GeekSugar

Knob Pours Music Into Your Shower

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:28:26 -0700

Bathrooms must be the trendy room to "geek out" in. From colored lights that illuminate your shower water, to luxurious waterproof TV sets, there's no gadget or trick too extravagant for the most die-hard geeks.

Slightly more natural than waterproof MP3/speaker combos is this music system that was made to look like a shower knob. It doesn't tout MP3 or CD abilities (it's only an AM/FM radio), but its discreet shape and $25 price will likely attract some geek on a quest to trick out his or her powder room. It’s being sold by Korea’s Funshop for about $32 bucks.

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Source: Crave and Technabob

LG Refrigerator - TV, Remote Control, Kitchen Sink

GeekSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 10:00:44 -0700

If you've ever had the burdensome task of buying a major household appliance, you know it's not any fun. There is an alarming variety of models, features and wacky specs you didn't even know existed (seriously, who worries about refrigerator sound decimals on a regular basis?). LG's new Side-by-Side refrigerator offers far too many specs to mention, but caught my eye because it includes a built in 15" LCD TV with FM Radio, remote control, as well as a special Weather & Info Center that provides a five-day forecast for your area (where service is available).

Need to whip up an appetizer in time for your party? This bad boy comes pre-loaded with recipes and can store your favorite digital photos and anniversary reminders. The touch-sensitive digital controls also allow you to manage temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments as well as monitor room temperature and reset the water filter status indicator. Oh and if you're dieting or putting your better half on a diet - you can even set the door alarm. Looks like it costs about $3,500, but you have to remember you're getting a gazillion gadgets in one.

To check out more pictures of the fridge, read more

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Eco-Friendly Outlet Banishes Power Vampires For Good

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:50:52 -0800

Vampire power month may be over (how appropriate that it was in October, no?), but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to find ways to reduce our electric bills! We are living in a digital world, which means nearly everything needs to be juiced up to work. I've already got my laptop working overtime at the office and at home, so you can imagine that I'm a pretty powerful energy vampire on my own. But I wouldn't be if I had this outlet.

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A concept design I found while cruising Yanko, the Switch outlet allows you to keep your appliances plugged in (no more unplugging your power strip), but with a simple rotation, it cuts off all power to your gadgets, so you aren't draining electricity when it's not needed. Way to be eco-friendly and efficient! Power vampires, be gone.

Find Out What Kind of Power Vampire You Are With an App

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:44:06 -0700

I already showed you ten vampire gadgets and appliances that bleed power when you're not home, and if you haven't taken my tips to heart just yet, you can now find out exactly how much cash you're losing with the Vampire Power Calculator.

Just enter in how many hours a week you use a given gadget, and the app will serve up a rundown on how much energy and money you're wasting each year, what kind of power vampire you are, and tips on how to stop the madness. Plus, there are fun quizzes and games to get you in line so your gadgets and appliances will stop sucking your wallet dry for good. And don't worry, if you're strapped for cash already, this app is totally free.

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Say Ahh! Tongue Technology Lets You Lick to Control Gadgets

GeekSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:45:37 -0700

I have never actually licked my phone or any other gadget that I own (I love them, but there is a line. Tongue love crosses it), but scientists are developing technology that would utilize your tongue to control computers and home gadgets.

The technology, called the Tongue Drive System, is being made primarily for patients with disabilities, and the concept involves using your tongue as "a joystick" to control wheelchairs, home appliances, and computers.

This is especially beneficial for those who are paralyzed from the waist down, since the tongue is controlled by the brain and not affected by the spinal cord. Technology: licking another problem!

Source

Moisturizing Air Conditioner: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:00:29 -0800

I would love to be able to give up my expensive lotion habit and put that money toward a new flat screen TV (or shoes, whatever), but I have a hard time believing this air conditioner from Hitachi (found by the one and only Mr. Frucci) could replace my beloved Aveda, Kiehl's, Jergens, etc. (what? different parts) and moisturize my skin.

But then again, you can't argue with science. Hitachi claims this A/C "condenses moisture in the air with a Peltier device and applies high voltage to the water to produce electrically-charged minute water particles. The particles attach to the skin and, with moisture in the air attracted by the electric charge, soak into it."

