December, 2007

When a cigarette company decides to release a series of ads about smoking, the results are pretty much as you'd expect. When the cigarette company is Japanese, the ads take on a chilling yet child-like charm. Here are the first ten... read more »

Renewafuel, a start-up company from Minnesota, has invented cubes of plant materials that provide twice as much energy as other biomass and about the same amount of energy as coal. Because these "fuel cubes" are made of materials such as switch grass, corn stalks, and wood fibers, they don't contribute to global warming, the company says. read more »

Meet Yuki-taro, a self-guided, GPS and camera equipped robot snowplow that somehow manages to look as cute as Pokemon's Pikachu - this is Japan, after all! If that weren't enough, the friendly "snowbot" excretes perfectly formed igloo bricks from the snow it takes in - now how cool is that? read more »

These Star Wars Droid soy sauce bottles add spice - literally - to your table while giving fans of the popular sci-fi movie series one more 'must have' collectible. read more »

The Maid Taxi was a clever concept - until hordes of "Otaku" descended upon the service, displacing those genuinely disabled people the Maid Taxi's were designed to serve. read more »

Christmas in Japan is celebrated a little differently than in other countries and some holiday traditions are unique to the land of the rising sun. One of these is Christmas Cake - a very special cake with certain required ingredients. It can be said that Christmas in Japan really isn't Christmas at all without Christmas cake! read more »

The MP3 Alarm Clock from Thanko's Rare Mono Shop may look like your father's alarm clock, but dear old Dad would surely be amazed by what it can do!  read more »

All of us at InventorSpot.com would like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season.

To celebrate the holidays and to take a much needed break, from Saturday, December 22, 2007 to Wednesday, January 2, 2008, we will be on a reduced holiday schedule.

Thank you for being a part of our site in 2007 and making it a wonderful year for us.

InventorSpot.com Team read more »

Apple released their newly redesigned iPod Nano back in September, and sales for this MP3 player were a bit slow at first but have begun to turn around during the holiday season. The Apple iPod Nano is now one of the top selling tech gadgets this holiday season. read more »

Einstein has returned from outer space, according to scientists, and he's taken on the form of the world's first android head with a humanoid body. The synthesis of the two distinct areas of an android robot and bi-ped humanoid robot is the first of its kind, and results in a creepy looking science genius. read more »

Brian Dettmer is a type of book surgeon, slicing through old tomes with knives and surgical tools to transform them into an almost entirely new creation. These volumes are stripped down to reveal a unique interpretation and composition of what laid dormant and concealed within the original structure. read more »

The highly-anticipated successor to the Nokia N95 smart phone may have been spotted in some leaked photos posted at Mobile-Review's forum. This new smart phone is called the Nokia N96, and it looks like it will be available sometime in early 2008. read more »

New technology being developed by Japanese company NS-ELEX Co. will allow people to have conversations on their cellphones while in noisy places such as factories, construction sites, concerts, or anywhere else noise tends to make cellphone calls just about impossible. This innovative earpiece uses a chip developed by Sanyo Electric to reduce exterior noise levels ten-fold.

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Pretty much everyone is familiar with the big brown UPS trucks seen across the US. Right now, their delivery season is in full swing as Christmas presents are sent to and from every place imaginable. This year, the United Parcel Service plans on helping the environment as well as helping spread the Holiday Spirit.

 

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I just can't close the year without sharing these beautiful hand blown and crafted martini glasses with you. The dog and cat martini glasses are made by Yurana Glass Designs and each one is crafted individually, so no two are alike. They cost a little more than the average cat or dog bowl, but after all, they're for a celebration... like New Year's Eve. read more »

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of TIME Magazine's Top 10 Scientific Discoveries of the year is the discovery of kryptonite. But by a strange twist of events, the mineral has been named "jadarite." read more »

Not only is it the time of year for cheery holiday greetings but also for important charity holiday messages. Companies around the world have come up with their own ways to spread very importnat holiday messages. Here's a look at some of the best from around the world: read more »

