World's smallest microwave also has world's worst name
How many marketing goons did it take to come up with "Beanzawave?"
(Credit: Daily Mail)In what appears to be another case of "good idea, poor execution," Heinz has partnered with Frazer Designers to invent the world's smallest USB-powered microwave. The little device aims to satisfy the appetites of office workers who have so much work on their plate they can't find the time to step outside for a bite to eat. Stranger still, the microwave is called...the Beanzawave (what?!).
The small turquoise device is officially the smallest microwave ever invented, measuring a tiny 7.4 inches tall, 6.2 inches wide, and 5.9 inches deep. Much like today's external hard drives, the microwave is entirely powered by the USB bus on a computer, so there's no extra plug necessary. If you're wondering how it'll nuke your food, the answer has the Microwave Association (what?!) worried as well. Gordon Andrews and Stephen Frazer, the masterminds and "microwave experts" (what?!) behind the Beanzawave claim the device uses phone radio frequencies that produce the heat necessary to cook a single serving of food in Heinz's proprietary "Snap Pots."
Bill takes a break and enjoys a nice pot of poison.
(Credit: Daily Mail)All right wait, what?! Phone radio frequencies to cook our food? Apparently we've totally forgotten our fear that cell phones are carcinogenic and catapulted directly to ingestion. Andrews claims it's actually possible to adjust these radio frequencies to cook different foods, including pies, burgers, soup, or tea. He also suggests powering the Beanzawave with lithium ion batteries for campers and fishermen who want hot food in the field.
This prototype isn't getting very good feedback from the Microwave Association, and they're pretty sure this miniature technology won't ever see the light of day. I'm with them. But Heinz is sticking to the plan and says the final production decision rests in the hands of public feedback, so let's hear it: would you feel comfortable eating food out of a microwave powered by your computer using phone radio frequencies? Leave a comment and let us know!
(Source: DailyMail)
Justin Yu covers desktop computers, printers, and peripherals for CNET. When he's not scouring eBay for useless ephemera or eating hot dogs for breakfast, he spends his time making fun of Internet culture every morning on The 404 podcast. E-mail Justin. 
And.. Beanzawave? Huh?!
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Stupid Name. Stupid Color. Stupid Idea.
I have too much crap on my desk already.
Maybe if this was pure solar powered and used for camping or tailgating. Maybe.
But this goes into the category of "what were they thinking?"
I'm sorry. Keep inventing. Don't let these comments dissuade you, but this is something we don't need. I'd like to keep my coffee hot, does it do that? Why do I need beans every day? If it does more than just beans ... why name it that?
In the end, I believe this is all just a marketing ploy to get free Heinz advertising in the news so that people remember to go to the store and buy their relish.
studies that support these statements coming mostly from European countries who have been aggressive about research while there is not one ongoing study in the United States. Portland OR and Los Angeles have adopted resolutions challenging the 1996 telecommunications act that prohibits using health concerns as criteria to question the placement of a cell tower. Telecoms will one day face huge liability suits and accountability. Schools and city councils should be lobbied for change and wi fi should be taken out of schools and libraries. RF and EMF health issues should be taught in schools alongside the dangers of tobacco and alcohol. Our educators have a moral and legal obligation to protect our children from toxic environments.
Wake up from the microwave trance.
[CNET editor's note: Prohibited spam deleted.]
- by hazy07 July 8, 2009 9:18 PM PDT
- It takes my 1000 watt microwave about a minute to heat a cup of java. USB 2 allows 1/2 amp at 5 volts = 21/2 watts. Seems like it ought to take about 400 minutes to heat a cup of water, or it is a scam.
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