Tech & Gadget Stream

Water consumption can be quite tricky when it comes to different households that have their own priorities. Some people can't be bothered to fix a leaking faucet, while others will look for every opportunity to recycle water. The Measuring Consumption water sprayer targets those who love spending their time in the garden, as it will keep a reading of just how much water you have consumed each time the water sprayer is used in order to toe the line when you've passed the average 80 gallon mark for each day. Hopefully designer Tobin Spann will be able to turn his idea into reality in due time.

Even faucets are getting smart these days thanks to the efforts of iHouse and their SmartFaucet. This waterproof device boasts a facial screening application that is able to recognize the person in front of it, automatically turning on the water to the pre-programmed and preferred flow as well as temperature. In addition, the touchscreen display located on top of the faucet (a wee bit small if you ask us) can be used to check out your email inbox, view the current temperature outside among others. Perfect for huge households where there is a wide range of temperature preferences. Love the way it lights up as well in the dark - definitely adds a touch of class to your home.

Made from stainless steel, Pyrex and silicone, the 11-oz. teapot by Joey Roth was originally created as part of his college portfolio. The clear body enables you to watch the tea leaves unfurl--and the pot itself was designed to look better with some wear and tear. Making tea is now officially cool. Even cooler? The sustainable packaging. Price: $200 More Info: Sorapot

here's nothing like having your (smart)phone work for you: Nokia is coming up with the Home Control Center , an application that could help in many areas like home security, energy usage monitoring or device/lighting activation. The cool thing is that Nokia isn't trying to do the heavy lifting by themselves. They will let third-party companies create applications and plug-ins, thanks to an extensible architecture. It will be launched next year, so stay tuned. If you could, what would you like to operate remotely in your home?

Mention music flow, and what image flashes across your mind? Well, perhaps it is time for you to experience a paradigm shift with the words “Music Flow”. This concept features a faucet that plays back your favorite pre-loaded MP3s, complete with matching earbuds and controls. The product looks like a pretty ordinary home faucet, but it brings a new dimension to how we interpret everyday fixtures around the house, as this new fun interface function injects some much needed soul into a digital device. The Tap has internal memory to store all your favorite MP3s, functioning also as a speaker whenever the earphones are placed in the cradle. Turning on water would be the equivalent of turning on the sound. Since it is a concept, why couldn't the designers make it waterproof?

Do you like your toast dark? How about the Dark Side of the force? If the path of a Dark Jedi is your calling, you may want to remind yourself by branding all of your toast with the dark lord himself. This Darth Vader toaster will brand a semblance of Vaders helmet on to your toast every morning. They probably made this toaster due to this quote from Star Wars IV: A New Hope: Darth Vader: I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was the student, now *I* am the master. Obi-Wan: Only a master of toast, Darth. Now make me a delicious yet wholesome breakfast. The toaster runs a cool $55 and is available at the Star Wars Shop.

The KEF Instant Theatre, or KIT, systems aim to deliver all the delight of the home cinema experience without the complex cabling or set-up. Using virtual surround sound via NXT, the KIT is reduced in size and complexity without loss of quality. The all-in-one KITs contain two or five loudspeakers, a subwoofer with integrated amplifier and a DVD/CD player with HDMI technology. Available in matt silver of high gloss black finishes, the units are connected with a single cable connection to deliver great surround sound even from just two speakers. There are several KITs, the 120, 140, 160, 510, 520, 530, 540 and 550, and they range in price from £1199.99 to £2499.99 for the KIT550 which boasts four midrange / bass drivers per speaker and KEF bass extension optimising technology. And if those prices haven't made you sweat, then you might want to keep an eye out for the 570w and 580w coming soon, which have wearless rear speakers.