Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, Video Games, TVOnline virtual worlds are taking over. It would seem as though World of Warcraft and Second Life are cultish phenomena inhabited primarily by the uber-dorky, but if mainstream television is an indicator, things are changing.Recently, 'South Park' aired an episode in which much of the animation was modified in-game footage from World of Warcraft, while 'The Simpsons' parodied the virtual world in an episode in which Bart and Marge become engrossed in an online role playing world called Earthland Realms.Second Life isn't left out of the party either: 'Law and Order:SVU' chased a rapist through a fictional virtual world called AY, and, in the October 25th episode of 'The Office,' Dwight Schrute explores Second Life proclaiming his desire to calculate an exchange rate for Linden Dollars (the currency in Second Life) for Schrute Bucks.The most inventive tie in is coming soon from an upcoming episode of 'CSI: NY,' in which a killer escapes into the world of Second Life. The episode will end with a cliffhanger and pick up in the the virtual world of Second Life, where viewers will be able to help solve the case in a virtual crime lab. In the Spring, the show will pick up where the virtual story line leaves off.Already, 'The Office' has created its own social networking site / virtual world called Dunder Mifflin Infinity, where branches of the fictional paper company hire employees and compete for Schrute bucks. Sadly, at the moment, the site is barely functional and some have speculated that it's one big ironic joke.From Virtual Worlds News and Information WeekRelated Links:Online Game More Populous Than NYCVirtual Barbie World Sees Meteoric RiseSecond Life Virtual Bank Collapses, Losses at $750K Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: CamerasIf you're anything like us, you're hands are a little shaky, thanks to years of manic video game sessions and text-messaging away on tiny keypads. If you're also a serious photographer, though, you're in luck, since Olympus' new top-tier digital SLR camera has some integrated technology that's aimed at those with shaky hands. The new Olympus E3 is the latest "prosumer" entry from Olympus, meaning it's a camera ostensibly good enough for professionals, but easy enough to use and priced at a point where some serious amateur shooters can swing. Mind you, when we say serious, we mean someone willing to spend $1,699 on a camera without a lens! That's the estimated street price on this thing when it drops in November. For that price, you'll get just the E3 itself, a 10-megapixel SLR camera body. SLR (single-lens reflex) technically means that the viewport looks directly through the glass of the lens, but in the world of digital cameras itgenerally means a shooter that has swappable lenses. So, yes, your $1,699 camera won't be any good without some equally expensive glass on the end, but the E3 itself will deliver one feature typically only found in high-end SLR lenses: image stabilization (IS). IS means compensation for your shaky hands to produce a blur-free image, and the E3 has it built right in. This means all of its lenses can compensate for a little unintentional twitch. Most comparable SLRs, like those from Canon and Nikon, require that you buy higher-end IS lenses ... or carry around a tripod or monopod wherever you go.Interestingly, the E3 also supports both the traditional CompactFlash style memory card, the standard for most SLRs, and the smaller xD-style card Olympus has been pushing. However, given that xD cards currently top out at just two-gigabytes (GB), you'll probably want to stick with the larger capacity CompactFlash cards on which to store the huge 10-megapixel images this camera takes. That is, unless you like swapping memory cards. The E3 also sports a 2.5'-inch, dual-axis swivel LCD on the back, which you can pivot around at any angle, and auto-focus speeds said to be the fastest in the world when combined with the ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 lens from Zuiko Digital -- which will set you back another $1,000.The $1,699 price without lens will likely scare away many amateurs, but the overall E3 package offers those serious shooters another choice between the other go-to cameras in this price range, the Canon EOS 40D and the Nikon D300. As we all know, gadget competition is a good thing for shoppers, whether they be prosumers or just plain 'ol amatuers. %Gallery-8725%Related Links: Just Tell Me What to Get: A Sub-$200 Cam How to Resize Your Photos For E-Mail A Video Cam No Bigger Than a Pack of Gum!  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell PhonesWith the announcement that it would offer the HTC Touch come November 4th, Sprint proved that it's still capable of releasing first-to-the-gate, innovative phones for its network. The touch-screen enabled handheld is definitely designed to be the hands-on iPhone-killer for the Windows Mobile 6 set, not only because of its smart phone features (seamless integration with your e-mail, full office document editing and viewing, Windows Media Player) but also because its touch screen is almost as innovative as the iPhone's -- almost.The HTC Touch's big claim to fame is "TouchFLO Technology," which is really just a fancy name for a 3D cube interface that users maneuver around by swiping their finger. It's basically the iPhone with different visuals, and a more powerful and versatile, though sometimes