Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mecha Golf Machine Hits the Links, Helps Disabled]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/25/mecha-golf-machine-hits-the-links-helps-disabled/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/25/mecha-golf-machine-hits-the-links-helps-disabled/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/25/mecha-golf-machine-hits-the-links-helps-disabled/#commentsFiled under:


When 24-year-old Graham Hunt of Essex, England first played 'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2008' on the Nintendo Wii, he got hooked on golf. After mastering the game in his living room, Hunt decided that he wanted to take his Wii-mote skills to the real golf course. There was just one problem. Since a neurological disorder struck him three years ago, he's been paralyzed from the waist down.

After a few failed practice swings from his wheelchair, Hunt took to the Web and discovered the Paragolfer. This $16,300, German-built machine tilts forward to allow its rider to make normal golf swings. And it's all-terrain -- which means no free drops from sand traps. Mr. Hunt bought one, and hit the links.

Continue reading Mecha Golf Machine Hits the Links, Helps Disabled

SwitchedMecha Golf Machine Hits the Links, Helps Disabled originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilitydisabledgolfparagolferparalyzedsportstopThu, 25 Jun 2009 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Roller Coaster Offers High-Speed and High-Tech Thrills]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/17/roller-coaster-offers-high-speed-and-high-tech-thrills/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/17/roller-coaster-offers-high-speed-and-high-tech-thrills/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/17/roller-coaster-offers-high-speed-and-high-tech-thrills/#commentsFiled under:

Summer is roller coaster season, folks. Those extra hours of daylight means less time in the office and more time strapping into hard plastic seats in order to barrel down a track at the whim of nothing but gravity. We don't expect the dual threat of long lines and nausea to deter anyone from hopping onto Universal Studios Florida's newest thrill ride, either. That's because, according to the theme park's Web site, the 'Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit' combines your average coaster's eyelid-peeling speed with the multimedia and social-networking features demanded by today's 21st-century amusement park goer.

Passengers climb into cars (equipped with stadium seating) and buckle down with lap restraints that boast touchscreen panels. These panels are used to select a personalized soundtrack (from five music genres) that blasts out of all-weather speakers as you careen down 3,800 feet of track. Along the way, 14 cameras -- six on the car and eight on the track -- are triggered by laser to film a video of the ride, which is then wirelessly downloaded to a kiosk where riders can purchase an edited copy to take home. As if that wasn't enough, the coaster also features an LED light show that changes with every ride.

Continue reading Roller Coaster Offers High-Speed and High-Tech Thrills

SwitchedRoller Coaster Offers High-Speed and High-Tech Thrills originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amusement parksAmusementParksmultimediarollercoasteruniversal studiosUniversalStudiosWed, 17 Jun 2009 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Week: Spam, Polaroid 'Instant' Film Are Back]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/05/31/best-of-the-week/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/31/best-of-the-week/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/31/best-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Even in our ever-accelerating, technologically turbulent world, we can count on some things to remain the same. Baby boomers, the generation that virtually invented short-lived trends, experienced another one with Facebook. After joining in droves last year, they started dropping from it like flies this spring. At the other end of the generational spectrum, teenagers continue to do really dumb things that get them in trouble. This time it was a texting teen who crashed her car into a cop -- on a day when she was playing hooky, no less. And, after a brief lull following the take-down of digital junkmailer McColo Corporation, spam volume has swelled back to 90 percent of all e-mail traffic. In other news...

SwitchedBest of the Week: Spam, Polaroid 'Instant' Film Are Back originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 31 May 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestoftheweekcellphonechatfacebookfilmgardeninggpspolaroidspamtextingtopwarrantySun, 31 May 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pentax K-7 -- a Pro SLR, at a Semi-Pro Price]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/05/20/hands-on-with-the-pentax-k-7/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/20/hands-on-with-the-pentax-k-7/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/20/hands-on-with-the-pentax-k-7/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In a pro photography world virtually owned by Canon and Nikon, Pentax's scrappy determination is admirable. Although it rarely grabs the headlines, this company consistently turns out well-built cameras at good prices.

We're hoping that applies to the company's latest SLR, the Pentax K-7, which we got a hands-on look at earlier this month. Priced at $1300, it's priced against semi-pro cameras such as the Canon 50D, but has many professional features that match far-pricier models. For one, the magnesium-alloy case is completely sealed against dust and water and certified to keep the camera working all the way down to a frigid 14 degrees Fahrenheit. You don't get that kind of battle-ready performance from the big boys until you step up to pro models like Nikon's $5000 D3 camera. Just like its price, the K-7's weight is also way lower: at 27 ounces, it's about two-thirds the weight of Nikon's D3.

Continue reading Pentax K-7 -- a Pro SLR, at a Semi-Pro Price

SwitchedPentax K-7 -- a Pro SLR, at a Semi-Pro Price originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 May 2009 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>newproductspentaxphotographyslrslrstoptraveltreknologyupcomingWed, 20 May 2009 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Camps Telling Kids to Leave the Laptops and Cell Phones at Home]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/camps-telling-kids-to-leave-the-laptops-and-cell-phones-at-home/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/camps-telling-kids-to-leave-the-laptops-and-cell-phones-at-home/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/camps-telling-kids-to-leave-the-laptops-and-cell-phones-at-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Kids spend a lot of time attached to some form of technology -- be it an iPod, a cell phone, or just vegging out on MySpace. But summer is here, which means some kids will be shipped off to camp and forced to unplug.

It's not surprising that this has tweens and teens (and parents) panicking. Kids are used to being in constant contact with their peers via text messages and Facebook, and parents are used to having instant access to their children on cell phones. Still, as we've mentioned before, unplugging isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Gary Rudman of GTR Consulting, told the Associated Press, that teens were under a lot of pressure to maintain their own personal "brand" on sites like Facebook and MySpace. And, while the initial reaction to a week of bunked-beds and sloppy joes may be to recoil in horror, many teens quickly adjust. They make friends and have real face-to-face interactions.

Continue reading Camps Telling Kids to Leave the Laptops and Cell Phones at Home

SwitchedCamps Telling Kids to Leave the Laptops and Cell Phones at Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 May 2009 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campkidsparentingsummer campSummerCampteenstoptraveltweensunplugunpluggedFri, 15 May 2009 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Which Rugged Camera Should You Get?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/which-rugged-camera-should-you-get/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/which-rugged-camera-should-you-get/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/which-rugged-camera-should-you-get/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

just tell me what to get panasonic ts1

Question: I'm planning a vacation with my wife and kids this summer, and I want one camera to cover it all. Something small enough to take around with us wherever we go, and most importantly, super durable and waterproof so we can take it to the beach without giving daddy a heart attack. Any suggestions?

Hey reader: "Tough" cameras have definitely been the rage lately, with several of the big manufacturers recently unleashing new models into the wild. Over the past few years, Olympus has definitely led the way in this category with its Stylus Tough series of nearly unbreakable cams.

But we aren't in love with the Olympus photo quality. So we were excited when Panasonic brought out the ultradurable DMC-TS1 earlier this year.

Continue reading Which Rugged Camera Should You Get?

SwitchedWhich Rugged Camera Should You Get? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 May 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digicamsfeaturesjusttellmewhattogetlumixpanasonicpanasonic dsc-tsipanasonic ts1PanasonicDsc-tsiPanasonicTs1pointandshootsroughntumbleruggedruggedcamerastoptoughcamsts1Fri, 15 May 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Coke Cleaner Blasts Your Can Clean With UV Rays]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/23/coke-cleaner-blasts-your-can-clean-with-uv-rays/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/23/coke-cleaner-blasts-your-can-clean-with-uv-rays/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/23/coke-cleaner-blasts-your-can-clean-with-uv-rays/#commentsFiled under:

This product may be a bit over the top for some of you, but somewhere out there is a germ-a-phobe who's been waiting his whole life for this gadget.

The Cole Cleaner, designed by Leon Peng, is a one-stop bacteria-killing shop for anyone who loves a can of cola but hates the bacteria that may or may not be residing on its aluminum shell. The Cole Cleaner, which only treats one can at a time, douses your beverage of choice in bacteria-killing UV radiation, rendering it buggie-free. Finally, a story about soda that doesn't include the word diabetes.

Oops. [From:Yanko Design, Via: DVICE]

Gallery: Cola Cleaner



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SwitchedCoke Cleaner Blasts Your Can Clean With UV Rays originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colafood and drinkFoodAndDrinkgadgetgadgetshouseholdtopMon, 23 Mar 2009 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nanotech Fabric Is Completely Unwettable]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/11/30/new-nanotech-fabric-is-completely-unwettable/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/30/new-nanotech-fabric-is-completely-unwettable/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/30/new-nanotech-fabric-is-completely-unwettable/#commentsFiled under:



There are some things that technology hasn't been able to fix, and the wetness of water is certainly one of them. But now, there seems to be a solution: a new waterproof material developed by Swiss chemists is 100% water-repellent. So much so that after leaving it soaking in a bucket of water for two months, it emerges completely dry to the touch.

