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'Librarian' for Global Internet Child Abuse Ring Jailed

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 19th 2008 at 10:00AMBreaking News



While we generally try to avoid putting the words "pedophile" and "librarian" in the same sentence, sometimes it cannot be avoided. In the UK, Reuters is reporting that after one of the biggest undercover police investigations into online abuse in Britain. A pedophile who acted as a "librarian" for a global Internet child abuse ring was jailed Monday. Police say they have identified 360 suspects around the globe.

Philip Thompson, who is 27 and unemployed (pictured above), had apparently collected nearly a quarter of a million indecent pictures of children. He is in prison for a minimum of 45 months, after pleading guilty to 27 child abuse charges.

The operation was assisted by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), a police agency in the UK. The case began more than a year ago, when London's Metropolitan Police pedophile unit started monitoring an Internet forum, where users posted barely legal images of children and let others comment on them. They would then make direct email contact with one another, and exchange their own explicit material.

"He was a senior administrator for a pedophile Web site and was effectively a librarian for the storing and distribution of indecent images of children," Detective Sergeant Rebecca Driscoll told the press.

That's twice with the librarians. Sorry. [From: Reuters]
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Are Children's Brains Changed By Computer Use?

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 19th 2008 at 9:10AM



So what, exactly, are computers doing to children's brains? The question was put to neuroscientist Baroness Greenfield, who has spent her career researching the physiology of the brain. Essentially, Greenfield believes that there may be a link between the growing use of computers among children, and their steadily decreasing attention spans.

"The last 10 years have seen a three-fold increase in the prescription of the drug Ritalin, a drug used for Attention Deficit Disorder," she told BBC's Radio 4. Greenfield, the director of the Royal Institution in England, says the "sensory-laden environment" of computers could result in people "staying in the world of the small child".

"Could it be -- and this is just a suggestion which I think we should look into -- could it be if a small child is sitting in front of a screen pressing buttons and getting reactions quickly for many hours, they get used to and their brains get used to rapid responses?" she asked.

Interestingly, Greenfield believes the distinction has been lost between information and knowledge: the difference being that information lacks the context necessary for knowledge. "If children do not have stories read to them and have little practice of concentrating for long periods, this could effect how they handle the sedate pace of school life," she said. Check out the BBC for more of her thoughts (and some dissenting views as well). [From: BBC]
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New iPhone App Streams iTunes Collections Anywhere

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 18th 2008 at 10:12AM



In what may be most promising portable music sharing application to date, Simplify Media -- available now for iPhone and iPod Touch on the App Store -- lets users stream their friends iTunes libraries from any broadband Internet connection, making storage capacity something of a non-issue.

Like its sister apps for Mac, Linux, and Windows, the program lets users stream songs and playlists from both the their own computers and those of up to 30 friends, complete with album art and lyrics attached to each track. And here's what's awesome: The software even works over 2G and 3G networks, meaning you'll always be connected (if at a somewhat slower speed), even when not in range of a Wi-Fi network. While it's not a huge deal, the downside is that DRM-protected iTunes purchases won't stream through the program (it's a copyright thing).

The iPhone app is free to the first 100,000 to download it, $3.99 for everyone else. Get it, go, forth, and be merry. [Source: TUAW]
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Washington, DC Gets Nation's First Bike-Sharing Program

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 18th 2008 at 9:26AM




In a somewhat surprising bit of greenish news, Washington D.C. is about to become the first American city with a high-tech bike-sharing program. For 40 bucks a year, SmartBike will let you grab a bike from any of 10 bike stations spread around the city's downtown, which you can then ride for up to three hours (if you want it for longer, you'll need to re-up it at one of the stations).

But, there's a downside. With the bike programs in some other (European) cities, GPS units inside the frames of the bikes prevent the bikes from being stolen: Roughly once a week, vans sweep through the city and redistribute the bikes. Smartbike, as the Washington Post points out, can't actually physically track their bikes: If one is stolen or damaged on your watch, you'll pay $550 for the mistake.

Still, it's a good start for what is sure to be the future of urban transportation. Bikes get infinity miles per gallon, people! [Source: BoingBoing]
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'I Am 8-Bit' Gallery Showcases Art Inspired By Classic Video Games

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 16th 2008 at 1:21AM

The fourth annual I Am 8-Bit art show took place on Thursday in Los Angeles, with opening night festivities kicking off at 8 PM on the 14th day of the 2008's 8th month, and featuring, once again, art inspired by classic 8-bit video games (no relation). This year, the shenanigans took place smack in the middle of Hollywood, at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery on Hollywood Boulevard -- amidst the intoxicated, swirling chaos of a sweaty summer weekend night in the city of the stars.

