By Andrew Liszewski
After my review of the Wicked Lasers Photonic Disruptor I have a new-found respect for green laser pointers. Even a low-powered model is too bright to be considered a toy, which is why I kind of cringe looking at these product shots. The BlissLights Laser Wand is basically a green laser pointer that uses a “high diffraction efficiency digital holographic optical element” to turn the beam into hundreds of smaller ones creating a stars effect. It’s intended to be used to amaze your party guests which it probably will as long as they’re all 10 years old. And while I’m sure the photos in that product shot are simulated, I’m not too thrilled with the idea of shining this thing in people’s faces and eyes as they seem to be suggesting.
The laser itself is classified as an FLPPS Class 2 model which is apparently safe to look at from distances greater than 6 inches, but I would still be hesitant. It uses a CR2 battery which should keep it running for about 10 hours, and is available directly from BlissLights for $99.95.
[ BlissLights Laser Wand ] VIA [ The Gadgeteer ]
By Andrew Liszewski
These Moonlight Orbs illuminated spheres make for a unique way to light your home, your pool or your property. Made in Germany, the polyethylene spheres (and half spheres) range in size from 13 to 30 inches in diameter and operate on standard electrical wiring or rechargeable batteries. The battery powered versions are sealed and self-contained allowing them to safely float on water, and use a remote control to power them on or off. They can even be used with interchangeable color filters if you’re trying to match or set a specific mood.
Unfortunately though, the spheres remind me of the old 60’s show The Prisoner which I used to watch when I was far too young to be doing so. The show was pretty confusing (on purpose) but what really freaked me out were the large white balloons that would hunt down people trying to escape, and from what I recall, would essentially suffocate them. For those who’ve never seen the show it’s really hard to explain, but I’ve included a YouTube video after the jump where the spheres make an appearance. (Just past the 2 minute mark.)
I’d love to dig up some pricing info on the orb lights, but the Moonlight USA website is kind of an unusable flash disaster.
[ Moonlight USA Lighting ] VIA [ Home Improvement Ideas ]
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By Andrew Liszewski
Growing up I was fascinated with shuriken or ‘ninja stars’ as much as the next kid. I think it was partly because G.I. Joe made Snake Eyes out to be such a cool character, and partly because they were so hard to come by. I remember everyone having a friend of a friend who was rumored to sneak a couple into their suitcase during a trip, but I never actually saw one. As you grow up though, you realize how dangerous a sharpened metal star really is. I mean, just look what happened to Butters in the South Park episode ‘Good Times With Weapons’. But there’s still some small, irresponsible part of me that thinks these shuriken LED lamps are pretty cool looking. While I doubt the installation process would be as easy as just throwing them at the wall, the effect of these sticking out all the over place would be well worth the necessary drywall repairs when you redecorate someday.
Unfortunately the lamps, which were designed by Stanislav Katz, are only a design concept and aren’t actually available for sale. But I do like the title on his website, “In Soviet Latvia, Design Makes You!”
[ Stanislav Katz ]
By Evan Ackerman
Flashlights are generally considered a bludgeoning weapon, so if you’re in a situation where you need to get a little bit stabby, traditional flashlights won’t make it easy. The K2 Porcupine tactical flashlight has an array of specially sharpened spikes that stick out of the front when a cover is twisted back, allowing the flashlight to transform from soft comforting glow to lethal weapon with a flick of the wrist. It has a 70 lumen Xenon bulb that should last about an hour, and costs $129.
Or, you could do what I do, and just duct tape a fork to a Zippo… It’s stabby and burny! Yay!
[ K2 Porcupine Light ] VIA [ RFJ ]
By Evan Ackerman
I took this picture (it’s a 5 second exposure) last weekend while I was checking out Yuri’s Night, which is an international annual celebration of the launch of the first human (Yuri Gagarin) into space. My local event was held at NASA’s Ames Research Center, and all kinds of amazing people showed up, including Will Wright, Steve Wozniak, and even Buzz Aldrin (!!!). Anyway, the place was packed with all kinds of cool stuff, including this bike lighting system by Monkeylectric:
Lights on the spokes of your bike somehow sync with the speed of the wheel to create these really cool patterns that slowly morph between different shapes and colors, although to get the sort of spectacular effects in the pictures I took, you’ll have to be a real pro, like the rider who was demoing the system, Pete Brandt. The system is easily customizable, it’s waterproof and durable enough for everyday use, and only costs $65. It’ll be available this May from Monkeylectric.
Check out a few more long exposure pics of the lighting system, PLUS a gallery of other pics from Yuri’s Night (including GIANT FLAMING MONSTERS, after the jump. Also, be sure to check out some Yuri’s Night coverage of a swarm of robotic orbs over on BotJunkie. Read the rest of this entry »
By Andrew Liszewski
Remember the T-Qualizer shirt? Not only do these frames use the same technology and gimmick, but they’re actually made by the same company. So if your pad has come to be known as the place where the party stops instead of starts, just stick a few of these all over the place and you’ll have a line around the block every Friday night. (That’s when the kids do the club thing right?)
The SpeaQualiser comes in 2 flavors. The TQ Raver, which has a red, orange and green theme that looks similar to an actual graphic EQ. And the TQ Chiller, which featues a pink, teal and blue theme. Just like the shirt they use a built-in microphone to react to the frequency and beat of your music with electroluminescent, retro-style jumping light bars.
They’re both available from FlashWear.com for about $40.
[ SpeaQualiser TQ Raver And TQ Chiller ] VIA [ technabob ]
By Evan Ackerman
It’s a fact: darkness is bad for you. There’s a strong correlation, for example, between acne outbreaks and exposure to darkness within the previous 12 hours. Senslux has developed a line of LED lamps designed specifically to combat darkness related maladies, including acne (?) and seasonal affective disorder. You can also get lamps that provide a “skin rejuvenating” spectrum or “natural lighting” (full spectrum). They come with “in-direct sensor switches” and multiple brightness adjustments, and will cure what ails you for about $152 from South Korea.
[ Senslux ] VIA [ AVING ]
By Andrew Liszewski
I usually go out of my way to hunt down the best shot for a product, but this is the actual photo Coleman uses for this tent light on their site. I know it’s not exactly their flagship product or anything, but come on, someone needs to be supervising those website interns. And even though a remote control tent light is a pretty simple idea, I could’ve really used one during my camping adventures last year. The light uses a bright Xenon bulb powered by 4 AA batteries, and it easily attaches to the roof of your tent. So while you’re getting ready for bed, you don’t need to fumble with a flashlight.
The tent light I used last Summer unfortunately didn’t have the luxury of a remote control, so I had to get up and manually switch it off. At that point I had to find my way back to my bed and climb into my sleeping bag in complete darkness. Now I know camping is supposed to be about ‘roughing it’ and all that, but I’ll gladly include a simple convenience like this on my compromise list. Unfortunately though, while the light is listed on Amazon, they don’t appear to have any in stock at the moment.
[ Coleman Remote Control Tent Light ] VIA [ GadgetGrid ]
By Andrew Liszewski
I’m starting to see faint signs here and there that Spring might actually make a return to my city. (There were doubts.) So it’s finally time to break out the outdoor gadgets. These semi-realistic looking outdoor candles are made from silicone and use an LED light bulb to replicate the natural flickering effect of an actual flame. On a full charge the faux candles can last for about 12 hours, though I’m not sure how long it takes to recharge them. And while they’re not 100% waterproof (i.e. don’t leave them outside in a downpour) they can withstand the occasional splash.
A set of 4 candles with charger is available from Home Infatuation for $89.95.
[ Rechargeable Outdoor Candles ] VIA [ Cribcandy ]
By Luke Anderson
I’m very capable when it comes to working with computers and the components that go along with them. However, when it comes to things like running power cable and installing fixtures in a house I’m clueless. I generally try to take the easy way out in those situations. I’ve lived in a couple of places that had no overhead lighting, so I would instead set up a remote that controlled a power outlet or two. Think of this product as a fancier version of such a remote.
This remote is made to look like your average light switch. You’ll only need to mount the switch and plug in the remote to a light socket or power outlet and you’ve got yourself a functioning light switch. The only downside is that one of these will set you back $149. For that price I think I’ll just buy a few Clappers. The new ones even come with remotes these days.
[ Gnr8 ] VIA [ RGS ]
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