Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

Where I grew up Summer storms were usually pretty wicked and most of the time resulted in a power failure for at least a couple of hours. So we always had plenty of flashlights on hand not to mention boxes of batteries to keep the GameBoys running. This Power-Failure Light though means you don’t have to stumble around in the dark looking for those flashlights in the event you’re without electricity.

It connects between the socket and lightbulb of a standard table or floor lamp and provides up to 8 hours of emergency backup lighting with 6 bright LEDs. It also uses a set of built-in rechargeable batteries as a power source which are constantly recharged as long as your home has power. (And the lamp’s plugged in.) It even includes a photocell that will ensure the LED lights only come on when it’s dark outside and they’re really needed.

The Power-Failure Light is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $39.95.

[ Power-Failure Light ] VIA [ The Green Head ]

By Ryan Nill

Tranlogue Associates, designer of couture household accessories, has created a line of lighting fixtures utilizing surface emitted light. Inspired by fluid, natural lines, the airLUCE series is both modern and exceptionally beautiful; airLUCE looks surreal, almost ethereal. Made from an all new material, designed by Asahi Kasei, it consists of acrylic board that emits surface light from hidden LED sources. This more equal diffusion of the light creates a softer, cleaner feeling; it appears more balanced and natural, especially when compared to the harsher LED lights popular now.

The airLUCE series will be released next week in London. Pricing and availability is unknown, but is probably horribly expensive. And unless you live in an undersea palace or inside of a giant iPod, it probably won’t match your decor anyways. One more picture and links after the jump.

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By Andrew Liszewski

Outdoor speakers ‘cleverly’ disguised as fake stones are nothing new but this is the first time I’ve seen garden lights disguised that way. When powered off these unique stones look like your run-of-the-mill chunk of granite but when turned on a set of color changing red, blue and green LEDs inside cause the entire stone to glow like it just plummeted to Earth from the deepest reaches of space.

The stones are completely waterproof and will even float if for some reason you always thought your pool or pond could benefit from glowing, floating rocks. A 33 foot submersible cord also allows you to place the rocks all around your backyard while still being able to power them on and off from a single location.

The stones are currently available in 3 different ‘designs’ for $34.95 a piece.

[ Faux Color Changing Garden Stones ]

By Andrew Liszewski

They say if you build a better mouse trap the world will beat a path to your door but what if that happens at night or when the power’s out? Thankfully someone has built a better flashlight with the ‘oval’ that not only allows you to see what’s ahead when walking in the dark but it also illuminates the area just in front of you so you can avoid any tripping hazards.

This ingeniously designed flashlight contains two light sources that work together to provide you with the ultimate illumination. This dual-light flashlight emits a forward-facing, narrow-angle beam (uses a high output Luxeon one watt LED bulb) to light the path ahead of you. It also emits a downward-facing wide-angle beam (uses two ultra bright 5mm white LEDs) to light the ground. Using both of these light sources simultaneously enables you to feel safer while walking in the dark. You also have multiple lighting options available with the flashlights three-way switch: the front light on alone, both front and lower lights on, and lower lights only.

The oval design and built-in handle apparently also makes the flashlight more ergonomic and easier to carry for lengthy periods. Though I have to admit I’ve never really felt strained after using a traditional flashlight design for long periods. But maybe that’s just because my arms are like pythons.

The oval is powered by 3 AAA batteries and is currently available from firstSTREET for only $29.95.

[ Nightlighter Flashlight ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

By Ryan Nill

PIX Visual Pendant uses 117 LEDs to constantly annoy bystanders with flashing image chains. It can display animations, images, texts, emotions and more. Using the included PIX editor software you can design and edit different graphics that you want your PIX to showcase. Then, you can share your painstakingly crafted PIX image macros with other users via email and MMS. PIX also has a social aspect, hosting a site where you can meet and trade IDs; apparently, when two PIX get close to each other (as fools wearing large, LED based badges are wont to do) they play synchronized images. It’s like myspace meets public forum meets tamagotchi. PIX retails for £39.00.

Hit the Korean site for a bit more info. Here: XenoFreaks.

[ kjglobal ] VIA [ uberGizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

In theory this is the perfect clock for your bedroom since it provides the date, time and temperate on an easy to read display. But the fact that it uses the brightest white LEDs on the market from the Nichia Corporation means it will also serve to keep you awake all night with its blinding glow. So it’s probably more suited for use in the kitchen, office or from the looks of it hanging from the ceiling at your local hockey arena.

But even though it shines as bright as a thousand suns the Gforce Calendar Clock is actually quite energy efficient thanks to its use of LEDs. So get rid of that old coal burning clock you’ve got in the den and replace it with one of these currently available from Gadget Universe for $99.95.

[ Gforce Power LED Calendar Clock ] VIA [ Techie Diva's Guide to Gadgets ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While fluorescent lights are far more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts I’m still not thrilled with the health risks they pose. The fluorescent technology relies on chemicals like mercury that aren’t exactly non-toxic but they still get discarded like a regular lightbulb. Not good. That’s why I’m relieved to see LED technology progressing as fast as it has and a company called LEDdynamics is now producing an LED-based fluorescent tube replacement called EverLED.

Switching to the new bulbs is as easy as removing the old fluorescent ones and inserting the LED versions. The EverLED bulbs have patent pending electronic circuitry allowing them to be used in existing fluorescent ballasts so to upgrade to the new technology the only thing you have to replace are the actual bulbs. And not only do the EverLED bulbs have a 10 year life cycle but they also provide the same amount of light as the fluorescent models while using only about 80% of the power.

Regrettably while the bulbs are available in 5 different color temperatures ranging from 2900K up to 6500K they’ll set you back $149 each which is going to make it really difficult for them to catch on.

[ EverLED Fluorescent Tube Replacement ] VIA [ EcoGeek ]

By Andrew Liszewski

If the fluorescent lighting in your bathroom just isn’t dramatic enough for your tastes try a few of these Rain Drops instead. Created by Dreams Japan each one uses LED lights that slowly change color over time creating a “subtle and gentle mood.”

The lights are powered by 3 AAA batteries and once they’re installed and the Drop is closed it’s completely waterproof. That’s kind of an important feature since the only way to turn on the Rain Drop is to set it floating in water. A built-in sensor automatically detects the presence of H20 and activates the light. I guess it’s designed to be used in a bathtub or sauna but there’s really nothing stopping you from adding some dramatic lighting to your toilet either.

The Rain Drop LED Light is currently available from AudioCubes for $39.

[ Zumreed Rain Drop LED Bathroom Light ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Here’s a bit of clever design. Why carry around a large LED flashlight on your keyring when this one is shaped to fit in perfectly with the rest of your keys? While there’s not much info on these I assume you squeeze the top portion to temporarily turn the LED on and they appear to be covered with a silicon-esque finish.

They’re currently available from Pure Modern in either Beige or Grey for only $11.

[ Key Light LED Keychain ]