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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[New Microsoft Laptop Hunters Ad Proves Macs Are Just for Children]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/10/new-microsoft-laptop-hunters-ad-proves-macs-are-just-for-childre/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/10/new-microsoft-laptop-hunters-ad-proves-macs-are-just-for-childre/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/10/new-microsoft-laptop-hunters-ad-proves-macs-are-just-for-childre/#comments
Microsoft's latest installment in its popular series of ripped-from-the-headlines, "real America" style 'puter-buying adventures follows a mom and son duo -- Lisa and Jackson. We learn during the commercial that the two need a computer which is "fast" because they need to "look up stuff" before they "get to baseball." Luckily for them, there are plenty of great PC options for their under-$1500 budget. Sure, they veer off in the middle there, almost buying a Mac -- which Lisa notes are "popular at this age" (we guess what she meant to say is that they're for children). Regardless, they're both so turned off by the cute-but-small computers that they hurry back to the affordable VAIO section and make off with a sweet 16-incher. But hey, don't take our word for it -- check out the really real mother and son for yourself in the full video after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading New Microsoft Laptop Hunters Ad Proves Macs Are Just for Children

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New Microsoft Laptop Hunters Ad Proves Macs Are Just for Children originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Im a pcImAPclaptop huntersLaptopHuntersmicrosoft Joshua Topolsky Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[President Obama Offers iPod to the Queen of England]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/04/01/president-obama-offers-ipod-to-the-queen-of-england/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/01/president-obama-offers-ipod-to-the-queen-of-england/ http://www.switched.com/2009/04/01/president-obama-offers-ipod-to-the-queen-of-england/#comments
No, this isn't an April Fool's joke. President Obama met today at Buckingham Palace with the Queen, and our forward thinking commander-in-chief brought along a little tech for gifting purposes. Obama presented Elizabeth II with an iPod containing video from her 2007 visit to the States. In return, the first family received what is apparently a standard present for visiting dignitaries to the Palace -- a silver-framed photo of the Queen and her husband. At a glance, it seems like Obama has a thing for gadgets (and related media); he recently handed off a set of DVDs featuring classic American films to Prime Minister Gordon Brown... who was unable to play them due to incorrect region encoding. Regardless, the Queen appears pleased with the music player, telling the President during their 25 minute tea that she "Finally has something to listen to [her] Pantera records on."

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President Obama Offers iPod to the Queen of England originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebarack obamaBarackObamabuckingham palaceBuckinghamPalaceipodobamapoliticspresident barack obamapresident obamaPresidentBarackObamaPresidentObamaqueen elizabethqueen elizabeth IIqueen of englandQueenElizabethQueenElizabethIiQueenOfEngland Joshua Topolsky Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Next Gen iPhone Operating System Gets Previewed on March 17th]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/next-gen-iphone-operating-system-gets-previewed-on-march-17th/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/next-gen-iphone-operating-system-gets-previewed-on-march-17th/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/12/next-gen-iphone-operating-system-gets-previewed-on-march-17th/#comments
We just got the announcement, iPhone OS 3.0 is coming. Set your clocks, mark your calendars. It's going down March 17th. Apparently, we'll get a sneak peak at the new OS, as well as a look at a brand new version of the SDK. Exciting stuff indeed, and we'll be there live at 10am PST (1pm EST) with the liveblog. Apple's calling this an "advance preview of what we're building," so we're not expecting anything ready to go as of the 17th, but hopefully this will allow developers to start building toward future functionality (hey, how about some push notifications?), and presumably users won't have too many months to wait after that for the real deal.

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Next Gen iPhone Operating System Gets Previewed on March 17th originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsiphoneiphone 3giphone osiphone os 3iphone os 3.0Iphone3gIphoneOsIphoneOs3IphoneOs3.0upcoming Joshua Topolsky Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Beatles Come to 'Rock Band,' Instruments and All]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/the-beatles-come-to-rock-band-instruments-and-all/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/the-beatles-come-to-rock-band-instruments-and-all/ http://www.switched.com/2009/03/05/the-beatles-come-to-rock-band-instruments-and-all/#comments Do you love The Beatles? Do you love 'Rock Band?' Are you ready to totally lose it? If you said yes, that's good -- because MTV Games and Harmonix have just announced a partnership with Apple Corps, Ltd. to bring the band's music and instruments to the 'Rock Band' universe. According to the PR, the game (which apparently lets you do all kinds of awesome Beatles-related rocking) will also premiere with a set of new hardware "modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career." Right now they've just got a holder page up with a launch date of September 9th, but as soon as we get our eyes on the gear, we'll let you know.

The Beatles Come to 'Rock Band,' Instruments and All originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> beatlesbreaking newsBreakingNewsinstrumentsrock bandRockBandthe beatlesTheBeatles Joshua Topolsky Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Red 'Resident Evil 5' Xbox 360 Unveiled!]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/24/red-resident-evil-5-xbox-360-unveiled/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/24/red-resident-evil-5-xbox-360-unveiled/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/24/red-resident-evil-5-xbox-360-unveiled/#comments
Looks like that red Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle wasn't just some tripped out figment of your imagination. Just moments ago, the package popped up for Xbox Live subscribers, detailing a handsome red Xbox 360 Elite with a 120GB hard drive, 'Resident Evil 5,' 'Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix,' and a few other odds and ends (like a handful of cables). There's an indication that you can pre-order the kit, but at this point, we're not aware of any place to follow through. We'll keep our eyes peeled, of course.

Update: According to the German press release we just received, the limited edition bundle will hit Europe on March 13th for €299 -- likely $399 Stateside. Gallery updated with official press pictures.

Update 2: Boom! Pre-order at Best Buy for $399. [Thanks, Ivan]

Continue reading Red 'Resident Evil 5' Xbox 360 Unveiled!

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Red 'Resident Evil 5' Xbox 360 Unveiled! originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewslimited editionLimitedEditionmicrosoftred xboxred xbox 360RedXboxRedXbox360resident evil 5ResidentEvil5xboxxbox 360Xbox360 Joshua Topolsky Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:09:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nintendo DSi Coming to North America on April 5th]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/19/nintendo-dsi-coming-to-north-america-on-april-5th/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/19/nintendo-dsi-coming-to-north-america-on-april-5th/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/19/nintendo-dsi-coming-to-north-america-on-april-5th/#comments
According to the good chaps over at Joystiq (and, you know, Nintendo), you can get your grubby mitts all over the DSi in North America come April 5th. The system will launch for $169.99, will include all the goodies you've been reading about -- like those dual cameras and downloadable content called DSiWare (starting at the totally mysterious price point of 200 DSi Points). The handhelds will come in either blue or black, and while we can't quite explain why they've omitted white, we can be pretty sure we'll see some more colors join the fray before too long. Anyhow, this is Nintendo, so remember: it's never too early to get in line. [Via Joystiq]

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Nintendo DSi Coming to North America on April 5th originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsdsihandheldlaunchnew productsNewProductsnintendonintendo dsiNintendoDsitopupcoming Joshua Topolsky Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:53:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Founder Steve Wozniak Comes to 'Dancing With The Stars']]> http://www.switched.com/2009/02/09/apple-founder-steve-wozniak-comes-to-dancing-with-the-stars/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/09/apple-founder-steve-wozniak-comes-to-dancing-with-the-stars/ http://www.switched.com/2009/02/09/apple-founder-steve-wozniak-comes-to-dancing-with-the-stars/#comments
Yes, your greatest / worst dream has come to fruition: Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak will be featured on the next season of 'Dancing With the Stars.' There's not much we can tell you right now about his upcoming moves, though we will be watching with bated breath, quietly hoping for a double Lindy, the Sugarfoot, and Denise Richards being dipped on a Segway. [Thanks, Ethan]

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Apple Founder Steve Wozniak Comes to 'Dancing With The Stars' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appledancing with the starsDancingWithTheStarssteve wozniakSteveWozniakthe wozTheWozwoz Joshua Topolsky Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Obama BlackBerry Alert: It's a BlackBerry]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/30/obama-blackberry-alert-its-a-blackberry/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/30/obama-blackberry-alert-its-a-blackberry/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/30/obama-blackberry-alert-its-a-blackberry/#comments
Guess what? Obama isn't using the Super Phone 6000. He's using the BlackBerry 8830, by Research In Motion (the photo above was taken yesterday) So much for your shot at the big leagues, Sectera Edge. Maybe next time.

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Obama BlackBerry Alert: It's a BlackBerry originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewsobamapresidentpresident obamaPresidentObamasectera edgeSecteraEdge Joshua Topolsky Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:23:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Amazon Kindle 2 Out on February 9?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/28/amazon-kindle-2-out-on-february-9/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/28/amazon-kindle-2-out-on-february-9/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/28/amazon-kindle-2-out-on-february-9/#comments
It could mean anything that Amazon is hosting a press event Monday morning, February 9th at the Morgan Library here in New York City. Maybe they just want to talk about how much they enjoy huge archives of original manuscripts and the smell of aged paper. Whatever the case may be, the last time we went to an Amazon event, they ended up launching the Kindle, so it's not crazy to speculate that we very well could see the introduction of a new iteration of the successful e-book. We've pinged the company for more solid word, but it's been radio silence thus far. Of course, we'll be there live covering any news as it breaks, so just plan on being here... or being square.

Amazon Kindle 2 Out on February 9? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amazon kindleAmazonKindlee-bookse-readere-readerskindlekindle 2Kindle2upcoming Joshua Topolsky Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:53:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Confirmed: Obama Gets to Keep His BlackBerry]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/confirmed-obama-gets-to-keep-his-blackberry/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/confirmed-obama-gets-to-keep-his-blackberry/ http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/confirmed-obama-gets-to-keep-his-blackberry/#comments
At Robert Gibbs' first press conference as President Obama's Press Secretary, the most important and heated debate of our time has been put to rest. According to Gibbs, Obama will be able to keep his BlackBerry, though only a limited number of senior staff and personal contacts will have access to his email address, and the data on the handheld will be subject to the Presidential Records Act. There was no mention of the NSA or the Sectera Edge, though he does mention some enhanced security. In Gibbs' words:
"The President has a BlackBerry through a compromise that allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends in a way that use will be limited and the security is enhanced to ensure his ability to communicate, but to do so effectively and to do so in a way that's protected."
Finally, a clear indication that for the first time in the 21st century, the President of the United States will act like it's the 21st century. You can watch it all go down in the video after the break -- just crank it to about 45:30. Now, on to this economic stuff we keep hearing about...

[Thanks, Vipul]

Continue reading Confirmed: Obama Gets to Keep His BlackBerry

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Confirmed: Obama Gets to Keep His BlackBerry originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> barack obamaBarackObamablackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewsobamapresident obamaPresidentObamapress secretaryPressSecretaryrobert gibbsRobertGibbstop Joshua Topolsky Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Announces Final MacWorld, Steve Jobs Won't Deliver Keynote]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/12/17/apple-announces-final-macworld-steve-jobs-wont-deliver-keynote/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/17/apple-announces-final-macworld-steve-jobs-wont-deliver-keynote/ http://www.switched.com/2008/12/17/apple-announces-final-macworld-steve-jobs-wont-deliver-keynote/#comments
Watch this space folks -- it's the end of an era. Apple yesterday issued a press release stating that this coming MacWorld in January will be its last, and Steve Jobs won't be on hand to say goodbye. Instead, Phil Schiller will be heading up the proceedings, thus marking a quiet end to a conference that's been the launching point of some of the most important pieces of consumer tech in recent memory. In Apple's words:

Apple is reaching more people in more ways than ever before, so like many companies, trade shows have become a very minor part of how Apple reaches its customers. The increasing popularity of Apple's Retail Stores, which more than 3.5 million people visit every week, and the Apple.com website enable Apple to directly reach more than a hundred million customers around the world in innovative new ways.

Apple has been steadily scaling back on trade shows in recent years, including NAB, Macworld New York, Macworld Tokyo and Apple Expo in Paris.

[Thanks, JBCornelius]

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Apple Announces Final MacWorld, Steve Jobs Won't Deliver Keynote originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsjobsnotekeynotemacworldmacworld 2009Macworld2009stevenote Joshua Topolsky Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:03:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Oblong's g-speak: The 'Minority Report' OS Brought to Life]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/23/oblongs-g-speak-the-minority-report-os-brought-to-life/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/23/oblongs-g-speak-the-minority-report-os-brought-to-life/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/23/oblongs-g-speak-the-minority-report-os-brought-to-life/#comments
If you've been waiting for that 'Minority Report'-style interface to really come to fruition, you can finally exhale. One of the science advisors from the Steven Spielberg film -- along with a team of other zany visionaries -- has created an honest-to-goodness, real-world implementation of the computer systems seen in the movie. Dubbed g-speak, the mind bending OS combines "gestural i/o, recombinant networking, and real-world pixels," to deliver what the creators call "the first major step in [a] computer interface since 1984." There are some things that need to seen to be understood, so watch the video after the break, and prepare to have your mind thoroughly blown to bits.

[Thanks, Jamie]

Continue reading Oblong's g-speak: The 'Minority Report' OS Brought to Life

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Oblong's g-speak: The 'Minority Report' OS Brought to Life originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 3dg speakg-speakGSpeakminority reportMinorityReportmultitouchoblong industriesOblongIndustriesoperating systemOperatingSystemsteven spielbergStevenSpielberguiuser interfaceUserInterface Joshua Topolsky Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:32:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Bacon iPhone Sleeve: For Discerning Eyes Only]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/18/the-bacon-iphone-sleeve-for-discerning-eyes-only/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/18/the-bacon-iphone-sleeve-for-discerning-eyes-only/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/18/the-bacon-iphone-sleeve-for-discerning-eyes-only/#comments Are you a classy sort of lady or gent? Looking for something understated and sophisticated to adorn your iPhone that says, 'Hey world, I've got refinement to spare'? You're in luck then, as German artist and rising accessories star Antje has created the bacon iPhone sleeve with which to adorn your precious, high-society gadget. It's the perfect thing to go with your meat iPod case, and your actual meat cellphone. Get them while they last for only €25 (or around $31), you foppish bon vivants!

[Thanks, Jesse]

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The Bacon iPhone Sleeve: For Discerning Eyes Only originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> baconbad ideasBadIdeascasecasingiphonemeatsleeve Joshua Topolsky Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Mars Phoenix Lander Goes Silent, NASA Ends Mission]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/11/mars-phoenix-lander-goes-silent-nasa-ends-mission/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/11/mars-phoenix-lander-goes-silent-nasa-ends-mission/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/11/mars-phoenix-lander-goes-silent-nasa-ends-mission/#comments
The inevitable has happened. Our friend, the loved and loving Mars Phoenix lander has gone quietly into that long, good night once and for all. Even though we joyfully joined the lander on its adventures as it Tweeted from beyond the stratosphere, and thrilled at its explorations, pitfalls, and pratfalls, try not to feel the familiar sting of humanity at the thought of our little robotic buddy facing that call to interminable sleep we all must answer one day. Let's rest easy knowing that the NASA-spawned craft served dutifully and fearlessly right up to the end, when it was overpowered by a horde of space zombies and turned into an undead killing machine. We'll miss you, pal.

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Mars Phoenix Lander Goes Silent, NASA Ends Mission originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> deaddeathlandermars landermars phoenix landerMarsLanderMarsPhoenixLandermissionnasaphoenix landerPhoenixLandersilent Joshua Topolsky Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[iPhone 3G Overtakes the RAZR as Best-Selling U.S. Handset]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/11/10/iphone-3g-overtakes-the-razr-as-best-selling-u-s-handset/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/10/iphone-3g-overtakes-the-razr-as-best-selling-u-s-handset/ http://www.switched.com/2008/11/10/iphone-3g-overtakes-the-razr-as-best-selling-u-s-handset/#comments
According to a report from NPD, sales of cellphones have shifted in a manner which should shock and stun even a casual observer. Apparently for the first time in years, Motorola's ubiquitous RAZR has been overtaken in consumer sales... by the iPhone 3G. This is a watershed moment for handset sales in the US, marking not only a shift away from the dominant market leader, but a turn towards more complex, full-featured devices.

The news comes hot on the heels of NPD's previous findings, which still placed the RAZR in the top spot -- though with ever-decreasing numbers. In that same report, the iPhone found itself in second place, but it appears that flagging interest in the inescapable dumbphone coupled with the recent iPhone PR blitz have put Apple's moneymaker into the top position. The news is also buoyed by recent reports that Apple has overtaken RIM as the number two smartphone vendor, and a J.D. Power study which found affection for the device waxing in the extreme.

Overall, however, handset sales fell 15 percent year-over-year, and LG managed to snag the top brand position, with two models in the top five. Still, if there already wasn't a clear indication of the market moving towards both smartphones and touchscreen devices, this should give everyone a clearer picture of both the public's wants, and the power of Cupertino's ad-men. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading iPhone 3G Overtakes the RAZR as Best-Selling U.S. Handset

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iPhone 3G Overtakes the RAZR as Best-Selling U.S. Handset originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsdomestic salesDomesticSalesiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gmotorolanpdrazrsalesus salesUsSales Joshua Topolsky Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:39:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Netflix Finally Brings 'Watch Instantly' Feature to Macs]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/27/netflix-finally-brings-watch-instantly-feature-to-macs/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/27/netflix-finally-brings-watch-instantly-feature-to-macs/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/27/netflix-finally-brings-watch-instantly-feature-to-macs/#comments

In a move that seemed like it would never, ever, ever happen, Netflix has finally managed to bring its streaming video technology (and decent library) to Macs everywhere, which means Apple owners will finally be able to instantly watch movies in their Netflix queues on their computers (something Windows-based PC owners have been able to do for almost two years now).

The new functionality is made possible by Microsoft's Flash-esque also-ran, Silverlight. It seems that the software will allow the rental house to safely DRM its content where ever it goes via Redmond's Play Ready, thus leaping the hurdle that has kept some 12,000 movies and TV shows off of non-PC systems. Netflix claims that the new implementaiton in Silverlight provides "breakthrough navigation for fast-forward and rewind," though fails to indicate exactly when this is all being rolled out (we assume immediately).

Unfortunately for super-duper late adopters, the software will only work with Intel-based Macs, so if you've been holding onto a G3 for dear life, here's one more reason to finally can it, along with your Xbox 360 HD DVD player, Von Dutch trucker cap, and gas-guzzling Escalade. Full PR after the break.

Netflix Finally Brings 'Watch Instantly' Feature to Macs originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsmove rentalsMoveRentalsnetflixonline moviesOnlineMovieswatch instantlyWatchInstantly Joshua Topolsky Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:52:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[SNL Spoofs Multitouch Screens With CNN's 'Magic Map']]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/snl-does-multitouch-comedy-to-perfection-with-cnns-magic-map/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/snl-does-multitouch-comedy-to-perfection-with-cnns-magic-map/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/24/snl-does-multitouch-comedy-to-perfection-with-cnns-magic-map/#comments
Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen takes CNN's "Magic Map" to its logical -- and hilarious -- conclusion. What would happen if New Hampshire got moved down to Mexico? Two more pics after the break, and the video after the break.

Continue reading SNL Spoofs Multitouch Screens With CNN's 'Magic Map'

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SNL Spoofs Multitouch Screens With CNN's 'Magic Map' originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cnnfred armisenFredArmisenhumormagic mapmagic wallMagicMapMagicWallmultitouchsaturday night liveSaturdayNightLivesnl Joshua Topolsky Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New Xbox 360 Experience Goes Live November 19]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/10/new-xbox-360-experience-goes-live-november-19/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/10/new-xbox-360-experience-goes-live-november-19/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/10/new-xbox-360-experience-goes-live-november-19/#comments

Been wondering when you were finally going to get your eyes on that fancy new Xbox 360 experience? Well the secret is out -- come November 19th, your dashboard will never be the same. The good folks at Joystiq have delivered this wonderful news live-and-direct from the Tokyo Game Show, where they're blogging the Microsoft press briefing while undoubtedly enjoying the finest cowboy rolls known to man and hob-nobbing with other glorious gamers. Feel free to check into their live coverage via the link below, and start prepping for serious avatar creation. [From Joystiq]

PS.- Check out our earlier gallery of the new dash here.

Read - New Xbox Experience coming Nov. 19
Read - Joystiq live from Microsoft's TGS 2008 press conference

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New Xbox 360 Experience Goes Live November 19 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> tokyogameshow2008upcomingupdatesxbox360 Joshua Topolsky Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Announces 'Notebook' Event on October 14th!]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/09/apple-announces-notebook-event-on-october-14th/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/09/apple-announces-notebook-event-on-october-14th/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/09/apple-announces-notebook-event-on-october-14th/#comments

The rumors were true folks. Apple is staging an invitation-only Town Hall event in Cupertino next Tuesday, October 14th at 10AM PST. It's absolutely safe to say they'll be showing off new laptops... and you know we'll be there live! Will this be an unveiling of a whole new form factor? Will this "Brick" mystery be put to bed? Will they come in rainbow colors? Tune in to find out.

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Apple Announces 'Notebook' Event on October 14th! originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewseventmacbookmacbook proMacbookProOctober 14thOctober 14th 2008October14thOctober14th2008san franciscoSanFrancisco Joshua Topolsky Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:41:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The wowPOD Looks Like an iPod on Drugs]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/the-wowpod-an-ipod-on-drugs/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/the-wowpod-an-ipod-on-drugs/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/the-wowpod-an-ipod-on-drugs/#comments
Have you always dreamed of a giant, wall-hanging iPod seemingly warped and twisted like a big, crappy, old television? Well, Russian artists Aristarkh Chernyshev and Alexei Shulgin have, and now they're subjecting the world to it. Yes, say hello to the wowPOD, a fully functional iPod mutation which is absolutely worth whatever our business manager has been authorized to pay for it. [Via TUAW]

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The wowPOD Looks Like an iPod on Drugs originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Alexei ShulginAlexeiShulginappleAristarkh ChernyshevAristarkhChernyshevartipodwowpod Joshua Topolsky Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Light Bulb Networks Could Be the Next Wi-Fi]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/light-bulb-networks-could-be-the-next-wi-fi/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/light-bulb-networks-could-be-the-next-wi-fi/ http://www.switched.com/2008/10/07/light-bulb-networks-could-be-the-next-wi-fi/#comments
If researchers at Boston University's College of Engineering have their way, light bulbs of the future may be the highway your data gets carried along. A team at the school is working on low-power LEDs which could utilize an optical communication system to carry data wirelessly. Using a technique which rapidly switches the LEDs on and off data transmissions could be made via imperceptible -- yet undoubtedly brain-scrambling -- flickering patterns, and each light would be its own network entry point at speeds of 1 to 10Mbps.

The concept is more secure than current RF techniques because it requires linked devices be in line-of-sight, and the technology would draw far less energy than conventional radios. Says professor Thomas Little, "Imagine if your computer, iPhone, TV, radio and thermostat could all communicate with you when you walked in a room just by flipping the wall light switch and without the usual cluster of wires." Yes... and talk about you behind your back. And plot your "accidental" death after taking out a large life insurance policy on you. You won't get away with this LED network! [From: Cellular News]

[Thanks, Travis]

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Light Bulb Networks Could Be the Next Wi-Fi originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Boston UniversityBoston University College of EngineeringBostonUniversityBostonUniversityCollegeOfEngineeringbuledled networkLedNetworkThomas LittleThomasLittlewifi Joshua Topolsky Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:51:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Meet the T-Mobile G1]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/23/meet-the-t-mobile-g1/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/23/meet-the-t-mobile-g1/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/23/meet-the-t-mobile-g1/#comments
Uh, c'mon guys -- this is a little ridiculous. Now typically, you want to keep this sort of thing under wraps until the day of your event, but it seems like the cats and kittens at T-Mobile can't contain themselves. Yes, you're looking at the first official product shot of the G1 Android phone ever. Enjoy it.

Update: TmoNews has just uncovered new specs and info on the phone. Here's what they've got so far: the phone is 4.6 x 2.16 x 0.63 inches, weighs 5.6 ounces, features a 480 x 320 HVGA display, sports 3G (obviously), GPS, has a 3.1-megapixel camera, supports up to 8GB of memory (though no format is mentioned), and will feature 5 hours of talktime with 130 hours of standby. Strangely, the phone won't do video capture (what?), won't have stereo Bluetooth, will require a Gmail account, and won't be sold at stores outside of a 2-5 mile radius of T-Mobile's 3G coverage areas. That last bit sounds a little odd to us, but we're guessing a lot of the functionality of this device will be shot in non-3G regions.

Head on over to Engadget for a gallery.

[Thanks, Luis; Via, TmoNews]

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Meet the T-Mobile G1 originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> androidbreaking newsBreakingNewsg1googlegoogle phoneGooglePhonet-mobile Joshua Topolsky Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:53:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Issues a Recall for Its 'Ultracompact USB Power Adapter']]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/20/apple-issues-a-recall-for-its-ultracompact-usb-power-adapter/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/20/apple-issues-a-recall-for-its-ultracompact-usb-power-adapter/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/20/apple-issues-a-recall-for-its-ultracompact-usb-power-adapter/#comments Hey, remember that tiny power adapter you got with your new iPhone? Well guess what? It could get a little dangerous -- so Apple wants you to swap it for a newer, less dangerous one. Apparently, the adapter's metal prongs can break right off, thus creating a "risk of electrical shock" and general mellow-harshing. The company issued a recall today for any of the "Ultracompact USB Power Adapters" which came with iPhone 3Gs in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and "several Latin American countries" (don't worry, they've got a list). Check the read link to figure out if you've got the bad kind of adapter, and for goodness sake, be careful when unplugging that thing!

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Apple Issues a Recall for Its 'Ultracompact USB Power Adapter' originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsdangerelectrical shockElectricalShockpowerpower adapterPowerAdapterrecallUltracompact USB Power AdaptersUltracompactUsbPowerAdaptersusbwarning Joshua Topolsky Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Microsoft's New Ads: Seinfeld and Gates Out, Hodgman Lookalike In]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/18/microsofts-new-ads-seinfeld-and-gates-out-hodgman-lookalike-i/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/18/microsofts-new-ads-seinfeld-and-gates-out-hodgman-lookalike-i/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/18/microsofts-new-ads-seinfeld-and-gates-out-hodgman-lookalike-i/#comments
According to a report from the New York Times, the next phase of Microsoft's latest ad campaign is set to begin -- sans Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld. Apparently, the new ads do away with the unusual (and somewhat ill-received) banter and "real life" experiences of the two celebrities, and trade them for an earnest embrace of... Apple's "PC" character. Apparently, one of the new ads even begins with a John Hodgman lookalike stating, "Hello, I'm a PC, and I've been made into a stereotype." Beyond the flip on a rival's depiction of its brand, the campaign will feature cameos from Eva Longoria, Deepak Chopra, Pharrell Williams, and even Gates -- though Seinfeld doesn't make the cut.

While we're curious to see what the company cooks up in the new ads, it does strike us as somewhat odd that the supposed narrative Microsoft was establishing with Gates and Seinfeld has abruptly been abandoned in favor of these new spots. Is this a decision which was made long ago, or did the largely negative / confused reaction to the last set of ads force the company's hand? We only have its official statement to go on: "We will be executing the second phase of our advertising campaign tomorrow, as planned from the start." [From: NY Times]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Microsoft's New Ads: Seinfeld and Gates Out, Hodgman Lookalike In originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> adsadvertisementsadvertisingbill gatesBillGatesgatesjerry seinfeldJerrySeinfeldjohn hodgmanJohnHodgmanmicrosoftseinfeld Joshua Topolsky Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New MacBook Pros Leaked on German Site?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/17/new-macbook-pros-leaked-on-german-site/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/17/new-macbook-pros-leaked-on-german-site/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/17/new-macbook-pros-leaked-on-german-site/#comments
Sure, none of it makes any sense, but we can't shake the feeling that there's something a little weird going on here. We've received a number of tips that T-Systems -- a division of the same company that owns T-Mobile -- has got pics of some variation of a MacBook Pro that we've certainly never seen before. The appearance of a new model would fall right in line with those rumors we've been hearing, but this seems a little too easy. In fact, the specs of these devices appear unchanged from the current lineup of laptops. The likely explanation is that there's been a photo mix-up -- someone got their proper MBP pictures crossed with one of those "wishful thinking" renders. Then again, given Apple's recent propensity for leaked photos... maybe there's something more to this.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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New MacBook Pros Leaked on German Site? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsleakmacbook proMacbookProrumorspeculationt-mobile Joshua Topolsky Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:25:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New MacBooks Already Shipping, Hitting Stores September 23rd?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/15/new-macbooks-already-shipping-hitting-stores-september-23rd/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/15/new-macbooks-already-shipping-hitting-stores-september-23rd/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/15/new-macbooks-already-shipping-hitting-stores-september-23rd/#comments
If we're to believe a report out today from Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner, Steve Jobs may be taking his "one more thing" to its logical -- and lengthy -- conclusion. According to Gardner (via Barron's) "field checks" on Apple's movements have "confirmed shipments" of "new MacBooks." Gardner goes on to detail stand-out features of the new laptops, saying the currently-en-route devices boast a "very thin aluminum casing, an LED backlit display and an aggressive entry-level price point." Sure, this crazy talk does happen to fall somewhat in line with recent tips we've received suggesting that a new MacBook Pro will be headed onto store shelves come September 23rd, but that doesn't change the fact that all of this information is being reported by lone sources (Citigroup affiliation notwithstanding) with absolutely no evidence to back up their claims. We won't argue that it would be great to see a much-needed update to MacBooks and / or Pros in the very near future, but we don't recommend placing any bets... not until we see some more of those juicy Apple leaks.

[Via Electronista]

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New MacBooks Already Shipping, Hitting Stores September 23rd? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> analystanalyst speculationAnalystSpeculationapplebreaking newsBreakingNewsmacbookmacbook proMacbookProrichard gardnerRichardGardnerrumorSeptember 23rdSeptember23rdspeculation Joshua Topolsky Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:46:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Seinfeld and Gates Get in Touch with Regular Folks]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/12/seinfeld-and-gates-get-in-touch-with-regular-folks/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/12/seinfeld-and-gates-get-in-touch-with-regular-folks/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/12/seinfeld-and-gates-get-in-touch-with-regular-folks/#comments
The second installment of the Bill Gates / Jerry Seinfeld saga has been released, and we'll level with you: if they keep making them this good, we don't really care what they're about. See for yourself after the break. [From: Microsoft]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Seinfeld and Gates Get in Touch with Regular Folks

Seinfeld and Gates Get in Touch with Regular Folks originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> advertisementasbill gatesBillGatescommercialjerry seinfeldJerrySeinfeldmicrosoftvideo Joshua Topolsky Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:48:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[USB-Powered Can Humidifier Keeps Your Air Clean]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/09/08/usb-anion-humidifier-soda-can-confirms-you-shouldnt-be-allowed/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/08/usb-anion-humidifier-soda-can-confirms-you-shouldnt-be-allowed/ http://www.switched.com/2008/09/08/usb-anion-humidifier-soda-can-confirms-you-shouldnt-be-allowed/#comments
Worried that retailers might be running out of utter crap to sell? Been looking for that perfect accessory to go with your "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps" sign? Enter the USB-powered, soda can-shaped anion humidifier. Not only will this magical and totally necessary device clean the air around you and re-energize your fat, lazy body, but it will look cool while doing it -- you know, just sitting there being all soda-can-badass. When you absolutely, positively can't find anything else to do with $24.99, the "Portable Can Shape USB Office Home Miniature Anion Humidifier" is there. [From: SourcingMap]

[Thanks, Simon]

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USB-Powered Can Humidifier Keeps Your Air Clean originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> anionanion humidifierAnionHumidifiercraphouseholdhumidifiersodasoda canSodaCanusb Joshua Topolsky Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:26:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Apple Admits to iPod Nano Problems, Will Replace Faulty Devices]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/08/21/apple-admits-to-ipod-nano-problems-will-replace-faulty-devices/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/21/apple-admits-to-ipod-nano-problems-will-replace-faulty-devices/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/21/apple-admits-to-ipod-nano-problems-will-replace-faulty-devices/#comments

It's only taken a number of years and some seriously ruined pants -- but Apple has finally come clean on the flammable nature of the first-generation iPod nano, and is now offering to replace the faulty devices. After reports today that two more of the media players had lit up without warning in Japan, the company issued a statement admitting that the nanos do -- in fact -- have battery problems which cause them to smoke or spark and generally burn the hell out of things. In the company's words:

"Apple has determined that in very rare cases batteries in first generation iPod nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 can overheat causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model.

Any first generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare."

Well, thanks guys... at least we didn't die. [From: CNET]

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Apple Admits to iPod Nano Problems, Will Replace Faulty Devices originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsfiresflammableipodipod nanoIpodNanonanoreplacereplacementsmokingsparking Joshua Topolsky Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Police's Stewart Copeland Composes BlackBerry Ringtones]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/the-polices-stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-ringtones/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/the-polices-stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-ringtones/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/06/the-polices-stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-ringtones/#comments
You know how Stewart Copeland plays that insanely slick triplet hi-hat part in "Message in a Bottle," and every time you hear it you wonder how it's possible for him to stay so perfectly in time? And you know how his drums fit so perfectly in the pocket with Sting and Andy Summers on pretty much anything The Police ever touched despite the fact they all hated each other?

Well, Copeland's "soundtrack" for the BlackBerry Bold -- commissioned by RIM -- should rid you of all of those amazing memories real fast. The drummer provided six ringtones, an alarm sound, and a Bold "theme" for the company's new device, yet not one of them is remotely pleasant to listen to.

In a word or two? They stink. [From: apc via CrackBerry; Photo courtesy of spisharam]

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The Police's Stewart Copeland Composes BlackBerry Ringtones originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alarmblackberryblackberry boldBlackberryBoldboldcomposedcomposerresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimringtonessoundtrackstewart copelandStewartCopelandthe policeThePolice Joshua Topolsky Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:17:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Ashes of Star Trek's James Doohan Destroyed in Rocket Launch]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/08/04/ashes-of-star-treks-james-doohan-destroyed-in-rocket-launch/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/04/ashes-of-star-treks-james-doohan-destroyed-in-rocket-launch/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/04/ashes-of-star-treks-james-doohan-destroyed-in-rocket-launch/#comments Finely riding that razored edge between tragedy and comedy, the New York Times reports that not only did the SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket lose its three satellites and fail to reach orbit during a recent launch, but it also destroyed the remains of actor James Doohan, best known as the original 'Star Trek's' Chief Engineer "Scotty."

The actor's ashes -- as well as those of over 200 others -- were being carried into orbit by the rocket when complications with the ship's stage separation led to the (assumed) destruction of the craft. This recent mishap puts a sad period on the end of the sentence that already included an earlier loss and eventual recovery of the remains. [Source: New York Times Via Slashdot]

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Ashes of Star Trek's James Doohan Destroyed in Rocket Launch originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ashesbreaking newsBreakingNewsfalcon 1Falcon1flightjames doohanJamesDoohanmontgomery scottMontgomeryScottrocketscottyspace xSpaceXstar trekStarTrek Joshua Topolsky Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[FCC Approves Sirius and XM Satellite Radio Merger]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/28/fcc-approves-sirius-and-xm-satellite-radio-merger/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/28/fcc-approves-sirius-and-xm-satellite-radio-merger/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/28/fcc-approves-sirius-and-xm-satellite-radio-merger/#comments In a somewhat unsurprising move, the FCC has approved the merger of Sirius and XM after protracted -- and incredibly boring -- multi-year negotiations. The Federal Communication Commission decided tonight to allow a deal that will bring the two satellite radio providers together, creating a combined subscriber base of roughly 18 million users.

The deal isn't without catches, however, with the Commission stating that the companies must cap prices for three years following the merger, allow subscriber choice on content, and lower fees for channel packages. FCC head Kevin Martin seemed pleased with the final outcome, stating, "Consumers will get to enjoy the best of the programming on both services." You know who wasn't so stoked? Clear Channel. [Source: Washington Post]

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FCC Approves Sirius and XM Satellite Radio Merger originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> approvalbreaking newsBreakingNewsfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionkevin martinKevinMartinmergersatellitesatellite radioSatelliteRadiosiriusxm Joshua Topolsky Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:31:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nintendo Announces the Wii MotionPlus at E3]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/15/nintendo-announces-the-wii-motionplus-at-e3/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/15/nintendo-announces-the-wii-motionplus-at-e3/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/15/nintendo-announces-the-wii-motionplus-at-e3/#comments
We knew this one was coming, but we didn't know the details. Nintendo busted out the new MotionPlus Wiimote add-on at its E3 keynote today. The device, which attaches to the rear of the controller, will be used to tighten up and refine motion sensing on the Wii, and its tweaks will be levied in a new game that will be shipping with it called Wii Sports Resort.

The console-maker says the MotionPlus brings 1:1 sensing to the Wii, which will enable detailed control heretofore unseen on the system. We're getting more info (and hopefully a hands-on with the little guy at some point) so stay tuned.

For more, up-to-the-second coverage of E3, check out Engadget and Joystiq.

Nintendo Announces the Wii MotionPlus at E3 originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> e3e3 2008e3-2008E32008motionplusnintendowiiwiimote Joshua Topolsky Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[BMW Museum's Kinetic Sculpture Soothes The Mind]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/13/bmw-museums-kinetic-sculpture-soothes-the-mind/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/13/bmw-museums-kinetic-sculpture-soothes-the-mind/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/13/bmw-museums-kinetic-sculpture-soothes-the-mind/#comments
Ready to have your gray matter softly stroked? Perhaps you should take a trip to s recently opened museum in Munich, where a kinetic sculpture comprising 714 metallic balls suspended in air will soothe your weary mind. It's one of those things that's better seen than described, but if you can imagine a wave of undulating orbs that appear to weightlessly float, you'll start to get the idea. Can't afford the flight? Check out the video -- which features some serious easy listening jams -- after the break and see the installation in action. [Source: ART+COM via BMWCCA]

Continue reading BMW Museum's Kinetic Sculpture Soothes The Mind

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BMW Museum's Kinetic Sculpture Soothes The Mind originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artballsbmwbmw museumBmwMuseumkinetic sculptureKineticSculpturemunich Joshua Topolsky Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[First iPhone Reviews Are In, and They're Mixed]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/09/first-iphone-reviews-are-in-and-theyre-mixed/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/09/first-iphone-reviews-are-in-and-theyre-mixed/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/09/first-iphone-reviews-are-in-and-theyre-mixed/#comments
Well this was bound to happen. Ahead of schedule, Walt Mossberg has turned his official review of the new iPhone 3G, and we've got the recap. On the whole, Walt stays mostly positive about the device; he likes the form factor (which he wants to stress really hasn't changed much), says the 3G speeds are a big improvement over EDGE (no kidding?), and informs us that the audio quality and phone reception are -- thankfully -- improved all around. Downsides? There are plenty. Mossberg takes issue with AT&T's new pricing policy, which he finds steep, says he barely squeezed 4 hours and 27 minutes of talk time out of the battery, and gripes that you can only sync Exchange or personal calendars and contacts -- not both. If you're like us, you'll probably want to just read the whole thing. Too lazy? Check the video after the break.

Update: David Pogue of the New York Times has also turned in a kinda-sorta review of the iPhone 3G, though it reads more like an overview of its features than a honest-to-goodness critique. He also makes passing reference to the GPS antenna being "too small" to function as a proper GPS, which makes roughly zero sense to us. Feel free to figure it out on your own.

Update 2: Can't forget Ed Baig of USA Today, who says the new model is "worth the wait" (not to say we have any option at this point anyway, seeing how hard it is to find an original anywhere). He seemed to have trouble picking up 3G service in some locations, though it's not clear whether that can be chalked up to technical issues with the handset or a lack of coverage where he was testing. Like the others, Baig discovered a noticeable improvement in audio quality and a noticeable hit in battery life when hooked up to the 3G network. Gotta pay to play, we guess. [Source: AllThingsD]

Continue reading First iPhone Reviews Are In, and They're Mixed

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First iPhone Reviews Are In, and They're Mixed originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appleattiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gnew productsNewProductsreviewsummerreviewswalt mossbergWaltMossberg Joshua Topolsky Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:26:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Scientists Create Sea-Power Generating 'Anaconda']]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/06/scientists-create-sea-power-generating-anaconda/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/06/scientists-create-sea-power-generating-anaconda/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/06/scientists-create-sea-power-generating-anaconda/#comments

Scientists may have discovered a new way to combat the global energy crisis -- and they're calling it the "Anaconda" (we'll give you a moment to purge your mind of any J. Lo films).

The system works by utilizing the power of the ocean and long, black rubber tubes (hence the name). The rubber "snakes" are laid just below the sea's surface where they're pounded by the ocean's waves. That movement creates "bulge waves" inside the water-filled tubes, which are then carried up through the devices to a turbine, which in turn sends the energy it produces to shore via cables.

So far scientists have only tested the system on a small scale, though they say the full-size devices could be 200 meters long and seven meters in diameter. That's one giant, deadly snake. [Source: Physorg]

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Scientists Create Sea-Power Generating 'Anaconda' originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> sea powerSeaPower Joshua Topolsky Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST Switched <![CDATA["Future Store" Lets Shoppers Buy Groceries With Camera Phones]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/05/future-store-lets-shoppers-buy-groceries-with-camera-phones/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/05/future-store-lets-shoppers-buy-groceries-with-camera-phones/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/05/future-store-lets-shoppers-buy-groceries-with-camera-phones/#comments

It's been a long, long time since we've heard from Germany's "Future Store" -- the ultra-futuristic German grocery store that might have sprung directly from the Sprawl trilogy -- but they've got a new feature we thought you might be interested in. Shoppers in the store can now use camera-equipped cellphones (i.e., cellphones) to snap pictures of item barcodes, and then download the information at the checkout when they're finished shopping. The system totals all of your purchases into one big, nasty barcode which you then scan and pony up cash (or cards, or fingerprints, or magical rainbow juice) for. It's unclear how to store handles shoppers who don't scan everything they've got in their cart, but if it's anything like our favorite books, it's not pretty.

[Via PHONE Magazine]

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"Future Store" Lets Shoppers Buy Groceries With Camera Phones originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> germanymobile shoppingMobileShoppingshopping Joshua Topolsky Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Scientists Create Mutant Bugs that Produce Crude Oil]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/16/scientists-create-mutant-bugs-that-produce-crude-oil/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/16/scientists-create-mutant-bugs-that-produce-crude-oil/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/16/scientists-create-mutant-bugs-that-produce-crude-oil/#comments Like the beginning of every great science fiction movie, experts claim that they've discovered a cure for our fuel-dependency woes that only requires an army of genetically modified bacteria... that eats wheat straw and excretes crude oil.

You read that right: Scientists have created bugs that are able to snack on woodchips or sugar cane and produce waste in the form of easily malleable oil. Not only are the buggers capable of creating a by-product that can quickly be refined into fuel for vehicles, but scientists say the process is carbon-negative -- it outputs less carbon than is required to produce it. Director of the project -- dubbed LS9 -- Greg Pal says that barrel prices could run as low as $50, and that the company plans to have a commercial facility producing the crude in 2011.

And as for the potential threat of world-destroying attack from the mutant bugs? Says Pal, "We're putting these bacteria in a very isolated container: Their entire universe is in that tank. When we're done with them, they're destroyed." Sure buddy -- but we're going to re-watch 'Them!' just in case. [Source: Times Online]

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Scientists Create Mutant Bugs that Produce Crude Oil originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsbugsgasinsectsoilscience Joshua Topolsky Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:16:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Honda's Hydrogen-Powered FCX Clarity Coming to the US, and It's a Celeb-Magnet]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/16/hondas-hydrogen-powered-clarity-coming-to-the-us/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/16/hondas-hydrogen-powered-clarity-coming-to-the-us/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/16/hondas-hydrogen-powered-clarity-coming-to-the-us/#comments
If you're in the market for a fuel efficient car, but you've been holding out for something a little more advanced than the Prius, then your dreams may have just been answered.

Honda announced today that it would begin producing limited quantities of its FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles for sale in the US and Japan over the next few years. According to the automaker, it plans to offer around 200 of the zero-emission cars in the next three years, with a few dozen models expected on the road this year leased at around $600 a month.

Of course, you'll have to be on some mighty exclusive list to get one of these babies, a list that's populated by -- naturally -- celebs including Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest, Linda Harris ('24'). When it comes to green motoring, hydrogen-powered vehicles are the new black in Hollywood -- according to USA Today, Magic Johnson and Ugly Betty's America Ferrera drive GM's hydrogen-powered Equinox, while Edward Norton, Cameron Diaz, and Brad Pitt drive a limited production, gas-hydrogen hybrid by BMW.

Said John Mendel, a senior vice president at Honda, "It's an especially significant day for American Honda as we plant firm footsteps toward the mainstreaming of fuel cell cars." Now all they have to do is get more than 3 fueling stations out there and we'll be all set. [Sources: CNN, AOL News/AP, Physorg.com]

Read - Honda rolls out fuel cell car
Read - Honda starts producing next-generation fuel cell car

Gallery: HydrogenCar-Lovin'-Celebs

Cameron DiazLaura HarrisBrad PittChristopher GuestMagic Johnson

Honda's Hydrogen-Powered FCX Clarity Coming to the US, and It's a Celeb-Magnet originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsfcxfcx clarityFcxClarityfuel cellFuelCellhondahybridhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCell Joshua Topolsky Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Jury Awards $6M to Taser Victim's Family]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/11/jury-awards-6m-to-taser-victims-family/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/11/jury-awards-6m-to-taser-victims-family/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/11/jury-awards-6m-to-taser-victims-family/#comments

Oh Taser, your house of cards is about to come crumbling down, blown apart by the winds of US litigation and the righteous fury of your mostly innocent victims. Last Friday, a federal jury in San Jose, California found the stun-gun-maker responsible for the death of Robert Heston Jr., a 40-year-old man, and has awarded his family more than $6 million in damages.

Sure, Heston had an enlarged heart due to long-term methamphetamine abuse, but it was the Taser shocks that sent him to a better place. Despite a 12 percent drop in stock value after the ruling, the company that makes Tasers continues to pump the devices into the marketplace. Oh well, let's hope that this latest ruling will, at the very least, make folks pause before they start juicing people full of electricity... those things aren't toys, you know. [Source: The Lede at NYTimes via Wired]

Jury Awards $6M to Taser Victim's Family originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewskiller gadgetsKillerGadgetslawtaser Joshua Topolsky Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:43:00 EST Switched