Analyzing patents is one thing. Coming up with entirely new product ideas is something else entirely. Back in January, as part of our “What Comes Next?” feature, we asked for your three-dimensional “fauxtotype” designs of Apple’s “Next Big Thing,” whatever that may be. Over 50 would-be 3D designers sent us their creations, ranging from the obvious (iPod alarm clocks galore) to the unexpected (Apple-branded prefab buildings) to the curiously oblique (an Apple-created photo ID card).

 

After much debate, voting, and gnashing of teeth, we whittled down the selections to our five favorites, which we present to you here for the first time ever. Wondering what you might soon be wearing on your ring finger…or riding in when you take to the friendly skies?

 

iRing

Grand Prize Winner

Victor Soto of Bonita, California

With his innovative and unique iRing, Victor Soto captured everything we love about Apple in one simple, understated device. The iRing is more than geek jewelry; it’s also a Bluetooth controller that interacts with your iPod or iPhone, letting you operate its media controls while it’s stowed away in your pocket or your bag.

 

 

Soto did more than just design a pretty device, though. He also gave a lot of thought to its controls and engineering, and even designed a Quick Start guide for the product, along with a charging station. Tapping the Apple icon functions as play and pause, while touching the strips to either side allows you to skip forward and back. A button on the underside of the ring lets you lock out unintentional commands by pinching the ring between your thumb and forefinger.

 

More than any other fauxtotype we received, the iRing was the product that, across the board, we all wished for the most. It is, quite literally, power at your fingertips.

 

Apple Sky

 

Runner-up

Joe Ashear of Palo Alto, California

 

If Virgin and Hooters can have airlines, why not Apple too? Joe Ashear’s jumbo jet cabin design is one of the first airplanes that actually looks inviting instead of off-putting. Skylights, big seats, and bar (stocked, says Ashear, with Green Apple Martinis and organic juices!) are great, but the 17-inch Mac tablets at every seat are what seal the deal. We shudder to imagine what a trip on Apple Sky might cost, but if anyone’s in a position to reinvent the terminally broken U.S. airline industry, Apple is. Now what can Steve do about the line at security?

 

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iPod Watch

 

Runner-up
Eric Dubois of Hope, Rhode Island

 

iPod in a watch? Absolutely. In fact, we’re kind of surprised this hasn’t already been done. Eric Dubois’s design for an iPod-oriented chronograph was by far the most sophisticated of the entries we saw, to the point where it looks like it’s ready to be shipped to an Apple Store near you. The most clever touch: The wrist strap detaches to reveal a standard port for a docking cable, letting you reload the Watch with tunes and charge it up for another day on the go.

 

Macgame Pro

 

 

Runner-up

Prixa Souvannavong of Portsmouth, Virginia

 

Apple hasn’t had a game console on the market in over a decade. Is it time to revisit the idea? Prixa Souvannavong reimagines an Apple-themed gaming device by taking the DNA of the Power Mac G5 and shrinking it to fit under your TV. We love the idea of using the flanged, anodized aluminum handles/stands to elevate the console (which would probably run hot) and give it room for natural cooling. Using a virtual-button touchscreen for the controller instead of real, mashable plastic seems like madness in a shoot-’em-up scenario (since your eyes would be on the TV), but we’d still love to see Apple run with this idea and take it beyond what, say, the Nintendo DS has done.

 

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iSleep

 

Runner-up

Simon Kaloper of London, England

 

Of all the iPod alarm clock submissions we received, Simon Kaloper’s was the best. Sure, a real Apple-branded clock wouldn’t have quite so many buttons, but we were won over by the iSleep’s old-school LCD readout and its encouragement of “GOOD MORNING” when it’s time to get out of bed. Bonus points to Kaloper for including a picture of a sleepy kitty in his submission packet.

 

About the Judging

All contest entries were judged for originality, illustrative quality, and interpretation of Apple’s design aesthetic. Judges included a panel of experts, including 3D designer Adam Benton; Lourdes Livingston, Grad Director of Computer Arts for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco; and the art and editorial staff of Mac|Life. All five winners received $100 gift cards from NewEgg.com. The grand prize winner also received a $1,800 scholarship to the Academy of Art University and a copy of Maxon Cinema 4D, valued at $895. Thanks to all of you who submitted your hard work for the contest!