The last time we looked, washing machines were for dirty laundry. Not anymore, it seems. Now pooches are being tossed into a machine that resembles an industrial washing machine and works like one, too. It sprays the poor mutt with water and natural cleaning solution through 37 nozzles for a good 4 minutes. This is followed by a 20-minute drying cycle. Probably a boon for dog owners who can now step back from the mess and muck, but not for the reluctant pet who's probably wishing the roles were reversed.
Nothing surprises us anymore when it comes right out of Japan. SolidAlliance, the store that brought you the sushi thumbdrives, has developed what it claims is a ghost detector which conveniently runs on USB juice. Just plug it into your notebook, and a special sensor on the device purportedly detects slight variances in the magnetic field when paranormal activity takes place. You'll know if you have uninvited company when the alarm and light go off. Time to hit the Play button on Ray Parker Jr's kitschy but fun soundtrack... "There's something strange, and it don't look good. Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!" Yeah!
Price: 9,800 yen, US$93 (128MB), 14,800 yen, US$141 (256MB) and 19,800 yen, US$188 (512MB)
Availability:SolidAlliance Device: Paranormal device Basic specs: USB 2.0, 90 x 58 x 20mm, 37g
If you loved what Samsung's collaboration with a team of female designers produced, then check out Panasonic's coup with Japanese cosmetics artist Shu Uemura who's turned the X800 into a personal canvas for a limited-edition design confined to just 2,000 pieces, and to just the Taiwan and China markets. We won't be surprised, though, if copycat faceplates turn up anytime soon.
Here's a frothy idea for the coffee generation that Starbucks can certainly tap. Off the Quff, er cuff, here're some ideas. BYOQ--Bring your own Quff, and we'll refund you 10 cents. Buy 20 cups and join the Latte-Quffing in crowd. Totally recyclable and does away with those wasteful paper sleeves. Did we say it makes a cheap but great gift, too?
Price: From US$8.59
Availability:Quffs Device: Insulation for coffee cups Basic specs: Customizable