A Limitless Supply Of Virtual Bubble Wrap

You can rely on the Japanese to create gadgets that amaze and enthrall. Puchi Puchi is the latest creation from Bandai, the Japanese toy manufacturers and could be considered either a kid’s toy or an executive stress relieving toy. Whatever you consider it to be, you have to concede to its sheer brilliance.

Puchi Puchi is the term that the Japanese use to describe the noise that bubble popping makes and each Puchi Puchi has 8 buttons that closely resemble bubble wrap packaging. By pressing one of the buttons, it simulates the noise and action of popping the bubble but without ever having to destroy any plastic – a limitless virtual supply of bubble wrapping!!!

To say that Puchi Puchi has caused a stir would be a major understatement. They were first released in Japan in September 2007 selling an astonishing 1 million units within the first 48 hours of being released. Since combing to Europe, they have gained the adulation of celebrities like Jonathan Ross.

At just £6 each they’re a damn site cheaper than buying new electrical goods just to get the bubble wrap and they’re available in three colours – clear, blue, and pink. Oh, and the Puchi Puchi rewards regular users by playing a surprise sound when you’ve pressed it several times (a doorbell is the only one I know of).

GTA IV Smashing All Records

It’s hardly surprising to learn that Grand Theft Auto IV has broken pretty much every imaginable record going. The release of Halo 3 produced one of the largest ever profits for an entertainment release, including Hollywood blockbusters, and GTA IV has followed in that same vein. While many games fail to live up to the kind of hype they are given, that doesn’t seem to be something that can be directed at GTA IV.

Over 600,000 copies on the PS3 and Xbox360 of the Rockstar hit were sold within the first 24 hours of release. It’s not the first time that the Grand Theft Auto series has broken records. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas sold marginally more than 500,000 copies during its first 24 hours, the title that GTA IV has smashed. The same game also holds the record for 677,000 copies sold in its first week.

There are yet more figures of note too. It is estimated that the first day sales of GTA IV will amass £24m. Hollywood films tend to rake in anything ranging from £2m to £13m in the same period.

Many expect GTA IV to sell more than a million copies in its first week. One of the biggest reasons for this potential figure is that this instalment in the series is the first to be released on two platforms – all previous GTA titles were only available on the PlayStation consoles. Approximately 55% of sales have so far been amassed on the Xbox360.

Thanks to the Times Online for the statistics and figures.

Guitar Hero IV? Well - Sort Of.

Had enough of trying to master Through the Fire and Flames? Can’t quite master the ludicrous intensity of Dragonforce? Perhaps Raining Blood has got you spitting blood? Fear not, for there is an alternative to the incredible and incredibly difficult Guitar Hero III – in the form of the Guitar Hero Handheld Game.

OK, so it’s probably not as intricate as the Xbox360 version and it’s limited to ten songs but if you fancy yourself as a guitar hero now you’ve conquered Slash et al then this will amuse you for a few hours. The principle is clearly “based” around that of the incredibly popular gaming series with note sliding down the electronic fret board display. The aim is also to hit the notes in sequence and in time.

The guitar folds down so you can carry it with you when you next go busking down the main street. The ten songs include classics like Smoke on the Water and Heart Shaped Box. It’s also a whole lot cheaper than any of the Guitar Hero games. In all honesty, though, it does miss the Live experience of playing battles against your mates and trying to master co-op titles. Still, it’s pretty cool nonetheless.

Annoy The Hell Out Of Co-Workers And Brighten Your Working Day

Let’s face it, you could have the coolest job in the world, but when work beckons and deadlines loom, mundane objects suddenly display new heights of appeal. When a project needs working on, paper clips become the latest sculptural material. But why selfishly limit your procrastination to your own work?

The Electronic Rhythm Drum Pens offer a sure fire way to make you one of the most despised and irritating workers in your office. Next time your team is working on a million pound deal and you’ve only got hours to finish, crack out a pair of these pens and get beating.

When you beat the pen on the desk, a synthesized drum sound is played through the miniature speaker mounted on the top. Two switches enable you to alternate between tom-tom, snare, and cymbals. Unfortunately, there’s also an on-off switch to avoid potentially disasterous drum solos in the middle of taking meeting notes.

What’s more, these drum pens are so innovative that you can even write with them. At less than a fiver each, there can be no better way to whittle away ten minutes than attempting to recreate your very own Phil Collins drum solo.

Go on, get creative.

The Graphic Equalizer T-Shirt - Oh Yes

Have you sat listening to the latest Boyzone single musing as to why nobody has invented a t-shirt with its very own sound-sensitive graphic equaliser? Well, of course you have, because you’re only human after all.

Fortunately, there’s no reason to muse over this particular problem any longer. The T-Qualizer Graphic Equalizer t-shirt is exactly that. The graphic equaliser responds to the beat of any music (even Boyzone – go figure) and flashes in time to the tunes.

T-Qualizer creates a line of unique clubbing software that includes this innovative masterpiece. While the company itself is US based, fortunately there are resellers and stockists all around the world.

Ideal as a gift for the avid clubber, or perfect for those looking for something a little different to wear this summer. And they’re surprisingly low priced so accessible for all.

Also keep a look out for the desktop T-Qualizer (available in Classic, Chiller, and Raver), and a range of clothing with more to follow soon.

More Details - http://www.tqualizer.biz

Tandem Z Pico Copter For The Pro Pilot

Bloody hell we have found a shed load of cool gadget based toys this week and today is no exception. Ladies and gentlemen meet the Pico Tandem copter based on the chinook army helicopter.

 This bad boy is a little harder to fly than its smaller sibling so if you are a new pilot I would suggest you start with the pico z and move your way on to this mother.

Here is the blurb:

Although the Tandem is too titchy to carry troops or heavy artillery, it’s more than capable of lifting your spirits (groan!) as it aka-aka-aka’s around the room. And that’s no surprise because this is the world’s first twin-rotor micro chopper. It’s more fun than a Sea Knight load of fun things from Funville.

Get yours from firebox today

Pico Z Just Got Smaller Meet The Pico Z MX 1

You may have read the review of the Pico Z helicopter I wrote a couple of months ago - well I am pleased to announce that Pico Z have made an even smaller version - the Pico Z MX-1.

Currently touted as the world’s smallest remote control chopper, this marvel of micro technology will flatter even the crummiest of pilots thanks to an auto stability system that makes woka-woka-ing around in tiddly rooms a doddle. Just like its bigger PicoZ siblings, the twin-channel Extreme has a crash-resistant polypropylene foam body and features super-wide infra-red control, a built-in lithium polymer battery and adjustable trim control - all this yet it weighs just 7 grams. It really is squintingly small. As ever, the transmitter doubles up as a charger and a normal charge of 20-25 minutes should give flight times of up to 10 minutes.

Get your Pico-Z MX-1 Today

 
 

Lego 50 Year Anniversary

Lego has been the toy of choice for 50 years now and it is still going strong. The beauty of Lego is that it is virtually indestructible and has so many uses! I remember making cars, houses, space ships, guns and a whole host of other things from a small bucket full of bricks. Read more

Picoo Z Micro Copter Review | The best Gift For Men This Valentines Day

The description

The smallest, lightest helicopter in the world fits in the palm of your hand and flies in the smallest of spaces - from playrooms to offices! With a blue LED strobe light you can create fantastic flight paths in the dark. Comes ready to fly for up to 10 minutes with a 30 minute recharge time. Length 17cm. Also available in silver

Age 8+ Adult supervision advised

Our review:

I was lucky enough to receive one of these micro copters for Christmas from my sister and was so happy to get it (it is true men are the biggest of kids). The helicopter is small enough to fly indoors but I found it better to give it a go in the back garden (less things to hit).  The picco copter actually only takes around 15 minutes to charge and will fly for around 5 - 7 minutes. I love this little gadget and whole hearted recommend it as a gift for any man of any age!