Gizmodo: Gadget

Seekway 3D LED Cube Amazes in Glorious Color Phasing Fashion

Haroon Malik — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:15:00 EDT

Seekway has put together this spectacular 3D LED display, which is capable of displaying images in full 3D (duh) at an amazing, 30 fps. The prototype consists of a 16 x 16 x 16 grid of interconnected color LEDs and if our mathematics doesn't fail us, that's 4096 individual diodes. We're sure you'll agree; it looks amazing, but the video is even more fantastic, so jump in.

Having successfully constructed the aforementioned prototype, Seekway now have plans to enter the device into production, but they're thinking of beefing things up a litlle—how does a cube containing a 48 x 48 x 48 grid of interconnected LEDs sound? Does it sound like 11,000 diodes? Yes, yes it does. We want. Unfotuantely, there is no word on prices or availability as yet. Dammit. [Technabob]

Girl Geeks on the Rise, Says Report

Jack Loftus — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT

A new report from Solutions Research Group hints that the male-dominated era of technology and gadgets may be coming to an end. Some activities, such as using a DVR to record a TV show, or streaming movies or games, are more popular amongst women than men. Gents, has this happened to you? Take the poll, and see just how our favorite British girl geek handles tech stuff in the video after the jump.

Fave British girl geek after Addy, of course. [Solutions Research Group PDF, via I4U

5 in 1 Gadget Pen, Lights, Points and Yes: Writes

Kit Eaton — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:32:29 EDT

It's a pen, touchpad stylus, LED flashlight, laser pointer and UV banknote checker. In one. Handy for... well, all those things. Available for $11. That is all. [Gadget4All via Red Ferret]

Multimedia Watch Makes Wrist Mounted Accessories Useful (Almost)

Haroon Malik — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EST

The day when the watch is once again a useful piece of technology is looming over us. For proof, check out Chinavasion's Multimedia Watch, which packs in a 1.8-inch LCD (160 x 128), voice recorder, in-built loudspeaker, 8GB flash, as well as support for pretty much every media codec ever conceived. (AVI, MP4, WMV, MOV, MP3, WMA, JPEG and the list goes on.)

The E-book reader function will ensure you need to wear spectacles within a week's usage, whilst the earphone jack will save your eyes and let you rock out to your stored tunes. Video plays back at 20 fps, so you really couldn't get any good viewing done, but V3.0 of the Multimedia Watch is going to be mega for sure. [Chinavasion via Geekalerts]

Sound Gadgets Get On Your Nerves When Darkness Falls

Kit Eaton — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:10:29 EST

These little gadgets are perfect for really really annoying your house mates: flip one on and conceal it somewhere, and until it's dark it does nothing. When the lights are off the fun starts, as the box starts to emit either the distant sounds of dripping water or a barking dog. Of course, your victim will turn the lights on to hunt down the problem, and the box falls silent. Brilliant. We love them, in a very seven-year-old kid amused by whoopee cushion and fart-powder kinda way. Available for about $10 each. [Red Ferret]

Researchers Have Developed a Working Laugh-o-Meter

Sean Fallon — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:40:01 EST

Researchers at Kansai University in Japan have developed a machine that has the capability to scientifically measure the quantity of a person's laugh as well as the sincerity. The device works using a series of electrode sensors that monitor the amount of bioelectricity generated by various muscles involved in laughter. The data is then whisked away to a computer where it is analyzed an assigned a numerical score based on its quantity.

Furthermore, the difference between real and fake laughter is determined by monitoring the movement of the diaphragm. If the muscle vibrations are high, that would be an indicator of a genuine laugh. Interestingly enough, the researchers are looking to make a portable version for heath and entertainment devices—which means that Carrot Top's performing days are numbered. [Pink Tentacle]

Smart Guide Drill-Aid Will Stop Your Holes Wandering (Yes, I Said HOLES)

Kit Eaton — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:45:58 EST

Bongkun Shin's concept design Smart Guide keeps your drill at right-angles to the surface, meaning no more badly-placed and mis-aligned holes. It also keeps your aim right on target by collapsing smoothly as you advance the drill bit forwards. It looks like it acts as a guard to protect you from flying debris, as well. The idea seems so simple I'd love someone to make it soon, please—building my new computer desk would be so much easier. I am hoping, though, that, if it becomes reality the Smart Guide is separate from the drill in the pics, which just looks like something that Buck Rogers' pastry chef might use to whip up a meringue. [Yanko designs]

