Shimi Dancing Robot
One speaker dock is just like another, right? Wrong. The Shimi (rhymes with “Jimmy”) analyzes your tunes — played back from an Android or iOS device through its speaker ears — and dances in place for your amusement. And using face-recognition software, Shimi tracks where you are in the room and points its speakers right at you for the best stereo experience. Now, imagine those speakers are instead phased plasma rifles in the 40-watt range. Creepy, right? $199 tovbot.com
ElectroLyter
Offered in various designer colors (and black, natch) this USB-chargable, battery-powered lighter uses high-powered resistance coils to provide a flameless ignition source for whatever it is you’re sparking up. And because it doesn’t use gas or create a flame, this device is travel safe and will also last for hundreds of uses. $10 electrolyter.com
Turtle Shell Speaker
Available in seven colors, this portable Bluetooth boombox is shock-proof, dust-proof and water-resistant and can be mounted or hung almost anywhere with the provided clip/clamp rig. Rechargeable and able to operate for about 10 hours of playtime, it’s a nifty addition to your next shock-filled adventure in the dust or water. $149 outdoortechnology.com
Sonic Screwdriver Remote
Okay, so while you’re wasting time, Lord, watching Doctor Who, you may as well have the proper tool in hand for some judicious surfing when your TV adventure is over. This officially licensed universal remote — constructed of die-cast metal and polished copper — is easily programmed and uses gesture-based controls for that authentically geeky touch. $99 thinkgeek.com
Oculus Rift VR Gaming Headset
While the holodeck is still a few hundred years away, this Videodrome-like virtual-reality helmet 3D display promises a high-res immersive experience with a 110-degree field of view. Using twin lightweight, high-density screens and head-movement tracking, the Rift embeds the player in the action — so it’s little surprise that the shooter Doom 3 BFG is the first title optimized for its use. $TBA oculusvr.com
Bamboo iPhone 5 Cases
Milled from super-durable (and renewable) bamboo and festooned with stylish designs, these cases for your new iPhone deliver that super-hip contrarian quirk you so crave. Hand-sanded and oiled to a baby-smooth finish, each of these cases is a one-of-a-kind, special snowflake. $59 grovemade.com
iLP iDevice Turntable
This digital conversion turntable for iOS devices will make converting your old vinyl records to digital files a snap using provided software — no computer necessary — and you can even simultaneously plug it directly into your A/V receiver to listen in if you’re digging the groove. Kicking analog to the curb was never so easy. $99 ionaudio.com
Sony Action Cam
While the ubiquitous GoPro has helped bring fans closer to such activities as surfing, BASE jumping and crab fishing on the vast Bering Sea, Sony has stepped up with this pint-sized 1080p HD cam boasting a Zeiss Tessar lens and stereo sound. You can even control it and view footage via Wi-Fi using your iOS or Android phone. Yeah, that’s a couple steps up. $199 store.sony.com