Take your eyelashes for a spin

Technological advances in beauty products may one day render hands useless. But for now, women will at least have to hold a mascara brush to their eye, even if they don't have to do much after that.

First there was a battery-operated vibrating mascara that coats lashes and shakes at the same time. Now, with a makeup gadget named SpinLash, mascara has learned how to twirl.

Beauty retailer Akasha claims the product has a stabilizing trunk that controls brush movement, a pressure-sensitive brush that automatically stops when the user pushes too hard, and a control panel that reacts to the user's touch. It also rotates in two directions to coat top and bottom lashes.

Though it might make it easier to poke yourself in the eye (which I can do with an immobile mascara brush), the gadget appears less aggressive than the vibrating version. The makeup device sells on Spinlash.com (two for US$15) and in many local department stores.

Then again, for individuals who aren't afraid of a little grunt work, it seems the promised result of "big sexy eyes" could just be achieved by rotating your existing mascara brush by hand.

Via CNET Crave

Ashtray screams, coughs at smokers

Want to annoy the nicotine addiction out of your smoking friend or family member? A battery-operated gadget named the "Screaming Coughing Ashtray" might just do it.

Though it's sold as a "fun" way to help people quit smoking, the gift giver might be the only one laughing. The US$11 lung-shaped ashtray not only reminds smokers which body part is most adversely affect by smoking, but whenever a cigarette sits in it, it starts coughing and screaming.

Though the annoying ashtray could simply be thrown out a window, those who are sincerely trying to quit smoking could keep it around knowing they'll be subject to its awful noises if they give in to a craving. If the subtle e-cigarettes don't work maybe this screaming therapy will. I know what my brother will be getting for Christmas...

Via CNET Crave

Swarovski disease infects Bluetooth

The "Swarovski disease"--as former Crave master Mike Yamamoto dubbed the jewelry company's tendency to bedazzle every gadget the tech world holds dear--has struck us right in the ear.

But with several hands-free laws on the book, it was only a matter of time before more blinging Bluetooth headsets made it to market.

In a way, it makes more sense to have a Swarovski-crystal-covered Bluetooth headset than to have other gadgets dripping in Swarovski. Since the device is hung on the ear, it may be mistaken for a giant piece of jewelry.

The company says its Breeze Black Bluetooth 2.0 headset is compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, and offers up to 5 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby time.
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Philips patent reveals smart specs for visually impaired

A future product from electronics maker Philips could make it easier for the visually impaired to detect moving objects in daily life.

According to New Scientist, Philips has filed a patent for a movement-detection system, including a pair of glasses that will use a camera and accelerometers to distinguish between stationary and mobile objects.

The smart specs would work with a computer to spot obstacles, while an orientation sensor worn on the body would tell the computer about the wearer's movement. To help the user navigate, the device would also provide audio signals notifying them of moving objects.

The patent was filed in August. Along with other concept products aimed at serving the visually impaired, here's hoping it could soon become a helpful reality.

Via CNET Crave

Wireless-USB advocate touts growing list of offerings

Working on a Fujitsu Siemens laptop to cordlessly watch a film trailer on an Asus monitor across the room while listening to speakers controlled by a Realtek wireless USB dock, Jeff Ravencraft touted how USB lets many peripherals work wirelessly at once.

A year after the first wireless universal serial bus products started appearing on the market, more products with the cordless capability are coming to fruition. Juggling several gadgets at a downtown hotel here Thursday, Ravencraft, president of the USB Implementers Forum, wanted to demonstrate how the new technology can impact consumers.

His organization--founded by the group of companies that developed the Universal Serial Bus specification--works to certify wireless USB devices, and so far, 45 products--ranging from computers to hubs to monitors--have received the nonprofit's stamp of approval.
Read more »

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