Engadget

Tactile kiss transmission device finally makes it okay to smooch your computer (video)

Vlad Savov — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:47:00 EST

They say the vast majority of communication is done physically rather than verbally, but in the realm of technological advances we seem to have rather neglected the transmission of physical contact. Thankfully, there's always Japan to provide us with off-the-wall innovations, this latest one being a kiss transmission device that will record, relay, and -- if you wish it -- replay your finest tongue gymnastics. It's the height of simplicity at the moment, with a plastic implement taking input from one person's mouth and conveying it to a second box, intended to be gobbled up by the recipient of this techno-affection, who may respond in kind or just sit back and enjoy the thrill of it. The researchers sagely point out that there's more to be done, as the sense of taste, manner of breathing, and moistness of the tongue are all important aspects of a kiss that have yet to be recreated. Once they do get their kiss transmitter to v2.0, however, they envision a pretty neat market for it in reselling kiss replays performed by celebrities. For now, you can see a celeb-free video demo after the break.

Continue reading Tactile kiss transmission device finally makes it okay to smooch your computer (video)

Tactile kiss transmission device finally makes it okay to smooch your computer (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp's Plasmacluster Ion Generator: refreshes skin, won't eradicate enemies

Darren Murph — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:48:00 EST

Akihabara is home to some rather unorthodox wares, but Japan's certainly seen it's fair share of ion generators over the years. Though, we have to say -- we've yet to see or hear of one with a name this good. Sharp's IG-CM1 is better known as the Plasmacluster Ion Generator (or Virus Buster, if you will), and so far as we can tell, it's a portable Ionic Breeze. In other words, this thing somehow cleans the air around the owner and rejuvenates their skin, and when the day's done, it'll recharge over USB. We know, it's all you can do to stifle that chuckle, but Sharp's clearly pretty serious about this thing. You know, judging by that stratospheric ¥17,950 ($210) price tag.

Sharp's Plasmacluster Ion Generator: refreshes skin, won't eradicate enemies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Takara Tomy Neckphones: wraparound pillow speaker, coming soon to a Skymall near you

Darren Murph — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST

It may not have the same charm as the Flying Pasties, but Takara Tomy's Neckphones definitely have the "it" factor. Perfect for lounging in a nearby water hole (or watering hole, we suppose), this blow-up neck pillow has a pair of stereo speakers strategically placed near your ear canals, and there's even a pouch that we'd never, ever trust to keep your PMP safe from the liquids below. We suppose you could also take this on a plane, but don't bring your grumbles over here when the gals in 16A and 18B take issue with you blasting Now That's What I Call Music! Volume 11 for the entire coach cabin to hear. We're guessing you'd need to contact an importer to pick one of these up outside of Japan, but you'll have to let go of at least ¥1,800 ($21). We're surmising the hit in respect will be far more detrimental than the MSRP, though.

Takara Tomy Neckphones: wraparound pillow speaker, coming soon to a Skymall near you originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watermelon cooler push cart: perfect for those sultry North Carolina summers

Darren Murph — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:57:00 EST

Crazily enough, the device you're staring at above -- jaw solidly on the floor, we're sure -- is real. As in, you can purchase one for you and yours. So far as we can tell, this here watermelon cart (priced at ¥19,950, or a whopping $231) serves to keep your voluptuous fruit cool when being transported from market to mouth, but everything beyond that is lost in translation. What's curious, however, is that this seems like a device created and sold exclusively in Japan. If we had to bet, though, we'd say it was originally dreamed up by a farmer in eastern North Carolina -- you know, the home of watermelon Cook-Out milkshakes, an official watermelon license plate and roads where chop-top school buses are frequently used as watermelon hauling machines.

Watermelon cooler push cart: perfect for those sultry North Carolina summers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Fingerist finds fame, retail opportunities in Japan (video)

Vlad Savov — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:21:00 EST

Japan tends to be on the weird side of any coin, and The Fingerist does nothing to undermine that reputation. This accessory for the iPhone and iPod touch was conceived at a "mutton BBQ restaurant" when one dude said to another that he needed an amp for his guitar app. Lo and behold, after an apparently successful CES appearance, the axe-imitating speaker thingie -- replete with a guitar strap and line-out to jack into real amplifiers -- is now on sale for ¥14,800 (or $150 for the rest of us). We can't wrap our minds around such an expense just for the privilege of fingering our touchscreens, but then you can make some pretty sweet music using these things (video evidence after the break).

Continue reading The Fingerist finds fame, retail opportunities in Japan (video)

The Fingerist finds fame, retail opportunities in Japan (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I-Fairy weds a couple of Japanese robot geeks (video)

Vlad Savov — Mon, 17 May 2010 05:03:00 EST

Don't act surprised. Japan, the land that just can't get enough of robots -- whether it's for cooking, entertainment or interstellar warfare -- now also conducts its weddings with the help of a ceremonial drone. Tomohiro Shibata and Satoko Inoue, who met in the course of their work in robotics, decided that getting married with the help of the I-Fairy bot you see above was a "natural choice." We'll just assume that's a translational quirk and not an ultra-ironic statement from the happy couple. The I-Fairy isn't quite as realistic as some of Kokoro's other humanoids, but it does come with flashing, anime-sized eyes, which we're gonna go ahead and assume are popular over in Nippon. Video after the break.

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I-Fairy weds a couple of Japanese robot geeks (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hiroshi Ishiguro's Geminoid-F humanoid mimics Earthlings, is definitely the beginning of the end (video)

Darren Murph — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:16:00 EST

Hiroshi Ishiguro (or his evil android twin, one) is back in business, and nearly four years after his Geminoid HI-1 startled youngsters everywhere, the Geminoid-F has arrived to consternate the grown-ups. Shown off this weekend in Osaka, Japan, the lifelike lady you see above (pictured left, just in case you were wondering) was designed to mimic human facial expressions that are fed in to its internal computer. The rubberized face has a rather insane amount of flexibility, enabling it to pull off subtle gestures that have thus far been impossible to replicate on a robot. Sly grins, angry glares and totally-fake smiles are all possible now, with developers hoping to have these in hospitals and the like in the not-too-distant future. Currently, copies of the humanoid are expected to sell for around ¥10,000,000 ($105,780), though it'll likely be robotics research organizations doing the majority of the buying. Hop on past the break for a video that's guaranteed to leave you stunned -- and while we're not fluent in Japanese, we're pretty sure someone asks if they "can rock that bad Larry on their dome."

Continue reading Hiroshi Ishiguro's Geminoid-F humanoid mimics Earthlings, is definitely the beginning of the end (video)

Hiroshi Ishiguro's Geminoid-F humanoid mimics Earthlings, is definitely the beginning of the end (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kami Kami bite counter keeps your kid masticating

Darren Murph — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:26:00 EST

We've no clue what kind of sick, demented parent would ever put their child through this, but for those with offspring who like to, say, swallow their hamburgers whole, we suppose it may come in handy. From the wide, wacky and utterly bizarre world that is Japanese gadgetry comes this: a bite counter from Nitto Kagaku. As you'd expect, the headgear keeps track of how many bites your kid takes, and it even plays a little jingle every 1,000 chews in order to celebrate the occasion. 'Course, there is the proven side effect of obesity, but at least they'll be making mincemeat out of everything they can get their hands on while gradually growing to 385 pounds.

[Via Engadget German]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wearables

Kami Kami bite counter keeps your kid masticating originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bandai's Peri Peri keychain lets you rip open shipping envelopes continually

Darren Murph — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:03:00 EST

Look, you don't have to explain to us how weird this thing is. Trust us, we fully understand. But as gadget editors, we have a certain love for receiving surprise packages and ripping 'em open as quickly as possible to discover what goodies reside within. Bandai's so-very-Japanese Peri Peri keychain is apt to appeal to the unboxers among us, as it recreates the unmistakable feeling of tearing open a rushed FedEx envelope. If there's a downside, it's that there's no new wares to be found after each opening, but on the other hand, at least there's no big dent on your credit card each time you "open" something new. Expect this gem to hit your keyring for just under $10 next month. Bonus video hosted up after the break.

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading Bandai's Peri Peri keychain lets you rip open shipping envelopes continually

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bandai's Peri Peri keychain lets you rip open shipping envelopes continually originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzukaze air conditioned seat cushion keeps the hindquarters cool

Darren Murph — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:23:00 EST

Kuchofuku is on the loose again, this time creating an air conditioned seat cushion to keep your fundament breezy. Reportedly, the unit can be powered via an AC adapter, car adapter or rechargeable batteries, and the built-in fan can move over 170 liters of air per minute in order to "dissipate heat and moisture around the buttocks that causes discomfort and sweating." Well, when you put it like that, $89 seems like a real bargain.

[Via Gearlog]

Filed under: Wearables

Suzukaze air conditioned seat cushion keeps the hindquarters cool originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smile trainer exercises mouth muscles, creeps us out

Darren Murph — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 11:55:00 EST

Considering that some digicams are emerging with built-in smile detection, we'd say whipping that grin of yours into shape might not be a half bad idea. Granted, Patakara's latest certainly isn't the first, but rather than just shaping your smile, this thing actually exercises the muscles around your mouth -- presumably to help you cheese more intensely for even longer periods of time (you superstar, you). Heck, there's even three models with different resistance levels for those totally committed. But let's be honest, you won't even give those fancy Body Trainer headphones a second glance -- are you really going to dedicate time each day for this? You are? Well, then by all means, hand over your ¥5,250 ($52) and get to chompin'.

[Via popgadget]

Filed under: Wearables

Smile trainer exercises mouth muscles, creeps us out originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neck-worn posture reminder keeps your back in check

Darren Murph — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:50:00 EST

No, we don't honestly expect any of you to actually lower your pride enough to replace those Mr. T-styled chains with a posture reminding bird, but at least you've got the option, right? The admittedly zany Sitting Pose Corrector and Reminder Alarm is apparently designed to hang 'round your neck and use internal sensors to determine just how far you're slouched over, and if that spine gets a bit too crooked, we assume it emits an embarrassing array of noises to straighten you back out. Again, we've no idea who'd submit themselves to this type of inhumane torture, but for just $8.43, it'd make for a swell gag gift.

[Via CNET]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Neck-worn posture reminder keeps your back in check originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SolidAlliance goes psychic with Aura Controller orb

Darren Murph — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 23:47:00 EST

If you thought Asus' Aura concept phone was otherworldly, you haven't seen anything yet. SolidAlliance is back yet again with another zany and completely unnecessary cellphone accessory that purportedly changes hues based on the planetary mojo that's currently going on around it. There's not much to the Aura Controller besides it varying colors in response to faux psychic waves and totally bulking up your pocket when it's getting carried around, but hey, that's the price you pay to stand out. As if we needed to tell you, this one can be one found in none other than Japan for about $27.

Filed under: Peripherals

SolidAlliance goes psychic with Aura Controller orb originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thanko's heating action continues with USB-powered Eye / Seat Warmers

Darren Murph — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 02:32:00 EST

Ah Thanko, how we adore your USB-powered oddities. From Japan's king of off off-the-wall gimmicks that are just too cute to pass over comes two new warming products just in time for the holidays. While we're sure the ladies are already rocking the G-Gloves, and the fellas are mousing it up within the toasty confines of their blue whale, here's two more reasons to leave the central heating unit off this winter. The USB-powered Eye and Seat Warmers (the winterized USBHCU01, pictured after the jump) both feature on / off switches and varying temperature controls, and receive all the power they need to keep you fired up from one of your sure-to-be-unoccupied USB ports. While the company is leaving us out in the cold regarding pricing or availability, we're sure these will be stuffing stockings everywhere in just a few weeks.

[Via Uber-Review]

Continue reading Thanko's heating action continues with USB-powered Eye / Seat Warmers

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

Thanko's heating action continues with USB-powered Eye / Seat Warmers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 02:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thanko's hand-warming mousepad is Shamu-approved

Darren Murph — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:02:00 EST

Just in case you're too manly to rock the oh-so-toasty G-Gloves, and the hand-warming mouse wasn't functional enough, Thanko's busting out yet another zany offering to get your fingers (and hand, and wrist) nice and warm during the sub-zero winters some of us must endure. The USB / AC-powered, um, blue whale sports an insulated compartment to stuff your plain ole mouse as well as your mousing hand. There's also a "high / low" switch to control the fiery depths within, and just in case you'd rather not use your insulating mammal while on the PC, you can optionally connect it to any AC power source and attempt to shove both hands in simultaneously. The warm whale mousepad is available now to heat up those long, freezing evenings spent perusing through Engadget archives for just ¥2,480 ($21).

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Peripherals

Thanko's hand-warming mousepad is Shamu-approved originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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