July 9th, 2007
9:04 am by Sandra F
Eubiq (”electricity ubiquitous”) brings you something unique for your home: the movable electrical power outlet. Meet the Eubiq Power Track System, a sleek, elegantly designed electrical power outlet alternative that lets you “add, remove and reposition power outlets anytime anywhere - by just a simple twist”.
The Eubiq Power System gives you more convenience, flexibility, and choice. It eliminates the need for snaking electrical extension cords and having to move furniture to get to electrical power outlets. The system is available as 110V or 230V and in 2 prong, 3 prong or high capacity electrical outlets versions.
The electrical outlets (”power points”) are mounted on a track as shown above and right. Power points can be positioned anywhere on the track. You simply twist and pull to remove and push / twist to insert elsewhere. Power points are independent of each other. You can also add extra power points to an existing track. Special adapters are needed to actually plug in; adapters are available for Britain, Germany, India, Australia and Japan. The product will be available in North America once it gets UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approval later this year.
The Eubiq Power System is child safe. The track is designed to prevent the electrical parts from being touched. Stick your finger in, nothing happens. The power points have a “patented Grounded Sentry Shutter system that prevents users from touching the live wire parts”. The system has received ASTA BEAB Safety and Quality Product Certification in the UK as well as KTL Safety and Quality Product Certification; more safety certifications are sure to follow.
The Eubiq Power Track System will be available in various lengths and should retail for about $30 / ft. Each track system comes with 3 power points or electrical outlets.
Props: Sci Fi Tech Blog via Cool Gadgets.
Check out the Eubiq demo & website for more information. All photos are from Eubiq’s website.
July 3rd, 2007
7:59 am by Sandra F
The Base Mate Professional Ladder Stabilizer is a “revolutionary” solution to unstable and unsafe ladders for both do-it-yourselfers and home improvement professionals.
The Basemate Ladder Leveller … is an ingenious arc of hardened steel that cuts the risk of falls by allowing ladders to remain stable on uneven ground.
Opposing locks on each side of the arc replace the feet of a standard ladder. As the locks are released, the arc slides over until its rubber treads are firmly on the ground while the ladder stays plumb.
- Vancouver Sun
It looks easier to use than traditional ladder levellers. To see just how easy, watch the video available at the Base Mate website. You lean your ladder, tap-release the lock with your foot, and start climbing. Pretty cool!
The Base Mate Professional Ladder Stabilizer has been tested, used and now endorsed by Mike Holmes who calls it “the smartest foot system of any ladder leveler on the market”.
Some Specs & Features:
- wider base which gives added support / stability to extension ladders
- strong enough for the heaviest construction ladders
- exceeds Grade 1 CDN and type 1A USA ladder requirements by 20%
- made of hardened steel
- insured by Lloyds of London
- patented triple action locking system with one foot operation
- installation to most fiberglass, aluminum and wood extension ladders (12” to 20” rung width)
- weight tested to 1,200 pounds
Check it out at the Base Mate website. The Base Mate Professional Ladder Stabilizer is available in Canada and the UK. Hopefully US distribution will be coming soon; the distributor plans to launch in the US after finding success in other markets.
Note: The system was originally developed in 2001 by home improvement contractor Martin Dennis (Surrey’s Precision Gutters). It received the “most innovative product” award at the Canadian Hardware and Building Materials Show the same year but hasn’t been professionally marketed until recently. Just goes to show you that brilliant ideas do not go out of style.
March 22nd, 2007
9:58 am by Sandra F
Came across an interesting blog the other day - ikeahacker. The challenge: take existing Ikea furniture, components or accessories and make them into something new. Each blog post features a new Ikea “hack”, either by the author or other Ikea fans.
The blog was started in
may 2006, i did a google search on ikea hacks and saw that there were so many wonderful ideas floating in the www. how great it would be if i could find them all in one place, i thought.
– jules, the ikeahacker
So he did. Projects range from the simple - transforming a roll of Ikea rationell drawer mat into a set of modern contemporary placemats and coasters to the complex.
