The toy works by reading the beta waves from your brain with a wireless headband attachment. The main part of the toy features a ping-pong ball in a clear tube and a fan underneath that allows it to float. But there are no buttons to push to activate the fan; it happens when the headband senses changes in your brainwave patterns.

The Star Wars Force Trainer uses technology that doctors use to monitor brainwaves, the same tech used by amputees to send instructions to artificial limbs. Included in the toy is the voice of Yoda, who helps guide you through several increasingly difficult levels of control.

I’m more intrigued by this technology than the Force Trainer itself. The toy strikes me as a novelty to show all your friends — but something that would grow repetitive pretty fast. But the tech, if harnessed with enough imagination, could lead to some true innovations not only in toy-making but in electronics of all kinds.

Happily, this toy is just the beginning. Already, Mattel is manufacturing a similar toy that will be available this Fall. And Uncle Milton is planning an entire line of toys that utilize this brainwave-sensing technology. The company is planning to show off its toys at Comic-Con International in a few weeks, so perhaps we’ll learn more about it then.

Image: Uncle Milton Industries, Inc.

Post from: EveryJoe

He’s using an old Jedi mind trick

The only drawback is that you can’t find these awesomess men in your regular toys department.

Via & Image: Hisstank | Go Nintendo

Post from: EveryJoe

Mega Man, Custom Made Men In Action

Gaming can be green such as playing video games in a dark room (save electricity but not good for the eyes), borrow the latest games from your rich cousin or just like this, a simple old skool NES controller that is transformed into a storage box. Smallish things such as keys, pins and paper clips are kept neat and tidy.

I believe DIY will not be much of a chore.

Image | Via: Geeky Gadgets

Post from: EveryJoe

Old Skool NES Controller Storage Box

These Chinese horoscope 2GB MP3 players from Shangai Donya or Evergreen can match your Chinese sign, play 5 hours of music and announce to the world what animal you are at the same time. 2860 yen ($30) for one.

Where To Buy:

GeekStuff4U {Chinese Horoscope MP3 Player}

Image: GeekStuff4U

Post from: EveryJoe

Chinese Horoscope MP3 Players

Game Boy is not forgotten as there are collectors like Rez who owns a Famitsu 500 Special Edition, a 1989 DMG-01, an Astro Boy that was only available in Osamu Tezuka’s (the father of Atomic Boy) museum and more.

Looks really awesome.

Image | Via: Akihabaranews

Post from: EveryJoe

Retro Nintendo Game Boy Collection

Remember the Gears of War action figures that are due in stores in late spring? You get to see them again in all their plastic glory, from Comic-Con no doubt. The detail in these toys is amazing. Like I complained earlier, just don’t expect them to survive a good ass-whooping.

I like the detail in my toys like the next guy, but perhaps the main reason I stopped playing action figures and putting in more time playing video games is that the newer plastic toys aren’t as durable as they used to. Yes, I used to launch my G.I. Joes into orbit. That’s probably why I keep doing the same thing to Niko Bellic when playing Grand Theft Auto IV.

But the detailed-yet-frail action figures? No thanks. I’d rather play my toys than use them as paperweight.

Post from: EveryJoe

See Gears of War action figures in all their plastic glory

Ahh, action figures. Geek or not, you’ve just gotta love them. When I was a kid, these toys were mainly from movies and TV shows. Today, even video games get the miniature treatment. According to the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, action figures for Gears of War are due in stores in late spring of 2008.

The first assortment includes Marcus Fenix, Augustus Cole, and the Locust Drone. If you’re not used to the action figures of today, know that they come with a lot of detail and numerous points of articulation. In other words, they’re too delicate to be toys.

I’m all for the detail, but where’s the fun in just displaying these pricey paperweights action figures? Call me old, but I grew up during a period when I can fling my G.I. Joes from a decent distance (say 2 meters) and not fear of any broken limbs.

Funny how toying with a Marcus Fenix action figure may be my only chance to play anything remotely Gears of War, especially since my highly-anticipated PC version conks out on me. Pathetic.

Images from NECA

Post from: EveryJoe

Gears of War action figures coming out in late spring