Mini XXL Stretch Limo

Even as the pace of miniaturization of tech devices continues to speed up, the makers of the classic Mini Cooper are driving towards a size XXL--namely the Mini XXL Stretch Limo. While we don't know how this will impact on the fuel-sipping qualities of the little car now that's stretched into a 6.3m, six-wheel, six-seater, it's still a showstopper as evidenced by its Athens premiere during the Olympics. As befits a luxury stretch limo, this Mini fits four people comfortably and includes a retractable flat screen TV, DVD player, CD player, intercom, telephone, sunroof and air conditioning! But the highlight has to be the spa pool in the rear. With a detachable roof for a spot of sun worshipping, all you have to remember to bring is some suntan lotion and swimwear.

Price: N.A.
Availability: Touring Europe and parts of Asia in the coming months
Device: Stretch limo
Basic specs: 6.3m long, whirlpool with detachable roof, John Cooper Works Tuning Kit

Legato

Today's surround sound experience is the result of decades of evolution. There's just one blemish to this perfect picture--speaker cables, particularly to the rear and center speakers. Running wires in an existing home is just not something most folks would prefer doing if there was an alternative. Well, there is now, thanks to a newly minted Singapore company called 90dB. Claiming to be the first of its kind, its Legato system addresses the drawbacks of previous wireless speakers (low battery life, interference). We've seen it up close and we can tell you it looks and sounds promising. One box sits next to the master control and transmits to its twin near the speakers, good for up to 100m. Priced affordably, you should have change leftover for popcorn and drinks.

Price: S$249.90 (US$145.70)
Availability: Singapore now, the rest of Asia over six months
Device: Wireless speaker connection
Basic specs: 2.4GHz transmitter frequency, 87dB dynamic range, 100m line of sight, 7m through walls and ceilings, 1Hz-24kHz frequency response, 5Mbps data rate, integrated error correction scheme

Tamagotchi Connection

Just like virtual pets to regenerate when you thought you'd seen the last of these kawaii Tamas. Japanese toy maker Bandai has hatched a devious upgrade to hook a global-scale following of kids and adults whom we at CNETAsia shall label the Tamagotchas. Reborn here and in the US as Tamagotchi Connection, in Europe as Tamagotchi Connexion, and in Japan as Tamagotchi Plus, the next-gen version is slightly larger than the original, with a bigger screen, improved graphics, and the ability to name the creature up to five characters. But the biggest enhancement has to be the infrared port, which allows owners to matchmake their pets, exchange gifts, marry them and even encourage them to breed. Now won't the Singapore Government just love that...

Price: Suggested price of S$29.95
Availability: Action City outlets in Singapore, toy stores worldwide
Device: Virtual pet toy
Basic specs: Infrared, 33g (including battery), 49 x 17 x 58mm, 1 CR2032 battery, available in six colors (white, black. pink, aqua, yellow, blue)

Kaori (Scent) Web System

Japanese firm K. Opticom is making a stink, literally, with its Kaori (fragrance in Japanese) Web system. Trial sets have been installed in optic@fe cybercafes across Japan till end September, possibly changing the way PC users immerse themselves in the desktop environment, by adding the (until now) missing sense of smell in relation to computer pixels. In short, see a durian image, whiff a durian. From what we know, the server sends the attached scent diffuser a signal to release the appropriate scent, prepared beforehand, to match the onscreen image. Having inhaled more than our share of gimmicks, hopefully this latest olfactory attempt will get to smell the roses far longer than the shortlived 1960s Smell-O-Vision fad.

Price: N.A.
Availability: On trial in Japan cybercafes
Device: Scent diffuser for PCs
Basic specs: Scent diffuser

Personal Cooling System 2.0

If keeping cool in Singapore's infernal heat is a personal crusade for you, this mini aircon device claims to keep you about 6 degrees colder than the surrounding temperature. Resembling a clunky neck brace, you fill it with water, place it around your neck and hit the on button. The motorized fan and aluminum cooling plates then go to work for up to 4 hours. One online user who trialed the gizmo said it chills the skin over key blood vessels so you feel cooler overall, taking about 10 minutes for the effect to kick in. We say at nearly S$52 (batteries not included), it may be lots cheaper to get a brain freeze with a convenience store Slushie.

Price: US$29.95
Availability: Sharper Image online
Device: Wearable cooling system
Basic specs: Motorized fan, two power settings, 2oz water bottle, 1 AA battery good for about 4 hours, 284g empty, 397g filled, in silver or cobalt blue, 1-year warranty

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