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Sony Reborn!
Sony S1 and S2 Android Tablets These tablets, codenamed S1 and the S2, are why we need Sony—the Sony we love—in a world where almost every gadget of consequence is effectively a blank slate for software. Sony Vaio Z The new Vaio Z certainly outguns pretty much any other ultraportable out there. The question becomes:…
By Brian Barrett Published July 15, 2011 -
The LulzSec Manifesto: More Sec Than Lulz
In honor of its thousandth tweet—and on the heels of compromising the websites of the CIA, US Senate, Sony, and more—the crew of the good ship LulzSec has presented the world with a manifesto, of sorts. So who is LulzSec? And what is it they want? Surprisingly, and contrary to previous indications, they’re not just…
By Brian Barrett Published June 17, 2011 -
Mordor Is Real, and It’s In Sicily
It’s been nearly 350 years since Mt. Etna blew its top in a major way. Until yesterday, when Europe’s largest active volcano spewed hot lava for two hours—within shouting distance of these people’s houses. Location, location, location. Fortunately the eruption didn’t cause any injuries or damage, which means that the residents of this volcanic village…
By Brian Barrett Published January 13, 2011 -
FireHero: Guitar Hero With Actual Giant Flames
It’s been a while since I bothered playing Guitar Hero, but you know what would change that right quick? If each button I pressed lead to a corresponding flame shooting sky-high. That’s the magic of FireHero. And it is incredible. The twisted brainchild of Chris Marion, interfaces a Guitar Hero guitar with a microcontroller, which…
By Brian Barrett Published January 10, 2011 -
Everything Your New iPad Needs Right Now
Well, weren’t you a good boy and/or girl this year! That iPad’s going to be your favorite new toy no matter what, but here’s how to squeeze the most out of it from day one. Step One I’ll assume you’ve successfully removed the iPad from its box, yes? Good. You’re a natural! Now trot on…
By Brian Barrett Published December 25, 2010 -
A Single Pirated Software License Was Used 775,000 Times In 200 Countries
Just how big a deal is software piracy? When security company Avast noticed that one of its paid-for licenses was being distributed illicitly online, they decided to track it. A year and a half later, the downloads approached one million The license was first purchased by a 14-user firm in Arizona, according to PC Pro.…
By Brian Barrett Published December 7, 2010 -
Watch the World’s Coolest Math Teacher Troubleshoot a Haunted PC
This man is unarguably the greatest math teacher in the history of math teachers. Or at least the greatest at pulling off large-scale video projector pranks that leave you laughing, stunned, and a little bit awed. This isn’t Biola University professor Matt Weathers’ first outing with a stunt like this; his Halloween lecture last year…
By Brian Barrett Published November 1, 2010 -
Hawk Eye RC Chopper: Your $65 Personal Spy Drone
Flying an RC helicopter? Sure, that’s fun for a little while. Flying an RC helicopter that can shoot both video and still photos? That’s good for a lifetime of creepy stalking memories. The Air Hogs Hawk Eye RC chopper will be coming out sometime this fall, and while the length and quality of the video…
By Brian Barrett Published August 2, 2010 -
A Bicycle Built For Tools
If you bike to work, you’re familiar with the annoyance and strain of hauling a laptop-laden messenger bag or briefcase along with you. Which is why the Tato here might just be the urban warrior’s new best friend. The $1500 bike comes complete with an oversized slot integrated into the frame itself, allowing you to…
By Brian Barrett Published July 21, 2010
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