D:Scribe Fountain Pen Writes SMS, Emails

Jason Chen — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:40:37 EST

Pens that digitally record what you write onto paper have been on the market for a while, but this D:Scribe pen actually sends out SMS and Email messages in real time directly from the pen! That is, it would if it were real and not just a design, but it is a pretty awesome idea. Cause seriously, if we could write our hostage demand notes and SMS it to the police at the same time? That would save us a trip to the post office. [Yanko Design]

Fluxxlab Revolution Door is Eco-Friendly, People-Powered Power Station

Kit Eaton — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:25:21 EST

The Revolution Door is a concept from New York designers Fluxxlab that puts otherwise-wasted kinetic energy from a revolving office door to good use—generating power. Fluxxlab's rationale is that humans exert a chunk of their own energy when pushing a revolving door around, and it may as well be captured via gears and an electricity generator. If you think about the thousands of doors across the country spinning around all day, everyday, then maybe they've got a point. Obligatory design diagram, and a schematic showing how the idea turns your breakfast into green lightbulb-lighting power after the jump.

We reckon we may have spotted one small flaw in this concept, though: the last 20 or so revolving doors we've used have all been automatic and motor-driven. [Fluxxlab via Inhabitat]

A Playing Card Concept Remote

Kit Eaton — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:13:08 EST

This remote control design is inspired by a deck of playing cards, with two card-shaped halves that slide in different directions. By gripping it and sliding it up and down you can change your TV's volume, and a twisting gesture changes channels or tracks on your DVD. Designer Sungwoo Park has gone for clean white curves and minimalist control option, and I like its tactile slide design as an antidote for all the touchpad/screen action going on at the moment. [Yanko design]

Faucet Buddy Could Save Money, Water and Sensitive Skin

Sean Fallon — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:00:58 EST

If you have ever lived in an area under drought conditions, you know how important it is to conserve water. Given that my neck of the woods is currently in the midst of a severe drought, the Faucet Buddy concept from designer Baek Uyeol piqued my interest with a display that indicates the amount of water being used, and its current temperature.

Despite the fact that the government has severely restricted water usage, I still see local suburban zombies sprinkling away in an attempt crush the competition in their neighborhood "lawn wars." Perhaps a visual aid like the one found in the Faucet Buddy would help these morons come to their senses before I have to drop a deuce in the woods or take a shower with bottled water. Too bad it's not an actual product. [Yanko Design]

If Apple Designed a Flashlight...

Sean Fallon — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:20:11 EST

Yes, the world has fallen in love with Apple's clean and sophisticated designs, but is making an Apple flashlight going too far? You bet it is. Still, designer Myoshimasato has developed a concept piece that attempts to illustrate what an iLight would look like if it actually existed. I'll admit, it does look like something Apple would design (or Nintendo for that matter), but the functionality makes what should be a simple device unnecessarily complex, and there is no real software component to speak of. Two qualities not generally associated with Apple products.

For starters, the light is touch sensitive. You can turn the light on and off with a single tap, or increase the brightness by flicking your finger forward. Double-tapping locks the device and the glowing Apple logo indicates battery status. You can even tap on the logo to automatically flash "Help" in Morse code. While that last part is definitely interesting, it may not be all that handy unless you are lost at sea or your neighbor has been stationed on a battleship or something. Would a product like this be useful or useless? Discuss. [Yanko Design]

Rainbow Machine Lights Up Room, Sadly Doesn't Include Pot of Gold

ybaranovsky — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 22:50:00 EDT

Nothing quite lights up a room like the Discovery's Rainbow In My Room &mdash it's also one of the best leprechaun-catching tools available on the market. Using LED lights, the gadget creates a prismatic rainbow arc on your wall or on your ceiling. It uses a motion sensor that turns the rainbow on and off when you're near, and an automatic shut-off assures that you won't over-rainbow your room. For sale for $30 dollars and available early October, it's the cheapest way to achieve faux happiness without moisture and white light. [Discovery via SciFi]

USB Pen Holder Does Exactly What It Says

Jason Chen — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:40:03 EST

Consider this. You're short on USB ports. You also need a place to put your pens. Sound familiar? Sure, we've all been in this situation.

Hi, I'm Rick Brawn, founder of USB Pen Holders International. Here at USB PHI, we know it's hard finding enough ports to plug in your USB gadgets. And we also know that you've only got two ears to stick pens behind.

With three easy payments of £3.32 ($6.50), you can be the proud owner of your own USB pen holder. As you can see, I'm not only the president. I'm also a douchebag. – Jason Chen

Product page [Phatphones via Gearlog]

Hello Kitty Gallery

Jason Chen — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:33:46 EST

If there's one thing we enjoy more than regular household items is regular household items designed by Hello Kitty. Here's a gallery of all the wacky Hello Kitty stuff we saw at CES.

