Fumakilla House Dust Block Ointment

Here's something that could only be from Japan. No need to wear a mask at home if you're constantly on the verge of a sneeze. This ointment apparently acts as a protective membrane which you smear inside your nostrils. It shouldn't impede breathing, and claims to be safe for pregnant women to use as well. Although if your home's that dusty, you ought to be evicted.

Price: 1,722 yen (US$16.85)
Availability: Japan, Fumakilla
Device: Nose ointment
Basic specs: N.A.

Pilkington Activ Self-Cleaning Glass

More great stuff that takes the chore out of household chores. Hurrah. It's been two years since Pilkington started touting its self-cleaning glass to the public. Since it's still around, we can rest assured it's the real McCoy. First off, if you plan on installing Pilkinton Activ Self-Cleaning Glass in your home, the coating on the glass—oddly--takes five days to activate itself. Otherwise, this is a boon to HDB and sky dwellers where leaning out to clean the panes is a life-and-death balancing act. The glasses look normal but come coated with a special chemical on the outside that reacts with ultra-violet rays from sunlight to break down organic dirt deposits. Rain or water that hits the glass takes the loosened dirt with it. Unfortunately, if things get a little dry during the hot season, be prepared to hose down your windows.

Window-washing phobics can click here to see how it works

Price: N.A.
Availability: Pilkington
Device: Self-cleaning glass
Basic specs: N.A.

Siemens Dressman

Here's a mannequin that does far more than play clothes hanger. It irons! Really! Desperate housewives may now take a moment to quietly rejoice in their liberation from the ironing board. On placing a damp shirt (which has at least undergone spin-dry) on the ironing dummy, it inflates with hot air in its interior and puffs the shirt up, removing creases while drying the garment. Every bit of the ironing process can be programmed, from the temperature to type of cloth being ironed. A normal cotton shirt apparently takes 7-8 minutes. When done, the robot blows cold air for a minute to stabilize the shirt. Oh, and one size fits all.

For a close-up of the Dressman, click here

Price: S$2,899(900 euros in Europe)
Availability: The Dressman will be rebranded Bosch ShirtMaster for Singapore (from Feb 3) and Asia (mid-2005)
Device: Iron
Basic specs: 12 programmable options for ironing, inflatable dressman body made of parachute silk material, retractable top frame for easy storage, casing with handle and wheels for transport, consumes 3,300W- 2,150W, 119 x 36.5 x 45cm, 28kg

Samsung SCH-S310 3D motion phone

Ever felt like showing a certain finger and cursing at the other party for an unreasonable demand? Nothing like a phone that now lets you thwack it any which way to end a call. Or even shake it vigorously in frustration to mute it while you accompany your animated gestures with equally animated language. Samsung, by now a master of innovation in the mobile battlefield, has rung up a handset using 3D motion detection as its user interface. The next generation is reportedly going to be far more advanced, with games controlled by movement of the phone instead of a joystick, and automatic adjustment of photos taken with a shaky hand. Simply lovely, save for the fact that, like its Japanese neighbors, this Korean is keeping its best and coolest ideas at home. No fair.

Price: N.A.
Availability: Korea, from March
Device: Cell phone
Basic specs: 3D motion interface, 1.3-megapixel camera, mobile banking features, GPS, music-on-demand

Powerseed

If you believe inventor Bill Curry, the Powerseed lets you eat less, enjoy more--all without dieting. Developed over seven years, the secret is that the electronic device works as your own personal eating coach. It reminds you at meal times to evaluate your level of hunger or food satisfaction though discreet flashes of a small green light at intervals, or even a beep if you like. With Chinese New Year around the corner, this may just be a good time to test if mind over matter--with the help of the Powerseed—will let you rise above all that collectively yummilicious festive gorging.

Price: US$49.95
Availability: Sold online at Powerseed
Device: Weight loss trainer
Basic specs: Powerseed eating coach, 112-page 112-page system guide, Quickstart Miniguide, 12-month Intentions Checklist, velour pouch in choice of burgundy or blue, Lithium battery good for 1-2 years, 1-year limited warranty

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