Posts in Future Tech

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Digital mousetrap will text you when it's done

Mike Yamamoto | Oct 10, 2007

Someone was bound to say it, so it might as well be us: A better mousetrap really has been built.

U.K.-based Rentokil is making the bold claim that it's invented "the smartest and most humane mousetrap ever"--and for good reason. This is no low-tech Tom and Jerry device, Tech Digest says, but a sophisticated digital system that kills the offending rodents in 45 seconds using infrared beams, carbon dioxide and toxic gas. And the "Rodent Activated Detention and Riddance Unit" (RADAR) isn't done yet: It will then send a text message to the owner, announcing the mission accomplished.

It sounds something like the mouse equivalent of the "Crustastun" to the lobster. Except, of course, for the use of its contents. We hope.

Via CNET Crave

Photo credit: Rentokil Initial

Filed under: Future Tech, Gadgets
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Only in Japan: A cannon that shoots smells

Michael Kanellos | Oct 09, 2007

When two scents collide.

CHIBA, Japan--First you had personalized media. Soon, it will be personalized deodorizers.

The SpotScents device, devised by automaker Subaru, consists of two air cannons precisely aimed at a passenger about two feet away in a car. The cannons spritz the passenger with fragrances--there's "Cool Wind" and another one mysteriously called "Pleasure Time." Just the thing you need while driving.

SpotScents at rest.

The idea behind SpotScents is that not everyone wants to smell the same fragrance. Some people hate the smell of those little pine trees, after all, while other people hate the smell of dust in the car. Although it has two cannons, the SpotScents thing only blasts one person. The two air streams are supposed to converge on your head--the first picture here shows the pair of streams heading for the collision.

Subaru did not put a date out for release, but a representative said it could come out by next year in Japan. In a four-passenger car, of course, you might need to have four SpotScents setups, if everyone is particular about aromas.

Subaru showed SpotScents off during a special tech exhibit over the weekend at Ceatec, the large Japanese trade show that took place here just outside of Tokyo.

Via CNET Crave

Filed under: Future Tech, Gadgets
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A collapsible dish rack for compact kitchens

Jennifer Guevin and John Chan | Oct 04, 2007

To save space in your bedroom, the sheet metal shelves we featured in Crave Asia may have tickled your fancy. That's not going to help mum with a tiny kitchen though, so she might need one of these, a collapsible dish rack.

Made from a single sheet of plastic, the Splat dish rack is formed by fitting together its two separate punched-out parts. This concept design is probably too small to handle large items like pots, pans and woks. But because it can be taken apart and kept away, you can choose when it hides in the drawer and when it should sit on the kitchen top. Perfect for occasions when there are lots of dishes to do and your regular rack overflows.

It's just a design concept right now (from JillDavisDesign), but it could be a neat small-kitchen addition if it ever gets made.

If you just can't wait for Davis' stylish version to become a reality, there are several other folding dish racks already on the market.

Click for more images: