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[Eight Ways to Look Better In Pictures]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/14/eight-ways-to-look-better-in-pictures/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/14/eight-ways-to-look-better-in-pictures/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/14/eight-ways-to-look-better-in-pictures/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Summer is almost here and that means taking lots of snapshots, but making people look pretty in pictures is no easy job -- professional photographers get paid lots and lots of money to do just that (more than any other creative professionals, actually). Even so, you can improve the look of just about anyone (including yourself) with some basic photo-taking and -editing tips, the best of which we've compiled here. All of our suggestions can be executed using simple, inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras and free post-processing software: iPhoto on Mac, or Picasa on PC are our top choices. (Other apps, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements [PC/Mac] and GIMP [PC/Mac/Linux] are great as well, but the former will cost you a few bucks.)




1. Look younger

If you want to make your subjects look younger than they are, focus on the skin tone: Our number one tip is to use flashes in sunlight. It might seem counter-intuitive, but flashes override the shadows that overhead sunlight might cast on faces, making for pronounced under-eye and chin shadows. Also, putting anything white or translucent over the flash while indoors (or up close) will soften the light, making for much smoother skin tones through softer lighting. If you're in a bar, for example, just hold a napkin in front of the flash (in your camera settings, you might also want to turn the flash power up, if that's an option). You can also use the "brush" function -- usually indicated by a brush icon -- on most photo programs (such as those mentioned above) to virtually brush over age-revealing wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, and blemishes.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfeatureshow-tosummerfeaturesWed, 14 May 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 12 Gadget Gifts for Mom]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mother's Day is here, as it is every year, and we've got some top picks of the latest gadgets that most Moms would like. Some of our choices save time, others just look cool while offering some basic functions that we expect of our gadgets (such as taking pictures or blasting music). We've picked some devices based on their ease of use, for those Moms who are tech-averse, as well as some slightly harder-to-use, state-of-the-art items, for moms who are tech-savvy. Either way, your Mom is bound to be a little more wired after you hand her one of the following 12 items.


This brand-new ultra compact from Samsung L210 boasts a 2.5 inch LCD display, as well as a 10.2-megapixel sensor with 3x optical zoom. It uses two forms of image stabilization -- both optical and digital -- meaning it's great for those moms who always end up with blurry photos (you know who you are...mom). It also incorporates face recognition technology: This detects the subject's face, automatically adjusting auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality in portraits. All of this is included with 10-megabytes (MB) of internal flash memory, and the ability to record MPEG-4 movies. Oh, and it comes in a variety of mom-friendly colors, including red, black, pink, and silver.
Next >>
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgift guidesGiftGuidesholidaysmomsmothers dayMothersDayFri, 09 May 2008 20:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Download: Foxit PDF Reader]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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[Lenovo U110 Hands-On and Overview]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/lenovo-u110-hands-on-and-overview/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/lenovo-u110-hands-on-and-overview/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/lenovo-u110-hands-on-and-overview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


After giving the new IdeaPad U110 its 15 minutes of fame in front of the camera, we got down to business. The 11.1-inch ultraportable is built like a tank -- a really, really lightweight tank. The uniquely-designed lid and (overly) glossy motif is a welcome change for Lenovo, but after a good bit of use, it's easy to see this one won't appeal to the masses. Click on for the full rundown of impressions and notes (and a video, too).

Continue reading Lenovo U110 Hands-On and Overview

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewslaptop reviewsLaptopReviewsu110Mon, 05 May 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Six Ways to Break Up Over Your Computer or Cell Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/six-ways-to-break-up-over-your-computer-or-cell-phone-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/six-ways-to-break-up-over-your-computer-or-cell-phone-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/six-ways-to-break-up-over-your-computer-or-cell-phone-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before technology allowed people to communicate so effortlessly, the act of breaking up over the phone was considered too impersonal. Compared to the ways that people end their relationships now, a call almost seems polite. Whether it's because of a desire to make things public or just to cop out to avoid an awkward meeting, lovers young and old are using technology to break the news. Here at Switched, we dug up some of the harshest ways that tech-enabled breakups have been executed. Read on and you'll laugh, cringe and hope this never happens to you.



