Review: MSN i-Buddy

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Internet, Microsoft, Product Reviews, Videos

The MSN i-Buddy is an emotional wreck. Connect him to your USB port, then get in touch with someone on MSN Messenger. When that person comes online, your mini-bud goes to work and lets you know. Every time your friend sends you an emoticon, he responds by colors, flapping wings, body movement, and a thumping “heart.” Get two and you have a veritable emoticon party.

We had a lot of fun playing with the gadget and our cat seemed to think he was there just for her. Note that the most response we got was when we were sent an angry emoticon. We thought the thing would fall off our desktop! You can find the i-Buddy at Firebox for $24.95. While they are temporarily out, you can pre-order to receive one from the next batch.

(Thanks, Jen and Kent, and Avril!)

Read More | firebox

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

i-Buddy Enlivens MSN Messaging

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Microsoft, Misc. Tech, Toys, USB

Pay attention, MSN IM addicts. The i-Buddy, who looks darn close to the icon, hooks up to your USB port and responds to incoming MSN messages with his glowing head and wings. The 3-inch figure does more. He will respond to emoticons within the messages and can even be programmed to alert you to one specific bud. How kewl is that? Pre-order for $24.94 from Firebox for a March 28 ship date.

(Thanks, Jen)

Read More | Firebox

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Write, Read, Destroy

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science

This ingenious device not only allows you to write last minute notes, but to destroy them as well. Use the Pen for messages that will only show up under ultra-violet light. If you are the worried that the baddies will see it, you can shred it instead of eating it. The pen comes with a message pad and batteries for £4.99 (~$10.00.) We can see this being used with other applications, such as destroying ATM slips or that extra receipt when your partner/spouse didn’t know you took that side trip to McDonalds on the way home from work.

Read More | Spycatcher

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Prototype Toaster Leaves Tasty Messages

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

We’ve seen plenty of toasters that imprint dinosaurs, skulls and crossbones, and even Hello Kitty on bread, but this is the first one we have found that sounds practical. With designer Sasha Tseng’s Messenger Toaster, you can write a quick note on top so that when your significant other awakens he/she will have a honey-do list and breakfast. This prototype might also serve as an excellent excuse. “Sorry dear, I guess I ate the grocery list.”

Read More | Yanko

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story