Never mind that dogs see the world in a limited range of colors, Japanese toy maker Tomy has made a camera for canines. Which means we finally get to find out where the heck Sparky the StarHub dog goes roaming next. The device clips on the front of the pooch's collar and can be be timed to snap candids from 1 to 60 minutes, or remotedly triggered. The 8MB onboard memory is rated as good for up to 90 images, although the lack of flash means night shots are out. Still, this ought to be loads of fun for dog owners. Say arrf, er, cheese.
We've heard of flotation tanks and sleep pods to promote bodymind wellness. Now here's a home kit that promises the same benefits. Developed by a clinical psychologist to give this portable device a veneer of credibility, the MindSpa sends the user into a state of deep relaxation by bathing the mind in a combination of white light visual input and pulsating sound frequencies. The manual claims it takes from several weeks to four months to experience "subtle but noticeable" mental performance improvements, though the more immediate benefit is you emerge from a session feeling relaxed and refreshed. We don't know about you, but for our mental wellbeing at CNETAsia, we should all be plugged into one, particularly when the boss walks over. Oooom.
It's too bad we archive everything on our servers here at CNETAsia. But for home users who do tons of burning and backing up of photos, DivX files and data onto CD-Rs or DVDs, this label printer takes the bother out of labeling those discs manually or with a labeling software which requires a printer. Now you simply slide the CD-R or DVD into the top slot of the device, and voila, consistently labeled discs and covers within seconds. Love it.
Price: ¥25,200 (US$230)
Availability: Japan, from December
Device: Label printer
Basic specs: Heat transfer system, 200dpi, 100 sheets, AC adapter or alkaline dry cell, 215 x 246 x 88mm, 1.4kg
We love our noodles here in Asia, but why on earth would anyone need a USB-powered noodle strainer? Japanese instructions being what they are (or aren't), we're still baffled by how this cook pot strains your noodles. Or why it even requires USB power. Conjecture from fellow surfers is that it's a water bath to keep your ramen or soba cold and moist. For those who feel their life isn't complete without a USB Noodle Strainer, we strongly recommend the Sushi Specs to go with your next USB-powered meal.