The trick is a layer of silicone nanofilaments inside the fabric, which are highly "chemically hydrophobic" (feel free to apply this term to other, more human situations as well). It's actually similar to how nature does it: the combination of substances and nanostructures is much like that found in the surface of Lotus leaves.

"The combination of the hydrophobic surface chemistry and the nanostructure of the coating results in the super-hydrophobic effect," lead researcher Stefan Seeger told New Scientist. "The water comes to rest on the top of the nanofilaments like a fakir sitting on a bed of nails." Not our first point of reference, but the metaphor works.

Rain is in big trouble. [From: Slashdot]

SwitchedNew Nanotech Fabric Is Completely Unwettable originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>future techFutureTechnanonanofibernanotechnologyresearchsportswaterproofSun, 30 Nov 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Airlines Won't Block 'Porn' on In-Flight Internet Access]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/28/airlines-wont-block-porn-on-in-flight-internet-access/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/28/airlines-wont-block-porn-on-in-flight-internet-access/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/28/airlines-wont-block-porn-on-in-flight-internet-access/#commentsFiled under: ,


At long last, Internet access is finally becoming consistently available on flights around the country (and the world). While most technophiles like us are completely jazzed at the prospect of surfing while jet-setting, other folks aren't so sure. As you can see from the above video, many parents and other porn-averse folks are concerned that mile-high-Wi-Fi will just open the door to some shady fliers surfing illicit porn sites as they cross the country. They might be right -- US Air is indicating it won't filter 'Net access, but will instead rely on its stewardesses to maintain the peace and handle any complaints.

This, too, has people up in arms, particularly the stewardesses who say they already have enough to do without having to worry about looking for smut (it sure is a long way from the days of 'Coffee, Tea, or Me.'). But we're inclined to think this is being blown way out of proportion. People have been watching R-rated DVDs and videos on laptops mid-flight for years now and we haven't exactly heard a flood of complaints yet.

What do you think? Should in-flight Internet be censored? [From: CNN]

SwitchedAirlines Won't Block 'Porn' on In-Flight Internet Access originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesinternetpornsummernewstravelwi-fiThu, 28 Aug 2008 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikon D90 Is First SLR to Shoot Video (and HD Video, at That)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/27/nikon-d90-is-first-slr-to-shoot-video-and-hd-video-at-that/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/27/nikon-d90-is-first-slr-to-shoot-video-and-hd-video-at-that/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/27/nikon-d90-is-first-slr-to-shoot-video-and-hd-video-at-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So, Nikon finally fessed up to its new D90 prosumer DSLR, which means all that's left for us is to do is to pick through the spec sheets, drool on the product shots and imagine ourselves taking the film industry by storm with that D90-shot indie flick we're plotting.
INT. SUBURBAN HOME - DAY

BLOGGER sits at his computer typing. He looks inspired, witty, unkempt. The camera's short depth of field captures the writer in his element.
Oh, right, the tech specs:
  • New 12.3 megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with Integrated Dust Reduction System.
  • Low-noise from ISO 200 to 3200, ISO 6400 available.
  • D-Movie mode records in 320 x 216, 640 x 424 or 1,280 x 720 in AVI format.
  • Scene Recognition System based on 420 pixel RGB sensor for improved autofocus, autofocus and auto white balance, in addition to Face Detection.
  • Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus with 11 AF points.
  • 3-inch, VGA Live View LCD.
  • 4.5 fps continuous shooting, 0.15 second startup, 65ms shutter release lag.
  • SD / SDHC storage.
  • HDMI output
  • 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0-inches.
  • 1 pound 6 ounces without battery.
  • $1,299 kit price.

Read - Nikon D90
Read - D90's "D-Movie" samples
Read - D90 tested out by Chase Jarvis

SwitchedNikon D90 Is First SLR to Shoot Video (and HD Video, at That) originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsnew productsNewProductsnikonslrssummernewsupcomingWed, 27 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[High Tech Fin Lets You Leap Like a Dolphin]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/20/foot-foil-lets-you-swim-like-a-fish/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/20/foot-foil-lets-you-swim-like-a-fish/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/20/foot-foil-lets-you-swim-like-a-fish/#commentsFiled under:


We're sure that at least some of you have dreams of swimming like a fish, kicking a giant fin, hitting inhuman top speeds, and breaching the surface of the water only to dive back in like a dolphin. And now, for the absurd price of $1,250 (at a minimum), you can.

