SlashGear » Christina Crouch

EcoButton is eco-friendly

Christina Crouch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:49:34 +0000

I try to be eco friendly, I want to be, but I slip up a lot as do most of us. What I need is something that is simple to use and hard to forget about. The EcoButton is a great way to give it another try.

It’s a USB device, of course, and it puts your computer into a deep sleep mode that uses less electricity. It’s simple to use, if you’re going to be taking a long break from your work you just tap the button and let it do its magic. It will record how many carbon units and how much power and money you’ve saved every time you use the button, which is a great way to prompt yourself to use it more often.

They’re not very expensive around $12-$18 and it’ll do you good to get one. Unfortunately, it’s only for PCs at the moment.

[via 2bloggadgets]

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Wooden Mouse takes a tech step backwards

Christina Crouch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:46:42 +0000

I was under the impression that new products where supposed to be more advanced but I guess I was wrong. This wooden mouse falls into what I’d called “novelty items”.

It’s not ergonomically designed, nor is it wireless but I must say it’s beautiful. It comes in mahogany and black walnut so you can try to match it to your desk.

The mahogany mouse will cost you $40 and the black walnut will cost $38. It’s probably not the best mouse you could buy but I’m sure some will like it.

[via Chip Chick]

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Vibe Body Sound bone conduction headphones

Christina Crouch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:44:53 +0000

I don’t get the big deal over headphones, earbuds or what-have-you. I’m not a music connoisseur or anything so sound quality is not as important to me as comfort and getting to listen to my music. I also don’t get the people dying because they don’t turn their music down while walking down busy roads or train tracks. The Vibe Body Sound headphones appear to be comfortable and will reduce death.

So, they clip on to your outer ear and work by vibrations through your skin and cartilage. It’s basically listening to music through your skull and that’s always fun! There’s three volume levels, the standard low and medium and of course the “defeats it’s purpose” tectonic.

You can get your own for $100 from ThinkGeek. Even though I’m happy with my cheap earbuds, I’d be interested in a pair of these.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

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USB Aroma Oil Burner and Radio

Christina Crouch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:41:44 +0000

I don’t like oil burners, I had a horrific experience with one where I set my desk on fire. I have a glass desk and when you have an oil fire on a glass desk, throwing water on it only spreads the fire around. I will never buy another one, not even the USB Aroma Oil Burner and Radio.

As the name suggests it is an oil burner and a radio and works via USB. While it is an FM radio, you can plug in your Mp3 player or PC and listen to them through the speakers as well. It also has color changing lights inside (seven colors) so you can have mood lighting with your mood aromas.

If you’re interested in one you can buy it for $30 from Brando. Flame or not, they’ll still get hot, so be careful.

[via geeky gadgets]

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Jellyclick ultra portable mouse

Christina Crouch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:38:11 +0000

I have a wireless mouse and I’ve never had difficulty taking it anywhere, it’s small as mice are and there are no cords so I could put it in my pocket if needed. Apparently, though, there is enough of a need for smaller mice when traveling someone has come up with the idea for something called a Jellyclick mouse.

The Jellyclick is an inflatable mouse. You blow it up and you’re set to use it and then when you’re done you just let the air out and roll the mouse up. What else can I say about it?

It’s just a concept and I probably don’t need to say it, but I think it’s a bit much/ridiculous. This is one of those moments when I think “what will they come up with next”.

[via GeekAlerts]

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Bamboo Speakers are inspired by nature

Christina Crouch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:33:52 +0000

Some products seem to dwell on feature and others dwell on design, rarely though do I think anything brings the two together. Yeah there are some that claim to have both but in my opinion most fall short and the Bamboo speakers are no exception.

Now, it does have some great features: it is WiFi enabled, wireless speakers, integrated LED screen, Mp3 line in, remote desktop, syncing, radio and CD player. The design, however, just looks ugly to me. It has three units that make up the whole thing, the right/left speakers, a base with a subwoofer and a control ring. You can use it as a radio or even sync it with your computer.

It lasts 12 hours per battery charge. I have no word about availability but the designer’s name is Soohyuk Im.

[via Newlaunches]

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SensDevice is a mouse therapist for you

Christina Crouch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:54:00 +0000

A few years ago I was sharing a house with a friend and they became so enraged with their computer that they threw it across the room. I’ll admit I’ve been really upset and wanted to do that but never enough that I actually did it. My friend could have used the SensDevice therapist in a mouse.

The SensDevice senses when you’re “about to freak” and recommends stress-relieving exercises for you. It does this by biofeedback through electrodes when they come in contact with your skin.

I have no word on pricing or availability. I’m not sure how good it would work though because if I was getting angry with my computer and then my mouse started telling me what to do I’d get even angrier.

[via Crave]

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Tactile Mp3 player with simple control

Christina Crouch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:51:11 +0000

I wish I had an exact number of different kinds of Mp3 players there are. It would just be nice to have and throw around once in a while when you run across those people who’ve never heard of anything but an iPod.

The “Tactile Mp3” player is a neat idea. It has five simple buttons that control it that are easy to recognize by touch so you wouldn’t even need to take it out of your pocket to play it.

It’s simple, small and isn’t anything more than what it’s supposed to be, a music player. I’d sooner buy something like this than an iPod, I don’t need anything fancy.

[via crunchgear]

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SoakTV is a waterproof wireless TV

Christina Crouch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:48:51 +0000

I’ve heard tale of those people who are so addicted to TV they have one in every room, including the bathroom, and I’m glad I’m not one of them. I’ve never had a show that was so important to me I couldn’t miss a second of it or wait until a rerun to catch what I missed. But for those of you who need to take it a step further and place your TV within the bathtub/shower itself there is the SoakTV.

It’s a 10.4” LCD screen and can be used with a PC and DVD player and has built-in speakers and of course a remote. It’s waterproof from all angles and wireless so I’m sure the creative mind can find all places to put it.

If you want one of these for yourself it’ll only cost you $930. Money better spent I think.

[via gadgettastic]

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Stylophone makes a comeback

Christina Crouch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:46:02 +0000

I’m really glad I’m not of the 70’s generation, some of things that went on during then worry me a little, and those worries are based on outcomes, rather than actually things that happened. The Stylophone was an outcome of the 70’s and though it kind of died it is making a comeback and I’m not quite sure why.

The Stylophone is a music making machine that uses a styles and a series of metal keys to make sounds and this new and improved one isn’t so new and improved. Actually, it’s exactly the like original with a few minor tweaks. It now comes with volume control (thank goodness), some new sounds and a vibrato knob. Here’s a video of it in action if you’re still confused about what it is/does.

It does have a novelty kind of charm but it reminds me of some kind of Easter European folk music for some reason. You can buy a Stylophone for around $30.

[via OhGizmo!]

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Scala Rider Q2 for communication between hogs

Christina Crouch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:42:52 +0000

I love motorcycles and given the chance I’d have or join a motorcycle gang. I’ve tried to talk my sister into getting a pair of motorcycles for awhile now but she’s not interested and always seems to make me feel weird about wanting one. If I were to be part of a motorcycle gang/group/bunch/gaggle, I’d want the Scala Rider Q2 for communicating with my friends/buddies/gang mates.

The downside is that you can only use it to talk with up to three Q2 users at once so you if you have a big crowd you’ll have to narrow down your list. It works within a 500 meter range and works with your Bluetooth equipped phone. It has push-to-talk and a full-duplex system and it’ll also play your GPS instructions.

It has an FM radio and eight hours of talk time with 10 days standby and takes 3 hours to charge. If you’re interested in buying one you’ll need to save up $220.

[via engadget]

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Mini Pocket DV with Sporty Cam for all your sport filming needs

Christina Crouch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:40:37 +0000

I don’t care for sports other than soccer and hockey and that’s only because the fights associated with those two sports are a lot cooler than any other, including boxing. However, there are those fanatics out there and I’m almost positive they would love the Mini Pocket DV with Sporty Cam an other products like it as it give you a first person point of view of the action going on.

It has a detachable sports camera that can be attached to your clothing and the DV camera (10 Megapixels) comes with an elastic band to attach to your arm or head. It also comes with a built-in MP3 player with 15 channel equalizer and four audio FX settings, I guess incase you need some theme music to go with your amazing sports shots. You’ll get a remote, a tripod, pouch, earphones, USB cable and adaptor, AV cable and a quick guide/CD-Rom, everything you could possibly ask for.

Maplin is selling their sports cam for around $220 but at the moment it’s on sale for $150 until February 20, that’s a bit much, in my opinion. If you’re looking for that first person shot of the action, get in and play yourself and if you’re looking for any mistakes you may have made or openings you may have missed then you need to move on from that game and start looking towards the next.