1. Rant and rave on YouTube

Few divorces are ever settled amicably, but even fewer have been detailed on YouTube for the world to witness by an angry wife. Such is the reason that the videos by Tricia Walsh-Smith created an Internet buzz covered by both blogs and mainstream media. Within the last few weeks, Walsh-Smith, 54, published two clips discussing her split with hubby Philip Smith, 77. The videos contained intimate details about their marriage and split. Unfortunately for her, she'll have to find a new place to film - a judge ruled that she can no longer make her videos in the apartment she shared with her soon-to-be ex.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresrelationshipstech breakupsTechBreakupsWed, 30 Apr 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Eight Best Techie Marriage Proposals]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/eight-best-techie-marriage-proposals-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/eight-best-techie-marriage-proposals-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/eight-best-techie-marriage-proposals-1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aside from buying a ring, asking her father's permission, and stressing over her answer, one of the hardest parts of a marriage proposal for a man is coming up with a unique way to do it. Luckily, technology offers up a slew of options and -- starting below -- we recount the tales of eight creatively geeky guys who found new ways to pop the question. If you're the sentimental type, now's the time to break out the Kleenex.



So There Are Rewards for Playing Video Games

Knowing your girlfriend's favorite hobbies is a great start for planning a proposal. For Bernie Peng, that meant using the game 'Bejeweled' to ask Tammy Li to marry him. Peng, a financial software programmer, spent a month tweaking the game so when Li reached a certain score, a ring and the proposal popped up on the screen. We know what you're thinking, and so does Peng - "I thought it was pretty cool, in a nerdy way," he said. Fortunately for him, she said yes.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgeekmarriagerelationshipsweirdWed, 30 Apr 2008 01:20:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Top Pet Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/12-top-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/12-top-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/12-top-pet-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew that people love uploading pictures of their pets online, but we had no idea how many gadgets and toys are available for our animal friends. From the bizarre to the practical, there's tons of tech out there that's designed to benefit owners and the pets themselves. Check out our list of some of the best gadgets available for pets, because it's time to stop spoiling ourselves with shiny new toys and treat our little companions instead.



GoDogGo! Automatic Fetch Machine

Busy. Tired. Neglectful. Whatever you are, sometimes you just can't play fetch with your dog. Unless, of course, you pick up the automated fetch machine, GoDogGo! Take this gadget, load it up with tennis balls -- six of which are included -- and start firing away. You can manually fire the balls or set them to launch automatically every 7 or 15 seconds between 15 and 30 feet. Set it up in your yard with the included AC adapter or run it at the park with six D batteries, and you'll have an easy, lazy solution to playing with your "best friend."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pet gadgetsPetGadgetspetsWed, 30 Apr 2008 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Wacky Pet Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/12-wacky-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/12-wacky-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/12-wacky-pet-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew that people love uploading pictures of their pets online, but we had no idea how many gadgets and toys are available for our animal friends. From the bizarre to the practical, there's tons of tech out there that's designed to benefit owners and the pets themselves. Check out our list of some of the best gadgets available for pets, because it's time to stop spoiling ourselves with shiny new toys and treat our little companions instead.



GoDogGo! Automatic Fetch Machine

Busy. Tired. Neglectful. Whatever you are, sometimes you just can't play fetch with your dog. Unless, of course, you pick up the automated fetch machine, GoDogGo! Take this gadget, load it up with tennis balls -- six of which are included -- and start firing away. You can manually fire the balls or set them to launch automatically every 7 or 15 seconds between 15 and 30 feet. Set it up in your yard with the included AC adapter or run it at the park with six D batteries, and you'll have an easy, lazy solution to playing with your "best friend."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurespet gadgetsPetGadgetspetsWed, 23 Apr 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Three Gadgets Gavin Rossdale Never Leaves Home Without]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/gavin-rossdale/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/gavin-rossdale/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/gavin-rossdale/#commentsFiled under: , ,



London-born Gavin Rossdale first achieved mainstream success in the mid 90s as lead singer of the grunge rock band Bush. Though the group didn't catch on in England, Bush found success stateside with big radio hits 'Glycerine,' 'Swallowed' and 'Machinehead.' Gavin married Gwen Stefani in the early 00s. Not content to work only in music, Gavin has acted in Hollywood with parts in movies like 'Constantine' and 'Little Black Book.'

Gavin's first solo album 'Wanderlust' is due out in June, and he took time to answer our Switched Questionnaire. Though Gavin isn't a big gamer, he always keeps connected with his BlackBerry, iPod and laptop.


What gadgets do you always bring with you for down time?

The BlackBerry
Roasted brown rice tea
iPod
Laptop


What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

My Curve. Love the BlackBerry Messenger. Photos could be better but I like it a lot. My son Kingston threw my iPhone away in Australia. I was enjoying it...


Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I just texted my friend Mark in London who's cycling in the dark without a light. I was trying to tell him to get a light.


Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

The Guardian newspaper's site


What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

Losing them.


Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

It should stop me doing something when I'm pissed off.


What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

My new baby.


You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Well my laptop has a lot of potential. Millions of empty pages to write on. And can I get online? That'd be perfect -- stranded no more...


What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Recently, Burial. And before that, probably Radiohead.


Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Curve


Would you ever get an iPhone?

Digging the Curve right now -- online all the time. The iPhone sure is pretty.


What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

3 days solid with no sleep -- game called "life."


Mac or PC?

Mac all the way. PCs are a different universe to me. Double dutch w/ cream on.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresmusicswitchedquestionnaireMon, 21 Apr 2008 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some days, we all just like to talk on the phone a lot. We also sometimes forget to charge our phones before we leave the house. And let's face it, carrying our cell-phone-charger around with us all day (or overnight) is often impractical. So what phones are ideal for the sort of person that often finds themselves in charger-less jams? Take a look at our roundup, in which we picked ten standard phones (i.e., non-smart-phones) that have impressive battery life, both for talk and standby modes.



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



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresMon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What Makes Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester Tick (and Type)?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/14/what-makes-gossip-girls-leighton-meester-tick-and-type/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/14/what-makes-gossip-girls-leighton-meester-tick-and-type/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/14/what-makes-gossip-girls-leighton-meester-tick-and-type/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Leighton Meester is beautiful, successful, and, like all celebrities with an ounce of ambition, inseparable from her BlackBerry. These days, Meester can be seen personifying teen angst in the popular show 'Gossip Girl' where she plays Blair Waldorf, a young socialite with a healthy appetite for the spotlight.

Though primarily known for her aforementioned role, Meester has been around for years, having appeared in everything from 'CSI Miami' to last year's indie flick 'Flourish' and the just-releasted 'Remember the Daze,' in which she plays a -- surprise, surprise -- a high-school student. When she isn't on set or closing deals, she is recording music. Golly do we feel inadequate.

Okay, we get it, she is multi-talented and destined for greatness. There are, however, topics of extreme importance that must be discussed to realize the true depths of Leighton Meester. We tracked her down to find out what really makes her tick. And type.




What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set for down-time?

I bring my iPod and my BlackBerry. I listen to my iPod in my trailer while I'm getting my hair and makeup done.


What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a BlackBerry. I love it because I can get business done anywhere and anytime.


Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

The last message I sent was to my friend, Jess about answering these questions!


Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

I go to CNN.com....Boring!


What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

My cell phone doesn't get great service on both coasts, which is hard because I am constantly traveling back and forth from Los Angeles to New York.


Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my phone had a button on it that could unlock my car door, because I usually have it in my hand then anyway.


What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

A cell phone that gets great service on both coasts.


You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

If I were stranded on a desert island I would probably want a ham radio so that I could be rescued!


What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Technically, the most played song is 'Girl from the North Country' by Bob Dylan.


BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

BlackBerry


Do you have or are you planning to get an iPhone?

No


What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

Recently, I have spent some long nights playing rock band.


Mac or PC?

Mac. Why not?
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresswitched questionnaireSwitchedQuestionnaireMon, 14 Apr 2008 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Tracey Ullman As Arianna Huffington Spoofs Blog World]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/12/tracey-ullman-as-arianna-huffington-spoofs-blog-world/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/12/tracey-ullman-as-arianna-huffington-spoofs-blog-world/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/12/tracey-ullman-as-arianna-huffington-spoofs-blog-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tracy Ullman has been making people laugh for a very, very long time. Her ability to stay current, and utterly hilarious, is impressive by anyone's standards. Her new show, 'State of the Union,' is fertile ground for her unorthodox humor and, man, does she capitalize on her most recent renaissance.

One of the most priceless examples of Ullman's comic genius is an impersonation of Arianna Huffington, veteran pundit, uber blogger and founder of the Huffington Post. Portraying a very Zsa-Zsa-Gabor-like Huffington, Ullman accepts a Web award for best female blogger and quickly lets fly with a tech savvy, Ann Coulter-frying speech. You truly owe it to yourself to watch the entire clip, but here are a few excerpts to wet your appetite.

On her fellow nominee Ann Coulter:

"I know I said in my Tuesday blog that you are blond bitch who should have her Youtubes tied, but seriously I meant it."

On the merits of her IT guy:

"You never 'Force Quit' on me, even when I repeatedly say that you have performed an illegal operation."

You get the idea. Now go enjoy.

From GeekSugar

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresfunnySat, 12 Apr 2008 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Hype Check: Dyson DC24 Vacuum Cleaner]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/12/hype-check-dyson-dc24-vacuum-cleaner/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/12/hype-check-dyson-dc24-vacuum-cleaner/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/12/hype-check-dyson-dc24-vacuum-cleaner/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Dyson D24 Vacuum Cleaner

What it is: Even those of you who wouldn't consider yourselves vacuum cleaner fetishists have heard of Dyson's line -- you know, the one you see advertised on TV, that promises to change your (vacuuming) life. Well, the ambitious designers at Dyson have released their latest, greatest, and, quite possibly, lightest -- the D24 -- and it's a significant improvement over past Dyson vacuums. This is the first time the innovative ball has been used in a Dyson model this light and compact. It's less than four feet tall and a foot wide, and weighs just under 12 pounds, which makes it easy to move and maneuver from room to room (or up a few flights of stairs).

Why it's different: Though generally rather awesome, past Dyson vacuum cleaners have suffered from being too heavy and bulky, with buttons hidden in very hard-to-reach (and unintuitive places). The new DC-24 is only 11.6 pounds -- much more powerful than a Dustbuster-style vac, yet far smaller and more maneuverable than a typical upright vacuum cleaner.


What we like: The DC24 uses Dyson's patented new Ball tech -- essentially, a big orange ball that serves as the rolling mechanism for the unit. It's rather revolutionary in terms of the mobility and turning radius: moving a vacuum around your floor has never been this fun. While traditional vacuum cleaners feel like they're stuck on invisible tracks, this one turns and pivots around any household with ease, effortlessly gliding across the floor. Like all Dyson vacs, the DC24 really does live up to the claims of controlled suction - it works on all surfaces with virtually the same suction power. We really noticed the difference when we moved from one surface to another -- the DC24 didn't struggle or even seem like it was adjusting. The canister is super easy to empty (though it fills up very fast, which probably says something about the cleanliness of our floors than anything else). The overall body is small and compact, so if you're not into displaying the well designed vacuum, you can easily store in small places.

What we don't like: The handheld wand -- while improved over previous Dyson iterations -- is still a bit of a struggle to use. The hose conveniently collapses back into its original form when you're not cleaning with it, but is just sorta painful to actually use -- it's not as flexible as we would have liked, and doesn't work symbiotically with the rest of the unit. This might be less of an issue if there was some sort of "lock mode" that prevented the vacuum from moving around, of if the wand were made of a more lightweight, flexible material.

What it costs: $399

Does it live up to the hype? Dyson's DC24 is an awesome vacuum cleaner. It makes cleaning your home something to look forward to (not even just for the anal-retentive among us), and improves significantly upon Dyson's already solid foundation. It's cheaper than other Dyson models by $100, but it's still comes in at a cool four bills -- a bit out of the average vacuum cleaner budget. But the thing comes with lifetime HEPA and washable filters (read: no bags to buy, ever), and a five-year warranty, looks great, feels great, and sucks real hard (in a good way). If you've got the cash, you won't be disappointed.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appliancesdysonfeatureshouseholdhype checkHypeCheckvacuum cleanerVacuumCleanerSat, 12 Apr 2008 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[All the Presidential Candidates Look Bad On HDTV]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/11/all-the-presidential-candidates-look-bad-on-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/11/all-the-presidential-candidates-look-bad-on-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/11/all-the-presidential-candidates-look-bad-on-hdtv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We recently wrote about stars who look bad on HDTV, but we forgot to mention that it's not just Hollywood luminaries whose blemishes, wrinkles, and other physical characteristics are more noticeable under the increased resolution of high-def cameras. Yes, we're referring to the current crop of presidential candidates, thanks to the increased prevalence of HD in news broadcasts. (CNN, for example, is now using CNNHD for its presidential debates.) To find out how the candidates looks fare onscreen, we spoke to Philip Swann, Philip Swann, editor of TVPredictions, which regularly compiles stories on stars in HD.

For Hillary Clinton, HD makes her look much older. "She has a lot of wrinkles, more than you realize," "When you see her in analog television, you don't think 60-year-old but in HD, it's like "oh yeah, 60-year-old."

John McCain's previous bouts with skin cancer also show up in more detail. "It's scary," says Swann. "But some can argue that it makes him more sympathetic because you realize all the scars, literally and figuratively, that he's gone through over the years."

Finally, Barack Obama is the one who really benefits, mostly. "You can see why people love him as far as charisma," says Swann. "Although, he has these veins that pop out of his forehead when he gets worked up, so I wonder if he has some blood pressure issues."

You might scoff, but a few years ago, Swann first noticed spots on President Bush's forehead during an HD broadcast of the State of the Union and wondered if they were an issue. A few months later, Bush was in the news for getting them removed.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electionfeatureshdtvpoliticsFri, 11 Apr 2008 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[The Trippiest Optical Illusions on the Net!]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/09/the-trippiest-optical-illustions-on-the-net/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/09/the-trippiest-optical-illustions-on-the-net/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/09/the-trippiest-optical-illustions-on-the-net/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Instant Test: Are You Creative or Logical?

This silhouette wins the award for coolest thing we've seen all day -- and it's not just because the tiny dancer above is in the buff. This is a little test that will tell you whether the left or right hemisphere of your brain is more dominant.

Instead of concentrating on her chest, concentrate on the woman's movement. If you see her spinning clockwise, that means you're using the right side, or more creative side of your brain. If she appears to be moving counter-clockwise, then that means the left side, or more logical side of your think muscle is superior.

At the Switched office, some of us see her going clockwise, others see her spinning counter-clockwise. At least one of us claims to see both, while another one of us opened this animation in Adobe ImageReady in order to isolate the frames to see if there's any direction-changing funny business going on. There isn't.

Take the test for yourself. Then, if you have time for a 50-question survey, compare these instant results to a more thorough diagnosis.

From Gizmo Watch

But wait! We have more optical illusions for you!



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funoptical illusionsOpticalIllusionstrippyWed, 09 Apr 2008 23:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Net Threats Right Now]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/09/top-internet-threats-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/09/top-internet-threats-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/09/top-internet-threats-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

While it may not feel quite like the Wild West anymore, the Internet is still full of people looking to rip you off -- the anonymity and secretive nature of online dealings makes them much more prone to fraud than in the real world. We've compiled a list of the top threats to your security lurking around the Internet -- and what you can do to avoid them.



The threat: The upcoming presidential election

The problem: All of the presidential candidates accept donation contributions online -- but be careful. Extremist supporters have been using "typo-domains" that mimic the Web site of a political rival; when the contributions come in, they're either pocketed or contributed to someone else's campaign. GOP Presidential nominee Ron Paul's campaign received funds from five hundred stolen credit cards, which were stolen from Frost bank; investigators discovered overseas thieves used Paul's site to test the stolen cards with $5 contributions.

How to protect yourself: Don't reply to the email -- and don't click the links inside it, either. Want to make an online donation? Google the name of your candidate of choice, go to his or her official site, and donate away ...


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsfeaturedstoriesfeatureshackerssecurityvirusesWed, 09 Apr 2008 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Why You Should Wait to Buy the iPhone (Switched Podcast)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/08/why-you-should-wait-to-buy-the-iphone-switched-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/08/why-you-should-wait-to-buy-the-iphone-switched-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/08/why-you-should-wait-to-buy-the-iphone-switched-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

Touch screens meet keyboards as the latest mobile phones debuted at last week's CTIA convention. Switched.com has a full report on the phones and the rumors -- including when you should plan to buy your next iPhone. Plus: Text Messages from The Grave.

Listen Now (mp3)

Be among the first to hear the 'Switched Show' each week. Subscribe for Free with iTunes. (Or subscribe with your own podcast aggregator by using the Switched Show feed.)

Previous Podcasts:
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctia2008featuredfeatured storiesFeaturedStoriesfeaturesswitched podcastSwitchedPodcastTue, 08 Apr 2008 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 Funniest Pet Web Sites]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do on the Internet is upload and broadcast pictures of your beloved animals. Everything from pictures and videos to podcasts of pet shenanigans have found ample homes online. Unfortunately, the vast majority of pet sites are of the nausea-inducing "cute" variety. Since pets can induce hours of laughter (regardless of whether they're wearing Groucho glasses or ladies' hats or not), we here at Switched decided to scour the Web for funny pet sites, and we found quite a few. What follows is a sampling of our favorite funny pet sites, some old, some new. Funny, of course, depends on the mind of the beholder, but we'd be lying if we didn't admit that we pretty much guffawed at every last site on this list. Check them out....






