Gadgets

There are two types of people in tech: those who craft it, and those who hack it. Apple and its loyal customers (who braved long lines to get their hands on the device) have had weeks to enjoy the rosy glow emitted by the iPhone. Now, it's the ... mischievous hacker's turn to enjoy the media spotlight, as word comes that a hole exists in the defenses of Apple's communicator. Luckily, many hackers have abandoned their basement apartments for white collar jobs in software security companies. In fact, it was a security expert team at ISE (Independent Security Evaluators) that discovered a glitch ... (view more)

Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) has fared worse against Nintendo than its PlayStation 3. And, that's saying a lot. In release for a few years now, the PSP's once-glowing potential has been lost amidst the sticky goo of good intentions from Sony's ... executive branch. Although the stylish black handheld boasts a far more attractive appearance and superior graphics, the PSP has been thoroughly trounced by Nintendo's handy DS. What's so "handy" about the DS? Well, it is extremely portable. The most recent edition of the DS, the DS Lite, is un-surprisingly lightweight and durable for a handheld ... (view more)

Intel has finally agreed to join the One Laptop Per Child campaign, after months of publicly stating that they had no intentions of ever doing so. One Laptop Per Child is a non-profit, internationally-recognized program that aims to supply the ... developing countries of the world with inexpensive laptop computers. Ironically, before Intel had joined One Laptop Per Child, the campaign had been referred to by many as a plausible Intel rival, since most of the processors used in the inexpensive computers were supplied by industry opponent Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). (Source: itweek.co.uk ) In a ... (view more)

Let's face it, up until this point the Apple iPod has been the golden boy of modern electronics. By comparison, everything else in the tech realm seems to fall apart: Xbox 360s overheat, laptop batteries catch fire, and everyone hates Windows Vista. ... Well, Apple's no longer safe, and neither are the iPod's users. At least, that's the case if they decide to listen to their tunes during a lightning storm. The warning comes from north of the border, where a Vancouver, British Columbia doctor has launched a crusade to keep MP3 fans safe from Mother Nature. Dr. Eric Heffernan has found that digital ... (view more)

There's been much hoopla over the Apple iPhone. To some, that's a surprise. The device itself costs a whopping $599, excruciatingly expensive compared to the average cell phone, which is free with a two or three year plan. Of course, the iPhone ... boasts far greater features, including video, a massive touch screen, and wireless support (WiFi). But, that price! Some have compared the iPhone release with that of Sony's PlayStation 3 video game console. They both retail for the same price, they both offer more technical features than their competition, and they're both really, very cool. However, ... (view more)

As wireless, hands-free headsets continue to flood the cell phone market in smaller models, it's becoming tougher to determine if people are speaking into thin air (and are completely off their rocker). Motorola, one of America's largest ... multinational communications companies, has just released a new headset that boasts being the smallest currently available in the world. The Motorola H9 Miniblue headset, for use with cell phones equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, is so small that it resembles a large hearing aid. The technology is said to be so compact, that the entire headset can ... (view more)

The Apple iPod may be the most popular mainstream tech item on the market today. Its silky smooth white exterior and pastel-shaded commercials are perhaps the most recognized hardware and hardware advertising campaigns we've seen in years. While not ... everyone has an iPod, there are those like me who prefer the cheaper competition, we all know someone who does. And yet, Apple isn't really that mainstream. Its computer line is far less popular than the everyday PC, primarily because the Mac isn't privy to the kind of support afforded the average Windows-running desktop. Apple's latest product is ... (view more)

Not long ago, Apple's most public figure and CEO Steve Jobs promised that the semi-anticipated iPhone would sell ten million times over the course of its first full year available (2008). Amidst rumors that the eventual release would be pushed back ... later into the summer of 2007, Jobs and Apple have surprised the media with news that the iPhone will in fact reach retail shelves by the end of this month. Consumers can expect a chance to try out the new device in all its glory on Thursday, June 29. (Source: xinhuanet.com ) When I discussed Jobs' predictions for the iPhone, it startled me (and ... (view more)

Up until now, few have questioned the success of the iPod and iTunes. However, the future of Video iTunes has now come under criticism, as more channels have begun streaming their own free content. Is there a future for iTunes? (Source: slashdot.org ... ) While sales of movies and television shows are expected to almost triple this year, a new study by Forrester Research found that unless the average consumer begins paying for online content en masse (which -- let's be serious -- is not likely to happen), growth in sales will likely begin to diminish next year. This could spell out bad news for ... (view more)

A new study has found that iPods and pacemakers can be a harmful mixture. The idea for such a connection did not initially come from a Cardiovascualar doctor, but from a Michigan teenager. 17-year-old Jay Thaker, whose father wears a pacemaker, ... approached Dr. Krit Jongnarangsin from the University of Michigan to run some tests on the possibility of pacemaker interference from iPods. (Source: dailytech.com ) "We took patients from a pacemaker clinic, got consent, and we put the pacemaker programmer on them to view what was going on inside the pacemaker on a screen," Thaker explained. "And then ... (view more)