Free Idea # 275 - PC mouse with USB data storage

Invent a computer mouse that doubles up as a portable USB
flash memory data storage device. The 'Memory Mouse' would
have a larger memory, be less fiddly to use, and harder to lose
than standard memory sticks/pens. Users would be able to
back up all their vital information without forgetting where
they left it, as - nine times out of ten - it would already be
plugged into their PC.

Free Idea # 274 - Drinking straw with a detector strip

Invent a drinking straw with a detector strip down the side
that would indicate whether a drink contains any illegal
substances. Straws would be given out with drinks at bars,
pubs, and clubs to promote customer safety and highlight
the problem of drink spiking. If found positive the straw could
later be used as evidence, as some substances used to spike
drinks leave the body very quickly and can be difficult to
test for.

Free Idea # 273 - Vacuum cleaner with an integral carpet freshener function

Manufacture a vacuum cleaner with an integral carpet freshener
function. An adjustable switch or trigger on the handle would
dispense the user's preferred brand of carpet deodorizer through
a series of wide-spray nozzles on the front of the device. A dial
mechanism (similar to those used on steam irons) would allow
the user to adjust the intensity of each burst of the good stuff.

Free Idea # 272 - Pillow with a cooling patch

Create a pillow with a cooling patch inside so users can always
sleep on the cold side without needing to flip it over.

Free Idea # 271 - Pajamas with an in-built alarm

Invent sleeping suits (pajamas) with an in-built alarm that
would sound and vibrate, and would not turn off until the
wearer gets out of bed.

Free Idea # 270 - Make dictionaries more fun

Make dictionaries more fun to read by commissioning
comedians, humorists, and renowned authors to write the
definitions.

Free Idea # 269 - Build in GPS software in-car navigation systems

Develop GPS software for in-car navigation systems that would
show the driver's view of the road ahead, including geographical
landmarks, buildings, and store names.

Free Idea # 268 - Eco-green garden irrigation systems

Launch an initiative that would require all lawn sprinklers and
garden irrigation systems to be fitted with rain sensors in the
next three years. Water flow would automatically shut off
when it rains and start again when it stops. Deluxe models
would also grab the weather forecast from the Internet -
if heavy rain was predicted for the afternoon they would not
water at all in the morning.

Free Idea # 267 - Idea to make beach a safer place

Give a discount on parking to all beach-goers who can prove
lifeguard certification and are prepared to wear a high-visibility
sash, wristband, or hat, and are willing to save lives when called
upon. This would take a little pressure off the designated
lifeguards and make the beach a safer place for all.

Free Idea # 266 - Cell phones with mini airbags

Fit cell phones with mini airbags. A gyroscopic sensor would
deploy the bags in the event of freefall
(e.g. being dropped accidentally) or sudden flight.

Free Idea # 265 - Refrigerator

Make refrigerators 8 feet wide and 6 inches deep. That way
everything would be at the front and users would never need
to move a thing to find what they are looking for.

Free Idea # 264 - Sushi bar stylist restaurant with a range of ethnic cuisine

Set up a restaurant where a conveyor belt would carry a range
of ethnic cuisine - not just sushi - in small portions. Diners
would be free to mix and match from a menu including mini
hamburger, mini tagliatelle alla bolognese, mini chile con carne,
and mini Greek salad.

Free Idea # 263 - Street light electric power generater

Fit small wind turbines to the top of lamp posts. The power
generated could offset the consumption of electricity by the
street light. The turbines would be in a good position to catch
the wind, especially on taller poles and masts along major
highways and at large intersections, and on exposed sections
of road.

Free Idea # 262 - Customize car lock tones

Create car lock tones, similar to ring tones on a cell phone.
Instead of opening or locking a car with a generic beep or blip,
people could opt for a short sentence like 'Hey gorgeous!', the
first few notes of 'Mission Impossible', or a fun sound effect.
People would become custo-maniacs and would be listening
out for a variety of fun sounds coming from cars.

Free Idea # 261 - Locator chips with unique phone number

Invent tiny locator chips, each with its own unique phone number,
that would ring and vibrate when called. A locator chip could be
clipped on a key ring, inserted in a wallet, or glued to important
or valuable items that tend to go astray. Lost items could be
called from any phone. Users would just add 'keys' or 'glasses'
or 'iPod' to their cell phone contacts list.

Free Idea # 260 - Mobile phone with laser pointer

Create a mobile phone that carries Microsoft PowerPoint and
serves as both a laser pointer and a remote control for wireless
data projectors. Users would scroll through PowerPoint slides
as they do photos.

Free Idea # 259 - Emergency GPS tracking system in mobile phones

Include as standard an 'I am in immediate danger' alarm and
GPS tracking system in all mobile phones, launched in 2007.
If threatened or attacked, the user would simply press an
easy-to-locate button on the phone a few times in quick
succession to send an automated emergency text
(including GPS data) to friends and relatives who would
then alert the police.

Free Idea # 258 - Remote car start systems with SMS

Allow remote car start systems to be activated via mobile phone.
A simple text message or voice command would, for example,
activate the climate control system - cooling the car on a hot day
or warming it up and icing the windows on a frosty morning.

Free Idea # 257 - Adverts on mugs and glasses

Print logos, adverts, and other messages on the bottoms of
mugs and glasses. These could relate to a particular client
group or market segment, or correspond to a particular time
of day (e.g. advertising breakfast in the morning and evening
newspapers in the afternoon). Bespoke messages - perhaps
wishing a happy birthday or conveying a Valentine's Day
greeting - could be directed to a specific individual.

Free Idea # 256 - ATM emergency pin number

Issue all ATM users with an additional 'emergency' pin number
which, when entered, would immediately and silently alert the
police.