Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dinos and Trenches in '1916 - The War You Never Knew']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/1916-the-war-we-never-knew-dinos-in-the-trenches/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/1916-the-war-we-never-knew-dinos-in-the-trenches/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/1916-the-war-we-never-knew-dinos-in-the-trenches/#comments 1916 - The War You Never Knew This week's batch of games take its inspiration from real life, but twists your expectations in weird and wonderful ways. Consider it an alchemical transformation that results in gaming gold.

We're no history buffs, but we're fairly certain that World War I did not involve ferocious velociraptors stalking hapless soldiers through the trenches. (But who knows? Maybe we were absent the day it was covered in history class.) The creators of '1916 - The War You Never Knew' -- a first-person survival horror experience set in the dingy trenches of the Great War -- clearly took inspiration from indie sensation 'Amnesia: The Dark Descent.' Setting this type of game in this type of environment is brilliant; it allows for a claustrophobic world that doesn't feel artificially constrained, and makes for a genuinely scary experience, notwithstanding the addition of deadly dinosaurs.

Gallery: 1916 - The War You Never Knew

Continue reading Dinos and Trenches in '1916 - The War You Never Knew'

SwitchedDinos and Trenches in '1916 - The War You Never Knew' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1916 - the war you never knew1916-TheWarYouNeverKnewappsgamesonthegogamingnewsmainos xOsXtime wastersTimeWasterstopvideogameswindowsMon, 11 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Students Create Smartphone App Capable of Detecting Malaria]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/09/students-create-smartphone-app-capable-of-detecting-malaria/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/09/students-create-smartphone-app-capable-of-detecting-malaria/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/09/students-create-smartphone-app-capable-of-detecting-malaria/#comments child testing for malaria A group of grad students has come up with a way to instantly diagnose malaria, using only a smartphone and some fancy software.

The team, comprised of students from around the nation, developed the prototype using a Samsung Focus smartphone, running Windows 7. After adding a microscopic camera lens to the phone, the students developed software capable of analyzing and scanning blood for malaria parasites. With the app installed on the phone, doctors or nurses could theoretically take a photo of any blood sample, and instantly know whether or not a patient is infected with malaria, and how severe the case may be.

Continue reading Students Create Smartphone App Capable of Detecting Malaria

SwitchedStudents Create Smartphone App Capable of Detecting Malaria originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscellphonesdoctorhealthmalariamicroscopeMicrosoftsmartphonesstudentstesttopSat, 09 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/#comments Facebook Closing Account Scam
Haven't you ever heard the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"? Well it doesn't just apply to things that are "good" -- it works for just about anything that sounds a bit unbelievable, like that Facebook is going to close all user accounts. It's not gonna happen. That hasn't stopped a new scam from spreading via a rogue app that posts the following message to your wall:
Facebook is closing all accounts today. They can't handle so many accounts. Most of the old accounts are not active, so they are deleting everything. If you want your account alive please confirm your activity. This is the final notice!
At the end of the wall post is a link that asks you to install an app called 'Confirm your activity - Official Application' with the Facebook logo as its icon. If you grant it permission to access your information and post to your wall (which you obviously shouldn't do), it will immediately begin posting links to itself on your wall while distracting you with a scam survey that earns a commission for the conmen (or conwomen) behind it.

Continue reading Latest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts

SwitchedLatest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfacebookfacebook scamFacebookScamsecuritysocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopFri, 08 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[About Time! 'This American Life' Finally Goes iPad]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/this-american-life-comes-to-ipad/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/this-american-life-comes-to-ipad/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/this-american-life-comes-to-ipad/#commentsNot to make gross generalizations, but it is pretty amazing that 'This American Life,' the NPR talk show hosted by hip geek Ira Glass, took this long to get to the iPad. NPR and iPads should have an intrinsic relationship, like Volkswagens and Macs, Starbucks and the New York Times. Once again, these are broad assumptions, but the Cult of Mac's reputation as NPR-listening, Toms-wearing folk isn't for naught. Too bad it's text only, but we certainly hope "Squirrel Cop" makes an appearance.

Disclaimer: This author works on a Mac and listens to NPR, and this was written while sipping a soy chai latte in a Brooklyn coffee shop.

SwitchedAbout Time! 'This American Life' Finally Goes iPad originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscult of macCultOfMacipadira glassIraGlassmediathis american lifeThisAmericanLifetopyuppiesFri, 08 Apr 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandora Provides Detailed Data, Including GPS Coordinates, to Advertisers]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/pandora-provides-detailed-data-including-gps-coordinates-to-ad/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/pandora-provides-detailed-data-including-gps-coordinates-to-ad/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/pandora-provides-detailed-data-including-gps-coordinates-to-ad/#commentsAfter it was revealed earlier this week that several smartphone app makers, including Pandora, were being targeted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey for illegally gathering and distributing user information, security firm Veracode decided to do its own analysis.

It took a look at the Android version of Pandora's streaming music app, and found that it was feeding data to five different advertising platforms: AdMarvel, AdMob, comScore, Google.Ads, and Medialets. It appears the Pandora is feeding GPS coordinates, as well as the user's birthday, gender, postal code and Android ID, to AdMob. The other ad networks received similar data -- with comScore pulling in Android IDs, and Medialets receiving very detailed GPS data, including bearing and altitude, as well as information about model and version of Android.

Continue reading Pandora Provides Detailed Data, Including GPS Coordinates, to Advertisers

SwitchedPandora Provides Detailed Data, Including GPS Coordinates, to Advertisers originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgpsLocationDatapandoraprivacytopwebFri, 08 Apr 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/#comments empire avenue Social networking is a numbers game. Not only do you try to get the "right" amount of friends on Facebook and a good follower/followed ratio on Twitter, but it's all about wielding some social currency: who knows whom, where you get invited, if you'll get the scoop on the latest celeb death. Nowadays, social networking is quantifying the power of your friendships.

But talking analytics will make the average Facebooker's eyes glaze over. Transitioning it into a buy/sell/trade stock market game, however, suddenly turns your socialite friend into a hot commodity. Empire Avenue, a "social influence stock market" has now launched its Facebook app, which allows players to "buy and sell" the people they know, leveraging profit. The idea is that active, socially "fluent" people are worth more -- the more you tweet, post and share, the higher your value is. Then, you can take the game's currency, called "eaves," and purchase in-game items, which can also increase your value. The more people you invite, the greater access you'll have.

Continue reading Turn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game

SwitchedTurn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsempire avenueEmpireAvenuefacebookgamingsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingstock marketStockMarkettoptwitterThu, 07 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Play the Incredible 'Iconoclasts', Then Help Finish It]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/konjak-iconoclasts-video-game/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/konjak-iconoclasts-video-game/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/konjak-iconoclasts-video-game/#comments Iconoclasts This week we're showing love to the latest games from some of our favorite designers. These are creators that we've come to expect the best from - and this week's picks certainly live up our expectations, leaving us fiending for what's next.

Anyone who's played designer Konjak's previous works -- particularly 'Legend of Princess' -- knows the level of artistry he attains with pixels. His latest unfinished game 'Iconoclasts' is further proof of his skills. Incredible to behold, with whimsical character acting, fluid animation and lushly designed levels, 'Iconoclasts' feels like the creation of some alternate dimension in which pixelated art never went away.

What's going on under the hood is just as impressive. The game features perfectly executed side scrolling gameplay that feels straight out of 'Metroid' and 'Mega Man.' That's why it hurts so much to hear that Konjak may be abandoning the project. But you can help him finish: Download the game for your PC and, if you like it, you can donate to Konjak directly through his website, and support his continued game development.

Gallery: Iconoclasts

SwitchedPlay the Incredible 'Iconoclasts', Then Help Finish It originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgamesonthegogamingiconoclastskonjaknewsmaintimewasterstopvideogameswindowsTue, 05 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[David Bowie's 'Golden Years' to be Rereleased as Remixable iOS App]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/david-bowies-golden-years-to-be-rereleased-as-remixable-ios-a/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/david-bowies-golden-years-to-be-rereleased-as-remixable-ios-a/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/david-bowies-golden-years-to-be-rereleased-as-remixable-ios-a/#comments

David Bowie's 'Golden Years,' from his classic album 'Station to Station,' is coming to the Apple App Store on June 6th. You'll have the ability to remix the song by manipulating eight of the original instrument tracks, including vocals, guitar and percussion. Users will even be able to export their mixes as MP3s and share them with friends. Bowie released a similar edition of 'Space Oddity' in 2009 for $2.

SwitchedDavid Bowie's 'Golden Years' to be Rereleased as Remixable iOS App originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdavid bowieDavidBowiegolden yearsGoldenYearsiosmusictopTue, 05 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook iPhone App Update Lets You Unfriend on the Go]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/#commentsFacebook released an update to its iPhone app yesterday, bringing event check-ins and enhanced map functionality. Rather than relying on Facebook Places, users can now check in at events and use Google Maps to visualize where their friends have checked in. And, perhaps best of all, the update allows you to unfriend people directly from your phone. No word yet on when these features will come to Android, but iPhone users can grab the update here.

SwitchedFacebook iPhone App Update Lets You Unfriend on the Go originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscheck-infacebookGoogleMapsiphonemapsSocialNetworkingtopunfriendupdateTue, 05 Apr 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jersey Feds Call Grand Jury Investigation Into Smartphone Apps]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/feds-call-grand-jury-investigation-into-smartphone-ap/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/feds-call-grand-jury-investigation-into-smartphone-ap/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/feds-call-grand-jury-investigation-into-smartphone-ap/#commentsFederal prosecutors in New Jersey have called for a grand jury investigation to determine whether or not smartphone apps have been illegally gathering and spreading users' personal information.

According to the Wall Street Journal, federal authorities are looking into whether or not app manufacturers properly disclosed the kinds of personal information their apps collect from users, and whether or not they provided justification for doing so. Failure to notify and inform consumers about data gathering could constitute a violation of federal law, a source close to the investigation explained.

Continue reading New Jersey Feds Call Grand Jury Investigation Into Smartphone Apps

SwitchedNew Jersey Feds Call Grand Jury Investigation Into Smartphone Apps originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAppleappsdataFederalInvestigationgoogleGrandJuryiphoneNewJerseypandorapoliticsprivacysmartphonetopTue, 05 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Photoshop Scam Spreading Like Wildfire]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/04/facebook-photoshop-scam-spreading-like-wildfire/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/04/facebook-photoshop-scam-spreading-like-wildfire/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/04/facebook-photoshop-scam-spreading-like-wildfire/#comments Facebook Photoshop Scam
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Clicking on Facebook links is dangerous business. At least a few of aren't aware of this sad fact; otherwise, the latest scam Facebook app wouldn't be spreading at the alarming rate of almost 90,000 clicks per hour.

M86 Security labs reported the latest link hoax, which spreads quickly via Facebook Chat. It starts with a message from a friend that reads, "hey, I just made a photoshop of you, check it out :p" with a link attached. Clicking the link brings up a prompt, which asks you to install a Facebook app that requests access to Chat. Of course, it then immediately begins spamming your friends with the same message. It keeps you distracted by redirecting you to a blog featuring "45 Strange and Funny Photoshop Manipulations" such as a person's face on a dog. Needless to say, none of them feature your face.

Continue reading Facebook Photoshop Scam Spreading Like Wildfire

SwitchedFacebook Photoshop Scam Spreading Like Wildfire originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfacebookfacebook photoshop scamfacebook+photoshop+scamfacebookphotoshopscamphotoshopscamscamssecuritytopwebMon, 04 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter Confirms Your Long UberSocial DM's Might Be Public]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/twitter-confirms-your-long-ubersocial-dms-might-be-public/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/twitter-confirms-your-long-ubersocial-dms-might-be-public/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/twitter-confirms-your-long-ubersocial-dms-might-be-public/#comments saftey tweet Twitter has issued a warning to all UberSocial and Twitroyd users after discovering that some direct messages sent via the apps have become publicly visible. Twitter's Trust and Safety Team confirmed the vulnerability yesterday, explaining that it could affect any direct messages exceeding 140 characters in length, sent via "d username." Twitter says it has notified the apps' developer and is working to bring both UberSocial and Twitroyd "into compliance w/our privacy policies."

SwitchedTwitter Confirms Your Long UberSocial DM's Might Be Public originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsprivacysafetysecuritySocialNetworkingtoptwitroydtwitterubersocialWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Removes TV Channels From iPad App, Appeases Media Companies]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/time-warner-pulls-channels-from-ipad-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/time-warner-pulls-channels-from-ipad-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/time-warner-pulls-channels-from-ipad-app/#comments time warner cable app Time Warner Cable has pulled a handful of TV channels from its iPad app after receiving complaints from three media companies. The app, released earlier this month, allows users to choose from over 30 channels streamed directly to their iPads. Yesterday, however, Time Warner suddenly removed several of the channels (including MTV and FX), after Viacom, Discovery Communications and the News Corporation argued that the app violated their contracts with the cable company.

The three media companies think Time Warner should pay them more for the rights to stream their channels to iPads and other portable devices. Prior to yesterday's announcement, both the News Corporation and Viacom had already sent cease and desist letters to the cable provider.

Continue reading Time Warner Removes TV Channels From iPad App, Appeases Media Companies

SwitchedTime Warner Removes TV Channels From iPad App, Appeases Media Companies originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleappschanneldiscoveryipadnews corporationNewsCorporationprogrammingstreamingtime warnerTimeWarnertoptvviacomFri, 01 Apr 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA['Witness' Security Program Lets You Watch as Thieves Steal Your Mac]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/witness-security-program-mac-laptop/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/witness-security-program-mac-laptop/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/witness-security-program-mac-laptop/#comments

These days, would-be thieves steal gadgets at their own risk. While yesteryear's TVs and stereos resulted in big money, today's laptops and smartphones -- what with their GPS tracking and Web connectivity -- typically result in quick arrests. And, thanks to a new program called Witness (which turns your Mac into an Internet-connected security camera), you can watch somebody stealing the computer you'll inevitably get back the first time he logs onto Facebook.

Switched'Witness' Security Program Lets You Watch as Thieves Steal Your Mac originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscrimemacmacbooksecuritythieftopwitnessFri, 01 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avoid the Rising Tide in 'Submerged - LaSol']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/submerged-lasol-avoid-the-rising-tide/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/submerged-lasol-avoid-the-rising-tide/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/submerged-lasol-avoid-the-rising-tide/#comments Submerged - LaSol Spring's barely arrived, yet we're already looking ahead to summer and the prospect of lounging on the beach with a trashy paperback in hand. In the meantime, we've picked a few of our favorite nautically themed games to satisfy our longing for the sea.

It's tough being the protagonist of 'Submerged - LaSol,' janitor Stan Winston. (Nice one, guys.) Sure, he gets to work on the man-made, oceanic resort of LaSol, but he also has to contend with the bombing and subsequent sinking of said resort. It's the kind of trade-off that makes one reconsider whether or not that 401k plan is really worth it. Trapped in a small maintenance shaft, you must scramble to freedom before the steadily rising water level catches up with you. The game's strong suit is a level of tension that's not often found in adventure games. Add some solid voice acting and well-animated character animation, and this PC download should become another fantastic (and free) addition to any gamer's library.

Gallery: Submerged - LaSol

SwitchedAvoid the Rising Tide in 'Submerged - LaSol' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgamesonthegogamingnewsmainpcSubmerged-LasoltimewasterstopvideogameswindowsThu, 31 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Denies Working on A Freaky Facial Recognition App]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-denies-freak-facial-recognition-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-denies-freak-facial-recognition-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-denies-freak-facial-recognition-app/#comments cnn vs. google Updated after the break.

Internet intrigue! A CNN story by Mark Milian reported that Google is working on a facial-recognition app that would be deployed in a manner similar to Google Goggles -- snap a picture of someone's face, and it leads back to their Google profile, more or less. We were all about to scream, "GOOGLE TO DESTROY LAST VESTIGES OF PRIVACY (AGAIN)" when suddenly we saw all of the retractions and updates screaming across our feeds: Google says much of the story is falsified.

An email from a Google spokesperson to Time's Techland reads thus:
I left you a voicemail about this, but saw your story based on CNN's speculative and inaccurate piece on a face recognition app and wanted to reach out -- your story is wrong because CNN's story is wrong. In fact, we are NOT "introducing a mobile application" (as the CNN piece claims) and as we've said for over a year, we would NOT add face recognition to any app like Goggles unless there was a strong privacy model in place. A number of items "reported" in the story, such as a potential app connecting phone numbers, email addresses and other information with a person's face, are purely speculative and are inventions of the reporter.

Continue reading Google Denies Working on A Freaky Facial Recognition App

SwitchedGoogle Denies Working on A Freaky Facial Recognition App originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appcnnfacial recognitionFacialRecognitiongooglemark milianMarkMilianmediatopThu, 31 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Creepy' App Uses Photo Data to Pinpoint Your Location]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/creepy-app-uses-photo-data-to-pinpoint-your-location/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/creepy-app-uses-photo-data-to-pinpoint-your-location/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/creepy-app-uses-photo-data-to-pinpoint-your-location/#comments cree.py Ever wonder how easy it would be for someone to track your every move? You can now find out with a new app called 'Creepy.'

Created by 26-year-old Yiannis Kakavas, 'Creepy' is a software package that allows users to pinpoint anyone's location, using geographic data embedded within shared photos. All you have to do is type in a person's Twitter or Flickr username, and hit the 'Geolocate Target' button. The app will then gather all the geographic information available online, via photos that the 'target' has shared online.

Continue reading 'Creepy' App Uses Photo Data to Pinpoint Your Location

Switched'Creepy' App Uses Photo Data to Pinpoint Your Location originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscree.pycreepycreepy appcreepy+appcreepyappflickrgeolocationLocationmapsphotosprivacysecuritySocialNetworkingsoftwaretoptwitpictwitterWebyfrogThu, 31 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Brief, Claustrophobic Adventure in 'Beacon']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/beacon-brief-claustrophobic-adventure/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/beacon-brief-claustrophobic-adventure/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/beacon-brief-claustrophobic-adventure/#comments Beacon Spring's barely arrived, yet we're already looking ahead to summer and the prospect of lounging on the beach with a trashy paperback in hand. In the meantime, we've picked a few of our favorite nautically themed games to satisfy our longing for the sea.

'Beacon' is a brief adventure game with one of the most original and eerie settings we've had the pleasure to explore. A Russian space capsule crashes into the bottom of the ocean, and you -- taking on the role of a repair droid -- must find a way to release an emergency beacon before the spacecraft is crushed by undersea pressure. While this PC download only features a handful of environments, each is rendered with an artistic touch. We only wish this tale could have lasted longer. If only an entire space station had crashed instead...

Gallery: Beacon

SwitchedA Brief, Claustrophobic Adventure in 'Beacon' originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbeacongamesonthegogamingnewsmainpctimewasterstopvideogameswindowsWed, 30 Mar 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[America Develops Cell Phone Panic Button for Pro-Democracy Activists]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/america-cellphone-panic-button-for-pro-democracy-activists/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/america-cellphone-panic-button-for-pro-democracy-activists/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/america-cellphone-panic-button-for-pro-democracy-activists/#commentsOne of America's newest tools in the war against tyranny could be a cell phone "panic" button. According to Reuters, the U.S. State Department wants to equip pro-democracy activists in the Middle East with technology that could wipe phones of sensitive data in the event that they are arrested or their cell phones are confiscated. Initiating the panic sequence would erase the phone book, call history and messages, while also broadcasting an alert to other protesters.

The technology therefore would make it easier to spread word about an arrest, and to keep that arrest from creating a domino effect (by which any person found in the contacts of a protester's cell phone could be incarcerated). We're sure there are plenty of people in Libya, Yemen and Syria who wish they'd had this technology weeks ago.

SwitchedAmerica Develops Cell Phone Panic Button for Pro-Democracy Activists originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgovernmentPanicButtonpoliticsprivacytopWed, 30 Mar 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Condition ONE Makes War Footage Immersive and Interactive]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/condition-one-makes-war-footage-immersive-and-interactive/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/condition-one-makes-war-footage-immersive-and-interactive/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/condition-one-makes-war-footage-immersive-and-interactive/#comments Condition One iPad App Despite unceasing conflict around the globe, war journalism has fallen on hard times. In the words of award-winning war correspondent Danfung Dennis, the art of photojournalism is "dying." Dennis has created a new system, called Condition ONE, which he hopes will breathe new life into wartime videography by creating an immersive and interactive experience.

There are several parts to the Condition ONE system, the first of which is an extreme wide-angle lens that Dennis says recreates the human field of vision -- partly by distorting the edge of the frame to mimic peripheral vision. The second and perhaps more interesting part is the media cockpit, which projects the image onto a large domed screen that envelops the viewer, allowing him or her to gaze around the unfolding scene. There is also an iPad app in which you can "look" around -- either by using your finger to scan the landscape, or by holding the iPad in front of you and looking around, just as you would with many augmented reality apps.

Continue reading Condition ONE Makes War Footage Immersive and Interactive

SwitchedCondition ONE Makes War Footage Immersive and Interactive originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsConditionOneDanfungDennisiosipadjournalismmediaphotojournalismtopvideographyWed, 30 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Cloud Player Streams Your Music Collection to Your Android Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/amazon-cloud-player-streams-your-music-collection-to-your-androi/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/amazon-cloud-player-streams-your-music-collection-to-your-androi/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/amazon-cloud-player-streams-your-music-collection-to-your-androi/#comments Amazon Cloud Player We know that Google is planning a streaming music service for Android devices, and rumors of Apple offering a similar product have been circulating for years. Late last night, though, Amazon stole their thunder. With little to no fanfare, Amazon unveiled 'Amazon Cloud Player,' a service that comes bundled with 5GB of free Cloud Drive storage for uploading your music and other files, too. The actual Cloud Player comes in two flavors: a web-based music manager, and a music player for Android that is now built-in to the Amazon MP3 app.

Signing up for the service is a little cumbersome. If you don't already have a Cloud Drive account (which you probably don't), you'll have to sign up for one. Once you've uploaded some music -- which is simple enough using the giant "upload" button on the Cloud Drive page -- you'll then need to sign up for Cloud Player. You have to do this from the Amazon site on you computer; it can't be done from your phone, and it wasn't immediately apparent to us that Cloud Drive and Cloud Player required two separate sign-ups. Once we signed up on Amazon, we had to log out of our account on our phone and log back in to force Amazon MP3 to pull up our music.

Gallery: Amazon Cloud Player

Continue reading Amazon Cloud Player Streams Your Music Collection to Your Android Phone

SwitchedAmazon Cloud Player Streams Your Music Collection to Your Android Phone originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon cloud driveamazon cloud playerAmazonCloudDriveAmazonCloudPlayerandroidappscloud drivecloud playerCloudDriveCloudPlayermusictopwebTue, 29 Mar 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Simple 'Color' Hack Lets You Snag Anyone's Photos, Regardless of Location]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/simple-color-hack-lets-you-snag-anyones-photos-regardless-of/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/simple-color-hack-lets-you-snag-anyones-photos-regardless-of/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/simple-color-hack-lets-you-snag-anyones-photos-regardless-of/#commentsThe new social photo-sharing app 'Color,' which shares photos with and from everyone within a 150-foot radius, landed last week, and immediately garnered some raised eyebrows from those concerned with silly things like privacy. But sharing your photos with anyone and everyone who might walk down the same block as you seems like a trivial complaint, now that security researcher and Veracode chief technology officer Chris Wysopal has figured out a pretty simple way to remove the location limitations.

Wysopal realized that, with the help of a jailbroken iPad and an app called 'FakeLocation,' he could trick 'Color' into thinking he was anywhere. The result? He could then snag the photos of anyone in that area without physically being there. (A similar trick can be pulled off with a rooted Android phone and a location-spoofing app that reports fake GPS coordinates.)

Continue reading Simple 'Color' Hack Lets You Snag Anyone's Photos, Regardless of Location

SwitchedSimple 'Color' Hack Lets You Snag Anyone's Photos, Regardless of Location originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappscolorColorLocationgpsiosprivacytopTue, 29 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Vimeo App Finally Hits the iPhone With Video Editing and Watch List]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/vimeo-comes-to-the-iphone-with-a-free-movie-editing-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/vimeo-comes-to-the-iphone-with-a-free-movie-editing-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/vimeo-comes-to-the-iphone-with-a-free-movie-editing-app/#comments We met up with Vimeo's Andrew Pile down at SXSW to get an early look at the company's long-awaited iPhone app, which hit the App Store this morning. The new app gives you access to your videos, likes and 'Watch Later' list, all constituting a much-needed alternative to Vimeo's current mobile optimized site. The free app's built-in video editor offers an alternative to Apple's $4.99 iMovie with transitions, titling tools, simple audio editing and basic effects. You can choose from existing video on your phone or record in-app; after editing, upload the video to Vimeo, or export it as a self-contained movie. The bare-bones video editor is surprisingly good for quickly throwing together a few clips, music and titles without having to transfer your files back to your computer, and worked fine on our aging 3GS (though it did crash several times when we tried to export). At launch, the app doesn't support AirPlay for sending videos to your TV, but Pile confirmed that we can expect it in future versions of the app.

Gallery: Vimeo iPhone App

SwitchedVimeo App Finally Hits the iPhone With Video Editing and Watch List originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndrewPileappsiossxswvideoVideoEditingvimeoTue, 29 Mar 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Voice-Controlled Game 'Pah!' Guarantees You'll Be the Most Obnoxious Subway Rider]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/27/voice-controlled-iphone-game-pah/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/27/voice-controlled-iphone-game-pah/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/27/voice-controlled-iphone-game-pah/#comments
Aahhhh. Pah! Pah! Aaahhhh. What's that you ask? Oh, nothing -- just the dulcet tones of the most annoying video game ever created. A tall claim, what with all the Zynga choices out there, but we really do think this one's got it in the bag. This Lucky7 Labs iPhone game is voice-controlled; "aah" moves the ship, while "pah!" fires away. Multiply that by an entire subway car full of players, and you may as well abandon all hope. The developers claim on the Apple App Store: "Extreme stomach aches due to laughter may be experienced during the play of this game." Or due to being punched in the gut by your pissed-off neighbor. Either way, good times had by all!

SwitchedVoice-Controlled Game 'Pah!' Guarantees You'll Be the Most Obnoxious Subway Rider originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annoyingappsAppStoregamingiphoneLucky7obnoxioustopVideoGamesSun, 27 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Cloud Girlfriend' Makes Sad Guys Feel Worse About Being Single]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/26/cloud-girlfriend-makes-sad-guys-feel-worse-about-being-single/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/26/cloud-girlfriend-makes-sad-guys-feel-worse-about-being-single/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/26/cloud-girlfriend-makes-sad-guys-feel-worse-about-being-single/#comments cloud girlfriend It's easy to feel sorry for lonely dudes. Beyond the fact that they are desolate, there are entire industries devoted to making them feel worse and taking their money. (The same goes for lonely ladies, as well, but let's keep the focus on guys for a moment). So, when apps like 'Cloud Girlfriend' come along, offering to create the "perfect woman" who will fake a loving relationship with someone on Facebook, we can't decide what concerns us more: the fact that individuals might actually pay for this service out of desperation, or that the creators actually thought it could be a lucrative service.

