Archive for October 2008

Looks like Mario has given up his bid for the White House, and officially conceded the race to Super Obama. Like many among him, Mario is looking for change in the Mushroom Kingdom. No longer will he be led blindly into battle to “bring democracy” to the Koopas, nor will he stand for citizens resorting to eating mysterious mushrooms in lieu of a decent healthcare system.

This portable entertainment system not only plays movies and music, it plays classic 8-bit Nintendo games. Featuring an substantive 14-inch LCD screen (1024×768 resolution), the compact DVD system has a built-in NES emulator, and comes with a pair of gamepads so you can satisfy that 8-bit Nintendo craving wherever you go.

These candy apple red cylinders started out life innocently enough as a couple of fire extinguishers. But after they ran out of foam, they got a second life as a pair of speakers. While it may seem like a simple idea, Russian modder Strannik put a tremendous amount of effort into the construction of these tower speakers, which required precision cutting, drilling and welding to pull off such a seamless look.

Looking for a way to build yourself a functional AT-ST walker? Have I got the perfect robot for you. The AREXX YT-3000 (aka “YETi Walker”) is a bi-pedal robot which can be programmed using your PC or an remote-controlled via an IR interface.

This tiny remote-controlled flying machine from Japan is a combination helicopter, UFO and hovering light show. A pair of soft, brightly colored rotors help to propel the Roboppi (ROBO-P) flyer upwards and produce stable flight. As it flies through the air, colored LEDs inside the spinning body of the Roboppi blink rapidly, producing a whirlwind of color.

The Fragile Future 2 lighting fixture really lives up to its name. You see, each tiny light source is actually framed by the seed pods of a dandelion. Now why is it called the Fragile Future 2?

While I’d rather have a lifesize Optimus Prime, I might just have to settle for this R/C robot that can transform itself into a car, truck or tank. The RCRC Transforming Robot from AOK can go from ‘bot to vehicle with a quick flick of two joysticks on the included remote control.

Sure, you can pick up a used Gameboy for about $20 bucks over on eBay these days, but why buy one when you could build one for yourself? Matt over at Liquidware decided to build an “open source Gameboy” (known as the Gamepack) using off-the-shelf parts, including the modder-friendly Arduino microprocessor.

This over-the-top wall clock has way more gears than it really needs – but it’ll definitely draw stares from anyone who tries to tell time with it. Homeloo’s Jumbo Gear Clock has not 2, 3 or even 10 gears.

This new device uses RFID technology to connect your physical possessions with the digital world. Cool. Violet (the makers of those quirky Nabaztag USB rabbits) is about to unleash Mir:ror, a small puck-shaped USB gadget which acts like an interface between your everyday belongings and your computer.

There’s one thing you can say about R2-D2. He’s fiercely loyal, and will always do what’s needed to protect your stuff. So why wouldn’t he be the perfect guardian of your precious Tollhouse cookies? I was just minding my own business (shopping online) this morning when I came across this great R2-D2 cookie jar.

I really think we need to start a new trend. Everyone needs to start wearing cufflinks again (did they ever?) At least that would give me a good excuse go around wearing these retro video game studs on my shirt sleeves.

Here’s a fun little sound system you can connect to your portable media player. ZumReed’s Pocket DJ Speaker looks like a tiny little turntable. The mini speaker is small enough to carry on your keychain, hang from a briefcase, bookbag or purse strap.

This new interactive toy from Japan involves sticking your finger in a hole on the side of the box to interact with a virtual environment. Really. I’m not kidding. Bandai’s new Tuttuki Bako handheld interactive plaything requires you to twiddle your finger around inside the orifice to play with a variety of virtual characters on an LCD screen on the front of the device.

Jakks Pacific has been cranking out a variety of arcade games you can play on your TV for several years now. But all of their arcade systems up until now included 4, maybe 5 games. Their most recent model, the Arcade Gold game system ups the ante by cramming 8 old school arcade games into a single package.

Look at this beautiful Quin lamp from California artist Bathsheba Grossman. Notice anything special about it, D & D fans? It’s Bathsheba’s exploration on the dodecahedron. It’s so much more than a twelve-sided die though. The intricate perforations and curvy undulations are not only are a shining example of the seamless blending of technology and art, but also serve to create quite a spectacular display of light.