Hasta La Gadget!

What is it with inflatable representations of science fiction items? I don’t know, perhaps something that is larger than life would be enough to keep fanboys happy and stop dreaming about wishing that the fictional world of Doctor Who would merge with our reality. Well, here is the $49.99 Inflatable Dalek that will surely fulfill its purpose for this generation. As we all know, actual Daleks are way too dangerous to have around, so why not make sure that they take the inflatable route? There should be a disclaimer to go along with the Inflatable Dalek though, as it may or may not end up exterminating your family.

Standing at nearly four feet in height when fully inflated, the Inflatable Dalek is the ideal yard ornament to have that will help you ward off solicitors as well as pesky sales people who seem to turn up at your front door whenever you are about to dig in to a nice, warm meal, or in the living room so that your dog behaves after it learned on TV that Daleks are there to exterminate pests – two or four legged, it doesn’t matter. This is an officially licensed product, and it would have been cool to have it play back an audio recording that goes, “Inflatinate!”

[ Inflatable Dalek is larger than life copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Short Version

ThinkGeek’s iCade 8-Bitty wireless gaming controller is pretty adorable, though limited. It has a retro feel, eliciting nostalgia for Super Nintendo, and hooks up easily with both iOS and Android devices.

The games, however, are limited to various emulators like Atari’s Greatest Hits and Pac Man. These are great games and appeal to just about anyone, but the retro controller supports exactly what you’d expect: old games, not new ones.

Long Version

Features:

• 8 button control including 4 face buttons, select, start, two shoulder buttons, and D-pad
• Wireless Bluetooth connection
• Automatic power-save mode
• Retro design
• Compatible with iCade games on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Android

Info:

• MSRP: $29.99
• Available: Now
• Product Page

The iCade 8-bitty is…

… a wireless retro gaming controller built for old-school games on new school devices. By pairing the controller via Bluetooth with the iPad, iPhone or an Android device, user can play games like Pac Man from the comfort of an NES style controller.

Truth be told, there aren’t a whole lot of compatible games for the 8-bitty. Developers can freely add support for the iCade, and some like Temple Run have and Pac Man. However, the biggest collection of compatible games is Atari’s Greatest Hits, which in itself packs over 100 classic Atari games, but is only available on iPad. All in all, there are about 38 compatible app titles.

If the game is not compatible, it doesn’t play well at all. Still, for the price I think this is a cute, nostalgic gift for a whole range of people.

Buy the 8-bitty for…

… Kids and parents, gaming enthusiasts and casual gamers.

Kids will have fun with it playing the games their parents grew up on, and parents likely won’t be able to resist the throwback. Gaming enthusiasts will enjoy an extra accessory, but the 8-bitty still appeals to the casual iPad or Android gamer.

Yes, the games are limited, but the ones that do exist appeal to almost everyone. Who doesn’t like Pac Man? Pair that with this retro controller and a Retina iPad and you really can’t go wrong.

Because…

… anyone who’s ever enjoyed a good game of Tetris or Pac Man will think of this as a pretty thoughtful gift. The controller is well-built, really cute, and is easy to pair. Just pair automatically after turning on, or hold the two start and select keys in the middle for five seconds.

The price is just right and the games are fun to just about anyone.

I know that having portable, modern day lighting is nothing new, but when you think about it, an old school item can still be rethought and shaped to resemble, or usher in the future. Case in point, the humble lantern. We have seen its evolution in the past, where from being powered by gas or oil, here we are with a LED powered version. Enter the $39.99 Mini Hozuki LED Candle Lantern, which is actually a tiny, highly portable backpacking lantern that is also durable, shining light whenever and wherever you need it.

With multiple lighting modes that will include a couple of candle modes, the Mini Hozuki LED Candle Lantern boasts of a magnetic tail that enables it to wrap around poles and loops, ensuring that your precious Mini Hozuki remains in place right where you need it, letting you concentrate on other more important matters – such as fending off a group of goblins. Still, sometimes I believe that the traditional torch would work much better, since some creatures can only be scared by fire and heat. Powered by a trio of AAA batteries, this portable LED lantern can last up to 40 hours in High Mode.

[ Mini Hozuki LED Candle Lantern copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

It’s harder than ever for a USB gadget to stand out these days, what with nearly everything seeming old hat, but ThinkGeek has cooked up something new that’s sure to get noticed. While it unfortunately doesn’t double as a memory stick as you might expect, the retailer’s new USB Squirming Tentacle is very much a tentacle, and a squirming one. See for yourself after the break, and be prepared to shell out $25 if you feel the need to answer this particular call of Cthulhu.

Continue reading ThinkGeek’s latest USB gadget makes every day a day of the tentacle

Filed under: Peripherals

Comments

Via: Gizmodo

Source: ThinkGeek

There is absolutely no reason anyone needs a miniature wriggling tentacle arm sticking out of one of their computer’s USB ports. But that doesn’t make this seemingly pointless accessory any less awesome, or any less desirable. More »