Green energy is obviously one of the newest, most popular trends these days, one that generates innovative, great gadgets every week. And since the concept behind this whole idea involves finding alternative methods to harness energy from the most common human activities or from natural elements, it goes without saying that green gadgets should keep to this generic character. And just to prove that, here's a spectacular free energy radio alarm clock that will have your visitors stare at it in awe: the Minute Glass Clock, from designer Colin Roberts.

 

Since little can be innovated when it comes to the overall shape of a clock, Colin Roberts walked on the alternative path: he just took an hourglass, flipped it into a horizontal position and there you have it, a classic shape in a new presentation.

 

Magnetic induction is the principle behind the Minute Glass Clock: a magnet that moves inside a coil will generate enough electricity to charge a small built-in rechargeable battery and have your clock powered up until the next day. In order to do that all you have to do is shake this radio clock well, pretty much like you'd “shake a can of soda for your enemy” as Mr. Roberts himself advises.

 

A very fun thing is that the recharging and alarm shutdown actions have been mixed together and are now a complex conundrum: as the alarm goes off, the only way you can make it stop is to shake the Minute Glass Clock until it has generated enough energy to last at least until the next day. And in doing so you also make sure the Minute Glass Clock stays on and you get out of bed; it's rather hard to believe that one could shake this device for a minute or two and then fall back asleep.

 

Even more, the Minute Glass Clock can also be used as an LED flashlight and can be placed in flat or on either end as a nifty home décor element. Finally, another green-themed aspect is that the very clock is placed inside a special edged glass container through which you can see (but not touch) the nature motifs etched in the body of this device. The floral graphics add further coolness to the overall looks of the Minute Glass Clock, while having them inside a greenhouse-like container will maybe remind us of our environment and the need to use green energy more.

 

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