When new social media platform Pheed launched three months ago, it took mere days for Forbes to confidently propose it as a Twitter rival and serious threat to the social media landscape. And indeed, with its celebrity endorsements from the get-go and inarguable new media pedigree (Pheed is self-funded and founded by CEO and new media entrepreneur, O.D. Kobo), it certainly seems like the precocious kid on a daunting block. But while Pheed has won the popularity contest user-wise (350,000 unique visitors in its first few days and big-name advocates such as Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus touting its wares) and impressed with its tech credentials (the iPhone app made Apple’s top apps chart within a month), critical reception has been divisive. I’ve been speaking with the man behind this hyped machine, O.D. Kobo, to get the additive-free view of its motivations and aims.

As the ultimate mix of all your favourite flavours (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube), many people will wonder in the first instance, of course, if it is even necessary, and what, if anything, it can offer that is fresh to the table. Pooling these micro-mediums in the wake of Google+’s infamous tumbleweed disappointment and MySpace’s dubious resurrection may seem risky at best, but Kobo believes Pheed holds the user-based temptations to succeed where these others have faltered. The most obvious and unique difference is its in-built business model, whereby users (Pheeders) may charge for access to content. The platform would then take 50% of the fees made from either the monthly subscription or pay-per-view options, but what Kobo does stress is that this is entirely optional on the otherwise-free service and that first and foremost it is an alternative, all-inclusive, social media platform. What he also stresses is that the motivation is neither financial nor egotistical; it was never, he states, launched as a rival to Twitter, Facebook et al, as has been reported, and he seems genuinely happy for the business model to fall secondary to what is essentially an invention born of user-based frustration.

And it is this frustration that has led to the tweaking of the converged mediums for what he believes will be the ultimate user experience. Where Pheed may not necessarily be covering any groundbreaking territory just yet, the Pheedees appear to be striving to perfect platform functionality, adding social elements where otherwise lacking and providing optimal technical response with, for example, greater video conversion rates. There is also the option to copyright Pheeds, more open social integration (Pheedback) and extended character chatability (420 v Twitter’s 140.) And in light of the recent fallout from Instagram’s lambasted licensing announcement, greater user control will doubtless be hugely welcomed. In addition, Pheed is currently closed to new user sign-ups (both app and web sign-ups will be available again shortly) while it takes stock of feedback, adjusts, and rolls out extra tech goodies like the forthcoming Android app and image filters.

But can it be as delicious as it seems? Potentially, yes, and after all, what’s not to like about a free platform that offers your favourites, user-polished, with emphasis on creator-controlled and potentially-monetized content? For me, one thing: it’s hard to see the gold for the glitter. Kobo refutes any press insinuations that celebrity endorsements have been paid for, but rather that it was grassroots product-plugging and word-of-mouth that gained this startup notoriety. But with honest product belief and an open embrace from big-draw names, I can’t help but fear pandering to such a demographic and, therefore, an image, could be detrimental to Pheed; one’s aesthetic or cultural meat is another’s poison, and never is this truer than in the fickle world of media where connotations can be a seriously damaging force. What has clearly been instrumental in garnering Pheed all-important noise and swift growth may conversely prove to be its fatal detraction as, after all, a celebrity feeding frenzy isn’t going to be what brings everybody to the social media table. But with Instagram cooking up a recipe for disaster and Instagram-owning Facebook continuing to actively disrespect all concerned with its perilous ‘too big to fail’ attitude, and Pheed vigorously bucking this with its open and attentive approach, Pheeding time could be now.

https://www.pheed.com/

https://twitter.com/Pheed

Fiona

The Maarten Swivel Chair from Viccarbe is designed by Victor Carrasco, who has taken classic 70's influences to create this very versatile chair. It features gauged lacquered steel tube structure and a upholsterer seat. Maarten is available in a wide range of finishes that will make it at home in both public and private settings.

