Filed under: ComputersIn the early days of computing, machines were bigger than school buses, like Britain's aptly-named Colossus which helped the Allies to win the war by decrypting German messages. It was the invention of the transistor, 60 years ago today, that enabled those early devices to shrink into the pocket-sized gadgets we so love today.Those first computing devices were huge thanks to their use of vacuum tubes, devices that used metal plates, low-pressure gases, wiring, and typically an air-tight glass seal to act as a digital switch. The state of a vacuum tube would either represent an open or closed circuit. Using binary logic (splitting all calculations into yes/no answers), computers use switches to perform calculations. Faster computers need more switches, and given all the stuff that needs to fit in a vacuum tube, there was a limit to how small tube-based computers could ever get.Enter the transistor. That first transistor, pictured above, was invented in 1947 by Bell Labs, which still operates and performs advanced research under its parent company, Alcatel-Lucent. While the first one is certainly nothing you'd easily misplace, current transistors are microscopic and integrated into the silicon of computer chips. This tiny size has resulted in today's pocket-sized and (usually) affordable gadgets.Happy birthday, transistor.From EngadgetRelated Links: WWII Computer vs. Modern Tech in Decrypting Challenge Is the iPhone Worth $500? How to Send SMS Text Messages for Free  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Chances are you've never heard of a scramjet, and if you have we can almost guarantee you've never seen one in action (unless you happen to work for NASA or DARPA). The concept of scramjets has been around for a while -- President Reagan even announced a major scramjet project, the National Aerospace Plane, in his 1986 State of the Union address. Reagan envisioned the scramjet replacing the space shuttle, military bombers and commercial aircraft. The program never got off the ground and was canceled by President Clinton in 1994.Recent advances, however, have moved the scramjet from the lab to field tests. While they have been testing scramjets for a couple years, the most recent tests have been extremely favorable.Scramjets work by sucking air to a chamber that narrows until the air is so condensed it ignites. Just before ignition, standard jet fuel is injected into the chamber. The lack of moving parts and modern construction materials mean that scramjets can withstand much more heat and force than a standard turbine powered jet engine. Standard jet turbines would melt around Mach 3, but theoretically scramjets should be viable up to Mach 15, or around 10,000 miles per hour. That means that a two-hour flight from New York to Tokyo is theoretically possible.Of course the interest in scramjets isn't just about transportation. The military foresees scramjet-powered intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets around the globe before an enemy would even have a chance to respond. And, of course, America isn't the only one racing for the prize. The governments of China, Australia, and others are in hot pursuit of the first practical scramjet engine.From Slashdot and Popular ScienceRelated links:Scientists Clone Fluorescent CatsBionic Arm Restores Sensation and Mobility to AmputeesNew Super CT Scanner Could Change Medicine Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, YouTube, Video JunkieThe power of so-called New Media is again on display as a YouTube political attack ad makes mainstream media headlines. Wired reports that a 58-second video vilifying Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has generated 47,955 hits since Thursday on the popular video Web site. The ad, made by 29-year-old Republican Keith Emis, criticizes the former governor of Arkansas for paroling incarcerated serial rapist Wayne Dumond, who murdered Carol Sue Shields upon his early release. Emis collaborated with a friend who specializes in video production on the YouTube clip. The video recounts the circumstances surrounding Shield's death, beginning with a close-up of her mother, Lois Davidson, who grimly states that her daughter "won't be home for Christmas this year." Emis denies that he created the video to discredit Huckabee on behalf of another Republican candidate that he may support, like Fred Thompson, as some have suggested.The YouTube piece marks the increasing influence of internet-based media on traditional media and, consequently, the American political arena, having prompted the Huckabee campaign to respond on the campaign Web site and on CNN (and posting the rejoinder on YouTube). Indeed, some pundits say the allegations that Huckabee pressed for Dumond's premature release may prove to be politically damaging. Others argue that his clean image as a Baptist Minister will not be tarnished by a Web-based media assault. Regardless, it is clear that the supremacy of traditional media in capturing the news and informing