The typical UFD sticking out of your laptop is probably nothing more than fancy shaped plastic, or possibly wood or even gold ($6,000). Today we look at the softer, fuzzier side of UFDs. Paul from Technabob uncovered these fuzzy little USB critters, created by a design artist Nifer Fahrion.

Nifer Fahrion has two version of her fuzzy USBs. The one above is called Maggie the Maggot and the one below is named Gizzy the Data Worm. I’d opt for Gizzy if I had to choose.

Honestly, I think these fuzzy guys are an example of what some kids could do on a rain day to kill some time. Grab some material, glue and let the imagination run wild. I’m tempted to try this myself and turn it into a USB tutorial, but I don’t think anyone would care or try.

SO, with that being said - if I’m off base and you digg this kinda stuff, hop on over to Technabob’s post or Nifer’s site and get ready to drop your $66 on a 4GB original.

Source: Technabob.

As an after-thought, if you are looking for another home-project, how about turning a Pez dispensor into something interesting.

MSN has this exclusive i-Buddy design for their instant message customers.  The idea is providing a visual message when a new instant message arrives.  Akihabara reports the i-Buddy will perform various motions when an new instant message arrives which corresponds to the emotion of the sender.  Not sure how that works, but…

The i-Buddy connects via USB port and cable and stands about 3″ tall.  I’m not clear about the details, but it seems you must be apart of the i-Buddy community to use the i-Buddy USB figure.  All features provided by the i-Buddy Community are free of charge, exclusively to those  members. i-Buddy customers can login to express themselves through the innovative functions designed it.

Don’t get too excited for this IM buddy, as Japan will be the first to try it, before the i-Buddy community rolls out to other countries.

All major browsers are supported by i-Buddy.com, including Microsoft Internet Explorer 6/7, Mozilla Firefox 2, Safari 3 and Opera 9. However, to ensure maximum compatibility, we recommend users to use either Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0+ or Mozilla Firefox 2.0+. Flash player is required to browse certain parts of i-Buddy.com

Source:  Akihabara News.

What could be better than working with USB, robots, legos and our imagination? Our beloved memories of childhood play with Legos has now turned into adult fun with the new robotic line of Mindstroms.

The Mindstroms from Lego is based off their NXT Technology whereby a main NXT brain unit controls 5 different robotic functions for you to let the imagination run free. Build anything you want with the legos, intuitive robotic software or get extreme with Lego’s open source developers kit.

So what are the 5 building blocks of the Mindstrom units?

• Touch sensor
• Sound sensor
• Light sensor
• Ultrasonic sensor
• Servo motors

Through these sensors, some crafty lego design build your robot and communicate via USB for software download and development stages. The world’s next Frankenstein is only a lego or two away.

So this is how it works.

Build your lego monster with available parts kits.

Launch the intuitive robot software and use pre-defined commands to build motion, touch, light and other sensory functions.

Last, connect and communicate via USB to test your functions and ultimately download the finished firmware version to the NXT Lego robot.

The USB monster Lego kits, or Mindstroms are available for $250 from Amazon. This is one excellent gift for the 9+ age who’s into computers, gadgets and tinkering.

I believe we have all thought of…or wanted a…customized neon sign over the years.  Whether it be making your kegg’r party that much better, or let the world know you are open for business, a customized neon sign would have fit the bill.  Well, wait no longer.

ThinkGeek is offering up a customized neon sign kit and it will not only fit the bill, but make a damn big one.  The customized neon sign is $30 to start, then add $7 for each letter, or $5 for each number.

The snap-together letters are 2″ x 3″ which connect to a single power source.  There is low heat and power consumption so it’s ultra safe for the front office or the kids bedroom.

• Sealed blue neon letter blocks
• Low heat generation
• Choose from letters, numbers, and special characters
• Push button control for blinking or steady-on
• Up to 22 neon letters can be connected to a single Power Supply unit

Even though the customized neon sign for “free beer” would run you $86, it pails in comparison to buying a REAL customized neon sign.  Let your communication juices begin the free flowing.

Available from ThinkGeek starting at $29.99.

It’s kill or be killed in office warfare so you need every advantage you can get and this USB Wireless Rocket Launcher gives you 15 extra feet from your base station to smite your enemies, er co-workers, down. No longer do you have to worry about an abduction of your Red Swingline Stapler, your special neon-colored dry-erase markers or that last piece of your boss’ birthday cake while this Rocket Launcher’s got your back!Purchase the USB Wireless Rocket Launcher online at ThinkGeek.

Source: gizmosforgeeks.com

I’m not talking about a room full of gadgetry, but how about a couple USB stools with devilish horns and a color matching book shelf to hold all your USB Gear?

I found the contempo-slash-corny furniture while digging up some info about a USB bomb. Apparently the designer, Joel Escalona, who made the USB bomb also did a design prototype for a USB drive. He thought to top it all off with a room full of USB furniture.

It’s fair to say this wouldn’t make it into anyone’s living room, except maybe mine, or as the lobby furniture for the USB Implementors Forum.

So what does “guarda todos tus demonios” mean? How about (more…)

Are you ready to get blown away, USB style? Well Joel Escalona is…and this prototype design yields some interesting insight and reflection. The USB bomb is designed to store your digital content with a visual of deterring anyone from attempting to steel your digital gold. Looks like Joel has some serious content worth protecting.

Although the USB gadget isn’t in production, there are plenty who want to see it made and with such a unique shape and design, an interesting add-on to your work space.

If Joel could team up with some security software or maybe use some open source code and incorporate a total self-destruction mechanism for unauthorized users - well, that would just top it off and blow us all away. Wouldn’t it? (more…)