Hasta La Gadget!

It’s been a while since we talked about the comet ISON. We mentioned back in January that if the comet survives its brush with the sun later this month, it could be the brightest comet seen in hundreds of years. So far, the comet has remained intact as it heads towards its closest rendezvous with the Sun on November 28.

If the comet survives its brush with the Sun, it will head back out of our solar system and pass the Earth again. On its return trip away from the Sun, the comet will be so bright that some scientists believe we will be able to see it during the day. The last time a comet was so bright it could be seen during the day was in 1680.

Scientists are saying that ISON has the potential to be the “comet of the century.” ISON is already bright enough to be seen with the naked eye at night in some locations. If the comet survives, it will be at its brightest in early December.

[via Telegraph]

I always loved playing with those Newton’s Cradle kinetic motion things when I was a kid. But other than being tested by the Mythbusters in a giant-size version, the classic metal desk toy hasn’t changed much over the years. Until now.

What you’re looking at is a new version of the Newton’s Cradle, upgraded with colorful LEDs. What’s cool is the orbs don’t just light up, they detect when they’re clacking against others and change colors when they hit. It’s even more mesmerizing than the original. Here, check it out…

You can choose from three different color modes – one which flashes on impact, another that fades, and yet another that cycles colors through the spheres. Back when I had a “real job” with a proper office, people would come into my office to chat, and I’m sure that they would have sat there and played with this thing for hours. Thank goodness I work from home now, and don’t have to worry about anyone but me (or the cat) playing with it incessantly. I suppose that could still be a problem.

Priced at $49.99(USD), the Kinetic Light Newton’s Cradle is a bit pricey, but it’s too neat to ignore. It’s available over at ThinkGeek now.

If you use an Apple gadget like the iPhone or iPod Touch that uses the Lighting connector and iOS, a new portable game controller has turned up aimed specifically at you. The controller comes from MOGA and is called the Ace Power. The controller is the first designed specifically to work with iOS 7′s controller APIs according to the manufacturer.

Like most of the gaming controllers designed for iPhones and iPod Touch devices, the Ace Power expands and the iPhone slips into the middle of the controller. The controller collapses down for added portability when not in use. It also has an 1800 mAh internal battery allowing it to keep your iPhone or iPod Touch juiced up while you play your favorite games.

The Ace Power has dual analog sticks, dual shoulder buttons, a D-pad, and four action buttons. It’s also got easily accessible charging and headphone jacks while your device is docked.

One caveat to all add-on controllers is that games have to be designed with support for the controller in mind. That means the success of the controller is likely to revolve around how many developers add support for it to their games. However, since this controller will use iOS7′s native controller APIs it’s likely that many games will support it down the road.

The device can be pre-ordered for $100(USD) directly from the manufacturer and via the Apple Store soon. For now, you can sign up to be notified when they’re available.

[via Engadget]

Doctor Whoa! Shelly Timson made this 1:3 scale TARDIS using over 4,000 LEGO bricks. As with Bill Mudron’s awesome Doctor Who historical print, Shelly made this huge model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who.

Shelly used the bricks of Australian LEGO studio Inside the Brick to build the model. Inside the Brick founder Rob Deakin said that he provided the custom printing, which adds a significant amount of polish to the model.

Rob also said that the LEGO TARDIS will be on display at their studio. But in case you can’t make it there you can check out high resolution images of the model on Rob’s Flickr page.

[via The Brothers Brick]

While Darth Vader and his Imperial stormtroopers are officially on the Dark Side of the Force, it doesn’t mean there’s not a little bit of light inside of them. At least that’s the way I’ve decided to interpret these awesome Star Wars inspired mood lights.

Each one of these lamps is illuminated by bright LEDs inside – Darth Vader with red ones, and stormtroopers with white. Since they’re battery powered, they have no cord and can be set anywhere. Heck, you can even use them as a mood light the next time you go camping in the forests of Endor.

Choose from two models – a small light that measures about 5.3″ high or a large one that measures about 9.8″ high. Bigger is always better when it comes to Darth Vader. Just look at those Death Stars.

All four lamps are available from Firebox. The small ones go for about $24(USD) each, while the bigger ones are about $64. So use the Force to open up your wallet, and order one today.