Sorry if this animated GIF causes you a migraine.
(Credit: ThreadLites.com)Let's say, for example, that wearing a Star Trek T-shirt around town doesn't adequately convey your love of the franchise. You could step it up a notch (or a few) with a shirt that continuously flashes Trekkie images, disco-ball-like, for upward of 32 hours. That ought to help get your message across.
Glow-in-the-dark garments and apparel that uses LED displays have been around for a while. But ThreadLites turn the brightness up with an integrated graphic-illuminating electro luminescent panel that allows designs or text to flash on the outer area in a predetermined pattern. Imagine a sound equalizer meter lighting up your chest.
The company that makes ThreadLites and TechnoThreadz T-shirts and caps announced Monday that the flashy garments are now available in customized logos. "Is your brand being left in the dark?" the Web site asks. Unless you're doing PR for the Las Vegas tourism bureau, it might be better off that way.
If you do get one of these, please note: the garments integrate circuitry that can be damaged by submersing in water, so you're not going to want to get pushed into the swimming pool with these on.
We've discovered a way to take a bunch of gadgets that belong in the trash and turn them into energy for everyone! Listen and find out how. (well, other than the fact that we're simply that awesome.)
Listen now: Download today's podcast
 |
EPISODE 114 |
Plasma plants to vaporize trash and create new energy
Chick-fil-A stuffing a space station in every kid’s meal
Get into the festive spirit with Christmas Jewel USB drive
Update: Vivienne Tam HP Digital Clutch
Tool Time
BeoSound 5 controls your digital home theater in grand, futuristic style
It’s about time
Naf Naf Sunrise Effect alarm clock - a less SAD way to wakeup
PRETTY
Samsung Cleo cell phone sashays into Canada
Pink Watch
Guitars for Girls -Guitar Hero and Rock Band
Gender Gap
The Chair for Man
VOICE MAIL
Peter from Frampton
I had to share this with people who would appreciate how this could be a necessary ‘food accessory’ for some, but to others, it is just wrong.
Leia E.
Apple Valley, MN
Hey Gadgettes,
Why, why, why? Well, actually, for cancer research. But at least it’s the real thing and not Swarovski crystals. Note the convenience of being able to remove the diamonds to stick in all the jewelry you have that doesn’t already have diamonds.
Also, the blog it came from has the potential to be a great source for you all. Love the show!
-Rabbi the Linguist
P.S.: Why the hate on LARPers but the love of Utilikilt owners? The two groups overlap quite a bit. If you’re gonna dis on LARPers, at least limit it to the ones who can’t distinguish the game from reality. Some of us just enjoy some escapism and creative use of our imagination from time to time, but we understand that, when the game is over, it’s over. (It’s also a good way to socialize - is this a good time to mention that I’ve never been in a LARP that wasn’t at least 40% female?) Our characters may be us (a first-time LARPer often ends up playing herself) but we are not our characters. Those who don’t understand that are likely to be marginalized in a serious game.
I will, though, give you mad props for liking Utilikilts. They’re quite comfortable and the ladies seem to love them. (Gotta love geek
girlfriends!) Keep on rockin’ that podcast.
From Dr. Jason
Lita Ford parties like it’s 1989
(Credit:
Firebox)
Anybody can turn an iPod into a mini-disco with a variety of accessories, from flashing cases to pulsating cube (though we'd hope they would resist the urge for their own sake). But in the bathtub? We thought that was reserved for Craver Caroline McCarthy and her only-in-Japan discoveries.
The concept has apparently made its way west with the "Underwater Disco Lightshow" from those cheeky monkeys at Firebox, which Chip Chick says can turn the tub into an aquatic dance floor. Just slip an iPod into the waterproof case, and Donna Summer will magically appear for the last dance.
(Credit:
Akihabara News)
It's one thing for Sony to reminisce about the good old days when they ruled the music world, but at some point it's time to let go. That was our immediate thought, anyway, upon seeing this dual cassette tape recorder. That's right--tapes.
Akihabara News says many people still use them, though we'll have to take their word for it because we haven't known any since about 1989. It also has a CD player in case they want to experiment with some of that cutting-edge stuff, as well as an AM/FM radio. We're still looking for the 8-track slots.
(Credit:
IXOS)
IXOS is one electronics maker that, from what we've seen so far, will always keep us guessing. It boggles the mind to imagine how a company that can produce something so elegant as its iPod speaker tube can also be responsible for the "Disco Cube."
But Tech Digest says the blinking phenom, which made its debut last holiday season, is back for another performance in models updated for the newest generation of media players. It must have something to do with the natural bond between iPods and '70s dance-floor lights.
While we're generally in favor of music-playing cubes, this one doesn't exactly inspire geometric admiration on our part.Yet we do admit that, in the cube genre, you could do a lot worse.
(Credit:
Retro To Go)
Puma sweats? Check. Adidas shell toes? Check. Kangol? Check. But you still need a watch to keep yourself on point and on time.
The Stamps Disco record turntable watch is a perfect fit for b-boys and vinyl aficionados, offering a miniature turntable as its face. You can also swap in a disco-ball-themed faceplate, but the turntable looks doper.
The $55 watch is available online through Urban Outfitters.
In a perfect world, the watch would actually play miniature records, but unfortunately, the face is just for show. But what a sweet show it is.
[Via Retro To Go]
(Credit:
Gizmodo)
Note to electronics industry: Sometimes, rather than trying too hard to come up with a new design, it might be best to take a trip back in time. We never thought we'd be touting a look from the '70s, but Grundig is releasing a pair of speakers with an irresistible mid-century feel that has held up well over the years. (Then again, we never thought we'd see platform shoes again either.)
To commemorate the 100th birthday of founder Max Grundig, the company will be offering an updated version of its spherical "Audiorama" speakers next year, according to Gizmodo, complete with 360-degree sound. It's not a bargain-bin item at $820, but that's nothing compared with B&O's naked speakers.
(Credit:
Spluch)
We thought this LED dress would be the subject of immediate mockery, considering our view on the infamous "Illuminated Handbag" some months back. But those who have far more fashion sense than us apparently think otherwise.
The lighted garment, which will reportedly be available only on the Japanese market later in the year, would apparently be de rigueur for club-wear, as far as Shiny Shiny is concerned. We'll stick to the kind of apparel we know--like solar-powered fan hats.
(Credit:
Hollywood Gadgets)
Video speakers are becoming almost old hat in some product lines, but we've finally found a model that matches our decor at home and on the road. All hail the "Supersonic" boombox.
Not only will this sound machine take care of our entertainment needs--TV, DVD, CD, radio--but it also comes in a retro design (circa 1993) that makes us wonder where we put that "Best of Kool & The Gang" collection.
The $180 boombox has a 5-inch screen, but there's no mention of iPod or MP3 compatibility. That's OK with us, though, because we're still making the transition from 8-track tapes.
(Credit:
Akihabara News)
We're seriously beginning to question the sanity of the people at Japan's SolidAlliance. (And that says a lot, coming from us.) It's one thing to make devices using fake gold, rubber duckies and UFO detectors. But a crystal ball for a mouse?
The "Choikawadeco Mouse," which Akihabara News translates to mean "a little bit cute," is one of several new bling-infected mice just released--and, in our opinion, the most over the top. On the other hand, if you're into doing DDR on your mouse pad, this disco-ball wannabe could be just the accessory you've been looking for. And as we've noted before, "SolidAlliance" sounds more like a '70s band than a computer company anyway.
