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Light Sword is For Nighttime Wii Playing

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys, Video Games

Wii Light SwordThe 2-in-1 Light Sword was created for all inner heroes that have Wiis. Made of PVC plastic, they suggest its use for Dragon Quest, Legend of Zelda, and Prince of Persia. Since the sword emits a green and blue light when powered on, we think you can adapt it for space games as well as a little side action if the Force is with you. We’re not sure why it is a 2-in-1, but maybe it has something to do with its description, “It is not only a game tool but also a pretty toy.” The weapon and shield are available for $20.25.

Read More | DX

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Glow Brick Lights Up Your Night

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Household, Misc. Tech, Science

Glow BrickMade from an actual light bulb, the Glow Brick collects energy from the sun by day and lights up your night. Each one is 3.3 x 3.3 x 5-inches, large enough to keep you completely out of the dark by glowing. The effect takes place when a small space between the container’s light bulb glass and acrylic resin shrinks during production. The photoluminescent lamp is available for $29.95. We applaud the idea that we can have a night light and conserve energy without really trying.

Read More | ThinkGeek

Tiny Capsuli Emits Bright Light

CapsuliThe Capsuli is an LED Emergency Kit designed by Ukseop Jeong and Hanna Son. The capsules are palmsize and emit light with a simple twist. They are housed on a pad containing solar cells, so there is no worry about running out of batteries in the middle of a hurricane. Only a prototype, we hope that this will eventually become a staple of home and car first aid kits, since we never seem able to keep flashlights working when we really need them.

Read More | Capsuli

Wind Up Lamp Has Working Key

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Household, Misc. Tech

Wind Up LampDesigner Yuko Taguchi has created a lamp that looks like a joke, but in fact serves a purpose. Her Wind Up Lamp does just that as the key is both a switch and a timer. It runs by a spring-driven generator which produces enough power to turn on the bulb. Once it winds down, the light goes out. Although only a prototype, Yuko says that this would be a terrific device for those who read in bed but fall asleep before switching their lamps off. We also think this would definitely be a viable green alternative to current electric night lights.

Read More | hulgerisation

Books Always Shine with the Over-Ear Book Light

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech

Over Ear Book LightWe really like this gadget, if only because it’s so cool-looking, in that straight-out-of-“Minority Report” kinda way. It’s the Over-Ear Book Light, and you guessed it, it clips to your ear and shines a beam of light on whatever you’re reading. Now you can continue to enjoy whatever “Harry Potter” book you’re up to without disturbing your bedmate or fellow passenger—and  look tres-cool at the same time. The Over-Ear doesn’t emit heat, yet provides 100,000 hours of light, which you’ll certainly need if you’re reading a JK Rowling book. Requires one AAA battery for 25 hours of use. Available for $25 USD.

Read More | Hammacher Schlemmer

Nintendo Minimizes Wii Sunlight Issues

Posted by Christopher Sasaki Categories: Hardware, Nintendo, Wii

Wii When a gamer reported that the Wii demonstration units at the Nintendo World store were being adversely affected by sunlight, 1up talked to Nintendo to try and clarify the situation. Nintendo’s response didn’t completely address the issue, but they did state that their own testing showed “no great risk of light interference when playing a game that relies on the pointer and sensor bar.” Now, this isn’t a specific denial of the situation at Nintendo World, so gamers may be left hoping that Nintendo’s internal test cases will encompass enough of the home lighting situations that this isn’t a huge issue.

Read More | 1up

Litebook May Relieve SAD

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Misc. Tech, Science

LitebookIf you live in an area with long winters and tend to hibernate, or if you spend most of your time in the basement with your ‘puter, you might suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Symptoms include depression, low energy, irritabilty, carb cravings (!), low concentration ability, insomnia, even social withdrawal and reduced libido.

The Litebook may be the answer to your problem. It uses bright light therapy which involves regular (usually daily) exposure to an artificial light source at an accepted therapeutic intensity (> 2,500 lux). Exposure duration and distance from the source are set within certain limits.

Specifications:

  • Size: 6” x 5” x 1” (15cm x 12.5cm x 2.5cm)
  • Weight: 8oz. (225g)
  • Impact-resistant ABS plastic injection-molded case
  • Operates on AC (110-240v) and DC power with optional Adapter
  • Low power consumption
  • No UV Radiation
  • UL certified
  • Power adapter cord length 6’ (180cm)

The Litebook will become available this October at a MSRP of £199.00 (~$375.00). A battery recharger is also available for £235.00 (~$442.00). Occasional mild side-effects may occur, including headaches, a ‘stinging’ sensation in the eyes, and nausea, but we think that beats a 20-bags-of-Cheetos-a-day habit.

Read More | Litebook Product Page

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