tech e blog

Sometimes, there's just one too many USB plugs and one too few USB ports. Meet the Infinite USB. This device helps "keep all your cables connected, thereby facilitating those smartphone syncs, spy camera recharges, and -- for the ultimate irony -- maybe even a USB hub." Continue reading for one more picture.

The design speaks for itself, so no point elaborating, however what we can do is talk about its effectiveness and limitations.

That's right, Paraben has released a "Porn Detection Stick". The $100 device comes bundled with software that "searches the hard drive using 'advanced image analyzing algorithms that categorize images as potentially harmful by identifying facial features, flesh tone colors, image backgrounds, body part shapes, and more" to detect all pornographic images on the hard drive.' Continue reading to see the interface (SFW).

The system promises less than 1% false positives. Of course, what the software can't analyze are any videos that may be saved to your hard drive or pretty much anything in the web.

The USB Pet Rock -- ThinkGeek exclusive -- may not double as a storage device or a talking robot, but this device is however, the "greenest USB product ever created, as it draws absolutely no electricity." Video after the break.

They are compatible with Windows (7 and lower); Mac (all OS's); Linux; and all other past, present, and future operating systems - no drivers needed!

The USB Hidden Flash Drive Watch from ThinkGeek is basically a wearable 8GB storage device that "has a plastic case covered by stainless steel mask with brushed silver finish and convex mineral glass with shiny raised index."

The USB flash drive fits flush with the watch case - ready to hold your data safe and secure. You may even forget it's there until you're ready to use it.

In this interesting headphone hack, you'll "be attaching a 1/4" mono jack to the microphone input pads on the controller PCB to allow connection and recording of just about anything that uses that type of jack, including guitars, bases, microphones, etc." Video after the break.

The original idea was much more complicated than this, but I decided to try this out first as it would be easier for the majority of people who wanted to try it.

The Cassette Tape 4-port USB 2.0 Hub, priced at $24.95, from Vat19 has "every detail, down to rotating ribbon wheels painstakingly copied." Continue reading for one more picture.

The Cassette Tape 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub is identical in size and form to the iconic audio cassette tape. In fact, these USB Hubs fit perfectly inside any cassette tape case.

Finally, a hands-on video of Heinz's USB-powered microwave has surfaced. It may not be very large, but portability is its main draw. No word yet on pricing or availability. Continue reading to watch.

File this under: funny USB devices. Modder "Kipkay" shows us how he created the world's first USB-powered toaster. Best of all, it's portable and can be used just about anywhere with a powered USB port. Continue reading for the video.

Heinz's Beanzawave is touted as the world's smallest microwave, and it's USB-powered to boot. Standing 7.4-inches tall, it uses "a combination of mobile phone radio frequencies to create the heat to cook both on the outside and within in under a minute." Don't have a computer around? Just pop in some batteries and you're good to go. Continue reading for one more picture.

The single serve microwavable Snap Pots allow people to quickly heat and eat. We are therefore delighted to be working with Gordon as the Beanzawave is the perfect partner to Heinz Snap Pots, allowing a nutritious snack to be whipped up anywhere in just 60 seconds.

Plenty of USB hubs are available, but how many look like cassettes, LEGO bricks, Super Famicom cartridges, potatoes, and VHS tapes? Well, these modders took the task of creating unusual USB hubs into their own hands. Click here for first picture in gallery.

[via Toxel]