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Product Magazines: Product Trends |
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Ancient Astrology Meets the Microchip
The power to predict the future has always fascinated humans. Whether just for fun or as a decision-making tool, astrology is a part of many people's daily lives. Generations ago, the Chinese developed a complex system of tracking the stars and divining their influence over daily life. Until now, applying this system was a complicated process. A new product from Hong Kong, though, puts the power of prediction on people's desktops. Dataway Technology Ltd introduces WHENis, a series of fun, practical, fortune-telling alarm clocks.
The desktop WHENis, known as the Functional Indicator, reveals prophecies as far ahead as 2050, and as far back as 1911. "The astrological predictions are based on the Chinese Lunar calendar, which is based on the positions of the sun, moon and stars," explains Kenneth Lau, Dataway's managing director. "The Functional Indicator uses ancient predictions based on those tracks."
The Indicator lets users examine events in their past, keep a close eye on the present and, most importantly, look into future events. "We were able to convert thousands of pages of predictions into an easy-to-use clock," Lau continues. With the push of a few buttons, the Indicator evaluates a wide range of personal, social and business events.
The Functional Indicator not only provides a window on the stars, but delivers monthly climate reports for 24 major cities and the current indoor temperature. Of course, it also functions as a conventional alarm clock, although the alarm can be set to ring for an auspicious event.
For some, the Indicator is a great novelty item. For others, it is an important tool. "Many people like to know whether a time is good or bad," Lau notes. Largely icon driven, the Functional Indicator can be used by speakers of any language. Major markets so far include Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, China and Germany.
It is small enough to fit on the corner of a desk but has a large LCD for easy reading. The clock requires four 1.5V batteries.
Produced at Dataway's factory in China, the Functional Indicator costs about US$12.80 per unit. The minimum order size is 500 pieces. Dataway offers volume discounts for large quantities, and will also customise colours for such customers. Buyers can expect delivery within 30 days of order confirmation.
Written by Amy Lessler Freeman
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