This is the Sikorsky X2 Demonstrator, it’s a futuristic helicopter that’s not completely ready yet, but today it had its first flight. The single-engined fly-by-wire aircraft was in the air for around 30 minutes.

While the X2 Demonstrator was airborne it demonstrated a hover turn, forward flight and hover. The helicopter features a pusher propeller and coaxial rotors, Sikorsky said that they believe the X2 will revolutionize the helicopter world.

Current helicopters have cruise speeds of around 150 kts and a Westland Lynx holds the helicopter world speed record at 216.45 kts. The Sikorsky X2 Demonstrator will have cruise speeds of around to 250 kts.

To find out more about Sikorsky’s X2 and why current helicopters are limited by rotor aerodynamics, hit the read link below.

Read more on Aviation Week

IFA 2008, Berlin, Germany – Philips is to showcase how it is making a difference in the consumer lifestyle market by presenting its latest range of home entertainment and home appliance products at this year’s IFA, taking place from August 29 to September 3.

Philips highlights include three exciting additions to its television family: the ultra-thin (38mm) Philips Essence; the EISA award-winning LED backlighting LCD TV; and the next generation of the iconic Aurea FlatTV. To complete the home cinema experience Philips is also presenting a new 9.1-channel surround sound home theater system, along with its unique home cinema solution, CinemaOne, For music lovers Philips brings a new Streamium Wireless Micro HiFi system as well as the Philips Network Music Players. The latest Philips Swarovski Active Crystals and other lifestyle innovations including the Philips Wake-up Light and SENSEO® Latte Select coffee maker round up Philips extensive show.

Retailers, journalists and consumers visiting the Philips stand at IFA will be able to see:
• The new television line-up including LED Backlighting LCD TV, Essence TV, the next generation Aurea Flat TV the 9700 Series and the 9600 Series.

• The latest innovations across home cinema, including CinemaOne, the all in one home cinema; the HTS8140 Soundbar with Ambisound, and the much requested white version, the HTS8150 Soundbar with Ambisound.

• New developments in the audio range of products: the EISA award-winning Streamium Wireless Micro Hi-Fi System, the new range of Network Music Players and the latest offerings from the GoGear range of portable AV players..

• A selection of home appliances including the new SENSEO® Latte Select coffee maker; 2008 Aluminium Collection of kitchen appliances; newly introduced Energy Efficient Kettles; Azur Ionic DeepSteam iron; and ErgoFit vacuum cleaner.

• A broad selection of peripherals and accessories, including the new Philips WIFI PhotoFrame; latest Philips Swarovski Active Crystals; ultra-slim ID555 DECT cordless telephone; Philips DLO-Jam Jackets; and TransDock accessories.

• Other Philips lifestyle offerings, including: the next generation Philips Wake-up Light; Philips SalonStraight Sonic hair straightner; Philips Nivea for Men shaver; and Philips LivingColors Mini.

• Advanced technology applications by Philips Research are on display in the FutureZone. Highlights include SimplicityLabs - a new online research environment; and an ultra-thin backlighting technology for a 32” TV prototype.

Today you can download Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 and “put the web at your service”, IE8 promises to improve in many areas to start claiming back market share that IE lost to Firefox.

Microsoft claims that the new version is safer, easier and faster than ever before. Although some users report that Internet Explorer still is not supported by some websites, including banks.

Have you downloaded IE8 beta 2 yet? If you have not then you can download it here, check out the latest version, please let us know what you think in the comments and remember its still in Beta.

We have had a look ourselves and like what we see, but for now it may be best to keep most browsing to Firefox until this latest version of Microsoft’s free web browser is out of beta.

This is the Burberry Drawstring Tote that features soft luxury grain leather with ruched leather handles; detachable shoulder strap and top zip closure.

This Tote has front and back exterior ruched pockets. Drawstring with large cube toggle at front and buckle detail at sides. Interior has one zip pocket and three patch pockets. Exploded check lining. 37 x 25 x 15cm.

This Burberry Drawstring Tote costs £795 and comes in GOLDSTONE and BLACK.

The second photo shows a grainy luxury leather drawstring warrior with ruched pockets at front and back and drawstring and toggle detail. Flat leather plates at sides and single flat strap with D-ring buckle detail. Open top. Interior has two main compartments and a central zip up compartment. Separate zip pocket at back. Tonal check lining. Jet nickel hardware. 41 x 24 x 14cm.

The Burberry Drawstring Warrior Hobo Bag costs £695 and also comes in BLACK and GOLDSTONE. You can buy both products direct from burberry.com. You can view other handbags here.

