UberOrbs

Some things in life are utterly compelling for no discernable reason: fish tanks, The Real World, bubblewrap, re-runs of Who’s The Boss - the list goes on and on. And now, thanks to Firebox, you can add something else: UberOrbs. But what in tarnation are UberOrbs? Well, despite sounding like some kind of strange ointment for an android's rear port, these curious yet beautiful little oblique spheroids are actually incredibly powerful magnets that simply can't bear to be apart.

UberOrbs are set to become the hottest new stress relieving gizmo/desktop plaything, and are so enthralling you'll forget your worries, your work and everything else in-between. Try pulling the UberOrbs apart and holding them on your desk with the tips touching. Then let go. What happens next is truly mesmerizing and the first time you witness it you may emit a somewhat amazed yelp. We know we did!

Upon releasing the UberOrbs they immediately perform a manic magnetic ballet of attraction and repulsion; clashing, spinning and making a spookily unnerving insectoid chirping sound in the process (our musical friends tell us this is called a 'glissando'). Initially, this fascinating phenomenon is startling, but after a few tries you'll be totally hypnotized and unable to put them down.

There are numerous ways you can play with UberOrbs (see the videos below for some examples) and their extremely magnetic properties combined with their aesthetically pleasing and tactile shape will have you playing with them absentmindedly for hours on end, a little like modern day worry beads. We confidently predict UberOrbs are a craze waiting to explode.

Tips and tricks

To start off, hold the UberOrbs in the palm of one hand. Using your thumb, separate them to about half an inch apart. With a bit of practice, when you release them they will produce a fascinating sound. Try pinching them onto your middle finger, separate the ends with your thumb and middle finger and release to produce a beautiful glissando.

Clasp the UberOrbs between your thumb and first two fingers. Squeezing gently will spin the UberOrbs briefly in the air, producing a musical whistle. Try spinning them from one hand to the other.

Balance the UberOrbs by holding one UberOrb above the other. Move the top UberOrb downwards slowly until the bottom UberOrb can stand on its own and swing like a metronome. Try hanging one UberOrb from another to create a pendulum.