Think up a new pranking invention for $3

Happy April Fool's Day! Do you consider yourself a bit of a nuisance, a loveable menace, a hilarious hoodwinker? If so, this bounty is for you. To win a prize, we want you to think up a gadget or invention that would be used in a prank.

From the humble whoopee cushion to the Glitter Bomb 5.0, inventions have always been at the core of the prank. We want you to think up a new one, explain how it works, and pitch it to the Just About Tech community. We're looking for at least 50 words. Feel free to add pictures!

Task: Think up a brand new invention that you could use to help prank someone

Format: Written, video, or image with accompanying text

How to submit a written entry:

Hit the 'submit to this bounty' button just below this description - do not use the reply button unless you just want to comment on the thread, as replies will not be counted as entries!
Add a written response and feel free to include images.

How to submit a video entry:

Create your video and post it to your connected TikTok, YouTube or Instagram account.
In your post description, please tag us! We're on YouTube, on Instagram, and on TikTok. We'd also love it if you included #JustAbout.
Hit the 'submit to this bounty' button just below this description - do not use the reply button unless you just want to comment on the thread, as replies will not be counted as entries!
Share a link to your post in the box that appears, then expand it so we can view the video on Just About.

How to submit an image:

Take your image and post it to your connected Twitter (X) or Instagram account.
In your post description, please tag us! We're on Twitter (X), and on Instagram. We'd also love it if you included #JustAbout.
Hit the 'submit to this bounty' button just below this description - do not use the reply button unless you just want to comment on the thread, as replies will not be counted as entries!
Share a link to your post in the box that appears, then expand it so we can view it on Just About.

Once the deadline closes, we’ll pick up to six submissions, award $3 to each of the winners, and may share them as curated content.

Disclaimer: Geographical and age restrictions apply. Just About reserves the right to extend the bounty's duration. Please see our Terms of Use for more information on how bounties are created and rewarded on Just About. One reward available per member.

Take care not to breach copyright. Check our copyright policy before submitting.
Remember to link your social accounts before submitting multimedia assets!
Considering using AI to help? Think twice and first see our approach to AI content on Just About.

Image credit: Kraken Images on Unsplash

Bounty Rewards

$36 rewards

Bounty Closed

Created at 3:21pm, 1st April, 2024. Page last updated at 2:44pm, 16th May, 2024.

DIY Smart Cookie Jar: The Playful Prankster

Imagine transforming a regular cookie jar into an interactive, playful prankster, greeting anyone who dares to sneak a cookie. This DIY IoT device is a perfect blend of technology and humor, and it's something you can easily create at home. Here's how you can bring the Smart Cookie Jar to life:

Materials Needed

A large, non-transparent cookie jar (preferably with "Cookies" labeled on it). Choose plastic or wood for easy drilling.

An Arduino Nano, Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3, or a similar microcontroller.

A light sensor for office environments, or an IR sensor for home use, to detect nighttime cookie thieves.

An Echo Dot or similar voice command speaker.

(Optionally) an ultrasonic sensor to measure the jar's depth and estimate cookie quantity.

(Optionally) a power bank for a standalone setup.

(Optionally) a motion sensor.

Assembly Instructions

Create a fake floor inside the jar to separate the cookies from the electronics.

Install the IR/light sensor on the side wall inside.

Drill two small holes for the motion sensor facing out and power cable. Place the ultrasonic sensor on the fake floor, pointing upwards.

Use GPT to generate various phrases for different scenarios, like someone entering the room or opening the jar.

Set up IFTTT integration to trigger Alexa to read out the phrases.

Functionality

When someone enters the room, the motion sensor inside the jar triggers a circuit board signal. This, in turn, prompts Alexa (via IFTTT) to say something like, "Hey there, why not grab a cookie for a snack? I'm full of them!"Opening the jar lets light in, activating the light sensor and triggering another message, like "Take your time, pick the best one!"

This project is not only fun but also affordable, with an estimated cost of $40-$50. Plus, the parts can be reused for future projects. Get ready to surprise your family and friends with this quirky, interactive cookie jar!