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Never worry about leaving the stove top on ever again
The first time someone says "smart stove knobs," you instantly conclude that the technology industry needs an intervention. But while the Inirv React's concept seems gently ridiculous, the product itself makes you wonder why nobody thought of this before. Essentially, it's a series of powered dials that sit on your gas range, letting you turn them off remotely with your smartphone. Even more impressive, however, is that a nearby sensor can do it automatically if it senses heat, gas or that you've left the house.
Smart stove knobs help you prevent a house fire
You can already buy connected ranges that offer remote control and prevent kitchen disasters. But what about your existing range -- are you really going to replace it just for some extra convenience and peace of mind? You might not have to. Inirv is crowdfunding the React, a smart stove knob system that upgrades most any electric or gas stove. You can control individual burners through your phone, of course, but the real star of the show is a sensor that sits on your ceiling. If it detects gas, smoke or prolonged inactivity, it automatically shuts off active burners. You shouldn't have to worry about sparking a house fire just because you forgot to switch the stove off before you left for the movies.
Oculus is building a VR web browser, codenamed 'Carmel'
Today at Oculus Connect, co-founder Nate Mitchell announced that the company is working on a fully VR web browser. It's dubbed "Carmel," emphasis on the "mel," and is "fully optimized for VR." This follows the likes of Google making aspects of Chrome on mobile, for instance, browsable in virtual reality. On top of that, Oculus is working toward more web-based VR stuff in general with tech called React. React is the framework for making web experiences more VR ready, all without the need to download huge program files. One of the demos on stage, for instance, was a car configurator from Renault. Developing...
Elders wait for traffic, play Grand Theft Auto 5
The Fine Brothers offered another React Gaming video, but unlike the youthful ones in the past, this one features senior citizens taking Grand Theft Auto 5 out for a spin. The charming video shows the elderly folks stealing cars, shooting civilians and above all else, obeying traffic signals. Grand Theft Auto 5's PC version will launch on March 24. The channel's previous reaction videos included teens playing Mario Kart 64, commenting on the Game Boy as well as just plain sucking at Mega Man. Another video features Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams discussing the absurdness of Nintendo's NES. Now that The Fine Brothers delved into senior players reacting to video games, we don't know if these videos make us feel overly young or old. [Image: Rockstar Games]
Police investigating lost iPhone prototype raid Gizmodo editor's home
The backstory of the lost fourth-gen iPhone prototype acquired by Gizmodo last week is certainly already the stuff of some legend, but hold on tight, because it just got even wilder: Giz editor Jason Chen's house was apparently raided by California's REACT computer crimes task force under the authority of a search warrant on Friday night and his computers and several other items were seized. That means a criminal investigation led by the San Mateo police and district attorney is almost certainly in full swing, which is, well, crazy. As you know, we published images of the iPhone prototype last Saturday, so we're tracking this story as closely as we know all of you are. For now hang tight and we'll share more info as we get it. Update: TechCrunch reports that the investigation is on hold for now following claims by Gawker that Chen should be protected under California's Shield Laws, meant to help protect journalists from revealing sources. The District Attorney will reportedly reevaluate whether those laws do apply, and as such will not go through the seized possessions until a decision's been reached in the coming days.
Psyclone / React Wiimote chargers recalled due to fire hazard
Wii owners, you just can't catch a break, can you? First you're busting up the TV when all you ever wanted was a little ball-free faux-bowling action, and then there's that Rock Band controller / chemical burn fiasco. And now? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has just announced a voluntary recall of a little something called the 4-Dock Battery Recharge Station. This guy (available from Target, Toys R Us, and Amazon.com under the Psyclone brand, or from Best Buy under the React name) has been recharging batteries, excessively overheating batteries, posing fire risks, and burning the occasional hand since they first went on sale in January, 2008. Think you may have one of the offending units? Don't just call the Waaaambulance -- hit that read link and demand satisfaction! [Via GamesIndustry.biz]
React Recharge Dock powers 4 Wiimotes for $50
React's Wii Recharge Dock isn't just a little bit late to the party but, at $50, it's a little pricier than some of the competition. But then we got to figuring that since it charges the four included 550 mAh batteries in four Wiimotes, not just two, the proportional value is clear. And considering the Wiimote is scientifically proven to eat batteries the way Mario downs mushrooms, some of you might consider a device such as this nothing short of a necessity, what with Brawl coming soon and all.
React's Guitar Hero pedals mean you're potentially taking this too seriously
Here's one that needs little explanation: one pedal activates Star Power, the other one fiddles with the whammy bar. That keeps your arms and fingers free to Guitar Hero, and since the React Standalone Pedal is wireless and works with any PS2 guitar, you shouldn't have too much hassle tossing this on to your garishly patterned carpet and proceeding to rock. It's available now for $25. [Via Joystiq]
React unveils the Reaper Guitar Hero controller
We're not sure what to make of React's claims that current Guitar Hero controllers are "basic" and "uninspiring," since we can think of plenty of rockers who wielded those classic Gibson shapes, but even still, React's new Reaper Guitar Hero axe looks pretty sweet. The wireless PS2 controller features a J-Bass-on-steroids body shape, glossy black neck and some wild skull graphics guaranteed to intimidate your challengers. No word on price, but React tells us they'll be popping up in Best Buy later this month. Check the read link for some more pics.
