Game X-Change

Looking to rent a console game? Too bad, it's not a viable option in sunny Singapore. However, Play! Entertainment's three founders believe they have the next best thing--a concept they are calling Game X-Change. Riding on the eight DVD rental kiosks already in place across the island as exchange stations, gamers can--via an integrated system of Web site search and SMS alerts, seek out like-minded gamers to trade games with. There're just a few catches. You will first have to purchase a game from a Play! kiosk to be registered as a member. All exchanges must be legitimized at any of the eight kiosks, although we're told plans are afoot to add another four more by end 2006/early 2007. Oh yes, there's also an S$8 (US$5) transaction fee levied on both parties, paid either via Cashcard or Nets. Still, it's another avenue for recreational gamers looking for a trading forum without having to fork out that S$50 to S$70 for a brand new console game. That said, only Xbox and Xbox 360 gamers need apply.

See how to transact | a typical X-change wishlist | a Play! kiosk

Price: S$8 (US$5) X-change fee
Availability: At Play! 24-hour entertainment kiosk located at eight mall locations across Singapore
Device: Games exchange service
Basic specs: Only Xbox and Xbox 360 games

The Show Off T-Shirt

Try this on for size. A T-shirt that actually comes with a built-in sound-sensitive graphics equalizer panel. Tuned to react to different frequencies, the lights flash in green, yellow and red in time to music and sound, just like the real thang on your music player. This T-shirt certainly earns a place in the Wardrobe of Weird, right next to to Taiwan's naughty Cos-Play USB Keyboard costume. Undeniably a great conversation opener at parties and during concert intervals. But for goodness sake, hand wash only, with batteries unplugged.

Price: US$72
Availability: Try the online store here
Device: Shirt with built-in equalizer
Basic specs: In small (42.5cm), medium (45cm) and large (47.5cm), black color only, illuminating panel powered by detachable battery pack so T-shirt can be washed, battery pack comes with on/off switch, requires 4 x AAA batteries (not included)

Mighty Mouse loses its tail

Wired peripherals are going the way of the dodo, with Apple's iconic Mighty Mouse losing its tail in favor of Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. However, this means that users will now have to stock up on AA-sized batteries.

Based on the same design as its wired predecessor, the wireless Mighty Mouse has a smooth body which hides two mouse buttons and a scroll ball which, unlike scroll wheels, detects side-to-side as well as diagonal movement in addition to the the usual up-down scrolling. Two side sensors bring up Mac's Dashboard widgets, though they can be customized to launch other applications instead. Based on laser technology, Apple claims it is more precise than optical-based devices and usable on a greater variety of surfaces.

The Apple wireless Mighty Mouse is available now for S$118 (US$77.63).

Shocolate Vault Jar

If Ben & Jerry's can sell ice cream locks, why not one for candyholics determined to control their sweet tooth? The Shocolate Vault Jar marries the best of the Euphori-Lock and the Taiyo BuzzTrainer USB shock therapy device. If you haven't already guessed it, this little goody bottle throws in a little shock treatment to, well, jar you out of the habit. Works just as well to deter sticky fingers. Stash your sweets or even ciggies away in this vault, set the timer, and see how long you can suffer the countdown. Masochists need not apply.

See full picture

Price: 9.99 pounds (US$18.45)
Availability: Check it out here
Device: Jar vault with lock
Basic specs: Timer can be set up to 24 hours in advance, batteries included

Self-Stirring Mug

If one had a time-traveling DeLorean and went far enough into the future, humankind would probably resemble those statues on Easter Island--all big heads and tiny bodies. And we'll have to thank those gizmos that take the labor out of little things, such as this self-stirring mug. Armed with a battery-operated propeller sitting at the bottom of the cup, all it takes is one button touch to leave your beverage/sugar/milk mix stirred, if not shaken.

Click for the big picture

Via The Green Head

Price: US$29.95
Availability: At Hammacher Schlemmer
Device: Cup stirrer
Basic specs: Lightweight injection-molded plastic sheathed in stainless steel exterior, requires two AA batteries, lid which also doubles as coaster

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