Leigh

This stunning modern free standing bath with with Internal Overflow from WS Bath Collection features room to store books and bathroom items. It is molded from Korakril an acylic resin mineral mix, that is hygenic, light proof and stain proof and gives a beautiful finish. Perfect for those whose take pleasure from a book in the bath.

Leigh

"Kissing Stags" is a rather funky graphic stag print with an edge that makes this duvet cover an eye catcher with plenty of character.

The Kissing Stags Bed Linen is available in both double and single sizes and a matching pillocase pair is also availble.

Leigh

Wingardh Architects, Sweden, are "committed to the artistic and poetic dimensions of architecture." This guest house and sauna, simply entitled The Mill House, is situated in Vastra Karup, rural southern Sweden, and adheres to this committment by its soul-enriching and sympathetic yet modernist design. Wingardh Architects are selling sanctuary, a rural idyll of a rustic retreat where clean, contemporaneity envelops traditional Swedish design.

Visit Wingardh Architects online at www.wingardhs.se

Via Trendir | Best House Design | Images © www.jamessilverman.co.uk

Fiona

Just the other day I was watching Taxidermia and thinking how cool it would be to have a wooden bathtub. Then, by George, what should appear on the net? Why, wooden bathtubs, of course! If you, too, long for bathtime to give you wood, try a Madera wood bathtub by WS Bath Collections. These beautiful free-standing designs are available in several shapes - inlcuding round, square and oval - and are a elegantly rustic addition to any bathroom. Choose your tub in beech, mahogany, walnut or one of the other many choices and experience the beauty that hand-crafted solid wood sculpture can bring to your bathroom. Available Here

Fiona

David O'Daniel (Alien Corset) who is know for his gorgeous silkscreen posters for The Castro theatre has released the first four prints in the "Universal Exports series". Hand-printed with an iridescent red, a pearlescent gold and then a metallic gold the featured films are Thunderball Goldfinger Dr No and Live And Let Die. Each edition is limited to 350 and they sell out fast so if you want to collect the set I would purchase yours now from aliencorset.blogspot.com

Leigh

The Fonteyn dressing table by Steuart Padwick is described as being, "Inspired by a dancer's poise" and presumably named after English ballerina Margot Fonteyn.

The piece is part of the English designer's partnership with made.com to bring the aesthetics of his own bespoke furniture to the masses. A mission which has proved so successful it's spawned nine pieces. Fontyn features matt finish walnut contrasted with high gloss red lacquer draw fronts and mid-century inspired lines. To find out more or purchase visit made.com.

Leigh

Starting off on his 62nd birthday, Charles Bradley: Soul of America follows the extraordinary journey of singer Charles Bradley during the electrifying and transformative months leading up to the release of his debut album "No Time For Dreaming"

www.charlesbradleyfilm.com

Leigh

Powered by the most advanced ethanol burner, the Globe from Vauni is a free-standing, chimney-free fireplace that can rotate 360 degrees on its 'foot', so you can experience the pleasure of your home fire wherever you choose to sit. Simple and safe to use, this concrete-lined pod of fire can be regulated with a built-in control. Absolutely no compromise on aesthetics; Vauni - global warming at its finest.

Globe is Vauni and viewable at selected showrooms.

Via: Cube Me

Fiona

metroretro

metroretro has grown from a Camden Market stall in the early 1990s, via two London shops to a warehouse based online business supplying commercial and private customers with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and decorative props.

Blitz London

Vintage department store in East London

Fragile Design

As an extension to our showroom gallery at the Custard Factory, Birmingham, UK: fragiledesign.com specialises in vintage 20th Century design objects for the home.

fireflyhouse

Based in North London, we sell and hire-out vintage Mid-Century modern furniture.

Leigh

I have just done my first design to submit to Threadless and they have just accepted it for scoring! (oooh it is actually quite exciting).

My normal Podbears (from my avatar) have gone all Steampunk, and they would really appreciate some kudos (it took a lot to convince them they didn't look silly). So if you would like to show them some steamy love, please click on over to Threadless and vote for them to be immortalised on Tees!

