DuPont self-charging smoke alarm

We certainly like the idea that DuPont's Self-Charging Smoke Alarm doesn't need batteries. No more need to be alarmed at failed batteries or having to change the batts every so often. Instead, this nifty device connects directly into ceiling-mounted light sockets, and gets charged every time you switch on the light. Likewise, you can flip the light switch twice to test the alarm, and three times to silence a nuisance alarm as well as to reset it.

See the big picture | the device | also the Snap Alarm

Via popgadget.net

Price: US$39.95
Availability: First Street
Device: Smoke alarm
Basic specs: 85dB alarm, will operate for 30 days without charging in the event of power loss, ionization-type smoke alarm, should be placed within 8.5 inches of ceiling, chirps every minute when recharging needed, 3 x 5 x 3 inches, 10-year limited warranty

MUJI takeout music

We used to make castles out of discarded cardboard boxes from the local hardware store. Hell, we were so well fortified against catapults and water pistols that we got the local playground crowd to pay us tribute via marbles and ice-cream sticks. If MUJI had made this back then, we could have saved a few ice-cream sticks by not having to pay someone to entertain us with a cardboard trumpet. Yep, even as kids, we completely lost our marbles.

We never recovered. More info here

Burton Bluetooth-enabled Audex Jacket

Pure indulgence for those in the tropics, where the only snow we're ever getting is when the TV cable connection goes funny. For those who don't mind paying out US$599 just to wear the Burton-Motorola jacket at sub-zero degree pub Ekisbar or Snow City, there're not only iPod controls built into the sleeve with Click Wheel-style navigation, it's now phone-friendly, too. Besides Bluetooth, a Caller ID screen and voice dial, the hood is all teched out with speakers and a microphone. Clearly, you can't have too much in Motorola's books. Up next, Audex Protective Gear for helmet and padded hat. And yes, they'll both be equipped with Bluetooth stereo headphones.

See black jacket | light blue jacket | controls | hood

Price: US$599.95
Availability: US
Device: Bluetooth-enabled jacket
Basic specs: N.A.

Media Center PC at its best!

This is one diminutive PC that rivals the critically acclaimed Macs. The brainchild of the Korea manufacturer Lluon, the Little Lluon weighs in at a featherlight 2.1kg and takes up as little as 212.4 x 58mm of shelf space.

Kudos to the Koreans for packing a full-featured Media Center PC into the little wonder box. You will get a fast laptop-based AMD processor, a 100GB of hard drive space and a 4-in-1 card reader plus options for TV tuner and Wi-Fi B/G upgrades.

What's more, you get an all-digital DVI, S-video and digital audio output for the best visual and audio experience with your home entertainment system. It is a shame the Little Lluon is currently available only in Korea.

How to pay with music

You are at the boarding gate and the sweetheart in blue is asking for your ticket. You grin. She smiles. You whip out your iPod and the smile gets wider. You play a tune for her and she hands you her number.

You are half right, Romeo. Ingenico has invented the world's first wireless payment system for the iPod and while it may store your e-ticket, transmit the details via FM, and deliver some music at the same time, you will still need to do the romancing bit yourself. And remember to charge that iPod; it certainly ain't cool if it juices out before you enter the cinema. More info here

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