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A map clock for world domination

After seeing more than our share of watches and clocks that make no sense, we're glad to cite one that we can actually read--in several time zones at once, no less.

The "World Time Clock" displays the time in 22 cities around the world in red LEDs, according to Uber-Review. The $264 price tag may be a bit steep for what it does, but the retro design--red LEDs against a black-and-gray world map--give it kind of a Dr. Strangelove feel for those times when you want to play Cold War.

Answering machine or sushi plate?

As technology manufacturers continue to design products that blend more naturally into the decor, some are taking the concept to an extreme--so much so that the items aren't even recognizable at all. Take the new voice-activated answering machine from Hammacher Schlemmer, for example. The idea behind the device is admirable, activated by the simple phrase "answering machine" and responding to 15 voice commands including "play new" and "set volume." We're just not exactly sure about the design; is there some reason it needs to look like a sushi plate? It's not … Read more

Lights for the sake of lights

A gadget that projects colored lights may seem pointless to many people, especially when it has no raver or laser effects. But for us it conjures memories of our childhood when, every Christmas, our cheapskate dad would pull out a silver aluminum tree that came with a rotating lamp to give it "festive colors." How depressing.

As best we can tell from the description on TechEBlog, Philips' "LivingColors" is basically just a multi-hued LED lamp that can be dimmed or intensified by remote control to match your mood (see the YouTube clip below). Why anyone would … Read more

If Captain Jack Sparrow had a toaster

I'm not really sure what this gadget's product page is saying, because it's all in German. But regardless, I want this toaster. It's sleek, black, and printed with a skull-and-crossbones as well as a bizarre Guns & Roses reference ("Sweet Toast of Mine") and get this--it'll brand your toast with a skull-and-crossbones as well.

Then your toast can have a pirates-vs.-ninjas battle with your Wee Ninja. Arrrrr!

(Via Notcot.org.)

Zen and the art of shaving

We may be a fun-loving lot here at Crave, but there are some things we take very seriously--like shaving. There have been a fair number of silly USB and other novelty razers on the market of late, but we'll have none of that, thank you.

We reserve our attention for substantive grooming hardware, or at least those products that claim to be, such as the "Axis" line of shavers. They promise the "closest shave yet," according to Cool Hunting, though we've all heard that before. But one thing we do appreciate is their promise … Read more

I like it, but isn't it art?

The most exquisite lamps have surfaced on the MAKE magazine blog of all places.

I suppose these lamps technically qualify as homemade tech gadgetry because artist Frank Buchwald handcrafted them himself.

I think his artistic meld of the natural and tech elevate these usable art pieces to more than look-what-I-made-in-my-garage status.

They just seem way too nice to appear in the same blog that showcased the hand-sewn nerd pillows and homemade Hobbit house.

Hydroponic plant farming in your house? Hmm...

I have a funny story about this Electrolux Vege that I read about on GadgetCandy. It's a prototype for a fridge-sized hydroponic plant-growing cupboard that will allow you to grow your own plants and herbs in the comfort of your own home. If you want to be mega-eco-friendly but don't have the time or space for a full-fledged garden or greenhouse, here's a solution. Cool, right? So I decided to Crave it.

Then it occurred to me that the Vege might gain more popularity as an incubator for plants that are a little bit more on the … Read more

A solution to the common desire for a radiator-Slinky hybrid

"I've always wanted a radiator that looks like a Slinky." Sound like a familiar wish? Yeah, I'm sure it is. And even if it's never crossed your mind to want a radiator-Slinky mashup, you might still agree with my view that radiators need to be prettier. Consequently, you may be interested in this Hot Spring Radiator manufactured by the UK company Bisque. (Get it? Hot spring? Ha ha ha!) But here's my beef with it--what happens when your friends come to visit your Hot Springed-out living space, don't realize that those pretty twisty … Read more

Because the laundry needs love too

On our next trip to South Korea, one of the first things we want to see is the laundry rooms. When Samsung came out with its designer washing machine last October, we thought it was just an ill-advised attempt to create a new market. But then we spotted these other colorful models on Techie Diva from Korean rival LG.

These machines have brains as well as beauty, with a environmentally friendly steam-cleaning system controlled through an LCD. They're not exactly our taste, but we do appreciate that they're on display at Harrods. (Any excuse to do some shopping … Read more

Speakers that keep a low profile

TV sets aren't the only home entertainment products that have flattened out. The "Fret" audio system, designed by U.K. design house Studiomold, includes a subwoofer and two flat carboard speakers that can be mounted almost flush against the wall. Shiny Shiny says the pair, which comes in black or white, can be used with MP3 players or TV stereos. By the looks of this unit, it might work as a decent window treatment as well.