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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS: Not a Gaming Revolution, Still Makes Hands Happy]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-3ds-hands-on/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-3ds-hands-on/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-3ds-hands-on/#comments Nintendo 3DS The best way for me to start off my hands-on with the Nintendo 3DS is to be completely honest about my relationship with the Nintendo DS; I love the little split-screened device. I have a white Lite from 2007, and have never found the need to upgrade. That was until the E3 Expo last year, when Nintendo trotted out these little guys to a crowd practically electrified with excitement. But the 3-D hype, unless we are missing something, has failed to move past "hype" to "trend." Even the 3DS's initial promise as being the little device that could (without glasses) has been slapped with health warnings, and is not as cost-friendly as its Lite little bro. So, to be frank, I had high expectations, and the 3DS had quite a task ahead of itself.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS: Not a Gaming Revolution, Still Makes Hands Happy

SwitchedNintendo 3DS: Not a Gaming Revolution, Still Makes Hands Happy originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaqua blueAquaBluecosmo blackCosmoBlackfeaturesgaminghands-onhandsonmiinintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsNintendogsreviewsvideo gamingvideogamesVideoGamingFri, 25 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[FyreTV: A Streaming Pornucopia, For a Lonely Valentine's Night In]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/14/fyretv-fyreboxxx-streaming-pornucopia-lonely-valentines-night/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/14/fyretv-fyreboxxx-streaming-pornucopia-lonely-valentines-night/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/14/fyretv-fyreboxxx-streaming-pornucopia-lonely-valentines-night/#commentsfyretv screenshot There's another streaming media box on the market, but you won't be able to find the 'Scooby-Doo' movie on it. Oh, wait -- yes, you can. That is, if you're looking for the version that features Shaggy and Fred double-teaming Velma inside Old Man Withers' haunted dildo factory. Those meddling kids!

But seriously, the FyreTV streaming porno box (NSFW link, obviously) is perhaps the best gift that a lonely and hormonal geek could give to himself this Valentine's Day. It's also one of the most dangerous devices available for single and largely heterosexual men, because it will probably cause them to sprout hair on their palms, develop embarrassing welts, go blind, etc. There's no other device like this out there -- with the exception of your laptop, of course. But that raises the question: Why would anyone buy a porn-only box when they have the vast, sticky wilds of the Internet at hand? While some people think that paying for porn in this age is about as archaic as paying to see, you know, regular movies, there is a case to be made for a pornographic unitasker.

Continue reading FyreTV: A Streaming Pornucopia, For a Lonely Valentine's Night In

SwitchedFyreTV: A Streaming Pornucopia, For a Lonely Valentine's Night In originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appltvboxeefeaturesfyretvmedianetflixpornporno+valentines+daypornography for womenPornographyForWomenpornovalentinesdayreviewsrokusexstreamingstreaming media boxStreamingMediaBoxtopvalentines dayValentinesDayMon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Boxee Box Reviewed: The Good, the Bad and the Clunky]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/27/boxee-box-review/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/27/boxee-box-review/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/27/boxee-box-review/#commentsBoxee Box The poor, issue-laden Boxee Box has had a rough go of it. The streaming media box has been in a seemingly constant war with Hulu, and, after announcing at last year's CES that Boxee would launch using NVIDIA's Tegra 2 hardware, the manufacturer had to switch to an Intel-based solution, since getting the software running on NVIDIA's hardware proved to be too difficult. Despite of all the obstacles and setbacks, the Boxee is finally here. However, as we've discussed in our rundown of the Apple TV, Roku and Google TV on the Logitech Revue, it now faces a market crowded with legitimate competitors that didn't exist a year ago.

So, major proponents of the Boxee Box are curious: is it still compelling enough to earn a place in your home-theater setup? Or have the seemingly endless delays sabotaged the box, making it D.O.A? As major fans from day one, we tentatively took the device for a spin.

Continue reading The Boxee Box Reviewed: The Good, the Bad and the Clunky

SwitchedThe Boxee Box Reviewed: The Good, the Bad and the Clunky originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boxeeboxee boxBoxeeBoxBoxeeBoxRemoteboxeehqhuluNetflixreviewsrokustreamingstreaming mediastreaming videoStreamingMediaStreamingVideotopMon, 27 Dec 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech Revue Brings Google to Your TV, but It's Complicated]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/16/logitech-revue-google-tv-review/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/16/logitech-revue-google-tv-review/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/16/logitech-revue-google-tv-review/#commentsLogitech Revue Google isn't satisfied to dominate Web searches and virtually all online advertising. It's not content being the gold standard for productivity-based Web apps, a serious player in the browser field, or being the only smartphone OS maker capable of challenging Apple. No, Google's apparently been thinking too small -- or at least too small screen. But now, the Mountain View mammoth is eying our living rooms and our flatscreens with Google TV.

Google TV isn't a physical product; it's an operating system like Android. (Actually, it is Android, just bigger.) The Logitech Revue is the first of (presumably) many devices that will run the new platform -- but trying to nail down exactly what the Revue does is... complicated. To wit: it's a streaming media box that puts Netflix and YouTube on your TV, and a general-purpose Web browser, and a platform for running apps from your couch. Google TV not only attempts to resurrect the idea of putting the Internet on your television -- a notion pioneered, and ultimately abandoned, by WebTV -- but, obviously, serves as a challenge to streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku. The Revue even takes on TiVo with its integrated guide and DVR capabilities, which are currently limited to Dish customers and has no real interface. (But, like we said, it's complicated.)

Can Google TV replicate the OS success of Android? Or will it be an experiment like Wave, which failed to capture the public's attention? We spent several weeks with a Logitech Revue, streaming movies, browsing the Web and wasting serious time watching good ol' fashioned broadcast television. Read on to find out if Google has earned its place in our living room.

Continue reading Logitech Revue Brings Google to Your TV, but It's Complicated

SwitchedLogitech Revue Brings Google to Your TV, but It's Complicated originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfeaturesgooglegoogle tvGoogleTvhgghome theaterHomeTheaterlogitechreviewsrevueTue, 16 Nov 2010 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku XDS Review: The Streaming TV Device that Could]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/26/roku-xds-review-streaming-tv-device/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/26/roku-xds-review-streaming-tv-device/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/26/roku-xds-review-streaming-tv-device/#commentsRoku XD|S Roku made a name for itself back in 2008, when it launched the world's first standalone box designed to stream movies from the then-new Netflix Instant Play library. At the time, the Roku was a compelling device, but was regarded by many as a novelty. It was, in fact, a one-trick pony. It couldn't pump out high definition images, and many Americans didn't have access to the speedy connections necessary for smooth video playback. Clearly, though, Roku was on to something. Traditional, disc-based media appears to be on its way out (as evidenced by the death of HD-DVD and by lackluster Blu-Ray sales), and everyone from Google to Apple is trying to break in to the TV-based streaming media market that Roku helped to put on the map. With bigger, better-funded competitors breathing down its neck, Roku has unleashed a new line of set-top boxes with prices low enough to spark the interest of even the most budget-conscious among us. The flagship Roku XDS -- the most expensive of the line -- retails for an affordable $99.99. We spent some serious time getting acquainted with the device, so read on to see if the company can swim with the big fish, or if it will simply sink in a pool of new competitors.

Continue reading Roku XDS Review: The Streaming TV Device that Could

SwitchedRoku XDS Review: The Streaming TV Device that Could originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresinternetnetflixreviewreviewsrokuroku XDSRokuXdsstreaming mediastreaming videoStreamingMediaStreamingVideotopTue, 26 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mint Robot Mop Reviewed: Tasty and Refreshing, Scares Our Swiffer]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/11/mint-robot-mop-reviewed-tasty-and-refreshing-scares-our-swiffe/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/11/mint-robot-mop-reviewed-tasty-and-refreshing-scares-our-swiffe/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/11/mint-robot-mop-reviewed-tasty-and-refreshing-scares-our-swiffe/#commentsMint Robot Mop

What it is:

The robot cleaning revolution apparently has arrived. Years after the first Roombas were introduced into homes around the world, Neato stepped up to the plate with its impressive XV-11. Now, just a few months later, Evolution Robotics has launched its own proprietary floor-cleaning robot, the Mint, and it has some solid sweeping skills of its own.

Why it's different:

In some ways, the Mint is a bit of a throwback. Rather than vacuum, it goes for a simpler process of cleaning your floor with wet and dry cloths. In this sense, it's competing with Roomba's Scooba floor cleaner, as it's useless without a vacuuming counterpart, robotic or otherwise. There's no spraying involved, either. You attach either a wet or dry cloth (included) to the bottom of the device, or use Swiffer dry pads in their place. The robot find its way around with the aid of the "NorthStar" Navigation Cube, which you place facing the middle of the room to help it keep track of where it's gone and where it still needs to go. The Mint approaches sweeping and mopping differently. When sweeping, it generally moves forward, turns, and repeats, and, when mopping, it moves in a back-and-forth "scrubbing" motion.

Gallery: Mint Cleaner Review

Continue reading Mint Robot Mop Reviewed: Tasty and Refreshing, Scares Our Swiffer

SwitchedMint Robot Mop Reviewed: Tasty and Refreshing, Scares Our Swiffer originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EvolutionRoboticsfeatureshandsonhouseholdirobotIrobotRoombamintMintRoboticVacuumNeatoRoboticsNeatoXv-11reviewsrobotsroombatopvacuumMon, 11 Oct 2010 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The New Yorker for iPad: Finally, A Magazine Goes Digital and Stays True to Itself]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/27/the-new-yorker-for-ipad-finally-a-magazine-goes-digital-and-st/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/27/the-new-yorker-for-ipad-finally-a-magazine-goes-digital-and-st/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/27/the-new-yorker-for-ipad-finally-a-magazine-goes-digital-and-st/#commentsHey Condé Nast! Did someone hear our plaintive cries about your app ventures? Because we're happy to report that 'The New Yorker' iPad app, released today, resoundingly does not suck.

Well, it's got some issues (of which the editors seem to be aware), but we'll save those for last. We were worried when we heard that The New Yorker was coming to iPad, because it's a medium that is simply asking to be exploited in the wrong way. TNY has always been a text-based mag that's sparse on the pics (with the exception of occasional photo essays), and we feared that the iPad would beg developers to go crazy with interactive features, videos, game-engines and other dreck that many readers simply don't want when they're trying to read a story as a story. The New Yorker app shows restraint, and we're glad for it.

Continue reading The New Yorker for iPad: Finally, A Magazine Goes Digital and Stays True to Itself

SwitchedThe New Yorker for iPad: Finally, A Magazine Goes Digital and Stays True to Itself originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsconde nastCondeNastdigital magazineDigitalMagazinefeaturesiosipadmagazinemagazinesnew yorkerNewYorkerprintreviewsthe new yorkerTheNewYorkertopMon, 27 Sep 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Awesome Solitaire' Makes Lonesome Card Playing Full of Glitter and Glam]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/25/awesome-solitaire-makes-lonesome-card-playing-full-of-glitter/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/25/awesome-solitaire-makes-lonesome-card-playing-full-of-glitter/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/25/awesome-solitaire-makes-lonesome-card-playing-full-of-glitter/#commentsAwesome Solitaire Solitaire is one of the few computer games not to have seen much in the way of improvement or innovation. In fact, since it became the world's most popular timewaster with the release of Windows 3.1, electronic versions of solitaire have become pretty much indistinguishable from one another (outside of the occasional fresh coat of paint). 'Awesome Solitaire' for the iPhone doesn't mess with the mechanics, and that's a good thing. Instead, the company behind the game, Wolter Group, has loaded up the app with constant affirmations of progress and slick, flashy animations ala 'Guitar Hero' that make the normally staid card game feel downright epic. Or should we say... awesome?