[via Pocket-lint]

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OTTO Sound Amplifier

Christina Crouch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:06:44 +0000

I’m fond of white noise, in fact, I’m quite dependent on it because silence bothers me. I feel a whole lot better about that fact now that I’ve seen the OTTO sound amplifier… I’m not the only one out there who feels this way.

OTTO, which is Greek for ear, uses a thin polymer piezoelectric contract to sense weak vibrations (hidden sounds) and makes them audible through an integrated speaker. You can put it just about anywhere via its suction cups and magnets.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to hear the sound of ice melting or you desire to hear the light breeze as it creeps across your window, you now know where to turn. I have to say, it’s a little but much for me and I’ll just stick with a fan and the TV on low.

[via gadgets-weblog]

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GR-312 Bluetooth GPS Receiver

Christina Crouch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:03:18 +0000

Bluetooth and GPS, these are words I can’t go two hours without hearing. The GR-312 seems like the only logical next step in gadgetry, a combined receiver that’s on-the-go capable. Lucky we have people like NaviSys.

The GR-312 is made of two basic parts, the GPS receiver/Bluetooth antenna which is inside the USB plug and the power source. The USB is ready for laptop use and comes with a car adapter or you can plug it into the receiver for GPS logging or what-have-you.

I don’t know when it’ll be out or how much it’ll cost but it sounds great. I’d love to get a chance to play around with one.

[via NaviGadget]

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Conceptual Fire Extinguisher puts out flames by throwing balls at it

Christina Crouch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:00:15 +0000

Last year there was a huge fire in my town that did some damage to my place of work. It was the first time “devastating fire” ever really hit home with me and I’m not ashamed to admit I have a slight fear of another fire being started to finish what the first one didn’t. I like to be safe and feel safe and I actually keep a fire resistant body shield in my vehicle. You can never be too safe. I’d really like to the Capsule fire extinguisher brought to life, I’d feel a lot safer with one around.

It might sound slightly ridiculous to throw balls at flames to put them out but it’s not. These balls (capsules) are filled with fire retardant powder and are stored inside an oxygen tank which will save you from the toxic gases. If you pull a lever on the tank a capsule will drop out and you then throw or roll it into the fire and it will explode when it gets hot and help put out the fire. Pure genius.

I’d like to thank the designer, Woo Seok Park, for this. Let’s get it on the market like yesterday.

[via Yanko Design]

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Toyota Camer Monitors Sleepy Drivers

Christina Crouch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:56:17 +0000

I don’t condone driving while you’re sleepy, not one bit, and I’m not above calling someone to come and get me if I don’t think I’m fully alert and able to drive. I’ve seen too many people get hurt or killed due to car accidents and that’s why I love this idea from Toyota to install face monitoring cameras that will wake up those of you who don’t know your limit.

The camera, like I said, monitors the drivers’ face/eyes for signs of sleepiness. If you’re attention goes off the road for a certain amount of time it emits a loud alarm to get your attention and if that’s not enough it’ll apply the brakes on it’s own to prevent a crash.

This device has already been installed in the Lexus LS600H and Toyota plans to put it in more of its cars in the future. I say, thank goodness for people like Toyota who help keep the roads safer.

[via Gizmodo]

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Velocity Wirless Speakers go anywhere you go

Christina Crouch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:54:30 +0000

You know those days when you’re chilling out in the wind and the rain and you’re wishing you had some mood music to perfect the moment? Well, wish granted, the Velocity wireless speaker system is weather resistant so it can go with you always.

The package comes with everything you need to enjoy these speakers the moment you get them, including batteries. It has the speakers, of course, AC adapter, wireless transmitter base, remote control (always a good sign!), wall mounts and adapter cables. You can listen to them from 150ft away and it has a 900 MHz transmitter.

The speakers are quite large but the whole kit and caboodle weights only 9.4lbs. These will cost you around $130.

[via Gadgettastic]

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Groqit Personal Inventory Management System

Christina Crouch — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:51:32 +0000

I own a lot of stuff as I’m sure all of you do too. Having such a large amount of stuff can sometimes be a hassle when trying to remember exactly which items you do own and which you’ve yet to purchase. The Groqit personal inventory management system is a device that will solve this problem for you.

It’s simple really, you just scan the barcodes of all your items you wish to inventory and then when you’re at the store and you happen along the aforementioned problem you just pull it out and let it tell you whether you already own that item or not. I actually think this is a smart little toy, I know aside from keeping track of books or movies I already own, we could really use this for my dad’s DJ business to keep track of which music and karaoke CDs he already has. I could even see women using it too keep track of which clothing or make-up items they’d already purchased or tried. The possibilities are endless.

