StuffedAnimal
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Firefox G-Fox: Plush Edition (hands-on)
With the introduction of Google's Chrome and stepped-up games from the likes of Internet Explorer and Safari, Firefox is arguably not quite the darling of the browser wars it was when it first hit the scene in 2003. And while Mozilla has certainly made progress on that front, the organization understands that diversifying is an important factor in the future success of the company, first through Thunderbird and more recently through the Firefox OS, a mobile operating system targeted toward users in developing nations. G-Fox, meanwhile, marks a decidedly different direction for the foundation, which has made its name in the world of software. It's an adorable attempt, perhaps, to take the world's bedrooms and playrooms by storm. The plush is the real-world port of G-Fox, Mozilla Online China's large-headed, big-eyed take on the American mascot, Kit. The fox was first spotted in the wild at last year's Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai. Mozilla Online wasn't talking it up too much at the event, but naturally, we couldn't wait to get our hands on an early build. And for a first-generation product in a new space, we have to say, in the whole time we've been playing around with G-Fox, we've yet to encounter a single crash or slowdown in spite of extensive squeezing, head patting and tossing up in the air, adorably.
Stuffed Toys Alive! replaces mechanical limbs with strings for a much softer feel (hands-on)
It worked just fine for Pinocchio, so why not animatronic stuffed bears? A group of researchers from the Tokyo University of Technology are on hand at SIGGRAPH's Emerging Technologies section this week to demonstrate "Stuffed Toys Alive!," a new type of interactive toy that replaces the rigid plastic infrastructure used today with a seemingly simple string pulley-based solution. Several strings are installed at different points within each of the cuddly gadget's limbs, then attached to a motor that pulls the strings to move the fuzzy guy's arms while also registering feedback, letting it respond to touch as well. There's not much more to it than that -- the project is ingenious but also quite simple, and it's certain to be a hit amongst youngsters. The obligatory creepy hands-on video is waiting just past the break.%Gallery-162161%
Wiiwaa is the greatest Wii game ever made, we assume
Wiiwaa is a forthcoming Wii game which involves you cramming your Wiimote into the mouth of the bizarre stuffed animal you see... oh just watch the video after the break.
World of WarCrafts: Voidwalker plush
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.This week, instead of showing you how to make something, I want to focus on something that someone else has created.My main is a human warlock (yeah, Alliance here) and as such I have a soft spot for all things blueberry. So when I happened across this über cute plush voidwalker by seller Glowgoyle on Etsy, I instantly fell in love. I happened to forward the link to my husband who later surprised me with it as a gift.Now it sits proudly on my desk amongst my other toys and assorted WoWCrafts. The plushie itself is very well-made and is about 15 inches tall. The crafter was awesome enough to include a stand and the final coup de grâce is that the eyes glow in the dark.There's a possibility that Glowgoyle might make more in the future so definitely keep an eye on her Etsy shop.
Textorm unloads Puppy Dog Webcam for adoption
If you're looking to add some "cute" to those otherwise drab vlog entries, and that brushed aliminum iSight has worn out its welcome, Textorm's animal of a webcam is sure to elicit a smile or two. The aptly-named Puppy Dog Webcam ditches the typical monitor mounted approach and provides a more playful alternative to broadcasting yourself. Stuffed within the fluffy cotton and soft fur is a scant 1.3 megapixel webcam that apparently isn't even complimented by an integrated microphone or light source, which gives the (probably accurate) impression that this pup is all bark and no bite. Nevertheless, we assume the canine can pull double duty as a child's toy, and while the dangling USB cable may become a minor hazard, it's unlikely to be as dangerous as the exploding Helly Kitty. Regardless, the pitifully spec'd Puppy Dog Webcam is available now for €22.95 ($29), but the surefire compliments you'll receive from the ladies (or fellas) are included gratis.[Via Red Ferret]
The USB-powered hamster wheel
If your office isn't quite overrun with newfangled USB-powered devices, well, maybe it should be. Joining the staggeringly-long list of lava lamps, seat coolers, deco lights, and other curious adornments, the USB hamster wheel is yet another incredibly novel way to make a spare USB port feel appreciated. Although most of these gizmos distract you (and your co-workers) from meeting those deadlines, this rodent could very well assist in boosting your productivity level. After the little guy's software is loaded up and he's all plugged in, just start typing to see his wee legs start to move. The quicker you type, the quicker he scurries, and we assume you don't even have to type actual words to get that wheel a-spinnin'; if an alarming stream of smoke begins to form, you can let the critter cool off by just flipping the on / off switch. Oddly enough, this USB-powered device still requires a couple AA batteries to operate, but if you need an alternate form of motivation to get you going each morning, the hamster wheel is available now for £24.95 ($47).[Via Uber-Review]
