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MacGyver: "I can't even log-on to a computer without getting hurt."




In a world gone digital... who will save us from the massive crowd of evil-yet-easily-overpowered henchmen lurking around every corner of the Internet? It certainly WON'T be 'MacGyver's' Richard Dean Anderson or the perennially pony-tailed Steven Seagal. As they both candidly admit to Switched's cameras, neither knows how to use a computer. Looks like the geeks win after all.

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MacGyver and Steven Seagal Launch New Geek Squad Service

Your Gadgets Are Tracking You....



Used to be, homing devices were the domain of James Bond and similar ilk. No more: In fact, chances are, you're carrying a GPS-enabled tracking device in your pocket. For at least two years, cell phones have been the largest application of GPS chips, and now, finally, we can use them to do our own sleuthing -- even if it's to find the nearest watering hole.

Mo Rocca Invades the National Text-Messaging Championships (Video)



Digital dexterity is no match for ring-side reporter Mo Rocca. Thumbs fly, collars pop and hearts break in our exclusive, behind-the-scenes coverage of the 2008 LG National Texting Championships. Pro-texter Morgan Pozgar walked out with a cool $25,000 after beating out the competition at last year's tournament, and she returns this year to defend the much-coveted title.

For 2008, the stakes have been upped to 50 large, and the competition again brings together the world's fastest text message typers. Over the course of several rounds of competition, the slow and sloppy are weeded out. Does last year's champ Morgan Pozgar hold on to her title, or can newcomer Nathan Schwartz prevail in the world's premier texting battle? On the edge of your seat? Check out the video below for full coverage. ROFLMAO, OMG.




Five Handy Gadgets for Your Next Trip



Going on a trip soon? Whether you need to stay in touch with home while traveling internationally or just need some power for your cell phone while you're out on a long hike, you'll find the gadgets highlighted in the above video to be quite handy. We should know, since we used 'em all on our recent vacation before making our final picks. Take a look.


How to Take Better Snapshots (Video)

Summer's here and that means you'll be using that fancy new digicam you just bought. But if you're like many of us, you just set your camera to "Auto" and hope that the pictures you take turn out okay. If that's the case, you may want to tune in to our latest How-To video, in which we get expert tips from photographer Rachel Been, who shoots many of the rock stars that swing by AOL studios for interviews. With just a few small tweaks to your camera's settings, or slightly different positioning when shooting subjects, you'll be on your way to taking expert snapshots this summer.

Also, make sure to check out our tips on "How to Look Better In Photos," in which we tell you how to make you or your subjects look thinner, taller, and younger in snapshots.

How to Stream Your PC's Videos to Any TV In the House



Face it: Seasons one through three of 'Lost' were not meant to be watched on your tiny computer screen, and YouTube does not sit well with a couch. It's time to start take all the videos, songs and photos you've been collecting on your computer for years and watch them where they belong: On your shiny new HDTV. Fortunately, that's a surprisingly simple endeavor. Like really simple. Like sit on the couch, pop open a beverage of choice and wield the remote simple. Watch, and learn.

Flash LIDAR Helps Robots, Unmanned Aircraft and Vehicles See in 3-D





Not content keeping your floor clean, your gutters empty and your Grandma happy on Mother's Day, Roomba creator iRobot unveiled a 3-D camera for robots at this month's RoboBusiness convention. The upshot: Robots can now gauge depth with unparalleled precision, which means they'll have that much better aim when SkyNet eventually becomes conscious.

New Software Helps Robots (and Cell Phones) See Things


Chances are you can recognize a McDonald's sign from a mile away with one eye closed. Meanwhile, your Roomba can't see a wall until it hits one. That's because human eyes see patterns and robot eyes see a creepy red-hued targeting display (we're not entirely sure we got that one right). Evolution Robotics - the guys behind the navigation system in WowWee's Rovio - have developed a system that lets robots (or even cell phones) recognize objects such as book and album covers.


Hands-On With iRobot ConnectR 'Virtual Visit' Robot (Video)


Let a robot do your visiting for you. iRobot's ConnectR is a Web-cam wielding, Internet-enabled, Roomba-like robot that you can control from anywhere you have a Web connection. The 'bot sends video and audio to the remote user, who, in turn, can talk through the robot.


Why You Should Wait to Buy the iPhone (Switched Podcast)

The Switched Show Podcast

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

Listen Now (mp3)

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

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