Jo

The Waters Edge Development is set at the heart of the Cotswold water park not far from the former Roman settlement of Cirencester. Each of the homes offer completely unobstructed views from the large decks built directly over the lake.

 "The properties have been designed to offer unrivalled breadth, light and wide open spaces. However, the most distinctive feature of any Waters edge property is its frontage. Unobstructed views from the interior complement decking that runs directly along the edge of the 28 acre lake. The relationship between a Waters edge home and its environment is integral to making this development so special."

 The houses take cues from continental modernism, something still rare in the UK, with its stringent planning regulations (which somehow stop innovation under the pretext of making things in-keeping with the area, but allow the larger developers to fill the country with horrific mock Tudor and Georgian pastiche, built from plans that have probably been lying around since the late 70's)

The Cotswold Water Park is Britain's largest wetland nature reserve (It is man-made however, the lakes being former quarries)

The homes come with the restriction that you can only be in residence a maximum of 11 months of the year. Making these most suitable to those in the market for a second home in the Cotswolds. So you'd probably want to have a good home insurance policy, for those times you’re away.

While I personally think it is slightly disheartening that these are "second" homes, it's great to see contemporary house design being deployed on a slightly larger scale in the UK.  One would hope this will help the case for individuals, architects and developers looking to build contemporary homes for family residence throughout the nation.

Leigh

I always, always, wanted a Pug. I'm simply a sucker for a squashed face. With a real-life version not really a practical option for me at the moment then I will happily make do with this little patterned puppy.

Designed by print-star extraordinaire Erdem, exclusively for Start London, and available in a selection of Erdem prints, he can be yours to take home for £120.

This collaboration came about due to Start's owner's affection for the breed, as her own pugs are often found kipping under desks at Head Office!

Erdem Pug

You can surf at CentrSource and find great deals, for everything in your life.

Jo

This doesn't officially drop till next month via Highpoint Lowlife, but you can grab it now. Depakote's last set "It Ain't '94 Anymore" dropped just at the close of 2009 and was probably one of the best instrumental hip hop albums of that year. I've certainly played it a vast amount. This new album is heavily influence by Harmony Korine's film "Gummo" from which it draws it's title and a slightly darker vibe than its predecessor.

Stand out track for me is "Lilykoranic", but the whole album is solid and did I mention free, so grab a copy below.

Download: Depakote - The Gummo Album

Find more from Depakote: Twitter | Facebook 

Leigh

Ivana Pilja is a new young fashion talent hailing from Serbia. These shots from her new collection will be presented at FASHIONCLASH 2010. The collection consists of 12 pieces, all in black that play on geometric themes. Her work really puts me in mind of another upcoming fashion designer, Samantha Cole.

Via: mmmust.com

Jo

Five years ago, acclaimed Japanese fashion photographer and music video director Kazuaki Kiriyamade an explosive and groundbreaking assault on the movie world with his directorial debut feature, the visually stunning and hugely ambitious sci-fi epic, ‘Casshern’. Now, Kiriya returns in his own inimitable style with the equally spectacular period, fantasy action-adventure, Goemon.

Produced by Kiriya and legendary producer Takashige Ichise (The Ring; Dark Water; The Grudge; Shutter) and boasting a star-studded cast that includes Yosuke Eguchi (Shaolin Girl), Takao Osawa (Ichi; Sky High), Jun Kaname (Blood; K-20; Casshern), Tetsuji Tamayama (Norwegian Wood; Casshern) and Susumu Terajima (Casshern; Ichi The Killer), Goemon is based on the exploits of the film’s eponymous, ninja bandit hero – the Japanese folklore equivalent of Robin Hood.

