The price of a solid gold remote: US$55,000

Amid the endless supply of gold in the gadget world, we've often thought that the Midas-touched Thermasol remote was among the most decadent. That it was used to control the shower just added to its outrageous uselessness.

But for the more practical-minded gold fetishist (talk about an oxymoron), there's now a remote that can be used for everyday media appliances--and it's only US$55,000. The "Gold RC1", made by Denmark-based Lantic Systems, not only controls entertainment devices but also "burglary alarm, lights, curtains, air-conditioning, and surveillance of navigation systems", according to BornRich. All in solid gold.

And for the thrifty among us, there's even a standard version for only US$1,050. An ideal stocking stuffer.

Via Crave CNET

Microsoft curbs gaming addiction

Monitoring your kids' gaming crave is as easy as A-B-C with the upcoming Microsoft Family Timer. Available for download in early December, the nifty Xbox 360 software restricts Xbox 360 usage on a per-day or per-week basis. A warning will be displayed onscreen nearing the end of each session before the console is automatically shut down after a predetermined time limit.

There's one sticky question, though. Does it also limit sharing among family members? A password may be a solution, but definitely a far from elegant implementation. Just imagine the hassle of punching in a password everytime you boot up your 360. Anyway, we are awaiting an official response from Microsoft on the exact mechanics of this interesting software. Stay tuned.

Epson ready to ship new flagship Dreamio

Just months after launching the Editors' Choice EMP-TW1000 home theater projector in Asia, Epson is now weeks away from shipping its successor. The Dreamio EMP-TW2000 is more than a mere rehash of the former with new DeepBlack technology that boasts dynamic contrast to another new high for 3LCD beamers at an ultra-high 50,000:1. Aside from the four-fold leap in contrast, it also doubles the current number of HDMI 1.3 input to two.

These enhancements are on top of the customary 2.1x powerful zoom and extended horizontal and vertical lens shift, perfect for space-conscious Asian city dwellers. But before you start putting up your TW1000 on eBay and Yahoo Auction, we have received firm indication that the stepped-up model will not be available here in Asia anytime soon. If you can't wait, you could always import the promising US$3,000 light cannon from Japan or the US.

Via Akihabara News

PlayStation 2 ditches its power brick

The Sony PlayStation 3 has morphed tremendously over the years, from a fat black box to a streamlined sexy thing in colorful contrasting hues. The only problem with the last installment is a cumbersome external power brick, an idea possibly "inspired" by its Redmond rival. This is now going out the window with a new 9000-series with integrated AC power supply. Three colors (Charcoal Black, White Ceramic and Silver Satin) are available and each will be retailing in Japan at 15,000 yen (US$142). There were no launch details for the rest of Asia at press time.

Via Gizmodo

Sweet Uniden Mickey Mouse TV

Are your kids big fans of Mickey or Minnie Mouse? If you're having sleepless night pondering over a perfect gift for your young tykes, check out this cute-looking LCD TV from Japanese Uniden. Complete with the signature mousy motifs and hues, these 20-inch panels are almost a guaranteed instant hit right down to the bundled remote controller. Nice touch on the oversized foot base, too.

We reckon even the tech-savvy will bow down to this seemingly innocuous HD-ready set. Not only does it pack a high 1,366 x 768-pixel resolution for its petite size, it also comes with dual 1080p-ready HDMI inputs and a battery of digital TV tuners. You can pick up one of these lightweight 10kg cuties in Japan for US$876 a piece. Not exactly affordable based on the current offerings, but what's there to complain about for a Disney fan?

Via Akihabara News

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