tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38967336624195533902024-03-05T16:39:15.585-08:00eDEXdealsA blog about technology, marketing, and the world in general, all from your friends at eDEXdeals.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-87970722412978976952011-03-16T11:52:00.000-07:002011-03-16T11:55:02.055-07:00Diebold Selects DEX Reverse Logistics Software<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8ECtA2FbbWMfZp8TZiFSZq3B-O2rgrAJ7Smd1zhwqbXlFofGgiCIrdi4skbki_ZHDYH5JrvY5_njzrIuUrpnu4cu0wH5E7QyEsS-I8NkEp3bzbEbQbciKPtKBRXZGP9_otPs-MAYSCfT/s1600/diebold.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8ECtA2FbbWMfZp8TZiFSZq3B-O2rgrAJ7Smd1zhwqbXlFofGgiCIrdi4skbki_ZHDYH5JrvY5_njzrIuUrpnu4cu0wH5E7QyEsS-I8NkEp3bzbEbQbciKPtKBRXZGP9_otPs-MAYSCfT/s320/diebold.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584752965255155474" /></a><br />Diebold, the security systems and services firm has announced that it will implement the DEX Systems Reverse Logistics software for their Canton, Ohio facility. The returns software will be used for the Global Service Logistics operation to facilitate the repair operation. The software will increase visibility, control and efficiencies throughout their reverse logistics operation. <br /><br />The DEX software is easy to use front-end extension to the Oracle E-Business Suite, specifically designed for managing RMA returns and processes. The software includes a customizable, color-coded process flow management dashboard that notifies staff to impending problems in the reverse logistics process. In addition, the DEX Returns product supports the return of items for a variety of reasons, including repair, testing and recertification. <br /><br />VidhieDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-70007904751762114862011-03-15T13:10:00.000-07:002011-03-15T13:16:21.287-07:00The Light Touch Projector: Any surfaces into touch screens??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9AByBCt7Hk9OD2uE6TLo1H22_CYXCd3r9iLmmKmLnVJNJ6e0pcff5qJ5hy3TB0ltxCsNHlbaupGcGDEo5RmKBTLG5UzOwzJWfe6GaJG21Fjk1Z7VcfnmwXpzVFE__6gNI-VJyuutgzqr/s1600/light_touch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9AByBCt7Hk9OD2uE6TLo1H22_CYXCd3r9iLmmKmLnVJNJ6e0pcff5qJ5hy3TB0ltxCsNHlbaupGcGDEo5RmKBTLG5UzOwzJWfe6GaJG21Fjk1Z7VcfnmwXpzVFE__6gNI-VJyuutgzqr/s320/light_touch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584401943989355826" /></a><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href=""></a><br /> Imagine being able to access your social networks , manage your personal files , watch movies and many other things on any flat surface instead of being limited to the screens on your I-phones, I-pads or laptops. Light Touch Projector is the new cutting edge technological development that will soon transform the world of consumer electronics. The Light Touch is an interactive projector that instantly transforms any flat surface into a touch screen. It uses holographic projection to throw 10-inch image at WVGA resolution at incredibly short distances and frees multimedia content from the confines of the small screen, allowing users to interact with that content just as they do on their hand held devices – using multi-touch technology. It comes with 2GB of onboard flash memory, a micro SD card slot for expanding the storage and the battery life will last 2 hours.<br /><br /> Needless to say, this new technology will significantly change how people communicate and interact in the near future. The product is manufactured by Light Blue Optics, a small, privately-funded company that develops miniature projection systems for use in high volume applications in markets including automotive, digital signage and consumer electronics. According to the reviews on Huffington post, “the light touch will allow users to interact with the displayed image as they would a modern touch screen display and have already pleasantly surprised its skeptics”. I remember watching Tom Cruise’s movie <em>Minority Report </em>and thinking it would take ages to develop that level of technology. I guess I can say we are definitely way ahead of our own time table. <br /><br />References<br /><br />http://lightblueoptics.com/<br />http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/30692/light-touch-touchscreen-projector-uk<br />http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/08/light-touch-projector-tur_n_416069.html<br /><br />Lulit BeredaeDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-40454003547148821482010-12-15T14:17:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:17:52.533-08:00| #2Tagnl<a href="http://2tag.nl/8Q7048-">| #2Tagnl</a><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href=""></a>eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-34455968438206640642010-11-30T12:20:00.000-08:002010-11-30T13:25:20.107-08:00Refurbishment Process Flow at DEX<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/9454/steps.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 933px; height: 386px;" src="http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/9454/steps.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />• DEX has developed solutions that provide screening / testing capabilities for programs. Years of experience, has shown us that a significant percentage of products returned for repair or credit are not defective. A Go/No Go test separates the ‘good product’ from the product that is in need of repair and rapidly returns that product to finished goods or salable inventory. When product is received at the DEX facility, a go/ no go test to be performed prior to any type of repair. <br />• During this testing period, technicians look for units that have obvious customer induced damage (CID), i.e., water damage, that can be immediately moved to scrap or teardown without further action performed. This type of product testing reduces repair costs. <br />• Screening / Testing Procedures are different depending upon the product type, i.e., laptop testing is different from LCD testing. DEX has a staff of engineers that produce testing and repair procedures that are available to all technicians on the repair line. DEX develops clear, concise procedures that are repeatable ensuring that the personnel perform the sorting, testing and repair functions accurately. <br /> Product Identification<br />• As product enters the DEX facility, a small bar code label is affixed to the product – the unit’s serial number can also be used. This label and associated product data, such as serial number and product comments (good/bad), is entered into DEX’s system. This label enables the tracking of product through the DEX facility, including all steps taken to repair product and data from QA checks. <br />• At each station, the bar code label is scanned, with information transmitted to and maintained in DEX’s system.<br /> Quality Audit <br />• Upon completion of product repair, the product undergoes testing in an environment that closely emulates the operating environment. Upon completion of testing, QA is then performed to ensure that the product operates at manufacturer’s operating standards. <br />• One of the core competencies at DEX is in the area of our world-class technical repair skills, coupled with high volume returns management capabilities and a significant infrastructure of people, processes and facilities dedicated to providing cost efficient solutions. DEX’s roots are based in the repair of high-tech equipment. Over three decades ago, DEX was founded with the premise that the high-tech equipment repair could be accomplished faster and better with a staff of engineers that produce procedures to assist technicians in the repair cycle.<br /><br />Trisha ItoeDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-85359337397168340812010-11-30T11:29:00.000-08:002010-11-30T12:18:59.693-08:00Refurbished means environmentally friendly for less money<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwCfwoQ5NyxP3oXHd-KEvw9KRjqUzzs_BlBQsmmSacw8JHZF80_zQM02rikBns5HKCHcbEWVrsxoDkPgmWOl5kTS8LF4646mp9fDmzErPHFCTdds2exrcVDNx_RqNMwc_tzCuw-vU8HkI/s1600/COMP.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwCfwoQ5NyxP3oXHd-KEvw9KRjqUzzs_BlBQsmmSacw8JHZF80_zQM02rikBns5HKCHcbEWVrsxoDkPgmWOl5kTS8LF4646mp9fDmzErPHFCTdds2exrcVDNx_RqNMwc_tzCuw-vU8HkI/s320/COMP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545439845372847970" /></a><br /><br />Don’t be discouraged by buying refurbished. Refurbished computers can offer you a better value and performance while reducing electronics environmental footprint. The United States Protection Agency is actively encouraging consumers to purchase refurbished home electronics. <br /><br />Numerous firms and consumers upgrade their computers and other electronics every three or four years, even though they are in functional condition. This practice causes enormous flow of discarded machines. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the US alone, consumers abandoned between 50 million and 75 million desktops, laptops, and monitors in 2005. That is more than 1.15 million tons of hardware left behind every day. In the EU the volume of e-waste is expected to increase by 3 to 5 percent a year. Developing countries are expected to triple their output of e-waste in the following year.<br /> <br />Consider this<br />Before you press the power button on a brand-new computer for the first time, it has already used almost 80 percent of the energy it will consume over its lifetime.<br />Eric Williams, an assistant professor at the Center for Earth Systems Engineering and Management at Arizona State University, has been researching life cycle assessments of IT machines since 2000. Life cycle assessments measure the total environmental impact of a product or service. Williams explains that computers require an intensive process in the manufacturing stage, part of this is due to the high-tech components and scrupulous environmental conditions required to build one.<br />William says research shows that the care put into this manufacturing phase accounts for 70 to 80 percent of a computer’s energy use over its life cycle. He states, “If you take the strategy of extending the life of the computer instead of buying a new computers, buy a used one then you’ve eliminated the need to manufacture that new computer, at least for a while. The energy savings are significant” <br /><br />What we do<br />Being a part of DEX, eDEXdeals.com offers a wide range of refurbished items that include laptops, desktops, digital cameras, LCD monitors and more. Exceeding 30 years of experience, impeccable technology service, customer support, and efficient refurbishment process (see graph 1 in appendix), DEX is able to provide you with great products at highly competitive prices. We carry most major brands including Toshiba, Sony, HP, Dell, and more. All of our facilities are ISO certified, have rigorous quality standards, and are focused on continuous improvement. eDEXdeals.com can reassure that all items are tested and verified to be in 100% working condition and more than 90% of our orders shipped the same day you place your order (Orders placed before 6 pm PST). We ship all items via UPS with tracking. <br /><br />While the number of home electronics manufactured keeps growing every year, the flow of waste increases respectively. By choosing refurbished today, you are significantly contributing to the better environment of tomorrow. <br /><br />References:<br />1.www.epa.gov<br />2.Avoiding a Computer Wasteland. By: Tozzi, John, BusinessWeek Online, 10/5/2007<br />3.T H E Journal; Apr2010, Vol. 37 Issue 4, p37-38, 2p, Secondhand Is First-Rate. 4.Demski, Jennifer<br />5.http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/page/about<br /><br />Anna BychkovaeDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-58321982674395783402010-09-02T14:30:00.000-07:002010-09-02T14:53:06.041-07:00Apple TV: Solving a Problem Nobody Has AnymoreApple’s press conferences are popular, highly anticipated events, and for good reason: they usually unveil some fantastic upgrade to their already impressive product line or come up with an entirely new must-have gadget. Apple may not be perfect, but they have a stellar success record.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMxaNYjyC49baTrAM7ZY_wo4ypINpYJCiz72-Ev4XszQnaul2tD3wSM-bwktrR_Uc-U9NlZ5ags23D2VuexJ0SrREe6qUTHFKmxo1w5494LwqFVLFq4Uea3noRXzMHaKPn1dgGoHciETB/s1600/iPod+nano.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMxaNYjyC49baTrAM7ZY_wo4ypINpYJCiz72-Ev4XszQnaul2tD3wSM-bwktrR_Uc-U9NlZ5ags23D2VuexJ0SrREe6qUTHFKmxo1w5494LwqFVLFq4Uea3noRXzMHaKPn1dgGoHciETB/s320/iPod+nano.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512435155893268242" /><small><center>Those are some very shiny iPod Nanos.</small></center></a><br />This all really makes me wonder what they were thinking when they announced the updated model of their take on cable, Apple TV, in yesterday’s conference.<br /><br />Now, don’t get me wrong: this new version of Apple TV is actually pretty snazzy, so far as technology goes. It fits in the palm of your hand and has very little memory, but that’s okay: it focuses on renting shows and movies, all in HD if available. Apple has already made deals with ABC, Fox, BBC America, and the Disney channel to have their shows available, as well as iTunes’ entire movie rental store and Netflix’s streaming capabilities. That’s right: the Apple TV will stream movies from your Netflix account. It will also stream content from MobileMe, Flickr, and YouTube; its wifi capabilities also allow it to connect to your computer, your iPad, your iPhone…the possibilities are endless.<br /><br />Also, it’s <i>cheap</i>. The tiny set-top box goes on sale in four weeks for $99, with $0.99 TV show rentals and $4.99 movie rentals, but who worries about those rental fees when you’re already using it to stream Netflix?<br /><br />The technology behind the Apple TV is well thought out and put together, that much is certain. But wait – if I’ve spent half this entry praising it, why do I wonder about Apple’s strategy?<br /><br />The answer to that question can be summed up in another, shorter question: <i>where’s the market, Apple?</i><br /><br />Consider Apple’s marketing strategy: all of their devices are marketed towards younger consumers, people more apt to go for the newer technology, better connectivity, or just the “ooh pretty shiny” of it all. In Mac commercials, the Mac is a young, cool, savvy guy, while the PC obviously represents your technologically illiterate dad/grandfather/teacher/insert other stereotype here. iPod advertisements feature silhouettes of people generally in their teens or early twenties dancing along to the latest pop hit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LHzcEqnMCypXwgustboJzM_6pClof4Js-a3Jvot2K3lYs8GFqfixB1a36nGbhpZbZyvTt9Ewm4WTpINtLtLTSKwhC8t905PubKLggx0FUbGepjVw2G3QXb192qrIazguIAlDfskzNzZD/s1600/iPod_ad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LHzcEqnMCypXwgustboJzM_6pClof4Js-a3Jvot2K3lYs8GFqfixB1a36nGbhpZbZyvTt9Ewm4WTpINtLtLTSKwhC8t905PubKLggx0FUbGepjVw2G3QXb192qrIazguIAlDfskzNzZD/s320/iPod_ad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512435563228210946" /><center><small>Admit it: you can't see your grandparents busting a move like this.</small></center></a><br />This is the generation that stereotypically pays attention to announcements for new technology. This is the generation that would be streaming video from Apple’s press conferences to their desktops, laptops, and tablets. This is the generation Apple wants.<br /><br />This is also the generation that has already figured out how to stream Netflix to their TVs via their laptops, desktops, and gaming systems. They watch their TV and movies online. In order to watch YouTube, they actually go to YouTube. In short, the Apple TV has very little to offer this generation. <br /><br />What about the previous generation, the parents and uncles and teachers typified as PCs? Would they ever buy something like this? Personally, my guess is no: this generation either learned to stream things from their kids’ tech savvy, or they already have a cable or satellite hookup of some sort. Given that Pay-Per-View tends to come standard on these hookups and DVR, which Apple TV does not have, is an add-on for small cost, it would make more sense for the generation already happy with their hookup to simply stay with it. If they wanted Pay Per View shows and movies, why not just pay for them with the company they already have? An old adage states, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As far as the previous generation is concerned, their current TV hookup quite simply “ain’t broke.”<br /><br />Kit Eaton at Fast Company <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/1686401/apple-transforms-the-apple-tv-adds-in-market-killer-price-of-99">brings up a good point</a> about the grandparents’ generation: Apple TV’s low price tag, combined with its ability to stream from MobileMe and Flickr, means that “thousands of folk will be buying one for Granny and Grandpa, to keep the oldies up on the latest family photos and videos.” Considering I know my Granny likes receiving actual photos in cards, I’m not sure this idea holds up for everyone’s grandparents; however, it is creative, and I would love to see Apple pick up on this aspect of it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT9FRLEYQIk11HEMpyBghtGBeKY0K0fKZI-7omupvzDuEt1Q_9162DLdsV3Y6ok5JPOci1FLxG9rDQcT1XwWEijNj5I6fj24ZPxvMbMrodflJKAEGQUQ-CEf-yNREbAi24ZxMZlaf0Cs9/s1600/appletvnew.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhT9FRLEYQIk11HEMpyBghtGBeKY0K0fKZI-7omupvzDuEt1Q_9162DLdsV3Y6ok5JPOci1FLxG9rDQcT1XwWEijNj5I6fj24ZPxvMbMrodflJKAEGQUQ-CEf-yNREbAi24ZxMZlaf0Cs9/s320/appletvnew.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512436189847325074" /><small><center>Where does Apple TV fit? Aside from the palm of Steve's hand, that is.</center></small></a><br />Now, all this isn’t to say that the Apple TV won’t sell. Generational observations have mostly been of the broad, sweeping type; there are certainly people who won’t fall in those categories and who will buy the Apple TV. Unfortunately, most marketing campaigns also happen to be of the broad, sweeping type. Apple might have to work to find and market towards the group who will buy this particular bit of their tech.<br /><br />Do I think the Apple TV will flop? Certainly not. It has all of Apple’s trademark aspects of success: it keeps things small and simple, provides a high level of connectivity, and, for a change, is incredibly affordable. Plus, Apple doesn’t flop. They make very certain of that. The Apple TV’s big flaw is that it’s behind the curve; it’s promising a quick fix to a problem most people have already solved. To that end, Apple’s usual marketing strategies likely won’t work.<br /><br />Will I buy an Apple TV? Nope; I’m one of the people who’s already figured out their movie and TV streaming needs. Am I interested to see what Apple does with their little set-top box? You bet I am. If nothing else, creativity is what Apple does best, and I look forward to seeing what they’ll do.<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/RCA%3AL32HD32D?%26category%3D00010009">RCA L32HD32D 32-Inch LCD/DVD Combo HDTV</a>, because you need something to hook your Apple TV/Wii/360/PS3/streaming device of choice up to, right?eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-68394114863324483632010-06-16T09:09:00.000-07:002010-06-16T13:38:12.340-07:00Who Won E3? The Big Three ShowdownIt’s been the buzz of every social network with members following the expo: who “won” E3? Which of the big three names in gaming – Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony – had the best new releases and the best new tech? Who made the fans the happiest? Who can be crowned the winner? We’ve chatted about it around the office and this is the order that we’ve come up with.<br /><br /><b>WIN: Nintendo</b><br /><br />This was not a difficult decision to come to. Nintendo’s presentation had everything, from long-awaited announcements to impressive new tech. They played heavily on the ever-important nostalgia factor, that feeling that makes every gamer wish for the Good Old Days When Games Were Awesome, by announcing sequels to, additions to, or remakes of long-loved franchises, including Mario, Kirby, and Metroid, and even going so far in the Wayback Machine as to create sequels to Dragon Quest, Golden Sun, Donkey Kong Country, Goldeneye 007, and even Kid Icarus. Their lineup of new games was just as impressive, including Mii Party, a Mario Party-esque game for those not interested in franchises, and the long-awaited Epic Mickey, Disney’s (hopefully) triumphant return to gaming.<br /><br />Of course, there was the requisite new Zelda game, and while the demo for the new game, subtitled Skyward Sword, was a bit rocky due to wireless interference, the graphics and mechanics were as impressive as ever. We didn’t think Nintendo would be able to follow up Twilight Princess’ sword duel with Ganondorf. If the Skyward Sword preview is accurate, they’ve done all that and more.<br /><br />Of course, they saved their best for last, debuting their newest piece of technology: the Nintendo 3DS. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnglHtB2DEGRftKMoFgi6nW5LPFX2nrfQhhZ-Yy7JZHoG7NRhI4Q5WNhQE9QgZA66zX-epVNg0Wb9FcERgqFbXGJM6UuyktRImpgZ4ZCVFNGTL_1zUw35Dw9Wt2i8IWO_e7xfKbNf8Jn5s/s1600/nintendo-3ds5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnglHtB2DEGRftKMoFgi6nW5LPFX2nrfQhhZ-Yy7JZHoG7NRhI4Q5WNhQE9QgZA66zX-epVNg0Wb9FcERgqFbXGJM6UuyktRImpgZ4ZCVFNGTL_1zUw35Dw9Wt2i8IWO_e7xfKbNf8Jn5s/s320/nintendo-3ds5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483471508406605762" /><center>Why yes, that <i>is</i> incredibly pretty.</center></a><br />Their claim to fame? 3D technology without the use of glasses – something that went completely against the 3D movies and 3D televisions, complete with glasses, being touted as the future of entertainment. Nintendo even went so far as to laugh at the glasses, jokingly referring to them as “fashion-forward” and stating a goal to get rid of them.<br /><br />While the jokes are fun, it’s the tech that’s important. The 3DS is the size of the DS and the DSi, with the top screen being 3D-capable. This means the Nintendo 3DS can play trailers from 3D movies, handle 3D games with ease, and even take 3D pictures using the dual lenses on the outside of its frame. It also includes a gyro sensor, WiFi connection, and SD card slot, as well as a graphics engine that may well put it ahead of the PSP. In addition, it looks like Nintendo intends to partner with a laundry list of developers in order to have a full line of games at release time, including THQ (racing), Capcom (Resident Evil), and SquareEnix (Kingdom Hearts). Our only big complaint was the fact that we couldn’t see the 3DS being demoed – the small-screen technology on the handheld console didn’t translate to a less advanced big screen. Various gaming bloggers who attended the conference tweeted after their experience with the 3DS, saying the 3D resolution was “fantastic.” While this 3D technology might not have much application beyond entertainment, it’s still incredibly impressive.<br /><br />With its new technology, nostalgic games, and friendly marketing approach, Nintendo simply blew away the competition.<br /><br /><b>The Good:</b> Major nostalgia factor, marketing that came across as friendly rather than corporate, the Nintendo 3DS – the only truly new technology from any of the Big Three<br /><b>The Not-So-Good:</b> Rocky demo for Skyward Sword, a piece de resistance that couldn’t be demoed on a large screen<br /><b>The Reaction:</b> “Nintendo 3DS” was trending on Twitter for a solid eight hours after the conference ended. No other technology announced at E3 had that many tweets from that many people.<br /><b>Our Questions:</b> What are the release dates for all these new games? We want something to put on our calendars.<br /><br /><b>PLACE: Microsoft</b><br /><br />Microsoft had the honor and the enviable position of presenting first, and they gave it everything they had. Their first move was to announce Metal Gear Solid: Rising and Halo Reach, the latest additions to their most popular franchises. Their previews were short-lived, however, as Microsoft made way for its central focus: the motion-capture accessory called Kinect.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHTIThFT9FZJUNkmFoCh0jWtX4ZHtaH16sarvzwS7SdD0W2QkVU1D68mVFtUQ51vp_ajlWFESOi9x4eeBMUeCnd9AqCkeSxp3x22xN75ZCHTq4O1iGWrw9GjQnTZcJiECTZnLSGBnToNn/s1600/kinect.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHTIThFT9FZJUNkmFoCh0jWtX4ZHtaH16sarvzwS7SdD0W2QkVU1D68mVFtUQ51vp_ajlWFESOi9x4eeBMUeCnd9AqCkeSxp3x22xN75ZCHTq4O1iGWrw9GjQnTZcJiECTZnLSGBnToNn/s320/kinect.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483471857294935266" /><center>Jump! For your l- I mean, for Kinect!</center></a><br />I wrote a <a href="http://edexdeals.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-360s-and-no-longer-natal-microsoft.html">full review on Monday</a>, but the long and short of the Kinect is, it’s a camera and motion sensor that hooks up to the Xbox 360 and allows the gamer to play games without a controller. Microsoft took the opportunities the technology presents to market its system towards casual gamers, introducing games like Kinectimals (think Nintendogs with tiger cubs) and full-body fitness and dance games. All the gamer had to do was move and their character on screen moved with them – no controllers needed.<br /><br />Microsoft also showed off the Kinect’s ability to take voice commands on the menu, allowing the user to command anything from Zune to Netflix to the new ESPN channel added for Xbox Live Gold users. They then topped off their conference by introducing a new version of the Xbox 360 – smaller, black, with a 250 GB hard drive and Wifi built in – and giving one to every member of the audience.<br /><br />The Kinect’s technology has some fantastic potential, even outside of gaming and entertainment. Think of the possibilities if computers, cars, and just about every other piece of technology we use could recognize us with the ease the Kinect does. Unfortunately, Microsoft bombed hard with advertising. The spotlight spent too short of a time on their highly-anticipated games, and the publicity for the Kinect was grating, with live game demos running on entirely too long, played by people trying far too hard to impress us. If Nintendo was a friend recommending a game to you over lunch, Microsoft was that garishly colored noisy pop-up ad that your browser couldn’t quite block.<br /><br />Microsoft’s technology was impressive, even if it was a bit of an updated “been there, done that.” The Kinect gives the company a strong second place finish.<br /><br /><b>The Good:</b> The Kinect’s impressive motion-capture capabilities, the addition of voice commands and ESPN, branching out into new markets<br /><b>The Not-So-Good:</b> Demos were long and annoying, we’ve seen it all before, not nearly enough screen time for MGS and Halo<br /><b>The Reaction:</b> Mixed – some people loved Kinect, some people couldn’t stand it, and some just couldn’t decide.<br /><b>Our Questions:</b> Why didn’t Microsoft announce the price for the Kinect? We had to find it from an accidental GameStop leak. Also, has the new 360 fixed the <a href="http://n4g.com/news/544076/e310-new-xbox-360-destroys-disks-when-moved">hardware problems</a> that plagued the old one?<br /><br /><b>SHOW: Sony</b><br /><br />Poor Sony. These guys have been behind on the console race ever since Next Gen consoles hit the shelves. While they did have some impressive demos, they had the misfortune of following Nintendo’s conference. Right after Nintendo denounced 3D glasses, Sony handed them out at the door of their conference.<br /><br />Unlike the other two conferences, Sony started their big reveal off with their tech: the PlayStation Move, a motion-oriented controller with the unfortunate design of a black Wiimote with a yellow clown nose on the end. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n2dAebHEQX_5UyVt7-48w97SZ71WrcWxOf52TyD3DOwb3T7R5IZDUMiAzl9U-tfx8cUElPFVEvv2Z0BXfEX8xec4_kStcvhLa0UCHL0q6QGGdin41Nj2dWpa-urF07HIC_dUuR9D0wSM/s1600/Playstation-Move.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n2dAebHEQX_5UyVt7-48w97SZ71WrcWxOf52TyD3DOwb3T7R5IZDUMiAzl9U-tfx8cUElPFVEvv2Z0BXfEX8xec4_kStcvhLa0UCHL0q6QGGdin41Nj2dWpa-urF07HIC_dUuR9D0wSM/s320/Playstation-Move.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483472060239192882" /><center>It's a Wiimote...with an <i>idea</i>.</center></a><br />The PlayStation Move proved to be an advancement on motion-sensor remote technology: incredibly fine movements were caught and relayed accordingly into the system. The latest Tiger Woods golf game used this perfectly – any slight adjustment of the Move controller adjusted the club, and a good golf swing was required to get the best results from the game. A newer game, Sorcery, also used the Move’s sensitivity to its best advantage, channeling the controller’s flicks and swishes into wand movements to cast spells. Sony then treated the audience to a 3D montage of games to be released with Move technology, including Gran Turismo 5, Kill Zone 3, Mortal Kombat, and the Sly Cooper collection. They also introduced a collaborative game entitled Heroes on the Move and featuring PlayStation’s more successful franchises: Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, and Ratchet and Clank. Heroes on the Move promises to be the Dissidia of the PS3.<br /><br />The PlayStation Move was the end of Sony’s technological announcements; they followed it up with a list of new releases, sequels, and previews. After promising a full 70 new games for the PSP in the coming year, they announced a paid addition to the Play Station Online network, entitled Play Station Plus. Plus subscribers would gain access to exclusive content and some free games, not unlike Xbox Live’s gold membership.<br /><br />Sony then moved onto their larger console games, announcing sequels to God of War, Dead Space, Medal of Honor, Call of Duty, Gran Turismo, InFamous, and – surprisingly – Portal. The show-stealer was the Little Big Planet 2 demo. True to LBP form, LBP2 allows gamers to customize their characters, including multiple new upgrades, and create any sort of game they want, from RTS to FPS to RPG and far beyond. LBP has added a fantastic array of new features and should have been the final release of the press conference if Sony wanted to go out on a high note.<br /><br />Instead, Sony ended with the announcement of a sequel to Twisted Metal, a racing/shooter meld that was vaguely successful in its previous incarnations and a rather strange finishing move for a corporation with as much to prove as Sony.<br /><br />While Sony’s technology also has the potential for application outside of entertainment (think sports training for starters), the overall concept of a motion sensor control has been on the market for over two years now. If Microsoft’s conference was Been There, Done That, Sony’s was Been There, Done That, Bought the T-shirt, Donated It to Goodwill, and Promptly Forgot About It. Retreading old ground has left Sony at the rear of the pack, if only just barely.<br /><br /><b>The Good:</b> Kill Zone 3, Medal of Honor, Little Big Planet 2, Portal 2, the added sensitivity of the PlayStation Move<br /><b>The Not-So-Good:</b> Insulting other game corporations during your presentation (really, Sony? Really?), the Been There Done That factor, the lack of anything very new<br /><b>The Reaction:</b> Also mixed. Fans of FPS and RPGs were delighted. The rest of us were a bit bored.<br /><b>Our questions:</b> How does Sony plan on bringing 3D to its audience when most households do not own a 3D television? Also, why revive Twisted Metal?<br /><br />There’s our rundown and our rankings. What do you think? Do you agree with Nintendo’s place at the top? Should Microsoft have dominated? Or were we completely wrong about Sony? Let us know! We’re interested to see your rankings.<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/RCA%3AL32HD32D?%26category%3D00010009">RCA L32HD32D 32-Inch LCD/DVD Combo HDTV</a>, because you need something to watch the rest of E3 on.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-38606444330200705732010-06-14T16:43:00.000-07:002010-06-14T16:59:25.969-07:00New 360s and No Longer Natal: Microsoft Takes E3 By Surprise With KinectGame reviews, anticipatory articles, and spoiler leaks alike have all been ending with the same line: “Hopefully we’ll see more at E3.” Yearly, the gaming community pins its hopes and dreams on the Electronic Entertainment Expo, wishing for confirmation that the next Golden Sun game is indeed coming out or just a bit more information on the Nintendo 3DS that’s been announced but not detailed. This year’s E3 has finally come around, with Microsoft occupying the coveted first press conference of the expo.<br /><br />They did not disappoint.<br /><br />Their first move was to cater to their longtime gamers and franchise fans, releasing previews of Metal Gear Solid: Rising and Halo Reach, the latest games in their relative franchises.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrMYIMUCviaU2r5PSqy4z0MU5E0v1XmnalrFm71_8nCu6hI6lV8fr2XAXYvStfJUebqarv5-l2R2u0rQ1Uj_5f-TgPR70UbbNBSTV2YOng8mhBh7Y_T-LPY7U-PdtVLGeA65pq2gwM83U/s1600/halo-reach2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrMYIMUCviaU2r5PSqy4z0MU5E0v1XmnalrFm71_8nCu6hI6lV8fr2XAXYvStfJUebqarv5-l2R2u0rQ1Uj_5f-TgPR70UbbNBSTV2YOng8mhBh7Y_T-LPY7U-PdtVLGeA65pq2gwM83U/s320/halo-reach2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482780185912488786" /><center>Highly anticipated and pretty much exactly as expected.</center></a><br />With their hardcore gamers satisfied, they moved on to what everyone wanted to see: updates on Project Natal. Microsoft had released the motion sensor technology at last year’s E3, billing it as gaming without a controller. This year, it came with stunning updates.<br /><br />The first was the name. Project Natal now goes by Kinect, a name that reminds me more of Linkara’s “Poor Literacy is KEWL” joke than anything else. Marketing-wise, it’s better than Project Natal by a long shot.<br /><br />That was where the Kinect stopped being laughable and became jaw-droppingly awesome. The Kinect has the ability to recognize the user and pull up their avatar (think Mii, not blue cat person) on sight. It also accepts voice commands: saying, “Xbox – Netflix,” will pull up the Netflix application on Xbox Live, where you can also use voice commands to choose a movie, play it, pause, fast forward, and just about anything else you would usually need a remote control to do. If you didn’t want to speak, grab and drag controls were also available with a literal wave of the hand.<br /><br />As if that weren’t enough, Microsoft appealed to the sports fans by announcing it had partnered with ESPN and that live and pre-recorded sporting events would be available on Xbox Live, complete with the aforementioned vocal controls.<br /><br />Obviously making every sports and movie fan in the audience cheer wasn’t enough, because Microsoft then proceeded to go after what most people call “casual gamers” – the people who bought a Wii for Wii Sports and think Metal Gear Solid is the name of the latest Transformers movie.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty6Mk_uDQJ2ciTJ6TbdXFTrwbsDX38kYqbL91FP1EgN0lfBxUGVYrdUzGqUykFDk5yT8mkfzceqocdGpgelyyangjQ_1RPXTCtp3SAA_iuw1b6tZMQvRAagxLsl0G6IuYSkpaXeUHGHYS/s1600/Metal_Gear_Ray.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty6Mk_uDQJ2ciTJ6TbdXFTrwbsDX38kYqbL91FP1EgN0lfBxUGVYrdUzGqUykFDk5yT8mkfzceqocdGpgelyyangjQ_1RPXTCtp3SAA_iuw1b6tZMQvRAagxLsl0G6IuYSkpaXeUHGHYS/s320/Metal_Gear_Ray.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482780616545602146"/></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl02oJkHJIy4wqqOoDncK7e-mEP8JERsz8iSabL0QgDfNC36eEKJNQpBMXv_swKo2gyz0AhyYe0YxYqMfYhf7OsfBmkYZnHBCNTcgPLj8vmVY3X_RRiuKrHNEyj77RAjGS-bWxwuBH-2cF/s1600/real-transformer-movie-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl02oJkHJIy4wqqOoDncK7e-mEP8JERsz8iSabL0QgDfNC36eEKJNQpBMXv_swKo2gyz0AhyYe0YxYqMfYhf7OsfBmkYZnHBCNTcgPLj8vmVY3X_RRiuKrHNEyj77RAjGS-bWxwuBH-2cF/s320/real-transformer-movie-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482780446274702226" /><center>Not quite.</center></a><br />Microsoft tackled every casual genre in this presentation. A young girl demonstrated Kinectimals, a game highly reminiscent of Nintendogs, by playing with a tiger cub she’d named Skittles. A personal trainer showed off a full-body fitness game. A rather geeky-looking programmer demoed a dance game that, unlike the ever popular Dance Dance Revolution, sported choreography that used the entire body and taught the gamer dance moves they might actually be able to use in public. All of these were played completely without controllers – the player simply moved with the instructions on screen, and the Kinect picked up their movements and translated them into the game.<br /><br />The in-theater audience clapped and cheered. The at-home audience sat in their chairs with their mouths open in shock.<br /><br />Microsoft capped their presentation by announcing a brand new Xbox 360 – smaller, black, with a 250 GB hard drive and wireless built in – to be sold for the same price as the older model and shipped this week. In a surprisingly Oprah-esque move, they then gave a new Xbox 360 to everyone in the audience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0L4c9D6aRdoFE5ejvtWigQCsCo_4vPOpRMjlAmEOhZH2TzbeXEkK_IrEHpikDKi0ZJoOufDX1bGNEn4_XTPu0WVvGk2yVsf3jVVp-X2VDiKUUPGTND66RXt80JRB43Qtk2E2esHPhtop/s1600/new_xbox1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0L4c9D6aRdoFE5ejvtWigQCsCo_4vPOpRMjlAmEOhZH2TzbeXEkK_IrEHpikDKi0ZJoOufDX1bGNEn4_XTPu0WVvGk2yVsf3jVVp-X2VDiKUUPGTND66RXt80JRB43Qtk2E2esHPhtop/s320/new_xbox1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482782288701622018" /><center>YOU get an Xbox! And YOU get an Xbox!</center></a><br />Several hours later, now that I’ve recovered from the shock and awe that was Microsoft’s press conference, I have several questions. The first is about the Kinect itself. They announced that it would be released in the US on November 4th and come with fifteen games, but they didn’t give a price. It took a Game Stop slip to reveal that - $149 for the Kinect itself, with controller (if you can even call the Kinect a controller) and game packages going for $299 and $399. My question isn’t about price, but rather how Microsoft intends to keep their newest feature in supply against what promises to be overwhelming demand. Will we see long lines of anxious consumers wrapped around the sides of buildings, waiting for hours to get just one unit? Or is that preferential treatment saved for new consoles only?<br /><br />The second, bigger question is what is Microsoft going to do with this technology? Obviously they’re not limited to gaming. Could you imagine your computer taking voice commands to open Word documents or browse the internet, or your car adjusting your seat to your preferred height and setting the radio to your favorite station the second you came into eyeshot? Kinect’s particular brand of motion capture technology has far more uses than just gaming, and it will be more than interesting to see how it influences other devices.<br /><br />The final question is, how on Earth is Nintendo going to top this at their press conference tomorrow? I get the feeling that the next Zelda game just isn’t going to cut it.<br /><br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/MRC%3AX11-22282-01?%26category%3D000700010003">XBOX 360 Wireless Controller</a>. May as well enjoy your controller while you need it, right?eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-20947762049077656152010-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:31:19.445-07:00I Thought This Sort of Thing Only Happened In The Office! GPS Common SenseWe’ve all seen that one clip from <i>The Office.</i> No, not Jim’s proposal or Dwight’s obsession with being Fire Marshal. I’m talking about the clip where Michael puts all his faith into his GPS unit and, following its instructions, drives his car into a lake. (If you haven’t seen it, it’s <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yyKrS8jwSY">here</a> in relatively poor quality – I seem to have hit upon the one Office clip YouTube does not have in spades.) It’s hilarious, it’s slightly dumb, and it leaves most people laughingly asking who would <i>do</i> something like that?<br /><br />More people than anyone would think, it turns out.<br /><br />Quite a few of us have our own stories of GPS hilarity or woe. My mother’s GPS still thinks she goes offroading whenever she turns onto a new road that hasn’t been updated in its database. My friend once wound up at the wrong end of town in front of a completely unrelated gated business office building, which her GPS assured her was the Cheesecake Factory. Another friend, in searching for the airport, was guided to a backwater terminal in a different part of town; the time it took to navigate back to passenger dropoff was long enough to cause her to miss her flight. <a href="http://edexdeals.blogspot.com/2010/05/technological-dependence-and-you-what.html">As I’ve said before</a>, technology is nowhere near infallible.<br /><br />There comes a point, however, when the user can no longer blame the device. There’s a tech support acronym called PEBKAC – Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUal5ib8_t-F9ud7QSzvoDT9sDJQ62jQIBFxHpNgbtClXHpapgA0eau9hxSnPnQHVVH78CrQmxwiAz0L6_JPJ9E8WWeuA75W0UhaBCahDQAlfF89cPK_gOSISxI0ZY1YL2kkMCD1Ilc2CX/s1600/pebkac-problem-exists-between-keyboard-and-chair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUal5ib8_t-F9ud7QSzvoDT9sDJQ62jQIBFxHpNgbtClXHpapgA0eau9hxSnPnQHVVH78CrQmxwiAz0L6_JPJ9E8WWeuA75W0UhaBCahDQAlfF89cPK_gOSISxI0ZY1YL2kkMCD1Ilc2CX/s320/pebkac-problem-exists-between-keyboard-and-chair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478985852359490226" /><center>Possibly the most frustrating tech support error ever.</center></a><br />This is to say, the user has no idea what they’re doing. Sadly enough, this sort of makes up a good percentage of tech support stories, and has made its way into GPS markets as well. We’ve seen the infamous example with Michael and the lake, and even the popular webcomic XKCD has <a href="http://xkcd.com/461/">commented on the phenomenon</a>. Of course, it was only a matter of time until it became public in real life, and it has: a woman is suing Google for giving her poor directions.<br /><br />Following the pedestrian directions she received from Google Maps, Lauren Rosenberg headed down a rural highway that had no pedestrian paths or sidewalks. Unsurprisingly, she was hit by a car.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOUXBDc22SfXAWaagGEFTwXc_ZPhtq6i8l1qRaRikMc-MwcYcuacnIUhS9GuAdDbK47g9HCVwxBN1L0ZSgw9SDX5adknAIuKZ5mUPzetcp6uo_JAS74S6rSR9MXMYhPHTNKgaA-ATAnUr/s1600/DaneCook.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOUXBDc22SfXAWaagGEFTwXc_ZPhtq6i8l1qRaRikMc-MwcYcuacnIUhS9GuAdDbK47g9HCVwxBN1L0ZSgw9SDX5adknAIuKZ5mUPzetcp6uo_JAS74S6rSR9MXMYhPHTNKgaA-ATAnUr/s320/DaneCook.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478986110498700562" /><center>You are about to be struck by a moving vehicle!</center></a><br />Rosenberg is suing the driver of the truck that hit her and Google for medical costs and punitive damages. According to Rosenberg, Google should have known better than to advise her to walk down a road that sported no safe place for her to walk. Basically, it was the fault of the giver of directions rather than the person who, against all common sense, decided to follow them.<br /><br />Keep in mind the disclaimer on Google Maps: “Walking directions are in beta. Use caution–This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths.”<br /><br />Ladies and gentlemen, the moral to this story is, while technology is hilariously and sometimes destructively fallible, so are humans. Please apply common sense while using your GPS unit, or just about anything else that tells you what to do. Thank you.<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/TSR%3AGPS-04?%26category%3D00040002">7 Inch Portable GPS Navigation Touchscreen Unit</a>, for when you do need directions. Just remember to apply common sense.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-56293614231082218662010-05-27T13:48:00.000-07:002010-05-27T14:26:24.096-07:00Goodbye So Soon: Top 5 Shows We're Glad to See CanceledYesterday, we gave you our list of top 5 shows we’re going to miss. Today, we’re giving you the opposite: these are the top five shows that we couldn’t be happier to see leave the airwaves, making room for something next season that will hopefully be a lot better.<br /><br /><b>5. Flash Forward</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeAMqcRL5Y5IuS67e1QnD5S0-ENb53RpPGJ5pK4BqOtSND833pVk-tjcVaN-Ob6-Ixf5yiJo7MOZEGfkY-KSx1RFDjUvlsfeDkx1UqEII7PPdU-oLUbVP4YfgBm6WlaV9mTyBodcm4cKn/s1600/Flash%2520Forward%2520image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeAMqcRL5Y5IuS67e1QnD5S0-ENb53RpPGJ5pK4BqOtSND833pVk-tjcVaN-Ob6-Ixf5yiJo7MOZEGfkY-KSx1RFDjUvlsfeDkx1UqEII7PPdU-oLUbVP4YfgBm6WlaV9mTyBodcm4cKn/s320/Flash%2520Forward%2520image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476062464293768274" /><center>Wonder if they saw their cancellation coming.</center></a><br /><i>Flash Forward</i> started with an admittedly intriguing concept: everyone worldwide blacks out for two minutes and seventeen seconds, in which time they see several months into their own futures. The series focused on a group of people trying to figure out how and why this blackout happened and whether they can change their own futures. Unfortunately, the writers dropped the ball on this one: a cast too large for us to keep track of combined with action that moved at a snail’s pace made <i>Flash Forward</i> a great idea that would’ve worked out better as a movie than the slow TV show it wound up being.<br /><br /><b>4. Accidentally On Purpose</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGyInYKn6qv-GHCCkiYdNqdnQKV41LrMzxZ8kSyrV-6wNWc9WFwF9jNbD6XLQLFJuF0s8YGXmInt64zIZuPtbo6JYJ4H62QgzvB-AhfxkMHzxkk6MpmrY-baUx3RENrw-Gd7Q0j1UlqOI/s1600/accidentally-on-purpose.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGyInYKn6qv-GHCCkiYdNqdnQKV41LrMzxZ8kSyrV-6wNWc9WFwF9jNbD6XLQLFJuF0s8YGXmInt64zIZuPtbo6JYJ4H62QgzvB-AhfxkMHzxkk6MpmrY-baUx3RENrw-Gd7Q0j1UlqOI/s320/accidentally-on-purpose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476062670442538930" /><center>Aired accidentally, canceled on purpose.</center></a><br />The first of a multitude of sitcoms to debut and get axed all at once this past season, <i>Accidentally On Purpose</i> follows the story of a career woman who has a one night stand, gets pregnant, and decides to move in with the child’s less-than-mature father and his friends. We’ve seen this before: it was called <i>Knocked Up</i> and was much better executed. This just means that CBS needs to find another sitcom to accompany the empty slot in its Monday night comedy block.<br /><br /><b>3. 10 Things I Hate About You</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzeVkMiDaRIbO1ub0Nih81Pm7i44bhJsCwtrFvaE-zSur8eD3uUSLmaLfTQT_xosHBoTkqc0lmGbYycxF2eQaA2ETpS4ZO9CDfGIkUl_OuNl3H3oTIr9lN3FdJpDJv3vLKcxI08e0f_s9/s1600/10things.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzeVkMiDaRIbO1ub0Nih81Pm7i44bhJsCwtrFvaE-zSur8eD3uUSLmaLfTQT_xosHBoTkqc0lmGbYycxF2eQaA2ETpS4ZO9CDfGIkUl_OuNl3H3oTIr9lN3FdJpDJv3vLKcxI08e0f_s9/s320/10things.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476062865543752482" /><center>1. The plot. 2. The characters. 3. The pacing. 4...</center></a><br />Yet another case of déjà vu, <i>10 Things I Hate About You</i> is based on the 1999 movie of the same name, which in turn is based on Shakespeare’s <i>The Taming of the Shrew</i>. This show is a very good example of why Shakespeare wrote comedies but never sitcoms. Like <i>My Big Fat Greek Life</i>, this movie-based sitcom was an uninteresting flop. We won’t miss this at all.<br /><br /><b>2. Scrubs</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhLeSUZ4d79rVCgyivSeT4lL5K_k3Idbv5UsevyTdgWdHJVmI9iewSMBM6-NjYUnAlyQq_FrqWy2W0dJThk10B5XjEv84d7dFzS_waRwcxD-gvlE1YHfOG1I0xxghE7dvkzeMqDEZHWVx/s1600/scrubs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhLeSUZ4d79rVCgyivSeT4lL5K_k3Idbv5UsevyTdgWdHJVmI9iewSMBM6-NjYUnAlyQq_FrqWy2W0dJThk10B5XjEv84d7dFzS_waRwcxD-gvlE1YHfOG1I0xxghE7dvkzeMqDEZHWVx/s320/scrubs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476063110994128738" /><center>Someone ignored this show's Do Not Revive paperwork.</center></a><br />Unlike the previous two sitcoms on this list, <i>Scrubs</i> started out strong, running for seven seasons on NBC. Unfortunately, the writer’s strike cut the seventh and purportedly final season short. <i>Scrubs</i> then hopped networks, heading to ABC for its eight and final season, which wrapped up its loose ends and gave fans the wonderful finale they’d been clamoring for. ABC then put together a ninth season meant to focus on a new crop of medical students being taught by the more experienced characters the audience knew and loved. Of course, the audience hated it. <i>Scrubs</i> already had its happy ending – we’re glad the networks are finally catching on to that, even if it’s a season too late.<br /><br /><b>1. Heroes</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmbDwuENX75_nbv2b61r8rZ7D6KgVd3eFB25QmrHogkpwUGoreSWc1OdU48fCHg3ixVqiSz2bc2EAvwMXfe_NiVaRT28O5Z0be4HIx-hxdzDJgKt6H7uknIh11S7YzucYl2yZqxfIDUYw/s1600/heroes_casttitel_2_w573_h_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmbDwuENX75_nbv2b61r8rZ7D6KgVd3eFB25QmrHogkpwUGoreSWc1OdU48fCHg3ixVqiSz2bc2EAvwMXfe_NiVaRT28O5Z0be4HIx-hxdzDJgKt6H7uknIh11S7YzucYl2yZqxfIDUYw/s320/heroes_casttitel_2_w573_h_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476063484984360642" /><center>Hero to Zero, a major flunk.</center></a><br />Oh goodness, where do we even <i>start</i> on this one? <i>Heroes</i> was NBC’s baby when it premiered, garnering incredibly high ratings with its superhero story, its engaging cast of characters, and the tagline, “Save the cheerleader, save the world.” Season 1 ended on a strong note and a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, it all went downhill from there: Season 2 was strangled by the writer’s strike and Seasons 3 and 4 have wandered so far off course that the audience doesn’t even know what the course <i>is</i> anymore. <i>Heroes</i> was good for a while, but we’re more than happy to see it be put out of its highly confused misery.<br /><br />What do you think? Were we too harsh on the budding sitcom or the long-standing drama? Are you going to miss the shows we’re glad to see the end of, or are we missing shows that you’re more than happy to see leave? Comment and let us know!<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/AUX%3AD1817PK?%26category%3D00010002">Audiovox D1817PK 8-Inch Portable DVD Player</a>, so you can watch the shows you <i>do</i> like, even if they're no longer airing.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-88869263372616706832010-05-26T10:28:00.000-07:002010-05-26T10:50:09.251-07:00The End of an Era: Top 5 Shows We'll MissThe 2009-2010 TV season is starting to wrap up, and audiences everywhere are starting to see the changes networks have wrought in their new lineups. The biggest of these upsets is the concluding or outright axing of shows to make room in prime time slots for new material. That said, here are the top 5 shows we at eDEXdeals are going to miss next fall.<br /><br /><b>5. Dollhouse</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQPV8xE2owNnloJaRScmuBKFSuNchN5SbRQMmHCw67ObQYCiGhMW4wT6KbuEmdx_aEerXxuUJwpLLsvbKt3yV5Pt6oMODwztmd1wX4XYNErC-E2XYEpUCSuQbF7aJBaYxY98UEps0zbOB/s1600/dollhouse-show.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQPV8xE2owNnloJaRScmuBKFSuNchN5SbRQMmHCw67ObQYCiGhMW4wT6KbuEmdx_aEerXxuUJwpLLsvbKt3yV5Pt6oMODwztmd1wX4XYNErC-E2XYEpUCSuQbF7aJBaYxY98UEps0zbOB/s320/dollhouse-show.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475635306855002194" /><center>Oh, Whedon, why must you give your shows to Fox?</center></a><br />This one hasn’t exactly been a surprise, seeing as it’s been over for several months now. Still, it’s sad to see yet another Joss Whedon show go down in the flames of cancellation long before its time. Whether you blame a poor time slot (because who watches TV at 8 o’clock on a Friday night?) or just a lack of interest in general, <i>Dollhouse</i> was canceled after just two seasons. Hopefully Whedon’s next show will be on a network that knows how to market it.<br /><br /><b>4. Numb3rs</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdQk5ThIgfZ96xP9rd5RAyUiZOxAMe3CDAs-GLQYBLVtv3EJYLN28w-u5cAyS7yHggaVlztqhBN6QsHjv3m0dirOUlH1pjxdTTXTgVdMmz5EhdJ61DmiPp4jebWIR1zFU6G6Dd8Ny0k4h/s1600/nombor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdQk5ThIgfZ96xP9rd5RAyUiZOxAMe3CDAs-GLQYBLVtv3EJYLN28w-u5cAyS7yHggaVlztqhBN6QsHjv3m0dirOUlH1pjxdTTXTgVdMmz5EhdJ61DmiPp4jebWIR1zFU6G6Dd8Ny0k4h/s320/nombor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475635674051571106" /><center>Math majors of the world, this one's for you.</center></a><br />The networks have seen a slew of FBI-related and general crime-related shows over the past few years, but none have stood out like <i>Numb3rs</i>. The basic idea: math genius helps his FBI agent brother solve crimes through practical application of math formulas. For five years, this show has given us well-rounded characters, snappy dialogue, tight plots, and a metric ton of math, all wrapped up in the lesson that it is both useful and awesome to be a geek. Even if we couldn’t understand half the mathematical jargon, we’ll still miss this show.<br /><br /><b>3. 24</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI-oosrpNo4xEZ70R4n8w-P9kOn1Br2Awyx44ke9LJc3FdRF0OMDwAhWrHuLt-FyvMmV7EpsKMQN_nIXgs3hZy6Jnq8guJ7bQVycGUrfdH9PnElkllqYt5RbuF1rYjn_yAPpF3Sa3-2RU/s1600/24wallpaper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI-oosrpNo4xEZ70R4n8w-P9kOn1Br2Awyx44ke9LJc3FdRF0OMDwAhWrHuLt-FyvMmV7EpsKMQN_nIXgs3hZy6Jnq8guJ7bQVycGUrfdH9PnElkllqYt5RbuF1rYjn_yAPpF3Sa3-2RU/s320/24wallpaper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475635879084602258" /><center>Bauer. Jack Bauer.</center></a><br />As far as American icons go, <i>24</i> protagonist Jack Bauer is up there with the likes of Superman and Captain America. This Counter Terrorism Unit agent has been saving the world one day at a time for nine seasons, with each episode representing a real-time hour in what have amounted to nine very stressful days. We’ll miss being glued to the screen every week, waiting to see who will be kidnapped and what will explode next.<br /><br /><b>2. Lost</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYK1Oh7njCgrRKLtYKE8tJpCmpH_OxdZ1tcTWxnFA2Zdv5xh60PTn88xB9HgZN5ntP8LxnHAQTcQewA0WzPF7MugguhhbE1oyzmkNTcsw87oI7AxaK1Wrjvjrd9ZIMeYDVD14OdXlw00s/s1600/lost-logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYK1Oh7njCgrRKLtYKE8tJpCmpH_OxdZ1tcTWxnFA2Zdv5xh60PTn88xB9HgZN5ntP8LxnHAQTcQewA0WzPF7MugguhhbE1oyzmkNTcsw87oI7AxaK1Wrjvjrd9ZIMeYDVD14OdXlw00s/s320/lost-logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475636127720677682" /><center>So much for tropical vacations.</center></a><br />If there’s one thing JJ Abrams knows how to do, it’s mess with the collective mind of his audience. Nothing showcases that talent more than <i>Lost</i>, with six seasons of plane crashes, polar bears, smoke monsters, “others,” and hundreds of questions, not all of which were answered on the series finale this past Sunday. We’ll miss you, <i>Lost</i>, if only because there’s no other show on the air that makes us scream questions at the TV quite like you did.<br /><br /><b>1. Law & Order</b><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRNq57IFJcXLpzKvQ7gjpiMztA3YVZxdTvKHWBqlDx3667A9qF7FeTZiYRqbLoiYdKudXW0M-vCt5ErzEx4o12K0Prz1lf8ZX1FaMYBZbVxSLg26Ss722HdzdODkQS1YauK0hvJnmd8Cy/s1600/law-order-season-19-episode-19-s19e19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRNq57IFJcXLpzKvQ7gjpiMztA3YVZxdTvKHWBqlDx3667A9qF7FeTZiYRqbLoiYdKudXW0M-vCt5ErzEx4o12K0Prz1lf8ZX1FaMYBZbVxSLg26Ss722HdzdODkQS1YauK0hvJnmd8Cy/s320/law-order-season-19-episode-19-s19e19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475637286675946594" /><center>In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups.</center></a><br />One of the longest running prime time dramas out there, <i>Law & Order</i> has been around for a staggering twenty seasons. Pulling stories from the headlines and showing both the criminal investigation and the courtroom process, <i>Law & Order</i> has been pulling in a strong viewership for two decades, despite time slot and casting changes. Unfortunately, it’s time for us to bid goodbye to this longstanding drama and make do with <i>CSI</i> and <i>Boston Legal</i>. We’ll miss you, <i>Law & Order,</i> and your highly iconic sound effects. <i>Doink doink!</i><br /><br />It’s breaking our hearts to see these go, but we’re more than willing to commiserate. What shows will you miss? Are you glad to see any of our top 5 leave the airwaves? Tell us!<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/RCA%3AL32HD32D?%26category%3D00010009">RCA 32-Inch LCD/DVD Combo HDTV</a>, because if you're going to enjoy those last few episodes of your favorite show, you may as well do it in high definition and clarity.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-15076117398323431332010-05-13T12:55:00.000-07:002010-05-13T14:16:16.742-07:00Facebook's Privacy Failure: Is Diaspora the Future of Social Networking?This blog is becoming a chronicle of the downfall of computing giants. First <a href="http://edexdeals.blogspot.com/2010/05/4g-iphone-prototype-debacle-what.html">Apple’s security failed with the loss of two-maybe-three 4G iPhone prototypes</a>; now, Facebook’s security holes are multiplying, bringing the social networking juggernaut under fire.<br /><br />The first massive holes in Facebook’s security happened Wednesday the 6th, when a bug in the “Preview my Profile” feature allowed users to see other users’ profiles – including supposedly private information, such as pending friend requests and current chat conversations. Facebook temporarily disabled the chat function and fixed the bug, maintaining that the security hole was a small one, not a large-scale security issue. Unfortunately, not all press is good press for Facebook, as news of the security hole added to the growing discontent over the site’s ever-changing privacy policy, which is currently <a href="http://holykaw.alltop.com/facebook-privacy-policy-longer-than-us-consti">longer than the United States Constitution</a> by over a thousand words. Yeow.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC-en8OsfVZHqKx0_hgHFajrwzW_VL75yWW2AAg15QLWv0j7Qa-AaIN34fl4E6YIBS_3DzOy2pWHqPWAkPm2c_rJj92anMdzM6snxCHucxzM44hjdArNaKEKjtI4qwnPwYvDOwY4-KQZa/s1600/constitution.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC-en8OsfVZHqKx0_hgHFajrwzW_VL75yWW2AAg15QLWv0j7Qa-AaIN34fl4E6YIBS_3DzOy2pWHqPWAkPm2c_rJj92anMdzM6snxCHucxzM44hjdArNaKEKjtI4qwnPwYvDOwY4-KQZa/s320/constitution.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470865910434486514" /><center>Remember: quality, not quantity.</center></a><br />Security problems resurfaced on Tuesday, however, when George Deglin, a web security consultant, discovered a way to harvest Facebook users’ information from Yelp.com, Facebook’s “instant personalization” partner. A programming hole in the “instant personalization” feature, one of Facebook’s newest and least-loved additions that exports profile information to third-party sites, allowed Deglin to access users’ names, email addresses, friends’ email addresses, and other supposedly private details. Yelp and Facebook have since fixed the hole; however, Facebook has yet to fix the blows to its reputation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp093HzNyK49knul7U2_1QRmJaN8N0bzjALuDogh8tg7ZSK9tFhmphSMcjBbrHuUo0qALqlscUJADklFGIgqFM1lKZpcxEZ_sSQee0-tru1FL81_7osYhSQjDTnsFPNrMb_nQrhrEz4suP/s1600/129072128935730584.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp093HzNyK49knul7U2_1QRmJaN8N0bzjALuDogh8tg7ZSK9tFhmphSMcjBbrHuUo0qALqlscUJADklFGIgqFM1lKZpcxEZ_sSQee0-tru1FL81_7osYhSQjDTnsFPNrMb_nQrhrEz4suP/s320/129072128935730584.