San Francisco artist/software engineer Joe Andolina (aka Megaplow) is actually calling this wearable audio system a “Speaker Vest,” but from everything I can tell, it’s really more like a backpack, just built into a vest. Whatever it’s called, you’ll definitely draw attention walking down the street with this booming audio system strapped to your body.

It’s actually constructed from a Dainese Gilet Cali Tessuto vest, with a Boss audio Bass900 subwoofer strapped to the back. I like the two little satellite speakers that sit over your shoulders while wearing this thing. Power is supplied by a 10-cell rechargeable battery belt which might make you look a little like a suicide bomber, so you might not want to bring this thing with you to the airport.

If you’re ready to rattle your bones and be the life of the party, you can get this wearable speaker vest over on Etsy now for $850 (USD).

The jacket looks pretty much like a vest, except that it’s got a lot of huge pockets to hold all of that extra stuff that you can’t cram into your hand carry luggage or handbag anymore. Unlike a life vest, this one will help you sink rather than keep you afloat, that’s for sure.

It’s got two big pockets in front to stash some extra clothing, two bigger pockets near the waist for virtually any stuff you want to bring along, and two extra pockets a little further down for the small stuff. I can’t really imagine stashing shoes or laptops in the bigger pocket compartments because I think I’d literally be walking at a snail’s pace by then. While it’s not exactly an original concept, I still think it’s a nice idea to provide some extra storage space for travelers.

[via Oh Gizmo!]

The vest is equipped with two amplified motorcycle speakers and an 8″ Boss Audio Bass900 subwoofer. It will probably melt your eardrums in an instant, but at least your back will get one hell of a massage. Andolina rigged a custom 10-cell rechargeable battery belt to power the whole thing.

I really want to see and hear this thing at work. If you have $900 (USD) to spare and a pair of high-quality ear plugs, head on to Andolina’s Etsy shop to get the Speaker Vest.

For those too young to know, the vest features a screenshot from World 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. Super knitter sister Happy Seamstress made the vest for her husband, who apparently is the 10-year old version of John Hodgman. I’m kidding, Mr. Happy Seamstress (and Mr. John Hodgman).

Happy Seamstress has been asked for a knitting pattern as many times as Mario has abused that poor World 3-1 turtle’s shell for extra lives, so she’ll be posting said knitting pattern soon. Meanwhile check out her site so you can gather the materials and practice her instructions.

[via Sprite Stitch]

A device originally created for remote medical investigation is now being transformed into a gaming vest that can provide its wearer with sensory feedback. Physician Mark Ombrellaro designed the TN Games 3rd Space vest, which uses air pressure to produce thumping sensations wherever impact should be felt. The vest has eight zones which can simulate the direction and forces of bullet fire, explosions, and even the sensation of fingers tapping on you (great for scary horror games).

The vest will ship this November for $189, and is bundled with a game called 3rd Space Incursion and a special version of Call of Duty II which showcase the force feedback technology. For a limited time, you can pre-order one for $169.99 from the TN Games online shop. The company is also offering patches for Quake 3, Quake 4 and Doom 3 which enable the vest in those games. An SDK allows developers to easily add support to their games.

The company is working on another version of the vest which will emulate the G-force sensations in racing and flight games in early 2008.

[AFP via MaxConsole]