Crave

Not much surprises us nowadays on the CNET Car Tech channel. In this age of mobile, voice-activated, wireless, digital, high-definition, mesh-networked, in-car infotainment, we hardly bat an eyelid as torrents of new automotive gadgets comes down the pike.

But here's something that made us sit up and take notice: an in-car phonograph. According to an article on the UAW-DaimlerChrysler National Training Center Web site, these record players--made by Columbia and offered as options on 1956 Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge, and Plymouth models--could handle 45-speed records as well as 7-inch records in the new 16-2/3 format. The players were installed … Read more

"I've always wanted a radiator that looks like a Slinky." Sound like a familiar wish? Yeah, I'm sure it is. And even if it's never crossed your mind to want a radiator-Slinky mashup, you might still agree with my view that radiators need to be prettier. Consequently, you may be interested in this Hot Spring Radiator manufactured by the UK company Bisque. (Get it? Hot spring? Ha ha ha!) But here's my beef with it--what happens when your friends come to visit your Hot Springed-out living space, don't realize that those pretty twisty … Read more

On our next trip to South Korea, one of the first things we want to see is the laundry rooms. When Samsung came out with its designer washing machine last October, we thought it was just an ill-advised attempt to create a new market. But then we spotted these other colorful models on Techie Diva from Korean rival LG.

These machines have brains as well as beauty, with a environmentally friendly steam-cleaning system controlled through an LCD. They're not exactly our taste, but we do appreciate that they're on display at Harrods. (Any excuse to do some shopping … Read more

--GAMING: Everybody Votes Channel launches on Wii Menu (gmrblogs)

--GREEN TECH: US leads in new wind energy developments (Treehugger)

--WEB 2.0: Parasitology of Blogging (Table of Malcontents)

--GAMING: The worst-selling games of 2006 (Joystiq)

--APPLE: Apple still quiet on gaming strategy (CNET News.com)

--SCIENCE: Chasing the trail of the 'Hobbit' (CNET News.com)

--GAMING: Retro Atari games coasters (Boing Boing)

--GAMING: Sweets for Geeks: Chocolate Controllers (Game|Life)

I'm still trying to figure out why one would need a workout case and armband for an MP3 player that already has a built-in clip, but whatever. I suppose DLO's Action Jacket for iPod Shuffle does provide some protection from that corrosive bodily fluid known as your sweat, so that's a plus. The silvery-white color of the case accents the colored Shuffles quite nicely. The case, which will set you back about $20, is made of a polyurethane-coated neoprene to protect your player from falls and spills (the dirty, wet kind). And I have to add that … Read more

iRobot, of Roomba fame, is generally known for its innocent household products. But make no mistake, it has a more serious side too, in the form of military applications.

The company's Government and Industrial Robots Division has an entire line of "PackBots" designed for the battlefield: "Adaptable, tough and reliable, these robots go where people can't, shouldn't or don't want to. From the battlefield to deep inside Afghan caves, our robots are hard at work."

Lest you be too intimidated, be aware that these bots are directed by a controller that looks … Read more

We're never quite understood the mass appeal of digital photo frames, at least in the seemingly endless numbers that appeared last holiday season. But this is one product that we would actually use--a travel alarm clock with a built-in digital picture frame that can store up to 50 photos. The Royal clock frame has a backlit 1.4-inch LCD that Chip Chick says can display your pictures as a slide show too. And it's small enough to carry and whip out of your pocket when the parental bragging urge strikes.

TV sets aren't the only home entertainment products that have flattened out. The "Fret" audio system, designed by U.K. design house Studiomold, includes a subwoofer and two flat carboard speakers that can be mounted almost flush against the wall. Shiny Shiny says the pair, which comes in black or white, can be used with MP3 players or TV stereos. By the looks of this unit, it might work as a decent window treatment as well.

Peugeot has announced the winners of its Peugeot Design Contest 2007.

Mihai Paneitescu, a design student from Turin, Italy, has taken first place for his Peugeot Flux.

In addition to being featured as a drivable car on an Xbox 360 video game, Paneitescu's Flux will be built as a full-scale model and a 1:43 model that will be sold by Norev. The full-scale model will be displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Geneva Motor Show

The Flux, according to Paneitescu's description of his design, references our ever-changing lifestyle. The car would run on a slim … Read more