In among the TVs and the new laptops, there are plenty of things that were out of the ordinary.
The games console for dogs
You may have your PlayStation or Xbox installed in your living room, but what about your pets? They deserve a little bit of entertainment too. Look no further than CleverPet, a games console for dogs. It's not quite at the same level as the human version, but it's aimed at keeping your dog happy and engaged. It offers puzzles for your pet using touchpads, lights and sound; when they get it right, it dispenses a little food for them. The games range from pattern play and learning words to a "catch the squirrel" option. The type of game changes throughout the day to make sure your dog doesn't get bored, and they can be updated over wifi.
Its creators, who have years of experience in dog training and qualifications in cognitive science between them, emphasised that it won’t replace human interaction.It might, however, keep your clever pet sufficiently stimulated to stop chewing on your favourite shoes while you’re at work.
The Bluetooth pregnancy test
When it comes to making products smarter, there's a line that shouldn't be crossed. On one side of the line, there are things where it makes perfect sense to have built-in bluetooth, such asheart rate monitors and speakers. On the other, you have pregnancy tests. First Response has developed a new pregnancy test and app that will not only tell you if you're pregnant, but it will also keep you occupied with information and advice while you wait out the seemingly endless three minutes it takes to discover if the world will be graced with the next generation of you. It tells you exactly what to do with the test, lets you know when your sample has been detected, and then prepares you for the life altering (or not) news. But basically, it's technology you're peeing on. Just think about that when you're handing over $15 for the hightech test. As with many things in life, just because you can doesn't mean you should.
The virtual reality trainer that makes you work out
Most people who have used virtual reality headsets realise that they look comical at times while they're inside the virtual world. Icaros is a whole new level though. it's part of what the company refers to active VR, and claims to exercise your body while you fly through virtual worlds. So as you fly through canyons, you are training your lower back muscles, your abs and so on.
If you are worried about looking daft in a VR headset, you probably don’t want to try this.
A credit card-sized handheld games console
The Arduboy was a project its creator Kevin Bates started as something fun for himself in his spare time. But the idea caught on, and one Kickstarter campaign and several months later, he's working on it full time. The credit card-sized games system is based on the open source Arduino platform and its design is reminiscent of the original GameBoy, hence the name.
It’s also a platform where you can create and share games, so not only do you get some entertainment, you can also learn how to create your own games.
Earphones that can be custom moulded like gum shields
"Think of it like gum shields, but for your ears." That was how Decibullz inventor Kyle Kirkpatrick put it. The earphones can be custom moulded to the shape of your own ears simply by immersing the interchangeable ear pieces in hot water like a gum shield and then put into your ear and moulded to its shape. The idea is to create a set of earphones with which you can run or do other sports and they won't fall out; Kirkpatrick wanted ones that would stay in while he bouncing on a trampoline.
You can also remould them over and over, simply by putting them back in hot water. Decibullz currently offers wired headphones, with a wireless pair set to launch at the end of February.
