disco

Note to electronics industry: Sometimes, rather than trying too hard to come up with a new design, it might be best to take a trip back in time. We never thought we'd be touting a look from the '70s, but Grundig is releasing a pair of speakers with an irresistible mid-century feel that has held up well over the years. (Then again, we never thought we'd see platform shoes again either.)

To commemorate the 100th birthday of founder Max Grundig, the company will be offering an updated version of its spherical "Audiorama" speakers next year, according … Read more

We thought this LED dress would be the subject of immediate mockery, considering our view on the infamous "Illuminated Handbag" some months back. But those who have far more fashion sense than us apparently think otherwise.

The lighted garment, which will reportedly be available only on the Japanese market later in the year, would apparently be de rigueur for club-wear, as far as Shiny Shiny is concerned. We'll stick to the kind of apparel we know--like solar-powered fan hats.

Video speakers are becoming almost old hat in some product lines, but we've finally found a model that matches our decor at home and on the road. All hail the "Supersonic" boombox.

Not only will this sound machine take care of our entertainment needs--TV, DVD, CD, radio--but it also comes in a retro design (circa 1993) that makes us wonder where we put that "Best of Kool & The Gang" collection.

The $180 boombox has a 5-inch screen, but there's no mention of iPod or MP3 compatibility. That's OK with us, though, because … Read more

We're seriously beginning to question the sanity of the people at Japan's SolidAlliance. (And that says a lot, coming from us.) It's one thing to make devices using fake gold, rubber duckies and UFO detectors. But a crystal ball for a mouse?

The "Choikawadeco Mouse," which Akihabara News translates to mean "a little bit cute," is one of several new bling-infected mice just released--and, in our opinion, the most over the top. On the other hand, if you're into doing DDR on your mouse pad, this disco-ball wannabe could be just the … Read more

Feathered hair and Gran Torinos are coming to iTunes.

Apple has cut a deal with Sony Pictures Television to sell episodes of classic TV shows like Starsky and Hutch and Charlie's Angels on the iTunes store. The shows will be available for the standard $1.99 alongside other Sony shows that haven't quite reached classic status just yet, including Til' Death and Rules of Engagement.

Neither of the modern film remakes of those two 1970s classics are available yet on the iTunes Store, depriving customers of making side-by-side comparisions of Cameron Diaz and Farrah Fawcett. While we won'… Read more

Gadgets that light up to musical rhythms are everywhere, but they're generally stationary. That's where the "Robotic Laser Ball" has them beat. This disco bot actually hits the dance floor on its own and "gyrates violently and flashes lights in time to your music," according to Red Ferret, for 50 seconds at a time. But keep an eye on it--the ball measures only about 4 inches in diameter, so it could get stepped on.

Just because a cable lights up, that doesn't necessarily mean it's smart. To wit, Evergreen Japan has developed one that "dances to the rhythm of the music you are listening to," Gearfuse says, but doesn't do much of anything else except maybe keep you from getting run over by a car at night. They also require a clunky battery box to provide power, diluting whatever cool factor they manage to muster--which probably isn't a huge loss.

It's touted as a disco enhancement, but it looks a lot more like raver chic to us. Whatever it is, Hammacher Schlemmer's "Dancing Light MP3 Synchronizer" will funkify your party with 33 multicolored LEDs bouncing off a concave mirror to the beat of whatever tunes you choose. It can even be set to four programs, "Andante, Moderato, Allegro and Presto." But if we were going to take this route, we'd just as soon go for the full retro effect with a home laser show. And remember, don't bogart that Nano.

Today I welcome Ryan Block, managing editor of Engadget! He shows us the Wii laptop, one of the best gaming mods I've ever seen. Then, of course, I dazzle him with yet another disco product (are there ever enough?), the Funk Fone. And you'll be dazzled blind by the Diamond Flower, a $24,000 mouse studded with, naturally, diamonds. Last but certainly not least is the Ergopod 500--a great contraption for people who need computer access while they're bedridden, but also a possible earthquake hazard. See you next week!