Tag: Electronics

All things gadgets. This may include some video game peripherals too.

Cartridge Zombie Concept

Categories Computers, Electronics, Gadgets, UncategorizedLeave a Comment on Cartridge Zombie Concept

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This is a very broad idea where an old game cartridge is retrofitted with some form of new gadget. For this example, a mini PC was fitted in between a Nintendo 64 cartridge. Because cartridges can be disassembled into two halves, just about anything could be wedged in between.

Game cartridges could be turned into a plethora of devices: mini or single board PCs, game consoles, streaming boxes, NAS servers, Bluetooth speakers, smart assistants, and so on. Even small Game Boy cartridges could be turned into USB wall adapters.

And yes, it would be preferable if dead games (or common sports games) are used, but if none are available you can buy blank cartridge shells just about anywhere.

McDonald’s Air Freshener

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Recently I grabbed one of those Glade plug-in air fresheners because my neighbors smoke like Hobbits. The device has a pleasing flowery scent but honestly my first choice would be the aroma of french fries. It would run on oil refills, feature a USB outlet, and the sign is back-lit so it can double as a nite-lite too.

Bluetooth HDMI Cable

Categories Electronics, Gadgets, Music2 Comments on Bluetooth HDMI Cable

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A missing feature that I really want added to all home audio systems: the ability to listen to multiple audio sources at the same time. I almost always listen to music when playing video games (with the music disabled in-game), listening to podcasts, watching YouTube, and watching sports.

Juggling multiple devices to listen to multiple audio sources at the same time isn’t too much of a pain, but if audio could be easily spliced together on one device that would be awesome (each source would need its own volume level).

Until such a feature is universally available, some makeshift devices like the design above may be worthwhile. This HDMI cable would function like normal for a game console, but can receive a secondary audio source from a smartphone using Bluetooth. Now a gamer could play Rocket League while listening to iTunes on their home theater system at the same time.

There are many possible ways audio splicing could be achieved and applied, but I felt the above design would be the most popular scenario. Again I would much prefer if “audio splicing” became a common feature in all audio electronics, rather than cobbled together in this fashion.

Compact Guitar Controller

Categories Electronics, Gadgets, Music, Video Games1 Comment on Compact Guitar Controller

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I’ve been wanting to revisit Rock Band or Guitar Hero these past few years, but the price (even on the secondhand market) and large size of the guitar peripherals have kept me from taking the plunge. Now if they made a compact and inexpensive guitar controller for these games, it would be a different story.

I propose this design, which is really compact and ideal for righties and southpaws. It features an adjustable handle and a small strum thingy that is operated by a thumb. Yes it would be like holding a ukulele, but it would do the job.

Continue reading ➞ Compact Guitar Controller

Hybrid Smartwatch Design

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This smartwatch design combines the old and new, with analog watch hands sitting on top of a modern display. A hole is punched through the middle of the screen, allowing the gears for the watch hands to pass through. This approach would be similar to punching a hole in a smartphone display for a camera (more on that concept here).

There would only be a few on-demand features for the display, such as the calendar, notifications, heart rate, and stopwatch. I didn’t want it to host apps, because the goal is to use the digital screen as little as possible; hopefully it would only need to be charged once a month (the watch hands would use a separate battery or wind-up feature).

This hybrid watch ensures the time is always displayed, and it only serves up information when called upon. With infrequent charging, it could be a gadget that needs little upkeep, just like an old watch.

Ghostbusters USB Wall Adapter

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Several years ago I posted a Ghostbusters nightlight design that functioned like a small standalone sign. Upon reflection I think it would be better if it was a USB wall adapter that also doubled as a nightlight.

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It would illuminate when charging a device, or when the room was dark (thanks to a light sensor). The power prongs fold up for convenience.

Super Mario 64 TV Stand

Categories Electronics, Furniture, Video GamesLeave a Comment on Super Mario 64 TV Stand

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Remember those maps that teachers would pull down to cover the chalkboard in class? Exact same deal here. This idea was born because I hate dusting my TV and game consoles, and wanted a fun way to conceal everything when not in use.

Continue reading ➞ Super Mario 64 TV Stand