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Switched's Comprehensive Guide to Video Game Emulators

Terrence O'Brien — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST

The video game emulator -- the bit of software that allows nostalgic button-mashers to mount an NES on their PCs in order to relive halcyon "HADOUKEN!" days -- is one of the most misunderstood elements of modern computing. But we're here to tell you exactly what they are, how they work, and even offer a comprehensive directory of the best ones for your favorite platform. Read on for our indispensable manual for the contemporary gamer looking back to a time when finally figuring out Kitana's "Babality" was a day's work well done.

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Switched's Comprehensive Guide to Video Game Emulators originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anonymous Takes Down Playstation.com in Response to Suit

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:15:00 EST

The hacktivists at Anonymous have lately set their sights on Sony. The collective's latest action is in response to the company's lawsuit against hacker George Holtz, also known as GeoHot. Holtz previously published the code necessary to jailbreak the PS3, enabling users to run homebrew software on their consoles. The group's ongoing denial of service attack has taken down Playstation.com for the last couple of hours.

Anonymous Takes Down Playstation.com in Response to Suit originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feature Film Downloads Skyrocket, Surpass TV Streams

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST

In 2010, sales and rentals of feature-length films online climbed a stunning 38-percent, with U.S. consumers spending a grand total of $385 million on downloadable and streaming movies. By contrast, only $366 million was spent to purchase or rent television shows online, marking the first time that movie downloads have surpassed that of TV. As the market has grown, Apple's dominance has started to slip. Whereas in 2009 iTunes movie downloads accounted for 74.4-percent of all sales, in 2010 it had dropped to 64.5-percent, largely thanks to increased competition from Microsoft and Sony who both saw sales of films through their respective game consoles increase. Another major player in the field, Amazon, came in behind Vudu in online sales and rentals, which may explain why the company is expected to shift to a subscription-based service similar to Netflix.

Feature Film Downloads Skyrocket, Surpass TV Streams originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Absorbed by His PSP, Italian Boy Falls Onto Train Tracks, Avoids Tragedy

Amar Toor — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:15:00 EST

A 10-year-old Italian boy is lucky to be in one piece today, after falling on to a railway line in Milan. The boy, who was on his way home from school, was engrossed with whatever game he was playing on his Sony PSP, and apparently didn't notice the ledge toward which he kept walking. Luckily, an off-duty policeman named Alessandro Micalizzi immediately jumped in to rescue the boy, and, perhaps, Sony's reputation with Italian mothers everywhere.

Absorbed by His PSP, Italian Boy Falls Onto Train Tracks, Avoids Tragedy originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Announces New, Super-Powered PlayStation Portable

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Let's be honest. The PSP Go was a bit of a letdown as a follow-up to the original PSP. And, while most of the attention has been focused on the upcoming "PlayStation" phone (which has yet to appear with any PlayStation branding on it), Sony has been quietly working on a proper sequel to the PlayStation Portable. Codenamed NGP, the next-gen PSP packs an impressive array of hardware that would make any other portable device hang its head in shame. A quad-core ARM processor and a quad-core graphics processor will be found inside (and we're still giddy about upcoming phones packing dual-core). And that's not to mention the Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope for motion gaming, compass, and both front-facing and rear-facing cameras. The 3DS and your smartphone are probably looking a little underpowered at the moment.

There is also no shortage of control options. The NGP sports dual analog sticks (which should make current PSP owners very happy), as well as a traditional directional pad, a five-inch OLED touch screen with an impressive 960 x 544 resolution, and a touchpad on the back of the device, similar to what you would find on the Motorola Backflip.

Gallery: PSP NGP

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Sony Announces New, Super-Powered PlayStation Portable originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3-D TV at CES: Going Small and Cheap, Whether You Want It or Not

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST

As we wandered the halls of CES 2011, one thing became abundantly clear: that this 3-D thing just isn't going away. We'd previously written off 3-D TV and movies as gimmicky and prone to producing headaches, but the industry is clearly taking it very seriously. Last year, all the major TV manufacturers were pushing 3-D sets, and all were back this year with upgraded displays, new glasses and improved tech. But more surprising was the number of smaller brands jumping on the bandwagon, and the extent to which the larger companies were banking the trend. Samsung even announced that more than half of its TV lineup in 2011 would be 3-D. So, will 2011 be the year that 3-D hits critical mass and becomes an accepted form of content? We still doubt it. While 3-D capable sets may find a foothold in the living room, there still seems to be a lack of compelling content and enthusiasm from consumers. That being said, 2011 kicked off with a mega market push, falling costs and wider variety, suggesting that your 3-D options are just beginning to unfold. Join us to see what's coming in the world of 3-D displays in 2011 and beyond.

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3-D TV at CES: Going Small and Cheap, Whether You Want It or Not originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freewheelin' Sony Seeks Amateur DJs for Dylan Remix Contest

Warren Riddle — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST

Jay-Z's release of an a cappella 'Black Album' inspired the creation of brilliant, yet unauthorized, remixes. Amateur music-mixers now have access to another icon's raw material, but this opportunity is officially sanctioned by Sony. The record company recently announced its Remix Project, which allows amateur and professional producers to manipulate -- without fear of reprisal -- a classic tune from Bob Dylan. The songs have each been segmented into four categories (vocal, guitar, drum and bass), and you simply "drag and drop your favorite tracks into the video player to create your remix."

Sony's isn't just hoping for frivolous fan interaction, though. The creator of the best "Subterranean Homesick Blues" mashup will receive a free trip to Austin's famed South by Southwest festival in March. The Remix Project site already hosts an impressive catalog of entertaining jams, so get the ~~stone~~ ball rolling before the prize is going, going, gone.