glitchier, operating system (OS).We played around with the unlocked GSM version of the HTC Touch a few months back, but didn't see what all the fuss wasabout beyond a gee-whizzy touch screen with different animations than the iPhone. But we also didn't have all the apps a carrier can provide, so we're excited to check out the official Sprint Touch, which will have access to the Sprint Music Store (for direct-to-phone downloads), Sprint TV, streaming Sirius satellite radio, and on-demand news and sports information.Now, before complain too much, let's mention the many ways this phone is better than the iPhone Surprisingly, most of these have less to do with the touted touchscreen and more with the overall specs, such as the 2.0-megapixel camera (versus the iPhone's 1.3 megapixel), high-speed 3G EV-DO capability for fast downloading and Web surfing (versus the iPhone's slower EDGE network), stereo Bluetooth capability (for wireless headphones and speakers), and expandable/removeable memory (MicroSD cards).And let's not forget that it's only $249.99 (with a two-year contract). We're anxious to try out the spiffy new Sprint-enabled HTC Touch to see if it lives up to the hype. We'll report back later.Related Links:AOL Money & Finance: Sprint to Introduce Touch-Screen PhoneHTC Unveils iPhone-Like TouchArmani Phone Combats Rape and Theft Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, iPod, TV, iPhoneLooks like the movie studios are finally joining the 21st century while looking to preempt illegal ripping and sharing of movies via peer to peer networks. The proliferation of video-capable personal media players has made carrying your movie collection with you not only reasonable but popular.Until now the only way to bring your movies with you legally was to rip your movies yourself, which can be a difficult and convoluted process. Or, as many have chosen, you could let someone else do the work and download movies via BitTorrent or some other file-sharing network.With the release 'Live Free or Die Hard,' studios have begun including Windows media-encoded versions of movies that can be copied from the DVD to your computer or media player. Reportedly, the files have no DRM copy protection. However, a 16-digit code will be needed to download and unlock the file.This feature doesn't end with 'Die Hard' thankfully. The 'Digital Copy' will be extended to future Fox releases, and Warner Home Video plans to introduce a similar program beginning with 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' in December.From BetaNewsRelated links:Headaches for Blu-ray OwnersApple iTunes to Offer 99 Cent TV Shows?'Family Guy' Arrives on Xbox Live Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell PhonesThere's something about bluetooth headsets that sort of makes us want to punch their users the face. Farhad Manjoo, writer at Machinist, decided to test a batch of headsets and figure out why it is that these admittedly useful gadgets conjure up descriptions of their users that we simply can't repeat on a family-friendly web site such as this.Manjoo's first theory was that aesthetic appeal was the problem. Most headsets are, to put it lightly, hideous. Consumer electronics grade plastic, over ear arms, and obtrusive teardrop shapes are the standard. So Manjoo looked to the Jawbone, one of the first headsets to realize that as a piece of wearable technology it must also be fashionable. Unfortunately the high style design just exacerbated the problem of appearing self-important.Manjoo moved on to the itty bitty Apple headset, figuring that the barely visible accessory would reduce the problem of appearing pompous. An unforeseen side effect arose however: If it's not apparent you're talking into a headset, you just look crazy.Then Manjoo settled on the Cardo S-640 (pictured above), a bluetooth hands-free device that looks more like the cheapo wired extensions packaged with many cell phones. The microphone and radio are housed in a relatively unobtrusive plastic rectangle that clips on to your collar or lapel. A single earbud is wired to the box that runs up to your ear. Though far from perfect, Manjoo found this to be the least offensive headset he tested. We still recommend you pull it out of your ear before walking into your uncle's funeral though.From MachinistRelated links:Direct-to-Cell Phone Advertising ComingVoice Dialing for the iPhone?Meet Wibree: Bluetooth's Little Brother Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Video GamesDespite its famed open environment full of people, the 'Grand Theft Auto' games have been solo experiences. Sure, the PSP games had limited multiplayer, and there have been modifications of the PC games that let you meet some friends online, but none of that has really impacted the core gameplay. That may be poised to change with the upcoming installment, 'Grand Theft Auto IV.' Rumor has it that the fourth installment of the violent sub-culture franchise will offer sixteen-player online multiplayer, which should make for a cracking good time.More importantly, online play is said to be "more than just the usual deathmatch mode." Deathmatches are where players gang up on each other and try to be the last man standing. Other games, like 'Halo 3,' have found plenty of success offering cooperative gameplay, where multiple gamers work together as a team to play through the game. Could we see something like that in 'GTA IV?' Here's hoping. Developer Rockstar should certainly have enough time to get it right, having delayed the game from an October release (as in now) to some unspecified date in mid-2008.From JoystiqRelated Links: 'Grand Theft Auto 4' Game Delayed 'Halo 3' Annihilates Sales Records Video Game Trains Airport Security Guards  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, eBayIt was just a couple weeks ago that eBay was lamenting paying far too much for online phone calling service Skype, making the acquisition for a whopping $2.6 billion back in 2005. But, news today of a partnership with MySpace may brighten the online auction house's fortunes a bit. Late next month MySpace users will be able to make Skype calls to their friends directly from their profiles, or indeed to any other Skype user.While Skype also offers for-fee calls to physical phones, whether they be landlines or cellys, the biggest draw for its users has always been the free calls to other Skype users. However, making these calls has always required the installation and configuration of Skype software, something many potential users can't be bothered with. Thanks to the partnership with MySpace, Skype calling will be able to be done directly from the MySpace IM client, so those who have that installed won't need to download anything else. It's a huge deal for Internet phone calling, also known as VOIP.So, is this the next step in the beginning of the end for the phone industry, or will eBay just have to keep complaining about spending too much for an unprofitable startup? Only time will tell.From BBC News, Webware and AOL Money and FinanceRelated Links: Alaska Air to Test In-Flight Wi-Fi this Spring Virgin America Details In-Flight Internet Skype Voice Chat Service Goes Down for an Entire Day  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell PhonesThis Friday, Verizon will launch its latest and perhaps slickest music phone yet. Called the Juke (from Samsung), the new player/handset is slim and light, yet surprisingly powerful. It sports two-gigabytes (GB) of internal storage for MP3, WMA, AAC, and AAC+ music, meaning it should play your DRM-free tunes from just about every download service out there. Granted, you probably won't be able to take your entiremusic library with you given the Juke's minimal memory, but at about 3.8'-inches long and 1.2'-inches wide, Verizon's new handset is certainly small enough to take pretty much anywhere. Despite its diminutive size, the Juke still sports a 1.3-megapixel camera. It also supports wireless stereo Bluetooth headsets (which is more than we can say for the iPhone!).Of course, if you want to listen to your tunes wirelessly, you'll need to purchase that Bluetooth headset separately, but Samsung includes wired set of headphones for in the $99 package (of course, you'll need to sign-up for two years with the carrier). ... Available in red, teal, or black, the Juke is available for pre-order now at the Verizon Wireless site.Related Links: Sprint Is the Suckiest (according to Google Search) LG and Verizon Take On the iPhone The New Palm Centro - Can it Redeem the Company?  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell Phones, iPhoneWe've been promised this before, and we're not really sure that the rumors are any more reliable this time around, but here goes: Sources are telling Business Week that Apple plans to open up the iPhone to third-party applications.Currently, running third-party apps on the iPhone is a complex and dangerous operation that can render your iPhone completely useless. The sources presented few details, but expect that the developer kit will be revealed at the MacWorld Expo on January 15. The belief is the delay has less to do with purposely frustrating developers and more to do with the release of Leopard, which many believe will enable more powerful features on the iPhone.One thing is for sure, Apple will not just hand over a developer kit to anyone who asks. Expect the list of developers, at least initially, to be very short. As for the rest of those hoping to build applications for the iPhone, we refer you to Job's previous message -- build a web app.From Business WeekRelated links:Jobs to iPhone Developers - Write a Web AppThird-Party Apps for the iPhone... SomedayiPhone Version 1.1.1 Unlocked Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersThe boys in Cupertino have finally given us a date: October 26th, next Friday, when the latest update to OSX, 10.5 (also known as Leopard) will ship. Leopard comes with a host of new features, including an overhauled dock with 3D effects and 'stacks' (pictured above) for easy organization. It also comes with the mesmerizing ability to browse your files in Coverflow (also pictured above).Leopard is available for pre-order now for $129 for a single license and $199 for a family pack of 5 licenses. The server version is also available for pre-order at $499 for a 10-client license or $999 for an unlimited client license.As usual, there is no such thing as an 'upgrade' available from Apple, so you're stuck paying full price regardless.From EngadgetRelated links:Coverflow to Come to Mac OSX 10.5New iMac Announced TodayApple Boosts its Free Software Offering Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, ComputersThe trials and tribulations just don't stop for RIAA lawsuit defendant Jammie Thomas -- or at least the trials, anyway. Ms. Thomas has officially filed her appeal to the findings of the lawsuit brought against her for illegal file sharing, citing "unconstitutionally