Odd Gadgets - SlashGear

‘odd gadgets’ Stories

AT&T Launches Homezone Box

Benjamin Nied, Jul 20th 2006 Discuss [0]

While we sit and twiddle our thumbs waiting for AT&T to get their U-Verse IPTV service offered worldwide, the company has partnered with Dish Network to release a networkable DVR/home media center in order to tide us over. Dubbed the Homezone, the new set top box features Dish Network connectivity (duh), Internet scheduling capabilities that allow you to schedule shows online rather than from the box itself, and downloadable movies via Movielink for $4.99 a pop. Anyone in San Antonio or Ohio can rent one now for $10/month, but without anything that truly stands out as a must-have feature, would you really want one? [via Zatz Not Funny...]

New Wii-Mote Details Revealed

Ewdison Then, Jul 18th 2006 Discuss [0]

If you're a gamer, chances are that the Nintendo Wii, at the very least, intrigues you. If you're a gamer like me, the very thought of the Virtual Console combined with the Wii's unique control scheme has you counting the days before it finally hits shelves. For those of us who clamor for every piece of information that we can find, some new details have been released about the famous "Wii-mote" controller, answering questions about battery life and operation. Read The Full Story

USB Wireless PC Lock Offers Simple Protection

Benjamin Nied, Jul 14th 2006 Discuss [1]

If you've ever had a computer of yours used when you're not around, you might want to take a look at this nifty little gadget. This two-piece USB Wireless PC Lock activates anytime you move out of range of your computer; the large USB section hooks up to your machine while the smaller tramsmitter is kept in your pocket. Once out of range, the receiver locks your computer until you return within 2 meters of the receiver or until you unlock the machine with your password. Either way, it's a good way to keep those nosey co-workers away from your work. Product Page [via Coolest Gadgets]

Ninjapass: Play Homebrew on your DS!

Benjamin Nied, Jul 13th 2006 Discuss [0]

It's little things like this that make me glad to be a nerd. Say hello to the Ninjapass DS Flash system, a nifty little 64 MB card that sllows you to - GASP! - run homebrewed content on your Nintendo DS. While the PSP requires a number of firmware downgrades in order to allow for homebrew capabilities (though these downgrades admittedly don't cost anything unless you fry your PSP), the Ninjapass system just plugs into your Nintendo DS's slot and runs, requiring no modification to the actual system. Read The Full Story

TripleWatch Cellphone Concept

Benjamin Nied, Jul 12th 2006 Discuss [3]

Those crazy guys over at Yanko Design have done it again, this time showing off Manon Maneenawa's 3-in-1 cellphone, wrist watch, and alarm clock. When folded up, the clock functions can be used as either a wrist watch (by inserting it into the wrist holster seen up on top) or a standalone alarm clock. By flipping the device's two panels open, a full-sized cell phone is revealed underneath. While this is merely a conceptual design, it's still intriguing, though the tendency to throw one's alarm clock out a window would need to be curbed to keep from trashing your cell phone too. It's unlikely that we'll ever see a cell phone like this (outside of some specialty stores like The Sharper Image), but if we do, will it come with EV-DO? [via Yanko Design]

EVO: Phase One Launch Announced

Benjamin Nied, Jul 11th 2006 Discuss [0]

Anytime we hear of a video game machine not made by Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo, we tend to wince due to the history of failed upstarts in the past. Anytime we hear of a video game system not made by Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo that costs more than the high-end PS3 and features a blatantly-copied PS2-style controller, we slap our heads and wonder what these people were thinking. Enter the EVO gaming system, made by an upstart company called Envizions (yes, with a "z"). The EVO is a console that strives to be a PC, gaming computer, and media center in one box and will become available on October 20, 2006 via the company's website. Read The Full Story

Tripod Concept MP3 Player

Benjamin Nied, Jul 11th 2006 Discuss [0]

Ah, those crazy guys over at Yanko Design. We've covered many, many PMPs in the past, but nothing quite like the conceptual design. Not satisfied with the design of modern media player, Yanko has come up with this beauty; a triangular, two-piece PMP whose base comes apart to reveal a large, flexible video screen. Pretty neat, huh? The device apparently will operate in two modes; MP3 mode and OLED mode. The difference can be seen above, and I'm impressed, to say the least. Read The Full Story

Funky funky Gelaskin

Kevin Lee, Jul 10th 2006 Discuss [0]

Bored with the same old white iPod skin. Now theres a new skin product called the Gelaskin. These skins are made with vinyl that protect your iPod video/nano/mini/4th generation from nicks and scratches. It doesn't even leave any weird bubbles on your iPod. The GelaSkins’ can be removed and put on other iPods, they have a residue-free adhesion. They cost about $14.95 per piece

Product page

Brick Type Hard Disk Enclosure by Lacie

Kevin Lee, Jul 10th 2006 Discuss [0]

Do you love colorful objects and playable toys. Well, Lacie has now made it a reality, this brick type hard disk enclosure by Lacie make storing much more fun. It is a new hard drive to back up and store your video, mp3, and office files. It also comes with USB 2.0 to transfer all of your files. It comes 160GB (white $99.99), 250GB (red $129.99), 300GB (blue $169.99) and 500GB (red $349.99). Honestly, your boss wouldn't think of you of being a heavy toy fan.

Product page

Rimax LED Speakers: Overkill?

Benjamin Nied, Jul 10th 2006 Discuss [0]

LED-mania is everywhere; people are beginning to stick these simple little diodes into everything. We covered an LED-powered lamp/fake aquarium last week, and now it appears that Rimax feels that we need to watch LEDs light up in sync with our music. Enter the Music LED Speakers, which does just that. When plugged into an audio source, the blue LEDs on the outer rim of these speakers light up and dim to the beat. Read The Full Story

Maltron Keyboard: Painful or No?

Benjamin Nied, Jul 10th 2006 Discuss [0]

If you thought that Microsoft's "natural" keyboard was an oddball device, you haven't seen anything yet. Say hello to the Maltron "L Type" USB keyboard. Designed with a more natural typing feel in mind, the keyboard is, according to Maltron, fully ergonomic and fits the natural contour of one's hand to make typing easier. The keys are all tilted and arranged so that your wrists never move, which cuts down on unnecessary movement (and therefore carpal tunnel). Read The Full Story

Gold and Diamond Gameboy

Kevin Lee, Jul 9th 2006 Discuss [0]

Obviously you would have heard of the Red and Blue version of Pokemon, then the later Gold and Silver version of Pokemon. Right now theres already a 18K GOld and Diamond covered Original Game boy. Costs $25,000 if you are the true fans of a small LCD screen and definately something you are not gonna bring out of the display cabinet, this is what you need. [via SwissSupply]