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A radar detector that yells at you

With so many distractions on the road these days--inside the car, as well as out--how is a person supposed to notice the flashing lights on the radar detector? Rocky Mountain Radar has found an answer to the sensory-inundated driving experience with the "C-450 Laser Detector."

Not only does it detect and scramble radar guns and beams, but Gadgetizer says the C-450 also issues a voice alert when police vehicles are within range. Does it help promote road safety? Of course not. But neither do cell phones and DVD players.

Wine stopper keeps your libations fresh

Uncork that champagne, because it's booze gadgetry time! In this latest installment of our unofficial series of toys for people who are obsessed with both digital gadgets and alcoholic beverages (but not too obsessed with either, we hope), we take a look at the Epicurean Wine & Champagne Saver, as seen on Gizmodo. This gadget is great for people who like a good glass of wine but simply don't drink a whole lot: using precisely the right amount of pressure, it can keep a corked bottle of wine or champagne fresh for up to two weeks.

No price … Read more

Another ugly phone, but one for charity

We've seen some over-pimped phones in our day, but this has got to be one of the ugliest. And, believe us, that's saying a lot.

It's not just the garishness that typically defines these monstrosities. In this case, the special-edition LG "Fusic" handset looks like it has some kind of disease, thanks to--what else?--an overabundance of Swarovski crystals.

We can't rag on this item too much, though, because it's been released for a charity event. MobileWhack says the special Fusic will be auctioned this June to raise funds for the Jermaine Dupri Foundation. … Read more

Robot fish looks more like chum

As pet robots go, we can't exactly say this one is the cutest or cuddliest. In fact, we can't even say what it looks like at all, except for maybe a giant shark tooth.

But to hear the Taiwanese Industrial Technology Research Institute tell it, this is actually a robotic fish with the unlikely name of "POPO," according to I4U News. POPO can reportedly swim on its own for 24 hours on its rechargeable batteries without bumping into things because of its ultrasound system.

That's all well and good, but we think they could have … Read more

A secret remote to drive men crazy

Few things are more closely associated with domestic male behavior than control of the TV remote. Sad but true.

So if you really want to mess with the man of the house, consider the "Covert Clicker"--a tiny but devious universal device that Chip Chick says can work on 90 percent of all TV sets (and probably 99.9 percent of all men).

Change channels and mute stations at will with one of these in your pocket, with no one the wiser. But you'd better practice your poker face, for the consequences could be dire.

Hydroponic plant farming in your house? Hmm...

I have a funny story about this Electrolux Vege that I read about on GadgetCandy. It's a prototype for a fridge-sized hydroponic plant-growing cupboard that will allow you to grow your own plants and herbs in the comfort of your own home. If you want to be mega-eco-friendly but don't have the time or space for a full-fledged garden or greenhouse, here's a solution. Cool, right? So I decided to Crave it.

Then it occurred to me that the Vege might gain more popularity as an incubator for plants that are a little bit more on the … Read more

Put your face on a doll

The "Never-miss-me-again" doll is so creepy, it makes Teddy Ruxpin seem like a Care Bear.

If you must, Popgadget says that Swiss company Bumbi has these dolls with slots for a photo of any face you like. There is also a recording device that allows the wool doll to carry a message recorded in your voice.

Bigger MacBooks coming soon?

There's nothing like a good leak from "sources in Taiwan" to get tongues wagging about the latest Apple developments. We've heard talk of everything from ultraportable MacBook Pros to Mac tablets, but the most reliable rumor these days seems to be around a 15.4-inch MacBook, similar in size to the popular 15.4-inch MacBook Pro.

According to DigiTimes, the 15.4-inch MacBooks will be made by the same company, Quanta Computer, which makes the MacBook Pro, instead of Asus, the company that makes the current non-Pro MacBook.

If you're salivating over the idea of … Read more

Singapore sponsors contest to build warrior robot

The island city-state of Singapore announced a contest to build a Terminator-style robot, able to operate in urban warfare environments independent of direct human control. That's right; no joystick.

Individuals, companies, universities and research institutes are invited to compete in what the country's Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) calls the TechX Challenge. The autonomous robot DSTA has in mind would be an all-weather unit, able to negotiate stairs, use an elevator and generally move and shoot in a search-and-destroy mode without the aid of satellite navigation, just like a human soldier.

"Operation in urban areas represents … Read more

The smell of USB in the morning

We're big on personal hygiene here at Crave--so much so, in fact, that we wish it would be a societal requirement (especially for public transportation). But even the most OCD-afflicted among us aren't sure about the need for scented gadgets.

As if Japan's aroma phones weren't weird enough (and they are), now we hear about a USB drive in a silver bamboo motif from Hong Kong-based Debreu that "holds your favorite scent for up to two hours of use," according to Everything USB.

We're not sure who exactly would want--or need--one of these … Read more