Freewheelin' Sony Seeks Amateur DJs for Dylan Remix Contest originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Despite the fact that most Americans have been doing it for at least a decade, buying a laptop is getting increasingly difficult. A laptop makes a great gift if you don't mind splurging a bit for somebody, but the range of models available and the minuscule differences between them make navigating the crowded notebook scene a daunting task. Before we go any further, let us explain why you won't find this list overrun with Macs. Chances are, if you want a Mac, you know it already; all you have to do is decide how much money you want to spend. Problem solved! This guide is for those that are negotiating the murky but well-stocked PC market. Now that we've got that cleared up, let's move on to our suggestions, broken up by price.

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6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus Now Open to All Online, Coming to Sony TVs and PS3

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST

Forget the in crowd with their fancy 'invites.' Hulu Plus is now available to everyone, as is its $9.99 monthly price tag. Additionally, the premium streaming service is now supported on all 2010 model Sony Bravia TVs, and PS3 owners will be able get in on the action next week. Roku owners, sadly, will just have to continue to wait.

Hulu Plus Now Open to All Online, Coming to Sony TVs and PS3 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mysterious PlayStation Phone Finally Surfaces

Warren Riddle — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:15:00 EST

Rumors about a PlayStation cell phone platform have been swirling for several years, and Engadget scored the scoop about an actual PlayStation Phone in August. Now, Engadget hounds have obtained photographic evidence of the oft-doubted device, reportedly code-named "Zeus." It apparently features Android 2.X (although 3.0 will reportedly be the official OS), a 1 GHz Qualcomm processor, 512 megabytes of RAM, an approximately 4-inch screen and a standard PS button configuration. A Sony Marketplace option will also enable instant and effortless access to downloadable content.

The PS3 appears to be languishing somewhat, as it now ranks below both the Xbox 360 and Wii in terms of overall console sales. However, Sony's PSP handheld remains an established favorite. Mobile online platforms (particularly those with phone capabilities) represent a ripe gaming market, and both OnLive and Panasonic are rapidly approaching the completion of their own connected portables. Engadget seems confident that Zeus will land in 2011, which -- considering the PS3's slide in popularity and that increasingly crowded video game field -- can't come soon enough.

Mysterious PlayStation Phone Finally Surfaces originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Walkman Declared Dead in Japan, We Pour One Out For the Cassette

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST

After 31 years and over 200 million units sold, Sony is officially putting the cassette model Walkman out to pasture. Introduced in 1979, the portable tape player defined the following 10-plus years of mobile music playback. It was even a leader in the era of optical media, with its Walkman line of portable CD players eventually known as Discman. But in the era of the iPod, the brand name has diminished in value. Radios and digital media players still go by the name Walkman, but the moniker has always referred to the tape-playing model in the collective mind. And as Sony announced that it shipped its last batch of tape-playing Walkmen back in April, we couldn't help shed a tear for the ubiquitous '80s gadget.

You'll still be able to find cassette-playing Walkmen if you happen to live in Asia or the Middle-East. Sony has licensed the name to a number of Chinese manufacturers who will continue to produce the portable tape players. But if you're hoping to get your hands on an authentic Sony Walkman manufactured in Japan, you'll have to settle for an MP3 player.

Sony Walkman Declared Dead in Japan, We Pour One Out For the Cassette originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix on PS3: Disc-Free Instant Streaming's Pros and Cons

Leila Brillson — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:10:00 EST

Hey PlayStation3 owners: aside from having the coolest gaming system around, now you don't have to whip your disc out every time you want to watch Netflix. The Red Envelope has gone even more virtual, finally switching to a downloadable program for optimal movie and show viewing. Previously, PS3 users (along with Wii owners) had to pop in a Netflix-supplied DVD to stream. Now, movie fans can just hop into the 'PlayStation Network' icon and opt to "buy" the free Netflix app, and the program starts downloading. When completed (after about 20 minutes), head over to your video section, launch, and voila.

Besides having one less disc cluttering your console, the new Netflix boasts high-def streaming capacities (at 1080p, for geeks) and a new, streamlined interface. Gone are the days of the enhanced scrolling dock -- now the layout is a nice, organized grid that lands the user on their Instant Queue. From there, pressing "square" gets you a list of personalized categories (your author apparently enjoys "Witty Sci-Fi" and "Action Movies with Strong Female Leads"), and "triangle" nets a traditional, alphabetical search. The D-pad now has a larger function -- hitting "down" expands personal choices and categories, while "left" and "right" act as a select and back button, respectively.

Gallery: Netflix for PlayStation 3

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Netflix on PS3: Disc-Free Instant Streaming's Pros and Cons originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix on PS3 Ditches the Disc, Goes 1080p, Adds 5.1 Surround

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

On October 18th, the PlayStation 3 will get a serious update, making it the platform for movies streamed from Netflix. First off, owners will be able to ditch the disc for playback; Netflix will now be an installable app. (Take that Wii!) But the big news is that films will now be streamed in 1080p with 5.1 surround sound. (Take that, everyone!) Netflix will eventually offer the higher-quality media across other platforms, but, for the immediate future, the PS3 will be the only game in town if you want your Netflix in "full HD."

The new Netflix app will also have a revamped interface that will finally offer proper search capabilities and faster load times. All we can do is wish the Xbox, Wii and Roku the best of luck.

Netflix on PS3 Ditches the Disc, Goes 1080p, Adds 5.1 Surround originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Secret Behind the PlayStation Controller Symbols

Terrence O'Brien — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Those circles, squares, x's and triangles that adorn your PlayStation controller weren't just randomly assigned. According to an interview with the designer, Teiyu Goto, the circle and "x" represent yes and no, respectively. Meanwhile the triangle, symbolizing a head, represents point of view, and the square is supposed to be a sheet of paper, indicating menus.

The Secret Behind the PlayStation Controller Symbols originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armed With CTA Weaponry, PS3 Finally Gets the Assault Rifle It Deserves

Warren Riddle — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:25:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games

Nintendo, of course, pioneered light gun gaming with the epochal 'Duck Hunt' and the somewhat forgettable Super Scope. In the '90s, though, Sony adapted the addictive 'Time Crisis' arcade series for the PlayStation, giving birth to a new generation of light guns and gaming.

That franchise and its Guncon armament remain with the PlayStation 3, but the advent of Move technology has quickly attracted a host of competitive accessory suitors, including the renowned and infamous peripheral masters from CTA Digitial. According to a CTA press release, the company now hopes to arm Sony's "serious gamers with the right accessory for realism and excitement" with the "first of its kind" Assault Rifle Controller (ARC). The ARC reportedly emits a variety of gunfire sound effects, features both a removable scope and stock, and apparently works with 'Call of Duty' and "all other shooter games."

Continue reading Armed With CTA Weaponry, PS3 Finally Gets the Assault Rifle It Deserves

Armed With CTA Weaponry, PS3 Finally Gets the Assault Rifle It Deserves originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 3 Gets 3-D Blu-ray and YouTube Support in September

Caleb Johnson — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games, TV, Playroom

Last month, Sony released the first 3-D games for its Playstation 3 console. Now, according to Joystiq, a firmware update to be released in September will allow the PS3 to play 3-D Blu-ray movies. It should be stated, though, that for now the only 3-D Blu-ray title on the market is the kids' film 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,' and gamers probably won't be snatching those up. But, as more 3-D TVs become available (and James Cameron's 3-D extravaganza 'Avatar' gets released), it's only natural that the 3-D Blu-ray market will ramp up production.

~~The September PS3 firmware update also bring~~ The ability to view 3-D videos on YouTube is also coming soon. Wrapping up the 3-D blowout, PS3 owners will be able to store and view their own 3-D photos and videos on the console, as well -- whenever that technology becomes accessible, whether we want it or not. [From: Joystiq]

PlayStation 3 Gets 3-D Blu-ray and YouTube Support in September originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official BlackBerry Twitter App Finally Leaves Beta, E-Reader Prices Keep Dropping

Warren Riddle — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:41:00 EST

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....

The absence of a legitimate RIM Twitter app has allowed services like Uber Twitter, Tweetcaster and Open Beak to enjoy great success among BlackBerry owners. After three months of waiting, RIM's official BlackBerry Twitter offering finally seems ready to exit the Beta stage, as an official version just appeared in BlackBerry's App World. [From: Engadget]
Time magazine has been incrementally shifting toward an online paid subscription model for over a year. It appears the site is now officially implementing that system, but only for material specifically published in its print edition. Online readers frequently demonstrate their disdain for firewalls, registration processes and fees, but Time could circumvent that trend by keeping its strictly online material free to the public. [From: All Things Digital]
The highly competitive e-reader war continues to escalate, and consumers keep reaping the benefits. Borders will soon provide an assortment of highly affordable models, and the company is also launching its own eBook store today, reportedly with 1.5 million titles. PC and Mac apps are both currently available, and Android and BlackBerry versions should arrive soon. [From: Engadget]
Sony has responded to the expanding catalogs and dwindling prices of competing e-readers by dropping the costs of its own various tablet devices. The price cuts range from $20 (for the now $149 Pocket Edition Reader) to $80 (for the $169 Touch Edition Reader). [From: Reuters]
Woot's assertion that the AP needs to adhere to its own supposed standards by paying for recently referenced material has seriously rankled the Columbia Journalism Review. The CJR lambasted Woot, and particularly Tech Crunch, for perpetuating a "zombie lie," and then condescendingly dropped patronizing terms and phrases likes "dumb," "cheap," "embarrassing," "BS," and "let me put this as clearly as I can." Wow, the view must be pretty sweet from that virginal, ivory tower of elitist nerddom. [From: The Columbia Journalism Review]
A month ago, the U.S. military detained soldier Bradley Manning for his alleged role in leaking classified material to Wikileaks. Authorities have now charged Manning with a variety of crimes, including violations of both the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Espionage Act. According to CNET, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange claims his site "will defend" Manning, who has also inspired a website in his defense. [From: CNET]

Official BlackBerry Twitter App Finally Leaves Beta, E-Reader Prices Keep Dropping originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over Half a Million Sony Vaio Laptops Suffer From Overheating Bug

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Computers

It may not be as bad as exploding batteries, but it turns out that some 535,000 Sony laptops that started shipping in January may have a fatal flaw, causing them to overheat and potentially deform. The problem lies within the BIOS installed on the Vaio F and Vaio C series machines. The bug affects the computers' basic heat management systems.

Sony has recorded 39 instances of the laptops overheating, but is taking the precaution of issuing a BIOS update for all PCs that are potentially vulnerable. The company is even taking the extraordinary step of encouraging customers to send in their laptops to receive the update, thus negating any excuses of tech illiteracy. Most of the affected models were sold in Japan, but the computers were available globally. You can check with Sony here to see if your PC is in need of a BIOS update and download the fix all in one place. [From: Computer World]

Over Half a Million Sony Vaio Laptops Suffer From Overheating Bug originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PlayStation Move Gets Priced and September Release

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:38:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games

Well, Microsoft already unveiled its motion game controller, Kinect, so now it's Sony's turn to show off the Move. And be warned, Xboxers, Playstation is looking to put serious pressure on the 'box. The Move will initially land on European store shelves on September 15th, and American shores just a few days later on September 19th. But better than the short wait time is the perfectly reasonable $99 asking price for a Move controller, the PlayStation Eye and 'Sports Champions' game. The Move controller alone will set you back $49.99, and the add-on remote mentioned briefly back in March will cost $29.99. If you don't already own a PlayStation 3, you can get the controller, Eye, game, system, and -- we assume -- a standard PS3 controller for $399.99.

In addition to the 'Sport Champions' game, customers can look forward to 'Time Crisis' and 'Killzone 3' as launch titles. Some existing games, including 'Resident Evil' and 'Heavy Rain,' will be getting updates in order to add support for Move. Check back later for our hands-on. [From: Engadget]

Sony PlayStation Move Gets Priced and September Release originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T Apologizes for iPad Hackers, PS3 Mega 'Move' Bundle Coming This Fall

Warren Riddle — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:50:00 EST

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....

Goatse Security, the firm that discovered and publicized vulnerabilities in AT&T's iPad security system last week, has explained its actions as a necessary public service. AT&T issued an apologetic e-mail to customers last night, placing the blame squarely on "malicious" Goatse "hackers" who were only interested in "their own publicity." Well, that certainly sounds better than malicious hackers that could have been, you know, interested in actually using that easily obtainable information for nefarious purposes. [From: The New York Times]
Nintendo's Wii hit the market almost four years ago, an eternity in tech terms, but console competitors Microsoft and Sony only now seem ready to match its motion control system. According to a CVG source, two sweet PlayStation Move bundles should be available before the close of the year, one of them possibly including an enormous 500 GB PS3 with faster wireless capabilities. [From: Kotaku]
It may read like a steampunk graphic novel, but space exploration seems to be hearkening back to the golden Age of Discovery, with actual sailing vessels gliding through the skies. Japan has apparently hoisted the hair-thin solar sails of its Ikaros cosmic vessel, which is set to voyage past Venus and to the dark of the sun. [From: Engadget]
Sega's awesome yet obsolete Dreamcast suffered a miserable and undeserved fate. Fans of the system may soon receive an incredible gift, though, as both Sony and Microsoft reportedly plan to bring the Dreamcast library to their respective online markets. The first venerable and memorable titles which are scheduled to arrive this fall should be 'Crazy Taxi' and 'Sonic Adventure.' [From: USA Today]
Twitter's "sponsored tweets" program allows the site to earn necessary revenue in a visible, yet tolerable manner. The site may apply that tweet placement system to its Trending Topics feature, as well, with "promoted tweets." According to Twitter's Sean Garrett, the sponsored trends experiment will only involve one "at a time," though. [From: Geekosystem]

AT&T Apologizes for iPad Hackers, PS3 Mega 'Move' Bundle Coming This Fall originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Unveils Stereoscopic 3-D PlayStation 3 Games

Caleb Johnson — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games

Technically, Sony's PS3 console has been capable of stereoscopic 3-D gaming since a free firmware update was released back in April. However, gamers have been left out in the cold without any titles to play since then. But according to the Playstation blog, 'WipEout HD,' 'Super Stardust HD,' 'PAIN' and a demo for 'MotorStorm Pacific Rift' will be available for the first time today in all their 3-D glory. Of course, you'll need a 3-D television, but luckily Sony sells those, too. If you purchase a 3-D capable Bravia HD TV, you'll get a PlayStation Network voucher that lets you download the previously mentioned games for free.

Do we really need asteroids popping out of our TV screen while we play our PS3? Probably not, but we don't really need marshmallows in our cereal either. The upcoming title 'The Fight: Lights Out,' which works with Sony's PlayStation Move technology, will also be available in 3-D at launch. Like it or not, 3-D is just getting started. [From: PlayStation blog, via Engadget]

Sony Unveils Stereoscopic 3-D PlayStation 3 Games originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Lifelogging Device Allows Cats to Tweet, Lonely Owners to Giggle

Amar Toor — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Web, Social Networking

When Mattel's 'Puppy Tweets' opened up Twitter to the entire canine community, cat owners everywhere were outraged over what they saw as overt discrimination -- and with good reason. Why, pray tell, should a dog's inner thoughts be valued higher than a cat's? Would the animal kingdom really sit on its hands and allow Twitter to refuse service to an entire population, simply because of the size of their paws or the length of their tongues? But now, Sony has smashed through the bestial barrier, with the help of a new breakthrough bauble.

As Tech-On reports, Sony's new lifelogging gadget is comprised of a box containing a camera, an acceleration sensor and a GPS tag. Once attached around the neck of your favorite kitty [Ed. Note: But there are so many!], the device monitors virtually everything the feline does, including walking, sleeping and eating -- which is pretty much all any cat does. Not only that, but Sony's new contraption also allows your cat to tweet about his or her activity via a Bluetooth device that sends out one of eleven pre-set messages to a computer. If, for example, your cat is eating, the gadget picks up on it and notifies the computer, which then tweets, "This tastes good," on your cat's account (even, of course, if the grub's just okay). The company is also looking to expand the list of default tweets, in the hopes of making them dependent upon the combination of actions an animal does. For example, if your cat eats after walking, the automatic tweet would read, "Meals taste better after a walk," or, perhaps, "Meals taste better when I don't tweet about them".

Continue reading Sony's Lifelogging Device Allows Cats to Tweet, Lonely Owners to Giggle

Sony's Lifelogging Device Allows Cats to Tweet, Lonely Owners to Giggle originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Ultrathin OLED Screen Can Unroll Like a Scroll

Caleb Johnson — Thu, 27 May 2010 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Playroom

Last month, we showed you a thin, bendable projection screen for mobile gaming. Now, it appears this design might signal the future of video displays. According to The New York Times, researchers at Sony have developed a 4-inch-wide, ultra-thin screen that can be wrapped around and rolled. Boasting a 432x240 pixel resolution, it's fully operational and the quality stays sharp whether it's spread flat or rolled up. Sony outlines the process in detail, but the screen uses an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and tiny organic semiconductors and is entirely functional.

Though it's currently in concept form (and will be some time before your cell phone or portable video game system has a flexible screen) it's still fun to get a glimpse into the future of video displays. A future that, thankfully, might not involve cracked screens but stylish, wrist-wrapped computers. [From: The New York Times]

Continue reading Sony's Ultrathin OLED Screen Can Unroll Like a Scroll

Sony's Ultrathin OLED Screen Can Unroll Like a Scroll originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 27 May 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google TV Brings the Web to Television, Lands in Fall 2010

Thomas Houston — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, TV, Playroom

Google came out swinging during day two of its Google I/O conference with several big announcements. Earlier in the day, the Android's Froyo OS got official, and then Google launched into its plans to bring the Web (and all its video and multimedia content, including Flash) to your living room. Despite some spectacular tech demo hiccups, Google unveiled its vision for the future of television. Many companies (Apple, Boxee, Roku and the list goes on) have attempted Web/TV integration before, so read on to see if Google's got the goods to pull it off.

Continue reading Google TV Brings the Web to Television, Lands in Fall 2010

Google TV Brings the Web to Television, Lands in Fall 2010 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 May 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Project Natal Lands This Fall, Playboy Hopping on 3-D Bandwagon

Warren Riddle — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:35:00 EST

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....

After four long years, Sony and Microsoft are finally catching up to Nintendo's revolutionary motion control system. While Microsoft definitely still lags behind its rivals, a new round of conjecture indicates that its Project Natal will eventually hit the market in October. More details should emerge at June's E3 event. [From: Engadget]
Playboy is becoming the latest print publication to capitalize on the 3-D frenzy, as its June issue will reportedly feature a 3-D spread of Playmate of the Year Hope Dworaczyk. Dworaczyk beat everyone to the inevitable and obligatory "Busting out" and "3-DD" jokes, when she quipped, "It's kind of like it says on the rearview mirror. Things may appear larger." [From: CBS News]
Facebook's unceasing changes and privacy issues aren't just resonating with the site's vocal minority. The folks at Search Engine Land performed a bit of investigating on Google, and discovered a sharply rising trend in "delete facebook account" searches. When searching for "how do I," the site's auto-match feature also offers "How do I delete my Facebook account" as one of the top choices. [From: Search Engine Land]
If the rumors are true, HBO is experimenting with an online viewing program for subscribers, and new reports indicate that Showtime may soon follow suit. The network is currently remaining silent, though, as spokesperson Johanna Fuentes reportedly deferred, saying, "There's nothing to announce at this time." [From: Businessweek]
AT&T and Apple exclusivity has long been a source of contention for iPhone owners and prospective purchasers. Rumors have certainly abounded concerning the lack of carrier diversity, and the Engadget snoops may have uncovered exactly why it has taken so long to integrate the iPhone. According to court documents from a 2007 class-action lawsuit, "AT&T has exclusive U.S. distribution rights for five years," a period which began in 2007. [From: Engadget]
Earlier this year, Sprint revealed the HTC EVO 4G, its impressive and groundbreaking new smartphone. The company is apparently more than satisfied with this "monster" model, as it's completely passing over Google's Nexus One in favor of HTC's high-end handset. [From: Engadget]

Microsoft Project Natal Lands This Fall, Playboy Hopping on 3-D Bandwagon originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 11 May 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lala and Courier Go Kaput, YouTube Smoothly Modifies Its Player

Warren Riddle — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:50:00 EST

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....

Despite promising prospects, music streaming site Lala failed to carve a successful niche in its highly competitive market. Apple recently absorbed the struggling site and will officially, and permanently, close Lala's doors May 31st. The news isn't all bad, though, as subscribers will be still able to listen to tunes until that date, after which all funds, balances and gift cards will switch over to iTunes credit. [From: Engadget]
Engadget apparently just has to play the role of Debbie Downer today. After breaking the sad news concerning Lala's fate, the site is also reporting that Microsoft is halting the development of its Courier device. The dual touchscreen tablet generated a significant amount of excitement, but Frank Shaw, Microsoft's VP of corporate communications, admitted that "we have no plans to build such a device at this time." [From: Engadget]
YouTube has implemented some impressive changes to its video player, and the smooth alterations may actually go unnoticed to casual users. The almost seamless updates include a move to a horizontal, unobtrusive volume bar and a slight modification to the seek bar. [From: Mashable]
According to an Edison Research poll, Twitter awareness continues to escalate in the U.S., as an estimated 87-percent of folks surveyed know of the site. However, that says nothing for popularity: despite the billions of tweets that have been twittered, only 7-percent of the nation (17 million users) actually use the service. [From: Mashable]
Greenpeace recently announced its "Cool IT" rankings, which lauded Cisco and Ericsson for their impressive focus on environmental issues. Google surprisingly finished in the middle of the pack, and ancient and established stalwarts Sony and Panasonic were among those bringing up the rear. [From: InfoWorld]

Lala and Courier Go Kaput, YouTube Smoothly Modifies Its Player originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Floppy Disk Era Ends as Sony Halts Sale of 3.5-Inchers in Japan

Amar Toor — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: Computers

For the past few years, a beloved staple of our technological upbringing has been dying a slow, painful death before our very eyes. Now, one major company has taken it upon itself to pull the plug on its trademark floppy disk, effectively putting an end to the 3.5-inch era.

On April 23rd, Sony announced that it would begin phasing out the sale of its floppy disks in Japan, confirming that all sales within the country will come to a complete halt in March 2011. The decision comes a month after Sony discontinued the vast majority of its global floppies, although the company says it will continue to market the disks in a handful of niche countries, like India. According to the Examiner, Sony accounted for a full 40-percent of worldwide floppy disk sales in 2008, including 70-percent of the Japanese market. Recent years, however, have seen a steep decline in demand, as devices like USB sticks, CDs and DVDs have gradually encroached upon the floppy disk's once existent market hegemony. In 2000, for example, Sony sold 47 million disks in Japan alone. In 2009, though, it only managed to move 8.5 million -- which, if you think about it, is still a pretty impressive feat, considering that hardly any recently built computers actually support 3.5-inch disks.

Continue reading Floppy Disk Era Ends as Sony Halts Sale of 3.5-Inchers in Japan

Floppy Disk Era Ends as Sony Halts Sale of 3.5-Inchers in Japan originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Streaming Baseball Games Come to PlayStation 3 With MLB.TV Deal

Caleb Johnson — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games, TV, Playroom

For the first time ever, gamers will be able to stream live Major League Baseball (MLB) games on their Playstation 3 consoles. According to The New York Times, Sony announced Wednesday that it had reached a deal with MLB.TV to bring live baseball games to the PS3 -- the first such deal by any console manufacturer. For an annual fee, you can watch hundreds of out-of-market games as soon as the end of this week. Local games and many others that are broadcast on TV won't be available, though. There's no word on how much it'll cost, but, for PC users, an annual subscription is $99.95, and a monthly subscription $19.95. We'd expect a similar price range for the nearly 12 million PS3 users that Sony says are eligible to subscribe.

If you're an Atlanta Braves fan who lives on the West Coast (and also owns a PS3), this package is nearly a steal. There aren't many other ways you'll get to watch your team play, and this deal is less expensive than the baseball packages offered by many cable and satellite providers. So, fire up that PS3 and play (or, rather, watch) ball! [From: The New York Times]

Streaming Baseball Games Come to PlayStation 3 With MLB.TV Deal originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Walkman Sound 'Dock' Looks Like a Hypercolored Coffee Mug

Caleb Johnson — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Car Tech, Playroom

Later this month, Sony will release a new Walkman speaker system that fits into a car's cup holder and looks a lot like a coffee thermos. According to Engadget, the RDP-NWV500 is fitted with two-way speakers that will blast 16 watts of Walkman power at 360 degrees inside your car. The device plugs right into your car's cigarette lighter, instead of using an internal battery. There are two ways to control the volume and song selection: by fiddling with the controls mounted on top of the device, or by using the handy miniature remote control. The latter is probably safer while driving. For those homebodies, the RDP-NWV500 also comes with a dock so you can keep it charged and listen in the house, too.

We're not really sure why anybody would drop $214 on one of these shiny sound docks. It'd be a different story if the device plugged into our car's speaker system. (Forgive us for thinking these speakers won't offer the same audio quality as the ones in our car.) Not to mention, we'd bet the first time we were late to work, trying to operate this sound dock and drink our coffee at the same time, there'd be an electronic catastrophe -- resulting in a fried device and an under-caffeinated morning. [From: Engadget and Sony]

Continue reading Sony's Walkman Sound 'Dock' Looks Like a Hypercolored Coffee Mug

Sony's Walkman Sound 'Dock' Looks Like a Hypercolored Coffee Mug originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Metal Gear Solid' Creator: Kill the Console, Let Games Be Free

Caleb Johnson — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games

In the future, video games will become increasingly mobile and less dependent on consoles. Or, at least, that's what 'Metal Gear Solid' creator Hideo Kojima thinks. According to Reuters, Kojima told reporters that he foresees consoles becoming obsolete. "Gamers should be able to take the experience with them in their living rooms, on the go, when they travel -- wherever they are and whenever they want to play. It should be the same software and the same experience," he said at the press conference. (These comments are in stark contrast to those recently made by Nintendo U.S. president Reggie Fils-Aime.) Kojima spoke as he prepared to launch his latest title, 'Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker,' on Sony's PSP. He even called the development of it an "experiment aimed at the future."

Kojima's vision for the future might sound great for gamers and developers, but companies who've made big bucks off consoles might not be so glad to see his words prove true. "It's a bold prediction," Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Hiroshi Kawano told reporters. Bold, yes, but it makes sense for a gaming experience to be independent of a plastic box. Still, what makes sense and what makes money are two different things, so we won't hold our breath. [From: Reuters and Electronista]

'Metal Gear Solid' Creator: Kill the Console, Let Games Be Free originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Unveils PlayStation Move Motion Controller, We Drool Noticeably

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games

When the Wii, with its decidedly last-gen graphics technology, hit the market and trounced the competition, we knew it would only be a matter of time before Sony and Microsoft tried to copy Nintendo's motion sensing technology. While details are still scarce about the Xbox 360's Project Natal, the PlayStation Move has been officially announced and is expected to hit the market this fall.

The Move looks less like the Wiimote than you'd expect. Its rounded plastic body and glowing orb at the top more resemble a souvenir from Barnum & Bailey and less a gaming peripheral designed by the same team behind the sleek, matte-finished PS3 Slim. The Move can be used in conjunction with a "subcontroller," similar to the Wii Nunchuk, that has a directional pad and analog stick. It seems Sony wants you to use two Move controllers together; the subcontroller lacks any motion-sensing ability, so demos like the bare-knuckle boxing game 'Dukes' require one player to use two Moves. Like the DualShock3, the Move is wireless, can be recharged, and offers rumble feedback.

Continue reading Sony Unveils PlayStation Move Motion Controller, We Drool Noticeably

Sony Unveils PlayStation Move Motion Controller, We Drool Noticeably originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony 3-D TVs Will (Almost) Lecture Your Kids for You

Warren Riddle — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:29:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, TV

It has only taken 80 years or so, but Sony has apparently discovered an effective method of preventing kids from sitting too close to the television. According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony has developed a sensor mechanism that can actually determine if a child is within a specified range.

When a child enters a one-meter zone in front of the TV, a camera detects the kid's presence and triggers a signal which subsequently shuts down the set. The technology will apparently be able to discern between adults and children by utilizing "an algorithm and geometrical data," and it will also be able to shut the TV down completely if nobody looks at the screen for a certain amount of time.

Sony's highly anticipated 3-D TVs will feature the impressive proximity monitor, or Intelligent Presence Sensor, and the models are expected to hit the market at some point in June. Unfortunately, this means the classic stand-next-to-the-tv strategy for the NES Zapper isn't going to fly in 'Duck Hunt' anymore. [From: The Wall Street Journal]

Sony 3-D TVs Will (Almost) Lecture Your Kids for You originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony to PS3 Owners: Don't Turn on Your Console

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games

You might have seen our earlier report that, thanks to 2010 being mislabeled as a leap year in the code of some PlayStation 3s, some gamers were experiencing crashes and errors, and were unable to access the PlayStation Network. Well, things just got a lot more interesting -- and scary. The word, direct from Sony, is that owners of non-slim model PS3s should refrain from turning on their consoles until the bug has been fixed. Apparently, there is a very good chance that attempting to operate the PS3 while experiencing such errors could lead to data loss and corruption.

Sony says it hopes to have the bug fixed in the next 24 hours. So, sorry if you were planning a marathon 'Gods of War III' session tonight. Take this as an opportunity to spend time with your children or significant other. Or, just sit and stare longingly at your PS3 until it's safe to turn on. It's your call. [From: Sony, via: Engadget and Joystiq]

Sony to PS3 Owners: Don't Turn on Your Console originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conde Nast Pubs Coming to iPad, PlayStation Network Down

Warren Riddle — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines....

Wired has already demonstrated a preview of its app for the iPad, and now several other prominent Conde Naste publications are preparing to make their own debuts on the Apple gadget. GQ, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker will reportedly all release iPad apps by the end of the summer. [From: The New York Times]
There was a cataclysmic, and hilarious, online meltdown last night, as the PlayStation Network crashed and mysterious problems began affecting Sony consoles. Users reportedly experienced crashed games, error codes, and other problems, all of which may be related to faulty leap-year programming. [From: Engadget]
Unlike other social networking sites, Twitter has remained relatively unaltered throughout its existence but may undergo some significant changes soon. One site engineer's ambiguous tweet (and an ominous one for services like TweetDeck) is indicating that "nifty" new features may render desktop clients redundant. [From: Business Insider]
Apple's gadgets typically cost more than those of its competitors, so that price must reflect the company's devotion to its employees and strict production standards, right? Apparently not, as a survey of Apple's suppliers has revealed a disturbing 19th-century production model plagued by discrimination, underage workers, inflated work hours and low pay. [From: Engadget]
The European Union's Data Protection Working Party wants Google to remove U.K. Street View images after 6 months instead of after the typical year. Because of privacy issues, the organization also wants Google to notify areas prior to performing Street View tours, a potential move that sounds paranoid, but could definitely inspire some hilarious hi-jinx. [From: Mashable]
The first official Windows Phone 7 Series-branded mobile is in development, and Engadget scored some hands on with the prototype on the Engadget Show this weekend. Details are still limited, but the sleek and attractive LG slider model definitely passes the eye test. [From: Engadget]

Conde Nast Pubs Coming to iPad, PlayStation Network Down originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST

Software

Software
When it comes to purchasing pre-loaded software with your computer, our advice is to avoid it at all costs. Most companies, like Dell and HP, will allow you to decline at least some of the crapware that comes loaded on a PC, but only Sony offers the option of getting an unmolested Windows 7 install. While it's tempting to have Microsoft Office and security software (a necessity on a Windows machine) preloaded on a new PC, you can often save yourself time and money by buying exactly what you want elsewhere and installing it yourself. In fact, you can save hundreds of dollars by skipping over Microsoft Office when ordering a PC. For one, it can be had for steep discounts through schools and employers, and, unless you absolutely need all of the advanced features of Excel, can be replaced by other tools like Open Office, Google Docs, AbiWord, or iWork.

Microsoft offers free downloads of video editing software, photo management tools, and security software. When combined with Windows Media Player, those programs comprise a suite comparable to Apple's iLife in terms of functionality, if not quality. Most Linux distributions also come with similar collections of software installed. For example, the popular (and Switched recommended) Ubuntu ships with Open Office, Rhythmbox Music Player, and F-Spot Photo Manager. There are, of course, plenty of other free and commercial software options that don't come with your OS.

The volume of options out there might make shopping for a new computer seem intimidating, especially when you're looking for a Windows PC. But don't freak out; it's just a matter of identifying what's important and how you'll use it. Once you've got that figured out (with a little help from us of course), picking out a PC isn't any tougher than buying any other gadget. All it takes is a little patience and some common sense.

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Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES Has More Laptops Than Vegas Does Broken Dreams

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Green Tech, CES-2010

While 3-D TVs and slate PCs stole most of the attention at CES, there were plenty of interesting developments afoot in the normally mundane world of laptops and netbooks. (Yes, we're lumping them together. What is a netbook but a laptop for people with nothing to do but check Facebook?) There were laptops made out of recycled plastics, new connectivity technologies, surprising Linux demos, and a little bit of next-gen screen technology for good measure. Click through to see what wonders CES 2010 bestowed upon the portable PC world.

Continue reading CES Has More Laptops Than Vegas Does Broken Dreams

CES Has More Laptops Than Vegas Does Broken Dreams originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Sneak Peek at 'Toy Story 3,' Blu-rays to Get Bigger?

Warren Riddle — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:54:00 EST

Highlights from this morning's other big tech headlines...

'Toy Story 3' promises to be one of 2010's big-time summer blockbusters, and ABC has a first look. While some CGI films appear video-gamey and blocky, this latest installment in the franchise that launched Pixar looks animatedly awesome. [From: IGN]
It may just sound like some tech mumbo-jumbo, but thanks to the Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation evaluation index, or i-MLSE, Sony and Panasonic are hoping to increase the storage capacity of Blu-ray discs. With the advanced new tech, discs could hold as much as 33.4GB per layer, as opposed to the previous 25GB. [From: Engadget]
Music streaming service Spotify, which is huge in Europe, still hasn't made its long awaited debut in the States. When it does, it could be a monumental arrival, since the company is reportedly in talks with Google to make the service available on Google's Nexus One Android phone. [From: Tech Crunch]
James Cameron's 'Avatar' has remained the top box office draw for a third week in a row, and the movie has also eclipsed $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales, becoming only the fifth movie to accomplish the feat. The film has a chance of passing 'The Return of the King,' and therefore a chance of giving Cameron, who was also responsible for 'Titanic,' the two highest globally grossing films of all time. [From: MSNBC]
Knowledge of the mysterious Apple Tablet e-reader has been based solely on hearsay and speculation, but instead of losing faith in the gadget, Wired is celebrating its ambiguity. The site will be giving away a Tablet -- if in fact they are ever marketed -- to the first lucky reader who can accurately guess the number of stories devoted to the still non-existent reader. [From: Wired]
If you love Switched, and have wondered why we don't have a mobile app, then wonder no more. All your favorite tech news, vids, and galleries are available to-go with the new, free Switched app, available now at iTunes. [From: Switched]

A Sneak Peek at 'Toy Story 3,' Blu-rays to Get Bigger? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Newcomer Vevo Attract Music Video Fans?

JP Mangalindan — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:32:00 EST

With Vevo, music bigwigs like Sony, Universal, and EMI Music are hanging their hopes on the idea that users more accustomed to getting their music videos off the Web than from the tube will make their profit-oriented site a success.

On Tuesday, the Google-operated video-streaming service officially kicked off its launch with a New York City bash that included heavy-hitters like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, and Adam Lambert. Just as Hulu streams TV shows and movies to online users, Vevo aims to become a Web hub for music videos, new and old. So far, the site offers around 15,000 high-quality videos from 5,000-plus artists across some 20 genres and allows users to create custom playlists. The catch? You'll often have to sit through an ad before you can watch that selected video. Plus, in our tests, the site feels sluggish, at best.

Continue reading Can Newcomer Vevo Attract Music Video Fans?

Can Newcomer Vevo Attract Music Video Fans? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto-Tune Your Facebook Status With Sony, Justin Timberlake

Caleb Johnson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Web, Social Networking

We should've seen this one coming a mile away. The hottest trend in the music business, Auto-Tune, has arrived on the hottest social-networking site on the Web, Facebook. Thanks to a new Facebook app from Sony, you can now Auto-Tune your status update. According to Mashable, after installing the app, you simply type your status (maybe something about being on a boat), choose a voice and a beat, and your very own robotic update will be posted on your Wall for all your friends to see. (We're not sure if that's a good thing or not.) You can thank the 'Auto-Tune the News' Web series creators, who recently signed a promotional deal with Sony, for piling on even more of the Auto-Tune content (check out the video after the break).

The time has come to ask: is Auto-Tune played out? The iPhone has the 'I Am T-Pain' app, you can Auto-Tune your vocals in GarageBand, and even those adorable Kidz Bop kids use the skeezy software program. Sounds like over-saturation to us. But we fear there's no stopping this trend. If Jay-Z couldn't kill it, who can? [From: Mashable and Tubefilter News]

Continue reading Auto-Tune Your Facebook Status With Sony, Justin Timberlake

Auto-Tune Your Facebook Status With Sony, Justin Timberlake originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After the Hype: Technologies That Never Lived Up to Their Promise

Caleb Johnson — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell Phones, Computers

The hype machine is a cruel, cruel beast. It builds us up, only to let us down. For every piece of technology that's taken off, there's another handful that failed to live up to the buzz. To honor these fallen ideas, CNET UK has compiled a "Whatever Happened to..." list of the past's most remarkably unremarkable tech.

Remember Sony's MiniDisc? Yes, the colorful plastic cartridge promised that it would become the best, most portable way to listen to music. Well, it didn't. Blame the MP3, if you like. Or go further back, to Apple's LISA. The bulky $10,000 computer was one of the first to use a graphical interface, but it never took off, either. On the bright side, Apple did learn from its mistakes, and certainly knows how to push product these days. There's also the doomed Amstrad Emailer, which arrived about five years too late, and Motorola's Rokr E1, which was promptly owned by the iPhone. Although it's not included on CNET's list, we couldn't go without mentioning Sega's Dreamcast console. We still shed a tear when thinking about what might've been if gamers had only supported the platform.

It's fun to reminisce, but in most cases, we're better off without these failed technologies. Don't believe us? Trade in your iPod for a MiniDisc player, or your iPhone for a Rokr -- just for a day. [From: CNET UK]

After the Hype: Technologies That Never Lived Up to Their Promise originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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