Quick Look at Roku (Video)

Netflix lets you watch HD movies instantly on your computer,  and thanks to a small device like Roku you can  stream them to your HDTV too. You can already do this if you have an Xbox or TiVo HD, but if you don’t, then there is the $99 Roku set-top box alternative.  The box hooks up to your TV receiver, and has an Ethernet plug to get you online. Keep in mind that you do need a Neftlix subscription or Amazon account to use Roku, but once you have either of those two, you just have to configure your Roku and immediately start streaming high-definition movies to the big screen. We spoke to Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku to find out how the box works.  Watch the interview.

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Blockbuster OnDemand Service comes to TiVo

In an effort to stay relevant, Blockbuster has teamed up with TiVo to bring you its OnDemand Service  so you can rent or buy movies on your favorite DVR. The extensive library will be available on all Tivo Series 2, Tivo HD, HD XL, and Tivo Series 3 DVRs. You will need a broadband-connected TiVo DVR to download movies though. Release date and pricing is not clear, but you can sign up for the TiVo mailing list to stay on top of this upcoming service.

TiVo makes deal with Blockbuster

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Color-changing glass tiles

Most of us would think that tiles are just that - tiles, right? Apparently not, as these tiles you see here are actually “textured glass tiles that alter in color with changes in temperature.” Nice to know that these are not conceptual designs but are very real, and they are being prepped for a commercial release any time now. It won’t come cheap though, as they will retail for approximately $15 per standard size 4″ x 4″ x 3/8″ tile. Having these create a wall in the bathroom would be cool, along with placing them on the floor to see “footprints” appear as people walk on them. Unfortunately, it will cost you approximately $150 per square foot, making this out of reach for most people who are rather cash-strapped right now.

Source: Book of Joe

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Baby Bottle smart enough to tell you the right temperature

New parents or inexperienced hands who are preparing milk or a formula for baby will find themselves in a quandary at the very beginning, and sometimes in our haste, we tend to forget just how hot the water is when mixed, accidentally scalding baby’s mouth to set off another round of screaming and crying that takes a couple of hours to cajole and die down. Instead of learning the hard way or risk burning your own mouth, how about this Baby Bottle concept? It features graphics that are printed with thermochromic anti-forgery ink, and these will change accordingly to show you when is the right temperature for the liquid within to be consumed. Surely, this takes out a whole lot of guesswork, and we are amazed something like this has not been released to the mass market already.

Source: Yanko Design

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Canine Treadmill

Dogs are lovable pets, and many of them do need plenty of exercise to stay healthy both physically and mentally. The Canine Treadmill from Hammacher was developed specially for that purpose – it allows your four legged friend to get all the exercise required without having to go outside and smell the smog (if you live in a densely populated city, that is). It comes with controls to determine the inclination, speed and distance, and the 0.5hp motor is able to move the treadmill at speeds ranging from 0.3 to 5 mph. A recessed treat holder is there to reward all of Fido’s hard work. One thing though, the master ought to get a treadmill for himself since you shouldn’t just leave your dog as it is, as it ought to have a pack leader (you) to be with it when it walks so that it knows its place in the hierarchy.

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LED illuminated coat hook

Now this idea is so simple, I kicked myself and asked, “Why didn’t I think about it before?” After all, we do know that most modern devices that glow with a LED shade is cool, which is why this LED illuminated coat hook reeks of win. Not only does it function as a useful tool for you to hang up stuff, it also doubles up as a light in a dark room so that you won’t have to run the risk of stubbing your toe against the desk at night when you get up for a pee. You will be able to choose from red, black and white colors, with the hooks forming a nice white “illuminated circular outline” right below. These hooks feature rechargeable batteries that are good for up to 60 hours per charge. I wouldn’t fork out the asking price of $350 per coat hook though.

Source: Luxury Launches

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iPhone Coffee Table is inspiring

The iPhone does come with one of the more colorful and accessible user interfaces among handsets today, making it truly worthy of its “smartphone” label. Well, that has inspired iLounge readers to come up with their very own iPhone table - and according to one of the creators, the table is “completely made of corrugate and glued together with white glue” that boasts removable, usable coasters built-in. Perfect to have Apple loving friends over while chatting about the virtues of your favorite Apple devices and sipping on a hot cup of coffee.

Source: iLounge

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V-POD Tower Beer features LCD display

It is time to let your hair down this holiday season, so mark all the days in your calendar where you’re throwing a party in your home. Make sure your guests will be awed by your pad, and what better way to do so (apart from all the basic upgraded creature comforts) than with the V-POD tower beer dispenser that not only allows golden liquid to flow out to keep guests happy, it also boasts a 10″ LCD display to keep them entertained with the latest Britney Spears music video. Wait a minute, that doesn’t sound quite right. Anyways, each V-POD tower beer dispenser will come in brass and steel Double Column style for that added touch of elegance, featuring 4 to 6 faucets (depending on the model number), integrated stereo speakers and a remotely mounted DiGi viewer. Prices start from $3,050 upwards, depending on the model that you prefer.

Source: Luxury Launches

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Alphabet Ice for the home

If you’re thinking of throwing a year end party for your kids and their friends or even among your group of close friends, what’s a party without some iced drinks? Of course, minors won’t be touching alcohol anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean they will have to miss out on all the fun associated with the Alphabet Ice. This Alphabet Ice trap is constructed from black silicone, allowing you to churn out letters of your choice. The whole set comprises of a trio of trays that are able to churn out the entire alphabet for $30. I believe this would make for a great proposal tool - guys, are you listening? Serve your girlfriend her favorite cocktail in one large bowl filled with all the relevant letters and watch her melt (like the ice).

Product Page via Likecool

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Toilet Smellkiller does away with nasty odors

We all know just how smelly toilets can get if you’re sharing a home with people other than yourself. Of course, this doesn’t mean you aren’t exempt from your own stink bombs as well, but surely you can bear your own burden compared to assaulting your nostrils with the awful smell of others’ waste? Instead of getting chemicals to neutralize those odors, why not take the environmentally friendly route with the Toilet Smellkiller? All it takes is a single flush to get the job done, and you don’t need to replace it - ever. Sounds amazing, right? Yeah, I was thinking the same thing - how does it last a lifetime? Apparently it uses high grade stainless steel that is able to remove even tough odors, and you get to save money in the long run without having to pick up refills from the supermarket. The Toilet Smellkiller will retail for £14.95 each.

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