iZ Speakers

It’s not easy describing something as weird and wonderful as iZ. The boffins behind this impossibly cute creature call it an “interactive animatronic DJ/speaker” – which it is, but you’re probably still baffled, aren’t you?

Allow us to explain. iZ (pronounced “is”) is a bizarre, battery-operated being that functions as a quality audio speaker, compatible with almost any music source. Simply plug in your MP3/CD player using the supplied cable and you’re away.

Read it in full on FireBox

Robo-roaches give robot armies new reproductive prowess

We give robots all the credit for being our one day overlords, but if you base world domination potential on who is busting out the babies, we’d have to go with cockroaches. So we’re really not too surprised to see them both joining forces to create a super being: the Robot Zombie Cockroach.

Read it in full on Engadget

Weirdest Christmas Present Ever

In this season of strange presents from relatives, Dorothy Ferreira got a doozy the other day from her 82-year-old sister in Waterloo, Iowa. It was ugly. It weighed four pounds. There was no receipt in the box.

Inside she found what looked like a gnarled, funky candle but could actually be a huge hunk of petrified whale vomit worth as much as $18,000.

Read it in full on New York Times

Ropeless Jump-Rope, More Useful Than You Think

Lester Clancy has finally been awarded a patent on his groundbreaking invention, the cordless jump-rope. Believe or not, this thing might actually be useful. There are weighted balls in each handle to simulate the feel of the rope. It can’t determine whether you would have made the jump or not, but hopefully that feature may come in the future. This device would be great for clumsy people who can’t continuously jump rope but enjoy the exercise.

Read it in full on Gizmodo

USB Fiber-Optic Christmas Tree

• USB powered Christmas Tree.
  

• Fiber-optic lighting effect.

• On/Off switch.

• Work with PC, MAC and Playstation2 with USB port.

• Low power consumption, no heat when in use.

• Cable Length: 140cm

• Height: 25cm

• Weight: 149gm

Read it in full on USBGEEK