If the rest of the world has something, it’s safe to say we want it, too—and we’ll eventually get it. (Just look at Smart Cars, David Beckham, and The Office.) We can forgive the occasional delay—especially in the case of Japan’s 2007 launch of Pepsi Ice Cucumber—but when it comes to electronics, the rest of the world could definitely use a lesson in sharing. These products aren’t available in the US yet (we’ve taken our best guess at when they’ll hit), but as with any import, it never hurts to be prepared….

INNOVATION: 3-D TV
PRICE: About $4,700 COUNTRY: Japan
DETAILS: One of the big breakthroughs on display at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was the 3-D TV phenomenon. One problem: Nobody in the US was ready to sell them. No one here broadcasts in 3-D, but that’s not the case in Japan, where earlier this year Hyundai launched a TV that takes advantage of Japan’s first 3-D-broadcasting cable channel. Philips and Samsung are working on bringing similar technology to the United States. Bonus: No dorky glasses.
ETA: Less than six months.

INNOVATION: Samsung SpinPoint N2 portable hard drive
PRICE: About $300 COUNTRY: China
DETAILS: Flash drives are fine for transferring documents, presentations, or those photos you plan to make public next time you’re denied a raise. But if you need to take your entire music library, you’ll want a portable hard drive. You’ll also want to live in China, the only country where the 120-gig, credit-card-size SpinPoint N2 is sold. 
ETA: Buffalo Technology just released 30- and 60-gig versions here called MiniStation Shinobi (from $120).

INNOVATION: Eco-friendly bricks
PRICE: TBD COUNTRY: The Netherlands
DETAILS: In the Dutch town of Hengelo, even the bricks are going green. They contain a component derived from titanium dioxide that, when exposed to sunlight, bonds with the harmful nitrogen oxide particles in your car’s exhaust. Those particles are turned into harmless nitrates, which are washed away with every rain. If it weren’t for that sunlight requirement, there would almost be hope of fresh air in the Lincoln tunnel.
ETA: Not until your children have moved out. And their children have moved out.