Mallrats
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Tokyoflash Kisai Optical Illusion watch is more than meets the eye, smells like teen spirit
Back in the mid-90s, Magic Eye had a brief reign as the monger of stereogram cool -- you know, those hidden 3D images you could only see with crossed vision. While the flames of that mini-craze mercifully died out, it appears some diehard, grunge-era revivalist over at Tokyoflash is prepping a wrist piece comeback for the low-tech made notorious by Mallrats. Reincarnated as the Kisai Optical Illusion, this concept-to-design LCD watch incorporates high-resolution diagonal lines on its touch screen display that reveal the time to trained eyes. But if your peepers are out of practice, don't worry, there's also a handy shortcut button that ought to clarify things a bit. As with all of the outfit's pretty, but pointless chronological kit, this particular limited edition model will retail for $179 as part of a special two-day sale, after which it'll jump to $199. Like what you can't see? Then bust out the flannel, lace up those Docs and prepare your plastic for processing when this digital ticker hits virtual shelves.
Defying App Store dogma with the Kevin Smith app
The question is this: If an application that simulates flatulence is worth 99 cents, is it reasonable to spend the same amount on an app that delivers a full-force, stun-an-elephant dosage of information about one cult actor/director? We're about to find out: here comes the Kevin Smith app [iTunes link], for everything Kevin Smith and all your Kevin Smith needs. If you're thinking "Who is Kevin Smith and why should I care?" you can tune out now; this app isn't for you. If you quote Chasing Amy, have dressed up as a character from Clerks for Halloween, and voluntarily chose to see Jersey Girl: it's your lucky day. The $0.99 app includes a custom feed of candid Kevin photos, a single-user Twitter client (!) so you can follow Kevin's 140-character bon mots, news feeds from Kevin's site with podcast/media downloads, a "photo with Silent Bob" tool, a Rant soundboard of Kevin quips... even a Kevin ringtone to go with your Kevin wallpaper. I am not making any of this up. In fairness to Kevin and his development team, I don't think they're taking themselves completely seriously here -- and if when Kevin and co. come to Macworld Expo to promote the app, you can bet we will be there to get an in-person demo. To quote the man, the myth, the legend: Yes, it may be the Pet Rock of the 21st century. But be honest: you've spent .99 cents on way dumber crap. If you're remotely into my nonsense, at the very least, this me-centric app will make you smile. At the very most, you'll put a noose around your neck, utter "It's all for you, Official Kevin Smith iPhone App!", and step off a ledge. Let's hope your reaction's somewhere betwixt the two. I'm almost afraid to search the store to see what other single-subject apps have been officially endorsed by their celebrity co-creators. If you had to pick a person that was deserving of his or her own app (aside from Kevin Smith), who would it be and why?
