Believe us, we've seen a variety of unorthodox thermometers before, but this one just shines in a very special way. Brando's USB indoor / outdoor thermometer ($22) is pretty self-explanatory, but we'll humor you a bit by going into detail. The unit itself is powered via your USB port and provides a much more precise reading than those silly weather websites that just take samples from an area nearby. There's even software bundled in to log readings every second for 12 whole hours. Science project, anyone?

[Via Coolest Gadgets]

C'mon, we know there are a few of you out there who couldn't keep a potted plant alive if a botanist was holding your hand, but there's hope for you all yet. At least, there is if QianJun Gao's masterpiece ever makes it past the drawing board. This eloquently dubbed Practice Plant features a trio of "flowers" that display barometric readings and turn colors depending on status, and the surrounding leaves will droop to signify their need for attention. Thankfully, even the brownest of thumbs could always restart this puppy and try again, and with enough trial runs, maybe one day those hanging baskets wouldn't sway out of your way as you waltz by.

[Via YankoDesign]

As if your options when scouting a replacement Xbox 360 case weren't endless enough, here's yet another alternative to ponder. XCMLive's Hot Rock Case may not do much to actually cool your potentially toasty console, but the LED-infused enclosure sports a digital thermometer that informs users of just how warm things are getting within. Additionally, the internal lights change color depending on the temperature range, and if it gets beyond a certain point (118-degrees Fahrenheit), the obligatory "flashing red" will act as your cue to take a momentary break or submerge your console in dry ice. No word yet on pricing or availability, but be sure to check an alternate shot after the break.

[Thanks, Bobb]

The University of Washington's Deepglider won't go down as the first manmade projectile to scour the ocean for random (albeit useful) tidbits of information, but it does sport an ultra-modern frame and energy source that certainly sets it apart. Similar to the nuke detector, Edinburgh Duck, and the bevy of other submarines used for the benefit of mankind, this concoction is used to capture underwater data to aid researchers in discovering more about global warming and seafloor conditions, but its autonomous nature and carbon fiber enclosure gives it the ability to remain underwater "for up to a year" and sink to depths of nearly 9,000 feet. The 71-inch long, 138-pound device carries sensors to measure "oceanic conditions including salinity and temperature," and when not patrolling the seas based on satellite-driven controls, it can transmit the data remotely using the same signal path in reverse. Notably, the torpedo-like device boasts an energy-efficient, battery-powered design that allows it to stay submerged for ridiculous amounts of time without needing a recharge, and while we're not too sure if its researchers are too caught up in its unmatched diving abilities to notice how swank the power system is, they've apparently got a good thing going.