Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Robo-Doc Makes Surgery Safe, Quick, and Less Painful]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/robo-doc-make-surgery-safer-quicker-less-painful/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/robo-doc-make-surgery-safer-quicker-less-painful/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/robo-doc-make-surgery-safer-quicker-less-painful/#commentsFiled under:

Robo-Doc Make Surgery Safer, Quicker, Less Painful
Most of us are nervous enough having a human open us up and play around with our inside parts, but the thought of letting our mortal enemies, the robots, do it is just unthinkable. David Roughly decided to trust his prostate cancer surgery to a four armed metallic doc anyway, and was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Because of the agility and precision of the robo-doc, Roughly suffered less discomfort and recovered more quickly than he would have from traditional surgery to remove his prostate. Instead of being laid up in bed for 10 days hopped up on morphine, Roughly was up on his own and out of the hospital in just two days, and needed only paracetamol for the pain.

The procedures performed by the robot surgeon also require less anesthetic and reduce the risk for infection in patients. Maybe there's a bright side to our new robot overlords. [Source: Daily Mail]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewshealthmedicalmedicinerobotssurgeryThu, 15 May 2008 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Man Tries to Ditch Cheating Wife on eBay]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/man-tries-to-ditch-cheating-wife-on-ebay/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/man-tries-to-ditch-cheating-wife-on-ebay/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/man-tries-to-ditch-cheating-wife-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under: ,

Man Tries to Ditch Cheating Wife on eBay
The Internet has provided many ways for shaming those who have wronged you, and we thought we'd seen them all. That is, until Paul Osborn decided to auction off his "adulterous, lying, cheating, bitch, whore" of a wife on eBay (his words).

Paul found out that his wife and mother of his children, Sharon, was having an affair with a co-worker. His response was to throw her out of the house and post an "auction" for her on eBay. We use quotes around "auction" because in the listing Paul specifically states, "please do not bid on her because she is worth sod all." Paul also used the eBay listing to out her lover Richard Drew, who is also married. Paul provided phone numbers and addresses for both Richard and Sharon. Naturally, eBay took the listing down pretty quickly. [Source: The Sun]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionsbreaking newsBreakingNewscheatingebayrelationshipssexweirdThu, 15 May 2008 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Street View Starts Blurring Faces]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/google-street-view-starts-blurring-faces/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/google-street-view-starts-blurring-faces/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/google-street-view-starts-blurring-faces/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Street View Starts Blurring Faces

Google's Street View has been a source of amusement for some, ire for others, and a concern for privacy advocates. Google is finally starting to conceal the identity of some of the hapless victims of its panoramic photo-taking van. The company has started implementing a new facial recognition tool that will automatically blur the faces of people captured by its Street View cameras.

The technology isn't perfect -- a quick look around Manhattan (the only city to see any blurring yet) reveals some still identifiable faces, and some spots have been blurred that clearly aren't people. Google has been working on the technology for the last year, likely in preparation for a global expansion of Street View. These up-close and potentially embarrassing images may run into tougher legal and cultural opposition on other parts of the globe. [Source: USA Today]
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French Publisher Launches Wikipedia Competitor En FrancaisWikipedia is the world's free and open encyclopedia. Anyone can go and read its articles, and, likewise, anyone can edit and write them. It contains content written in 253 different languages, including French, in which, at current count, there are 654,000 (plus) articles (compared to the 2.3 million articles in English). But more than a half million entries is not enough for French publishing group Larousse, which has announced that it is launching its own free online encyclopedia that it hopes will compete against, and best, its American-founded competitor.

The Larousse project will get a jump-start injection of 150,000 articles from the company's own print encyclopedia, which it will enable people to expand upon and augment with other articles. Like Wikipedia, anyone will be invited to contribute. Unlike the generally anonymous Wikipedia, however, any contribution in Larousse's Wiki-esque encyclopedia will be marked with the name of the contributor. Similarly, articles that have been posted cannot be freely edited, though it remains to be seen just who will have the ability to change them, and how.

The free Larousse online encyclopedia will be made available sometime later this year. We think competition is good, but until Larousse takes its concept international (and to dozens of languages), it won't give supporters of Wikipedia too much reason to worry. [Source: The Independent]
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The next target for identity theft has been identified.

Voice-over-IP communication is growing in popularity as it allows people to make free or low-cost calls to friends and family around the world - and like any other service that requires a user name and password, it is a target for hackers who have nefarious plans for your personal information.

The upside is that most of us don't yet use this kind of service, so as a matter of numbers, the problem is not large but that doesn't make security experts any more comfortable with the potential for security problems.

Voice over IP - or VoIP, as those in the know call it - allows a user to make a phone call over the internet. People who use public networks or unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots could be broadcasting their user information to anyone intent on "listening in." VoIP service has been popularized mostly by Skype, which enables free computer-to-computer calls, as well as inexpensive computer-to-phone calls, and even phone-to-phone calls with specially designed handsets.

Interestingly enough, the folks at Skype say the security threat need not be a problem, since data encryption is possible with their service already. It's other less robust services that seem to be most at risk. Even so, some analysts say the idea of a threat is overblown, since relatively few people are using this type of service. It's likely as VoIP calling grows in popularity the need for security will be recognized.

And now a question for you loyal Switched readers: Do you use Skype or another VoIP calling service? [Source: BBC News].
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewshackeridentity theftIdentityTheftsecuritySkypeVoIPThu, 15 May 2008 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Man Flies Over Alps with Backpack Jet]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/man-flies-over-alps-with-backpack-jet/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/man-flies-over-alps-with-backpack-jet/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/15/man-flies-over-alps-with-backpack-jet/#commentsFiled under:

Remember yesterday's tantalizing pictures of a backpack-worn jet-powered wing? Today we've got one better: Video of a man wearing a similar device and flying through the air. This is earlier test footage of Yves Rossy, who yesterday jumped out of a small plane with his custom wing strapped to his back, then throttled up and flew over the Swiss Alps.

Rossy was able to top 186 miles-per-hour, which enabled him to maintain altitude and even fly. His wing is powered by two jet engines of the type used to power large model aircraft and has no movable controls, meaning he steers it entirely by moving his body. He has been revising the design of the wing for years, but yesterday's flight was its first public demonstration (the video above is from an earlier, private test).

Despite some similarities, this is not the same as the EXO-Wing shown yesterday, and with this demonstration, we're not so sure the EXO's "world's smallest human-piloted jet" designation still applies. [Source: AOL News]
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We're sure many of you have dreamed of becoming accomplished graffiti artists. However, the sad truth is that you're a little scared about the whole law-breaking thing and can probably barely draw a stick figure.

But emo-hip hop crew Atmosphere, as part of a promotion for its new album -- of course -- are letting average-Joes deface property on the Internet. The Web-based (no download necessary) tool gives you virtual markers, spray cans, and stencils to help you create your masterpiece.

Sure, the Tag the Web tool won't suddenly make you as cool as Banksy, but it's fun to use, and once you're done you can share your creation with others on the Internet. Don't miss the the 'Tag the Web gallery,' where you'll find some truly impressive renditions of Web pages augmented with virtual spray-paint and stencils. [Source: Paint That Sh*t Gold, Via: URLesque]
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Technically, Scarlett Johanson's album of Tom Waits covers doesn't come out for another week, but you can hear it for free, in its entirety, on Imeem starting today. In case you're not familiar with it, Imeem is a media sharing service where you can stream songs and videos from other users' collections, and is the service used by Pitchfork Media for its Forkcast.

Johansson's album, 'Anywhere I Lay My Head,' doesn't just co-opt the hipster delivery method of choice; it also snags one of the scene's favorite noise makers David Sitek, who produced albums for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and is one of the founding members of TV on the Radio. Sitek lends his frothy production style to the album and brings along a couple of pals for guest spots -- Yeah Yeah Yeahs ax slinger Nick Zinner, and the Thin White Duke himself, David Bowie.

You'll need an Imeem account to hear the album (or you can just stream it above), but handing over your e-mail address to yet another Web site is a small price to pay for free music.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdavid bowiedavid sitekDavidBowieDavidSitekexpire-images2009-5-13freeimeemmusicscarlett johanssonScarlettJohanssontom waitsTomWaitsTue, 13 May 2008 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers Who Stole Credit Card Numbers from Dave & Busters Arrested]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/13/international-hackers-steal-credit-card-numbers-from-dave-and-bust/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/13/international-hackers-steal-credit-card-numbers-from-dave-and-bust/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/13/international-hackers-steal-credit-card-numbers-from-dave-and-bust/#commentsFiled under:

International Hackers Steal Credit Card Numbers from Dave & Busters
The Justice Deparment on Monday said that a ring of international hackers has been busted after harvesting an untold quantity of credit card numbers from the servers of restaurant chain Dave & Busters. The hackers installed software on 11 of the company's 12 national servers that stole so called "track 2" data, which contains credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes, but no personal information.

The exact scale of the attack is unknown, but we do know that 5,000 credit cards from a single restaurant in Islandia, NY were compromised at one point and have been used in fraudulent purchases resulting in over $600,000 in losses. [Source: Wired]
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On June 9th, Steve Jobs will be speaking at WWDC. Plans are vague right now, but we understand he will give two lectures on Sudoku, a shirt-folding seminar, and will discuss the possibilities of using a perpetual motion machine to replace the engine in his 1986 Volvo. Afterwards, every developer gets a hug and a low five. It's unlikely he'll discuss the 3G iPhone. [Source: Apple]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 13 May 2008 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Best Road Trip Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/10-best-road-trip-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/10-best-road-trip-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/10-best-road-trip-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Top 10 Road Trip Essentials


It's almost road trip season, and whether you're going cross country or simply cross town, you'll find a lot of tech out there to make your trip safer, more enjoyable and speeding ticket free. Here are the top 10 road warrior must-haves ... don't leave home without 'em!

Top 10 Road Trip EssentialsTomTom GO 720 GPS

It's time to toss out your archaic AAA maps and join the GPS revolution! The TomTom GO 720, like all GPS devices, uses the magic of satellites to help you easily navigate from Point A to Point B. This new model is slimmer and lighter than previous TomToms (small enough to fit in your shirt pocket) and features an improved menu for locating the closest police station, hospital or repair shop. It's also packed with TomTom's new Map Share technology, which allows its user base of 10 million drivers to instantly improve TomTom maps by adding notes accessible by all users on things such as blocked or unblocked streets, reversed one-way traffic, new street names, etc. We think TomTom's GPS devices are the easiest and most flexible we've found. Alas, the 720 doesn't come out until July, so if you need something right away, we recommend the compact TomTom ONE XL or the multi-featured TomTom GO 910.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuressummerfeaturesMon, 12 May 2008 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Your Wi-Fi For 'Free,' But You Still Pay a Price]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/get-your-wi-fi-for-free-but-you-still-pay-a-price/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/get-your-wi-fi-for-free-but-you-still-pay-a-price/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/get-your-wi-fi-for-free-but-you-still-pay-a-price/#commentsFiled under:



Wherever people go, from airports to hotels to coffee shops near home, Wi-Fi access is being offered for free, for a price.

A contradiction, you say? Let's take a look.

As an answer to the consumer expectation that wireless Internet access be given for free, many business that previously charged a fee for hourly or daily Wi-Fi use have been switching over to service models that combine a kind of advertising-supported access, a loyalty program or a combination of the two.

Airports, such as Denver International, switched from a paid to an ad-supported model last November and the Starbucks chain this spring is switching its Wi-Fi offering from a paid service provided by T-Mobile to service offered by AT&T that gives two hours of free Wi-Fi access per day to customers who use a Starbucks loyalty card at least once per month. (The company says most people only use one hour of service at a time.) Those without the loyalty card still have to pay a fee of $3.99 for two hours or $19.99 for a monthly unlimited access plan.

Clearly, a little caffeine and the free access option are the way the company wants its jittery clientele to go.

Airports and hotels that have switched from a paid to an ad-supported model have seen wireless use increase dramatically, and according to an article last week in the New York Times, the revenue from the advertising outpaces what they previously made by charging customers for the privilege. [Source: The New York Times]
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Maybe our robo-challenges speak something to our respective histories: Americans have spent the last few years driving intelligent vehicles through vast expanses of desert, but over in Europe, scientists and technologists are preparing for this fall's Microtransat, wherein machines must sail across the Atlantic propelled only by wind and artificial intelligence. The race, intended as a public proof of concept for long-range autonomous sea-faring scientific vessels, should take the, um, roboats three months to complete.

[Source: World Robotic Sailing Championship 2008 via Piquepaille]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robotMon, 12 May 2008 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[FBI Finds Counterfeit Chips Leave U.S. Military Vulnerable]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/fbi-finds-counterfeit-chips-leave-u-s-military-vulnerable/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/fbi-finds-counterfeit-chips-leave-u-s-military-vulnerable/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/fbi-finds-counterfeit-chips-leave-u-s-military-vulnerable/#commentsFiled under:

The U.S. Military may have been using a whole slew of counterfeit computer chips in its systems, leaving it open to security breaches that could lead to information leaks or worse, according to the FBI.

During a two-year period, Operation Cisco Raider has lead to 15 criminal cases in which counterfeit products were bought and used by military agencies, military contractors and electric power companies. According to the New York Times, "36 search warrants have been executed, resulting in the discovery of 3,500 counterfeit Cisco network components with an estimated retail value of more than $3.5 million, the F.B.I. said in a statement."

Part of an FBI briefing on the investigation and its findings can be found in this PowerPoint presentation hosted by the site Above Top Secret.

The counterfeit chips could lead to some interesting security holes. For one, they are extremely hard to sort out from real chips. Two, the kind of security weakness they have could lead to computers being taken over by a remote system. The article states that there has been speculation about anti-aircraft systems being disabled during the first Gulf War and also when the Israeli air force has attacked a suspected Syrian nuclear power plant.

The FBI isn't saying the counterfeit chips were specifically designed to leave systems vulnerable. There's a chance the chip makers just wanted to make some quick money on a high volume product. And (surprise) the chips seem to have come from China.

But the U.S. Military isn't just taking this lying down. The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (or DARPA) has initiated a Trusted Integrated Circuits program with the aim of strengthening the country's defense against network security breaches.

This sounds like a good idea to us, as long as they don't call their new system Skynet. [Source: The New York Times]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CiscocrimeFBIsecurityMon, 12 May 2008 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Students Use Twitter to Report on China Earthquake]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/students-use-twitter-to-report-on-chinese-earthquake/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/students-use-twitter-to-report-on-chinese-earthquake/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/students-use-twitter-to-report-on-chinese-earthquake/#commentsFiled under:

First-Hand Earthquake Reports via Twitter

China may not be a leader when it comes to Internet acceptance, given its history of trying to block anything online that doesn't quite jive with its political message. Thankfully, the country has apparently not chosen to block instant-update site Twitter, a Web site that has become a bit of a sounding board for those who experienced the 7.8 earthquake that struck the nation early on Monday.

Though plenty of news about the quake has been coming steadily from established news sources such as AP and Reuters, it hasn't always covered up-to-the-minute specifics about each and every affected area, and here's where some non-traditional, online information/social-networking services are coming in handy. According to some blog reports on the BBC and Silicon Alley Insider, many English-speaking students are using Twitter to post first-hand, post-quake experiences, which are helping those on the outside understand what's happening there. Users casperodj and inwalkedbud have been two of the most prolific earthquake twitterers, posting some frightening updates such as the one pictured above, as well as some later, more reassuring ones.

By enabling people to post quick updates from cell phones, computers and other mobile devices, Twitter has gained popularity and is gaining a reputation for being a fun way to keep up with friends. Critics call it a waste of time, but this perception is changing since increasingly Twitter is being used as a way to keep in touch during disasters, when sometimes traditional forms of communication or media are not available. Case in point, last year's wildfires in Southern California, when residents used Twitter plus Google Maps to share information about affected areas and shelters.

Twitter has a long way to go before it'll be considered a reliable news source, but during such debilitating disasters, the service is certainly proving its worth among those looking for instant updates. Let's just hope the power doesn't go out next time there's a crisis, which would make using cell phones and Wi-Fi challenging. [Source: twitter via dot.life and Silicon Alley Insider]
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back to my macHere's a funny little story we saw in the Journal News: Last month, an Apple Store employee had a party in her White Plains, New York apartment. According to police reports, on April 27 -- a couple of weeks later -- her place was cleared out to the tune of about $5,000 worth of electronics, which included two flat-screen televisions, two iPods, gaming consoles, computer games, DVDs, and her new Mac.

Days later, a friend saw that the burglary victim seemed to be online, but gave her a call just to make sure. Since she was running Leopard with Back to My Mac, the burglary victim logged in remotely and activated Photo Booth via the screen-share function, which let her see who was on the other laptop using the Mac's built-in camera.

Guess what -- it turns out that the thieves were some "friends" who were at the party a few weeks back. She took the photos to the cops and -- voila -- busted! The alleged thieves, Edmon Shahikian, 23, and Ian Frias, 20, both of the Bronx, have been charged with second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Go-go crafty nerd girl!

[LoHud via TUAW]
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How to Buy an HD TV to Hook Your PC Up to
More and more of us are putting PCs in our living rooms. Some of us are using them as media centers to replace DVRs and DVD players, while others are using them to play video games, Meanwhile, some of us just like to surf the Web, check our e-mail, or watch streamed TV shows on a 42-inch screen.

But hooking up a computer to your TV isn't always easy, and the results aren't always pleasing to the eye. So, with a little help from some Engadget readers, we're going to help you pick out the best television for use with your PC or laptop. Only the results aren't quite in yet, so, for now, we'll provide you with a few tips if you're shopping for a TV in the next few weeks.

First thing you'll want to do is make sure the TV you're considering has the right ports for hooking up a computer. Not all PCs have HDMI yet so look for TVs with a DVI, or at least a VGA port for easily connecting even older PCs.

The next part is trickier. You'll need to find a television that can disable a feature called overscan. Overscan was a necessity on older televisions due to the inconsistent framing of standard definition broadcasts. The problem with overscan is that it causes text to blur, which anyone who has ever played a Super Nintendo role playing game will be very familiar with. This makes basic computing tasks stressful on the eyes. Add to that the tiny icon and font sizes that accompany HD resolutions and you'll need glasses in a week.

Only new 1080p capable sets have this feature, but its' not always advertised, and each company has a different name for it. Newer Sony sets have overscan disabled by default on its PC (VGA) inputs. New Samsung TVs have a 'just scan' mode, and Sharp calls it 'dot-by-dot.' Surprisingly bargain brand Westinghouse HD sets are great for text because they don't perform overscan at all. The downside is poor picture quality on standard definition broadcasts. [Source: Engadget]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdtvmonitorsMon, 12 May 2008 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[BUILT's Laptop Backpack Keeps your Files Close, Peripherals Closer]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/11/builts-laptop-backpack-keeps-your-files-close-peripherals-clos/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/11/builts-laptop-backpack-keeps-your-files-close-peripherals-clos/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/11/builts-laptop-backpack-keeps-your-files-close-peripherals-clos/#commentsFiled under:


Not one to just follow the crowd, BUILT has thrown an interesting twist on the oh-so-popular Neoprene laptop case. The Laptop Backpack enables users to tote their 12- to 17-inch machine right on their back along with textbooks, LAN party flyers and a copy of The Daily Bugle; you'll also find a couple of smaller compartments for storing peripherals and accessories. The material itself is water- and stain-resistant, and the pack is available in two sizes to fit all but the most atypical of frames. According to BUILT, the new wave of laptop carrying should begin today at $80 a pop.

[Source: BUILT via BeSportier]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backpackSun, 11 May 2008 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Apple Developing a Mobile Gaming Platform?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/is-apple-developing-a-mobile-game-platform/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/is-apple-developing-a-mobile-game-platform/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/is-apple-developing-a-mobile-game-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Could the iPhone and the iPod Touch be part of the next great mobile gaming platform?

Game developers and Apple fans are licking their chops, awaiting the opportunities to create and play games on the go with these devices. And as Apple has already changed the way people everywhere listen to and collect music, we're sure they're equally excited about making an impact on the mobile gaming marketplace.

According to the Industry Standard "A trademark extension filed last February with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office extends Apple's trademark in regards to:

'Toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game machines; electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games.'"

That's a mouthful, for sure, but it also points to Apple's renewed interest in the gaming arena, which is certainly hot, although competitive as all get out. This isn't Apple's first effort in gaming, but the last time the company tried to find its way with a gaming device was in 1996, during the non-Steve Jobs era. The device console, called the Pippin, was a failure.

Now the iPhone and the iPod Touch are flying high. Could this be the time for Apple to make its mark with yet another way to keep you focused on a tiny LCD screen? [Source: The Industry Standard].
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Switched Dowload: Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit PDF Reader

What it does:

Foxit is a replacement for that unfortunate staple of every computer user's life: Adobe Reader. Foxit reads and even edits PDFs -- those files that look exactly like original documents -- without the slowdown and crashes associated with Adobe's product.

What we like about it:

Foxit is about as close to perfect as a piece software can get: it opens and operates faster than Adobe's Reader, uses much less RAM, and packs more features into a download about a tenth the size.

In addition to reading PDFs, Foxit can perform basic editing tasks and lets you add notes to documents -- features Adobe charges several hundred dollars for in its Acrobat platform. Foxit even has some features that Adobe's professional application lacks, such as tabs for opening several PDFs in one window, and support for multimedia so you can actually play back audio and video in multimedia e-books.

What we don't like:

Our only problem with Foxit is that the latest versions are Windows-only. Mac and Linux users need love too.

Bottom line:

The existence of the fast, stable, and user-friendly Foxit makes you wonder why anyone would continue to use Adobe's bloated, crash-prone program. Get Foxit now and clicking links to PDF files will no longer prompt panic and cursing.

Download Foxit PDF Reader
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobefeaturesfoxitpdfswitched downloadSwitchedDownloadFri, 09 May 2008 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Mother's Day Gift Guide: Dell Inspiron 1525]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-8/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-8/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-8/#commentsFiled under: ,



This laptop computer is pretty, slim and powerful. What more could a woman want from a laptop? Add to that a Mother's Day sale price starting at $649 (that's a savings of $384) and you've got an excellent gift for a Mom who needs (or wants) a laptop. The Dell Inspiron 1525 has a 15.4-inch screen, a full-size keyboard, and even a 2-megapixel Webcam (for an extra $25). Other upgrades include a DVD burner ($50) and your choice of a broadband antenna from either Sprint or Verizon ($150, but if you sign up for service with either carrier, you'll get a $100 rebate). The notebook is available in an assortment of colors, but check out the Blossom pattern or Flamingo Pink for this holiday gift.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1525DellFri, 09 May 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mother's Day Gift Guide: Audiovox Homebase Digital Message Center]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-6/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-6/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-6/#commentsFiled under:



Organization is king in most homes, so you can surprise mom with this digital message center for the 21st-century. The Audiovox Audio Homebase is about the size of a regular whiteboard that hangs on the fridge, and it includes a seven-inch LCD digital picture frame that can hold up to 125 high-resolution images. This LCD screen is engulfed in an erasable board for important handwritten messages. The magnetic border lets you save notes, coupons or invitations, while a built-in microphone and internal speakers let you record and play back audio messages. Comes with a dry erase marker, Post-it notes with a built-in storage slot, and a digital clock. The Homebase retails for $150.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital picture framesDigitalPictureFrameshouseholdFri, 09 May 2008 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[New Feature Lets You Take Your MySpace Profile to Other Sites]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/myspaces-data-availability-lets-uses-share-profiles-with-twit/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/myspaces-data-availability-lets-uses-share-profiles-with-twit/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/myspaces-data-availability-lets-uses-share-profiles-with-twit/#commentsFiled under: ,

MySpace Launches Social networking is obviously a lot of fun, but if anything it's getting a little too popular; you can't pick a movie on Netflix or upload a picture onto Flickr these days without having to wade through a web of friend recommendations.

What's more annoying is that each network is completely disconnected -- sign up for some hot new site, pick a crew of friends, then move on to the next hot site and try to find the same crew of friends again. Annoying. MySpace is finally looking to end that with a new initiative called "data availability" that will let you take your profile with you to other profile-based sites and services, including Twitter, Photobucket, and Yahoo!.

The changes, set to go into effect in a few weeks, will let you effectively sync up your profiles at a number of partner sites with your MySpace profile. For example, on Twitter you would be able to set up Twitter to pull in your picture and other information from your MySpace profile, in real-time -- so, if you update your main pic at MySpace, it would be propagated over to Twitter as well. You'll be able to do the same with your eBay profile, creating a more informative set of information about you that will "yield a deeper connection between individuals," according to the press release.

It would also let eBay shoppers learn an awful lot about you, something that many people will be uncomfortable with. The opportunity to save time by syncing up your profiles sounds quite appealing, but making yourself more identifiable to potentially irate eBay buyers and sellers sounds a little -- unnerving. [Source: BusinessWire, via New York Times]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsebaymyspacesocial networkingSocialNetworkingtwitterFri, 09 May 2008 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mother's Day Gift Guide: iMac]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-10/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-10/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom-10/#commentsFiled under:



There's no prettier or easier-to-use computer on Earth than the iMac, and Apple just launched the newest iteration, so it's the perfect time to buy one of these for a mom who's been asking about a new computer for monhts. The models range in size from 20 to 24 inches, and start at a decidedly affordable (though admittedly still high for Mother's Day) $1,200.They all include the speedy Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a minimum of 1-gigabyte (GB) of RAM and 250GB hard drive, an 8x SuperDrive for burning DVD's and CD's, a built-in iSight video camera, and AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless capability and Bluetooth 2.1. functionality. Oh, and a Mighty Mouse and Apple keyboard, obviously. Essentially, everything mom needs to get going ... or, rather, sitting.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleimacFri, 09 May 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Obama Hoax E-Mails Still Fooling Some Folks]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/anti-obama-hoax-e-mails-still-fooling-some-folks/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/anti-obama-hoax-e-mails-still-fooling-some-folks/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/anti-obama-hoax-e-mails-still-fooling-some-folks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Stupid White Men Still Believe Obama Hoax E-Mails
You may remember a poll a few years ago that showed 70 percent of Americans believed that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9/11 (as recently as June of 2007 40 percent still do), or the Swift Boat campaign against John Kerry in 2004. Who believes these outlandish things? Stupid people who don't seem to be able to pick up a newspaper.

This election cycle has its own crazed bits of propaganda similar to the Swift Boat campaign, or the push polling about McCain's out-of-wedlock African-American child. The bizarre attacks, primarily being tossed around by Fox News, this time surround Barack Obama, and the only people who seem to be swallowing the Kool-Aid are some pretty uninformed voters, most recently in Indiana, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

Take a look at a couple of the responses the Daily News got on the ground in Indiana leading up to the primary earlier this week:
  • "I'm kind of still up in the air between McCain and Hillary... I'll be honest with you. Barack scares the hell out of me... He swore on the Koran."
  • "I can't stand him... He's a Muslim. He's not even pro-American as far as I'm concerned."

Hoax e-mails long ago debunked and -- we thought -- forgotten are still informing the decisions of some folks in the suburban and rural midwest, according to the Daily News. The e-mails that have been circulating claim alternately that he's a Muslim, that he's a radical racist Christian, that he's unpatriotic, that he refuses to say the pledge of allegiance, or that he's a communist. How can all of these things be true? They can't, but that doesn't stop some lazy people from believing anything they read in an e-mail.

So how do one stop oneself from becoming part of the problem? Double check "facts" from e-mails with reputable news sources like the Associated Press (AP) or Reuters. Or follow some basic guidelines for skepticism laid out by FactCheck.org. And the next time you get a poorly spelled e-mail from Kofi Annan claiming that Barack Obama ate a cheese burger with Osama Bin Laden in front of a village of starving children, listen to that little voice in the back of your head that says "that can't be true." [Source: NY Daily News, via: Wired]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamabreaking newsBreakingNewspoliticsFri, 09 May 2008 07:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Papa John's Sells $1 Billion in Pizza Online]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/papa-johns-sells-1-billion-in-pizza-online/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/papa-johns-sells-1-billion-in-pizza-online/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/papa-johns-sells-1-billion-in-pizza-online/#commentsFiled under:

In its advertising, Papa John's Sells $1 Billion in Pizza Onlinepizza mega-chain Papa John's claims better ingredients make better pizza. Now the company is also saying that easier ordering makes for better revenues. Papa John's reported total online sales of over $1 billion since it started accepting Internet orders back in 2001. Enabling customers to go online and click their way to a pizza has made the franchise a favorite among many Internet savvy users, and while the company made only $20 million in online sales its first year, it nearly topped $400 million last year.

These days, all the major pizza chains offer online ordering, with Pizza Hut enabling orders via text message and Domino's Pizza Tracker letting impatient types know where their pizzas are on the assembly line.

Now if only they could find a way to deliver pies over the Internet we'd be truly set. [Source: CNN]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewspapa johnsPapaJohnspizzaThu, 08 May 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Users Spend More Time on MySpace Despite Slipping Traffic]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/users-spend-more-time-on-myspace-despite-slipping-traffic/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/users-spend-more-time-on-myspace-despite-slipping-traffic/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/users-spend-more-time-on-myspace-despite-slipping-traffic/#commentsFiled under: ,

Social networking is one of the biggest Internet phenomenons of the last few years, and it's still MySpace that dominates the online social networking landscape, according to Web measurement firm Hitwise.

As reported in ReadWriteWeb, MySpace takes the top traffic prize with 73.82 percent of all social networking traffic. Facebook only garners 14.8 percent of social networking traffic. Other sites take no more than two percent share, so this is really a tale of two brands.

The real story here, however, isn't who is on top traffic-wise but how long that traffic stays on a site. So, while traffic has slipped for MySpace by five percent during the last year, the average amount of time active MySpace members spend on the site has increased by a whopping 73 percent. So that means the members who do stick around really, really do stick around. [Source: ReadWriteWeb]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsFacebookrankingssocial networkingSocialNetworkingThu, 08 May 2008 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[China Will Block Internet During Olympics, But Will Go Easy On Pirates]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/china-will-block-internet-during-olympics-not-pirates/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/china-will-block-internet-during-olympics-not-pirates/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/china-will-block-internet-during-olympics-not-pirates/#commentsFiled under: ,

China Will Block Internet During Olympics, Not PiratesDespite having the highest number of online users in the world, China is still one of the most strict censors of the Internet. In the build-up to the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer, the nation has been talking about the easy availability of Internet access for the media covering the games, but now it's backing away from pledges of "complete freedom," indicating that some sites will continue to be censored.

So, the media may find themselves blocked from some sites while in the country, but, in an ironic twist, the Chinese government is also saying that it's unable to block those selling Olympic-themed memorabilia. Officials have complained about seeing vendors openly selling knockoff shirts and mascots (along with pirated copies of Hollywood movies and the like) on street corners in Beijing. The government has fined a number of them recently, but is indicating it is powerless to stop it completely.

So, between the censorship and bionic swimming suits, it's certainly shaping up to be an interesting Olympics, and we haven't even started talking about the competitors yet! [Source: Reuters]
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Never mind getting tesla coils to fix your supper, just hit the on switch on your own personal humanoid. Reportedly, the creature you see above has been loaded with learning algorithms that enable it to repeat actions that it learns. Wonder if anyone realized that this totally demented critter just learned to slice more than ham? Stay sharp, kids -- the video's after the break. [Source: YouTube via Hacked Gadgets]

Continue reading Humanoid Learns to Cook Breakfast, Fend for Himself

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Mini-Notebook Keyboard Shootout
Miniature notebooks, like the ASUS Eee, may be all the rage these days, but they come at a cost. Typing on these diminutive computers is slow and uncomfortable. The problem is that as the computer shrinks, so does the keyboard, which leads to missed keys and lost punctuations as our touch typing skills are rendered useless by the lost width. Laptop Magazine decided to take three of the more popular mini-notebook models and find out which one was the least terrible for typing out Hamlet's soliloquy.

The clear winner was the HP 2133 Mini-note, which all three testers were able to average a full 10 WPM (words per minute) faster on than the ASUS Eee and CTL 2Go PC (Classmate) which both came in within half a WPM of each other at 44.75 WPM and 44.25 WPM respectively. [Source: Laptop Magazine]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2133breaking newsBreakingNewsclassmate pcClassmatePcctl 2go pcCtl2goPceee pcEeePckeyboardslaptop newsLaptopNewsmini-noteWed, 07 May 2008 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell' "Hip" $699 Mike Ming Inspiron 1525 Laptops]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/dell-boils-hip-down-to-699-mike-ming-inspiron-1525-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/dell-boils-hip-down-to-699-mike-ming-inspiron-1525-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/dell-boils-hip-down-to-699-mike-ming-inspiron-1525-laptops/#commentsFiled under:


You know you're in for a treat any time your favorite gargantuan Texas-based computer company claims to have captured the "downtown art scene" and "youth culture" on a laptop lid, but we've gotta give Dell credit for these new designs courtesy of Mike Ming. Unfortunately, the new "Bunch O Surfers" and "Sea Sky" (pictured) looks have been tacked onto Dell's boring-as-could-be Inspiron 1525 budget laptop. But hey, not bad at all for $699, especially considering the 3 gigabytes of RAM that comes standard. Another shot after the break. [Source: Dell]

Continue reading Dell' "Hip" $699 Mike Ming Inspiron 1525 Laptops

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdellprettyWed, 07 May 2008 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint and Clearwire Merge to Form Next-Gen Wireless Businesses]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/sprint-and-clearwire-merge-next-gen-wireless-businesses/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/sprint-and-clearwire-merge-next-gen-wireless-businesses/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/sprint-and-clearwire-merge-next-gen-wireless-businesses/#commentsFiled under:


Well, what do you know? Sometimes even the the most repetitive of rumors finally comes true. Barely 12 hours after the Wall Street Journal reported that a deal between Sprint, Clearwire and just about everyone else was dangerously close to going down, it seems as if the bottom lines have indeed been signed. Details are pretty light at the moment, but we definitively know that Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. will be merging their "next-generation wireless broadband businesses to form a new wireless communications company."

Quite simply, the new outfit will be called Clearwire, even though Sprint will hold around 51-percent of the firm, while existing Clearwire shareholders will own 27-percent and the new investors will hold 22-percent. New investors? Ah yes, Intel, Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks will collectively invest $3.2 billion in the new company, but that figure is "based on a target price of $20 a share of Clearwire's common stock, and is subject to a post-closing adjustment." [Source: BusinessWire Via CNN]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsWed, 07 May 2008 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[In-Body Wi-Fi Gadgets Can Warn Doctors of Impending Heart Attacks]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/in-body-wi-fi-gadgets-can-warn-doctors-of-impending-heart-attack/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/in-body-wi-fi-gadgets-can-warn-doctors-of-impending-heart-attack/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/in-body-wi-fi-gadgets-can-warn-doctors-of-impending-heart-attack/#commentsFiled under:

We recently reported on some intriguing cell phone software that could track your weight or insulin levels and automatically contact doctors if there were any issues. Now researchers are taking that to the next level with implantable sensors that can wirelessly communicate with doctors automatically in case of an emergency.

The sensors use Bluetooth, the same tech that lets you use a hands-free kit in your car sans wires, and would be implanted in the body to monitor heart rate and other statistics, automatically warning doctors of irregularities. Additional sensors applied to medication dispensers could raise alarms if a prescription wasn't being adhered to. And, should you fall unconscious, a call to the local emergency services could be placed for you.

Soon, it seems, you won't even have to say "I've fallen and I can't get up!" to get some help! [Source: TimesOnline]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbreaking newsBreakingNewshealthmedicalWed, 07 May 2008 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Highest Wi-Fi Hotspot Now On Mt. Everest]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/highest-internet-hotspot-established-on-mt-everest/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/highest-internet-hotspot-established-on-mt-everest/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/highest-internet-hotspot-established-on-mt-everest/#commentsFiled under:


Admit it. You've tapped into a neighbor's Wi-Fi, siphoning off a little bandwidth for free so you can check some e-mail or maybe just surf the Net for a bit. Of course, you could get your access on the up and up by going to a local Internet cafe -- but what do you do when you're attempting a shot at the top of the world?

China has the answer.

17,000 feet above sea level, at the base camp to Mount Everest, China Mobile has built a business office and Internet cafe. The Mount Qomolangma base camp provides mobile and Internet services to "government officials, mountain climbing members and journalists," reports China Daily.

The highest hotspot in the world was established to support the Olympic torch's journey across the so-called "rooftop of the world." The China Mobile office offers Wi-Fi access with remote payment, SIM change service and other basic services, "in addition to free film, vending machines and new business experience." China Mobile claims "about 40 to 50 people go to the office and Internet cafe every day to experience the services."

No word on the quality of their lattes. [Source: China Daily via CNET]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaWi-FiWed, 07 May 2008 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Pope Sending Text Messages to Australians]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/the-pope-is-texting-myspacing/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/the-pope-is-texting-myspacing/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/the-pope-is-texting-myspacing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Pope is Texting, MySpacingWhen the Pope arrived on our shores last month, much of the nation was subject to the pomp and fanfare that surrounded his every move. Now the Pope is making a trip Down Under for Sydney's World Youth Day next month, and those who can't watch him live (or online) will be able to follow the Pontiff via SMS.

The Pope (or one of his lackeys) will be sending "daily messages of inspiration" to the phones of thousands of Catholics during the event, which despite being called "World Youth Day," actually covers an entire week.

