Hands-on with the Wattson wireless power monitor

Confession time. I can't stop looking at my Wattson. Before you ask who--or more specifically what--that is, this spiffy-looking device that's just reached Singapore shores helps keep track of your power consumption. For those in Asia where meter watching is relatively new, this would probably sound obsessive compulsive. However, what's compelling about the UK-designed Wattson is that it measures your energy usage in real time. So there's almost something hypnotic about watching your wattage flip up or down whenever you turn on or off a switch somewhere in your home.



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iPhorest: Tend a tree via your iPhone

"One who plants a garden plants happiness." This proverb, of Chinese origin, I believe, can now become a reality of sorts without the need for land or even a green thumb. A new app called iPhorest lets you be an electronic gardener.

After downloading the software for US$4.99, you dig a virtual hole by creating a digging motion with your iPhone until your seedling appears. Then you plant it.

Not only might the gardening bring happiness to you, The Conservation Fund also benefits. For each virtual tree planted, the fund will plant a native tree in real life--starting with the restoration of vulnerable wildlife habitats along the Gulf Coast in the US.
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Evoasis: Petrol stations set to go electric in the UK

The high cost of fuel means independent petrol stations have been disappearing at a rapid pace, but what's happening to all the abandoned forecourts? If American firm Evoasis gets its way, they'll all be transformed into charging stations for electric vehicles.

According to the Evening Standard, the first of these, located on Grosvenor Road, in London's swanky Pimlico, will have 12 three-phase outlets capable of recharging some vehicles in as little as 20 minutes, plus airport-style "waiting lounges" where users can chill and sip coffee while their cars are topped up.

Currently, high-speed charging is only possible on electric vehicles that use lithium-ion battery packs. These include the latest G-Wiz, the Tesla Roadster and the Nice e500 Electric, which is based on the awesome Fiat 500. A full charge will cost around 2 pounds (US$), but high-speed charging won't be possible with cars such as the Nice Mega City, Ze-O, or anything that uses lead-acid or nickel-metal hydride batteries.
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Snap-off dining ware for a fun party

This is crazy fun. Looking like the plastic model assembly kits some of us used to buy for pennies at mom and pop stores, before the advent of portable gaming consoles and devices, this one redefines the meaning of "disposable cutlery". Snap and Dine, by London-based designer Demelza Hill, comes in a single plastic injection mold good for a three-course picnic or potluck meal. The plastic plate and recyclable plastic cutlery are designed to look like ornate silverware, though if you prefer more groovy colors, check out Fred & Friends' Snap-A-Party option. Either way, these snap-off party ware ought to be pocket-friendly enough to find a place setting in this current age of thrift. And right after that, you can whip out the snap-together 35mm camera kit for a spot of cheap film fun.
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Scosche releases SolChat solar-powered Bluetooth speakerphone

Hot on the heels of announcing that it would be making accessories for the third-generation shuffle, Scosche has "gone green" with a US$100 solar-powered Bluetooth speakerphone for cars.

If you haven't seen one before, these types of speakerphones represent one of the better applications of solar-charging in a consumer device. The device adheres to your windshield and collects sunlight to charge the internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery. A USB charging cable and car adapter ships with the device so you can charge at night and on days with insufficient sunlight. A windshield suction-cup mount and sun visor clip are also included.

What's nice about the Bluetooth is that once you set up a pairing between your cell phone and SolChat, they will automatically connect once you enter your car and turn on the speakerphone (the SolChat automatically turns off once the pairing is broken). The speakerphone also has voice-announce technology that enables it to announce calls as they come in "so users can keep their eyes on the road while driving".

Via Crave CNET

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