This custom controller’s carbon fibre and fiberglass chassis may be eye-catching, but maybe more impressively, the stick is constructed with dual circuitry for maximum compatibility. Filled with both the guts of a MadCatz Xbox 360 controller and a Chtulhu PCB (for PC/PS3), it works on every major platform. Meanwhile, the actual play components are from Seimitsu, though Sanwa buttons will fit as well, fanboys.

Still, even with the blessing of a carbon fibre body, this arcade stick still weighs almost 4lbs. Next time, let’s just go with marble and iron. [Shoryuken via CarbonFiberGear]

By adjusting its posture and wiggling its eyes and lips, this plucky android conveys several emotions. From the looks of it, they run the gamut from joy to absolute disgust. More pics after the jump.

I find it curious that KOBIAN is being developed for use in care facilities such as nursing homes. I’m not sure how much of this dramatic little robot the elderly (or anyone else) can handle. [Nikkei Net via Pink Tentacle]

This timepiece oozes with the same classiness found in 1930’s era lighters and watches. The caliber-582 movement is so sensitive that small changes in temperature are enough to power the clock for days. [Acquire Mag]

Unlike existing DVD technology, the key to this data storage technique is the fact that multiple pieces of data can be stored in exactly the same location—up to ten layers deep. Each layer is filled with gold nanorods that are conditioned to respond only to particular types of light. When the storage medium is illuminated by a laser of a specific colour and polarisation, only the right nanorods are activated and read.

Though this is a giant step towards more effective data storage, scientists have yet to demonstrate this technique on a rotating disc. In addition, they predict that it will be a write once, read forever medium. [Ars Technica]

This concept, a joint effort by NVIDIA and icon icar, packs a ton of data into one screen. In addition to a standard speedometer and fuel gauge, it houses radio and navigation information. [KickingTires]

This designer-friendly shower kit is for people who really like squares. The simple, elegant 5×5 modules can be arranged freely and serve several functions, including thermostat, speaker, volume and diverter controls, showerhead, lighting and shelving.

No word on whether each block can be removed from and reapplied to the wall for even more bath time fun. However, the large “ShowerHeaven” overhead component this thing comes with does rain water down on you like a luxurious waterfall. [core77]

Here’s another e-book reader with built in PDF support, something the Kindle 2 doesn’t have. At a lightweight 5.3 ounces, Bookeen’s latest portable device packs a sharp resolution of 200 DPI.

Though pocket-sized, the Opus features a pretty standard 6″ display. The 1GB of flash memory can accommodate ePub, PDF, HTML and text formats. It has access to a catalog of 150,000 book titles from several retailer web shops, including Mobipocket ebooks. The battery life is reported at 8,000 page flips, though I’m not sure how that compares to the Kindle. At any rate, the device is good for 21 days at standby. Also worth nothing is that the Opus lacks the Kindle’s 3G wireless feature, which somewhat undermines the portability aspect that Bookeen is pushing. However doing away with that feature is sure to save big on cost.

No word yet on pricing, but it’s set to comes to the US in June 2009. [MobileRead via Electronista]

I know this Nikon S630 is just trying to be helpful, but a little tact wouldn’t hurt. Some people’s eyes just extra squinty when they smile, OK, camera? [Flickr via BoingBoing]

Like NZXT’s other devices, these puppies were essentially designed to give you a competitive edge at PC gaming. Two adjustable 120mm fans provide powerful cooling, while the rubber finish raises the notebook to remove heat pockets and enhance airflow. To top it off, the thick, brushed aluminium body makes this notebook cooler quite a looker. It can be powered by USB or the included AC adaptor. And since you can never have enough USB ports, there are two additional ones in the back. The Cryo S is available now for $US49.99.