Meth Gun

This almost gets away with looking like a hairdryer, save for the hairy arm (see picture) that goes with it. Yep, it's attached to a law enforcement officer. And the weapon in question? A meth gun. This doesn't spit out fierce rays or deadly lead, but the ultraviolet light it emits may just have your name on it if you're a substance abuser. It apparently picks up trace amounts of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs invisible to the naked eye. Fortunately for the men in uniform, there's no need to pack this monster piece in their gun holster. Developer Maryland-based CDEX is working hard to shrink it down to size. And fortunately for the dogs in uniform, the meth gun is intended to supplement the canine narcotics unit, not replace those furface troopers.

Via CNET News.com blogs

Price: About US$10,000, expected to drop to about US$2,000 when in full production
Availability: March 2007, US
Device: Law enforcement detector gun
Basic specs: N.A.

Wizmark Interactive Urinal Communicator

Either inventors are getting more anal, or there's actually a market demand for urinal amusement, most of which appear to be targeted at the male species (now what does that tell us?). So here we go again, this time with the Wizmark which proudly touts itself as "the world's first and only". Maximum headroom comes in the device's ability to display sponsor ads while you are thus engaged and captive. As a business model, though, we'll admit the potential looks limitless: From dirty talk to Dirty Harry spouting "Don't Drink and Drive" and "Say No to Drugs" public messages. Scary thought: Will this last bastion of privacy soon be flushed down the loo? Too late, Big Brother's watching, and talking.

See image #1 | image #2 | On Target Urinal

Via CNET News.com blogs

Price: N.A.
Availability: More info at Wizmark
Device: Electronic communicator
Basic specs: Waterproof, 3.5-inch anti-glare viewing screen with lenticular graphics

Fun Fan Egg

With Japan in the thick of a summer heatwave, it's no surprise gizmos like this Fun Fan Egg are riding on demand for anything that keeps a body cool. Though given the miniscule dimensions of the fan, it's far more cute than competent. Still, for US$8, this one's too adorable to resist.

See collection | how it works | from Stap-ya World

Price: 945 yen (US$8.05)
Availability: Japan, check out Strap-ya World
Device: Portable fan
Basic specs: Comes with a matching strap to keep it in easy reach when not in use

Airhockey Over A Distance

Hard to imagine playing a vigorously physical game like Airhockey remotely. There's the table. There's the puck. Where's the opponent? What's been done here is to split the table in half, with the two ends connected via a network. Much like videoconferencing, the players can see and hear each other, creating the illusion of playing together at one table. And they do shoot a real puck back and forth in a bid to score a goal. The trick is that once the puck passes the midway line, its location is sensed, and a corresponding physical puck is shot out at the other table. Score one for the makers for proving that distance is no barrier.

See illustration | side view | the board | close-up of the rotating puck cannons

Price: N.A.
Availability: Australian-based concept, watch the demo vids at the Web site
Device: Virtual airhockey
Basic specs: N.A.

Sentavi Solarium

This is one gizmo that just recalls a Chandler-Joey moment in Friends. "Way! No way! Way! No way!" Dutch company Sentavi has created a 2-in-1 product that can only leave you gasping in surprise--it lets you have an all body tan while you shower. Which, of course, also gives Sentavi's Web master plenty of leeway to demo models in the buff, both in still and moving images. Bet the guys will need a cold shower right after.

Via OhGizmo

Price: N.A.
Availability: More info here
Device: Solarium with shower
Basic specs: Can be built into any bathroom, frame wall of 20cm deep, 10-step installation which may require professional help

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