Nikko R2-D2 projector with Millenium Falcon remote

Remember that bit in Star Wars where R2-D2 fires up a movie of Prince Leia in distress? Well, fiction has just become fact.

Yes, over in Japan, Nikko has launched the R2-D2 DVD player and Video Projector. And it's just how it sounds. The video kit has been installed into a replica of R2-D2 and even better, can be controlled by a remote shaped like the Millenium Falcon. Stick on your discs and view on a large screen. There's even an iPod dock and memory card reader for watching clips from smaller devices.

Weighing in at 8kg, you can pick one up in Japan for the equivalent of £1575. No news of a UK launch, but trust me, you'll hear about it if it does make it over.

Find out more at the Nikko website

Via Akihabara News

Bill Owens Family in Grocery Store print

We like to bring you art with a retro feel, and while browsing the Eyestorm site I came across this print by Bill Owens of a typical American family in a Californian grocery store in 1970.

Bill Owens was there at the birth of suburbia in late 60s California, and he had the awareness to document a quiet piece of history. New furniture and fireplaces, lawns and laminated surfaces: Owens’ candid photographs are a rare and charming record of these early optimistic home-owners, dreaming their domestic American dreams.

This silver gelatin print reflects the optimism of the era and provides a snapshot of family life in the 70s. It is one of a signed edition of 250 and is available for £370.

If this print doesn't appeal you could also take a look at the other Bill Owens prints featuring cars and homes of the era.

Find out more on the Eyestorm website

iRiver's Mickey Mouse-shaped MP3 player - MPlayer

Mickey Mouse has been around since 1928 - so I think that qualifies the artwork as classic. And that classic design is still being used today, the latest use being this Mickey Mouse MP3 player from iRiver - MPlayer.

Before you rush out to buy one, a word of caution. This has just been launched in Korea, so don't expect it elsewhere until nearer Christmas. When it does arrive, you'll get a miniature music player with 1GB of storage (enough for around 250 tunes) which can be played as WMA, MP3 and ASF files. There's also a choice of five colours - black, white, blue, pink and grey.

It's retailing in Korea for the equivalent of just over £30. Expect that figure to increase significantly when it makes it over to Europe.

iRiver website

Via Akihabara News

Peter Blake: Alphabet at Hove Museum & Gallery

Peter Blake is one of our favourite artists, and we have already recommended a visit to the retrospective exhibition on a Tate Liverpool.However for those of you who live anywhere near Brighton there will soon be the chance to see his Alphabet series of prints at the Hove Museum and Gallery.

Alphabet is a set of bold and colourful silkscreen prints, one for each letter of the alphabet, produced by Peter Blake in 1991. Alphabet characterises Blake’s method of working, incorporating images from postcards, magazines and popular ephemera. My favourite is H for Heart, but you can look through the whole alphabet to decide which one you like best.

The exhibition is a touring exhibition from the Hayward Gallery and runs in Hovefrom the 14th of July until the 9th of September.

Find out more on the Hove Museum and Gallery website.

Fila Vintage Matchday jacket

One piece of clothing from Fila's archives is instantly recognisable - the Fila Vintage Matchday jacket.

It was the Bjorn Borg signature jacket when we was defeating all in his wake during the late 1970s. And it's back in a range of colour schemes, including this green and white one and made from 70% acrylic and 30% wool. It also comes complete with a presentation box.

Note also that these are a very slim fit, so order a size up if you order online. They retail for around £64.

Find out more at the Microzine website