Jude Garvey
Lighten your workload with the LED-lit workstation
By Jude Garvey
06:47 May 17, 2009 PDT

A bright idea (pun intended) for lighting a workstation is one of the entries in this year’s Emotionalize Your Light competition. Andres4, the designer of the LED-enhanced workstation, has created a working prototype that features a band of LED lighting running around the desktop edge and additional lighting suspended from the ceiling. The disc in the middle of the upper panel is a “must for every Star Trek fan”, according to the designer. The colored lights of the desk can be changed using switches, but the designer is working on a way of switching the lights using a computer controller. Read More
Lolaloo rocks and baby sleeps … with a bit of luck
By Jude Garvey
01:06 May 17, 2009 PDT

Unfortunately, all babies are not created equal when it comes to sleeping. While one child will contentedly drop off to sleep, another will only visit the Land of Nod after interminable minutes of rocking. The Lolaloo is a clever, German-designed, rocking device that, with bit of luck, helps put baby to sleep. Read More
Breathe easy with Multimac four-seater child seat
By Jude Garvey
18:51 May 4, 2009 PDT

The Multimac four-seater child seat accommodates four children safely in the back of a three-seater car. The seat fits firmly in your car without the use of adult seat belt straps, is independent of existing car fittings and can be fitted and removed in minutes, if required. The seat belts are instantly adjusted for each child and as the seat is suitable from birth until 12 years of age, you will only need to ever purchase one car seat. Read More
Podio – for playing out loud
By Jude Garvey
23:48 May 2, 2009 PDT

Taiwanese-based Agios Technology Company has spent two years developing the Podio - a portable digital Hi-Fi player made specially for bikes, but not exclusively. The cylindrical, pocket-sized music machine has been designed to produce a clear, natural sound, which is intended to be listened to without the need for earbuds. Read More
Suntrica solar-powered chargers: pocket-sized energy sources
By Jude Garvey
02:22 May 1, 2009 PDT

The Suntrica SolarBadge and the SolarStrap are pocket-sized, durable and lightweight solar-charging devices with a flexible design that's durable enough to withstand harsh environments and versatile enough to be worn on various parts of your body or your backpack. Read More
Berkeley Solar Mapping Portal completed
By Jude Garvey
23:32 April 29, 2009 PDT

A new online solar mapping portal has been completed in Berkeley. By combining aerial mapping data with 3-D modeling software, the system allows residents to determine the potential size and cost for solar electric and hot water systems on their own rooftop, as well as view other solar installations all over the city. Read More
A lamp that reads your mind…maybe
By Jude Garvey
16:48 April 29, 2009 PDT

A Princeton University research team claims that the Psyleron Mind Lamp changes color due to the power of the human mind. According to researchers, "electron tunneling" causes the lamp to move from deep shades of white, red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, and magenta. The powerful LEDs within the lamp help to ensure that the lamp glows brightly even in a lit room. Read More
Fitness out of the box
By Jude Garvey
21:43 April 28, 2009 PDT

The Fitness Cube is an ultra-compact fitness solution for your home. Within seconds it transforms into a weights machine and all the exercise accessories are contained neatly within the cube. An eight-position resistance switch ensures you work out at your optimum fitness level and the supplied poster details the correct way to perform 30 different exercises. Read More
Lego set to launch a line of portable electronic gear for kids
By Jude Garvey
17:53 April 15, 2009 PDT

Lego Systems has joined with Digital Blue to produce a range of colorful Lego-inspired electronic gear for kids. The range of portable electronics includes an alarm clock (pictured), boom box, MP3 player and later in the year, a stop animation video camera. Designed to appeal to little and big kids, the first products will be released mid-year. Read More
The Quike: have four wheels, ready to pedal … and pedal
By Jude Garvey
01:33 April 15, 2009 PDT

An Australian pair plan to travel more than 7,450 miles in 12 months, through extreme weather conditions and terrains on a four-wheeled recumbent bicycle called a "quike" (on account of the four wheels). They plan to leave later this month on what promises to be an incredible journey, starting from Astana, Kazakhstan. All medical supplies, food and camping equipment will be carried on the back of the quike which could weigh as much as 960 pounds. Read More
Ford explores the future of the family car - the Transit Connect Family One concept
By Jude Garvey
01:03 April 9, 2009 PDT

As part of the lead up to the release of the Transit Connect utility vehicle this year Ford has unveiled the Family One Concept. Packed with added extras that will appeal to the whole clan, the Concept showcases the versatility of the platform and explores what's possible in designing a car specifically for one purpose. Innovations include digital entertainment screens, in-dash technology that is programmed with all the family's requirements and even sunscreen and hand sanitizer dispensers. Kids are sure to love the door-mounted scooters and the walkie-talkie radios while Moms are catered for by the inclusion of a stroller stored under the floor, in-built rear awning and an integrated first aid kit. Read More
Snuza Halo movement monitor helps keep your sleeping baby safe
By Jude Garvey
06:15 April 7, 2009 PDT

You know it’s irrational to think that your baby could stop breathing whilst she is sleeping, but that doesn’t stop you from checking on her every five minutes. A new movement monitor from Snuza which uses highly sensitive movement detectors to monitor your snoozing babe could help both of you get a good night’s sleep. Read More
Abu Dhabi’s five-star hotel to feature GROW wind and solar technology
By Jude Garvey
06:18 April 6, 2009 PDT

The winning design from Leeser Architects for this visually stunning five star hotel in Abu Dhabi maximizes the use of natural resources in a spiraling design that makes use of natural light and coastal air along with an exterior clad with polyethylene GROW panels to harness solar and wind power. Poised on the edge of the Persian Gulf, the (aptly named) Helix Hotel will feature a helical floor space which wraps unevenly around a central void. Guests will be able to look up at, and down on, various public areas, including the rooftop deck with a glass-bottomed swimming pool. Read More
Garmin update Forerunner fitness watch range
By Jude Garvey
01:42 April 3, 2009 PDT

Garmin will release two updated Forerunner fitness watches this Summer, the 310XT and the 405CX. Both come equipped with the latest GPS technology and can be synced wirelessly to the user’s PC or Mac so workout data can be automatically downloaded. Performance information can be acquired by simply tapping the bezel, calorific consumption is calculated by the user's heart rate and the user can even challenge a virtual partner to a workout. Read More
BBQnique: outdoor entertaining that stands out from the crowd
By Jude Garvey
23:51 April 1, 2009 PDT

The BBQnique is a barbecue with a difference. The barbecue burner is incorporated into an outdoor granite dining table and offers a multitude of cooking options. Within minutes it can be changed from from a grill to a hot plate, oven or even a wok burner. Now, your dinner guests will be able to help prepare their own meal! Read More
Wriggle Wrapper offers a 3-in-1 solution for sitting, feeding and sleeping
By Jude Garvey
03:18 March 31, 2009 PDT

Phil and Ted's Wriggle Wrapper is a multi-functional baby product that can be used for feeding, sitting or sleeping. It simply wraps around the baby and is then attached with secure straps and clips to a dining chair, a single bed or an adult's lap. It is made from strong polyester and has a rubber grip underside to stop baby slipping, sliding or as the name suggests, wriggling! Read More
In the Pocket Baby: compact baby seat you can take anywhere
By Jude Garvey
21:53 March 29, 2009 PDT

It’s ironic really that a tiny baby needs so much equipment. By the time you’ve packed diapers, wipes, spare clothes, toys and food, there’s not much room left in your diaper bag. So thinking about carrying a heavy baby seat on your next trip to the café is almost enough to put you off leaving home. Enter the Pocket Baby seat, a portable, compact seat designed for children aged from about six months to two years that attaches to a normal dining chair in a flash and will make your load a little lighter. Read More
Merino Kids Cocooi Sleep Bag: 100% merino wool for a safe, warm night’s sleep
By Jude Garvey
00:08 March 26, 2009 PDT

Just one look at the photo of the babe sleeping snugly in the Cocooi sleep bag makes me want one in adult-size! Merino Kids claim their Cocooi Sleep Bag is the world’s first 100% pure merino wool sleeping bag. This sleep bag is part of a new range from the company designed for the newborn to three month old age group which also includes the Cocooi 100% pure merino wool swaddle. Read More
Silicone baby bottles offer a safer feeding solution
By Jude Garvey
16:08 March 24, 2009 PDT
Recently, concerns have been raised about the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles. Research has linked BPA to breast cancer, a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes and possible effects on the brain and behavior. In response, some baby bottle manufacturers have stopped making plastic baby bottles and are using materials such as silicone to give parents a safer option when choosing a baby bottle. Read More
Hi-Flow integrated filtering system - bottle quality from the tap
By Jude Garvey
00:59 March 20, 2009 PDT

The Hi-Flow integrated filtering system is a unique and clever way to deliver fresh, filtered tap water at home. Unlike some other filtration systems, the Hi-Flow metal cartridge is installed under the sink without the need to drill a separate hole in the sink or bench top. The system is then plumbed inline to an existing standard cold tap or mixer tap, therefore eliminating the need to have a separate filtration unit or tap. Once connected the Hi-Flow delivers mains pressure, freshly filtered water directly from the kitchen tap. Read More
Don't be a pig with your power usage
By Jude Garvey
00:27 March 18, 2009 PDT

Educating children about power usage can be a difficult task. It’s not easy explaining the concept of electricity to a five year old, let alone the fact that we have to pay for it. This cute little pig might help to solve this problem and monitor television and game usage at the same time. Power Hog is a power-consumption meter design concept in the form of a green and silver piggy-bank. You simply plug the tail into the power outlet and the snout into the electric device, feed in some coins and this little piggy does the rest. When the Power Hog is connected the dollar sign glows green, it fades when there is sufficient credit and alerts you that money is running low by blinking red. Read More
In-built thermometer boosts baby bath safety
By Jude Garvey
22:34 March 4, 2009 PST

Bathing a baby has to be one of the harder jobs for a new parent. Not only do you have to continually support their slippery, wet, little body, you also have to make sure the bath water is at exactly the right temperature. The 4moms Cleanwater Infant Bath tub with digital thermometer could make the job of bathing baby a little easier via a unique design that allows clean running water to enter the tub and be tested for correct temperature before coming into contact with your baby’s delicate skin. Read More
Siftables: cookie-sized computer blocks for hands-on fun
By Jude Garvey
22:27 February 19, 2009 PST

It is believed that many children and adults learn best when they use their hands to perform a task, and for young children, play-based activities are essential for acquiring knowledge. This new design concept cleverly combines both hands-on and play-based learning in one very cool but tiny package. Siftables are small computer blocks with the capacity to interface with each other using a combination of neighbor detection, motion sensing and wireless communication. The user manipulates them by hand and with each process, whether it is sorting, grouping or even piling, the blocks continue to interact with each other. Read More
Safety baby bottle frowns on hot milk
By Jude Garvey
21:19 February 19, 2009 PST

Now here’s a clever idea for tired, stressed-out new parents. Picture the scenario, it’s three o’clock in the morning, baby is screaming for milk and you accidentally pop a bottle that is too hot into a hungry, little mouth. Not a pleasant thought! The Baby’s Bottle could stop all those late night accidents as it tells you, at a glance, when the milk is at exactly the right temperature. Read More
SafetyMate provides first aid advice for new parents
By Jude Garvey
14:14 February 17, 2009 PST

The early days of a child’s life, whilst thrilling for parents, can also be very nerve-wracking with the most prevalent fear being the baby’s health. New parents may find that accessing accurate first-aid advice is difficult and time-consuming, which is where SafetyMate comes in - it's a clever talking first aid device that gives essential health advice at the touch of a button. Read More














william
- November 26, 2009 @ 19:45 UTC