There is a downside to this product which is its $95 price tag. Let’s knock the price down a little, huh?

[via Engadget]

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Gothic computer accessories from Evergreen for geeks with a dark side

Christina Crouch — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:15:37 +0000

If your moods float around in the realm of damp, dour and demonic then you probably would love these new computer accessories. These items will give you that extra bit of evilness in your work area to scare off any nosey co-workers or relatives.

There is a mouse, a mousepad and a keyboard in this Gothic set. Each item has a little scene of skull, bones and the overall feel of death displayed on them.

I don’t know about pricing but there is a webcam and speakers floating around out there that will match these perfectly. Sadly, I have to admit that these are something I would buy as I have a rather large skull/skeleton collection of items.

[via akihabaranews]

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SurfaceSound Compact Car Speaker Phone

Christina Crouch — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:12:05 +0000

If you’re one of those people who talk on their phones while driving you really need to get with the program and hang up or get something handsfree. You’re a road hazard and no matter how skillful you think you are, you’re not. The SurfaceSound Compact is a product you should look in to.

It’s mounted on your visor and uses Bluetooth, of course. Once the microphone is pulled down, it connects to your cell phone and you’re ready to go. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts for 15 hours of talk-time or 22 days of standby.

It is kind of pricey, $100, but it’s a safety device in the end. $100 isn’t a tremendous price to pay when lives could be on the line.

[via Gizmodo]

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i-XPS 120 Outdoor is the first gadget under the Made for iPod License

Christina Crouch — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:09:55 +0000

Well they had me fooled, all those other gadgets out there that claimed to be for the iPod, I really thought that was there purpose. Luckily there is an official Made for iPod license to weed out all those other inferior gadgets and this speaker dock is the first to get the official seal/stamp of approval.

It’s water and dust resistant and ready for the great outdoors. It has a watertight door to enclose your iPod and rubberized contours. It can use batteries or a charger and has a handy rear carrying handle.

If you just can’t resist this official iPod gadget you can pick one up for around $130. I have to say it though, it’s not very aesthetically pleasing.

[via gadgettastic]

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ZaNa Design Flash Drives Made of Wood, Flint and Amber

Christina Crouch — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:06:05 +0000

We’ve come across some pretty odd flash drives haven’t we? There’s one for every lifestyle, desire or need. I think they’ve just about tapped the creativity of flash drives however ZaNa Design is not giving up and they have some hand-made ones they’re pushing.

They come in 1GB and 2GB versions, which I have to say is keeping it low compared to some of the more recent ones I’ve seen, but the selling point is the material they’re made of. Each device is made from exotic “Merbau” wood in conjunction with either amber or striped flint stones.

They cost about $65 a piece. I can’t help but think, why would you make something to store your precious data that’s made from wood and flint? Isn’t that a fire hazard?

[via pocket-lint]

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Baby Quasar – Age Reducing Technology?

Christina Crouch — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:02:26 +0000

People will do anything to look younger, especially women. It’s kind of ridiculous but people will be buy snake oil in any form. Baby Quasar claims to be the best all around skin care tool.

Using both red and amber light for powerful anti-inflammatory properties and fibroblasts and collagen production, Baby Quasar says it gives long lasting results. It says its near infrared light will penetrate more deeply to stimulate blood flow and circulation and is the foundation of healthy looking skin.

I know that this is targeted more towards women but I also know there are a lot of men out there too who would secretly love this product. It costs $450, youth isn’t cheap.

[via Crave]

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JCB Toughphone is tough to look at

Christina Crouch — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:59:44 +0000

I usually try not to make snap decisions. I like to give things a chance to be horrible before I deem them so, however I can’t not call this phone ugly. There is not a feature in the world that would talk me into carrying the JCB Toughphone around.

Its industrial strength casing can withstand dust, shock, water and repeated dropping. It comes with Bluetooth, push to talk, and dual speakers that are extra loud. It comes in various colors: black and black, black and red, black and blue, black and green, and black and gray.

The Toughphone is also known as the Sonim XP1, and incase you were interested it’s also been nominated to represent the word “fugly” in the dictionary (by me). That being said I know it’s purpose is for a higher calling than social status and in that case it is a nice phone.

[via Chip Chick]

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Almost Real Halo Energy Sword

Christina Crouch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:00:46 +0000

I happen to have my own energy sword from halo in the form of a blue squishy keychain. I do so love it as I’m sure (read: hope) many of your do too. I also happen to collect real swords so this “real” energy sword is pretty nifty to me and I want it.

It’s up for auction on eBay and it’s a life-sized replica of the Halo weapon. It’s 36”x14” and has a mirror finish stainless steel blade.

If you happen to be the lucky winner of the auction you’ll get a collector’s card, a walnut wall plaque and a Certificate of Originality from, Lionheartsrealm, the creator of this masterpiece. Also if you happen to win this auction, I envy you completely.

[via technabob]

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Fujitsu LifeBook P8010

Christina Crouch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:57:03 +0000

The new LifeBook is on its way (February) and some of its finer details have been confirmed. I know the MacBook Air is the light of everyone’s eye at the moment but I think the P8010 deserves a little recognition.

First up, it only weighs 2.69lbs, that only is heaven to me as my laptop seems to weigh a ton. It has three USB ports, wi-fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth… you know, the basics. There’s an 80+GB hard drive, 4GB RAM but sadly comes with Vista. It’s 13.3” and has a SL7100 VL processor.

Like I said, it comes out in just a few weeks, though I don’t know about pricing at the moment. It doesn’t sound half bad to me but other than the weight I wouldn’t trade mine in for it.

[via CrunchGear]

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Lawnbott LB3200 New and Improved

Christina Crouch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:54:06 +0000

You may recall the LB2000, a robot that will mow your lawn for you. Well, it’s been revamped and reintroduced as the LB3200 and has a new exciting feature.

The new Lawnbott has added Bluetooth technology to its controls so that you can program and control it from anywhere via your cell or laptop. That comes in really handy when you’ve promised your wife you’d mow the lawn and yet you want to go out with you buddies instead, now you can do both. It works the same way as its predecessor and has two lithium ion batteries. It can go up a 30 degree incline and will mow a 38,000 sq ft area before returning to its dock for a charge.

It does come with a blade stopping sensor if anyone should pick it up which is really nice as well. It is pricey, $3,250, but if you’re like me and have a huge back yard that’ll pay for itself in free time quickly.

[via DVICE]

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Logitec Bluetooth Earphones Necklace

Christina Crouch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:50:00 +0000

I feel I don’t say this often enough, I love Logitec gadgets. They never fail me and are usually reasonably priced. The LBT-HP210C2BK is a long name for Bluetooth earphones but they look relatively wearable without coming off like a complete nerd, which is always good.

These LBT… can control any Bluetooth device, has a Bluetooth radio and it supports 3D sound. It is actually a necklace with earphones attached but for the sake of male readers we’ll say its neck-wearable earphones.

No word on pricing or availability but I’ll stand by my earlier words and say I bet it’s going to be reasonable. I hope I’m right because I’ve recently come into the market for a new pair of earphones as mine keep disappearing.

[via akihabara news]

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Eye Implantable Camera being developed

Christina Crouch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:47:16 +0000

There are not a lot of things that creep me out, but the short list of things that do are usually strange and improbable. The implantable bionic eye however, makes the list. I know it would be helpful but the thought just gives me the willies for some strange reason.

UCLA developer, Michelle Hauer, and her team filed the patent for the camera (Intraocular Camera for Retinal Prosthesis) which is small enough to be planted on the eye’s lens. In turn that would be able to fed directly into the optic nerve which would benefit the blind or into a portable hard drive for various nefarious deeds. They claim the power would come from an onboard battery and the patent made mention “optical control signals”.

I understand the usefulness of this device and I look forward to hearing more about it. I hope it’s never something I have to look in to personally, though.

[via engadget]

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Flying Stick Cam Looks as silly as it sounds

Christina Crouch — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:45:25 +0000

I’m reminded of a flying fairy doll my little sister had as a child every time I look at the Flying Stick Cam. The idea behind is moderately cool but the design falls completely flat, in my opinion.

The Flying Stick Cam works off kinetic energy which it stores after you rub it between your palms. Using its stored energy it will fly into the air, snap off some pictures and rotate back to the ground. It comes with face detection so you or your target will always be in focus.

I’m concerned about how sturdy it is; if it should be hit while in the air (maybe by a bird or a Frisbee) would it come tumbling back to the ground to meet its demise? There’s no word on pricing or the camera’s resolution.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

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