dogs

Another GPS device goes to the dogs

As consumers are deluged with GPS products, manufacturers are continually looking for ways to expand the market--and that includes non-humans. Tracking technologies for pets (and kids) are hardly new, but Garmin is trying to stay ahead of the pack, literally, with more powerful devices.

The company debuted its original "Astro 220" system only a few months ago, and now it's already coming out with an updated dog collar. The new "Astro DC 30" has a range of 7 miles that's displayed on the correponding handheld device's digital map, according to Gizmodo.

It can … Read more

Ringtones go to the dogs in Japan

Love dogs. Love the Japanese even more for their highly bizarre gizmos. No other country has consistently amused and amazed the world with its weird and wacked-out inventions. Try topping this latest idea: Ringtones audible only to dogs, from Tokyo-based interactive content provider Dwango (PDF in Japanese).

Lest you think it's an error in translation, Dwango describes the download service very clearly as Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon--which translates to "Ringtones only dogs can hear," according to CrunchGear. But since this is available specifically for DoCoMo's i-mode phones, only Japanese dogs need apply.

(Source: Crave Asia) … Read more

The 404 126: Where we're going to miss George Carlin (except Wilson)

Today we celebrate the life of George Carlin, whose controversial brand of comedy paved the way for future acts like the 404. We promise to continue pushing the envelope, sir! On today's show, we give it up to Weezer, say bye-bye to Bill Gates, spout out some serious Bakalisms, pimp the greatest Web site on the Internet, and dish out our best advice to our teenage listeners. We also make plans to build a giant pool full of gold coins. The 404: Whoo-ooh! EPISODE 126 Download today's podcast

The 404 124: Where Fox News is giving us something good to talk about

In a follow-up to our newest "It came from Fox News" segment, actual Fox news anchor Clayton Morris drops by the studio today and dishes out his views on digital privacy in the workplace, making the switch, the perpetual woes of iPhone ineptitude, and the ancient practice of group shaving. If that isn't enough, we also conclusively prove that living well is the best revenge. EPISODE 124 Download today's podcast

Gadgettes 93: The Kelly's extravagant baby shower episode

We are gonna miss Kelly around here while she's away on her maternity leave. So guess what? Molly and Jason both chipped in and bought Kelly a bunch of really cool stuff for her time away from the podcast! Yes, we're that rich. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 93

iPhone 2! (Rumor roundup) http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/06/05/new-iphone-rumor-roundup/?mod=googlenews_wsj

Sanyo Xacti HD1000 4MP MPEG4 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-HD1000-Definition-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B000V79G0M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212700827&sr=8-1 … Read more

U.K. turns CCTV, terrorism laws on pooping dogs

The United Kingdom has the most surveillance cameras per capita in the world. With the recent news that CCTV cameras do not actually deter crime, how can the local town councils justify the massive surveillance program? By going after pooping dogs.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, the head of the Metropolitan Police's Visual Images Office explained the failings of CCTV:

"Billions of pounds has been spent on it, but no thought has gone into how the police are going to use the images and how they will be used in court. It's been an utter … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 715: Fork the Pidgin

As in, stick a fork in the Pidgin forking controversy, because it's forking ridiculous. Also, iTunes Store gets same-day DVD releases and memristors make their debut. In other news, we do get a whiff of vapor, but the possibilities for the new Sezmi set-top box have us pretty fired up, nevertheless. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 715

iTunes Store gets same-day DVD releases http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/ 20080501-apple-itunes-store-now-gets-films-for-purchase-same-day-as-dvd.html

HP reports big advance in memory chip design http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7377063.stm http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/technology/01chip.html? em&ex=1209787200&en=c4345e5bcda95925&ei=5087%0A … Read more

Westinghouse's acrobatic HDTV

In our longstanding tradition of featuring gadgets that do yoga, Crave is pleased to announce a first in the illustrious category: a contortionist television set.

Westinghouse has created a "flip-style" HDTV that can actually be folded, to a degree, to fit into the most cramped areas and corners of any given abode. The front bezel of the dual-hinged "Flexible Lifestyle Display" can be rotated 180 degrees on a tabletop, according to Electronic House, or the TV can be suspended from the wall or bottom of a cabinet, trapeze-style.

The PT-16H610S must maintain a petite frame to … Read more

LeapFrog announces new substitute-parent reading system for kids

Busy and absentee parents, meet your new best friend. As part of Demo 08, the emerging tech conference which takes place in Palm Desert Januaury 28 to 30, LeapFrog is unveiling a new handheld learn-to-read technology that interacts directly with real books. Available this summer for $50, the Tag Reading System uses a pen-based reader (pictured) to provide audio for the stories, "as well as the fun-filled games and activities spread throughout the pages."

The press release describes the product this way:

"The Tag handheld works with Tag-enabled books to create an independent and interactive reading experience … Read more