cool

Is there happiness in being unGoogleable?

Would you like to disappear?

No, I am not threatening you. I am merely wondering whether you might be happier to be anonymous, private, tucked away so that random entities cannot find you.

Of course, I am moved to this suggestion by the avalanche of debate following the revelations from Snowdenia that have rendered idealists and libertarians simultaneously insensate.

You mean everyone can view everything we do? Even governments? Even Russian governments?

This seems to be the case. Which is why those who like to be meta before there's even a norm are striking out by hiding from the … Read more

Crave Ep. 119: The flexible MorePhone contorts when you get a call

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This week on Crave, we take a look at a concept phone that can change its shape when you get a notification. Plus, Microsoft shows off the IllumiRoom projector that puts gamers inside video games and we play another round of "Into It Not Into It"! … Read more

Athletic gear cools you down with your own sweat

Our sweat plays an important role in regulating body temperature. For athletes who get into really intense workouts or who have to perform in hot climates, it would be a dream come true to be able to amplify the cooling power of their own sweat. In a way, athletic gear company Mission has figured out how to do just that.

There are lots of technical fabrics and cooling solutions on the market, ranging from those kerchiefs you buy at the state fair and soak with water to wear around your neck, to shirts that wick moisture away from your skin. Mission creates towels, arm sleeves, helmet liners, hoodies, and skull caps. That all sounds pretty standard, but what makes it a bit different is the high-tech fabric involved.… Read more

Cool Styles, Emojis & Symbols 1.2 Review

Looking for a way to spice up your emails, SMS, or updates and statuses on your favorite messenger or social networks? Cool Styles, Emojis & Symbols might just be the app you need. It has hundreds of emoticons and symbols as well as many different fonts and styles that can be used.

Cool Styles, Emojis & Symbols installs effortlessly and functions perfectly. It is a very light and easy-to-use application. The user interface consists of an attractive blue background and high-contrast white lettering. It is easy to read and does not strain the eyes after prolonged use. The main menu … Read more

Innovation and re-invention at the Stanford Cool Product Expo

STANFORD, Calif. -- Finding a new product idea is never easy. You have to understand your target audience and test the market. But not every new product comes from a new idea -- sometimes the best products are simply new ways of viewing the world, or new approaches to old problems.

At the Cool Product Expo held at Stanford University this week, a few of the designs on hand are re-imagining some classic products -- in ways you might never have thought possible.

One company, Impossible, is hoping to revive instant photography, and dozens of other companies -- 11 of … Read more

The 404 1,245: Where we print with fire (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- "FireWriter" is a far sexier way to describe an inkjet printer.

- What do gangsters do on the Internet?

- New Brad Paisley, LL Cool J song "Accidental Racist" sparks controversy.

Bathroom break video: Slacktory Supercut: The best fake Web sites from TV shows.… Read more

7 social media lessons from the Grammys for organizers of other events

It's awards season in the U.S., with the focus primarily on the upcoming Oscars and Sunday night's Grammys.

Last year, I wrote about how the Oscars missed an opportunity to use hashtags the right way on TV, and I look forward to seeing if the organizers learned anything from this year's Grammys. (Note: CNET parent company CBS owns the broadcasting rights to the Grammys, but I am writing this unprompted and on my own).

Here are six things the Grammys did right on social this year -- plus one they didn't -- and what folks … Read more

Get a Nest Learning Thermostat for $198

Any self-respecting geek or cheapskate has no doubt had his eye on the Nest Learning Thermostat, the sexy (yes, sexy!) programmable thermostat that learns your heating and cooling habits and uses that knowledge to lower your bills.

Alas, you have to spend money to save money: the Nest sells for a rather steep $249. But not today: Lowe's has the Nest Learning Thermostat for $198 shipped, plus sales tax where applicable. And you can do a little better still if you start your purchase at TopCashback, a rebate site that's currently offering 6 percent back on Lowe's orders. … Read more

Computer prodigy Aaron Swartz remembered

Monday's CNET Update:

Stories from today's tech news roundup:

- Internet activist Aaron Swartz, 26, committed suicide. He faced $4 million in fines and 50 years in prison for chargest hat he stole millions of academic papers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and from JSTOR. In the wake of his death, MIT is conducting an investigation of the school's role in the events before he took his life. Researchers have paid tribute to Swartz by posting links to copyright-protected papers on Twitter, to honor his campaign for open access to documents on the Internet.

- Samsung'… Read more