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For $US10, this Wild Planet LiteFormz Transforming Flashlight--that goes from regular torch, to walking funny man, to menacing scorpion--seems like a total bargain. Too bad it's not an actual robot. [Buzzillions via Boing Boing Gadgets]
Among the many wonders at Gizmodo Gallery, we've got a couple Wicked Lasers Torches to play with--the world's most powerful, nearly weapons-grade flashlights that put out light so intense it can burn paper. So when it came time for a cigarette, we knew what to reach for...
The Gadget: The HydroStar SUB flashlight is billed as an ideal emergency tool or a handy device to take on your outdoor adventures. The dynamo-powered flashlight features single, dual and strobe LED modes along with a "snake eyes" laser pointer (it can even charge your USB gadgets). Plus, the SUB is shock resistant and submersible up to 10 metres—so it should be rugged enough to handle the elements.
Most of you probably know how annoying it is to work on something like an engine or a computer with a flashlight in one hand and a tool in the other. This bracelet helps free up both hands using four built-in LEDs—and it comes in packs of two so you can wear one on each wrist while you work. It's a great idea, but I suppose your friends and fellow mechanics will be unable to risk a joke or two at your expense. Something like: "did you forget your purse today?" and "where's the rave party boy?" Available for $US20. [Computer Gear via BookofJoe via Coolest Gadgets]
With all of the communication technology we have at our disposal today, good old fashioned Morse code is all but forgotten. However, I can see it making a comeback in a big way if these "Sector Compass Torch" watches take off. A small flashlight is embedded into the side of the watch and can be used to deliver messages along with the complete chart of international Morse code that is printed on the face. Unfortunately, the watch is a Japan-only release (and it is expensive at $US620 to boot), so I'm afraid we will have to continue to transmit our •—•• — — — •—••'s via text messages for now. [Eikowatch via Crunchgear]
And it does it all without batteries of any kind. That is, if it ever comes to light (ugh). Slated for release in 2009, the 5.11's Light for Life UC3.400 LED flashlight uses the almost mystical power of an ultracapacitor to achieve a full 23.5-hour charge in 90 seconds. This torch is expensive at $US170, but the makers promise you'll make that up and then some over the course of its 10-year lifetime.
This pocket-sized mobile charger from Brando not only juices the most common mobile devices on the market--including all iPhone and iPods, any mobile phone by a major company, and handheld gaming consoles--it also acts as an emergency torch if you suddenly find yourself in the dark. The light will last about 5 hours and is charged via USB. If you think you're headed toward a blackout of some sort in the future, pick one up from Brando's store for $US32 (with free shipping this holiday season). [Brando]
Unlike so many other portable backup power supplies, this version from USB Geek can do more than just one boring trick. When it's not charging your portable gadgets, the power supply doubles a handy little flashlight. In other words, it's convergence that actually makes some sense. Plus, it comes with every charging adaptor you could possibly need for a fairly reasonable $US32.
According to BookofJoe, the image above originated in a recent issue of the Financial Times 'How To Spend It' magazine. As the caption notes, the FlashPoint ES Torch is described as a mini-microwave "Exo-Stove" that can be twisted to focus its energy on a cup of coffee, soup, etc in order to cook it. There isn't a shred of info about the device online, but my guess is that if it does actually exist it would be similar to the Wicked Lasers Torch I reviewed last month. As you can see in my test video, that flashlight was easily capable of setting paper on fire and would probably do a decent job of heating up various foodstuffs. In other words, its probably just a clever marketing gimmick. [BookofJoe via OhGizmo]
There have been other attempts at fusing a flashlight with a lamp, but 'Two Lamps' with its simple click-off rechargeable flashlight design offers up one of the most elegant solutions (similar to certain lantern camping flashlights, only probably wouldn't suck). The flashlight may not be powerful enough to burn paper, but it would be nice to avoid digging around in my cabinets and drawers when the lights go out. Unfortunately, it is only a concept at the moment. [LifeGoods via TrendsNow via DVICE]