Looking for that perfect rooftop garden to satisfy your green thumb? This one is yours for the taking, although it may be a little smaller than what you had in mind. read more »

Panasonic has recently released the PV-GS85 camcorder which offers optical image stabilization, 32x optical zoom, still-shot mode, and widescreen recording format - all for under $300. The PV-GS85 is a solid camcorder that has its good points as well as bad points, so lets see if this camcorder is right for you... read more »

TomTom’s newest GPS device isn’t your average navigational unit. The TomTom GO 920T has a 4.3 inch touch-screen, integrated Bluetooth, voice address input, Enhanced Positioning Technology, and much more. TomTom is the largest GPS manufacturer in the world so rest-assured, their top-of-the-line GPS unit is the real deal. read more »

The United States was once a promised land for Asian innovative up and comers in the fields of technology and science. However as economic climate changes, more and more of the inventors and great thinkers our nation depend upon are moving back to their roots, or at least figuring out a way to split their interests halfway. read more »

The Sitscape is a fluid-like seating zone designed by Berlin-based Hackenbroich Architekten, specifically focused on customized seating positions and the smooth transitions between them. The prototype for this "lounge landscape" is one meter wide and a whopping six meters long, with six tailor-made resting spots integrated within it. read more »

Iran Khodro's Popular Samand Line

A spokesperson for Iranian company, Iran Khodro, says its "Islamic Car" should be readily available throughout the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Africa, in three years. The car will have options including a compass to find Mecca and a compartment for a Koran. read more »

Today’s winner o a great baby invention is the Podee, the manufacturer of a hands free bottle perfect for babies in two unique ways read more »

When SanDisk first announced their new Sansa View Media Player at CES 2007, they had high hopes for the widescreen video player. For some reason or another, SanDisk changed their minds about the design of the Sansa View, and they canned the original design. SanDisk has now recently released the updated version of the SanDisk Sansa View MP3 player, and it has gotten pretty good reviews. read more »

Creatures with human faces - whether the result of evolution or the inventive efforts of mankind - have fascinated us from time immemorial. Here are five creatures that display amusing, surprising, and disturbing human features. read more »

 

By turning light waves into slow-moving sound waves, researchers have developed a new method for storing information inside a fiber optic cable. read more »

Lithium Energy Japan

Back in May, Mitsubishi Motors publicly announced that they would be working along side Mitsubishi Corporation and a popular battery producer, GS Yuasa, to develop a better Lithium-Ion battery cell solely for automotive applications. According to a recent press release, they have some very high hopes for the future of automotive based Lithium-Ion technology. read more »

The future of LED lighting has grown into something pretty sweet, as New York designer Nick Foley can tell you. If you want to illuminate dark spaces, or bring a touch of the outside indoors, his Pear Light is sure to brighten up any interior with its handcrafted design and organic countenance. read more »

DekoChoco, an innovative Japanese company, provides you with the tools to create personalized chocolates featuring your own photo, name and decorative design - right from your home or workplace! read more »

How do you plan on sending your packages this holiday season?

DHL or Fed Ex ?

Check out the following DHL and Fed Ex advertising; maybe this will help you determine which company you should go with! read more »

Tired of beating back the college kids for that coveted seat in the library? Well, your troubles may be over. The "Take-A-Seat" chair, created by Jelte van Geest of Eindhoven Design Academy, explores the latest in interactive mobile seating, ensuring your derriere has the proper resting spot during all of your intellectual brow furrowing and heavy book lifting. read more »

I don't have kids yet, but when I do, I must admit...this one just might go on my gift list. read more »

Takara Tomy's "Wonderful Shot" pet camera snaps shots of a dog's or cat's travels from your best friend's point of view. Bow? Wow! read more »

Samsung and Verizon Wireless have teamed up to release the highly-marketed Samsung Juke SCH-u470 Music Phone. This phone features an innovative "switchblade" design, 2 GB of flash memory, Bluetooth support, and GPS capabilities. read more »

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 8.4 x 12.4 micrometers, the world's smallest advent calendar was created in a lab late one night in Germany. The motivation for the work was that the researchers wanted to have  "a nice picture of Christmas to put on our homepage." read more »

The Flat Life project by Finn Magee might make you look twice, as most of us aren't used to cords running out of our still-life art. What appears to be an image of a standard desk lamp and digital alarm clock is actually a light source and means of time-keeping, merging the third dimension with 2D design. read more »

What do you get when you combine a child's imagination with the skill and ability of an accomplished artist? If you happen to be Seoul-based artist Yeondoo Jung and a handful of children's drawings, the answer is found in cutting edge technology and sold out art exhibits throughout the world. read more »

What better way to create community awareness of serious problems going on not only in your backyard but around the world than with advertising.

Here's 10 great ads from around the world highlighting the problem of homelessness: read more »

The Lingzhi Mushroom (from WikiMedia)

Researchers at the University of Haifa, in Israel, have found a way to slow the progression of prostate cancer by using molecules derived from the Ganoderma lucidum fungus. read more »

I don't know about you, but there have been quite a few nights when I was wishing my headlights were a little brighter. It's an easy problem to solve, just wire in some extra lights on the front of the car and your good-to-go, unless they get stolen. A company called Visualeyes has developed a product they hope will solve the problem permanently. read more »

With China experiencing so much pollution and environmental depletion, it only makes sense that a group would get together to find unique uses for natural resources. The first endeavor? A durable bridge made completely out of bamboo. read more »

Designed by several different artists, the idea behind the distinguished Narcisse collection was to "free the mirror from its traditional frame" and renew its identity, rid of traditional codes... read more »

The Gomboc

They're not the best, not all the most promising .... They're not even the most popular. The ideas are not necessarily good ideas. They are not categorized by science, technology, or other standard classifications -- only alphabetically ordered. But the New York Times Magazine's 7th Annual Year In Ideas has picked 70 ideas just for your interest that have been percolating around the world in 2007. read more »

Start your baby’s sensory development off right with these three inexpensive toys ready to be wrapped and put under the tree! read more »

A leading developer of finger activated consumer products called bioMETRX has created a garage door opener that works by swiping your finger through the fingerprint reader. The company hopes to target people who are tired of having to remember codes, or fumble around with keys, in order to get into their garages. read more »

Patriot Edition Mustang

In the past, Saleen Automotive has been responsible for some of the most impressive machines on the road. They thrive off high-powered quick revving motors and the overwhelming sense of freedom you get when sitting behind one. Just recently, they decided to pay a tribute to the men and women who are fighting for those freedoms. read more »

Cyborg Hand Massage

Have you ever longed for a gentle reassuring touch throughout the day? Would you welcome an occasional touch, rub, or connection to another without all the messy human entanglements that often accompany such a sweet gesture? read more »

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

While some in the U.S. may feel that a lack of governmental transparency here has led to significant shortfalls in recent policy decisions, those in Iran are getting the chance to chime in on policy while simultaneously learning a little bit about the mind of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

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My mother was never the cuddly type when I was little, and perhaps she could have been if a product like the Zaky Infant Pillow had existed in the 1980s. Then again, I’m sort of glad it didn’t. read more »

The BioKite was designed using the same proven aerodynamic principles that allow huge jumbo jets to fly. The beautiful, birdlike kite can soar virtually effortlessly in indoor environments like school gymnasiums, making it ideal for the disabled. read more »

It didn't take long for Samsung to release their follow-up to the original BlackJack which was released in late 2006. The new BlackJack II offers a host of new features such video sharing, Bluetooth, 3G connectivity, 2 MP camera, built-in GPS, and many more. The newly redesigned Samsung BlackJack from AT&T Wireless should be a hit in 2008. Find out more... read more »

They're cute, white, and fluffy - and they glow in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet light. The cats are actually clones. They're also the first cats to be cloned with a manipulated fluorescence protein gene. read more »

The 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is gearing up for another exciting few days in Las Vegas showcasing the most innovative new electronics in the World. The 2008 CES will take place January 7-10, and it will feature a ton of new consumer electronics as well as some key note speakers such as Bill Gates.