The Lunocet is a fin-like hydrofoil that attaches to your feet and flexes as you kick your legs (in unison), generating lift and pushing you twice as fast as even an Olympic swimmer like Michael Phelps can move. The manufacturer claims you can even build up enough speed in top gear to leap out of the water dolphin style.

Now all you have to do is learn to talk to the fish and you can become a real life Aquaman. Though if we were you, we'd choose a cooler superhero to emulate. [From: Wired]

SwitchedHigh Tech Fin Lets You Leap Like a Dolphin originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyrdofoillunocetswimmingWed, 20 Aug 2008 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New TSA Laptop Security Checkpoint Policy Begins Saturday]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/new-tsa-laptop-security-checkpoint-policy-begins-saturday/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/new-tsa-laptop-security-checkpoint-policy-begins-saturday/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/new-tsa-laptop-security-checkpoint-policy-begins-saturday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New TSA Rules for Laptops Go Into Effect Tomorrow
If dragging your laptop out of your bag at the airport and throwing it on the conveyor makes you a bit nervous, or waiting for the guy in front of you to fumble around and do the same makes you a bit impatient, then you now have reason to rejoice. You see, all that stress ends tomorrow when the TSA's new laptop scanning policies go into effect.

The new rules are fairly simple: Whatever bag your laptop is in must give the X-Ray scanners an unobstructed view of the device. So, if your bag has an AC adapter, 50 pens of various colors, two in-flight magazines, and a flattened danish all thrown together, you're still going to have to take it out for separate scanning. But, if you have a sleeve-style case, or something that puts all the accessories off to one side, you can just run the bag right through.

There are a wide range of TSA-approved bags. Some simply won't carry your accessories (like a sleeve), and others are designed to hold the laptop in some sort of removable or folding compartment that sits flat on the scanner. We don't expect that many travelers will have these bags at first, but they should become standard fare before the year is out, hopefully cutting down on those atrocious LAX security lines! [Source: USA Today]

SwitchedNew TSA Laptop Security Checkpoint Policy Begins Saturday originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptoplaptop baglaptop bagsLaptopBagLaptopBagssummernewstraveltsaFri, 15 Aug 2008 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to Release Software Upgrade to Fix Dropped Calls on iPhone 3G]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/apple-fixing-dropped-calls-on-iphone-3g-with-software-upgrade/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/apple-fixing-dropped-calls-on-iphone-3g-with-software-upgrade/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/apple-fixing-dropped-calls-on-iphone-3g-with-software-upgrade/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After buying new iPhones and paying extra for the plan upgrade, it's no wonder people are pretty ticked that their shiny new toy consistently drops calls and occasionally won't access the faster 3G network. Business Week reports that Apple will finally release a software fix that should remedy the problem sometime in September.

Apparently, the issue stems from the coding on an Infineon chip in the phone. According to reports, the dropped calls happen when the iPhone switches from faster to slower wireless networks (for example, switching from an EDGE network to 3G), which disrupts 2 to 3% of traffic. Sure, it doesn't sound like much, but think about how much some iPhone owners use them and you can see why they're angry.

Blame for the problem went back and forth between Infineon, AT&T, and Apple, but hopefully this software solution will let users avoid a product recall. After September, we should know if we can scratch off at least one reason to not buy the 3G version. [From: BusinessWeek]

SwitchedApple to Release Software Upgrade to Fix Dropped Calls on iPhone 3G originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gappleiphone 3gIphone3gsummernewsFri, 15 Aug 2008 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Man's BLT Sandwich Sets Off Airport Bomb Detector]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/mans-blt-sandwich-sets-off-airport-bomb-detector/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/mans-blt-sandwich-sets-off-airport-bomb-detector/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/15/mans-blt-sandwich-sets-off-airport-bomb-detector/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Flying, Leave the BLT Home
We all know there's no such thing as a free meal, but these days even an included meal on a flight is hard to come by. If you're not willing to cough up a couple of bucks for a box of individually packaged semi-edibles, you're going to go hungry on that coast-to-coast flight. So, more and more people are packing meals, and if you're one of those frugal brown baggers, keep this in mind: Leave the BLT at home, lest you be forced to eat it in a bomb-proof room.

