Game X-Change

Looking to rent a console game? Too bad, it's not a viable option in sunny Singapore. However, Play! Entertainment's three founders believe they have the next best thing--a concept they are calling Game X-Change. Riding on the eight DVD rental kiosks already in place across the island as exchange stations, gamers can--via an integrated system of Web site search and SMS alerts, seek out like-minded gamers to trade games with. There're just a few catches. You will first have to purchase a game from a Play! kiosk to be registered as a member. All exchanges must be legitimized at any of the eight kiosks, although we're told plans are afoot to add another four more by end 2006/early 2007. Oh yes, there's also an S$8 (US$5) transaction fee levied on both parties, paid either via Cashcard or Nets. Still, it's another avenue for recreational gamers looking for a trading forum without having to fork out that S$50 to S$70 for a brand new console game. That said, only Xbox and Xbox 360 gamers need apply.

See how to transact | a typical X-change wishlist | a Play! kiosk

Price: S$8 (US$5) X-change fee
Availability: At Play! 24-hour entertainment kiosk located at eight mall locations across Singapore
Device: Games exchange service
Basic specs: Only Xbox and Xbox 360 games

The Show Off T-Shirt

Try this on for size. A T-shirt that actually comes with a built-in sound-sensitive graphics equalizer panel. Tuned to react to different frequencies, the lights flash in green, yellow and red in time to music and sound, just like the real thang on your music player. This T-shirt certainly earns a place in the Wardrobe of Weird, right next to to Taiwan's naughty Cos-Play USB Keyboard costume. Undeniably a great conversation opener at parties and during concert intervals. But for goodness sake, hand wash only, with batteries unplugged.

Price: US$72
Availability: Try the online store here
Device: Shirt with built-in equalizer
Basic specs: In small (42.5cm), medium (45cm) and large (47.5cm), black color only, illuminating panel powered by detachable battery pack so T-shirt can be washed, battery pack comes with on/off switch, requires 4 x AAA batteries (not included)

Shocolate Vault Jar

If Ben & Jerry's can sell ice cream locks, why not one for candyholics determined to control their sweet tooth? The Shocolate Vault Jar marries the best of the Euphori-Lock and the Taiyo BuzzTrainer USB shock therapy device. If you haven't already guessed it, this little goody bottle throws in a little shock treatment to, well, jar you out of the habit. Works just as well to deter sticky fingers. Stash your sweets or even ciggies away in this vault, set the timer, and see how long you can suffer the countdown. Masochists need not apply.

See full picture

Price: 9.99 pounds (US$18.45)
Availability: Check it out here
Device: Jar vault with lock
Basic specs: Timer can be set up to 24 hours in advance, batteries included

Self-Stirring Mug

If one had a time-traveling DeLorean and went far enough into the future, humankind would probably resemble those statues on Easter Island--all big heads and tiny bodies. And we'll have to thank those gizmos that take the labor out of little things, such as this self-stirring mug. Armed with a battery-operated propeller sitting at the bottom of the cup, all it takes is one button touch to leave your beverage/sugar/milk mix stirred, if not shaken.

Click for the big picture

Via The Green Head

Price: US$29.95
Availability: At Hammacher Schlemmer
Device: Cup stirrer
Basic specs: Lightweight injection-molded plastic sheathed in stainless steel exterior, requires two AA batteries, lid which also doubles as coaster

The Water Wrist Bottle

Ok, it looks ridiculously like something Captain America would wear. And it probably takes some getting used to, literally and figuratively. But we're suckers (no pun intended) for convergence, and the Hydro-Sports does 2-in-1 duties rather cleverly. It's both water bottle and light weights for joggers, power walkers, even bikers planning to tone up faster. Designed to strap onto your wrists, it removes the need to lug along that cumbersome water bottle, while putting the drinking straws within sipping reach. Until the manufacturers jazz up the next edition, be warned. You may look silly running around the block with these. But at least you're home free and handsfree! One tiny consolation: These come in five colors of Neon Green, Pearl, Purple, Pink, and Blue to match your workout attire.

Get more images here

Via NMOA

Price: US$9.99 a pair
Availability: Direct sales at Hydro-Sport
Device: Handsfree water bottles
Basic specs: Each unit holds 4oz water or sports drink, strapped onto wrist, pull top, about 0.5lbs each, dishwasher safe

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (955)

» Digital Cameras (556)

» Notebooks (685)

» PC & Peripherals (744)

» Handhelds (350)

» Printers (49)

» Home AV (638)

» Music & Play (523)

» Gadgets (1179)

» Future Tech (239)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads