GADGETS
STYLOPHONE GEN X-1
The popular ’60s musical toy gets a 21st-century makeover.
The new Gen X-1 version takes the basic analogue synth that sold
over three million units between 1968 and 1975, and adds the kind
of sound-shaping capabilities you’d find on a ‘proper’ synthesizer,
including envelope, delay and filter controls, plus a low-frequency
oscillator with rate and depth knobs and a choice of square and
sawtooth waveforms. If the original was good enough for David
Bowie, Kraftwerk and Orbital, just think what you could do with this!
£60, http://www.dubreq.com
While we don’t find cooking an English breakfast particularly
taxing, we’re oddly drawn in by the Bacon Express – essentially
a ‘toaster’ for slices of ex-pig. There’s a dial on the side to select
the cooking time, while, inside the machine, up to six strips of
bacon hang vertically so that the fat drips off, making for
a healthier meal.
£32; http://www.nostalgiaelectrics.comPIGS WILL FRY
BACON EXPRESSEINSTEIN A-GOGO
PROFESSOR EINSTEIN
EDITOR’S
CHOICEWho hasn’t always wanted their own animatronic
Albert Einstein? This walking, talking robotic
recreation of the famous physicist connects to
an app on your iOS or Android tablet to play
educational science and maths games, as well
as functions as a personal digital assistant
à la Siri, Cortana or Alexa. The robot has already
exceeded its Kickstarter funding target,
and should start shipping in April.
$598, http://www.professoreinstein.com| GADGETSON THE SHELVES