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The Popinator voice-activated popcorn launcher: because greasy hands are just so 2011 (update: yep, may become a product)
Before you ask: it looks like the real deal. Popcorn, Indiana has decided that it's just too much trouble to reach into that bag or bowl and has devised the Popinator, quite possibly the world's only smart popcorn launcher. A binaural microphone array on the machine's front listens for a clear "pop" command -- say the magic word and the Popinator will aim one of its many corn projectiles at your mouth, no hands required. We're still working to glean all the details, such as whether or not the snack delivery vehicle will be a commercial project and how much money it would take to install one at home (and, we'll admit it, the Engadget offices). In the meantime, you can hop past the break to catch one of the most appetizing and laid-back promo videos you've likely ever seen. [Thanks, Peter] Update: Popcorn, Indiana has answered back and says the Popinator is currently an in-house project, but it may well become something you can buy if everything lines up. We'll let the full statement speak for itself: "All we have to say is: it is a work in progress right now. We certainly hope that one day it will become a commercial project, but as of now there is no shipping date and no price tag. It is purely a fun internal project we are toying with here at Popcorn Indiana. Based on the very positive responses we are getting online, we think this is well worth looking into as a commercial product."
WoW Moviewatch: Snacky's Journal, Episode 4
One of the mainstays at BlizzCon is the machinima contest – talented artists submit their movie ahead of the convention in hopes of winning fame and prizes. This year's BlizzCon is no different, and we're sure to see some great videos during the largest gathering of WoW players outside of Azeroth. Over the next few days let's take a look back at some of the winners and runner ups of last year's movie competition.The Grand Prize winner for last year's Machinima contest, and also the winner in the Drama/Romance category was Snacky's Journal, Episode 4. I can definitely see why it won. It has a great story, voice acting, editing -- it's just an all around, well done piece of movie fun.You see, Snacky is coerced (bribed) to go on a blind double date with his friend, only to find out that things are far more complicated... and profitable. I love the settings in Gadgetzan and the Darkmoon Faire, which are particularly appropriate considering the date is crossfaction. There is also an explanation in there as to why Murlocs have cash on them (though where the money is kept is still a mystery).I hope you enjoy it as much as The Spawn and I did. She's insisting on a replay. AFK.
Electrolux crowns champions in 2006 Design Lab contest
Electrolux has been known to crank out some wicked appliances (and other household gear) over the years, but now its getting a taste (ahem) of just how snazzy its lineup will be once these students hire in upon graduating. Engineering minds from all over the world submitted entries into the firm's 2006 Design Lab contest, and while props were (understandably) given to a plethora of participants, only three could claim top honors. Above all was the Nevale Food Carrier (pictured above), which rocks four separated layers for toting "different hot / cold meals" at once, and the digital screen atop its lid provides a real-time readout of the storage conditions while the built-in vacuum system keeps food "fresh and free from bacteria." The first runner up, dubbed The Organic Cook, puts a nasty right hook on Mr. Foreman's offering, as it touts "oil-free frying, grilling, and boiling using infrared technology and vacuum cooking." Taking home the bronze is VESSTO, a "sleekly-designed, portable cooker" that utilizes renewable energy as power via an "advanced version of the Stirling Engine," and also features touch-sensitive controls and a screen for displaying recipes. So if you're interested to know just how stylish your kitchen will look in just a few more years, be sure to click on for a few more snapshots, and hit the read link for the full rundown of spectacular contrivances.[Via Appliancist]
When gaming meets and eats gourmet
This week's Photoshop Phriday over at Something Awful once again relates to the wonderful world of video games, tasking fervent photochoppers to take their slicing and splicing skills into the kitchen. The cataclysmic combination of gaming and gourmet yields some absolutely ingenious (even delicious) results and should easily satiate your appetite for a good laugh. From Metal Gear Salads and organized crime omelettes to the frightening discovery of an obtuse vending machine in one of the ages of Myst, the selection is well worth sampling. [Image by Overbite. Thanks Lupos.]