The 2008 CES Best of Innovations award winners have just been announced, and I've got the top product from each of the here and in Part II. read more »

"Taser", the popularly used term for any make of stun gun... it's the new buzzword (pardon the pun) on the news and online. Now stun guns are being marketed to women and the offerings run the gamut from shockingly sexist to insufferably cute. read more »

Personal Doomsday Watch

We know many of the vices we enjoy actually accelerate our journey towards oblivion. Furthermore, not knowing exactly how fast we're going is the cause of some considerable anxiety. And anxiety, as you know, makes the time it takes to reach our final destination go even faster! Still not ready to toss out your cigarettes or stop yelling at your spouse? read more »

According to their website, the NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action organization. They use law, science and the support of 1.2 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. read more »

To share their message, they have been known to use some very creative and nontraditional advertising techniques. Here are 5 of their best:

Over the past few years, the Hummer line from General Motors has become reasonably popular. Accordingly, GM increased R&D for the line-up to keep the customers comming, which hasn't worked out all that bad. Yesterday, the new design trio working on the next Hummer released a few teaser pictures, which looks like a competitor to the Jeep Wrangler. read more »

As an avid coffee and tea drinker, I am well acquainted with the joy of small things. Nothing quite satisfies like that first mug of morning joe, or cozying up with a hot cup of tea on a cold night. Given the enormous growth in the beverage industry, I know I am not alone in my fondness for these infusions. So, here are some of my top picks (in no particular order) for this year's wish list. Perhaps your favorite coffee or tea drinker would enjoy these in their daily imbibing as well. read more »

Having developed a durable raw material out of human waste, some of India's finest are creating doors out of fecal matter. read more »

Arturo Alvarez' latest lighting collection, Gilda, uses Italian Bisazza glass mosaic tiles in the creation of his tantalizing light fixtures. read more »

Researchers have discovered that by increasing or decreasing the synapse strength of cells by modifying a "genderblind" (GB) gene, fruit flies can be made to demonstrate either homosexual or heterosexual behavior, respectively. read more »

Created by Miguel Herranz, the Mikado lamp is named after the Spanish game of pick-up sticks. Can you see their spiny resemblance? read more »

Earlier this month, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood demanded that McDonald’s immediately stop advertising on children’s report cards. read more »

 It's truly amazing what they have for children these days. The Klick desk and chair set looks more like a piece of art than a place to make a piece of art. When its not in use, this modern desk and chair fits together into a cube. read more »

Since 1989, Mitsubishi's Eclipse has been the favorite of young car-buyers and tuners alike. The Fast and the Furious trilogy didn't hurt either. Mitsubishi has given up a glimpse of the next generation Eclipse, which will be officially introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January. I wonder if the new style will keep it's popularity? read more »

These Ten Really Weird, Totally Bizarre Kewpie Doll Cell Phone Charms prove two things - Kewpie Dolls are loved by Japanese young and old, and love can be very strange sometimes... VERY strange! read more »

Researchers have designed a product that its inventors claim could easily produce between 15 and 20 times the total electricity the world uses today. Not only that, it could also be used as a desalination device and may be able to reverse the effects of global warming. read more »

Looking for the latest and greatest ornaments around? I’ve done some investigating, and have found some clever and whimsical variations on the usual Santa and snowman theme. These funky ideas will help you to kick your holiday collection up a notch and bring some flavor to your tree-trimming. read more »

A research team from Southern Taiwan University of Technology has developed the first solar powered wheelchair. read more »

Buyers are beginning to look more toward full-sized sedans, rather than minivans, to get the family from A to B. Nissan has introduced a new concept that they hope will remedy that. read more »

India's Tata Motors blazes the automotive trail with the world's cheapest automobile. read more »

I was intrigued by hese new smart coasters for a variety of reasons--mainly they're cool to look at, and they provide a host of new drinking game opportunities. Another cool thing about these beer coasters is that you can build them yourself! Check out the video... read more »

Leave it to a mom to come up with a way to make bath time easier. The Babywrapper is such a simple concept, you will be asking yourself why no one thought of it earlier. read more »

Magellan is one of the largest portable GPS unit manufacturers in the World, and they have recently introduced their newest entry-level GPS device called the Roadmate 1200. This device is one of the thinnest portable GPS devices on the market right now, and best of all, it's also one of the least expensive. read more »

The AquaMaker AM10

In Israel, where water is scarce, a new device allows people to generate water from air. read more »

Tired of the same old same old when it comes to Christmas trees? Is the traditional tree just not cutting it these days? Perhaps you'll have a hard time seeing the forest for the trees with the alternatives I've found (since some of these hardly qualify as "trees" in the first place), but on the eternal quest for variety and newness, here are some of the latest Christmas tree designs coming down the pike. read more »

The newest, and definitely the most innovative, product to roll off the assembly line at Cowon is their Q5W Media Player. This media player does it all: Wi-Fi, music, video, Bluetooth, FM radio, GPS, and more. Best of all, the Cowon Q5W is small enough to fit into your jacket pocket! read more »

Stock picture of IDF unit (from Wikipedia)

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is considering a move to install underground motion sensors at Israel's border with Gaza. These innovative new sensors, developed by Sonic Lynx, are capable of discerning different objects, including humans, animals, and vehicles. According to Sonic Lynx' CEO, the sensors distinguish objects by using "seismic and acoustic fluctuations". read more »

Adults are rarely satisfied with old-fashioned conveniences these days, so why should you expect your baby to be impressed with the same humdrum toys? read more »

25-year-old Adam Gettings, a self-taught engineer, has recently created Robotex AH - a two-foot tall, 10-mph-traveling machine that can blow a 10-inch hole through a steel door from a quarter mile away. It's also remote-controlled over an encrypted frequency that jams nearby radios and cell phones. read more »

smoker smile

Thanks to Henry Petroski's book, "The Toothpick: Technology and Culture," I've learned that the toothpick has both an illustrious history and some interesting applications. But I wonder what Petroski would say about a group of patents I've termed, "addiction hygiene?"
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Thailand has recently gone nuts over my favorite color, and I’m happily packing my bags in hopes I can convince my husband to relocate to the place where pink is all the rage!

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Japan is famous for its beautiful ponds stocked with colorful "Koi" carp - a close relative of the common goldfish. Some breeders are now moving beyond Koi to create even more unusual  types of goldfish including scaleless, pearlescent varieties!  read more »

If you are still shopping for green gifts this year and have no idea where to look consider a green gift basket. Today’s gift baskets are as green as they are unique and they aren’t just about chocolates, coffee and popcorn anymore. Check out some of the innovative gift baskets below. read more »

Nokia has just announced the release of 2 new stereo headsets that will make managing phone calls while listening to music a much more pleasurable experience. Scheduled for a January 2008 release, the Nokia WH-700 and the WH-600 stereo headsets will provide a good sounding, quality option for people with music phones. read more »

We’ve all heard the cliché phrase “beautiful bouncing baby boy” (or girl!), and now a New Zealand couple has devised a way to make babies and young children literally “bounce." read more »

We may be home to such computer giants such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, however China is now giving the U.S. a run for their money when it comes to Internet search and usage. read more »

Patent Improves with Prizes!

For years I've been haunted by a musical potty and its innocent reward system. Why is it that adults don't have anything besides toilet paper to remind us how grand it is to take part in adult civilized society? Well, we do now. read more »

Gift baskets are always fun to receive, and pets love them as much as we do. This year's holiday pet gift baskets are more ingenious and beautiful than ever, with special ones for the dogs, cats, birds and horses that you know and love. There are even combination gift baskets, a one-shot gift idea for pet and pet-lover for Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukah!

