The most disappointing and bizarre gadgets of 2013

4K TVs

TV stations are not broadcasting or cannot broadcast near the 4K range. One exception is the Sochi Olympics, which will be broadcast in 4K. Outside of that, standard broadcasts can't touch it, and I don't see them making the jump any time soon.

This is about more than just broadcasting feeds -- it's also about the very technology with which films and TV shows are filmed because cameras will have to be upgraded. Let the networks and production houses first start filming in 4K and then roll the broadcasts out and let the consumer decide if it's time for 4K TVs. 

An LG Ultra HD TV is displayed in this image.

Photo credit: LG

LG Optimus Vu II

If you're looking for a solid, Android-based smartphone, skip the LG Optimus Vu II.

It ships with an out-of-date Android platform (4.0), it's underpowered, and it's shape doesn't conform to any standard known to this planet. It's also difficult to hold and slow to use (dual core Snapdragon running at 1500 Mhz with only 2048 MB of RAM). Overall, it's a horrible product.

Photo credit: LG

iMusic BodyRhythm

iMusic Body Rhythm is a bib-like device that hangs on your shoulders and uses an iPhone app to pummel your muscles into submission. The device uses a sequence of "tiny taps" on your muscles and less actual massage. The feeling is more disconcerting than relaxing.

I cannot imagine anyone getting their money's worth out of this gadget, even though there are "games" associated with the massage experience. The games are along the variety of a drum tapping, so it's less of a game and more just tapping your fingers on a screen, and those taps are transferred to your shoulders.

Forgo the near $150 price (should this gadget even make it out of Kickstarter), and have a friend tap your shoulders for an hour or so.

Photo credit: iCess Labs, Inc.

HAPIfork

The HAPIfork is a "smart fork" that monitors the amount of food you eat and the rate at which you eat it. The premise is that it tries to prevent hurried eating (which has been "attributed" to weight gain). 

Photo credit: Hapi.com

Acoustic iPhone amplifiers

For some reason, acoustic iPhone amplifiers (such as the Mini Koo seen in this photo) have taken off. The iPhone speakers (or any smartphone speakers) are not capable of producing sound of any real quality. So when you amplify that already less-than-stellar sound, you're just making it louder.

If you really want to amplify your iPhone sound, get a proper amplifier with a set of quality speakers (such as the Fluance FiSDK 500); your music will have a much more refined sound.

Photo credit: Koostik

hi-Call Bluetooth gloves

I thought the hi-Call Bluetooth gloves were a joke, but they're real; the gloves serve as a Bluetooth handset for your smartphone.

You know that gesture you make with your hand when you want someone to call you? Imagine having a pair of gloves that make that gesture work -- for real. In the thumb is the speaker for incoming calls, and in the pinky is the speaker for outgoing calls.

These gloves should only exist as a Saturday Night Live fake commercial. 

Photo credit: HiFUN

Paparazzo iPhone Light

If you want to look like old-timey paparazzi, the Paparazzo iPhone Light might be for you. If, however, you want to keep your iPhone portable and easy to handle, don't bother.

The external light uses an LED and a reflector to give you serious light for your photos. 

The biggest issue with this add-on is that you have to manually press the trigger for the light -- there is no auto syncing. So if you don't pretty the light and your camera button at the same time, the sync will be off (as will your photo). Come back to us when you have an auto-sync feature.

Photo credit: Paparazzo

iPotty

Seriously? Do we really need high-tech toilet training? The iPotty sends a bad message that a device can replace good parenting skills.

Photo credit: CTA Digital

Google Shoe

According to a CNET News article about Google Shoe, a Google spokeswoman said this was an experiment rather an actual product going to market. Still, it's amusing to think about Google Shoe.

These heavily customized Adidas shoes features an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, and a speaker from which over 250 motivational phrases can be announced. Anyone that needs their sneakers to shout to them for motivation to exercise might want to give up sports or just be more active.

Photo credit: Joanna Stern