One-Step rotating outlet makes it more convenient for you to plug in

When you’re working outside or even within your home and you need to charge your device, something as simple as plugging into outlets can sometimes be a challenge. You have to sometimes make sure that your adaptor is in the right direction and it requires looking at both the cord and the outlet, which can be difficult if it’s dark or you have some visual impairment. It’s an inconvenience that almost everyone experiences and yet solutions are few and far between.

Designer: OConnect

A Korean company called OConnect wants to be the first brand you think of when it comes to outlets and so they have come up with a concept that may get them one step towards that goal. This may be literally as the device is called One-Step. It’s a self-rotating outlet that will make it easier for you to plug in since it will adjust to your adaptor no matter what direction you’re plugging into. It uses a “rotatable structure” with an external case, a rotating part, and an electrode. It also uses “force-generating rotation” with an included surface to help guide the plug into the outlet hole.

What you get is an extension cord type of outlet with four round holes to fit in either the C and F types of plugs that are used in Korea and in some parts of the world. Each One-Step has three plugs in it so you can charge and re-charge different devices all at once. There’s also a main power switch which is safer than an extension cord that doesn’t have any on or off button. The slope feature that allows it to rotate itself is something original to the device. You can also turn the outlet left and right up to 30 degrees so it can accommodate all kinds of directions.

One-Step currently has prototype molds for product testing but they’re aiming to have it produced by early next year. Depending on what kind of plugs you use, this can be pretty useful and convenient especially if you’re one of the 70% of people they surveyed that think plugging into outlets is such a pain. The product renders show just a white and gray device with a minimalist look, which is exactly what you need your plugs and outlets to look like anyway.

The post One-Step rotating outlet makes it more convenient for you to plug in first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best plug-in smart outlet

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This Star Trek Outlet Sticker Will Give You an Electric Spock

I like to think by the time we make it to the 23rd century, we won’t be using wall plugs, and all power will be completely wireless. But Trekkies living in today’s world must suffer through the act of connecting their electrical devices to a wall outlet. I suppose if you have to do it, let it be using this Spock outlet.

The guys over at Electric Sticker Co. specialize in vinyl decals that turn your empty power outlets into funny little people, like Commander Spock here. If you think Spock isn’t the logical choice for your wall, they also sell decals of Batman, Finn & Jake, Wonder Woman, Doctor Who and more. My other favorite has got to be the Heisenberg outlet sticker.

Drop by Electric Sticker Co.’s Etsy shop to grab some of these fun decals. They’re just under $4(USD) each.

A Cable Taming Wall Jack

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Cable management is bigger than ever and this innovative design is a perfect way to keep yours under control! It’s called the COCO wall jack and it tames cords by providing a secure place to keep them at the power source.

If you have loose cable from a lamp, fan, computer or other device, simply pull out the jack by turning to reveal a cylinder where you can wrap the extra slack around. Then, push it back in to hide it and voila! You’ve got a cleaner, organized living space!

Designers: Kai Wang,Yong Chen, Fu Rao & Liya Gu

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A Twist on the Outlet

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I, like many, am happy to hide my power outlets with furniture and other items but that only makes them harder to access. It also doesn’t help that they’re flush against the wall which makes aiming the plug a task in itself!

The 33˚ Outlet takes on this problem by making a simple adjustment to the angle of the unit. The outlets diagonal form can still be mostly recessed into the wall, but it makes it a whole lot easier to see and aim. In those cases where you have to blindly reach behind a piece of furniture, it’s also easier to navigate without looking because the user can feel the slight incline of the outlet surface and determine the position of the holes from there!

Designer: Yubin Choi

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Star Wars R2-D2 AC / USB Power Station

Ya know, I like BB-8, but nobody will ever replace R2-D2 as the coolest droid in the Star Wars universe. You can never have enough R2. Just like you can never have enough power. This device gives you both in one handy home gadget.

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The Star Wars R2-D2 AC/USB Power Station puts R2 in your electrical socket as if he is getting a recharge, when actually all of your gadgets are getting power. This wall mounted power station gives you 2 USB ports & 4 US standard sockets. That’s an awesome upgrade for your power sockets. Plus, you get more R2-D2 in your life.
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After all of these years, R2 is still coming through for us. It is only $29.99(USD) from ThinkGeek. Has a droid powered your devices today? Oh, he excels at that sir!

Homes Just Got Smarter

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Parce One is a revolutionizing smart plug that makes it possible to control every inserted electronic device via app and Siri voice control! This means you can set the mood with lighting, turn on your favorite tunes, and more all from your smartphone. Convert your entire house into a smart-home with simplistic plugs and a single app. It’s also the first smart plug with Wi-Fi integration for Apple’s smart home system HomeKit. Better yet, the device can also relay information regarding electricity usage and help you cut down on consumption. Pre-order here!

Designer: Parce

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Deal: Save 14% on the Revogi SmartMeter Bluetooth Outlet

Want to save energy? This tiny gadget can not only reduce your electric usage, but can help you keep track of how much energy your devices are using.

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The Revogi Smart Meter plugs into any standard 3-prong U.S. outlet, and provides you with the ability to schedule on and off times for outlets. You can also control them remotely (while in Bluetooth range). It also works with a wireless app which lets you track energy consumption in Watts (real-time) and kWh (over time).

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They connect to Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth, and you can control and track up to 10 Smart Meter Outlets from a single smartphone. They’re perfect for things like coffee makers, toasters, lamps and fans. They’re normally priced at $35, but you can grab them for $5 off each over at the Technabob Shop now.

Couchlet Puts USB Ports in Your (Couch) Crack

How many times have you been lounging on the couch and wanted to charge your gadgets at the same time. Sure, you could buy a really long USB extension cable, or you could go for the Couchlet.

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This odd, but useful invention wedges between the cushion and back to provide you with a pair of USB ports you can use while seated. It’s a completely simple, yet highly practical idea – assuming the USB ports don’t poke you in the butt.

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Pledge at least $16(USD) over on Indiegogo to get your own USB Couchlet and a 6-foot USB cable. They’re offering discounts on multiple purchases as well. Of course, if you have a side table, you could always just pick up a USB hub and a long cable and not have to worry about sitting on your outlets.

[via Gizmodo]