This is the Burberry double-breasted smooth high gloss finish trench coat. It has three quarter length puff sleeves with ruche detail and belted cuffs.

This product is part of the Burberry Prorsum, Womenswear Pre-Collection and features a Peter Pan collar with hook and eye closure, Epaulettes on both shoulders, and a shiny black button closure with silver eyelet detail.

You will also find two side slash pockets with button closure, and a large vent at back. The high gloss trench has a cotton mix and satin finish lining scattered with tonal Prorsum horse. You should only dry clean.

The high gloss trench coat costs £1,495 and is available from Burberry in sizes 38R and 44R.

Feel free to leave a comment below, read about other Burberry products here or visit uk.burberry.com to buy this product and see other items from the collection.

This is the Louis Vuitton Alma MM handbag that’s inspired by the shape invented in the 30s by Gaston Vuitton.

The Alma MM is a classic of the House. Hand held, this bag is covered with Monogram Vernis leather and is closed with a padlock.

Louis Vuitton’s Alma MM handbag features: bottom studs to protect the base of the bag, a removable key bell, a padlock that provides extra security for the closure of the bag, can be hand held or carried on the shoulder, integral closure by double zipper and looks stunning with golden brass pieces.

You will find the two inside patch pockets and a cell phone compartment handy. The lining is in textile and trimmings in Monogram Vernis leather.

The Alma MM handbag costs $2,000 and has a LV product ID of M93596. Visit Louis Vuitton for more information or read about other leather handbags here.

When we are talking about the highest fashion brands, they do not come much better than a nice Louis Vuitton signature boldly printed on your latest purchase.

This product is from the Louis Vuitton 1001 Nuits Orange collection and features sparkling strass in flamboyant sunset orange hues. This eye-catching bracelet spells out the Louis Vuitton signature in bold, graphic letters.

The Louis Vuitton Nuits bracelet features Swarovski strass and gold-finish pewter and costs $725 with a product ID of M65682.

The next photo shows another product from the 1001 Nuits Orange collection. This necklace features sunset orange strass set around a golden nail recalling those used on Louis Vuitton trunks. This long, swinging necklace looks carefree and contemporary.

It has the same Swarovski strass and gold-finish brass, the Gold-finish ‘nail’ is engraved with the Louis Vuitton signature. The LV necklace costs $560 and has a product ID of M65688.

Visit Louisvuitton.com to find out more or view other Louis Vuitton news.

These are the Puma Cell Meio L running shoes that are designed with the long distance runner in mind.

The Cell Meio L proudly carries the Runway Olympic badge and is a running shoe that can go the distance. Its main feature is the new inverse duoCELL technology in the forefoot and the heel for a premium tailored ride.

Visible technology and ultimate styling make the Cell Meio the perfect blend of fashion and function. The must have Lifestyle Statement Product for runners this season.

Materials include: Leather, injection TPU forefoot and heel, outsole with injected TPU lugs and solid rubber.

The Puma Cell Meio L trainers cost around £85 in the UK and if ordered direct from the Puma store, will also come with free shipping.

Visit the puma store for more information or read other sneaker / trainer news.

Leather bags are nice and tough but then some shopper’s just love the feel and look that a stunning fabric handbag can bring.

In the photo on this page you can see some fabric monogrammed handbags by Belle Bags, these are both modern looking and handmade.

They can customize your fabric belt; wristlet, tote or handbag with your monogram and you can choose from a variety of fonts, styles and thread color.

If your looking for fabric handbags handmade with flair then that’s just what Belle Bags do best. This can include custom monograms for your club or organization, also Bridal and Wedding Party monograms.

Their handbags come in eight fab sizes and you can visit Belle bags to see their most popular custom monogram styles and fonts. Also feel free to leave your comments below or read about other handbags here.

This is the stunning Hazel Radley Handbag that’s made of a strong, and rugged leather. The Hazel bag is crafted into a casual round shape and also comes with an adjustable strap.

Hazel Radley handbags can be worn comfortably as a shoulder bag or across the body. The two pockets on the side have a leather tab to keep them secure, and the Hazel also features an innovative leather ring pull on the flapover top.

You will also notice a light running stitch pattern around the side pockets and flapover top. The bag measures W25xH19xD8.5cm and comes in four colours that include: ivory, tan, brown and black.

This is your bag if you’re looking for a high quality leather handbag that has useful pockets (these include two slip pockets inside, two zip pockets, a zip pocket on the back and two on the sides of the bag).

Currently the Hazel Radley handbag sells for £140 on radley.co.uk. You can read about other handbags here.