One German man was attempting to get through security for a flight when his suitcase set off the bomb detector alarm. He was a bit nervous as his wife had packed his lunch and apparently they'd had a bit of a spat before he left, so he wasn't sure just what was actually in the lunch bag. As it turns out, it was just a bacon sandwich, and bacon apparently has the same density as common explosives, setting off the alarm and causing all sorts of commotion.

So, while bacon may be the ultimate sandwich topping, it's not a particularly good travel companion -- not just because of what it does to your arteries. [From: Boing Boing Gadgets]

SwitchedMan's BLT Sandwich Sets Off Airport Bomb Detector originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baconfaaflyingsecuritysummernewstravelweirdFri, 15 Aug 2008 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Microwave Turns Your Car Into a Kitchen]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/14/mobile-microwave-turns-your-car-into-a-kitchen/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/14/mobile-microwave-turns-your-car-into-a-kitchen/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/14/mobile-microwave-turns-your-car-into-a-kitchen/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've written about mini-microwaves before, but here's a microwave that's not only mini, it's actually designed to work in your car, so you can heat up pop-tarts or nuke some links while you drive to work (theoretically, at least -- let's hope you do this cooking while parked).

Maplin, a UK electronics retailer (think Radio Shack), is selling a microwave that runs on 12 Volt DC power -- yes, it's meant to be plugged into your car's cigarette lighter, which means you'll be able to heat up your burritos, cold pizza, or even ramen noodles while you careen down the highway at 80-miles-per-hour. Just in case your lighter socket is malfunctioning or you're in need of a little extra juice to nuke that frozen TV dinner, Maplin built in the ability to hook this baby up directly to your car battery. How much will a mobile microwave run you? $180, though it's currently only sold by Maplin, which means you'll pay a hefty overseas shipping premium to get it sent to you Stateside. (Another option for US-in-car-gourmets: the Wave Box portable microwave, which came about about six months ago.)

We've been plugging our Nintendo Game Boys into the cigarette lighter since the early '90s, but we've only recently been noticing appliances originally designed for the home popping up in car-ready forms (Ford Flex's built-in refrigerator, for example, or Chrysler's in-car Wi-Fi router). Check out the gallery below to see some auto innovations (if you want to call them that) that range from said mobile wireless Internet hotspots to in-car refrigerators. [From: Maplin via OhGizmo]

Gallery: Mobile Appliances




Related Links:

SwitchedMobile Microwave Turns Your Car Into a Kitchen originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appliancein-carmicrowavesummernewsThu, 14 Aug 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Why No Video Game Based on 'The Dark Knight'?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/12/why-no-video-game-based-on-the-dark-knight/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/12/why-no-video-game-based-on-the-dark-knight/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/12/why-no-video-game-based-on-the-dark-knight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



On the list of "video games for whose non-existence there better be good a reason for or somebody's getting fired," the absence of a 'Dark Knight' game is particularly puzzling. In an industry that butters its bread with the creative fallout from cinematic endeavors, are we to believe that the biggest movie of the year simply doesn't have a game to accompany its release?

No. No we're not.

Electronic Arts owns rights to make a Dark Knight game, and EA-owned developer Pandemic Studios was apparently working on it, according to an EA manager who spoke anonymously to CNN about the matter. Likewise, Gary Oldman, who plays Gotham City police officer James Gordon, mentioned to G4 that he had seen a "tiny little piece" of the game, and described a sequence with Batman realistically gliding across rooftops. Oldman also said the game is supposed to feel like it "doesn't stop and start," which sounds promising, if vague.

And, according to Wedbush Morgan game industry analyst Michael Pachter, a Dark Knight game released along with the film last month could have sold 4 million units and grossed $100 million. In other words, don't be surprised if more news on the game doesn't surface soon.

Stay tuned: same Bat-time, same Bat-channel. [Source: CNN]

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SwitchedWhy No Video Game Based on 'The Dark Knight'? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark knightDarkKnightmovie-based gamesMovie-basedGamesmoviessummernewsTue, 12 Aug 2008 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympic 'Bird's Nest' Stadium Now an MP3-Player, Too]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/olympic-birds-nest-stadium-now-an-mp3-player-too/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/olympic-birds-nest-stadium-now-an-mp3-player-too/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/olympic-birds-nest-stadium-now-an-mp3-player-too/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Like so many other devices made in China, we're convinced this Bird's Nest Stadium, um, "inspired" device is totally, completely authorized and legit. And hey, unlike Chinese bird's nest soup, it not only comes in capacities up to 4GB, but doesn't even appear to be assembled with avian saliva. Difficulty: 1.2, execution: 3.55.

