Developages - Development and Technology Blog

Thanko is striking while the iron is hot, or in this case, while the weather is freezing cold. After the warm mouse and mouse pad we saw some time ago, the weird gadget maker Thanko is now hawking a wrist AND a lunch warmer. The wristband connects to your computer via USB and reaches temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius to keep your blood flowing during extra cold days. It has an extended Velcro strap so it fits a range of wrist thickness. The other new Thanko product for the winter is a lunchbox with built-in heater (pictured after the jump). Powered by a USB connection to a computer, the heater is made up of anodized aluminum that’s supplemented with Styrofoam insulation so the heat doesn’t escape while away from a power source like during commute.

Original post by Mariella Moon

I’m sure you remember those times when you breeze through meals so you can go out and play. Parents of old could only attempt to strap you in your seat so you can eat properly, but parents of today have the Kami Kami Sensor. Perfect for those who have the tendency to micromanage their children, Kami Kami Sensor is a gadget that actually counts a child’s number of chews.

The bite sensor which is some sort of a strap that’s worn by tucking the handles behind the ears like eyeglasses is connected to the counter that’s in the shape of a fish. The device beeps every 30 chews counted and rings every 1,000, so children could get used to properly masticating their food. It even comes in two sizes - a smaller one for very young kids and a larger one for bigger kids in grade school. Now if they make a Kami Kami Sensor for adults, it might help wean us off of fast food, junk food and other non-nutritious stomach filler.

Original post by Mariella Moon

We used to have the original Flower Rock by Takara Tomy a long time ago. If you don’t know, Flower Rock is a potted flower toy integrated with a speaker that dances to the tune of any music. To celebrate its anniversary and in an effort to become relevant (like how Bandai redesigned the Tamagotchi), the dancing toy gets a complete overhaul with the addition of colorful flashing LED lights on each of its petal and leaf.

As such, dancing now isn’t the only feature of the Flower Rock 2.0; expect to get entertained with light shows as well. You just plug in your iPod or other player and listen to music through the toy plant’s 1-watt amp and speaker. Tomy Takara’s Flower Rock 2.0 was released in Japan earlier this year at the Tokyo Toy Fair. Now thanks to the Japan Trend Shop, it’s available to all toy-loving geeks around the world for $77 each.

Original post by Mariella Moon

For those of you who know me, Halloween is my favorite holiday. There’s nothing like candy, fake blood, and monsters to really set the mood. And it’s finally here! I want to wish all of our Gearlog readers a safe and spooky Halloween.

To celebrate, here are some photos of my haunted cubicle here at Gearlog.

Don’t miss the Weird Hunter’s demonic roundup of the scariest Web sites and games for this Halloween, at PCMag.com!

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

Vavolo, known for making weird USB flash drives like the USB Fortune Cookie and the USB Chocolate Doughnut, pointed us to its latest USB goodie: the Black Forest Cake USB Flash Drive, part of the “Cake Royale” Series.

This sugary flash drive offers 1GB of memory and is both USB 2.0 and 1.0 compliant. And no, you can′t eat it folks!

Not the chocolate type? There’s always the French Mille-Feuille Drive, the Fruit Plate Cake Drive, or the Strawberry Torte Drive. Depending on capacity, these drives range in price from $30 to $50.

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

Truth is that it’s hard saving money these days with so many things you need and the prices of everything going through the roof. To help people save during these difficult times, Tomy Takara unveiled the “Stingy Soldier Wallet Savior” personal finance management toy.

It’s basically a handheld device with a stylus for touch screen input and a pouch at the back to keep your receipts in. Instead of a boring interface that will lull you to sleep with numbers upon numbers of your expenses, “Stingy Soldier Wallet Savior” is equipped with a role-playing game that’s directly correlated with your expenses. The main character, Wallet Savior, for example, will die if you spend much more than what you’ve set yourself to. Keep the character’s stats steady and he’ll become a kick-ass wallet-wielding hero over time, beating financial temptations characterized in the game by good-looking teens and the like.

As expected, such a cool toy will be available in Japan only starting December 27. To help save money with the help of Wallet Savior, people would have to spend around $42 to buy the gadget first.

Original post by Mariella Moon

From the name, it will be easy to guess what this toy is all about. Leave it to Japan to come up with something like this–this is Epoch’s new toy, the Endless Banana which you could peel, unpeel, and peel all over again. Repeat ad nauseum. It stemmed from a recent trend called “morning banana diet” that’s supposedly responsible for bananas flying off the shelves in Japan. Endless Banana is one of those “infinite toys″ that seem to be popping up lately.

What’s really, really odd about the Endless Banana (other than the fact that it does nothing else but mimic a banana) is that voice actress Saki Fujita was contracted to make the sounds the toy gives out when you peel it. Thanks to a commenter in kilian-nakamura, we won’t have to be left wondering what those sounds are. The basic sound emitted would be “peron,” although to add a bit of flavor, Saki Fujita recorded different versions of “peron” using an idiotic tone, a combative tone, a child’s voice, and a sexy voice. And you’d think bananas are boring.

Original post by Mariella Moon

Where is the fun in randomly poking tangible, real-life things? With Bandai’s Tuttuko Bako (Tuttuki Box), your finger is turned into a pixelized, oversized digital poker. I mean, come on, where else can you poke and torture a Lilliputian panda? It doesn’t end with just the panda though–the repertoire extends to miniature stick figures you can terrorize, sea dwellers, a slime ball, and for some reason, even a girl’s face (OK, that IS disturbing). And, just in case you get tired of poking digital images, you can always use the Tuttuki Bako as a clock. The device measuring 105×120×87mm will be available in Japan on November for $30 a pop.

Original post by Mariella Moon

If you watched Tuesday night’s “Town Hall Presidential Debate” you might have heard Senator McCain chastise Senator Obama over earmarks–especially an exorbitant earmark for an overhead projector.

“”While we were working to eliminate these pork barrel earmarks he (Senator
Obama) voted for nearly $1 billion in pork barrel earmark projects. Including $3 million for
an overhead projector at a planetarium in Chicago, Illinois. My friends, do we need to spend
that kind of money?”"

Surprise! That wasn′t exactly the full story. What we’re really talking about is the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and that overhead projector is not something you place transparencies on in a classroom.

Adler Planetarium Press Release: “The Adler’s Zeiss Mark VI projector - not an overhead projector - is the instrument that re-creates the night sky in a dome theater, the quintessential planetarium experience. The Adler’s projector is nearly 40 years old and is no longer supported with parts or service by the manufacturer. It is only the second planetarium
projector in the Adler’s 78 years of operation.”

Whoops. I remember as a kid going to the Hayden Planetarium in New York City and marveling at the nighttime sky. As a city dweller it was something nearly impossible to appreciate without that “overhead projector.” The Adler Planetarium predates New York’s and was actually the first “Sky Theater” in the Western Hemisphere.

Well intentioned people might disagree whether this kind of project is a worthy use of taxpayer dollars. However, it’s tough to even begin the discussion when the opening salvo is not quite the whole truth.

By the way, the earmark was not approved. My friends, Adler Planetarium did not receive that money.

Original post by Geoff Fox

Back in August of 2007 I wrote about BriteObjects’s Webble, an ergonomic, hard-shell footrest. Well, I’m happy to report that the Webble is (finally) out of production and ready to be shipped to restless feet everywhere.

The Webble isn’t an ordinary footrest, mind you; it enables free motion, provided by the integrated wheels. That’s right, this stylish footrest is on wheels. “When we looked at the best footrests available today, we saw a huge opportunity for innovation in both function and form,” said Steve Vassallo, founder of BriteObjects. “Upon investigating the category further, we became encouraged by the research that pointed to the physiological benefits of leg activity while seated … ”

For several weeks I took the Webble for a spin, revelling in the ability to easily move my legs around while working at my desk. You don’t realize how stationary your legs remain at your desk until you start using the Webble. My hands-on (or shall I say, feet-on) account, after the jump.

The Webble weighs 4.5 pounds and measures 4.6 by 19.5 by 11.2 inches (HWD), so it won’t take up a lot of room under your desk. It rests on four smooth gliding casters with a spring suspension, which resembles that of a skateboard. It comes in three styles: Black (black body, black cushion, black mesh), Red (black body, red cushion, black mesh) and Silver (black body, black cushion, Silver mesh).

On a typical work day before using the Webble, I would cross my legs at my desk, not really moving them around except to get up for a break. We all know that this can be detrimental to your health, keeping your legs still without circulating the blood while sitting. When I began using the Webble, I noticed a dramatic difference: My legs felt rested—not achy—at the end of the day. That’s because I not only rested my legs on the footrest, I also moved the Webble around with my feet, getting in some much needed exercise.

Unfortunately, there’s a drawback: the Webble costs a whopping $200. I asked the company why so it costs so much (I was expecting it to be around $25), and they had this to say: “While we are absolutely thrilled with how the final product has turned out (our early adopters tell us it’s unparalleled in every dimension), we were ourselves surprised with how the costs stacked up when all was said and done … We certainly hope to sell enough Webbles that we can reduce our costs and make the product even more accessible (though $25 would be an impossibility) in the future.” Basically, for $25 you’re probably going to get something made from a cheap plastic material that will break in a year; however, the Webble seems very durable and built to last.

While the price may steer you away, I highly recommend using it. Besides, how often can you say that you got a work out—at work?

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

Back in August of 2007 I wrote about BriteObjects’s Webble, an ergonomic, hard-shell footrest. Well, I’m happy to report that the Webble is (finally) out of production and ready to be shipped to restless feet everywhere.

The Webble isn’t an ordinary footrest, mind you; it enables free motion, provided by the integrated wheels. That’s right, this stylish footrest is on wheels. “When we looked at the best footrests available today, we saw a huge opportunity for innovation in both function and form,” said Steve Vassallo, founder of BriteObjects. “Upon investigating the category further, we became encouraged by the research that pointed to the physiological benefits of leg activity while seated … ”

For several weeks I took the Webble for a spin, revelling in the ability to easily move my legs around while working at my desk. You don′t realize how stationary your legs remain at your desk until you start using the Webble. My hands-on (or shall I say, feet-on) account, after the jump.