Ikeahacker recently published its top ten and awards for 2006. The nominees ranged from using akurum kitchen wall cabinets to make a terrific sideboard to making sliding wardrobe doors into an ultra cool room divider.
Voted the best Ikea hack of 2006? The hemnes daybed turned banquette … wherein a mild-mannered daybed (above) is transformed into a cozy dining area for two (right).
Sometimes the hacks are about just making dodgy Ikea products actually work … there’s even a forum where you can ask other hackers for help. If you have a tip on “how to finally stop flimsy forby stools from wobbling”, ikeahacker would love to hear from you.
March 21st, 2007
12:12 pm by Sandra F
A new twist on home security, recently featured on Good Morning America. Hide your valuables in plain sight with a line of cool “secret safes” from Spyville.
Disguise your “family jewels” or other valuables as innocuous household products or items. A can of Dr. Pepper, a jar of peanut butter. A decorative candle. An electric outlet in the wall. All can be more than they appear … if you order from Spyville. According to the site …,
All of our hidden safes are made from actual name brand products. They look and feel real!
Prices range from about $20 to $50. Neato!
Other fab home security stuff you can buy: full video security systems, VCRs and DVRs, nanny cams.
They also sell things one hopes wouldn’t be needed in your neighbourhood - bug detectors, voice changers, night vision goggles. I think though you have to supply your own foil headgear …
March 10th, 2007
12:42 am by Sandra F
The Electrolux Trilobite is a small robot that vacuums your home automatically … allowing you to “live your life while it thoroughly vacuums your home”.
I’d heard about these things but never from a brand name vacuum manufacturer. Prototyped in 1997 and presented on a BBC program “Tomorrow’s World”, it’s finally coming to stores in 2007. I don’t think they’ve been working on it for the last 10 years, more like it’s being “reborn”. People are more receptive to the “robot vacuum” idea now and the technology is more advanced.
What do I mean by advanced? The batteries are more environmentally friendly. It has a flexible drive wheel suspension, four motors, and an LCD Display. You don’t need to put magnetic strips around the room anymore. It has much improved ultrasound navigation (sonar!) and will not bump into objects. If that’s not enough, it also docks and recharges itself when necessary (after about an hour).
You may need to add a couple of magnetic strips at doorways if you want to keep the vacuum cleaner in a confined space but this baby is smart enough to not know not to fall down the stairs and break itself; it has a built in infrared stair sensor.
Strictly from the household point of view, it has 3 cleaning programs - normal, quick, and spot vacuuming.
Is there a catch? Why yes, you still have to dump the dust box when it’s full. Otherwise it pretty much takes care of itself.
What about that other catch? Ah yes the price. About $1800 (cribcandy).
I found it odd that the Trilobite is named after a type of fossil, since it uses all this high-tech gadgetry and all. The explanation from the manufacturer:
The trilobite was a type of arthropod that vacuumed the ocean beds for small animals and particles about 250-560 million years ago. Its back was hard, and the trilobite is perhaps the best known of the fossils seen in walls, steps and flooring made of stone. This animal has lent its name and its shape to the new Trilobite vacuum cleaner.
You can see some less pricey (and probably less feature-packed) robot vacuums at the robot shop.
March 8th, 2007
12:16 pm by Sandra F
Ding dong. “Who’s there?”. If you’re in the shower or the basement, they’ll never hear you. If you’re in the garden, you won’t here them.
Enter the GSM (Global Standard for Mobile) Doorbell. This creative application of wireless technology allows you to answer the door remotely, even if you aren’t home.
How does it work? When a visitor presses your doorbell, your cellphone rings. When you answer, you can talk to your visitor directly and unlock the door by entering a PIN from your cell if need be.
This is a good for all kinds of situations. Forgot your keys? Phone home (using your cell of course) and let yourself in. Kids home early from school and don’t have keys? No need to leave work, you can just let them in. Big one for me because I like to order online - courier arrives needing a signature and you’re not there (always!)? Talk to him directly to make arrangements.
The GSM Doorbell also works as a regular doorbell when needed.
The product is being actively marketed to home security specialists and property developers as it is often integrated with electronic door systems. Currently available in Europe, Waleli hopes to go global with the product in the near future.
