As a Master Builder learned in the methods of the elder Master Builders, Markus Voglreiter believes in applying modern technologies to continue the age-old traditions of the great masters, thereby creating livable, aesthetically pleasing surroundings.

The photos below are evidence of Austrian-located Voglreiter’s principles in action!

Find out more about their other innovative designs on their website.

From one of my friend’s Facebook photos. I was going to congratulate him on his new Nike’s until I looked closer…perhaps MacDonald’s should start some negotiations with Nike; this could be a winner!?

Got a couple of thousand dormant mouse pads lying about? Why not make a Mouse Pad Couch!? May not be the most comfortable or ergonomic you’ll sit on but at least you can play Counter Strike and own noobs without leaving your couch!

Via Hacked Gadgets - DIY Tech Blog

I must admit when I first saw this story pop up in my GoogleReader feed, I got upset that someone had used a photo of me without asking…upon closer inspection, with much relief, I found that it wasn’t actually an image of me but of some japanese fella shouting into some strange gadget. CruchGear reports that this weird and wonderful gadget is in fact a “Stress-Adsorbing Magic Vase“. The name says it all. The manufacturers claim it will absorb your yell and keep it inside.

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Body-Laptop Interface, originally uploaded by Bekathwia.

No we don’t sell or plan to sell this Body-Laptop Woolly Jumper. My wife forwarded me this link and thought it was a good example of the craft and gadget world colliding…

Via Stern

So the warm weather in Melbourne has left us for another 8 or so months…where will we look to for warmth? How about a USB Plasma Ball!?

Although it’s not the same as sun-bathing on the beach, the USB Plasma Ball will still provide you with hours of fun. Consider it a modern-day-fishtank? Ok maybe not, but cool nonetheless.

Powered by your USB port (or 2 AA batteries) this USB Plasma Ball light will create a unique and fun environment on your desk or workstation. Watch with amazement as the electricity follows your finger tips across the 3-inch glass ball. This USB Plasma Ball is small enough to not take up too much desktop space, and is big enough to amaze your co-workers with its awe inspiring light show.

Order USB Plasma Ball @ Mr.Gadget Australia

We kid you not - Richard Branson’s coconut-powered Virgin 747 plane completed a flight from London to Amsterdam. Although not the most viable form of 747 fuel (takes 150,000 coconuts for that flight alone), the flight proves that there are possibilities for biofuel in the future. In my opinion, the first person who can make aeroplane fuel out of sewrage will be “FILTHY” rich…

Virgin’s coconut-powered 747 completes first flight - Engadget

Our friends at Solsie posted this YouTube video and I thought it would be nice to share this with our gadgeteers too. Interesting weekend watch don’t you think?

Yesterday, David (Customer Service Officer) and I took a Drivemocion for a test-drive around the suburbs of Melbourne. While we relished in the idea of being able to express our true feelings to other drivers, we were also aware of the dangers that lie behind such communication - such as getting beat up at a Stop light…

Drivemocion Australia gave us a 5 - message version, that had the following:

1. Smiley Face
2. Sad Face
3. “Thankyou”
4. “Backoff”
5. “Idiot”

The best feature about the Drivemocion is that it is wireless (infrared) - no messy wires and simple installation. It only took a one or two minutes to install the controls at the front and message panel using the suction-mounts provided.

We found that in direct sunlight the messages were a little hard to read - cars had to be around 3 metres behind to view it. When the clouds appeared, visibility of the messages increased, therefore it is still usable in daylight.

Messages flashed for approximately 5 seconds ample time for your target driver to view their message from you. We used all of the messages, except for “Backoff” since no one actually tailgated us…unfortunately…

A distracted driver using a mobile phone while driving 80km in the right lane of the Tullamarine Freeway received the “Idiot” message a couple of times before he switched lanes.

All in all great fun but make sure that you position the control in an out-of-the-way area of your front windshield.

Drivemocion Website Link

 

To cut down vandalism, local Finland councils have installed public toilets that require an SMS to open their doors for use! Sounds like an idea. I just feel sorry for the poor sods who don’t have mobiles and are in need of relief

Via Gizmodo Aus