Tech gadget surprises happen when companies underestimate what people actually want. Your IKEA released a $70 LED floor lamp called the Slovenden. Red. Tall. Narrow arch design. Three dimming levels. Works indoors and outdoors. It sold out worldwide within hours. No anticipation. No Slovenden 1 preparing anyone for Slovenden 2. Just a quiet launch that immediately became unavailable in every IKEA store globally.

 

The lamp looks like a paperclip standing on end without the inside curl. The LED runs from floor to mid-room height, which differs from typical floor lamps with bulbs hanging in air. IKEA didn't think much about it. Minimalistic. Simple. Seventy dollars for something elegant shocked people. Kris Abel notes IKEA isn't usually considered a tech company, but they've been releasing gadgets. Deep Robotics launched firefighting robot dog squads. Each dog has a specialty. One races with wheels. One gallops. One coordinates logistics. Tank dog carries water cannons. Smaller dogs spray mist and foam. Rescue dogs speak reassuring sentences to trapped people. Paw Patrol for wildfires. Theory 11 released a Harry Potter coloring book for $20 that uses charges. Pages appear blank, then illustrated, then colored through wand taps and magic words.

 

Discover why simple design at accessible price points creates viral moments companies can't predict. Learn what specialized robot squads reveal about emergency response technology and why limited-use magic tricks still sell at premium prices.

 

GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com | @realkrisabel


Originally aired on 2026-01-20

Tech gadget surprises happen when companies underestimate what people actually want. Your IKEA released a $70 LED floor lamp called the Slovenden. Red. Tall. Narrow arch design. Three dimming levels. Works indoors and outdoors. It sold out worldwide within hours. No anticipation. No Slovenden 1 preparing anyone for Slovenden 2. Just a quiet launch that immediately became unavailable in every IKEA store globally.
&nbsp;
The lamp looks like a paperclip standing on end without the inside curl. The LED runs from floor to mid-room height, which differs from typical floor lamps with bulbs hanging in air. IKEA didn't think much about it. Minimalistic. Simple. Seventy dollars for something elegant shocked people. Kris Abel notes IKEA isn't usually considered a tech company, but they've been releasing gadgets. Deep Robotics launched firefighting robot dog squads. Each dog has a specialty. One races with wheels. One gallops. One coordinates logistics. Tank dog carries water cannons. Smaller dogs spray mist and foam. Rescue dogs speak reassuring sentences to trapped people. Paw Patrol for wildfires. Theory 11 released a Harry Potter coloring book for $20 that uses charges. Pages appear blank, then illustrated, then colored through wand taps and magic words.
&nbsp;
Discover why simple design at accessible price points creates viral moments companies can't predict. Learn what specialized robot squads reveal about emergency response technology and why limited-use magic tricks still sell at premium prices.
&nbsp;
GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com | @realkrisabel
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-20

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.