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Dandlelight, created by Designdrift from the Netherlands, is a custom-made little LED light fashioned from real dandelion seeds. read more »

Hydrogen sulfide makes rotten eggs smell horrible, but the chemical may also be a fountain of youth. Researchers have found that when nematode worms were exposed to an atmosphere containing a small amount of hydrogen sulfide, the worms' lifespan increased significantly. read more »

Gift wrap can be so pedestrian, especially this time of year. Red, green, gold and white are such tired choices in an endless sea of gift wrap options. So why not break out of the box and try something new? And don't fool yourself - presentation matters! So here are a few of my top picks for some of the coolest gift wrap around. If you don't impress them with the gift, you can at least dazzle and distract them with the packaging, right? read more »

Japan's Aqua Toto Gifu aquarium has sparked interest worldwide with its E-tree... the "E" standing for Electric Eel! Renewable energy never looked so, er, weird. read more »

With the holiday season upon us, millions of people begin their seemingly never-ending search for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Most people are out searching for the latest and greatest electronic gadget this holiday season, but some shoppers still seek that perfect retro gift from the "good ol' days". I want to take a look back in time at some of the most popular gifts of all time. These "old school" toys are all timeless classics for the holidays. read more »

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new device may make car chases a thing of the past.

Eureka Aerospace, a company from Pasadena, Calif., had developed a device that shoots a microwave beam at a speeding car, frying its electrical system and stopping the car dead in its tracks. read more »

UK-based Boex 3D Creative Solutions designed this award-winning bench based off a single conversation about incorporating an everyday office item into a functional piece of furniture. All it took was a little bit of creative brainstorming, and voilà -- the Pencil Bench was born! read more »

Santa Claus is a recent feature of Christmas in Japan and sometimes a few details get lost in translation. Sometimes a LOT does, as our Top Ten Strange Santas from Japan so graphically illustrate! read more »

It talks in a human voice, fits in the palm of your hands, is biblical and charged by the sun (or a light bulb or charged from a 9 volt DC adapter ((not included)). What is it? A solar powered bible you can listen to over and over again. read more »

Fashion designers, eco-conscious or not, are picking up on this eco-trend, taking a risk and taking vintage couture design to a higher level. Take Gary Harvey, for example, he can take a pair of jeans, newspaper, trench coats, army jackets or wedding dresses and turn them into stylish vintage ball-gowns that would make any eco-conscious princess hopeful for a greener and prettier place. read more »

For anyone who has ever made video calls over the Internet, with a company such as Skype, you've no doubt gotten frustrated with the choppy 15 fps (frames per second) video that looks a lot like somebody doing the robot with a strobe light Background. Skype has found a solution to this problem with their latest version, Skype 3.6, which offers High Quality (HQ) video with 640 x 480 VGA-quality video at 30 fps. This is almost like viewing the video call in DVD quality. The best part is that the Skype download is free. Check out the difference in picture quality... read more »

‘Tis the season for decorating the home with a tree of one kind or another, so why not ditch the traditional Balsam Fir and go with something a bit more modern? Forget the pine tree and instead surprise your family and friends by bringing home this extraordinary new ETree floor lamp...
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Artist Hannes Broecker's installation of colorful blocks of drinkable art opened in Dresden, Germany earlier this week, enticing gallery attendees to partake of the fine art of drinking, alongside the mighty fine art itself. read more »

Recent findings at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) show that "Virtual Autopsies" may replace traditional autopsies in certain accidental death cases in the U.S. This technology is not new, but it hasn't been used for autopsies in the United States yet. CT scans give a nice detailed 3-D image that some doctor's believe will replace the need for the traditional autopsy that involves invasive cutting. Check out these images... read more »

"The Cave", a unique combination bookshelf & chair by Japanese furniture designer Sakura Adachi offers booklovers a comfortable, womb-like space in which they can really become one with their reading material. read more »

The Nintendo DS Lite has always been a successful portable gaming device, but it has never been able to do some of the things that the PSP can do. One of the key differences between the PSP and the Nintendo DS Lite is that the PSP is able to play full-length movies. Soon, the Nintendo DS Lite will be able to do the same. read more »