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iPhone-controlled beer cannon is the robot friend of our dreams (video)
If your morning's been running low on a little thing called awesomeness, hurry past the break and gorge yourself on the stuff in the embedded videos. For the more patient among you, we'll set the scene. A young chap by the name of Ryan has repurposed an old mini-fridge from his college days into a beer-firing drone, which can accept instructions on beer brand, temperature, and destination, before launching it at the target with a force of 50psi. An embedded webcam assists the iPhone user in aiming the throws, while it's also said to record every toss and tweet it out for posterity as well. If this thing could slice bread, we'd probably offer to marry it.
Infinity I-Kitchen sports Linux-based touch screen computer, kitchen sink still not included
We've seen ridiculous fridge concepts from Electrolux before and covered Linux running on all types of gadgets, so it's only natural that the OS has found its way into an icebox developed by Electrolux's Brazilian subsidiary in partnership with ProFusion Embedded Systems. Dubbed the Infinity I-Kitchen, it sports a Linux-based 800 x 480 touchscreen computer built around a 400Mhz Freescale i.MX25 SoC -- which itself is based on 400MHz ARM926EJ-S core and already used in some automotive systems. The touch UI was developed by the open source organization Enlightenment Foundation Libraries and allows users to control a variety of fridge functions like internal temperature in addition to running apps for notes, calendars, contacts, photos, and recipes. All of the particular open source code modifications developed for the fridge have also been shared back with the community in Tux-approved fashion and will soon be posted to Electrolux's site too. Unfortunately, there's no mention however of features like internet connectivity (WiFi or otherwise), USB ports, or SD Card slots being on the appliance. Likewise, details on pricing or availability are also unknown, so your iPhone can hold off on making those the jealousy-fueled fat jokes for now.
Electrolux Bio Robot Refrigerator: because you want to store your food in ectoplasm
Well, what do we have here? Oh, just an insane fridge concept that we can really get behind... because we want to store our food in green goo without using any electricity. The Bio Robot refrigerator works by cooling a biopolymer gel via luminescence. Food gets loaded into the gel, and the surface tension of the gel creates an individual pod for each piece added, meaning that nothing is touching anything else, and no odors transfer. The refrigerator itself would take up a lot less space than current models, and could apparently be stored horizontally, vertically, or in zero gravity conditions! So how close to reality is this thing? Sadly, probably not very. Hit up the source for more images of this kitchen beauty.
Drozid: the tune-playing, gun-toting, unmanned autonomous mini-fridge (update)
When Katie Wilson, media designer with our friends at Make, went to pick up her pup recently, she was greeted not by the dog-sitter. Instead, it was Drozid -- part electric wheelchair, part refrigerator, part robot, wielding a laser-scoped air rifle -- that arrived with her change (and a cold beer). Technical details are scant, but it appears to have some obstacle avoidance capabilities (it deftly maneuvers around the parking lot, and even engages in a little soccer with a blue ball) and sports a front-mounted camera for POV monitoring from the inventor's remote compound (garage). Hit the coverage link below to see the thing in action. Update: Just got a pretty awesome email from Shawn, the man behind the robot. He says it's currently being controlled remotely (as demonstrated in the video), but he is working on "a micro-controller brain with ultra sonic sensors and all that other stuff (compass, IR proximity, X-Bee, and more cameras)." And the impetus behind this project? "To fetch beer from the store around the corner." Brilliant!
LG's magical sliding fridge drawers: how did we ever live without them?
Sure, we know you get most of your hot, breaking fridge news from our pals over at Fridgegadget, but if you'll excuse us just this once as we bring to you news of LG's latest and greatest: the "Ultra-Capacity 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator." This little number not only has the "world's largest" water and ice dispenser, but has push-button automatic sliding freezer drawers. Check out the enthralling video after the break -- you won't be sorry!
AT&T's fridge even more rotten than its 3G streaming limits
Look we're all guilty of generating a little fridge-fuzz now and again. A practice that's disgusting at home turns downright antisocial at the office. Or near-fatal if you work at AT&T's San Jose office where a dirty fridge sent 7 people to the hospital yesterday. The incident started when an office refrigerator was found unplugged and stuffed with moldy food. While cleaning the fridge, the combination of chemical solvents with neatly labeled cups of rotting yoghurt and pork-roast parfaits created a cloud of toxic fumes that prompted a 911 call and the dispatch of a hazmat team. 28 people in total were treated for nausea and vomiting. AT&T: More SARS in more places.
Gorenje debuts Made for iPod fridge
It may not be ensconced in Swarovski crystals like some of its other fridges, but Gorenje seems to think it has a winner on its hands with its new Made for iPod fridge, which it says will conquer contemporary kitchens just as "iPod has conquered the world." Apparently designed specifically for what Gorenje describes as the "the cult iPod touch," the fridge of course boasts the usual iPod dock, as well as pair of built-in speakers of unspecified kitchen-shaking ability. Gorenje also takes things one step further with its iGorenje web portal, which is, you guessed it, optimized for the iPhone or iPod touch. It'll not only give you the usual recipes and other information, but control over other household appliances that are connected via WiFi, although Gorenje is quick to point out that's still only in a test version. No word on a price or release date just, but given Gorenje's penchant for pricey appliances, you can be sure it won't come cheap.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
World of WarCrafts: Midsummer magnet
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.Celebrate Midsummer with this one-of-a-kind novelty. Whether you're wanting to post your grocery list on the fridge or hang a picture of your latest crush in your locker, now you can do it with style. Here is what you will need: Polymer Clay (premo! turquoise and gold) Circle Clay Cutters Xacto Knife Adhesive Magnet Scissors Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions. %Gallery-26162%
Ford Flex fridge + Ohio = license to DUI
The biggest problem with the mid-Western drive-thru isn't the fact that you can readily purchase alcohol from the dank comforts of your old hoopdie, it's the dilemma presented in keeping that beer-flavored soda chilled for duration. Enter the $760 fridge on Ford's new Flex guzzler. The add-on drops up to seven, 12-oz cans of room-temp suds down to 41-degrees F in 2.5 hours. It'll also keep things a frosty 23-degrees in freezer mode. Add anti-drunk-proofing option and watch the car implode.[Buddy's Beer Barn photo courtesy of mpaulda]
Whirlpool's centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution
Though Whirlpool managed to pick up a few new partners to make gizmos that played nice with its life-simplifying centralpark connection system back in January, there still aren't many options out there to make good use of it. Thankfully, the outfit has just lassoed in Mobility Electronics, which is all set to reveal its iGo charging station for centralpark refrigerators; the unit will enable users to juice up cellphones, DAPs, laptops and pretty much any other rechargeable gadget out there from the comfort of their own kitchen. The forthcoming device will obviously be compatible with every last iGo tip, theoretically allowing you to recharge "over 2,700 different gadgets with the simple switch of a tip." No word on pricing / availability, however.[Via CNET, thanks Yossi]
Cooltone mini fridge keeps tunes, beverages on tap
As far as gadget-enhanced fridges go, this Cooltone one leaves a bit to be desired, but it still packs enough unnecessary excess to attract some attention, although actual sales might be another matter. On the fridge side of things, it'll hold twenty 400ml cans and it boasts a so-called Quick Cool feature that'll get things "cooling within seconds." On the less practical part of the equation, the fridge boasts a top-loading CD player, an AM/FM radio, some built-in speakers and, of course, a line-in port to accommodate your iPod or other MP3 player (no iPod dock though). That can all be controlled with the included remote, and the fridge can also be hooked up to some external speakers in case you prefer music that doesn't sound like it's coming out of a fridge. From the looks of it, the fridge is shipping now, with it setting you back £130 (or $264).[Via Pocket-lint]
Reader WoWspace: Skyghene
Maybe it's just me, but I read Skyghene as rhyming with Hygene, and so I get a little extra chuckle when checking out this week's Reader WoWspace. I mean, it's totally cool and all to take some snapshots of your space as it exists in its regular state, unlike the cleaned and polished spaces we sometimes see here, and I'm so digging the microwave, but.. well.. maybe it's the paper towel roll that just sends me over the top and makes me laugh. I love it, and now I really want a mini fridge and a microwave in my home office. Hi, my name is Skyghene im a 65 undead rogue on Magtheridon and this is my WoWspace:- Desk- Custom built computer- Fridge under the desk for those endurance sessions- Microwave beside computer for really intense endurance sessions- brown sugar cinnamon poptarts to keep me going- Logitech g15 keyboard- My desk as it slowly bends downward from all the weight on it- Razer copperhead mouse- alot of empty cups- old plates- my cell phone- an old video camera- old packs of guitar strings- some old usb cablesShort and sweet from Skyghene, but the photos really make up for the lack of long monologue, don't they? What's the coolest non-computer item in your WoWspace? Do you have something better than a microwave or a bar fridge? Let us know here, and send in YOUR space, including photos, a list of elements, and what about it makes it special to you, and we'll feature it here in the upcoming weeks. Submit yours to "readerwowspace at gmail dot com" today!
Siemens refrigerator gets hacked, adds RFID communication
Although we'd prefer at least a few things in our domicile remain non-intelligent, hooking our refrigerator up with a mind doesn't sound like a half bad idea. Sure, Samsung's already on the ball, but anyone interested in receiving SMS alerts about how out of date their milk is, which peanut butter not to buy, and whether Sally's favorite sherbet is all but empty isn't down with waiting another year. Thanks to Kim Otto of Denmark's Innovation Lab, along with RFID labels / readers, copper wiring, a PragmaSoft-enabled computer, and a (previously) TV-equipped fridge, the task has already been accomplished. Reportedly, the Siemens smart fridge prototype can judge all sorts of facts from foodstuffs that are tagged with RFID, and considering that it's also connected to the internet, it can be made to beam out emails or text messages to alert you of dwindling supplies or warn you of recalled produce. Best of all, the folks even took the time to video the newfangled creation, so be sure to click on through for the not-even-for-sale fridge of your dreams.[Via BoingBoing]
Whirlpool unveils LCD-equipped centralpark Connection refrigerator
We already you know like to host parties at your pad rather than skirting out to a nearby club, but what good is a Party Dishwasher without a LCD-equipped refrigerator beside it? Enter Whirlpool's centralpark Connection, which boasts an "interchangeable interface (built-in LCD shown) that allows you to plug in an MP3 player, cellphone, digital photo album or a DVD / CD player" to keep your kitchen guests entertained. Aside from all the party luxuries, it also boasts an obligatory brushed aluminum finish, automatic ice / water dispenser, and a vertical freezer compartment. Notably, Whirlpool also states that this unit can keep family members in touch with "an interactive message board, web tablet, or family calendar," yet doesn't give us the slightest clue about how these nifty features are actually pulled off. Nevertheless, for folks looking to add a dash of excitement to an otherwise mundane kitchen mainstay can check out the centralpark Connection when it lands in limited quantites this Fall (mass rollout next Spring), but for now, click on through for a closeup.[Via BornRich]
Invisible appliances on display
Well, not completely invisible -- that'd be downright dangerous. The stylish dryer pictured above was just one of the appliances proudly displaying its innards at the National Electronics' Innovation Station exhibit in Japan recently, apparently making use of "natural dry air" to conserve energy (we're hoping that's not a roundabout way of saying it's a glorified plastic box). Also not shy to show off its contents was a transparent fridge (pictured after the break), which looks even more suspiciously non-functional but does provide plenty of space for your various beverages. No word on price or availability, naturally, although given the chances that they'll ever find their way over here, we wouldn't suggest that you hold off on any refrigerator / dryer purchases you've been planning. [Via Engadget Chinese]
LG's dual screen, HDTV-equipped refrigerator
LG's upping the LCD equation in its gadget-happy refrigerators once again, with its latest model, the LSC27990TT, sporting dual displays so you won't have to forgo a minute of your compulsive TV viewing to check the weather. The main display is a 15-inch 1,024 x 768 number -- able to connect to a DVD player if you choose -- while its smaller counterpart takes things down to a wee 4-inches for use with LG's "weather and info center." Other non-traditional refrigerating capabilities include an FM radio, recipe bank, calendar, and digital photo album, as well as a "CustomCube" ice maker -- though we're guessing there's probably a strict limit to its customization (meaning we'll have to keep carving out our Engadget "e" ice cubes by hand). While the folks at Electronic House are sayin' that this $3,600 appliance won't be available until next year, it looks like there's plenty of retailers listing it as in stock.[Via CE Pro]
But can it cook?
One cooking game, it seems, was not enough -- Nintendo of Japan is bringing another kitchen assistant to the handheld, and this time it has a nifty accessory. Forget silicon protectors or oversized Ziploc bags, get a magnetic holder for your DS and stick it on the fridge out of splash-range. We're not sure if the accessory will be packaged in with the title, but it would make sense. DS Kondate Zenshu, apparently a sequel to the earlier Cooking DS (not to be confused with Cooking Mama), contains over 1000 recipes and will include WiFi functionality. Looks like we better start those Japanese lessons ... if only someone would do something similar for an English audience!
Gorenje Eye-Catchers: Get an iced out fridge for 10,000
Clearly there's one niche market that the über-rich must have been clamoring for to the appliance manufacturers of the world: how to combine a fridge with obscene amounts of shinyness? Fear not, Gorenje UK, the British division of a company from <strike>the former Yugoslavia</strike> Slovenia, has developed an extremely limited line of refrigerators (known appropriately as "The Eye-Catchers") lined with rows upon rows of Swarovski crystals (7,000 to be precise). Act now kids, because Gorenje is only making 10 of these, and they retail for £10,000 (nearly $19,000). For that price, the combined 331 L (87.4 gallons) capacity fridge-freezer also comes with a radio receiver, a "cookery book" (we assume that's a cookbook), voice messages and a voice alarm. You can catch a glimpse of one of these on the company's website, and at Harrods in London. This fridge too rich for you? Don't worry, there's a budget model priced at only £1400 -- but it only comes with 3500 crystals, so really, what's the point of that? More photos on the flip side. [Via Pocket Lint]
Electrolux Cyber fridge and "WoW" appliances
It seems the new Cyber fridge from Electrolux is a concession to the true purpose of this kind of PC-excess: bragging rights. Sure, it's fun to say that you can surf the Internet from a touchscreen computer built into your refrigerator, but who really has time for that? That's why Electrolux was kind enough to slap the display in the most awkward place imaginable, so you're not even tempted to check your email or look up a recipe on the thing. Another example of the incredible practicality that Electrolux builds into all of their appliances can be viewed after the break. Their "War on White" (WoW) set of washer, dryer and refrigerator manages to look sexy in spite of a totally random and prominently featured silhouette of a random lady wearing a hat. True design genius.Read - Cyber fridgeRead - "WoW" appliances