The Catholic church will also be setting up a social networking site similar to MySpace or Facebook, enabling believers to hook up -- and pray, of course. [Source: I4U/Reuters, via Textually.org]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfacebookpopesmstext messagingTextMessagingWed, 07 May 2008 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[The iMac Turns 10, But Are Its Days Numbered?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/the-imac-turns-10-but-are-its-days-numbered/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/the-imac-turns-10-but-are-its-days-numbered/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/07/the-imac-turns-10-but-are-its-days-numbered/#commentsFiled under:

iMac Turns 10, Predicted to Not Make 20
In early May of 1998, Apple launched a computer that was said to "deliver the things consumers care about most - the excitement of the Internet and the simplicity of the Mac." That computer was, of course, the iMac, a fruity-colored all-in-one machine that was advertised as being ridiculously easy to set up, use, and take online with (still a somewhat tricky process back in the late 90s). Now, 10 years on, Ars Technica takes a look back at the evolution of the iMac, and makes a few predictions about the machine's future.

Since then, the machine has shrunk considerably, ditching the giant old CRT monitor in favor of slim and bright LCD displays. Despite its size-shrink, it has also grown in performance in huge leaps and bounds. The first machine had a 233 megahertz CPU and just 32-megabytes of memory, while the latest model can be equipped with a 3.06 gigahertz CPU and two-gigabytes of memory. There's still no floppy disc on offer, though.

The iMac has continued to be quite popular, but Ars predicts its days are numbered. With two-thirds of all Macs being sold today going in laptop form, and that number doing nothing but increasing as people embrace mobile computing, the belief is that the iMac will go the way of the Macintosh Classic II, lost to the annals of history. [Source: Ars Technica]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewsimacretroWed, 07 May 2008 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Newspapers Likely to Become Free In Near Future, Says Editor Poll]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/newspapers-likely-to-become-free-in-near-future-says-editor-pol/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/newspapers-likely-to-become-free-in-near-future-says-editor-pol/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/newspapers-likely-to-become-free-in-near-future-says-editor-pol/#commentsFiled under:



All the news that's fit to print may someday be free, according to a new poll from Zogby International.

The polling firm asked newspaper editors around the world what they thought would be the future of newspapers, and most agreed that there was a future in print but that pressures from online media would force them to adjust how they do business.

Some key points:
  • 86 percent of respondents believed newsrooms should become more integrated with digital services.
  • Two in three believe the most common form of news consumption will be via electronic media such as online or mobiles within a decade
  • 56 percent of respondents believed that the majority of news, be it via print or online, would be free in the future (up from 48 percent a year ago)
  • 48 percent who answered yes a year ago
  • Only 45 percent of editors thought the quality of journalism would improve over the next 10 years (more than 25 percent think it will get worse)
  • Nearly two-thirds believe that some traditional editorial functions will be outsourced in the future

An interesting split between so-called emerging markets and more mature markets was revealed by the poll. Editors in South America, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Asia were more likely to think newspapers would become free, while those in Western Europe and North America were likely to think the paid model still has a future. [Source: Reuters]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfreenewspapersoutsourcesurveysTue, 06 May 2008 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Camera Store Offers Shopper $75 to Remove Bad Amazon Review]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/camera-store-offers-shopper-75-to-remove-bad-amazon-review/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/camera-store-offers-shopper-75-to-remove-bad-amazon-review/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/camera-store-offers-shopper-75-to-remove-bad-amazon-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shopper Leaves Bad Amazon Review, Shop Offers $75 To RemoveWoe betide the online camera shopper. Those who have an affinity for expensive photo gear know that they can save a bundle online. But, doing so often means dealing with shady, NYC-based camera shops that would just as soon spew profanity at you on the phone as listen to your complaints. This is the trap that shopper and blogger Jason Weisberger fell into when ordering a new, $5,000 Nikon D3 from an Amazon-affiliated retailer, Cameta Camera. He didn't like the store's service and left it a bad review, which resulted in Cameta Camera seemingly offering him a bribe to remove the negative feedback!

Weisberger had paid a whopping $75 in shipping to get the camera delivered and found that the seller had simply thrown the camera's box into a larger box, with no extra packing, and sent it on its way. The outer box was thoroughly trashed during shipment but somehow the camera inside didn't receive any damage. Weisberger called to express his disappointment and, after getting treated rudely over the phone, left the negative feedback at Amazon.

The next day he received a very apologetic e-mail offering to refund the $75 shipping charge he received, on one condition -- that he remove that negative review. By Weisberger's account, that's bribery. Even so, the company in question makes a valid point, that often retailers rectify customer complaints but the customers in question don't then go back and update their reviews.

What's your take, an honest shop trying to protect its reputation, or a sleazy retailer trying to bribe its way to good reviews? At least they didn't sue him ... [Source: Dethroner, via BoingBoing]
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Although it's been several years since the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, it looks like some of the data gathered during the orbiter's final mission will be put to good use. A hard drive salvaged from the wreckage contains the results of an experiment to study the way xenon gas flows in microgravity, and the results were published in the April edition of a journal called Physical Review E.

The 400MB Seagate drive was originally thought to be destroyed, but workers and engineers reconstructing the orbiter from the remaining debris found it during the process and sent it off for recovery, where 99 percent of the data was extracted. It then took several years for lead researcher Robert Berg and his team to analyze the findings, but they're happy with the results -- we only wish they hadn't come at so dear a price. [Source: