High-tech tabletop

If your humble loo hasn't been spared a high-tech makeover by the Japanese, what more a tabletop? Enter Mitsubishi's MERL DiamondTouch table. What's futuristic is the multi-user touch-and-gesture-activated screen where people sitting around it can twiddle their fingers to manipulate virtual objects sans keyboard or mouse. Which all sounds rather like Minority Report's super computer screen which lets the user work it with a glove interface. Only, in the DiamondTouch's case, tiny electric currents flowing through seating pads imbue the system with the ability to figure out whose digit just did what. Of course, it'd be nice for countries which experience winter if the seating pads also came with a heater option. Toasty.

See bigger picture | graphical illustration

Via Yahoo

Price: Up to US$10,000, made to order only
Availability: More info at Mitsubishi
Device: High-tech tabletop
Basic specs: Up to five people, 42-inch panel atop 47-inch tabletop, array of antennas or touch sensors that conduct electricity, signals connect to a computer which controls images relayed from projector above table's surface

On Target game urinal

Designer Marcel Neundoerfer would love folks to piss on his latest creation, literally. If you're into toilet humor, then take a crack at On Target, a video game urinal that features a pressure-sensitive screen recessed into the bowl. The, ah, aim is to get users to "shoot" at the display, which then triggers an interactive game complete with images and sound. Stay On Target, and you'll avoid splashbacks, thus achieving Neundoefer's intention to improve loo hygiene and lower cleaning costs. Sorry, ladies, only for the laddies.

Shoot here

Via Yanko Design

Price: N.A.
Availability: N.A.
Device: Interactive urinal
Basic specs: N.A.

Spinner Exhaust Tip

Touted as the "newest bling for your ride", we're not entirely sure if the Spinner Exhaust Tip is even legal in the fine city of Singapore. But for other parts of Asia, this accessory is one of those pointless but totally cool addons that should give your roadster plenty of street attitude. Add one to the end of your car's exhaust pipe, and it will whirl like a Dervish in the exhaust stream. Rev your engine and the spring-loaded spinner will pop out while rotating. If nothing else, it'll give the guy in your rearview mirror something to look at besides your bumper sticker. Va-vroom!

See it in action here | see more images

Via Fosfor Gadgets

Price: US$44.95 to US$49.95
Availability: Check out the Web site
Device: Car accessory
Basic specs: Comes in different sizes and shapes, from Turbine to Flare

Handcrafted Cryptex Security Box

We'll pass on the Mona Lisa mug, but those fascinated by the Holy Grail of the film, the Cryptex, can check out modern-day Renaissance Man Justin Nevins' masterpieces. Inspired after reading Dan Brown’s bestselling The Da Vinci Code, Nevins has become the world's only known maker of the complex cylindrical portable vaults. These open to reveal a secret chamber within when the rings align, some even customized with a booby-trapped vial of vinegar. Pity those who forget their secret numbers as there are apparently 8 million possible codes and 280,000 false ones to foil those attempting to pick the lock.

See handcrafted Cryptex | the components

Price: US$340 to US$1,200
Availability: Check out the Web site
Device: Security box
Basic specs: Materials (Wide variety of high-quality wood, stone and metal) , code rings, spacer rings , end caps, security tube

The Mona Lisa Clock

Da Vinci fans have plenty to rejoice about. Besides news that author Dan Brown's about to put pen to paper for a sequel to The Da Vinci Code sometime next year, with a movie sequel also planned, there're heaps of collectibles being spawned out there. If you're one of those groupies, check out the Mona Lisa Clock. Designed by Boym Partners, a wacky fun site to navigate, the clock certainly rides on all that DV fever. But aside from a minute hand that consists of La Gioconda's right eye, don't go looking for any hidden codes on the clock's face. What this is is simply pop kitsch at its best.

See larger image

Via CNET.com blogs

Price: US$24.95
Availability: See online store Quincy
Device: Clock
Basic specs: 8 x 10 x 1.1/4 inches, requires AA battery (not supplied)

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