Lifestyle

If digital gaming can truly help people lose weight, as some claim, than this could be the equivalent of a personal trainer. The "Dream Machine" is a "personal simulation system powered by the computer game player's own body," according to Australian Simulation Control Systems. A better way to describe it is a cross between a game simulator and an adult version of those baby jumpers that hang from the door frame.

Either way, it's supposed to combine exercise with entertainment as you bounce and twist your way through gaming systems of any type with &… Read more

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

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

It seems that we struck a nerve with our post the other day on the "Sonic Bomb" eardrum-shattering alarm clock, perhaps a testament to today's multitasked but sleep-deprived society. As a reader service, therefore, we thought we should add the Engio's "Vibrating Alarm Watch" to the list of anti-sleep aids.

It's actually intended for hearing-impaired people, vibrating and blinking when a public alarm is sounded. The watch's mechanisms are triggered by microphones built into its strap that can be programmed to detect specific frequencies. This could be useful even for some whose … Read more

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

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

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

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

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