Gadgets in Technology: The 25 Most Unusual Gadgets Ever Created
Dated July 7, 2016, the collaborative efforts of Alex Fitzpatrick, Lisa Eadicicco, Matt Peckham, and John Patrick Pullen resulted in TIME's comprehensive compilation of the 25 weirdest gadgets ever conceived. The list, meticulously curated and debated by TIME's business and technology team, offers a fascinating journey through the annals of technological quirkiness, spanning from the iconic Nintendo R.O.B. to the avant-garde Avegant Glyph.
Beginning with the acknowledgment that new gadgets are initially perceived as oddities, the compilation delves into the realm of tech history where certain inventions, despite their peculiarities, failed to transcend the awkward stage. Noteworthy mentions include the Nintendo R.O.B., a trojan horse toy designed to revive interest in the video gaming industry; the Levi's Commuter x Jacquard by Google Trucker Jacket, blending fashion with serious smarts for cyclists; and the Selfie Toaster, an appliance imprinting one's face onto toast.
The narrative unfolds to reveal the Smart Belt, Belty, a self-adjusting smart belt stealing the spotlight at CES 2015; the MindWave EEG Headset, offering mind-controlled computer software; and the Terrafugia, a conceptual flying car that challenges the practicality of combining land and air travel. The exploration continues with the Thync Vibe, promising mood alteration through low-level electrical pulses, and the Bone Fone, a radio speaker worn like a scarf.
The captivating journey extends to the fascinating realm of hybrid gadgets like the YotaPhone, featuring dual screens, and the Neptune Pine, a wrist-strapped smartphone from 2013. It also ventures into the realm of unique personal transportation with the SoloWheel, a battery-powered "people mover." The list takes an unexpected turn with the Pavlok, a wristband that administers shocks to discourage bad habits.
Additional highlights encompass the Oakley Thump MP3 Sunglasses, an early attempt at merging eyewear with music; the Sega Activator and Nintendo Power Pad, precursors to motion-input accessories; and the infamous Furby, the whimsical robotic toy that captivated or unsettled children with its evolving language. Technological missteps like the Nintendo Virtual Boy and Google Glass find their place, showcasing the evolution of virtual and augmented reality.
The captivating compilation delves into the obscure with gadgets like the Nabaztag, the world's first Wi-Fi-enabled rabbit, and the Chumby, an Internet alarm clock shaped like a beanbag. It explores the peculiarities of the Nintendo Super Scope and Namco NeGcon gamepad, showcasing early attempts at innovative gaming peripherals. The list concludes with the Avegant Glyph, a headset beaming images directly into the eyes, and a nostalgic nod to the era of calculator watches, symbolizing the quintessential gadget associated with nerddom. In essence, this curated assortment provides a captivating glimpse into the history of technological oddities that have left an enduring mark on the landscape of innovation.
Explore TIME's compilation of the 25 most peculiar gadgets throughout history, from the Nintendo Virtual Boy to the Avegant Glyph and beyond, in this entertaining and insightful list. Discover the technological oddities that captured our attention, sparked debates, and left lasting impressions on the world of innovation: https://time.com/4387701/weirdest-gadgets-ever/
