Gizmodo: plug

PowerZoa Would Be a Great Answer to the Question: "Did I Leave the Stove on?"

Sean Fallon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:19:59 EST

Why? Because you could use the device to remotely cut power to any gadget that is plugged in to an outlet.

It's only a prototype at the moment (one of many that have come out lately focused on saving energy), which probably explains why it still looks like a child's toy. Not a good idea when you consider that it sits between the wall outlet and the plug of your gadget. At any rate, PowerZoa transmits details on your power usage to a secure website, where you can use the interface to turn specific devices on or off.

Sooner or later something like this will be widely available, and there will be a cellphone app that would allow me to control everything. And when that happens, I will be all over it. [Powerzoa via DVICE]

Japanese Nose Mask Pit Saves You From Allergies, Talking Normally

Jason Chen — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:20:00 EDT

Are your allergies so severe that a Claritin has no effect? The Japanese have a solution, and it involves shoving round pieces of plastic up your nose to block out allergens. It may seem unorthodox, but as the lady at the clinic keeps telling me, prevention is much more effective than cures. We'll stick to pills, thanks. [Impress via DVICE]

Plug It Phone Charm Contains Cunningly Disguised Data Cable

Haroon Malik — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:05:00 EDT

If you thought the phrase "useful phone charm" was inherently oxymoronic, please meet Plug It's phone charm offering. It looks like a hunk of plastic junk, until you split it open to reveal a complete data cable.

As you can generally charge your phone via your data cable, the Plug It phone charm is fantastically useful. Retailing at only €7.95 ($12), most of the major phone brands are supported, excluding Sony Ericsson, who will be getting some USB charm love in the coming months. The Plug It charms are available in various colors and designs, and whatever you do, avoid the awful company website like the plague. (Either that or be forced to listen to their theme tune; #Plug it in, plug it in, baby!# My ears feel abused.) [Product Page]

Handset Adapter Lets You Use Your Own Headphones

msparkes — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:52:32 EDT

Most cell phones now come with media playback features, but designers still seem to think that a wide range of proprietary headphone connections makes more sense than using a standard 3.5mm jack. This colorful invention gets around this problem, converting various manufacturers' connections to a standard headphone socket.

This solution to a problem-that-shouldn't-exist is available from Dreams for just over $7. Surely they don't have to be quite as big as this, though? Some small cell phones aren't that much bigger. [Dreams]

Continue Plug Design Promises Infinite Outlet and Electric Fire

Brian Lam — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:10:20 EST

Here's a concept for a karmic-ly aware powerplug that makes an outlet for every outlet it consumes. –Brian Lam

The Continue Plug [Via Yanko Designs]