Lines were even longer than those of years past, with hipsters queuing up for several blocks in a cloud of anticipation (and Parliament Lights smoke), patiently waiting for their moment to be ushered into the art-stuffed sweatbox. And the two-hour wait was almost strictly for perusing: the vast majority of artwork on hand had been sold to a collector before the doors even opened to the public.

As in the past, the walls were adorned with mostly Nintendo characters -- Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus (from Metroid) and Link (from The Legend of Zelda) were all over the place, as any child of the Nintendo Generation would expect. Some cameos were made by Bionic Commando, Earthworm Jim, and the like, and Computer Jay, DJ R-Rated and Leeni provided the evening's chiptunes-centric soundtrack.

Check out the gallery and see what caught our eye.

Gallery: I Am 8-Bit

  • Scott Belcastro: Link vs. Gannon
  • Scott C: Great Showdowns (of the 8-bit era)
  • Scott C: Great Showdowns (of the 8-bit era) 2
  • Justin DeGarmo: Accidental Score
  • PaperMonster: The Return of Samus
">Gallery

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets for Your Cell Phone

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 2:21PMFeatured Story



Driving Miss Bluetooth

With the criminalization of driving while talking on a cell phone on the rise, the need for a proper wireless headset is starting to creep in. Sure, you could just get one of those headsets that plug right into your phone -- they're certainly affordable -- but anything with wires tends to get caught in your arms, or worse, a gear shift. As such, we recommend going wireless with your phone headsets, and that means getting a Bluetooth headset (in case, you haven't guessed, Bluetooth is a wireless technology that's used in all phone headsets).

But are all Bluetooth headsets created equal? The one that has the best sound or the least interference when you talk into it may not look so chic on your ear. So which headset is for you? We tried out a bunch of the most most popular and hyped headsets out there, and narrowed our final list down to eight that we like.Take a look at our picks in the following pages.....

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 2

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



Aliph Jawbone 2

The follow-up to the original Jawbone, this much-improved successor is, in a word, awesome. Designed by Yves Behar (of OLPC-fame), it looks cool enough to wear as a fashion accessory, featuring a sleek design and a diamond-patterned shell. It's also quite minimal in size (2-inches long, .5-inches wide, .5-inches thick). And it's loaded with features and delivers supreme sound quality -- the noise-cancelling technology inside this bad boy is U.S. Military approved. Aside from drowning out the distracting sounds of bullets whizzing by, the "Noise Assassin" technology automatically adjusts volume depending upon your environment. The new Jawbone also boasts support for voice command and call-waiting, optional Noise Assassin mode, as well as a low-battery indicator.

The Jawbone 2 is the Cadillac of Bluetooth headsets, and this superb blend of form and function comes at a hefty cost, retailing at $129.95. If you are one of the unfortunate souls that has already been busted by Johnny Law, you'll receive a $20 discount off your purchase at jawbone.com. Nice.

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 3

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



Jabra SP5050

For those of you with the clear intent of avoiding fines and making driving-plus-talking a more pleasant experience, the Jabra SP5050 speakerphone may be right up your alley. As far as speakerphone devices go, this .4-inch thick device is among the slimmest we've seen. It attaches to the sun visor like a garage door opener, and does everything a basic Bluetooth earpiece would ... sans the ear. All the buttons are conveniently placed and easy to access while operating heavy machinery. Features include standard answering, ending and rejecting calls, a mute option, voice dialing and the ability to switch off the LED light, making your now safer night driving even safer. The SP5050 is moderately priced, available online for $89.99.

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 5

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset

If you wake up every morning and pray to a shrine consisting of an Apple IIGS and a signed headshot of Steve Jobs, then you probably have an iPhone -- and your Bluetooth headset of choice may be Apple's iPhone Bluetooth headset. Though this headset does have a great, minimal look and auto-pairs with the iPhone, it's not entirely bump-free. For one, the device fits in the ear with one simple ear bud -- so, if it does not fit your uniquely DNA-determined ear hole shape perfectly, you'll have problems. Sound quality isn't great, with static killing the Bluetooth buzz. We realize that Apple Fanboys everywhere don't give a click what we say, but unless you just gotta have it, wait until Apple updates this rather faulty concoction.

