The Sphero

 

We thought that the iPhone 3 was the ultimate smart phone because it can perform almost any function we can ever think of. But the problem was that our imagination is limited because Apple bounces back and introduces not only the iPhone 4 and the iPad 2. Even Samsung hopped unto the bandwagon and designed its own tablet to rival that of Apple’s iPad. If you think you’ve seen it all in the iPhone, you have not seen the Sphero!

By the name, you would know that Sphero is a spherical object. This palm sized plastic robot ball rolls and spins around via command from a smart phone. You can control the ball by synching it with your iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy or HTC Desire. The Sphero can also be integrated with other applications such as the Sphero Golf. This means that you can move the ball around as if you are playing golf with it.

As the Sphero spins and twirls it also illuminates with almost any color you can think of. For those who are tired of buying your pet toys which are practically chewed up the very next day, the Sphero is an alternative pet gadget to give your pets some exercise and fun. This is because most pets are terrified of the bright moving ball and others simply can’t catch up with it. So the Sphero will most probably never get chewed up or clawed by your pet.

Besides animals, the Sphero also appeal to young children. Simply start rolling the Sphero around to grab the child’s attention and he will stop everything he is doing; even crying.

Golfer’s Doorstop

 

When golf was originated, it was played on large open fields where golfers battled to their last breaths to be crowned champion. Fast forwarding through seven centuries of history, golfing equipment has been diversified into various shapes and sizes that golfers no longer have to be drenched with sweat or waddle through mud and dirt just for a game of golf. And today, avid golfers are yet again bestowed upon by the birth of the Golfer’s Doorstep.

This little golf gadget that measures just 2.75 inches long, 2.25 inches wide and 8.75 inches tall is not only compact, but is also capable of supplying as much enjoyment as frustration. Doubts? With its compact size, golfers will not only be able construct their own mini golf course that consists of ramps or tunnels across the room but will also be able to improve their accuracy along with other golfing qualities.

Stowing away the Golfer’s Doorstop is also extremely simple and exciting. Not only could you use it as a very effective doorstop to prevent the door from slamming and such, but you could also place it aside without obstructing other furniture. The advantages of the Golfer’s Doorstop are only limited by one’s imagination.

The Golfer’s Doorstop may seem pricey for a doorstop; around $18 but it is definitely a very worthwhile golfing gift for friends and family that are avid golfers. The packing includes a green Golfer’s Doorstop and a plastic ball that is light enough to avoid causing damage.

[Source: Perpetual Kid]

Indoor Outdoor Mini Golf Course

 

Being a golfer doesn’t necessarily mean that you are confined to playing in those vast golf courses. You can always opt for something more simple and friendly to the environment. What if I told you that you can play golf anywhere you like? This is especially suitable for those who are less mobile because they do not have their own means of transport. I am of course talking about the Indoor Outdoor Mini Golf Course. Like me, you will soon find that purchasing this mini golf course set could be one of the best decisions that you will ever make in your lifetime.

You probably can tell from its name but I will just point out the obvious anyway. This extremely easy to assemble golf gadget can be set up just about anywhere in your house. If the sky looks like a chance of rain yet you still want to have your round of golf, feel free to put it up in your living room. You might feel that your living room is too small to fit all the bits and pieces that come with the Indoor Outdoor Mini Golf Course. However, that is all part of the fun. Take up the challenge of maneuvering your golf ball around the obstacles in your living room.

Of course, if it is nice and bright outside, do consider playing under the beautiful blue sky. It will make the experience even more enjoyable. If you think that the Indoor Outdoor Mini Golf Course is a synch, think again. This set comes with all sorts of obstacles which require great skill to overcome. There is the maze, the corkscrew and even an incline which will trouble even the most experienced golfers. The Indoor Outdoor Mini Golf Course retail at $169.95 which I feel is a bargain because you are getting so much just by paying so little.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $169.95

Backyard Driving Range

 

I love golf. However, sometimes I just really couldn’t be bothered to pack up all my gear, change into comfortable clothes and drive to my golf club. It is a beautiful place with the best greens to show off my stuff. But the weekend comes and I just want to chill out at home. With the Backyard Driving Range, I am happy to say that I can enjoy the best of both worlds at any time of the day. This is because this gadget can easily be installed right in the comfort of your own home!

If you think that this is too good to be true, I am telling you now that it really is. You won’t even need to do any major renovation or anything because the Backyard Driving Range is extremely easy to set up and can fit into any backyard easily. The Backyard Driving Range retails at just $249.95 which definitely is a good price for all the convenience that it brings you. Of course, it is training systems so don’t expect anything too fancy. It still is a very handy contraption for those who want to practice their swing in the house.

All you have to do is install the Backyard Driving Range and you are ready to go. The best thing is that it comes with a ball dispenser as well so you do not need to waste time searching for new balls and bending over to tee up. The ball dispenser can store up to 150 golf balls so swing to your hearts content! When you are done with your practise, use the tube which comes with the set to pick up errant and loose golf balls.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $249.95

Golf Connection – Konami’s Online Golf Simulator

 

You may have heard of Konami before, they are a Japanese video game maker. However, along with video games the company also researches and develops amusement machines (just in case you didn’t know the Japanese love arcades). Konami have recently released one of their latest gaming gadgets called the Golf Connection.

When you first look at the Golf Connection it is hard to get excited over it, after all virtual golf simulators are nothing new.  However, where Konami’s golf simulator differs is that it uses a high-speed camera and two sensors to monitor the swing and impact of the golf shot.

Features of the Golf Connection

• Golf Connection does not require the ball to be marked.
• Maximum margin of error of 30 centimeters.
• 150 replicated 3DCG real-world golf courses
• Social network integration allows comparison of data with fellow golfers.
• Video replays of golf swing to analyze golf swing technique.

Now I am not too sure how big golf is in Japan; the Open Championship was on at the weekend and having watched an hour of it I only seen one Japanese player, Ryo Ishikawa. This suggests although developed in Japan the Golf Connection would be better marketed in places like the US and UK where golf is a more popular sport. No price has been mentioned although it looks like this golf gadget will be released in September.

Video of Golf Connection in action

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