DIY multitouch surface for under US$40

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, there is another factor for innovation, and that is a tight budget.

Berkeley student Yotam Mann leapfroged all those expensive multitouch components and created his own multitouch surface for a mere US$40, using a Webcam and a couple of lasers. By facing the lasers at a 45-degree angle and mounting the Webcam where it can detect the entire surface, Yotam's proprietary software allows the computer to detect the location of the fingers and react accordingly. In this case, the music student's application creates different sounds based on the finger action.
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iWakeUp Clock Alarm for heavy sleepers

Film collectors may remember a 1941 movie titled I Wake Up Screaming, which more aptly describes Memorex's iWakeUp Clock Radio for the iPod (S$138 (US$99.27)) just out in Singapore. It's certainly devious in intent since the alarm volume will increase every 5 seconds till it reaches maximum volume, enough apparently to wake the dead along with heavy snoozers. If intent isn't sufficient, the iWakeUp features a dual alarm system for different schedules, as well as 2.75-inch speakers to make its point heard loud and clear.
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An audiobook player designed for the blind

One of the least appreciated conveniences MP3 players have given us is the capability to fit a library of audiobooks in our pocket. For those with vision impairment or blindness, the ease of instantly downloading digital audiobooks is especially liberating, compared with the days of CDs and cassettes. Unfortunately, most MP3 players simply aren't designed with accessibility in mind, keeping the convenience of digital audiobooks out of reach for those who would most appreciate it.

The HumanWare VictorReader Stream digital-audio player isn't particularly slim, attractive, or affordable (US$349), but its unique design is made specifically for the needs of blind and vision-impaired users.
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Miniature zoetrope that recalls your childhood

I'm definitely way past the age for childhood toys, though some people still haven't outgrown that aspect. I believe the politically correct phrase for them is young at heart. However, Japanese retailer Banpresto has taken the zoetrope (remember the spinning drum with slits that make the static images inside appear to move like a flip book?), and given it a modern spin, so to speak.

Its Twinklepict has figures inside backlit by a flashing internal light. As the characters in the dome spin, their shadowy forms project out in a pretty light show. This works on three AAA batteries and comes with a 60-minute timer. There's a choice of yellow, white and blue. The Banpresto site states June 25 as the official rollout in Japan, retailing at 3,150 yen (US$32.60), though you can apparently preorder it here if you're planning to get one for your little tyke. But who are you kidding?
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Work your lazy bum off on these USB couches

As the Google campuses proved long ago, employee productivity depends largely on comfort and morale. While I've given up on begging human resources at CNET to hire an in-house chef, maybe they'll front the bill for a set of USB sofas.

A concept design by Cabracega for OFFF Lisbon 2008, they might look like your average La-Z-Boy, but each one functions as its own autonomous USB hub with seven cables that stick out of the cushions and allow the lounger to plug in multiple peripherals or store content.

The real appeal, though, is that you can also connect the couches together and form a cohesive Megazordian USB hub in which users can share content and work as a team at the same time! Oh, CNET HR, you're a lucky bunch: at this time, the USB sofas are still conceptual and waiting for funding, so please go here and donate to my comfortable cause.

Via CNET Crave

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