Posts in Future Tech

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Flameless Rechargeable USB Lighter

Juniper Foo | Nov 12, 2007

We're not advocating that you puff your lungs out with this, but it deserves a mention for being a device with such odd bedfellows. That is, it's a lighter that also doubles as a USB drive. Try naming another 2-in-1 if you can of unexpected hybrids. In case you're wondering how designer Nathan Gabriele is cramming a flash drive into a flammable lighter, well, he's tossed out the lighter fluid and flint. In place are resistance coils, similar to car lighters, to create heat. Better yet, the onboard rechargeable cell can be juiced up via USB. Now how's that for synergy. Too bad this is more smoke than fire as it's still just a concept that Gabriele's exhaled.

Via Yanko Design

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Philips Dynamic Daylight Window

Juniper Foo | Nov 08, 2007

Given that most of us in the tropics have only two seasons--rain or shine--the Philips Dynamic Daylight Window opens a window (pun intended) to an innovative idea. It's almost like the Transitions eyewear folks had a Vulcan mind meld with Philips' Ambilight engineers. The result is a window that lets you control how much lighting you want to let through, with part of the adjustment creating an artificial window blind effect; the other adjusting the light itself so the sky can look a different color.

Besides practical applications for homes and hotels in sunny climes, helping people to adjust to jet lag, light therapy, and hey, the mood lighting it can create, who needs to draw the drapes after this for some "lights out" fun? The only catch we can think of: An equally dynamic power bill!

Via Coolest Gadgets | Catch Philips' ambient window video here

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Sony gets sweet on Bio Batteries

Juniper Foo | Nov 01, 2007

Sony's biotech battery has a sweet tooth, figuratively speaking. It sups on glucose for energy, much like some of us, converting the sugar within beverages such as fruit juice and even Pocari Sweat into electricity. For a glimpse into the future of alternative power cells, check out the video of the Bio Batt seen powering a desk fan and speakers attached to a Walkman, after being juiced up on a sugar solution.

A four-cell array is reportedly capable of generating up to 50mW of power, enough for small devices at the moment.

The Bio Battery imitates real life by using enzymes to break down the glucose to generate electricity. Itself made out of a vegetable-based plastic, the worse that could happen to Sony's latest battery offering are… eeks, ants. A blessing given the rather unfortunate notebook battery recall of last year.

Via Japan Today | Photo credit: Sony

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