Archive for April 2008

Who needs one of those new-fangled e-lec-tronic GPS navigation contraptions, when you can accomplish the same degree of directional guidance with a little old-fashioned paper and ink? Whether you’re ready to head out on a cross-country road trip, or just around the corner to the grocery, all you need to do is surf over to to Google Maps, print out the directions, transcribe them onto this GPS-enabled pad, then hit the road.

Looking for an easy way to give your Playstation 3 a cool new look? This add-on cover plate lets you put a shiny new face on your gloss black PS3. XCM’s Smart Face Plate snaps onto the top of your PS3, giving it a new facade without major surgery.

This wouldn’t be the first time I saw an alarm clock that could play MP3 tracks, but it is the first one I’ve come across that can play movies after it wakes you up. JWD’s pint-sized MP3 media player has a compact 2.0-inch full-color LCD screen which can play MP4 format video clips.

Inspired by the mind-bending transportation technology in last year’s sleeper hit game Portal, this video clip uses digital augmented reality technology to produce a similar effect in the real world. Created by EmmanuelMFr of France’s Total Immersion, the illusions in the video really are reminiscent of those in the game.

Measuring just 0.7″ x 1.4″ x 0.6″, and weighing in at about 0.5 ounce, this miniature camera can fit just about any place you can imagine. Just charge it up, and it’ll capture full color images and transmit them to a wireless receiver.

Look at these cool led lights, designed by Jörg Schieber for German company chameledeon. Minimal and elegant, they work with a remote switch and cycle through 16 different colors, so you can set the mood in your living room without having to get up from the couch.

I’m not too sure what the trademark police will have to say about this one, but this UK plumbing firm shares more than just a profession with Nintendo’s popular mascot. I’m not sure if SuperMario Plumbing & Heating thinks they can avoid the wrath of the Big “N” by removing the space from the name, or if the fact that Luigi doesn’t work there is is enough to differentiate them.

While this wouldn’t be the first time that I came across a clock that tells time with text, it’s certainly the most wordy version that I’ve seen. Singapore designer Hans Tan created the Idea of a Clock II using a green LED bulletin board to display the current time using a lengthy textual description.

I’ve seen plenty of Nintendo NES clone systems in my travels, but this is the first time I’ve seen a mass-produced portable that can play the actual cartridges from the classic 8-bit gaming system. The FC Mobile portable console plays original game carts from the NES wherever you go.

Whether you’re slicing, dicing, or making julienne fries, this Space Invaders themed cutting board will help you get your Mise en Place in order. As you chop your way through celery and onion, imagine your knife as a laser cannon, blasting its way through all but the most stubborn of alien invaders.

This modern twist on the classic pedometer doesn’t just track your steps, it lets you keep tabs on the quality of the exercise you get during your day-to-day life. Unlike meters that just count your steps, the Seiko SlimStick uses modern dual-axis accelerometers to track the magnitude of your movements, giving greater value to more intensive exercise.

Think the Segway is just too geeky for your Born to Be Wild bad boy lifestyle? Then check out this cool new motorcycle born at the intersection of Geek Street and Hog Heaven Avenue. The Uno is a self-balancing motorcycle that uses a pair of gyroscopes to constantly keep its rider upright.

Here’s a fun bit of decor for fans of Nintendo’s Super Mario games. It’s a friendly invincibility star from the game, which can play a little tune while it sits on your desk. Just like those brilliant yellow stars in the Super Mario series, simply activate the star, and you’ll instantly feel invincible (even if your office-mates think you’re a complete dork).

For those of you who think all music should be played on guitars and drums, games like Rock Band keep you jamming all night long. But for those who prefer to blow into their musical instruments, look no further than this new game for the Nintendo DS.

Craving a little Guitar Hero while you slave away at your nine-to-fiver? Just because you have to wear a suit and tie to work doesn’t mean you can’t show your gamer spirit while you’re working your busy executive lifestyle.

No, Mario isn’t going on an exotic vacation from the Mushroom Kingdom. Instead, his likeness is making the rounds of the art circuit thanks to these most excellent stencil paintings by street artist BilliKid. Recently sighted in South Beach, Miami, the stencils feature a dayglo backdrop and a bold graphic treatment of Mario that makes him really pop.