Author: Gabrielle Taylor
USB memo holder lights up after the fact
Usually if I’m in full Selznick memo-writing mode I want extra light, so it’s a little puzzling that the USB memo holder lights up after you’ve put a memo in it. However, it does also have a USB port in the back, so at least it functions as an extension cable with a flirty little stand. And then, when want to just fire Craig by note, he’ll be more likely to notice the glowing glob in the middle of his soon-to-be-ex-desk. 9,90 €. [GT]
'Super' Earth-type planet discovered
Gliese 581 C is a temperate planet like Earth, according to recent findings from the Eso 3.6m Telescope in Chile. With temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 C, if it has water, the water would be liquid, making it habitable for us, and probably other life forms as well. Future missions will analyze the planet for signs of biological activity such as chlorophyll and methane. Gliese 581 C is 20 light years away, so it’ll be a while before we can actually go there – unless we have a breakthrough, in which case, party at Marklar’s place.
CD+G Karaoke System from GPX
It's time for a Karaoke Party Machine! Honestly! The CD+G Karaoke System from GPX promises billions of opportunities for humiliatingly drunken renderings of pop standards, including duets, since it sports dual mic jacks. And, you can preserve it all…
Cushion Control puts the remote in your seat
Totally decorative, and fully functional, Cushion Control is a trio of couch decor with a power button, volume up/down and +/- adjuster. Wouldn’t you like to just wiggle your behind in order to rewind your favourite track for the nineteenth time? They use soft switches and RF to actually be functional, suggesting that not only is the Singularity approaching, so’s the day you can use your cat to turn on the telly. I’ll take three! [GT]
Cushion Control
FlyClear lets you buy-fly-pass
After standing in line for six hours and taking your shoes off once an hour for all that time, the FlyClear starts to sound like a heckuva deal. Costing $100 and in (as it were) pilot projects in the US, FlyClear uses a biometric card to let you quickly slide past the peons who’d rather pay with their feet. So far, available in Orlando, NY-JFK, Indianapolis, San Jose and Cinncinnati – but hopefully tomorrow the world, before I start my book tour. [GT]
FlyClear [via CrunchGear]
Music robots roundup
You’ll say domo arigato to these musical Mr. Robotos who play everything from trumpet to DJ scratches. Also, if you missed the John Coltrane robot rendering be sure to add that to your Friday caffeine relaxation moments. Video of Georgia Tech’s “Haile” the drum player after the jump. [GT]
Bernina Artista 730E sewing machine with Windows
Combine Home Economics with Computer class through the Bernina Artista 730E sewing machine with Windows. This sewing machine quilts, embroiders and does conventional sewing, sporting 850 stitches, 6 alphabet styles, monograms in 3 sizes, 10 buttonholes, 31 quilting stitches and hundreds of decorative stitches which you navigate through via the Windows interface, begging the question of what role exactly you play in all this, aside from a) paying for it and b) asking it for fashion tips. You can even design embroidery patterns via the Artlink software and upload them to your sewing machine, which is both incredibly cool and slightly creepy. Contains USB hookup to your home PC. [GT]
Bernina Artista 730E sewing machine with Windows [via UberGizmo]
Seiko E-Ink Spectrum Watch
The potentially very beautiful Seiko E-Ink Spectrum Watch uses E-Ink to render the time in a delicately scrollworked (and presumably selectable) display that is encased in 360-degree continuous sapphire crystal. Diameter: outside 75.3mm, Inside 61.5mm, Width 22.0mm, Thickness: 6.9mm and the weight is 80g. Soon to be your new favourite piece of functional jewelry at $2,000. [GT]
Seiko E-Ink Spectrum Watch [via SciFi Tech]
Dimitri CD holder
Instead of the typical CD holder which takes up a lot of space on your desk, this little plastic weightlifter named Dimitri will hold them for you for quick retrieval. This is really helpful if the CDs didn’t have a case to begin with. Lift with the legs, Dimitri, lift with the legs! $6.99. [GT]
Dimitri CD holder [via i4u]
