Top 10 Strangest Gadgets of the Future

10. Citizen's Memory LCD

 

Citizen Japan has unveiled a new LCD technology -- called "memory liquid crystal" -- that retains the image even when turned off. Basically, its inorganic membrane and angled orientation keep the crystals frozen without needing power. Practical applications would include watches and mobile phone displays. [Source]

9. EyeMove PC

The EyeMove PC combines the functionality of a digital projector and computer into one circular-shaped device. Simply hang it on your wall or place it flat on a desk and project games, movies, or applicationNo word yet on on if this concept will go into production.

"With the wireless controller you can forget the old mouse, your keyboard, joystick, you have it all in one with a touch screen wireless controller"

[Source]

8. Scarpar - The All-Terrain Motorized Board

 The Scarpar is a futuristic board that "apparently gives you the best of snowboarding, surfing, skating and motocross". It's slated for a 2007 release. Pricing has not yet been announced. Video clip after the jump. [Source]

7. 3D Video Game

 

interactive art and gaming, xBlocks delivers a unique experience to say the least. It's currently on display at Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, Italy. Video after the jump.

"Using standard game controllers, two opposing players must help their characters navigate in and around a three dimensional maze. The real challenge comes, not from traditional game mechanics but rather from moving with your character as he sprints around corners and jumps between the installation’s two play surfaces"

6. Transparent Toaster

This innovative "Transparent Toaster" concept uses special heating glass to warm a single slice of bread. Unfortunately, the glass does not reach a high enough temperature -- at this time -- to actually toast the bread. No word yet on if this concept will go into production. [Source]
 

5. Origami DVD Player

This Origami DVD Player concept uses a fully-flexible display technology (e-paper) to ensure maximum portability. When not in use, the screen folds up neatly back into the case. From the image, it looks to sport integrated speakers as well. No word yet on if this concept will go into production.

As a product, it would target the business traveler who wants a convenient way to watch DVD movies.

4. Self Cooling Beer Can

Tempra Technology and Crown Holdings have partnered to develop the world's first self cooling beer can. It looks like a normal 500ml can, but features an integrated self-cooling device that reduces the "contents by a minimum of 30° Fahrenheit (16.7° C) in just three minutes."

"When activated, the all natural desiccant contained within a vacuum draws the heat from the beverage through the evaporator into an insulated heat-sink container."

[Source]

 

3. VirtuSphere

The VirtuSphere takes gaming to a whole new level, allowing users to walk inside a virtual space "while being totally immersed" -- through the head-mounted display system. Built-in sensors detect movement and transmit that information to a linked computer. A special platform inside the sphere allows it to rotate in any direction as the user walks. Two video clips after the jump.

The VirtuSphere is currently the only technology in the world, which permits the user to move about in virtual space through the most natural movement of all – by walking.

[Source]
 

2. Heliodisplay M2i

IO2Technology has just released a new version of their Heliodisplay multimedia projector called "M2i", it features a larger 30-inch diagonal (76cm) display area (4:3 aspect), 1600-2200 lumens brightness, 1024 x 768 SXGA resolution, and 'virtual touchscreen' controls. Video after the jump.

The interactive M2i allows desktop navigation in a PC environment such that floating images or video can be manipulated supporting a 'virtual' touchscreen enabling cursor control.

1. “On Target” Video Game Urinal

Set back into each urinal is a pressure-sensitive display, which activates an interactive game when used. This game includes sounds and images, bringing entertainment value to where you’d least expect. It will most likely will be installed in airports and schools “with the functional purpose of improving hygiene”.

The projection of the project into a museum space was conceived of as a critical-ironic measure, questioning the concept of art, but extending it at the same time.

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Bright Walk

There's a good reason why these shoes are called "Bright Walk", built-in Piezo-electric sensors convert the impact from running or walking into static energy which than power electro luminescent polymers to produce light.

"Besides its aesthetic contribution to the fashion scene (for including functional lighting), it addresses the added value of Safety for the runners."

Honorable Mention - Solar Powered LED Light

The LightCap is basically a solar powered water bottle which has a built-in LED light in its lid. It features a waterproof solar panel, battery pack, and "will stay bright for hours while the rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries will last for at least 300 cycles" on a four hour charge -- in sunlight. This device measures 8 ¼" tall and 3 ¾" wide with a 32 oz capacity. No word yet on pricing and availability.

Set it in the sun or hang it from a railing during the day and you'll have light all night long!

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Intelligent Spoon

Connie Cheng and Leonardo Bonanni have developed the world's first "Intelligent Spoon". It's equipped with sensors to measure temperature, acidity, salinity, and viscosity. Download the recorded data to any computer via a cable for furthur processing.

Apart from consolidating measurements that are normally done by an array of equipments into a single spoon, the information obtained can be used to advise the users what their next step should be; for example, it tells the user if there is not enough salt in the brine prepared to make pickles.

[Source]

Nokia Morph Mobile Phone Concept-Nanotechnology

Nokia Morph Mobile Phone Concept-Nanotechnology by business-garden

Painter robot turns your sleep into 'art

Do you toss and turn at night? This hotel robot wants to capture your nightmare-addled slumbers on canvas.

(Credit: Video screenshot by Tim Hornyak/CNET )

Last time I stayed at an Ibis hotel, I had a good experience. Quick service, decent decor, and a great location in central Busan, South Korea. Sadly, it lacked a robot.

The international chain is making up for this shortcoming by offering something no guest can do without: a robot that paints your sleep patterns.

In a decidedly wacky PR stunt being held in Paris, Berlin, and London, Ibis commissioned a robot arm to turn select guests' sleep data into painted canvases.

The Sleep Art project involves an ABB industrial robot and a special mattress equipped with 80 sensors.

Some canvases recall the geometric doodlings of a Spirograph. Some look like light trails made by fireflies.Throughout the night, sensors pick up data on a sleeper's movements, temperature, and sounds. Algorithms translate them into brushstrokes using a palette of four colors.

I wonder if snoring translates into abstract expressionism.

It took 100 people six months to produce the sleep artist, and it runs on 50,000 lines of code, according to Ibis, which is owned by France-based Accor.

If you want to sign up for the chance to have your sleep painted by the machine, check out the Berlin and London event dates here.

Just don't have any nightmares about robots.

Angry Bird land opens up in Finland

The Angry Birds rage still seems to be soaring high, with the game developed by Rovio slowly extending its little wings around merchandising deals, a planned movie and now an entire area at a theme park in Finland dedicated to the game. Located in at the Särkänniemi Amusement Park in Tamper in Southern Finland, this area was designed with help from a team from Rovio. Complete with rides on the backs of larger than life Angry Birds, merchandise shops, a fortified pig castle, a play area with soft toys and a bunch of touchscreens scattered around enabling visitors to play their favorite Angry Birds game, the park could very well inspire yet another one of its kind planned for England up ahead.

Pillow Remote Control

Pillow Remote Control. The sofa pillow with the distinctive difference–its also a remote control. Never again will you have to ask, “wheres the remote” And youll never lose this remote in between the cushions. Because it IS a cushion– with a built-in 6-in-1 universal remote control! Fast, easy set-up with pre-programmed automatic code searching. The Pillow Remote Control has databases containing codes for over 500 remote control devices. Its easy-to-click fabric buttons make changing channels a breeze. Power-saving auto shutoff feature shuts off remote functions after 60 seconds of inactivity. Remote has a wide-range transmitter with infrared LED built in. A fun way to watch TV or home theater, and a real conversation-starter. Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included). Never lose your remote again with the fun 6-in-1 Pillow Remote 

Converge USB Charging Hub

A USB charging hub is one ordinary accessory that we have all come to take for granted. I mean, how many people would actually give a second look to this particular USB accessory? Not many, I suppose. Thinkgeek has a mind to change your viewpoint by introducing the $39.99 Converge USB Charging Hub, where it will be able to juice up to a quartet of exhausted device batteries via USB in style and comfort. When you are done, just stash away the cables in the back – and you know what they say, out of sight, out of mind.

All you need to do is plug the power source into your nearest outlet and you are good to go. Just bear in mind that USB might stand for Universal Serial Bus, but that does not mean it is capable of powering up Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit or the Blackberry Torch, Blackberry Curve, or the Barnes & Noble Nook. Don’t ask me why those devices are exempted, but then again, going with what the majority of people use is always a better idea than supporting more obscure devices.