1. Lolcats
Lolcats are funny pictures of cats doing dumb things with broken, misspelled English captions placed over them. The result is often hilarious, such as a cat jumping out of a toilet with the following caption: "I'M IN UR TOILET USIN' UR FACILITIES." The central hub for all things lolcat, icanhascheezburger.com, is currently enjoying a resurgence of popularity after a few months of hype-trend-overload. The site has been online for two years and now includes a constellation of sites for lolcats, loldogs and political lolz -- the same thing, but for dogs and politicians.
If you're wondering how to make your own Lolcat, which is as simple as taking a goofy picture of your cat, adding a caption, and uploading it here, then check out the site's "wiki" tutorial designed to help people learn lolspeak, the broken English used on the site. The site also has a "lolz builder," which allows you to create your own lol-based-image with minimal effort and no software (they even supply pictures for you to caption). This means that there are new lolz posted all the time, which makes Lolcats the ultimate place to go for hilarious cat humor.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best ofBestOfpetswebsitesWed, 02 Apr 2008 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Camcorders Under $500]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/best-camcorders-under-500/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/best-camcorders-under-500/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/best-camcorders-under-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Contrary to popular belief, plenty of high-quality camcorders -- even HD ones -- are available for less than $500.
We test drove a bunch of them, and discovered that we liked some better than others. You can check out our top picks in the video above, and our list of favorites includes a range of recording formats including Mini-DV, flash memory, DVD and hard drive-based.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camcorderssummerreviewsTue, 01 Apr 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Most Evil Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/worlds-most-evil-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/worlds-most-evil-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/worlds-most-evil-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Most of the time, our gadgets are our friends. But occasionally, due to manufacturer screw-ups, faulty parts, or user incompetence, they can turn on us in events that can be scary, tragic, and, at times, hilarious. Here, Switched presents a list of gadgets and how their evil ways are wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims.





iPods kick out the jams -- and the flames!

Obviously one of the most popular gadgets around, the iPod was due for some problems. A string of incidents occurred with the nano's battery catching fire, including an airport worker whose pants caught on fire. This malfunction most likely occurs because of the lithium-ion battery in the first-generation devices, and now the Japanese government is ordering Apple to investigate the problem. More recently, Engadget received blurry photos showing two iPod Touch players that allegedly caught on fire. We're still not sure what's up, but if your iPod feels hot, be careful.



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newskiller gadgetsKillerGadgetstopweirdFri, 21 Mar 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Phones For Texting and E-Mailing]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/19/cell-phone-keypads-that-work/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/19/cell-phone-keypads-that-work/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/19/cell-phone-keypads-that-work/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The iPhone is certainly the worlds' greatest iPod and portable Web-surfing cell phone we've ever seen, but its keyboard still stinks -- we can't tell you how many typos the touch-sensitive thing has forced us to make while writing text-messages or e-mails over the past eight months. That's why we recommend phones with actual, physical keyboards to anyone who tends to send a lot of text-messages or e-mails. Luckily, most of the smart phones out there feature actual keyboards. To find out the three we like best, check out the above Switched-exclusive video.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfeatured storiesFeaturedStoriesfeatureskeyboard phonesKeyboardPhonessummerfeaturesWed, 19 Mar 2008 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Gadget Bargains (Podcast)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/10/the-best-gadget-bargains-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/10/the-best-gadget-bargains-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/10/the-best-gadget-bargains-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

The best gadget bargains are hidden inside this podcast. (Also hidden in here: Internet censorship lands in the airport, the Pentagon stocks up on PlayStation 3s and what your old GPS device says about you.)

Listen Now (mp3)

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>switched podcastSwitchedPodcastMon, 10 Mar 2008 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Essential Laptop Accessories (Video)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/09/five-essential-laptop-accessories-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/09/five-essential-laptop-accessories-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/09/five-essential-laptop-accessories-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Laptops may fit into almost any backpack or carry-on bag, but their compact size means you'll still need a few accessories to stay productive and happy while you're on the road (or down the road, at a Wi-Fi cafe). We picked five of our favorite notebook peripherals that no road warrior should be without, and decided to go on and on about them in this here video. Take a look!
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptop featureslaptop guide featuresLaptopFeaturessummerfeaturesSun, 09 Mar 2008 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Best Budget Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/07/10-best-budget-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/07/10-best-budget-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/07/10-best-budget-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Economic slowdowns or a crappy run at the race track doesn't mean that you can't own some of the best technology out there. Lots of people are caught between dreams of upgrading their cameras and TVs and the reality that their pockets just aren't deep enough to purchase top of the line products. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a selection of gadgets that give you the best return on your dollar in terms of quality and performance. Now you can go forth with the knowledge that you're spending your money wisely and buy yourself a shiny new toy.
Best Budget Gadgets
Best Budget Smart Phone:

BlackBerry Curve

If your career is growing too fast for your old phone to keep up with, but your bosses aren't springing for an upgrade, it's time to move up to the BlackBerry Curve. This phone has everything you'll need to manage your life. Now you can e-mail, IM, and browse the 'Net anywhere while keeping your appointments straight with the built-in organizer. For fun, snap pictures on the 2.0 megapixel camera and listen to tunes or watch videos with the media player. If you're really on the go, BlackBerry Maps gives you directions and maps for your destinations. Depending on your service plan, you can get a great deal (sometimes as little as $99) on a full-featured, all-in-one phone that'll leave you with the tools and the time to make more money.




Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetFri, 07 Mar 2008 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Best-Bang-For-Your-Buck Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/06/10-best-bang-for-your-buck-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/06/10-best-bang-for-your-buck-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/06/10-best-bang-for-your-buck-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Economic slowdowns or a crappy run at the race track doesn't mean that you can't own some of the best technology out there. Lots of people are caught between dreams of upgrading their cameras and TVs and the reality that their pockets just aren't deep enough to purchase top of the line products. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a selection of gadgets that give you the best return on your dollar in terms of quality and performance. Now you can go forth with the knowledge that you're spending your money wisely and buy yourself a shiny new toy.
Best Budget Gadgets
Best Budget Smart Phone:

BlackBerry Curve

If your career is growing too fast for your old phone to keep up with, but your bosses aren't springing for an upgrade, it's time to move up to the BlackBerry Curve. This phone has everything you'll need to manage your life. Now you can e-mail, IM, and browse the 'Net anywhere while keeping your appointments straight with the built-in organizer. For fun, snap pictures on the 2.0 megapixel camera and listen to tunes or watch videos with the media player. If you're really on the go, BlackBerry Maps gives you directions and maps for your destinations. Depending on your service plan, you can get a great deal (sometimes as little as $99) on a full-featured, all-in-one phone that'll leave you with the tools and the time to make more money.




Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[The World's Littlest Laptops (Video)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/29/the-worlds-littlest-laptops-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/29/the-worlds-littlest-laptops-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/29/the-worlds-littlest-laptops-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


They're tiny (enough for a handbag), fast (Linux) and resilient (all-solid-state memory and storage). And unlike the beauty from Cupertino, their price tag matches their stature. Check out our hands-on video with the Everex Cloudbook and the Asus eeePC.


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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptop guide reviewslaptop reviewsLaptopGuideReviewsLaptopReviewssummerfeaturesFri, 29 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA['Musical DNA' Turns Ordinary Piano Lessons Into 3D Light Shows]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/28/musical-dna-turns-ordinary-piano-lessons-into-3d-light-shows/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/28/musical-dna-turns-ordinary-piano-lessons-into-3d-light-shows/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/28/musical-dna-turns-ordinary-piano-lessons-into-3d-light-shows/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hey all you 'American Idol' hopefuls -- here's your chance to prove that you really are musical geniuses deep inside, by using a program called 'Musical DNA,' which visualizes the relationship between musical notes in a fun and semi-psychedelic fashion. We could begin a lengthy dissertation running circles around how the program actually works, but we'll spare you the eyestrain and instead treat you to a video that explains just how this software lets you "see" music in real time.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Musical InstrumentsMusicalInstrumentsThu, 28 Feb 2008 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Five Ways to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While few of us have actually received a cell phone bill as large as this poor fellow, we've all been privy to the occasional shockingly huge cell phone bill. It's no surprise, considering the ways in which carriers can hit us with hidden fees, exorbitant rates for going over our monthly minutes, or extra charges for seemingly innocuous extra feature such as call waiting. Fool us once, shame on us; fool us twice, and we find a way to cut those costs. So, take a look at our five top tips for lowering your phone bill.





1. Choose The Right Plan

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


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cheap GeekCheapGeekWed, 27 Feb 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Avoid Online Threats (This Week's Podcast)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/how-to-avoid-online-threats-this-weeks-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/how-to-avoid-online-threats-this-weeks-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/how-to-avoid-online-threats-this-weeks-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

Be careful who you click on. E-mail scams and phishing schemes are evolving with the times, and now are taking the shape of campaign donation pleas. This week: How to avoid giving out your identity online. PLUS: HD-DVD is (as we predicted) dead, and Lindsay Lohan takes a Web site offline by taking off all her clothes.
Listen Now (mp3)

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Next Big Things In Video Games (GDC Report)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/five-next-big-things-in-video-games-gdc-report/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/five-next-big-things-in-video-games-gdc-report/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/five-next-big-things-in-video-games-gdc-report/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/resources/2007/12/gdc08swirlylogo.jpg

This year's Game Developers Conference (GDC) was the biggest yet, with developers, journalists, and luminaries coming from around the world to gather for a week in San Francisco. And there were plenty of highlights, ranging from futurist Ray Kurzweil's keynote on the next 20 years of gaming to excellent sessions from a huge number of the gaming world's brightest stars. Here were some of the big trends we soaked in at this year's show.


