Gadgets

Now that we're well into summer, we wake to the sweet sounds of birdsong every morning. You can determine what breed you're hearing with the Birdsong IdentifLyer, which trains you to recognize the songs of many different birds. You just slip a credit-card sized song card – each one featuring 10 birds identifed by habitat — into the player and select the bird you want to hear. Although, we think it would be even cooler to have a device that interpreted the live sounds of the birds outside and identified them for you, this device still seems like a worthy companion to your National Audubon Society Field Guide.

With millions of people suffering from sleep disorders, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more and more home diagnostic devices like SPO Medical’s PulseOx 7500. This wrist-mounted oximetry system screens the user for sleep-related symptoms like heart rate and blood saturation and collects the data, which can then be downloaded for analysis via the accompanying software. Because doctors can prescribe it to screen patients overnight in their own homes, they can get immediate results without a costly stay at a sleep clinic. No word on pricing for the unit.

Each time we think iPod accessories have reached the outer limits, along comes another strange offering to prove us wrong. The iCarta is a toilet paper holder that doubles as a docking station. The moisture-proof speakers include two tweeters and two woofers, and the unit is powered by AC adapter, so it’ll charge your iPod as well. No word on availability yet, but it’s probably time to start compiling that “potty tunes” playlist.

If this device looks intimidating, it should — if you’re a mosquito. The Mosquito Mega-Catch uses a strip of octenol, which emits a scent similar to breath, and flashing LEDs calibratated to the mosquitoes’ “spectral sensitivities” to attract the annoying, disease-carrying pests. Then the airflow sucks them into a bag or liquid catch pan so you can dispose of them. All you do is plug it in, turn it on and program it to run at only at peak hours or around the clock. This tomb of doom retails for $200.

If those dubs you’re rollin’ on aren’t enough to let everyone know what a pimp ride you’ve got, check out the Spinner Exhaust tip. When you step on the gas, this spring-loaded spinner extends and spins to let everyone else at the stoplight know you’re revving your engine (as if that obnoxious roar isn’t enough of a clue). The Exhaust Tip spinner is available in two designs — Flare and Turbine — and is priced at $45 or $50, depending on size.

Even the most hardened Luddite would probably be at ease with the Wooden Memory Sticks. These USB devices encased in real twigs and branches come in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB models, and, when inserted in the port of your computer, make some vague but profound statement about technology and nature. They’re priced from around $50 to $90 each, depending on capacity, so if you get one, make sure Fido doesn’t get ahold of it.

Today at NYU’s ITP Spring Show, Katie Bauer is showing off the Ovu fertility tracker. This frilly little armband includes an electronic thermometer powered by a 12-volt battery, which tracks the wearer’s body temperature day to day. When a sudden change in temperature signals ovulation, the armband plays a little tune, letting the woman (and apparently anyone else standing nearby) know she’s ready for action.

You don’t have to wait for RFID to go mainstream just to build your own home or office security system around the technology. Amal Graafstra took the initiative to get himself a couple of RFID pet implants and then built his own security ID system to control access to his front door, his car, and his computer. Now you, too, can be like Graafstra, because he’s sharing all his secrets in his new book, RFID Toys. So go out there and get yourself a pet implant. It’s cheaper than a tattoo, and a lot less visible.

For many of us, wrist watches — even the sports variety — can feel cumbersome when working out, shooting hoops or otherwise getting your sweat on. On the other hand, Nike’s Cuff Wristband Watch ($39), a combo digital watch and wrist band, would probably be welcome piece of fitness gear. The watch is water-resistant and displays date and time, while the wrist band comes in three interchangeable colors: white, university blue and light graphite. We have a feeling this would have been even cooler back in, say, 1982, when digital watches and wrist bands were all the rage, but they still seem pretty useful.

German design house UONO brings new meaning to the phrase “go out in style” with its Coocoon fashion coffin. This sleek oblong vessel for your remains is made of jute with a water-based varnish, guaranteeing it’s every bit as biodegradable as you are.