Around The Home
The all-in-one, relocatable kitchen
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February 7, 2005 The circular kitchen is a new approach to kitchen design based on the changing needs of apartment dwellers and modern lifestyle. After centuries of conventional kitchen design, the self-contained circular kitchen challenges many of the notions of a normal kitchen, treating it more as an appliance than a dedicated, inflexible room. It can be easily added or relocated to any space, be it apartment, office, holiday home or factory and comes complete with all the facilities and storage space of a conventional kitchen. There are no conventional cupboard doors, so access to the kitchen’s various components is by rotating the central unit through 180 degrees, or the top unit which rotates through 360 degrees. Read More
The Intelligent dustbin
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February 1, 2005 The concept of the intelligent dustbin has been around for a few years now, and some futurists expect the dustbin will inevitably become much smarter as time goes by. That's because it is the logical place to have an RFID tag reader (the next gen bar-code scanner) to keep track of what's been consumed. If the intelligent home is to ever be able to effectively maintain the household pantry and consumables inventory of the future, the dustbin is likely to be part of the equation. The realisation of that concept is a few years off yet, but in the meantime we were pleasantly surprised this week to see an intelligent rubbish bin hit the streets at a very affordable price. Read More
Play Multimedia On A TV With LaCie silverscreen Hard Drive
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January 24, 2005 One of the most interesting products slated for release in the next few weeks is the LaCie silverscreen, a portable USB hard drive with the ability to plug directly into multi-standard television sets for instant playback of stored movies, music or photos. LaCie silverscreen is ideal for travellers wanting to enjoy digital entertainment or professionals wanting to show clients corporate videos on larger TV screens without the need for a computer. Read More
The future of RFID is dawning
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January 21, 2005 Radio Frequency Identification Devices (known as RFID's) are set to usher in a new world of consumer convenience. But beware the 'silent stalker' that accompanies this technology. You may need an electronic jammer to shield your privacy. An RFID attached to your windscreen (E-tag) lets you automatically pay road or bridge tolls but in parts of the USA it can also buy a fast-fill from Mobil or a Big Mac at a McDonald's drive-through. Now, micro devices, no bigger than a grain of sand, can be implanted in passports, driver's licences and credit cards to transmit your ID. Embed them in products and they transmit (the equivalent of) a barcode - able to be read at a distance. Read More
The rise of Wi-Fi Home Networking
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January 20, 2005 The number of households using Wi-Fi wireless technology for home networking has surpassed the number using Ethernet, according to Global Digital Living, a recent survey by Parks Associates. This study, which surveyed consumers in Europe and North America on technology adoption and use, found 52% of U.S. households with a home network use Wi-Fi and 50% use Ethernet. By comparison, only 32% of Canadian households with a home network use Wi-Fi, 43% use Ethernet, and 26% were unsure which technology they were using. Read More
Nanotechnologists' new plastic can see in the dark
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January 17, 2005 Imagine a home with "smart" walls responsive to the environment in the room, a digital camera sensitive enough to work in the dark, or clothing with the capacity to turn the sun's power into electrical energy. Researchers at the University of Toronto have invented an infrared-sensitive material that could shortly turn these possibilities into realities.
Digital Picture frame gets bigger and smarter and accepts images straight from a mobile phone
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Las Vegas January 10, 2005 CEIVA is a company we expect you'll be hearing a lot more about as digital camera sales contnue to skyrocket. The company already has its digital picture frame service operating and announced several important new features at CES including the ability to send images directly from a camera phone to the frame, anywhere in the world. Designed to resemble traditional picture frames, the CEIVA Digital Photo Receivers display photos they receive nightly through a phone line. Read More
TMIO Intelligent Ovens set for launch in April
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January 8, 2005 Being an early adopter has never been a budget affair. When significant functionality is first offered, it is almost always at a premium. That was again evident at the Consumer Electronics Show this week when TMIO launched its much-awaited Intelligent oven and announced a retail price of US$7500. The TMIO Intelligent Oven features a professional cooking system, built-in refrigeration, built-in ethernet and TMIO's control technology that enables some compelling functionality. For example, food placed into the oven stays refrigerated until a pre-programmed cook time, or you can directly start the cooking over the internet or from your mobile phone. Read More
Repositioning the hearth - FireOrb
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January 3, 2005 FireOrb Designer Doug Garafalo has created one of the most interesting and flexible heating appliance designs possible with the beautiful FireOrb. “I like that it’s a fire that people can actually gather around”, he says. “This kind of fire has echoes in the history of human culture. It creates a social space – it lets the fire be central again.” Read More
Dyson 'telescope' vacuum designed for compact living
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November 29, 2004 The Dyson DC08 'telescope' vacuum cleaner is a new addition to the ranks of innovative household appliances that cater for compact living in urban environments. Traditionally, barrel vacuum cleaners have come with bulky wands and unwieldy hoses which are cumbersome to carry and store. The DC08 features a fully telescopic wand that reduces to a quarter of its size and clips onto the machine, while the hose wraps neatly around the body for easy storage. Read More
Electrolux Chest Freezer eliminates frost
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December 2, 2004 Consumers had their first glimpse of the modern marvel of freezers in the 1920s and 30s when the first electric refrigerators with ice cube compartments arrived on the US market. Mass production of modern refrigerators began after World War II and helped transform the home with a wave of electrical appliance connectivity. And now in 2004, Electrolux has unveiled a Frost Free Chest Freezer that offers a significant upgrade to existing freezer design. Read More
Whirlpool 'In.Kitchen' designs suit 21C living
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November 23, 2004 Whirlpool Europe has unveiled its vision for a new style of built-in kitchens that are more highly integrated and lifestyle oriented than those currently available. Entitled "in.kitchen: design landscapes for a new built-in experience", the design concepts are glimpses of possible domestic environments that could be achieved in the near future through well-orchestrated partnerships within the kitchen industry. Read More
New generation digital Home Networking Solution
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November 16, 2004 Dedicated Devices (DDi) has released a new generation of digital home networking solutions that utilise a 120gb hard-drive hub to create a complete digital entertainment system and provide a secure and reliable way to access and manage digital content. Private home networks promise the ability to share music, video, photos, as well as internet access, files, printers and other equipment in a fully realised digital environment, enhancing living and facilitating working from home. Read More
Mathmos air switch lights up with the wave of a hand
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November 15, 2004 Mathmos, the company that brought out the LavaLamp in the 60s has released a new white light lamp controlled by motion detection. Slowly pass your hand horizontally through the air above the Airswitch and the lamp turns on or off. Raise your hand vertically and the Airswitch will brighten or dim accordingly. Read More
Ceramic Decanters inspired by Australian motoring
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November 15, 2004 A novel range of limited edition ceramic alcohol decanters in the shape of a motorcycle frame, oil drum and bowser, engine motor and eclectic objects like an eightball are now available from Australian based Ceramic Innovations. The decanters are designed to catch the eye of the discerning Aussie bloke and cosmetically enhance the home or office bar.
All 'Eclectic Vessels' feature a brass tap, a chemically inert grommet, a ceramic body for the decanter, food grade glazes and hand made wooden or metal stands to complement the shape.
EcoSmart updates the traditional fireplace
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November 7, The primal warmth and comfort of an open fireplace is often incompatible with modern housing and contemporary living. EcoSmart Fire is a new product from the Australian-based Fire Company that is environmentally friendly, runs on efficient renewable energy and offers the design flexibility and portability to adapt to today's living environments. The EcoSmart Fire is flue less and does not require any utility connection for fuel supply, which makes it ideal for apartment and city living. Fuelled by a renewable energy (Methylated Spirits), it burns clean and is virtually maintenance free. Read More
New Hitachi machine washes and dries clothes all in one
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November 2, 2004 A new Air Jet Dry system from Hitachi not only washes clothes - but dries them as well, all in the one compact machine. Perfect for busy households, the Air Jet leaves clothes dry, tangle-free and ready to wear once ironed. And because the air is not heated, it won't damage your clothes like a dryer can. Ideal for ever-increasing hectic lifestyles and limited living spaces, the new Air Jet is available in stores now. "People have always thought of washing machines as having a single purpose - to wash clothes," says Shibily Moidy, Product Manager, Home and Life Solutions, Hitachi Australia. "But with innovations like the new Air Jet, we are engineering a new phase of development where washers and air dryers are interactive and able to serve multiple purposes." Read More
Sonic toothbrush creates bathroom dentist
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First it went electric, now the humble toothbrush has gone digital with the Intelliclean System from Sonicare and Crest.
This is the first integrated sonic toothbrush and liquid toothpaste dispensing system, which combines high-speed bristle motion with a new specially formulated liquid toothpaste.
Sonic technology promises healthy breath, fresher gums and anti-cavity protection - and that just-from-the-dentist feeling everyday. The IntelliClean system uses Sonicare patented sonic technology to provide powerful cleaning action that gently and effectively reaches deep between teeth and along the gum line. Read More
2004 Neiman Marcus Annual Christmas Book - outrageous toys
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October 15, 2004 In keeping with tradition, the 2004 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book features a stunning array of fantasy gifts with stellar price tags, this year including such gems as a Zeppelin, a Custom Suit of Armour, an Underwater Aviator , a limited-edition Maserati Quattroporte, a haute couture Valentino gown, and an opportunity to join country music royalty on stage during a live Opry broadcast. Read More
Computerised loo generates electricity when flushed
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As the humble computer continues its march into every nook and cranny, it offers unprecedented capability to many household objects which one might have thought entirely adequate. Take for example the toilet just released by Japanese manufacturer www.toto.co.jp. The computerised, eco friendly toilet basin is designed to fully automate the bathroom experience... so all you have to do is sit and be serviced! Now this level of functionality is impressive, but by no means unique - what's so clever about the Toto system is that it GENERATES electricity from the movement of water being flushed from the cistern into the bowl - this toilet runs on eco-friendly hydroelectric power. It stores the electricity in a dry cell battery that lasts ten years without replacement. Read More
TDK NXT speaker technology offers a new look
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Even at a second glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking TDK's new mini sound system is missing a set of speakers, until you come to realise that the NXT technology speakers incorporated into the sound system are transparent. Invisible SurfaceSound speakers are the trademarks of TDK's new Slimline NX-02CD CD system, which TDK claims fill the room with sound, offering a broad sweet spot, and eliminating the 'beaming' often associated with conventional speakers. Invisible SurfaceSound speakers are the trademarks of TDK's new Slimline NX-02CD CD system, which TDK claims fill the room with sound, offering a broad sweet spot, and eliminating the 'beaming' often associated with conventional speakers. Read More
Caffeinated Beer to launch in November
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It had to happen. The success of the heavily caffeinated "energy" drinks such as Red Bull in the tten and twenty-something markets has seen US brewing giant Anheuser-Busch (best known for Budweiser beer) announce a new fruity beer infused with caffeine, guarana and ginseng. Also infused with select hops and aromas of blackberry, raspberry and cherry, the new beer, which will be known as B(E) will offer a lightly sweet and tart taste. B(E) will be priced slightly higher than Budweiser and marketed through local print advertising, point-of-sale materials, bar and club promotions and online programs. B(E) will contain 6.6 percent alcohol by volume. Read More
Sharp Introduces Superheated Steam Oven
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With a society increasingly demanding healthier ways of cooking, Sharp may have served up just the dish. They have unveiled a Superheated Steam Oven that it claims will enable low calorie cooking by roasting foods using water.
The Electric Superheated Steam Oven features a newly developed Superheated Steam Generator that bathes food in a spray of superheated steam to provide low-calorie cooking as well as removing excess fat and salt from foods, while retaining vitamins. Read More
Entertainment branding invades the Kitchen
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Disney Consumer Products announced the launch of the new Disney Smoothie Maker and Disney Popcorn Popper, on September 29, continuing the convergence of convergence of entertainment and lifestyle into one of the most important gathering places in the home; the kitchen. The company's line of consumer electronics appliances are designed for kids and families and combine Disney's entertainment content with technology and design. Both products will be available in October at major US retail outlets, just in time for the holiday season, and are the first in an ongoing line of appliances that will continue to be introduced to consumers. Read More
Australia's first Intelligent Home Show
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The Information Age will change our lives in many ways over the next few decades, most significantly in the way our home environment will change to support our lifestyle. Almost every home will benefit in myriad ways and home owners will be able to create unique personal living, recreational and working spaces. Of course the most difficult thing will be understanding the breadth of the offerings of the convergent technology sector, and it is hence significant that Australia's first exhibition focussing entirely on digital lifestyle in the home opens on October 15. Read More
Virtual windows: where would you like to live today?
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Most humans in western society spend more than 50% of their time indoors. Indeed, most humans look out the same windows while they work or inhabit their dwellings, and see the same scenes over and over. Quite often, those scenes are not happy or compelling scenes, and the window is more a means of cost-efficient lighting and an aid to overcoming claustrophobia than creating a particularly compelling ambience. Read More
Table with a stream flowing through it
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Sitting at your desk working can get quite stressful at times, and when it does we need to unwind and get away from it all. However with the Travelland table you don't need a panoramic view from your window to escape the confines of your office or home. Actually, you don't even need a window.
Aquarium washbasin
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The Moody Aquarium offers an interesting "blank canvas" for those who wish to really personalise their bathroom.
Billed as an aquarium, the huge glass enclosure which forms the basin could be used in a variety of ways to create an absolutely unique bathroom feature. Ifyour imagination isn't up to it, there's always the opportunity of waking up to splash your face in turquoise waters amongst tropical fish. Read More
Container technology for the home removals market
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When PODS started seven years ago, it was designed as a service for the storage industry - get a container delivered to home, stack it carefully over time, then call to have it picked up and delivered to a secure storage location. The founders had conceived the service as a way of securing regular business for their large secure storage warehouse. But the customers saw it differently - within minutes of delivering the first POD container, the calls started coming from people who had seen the unit in the driveway of the first customer. They didn't want to use it for storage - they wanted a more convenient way to pack for moving home. Read More
Space houses on Earth
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The European Space Agency has designed a house that uses technology designed for space could become the basis of the new German Antarctic station, Neumayer-III. The new station was designed to meet the stringent laws set up to protect the Antarctic environment, and presented at the 28th meeting of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research that took place in Bremen in July (2004). Read More
Draught Beer Dispenser for the home
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Interbrew and Royal Philips Electronics have announced the development of PerfectDraft, a new system which combines a high-quality appliance and consumer-preferred beer brands in light metal kegs, delivering the taste of draught beer in the comfort of one's own home. PerfectDraft is a new type of appliance with a tap handle, internal cooling system, pump, and 6-liter light metal keg. PerfectDraft keeps beer at the optimal conditions and the beer stays fresh for 4 weeks. Read More
Ross LoveGrove Seat Lamp
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The BD LOVE seat doubles as a public seat and a lamp, comes in a range of colours and opens up new territory in furnishing concepts for internal and external public areas.
The ROSS LOVEGROVE design is made from rotation moulded polyethylene and is both very sturdy and flexible in its usage in that it can be filled with either water or sand to secure it in a public space.
The seat's generous dimensions enable it to seat up to four people at once plus allowing children to have a whale of a time. The BD LOVE seat retails for approximately $5200 inc gst Read More
Meedio Media Player
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Combining all forms of media into one all-powerful interface seems a daunting task, but a logical one. Imagine the control of all your DVDs, CDs, Mp3, picture files, as well as TV shows, news and weather services, all available to you at the click of a button as you sit on your couch. Well, this is the future of technological control that data lifestyle management company Meedio LLC is working towards. Read More
Fujitsu's environment conditioner
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Once upon a time, air conditioners made hot air cold but new ideas will mean that the air conditioner of the future will do far more than just regulate air temperature. Fujitsu is taking the air conditioner concept and injecting new life with advanced filtration techniques and additives such as Vitamin C to offer a healthier home and office environment. Read More
New ideas - socks and toothbrush subscriptions
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Society is changing, and adopting new ways at an unprecedented rate - the recent launch and success of several subscription services to "life goods" indicates that society is re-evaluating every aspect of modern living. A socks subscription service and a toothbrush subscription service have shown promise by offering subscriptions to common everyday objects which require regular replacement. Read More
