http://www.househacker.com/ househacker/tags/gadgets software based cousins, can run widgets. Widgets are displayed on the unit's dual 2.5 inch LCD displays (one colour, one mono).

From the site:

WidgetStation is a desk clock which can run various "widgets". Widgets are small, user-friendly applications that can perform a variety of tasks. Users can even create their own widgets and share them with other WidgetStation users!

And also:

WidgetStation is a standalone device, with services available via Wi-Fi or Ethernet Internet access, without being connected to a computer. Alternatively, users may choose to interface their WidgetStation with a computer via USB connection.

According to the hardware specs, the device will run Linux and will be available in either black or white. The price has not yet been set. See the FAQ for a little more information. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Widget-Friendly-Desk-Clock Kill-a-Watt, the Watts-Up electricity monitor sits between the device whose energy you would like to track and a wall outlet. Both devices present you with a handy display of power comsumption, but the Watts-Up Pro (not the standard) has a USB interface, which allows you to download the stored data onto your PC for further analysis. The data can also be exported to Word or Excel. Conveniently, the Watts-Up displays the cost, in dollars and cents, on the unit's LCD screen.

See also:

Watts-Up and Kill-a-Watt at Amazon.com
The Gadgeteer's review of the Kill-a-Watt
]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Watts-Up-Electricity-Consumption-Tracker
Clocky gives you one chance to get up. But if you snooze, Clocky will jump off of your nightstand and wheel around your room looking for a place to hide. Clocky is kind of like a misbehaving pet, only he will get up at the right time.

The unit is also available in a few colours as well as in a brown shag and can jump (fall?) from a 2 foot height.

Via Reddit ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Alarm-Clock-that-Runs-Away-and-Hides-Unless-You-Wake-up Brondell Swash, the Harmony toilet seat seems like a pretty ingenious product. The seat makes use of a small connector that runs from the bottom of the toilet seat latching mechanism to a float that you place in the toilet tank. When the toilet is flushed, the float lowers with the water in the tank which triggers a lever on the connector under the seat, which in turn releases a latch that activates the seat closing action. The seat closes very slowly for, as the company refers to it, a pinch-free close.

The unit is currently only available in Home Depots of the American Midwest.

Also: Froogle Search gives a price of about $80.
Promo Video of the seat in action.

Link: Harmony Toilet Seat]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Harmony-Flush-Activated-Toilet-Seat Cydus' has addressed the dearth of residential RFID access controllers in the marketplace by releasing a pair of modern electronic deadbolts. The locks operate as you may expect RFID proximity access controllers to, however, this unit, the MyKey 2300, unfortunately requires that a button be pressed before the unit is ready to read the keychain RFID tag. The higher end unit, the 4000, only requires the card to be in close proximity to the reader for activation. Besides it's raison d'etre; the convenience of keyless entry through small RFID cards, the deadbolts have some interesting features, including this backup battery system in case the unit's batteries die:

Simply touch a 9v battery to the built-in battery terminal and your MyKey 2300 is up and running. The MyKey even stores all of your existing security keys, so even if it's without power, when you turn it back on your access cards and pin combination are fully intact!

Lost or forgotten RFID cards aren't the end of the world either, as the unit comes equipped with a nicely hidden keypad for which to enter your password.

See also: RFID Enabling your front door. This is a homemade RFID entrance controller with a PC backend. The author shares a parts list, source code and cost breakdown (see author's comments ).

Previously: DIR RFID Access to your Front Door
]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Cydus-Home-RFID-Deadbolts Sunset magazine has a lot of cool stuff on their site, not the least of which being this huge home decorating idea gallery, viewable by room type (within kitchens, for example, there are small kitchens, eat in kitchens, etc) or style (contemporary, retro, exotic, etc). There must be thousands of beautiful room images online to serve as inspiration for those of us that tend to know what we like when we see it, but can't come up with much from scratch - or perhaps the gallery is most useful for those just suffering from some sort of temporary design block.

The site also has this 25 item smart home piece, as well as an interesting before and after gallery.

Definitely lots to explore.

Link: Sunset Design Assistant]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Huge-Gallery-of-Home-Decorating-Ideas foot in the door' high-heeled doorstop will more elegantly welcome your guests. Hell, do both. These products are from WorldWideFred, which produce clever, lighthearted goods for the home and office, like those pictured here.

Clockwise from top left: Manhole cover welcome mats, Rubberized cast-metal Lift and Shake salt and pepper guy, Silicone Hotheads animal oven mitts and a remote controlled Retro Mood Light Alarm Clock that displays a test patterns while playing cheesy game show theme music.

That's all very well and good for the home, but what if you're looking to enlarge your cellphone (and really, who isn't)? This old time phone receiver that plugs into your cell phone will help you get there. Of course if you really want an old time cell phone, you can go here.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Manhole-Cover-Welcome-Mats-and-Other-Silly-Household-Goods http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Prevent-Fitted-Bed-Sheet-Slippage-with-Sleep-Snug video (Windows media) from the Free Hand site.

Available from Amazon.com.

Via the always interesting Smart Stuff.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Clever-Hands-Free-Drywall-Installation-Tool and coolest, no?) kitchen gadgets out there, including the Toasterkettle, which, although looks quite strange, probably actually toasts bread, unlike the transparent toaster. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Top-10-Strangest-Kitchen-Gadgets ZigBee wireless communication protocol. The system's base station offers internet connectivity that allows for remote monitoring, and the device can also be configured to issue status updates through email or text messages to the homeowner's cell phone.

The system is built in a modular fashion, meaning the device can couple with many different types of (Home Heartbeat) sensors, as they become available. From the site:

The backbone of the Home Heartbeat system is a network of detection sensors: water sensors, open/closed sensors, power sensors, reminder and attention sensors. The sensors can alert the homeowner to a wide range of problems, including pipe leaks and flooding, opened doors and windows, and appliances that are left on. An additional feature is a water shut-off valve that can be controlled and activated by any of the sensors. Reminder and attention sensors can be set to alert homeowners about easy-to-forget tasks, such as changing batteries in smoke detectors or cleaning out the gutters.

According to Fast Company, the basic starter unit offers only one sensor as well as the base unit and keychain and will retail for $149 US. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Home-Heartbeat-Awareness-System
This idea is based on the transparent heating glass featured in this issue. Although the glass does not currently get hot enough to toast bread, some day this application may be possible.

Ok, so this toaster doesn't actually toast bread. It's more of a luke-warmer than a toaster. Still, it's a cool idea and interesting technology nonetheless.

Via Digg.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Cool-Glass-Toaster solar powered address lights before, but it's always good to have more options on the market - and it doesn't hurt to have sleeker looking options such as these, either. The address numbers are available in two colours; natural aluminium and soon, black.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/More-Solar-Powered-Home-Address-Lights LEDs everywhere will be shunned by civilized society. Children will ask their parents to tell them what it was like having to live before LED toilet seats and blue LED faucet lights, like this one.

This particular life-improving gadget attaches to your bathroom faucet with its included universal adapter and is activated as the water flows through. Once the LEDs are on, the water glows space-age blue. The unit happens to be watch-battery powered, but wouldn't it be cool if it were powered by generating electricity from the water passing through it - would that be even possible or is the gadget simply too small to contain something like that? Anyone know?

Dave, thanks for the tip. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/LED-Faucet-Light Michael Douglas. Eliminate the risk with this sweet wireless, remote controlled, programmable, digital shower from Grohe. The Grohtherm allows to you wake up in the morning, push a button on the remote and have the shower ready and waiting - at your predetermined temperature and flow rates, no less.

Via Gizmodo.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Grohe-Grohtherm--Wireless-Programmable-Remote-Controlled-Shower http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Consistent-Garage-Parking-with-Laser-Parking-Helper inanimate object interaction, then Sanyo's got you covered. Sanyo has developed an intelligent oven with voice navigation capabilities. Although it's difficult to discern from the translated page if the oven is internet aware (as this oven is), the oven does come complete with voice feedback/cooking instructions as well as melodies that play at certain times during the cooking process (i.e. when water has boiled, or cooking is complete). The songs can be downloaded to your mobile phone and IR'ed over to the oven.

via PopGadget]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Finally-a-Stove-with-Voice-Navigation Doormate.com makes an automatic patio door opener aimed at the elderly and people with special needs. The unit is pushbutton controlled (keychain) or activated through the optional, mountable numeric keypad for secure entrance. Once open, the Doormate slides the door closed after a short delay. Aside from the obvious practical benefit for people with special physical needs, the most interesting accessory is the 'Pet Prox' proximity device that clips on to your dog's collar. The device is triggered as the dog comes within a few feet of the Doormate- from either inside or out. This should be a welcome addition to the home for anyone that has a dog with a small bladder or frequent, obsessive hankerings for grass.

Doormate system and Pet Prox add-on available from Smarthome.com.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Doormate-Automatic-Patio-Door-with-Pet-Proximity-Sensor http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Solar-Powered-Home-Address-Lights
The PowerSquid is a power bar that will actually allow you to utilise all 5 of its outlets, regardless of the size of any attached power adapters, thanks to its unique, power distributing tentacles. Pure genius for like $12.99.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/PowerSquid-Electrical-Outlet-Multiplier
VIOlight uses a germicidal UV bulb - the same technology used in hospitals - to kill germs. Sanitization is activated with a simple push of a button. A blue-violet glow on top of the VIOlight lets you know the sanitizer is working. The entire process takes only 10 minutes. When finished, the bulb automatically shuts off and your toothbrush is fresh, clean, and safely stored for the next time you brush!

A travel version is also available.




via popgadget]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Germ-Eliminating-Ultra-Violet-Toothbrush-Sanitizer kitchen is great, but shoving them deep into a cabinet usually means only the most common, frequently used spices remain accessible - much to the detriment of your culinary creations. So, most people have a spice rack to keep things in order and available. What most people don't have, is a sweet, space saving "Zero Gravity, Magnetic Spice Rack" like this one. From the site:

Only design available where you can store spices on both top and bottom of spice rack, which maximizes space and reduces clutter

Windows on spice canisters indicate when spices are getting low]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Zero-Gravity-Magnetic-Spice-Rack
Electric Bucket
Also in today, a bucket still exists in a home and it is used for various uses, such as bleaching of a shirt, pasting, and every clothing beginning. It has been said that it being dirty and putting into a washing machine suddenly washes by hand division washing of the thing, for example, a dustcloth etc., and important lingeries in a bath just for a moment.

It sure does.

Some interesting items:

A refrigerator that opens from either side

Variable height bathroom vanity

Electric carpet
]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Bizarre-and-Interesting-List-of-Japanese-Home-Appliances ceramic tile or hardwood floors which require constant sweeping action. The SweepEZE vacuuming dustpan powers its 600w motor on when the activity sensing infrared beam is broken by debris, which is then vacuumed up into the unit.

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Sweep-Debris-into-the-SweepEZE-Automatic-Dustpan Now you can make sandwiches with your toaster, like you always have, but differently! The Toastabag is a fire retarding black plastic bag that enables you to place whole sandwiches in your toaster, relegating the cumbersome sandwich maker to it's lonely under-counter home. If you're feeling melancholy, you might want to check out the Toastabag video, which wins the award for strangest choice of music for a kitchen gadget commercial. It's like it was made by a kid out of film school treating the commercial as his Godfather, the Toastabag his Brando.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Toastabags-Turn-your-Toaster-into-a-Sandwich-Maker PC "kitchen entertainment" unit offers you Internet connectivity, TV, DVD/CD, radio and home video monitoring to distract you from the maze on the back of the Froot Loops box. The device also boasts a touchscreen and a washable wireless remote and keyboard. If, after installing the iCEBOX, you find there's still not enough technology in your kitchen, you would probably want to go ahead and add the compatible breadmaker sidekick, which comes complete with a database of hundreds of UPC codes preprogrammed in (UPC code updates come from the iCEBOX) linking the scanned item to it's appropriate cooking instructions.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/iCEBOX-Countertop-Kitchen-PC
Enter the room to motion activated lights. Work your magic. Catch a squirt of soap from your touchless soap dispenser. Wash your hands under your hands free faucet. Finish up by drying your hands sans towel.

Leave.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Make-Your-Own-Hands-Free-Bathroom website, the Connect Io Intelligent Oven allows you to begin cooking your food remotely, via either a telephone or internet connection. The idea is that you prepare your food ahead of time and place it in the oven, which keeps the food refrigerated until the cooking process is initiated remotely. Throughout the process, the display on your web browser exactly matches the display on the oven itself, in real time.

Program, command, and control your Connect Io oven remotely through your cell phone from anywhere in the world. No matter where you are, send commands over the Internet from your computer through a standard web browser.

Anywhere in the world? Sure, this might be handy to use from work or even to monitor your food from the pc in the other room, but who are they marketing to with 'from anywhere in the world'?]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Internet-and-Telephone-Controlled-Oven-with-Refrigeration Dave Samuel. The one time dot com entrepreneur was not content to simply relax on some Caribbean island after co-founding and subsequently selling internet radio company "Spinner" to AOL for $320 million. No, Samuel combined a fascination with high end electronic Japanese toilets with a mind for business to produce a start-up called Brondell. Samuel's goal is to bring Japanese toilet technology to America, and the Brondell Swash 600 is his first offering (along with the non-bum-drying Swash 400).

The 600 offers a warm-air dryer, temperature-controlled heated seat, remote control, massage, dual nozzle action, and gentle close lid. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Brondell-Swash-600-High-Tech-Toilet-Seat save energy, you may have experienced this upon coming home early or off schedule. Avoid such a predicament with a telephone controllable thermostat that allows you to call home and chat with your heating system, giving you time to work things out. Talkingthermostats.com offers this device, of which you can hear a sample of here. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Telephone-Controlled-Thermostat Kill-A-Watt (heh) electricity meter. Plug in any piece of equipment and allow it to project the cost of running the device for up to a year. Until smart energy meters get a foothold in municipalities, devices like this will have to do.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/KillaWatt-Energy-Consumption-Meter http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Cordless-Cube-MP3-Player-Speakerphone-Combo new but rechargeable candles are. The Sharper Image now carries these LED votive candles that actually flicker. Priced at about 1000 times the cost of traditional tea lights, the candles are being billed as safer, smokeless and sans melting wax. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Rechargeable-Flickering-Votive-Candles Science Museum Store (of Science Museum) sells a voice recognition safe for £ 19.99 (US $34.67). The safe allows you to set your own password which, when spoken, opens the lock. The safe also allows a four digit code to be entered on the keypad, which is plenty, really, as any security expert will tell you that anything over four digits is just security overkill. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Voice-Recognition-Safe iRobot (of Roomba fame). iRobot is accepting pre-orders for the Scooba, which they say will ship in 8-10 weeks.

From the site:
Scooba is an intelligent and effective Floor Washing Robot. Scooba uses a four stage cleaning system to prep, wash, scrub, and dry floors all by itself. Scooba features iRobot's AWARE Robot Intelligence Systems. AWARE uses dozens of sensors to monitor the robot?s environment, and adjusts its behavior up to 67 times per second, ensuring that Scooba cleans effectively, intelligently and safely. Scooba will clean a standard size kitchen on a single tank full of cleaning solution.

Anything that does anything 67 times per second must be good. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Scooba-the-Floor-Mopping-Robot add-on is required for powering essential 120 volt devices, like your PVR.

The Red Cross has some other things to consider for you home emergency kit. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Foot-Powered-Portable-Energy-Source Banana Guard and Fish Noose Food Loop.
The Food Loop site claims the non-stick kitchen helper can withstand temperatures of up to 675° F / 357° C and is dishwasher and microwave chummy. The site also illustrates the gadget being used on a variety of items, including a seemingly communicative fish. The Banana Guard, on the other hand, is for people who treat their lunch bags the way gorillas treat luggage in the wild.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Fish-and-Banana-Restraining-Systems inside the fridge. It remains to be seen just how many people will shell out the $399US for the luxury of rotting food odourlessly indoors, mind you. Russ Cohn, the unit's inventor and MIT grad, has high hopes for the device, according to this article at PR News Now where Cohn talks about eliminating 50% of the world's waste.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Naturemill-Indoor-Food-Composter