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Hype Check: 'Modern Warfare 2'

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:17:00 EST

Hype Check

'Modern Warfare 2'

What it is: The latest installment in the 'Call of Duty' series, and the second to be set in contemporary times, 'Modern Warfare 2' takes place five years after the setting of 'Call of Duty 4.' Your mission is to hunt down a Russian insurgent and to repel an invasion of the East Coast. In campaign mode, you jump between five soldiers, a function that grants you multiple perspectives and plot points around the world. A new cooperative mode, 'Special Ops,' gives you and a buddy bite-sized, campaign-inspired scenarios to tackle, while the improved multiplayer allows as many as 18 players to go mano-a-mano with new features, weapons, and stages.

Why it's different: 'Modern Warfare 2' features the most ambitious, hot-button plot in a shooter, ever. Early in the game, you play a CIA agent, posing as a terrorist, who assists in the massacre of an airport terminal full of civilians. Leaked footage of the non-interactive scene caused such a stir that Infinity Ward decided to give players the option of skipping it entirely.

Continue reading Hype Check: 'Modern Warfare 2'

Filed under: Video Games

Hype Check: 'Modern Warfare 2' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook Groups Hacked by Protesters

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:10:00 EST

Being the top social networking site also means that Facebook is a primo target for hackers, as we've seen time and time again. For the first time, though, a spate of Facebook hacks have come from hijackers claiming they did it for educational purposes.

Earlier this week, a group of disgruntled Facebook users created fictional accounts and took advantage of a loophole that allows any member of a small group without an administrator to take control of it. The hackers appropriated over 280 groups in that way, renaming each of them 'Control Your Info.' According to CNN, once the band took over a group, they would post on its Wall a message that read, "Think about the safety in your social media life to the same extent you do in your real life."

The 'Control Your Info' pranksters promised to restore the groups' names and to leave them by the end of next week. But Facebook went ahead and did it for them. The site's administrators also deleted several of the hackers' accounts. "In the rare instances when we find that a group has been changed inappropriately, we will disable the group, which is the action we plan for these groups," said Facebook, as reported by MSNBC.

Think the stunt is refreshing? Tell that to the affected groups. After all, one user's prank is another's headache. [From:CNN, MSNBC, and Control Your Info]

Filed under: Web, Social Networking

Facebook Groups Hacked by Protesters originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Street Fighter' Tattoo Takes 'Chic' Out of Geek Chic, Maybe 'Geek,' Too

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EST

We've seen a lot of geeky tattoos: a flaming 20-sided die, a Pac-Man maze on the rear, and, of course, the mind-boggling Born Oppenheimer Approximation. Still, if we had to choose, the award for "worst tattoo ever" would go to the above 'Shoryuken' brand.

For 'Street Fighter' newbies, the Shoryuken, or 'Dragon Punch,' is an easily executed trademark move used by two characters in the game. To pull it off, all you need to do is hit forward, down, down-forward, and then tap the punch button on the controller. But if you look closely, that's not exactly the directions this unfortunate fellow got on his forearm.

Call us crazy, but we predict a trip to the dermatologist in the near future. [From: Geekologie]

Filed under: Video Games

'Street Fighter' Tattoo Takes 'Chic' Out of Geek Chic, Maybe 'Geek,' Too originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texting Booming: Up 80-Percent Over Past Year

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:25:00 EST

Like it or not, it's pretty routine these days for teens to text in class, for AARP members to playfully sext each other, and even for narcissistic fugitives to MMS better mugshots of themselves to the cops. Yep, texting is a wonderful, sometimes dangerous, thing -- leapfrogging at a pace that even analysts couldn't have predicted a year or two ago.

According to The New York Times, texting spiked 80-percent from June 2008 to June 2009. Apparently, the reason has less to do with the number of texting-enabled phones (only a 7.3-percent increase), and more to do with those popular "bucket plans" -- monthly services that give users hundreds, thousands, or unlimited texts per month. We guess not having to worry about being charged for every text message encourages cell phone users to communicate more freely -- way more freely.

Continue reading Texting Booming: Up 80-Percent Over Past Year

Filed under: Cell Phones

Texting Booming: Up 80-Percent Over Past Year originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live Blocks Kids Under 18 From Facebook and Twitter Apps

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:36:00 EST

In a move that should make extroverted Xbox Live members happy, Microsoft will add Facebook and Twitter functionality to the next Dashboard update, currently being tested in public previews. But underage teens will get a cold dose of reality when they find they can't log onto the social networks from their favorite console.

Microsoft has blocked kids under 18 from accessing the popular social networking apps, though Facebook lets kids as young as 13 open accounts, and Twitter currently has no age restriction rule. Why? "Parents aren't able to use Family Settings to customize which applications their children can access," wrote Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb on his blog. "To offer an age-appropriate environment for everyone, we decided to turn these applications off for [Xbox Live] Gold members under the age of 18."