Gallery: Awesome Solitaire

Continue reading 'Awesome Solitaire' Makes Lonesome Card Playing Full of Glitter and Glam

Switched'Awesome Solitaire' Makes Lonesome Card Playing Full of Glitter and Glam originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsawesome solitaireAwesomeSolitairedownloadsethan millerEthanMillerfeaturesgamingiosiphonereviewssolitairewolter groupWolterGroupSat, 25 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Writer' for iPad Review: App Aims to Keep You Focused]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/23/writer-for-ipad-review-app-aims-to-keep-you-focused/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/23/writer-for-ipad-review-app-aims-to-keep-you-focused/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/23/writer-for-ipad-review-app-aims-to-keep-you-focused/#commentsYesterday, the Information Architects (iA) team, which you may know from its Web Trend Map, officially released the 'Wrıter' app for iPad. We've seen many attempts at moving writing interfaces away from the toolbar-overloaded interfaces of apps like Microsoft Word, and iA's new project continues this trend with an emphasis on your writing. We fired up the app to write this review, so read on to see how it holds up.

Continue reading 'Writer' for iPad Review: App Aims to Keep You Focused

Switched'Writer' for iPad Review: App Aims to Keep You Focused originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresiainformation architectsInformationArchitectsiosipadproductivityreviewstopwriterwriter appWriterAppwritingThu, 23 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reeder: The Best iPhone RSS App for Feed Addicts]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/16/reeder-the-best-iphone-rss-app-for-feed-addicts/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/16/reeder-the-best-iphone-rss-app-for-feed-addicts/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/16/reeder-the-best-iphone-rss-app-for-feed-addicts/#commentsReeder iPhone RSS App RSS's demise is being touted around the blogosphere again this month, but, frankly, we can't live without really simple syndication. Yes, iPad apps like 'Flipboard' and 'Twitter' are innovative in their abilities to make sense of what your friends are sharing on social networks, but, for our money, there's nothing quite like the dopamine-addled, mouth-to-the-firehose thrill of loading up a couple hundred RSS feeds and plunging through thousands of unread news items, blog posts and images. Whether you're a politics junkie, sports fanatic, celebrity news addict or are simply looking for more customization, a mobile RSS reader is essential for staying connected.

Google Reader has long been one of the best Web-based feedreaders, but Google Reader's excellent mobile version still lags behind dedicated apps with its lack of sharing options, offline reading features and speed. Assuming you're using a Google Reader account to keep your feeds organized and synced across multiple computers and mobile devices, you need look no further than 'Reeder' on the iPhone.

Gallery: Reeder App

Item viewSharing optionsSharing on deliciousStarred feed viewNotice: syncing status at the top of the app

Continue reading Reeder: The Best iPhone RSS App for Feed Addicts

SwitchedReeder: The Best iPhone RSS App for Feed Addicts originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscolumnsfeaturesgoogleGoogleReaderjusttellmewhattogetreederreviewsrssRssReaderSilvioRizziThu, 16 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best PDF Reader Apps for the iPad]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/14/the-best-pdf-reader-apps-for-the-ipad/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/14/the-best-pdf-reader-apps-for-the-ipad/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/14/the-best-pdf-reader-apps-for-the-ipad/#commentspdfs on ipad The school year's already begun for most American college students, and they are no doubt racked with the same problem that we had as undergrads: carrying around countless handouts, course packets, articles, essays and notes. Depending on the breadth of your study and the wickedness of your professors, you could be faced with a small mountain of paper for each class. (Your author recalls, not so fondly, a class in Russian literature with a 15-pound course packet.)

Luckily, many professors have transitioned from handing out hard copies of documents to employing PDFs, often through BlackBoard or a class listserv. The problem is, most students still print out their PDFs to keep them organized and portable, defeating the purpose of making them digital in the first place. If you happen to own an iPad, however, PDF reading is intuitive and untaxing. We took a look at some of the more popular PDF-reader iPad apps for students to help you cut through the chaff and find the best bets for cracking the digital books.

Continue reading The Best PDF Reader Apps for the iPad

SwitchedThe Best PDF Reader Apps for the iPad originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgoodreaderiannotate pdfIannotatePdfibooksipadpdfpdf readerpdf reader pro editionPdfReaderPdfReaderProEditionReaddlereviewssmileydocstopTue, 14 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter iPad App Review: Multi-Panels and Multi-Functions]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/04/twitter-ipad-app-review-multi-panels-and-multi-functions-too-b/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/04/twitter-ipad-app-review-multi-panels-and-multi-functions-too-b/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/04/twitter-ipad-app-review-multi-panels-and-multi-functions-too-b/#commentsTwitter for iPad The new official Twitter client for the iPad just landed this week, and it's offering some of the most interesting mobile app design ideas we've seen this year. The iPad offers more screen space than cellphones, and the Twitter team fortunately didn't simply port over a bigger version of the wildly popular (and well-made) official app for the iPhone. We spent some time with the app, so head after the break to see if it holds up to its iPhone predecessor.

Gallery: Twitter for iPad

Continue reading Twitter iPad App Review: Multi-Panels and Multi-Functions

SwitchedTwitter iPad App Review: Multi-Panels and Multi-Functions originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfeaturesiosipadjusttellmewhattogetreviewstwittertwitter for ipadTwitterForIpadSat, 04 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands On With OnLive: On-Demand Gaming Scores, but Still Clouded With Issues]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/10/hands-on-with-onlive-on-demand-gaming-scores-but-still-clouded/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/10/hands-on-with-onlive-on-demand-gaming-scores-but-still-clouded/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/10/hands-on-with-onlive-on-demand-gaming-scores-but-still-clouded/#commentsFiled under: , ,

OnLive
Although, for a time, the video game industry valiantly staved off the recession while other enterprises suffered, console game sales did eventually stagnate before precipitously dropping. Online gaming currently thrives, though, particularly with enormously popular titles like Zynga's 'FarmVille' and 'Mafia Wars.' Other services like Xbox Live, which reportedly generates billions in revenue, also demonstrate that certain aspects of gaming can experience resounding success while still producing absurd profits.

Given the colossal audience of social networking sites and streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, the adoption of such financially sound models by the video game industry represents a boundless and untapped gold mine. Enter OnLive, a service that seeks to provide video games instantly to users (on an array of devices), while also enabling trash-talking friendly networking. Currently experimenting with an invitation-only, pre-release program, OnLive showcases industry veteran Steve Perlman as CEO, and claims stalwarts like AT&T and Warner Bros. among its supporters.

The cloud-based game service, which also plans to release a MicroConsole in the fall, won't require lengthy, storage-sapping downloads. But will it provide seamless, uninterrupted gaming at a competitive price? That question, as well as numerous others, remains to be conclusively answered.

Continue reading Hands On With OnLive: On-Demand Gaming Scores, but Still Clouded With Issues

SwitchedHands On With OnLive: On-Demand Gaming Scores, but Still Clouded With Issues originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgaminghandsononliveplaypassreviewstopvideo gamesVideoGamesTue, 10 Aug 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands On With 'StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty']]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/03/hands-on-with-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/03/hands-on-with-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/03/hands-on-with-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty/#commentsFiled under: ,

StarCraft II

After more than 12 years -- a lifetime in video game terms -- the long-awaited 'StarCraft' sequel, 'Wings of Liberty,' has finally arrived. The initial impressions are very good, if not very surprising. What's here is familiar without being mundane, thanks to countless small tweaks, along with an entirely new graphics engine and more spit and polish than those classic cars in the original Karate Kid. It's tough to find fault with the game, and 'Wings of Liberty' is a great entry point for both first-timers and old hats looking for a new digital addiction.

While the multiplayer beta has been available for several months, the 'StarCraft 2' single-player campaign has introduced unlockable upgrades, exclusive units and abilities, and a branching mission structure -- features that have been implemented in other RTS (real-time strategy) titles in recent years, but are new to the 'StarCraft' universe. The campaign's difficulty curve is buttery smooth, and a variety of missions are book-ended by Blizzard's trademark spectacular CG cut scenes. The campaign is devoted entirely to playing as the human Terrans, while other races' campaigns will almost certainly appear in the form of expansion packs.

Gallery: Starcraft 2

Continue reading Hands On With 'StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty'

SwitchedHands On With 'StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty' originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardRealTimeStrategyreviewsrtsstarcraftstarcraft 2Starcraft2Starcraft2WingsOfLibertytopvideo gamesvideogamesTue, 03 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Kmart Wants Your Game Reviews, Stumbles on that Viral Marketing Thing]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/07/18/kmart-wants-your-game-reviews-stumbles-on-viral-marketing/http://www.switched.com/2010/07/18/kmart-wants-your-game-reviews-stumbles-on-viral-marketing/http://www.switched.com/2010/07/18/kmart-wants-your-game-reviews-stumbles-on-viral-marketing/#commentsFiled under:

Kmart Taping Users' Game Reviews

To begin with, yes, Kmart stores still exist in some places [Ed. Note: Actually, part of the same building as the Switched office's in New York, to be exact], even though we can't remember the last time we shopped at one. So, in an effort to maintain relevant, the retail store is petitioning gamers for help. According to the MyKmart blog, Kmart will tape your video game reviews to display cases in the stores, because nothing says "in the know" like 'Call of Duty' fanboy-ism. Supposedly, this little experiment will help Kmart foster an online community of like-minded gamers and also aid clueless shoppers.

Now, there are some rules for aspiring critics. First, Kmart only wants "helpful and constructive" reviews. Secondly, said reviews should be "unique and well-written" (good luck with that). And finally, these reviews should be written with "non-gamers" in mind and should focus on newly released or "evergreen" titles. Of course, Kmart reserves the right to alter "spelling, grammar, slang or punctuation so it's more store-friendly."

Continue reading Kmart Wants Your Game Reviews, Stumbles on that Viral Marketing Thing

SwitchedKmart Wants Your Game Reviews, Stumbles on that Viral Marketing Thing originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kmartonline communitiesOnlineCommunitiesreviewreviewsshoppingtopvideo game reviewsVideoGameReviewsVideoGamesviralWebSun, 18 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Educational Leapster Explorer Is a Gaming Handheld for the iPhone Generation]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/06/08/educational-leapster-explorer-is-a-gaming-handheld-for-the-iphon/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/08/educational-leapster-explorer-is-a-gaming-handheld-for-the-iphon/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/08/educational-leapster-explorer-is-a-gaming-handheld-for-the-iphon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Leapster Explorer
Earlier today, we visited our good friends at Leapfrog, all of whom were very excited to show off their latest learning toy -- the Leapster Explorer. The Explorer is the latest update to the company's Leapster line of gaming handhelds. Past devices have been rather basic affairs, making even the Gameboy Advance seem powerful in comparison. And while the Explorer isn't going to be mistaken for a PSP, it does drastically improve on the technology, and offers thorough integration with other Leapfrog products.

Gallery: Leapster Explorer

Continue reading Educational Leapster Explorer Is a Gaming Handheld for the iPhone Generation

SwitchedEducational Leapster Explorer Is a Gaming Handheld for the iPhone Generation originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationedutainmenthandsonleapfrogleapletsleapsterleapster explorerLeapsterExplorerreviewstopvideogamesTue, 08 Jun 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Yelp and OpenTable Team Up So You Never Need to Speak to a Hostess Again]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/06/04/yelp-and-opentable-team-up-so-you-never-need-to-speak-to-a-hoste/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/04/yelp-and-opentable-team-up-so-you-never-need-to-speak-to-a-hoste/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/04/yelp-and-opentable-team-up-so-you-never-need-to-speak-to-a-hoste/#commentsFiled under:

yelp and opentable logos
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Isn't it just so tedious and antiquated to pick up the phone (that thing you get your email from) and dial those awful little numbers, just so you can talk to a bored 19-year-old hostess for a reservation at your favorite restaurant? Yelp and OpenTable seem to think so, because the mega review site and online booking system have teamed together to streamline the whole picking-a-restaurant experience through the Web.

To be fair, OpenTable is a stupidly easy and convenient site for reserving spots at more than 13,000 restaurants nationwide, and your writer has employed its free services on more than one occasion to avoid having to speak directly with the front-of-the-house plebes (also, racking up points rocks). Couple OpenTable's accessibility with Yelp's massive database of restaurant listings and you've pretty much got a golden partnership. (We only hope that restaurants will cross-reference their OpenTable reservations with the evil Yelp reviewers featured on Yelp Yack. "Sorry crispy bacon wench, we're all booked for the evening.")

Continue reading Yelp and OpenTable Team Up So You Never Need to Speak to a Hostess Again

SwitchedYelp and OpenTable Team Up So You Never Need to Speak to a Hostess Again originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Humble Indie Bundle
Yes, the purpose of our Friday roundups of free Flash games games is to get you through your final weekday. Till now (and after now, too), that's been our tenet, but we are cheating a bit this week. See, five indie designers got together and packaged a charmingly titled "Humble Indie Bundle," which works on PCs, Macs and Linux-based computers. Since they are independent designers (not a big corporation, like Sony or EA), the money goes straight to them, no middle man. Lastly, and we wouldn't cover this if it didn't have some element of "free" or "pretty-darn-close-to-free," the games just ask that you pay what you want. (We won't divulge our expenditure, but, rest assured, we paid our dues. But we won't judge you if you don't.) The experiment has become such a success that 30-percent of the revenue is now donated to charity, while the rest goes into the developers' pockets as they strive for new, innovative computer games.

So download away (or try them all in beta for free, by checking out the link). Or, keep the installation to a minimum by peeping our reviews, and then choosing the title you'd like best. Game on, weekend.

Written by Leila Brillson and Matt Zuras

Continue reading Games You Can Play Now: 'The Humble Indie Bundle' Reviewed

SwitchedGames You Can Play Now: 'The Humble Indie Bundle' Reviewed originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 14 May 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquariafeaturesflashgamesgamesgaminggishhumble indiehumble indie bundleHumbleIndieHumbleIndieBundlelugarumacpcpenumbrareviewstoptopflashgamesvideogamesworld of gooWorldOfGooFri, 14 May 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanity Fail: Why We Hated Condé Nast's New iPad Edition]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/05/12/vanity-fail-why-we-hated-conde-nasts-new-ipad-edition/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/12/vanity-fail-why-we-hated-conde-nasts-new-ipad-edition/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/12/vanity-fail-why-we-hated-conde-nasts-new-ipad-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

vanity fair ipad appReaders, we should've been prepared for disappointment. After expectations for the iPad had run so high that there was veritable anger from the tech world when the limitations of the device were announced, we should've known that we ought to lower the bar for Condé Nast's digital editions. The iPad version of Vanity Fair just debuted, and we spent a little hands-on time with the app, trying to figure out its esoteric formatting and inscrutable interface. We can say, at this minute, if this is the future of magazines, we'll stick to printed books.

Let us dig a little deeper into what exactly we hated about digital Vanity Fair. But first, some things that we liked:

Continue reading Vanity Fail: Why We Hated Condé Nast's New iPad Edition

SwitchedVanity Fail: Why We Hated Condé Nast's New iPad Edition originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 May 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annie leibovitzAnnieLeibovitzconde nastCondeNastdigital magazineDigitalMagazinefeaturesgraydon carterGraydonCarteripadipad appIpadAppmagazinemagazinesprintreviewstopvanity fairVanityFairworld cupWorldCupWed, 12 May 2010 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[DoubleTwist Syncs iTunes With Your Non-iPod Devices]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/07/doubletwist-syncs-itunes-with-your-non-ipod-devices/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/07/doubletwist-syncs-itunes-with-your-non-ipod-devices/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/07/doubletwist-syncs-itunes-with-your-non-ipod-devices/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DoubleTwist Syncs iTunes With Your Non-iPod Devices

What it is:

DoubleTwist is a music manager and media syncing tool for those who don't want to join, or are looking to leave, the cult of Apple. It has gained particular notability ever since T-Mobile agreed to package the application with some of its Android-powered handsets.

What we like:

Aesthetically, we find DoubleTwist rather pleasing. While others have described it as "rough," we quite enjoy the soft, matte colors and basic control elements. Those pared-down controls mean that it has a very low learning curve. If you've ever used any media management software, you'll feel right at home in DoubleTwist.

Continue reading DoubleTwist Syncs iTunes With Your Non-iPod Devices

SwitchedDoubleTwist Syncs iTunes With Your Non-iPod Devices originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddoubletwistfeaturesipodMediaManagermoviesmusicreviewssongbirdswitcheddownloadsynctopWed, 07 Apr 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Epicurious for iPad: Now We Totally Understand This '3rd Device' Rhetoric]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/06/epicurious-for-ipad-now-we-totally-understand-this-3rd-device/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/06/epicurious-for-ipad-now-we-totally-understand-this-3rd-device/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/06/epicurious-for-ipad-now-we-totally-understand-this-3rd-device/#commentsFiled under: ,

Readers, we have a confession to make. This past weekend, we went out, like the giant nerds that we are, and got ourselves an iPad. And, after spending some time with it, we had a chance to write down both our good words and gripes with the device. But we're starting to rethink the way we ought to critique this "magical and revolutionary" product. Yes, we've had netbooks and tablet PCs and e-readers around for awhile, and, yes, many of them can do more than the iPad, but the iPad is really a media-consumption device, especially suitable for print.

And we submit to you the Epicurious app (iTunes link) as evidence for our argument that the iPad is an entirely new kind of gadget. We're not shilling for Epicurious, or anything. We're simply bloggers who love food. (And we also love tech! Which is why you're here in the first place.) While some of us are better cooks than others, we can all stand to learn a thing or two from this gorgeous piece of software, which suggests a future where cookbooks are interactive and help us to get from meal planning to shopping to cooking. Read on, and we will give you four reasons that the Epicurious app is tops.

Continue reading Epicurious for iPad: Now We Totally Understand This '3rd Device' Rhetoric

SwitchedEpicurious for iPad: Now We Totally Understand This '3rd Device' Rhetoric originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The iPad, Apple's new "magical" tablet device whose months of hype claim that it will save print media, kill laptops and redefine the computing experience, is finally here. As expected, many camped out at Apple Stores nationwide, but, aside from Saturday's launch day theatrics at 9 a.m., crowds were subdued compared to those attending the frenzied iPhone launch of 2007. Steve Jobs introduced the device by describing a computing space currently unfilled by either smartphones or laptops. We got to spend a long weekend with the device, so read on to see how Apple's iPad holds up.

Continue reading Apple iPad: The Switched Review

SwitchedApple iPad: The Switched Review originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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User reviews of the iPad have started to emerge, and, contrary to what many expected, they're generally pretty positive. While initial impressions run the gamut from pleasantly surprised to downright effusive, the overarching theme seems to be the same: the iPad is just different. Occupying a strange space between laptop and e-reader, the iPad, as the Houston Chronicle's Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus says, is "an entirely new mobile device... a new arrow in your technology quiver." The Wall Street Journal's Walter Mossberg concurs, calling the iPad "much more than an e-book or digital periodical reader," and "far more than just a big iPhone." The Root's Omar Wasow sums it up as simply "a computer without all the distractions."

As for the user experience, many described it as uniquely enjoyable, and some made it out to be almost divine. For Andy Ithnatko, of the Chicago Sun-Times, "the iPad user experience is instantly compelling and elegant," while the New York Times' David Pogue finds the touchscreen-based navigation to be "a completely new experience -- and a deeply satisfying one." Many also reported that the battery-life far exceeded even Apple's claims, and that the device's custom processor allowed for what Mossberg calls "wicked fast" manipulation. The enlarged screen, according to reviews, enhances both digital media consumption and Web surfing, while the built-in speaker delivered surprisingly good sound quality.

Continue reading The iPad Arrives: Our Review of the Reviews

SwitchedThe iPad Arrives: Our Review of the Reviews originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleipadIpadAppreviewstablettopThu, 01 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hype Check: Nintendo DSi XL Is Bigger, Boring but Somehow Better]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/hype-check-nintendo-dsi-xl-is-bigger-boring-but-somehow-better/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/hype-check-nintendo-dsi-xl-is-bigger-boring-but-somehow-better/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/hype-check-nintendo-dsi-xl-is-bigger-boring-but-somehow-better/#commentsFiled under:

What it is

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The DSi XL is the latest in Nintendo's DS line -- a line that is now four models deep, each one incrementally better than the one before it. The XL is, as its name might imply, a bigger version of the DSi; the screen is about an inch bigger than that of its sibling (4.3-inch diagonal, as opposed to the DSi's 3.25 inches), and the console itself is accordingly bigger and heavier. It has been available in Japan since late last year, but just hit U.S. store shelves this past weekend.

Why it's different


In many ways, actually, it's not different at all. While the XL's screen is bigger than that of the DSi, it's not significantly better or brighter. Nearly everything else about the two platforms is identical: front- and back-facing low-res cameras, 256 MB of onboard flash memory (and support for SD cards), and built-in Wi-Fi. This is, quite simply, the DSi XL.

Gallery: Nintendo DSi XL

Continue reading Hype Check: Nintendo DSi XL Is Bigger, Boring but Somehow Better

SwitchedHype Check: Nintendo DSi XL Is Bigger, Boring but Somehow Better originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfeaturesHypeChecknintendoNintendo3dsNintendoDsNintendoDsiNintendoDsiXlreviewstopvideo gamesVideoGamesWed, 31 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Unvarnished: The Go-To Place for Flaming Your Boss]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/unvarnished-the-go-to-place-for-flaming-your-boss/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/unvarnished-the-go-to-place-for-flaming-your-boss/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/unvarnished-the-go-to-place-for-flaming-your-boss/#commentsFiled under: ,

Peter Kazanjy is either completely shameless, or the best boss in the world. His new start-up, Unvarnished, is a social networking site for people to go and post critiques of their professional peers. By that, we mean to say that you can hop on the site to slam your former employer for cutting back your vacation days, or publicly sneer at the PR rep who had arugula in his teeth throughout his whole pitch. (We wonder what Kazanjy's staff might write about him... )

Unvarnished is tethered to Facebook, so, at the moment, you need to receive an invite from a Facebook friend to become part of the network, which is run through Facebook Connect. Also, your Facebook account has to demonstrate a certain amount of activity to be registered, just so that people don't set up fraudulent accounts to flame individuals en masse. And since it's connected to Facebook, your reviews are linked to your account (though other users won't be able to trace your posts back to you).

Continue reading Unvarnished: The Go-To Place for Flaming Your Boss

SwitchedUnvarnished: The Go-To Place for Flaming Your Boss originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon's elegantly executed Digital Rebel T2i is one of those rare gadgets that inspire admiration and affection in a way usually reserved for humans. The T2i is a big upgrade from its predecessor, the Rebel T1i, which lost out to Nikon's D5000 when Switched recommended a beginner SLR (single-lens reflex) last summer. The new T2i incorporates a sensor nearly identical to Canon's popular 7D (a favorite camera around the Switched and Engadget offices), which means you're going to get rich colors, accurate exposure, good low-light performance and stunning video.

Continue reading Rebel, Rebel, How Could We Know? Canon T2i, We Love HD Video So

SwitchedRebel, Rebel, How Could We Know? Canon T2i, We Love HD Video So originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerascanoncanon t2iCanonT2idslrdslr videoDslrVideofeatureshands onHandsOnreviewsslrt2itopMon, 29 Mar 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A reader asks: One of my college housemates just moved out, which is a good thing, but he took his TV with him. This is a bad thing. So I'm looking for a PC monitor that can do double duty as a TV, too -- something reasonably big, as good quality as possible, fast enough for console games and is around $350 or so. I'm stuck with a laptop 12-inch screen until you reply, so hurry up and just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: On those gray days when we wake up in the morning and wonder what it all means anyway, it's questions like these that bring us around and get our blood pumping again: We do it for the children!

Sob stories aside, your question is actually a good one, since a dual-purpose monitor is a great solution for a lot of people who don't have the space, cash or inclination to get multiple flat screens. And, while we're under the impression that many college kids already watch TV shows almost exclusively on laptops and monitors, movies and console games are inherently social activities that benefit from a communal screen.

Continue reading What's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350?

SwitchedWhat's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p24-inch display24-inchDisplayfeatureshdtvjusttellmewhattogetmonitorp2570reviewssamsung syncmaster p2570SamsungSyncmasterP2570topThu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yelp Embroiled in Bribery, Extortion, and Defamation Dispute]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/25/yelp-embroiled-in-bribery-extortion-and-defamation-dispute/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/25/yelp-embroiled-in-bribery-extortion-and-defamation-dispute/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/25/yelp-embroiled-in-bribery-extortion-and-defamation-dispute/#commentsFiled under:

Two law firms have filed a class-action lawsuit against Yelp, charging the business review site with conducting unfair business practices, and running an "extortion scheme." According to the suit filed in Los Angeles federal court , Yelp's employees regularly "call businesses demanding monthly payments, in the guise of 'advertising contracts,' in exchange for removing or modifying negative reviews appearing on the Web site."

The entire controversy arose after a Long Beach veterinary hospital contacted the site to remove what they considered a "false and defamatory review" that someone had posted. As TechCrunch reports, the hospital alleges that Yelp, after initially refusing to take it down, later demanded $300 per month in exchange for hiding or removing the contentious review. In a statement, Yelp VP of communications Vince Sollitto said that although the company hasn't "seen the suit in question," it's pretty confident that "the allegations are demonstrably false, since many businesses that advertise on Yelp have both negative and positive reviews."

Continue reading Yelp Embroiled in Bribery, Extortion, and Defamation Dispute

SwitchedYelp Embroiled in Bribery, Extortion, and Defamation Dispute originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"All that a music review does now is reinforce an opinion somebody already has," music writer Christopher Weingarten said at the 140 Character Conference, an event in New York that addressed Twitter's effect on music and culture. He went on to say, "If it doesn't fit into 140 characters, it's not worth saying." Weingarten has written for some big-time musical publications, like Rolling Stone, The Village Voice and Fader, but according to him, this time next year, he'll be looking for a new job.

The reason, says the glib writer-now-tweeter, is crowd-sourcing, Web 2.0, and the abundance of blogs. Combined, those factors have made music so accessible that critics are racing to keep up with their audience. Additionally, he points out, writers and publications are focusing more and more on one genre (a dedicated rap blog, for instance).

Continue reading Music Critic Promises to Tweet 1,000 Record Reviews

SwitchedMusic Critic Promises to Tweet 1,000 Record Reviews originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicreviewstoptwitterweb 2.0Web2.0Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:35:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Worth the Hype? (Hands-on Review)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/13/blackberry-pearl-flip-8220-worth-the-hype-hands-on-review/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/13/blackberry-pearl-flip-8220-worth-the-hype-hands-on-review/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/13/blackberry-pearl-flip-8220-worth-the-hype-hands-on-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


hands-on blackberry pearl flip 8220 hype check


HYPE CHECK: BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

What it is: It's the first clamshell-style 'flip' handset that runs the much-beloved BlackBerry operating system (OS) for mobile phones.

Why it's different: Thanks to the aforementioned flip design, this BlackBerry looks more like a phone than a smart phone, which will please those who like to do their work (or e-mailing/texting) discreetly. The Pearl Flip is also the first U.S. BlackBerry to feature the latest version of the BlackBerry OS, which has a slick, more cartoonish interface and an improved Web browser that offers a more realistic rendition of Web pages than on previous BlackBerrys, as well as live video streaming from sites like YouTube. Unlike the original Pearl, the 8220 has a built-in camcorder and an improved 2.0 megapixel camera, which can be used to send video- and picture-messages right from the phone.

What we like: For starters, the Flip's clamshell design eliminates the all-to-easy-to-accidentally-dial-your-boss tendency of every other BlackBerry's open keyboard, without making you deal with cumbersome tasks such as locking the keys. Imported from previous Pearls, the SureType feature - a predictive text system that allows the phone to have a traditional QWERTY lineup on a traditional phone keypad - continues to please us more than the T9 system found on most other phones and is still a cut above the iPhone touch-sensitive keyboard. Built-in Wi-Fi not only makes surfing for Web pages, downloading content, and sending video messages faster, but it also saves us money on our monthly cell phone bill because it enables us to use T-Mobile's UMA-based Internet phone service instead of our cell phone minutes whenever we're in a Wi-Fi hotspot. All that said, the main reason we like a BlackBerry in any form is the excellent e-mail service, which is easy-to-use, reliable, and lets you read and respond to your messages even when you're out of range of a signal (something that isn't doable on, say, an iPhone and plenty of other phones). One nice addition to this iteration of the e-mail service is the secondary screen on the front of the phone that flashes new e-mails (along with their contents) as soon as they arrive (then goes back to a sleek analog clock animation). Oh, and it will work easily with your office e-mail, too.

Continue reading BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Worth the Hype? (Hands-on Review)

SwitchedBlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Worth the Hype? (Hands-on Review) originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbhubbreaking newsBreakingNewsfeaturesflip phonesFlipPhoneshggfeatureshype checkHypeChecknew productsNewProductspearl flippearl flip 8220PearlFlipPearlFlip8220reviewssmart phonesSmartPhonest-mobileMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-On With Monster's New Dr. Dre Beats Headphones]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/24/hands-on-with-monsters-new-dr-dre-beats-headphones/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/24/hands-on-with-monsters-new-dr-dre-beats-headphones/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/24/hands-on-with-monsters-new-dr-dre-beats-headphones/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dr. Dre Beats
When we first reported about the upcoming launch of Dr. Dre's Beats high-end headphones, we expected a mix of both parties' aptitude for doing things big and right. We got a chance to take the new skullpods for a test run last night, and our expectations were spot-on.

Sound Quality
Without getting too technical, we can confidently say that the Beats handled all the frequencies thrown at them without flapping on the bass or screeching on the treble. They have a definitive "warmth" to them that may make hardcore audiophiles scream such things as "accuracy" and "flat response," but, frankly, these headphones are designed to sound good on subways and streets. We convinced the Monsters to let us try out some of our own old '70s and '80s music just to see how the Beats handled that -- we weren't disappointed, although they behaved a lot more evenly with modern hip-hop and R&B. All in all, DJs and club-goers will absolutely love the sound quality.

Design & Comfort
These things scream class. With a shiny exterior and high-end ear cups, the Beats are seriously comfortable. While we only had them on for about 10 minutes, we experienced none of the ear fatigue or "hot ears" that other, less well-designed head cans exhibit. They come in a nice, sturdy case and fold up with an assuring "click." The Beats aren't small, though, so don't expect to just throw them in a pocket like you can in-ear headphones. What's more, big headphones like these are questionable as gym accessories.

iPhone Compatibility
Instead of including a call/send/end button and microphone right on the Beasts' cables, Monster has you using a cable adapter that makes things a little annoying, with several wires hanging from your ears and multiple connections to maintain. Performance on calls was also questionable, as we experienced radio interference from the phone's antenna. Hopefully Monster will take the time to add some shielding if they really want to call the Beats iPhone-compatible.

So Are They Worth It?
At $399, these aren't the headphones for just anyone. They are, however, perfect for street-smart, style-conscious, serious hip hop and club music listeners with a little extra cash and a penchant for high-end, high-impact sound. They sound every bit as good and loud as Dr. Dre promised they would, and they look great.

As mentioned, hardcore audiophiles may be disappointed in their hip-hop-friendly bass warmth. Overall, these are a solid entry into the crowded, but long-in-the-tooth high-end headphone set. It's nice to finally see some innovation in a genre of headphones that hasn't seen anything new and exciting in quite some time.

Related Links:

SwitchedHands-On With Monster's New Dr. Dre Beats Headphones originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dr. dreDr.Dreheadphoneshype checkHypeCheckmonsterreviewssummerreviewsThu, 24 Jan 2008 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[TechSelector Helps You Shop for Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/04/27/techselector-a-new-gadget-shopping-site/http://www.switched.com/2007/04/27/techselector-a-new-gadget-shopping-site/http://www.switched.com/2007/04/27/techselector-a-new-gadget-shopping-site/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

techselector ipod

For many, the prospect of shopping for a new gadget can be scary. Like, Alec Baldwin screaming at you when you're 13, scary. But a new consumer electronics-shopping site, TechSelector, aims to make the experience a painless one. Does it work?

Switched recently took the site for a test drive, and found TechSelector a snap to use. When you first arrive, you're asked what kind of new trinket you're interested in buying. Then, you're guided through a short series of very simple questions about what you want and don't want out of the product. At the end, you're shown a list of gadgets matching your criteria, sorted according to how well they match your preferences. From here you can view reviews, in-depth product information and even perform side-by-side comparisons.

So, for example, Switched wants a new scanner. First, we were asked what kind we thought we wanted - flatbed, pass-through, portable, etc. (each question also gives you a "no preference" option). The following questions asked us about our operating system, and how we'd connect the scanner to our computer (USB, USB 2.0, FireWire, etc.). We were also asked what quality of scanning we'd need, and how big the scan area should be. On the results page, we were given several great choices to go with.

But, the young service isn't without its kinks. For example, when searching for a digital camera, we found the survey to be a bit too lengthy. And consider what happened when looking for a new video game console. We chose "no preference" for every question except the first, which asked us if we wanted a console or portable. We chose console. Out of all the products that possibly come under that category, TechSelector thought we'd like the Nintendo GameCube best. Its second choice was the Nintendo 64! Third choice was the PSP, which, last time we picked one up, felt pretty portable. The 360 and PS3 followed, but the Wii was nowhere to be found!

Verdict: We're think TechSelector will be a huge help to timid tech shoppers once the site gets its act together. To be fair, the service is still testing in beta mode -- though let's not forget that some sites seem content to never get out of beta mode. We're talking to you, Gmail!

SwitchedTechSelector Helps You Shop for Gadgets originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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