The year is 1582 and the ruler of Japan, Oda Nobunaga, has been brutally murdered leaving the country in a state of political chaos. Meanwhile, a chivalrous thief known as Goemon, whose loyalties lay with Nobunaga, has risen as a hero figure amongst the populace thanks to his propensity for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Goemon’s latest haul, stolen from one of his arch-enemies, includes a small wooden box of Western origin which he believes to be worthless and accidentally bestows upon a young street urchin. In truth, the box is a priceless artifact - a true Pandora’s box that holds a deep secret coveted and sought by Japan’s most powerful and deadly warlords.

Realising his error, Goemon seeks to regain possession of the box before it falls into the wrong hands. But its existence has also attracted the interests of a legendary swordsman, Matahachi, the legendary ninja Hattori Hanzo, and Goemon’s fearsome former friend and current rival, Saizo. With such a prize at stake, the stage is set for a series of bloody frays between Japan’s most skilled and deadly ninjas and swordsmen in a conflict that will have a profound effect on the country’s future.

Goemon (15) is released by Momentum Pictures and opens at selected UK cinemas on 23rd July 2010.

Leigh

l m n o p shop is an interesting little find containing interesting little finds. With an actual shop in Brighton and a virtual shop in Cyberspace, l m n o p is a platform for artist made and self published books, prints, cards, zines and other curiosities ranging from the ironic to the surreal, the witty to the tongue in cheek, or simply just the aesthetically pleasing. If you are looking for original prints for your walls, or perhaps an original gift, or suddenly feel the urgent need to send somebody a poo card it’s well worth checking out.

http://www.lmnopshop.com

Jo

In a time where technology allows everything to be captured in super sharp high definition. Many look back at the hazy imagery of the past with nostalgia (If their old enough) and envy (If they are not). There's something calming and innately artistic in the grain and colour imbalance found in old images and film. Lomography is becoming ever more popular and now Superhead have produced a new version of their Digital Harinezumi camera which allows the user to capture images somewhat akin to the old 8mm camera's of the past, as well as lomo like snaps. aesthetically its form resembles that of the old 110 film that was a popular choice for home snaps in the 70's and early 80's. For those that want that retro feel without the retro hassle of purchasing film and getting it developed the Digital Harinezumi 2 looks to be a great choice.

Make sure you check out Superheadz Youtube channel an the footage shot with teh camera on Vimeo

www.superheadz.com/digitalharinezumi

Leigh

"Among the The Glitch Mob's material from the live performances on their Drink the Sea Tour is the band's remix of French electro producer Krazy Baldhead's "The 4th Movement." At nearly 9 minutes long, this reconfiguration takes the listener on a winding ride of pounding basslines, unexpected sounds, and thick drum sequences."

Download: Krazy Baldhead – The 4th Movement (The Glitch Mob Remix)

www.theglitchmob.com | Twitter 

Leigh

kalaeallday.blogspot.com | reverbnation.com/kalaeallday | myspace.com/kalaeallday | twitter.com/kalaeallday | facebook.com/kalaeallday

Via: 33jones.com

Leigh

The Ornament by Pat Dorian is a festive themed stop motion animation that's somewhat lacking in festive cheer. 

Via: quietearth.us

Leigh

I posted their 2009 Spring/Summer collection on Latemag last year, and I’ve felt compelled to post my favourites from their 2010 Spring/Summer collection this year as well. Why? Simply because Stills just make beautiful, completely timeless clothes. I actually like the fact they are not slaves to trends, it’s just good old fashion quality in both styling and fabrics and knowing how to dress to perfection the female form. 

To check out the full collection visit their website

Jo

Max Capacity of the California based collective Analogue Medium has been experimenting with ZX Spectrum utilities. He's created / manipulated some classic images which you can view over on his flickr stream. My favourite though is this 8-bit makeover of the classic Jaws marketing. I desperately want this blown up for my wall.

Follow Max Capacity on Twitter | Tumblr

Leigh

Why look, its half past purple. To be honest I’ve always been a visual person, numbers were never my thing, in fact give me pretty colours any day. Whilst you are at you can also give me this watch. 

Available from here, and in a lovely little tin too.

Jo