Technology Gadgets Food Toys Fun and Games

This 11-inch by 8-inch toy was just announced at the Toy Fair. It looks like you’re going to get the Falcon and a charging remote for $50 this fall.

Awesome!

Link: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/31128/knex-roller-coaster-ride-webcam

This is cool, build yourself a rollercoaster and set it in motion while recording the ride and then sharing it on youtube! Very nice high tech touch to an older tech toy.

K'Nex is to launch a roller coaster set later in the year that comes complete with webcam so you can catch all the action on video as if you were riding it yourself.

The giant set, which K'nex makers Tomy, says will take you a number of hours to build, features a motor driven pulley system that sees your roller coaster car dragged up high before being let to hurtle down through a number of banks and turns and the obligatory loop de loop.

Once the run has been finished you can either watch it go around again, or whip it off and plug the "car" into your computer via the accompanying USB cable.

Link: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/06/20/bladez-terminator-salvation-flying-skull/

Oh why not? I don't care about anything except - do the eyes light up? - and if they do - I'm sold!

Link: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/76584.asp?promo=new_items#

This is the remote controlled water cannon that can direct a stream of water up to 100'. The cannon's base connects to a garden hose; three interchangeable nozzles (spray, mist, and stream) fit onto the end of the cannon's barrel, generating different spray patterns, enabling you to soak a wider number of playmates. You can control it with the infrared remote while in direct line of sight from up to 30' away. The cannon can be rotated 270° for nearly complete horizontal coverage, and its barrel can be raised 20° and depressed 5°

You could soak playmates - or terrorize squirrels - or the neighbors cat, or the kids next door, or .... oh the possibilities are endless!

$60.00 if you decide to take the plunge and get one.

Link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/b938?cpg=cj

This is so brilliant I'm kinda surprised someone didn't think of it sooner. It's a mini track for R/C cars. This makes slot or slotless car racing look pale. If you get a few tracks you could make a pretty nice racetrack....

$44.95 over at ThinkGeek - yeah, a bit pricey - but some sure fun for a rainy day.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001F0UO28/downandoutint-20

I had this - and I played with it until it was broken beyond recognition. This arguably was one of the coolest toys of the day. The transporter would make the action figures - "disappear" ... ah, the good old days.

Link: http://www.gizmine.com/#ProductPage=CategoryCode=hgz2&productURLCode=rcroach

Who wouldn't want one? It's creepy and remote controlled.

$60 bucks says this could be yours.

Link: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2009/03/i-am-not-left-handed-ars-reviews-the-nerf-n-force-swords.ars

Fathers everywhere can rejoice... the time honored art of teaching swordplay can now be done without sticks. Your knuckles will thank you (and your kid might too)

These new Nerf swords just got the thumbs up from the geeks at Ars Technica... Costing only $12.99 each, You could stock a geek party and have a blast.

Not to mention training the young samurai warrior in your house.

Used real potatoes.... think this would be cool as a re-release.

Link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/b5c4?cpg=cj

Think Geeks got a sure winner on their hands here - $30 bucks and the most easily flown ( and smallest) mini chopper out there.

The Dark Blade 3-Channel R/C Helicopter is an original ThinkGeek creation combining a futuristic drop-ship style design with precise flying characteristics and an innovative rear propeller system. Plus it just happens to be the smallest 3-channel R/C copter we've ever seen.

With bonus video

Link: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/?p=10451

4 Channels even - check it out.

One channel allows up/down movement, another channel rotates right/left while the third channel moves the plane backward and forward. However the real key is the fourth channel that gives you right/left strafing. Imagine playing a helicopter based FPS shooter and you get the idea. The built in automatic trim means no trim dials or buttons to adjust. Simply power-cycle the remote before your flight and the Jump Jet auto trims itself using the accelerometer as a reference

More info in the link - Priced very nicely at $99

Link: http://www.sodahead.com/question/249250/rubiks-360-ready-for-the-next-challenge/?link=samf_rdt

Who does not remember Professor Rubik? ( you know, the cube... ) Well, he's come up with a brand new puzzle designed to frustrate all of us for the next 20 years.

the Rubik's 360. A new game by Professor Erno Rubik, inventor of the legendary Cube, is tipped to become a best-seller when it goes on sale later this year. After the Rubik's cube great success in 1974, Professor Erno Rubik has been working on the Rubik's 360 for 26 years. The Rubik's 360 confronts users with the same frustrating challenge. A task that is simple to understand, but extremely difficult to solve.

Link: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20090126/the-usb-tank-missile-launcher/

This ones cool - but on the border of silly. Basically it's a remote controlled missile launching tank but instead of the remote you control it from your pc or laptop. Might be fun in some offices but at home I'd rather have a remote to control the thing and forget the pc.

Link: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/01/16/voice_controlled_toy/

Unique to say the least. Respond to such commands as "up" "down" and "hold" . Very cool, I'd like the optional upgrade command of " terrorize the dog ". ($57.00)

Link: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20081215/amphibious-rc-tank/

Holy crap I've died and gone to heaven! - This little beast is the baddest R/C machine I've ever seen. Whats impossibly aggravating is that its only available in the UK right now! - Come on, share some of the fun with your pals across the pond eh?

Link: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/11/25/wild-west-gun-slinger-shooting-gallery-my-cans-my-precious-antique-cans/

My mom would never let me get one of these - so it's with pleasure I see it back on the market again for the moms of today to deny to their kids.

The gun uses an infrared beam which has considerably less kick than real ammunition, but it compensates with electronic gun and target ricochet sounds which I’m sure sound exactly like the real thing. And it comes with a faux wood log where you can set up the included cans and bottles that actually scatter and shatter when hit.

Link: http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/holiday-gift-guide-2008.ars

Ars Technica has some help for you folks who might need some ideas for that geek on your list. All tested and itemized for your perusal.

Now, thanks to an expanded staff, Mountain Dew, and the power of the Interwebs, we bring you a 25-page cacophonous extravaganza of beguiling geek ravishments. Welcome to the 2008 Ars Holiday Gift Guide.

Link: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/17_christmas_gift_ideas_for_ge.php

If you got a lad like mine and you need some creative ideas... this articles a good start.

Link: http://www.random-good-stuff.com/2008/11/10/digital-paint-brushing/

RGS has a very neat product from Crayola...

Enjoy totally creative, totally mess-free art. Color Wonder paints appear to be clear — but they come alive in vibrant color on the special Color Wonder paper. The light-up brush recognizes the colors in the pots and magically lights up with the matching color. Includes Light Brush and 30-page Color Wonder paper tablet.

With Video Goodness of course!

How cool is this for parents with younger kids. - No mess.

Oh I dunno - maybe the chimps away on business ?

http://view.break.com/596146 - Watch more free videos

Link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/a4f0/

# R/C hovering toy "surfs" through the air
# Powered by two counter-rotating ducted fans
# Built-in solid state accelerometer keeps the surfer perfectly balanced
# Controls allow you to hover up/down and turn right/left while always moving forward
# Charges from included 120V AC Power Adapter
# Requires 1 9V battery for remote
# 10 minute fly time, 50 minutes charge time

Yeah, kinda a long charge time but still VERY cool. Was 79 now is $49.99 at Think Geek

Link: http://toys.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00339

Granted, this is a bit too beefy for the bathtub, but it would rock in a pool. The remote control is all full of periscope like goodness.

3-Motor System, all directions control, speedy control and long wireless control!!Experience the power of submarine, operates it below water! There is a propeller at the rear and various hydrodynamic control fins as well as ballast tanks.

Yup, ballast tanks - It dives ! W00T. $55.00

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/kb-toys-announces-hot-holiday/story.aspx?guid={34E8106A-94F5-404B-AF2B-8CBB6E26FA88}&dist=hppr

I hate to freak you out but Christmas is kinda just around the corner

KB Toys, the nation's largest mall-based specialty toy retailer, today announced its annual Hot Holiday Toy List for 2008, featuring an incredible selection of the season's "must have" toys that will delight children and parents alike. Featured toys are available this holiday season at KB Toys stores nationwide, and include toys that laugh, dance, race and are most importantly, fun!

If your kids are more on the Geeky side, be sure to stay tuned. We always have a bunch of good ideas for kids or for Dad - who probably likes toys even more than the kids do.

Link: http://www.redferret.net/?p=11341

Ooh Redferrets found a cool one -

The Hover Q is the world’s smallest indoor R/C hovercraft. We don’t care. We just want one. Want. Play. Cute. Toy. $34.00

Complete with video.

Link: http://www.random-good-stuff.com/2008/09/29/digital-pocket-aquarium-from-sega-toys/

Ohhh this is a good one, think tamagotchi fishtank.

The fun is not just in observing but also in taking care of your own animated pet, either a dolphin or an angelfish. And the better you do, the more fun it gets! As the little guy grows, so does the world around him or her—the scrolling map widens accordingly to reveal new areas of the underwater world.

$59.00 - remember Christmas is coming up.

Link: http://www.luminodot.jp/

Japan only at this time - retailing for about $100 - and I've got no other real details except it looks hella cool!

Link: http://www.geekalerts.com/wowwee-flytech-bladestar-flying-rc-toy/

The first flying toy with sensor-based navigation, the FlyTech Bladestar flyer glides through the air using two wings that spin with helicopter-like movement.

Built-in infrared sensors allow the flyer to detect and avoid ceilings, walls, and other obstacles autonomously. Innovative design coupled with infrared technology also allow for dueling capabilities, enabling two FlyTech Bladestar flyers to faceoff in aerial combat.

Sha Zam!

I want one even more than my lad does! $46.72 at Amazon.

Remember I was one of the first to talk about this nifty car?

Well, here is some video proof that it rocks.

Link: http://www.speaktomecatalog.com/search.php?q=remote+control+lawyer

...trigger your audio message across the room.... Startle your guests... Prank your boss. Press the buttons on his briefcase to hear nine pre-recorded phrases or one button to record your own message or music. There's even a separate control for laugh or growl. Additional features include: His mouth and eyes light up; he can sit or stand; his arms are bendable; and magnets on his feet adhere him to his briefcase stand. My Pet Lawyer comes with a Scale of Justice Briefcase remote control, spiked collar and crushed victim.

Cost? oh only $34.95 -

Link: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/09/01/upside_down_car/

This ones a Christmas idea for sure. I don't know who would like it more - the kids or Dad. Imagine if you will, a car that can drive around just like any other RC car but when you flip the anti-gravity switch the thing can drive up walls or even upside down on the ceiling.

Powered by a series of venturi - ( same thing that makes a carburetor work ) It will even warn you when the batteries are low so it does not come down unexpectedly.

Though honestly I could see it hitting a dust patch or cobweb on the ceiling and falling squarely on the dog. - Hmm - also a good way to dust the ceiling by remote control?

You can only get it from the UK right now - and it'll set you back $60 bucks.

Link: http://www.whatonearthcatalog.com/whatonearth/Whats-New_1AA/To-Play_1BC/Item_Electronic-Yodeling-Pickle_CB1422_ps_cti-1BC.html

It's not really a gadget - and I guess it's not really a toy either. One thing you can undeniably ascribe to this whatever it is.... Yodeling.

Yes, who wouldn't want a yodeling pickle? Think of it - You will be the hit of Octoberfest - Right up until the point where it becomes annoying and you get flattened by some giant German - name of Helmut.

Only $14.95 and the batteries are included. (We all know what a pain it is finding batteries for yodeling food devices eh?)

Link: http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MTN4058#LargeImage

Hold on to your tricorders and get ready to fire the fruiton torpedoes lads! - Its the first ever flying Enterprise RC toy and its controlled by a classic communicator...

you know ... just like the one commander Kirk used in episode #122b when ...

Um, sorry - I've gotten control of myself - Details are sketchy as its not released yet - ($80.00) ...

fully functional USS Enterprise NCC-1701… that actually flies! Made of durable foam, this iconic starship is ready to take to the sky under your control. It features the 1st-ever touch-control controller designed to look like the communicator from the original series. Flip open the communicator with authentic sounds, move your finger across the touch pad, and off you go!

Oh god - set the warp drive - ahead Warp factor FUN!

( I am so sorry Trekkies - I couldn't resist) - and you can't get too mad at me cus I've already pre-ordered one.