, home of master designer Jyanne Kytannen. But today we learned that FOC, like many other 3D printing-related companies and services in recent weeks, has been acquired by industry giant 3D Systems. 

 

It's been getting repetitive, writing post after post about 3D Systems' latest acquisitions - but we don't expect them to stop any time soon. Nevertheless, FOC is a bit of a departure for 3D Systems, whose previous acquisitions tended to be either 3D production services or software plug-ins. This one is quite different. FOC is 3D print infrastructure, but in fact is using 3D print technology to produce amazing things for sale in a retail environment. 

 

We think this is a very bold move by 3D Systems that will differentiate it from their competitors. We now see 3D Systems gradually forming a very comprehensive network of 3D print related businesses, including equipment manufacturing, production services, software and now - retail! 

 

Two questions come to mind: First, will we see FOC's artistic works retail reach expand widely with the assistance of 3D Systems? And secondly, who's next? 

 

Via 3D Systems

Electric Light Shoe

Freedom of Creation is at it again - this time creating an astonishing 3D shoe for a Japanese marketing campaign. The project was quite complex, as one can see from the incredible detail in the shoe object. From the press release:

After seeing the concept from StawberryFrog, Janne Kyttanen and Mads Thomsen conceived a microcosm that features an astounding visual impact: an endless flow of multi-sensorial stimuli that reproduces and simultaneously deconstructs and reinvents the unmistakable outline of the Onitsuka Tiger shoe. The apparent visual unity of the project encloses an incredible iconic succession of Japanese urban culture. One part of the shoe magically transforms into a landing strip for jets, while the Onitsuka Tiger distinguishing side bands become highways that lead to an imaginary world of exceptional magnificence and intricacy.

Be sure to watch the "making of" video, read the press release and watch the final commercial. Magnificent work, FOC!

Via FreedomOfCreation