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 6

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



Samsung WEP700

If you're looking for a simple, economical choice, Samsung's WEP700 may be your best bet. For 50 bucks, you get a quality Bluetooth headset, without all the bells and whistles of the pricier options. The design is sleek and minimal, and it has a nicely-fitted earpiece with an optional ear hook for additional stability. This was the best-sounding of the Samsung models we tried, and it features noise and echo-canceling technology that actually works. So if you're not concerned with whether or not your headset matches your belt and fancy features seem unnecessary, you'll do well with the Samsung WEP700.

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 7

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



BlueAnt Z9i

The update to the widely popular BlueAnt Z9, the Z9i makes an already good thing better -- it's more comfortable, it sounds clearer, and it's cheaper. The newest headset from BlueAnt has been praised almost as much as the Jawbone. Though perhaps lacking a bit in the fashion-forward department, the Z9i's blue-glowing-ant-shaped LED display is pretty cool. It has an ear bud with various-sized ear bud covers, along with an ergonomic ear hook. The Z9i's even got a mini clip on the back for hooking to a shirt when not in use.

This little bugger is full of features including typical call/answer options, voice command support, call conferencing, multi-pairing up to five devices, and more. The voice-isolation technology offers two modes, one for standard noise polluted areas and another for noisier situations such as motorcycle rides and dog fights. Ultimately, we found the BlueAnt Z9i to be one of the best sounding and most comfortable headsets out there. Though the Z9i retails for about $130, you can find it online for 65 bucks.

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 8

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



Nokia BH-902

Not many Bluetooth headsets feature screens -- and for good reason, we might add. One issue is the seemingly impractical nature of having a screen on a product that is worn on the ear, another being the inevitable size of the headset. Despite these concerns however, Nokia's BH-902 does as good a job, featuring a 1-inch OLED display, and is only slightly wider (and not much thicker or longer) than most headsets. On this display one can see caller-ID, recent call lists, pairing status and other helpful info. The design is sleek (if a tad bulky), and the sound quality is good but not outstanding (slightly tinnier at certain volumes). Retailing at 170 dollars, this Bluetooth solution isn't a bargain, but if you want a Bluetooth headset with a display that lets you keep your phone in a bag or pocket (where it belongs), then this is your best choice. Just know that the hands-free element diminishes significantly with the addition of a screen-unless, of course, you have the ability to see the outside of your ears with no mirrors. Good luck with that.

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Top 8 Bluetooth Headsets 4

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 14th 2008 at 1:01PM



Plantronics Discovery 925

The first thing that caught our eye about the latest Bluetooth headset from Plantronics was its one-of-a-kind shape -- a hollowed out, elongated triangle attached to a rounded diamond. With style becoming an essential part of the Bluetooth earpiece, Plantronics did well with the Discovery 925. It's also among the lightest of the earpieces, weighing in it at only .28-ounces. The large LED-lit multi-function button makes this thing super easy to operate, even when you're on a phone call. The Discovery comes with all the standard features for answering and dialing, and also sports Multipoint technology, which allows the user to pair the Discovery with two devices simultaneously. The leather carrying case even boasts a built-in rechargeable external battery for on-the-go charging. Though it only has one volume button (which requires toggling through volume levels) and a $130 price tag, it's one of the best options out there.

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The Worst Gadgets of All Time

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 13th 2008 at 1:23PMFeatured Story



Worst. Tech. Products. Ever.

People are always creating lists -- best restaurants in town, most scenic drives, scariest films of the year. Open a magazine or go to a Web site and you'll be berated with Top Ten Lists; but what about all the failures, mishaps, disastrous and worthless creations along the way? We've decided to balance things out a bit and give you a rundown of the worst gadgets ever created. Trust us: You will be disappointed. Very disappointed.

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The Worst Gadgets of All Time 2

by Evan Shamoon, posted Aug 13th 2008 at 12:01AM



Sega 32x

There's no denying that Sega Genesis was a good thing. In 1994, unfortunately, Sega tried to make a good thing even better ... and failed miserably in the process. The Sega 32x was an add-on device meant to bring "32-bit capabilities" to the 16-bit Genesis console; almost all the games designed for the 32x were in 3-D, while the original Genesis and 32x were designed with 2-D graphics. Results included choppy, flickering images, unrecognizable characters, and a whole lot of angry Sega fanboys. With the Sega Saturn on the horizon (the company's real 32-bit console), informed gamers didn't bite -- and the originally priced $159 32x was available for 20 big ones in less than a year.

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