Point and click...

Next year, rifles scopes are set to get a lot smarter. The 'TrackingPoint' calls itself 'Intelligent Digital Tracking Scopes' - when locked on, it will only allow the trigger while the target is 'in scope'.

Read more about it via 'The Firearm Blog':

www.thefirearmblog.com

Stick it...

Here's another idea from Kickstarter - The 'Ti2 Sentinel Titanium Cache Sticks'. These secure titanium rods have just enough room for a document, a bit of currency, or a dose of medication. Sealed with 'O' rings to keep things dry. Be one of the first to use them by pledging.

Ti2 Sentinel via KickStarter:

www.kickstarter.com

Swab the deck...

NEC is currently working on a suitcase sized DNA analysis device that will be able to process a sample in 25 minutes. The device should be available by 2014 at a cost of about 120,000 USD

Read more about it via PC World:

www.pcworld.com

For real...

For the first time, details of a 'would be' assassin from North Korea were on display in South Korea. His weapons kit, with lethal pens and flashlight, are on display via CNN.

The Assassin Kit via CNN:

www.cnn.com

On display...

On your next store visit, the store might be checking you out. The 'EyeSee Mannequin' scans the people looking at the display - giving valuable marketing information to the stores. Age, gender, viewing times, and other bits of information can be collected and reported on.

Read more about it via Almax:

www.almax-italy.com

Quick turnaround...

For those quick trips where you need to look good, the 'London Garment Bag' might be just the thing. The ballistic nylon bag stores a suit, and flips open to reveal hanging shelves for easy access. A detachable bag for your valuables can be stashed before heading out. Cost: 540 USD from Lexdray

Info and order via Lexdray:

www.lexdray.com/products/london-garment

You're on your own...

Flying a drone can be tedious - so now there's the 'LA100' from Lehman Aviation. The fully autonomous drone can fly a pre-programmed fight path, while using a Go-pro Hero 3 to record all the fun. Cost: 1,280 USD

Tech Specs and video from Lehman Aviation:

lehmannaviation.com/la/la100.php

A little extra space...

Finding storage takes on a whole new meaning with the 'SanDisk Cruzer Fit'. The tiny USB drive is about the size of a small coin, and can hold up to 32 Gig of info. Cost: 25 USD

Info via SanDisk:

www.sandisk.coim

Things that go bump in the night...

As you're prowling in the dark, you might like one of these 'BaseBall Bat Flashlights'. The sleek but substantial case makes a handy bludgeon. Available in 15 or 23 inch sizes. Cost: 35-45 USD

Order via Superior Supply:

store.yahoo.net

Get going...

Anyone looking to put together a 'Go Bag' could start with the 'Gerber Go Bag'. Their bag contains some essentials - a multitool, water bottle, led flashlight,pocket reference and so on.. with room for your additions. Cost: 275 USD

More info and order via Gerber:

www.gerbergear.com

What would the Chairman drink?

Jack Daniel's will soon be producing the 'Sinatra Select', a special bottling to commemorate the company's long association with Frank Sinatra. The specially aged whiskey will be available in a collector box, a bespoke bottle, and a collector's book. Cost: 150 USD

Photos and info via Whisky Intelligence:

www.whiskeyintelligence.com

Moon buggy...

As part of a challenge for the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes Benz presented it's concept of an SUV - from 2025, the 'Ener-G-Force'. More than renderings, it showed off a full sized model.

Read More from Edmunds:

www.edmunds.com

Keeping a cool head...

The 'Airflow 2 Helmet' from BMW is an engineering marvel. The vented design keeps your head cool and comfortable while creating a quiet zone that can be used with the mobile communications system. Cost: about 620 USD.

Read more from BMW:

showroom.bmw-motorrad.com

Deep conversations...

Casio has been developing a device to allow scuba divers to chat with each other. The small transmitter attaches to a standard dive mask, rather than expensive full face gear currently on the market. It will be unveiled this week at a trade show in Las Vegas. Cost: TBA

Read more about it via Kyodo News:

prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201211128238

Not evident...

You'd think using a flashlight would be a simple affair. The truth is, it can be used quite differently in 'tactical' situation. The guys at 'Art of Manliness' have a few ideas on how to use one.

How to Use a Flashlight Tactically via The Art of Manliness:

artofmanliness.com

So many options...

Turkish bus manufacturer 'Otokar' has a bit of a sideline, making armored vehicles. The 'Cobra' is a platform that can be configured many different ways - from a command vehicle, to a medical rescue, all the way to a light tank.

Explore more via the Otokar site:

www.otokar.com

Massif style...

Military supplier 'Massif' asked themselves what it would take to make high quality tactical clothing for everyday wear. The answer is their Massif 'Collection' - a line of clothing with a myriad of details that allow for easy transition from the field to play.

The Massif Collection via their homesite:

www.massif.com/collection

Set and match...

Geoffrey Parker has made a bespoke backgammon set to match your Bentley. Finally. Cost: 2,950 GBP

Available from Bentley Motors:

shop.bentleymotors.com

Wear a towel...

Scientists working at the Weizmann Institute in Israel have figured out a way to see through frosted glass. Using a 'wavefront shaping' technology - they can de-scatter light in realtime.

Read more about it from the Weizmann Institute:

www.weizmann.ac.il

Spritzer...

Your smart phone case can make a statement - by being a pepper spray protection device. The Spraytect case comes in fashion colors and includes a test cartridge for giving it a try. Cost: 40 USD

Info and order via Spraytect:

spraytect.com/products

Accessories are key...

The 'UnCuff Link' from Sparrow may not be the most stylish - but they could get you out of a jam. The cross piece acts as a key for most standard handcuffs. Cost: 59 USD

Info and order via Sparrow:

www.sparrowlockpicks.com

A real PAL...

The 'PAL-V' is the next generation gyrocopter. The Personal Air and Land (PAL) vehicle does double duty as a car, and gyrocopter - while working within the current laws of both road and air vehicles.

Info and video from PAL-V:

pal-v.com

Magic powder...

The 'Bytox Hangover Prevention Patch' is a transdermal patch full of nutrients that are depleted from your body by over-indulging. Just apply 45 minutes before drinking. Cost: 15 USD. Could a nobel prize be far behind?

Info and order via Bytox:

www.bytox.com

Blown...

Clearing landmines is nasty business - an Afghan designer has come up with a novel approach. The 'Mine Kafon' is a wind blown tumbleweed-like device, made of bamboo and plastic. As it rolls around a minefield, it can either map or detonate mines. Clever. Read more and watch test video via the designer's site:

www.massoudhassani.blogspot.co.uk

Case in point...

For the fan of things 'hidden behind bookcases' - here's a tumblr collection of secret bookcase doors.

Hidden bookcase doors via TUMBLR:

hiddenbookcasedoors.tumblr.com

Yes, grasshopper...

UPDATE: SpaceX, the commercial space group that built the Dragon space system, is testing the 'Grasshopper' - their project for reusable rockets that land 'buck rogers style'. Baby steps.

Read more (and watch a test video) via Wired:

www.wired.com

Christmas is coming...

Traditionally, an 'Advent Calendar' is a quaint way to count down December towards Christmas. The 'Whiskey Advent Calendar' adds a little twist: rather than a picture or a small sweet - each countdown is a small dram of whiskey to try. Cost: 240 USD

Whiskey Advent Calendar - available from Masters of Malt:

www.mastersofmalt.com

Ninja improv...

Follow the link for a quick instruction on how use a regular t-shirt as ninja headgear.

In japanese only - but, it's pretty self explanatory:

mcsgsym.tumblr.com/post/34843604704

Sliding by...

This winter's best toy might just be the 'Snolo' - the somewhat over engineered carbon fiber sled. Cost: 3,000 USD

Register interest at the Snolo site:

www.snolosleds.com

Nesting...

It's possible to sleep suspended in the trees using the 'Cocoon Tree Pod'. The high tech pod is made of an aluminum frame and waterproof panels - resulting in a suspended sleeping platform for two. Cost: about 8,000 USD.

Info and details via Cocoon Tree:

www.cocoontree.com