This simplistic 4-bit microcomputer kit from Gakken is really designed as a retro educational plaything, and not any sort of computer you’d ever want to be stuck using. Ever. The GMC-4 computer features a 20-key keyboard with hexadecimal characters, a single red 7-segment LED display, and 7 additional LEDs. That’s it. No big-screen, no Blu-ray drive (same as that iMac), and it doesn’t run any operating system.

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Still, it somehow manages to play simplistic games like “whac-a-mole” and tennis, and also offers a basic sound generator for playing monotonous music. Keep in mind that this kit does require assembly, and the instructions are entirely in Japanese – and they show pictures of components that don’t come with the GMC-4, So that should increase the challenge a little bit.

You can get your hands on the GMC-4 microcomputer kit over at the MakerSHED for $39.95 (USD).

[photo via HobbyMedia]

But on closer inspection, the miniature foodstuffs in this minuscule USB storage device don’t look all that appealing. For starters, I can’t imagine trying to pick up these portions with my human-sized fingers. Even if I could, I’m not really sure what the heck that blob of stuff is in the main compartment. I think I all I figured out is that there’s some tiny corn, an egg, some broccoli and edamame, a couple of other unidentifiable veggies, and a teensy, tiny shrimp. Damn, I’m allergic to shrimp. I’d probably go into anaphylactic shock even eating a piece that small.

All kidding aside, these mini Bento USB drives store 2GB of your data, and sell for $17 (USD) over at USBGeek. I still think Chinese BBQ USB looks tastier.

When the game starts, a series of numbers flash on the screen for maybe half a second. Circles will then pop up in place of these numbers. The goal is to click the circles based on the value of the numbers that they replaced, lowest to highest.

In this case you should click the lower right circle first, then the one on the upper left, then the one in the middle. If you get it right the countdown restarts and more numbers flash on the screen. I only got up to 7 numbers on my first try.

After 10 flashing and clicking iterations of foolishness, the game will then tell you it’s estimation of your brain’s age. The image above shows you my brain’s score for the first run. I think. Because if that’s my IQ, then, you know, the game’s wrong. Really. I r ashemd now.

[Flash Fabrica via neatorama]

I wish so badly that I could explain the rationale behind this or tell you whether or not it’s concept art or a commercial product, but I still haven’t learned how to read Japanese characters. (Note to self: learn how to read Japanese characters.) I can tell you that it comes from Pantograph, whose website has lots of other odd an unexplainable objects on display.

You’d need a pretty big living room to pull this off, since they really look their best when they’re all together in their “official” arrangement. But if you did pull this off, I mean, shoot. I’d totally come to your party.

[via misterstarfish]

Japanese gadget importer Audiocubes is selling this device which, when connected to your USB port, and placed under your rear end, cools off your seat.

The Thanko USB Cool Cushion uses a USB powered fan to suck cool air in and pushes it out through small holes in the cushion and cool off your derriere.

I can’t wait to see the whoopee cushion hack for this one.

Well now you can have a myriad of musically derived fragrances in your home thanks to this wacky new device. TokyoFM’s new USB powered system mixes six perfumes to automatically change fragance based on the music and artist currently playing on their radio station. In addition to the aromas, the built-in LEDs provide a soothing lightshow.

Think that’s scary? The device will cost a whopping 49,900 Yen (appx. $430 USD), so I don’t think they’ll be flying off the shelves.

[via NewLaunches]