I New Idea Homepage

I am the kind of person who seldom remembers to unplug the devices when they’re fully charged, so you can imagine how much I’ve paid to the electric power bureau. But the Wind Up Socket, featuring an integrated timer, may change that. All you have to do is to rotate the plug to set the duration. And the socket will then cut off the power automatically, as the time passes by. For forgetful guys like you and me, the socket is really the best choice. [Read the rest of this entry...]

You could always spare the time to unplug each gadget when you no longer use them? Or you just leave the plugs in and let the electricity leak? But you have another option now. Designed by Conor Klein, the Outlet Regulator could disconnect itself from the power source automatically (just like a real leech) when the device gets fully charged. And that’s why the plug is also named as “Leech Plug”. No idea on whether such a conceptual design will ever see the light of day in the real world, but I really love the idea a lot. [Read the rest of this entry...]

The multi-tab power strip was invented as a result of the idea to save you much trouble in finding out what plug goes to those various appliances. It features a LED-Lego, which would present a monitor-shaped label on the block when in use. And when you want to unplug it, you can simply press on the tab. Easy as that! [Read the rest of this entry...]

Flattery must have gotten you everywhere Mr. Lufdesign and I’d like to describe your concept as ‘a stylish cord that lets us see the electricity leaking’. The product is meant for warning the users to pull out the plugs so as to reduce the power waste, through a visible and direct way. Named as “ECord”, the design mainly attributes to the PVC covering that changes colors when a specific range of current (from 1 to 15W) is provided. [Read the rest of this entry...]

These electrical outlets integrated with three types of antlers on top would be your best choices if you need to charge your cellphones, digital cameras, PSP and other items from time to time. Made from tough urethane rubber, the antlers are also solid enough to hold things.

If you love cooking then I’m sure you have a great collection of cookers: frying pan, stock pot, sorts of tablewares, as well as an electromagnetic oven. Or two, or even more. But you also need a spacious kitchen, so I bet you’ll need the Electrolux Double-O by Victor Ong. Targeting at small house users, the device not only integrates a compact cooking system for single appliances, but creates an extra base for another pot when you slide it.

Dimension: 34cm ×34cm ×8cm (W× D× H) [Read the rest of this entry...]

Weighing 1.5 pounds and measuring 2.5cm x 5cm x 28cm, PlanOn’s Printstik PS905ME boasts the smallest and lightest printer on the market. Powered by Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable batteries, the mobile printer could be used anywhere, without needing an outlet. But the most exciting point about the device is that, it doesn’t use ink but utilizes thermal technology to print your documents. You could connect the printer to your PC or cellphones via USB wires or Bluetooth. [Read the rest of this entry...]

At TOY Forum 2010, Sony’s bio-battery has drawn many people’s attention. It shows how batteries generate electricity from carbohydrates. Experiments indicate that grape juice is the most efficient drink for the bio-battery to run on and 3ml of Coke could have an electrical propeller keep working for about 1 hour. Named as ‘ENE’ (Entertainment New Energy), the technology will firstly be adopted to power electronic toys. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Creative Factor: Cool machine converts office paper into toilet paper.

The Japanese company Oriental has come up with a machine by the name of ‘White Goat’ recently. It is an innovative machine that converts your wasted office paper into toilet paper in about 30minutes. After you put about 40sheeets of paper into the machine, ‘White Goat’ will then shredder the paper, dissolve it in the water, thin the paper out, and then dry it into toilet sheets. Merely costing $0.11 to churn out one toilet roll, claimed by the company, the machine will save up to 60 cedar trees every year. The cool machine is expected to hit the market in Japan this summer, at a price of $100,000. [Read the rest of this entry...]

City DC26- a 3.5kg device that is small enough to sit on an A4 piece of paper- is the smallest vacuum cleaner from the UK company Dyson. Being smaller in size dose not hinder its effectiveness in sucking up dust and hairs. As advertised, DC26 has the similar power as other Dysons.

It will be available in UK soon for£249.99, but we’re not informed when it will hit the US market. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Designed by Alexander Ignon, the Loft Wing Ceiling Fan has brought us back to those old days when we were using palm-leaf fans to cool ourselves. The dramatic ceiling fan is aimed at both small living rooms and other large public buildings where energy-saving and artistic products are rather welcomed. The high quality German geared motor not only makes the fan to work quietly, but needs only 15watts of electricity to cool out the room. To top off the great design, Loft Wing Ceiling Fan’s dimension and color can be made by request. [Read the rest of this entry...]

If you want a distinctive TV then you have the option of retro-styled LG Serie 1 television. It earns the nickname ‘a retro-styled television’ in both appearance and technology. As those old sets you ever met several years ago, the 14-inch LG Serie 1 television also adopts a 4:3 aspect ratio cathode ray tube to display your favorite programs. Though coming with old-school knobs for you to change channels and adjust volumes, the set still features a wireless remote and a digital tuner to mix well with your modern life. Even more interesting is that the television comes with color, black & white and sepia tone modes for you to choose from. It is available in an orange color and a dark brown color. [Read the rest of this entry...]

‘Juice’ charger by Hiroaki Tanaka allows you to charge different size of batteries with the energy supported by either the computers via the USB outlet or a traditional power supply. This time, you needn’t wait long for real productions, as it will soon appear in Japan and Taiwan. [Read the rest of this entry...]

We’ve been used to seeing through the windows from time to time, because in that way, we could learn clearly what is happening outside. And maybe that’s why windows are made of translucent glass. But this piece of glass not only tells us what is happening outside, but also what will happen in the future. Powered by solar energy, the cute gadget will show you any needed information when it is wirelessly connected to your computer. So next time you need weather reports, dates and flight information, check them out on your windows. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Have you ever tried to take photos with a series of cameras that are bound together? If not, you should have a try, as you may then find something quite interesting. Actually, a few labs and photographers have been developing a new kind of camera these years, and they call it “Computational Cameras”. And right here is one of those Computational Cameras. Check the GIF below and you’ll get a clearer understanding of what this camera creates. Believe me, that’s really shocking! [Read the rest of this entry...]