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Fungus headphones offer a glimpse at the renewable future of electronics
It turns out headphones are the perfect product to showcase the potential for growing electronics. The typical set has a mix of plastic, leather and mesh -- not the most environmentally friendly ingredients. To prove that we could swap those out for yeast, mushrooms and other microbe-grown materials, Finish design studio Aivan created headphones made from bioplastics and microbe derivatives.
Ultra-limited edition 3DSes are adorable, no you can't have one
An intrinsic, universal facet of human nature is that we as people consistently want what we can't have. It's deeply rooted in our species' collective subconscious, silently driving our passions for incredible, unobtainable stuff. The Japanese Club Nintendo has a healthy track record for producing some of the most amazingly unavailable swag in our industry's long, storied history of unavailable swag, but we think these new limited edition 3DSes rank in at number one on our "Most Impossible Dreams" list. The 3DSes, named "Peach," "Mario" and "Super Kinoko," natch, are being produced in limited numbers (1,000 each) for Nintendo's "A Little Mario-like 3DS" campaign. Japanese Club Nintendo members who register two games between now and January 15 will be automatically entered to win one of these adorable little 3DSes. Club members will also receive a free copy of the 3D Classics port of Kid Icarus upon entering. So! If you're a Japanese Club Nintendo member, we hope you can feel our burning envy through your monitor. Unless you win one, in which case we'd love to have you over for poison tea some time.
Mushroom TelePorter does HD streaming over cellular, won't beam your on-air talent anywhere
If you need to be live and on the scene but can't be followed around with a remote truck and its retractable 100-foot antenna, you need a TelePorter. The camel-case 'P' should tell you that this is not the final realization of Gene Roddenberry's dream, rather a device created by Mushroom Networks, long known for products with goofy names like the PortaBella, which aggregates the bandwidth from multiple wireless modems to make one super mobile hotspot. The TelePorter basically takes that tech and adds some video wizardry to it, plus packaging that enables it to be mounted to the back of a camera. The result is live, full-HD streaming of footage straight from the camera and into the ether. Mushroom wouldn't tell us a price, saying that it varies based on configuration, but unless your camera's as big as the one pictured after the break we're thinking this might just put a real hurting on your budget.
Dell to trial mushroom-based packaging on servers, hugs IT hippies
We've already seen Dell embracing the bamboo woods to package its products, so what's next for Round Rock's green fingers? Mushrooms, apparently. Unveiled at the Fortune Brainstorm Green conference yesterday is a biodegradable cushioning tray, which is grown -- yes, grown -- out of a mold stuffed with old cotton hulls, mushroom spawn, and nutritious agricultural waste. While it does take about five to ten days for the mycelium (aka mushroom root) to form the desired shape, the merit of such process is that all the energy required for the manufacture is provided by the recycled waste, thus reducing other energy dependencies. What's more, this fungal packaging has already passed Dell's extensive lab tests "like a champ," and it'll soon be trialed on Multipack packaging shipments for the PowerEdge R710 servers. If you want to thank Michael, he'll be in his usual tree house.
SolidAlliance's Crazy Earphones v2: because ear fungus sells
Japan's SolidAlliance earned a warm place in our collective nerd bosom long ago for the sheer lunacy of the products it creates. Today it's offering round two of its Crazy Earphone collection that includes some kind of mushroom (that is a mushroom, right?), the ol' Katana blade or arrow through the head trick, and a parasitical, conjoined ear if you want everyone to think you've been subjected to a tragic cloning experiment. Spec-wise your ¥2,000 (about $22) will take home a pair of in-ear buds with 20 ~ 20,000Hz frequency range assisted by a 10-mm driver. Not that it matters: there's no chance in hell that you're buying these for performance reasons.%Gallery-86590%
Mushroom Networks announces new wireless "Broadband Bonding" technology
Mushroom Networks has been in the "broadband bonding" business for quite a while now, but we're guessing they're going to find a few more fans with their new wireless broadband gear, which promises the fastest cellular-based internet connection to date. Like the company's previous PortaBella device (pictured above, not exactly to scale), its new rig can combine up to four different cellular data cards into a single high-speed connection, but this one is fully portable (just over a pound) and, perhaps most importantly, it has an optional battery pack that'll let you be truly mobile with it. That, Mushroom says, makes the device ideal for a whole range of applications that can be a bit tricky with a single modem, like mobile TV broadcasting or temporary offices set up in a disaster area. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing just yet, but it doesn't exactly take much guesstimating to figure out that it's likely not the most cost-effective solution around.
If you've been waiting for a Blooper hoodie, today's your lucky day
We've seen enough clothing branded with 1-up mushrooms to last us several lifetimes (which is sort of ironic), but other items in lastactioncowboy's new line-up of Nintendo clothing feature characters that haven't been so drastically overused. We've not seen too many Blooper hoodies, for example, while Bob-omb underwear is a new one to us.Admittedly, probably none of this stuff is as effortlessly cool or obscure as those Sega-themed t-shirts from The King of Games, but then it's also not as horrendously pricey -- just $40 for a hoodie, or $18 per piece of underwear.%Gallery-21841%[Via That Girl's Site]
Rock Band Mushroom Drum Pads: nearly too awesome to hit
Until very recently, Rock Band on the Wii was little more than a pipe dream. Still, that didn't stop Jennifer and Vance from whipping up what's likely the hottest Rock Band drum kit mod we've seen to date -- one Mario and friends would unquestionably appreciate. We doubt the shrooms will help those fragile pads resist breakage if you're heavy-handed by nature, but it's entirely likely to make rocking out that much more fun when banging on these guys. Leap on past the break for a video demonstration, and check the read link for lots more pics.
Knit yourself a few extra lives
Any knitters out there in DS Fanboy land? We've seen a few in the comments from time to time, so we've got something for you: patterns for mushroom toys! Now you can make your own mushrooms for extra lives or embiggening (that look a little like stuffed socks), and hug them and squeeze them for hours on end. We do not, however, recommend that you eat them.This blogger, sadly, cannot knit, and not for lack of trying. After a single row, it all becomes very alien. Maybe it's time for Knitting Training or something ....[Via OMG Nintendo]
Show and Tell: I made it out of clay
No, not a dreidel*, but instead, a 1-up keychain! Reader Mathias sent this one in for us to show off, and it was so cute that we couldn't resist. Someone should make us a friendly keychain, since our fingers are far too slow and stupid for modeling (of any sort). And we can't help but wonder ... if you carry one of these around at all times, does it make you invincible? No? Damn, that would have been awesome.Got something you want to show off to all the other DS fans? We like just about anything with a little Nintendo flavor, so snap a few pics and send 'em off to tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.*Note: links to South Park anything are potentially NSFW!
Thank you Mario! But our fingers are kind of cold!
Normally, wearing fingerless glove things would make us feel totally tough, like Ryu or something. But with these gloves, the feeling of toughness is short-circuited by the fact that they're crocheted and have mushrooms on them. Being fans of Street Fighter, Mario, and cognitive dissonance, we enjoy the combination.Craftster forum member mynta made these comfy arm-warmy things (called, logically enough, halfgloves) based on another Craftster's knit version, which are also quite the cute little craft. They add further proof to the idea that if you can wear something, it's fair game to be tied in to video games.[Thanks, Mary!]
Take mushrooms to bed with you
If, like us, you're getting ready for bed, you'll probably wish you had one of these nifty quilts to snuggle with. Hey, no one can make fun of your fandom if you only pull it out at night, after all. This quilt was posted on craftster, and the genius in question made it for a friend's son. Clearly, we need to pose as someone's child so we can get in on this kind of gifting. Any takers?
Tiny Nintendo charms do just that
Craftster pixidance may not have been entirely happy with these little clay charms, but we sure are. Each charm is only about half an inch in diameter, which means pixidance might want to attach them to something before they roll away and disappear forever into the dark realm of the couch or something.Bob-ombs have been popular over there lately, but who can blame Nintendo crafters? They're just so explosive.
Kotomi offers up mushroom mod
It's been a while since we've seen anything from one of our favorite modders, the French Kotomi, but there's been a re-emergence ... along with a chance to get your hands on one of the spectacular original mods. And by original, we mean original, as in early in his DS-modding career. Don't expect it to be cheap, though -- this 1UP mushroom mod is going for €150, which translates to about $217 in U.S. terms. For that kind of money, we're not sure we want to do more than just admire it from afar.
Thank you Mario! But your candy is in another mushroom!
We hope that the candy contained in these little mushroom tins is exceptionally delicious, for two reasons. First, as a default condition, we hope all new candy is delicious, as it should be. Second, everyone who buys this stuff is going to be in a rush to empty out the tin anyway, to display it on a desk, or use it as a shot glass, or fill it with paper clips or something. Maybe if you get it, you can put the candy in a Zip-Loc bag or something.Surprisingly, with video game-related candy comes a video-game-esque method of purchase. FractalSpin is out of stock at the moment, so you have to preorder your candy. These items are $3 each and are expected to be in stock on October 4th.[Via GayGamer]
Around Azeroth: A mysterious ring
Reader Loro of Hyjal sends in this interesting image of a mysterious silvery ring circling one of Zangarmarsh's giant mushrooms. This isn't a common sight -- out of the many mushrooms of Zangarmarsh, it's the only one we know of. But what this ring is or why it's there is still a mysteryDo you have a unique shot of Azeroth or Outland that you'd like to show off to the rest of the world? Tell us about it by e-mailing aroundazeroth@gmail.com! Or perhaps you'd just like to see more of your pics from Around Azeroth. %Gallery-1816%
Mushroom LED lamp appeals to gamers for some reason
You may see similarities to a certain famous item in a well-known video game series when you look at these LED touch lamps, but those similarities are coincidence only. Brando, a company that sells video game accessories, among other gadgets, is stocking these lamps only because they enjoy the whimsical design and the convenient method of operation (you just push on the top.) Not because they perceive any relation to video game iconography, no sir.We felt compelled to post these lamps on Wii Fanboy because we enjoy their aesthetic, and we get the feeling that others who take part in our hobby may have similar tastes. We're sorry to post content that in no way relates to video games. Perhaps you can get one of these lamps and pretend that you're playing Wii in some kind of magical forest or something.[Via Siliconera]
Around Azeroth: Does this look stable to you?
I've walked across this mushroom bridge in Zangarmarsh (in case you've never been, it leads you to Ango'rosh Stronghold) on more than one occasion. But I have to say that in this screenshot sent in by reader Rick, that mushroom looks like it could fall into the abyss below at any second. I wonder if the ogres of Ango'rosh have to replace their mushroom bridge on a regular basis, as their building material deteriorates. (And, if so, how many ogres are lost because of it?) Do you have a unique shot of Azeroth or Outland that you'd like to show off to the rest of the world? Tell us about it by e-mailing aroundazeroth@gmail.com! Or perhaps you'd just like to see more of your pics from Around Azeroth. %Gallery-1816%
Mario and his shroom addiction
Life after the adventures in Mushroom Kingdom has taken its toll on Mario and Peach, as their home life isn't what it used to be and Mario's addiction to mushrooms is causing him to make some very poor judgment calls. It starts as a once a week thing, one power up to get through the boss battle, but then it starts becoming more frequent. Next thing you know, you need a mushroom just to get through your morning. Oh, how the mighty have fallen ...Catch what could possibly be one of the funniest skits we've ever seen past the post break.
Around Azeroth: A mushroomy sunset
Maybe I haven't spent enough time adventuring in Zangarmarsh (I do seem to jump straight from Hellfire Penninsula into Terokkar Forest on most characters), but I've never seen the sky quite this shade of pink. However, reader Humata of Twisting Nether (EU) managed to snag this impressive shot of the brilliant Zangarmarsh sky. Do you have a unique shot of Azeroth or Outland that you'd like to show off to the rest of the world? Tell us about it by e-mailing aroundazeroth@gmail.com! Or perhaps you'd just like to see more of your pics from Around Azeroth. %Gallery-1816%
