Burton Bluetooth-enabled Audex Jacket

Pure indulgence for those in the tropics, where the only snow we're ever getting is when the TV cable connection goes funny. For those who don't mind paying out US$599 just to wear the Burton-Motorola jacket at sub-zero degree pub Ekisbar or Snow City, there're not only iPod controls built into the sleeve with Click Wheel-style navigation, it's now phone-friendly, too. Besides Bluetooth, a Caller ID screen and voice dial, the hood is all teched out with speakers and a microphone. Clearly, you can't have too much in Motorola's books. Up next, Audex Protective Gear for helmet and padded hat. And yes, they'll both be equipped with Bluetooth stereo headphones.

See black jacket | light blue jacket | controls | hood

Price: US$599.95
Availability: US
Device: Bluetooth-enabled jacket
Basic specs: N.A.

Cocoro Meter

Now it's legit to spit. Just so long as it's into Japanese company Nipro's handheld device. Don't get the wrong idea. This stressometer doesn't draw power organically from your drool (you hope). Rather, it's meant to test just how much stress you're under. All you have to do is spit on a chip and put it back into the machine for reading. We can see how this is going to bring out some pretty Monk-like compulsive-obsessive, clean-freak behavior. Which can only bring on the anxiety attacks. Did we mention the US$164 sticker shock yet?

See how it works

Via CNET News blog

Price: 19,800 yen (US$164)
Availability: Japan
Device: Stressometer
Basic specs: N.A.

BrightFeet Lighted Slippers

Slippers with headlights? Why not? It's a super idea not only for those who find themselves stumbling in the dark on trips to the loo, to check on the kids, or even as the Web site suggests, during power outages when you need to locate that flash light or candle. A Stop 'n' Go sensor on the side alerts the LED to come on only in the dark, though you may have to do a little moonwalk shuffle as it takes four to five steps for the sensor to "wake up". To deactivate, just step out of the slippers and the LEDs will go off after a few seconds. Not exactly Jimmy Choos, but these'll do if you don't fancy stubbed toes.

Click for larger image | hand in hand with USB heated slippers

Price: US$39.95
Availability: US, see Web site
Device: House slippers with illumination
Basic specs: Cotton terry upper with durable non-skid sole, beige, hand-washable, two replaceable Lithium batteries included in each slipper, one-year manufacturing warranty

Scratch Guard Coat

Now that you've bought that spanking new car, how do you protect your newborn from punks with no conscience when it comes to fresh paintwork? Behold Nissan's self-healing paint. Doing a Wolverine here, the Scratch Guard Coat is said to be the first of its kind to offer a highly elastic resin that allows the paint to reform itself over the scratch. The process takes up to seven days, depending on how nasty the gash is. Pouring some warm water over the affected area apparently speeds up repair in a matter of minutes. No more having to live with ugly scratches on your car. Now all we need is a skeleton of almost indestructible alloy, like adamantium perhaps?

Price: US$440 as an option on the X-Trail SUV
Availability: Japan initially, read press release here
Device: Car paint
Basic specs: Effective for about three years

Tapas plates

There's nothing like cool dining ware to grab you by the scruff of the neck and demand your attention. Like these Tapas Plates, inspired by the Spanish tapas tradition. Not that you can't find similar ones at less pricey figures, if you shop really hard. However, these delectably dishy plates are just perfectly sized to sit atop wine glasses. Now you can have your own tapas shindig and play Il Divo out loud. Yum.

Click for a larger picture

Via Fosfor.se

Price: Set of 4 Acacia Wood at US$19.99, set of Set of 4 Multi-Border Glass at US$24.95
Availability: See Sur La Table
Device: Tapas plates
Basic specs: 4-inch diameter, fits any wine glass 2 to 3 inches in diameter

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