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A lamp, a speaker, an air purifier

There was a time when technological "convergence" in the home was defined by a combo device that merged television with computing. Now, it can be anything from a table-refrigerator to a smart coffee maker.

And the pace of innovation is furious. Just a few days after posting an item on a combo speaker lamp, we discovered that it's already been trumped by a combination lamp, speaker and air purifier, according to Chip Chick. The tower-shaped "Rigel," by Italy's Artemide, has a mirrored finish that gives way to colored lights when in use. But at … Read more

Blast into your morning in retro style

Because of the popularity of last week's post on the "Sonic Bomb" alarm clock, we feel obligated to pass along this latest update from Gadgetizer on an analog version of the eardrum-shattering timepiece. Or, for a sleeker design, you can go for the AM/FM "sonic" clock radio for a few dollars more. And yes, don't worry, all of these versions have the same earth-shaking alarm and bed-shaking features as the original. Your neighbors will love you.

Kitchen computing at its best

Any modern homebuilder will tell you that the kitchen has increasingly become the most important gathering place in many houses, even more than a family or living room. New construction reflects that lifestyle change, often building computer hutches and other non-cooking facilities into the design, yet PC makers typically treat the room as an afterthought. (Water near the keyboard? Horrors!)

The "Icebox," however, is designed specifically for use in this ostensible danger zone. The wireless keyboard and remote are fully washable, according to Appliancist, but if you still don't want grubby little mitts all over them you … Read more

Who says CDs are dead?

Given the number of new devices out there that are aimed at servicing CDs one way or another, it seems that the age of compact discs isn't over just yet. And companies like BlueDot intend to make the most of it while they can.

Its "Divita" storage tower holds 100 CDs (or DVDs) in its steel cylindrical form, according to OhGizmo. But its best feature, in our opinion, is the space-saving keypad on top of the shiny silo, which has a high-resolution 1.8-inch screen that can help search through your collection. The worst feature, however, is … Read more

Waking up to the weather in living color

With all due respect to the monochromatic rants of Craving colleague Caroline McCarthy, we think there's actually some use to objects that occasionally change colors, as noted yesterday with the "Luxeed" disco keyboard. Just today, in fact, we found yet another example.

This weather forecaster, according to Gizmodiva, changes colors depending on the state of meteorological affairs--something that comes in handy for those of us who like to keep the drapes fully drawn even at midday, especially after a particularly late night out. And it doubles as an alarm clock, so you don't even need to … Read more

Colorful LED sticks add a touch of 'raver chic' to your home

The "Havaleena" cordless LED lights from Tayo Design Studio are marketed as a kind of quirky-cool lighting for outdoor parties, but personally, I think they look like sleeker versions of the glow sticks that are frequently associated with the raver scene. They're not cheap--$59 bucks a pop, or $149 for a set of three that you can arrange into a "bouquet"--but they look pretty darn awesome, and you can customize the colors by switching around a variety of vellum filters. Additionally, the filters can have a short line of text printed on them. … Read more

Never oversleep again (or die)

Those of us at Crave enjoy our sleep. So much so that it may show in some of our postings from time to time. It behooves us, then, to have an effective alarm clock so we can do right by you.

We've had our fair share of industrial-strength alarms (with dubious success), but Mr. Sandman may have met his match with the "Sonic Bomb." This master blaster drops a sound bomb at 113 decibels, which Gadgetizer says is "the same thing as a loud car horn" nearby. And if that's not enough, you can … Read more

Who needs a designer baby monitor?

It's a sure sign that tech fashion has invaded the home when you see a designer baby monitor. Ubergizmo liked the mod look from U.K.-based Techwall Electronics, and we must admit that it's sleek form and neon green hue make the product more attractive than the traditional alternatives. The monitor also has a camera, which brings it more up to date than older versions. But let's face it: No matter how much you try to dress it up, it's a baby monitor. And if you really want a camera to monitor the baby, you … Read more

From your CyberShot to the canvas

We've covered some interesting customized-art endeavors on Crave before, like that company called DNA 11 that specializes in turning your genetic code or fingerprint into an aesthetic masterpiece. Here's another one: Apartment Therapy recently gave a nod to a studio that will take your photographs that you submit online, and turn them into works of art worthy of the classiest 21st-century aesthete. RRSK Studio, located in NYC's chic Meatpacking District, will take your Flickr faves and turn them into "pop portraits" or "fluid portraits." The studio can also paint a custom logo or … Read more

Want music? Turn on the lamp

With the home becoming ever-more digital, we've seen a steady increase of instances where technologies converge with traditional furnishings. The early stages of this domestic evolution have often involved chairs and cabinets, but we may be on the cusp of a new phase with lamps. Yes, lamps.

At CES this week Soundolier showed off its "Duo," a combination speaker-lamp that can be purchased as a single fixture or as a pair for full stereo (and better lighting) for $280 each. Another $80 will get you the "Maestro," a wireless transmitter that pipes in music from … Read more