Hryb promises a solution is on the way: a future Dashboard update with proper parental controls. When that rolls out, teens will be able to Facebook and Twitter as much as they want, just so long as their parents approve. But for now, they'll have to log in the old-fashioned way: on their computer. [From: CNET and Major Nelson]

Filed under: Video Games, Web

Xbox Live Blocks Kids Under 18 From Facebook and Twitter Apps originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wanted Thief Texts Mugshot to Local Paper, Old Pic Too Ugly

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST

Fugitives, take note. If you're disgruntled over that unflattering mugshot, follow Matthew Maynard's lead and send in one of your own.

Last Monday, the 23-year-old Welshman took cheekiness to the next level by texting The Evening Post a shot of himself, posing in front of a police van and dressed in matching neon yellow trousers. Maynard, wanted in conjunction with a burglary in Swansea, South Wales, was apparently unhappy with the official mugshot, according to The Daily Telegraph.

South Wales Police had originally issued his mugshot, along with those of seven other suspects, as part of a larger crackdown that eventually led to 81 arrests in 48 hours. Four of the pictured suspects were picked up within hours, but Maynard remains one of the four still at large. After receiving his sensational new photo, The Evening Post responded in kind by splashing it all over the front page of today's paper. "He thinks he's being clever by showing off like this, but we'll have him in soon now," said one officer. "Everyone in Swansea will know what he looks like now." Prison time is a big price to pay for your vanity, Matthew. [From: The Evening Post, The Daily Telegraph, and The Daily Mail]

Filed under: Cell Phones

Wanted Thief Texts Mugshot to Local Paper, Old Pic Too Ugly originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Phone

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:06:00 EST

Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Phone (Style-o-Phile, Cost No Object)

Thinking of springing for the veritable super car of cell phones? Lamborghini has saved you the trouble of searching high and low by releasing a phone of its own. Housed in black titanium and hand-brushed stainless steel, the Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini (price TBD) was inspired by the Murcielago LP640, from the trademark Taurus bull on the central button down to the signature on the battery cover. Dual LCD displays crafted from 60.5 carats of scratch-resistant sapphire complement the black, minimalist backlit keyboard, 2-megapixel camera and reasonable seven-hour talk time. It's made by luxury phone manufacturer Vertu, which means it's created with folks who value ease-of-use and bling over the latest techno specs, making it perfect for the high-rolling novice in your life who still needs to stay in touch. But get it while you can. With only 1,963 units manufactured - a tribute to the year Lamborghini was founded -they're about as rare as the real deal.

Filed under: Cell Phones, Mobile Phones, Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Phone originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: The Vision One Computer Workstation

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

The Vision One Computer Workstation (Gamer, Under $2,500)

There are desks, and then there's the V1 ($1,700 starting price), an uncompromising workstation aimed squarely at appeasing the ergonomic needs of the seasoned PC gamer. The standard and corner-room configurations come in 35 colors like solid blue, metallic silver, and "rainbo" -- yep, you read right -- with finishes that include racing stripes and even flames. An adjustable-height monitor stand holds up to three displays while padded elbow rests support your arms; four speaker uprights surround the user so that you're always in the sweet spot. Colors aside, the V1 customization options are plentiful, from the table tops down to chair. If you've got the extra cash, spring for the cushy leather Porsche seat. Why? Because you (and your back) deserve it.

Filed under: Computers, Video Games, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: The Vision One Computer Workstation originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook Hit 'Bejeweled Blitz' Goes Mobile With iPhone App

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST

Fans of the Facebook game 'Bejeweled Blitz' will be able to hone their gem-matching skills on the move when the free 'Bejeweled 2' iPhone add-on hits the App Store next week.

As with previous 'Bejeweled' games, the goal is to swap gems vertically and horizontally to match three or more. (A satisfying cacophony of explosions concludes the round if you've done your job.) But this streamlined edition gives you only one minute to do it, a boon for mobile users with some time, though not too much time, to kill. Best of all, 'Blitz' syncs automatically to Facebook, uploading high scores to a leaderboard in real time.

If users really feel the need to brag, they can post their scores to their Facebook profiles, reminding their family and friends who's the boss -- at least where puzzle games are concerned. [From: Games.com]

Filed under: Video Games, iPhone

Facebook Hit 'Bejeweled Blitz' Goes Mobile With iPhone App originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: 'Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition'

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST

'Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition' (Gamer, Under $100)

When we say 'Batman: Arkham Asylum' ($89.99 for Collector's Edition, $49 standard edition, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC) is the best superhero game of all time, we mean it. Because that's what Rocksteady Studios has achieved -- a gorgeous, adult action adventure that does the Dark Knight justice. Taking place over one evening, Batman must tackle the Joker and his goons and break out of Gotham's nuthouse. Luckily for players, the journey is extremely interactive-using one's surroundings to fight is not only encouraged, it's obligatory. Drop down onto enemies from above, rig explosives to bring walls down, and crash through windows and ceilings. The cast of 'Batman: The Animated Series' provides the voice acting, with Mark Hamill memorably reprising the Joker. The Collector's Edition includes a 14-inch "Batarang," behind-the-scenes DVD, and 48-page book with notes on Arkham Asylum's inmates.

Filed under: Video Games, Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: 'Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola DROID: The Reviews Are In

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST

Motorola's DROID may be the largest threat to Apple's stranglehold on the smartphone market to date, and for good reason. Available starting tomorrow for $199 (with a minimum $70 voice and data monthly plan), the DROID offers lots to like: a sturdy, angular, all-black design; a crystal clear, high-resolution display (854 by 480 pixels); a faster, 550MHz-rated processor; the next-generation Android 2.0 operating system from Google; a physical keyboard; and Verizon's decent call service. Overall, critics see the DROID as a huge step forward for Android-loaded phones, despite there being a few significant kinks to work out. Head after the break to see what the Web is saying:

Continue reading Motorola DROID: The Reviews Are In

Filed under: Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, Reviews, Holiday Gift Guide

Motorola DROID: The Reviews Are In originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guy Wearing Breathalyzer Costume Busted for Drunk Driving

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST

Whether it was a brilliant stunt or just sweet irony at work, we'll probably never know what 18-year-old trick-or-treater James Miller was thinking when he was arrested early Sunday, for drunk driving, dressed as a Breathalyzer.

Cops pulled over the intoxicated Cincinnati teen in Oxford, Ohio after catching him driving the wrong way on a one-way street, NBC 4 reports. As police searched the car, they found a can of Bud Light in the center console, the remains of the case strewn about the car, and a few Ohio IDs in Miller's wallet. An actual Breathalyzer test revealed the teen's blood alcohol content was .158, or nearly twice the state's legal limit.

The costume, which retails for about $30, shows three sobriety levels: "Boring," "Life of the Party," and "Sotally Tober." It also, of course, features a plastic tube (in the groin region, no less) bearing the instructions, "Blow Here." We're willing to bet that Miller would like to add another sobriety result to the costume's display, just above the blow tube, and right next to "Sotally Tober": "This blows." [From: NBC News and The Smoking Gun, via BoingBoing]

Filed under: Web

Guy Wearing Breathalyzer Costume Busted for Drunk Driving originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Litl Webbook

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST

Litl Webbook (Novice, Under $1,000)

Think of the Litl Webbook ($699) as the anti-PC. Sure, the 1.6 GHZ Atom processor and 1-gigabyte (GB) of RAM comes standard with most netbooks, but that's where the similarities end. For starters, the user interface strips away the menus, icons and folders typically found in Windows and Mac OSX, letting you view photos, online videos and update your Facebook status directly from main screen. A flexible hinge design gives you the option of using the Litl like a standard notebook with the chiclet-style keyboard or swinging the screen over, propping it like an easel, and navigating by moving a dial on the remote, so you can focus on say, perfecting that recipe you found online instead.

Filed under: Computers, Laptops, Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: Litl Webbook originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: HP Touchsmart 300z

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST

HP Touchsmart 300z (Novice, Under $2,500)

HP's all-in-one desktop ($799 - $1,099, depending on the configuration) includes the specs you'd want for day-to-day computing: a 20-inch widescreen LCD, an AMD Athlon multi-core processor, 2-4-gigabytes (GB) of RAM and up to a 750 GB hard drive. But what separates the Touchsmart 300z from the pack is the user-friendly, iPhone-like touchscreen interface, which has been much improved with the addition of Windows 7. No need for a stylus. Just select an item by tapping a finger on it. To rotate a photo, move your fingers in a circular motion. And if you prefer a touch keyboard, tap the edge of the screen twice. It's so intuitive, you'll wonder why all computers don't have one.

Filed under: Computers, desktops, Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: HP Touchsmart 300z originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Sonos ZonePlayer S5

switchedtips@gmail.com (JP Mangalindan) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:18:00 EST

Sonos ZonePlayer S5 (Homebody; Under $1,000)

Ideal someone who wants to play their PC's music in the kitchen, living room or other room without having to configure a complicated media extender, the compact all-in-one Sonos ZonePlayer S5 ($399) is by far the most affordable wireless networkable speaker system in the company's lineup, with high-performance audio that rivals Bose's SoundDock and a user-friendly interface that makes maneuvering around music collections a cinch. There are a number of options for controlling it - a PC, Mac or a Sonos CR200 remote will do - but we recommend downloading the free Controller app onto an iPhone or iPod Touch. That way, users can access their iTunes collection or the thousands of free, searchable radio stations, all while taking calls and texts uninterrupted. Adding other ZonePlayers to the mix allows users to play different songs in other parts of the house at varying volumes, simultaneously. How's that for options?

Filed under: Audio/Video, Home Audio, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide: Sonos ZonePlayer S5 originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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