Some Strange, Some Serious New Gadgets

Like at all electronics confabs, the serious future-of-technology gear shares space with the frivolous, strange, wacky and zany – as well as some hidden gems. Here's the off-beat (and some on-beat) gizmos I found wandering the show floors during this week's IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin.

By: Stewart Wolpin

September 1, 2012

Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor

I was honest with these folks from Koubachi – I wasn't sure if I would ridicule this white golf club-looking deal or honor their fidelity to our flora friends. Essentially, you stick this in a plant, tell the iPhone, Android or Web app what kind of plant (or plants – one sensor can monitor up to 27) it's stuck in, and it lets you know via the app if your foliage needs water, misting, lighting, temperature, fertilizer or even just talking to. There's a lot more to it than this – almost too much – but if you're a greenhouse keeper it may be worth the $89.

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