We're still holding out for a robo-porter

From the library to the golf course, the idea of personal robots that follow its masters around seems to be ready for prime time. And nowhere would they be more convenient than for luggage.

Alas, that day has yet to come, but a company called Live Luggage is taking a step in the right direction. Calling its showcase product "the world's first power-assisted suitcase", the luggage has built-in motors in the wheels and an "Anti-Gravity handle" that supposedly distributes weight in all the right places, according to CrunchGear.

The motors power up only when the wheels tilt at certain angles, making it somewhat automatic. But we're still holding out for Tony, the fully robotic Russian suitcase.

Via CNET Crave

Even roulette tables may get touch screens

If Microsoft's Surface becomes a casino fixture next to the slot machines, the touchscreen table computer will find plenty of company. Not only are digital poker tables being developed--complete with "peel up" card corners so players can read their hands discreetly--but even touch-sensitive roulette games are on the way.

The MultiPlay Roulette system is the latest from Sweden's TouchTable, featuring a 56-inch touch LCD with 3,840 × 2,160 resolution. The table can accommodate up to seven players and, thanks to the company's proprietary technology, it can identify each person's bet.

Like other digital casino products, the idea is to speed the pace of play and reduce the chances of discrepancies or cheating. Because, as some of us have learned painfully over the years, fast play always favors the house.

Via CNET Crave

USB hubs for Star Wars fans

Non-Star Wars enthusiasts may find these two USB hubs utterly tacky and even, horrors, downright ugly on their desktops. Then again, the official R2D2 and Darth Vader USB hubs were designed for hardcore Star Wars followers who are so in a galaxy of their own, far far away. In addition to the four USB ports, the R2 hub turns its head, lights up, and whistles the signature sound effects one associates with the droid. The Vader model features sound effects and glowing red eyes.

Unfortunately, the USB hubs appear to be located in a particular region of the universe called Japan, at least for now. Though we're sure that with so many Star Wars devotees patrolling our galaxy for such paraphernalia, it really shouldn't be too hard to find one popping up on online stores and auction sites soon enough. Both the R2D2 and Darth Vader USB hubs will retail for US$66 each from July.

Via Gizmodo
Photo credit: Gizmodo

A caddy that can find lost remotes

What could be better than a remote that finds your remote? A device that will find four of them at the same time, all from one base.

The Remote Buddy Stylish (we don't know what the "Stylish" means, either) is a caddy with color-coded buttons that correspond to individual remotes. When one or more inevitably gets lost, it will send a signal to the remote to help locate it, according to 7Gadgets.

In a perfect world this would serve as a recharging dock as well, but we know that few remotes work that way. But it does have another invaluable feature: If you still can't find said remotes, there's a cupholder so you can have a cocktail to ease the frustration.

Via CNET Crave

Air-Conditioned Bed

Want your air-conditioner but too eco-minded to turn it on? Well, the Japanese have a bril solution. Ready for this? It's something called the Air-Conditioned Bed or Kuchofuku. This really is just a soft bed covering with two dual fans at the foot of the bed which pull and circulate air through the membrane. Japan Trend Shop sells it for US$399, which is a lot pricier than the Bed Fan. But it's a whole lot kinder on your electricity bill since the low-power fans apparently guzzle just a mere US$0.24 per month based on 8-hour days. Not to mention you'll sleep better knowing you're getting some cool Zzzzs without adding to the global warming.

Via 7gadgets

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