The application is not built for iPhone/iPod touch, however, but is served from a home server that controls the appliances directly. This allows you to not only use the iPod touch, but also any other web device in your home Wi-Fi network. The program allows you to program the devices using a very easy to use graphical user interface.

For example, you can set your oven to cook a type of cake by just visually selecting a recipe and clicking start. In fact, you can even get recipes straight from the server itself. The only bad thing: the iPod dock thingie is taking the place of the built-in draught beer system, which in my book is quite -20 points. [More IFA 2008 Coverage]

[Sub-Zero via BKDI]

[Kicking Tires via Autoblog via Gearfuse]

Thermoelectric Peltier elements would replace traditional freezer batteries to keep food fresher, longer and the compact design makes it easy to pack and carry. However, even with a space saving design I don't see much room for all that beer I was talking about earlier—and it would probably be the most expensive picnic basket of all time. On the plus side, check out the exposed thong in the drawing. Nice. [Yanko Design]

Almost six-and-a-half feet in height, expect to see these stainless steel monstrosities in the kitchens of F1 drivers in time for their Christmas parties. [Sybarites]

The HomePub is available in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK (where it costs around 450, or $1000) and there are plans to bring it to the US. [HomePub and Asko via Appliancist]

This concept of ionic deodorization sounds mysterious and scientific, sure to convince the innocent that it will certainly do some good, maybe even kill a few of those horrible germs in the process. Maybe it does. We're big fans of that fresh, wonderful smell after a severe summer thunderstorm, and that's related to ions, isn't it?

The cordless Ionic Fridge Freshener might work even better if you put an open container of baking soda next to it. This prettified tin can might do an especially good job of keeping that prosaic-looking box of Arm & Hammer company. Available in Britain for £8.95, that translates into $18 Stateside if you feel like importing it yourself. [Alternative Gifts]

Each message can be up to 10 seconds long, which should be long enough to tell them to pick up milk, eggs, or whatever else you think you need to say. Our only complaint is the lack of support for alternative families—Paul Reiser and Greg Evigan would be disappointed. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Discovery via Random Good Stuff]

Homer talks with each bottle opened [Ubergizmo]

Its maker says the Vending Machine Fridge can cool down those cans to 77°F below ambient temperature, plus it can run on either regular AC power or DC from your car's battery (please don't drink and drive). Hard to believe it's $159.95. There must be a catch. – Charlie White

Product Page [Gifts and Gadgets Online, via Coolest Gadgets]

The result? It'll toss a beer to you 13 feet away, and it's perfectly accurate every time. Even though that beer might have developed quite a head on it by the time it reaches your hands, it's still one clever piece of machinery. Bravo. – Charlie White

Beer Launching Fridge [John W Cornwell]

If I were in the market, and this went into production, I'd try it, though. I've always dreamed of having a sushi bar fridge in my home, and this would give me a similar transparent casing, and potentially, the same landscape form. But it's still my second choice, next to the invisible fridge.–Brian Lam

[via Yanko]

You can store pieces of fruit in its branch-like modules, and when you take out, say, an apple, it feels like you're picking it off a tree. There's one box that resembles a birdhouse where you presumably refrigerate eggs, plucking them from their nest when it's time for breakfast. Check out more full-sized pics of the goofiness:

Maybe this design concept is good for a laugh, but this can't be very efficient. We'd rather have our refrigerator built-in style, and big enough for plenty of brewskis. – Charlie White

Tree House Fridge [Yanko Design, via BornRich]

Product Page [Via uberreview]

The refrigerator features a small door that opens to reveal your personal collection of assorted moonshine, and serves as a stand while you mix drinks. Of course, those with "family values" may prefer storing milk and juice, promoting nutrition while saving money by not opening the entire door during a trip to the fridge. And that money can be spent on escaping the family at a real bar. – Mark Wilson

LG's entertain-o-fridge [via uber-review]

But wait, isn't that a touchscreen up there? Apparently only the taller members of the household will be allowed to use this PC. Anyway, when are these appliance companies going to give up on this lame idea? People who have enough money to buy such a high-end refrigerator are probably smart enough to know what they have in the refrigerator and what they need to add to it or not. Give it up, dopes, nobody's that stupid. – Charlie White

Electrolux Cyber fridge [The Appliancist]

This Challenge DM workstation gave up the ghost and some students in Amsterdam decided to stuff a hotel fridge inside it. The result is a perfect marriage of form and function. Old tech never dies. It just gets repurposed.

Project Page [Planet.nl via RetroThing]

Less than 10 will be produced, so you're probably not going to get one. Tough.

Product Page

Gorenje Swarovski Touch Fridge-freezers [Yanko Design]