SwitchedOlympic 'Bird's Nest' Stadium Now an MP3-Player, Too originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaolympics 2008olympics2008summernewsMon, 11 Aug 2008 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Scared of Heights? 'Rock Climber' Treadmill Lets You Hike at Ground Level]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/introducing-the-treadmill-for-rock-climbers/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/introducing-the-treadmill-for-rock-climbers/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/introducing-the-treadmill-for-rock-climbers/#commentsFiled under:


If you don't live near mountains, hate the rock wall at your gym, or are terrified of heights, you've had few options if, for some reason, you've still wanted the challenge and exercise from climbing. With the invention of the Treadwall, a hybrid climbing wall and treadmill, climbers can keep going continuously from any location they want.

Rather than work with a motor, the Treadwall moves when the user chooses, and the speed is adjustable. Since you're only one to two feet off the ground, you don't have to attach any straps or harnesses and you can start and stop at your convenience. The climbing angle and knob placement can also be changed, allowing you to change the difficulty and simulate different conditions.

Unless you have a few grand to spend, though, you'll be more likely to use a Treadwall at your gym or arcade. The product is available in different sizes and models, including a galvanized, weather-proof version for outdoor use, and they can cost up to the neighborhood of $10,000. Beats falling off a mountain, right?

SwitchedScared of Heights? 'Rock Climber' Treadmill Lets You Hike at Ground Level originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gym techGymTechhealthnew productsNewProductssummernewsworkoutsMon, 11 Aug 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Were Parts of the Olympics Opening Ceremonies Faked?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/were-parts-of-the-olympics-opening-ceremonies-faked/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/were-parts-of-the-olympics-opening-ceremonies-faked/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/were-parts-of-the-olympics-opening-ceremonies-faked/#commentsFiled under: ,

2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies Edited?
After all the drama leading up to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the Tibetan demonstrations, the censorship, and the bogus tickets, it seems some news organizations couldn't let the amazing opening ceremonies themselves pass without trying to stir up a little more drama. The show went off without a hitch on Friday night, but some are complaining now that one particularly impressive portion of the evening's entertainment, the firework footsteps walking toward the stadium, was digitally faked.

The sequence was deemed to have been "prohibitive to have tried to film it live," and so the 55-seconds of the footsteps spanning the city were done digitally. In the American broadcast, NBC did indeed indicate that particular sequence was done digitally, but other broadcasters worldwide apparently did not, leading to the controversy. So, good on NBC for that, but it too is being called out for some digital hijinx, which consisted of re-arranging the sequence of the parade of nations and omitting some entirely (apparently the US team came out earlier than was shown on the broadcast).

Both of these supposed controversies seem a bit silly to us. Given all the pressure and fears leading up to the games, we're just glad things went off without a hitch. [Source: The Telegraph, and The LA Times]


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SwitchedWere Parts of the Olympics Opening Ceremonies Faked? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 olympics2008Olympicsbeijingbreaking newsBreakingNewscontroversyeditingsportssummernewsMon, 11 Aug 2008 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[New Company Sells Fake Sick Notes Online]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/new-company-sells-fake-sick-notes-online/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/new-company-sells-fake-sick-notes-online/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/new-company-sells-fake-sick-notes-online/#commentsFiled under: ,

New Company Sells Fake Sick Notes OnlineSome genius has finally figured out how to take the business of selling pre-written reports to college kids and adapt it for adults. The new site, www.doctorsnotestore.com sells fake medical notes for about $38 that could then be used to excuse yourself from work.

The site says that the fake doctor's notes are sold as a novelty and therefore aren't breaking any laws -- they claim they can't do anything to stop customers from misusing its products. The site offers the notes throughout Europe, the U.S. and Canada. The next market it plans on entering is Australia and New Zealand, which has officials a little tweaked. In Australia, "chucking a sickie," as they call it, is a serious concern and is estimated to cost the Australian economy $10 billion in lost productivity.

That number sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, and regardless, we all know that having your doctor friend write up notes for you is cheaper and far more convenient. [Source: Reuters]

SwitchedNew Company Sells Fake Sick Notes Online originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fraudmedicalproductivitysick notesSickNotessummernewswebworkworkplaceMon, 11 Aug 2008 07:03:00 EST