Indie Games
It's a good time to be an indie game developer -- or an indie game player, for that matter. After years and years of being stuck in the shareware PC ghetto, small-scale, small-team productions finally have an ample forum to distribute their work (several of them, in fact). Xbox Live Arcade was one of Microsoft's main thrusts at this year's GDC, with improved tools (a new version of the company's XNA toolset) designed to help developers turn their ideas into living, breathing downloadable Xbox 360 games. Sony's PlayOnline service is continuing to pick up speed with releases like echochrome, and perhaps the biggest announcement came from Nintendo, which will finally be releasing its own downloadable content platform, WiiWare.

Continue reading Five Next Big Things In Video Games (GDC Report)

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game developers conferenceGameDevelopersConferenceGDCMon, 25 Feb 2008 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[PicLens Is Like iTunes Cover Flow, But For Pictures]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/step-aside-cover-flow/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/step-aside-cover-flow/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/25/step-aside-cover-flow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Step aside, Cover Flow. Firefox plug-ins rarely get us excited, but PicLens is one of the most impressive we've ever seen. The plug-in creates a 3D stream of photos from a range of sources on the Web, including flickr, Google Image Search, Facebook, and more.

The full-screen experience of zipping through your photos is instantly responsive and seamless because PicLens does some fancy image loading in the background. You can zoom in and out with scroll-wheel movement, and clicking and dragging zips the screen along towards hundreds of new photos.

CoolIris offers PicLens for free and it runs on both Windows and Mac OS X.

Get it free at the Switched/CNET Download Center.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FirefoxPlug-insMon, 25 Feb 2008 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anti-Gravity Treadmill]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/21/the-anti-gravity-treadmill/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/21/the-anti-gravity-treadmill/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/21/the-anti-gravity-treadmill/#commentsFiled under:

FDA Approves Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Whether you've been injured or you're just plain lazy, you'll probably find that the treadmill can be an intimidating piece of machinery. Sometimes the idea of just standing and supporting your own weight on your two legs is a terrifying notion. But that is where the Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill comes in.

The Alter-G uses a NASA-designed air pressure system to reduce a runner's (or more likely a walker's) weight by up to 80 percent. The support is reportedly barely noticeable and doesn't alter one's movement. The FDA has just approved the device for medical use, so expect to see them in rehabilitation centers soon.

One place we shouldn't see this is the gym. Running without supporting your weight is just kicking your legs wildly. You can do that by laying down and acting like a beetle on its back.

From Ubergizmo

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-ganti-gravitymedicinerehabilitationtreadmillThu, 21 Feb 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[HD-DVD Is Still Dead (This Week's Podcast)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/hd-dvd-its-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/hd-dvd-its-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/hd-dvd-its-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

We're callin' it -- HD-DVD has lost the format war against Blu-Ray -- but that doesn't mean now isn't a great time to get a sweet deal on an HD-DVD player.

Plus: How to extend the battery life of your cell phone, how to fend off attackers with your cell phone and a definitive answer to how many of your cell phone calls suck (in terms of sound quality). OH! And Hello Kitty!

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Switched PodcastSwitchedPodcastFri, 15 Feb 2008 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gadget Gifts (for Her)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Need a last minute gift idea for that special someone this Valentine's Day? Switched offers you a variety of gadget gifts that won't wilt like roses or pack on calories like chocolates. But remember - they'll only get you so far. The rest of the romance is up to you.



Pink iPod Nano

If your lady's in need of a new digital music player, why not go for an iPod nano in this brand new color? With 8-gigs of space, this non will let you load up plenty of her favorite tunes and maybe even some romantic playlists, if you feel like going the extra mile. Or, load her favorite shows to watch on the nano's 2-inch screen. Best of all, if you think she can wait a little longer for her gift, you can order it from apple.com and have it engraved at no extra charge.

$199


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgift ideasGiftIdeasValentine's dayValentine'sDayWed, 13 Feb 2008 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Valentine's Day Gadget Gifts]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts-1/#commentsFiled under: