Gizmodo Australia » novelty

The Soda Cup Phone: Because Hamburgers are SO 2007

Adrian Covert — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:40:00 +0000

Unlike its spoiled brat sibling, the Hamburger Phone, the Soda Cup Phone doesn’t have a major motion picture to serve as its marketing machine. So it turned to us, the blogs, to spread the word.

I’ll be honest—the Soda Cup may not have the same quirky appeal as the Hamburger, but it has stealth on its side. Like Joel over at BoingBoing Gadgets mentioned, you’d never know it was a phone if not for the cord (note to manufacturer: make cordless model next year. thx.). The Hamburger would never fool anyone, because a real hamburger would never, ever look plasticky. So if you really wanna throw someone for a loop, you can answer the Soda Cup when it rings, and they’ll totally think you’ve been dropping acid.

Also, at $US14, you’re paying a dollar less. THAT’S A DEAL! [Soda Cup Phone via Gadgets Alerts via BB Gadgets]

A Pocket-Sized Mental Anguish Calculator Could Come In Handy at the DMV

Sean Fallon — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:10:00 +0000

When you want to see humanity at it’s worst, you go to the DMV. Thanks to quirky Japanese inventors, I can now monetise my mental anguish with a handy pocket-sized calculator.

The Consolation Money Calculator, as it is called, has two modes: one for normal functions and one for for “consolation calculation.” In that mode, I enter my profile information, choose from a list of common perpetrators (boss, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc) along with a few other details and then press the “mental damage” button. Presto! I now know the net worth of my misery and can extract payment promptly. This novelty calculator is set to debut in Japanese stores starting on January 24th for around $US27. [Wiz Inc. via CScout Japan]

Spaceship Mobile Phone Makes All Your Calls a Blast

Gizmodo US Edition — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Step aside G1, out of the way iPhone, I think I’ve found my mobile of choice. This little gem of a communication device was discovered by Brian and I in a gadget shop in Causeway Bay. Written on the side of the phone was “Shenzhou VII,” the name of China’s third human spaceflight mission. Blam wanted to get it right away, but the shop owner asked an astronomical $US180 for it. “I bet my stars I can get it for cheaper in China,” I promised him as he reluctantly handed it back.

A cursory search through taobao.com (the ebay of China) proved fruitless, but I did come across a Chinese site reviewing our stellar little handset. The Shenzhou VII mobile phone includes a 2MP camera, MP3 and MP4 capabilities, a microSD slot, USB, and–bet you didn’t see this coming–astronaut themes. If anyone knows where to get this, please give me a holler! I don’t want to end up looking like a space cadet in front of my boss. [Shanzhaiji]

Dad’s Cab Family Taxi Metre Will Make Your Children Cringe

Adrian Covert — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:59:00 +0000

The Dad’s Cab Meter is a fake taxi fare counter for parental chauffeurs, made so they can guilt/embarrass their ingrate children into doing chores for them. The meter incrementally increases the pretend fare and comes with a stack of fare receipts that have chores the kids can do as payment (har har har). It’s kinda like those redonkulous moments on The Cosby Show where the entire family would participate in a role-play with some sort of real-world moral to it, except not anywhere as funny. Dad’s Cab is US$18, but in the grand scheme of things, mortifying your children is priceless. [Gizoo via Coolest Gadgets via Dvice]

Last Minute Gadget Gifts For Rich Dads, Fun Dads and Deadbeat Dads

Sean Fallon — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:00:00 +0000

We are really getting down to the wire here as far as Father’s Day gifts are concerned, but there is still hope for finding that perfect present for hard-to-shop-for Dads. So, let’s dispense with the normal fare like ties, golfing equiptment and GPS units (although GPS units are cool). Get something unique this year that he will always remember. The following guide will show you how.

AU: Obviously, it isn’t Father’s Day here in Australia. But if I were a father, I’d still want some of these , even if it was just a random gift for the hell of it. Hint.

Rich Dads:

Rich Dads are probably the hardest category of Dads to shop for. I mean, what do you give the man who has everything? Here are a few unique suggestions:

The UR-202 Wristwatch: Besides looking completely awesome, the UR-202 features a unique winding system that is regulated by compressed air. The winding is controlled using miniature twin turbines and the level of air compression generated by these turbines can actually be altered using a 3-position selector switch. Pricing information has not been made available on the UR-202, but if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it. [Urwerk via Link]

Crystal Foosball Table: Your rich father may have a lot of stuff, but I guarantee he does not have something as fun and frivolous as a crystal foosball table with aluminium players. Again, the sticker shock would be too high for normal folk, so expect to shell out some serious bucks for dear old Dad. [Teckell via Link]

The Craftsman Professional Tool Set: Sure your father has tools, but does he have EVERY tool? This Craftsman Collection comes with 1470 pieces–enough to keep him tinkering until the end of time. Available for US$7,619.90 (before shipping). [Sears]

Motion Pro II Racing Simulator: If your father likes fast cars, chances are he would love a top of the line racing simulator that can run you in excess of US$45,000 when you throw in extras like a panoramic screen, a six-speed gated shifter and custom bodywork. [CXC Simulations via Link]

Fun Dads

If your father has a sense of humour, the following gifts are sure to get a laugh:

Executive Ball Scratcher: What is the classy, executive gentleman to do when he has a very un-classy itch? This chrome plated ball scratcher is tough enough to do the dirty work, yet elegant enough to keep on a desk in plain view. Available for around US$11.36. [Find Me a Gift]

Beaver Stuffing Kit: Most guys love stuffing beavers, and as much as you don’t want to think about it, your father probably does too. So, give him what he craves with this beaver stuffing kit. Available for around US$15 [Find Me a Gift]

Potty Putter: Golf balls may be a boring gift, but an entire putting system you can use from the comfort of your own toilet is another story entirely. Available for US$19.95. [Baron Bob]

Control a Woman Remote: With functions like “cook,” “clean,” “remove clothes,” “stop nagging” and a breast enhancer / reduction dial, this novelty remote is sure to get laughs–but probably not from your mother. Available for around US$10. [Genie Gadgets]

Deadbeat Dads:

Let’s face it, not everyone has a magical childhood because there are plenty of deadbeat Dads out there. If your father happens to be one of them, here are a few gifts that will tell him exactly how you feel:

Middle Finger Vibrator: This symbolic gift will tell him exactly where he can go and what he can do with himself. Available for US$39.99. [Sex Toy Party]

Bed Snake Bat: Actually, this is more of a gift for that strip club waitress that your father dumped your mother for. Tell her to keep it next to the bed. If a bed snake should bother her in the middle of the night, she can whack it up good. Available for around US$6. [Giftmonger]

Life-Sized Cardboard Policeman: This is the gift that will keep on giving. Put him on your father’s doorstep, in front of his car, or just place it in his bedroom before the alarm goes off in the morning. Your father could go to jail for any number of reasons–it’s all about keeping him on his toes. Available for US$30.79. [Incredible Gifts]

Nothing: When all else fails, you could always get him nothing. But instead of simply showing up empty handed, bring him a packaged version of nothing. It makes for a more powerful statement. Available for around US$7. [iwoot]

Eric’s Huge iPhone is Large, Probably Doesn’t Make Calls

Haroon Malik — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:15:00 +0000

The picture is all we have to go on, so what we can tell is this; it looks like an iPhone, but that probably isn’t a real touchscreen. Sadly, we doubt it will be making any calls either. You know what they say; if it walks like a duck and it talks like a duck, chances are it is a duck. Well, in light of that information, we can rule out the possibility that it is a duck. I think we can slowly eliminate stuff it isn’t in this fashion, eventually we’ll get our answer. Alternatively, Eric, if you’re reading, drop us a line and let us know what the hell’s going on, buddy. [Flickr via Unplugged via winandmac]

Toast Mattress Perfect For Hot, Buttery Afternoon Delights

Gizmodo US Edition — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Sure, Wilson, there is plenty of information out there today on flat toasters, but what about mattresses that look like toast? You didn’t consider that, did you? Well, worry not, because I’m here to serve up this toasty, delectable looking 1.8m by 2.1m Inflatable Toast Mattress to top off our crispy brunch coverage for the day. Don’t let the looks fool you though. Since this toast is made of rubber, not wheat, it is more for the sleepy, not the hungry. Sleeping with a knife and butter is optional but not recommended, since the Inflatable Toast Mattress retails for US$170. [Archie McPhee via Fabulist]

Stacked Cup Is the Leaning Tower of Coffee Breaks

Gizmodo US Edition — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Why drink Joe from a normal mug when you can tease coworkers with this hilarious gravity-defying fused three-cup stack day after day, and get more coffee per serving while you’re at it? Who knows, maybe this will serve as the icebreaker you need to chat up that latte-swilling hottie in Finance. If this were ours, we’d always go for the top-cup grip for maximum gravity defiance—and for US$12 this dishwasher-safe little baby might be ours soon. [Loft Party via Neatorama]

All Spark USB Hub Gives You Unwanted Responsibility

Haroon Malik — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Captain Witwicky had an excuse; he didn’t know the Decepticons were after the All Spark. In fact, he didn’t even know what the Decepticons were. If you opt to purchase this All Spark USB hub, with 4 ports and retailing at £13.99 ($30), what exactly would be your excuse? Still, if you do decide the All Spark USB hub is for you, prepare to die at the hands of your maniac Macbook, once the All Spark gives it life. Scary. [Everything USB]

Talking Tissue Box Doubles Your Pain

Haroon Malik — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:30:00 +0000

When you’re ill, sneezing all about the place and with enough mucus in your esophagus to grow a bacterial colony big enough to take over the world, the last thing you need is the Talking Tissue Box. Why? Well, all it does is either cough or sneeze each time you reach out for a tissue. Having a cold, you’re probably in the best position to know what coughing and sneezing sound like, so your not going to want this tissue box bastard seemingly mocking you. If you ask our opinion, keep the two AA batteries for your Wiimote and stash the US$19.99 asking price for your yearly stock of Robitussin. [Product Page via Nerd Approved]