and influencing the public is being challenged by the all-access nature of the Internet.Then again, pundits have been saying the Internet is making a big difference in elections for 10 years, but has the Internet ever really elected a president, or has it just created hype around candidates who eventually lose? Time will tell whether the Internet decides who won the 2008 presidential election.From WiredRelated Links:Al-Qaeda Invites Online Questions, YouTube-StyleSubway Beating Caught on Video, Police Tracking AttackersHow Presidential Candidates Are Using the 'Net Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, Top ListsThe boys in Redmond just can't catch a break. Every time Vista makes the press it's pretty much so the media can beat up on the Operating System that couldn't. And PC World has just put anoter nail in Vista's shrink-wrapped coffin.We love December, it's the most wonderful time of the year: list time! PC World has released their 15 Most Disappointing Tech Products of 2007, and topping that list is Vista. Why? Five years in the making and the best Microsoft could come up with is a very shiny, slightly annoying, absurdly overpriced software package that is missing some of the most exciting features that were promised by Microsoft when the project was still called Longhorn.To be fair, every semi-hyped gadget and technology trend made the list. Social Networks, the Zune, Leopard, the iPhone, and Office 2007 were all in there. But, we certainly agree that Vista deserves to be at the top of this heap 'o' crap.From PC WorldRelated links:Next Version of Windows DetailedMicrosoft Caves to Consumer Pressure, Extends Windows XP's LifespanIs it Time to Downgrade from Windows Vista? Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersNow we know how the robots are going to finance their revolution: Chat bots will seduce you into coughing up personal information. Cyberlover, one of these bots, is sold by a Russian company of the same name. The program targets women and convinces them to give up phone numbers, photos, and other personal info.The program can track every target it talks to, building profiles, and managing several contacts at once. Supposedly the bot sells for only $24.95, but the front page for the software is simply a collection of dead links. According to the site, the whole operation will be back up and running by February 15.Chat bots are primarily a nuisance, spreading spam and collecting contact information, but they are an important stepping stone on the road to true artificial intelligence. Creating a computer program that can hold a believable human conversation is the holy grail for bot creators.The lesson to be learned is a simple one: Think twice before you give out information to a random chatty lover. Not all chat bots are evil, though. Check outthese helpful and fun ones:Imified - not a real proper 'bot' but you can access notes, calender, and contacts with this service.Smarterchild - This little guy knows just about anything you could ask, and can do so much we can't even begin to explain it here.Virtual Secretary - like Imified with a more limited scope and packaged as a proper bot.From BetaNewsRelated links:Monkeys Control Robotic Arms Via InternetSouth Korea's Plans to Curb Robot UprisingSwitched Reviews the Gibson Robot Guitar Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  The winner in a game of soccer is often determined by the smallest of margins, one goal dividing the victor from the vanquished. It is no surprise, then, that a source of dispute between fans, players and coaches from opposing teams has frequently been whether the ball did in fact cross the goal line on a contested shot. Luckily, the Daily Mail reports that a developing technology may soon outfit soccer balls with sensors that tell referees whether the ball has crossed the line for a score or not.To make the technology work, wires are planted on the field around the goals. These wires emit a magnetic field, locating the soccer ball that is specially-outfitted with a sensor. When the ball is shot toward the goalmouth, an encrypted signal informs referees whether the ball crossed the line for a goal. After a successful trial at a match inJapan, officials for England's Premier League will decide if they will adopt the technology in league play. The decision will also be put before the International Football Association Board, the body that governs tournament play across the world for events like the World Cup. The technology's only shortcoming, it seems, is that it will rob super-fan soccer hooligans of a long-cherished reason to fight each other. From the Daily Mail Related Links:Switched Gift Guide: Gifts for the Sports FanAdams DIXX Computerized Training PutterSoccer Stud David Beckham Gets Naked for the MotoRAZR2 Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersIn the list of Republican candidates vying to take over Bush's seat in the White House, familiar names like Giuliani and Romney took early leads in polls. However, as we move closer to the various state primaries, a new picture is emerging in which lesser-known candidates with different messages are finding success online and, amazingly, leading the polls. One of those is Ron Paul, whose online supporters drummed up $6 million in funding in a 24-hour period.The money was raised from a so-called "Money Bomb," Paul's second. The first, back in early November, raised$4.3 million in a day. This latest one broke John Kerry's record of $5.7 million raised in a day during his campaign. With such huge successes, there are rumors of a third "Bomb" day in January.Ron Paul has certainly captured a lot of attention with his strong civil libertarian and fiscal conservative views, wanting to end Federal income tax and cut government spending. From TG DailyRelated Links: How Presidential Candidates Are Using the 'Net Fake Election Web Sites Plague Candidates Chinese Video Game Kills Corrupt Politicians  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, YouTubeWith presidential campaigns in full swing and every candidate trying to exploit the Internet for his own nefarious uses, you'd think it would be be no surprise to find political notables in other nations doing the same. However, it's hard not to be at least mildly shocked when learning that terrorist group Al-Qaeda is posting YouTube-style videos online and asking for comments and questions from anyone and everyone. The video shows Al-Qaeda "number two" Ayman Al-Zawahri gloating about Britain's recent pull-out from southern Iraq. British forces have been trying to show this as a success, handing over control over the region to the Iraqi government and military forces. Al-Zawahri, however, tries to spin this as an indicator of the "deteriorating condition of the Americans," saying "the decision of the British to flee is sufficient (proof of this). We're not going to get into the debates about military posturing or the state of the war in general, but it is quite interesting to see terrorist organizations looking for feedback and responses of the sort one might give with a YouTube video response. However, since this video isn't actually available on YouTube, nor on any other major video site (and there's obviously no contact information given in the video), it probably won't be much use in getting those questions posed to al-Zawahri. In short, Al Qaeda hasn't gone completely Web 2.0 just yet.What would you ask?From TechCrunch and NEWS.com.auRelated Links: How Presidential Candidates Are Using the 'Net Fake Election Web Sites Plague Candidates Chinese Video Game Kills Corrupt Politicians  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: eBayIf it wasn't clear already, the e-pocalypse is officially upon us. A man is attempting to sell his soul on eBay. For a million dollars, and 41 cents (for shipping, of course). From the man's eBay auction post: A million unexpected dollars would be a miracle. The auction is for 1 million and 41 cents. The 1 million is not for me; it is for others. Aside from what I owe the government from receiving this 1 million dollars, I will not seek to gain anything tangible from this auction. I will be giving the full amount to those that I care about and those who truly need it. The 1 million and 41 cents is for the letter which I shall be writing you upon payment. I don't have a sad story to tell, and I just want to help others. This may sound crazy, but it just might work......Included is a picture of me and it is an accurate representation of what I will look like if this auction is a success. Based on his haircut and disposition, we're actually thinking this guy is serious... ...seriously out of his mind! No bids yet. From FarkRelated links: Texas Town Sells for $3.8 Million on eBay30 Years of Video Games Up For Sale  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Interviews, Celebrities, iPod, BlackBerry, TV, iPhoneSurely you remember Ruben Studdard, winner of American Idol Season 2. Ruben is back to host his winning season of American Idol Rewind, in which he and runner-up Clay Aiken will bring back not only the complete historical season, but they will also guide you through never-before seen clips of what went on behind the scenes.Since his victorious season, Studdard has been busy recording new tunes and touring the world. He was kind enough to take a few minutes to talk to Switched about his tech-obsessed life. See what he thinks about iPhones, video games, and the battery life on his BlackBerry below.What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?BlackBerry Curve -- I love everything about it.Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?My brother was the last person I text messaged. I told him to get me Soy Milk and Veggie Cheese from Wal-MartWhere do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?AOL. I love AOL!What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?The Battery life sucks on all of them.Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?I wish I could record my voice to the iPod with the same quality as the songs that I get from iTunesWhat upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?The second generationiTouch. I will give them a chance to work some of the kinks out.You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?If I was on a desert island I would need a battery-operated refrigerator with an automatic fire starter and a GPS tracking device on the side.What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?Johnnie Taylor. He is awesome. Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo?Blackberry. Are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?Yes I am getting an iPhone. Mainly because it looks really cool.What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?About three hours. It was NCAA college football from EA Sports. I played against my brother and my friends and I came out the tournament victorious. Do you use/have a Mac or PC? Why?I have a Mac but I really don't know why...I just love it. I guess since all of my other artist friends had one, and it's the industry standard in every major recording studio I have been in, it just seemed like a really good move. Peer pressure is still alive and well.Related Links:Slash Talks Guitar Hero III, 'Slash' (the Book), and Gadget Gifts Monk's Jason Gray-Stanford Tells Us All About His "My Pod" Emmy Rossum: Actor, Singer, Mac-Addict Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell Phones, Computers, Advice, Interviews, Switched Video, Reviews, DownloadsIs your iTunes library illegal? The RIAA says so; as far as we can understand, the Recording Industry Association of America now thinks merely ripping a CD to your hard drive (a CD you legally purchased and own) is, in itself, illegal. We peel away the motives behind this latest salvo in the digital content wars. Plus: w00t. WHAT? That's a word? In a dictionary? Share our confusion in the latest Switched Show Podcast, online for direct download here or, even better, for iTunes subscription. Related Links:Death for Online PiracyFour Cell Phones (we love) for Under $100How to Watch TV Online for Free Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Not all video games are bad for you. In fact, most video games actually engage different parts of your brain to help develop logic, decision-making, mental speed, and even creativity. Now, a new trend in gaming called "brain games" aims at actually training your noodle to help you improve your mental facilities. Problem is, many of these games require some sort of site subscirption fee or even a Nintendo DS to play "Brain Age".Fear not, dear Switched reader. We scoured the net to find 11 of the best brain games -- and even better, they're all free.1. WordCrunchWordCrunch is your basic word-search game, but it changes themes on a daily basis. This one is easy to learn but tough to master. This is the ultimate test of your vocabulary, mental speed, and visual acuity. Next >> Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, Gift News, Holiday Gift GuideMacBooks have always had a clean, sophisticated look to them. Even so, some style mavens might call the somewhat limited color selection (anything you like so long as it's black or white) a little ... muted? If you're one of those aesthetes looking for something a little more visually appealing, you may be interested in hearing some of the talk of a mysteriously hued MacBook spotted near Apple's headquarters in California. The finish is described to be dark and metallic, a sort of gunmetal, but more interestingly they're said to be quite a bit more thin than your standard 13-inch. Beyond these scant details, though, more specifics on the rumored new MacBooks remain a bit of a mystery. Surely, though, there must be a new model MacBook that Apple is putting through the final testing stages, and if that's the case, it should be showing up in a brightly-lit, wood-paneled Mac Store near you -- maybe even in January?Should these rumors be true, you may want to hold off buying any Macbooks until the middle of January 2008.From AppleInsiderRelated Links: MacBook Design Flaw Can Lead to Permanent Data Loss New Ultra Portable MacBook Out in January? Apple Boosts MacBook Pro Line  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Who doesn't remember Hot or Not, that bastion of Web 1.0 semi-sleaze and lost productivity? The simple hotness rating site hit almost two million page views in its first week in 2000 and spawned countless spinoffs, but the recently launched site CommandShift3 puts a distinct slant on the concept, geeky though it may be. By pitting two Web site screenshots against one another, the site allows you to channel your inner (or outer) design snob and choose a winner. And then you can do it again. And again. It may not reach mainstream 'meat market' appeal, but enough people have been subjected to horrible-looking Web sites by now that we think it could put its own dent in the productive hours of judgmental humanity. And isn't that what it's all about?via Lee Semel Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments