Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Customers Find Rocks, Bricks Instead of Nintendo DS, MacBook Pro]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/30/customers-find-rocks-bricks-instead-of-nintendo-ds-macbook-pro/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/30/customers-find-rocks-bricks-instead-of-nintendo-ds-macbook-pro/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/30/customers-find-rocks-bricks-instead-of-nintendo-ds-macbook-pro/#comments
There seems to be a recurring theme here: person goes into store to buy expensive new electronic item, goes home, opens package and finds rocks instead. According to Tampa's WTSP-TV, Lake Wales, Florida resident Jodi Wykle's son got quite a birthday surprise when he ripped open the wrapping of his new Nintendo DS, only to find assorted rocks and a Chinese newspaper. Wykle immediately took the box o' rocks back to Wal-Mart and demanded a refund but, as she put it on TV: "They don't want to do nothing."

According to the report, Wal-Mart told her to take it up with Nintendo, which told her to take it up with Wal-Mart, of course. Turns out that the same item had already been returned by another customer for the same reason. Once this surprising fact was brought to its attention by 10 Connects, Wal-Mart begrudgingly gave Wykle a refund and $20 gift card.

Continue reading Customers Find Rocks, Bricks Instead of Nintendo DS, MacBook Pro

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Customers Find Rocks, Bricks Instead of Nintendo DS, MacBook Pro originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> best buyBestBuycustomer servicesCustomerServicesexpire-images:2010-4-30macbook proMacbookPromacbrick proMacbrickPronintendo dsNintendoDsrockstopwal-martweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:12:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Dutch Artist Gives New, or Old, Meaning to 'Notebook' With Video]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/28/dutch-artist-gives-new-or-old-meaning-to-notebook-with-video/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/28/dutch-artist-gives-new-or-old-meaning-to-notebook-with-video/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/28/dutch-artist-gives-new-or-old-meaning-to-notebook-with-video/#comments

Earlier today, we stumbled upon Evelien Lohbeck's animations via PSFK.com and found them to be right up our alley. Shunning the whole netbook craze, the recent Academy of Arts, St. Joost graduate has turned to her trusty artist's notebook to sketch her own Windows XP interface, YouTube channel, and Xerox machine -- all in one. Something tells us that her version of XP doesn't crash.

With a degree in animation, Lohbeck blurs the boundaries between drawing, the digital, and the real; her notebook can make toast and cheese, show her reflection, produce candle light, and play the opening refrain of the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army' on a drawn guitar. If only our drawings of stick-figure ninjas could come to life. [From: EvelienLohbeck.com, Via: PSFK.com]

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Dutch Artist Gives New, or Old, Meaning to 'Notebook' With Video originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artevelien lohbeckEvelienLohbeckexpire-images:2010-4-28noteboektech artTechArttopvideoweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New Alarm Clock Recalls Rubik's Cube]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/28/new-alarm-clock-recalls-rubiks-cube/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/28/new-alarm-clock-recalls-rubiks-cube/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/28/new-alarm-clock-recalls-rubiks-cube/#comments
A truly puzzling alarm clock, the Cube Clock (which is available for $24) resembles a mixed-up Rubik's Cube, with an LED screen smack-dab in the middle. When it starts emitting a robotic, electronic alarm, all you have to do is twist the top of the cube to snooze. You can also set the display to show the current temperature (shown), current time, alarm time, or the day's date.

Just don't confuse the Cube Clock with your original Rubik's Cube. Then you'd have to tell your boss that it was your Rubik's fault you didn't wake up. She's not going to believe you. [From: Chocosho, Via: Dvice.com]

New Alarm Clock Recalls Rubik's Cube originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alarm clockalarm clocksAlarmClockAlarmClocksclocksexpire-images:2010-4-28geek chicGeekChicnostalgianoveltyrubiks cubeRubiksCubetopweird switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Taser Sues 'Second Life' for Trademark Infringement]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/24/taser-sues-second-life-for-trademark-infringement/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/24/taser-sues-second-life-for-trademark-infringement/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/24/taser-sues-second-life-for-trademark-infringement/#comments
'Second Life' has reached another virtual milestone -- it's being sued by Taser, the world's largest manufacturer of stun guns, for trademark infringement. 'Second Life,' run by Linden Research Inc., is a virtual online community of users that use avatars to 'live' and 'work' within a user-generated world. According to Bloomberg, Taser is claiming trademark infringement, since users can buy 'Tasers' from virtual vendors within 'Second Life' and use them on other avatars (or on their own, if they're so inclined).

Since 'Taser' is a brand name, and the virtual product is being bought and sold with real currency in virtual shops that also sell pornographic material, the company contends that its brand is being tarnished and diminished. Lodged in Phoenix, Arizona, the complaint states, "All of the defendants that sell virtual weaponry like plaintiff's real ones, under the mark Taser for use in the Second Life programs and grids, also sell adult-only explicit images and scenes."

According to the Second Life first quarter economic report, its online economy is booming with user-to-user monetary transactions projected to be $450 million this year (a $100 million increase from last year). Seems like Taser wants its cut, since the 'Don't tase me bro' fiasco probably hurt sales. [From: Bloomberg]

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Taser Sues 'Second Life' for Trademark Infringement originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images:2010-4-24lawsuitssecond lifeSecondLifesuetaservirtual worldsVirtualWorlds switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:28:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[FBI Spyware Used to Gain Access to Suspects' Computers]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/fbi-spyware-used-to-gain-access-to-suspects-computers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/fbi-spyware-used-to-gain-access-to-suspects-computers/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/fbi-spyware-used-to-gain-access-to-suspects-computers/#comments
A recent Wired.com story reports that the FBI has been using a proprietary spyware program to snoop on alleged ne'er-do-wells since at least 2004. According to heavily redacted documents that Wired obtained by invoking the Freedom of Information Act, the FBI has developed a sophisticated program it calls 'computer and Internet protocol address verifier,' or CIPAV, that can infiltrate target computers and report information back to an FBI server in Virginia. The software has been crucial in the investigations of many cases that include extortion schemes, terrorist threats, illegal hacking, bomb threats, and electronic bank robbing.

The documents describe how the software is delivered to the target user -- via MySpace Chat messages containing links to an FBI-run Web site loaded with CIPAV. Apparently, the software gains access via the user's system vulnerabilities and runs 'silently' in the background. After logging the computer's IP Address, MAC address, open ports, a list of running programs, the operating system, internet browser and version, and the last-visited Web address, CIPAV sends the information back to the FBI database and switches to a stealth "pen register" mode, with which CIPAV can continually monitor the computer's Internet use.


Continue reading FBI Spyware Used to Gain Access to Suspects' Computers

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FBI Spyware Used to Gain Access to Suspects' Computers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cipavcrimeexpire-images:2010-4-22fbihacklaw and orderLawAndOrdersecurityspyingspywaretopwired switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:24:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Stalk Your Family With AT&T's FamilyMaps]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/stalk-your-family-with-atandts-familymaps/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/stalk-your-family-with-atandts-familymaps/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/22/stalk-your-family-with-atandts-familymaps/#comments Attention worry-prone parents: AT&T is now offering location-tracking for their subscribers with FamilyMap. The service is similar to Sprint Nextel's Family Locator and Boost Mobile's Loopt. FamilyMap utilizes built-in GPS and cell-tower triangulation to locate users. AT&T's offering is limited to those within a family plan and allows members to track one another online or on their phones. You can only track persons within your 'family' plan, though, so stalking a dishonest ex won't work (unless it's incestuous).

For those of you not with AT&T and not in a family plan there is, of course, an offering from Google that provides a similar service. Dubbed Google Latitude, the free opt-in service allows you to locate your linked friends via Google Maps on your cellphone or computer. You can update your status message, locate nearby friends, and chat via Google Talk all for free (carrier charges may apply).
FamilyMap will run you $9.99 a month to keep tabs on yourself and another family member, or $14.99 a month to stalk as many as five. FamilyMap isn't supported on pre-pay phones or AT&T Go Phones.

If this is the creepy way technological advancements are headed, we think the phrase 'Keeping up with the Jones' should be redubbed, 'Keeping up with the Bates.' [From: CNET]

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Stalk Your Family With AT&T's FamilyMaps originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> attcellphoneexpire-images:2010-4-22familymapsgpslocationtracking switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Text-Message Commentary Coming to the Movies?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/20/onscreen-text-message-commentary-coming-to-the-movies/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/20/onscreen-text-message-commentary-coming-to-the-movies/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/20/onscreen-text-message-commentary-coming-to-the-movies/#comments
Thought movie hecklers were annoying? Well, if a new project takes off nationwide, prepare to be uber-annoyed by heckling via texting/Twittering projected directly onto the movie screen. MuVChat creator Rien Heald describes his Frankenstein-like creation to the Chicago Tribune as "a mash-up of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' and Twitter."

At MuVChat screenings (currently only in St. Charles, Illinois), ADD-afflicted Gen Y-ers and Millenials can text their thoughts and heckles to a central number, and then the comments are displayed via a live scrolling feed at the bottom of the screen. So far, the screenings have been cult comedy neo-classics like 'Zoolander' and 'Office Space,' but there have been calls for torture-inducing screenings of Mariah Carey's 'Glitter' and the Ben Affleck/J. Lo opus, 'Gigi.' According to Heald, most people at the screenings send about 40 comments per movie. An example comment? During 'Zoolander,' one commenter wrote, "I want a comb-over like Trump." Now, imagine 8,000 snarky comments popping up on the screen during a film (we're estimating an audience of 200).

Continue reading Text-Message Commentary Coming to the Movies?

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Text-Message Commentary Coming to the Movies? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aintitcoolnewsexpire-images:2010-4-20human giantHumanGiantmicrobloggingmoviesMST3Kmuvchattext-messagingtextingtoptrendstwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:28:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Increasingly, Police and Fire Departments Turning to Twitter]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/15/increasingly-police-and-fire-departments-turning-to-twitter/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/15/increasingly-police-and-fire-departments-turning-to-twitter/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/15/increasingly-police-and-fire-departments-turning-to-twitter/#comments
Twitter has not yet ceased to amaze us. A growing number of law enforcement agencies have taken to the 140-character tweet to aid in serving and protecting their citizens, according to an AP report. The Milwaukee Police Department has been tweeting about homicide suspects, community improvements, robbery surveillance footage on their YouTube channel, gang arrests, missing persons, Milwaukee's Most Wanted, and even what the police chief is eating for lunch. Departments around the country have taken to Twitter like cops to a donut shop, those of Boston, Massachusetts, Boulder, Colorado, Richmond, Virginia and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina among them.

Not wanting to be left behind, fire departments have begun using the service, as well, as a way of transmitting and receiving alerts. Fire departments in both Napa, California and Mesa, Arizona have tweeted in regards to fires and other concerns relating to their jurisdictions. The FBI Press Office has been tweeting regarding missing persons, cold cases and their high-profile busts. We especially like the soothing purple the FBI folks chose for their page's background (pictured above).

Continue reading Increasingly, Police and Fire Departments Turning to Twitter

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Increasingly, Police and Fire Departments Turning to Twitter originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images:2010-4-15fbilaw enforcementLawEnforcementnixlepolicetwitter switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:25:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Computer Consultant Allegedly Siphoned $1M From Utah Bank]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/computer-consultant-allegedly-siphoned-1m-from-utah-bank/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/computer-consultant-allegedly-siphoned-1m-from-utah-bank/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/computer-consultant-allegedly-siphoned-1m-from-utah-bank/#comments
When consultant jobs are few and far between, you have to make the most out of the ones you can get. Take, for instance, Zeldon Morris. When the Family First Credit Union in Orem, Utah hired the Provo man to fix some bugs in a recent computer upgrade, Morris decided to take some liberties with a few of the accounts, according to Provo's Daily Herald.

According to recently submitted court documents, Morris made false deposits via several electronic transfers into his personal and business accounts from June of 2008 to January of 2009 -- all to the tune of over $1 million. He allegedly used the money to remodel his home, pay off his two car notes, and cover a few mortgage payments. (At least he's propping up Sallie Mae!)

All of this came to the attention of the credit union last month when Morris' business partner, Eunyong Lee, blew the whistle after seeing some suspicious transactions and suspecting that they were related to fraud. Many technology business analysts have been predicting that, as the recession gets worse, more IT professionals will turn to fraud as a means of making money. Court documents say that Family First Credit Union would not have discovered Mr. Morris' scheme if it had not been for Mr. Lee. With that in mind, who knows what other scams we'll hear about long after they've been committed?

Morris was arrested last Wednesday, and arraigned the following day, entering a plea of not guilty. The alleged swindler has been charged with one count of bank fraud. [From: Daily Herald]

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Computer Consultant Allegedly Siphoned $1M From Utah Bank originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> banksbusinesscrimecrime and punishmentCrimeAndPunishmentcyber crimeCyberCrimeexpire-images:2010-4-14identity theftIdentityTheftITrecession switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Half of Microsoft Staff Uses Google Rather Than Live Search]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/half-of-microsoft-staff-uses-google-rather-than-live-search/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/half-of-microsoft-staff-uses-google-rather-than-live-search/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/14/half-of-microsoft-staff-uses-google-rather-than-live-search/#comments

About half of Microsoft's full-time stateside employees use Google search instead of Microsoft's own Live Search, reports CNET. Although that seems like a laughable percentage, it's actually a vast improvement from a year earlier, when about 80-percent of employees used Google exclusively. According to Microsoft senior vice president Yusuf Mehdi, the software giant is still struggling to get employees, let alone consumers, to take wholeheartedly to its Live Search. Google dwarfs the search market with close to a 65-percent market share. Yahoo comes in second with 15.8-percent and Microsoft Live Search trails in third with a little over 10-percent.

But Microsoft has been internally testing the next version of its search, codenamed Kumo, and is set to unfold a major $100 million public relations offensive to support its mid-year launch of the revamped search engine. Mehdi hopes that, once Kumo launches, Microsoft will be able to gain ground against Yahoo. It also helps that Microsoft has inked deals with Lenovo and Dell to make its search engine the default for the companies' factory-shipped PCs.

It always helps to have a monopoly behind your faltering technology. [From: CNET Via: PaidContent]

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Half of Microsoft Staff Uses Google Rather Than Live Search originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images:2010-4-14googlemicrosoftmicrosoft live searchMicrosoftLiveSearchsearch enginesSearchEnginesyahoo switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Jobless Techies Will Turn to Crime: From IT to GTA?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/13/jobless-techies-will-turn-to-crime-from-it-to-gta/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/13/jobless-techies-will-turn-to-crime-from-it-to-gta/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/13/jobless-techies-will-turn-to-crime-from-it-to-gta/#comments Nick Heath from Silicon.com (over in the UK) is warning that another recession woe will lead to the inevitable rise of cyber crime.

It makes sense; the Internet Technology (IT) sector employs quite a few folks that know their way around security measures, they may have installed them in the first place. Some of these disgruntled, soon to be ex-employees are going to be a bit more prone to breaking the law. Those overseeing sensitive data caches, such as credit card information, bank accounts, or important corporate information, could theoretically walk out the door with pink slip and data in hand.

This is not the first time that this has happened. According to Neil Ysart, senior manager of forensic services at PricewaterhouseCoopers, "There was a range of very well-documented frauds that took place during the recession in the early 1990s and it does not take a great deal of insight to realize we will see an increase at a time like this."

So, not only do we have to be worried about our job now we have to be wary of the IT guy wiping out our entire bank account. Unless you are the IT guy, and in that case can we have a loan? [From: Silicon.com]

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Jobless Techies Will Turn to Crime: From IT to GTA? originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crimeeconomyexpire-images2009-12-12itjobstech switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Self-Healing Rubber May Lead to Crack-Proof Roads]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/04/self-healing-rubber-may-lead-to-crack-proof-roads/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/04/self-healing-rubber-may-lead-to-crack-proof-roads/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/04/self-healing-rubber-may-lead-to-crack-proof-roads/#comments

The science journal Nature reports that some enterprising French scientists have come up with a revolutionary new rubber that 'heals' itself when broken.

According to the Nature article, the science behind it is fairly simple: "In striking contrast to conventional cross-linked or thermoreversible rubbers made of macromolecules, these systems, when broken or cut, can be simply repaired by bringing together fractured surfaces to self-heal at room temperature."

Right. We didn't quite get that either, but it sounds as though the rubber is joined by hydrogen bonds that get 'lonely' when they are broken, so they seek out new bonds. Et voilà, presto-fix-oh.

The scientists have teamed with chemicals manufacturer Arkema to roll out the technology for everyday applications. By mixing the 'lonely heart' rubber with asphalt, they may be able to create crack-proof roads, for example. We're sure they'll be able to come up with more inventive applications, but until then, we think that taking care of potholes ain't half bad. [From: Esquire.com via Nature]

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Self-Healing Rubber May Lead to Crack-Proof Roads originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breakthroughexpire-images2009-1-3expire-images2009-12-4rubberscienceSelf healing rubberSelfHealingRubber switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:21:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Woman Mortgages Away Everything to Nigerian Scammers]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/18/woman-mortgages-away-everything-to-nigerian-scammers/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/18/woman-mortgages-away-everything-to-nigerian-scammers/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/18/woman-mortgages-away-everything-to-nigerian-scammers/#comments
This would be funny if it weren't so sad.

Sweet Home, Oregon woman Janella Spears, surprisingly not related to Britney, fell victim to the oldest scam on the Internet. We are all familiar with the Nigerian e-mail scam that attempts to extort money from would-be victims with promises of millions of dollars if we would just send a nominal transaction fee via untraceable sources. Well, not all of us apparently.

Spears received an e-mail from a source that claimed that her grandfather, J.B. Spears, left a sum of $20 million for her to inherit. That promise ended up costing Spears $400,000 over more than two years.

Any time that she doubted the veracity of the e-mail correspondence she was sent convincing letters, on seemingly official stationery, from none other than FBI Director Mr. Robert Muller (sic), the President of Nigeria, and even President Bush. FBI Director Muller assured her, "The transaction you have with the Central Bank of Nigeria or any bank within Nigeria is noting (sic) but legal..." and President Bush warned her that a terrorist, "...at the Hearthrow (sic) Airport in England with Funds valued US $12,000,000 (cash) ... as he attempted to launder Funds to Iran for Terrorist activities." That sounds like Bush to us -- who wouldn't believe that?

Spears initiated so many wire transfers (ranging from $50 to $8,300 payments) to Nigeria that they popped up on the Department of Justice's watch list. In a Justice Department raid of Spears' house, in which they suspected her of money laundering, they discovered the extent that she had been conned. Spears had mortgaged her house, siphoned her husbands retirement account, and spent two years worth of her salary on the assurance that she was that much closer to the $20 million windfall...

Let that be a lesson. Chock this one down as just ridiculous. [From Katu.com]

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Woman Mortgages Away Everything to Nigerian Scammers originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> e-mail scamE-mailScamexpire-images2009-11-18safetyscamscammer switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:44:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Use Your Phone to Save Time and Money]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/use-your-phone-to-save-time-and-money/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/use-your-phone-to-save-time-and-money/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/use-your-phone-to-save-time-and-money/#comments
While few of us have actually received a cell phone bill as large as this poor fellow, we've all been privy to the occasional shockingly huge cell phone bill. It's no surprise, considering the ways in which carriers can hit us with hidden fees, exorbitant rates for going over our monthly minutes, or extra charges for seemingly innocuous extra feature such as call waiting. Fool us once, shame on us; fool us twice, and we find a way to cut those costs. So, take a look at our five top tips for lowering your phone bill.





1. Choose The Right Plan

The easiest solution to high cell phone bills is as simple as switching your plan. If you're not using all your monthly minutes, then downgrade to a cheaper plan with less talk time. If you're going over your minutes, then it's upgrade time. But there are other options: Whether or not you have a family, you should still consider a Family Plan, which lets you get extra cell phones and bulk minutes at reduced rates, and the best thing is that any calls to other phones on the plan don't use up any of your minutes. If you're a heavy caller, texter, and e-mailer, then consider one of the new unlimited plans, which let you do all of the above for around $99-$150 per month (again, it' s a savings if you're a power user). There are also alternatives to being stuck with a plan. Most carriers now offer a pay-as-you-go alternatives that allow you to pay for the calls you make, which is useful for those who rarely use their cell phones at all.

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Use Your Phone to Save Time and Money originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> btsfeaturesfeatures switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/29/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/29/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/29/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer/#comments Cell phones have come a long way in terms of features and styling, but the issue of battery life, or having enough of it, remains strong. Yes, you can keep your battery juiced up for days if you don't talk on the phone ever, but what's the use of that? And sure, you can carry your admittedly portable charger with you to work, but try taking it out with you for a night out on the town -- it's just not practical. Luckily, all hope is not lost -- with a quick adjustments here and there, you can extend the battery life of your phone by hours and sometimes even days. We've compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep your phone battery running longer -- take a look, follow a few, and you'll never have to say "sorry, my phone battery died" again.

Turn your cell phone off to save battery life

Turn your cell phone off.
Sure, it might seem obvious, but when was the last time you actually shut off your phone when not using it? Well, do it next time, and you'll see just how much longer your battery lasts. When you're asleep, while you're in a dead cell phone reception area, or, the next time you're at the movies....Next time you find yourself in a theater as the previews start, try turning your phone off instead of putting it on silent. You shouldn't be checking your phone during the movie anyway.

How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> features switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 12]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-12/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-12/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-12/#comments


And lastly....
Even if you do as much as possible to extend the life of your battery, you can't make it live forever. But when your battery dies, don't just chuck it in the trash, since today's batteries are made with some heavily toxic chemicals that leach out of land fills and can make their way into our food and water supply. Most electronics stores and cell phone operators have recycling programs in place. Ask your cell phone operator what to do with your old battery (or old cellphone), so these toxins don't end up in your glass of water.

How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 12 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 7]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-7/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-7/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-7/#comments

Download your e-mails manually
Setting your phone to automatically check for mail every 20 minutes -- which requires a power-sucking Wi-Fi or mobile data connection -- will run down your battery in no time. Instead, set your phone to let you check your e-mail manually.


How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 7 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 6]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-6/#comments


Turn down screen brightness
Much like your laptop, most of the battery power of your phone is sucked up by the LCD screen (or, in many cases, screens). As with the power saving settings on a laptop that dim the screen's brightness, cell phone screens can be dimmed to save power, which makes them a lot easier to see in bright sunlight anyway. Check in your phone's settings area to find screen controls. Your phone may also have a power save function or profile, which you would find in the general settings area.

How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 6 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 5]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-5/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-5/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-5/#comments


Avoid flash photography
Hey, we know it's a hard thing to do when the paparazzi are always following you around, but seriously, the little flashes on your camera phones can be surprisingly powerful -- and energy-draining. And along with flash photography comes a huge drain on your precious battery life. Try to avoid taking tons of flash photos in a row, since this uses up more energy, or turn off the flash feature entirely and keep your photo shoots to areas with good lighting.

How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 5 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 4]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-4/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-4/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-4/#comments


Turn off vibrate
The motor that runs the vibrate function is a huge battery drain, especially if you're constantly getting calls. Although vibrate is a great function for silently alerting you to calls, it's not worth missing calls because you vibrated away your battery. Switch to a nice ringtone, or even a song. And then make your own vibrations to your new ring.

How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 4 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 3]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-3/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-3/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/24/how-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer-3/#comments


Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Wireless features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may let you get your e-mail faster and free you of cords, but they're also slurping down lots of juice while they're on. The radio frequency that Bluetooth works on doesn't take too much power, but it will cut into your battery time if you leave your phone settings to 'discoverable' all the time. So, if you aren't planning on using a wireless headset or speakers, turn off Bluetooth on your phone when you don't need it. The same goes for Wi-Fi, particularly in a moving car or walking around, since your phone will use up precious battery power as it scans for everchanging Wi-Fi hotspots. Wi-Fi is best used if you're in a fixed location and plan to use your phone for surfing the Web, checking e-mail or downloading files. If you must use the data connection and are either low on battery or happen to be moving around, then use the cell phone's mobile data network (EV-DO, HDSPA, EDGE, or GPRS), which uses less power and is available over wider areas.

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How to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer 3 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 9]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-9/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-9/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-9/#comments



Although not yet available in North America, the Philips Xenium 9@9 series of cellphones have the longest standby and talk time we've seen. With 40 days of standby and 10-17 hours of talk time, this simple phone begs for a stateside release. The series goes from the basic 9@9a and 9@9d to the 9@9t, which offers much more functionality and a touch screen (and a little less battery life). Let's just hope Philips gets wise and offers it to North Americans.



Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 9 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 8]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-8/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-8/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-8/#comments


If you're looking for something a bit more rugged with great battery life the Sprint Sanyo SCP-7050 is perfect for an off-road adventure. Built to military specs (810F which sounds official) that meets criteria for dust, shock, and vibration the 7050 the also sports independent GPS to get you out of the adventure that took a wrong turn. And with 4.4 hours of talk time you can tell all your friends about your narrow escape.




Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 8 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 6]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-6/#comments


The Helio Ocean is a dual-slider phone (keypad and QWERTY keyboard) that has extensive connectivity options and impressive battery life to boot. It has 5.1 hours of talk time and 7 days of standby time, but take that with a grain of salt, since the Ocean also boasts some battery-hogging extra features -- including MySpace, GPS with Google Maps, and full Web browser with fast 3G speeds -- that may affect how much power you have. We love the innovative Buddy Beacon system that maps where your Helio friends are located in real time. All that will only set you back $415.

Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 6 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 5]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-5/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-5/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-5/#comments

The Sony-Ericsson Walkman W580 slider for AT&T Wireless boasts an excellent 9 hours talk time and standby time of up to 370 hours. The W580 is also packed with features one would expect from the Walkman line -- an impressive 30 hours of music listening, Bluetooth 2.0 wireless stereo capability, and a 2-megapixel camera. We also really love Shake Control, which lets you shuffle up your music selection with a simple shake of the phone.


Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 5 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 2]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-2/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-2/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries-2/#comments

With Bluetooth, VZ Navigator (Verizon's GPS navigation software), and a VGA camera the LG VX5400 clamshell comes with quite a few features for an inexpensive phone ($29.99 with a two-year Verizon Wireless contract). The phone also has a nice battery life with 400 hours of standby and 4.8 hours of talk time. The buttons are well spaced and have a firm feel while a dedicated speakerphone button and voice dial capabilities keep the phone easily hands-free.



Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries 2 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/#comments
Some days, we all just like to talk on the phone a lot. We also sometimes forget to charge our phones before we leave the house. And let's face it, carrying our cell-phone-charger around with us all day (or overnight) is often impractical. So what phones are ideal for the sort of person that often finds themselves in charger-less jams? Take a look at our roundup, in which we picked ten standard phones (i.e., non-smart-phones) that have impressive battery life, both for talk and standby modes.



The latest version of the Motorola V195s has now been updated by T-Mobile to include Yahoo! and AIM messaging, Bluetooth connectivity, and longer-lasting battery life. T-Mobile also includes the convenient My Faves free frequent calling program, so you can use the eight hours of talk time wisely. The phone also has up to 17.5 days of standby time.


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Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> features switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Tip: Consider a Family Plan to Lower Cell Phone Bills]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-6/#comments
Consider a Family Plan
Even if you are not in a family you may want to consider a family plan. A family plan consists of multiple subscribers sharing a pool of minutes and text messages. The advantage is twofold; most plans come with the added bonus of a free cell phone for every subscriber and calls within the network are free.

Definitely a good course of action for the mom or pop seeking a bit more contact from the kids without the long distance bills.



Tip: Consider a Family Plan to Lower Cell Phone Bills originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2008-4-3 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:26:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Tip: Unlimited Calling Plans Reduce Your Phone Bill]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/tip-unlimited-calling-plans-reduce-your-phone-bill/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/tip-unlimited-calling-plans-reduce-your-phone-bill/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/tip-unlimited-calling-plans-reduce-your-phone-bill/#comments

Consider Unlimited Calling Plans
With a frequent friend calling plan you can avoid the high costs of calling your that are on other networks. You choose the people that you call the most, on any network, and enjoy free calls. With Alltel's My Circle you can choose five, ten, or twenty of your friends (depending on your popularity) whereas T-Mobile's myFaves is limited to only five of your buds for now.

A similar idea but larger in scope are the new unlimited offerings from Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. For $99 a month you can call anyone at anytime for as long as you like. Although it's a hefty price tag it may just be worth it to avoid those overage fees.

Tip: Unlimited Calling Plans Reduce Your Phone Bill originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2008-6-30 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:14:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Top Five Ways to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/#comments
While few of us have actually received a cell phone bill as large as this poor fellow, we've all been privy to the occasional shockingly huge cell phone bill. It's no surprise, considering the ways in which carriers can hit us with hidden fees, exorbitant rates for going over our monthly minutes, or extra charges for seemingly innocuous extra feature such as call waiting. Fool us once, shame on us; fool us twice, and we find a way to cut those costs. So, take a look at our five top tips for lowering your phone bill.





1. Choose The Right Plan

The easiest solution to high cell phone bills is as simple as switching your plan. If you're not using all your monthly minutes, then downgrade to a cheaper plan with less talk time. If you're going over your minutes, then it's upgrade time. But there are other options: Whether or not you have a family, you should still consider a Family Plan, which lets you get extra cell phones and bulk minutes at reduced rates, and the best thing is that any calls to other phones on the plan don't use up any of your minutes. If you're a heavy caller, texter, and e-mailer, then consider one of the new unlimited plans, which let you do all of the above for around $99-$150 per month (again, it' s a savings if you're a power user). There are also alternatives to being stuck with a plan. Most carriers now offer a pay-as-you-go alternatives that allow you to pay for the calls you make, which is useful for those who rarely use their cell phones at all.

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Top Five Ways to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Cheap GeekCheapGeekexpire-images:2009-2-26 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:57:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Amphibious Car Can Drive Itself On Land or In the Water]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/rinspeed-roadster-submarine/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/rinspeed-roadster-submarine/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/rinspeed-roadster-submarine/#comments


Admittedly inspired by James Bond's amphibious Lotus Esprit in 'The Spy Who Loved Me,' the Rinspeed sQuba one ups the ante by actually working, and well.

To be announced next month by the creative genius and Rinspeed big boss Frank Rinderknecht at the March Geneva Motor Show, the custom-modded Lotus Elise is powered by three electric motors - two to power the twin screws and one to get the zero emission car up to speed on land.

While still on land, the car has another ingenious,Q-like function, which is that of driving itself. Now some might argue that the remote control self-driving feature belongs to the realm of 'Knight Rider,' but we stick with James Bond's techno-whiz Q.

DARPA-Challenge-tested technology is built into the sQuba's futuristic chassis, so that you can remotely guide your car safely to your location during getaway scenarios.

When said getaway demands an aquatic detour, all you have to do is drive into the water, engage the props, affix a mask and oxygen regulator, drive out into the water, and submerge. For maneuvering underwater, the vehicle has two rotating jet exhausts behind the front wheels, which are fed by jet drives that intake from the front grill (see gallery).

So put your waterproof tuxedo on and head to the island casino, 007.

From Autoblog




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Amphibious Car Can Drive Itself On Land or In the Water originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images:2009-2-18Future TechFutureTech switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:21:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-4/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-4/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-4/#comments


4. Shed the Extras

Although many plans include caller ID., call-waiting, and three-way calling, these same plans sometimes add hidden fees to use these services. Call up your carrier and find out if getting rid of some of these extras might trim your monthly bill by a few dollars. How often do you really use three-way calling?

Same goes for data plans. Do you really need to check your e-mail while walking down the street? Data plans, especially unlimited ones, can cost upwards of $50 per month. If you're not addicted to the BlackBerry and aren't constantly online, then you should think about downgrading or getting rid of your data plan.

Downloaded ringtones and games from third parties, and sometimes your carrier, have hidden monthly 'subscription' charges associated with them, or use up your data minutes any time you play them. And some ringtones, like the hottest new single, have a hefty download fee that is then followed with a monthly charge of up to $2.50. Is "Crank Dat" really worth that?



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How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2009-2-18 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:05:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-3/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-3/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-3/#comments


3. Avoid Calling 411

Back in the day, you could call 411 from any pay phone and get a listing for free. But these days, we all use cell phones, and calling on these babies costs a good $.50 to $1.50 a pop! Luckily, you have some other options while on the go. You can use your data plan, if you have the unlimited variety, and use one of your carrier's mobile Web-based directory assistance services, or search online directories on the Web using your phone's browser. Other options -- free information numbers such as 800-FREE-411, 800-411-METRO or 800-GOOG-411 -- give you listings for free, but they involve using your minutes (if it's on a weekday). Still, these voice-activated services are a lot cheaper than calling 411. Google also offers a text message based system that replies with results after you send a text with your query to GOOGLE (466543).



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How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2009-2-18 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:24:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-2/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-2/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/19/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-2/#comments


2. Make appointments for long calls, especially to friends or family

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people just pick up the phone in the middle of the day, assuming they'll never use up all their minutes. Sometimes, of course, you just have to take that call, but if you know you're going to be on the phone for a while with your chatty Cathy BFF, or your Mom, then you're better off sending them a quick (and free) e-mail with a specific time you plan to call (just like in the old days before we had so many cell phones). As you well know, most cell phone plans offer free minutes after 7pm or 9pm, as well as all weekend. So make plans to talk on Saturday or Sunday, when most of us have more free time, anyway. Also, if you're near a Web-connected computer during the day, consider using it to make Internet-based telephone calls with a free service like Skype, which lets you make unlimited calls at any time for free to other Skype numbers.



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How To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2009-2-18 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:19:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Blu-Ray Makeup Hides the Blemishes of Anyone Going on HDTV]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/blu-ray-makeup-hides-the-blemishes-of-anyone-going-on-hdtv/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/blu-ray-makeup-hides-the-blemishes-of-anyone-going-on-hdtv/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/blu-ray-makeup-hides-the-blemishes-of-anyone-going-on-hdtv/#comments For your celebrity girlfriend nervous about her pores showing up a bit too clearly in high-definition broadcasts comes the blu_ray collection of make-up from CARGO Cosmestics (named, apprpropriately, after the Blu-ray high-def disc format). The advent of HD television has brought us unprecedented clarity, which is a good thing, but it has also given us unparalleled views of hitherto hidden blemishes and wrinkles on our favorite actors and on-air personalities. TV reporters were the first to notice the deleterious effect and have started to use special make-up that give an extra layer of disguise.

So if your girlfriend happens to be on CNN, you may want to look into blu_ray cosmetics for Valentine's Day.
Specifically formulated for high definition (whatever that means), the collection includes a blush/highlighter, mascara, and mattifier, pressed powder, and lip gloss. Some of the cosmetics have photochromatic pigments, which apparently adjust to the bright light that exposes all those blemishes.

Okay. Well, at least CARGO had the good sense not to name this new line of cosmetics after HD-DVD.

From Geeksugar.


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Blu-Ray Makeup Hides the Blemishes of Anyone Going on HDTV originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking+newsexpire-images:2009-2-14HD make-upHdMake-upHDTVtop switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:12:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[High-End Nokia N96 Multimedia Device Unveiled]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/nokia-n96-multimedia-device-unveiled/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/nokia-n96-multimedia-device-unveiled/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/nokia-n96-multimedia-device-unveiled/#comments The much anticipated, and much rumored, double-slider N96 Multimedia Device has finally been unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Designed as a video powerhouse, the N96 includes an integrated TV tuner, a stunning 2.8 inch QVGA display, and a clever kickstand for setting the device down for viewing. It also has more memory -- 16-gigabytes of memory for up to 40 hours of stored video (with a microSD slot for even more memory). With Digital Video Broadcasting-Handhelds (DVB-H) capability, the phone can tune in to live TV broadcasts aimed specifically at mobile phones (right now, only available in Europe, alas).

Much like its predecessor, the high-end N95, the N96 has Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with a 5-megapixel camera and DVD-like video by recording at 30 frames-per-second. It also has UPnP, which means you can easily play back your photos or videos on your television via the included TV-out cable.

Unlike the N95, the N96 is optimized for on-the-go video games as well, with dedicated gaming keys on the second slider panel. This will come in handy since Nokia recently launched its N-Gage gaming platform, which will feature dozens of titles, including EA Sports FIFA 08, Asphalt 3: Race Rules, Snakes Subsonic, and for the gambling junkie the World Series of Poker.

The N96 is crammed full of other cutting-edge features, including assisted-GPS with maps, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, High Speed USB 2.0 connectivity, FM radio, dual-LED flash (for photos and video), a secondary camera for video calls, and the ability to surf the Web/transfer data and talk on the phone at the same time.

Pricing and availability are to be announced, but it's likely the device will come out in Europe first, then make its way to the U.S. in unlocked form for T-Mobile or AT&T. We'll let you know.

From Engadget



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High-End Nokia N96 Multimedia Device Unveiled originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> iPhone-KillersMobile World CongressMobileWorldCongressNokiaNokia N SeriesNokia N96NokiaN96NokiaNSeries switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Top 11 Ways to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/12/top-11-ways-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/12/top-11-ways-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/12/top-11-ways-to-make-your-cell-phone-battery-last-longer/#comments Cell phones have come a long way in terms of features and styling, but the issue of battery life, or having enough of it, remains strong. Yes, you can keep your battery juiced up for days if you don't talk on the phone ever, but what's the use of that? And sure, you can carry your admittedly portable charger with you to work, but try taking it out with you for a night out on the town -- it's just not practical. Luckily, all hope is not lost -- with a quick adjustments here and there, you can extend the battery life of your phone by hours and sometimes even days. We've compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep your phone battery running longer -- take a look, follow a few, and you'll never have to say "sorry, my phone battery died" again.

Turn your cell phone off to save battery life

Turn your cell phone off.
Sure, it might seem obvious, but when was the last time you actually shut off your phone when not using it? Well, do it next time, and you'll see just how much longer your battery lasts. When you're asleep, while you're in a dead cell phone reception area, or, the next time you're at the movies....Next time you find yourself in a theater as the previews start, try turning your phone off instead of putting it on silent. You shouldn't be checking your phone during the movie anyway.

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Top 11 Ways to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> batteriesbattery lifeBatteryLifeexpire-images2009-2-11featureshow-toservicesummeradvice switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Extend Your Cell Phone's Battery Life-16]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-16/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-16/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-16/#comments


And lastly....
Even if you do as much as possible to extend the life of your battery, you can't make it live forever. But when your battery dies, don't just chuck it in the trash, since today's batteries are made with some heavily toxic chemicals that leach out of land fills and can make their way into our food and water supply. Most electronics stores and cell phone operators have recycling programs in place. Ask your cell phone operator what to do with your old battery (or old cellphone), so these toxins don't end up in your glass of water.

Extend Your Cell Phone's Battery Life-16 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Extend Your Cell Phone's Battery Life-7]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-7/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-7/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-7/#comments

Download your e-mails manually
Setting your phone to automatically check for mail every 20 minutes -- which requires a power-sucking Wi-Fi or mobile data connection -- will run down your battery in no time. Instead, set your phone to let you check your e-mail manually.


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Extend Your Cell Phone's Battery Life-7 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2009-2-10 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:24:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Extend Your Cell Phone's Battery Life-6]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-6/ http://www.switched.com/2008/02/11/extend-your-cell-phones-battery-life-6/#comments


Turn down screen brightness
Much like your laptop, most of the battery power of your phone is sucked up by the LCD screen (or, in many cases, screens). As with the power saving settings on a laptop that dim the screen's brightness, cell phone screens can be dimmed to save power, which makes them a lot easier to see in bright sunlight anyway. Check in your phone's settings area to find screen controls. Your phone may also have a power save function or profile, which you would find in the general settings area.

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Extend Your Cell Phone's Battery Life-6 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> expire-images2009-2-10 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ian Rowan) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:20:00 EST Switched