The glo Pillow, an alternative to the traditional alarm clock, uses an LED fabric substrate below the surface to wake the user using light. 40 minutes before the pre-set alarm time the pillow begins to glow and gently brings the user out of sleep. This natural waking process helps to set the circadian rhythm or “body clock” and results in more healthy sleep/wake patterns.

Not only is it stylish, trendy, and gives an aesthetic appeal but it offers practical functionality that would definitely improve the user’s experience. Unfortunately, the design is just a concept and the glass does not currently get hot enough to toast bread. Perhaps in a couple of years, a company will figure out how to make this concept a reality and burnt toasts will be a thing of the past. When that happens, I’ll be first in line.

Have you ever tried washing your hands, only to discover the water was too hot? Or taken a shower in the morning, only to be hit with the initially surge of cold water before warming up? Yes, we all have. While it’s not that big of a deal, it is a nuisance that can be minimized.

Germany’s Hansa has come out with some futuristic bathroom fixtures that not only look cool but solves some of those nagging water temperature issues. By adding LEDs that change color based on the water temperature, you can now see how hot or cold the water is before ever feeling the water.

It’s definitely one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” ideas. Now I just got to figure out where I can buy one.