Continue reading 'Cloud Girlfriend' Makes Sad Guys Feel Worse About Being Single

Switched'Cloud Girlfriend' Makes Sad Guys Feel Worse About Being Single originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscloud+girlfriendCloudGirlfriendfacebookFacebookAppsLOLZrelationshipstopVirtualGirlfriendSat, 26 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet To Support Android Apps]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-playbook-tablet-to-support-android-apps/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-playbook-tablet-to-support-android-apps/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-playbook-tablet-to-support-android-apps/#comments blackberry playbook There's probably never going to be a tablet that unseats the iPad, just as there never was an iPhone killer or a serious iPod competitor. But that doesn't mean that some companies won't make great products and fantastic business decisions. Case in point is RIM, which yesterday announced that the forthcoming BlackBerry PlayBook will support Android apps.

There are some caveats, of course. For one, the tablet only supports Android 2.3, not Android 3.0 Honeycomb apps -- which are the ones optimized for tablets. But despite the limitations, the move will doubtlessly go a long way toward pleasing a customer base that could potentially extend far beyond business users.

SwitchedBlackBerry PlayBook Tablet To Support Android Apps originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookhoneycombplaybookrimtabletFri, 25 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA['Color' App Takes Your Photos Public, Shows Users in 150-Foot Radius]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/color-app-takes-your-photos-public-shows-users-in-150-foot-ra/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/color-app-takes-your-photos-public-shows-users-in-150-foot-ra/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/color-app-takes-your-photos-public-shows-users-in-150-foot-ra/#commentsLala founder Bill Nguyen's new 'Color' app is keeping the app hype machine rolling by raising $41 million... before launch. The Lala founder's app arrived today at Color.com (the domain having been purchased for a cool $350,000) with commentators claiming that it will "transform the way people communicate with each other." Nguyen has been given huge media exposure by everyone from the New York Times and Fast Company to industry veterans like John Battelle. Photo apps built around sharing (e.g. 'Instagram' and 'Path') have proven extremely popular in the past year, and Color adds another element to the endlessly hyped mobile and social mix: location.

Continue reading 'Color' App Takes Your Photos Public, Shows Users in 150-Foot Radius

Switched'Color' App Takes Your Photos Public, Shows Users in 150-Foot Radius originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsbill+nguyen+colorBillNguyenbillnguyencolorcellphonescolorcolor+appcolor+app+socialcolor.comcolor.com+appcolor.comappcolorappcolorappsocialcolouriosiphoneprivacyThu, 24 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM Pulls Drunk-Driving BlackBerry Apps, Pleases Democratic Senators]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/rim-pulls-drunk-driving-blackberry-apps-pleases-democratic-sena/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/rim-pulls-drunk-driving-blackberry-apps-pleases-democratic-sena/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/rim-pulls-drunk-driving-blackberry-apps-pleases-democratic-sena/#commentsRIM has decided to pull all BlackBerry apps designed to help drivers avoid sobriety checkpoints, in response to a request filed by four Democratic Senators. Thus far, at least one app has already vanished from the BlackBerry App World, a fact that drew praise from New York Senator Charles Schumer. "RIM's decision to remove these apps from their online store proves that when it comes to drunk driving, there should not be an app for that," Schumer said. Neither Apple nor Google has responded to the Senators' request.

SwitchedRIM Pulls Drunk-Driving BlackBerry Apps, Pleases Democratic Senators originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsBlackBerryCharlesSchumerDrunkDrivinglawpolicepoliticsRIMsafetytopThu, 24 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Stitches Together Cell Phone Photos to Create 3-D Models]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/microsoft-app-makes-3-d-models-from-cell-phone-photos/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/microsoft-app-makes-3-d-models-from-cell-phone-photos/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/microsoft-app-makes-3-d-models-from-cell-phone-photos/#comments 3-D Model Microsoft researchers have whipped up an impressive new cell phone app that turns camera-phone snapshots into 3-D models. The app is similar to Microsoft's Photosynth, which stitches together images to recreate 3-D environments. But Photosynth simply created the illusion of 3-D; this new project actually analyzes images, and maps depth by comparing how objects appear in different photos.

Creating the model is as simple as walking around an object while taking pictures. Larger objects, such as a car, can require up to 40 images, while smaller ones, such as a guitar or a cake, can need less than 20. Those shots are sent to that mysterious place known as "the cloud," where they're analyzed and pieced together to create a (relatively) seamless 3-D model. The model can be downloaded and explored right on the phone. (Swiping your finger around spins the model.)

Continue reading Microsoft Stitches Together Cell Phone Photos to Create 3-D Models

SwitchedMicrosoft Stitches Together Cell Phone Photos to Create 3-D Models originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-d3d3dModelingappscellphonesmicrosoftphotographytopWed, 23 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[IMDB App Update to Bring 'Watchlist,' Ticket Purchasing to iPhone, iPad]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/imdb-iphone-ipad-app-update/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/imdb-iphone-ipad-app-update/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/imdb-iphone-ipad-app-update/#comments Major IMDB Update IMDB will release a major update to its app for iPhone and iPad today, designed to allow users to follow a movie's development from start to finish.

With the update, users will be able to receive news on films and TV shows from the moment they're greenlit and up until the second they're produced via updates from IMDB. Selected projects can be added to a user's 'Watchlist,' which will display information like theater release dates or TV broadcast times. The update also includes a feature that allows users to purchase movie tickets directly from the app.

Continue reading IMDB App Update to Bring 'Watchlist,' Ticket Purchasing to iPhone, iPad

SwitchedIMDB App Update to Bring 'Watchlist,' Ticket Purchasing to iPhone, iPad originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsimdbipadiphonemoviessmartphonetoptvupdateWebWed, 23 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Democratic Senators Ask Apple to Remove DUI Checkpoint Apps]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/democratic-senators-ask-apple-to-remove-dui-checkpoint-apps/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/democratic-senators-ask-apple-to-remove-dui-checkpoint-apps/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/democratic-senators-ask-apple-to-remove-dui-checkpoint-apps/#commentsA group of Senators is asking Apple to remove from its App Store all apps designed to help drunk drivers avoid checkpoints -- apps that the politicians consider "harmful to public safety."

In a letter, four Senators -- Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Tom Udall (D-NM) -- argued that apps that help drivers avoid speed traps, sobriety checkpoints and police radar pose serious risks to other motorists. "Giving drunk drivers a free tool to evade checkpoints, putting innocent families and children at risk, is a matter of public concern," the Senators wrote in a letter to Apple, Google and BlackBerry manufacturer Research in Motion. "We hope that you will give our request to remove these applications from your store immediate consideration."

Continue reading Democratic Senators Ask Apple to Remove DUI Checkpoint Apps

SwitchedDemocratic Senators Ask Apple to Remove DUI Checkpoint Apps originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleappsAppStoreBlackBerryDemocratsdrunkDrunkDrivingduigooglelawPhantomAlertpolicepoliticsRIMtopWed, 23 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Hooray for Mob Rule: Apple Boots 'Ex-Gay' App After 150K People Demand Tolerance]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/exodus-international-ex-gay-app-booted-app-store/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/exodus-international-ex-gay-app-booted-app-store/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/exodus-international-ex-gay-app-booted-app-store/#comments exodus not found in itunes Well, I was right. Change.org's petition to Apple to remove Exodus International's so-called "gay cure" app has reached 150,000 signatures, and now the app's no longer available. Apple hasn't yet released a statement on the matter.

As Cult of Mac points out: "The real issue [is that] Apple has no coherent policy about what kind of content gets approved and remains in iTunes." Indeed.

Gay Gamer took issue with my defense of the wingnut organization's app, but I think commenter SecretMoblin aptly clarifies one of the points I tried to make previously. "The folks behind Exodus are perfectly aware of the controversy this app would bring... Exodus wants pressure from gay and lesbian organizations to pull the app so it can prove its point about those mean intolerant gays shutting down anybody who gets in their way." Looks like they got their wish.

SwitchedHooray for Mob Rule: Apple Boots 'Ex-Gay' App After 150K People Demand Tolerance originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleappsex+gay+appex-gayexgayappExodusInternationaliphonetopWed, 23 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Copenhagen Airport to Track Passengers Using Wi-Fi Data]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/copenhagen-airport-to-track-passengers-using-wi-fi-data/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/copenhagen-airport-to-track-passengers-using-wi-fi-data/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/copenhagen-airport-to-track-passengers-using-wi-fi-data/#comments copenhagen airport If you ever find yourself with some time to kill at Copenhagen International Airport, there's a good chance that a company in Switzerland will know exactly how you chose to spend it.

SITA, an aviation communications and technology company based in Geneva, recently created a new program capable of tracking passengers' movements, using the Wi-Fi signals emitted from their smartphones and laptops. Each passenger is represented by a single dot, with different colors distinguishing between arriving and departing travelers.

Continue reading Copenhagen Airport to Track Passengers Using Wi-Fi Data

SwitchedCopenhagen Airport to Track Passengers Using Wi-Fi Data originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportairport securityAirportSecurityappscopenhagencopenhagen international airportCopenhagenInternationalAirportofferpromotiontoptrackingtravelwifiTue, 22 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefox 4 Finally Lands, Ready to Challenge Chrome and IE]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/firefox-4-finally-lands-ready-to-challenge-chrome-and-ie/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/firefox-4-finally-lands-ready-to-challenge-chrome-and-ie/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/firefox-4-finally-lands-ready-to-challenge-chrome-and-ie/#comments Firefox 4 Firefox 4 hit beta all the way back in July of 2010. After a series of delays (which largely appear to have arisen from playing catch-up with the quickly evolving Chrome), the latest version of the pioneering, open-source browser is finally here. It's faster and sleeker than previous versions, and features the incredible Panorama tab-organizer. Download it now for free.

SwitchedFirefox 4 Finally Lands, Ready to Challenge Chrome and IE originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserfirefoxfirefox 4firefox+version+4+to+downloadFirefox4firefoxversion4todownloadlinuxmacmozillapctopwebTue, 22 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Launches Appstore for Android, Apple Files Lawsuit]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/amazon-appstore-launches-apple-sues/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/amazon-appstore-launches-apple-sues/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/amazon-appstore-launches-apple-sues/#comments amazon appstore Amazon launched its own Android app store today, despite facing legal challenges from Apple.

The Amazon Appstore will provide a new way for Android users to purchase apps for their mobile and tablet devices, while offering a few features unique to Amazon. Because the online retailer already enjoys a strong consumer base, Amazon will be able to integrate its own marketing and recommendation tools within its Appstore, potentially providing users with more accurate and personalized suggestions.

Continue reading Amazon Launches Appstore for Android, Apple Files Lawsuit

SwitchedAmazon Launches Appstore for Android, Apple Files Lawsuit originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAmazonAppstoreandroidAndroidAppStoreAppleappsAppStoregoogleJeffBezoslawsuitmobileshoppingsmartphonetopTrademarkTue, 22 Mar 2011 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA['Helicopter Taxi,' an Augmented Reality Toy for Kids]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/helicopter-taxi-augmented-reality-toy-for-kids/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/helicopter-taxi-augmented-reality-toy-for-kids/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/helicopter-taxi-augmented-reality-toy-for-kids/#comments
Augmented reality is fun but -- let's face it -- kinda gimmicky. Kids, though, they love gimmicky. The 'Helicopter Taxi' iPhone app lets children fly a virtual 3-D helicopter around the real world, picking up and dropping off virtual passengers along the way. It should be said that 'Helicopter Taxi' is not a game, as there are no points to earn or goals to achieve. This is a $1.99 digital toy. Like a Tonka Truck for the iPhone.

Switched'Helicopter Taxi,' an Augmented Reality Toy for Kids originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsARAugmentedRealityHelicopterTaxiiosiphoneTocaBocatoptoyTue, 22 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Censorship Goes Both Ways: The Case for an Ex-Gay App]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/case-for-exodus-international-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/case-for-exodus-international-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/case-for-exodus-international-iphone-app/#commentsPerhaps you've heard of this Exodus International iPhone app fracas? The leading organization behind the ex-gay movement (the belief that religious counseling can help LGBT people "struggling" with their sexualities to reorient themselves to heterosexuality) recently had its official app approved by Apple, and gay rights groups are now in an uproar. Surprise?

Despite the fact that Apple deemed the app to contain "no objectionable content," gay rights advocates are fuming. They say that Exodus and its ex-gay crusade are rooted in messages of shame and bigotry, and that its agenda-serving app only serves to spread hate.

The ex-gay movement itself has been characterized by its opponents as everything from a laughable curiosity ("Pray away the gay!") to a cultish brainwashing operation. I'm not going to define it one way or another, because I haven't been targeted by any of its members myself. But I will say that, despite being an openly gay man, I think this app deserves a chance. That's right: I'm defending Exodus International.

Continue reading Censorship Goes Both Ways: The Case for an Ex-Gay App

SwitchedCensorship Goes Both Ways: The Case for an Ex-Gay App originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleappsAppStorecensorshipcyberbullyingex+gay+appex-gayex-gay+appex-gay+iphone+appex-gayappex-gayiphoneappexgayappExodusInternationaliphoneitunesopinionpoliticsreligiontopMon, 21 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone App Makes Drunken Tweets, Status Updates Magically Disappear]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/last-night-never-happened-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/last-night-never-happened-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/last-night-never-happened-iphone-app/#commentsEvery now and then, we come across a new iPhone app that makes us scratch our chins and wonder, "How did this not exist already?" 'Last Night Never Happened' is one such app.

LNNH markets itself as "the world's first morning-after app," but, unfortunately, it's not what it sounds like. This app, you see, has one goal, and one goal only: to wipe out all the tweets and status updates that Drunk You posted last night, in order to make life more manageable for Hungover You this bleary morning.

Gallery: Last Night Never Happened

Continue reading iPhone App Makes Drunken Tweets, Status Updates Magically Disappear

SwitchediPhone App Makes Drunken Tweets, Status Updates Magically Disappear originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdrinkdrunkfacebookiphoneiphone appIphoneApplast night never happenedLastNightNeverHappenedtoptwitterMon, 21 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad Gets Overpriced Companion Apps for Classic Albums]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/ipad-gets-overpriced-companion-apps-for-classic-albums/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/ipad-gets-overpriced-companion-apps-for-classic-albums/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/ipad-gets-overpriced-companion-apps-for-classic-albums/#comments UMG Classic Albums Here's an interesting push by the music industry. Universal Music Group has started selling iPad app versions of classic albums, including Nirvana's 'Nevermind,' Rush's '2112' and 'Moving Pictures,' and 'Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones' by the Beatles Rolling Stones. The apps are billed as "interactive, socially aware, and Internet connected," and include video interviews, extensive liner notes and comment sections. Notably missing from the apps, though, are the albums themselves. Both the Rush and Nirvana apps include only excerpts of songs, while the Rolling Stones app includes the entire concert film.

At $5.99 (Nirvana), $6.99 (Rush) and $7.99 (Rolling Stones) the apps are quite pricey for mere companion pieces to classic albums. We love liner notes more than most, but liner notes alone are hardly worth the cost of an entire album, even if they're interactive. Perhaps UMG could see fit to include a redeemable code for the albums? That way it doesn't have to sacrifice those all-important, chart-eligible iTunes sales.

SwitchediPad Gets Overpriced Companion Apps for Classic Albums originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsiosipadmusicnirvanaRollingStonesrushtopumgUniversalMusicGroupMon, 21 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[13th Century Platformer 'L'Abbaye des Morts' is as Retro as You Can Get]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/l-abbaye-des-morts-13th-century-platformer/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/l-abbaye-des-morts-13th-century-platformer/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/l-abbaye-des-morts-13th-century-platformer/#comments L'abbaye des morts Some say that the only certainties in the world are death and taxes, but if anyone's made a compelling game about the latter, well, we want to play it. Death, on the other hand, is everywhere in games. This week, we'll take a look at a few games about The End, from the poignant to the hilarious. And no zombie games, we promise.

'L'Abbaye des Morts' is a creepy platformer that uses both 13th century history and retro graphics to playfully explore a decidedly grim period in history. You play a Cathar monk who, in an attempt to escape persecution, ventures into a mysterious church to evade his pursuers. Of course, the church hides deadly secrets, which can be unraveled by uncovering scrolls. As you descend into the hidden recesses beneath the church, you'll have to contend with a horde of diabolical enemies, using only your wits and evasive skills. (Catharism was a non-violent religion.) As with anything designer Locomalito touches, 'L'Abbaye des Morts' is both lovingly retro and flawlessly executed, right down to its fake box art.

'L'Abbaye des Morts' is a free PC download.

Gallery: L'Abbaye des Morts

Continue reading 13th Century Platformer 'L'Abbaye des Morts' is as Retro as You Can Get

Switched13th Century Platformer 'L'Abbaye des Morts' is as Retro as You Can Get originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgamesonthegogamingLAbbaye des MortsLabbayeDesMortsLocomalitonewsmaintimewasterstopvideogameswindowsThu, 17 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST