There it is, Apple's talking iPod Shuffle, released yesterday. To get around the problem of interface--switching playlists was impossible without a screen for feedback--the gang at Cupertino has added the VoiceOver feature, which tells you what you're about to listen to, and keeps you updated of the battery situation.

There are 14 different languages available; here's to hoping someone will hack regional accents into the thing, so we can have our Johnny Cash playlist announced in a hayseed drawl, and a dictatorial Dieter-like voice leading in to Devo.

Apple has also stripped all controls off of the actual device and placed everything on the earbud cord. If you brought one of these devices into North Korea, they'd definitely confiscate it, but they sure wouldn't have any idea what the heck it did.

via reuters

Nike just launched the SFB military boot, a project 4 years in the making led by Nike Innovation Manager Tobie Hatfield. Built for speed, agility, and comfort, the ultra-light SFB's upper is made from a polyester woven shell wrapped in synthetic leather overlays, this means there's no 'break-in' time required (typical with most boots), and it dramatically increases drying time.

The SFB breaks new ground in lightweight athletic boot delivering innovation for athletes in any environment. The SFB, perfect for warm weather conditions, is the lightest, fastest drying, natural motion boot on the planet. It features a Natural Motion Cushioning unit that helps allows for optimal support and speed during heel to toe transfer, translated the boot is made to move and form with the foot's natural motion allowing for quick flexible movement in any direction while drastically reducing the weight of conventional boots. Making it the perfect companion during multi-day backpacking hikes which can be cut short if your boots don't work with your foot.

Offering unparalleled traction, the SFB's outsole is fitted with a directional traction heel sole that utilizes reverse tread bars and a slightly raised heel for better traction going downhill, while the Sticky Rubber forefoot lugs were strategically placed to allow exceptional agility and traction in any terrain. Upping the ante on protection, the SFB's mid-sole comes equipped with puncture and laceration resistant thermoplastic forefoot shield and genuine leather with Kevlar sheath, both placed in the sole of the SFB allowing the boot to form to the foot of its wearer while offering protection from jagged rocky terrain.

click through for more photos

Kind of looks like a Terminator version of a camera, no? CNET's Stephen Shankland shot these pics of Sony's A900 camera in various stages of undress. We don't know what half of that stuff is, but it definitely looks like you shouldn't spill coffee on it.

Meanwhile Erica Ogg takes her camera inside Dell's Consumer Design Lab, and while most of the design work seems to be cosmetic, these are the first photos we've seen of the inside of that operation since Dell announced they'd be making a stronger push into design.

Article on the latter topic here.

Tokyo-based Stephan Hauser's amusing bathroom dustbin addresses the way (and place) that we guys like to read. See more of his portfolio here.

Fashion Designer / Colorist / Stylist
Crumpler

Zurich, Switzerland

Your job will be to conceptualize, defend & apply sexy, innovative styling ideas and avant-garde color concepts to existing and newly developed products from Crumpler's various lines. While you will be expected to back your work by comprehensive research, it is your fresh brain, smart eye, creative design output & convincing presentation that will give you the points.

» view

The best design jobs and portfolios hang out at Coroflot.