This futuristic-looking phone controller puts a literal spin on shooting videos

Many of us today use our smartphones not only to take pictures but also to record videos. Some even use their mobile devices to play games that require them to point their phones’ cameras at certain things or people. In fact, some think that this kind of augmented reality or AR experience could become more commonplace in the future. Holding our phones in our hands for these seems like the most natural way to use them, but they might not be the most efficient nor the safest. Monopods, a.k.a. the notorious selfie sticks, at one point became so popular exactly because of that, while phone gimbals also started popping to give budding filmmakers a hand. AR gamers, however, don’t neatly fit these groups, so this concept of a gun-shaped phone controller tries to envision what their future could look like, presuming this type of gaming actually takes off.

Designer: Gihawoo Design (UGLY.DUCKLING)

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Tech companies, especially one particular social network giant, would have us believe in a future where augmented reality is the way we experience the world around us. Without comfortable and “normal” AR glasses, however, that future might still be a long time coming. In the meantime, there are already ways to experience a bit of that augmented reality, particularly through our smartphones. Games like Pokemon GO and navigation apps are just the tip of the iceberg, and there might still be a few other AR applications and experiences coming in the near future.

Holding a phone while using such AR apps might not be the most ideal. Sure, it’s fine for a casual game like Pokemon GO, but anything more intensive might require a more stable grip, not to mention more flexible controls. Telegun is a concept that delivers exactly that in a form that may make more sense considering its primary gaming application. It’s pretty much like a phone gimbal in the shape of a toy gun. Compared to a wand that you have to hold upright, pointing with this accessory feels almost like second nature, especially if you’re playing an AR game that involves shooting virtual objects overlaid on top of the real world.

Telegun’s use, however, extends beyond AR gaming, and it can also serve as a normal phone holder for shooting videos. A phone can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, and the joints make it easy to keep the phone stable at an angle rather than relying on your shaking arm. It also has its own built-in camera, so you can record videos even without a phone, though it might look more awkward that way, not to mention concerning for bystanders.

This phone controller is definitely a unique way to mount a phone, whether for gaming or recording videos. Its minimalist gun-shaped design almost makes it look like a prop from a sci-fi show. It’s arguable whether basing it off a gun is a smart or safe choice, but compared to a typical phone gimbal or monopod, it’s definitely a more ergonomic and convenient form.

The post This futuristic-looking phone controller puts a literal spin on shooting videos first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Tic-Tac Gun Is a Minty-Fresh Blaster

Designed, 3D printed, and sold by Etsy shop 3DCubedPrinting; the TTG2.5 is a  handgun that uses mints as bullets. That way, you don’t even have to clean up after shooting cans for target practice in your living room; just let your dogs enjoy minty-fresh breath.

The spring-action Tic-Tac Gun is made to order and available in over 1,000 color combinations, including a bunch of different camo and glow-in-the-dark options. A whole regular-size box of Tic-Tacs acts as the gun’s magazine, allowing around 38 shots before running out and needing to run to 7-Eleven for more am-mint-unition.

So, should you try shooting Tic-Tacs directly into a friend’s mouth? I suppose that depends on how you feel about them choking and/or chipping a tooth. Honestly, I say go for it. Just make sure to mention this website at the dentist’s office, so they know where to send the referral check.

[via DudeIWantThat]

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This Custom GI Joe Cobra Commander Assault Rifle Is the Real Deal

We’re gonna need a real American hero because judging by this assault rifle, Cobra Commander means business. This is his weapon of choice. Yes, this is a fully-functional Heckler & Koch XM8 assault rifle. This weapon was modded by Hollywood props engineer Tom Bostic of TommyBuilt Tactical. It’s the weapon that G.I. Joe’s nemesis would use if he were real and not a cartoon.

It has an Insight Technologies 4x XM8 prototype optic, Beta C 100 G36 drum, and a custom barrel shroud. It looks damn good and makes me want a live-action G.I. Joe movie built around its style.

Every G.I. Joe fan reading this wants one, I’m sure, but sadly it’s a one of a kind piece. I never realized how scary Cobra Commander really is until I saw this weapon. This thing looks so awesome. I should have been a prop maker. Then I could make my own cool toys that no one else can have too.

Can you imagine seeing Cobra Commander come at you with this bad boy? Any bad guy with this gun means business. So now I know and knowing is half the battle.

[via The Firearm Blog via Geekologie]

Skid Shot Toilet Paper Spitball Blaster Gets Rapid-Fire Upgrade, Brings a Sheet Storm

At last year’s New York Toy Fair, Jakks Pacific unveiled the toilet-paper shooting Skid Shot. It’s like toy blasters that shoot foam ammo, except this one shoots wadded-up spitballs using toilet paper. Good times. Mothers everywhere spent extra on toilet paper and had to clean it up from their walls. Well, for 2019, Jakks is releasing an improved version called the Sheet Storm that makes it even better.

Shooting someone with soggy spitballs is a fun pastime. The only problem with the Skid Shot is that it used two separate levers that both had to be primed to prep the next shot. This gives your opponent plenty of time to avoid a direct hit. This has now been fixed. Costing $40, the new Sheet Storm will cost twice as much as the Skid Shot, but does away with the annoying dual levers of the original.

The new model uses a sliding, pump-action reload mechanism that primes the blaster in one-quick motion. A single roll of toilet paper will give you over 350 shots before its empty too. It also has a range of about 50 feet, so fire away!

The Sheet Storm toilet paper blaster will arrive this Fall.

[via Gizmodo]

Toilet Paper Blaster Skid Shot Lets You Wipe Your Friends’ Behinds (with Spitballs)

The Toilet Paper Blaster Skid Shot. That’s quite a product name. And given that name, just looking at this gun you might think that this is a weapon designed for friends to fire a shot and wipe your ass. While that might be fun, but this toy gun is about something else. Blasting out spitballs.

I’m just spitballing here, but this is a brilliant invention for troublesome brat on your gift list this holiday season. Basically, you load this bad boy up with a roll of TP and a fill up its water reservoir so that you can shoot spitballs all day long. With each shot, it feeds a bit of toilet paper into the chamber, wets it and shoots a big wad.

This thing would have been great for mischief night, but I  also want a gun that shoots whole rolls of toilet paper so you can TP houses quickly and beat it before the 5-0 arrive. Give me these two weapons in my arsenal, along with an egg cannon, and I’m going Rambo on your house. And I’m not afraid to show up the next night on Halloween to get some candy from you. That’s just how I roll. TP roll that is.

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