You've probably never given much thought to your electrical outlets, but apparently the folks at Legrand think that those always-exposed holes are kinda ugly. That's why they created the chic-looking and actually kind of practical Pop-Out Outlet.
When not in use, the Pop-Out Outlet (let's just call it the POO) simply takes the form of a uniform square that sits flush with the wall. Press on it with a finger, though, and its cube-shaped body slides out to reveal plug-ins on three of its sides – as opposed to the two plug-ins that would be offered ordinarily.
The POO can apparently be user-installed in place of a traditional outlet, although a Legrand rep tells us that there can be issues with the existing wall box not being deep enough to hold all of its hardware – it requires at least 22 cubic inches (361 cc). To that end, it's intended more for rebuilds, or as a standard feature in newly-built homes.
It's available now, for CAD$56 (about US$52). You can see it in use in the video below.
Source: Legrand via This is Why I'm Broke
It might actually be a blessing for people with small children, if they could add some kind of locking mechanism to it. That would make it difficult for kids to pop it out and they wouldn't be able to stick items into the holes and injure themselves.
This could also keep a bulky AC adapter from blocking the adjacent outlet. Better yet, reserve one side for four 12V USB power ports.
Pity: neat invention, if they had turned the holes through 90°.