excessive" damages. Jammie is asking that the RIAA fine her any actual damages it suffered rather than the seemingly arbitrary amount of $220,000, which she was earlier ordered to pay.This appeal is certainly a step back from her initial pledge to fight the notion that simply sharing a song on a P2P network like Kazaa is actually illegal. Now, it seems her plan is simply to reduce the fine that she was assessed by the court. Given the feelings of one juror in the case, who called her a liar and that her "defense sucked," perhaps this is the smartest move.Thomas' idea of fair? $151.20.From SlashdotRelated Links: Juror Calls RIAA Defendant a Liar Woman to Appeal $220,000 Music Sharing Verdict Mom of Two Stung With $220K RIAA Penalty  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell PhonesYou've probably seen it -- it's an e-mail going around that claims all cell phone numbers are about to be released to telemarketers. According to the e-mail, the only way to avoid getting cold calls about switching your long distance carrier on your mobile is to register your phone number with the federal government's Do Not Call Registry.The FCC has been quick to point out, however, that this is simply not true. In fact, it is illegal for most telemarketers to call any mobile phone, so registering your cell with the Do Not Call Registry is simply unnecessary. (The law stipulates that companies can't use auto-dialers to call cell phones, pagers, or any other service where the recipient would have to pay for the call.) Since most telemarketers use auto-dialers, they are generally unable to pester you on your mobile with out facing legal consequences.The FCC has no idea where the e-mails are originating from, or why anyone would want to send such a scam, especially since nothing bad happens -- no opportunity for financial gain, no harvesting of phone numbers -- if you do actually register your mobile number on the site. It's a pointless scam! And yet, we guess the FCC is saving all of us from the extra stress we might get from worrying about missing the mobile Do Not Call registry deadline.From USA TodayRelated Links:E-Mail Scam Threatens to Send Hitman After YouCybercrime More Lucrative than Drug TradeMajority of Americans Can't Spot an E-Mail Scam Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, CelebritiesAfter saying some regretable things about Jews, Ann Coulter's site has been hacked. The hackers have posted a fake letter from her, proclaiming her "retirement" from all things media. Here's the note before it goes down:An Open Letter to Readersby Ann CoulterOctober 15, 2007Dear Readers,I've been participating in a charade for nearly eleven years, now. Quite frankly, I'm sick of it. You have all been a part of a sick joke that I began considering shortly after first getting on the air. At first, it was quite interesting to see how people would react when I would use twisted logic and poorly masked bigotry.But eleven years is a long time to be living a fake life, and I can no longer tolerate this falsity. Even someone as fake as I tires out eventually.Here's the truth, I don't care what people believe. Jews don't need to be "made perfect" as I so arrogantly proclaimed to Editor & Publisher not a half week ago. I don't even care if people are Muslim. Granted, I don't know much about the religion or the people, but they are people. This is something that we cannot forget, they are in an abhorrent situation. These people are in need of education. Perhaps if we did not participate in causing them misery, they would not hate us so.In fact, does it really matter whether we are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, or even Pagan? We are one nation. One. We should not let petty differences separate us, we are all American, and should act in that manner.And with that, my precious viewers, I bid you adieu. My career as a media figurehead is over.Signed,Ann CoulterP.S. - Oh, and Bill O'Reilly is also just acting.[From the hackers:] Haha, did it again. Oh, those silly web admins...they just embarrass themselves.(Admins, check for an e-mail address in the CMS. Find it. I know you will.)And the wait to see when her admins figure this one begins...now.Thanks, Adam!Related Links:Penn State Summons Big Brother to Stop Cheating Department of Homeland Security Considers Mind-Control Tech How Presidential Candidates Are Using the 'Net Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, TVDirecTV is breaking out the big guns in the war for TV superiority. The satellite TV provider has bumped up its HD lineup from just a handful of channels to over 70, with plans to offer 100 by the year's end. TOvernight, this addition channels pushes DirecTV from dead last in the HD race to first, and by a huge margin. For example, satellite TV competitor Dish Network -- previously the HD channel leader -- offers between 30 and 40 HD channels depending on the market.Many of the channels are, of course, of the premium (HBO, Showtime) variety, but the lineup also includes HD channels we haven't seen in too many places before, including Food Network, CNN HD, and Sci-Fi HD.$9.99 a month gets you all the HD channels tied to your particular package. For $4.99 a month more, you get access to all non-premium HD programing that's not included in your package. From BetaNewsRelated Links:TiVo Adding Rhapsody Music ServiceAre Satellite Dishes a Serious Eye Sore?Video Gamers Don't Care About HD Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments