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remotes

Origami remote: You know, for kids

We initially blew right past the "Origami TV Remote Control" headline at Trendhunter because we'd rather waste our UMPC's pathetic battery life on something more vital than controlling our TV. But a closer look revealed that this remote control had nothing to do with the Origami Project and everything to do with actual origami--as in, folded paper.

On display at the Design Interactions Work in Progress Show in London, the paper remote control looks like the "fortune teller" you no doubt encountered in middle school. But rather than inaccurately predicting the name of your … Read more

The Internet refrigerator has arrived

Next to the mythical Internet toaster, one of the most parodied digital appliances has been the wired refrigerator. But that's precisely what this item is about--a wireless one, actually--and it comes from a decidedly un-dot-com brand: Whirlpool.

Gearlog says the "Centralpark Connection" can control MP3 devices, DVD players, cell phones, digital photo albums and other gadgetry from a hub built into its door. Why the fridge? Because, as anyone in the housing industry will tell you, the kitchen has increasingly become the focal point for entertaining and family gathering alike, especially in newer homes. That means you, … Read more

3-in-1 mouse claims to do it all

There have been many attempts to create a mouse that doubles as a presentation device, borrowing designs ranging from pens to guns and often lacking along the way. But we've never seen one quite like this three-in-one device by a Chinese company called Vavolo. (Sounds like a motor oil company.)

It claims that the gadget is a mouse, a remote, a laser pointer and a keyboard (?)--that's four in one, not three--all housed in a slim design that can fit in a PC card slot for $40. It also looks like a large-button calculator for the sight-impaired, but … Read more

A robot vacuum for rednecks and Will Ferrell junkies

Here at Crave, we tend to be skeptical about creative vacuuming solutions. There was that "Buster" prototype, which looked like more of a way for kids to terrorize pets than for a house to get cleaned. And then there are the "chic" vacuums that look like lawn gnomes. And now here's the latest, thanks to BornRich: a remote-controlled vacuum shaped like a NASCAR race car. It even comes with audio features to make it sound like it's straight out of Talladega Nights. I admit, I may be too much of a yuppie to understand … Read more

Nyko's new Wiimote charging station

The Nintendo Wii is fun, but its controller eats up batteries like nobody's business. Once you get hooked on Wii Sports or Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, you'll probably spend as much on AAs as you spent on the system itself before you even notice. Finally, peripheral manufacturer Nyko (not to be confused with R2-D2 manufacturer Nikko) has unveiled a solution.

Kotaku and GameTrailers recently posted a video highlighting some of Nyko's upcoming products. Most of these gadgets were lackluster, like stylii for the Nintendo DS or fans for the PlayStation 3, but one device shown above … Read more

A remote control for your yacht

Yachting can be such a trying leisure activity. All that champagne to chill and whatnot. The last thing you need to worry about is something so proletarian as steering. The "Minn Kota RipTide Wireless CoPilot" from Cabela doesn't drive the boat by itself, but it may be the next best thing. Uber-Review says the small remote, which can be worn on the wrist or a belt, has five simple buttons that can control speeds and turns. Perhaps most important of all, the remote--yes, it's waterproof--can also float in case the party gets the best of you.… Read more

UFO to squash remote-controlled bugs

We still don't understand the overwhelming popularity of remote-controlled mini-choppers, mosquitos and other annoying flying objects. But if you absolutely must have one, we say go all the way.

The "Four-Motor Remote Control UFO" by Hammacher Schlemmer has a lightweight carbon fiber frame and a "gyro-stabilization system" that allows "precise control through hairpin turns, rolls, pitches, and hovering, in addition to yaw and throttle." And with a 300-foot range and nearly 2 feet in diameter, this UFO will squash those flying insects like, well, bugs.

That is, until the "Flytech Dragonfly" … Read more

Mow down other toys with RC Hummer

Forget those wimpy remote-controlled pests that seem to be proliferating by the minute. You really want something annoying? Get an RC Hummer H2 replica that's a full 2.5 feet long. That's easily big enough to knock over your idiot uncle before Christmas dinner has even begun. Making this beast even more irritating are flashing lights and spinning rims, so it might be tough to sneak up on guests. But at cruising speeds up to 20 mph, you won't need too much stealth to catch them.