The Webble weighs 4.5 pounds and measures 4.6 by 19.5 by 11.2 inches (HWD), so it won’t take up a lot of room under your desk. It rests on four smooth gliding casters with a spring suspension, which resembles that of a skateboard. It comes in three styles: Black (black body, black cushion, black mesh), Red (black body, red cushion, black mesh) and Silver (black body, black cushion, Silver mesh).

On a typical work day before using the Webble, I would cross my legs at my desk, not really moving them around except to get up for a break. We all know that this can be detrimental to your health, keeping your legs still without circulating the blood while sitting. When I began using the Webble, I noticed a dramatic difference: My legs felt rested—not achy—at the end of the day. That’s because I not only rested my legs on the footrest, I also moved the Webble around with my feet, getting in some much needed exercise.

Unfortunately, there’s a drawback: the Webble costs a whopping $200. I asked the company why so it costs so much (I was expecting it to be around $25), and they had this to say: “While we are absolutely thrilled with how the final product has turned out (our early adopters tell us it’s unparalleled in every dimension), we were ourselves surprised with how the costs stacked up when all was said and done … We certainly hope to sell enough Webbles that we can reduce our costs and make the product even more accessible (though $25 would be an impossibility) in the future.” Basically, for $25 you’re probably going to get something made from a cheap plastic material that will break in a year; however, the Webble seems very durable and built to last.

While the price may steer you away, I highly recommend using it. Besides, how often can you say that you got a work out—at work?

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

This Super Kid USB 4-Port Hub looks like a bendy toy; you connect your USB devices to your PC via his hands and feet. For more convenience, all the body parts/ports are flexible. Data transfer is 480 MB/sec, and the blue light on the Super Kid’s chest lets you know his power is on. He’s make a nice gift for the wired kid or artistic grownup.

The Super Kid USB hub is both PC- and Mac-compatible. Get yours for $14.

Original post by Chris Gampat

Last month, I featured 10 Gadgets that Look Good Enough to Eat on PCMag.com, including the Croissant Wrist Rest and the Hamburger Phone. Well, there’s another tasty gadget that I need to add to that list: the USB Cabbage Flash Drive ($28) from USB Brando.

You can store 4GB of data on this fiber-licious USB 2.0 drive, and it supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s the perfect gift for next St. Patrick’s Day!

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter

If you’re an athlete (and I can only discuss this as an outsider) you understand your body is often the limiting factor in its own physical development. In other words there’s just so much exercise and training you can do before your body says “Stop!” It’s normally internal core heating that brings this on. But what if you could exert yourself and keep from overheating?

That’s the concept behind CoreControl from Avacore, a device that cools you down from your palms. Weird concept, I know. We′ll get back to your palms in a moment. First, a look at the science.

“CoreControl helps keep core body temperature within normal range for optimal muscular performance. If you stay cool, less blood is shunted to the skin for heat dissipation, making more blood available to service working muscles with delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and removal of metabolic byproducts. CoreControl has been shown to enhance an athlete’s work capacity during both aerobic and strength training, especially when the athlete is working at or near maximum performance levels.” - Avacore.com

We and our fellow mammals have ways of getting rid of excess body heat. A dog sticks out his tongue. Some other animals have large blood filled surfaces exposed to the environment like the ears on a rabbit. They’re all just natural heat syncs–not very different from what you might put on a computer’s CPU.

“In humans, some of these radiator surfaces are found in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. When an athlete gets hot, blood flow naturally increases through these skin regions to dissipate heat through specialized blood vessels called arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs). CoreControl enhances heat extraction through these radiator surfaces by amplifying local blood flow using a proprietary and scientific combination of carefully controlled temperature settings and slight vacuum. One doesn’t really feel CoreControl effects so much as a cooling sensation, but rather as the sensation of being refreshed or less fatigued. “

The device is in use today by professional athletes. Monday’s San Francisco Chronicle reported it being used at the 49′er - Lions game.

“Players for the San Francisco 49ers trotted off the field during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions and grabbed for the requisite towels and Gatorade. A few went for something else on the bench, slipping their hands into a coffee-pot-like contraption that stops cramping and overheating.”

The players call it “The Glove” and it will set you back $2,500. Developed by two Stanford researchers (where have I heard that before) CoreControl might be your best no-drug key to “increased speed, strength and endurance and reduced risk of heat and dehydration related injuries (e.g., cramping).”

Original post by Geoff Fox

The Reef Fanning Sandal with the built-in bottle opener in the outer sole kind of freaked me out; but this USB Stick CO with bottle opener from TrekStor totally makes sense. Thank goodness someone finally thought of another use for a thumb key other than storing data and just sitting in your drawer.

The USB Stick CO with bottle opener has a brushed aluminium housing and offers a high-speed USB 2.0 connection for fast data transfers. It will be available with 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16GB of memory and will sell between EUR 6.99 and EUR 49.99 ($9.80 to $70.20 USD) in October 2008.

[Found via Coolest Gadgets]

Original post by Jen the Weird Hunter