Let sound waves do the dishes

Given all the bizarre turntables that show up on Crave, we thought this would be yet another one of them upon first glance. Instead, it turned out to be an example of another popular trend we don't understand: Ultrasonic cleaning gadgetry.

The SWV-08AM megasonic cleaning device from Conway supposedly will eliminate all the disgusting "dirt and agrochemicals" on the surface of everything from fruit to frying pans with little or no detergent, according to Engadget. And it has a built-in P-Sediment filter (doesn't everyone?) to maintain the ultra-purity of its water. Germaphobes, rejoice.

Via Crave CNET

Urwerk's air-powered watch

On a traipse through Chinatown Singapore recently, my attention was riveted by a man behind a plate glass, eye loupe pinched to one eye like a Cyclops. Peering myopically at watch components so tiny they were almost invisible, I held my breath as he cleaned each bitty part with supreme care. Those of his ilk may soon be a vanishing trade if Urwerk's air-powered watch becomes the next new standard.

For now, it's likely the world's first timepiece to use this method of regulating the winding system. Given that it employs a three-position selector switch that controls the level of air compression generated by miniature twin turbines, which in turn control the rate of automatic winding, this is a surprisingly compact watch. The German-made UR-202 is best seen, so check out the promotional video below. There seems to be no price listed, though given its airy stature, you can expect some pretty inflated figures.



Via Gizmag | Photo credit: Urwerk

Combining the Segway with skiing and strollers

We've intimated before that the Segway isn't exactly our cup of tea, but we're frankly afraid of going down that route again for fear of reprisal. So without judgment, we herewith present another item on said machine that seeks to improve upon the design, regardless of how one feels about it.

Designer Sarah Park has drafted a concept that would outfit the famed personal transporter with dual handlebars that Gearfuse describes as a skiing-like steering mechanism. The size of the handlebars would be similar to those of a baby stroller and navigated in a similar fashion. Given the Segway's history in this department, it might not be a bad idea to consider something like this. We're just not so sure about the description of it being "similar to pushing a stroller and skiing down a slope"--imagery that's reminiscent of the shootout scene in The Untouchables.

Via Crave CNET | Picture credit: Coroflot

Body art with the Henna Penna

More homemade tattoo options, this time inspired by our Indian neighbors in the next subcontinent. You won't fool a true practitioner of the body art of Mehndi, but at least this won't take two weeks to fade away. Instead, just tattoo away with the Henna in a Pen(na), and it'll rub off easy-peasy within a few days.

For about US$26 from Miss Groovy, this comes in a range of all-natural dyes with exotic names like Ruby, Jaspar Brown, Black Onyx and Original, whatever that means. Just remember, it's all temporary. So if your boss draws the line on body decorations, this at least won't get you branded for life.

Via Crafty Crafty | Photo credit: Miss Groovy

Remember Ring for absent-minded

Technology has even intruded into the realm of wedding rings. If a PDA or Outlook reminder isn't good enough to prompt you on a crucial upcoming date, like your wife's birthday or anniversary, beware the wrath of a woman scorned. Which is why Alaska Jewelry is betting you'll fork out that US$760 for the Remember Ring, an innocuous white or yellow 14K gold wedding band that doubles as a reminder alert in a most discreet manner.

Rather than beep out a polyphonic alarm 24 hours before the special day arrives, the Hot Spot on the interior of the ring starts to warm to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (that's a toasty 49 degrees Celcius) for about 10 secs. This continues warming up every hour, on the hour, all day long. (All right, we get it already.) Too bad there's no word on whether you can shut this off, short of taking off the ring. But the micro thermopile, which converts the heat from your hand into electricity, also keeps the battery charged and microchip clock running perpetually. Your anniversary date is apparently programmed when you order, so we're not sure if you can opt to change the date anytime.

Here's a strange thing. While there's a price listed and lifetime warranty offered with this nifty bling, the site specificies that "this is a concept product". Until such time as it's reminded to put this out for sale perhaps.

Via Gearfuse | Photo credit: Alaska Jewelry

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