Our favorite: the Hello Kitty Lady Shaver. Who knows Kitties better than The Kitty? – Jason Chen With Photos By Curtis Walker

Japanese Earthquake Detecting Gadget

Brian Lam — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:42:37 EST

Here's a Japanese emergency gadget, like the ones from Eton. It has a handcrank that can power a radio, cellphone charger, or the LED flashlight. And it has a sensor that'll detect 4.0 quakes or higher, and set off a siren and flash some lights. (In case you didn't notice your house falling around your head.) The sensor will likely detect if you jump on the bed, too. Seems like a crock. But a cool crock.–Brian Lam

Earthquake gadget [Tokyo Mango]

All I've Ever Wanted in a Gadget

Jason Chen — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 20:30:23 EDT

This cartoon by Dave Walker (sarcastically) shows what he wants in a dream gadget/cellphone.

Ours would be one that has QWERTY, WiFi, 3G, a 10-megapixel camera with optical zoom, loads of battery life, DivX/XviD support and a price less than what we pay for rent.

Readers, how about you? – Jason Chen

This Gadget [Cartoon Church]

Aurora Rocket Clock: Radioactive Glow...so beautiful...arm melting

Mark Wilson — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 13:17:26 EDT

Most alarm clocks function under the mantra that you can sleep better when you don't need to worry about waking up. The Aurora Rocket Clock works under the mantra: you don't have to worry about waking up if you never go to sleep.

The 25cm clock can glow in 12 different, eye-opening colors that can be programmed to change on the hour or shift sequentially. If you really enjoy the Seinfeld episode when they open the Kenny Roger's Roaster outside of Kramer's room, this may be the clock for you. If you sleep butt-naked and would like to tan in your sleep, this might be the clock for you. And yes, the glow can be turned off completely, but then we don't have much to make fun of. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via popgadget]

Mazu Kan: Fake Fight For Real

Mark Wilson — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 15:23:07 EDT

I don't personally have any obsession with becoming a superhero, despite my frequent baths in radioactive waste while clinging to a spider, bat and orangutan for dear life. However, since my roommate's cousin's pet finds the whole topic of great interest...

Mazu Kan is a $50 two-player air-fighting game. You strap on the Mazu Kan and punch/power attack away. If your opponent doesn't block, you score and their chest vibrates with excruciating, humiliating...vibration. Also cool: since the units use radio frequencies you can attack through obstacles. Can Superman attack through solid objects? Didn't think so. -Mark Wilson

[via ThinkGeek]

Screwpull Cork Catcher? Screwpull You.

Mark Wilson — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 11:28:14 EDT

The only fun of opening champagne, besides the alcohol, is the high probability that someone at the party is going down. Will it be your wife, best friend, or pet? No one knows! It's a centuries-old tradition that Screwpull wants to rob from us with their $30 Cork Catcher. Seriously, don't buy this and look like a tool at your next soiree - just use a towel instead. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via Tech Digest]

Connect2Car: Start Your Car by Bluetooth

Brian Lam — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 06:00:44 EDT

Connect2Car's MFC can start your car's engine, roll down its windows, or activate any other electric auto part by bluetooth. The MFC interfaces with a phone, PDA, or laptop over an encrypted connection. The little black box controls 8 devices. Here's a video of a 2006 Toyota Solara getting the remote start, window rolldown, and ragtop drop by Verizon AudioVox XV6600 PDA.– Brian Lam

MFC [Connect2Car]

Your Own Dairy Queen?

Charlie White — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 12:14:03 EDT

Summer's coming, and it's time for some tasty soft-serve ice cream. This ice cream maker looks like something that could turn out terribly wrong, but we're thinking the secret to great ice cream is in the recipe and not the maker. Hint: the operative word here is cream, and lots of it. This product can help you out in that department, too, with 29 recipes included in the box.

It has a 1-quart stainless steel canister that can make enough soft or hard ice cream for eight to ten cones in about 20 minutes. Anyway, wouldn't it be great to be able to dispense some nice twisty cones just like they have at the Dairy Queen? It's $60. – Charlie White

Soft-Serve Ice Cream Maker [Improvements Catalog]

Troops Prefer More Trendy Armor

Travis Hudson — Wed, 10 May 2006 09:32:54 EDT

Soldiers are giving mixed reviews to their latest high-tech body suits, saying the suits are "goofy" and look like "alien spacesuits." Their design is based on the suits that bomb squads wear. They are worn by Humvee gunners to reduce the spiraling number of casualties. Soldiers must not realize that having high-tech clothing isn't always the trendiest, unless of course you happen to be Master Chief—he always looks bad-ass in armor.

Armoured suits are 'too goofy' say US troops [Telegraph.co.uk]