Interesting, but is it total dorkdom to use your home appliances as your beauty regimen, or would you put this in your house and kill two birds with one stone?

Source

Celebrity Geek Hideout: LG House Malibu

GeekSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:00:10 -0700

We're all too familiar with the celebrity red carpets at cell phone and gaming console release parties, but how else are electronic companies wooing celebs? LG electronics turned a trendy beach house in Malibu, California into what Oh Gizmo calls a "geeks dream home." The 3,500 square foot abode is right on the beach and outfitted with the latest electronics and appliances from LG, such as a 71” LG plasma HDTV connected to one of LG’s dual format HD DVD “Super Blu” players, the new enV Orange phone and the LG VX9400 phone, and of course, a LG HDTV refrigerator that has a 15” HDTV in the door.
Sadly, the beach house isn't for regular geeks like you and me. Chris Brown, Nick Cannon and Emmy Rossum have had parties at the pad while Universal Media Studios used the LG House for a party for the cast of shows like Heroes and The Office. What's a girl gotta do to get an invite?
Source: Oh Gizmo

All-In-One House-off Switch

GeekSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 12:30:38 -0700

With four bajillion appliances, gadgets, lights and devices scattered throughout the house, turning out the lights before bed or leaving the house can be a 10 minute chore. Designer Jack Godfrey Wood's All-In-One House-off Switch aims to let users turn off all non-essential electronic items in their home from a central switch. All you have to do is push the button to turn your house on when you get home and push it again to turn it off when you leave.

Marketed as an eco device and digital lifestyle aid, the House-off Switch was part of a larger project to encourage green action among the environmentally disenfranchised. According to Yanko Design, the more expensive version of the same concept has a central switch that also allows the inhabitant to leave some items plugged into ‘safe’ sockets around the house which can be left on for security or peace of mind when everything else has been turned off at the central switch. What do you think, would you use it?

Source

Eco Chic Wattson Device Proves Less Is More

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:00:27 -0700

This year I've made a resolution to be more conscious about the energy I use and how wasteful I am. Sure, I might just be on an anti-eWaste Earth Day high, but I really would like to do my part and lower my electricity bill. Enter DIY KYOTO's small wonder Wattson, a sleek and chic tracking device that enables you to learn about your own personal energy use through interactive play. The Wattson, which looks a bit like the wii console, shows the power being used across the home, and reacts instantly to any changes with colors and watt readings.

The Wattson gives you the information and understanding you need to take action to reduce your energy consumption and costs, says the creator. The system measures total electricity entering the house and displays this value on an easy to understand display. As we all know, a house's electrical system is made up of several circuits, such as ring mains, lighting circuits and cooker circuit, all of which are connected together at the fusebox, which is where Wattson measures the total electrical power entering the home.

For how it will help you and a gallery of Wattson images, read more

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You can view power use at any moment in Watts or in Pounds Per Year - how much it would cost if everything was left as it is for a year (if you didn't guess it's a British device). This allows you to learn how much money appliances cost to run, even when on standby. While the device is still on the pricey side for the regular user, you can purchase a Wattson for about $701 USD (£350). The good news is, by showing you your actual energy usage, the device will force you to make changes and save money. "You may find your microwave costs you £50 ($100 USD) a year just to tell the time and wait for you to ask it to do something," says the website. "Switching on a kettle will make the yearly figure jump by around £3000 ($6,009 USD). Nobody leaves a kettle on for a year, but it gives a good reason to boil as much water as needed rather than a full kettle that takes six times as long (and costs six times as much)."

Not ready to cough up the dough for a Wattson? Check out a less ritzy device like the Watt's Up Pro, $129.99. It's less user-friendly - you have to plug it into each device to measure wattage being used - but it's certainly a start.

Geeks We Love: Jason Chen of Gizmodo

GeekSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:04:54 -0800

Shows like Beauty and the Geek give male geeks a bad rep. I have news for you folks, not all geeks think pocket-protectors and worn corduroy pants are trendy. In fact, I know plenty of fellas that showcase the very best of geekiness: smarts, passion, chic clothing, success in their field and the ability to program your TiVo, computer or Blackberry when you’re not in the mood. In an effort to celebrate this month of love, I have put together a series of interviews with some of the most interesting geeky guys out there to prove that geeks are just as lovable as A-list actors.

When it comes to guy gadget sites, Gizmodo.com has earned a reputation as a go-to source for all things geeky - combining breaking news, gadget reviews and a saucy grown-up nerd attitude you can’t help but love. The site’s cool content and buzz is created by a team of geeks that are dedicated to keeping the rest of the world updated on the inner-workings of the gizmo world around the clock and not afraid to admit how many hours they spend playing Xbox or cruising the internet. Among these fearless techie leaders is Jason "JC" Chen, a technology writer/associate editor for the site, who is known to make a "Wii in my pants" joke now and again. While Jason is happily attached, he agreed to share some of his secrets with us. So what makes Jason such an alluring geek? read more

GS: So, tell my few readers that haven’t heard of you a little about yourself…
JC: I've been a freelance tech writer for Gizmodo.com for about a year. Before that I was a software engineer working at various startups in the Bay Area, two of which were an online music startup and a network appliance startup. I got in to the business because I love technology, I love writing and I love comedy writing, and after seeing Gizmodo I thought that was the perfect intersection of the three.

GS: Tell me the geekiest thing about yourself:
JC: Getting tickets with a buddy for and then attending the grand opening of the Star Trek ride in Las Vegas. It was pretty awesome, I have to admit.

GS: And what’s the geekiest thing about your significant other:
JC: Other than dating me? Probably being more obsessed than me with World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XI when we were playing that.

GS: Wow, sounds like you’ve met your match. When did you guys meet?
At work, about three years ago, back when I was a software engineer.

GS: And now for our High Fidelity moment, what are your Top 5 Favorite Gadgets?
JC: MacBook Pro, Cingular 8525, Xbox 360, iPod, and the Zune

GS: What about the Top 5 Luxury Gadgets You Really Want:
JC:Mac Pro, 30-inch Dell or Apple Cinema Display, iPhone!, Sharp's 108-inch LCD, TiVo Series 3

GS: Your first computer was a:
JC: I'd probably have to say a 286 if we're talking PCs, but I had one of those top-loading Nintendo Famicoms back in the early 80s when I was a kid.

GS: What are your favorite websites?
JC: Penny Arcade, pbfcomics.com, Boing Boing, Digg, TV Squad, Fark, Lifehacker, Kotaku, and of course Gizmodo.

GS: What is your Valentine’s Day plan?
JC: It's still early, I need to have a plan already? No seriously, I have no idea.

GS: Okay, now the age-old question - who makes the final decision when it comes to gadgets for the home?
JC: I do, but she has a lot of say - but can be overridden with a veto!

GS: Who solves tech problems at home?
JC: Me, again. She's not all that technical despite being a software engineer. Once I have something set up the way I like it, I don't like to fiddle around with it for fear of causing me hours of work again.

GS: Are you going to buy an iPhone?
JC: Definitely! I'm going to buy a Zune Phone when it comes out as well. I love smartphones (I have a Windows Mobile smartphone now) so the iPhone looks great. I love not having to carry around two devices when one will do.

GS: How do you feel about people calling you a “geek?”
In my teens I didn't like it so much, but I've come to be comfortable with the fact that I'm a geek. Geeks are becoming kinda cool now, so it's actually working out quite well. No delusions of grandeur though - I'm still a geek.

GS: How many hours do you spend online a day?
JC: I'm pretty much wired all the time with my phone and my laptop, so I'd probably say all the hours that I'm not sleeping, I'm most likely online. I'm probably going to have my face melt off from radiation before I'm 40.

GS: How many hours does your partner spend online a day?
JC: About eight hours a day, and all of that is at work. She doesn't do much online stuff at home.

GS: What is one geeky habit you’re trying to quit?
JC: Playing so much Xbox 360, I'd have to say. My nearly 24,000 Xbox 360 gamerpoints shout to me that I need to play less.

GS: So, are you the Beauty or the Geek in your relationship?
The Geek, for sure.

GS: What has been your (or your significant other’s) greatest contribution to the tech/blog industry – don’t be modest.
JC: Well I did break exclusive Zune images and stories before its release, but I'd have to say the greatest contribution to the tech industry is sticking a Wii, a PS3 and a Zune down my pants.

Want more Jason Chen? Check out his archive at Gizmodo.com! Want access to other Geeks We Love? Check out Om Malik of GigaOM!