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470866098616781906" /><center>Nice try.<br /><small>Image courtesy of thereifixedit.com</small></center></a><br />In fact, the social networking site seems intent on simply making them worse. On Tuesday, the New York Times published an interview with Elliot Schrage, vice president of public policy at Facebook, in which Schrage answered a mere 14 of over 300 posed questions using corporate double-speak that required multiple readings in order to understand what he really meant. His answers boiled down to two basic points: <br /><br />1. Facebook is sorry its changes confused people and it will attempt to simplify things in the future.<br />2. Facebook is not sorry it implemented the changes. Using Facebook at all is “opt-in” – nobody is being forced to use Facebook, or to fill out any of their information if they do so. “If you’re not comfortable sharing,” says Schrage, “don’t.”<br /><br />That sort of attitude promises very little positive change in the future; in fact, it’s hard to believe that Facebook even <i>cares</i> about their users’ concerns over privacy. Either way, they’re certainly playing the part of concerned corporation: Facebook has scheduled an all-hands meeting for 4 PM this afternoon to discuss the site’s privacy policy. This may be coming just in time for Facebook, as an up-and-coming project threatens to usurp the social networking throne.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQm19wWWfpXr1fOlXZNzVHwzdNPHuGmdCK59MVrlLJsikxtYQnRRwlOl4eKpSctNij4FgQ9jt3_gQrLjCfLW2eGEDqv2aRXDy3alGr-Azq8lz_DRMnJ4Ih1WkT4mazn9vv2KE3aGGV012/s1600/thank-you-diaspora_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQm19wWWfpXr1fOlXZNzVHwzdNPHuGmdCK59MVrlLJsikxtYQnRRwlOl4eKpSctNij4FgQ9jt3_gQrLjCfLW2eGEDqv2aRXDy3alGr-Azq8lz_DRMnJ4Ih1WkT4mazn9vv2KE3aGGV012/s320/thank-you-diaspora_full.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470866339257102514" /><center>A new challenger appears!</center></a><br />Four NYU students have proposed a new network entitled Diaspora, which promises to be an inclusive social network. Think Facebook without security holes, privacy issues, and Farmville. Hoping to raise 10,000 USD by June 1st in order to begin the coding process by the beginning of summer, Diaspora has already raised 100,000 USD through its interim site, <a href="www.joindiaspora.com">joindiaspora.com</a>, as of this morning, an indication of just how discontent the general public is with Facebook’s shenanigans. (Another strong indication is the rising popularity of the search query “How do I delete my Facebook account?” on Google.) The programmers have stated their goal is to have Diaspora up and running in three months after that June 1st date, leaving Facebook a very short window in which to get its act together.<br /><br />Have you opted out of Facebook’s privacy policy yet? Have you tried the long and complicated process required to delete your Facebook account? Are you going to stick with the land of Farmville, or will you head to Diaspora’s greener pastures? Let's hear it!<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/DLL%3A222-6942?%26category%3D00050004">Dell Latitude D820 Laptop</a>, because you'll need a place to keep track of all these social networking shenanigans.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-25020491369944375122010-05-12T16:45:00.000-07:002010-05-12T17:00:33.444-07:00The 4G iPhone Prototype Debacle: What Happened to Apple's Security?In the gadget world, Apple’s security is legendary. Nothing comes out that isn’t supposed to; nothing ever leaks; the public remains entirely in the dark until the scheduled release date of Apple’s next groundbreaking gadget. Apple security is simply impenetrable.<br /><br />Then again, the Titanic was also unsinkable.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G02yDltFJiUoQ6AedAW3TICgwzX_UyKeXrhVZj1P1owlRo4YqPPvgr8FNtcvcuLmegY_BOempRzPgVqjAffJrrh_YlB8dwBHUbuvc7p7MAtoozaockSo7m7McBHds5Tul33jRbMTOSYa/s1600/titanic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G02yDltFJiUoQ6AedAW3TICgwzX_UyKeXrhVZj1P1owlRo4YqPPvgr8FNtcvcuLmegY_BOempRzPgVqjAffJrrh_YlB8dwBHUbuvc7p7MAtoozaockSo7m7McBHds5Tul33jRbMTOSYa/s320/titanic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470536117797093842" /><center>We all know how that turned out.</center></a><br />I’m sure most of you know what I’m already referring to: on April 19th, Gizmodo released a detailed rundown of Apple’s new prototype 4G iPhone, which was not scheduled to be released to the public for several more months. According to reports, Apple employee Gray Powell was street testing the new 4G iPhone and accidentally left it in a bar on March 18th, where it was found by Brian Hogan. According to Gizmodo’s telling of the event, Brian found the Facebook application on the phone, discovered that Gray was still logged in, and attempted to contact him. After failing to get a hold of Gray and supposedly being dismissed by Apple representatives he’d contacted, Brian began shopping the prototype 4G iPhone around to various tech blogs. (Keep in mind all of this was relayed from Gizmodo’s slant – we have yet to see Brain’s telling of the tale.) He finally sold the phone to Gizmodo for 5,000 USD, who then cracked it open, took pictures and video, and posted the story on their website on April 19th, a month after the prototype iPhone was originally lost. It was only after the story was released that Apple’s legal division contacted Gizmodo via letter, asking for the return of the 4G iPhone.<br /><br />What’s become of all this? Currently there are no lawsuits taking place; however, California prosecutors have searched the home of Gizmodo editor Jason Chen, citing two yet-unnamed “persons of interest” as the source of the probable cause needed to obtain the warrant. Brian has also lawyered up, admitting that he was indeed paid 5,000 big ones for the prototype iPhone but not telling whether his house was also searched.<br /><br />For me, at least, this raises two pretty big questions. The first digs into the whole ethical aspect of the debacle. I don’t claim to know the exact legality of it all: I don’t know if it was illegal for Brian to sell the 4G iPhone, or for Gizmodo to purchase it, or for Gizmodo to put the review on their site well before the release date. I leave those questions to the lawyers: they went through seven years of college for a reason, after all. No, I question just what Brian was thinking. Trying to contact Gray via Facebook was a good move on his part; removing the phone from the bar, however, really was not. There’s a wonderful invention called a <i>Lost and Found</i>, where people who find lost objects turn them so that people who have misplaced their property can reclaim it. I’m fairly certain most bars and restaurants have one, given the tendency of intoxicated patrons to put their stuff down and forget about it. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50bW998Mw7Rg8ngPawNLcVnlD1UM63zC3IcV-VrOrmUPcFFYfvwbB5kQiZzNbxeMDCu0HEws0Wa22soDkJuGtcLbNAro53YtizHrCMT516IawIvO12DtBzXOt9NVyJ6qEweZ7jdDW47I6/s1600/lostnfnd.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50bW998Mw7Rg8ngPawNLcVnlD1UM63zC3IcV-VrOrmUPcFFYfvwbB5kQiZzNbxeMDCu0HEws0Wa22soDkJuGtcLbNAro53YtizHrCMT516IawIvO12DtBzXOt9NVyJ6qEweZ7jdDW47I6/s320/lostnfnd.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470536365951564994" /><center>It's brilliant! Brilliant! Genius, I tell you!</center></a><br />Why not leave the phone at the bar with the bartender, where its owner would likely come looking for it? Why not take one of a thousand other actions that don’t involve bringing the phone that you do not own home and selling it to the highest bidder?<br /><br />Speaking of the highest bidder, I honestly can’t say I’m surprised that Gizmodo offered to buy the 4G iPhone. This is, after all, the same site whose parent company received a cease-and-desist letter from Apple in January after offering 50,000 USD for pictures or video of the yet-unreleased iPad and 100,000 USD for hands-on time with the gadget – which, at that point, would have had to have been stolen. Or lost in a bar and then sold. Take your pick.<br /><br />While the story makes me wonder what on Earth happened to the ethical base of our society, I also have to question Apple’s security. Obviously it’s not impenetrable – any sanctioned field test comes with a certain amount of risk. For example, your device could be lost in a bar and resold for a comparatively small amount of cash to a tech blog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99V_JAh7j8ZHAoankiabr9RsYsYQxeAZEsXXEG1CFokrUw5Rme7mf8rxkfXdHe5g6YuoCMzXAy5019Dcd94PFIBvJqEfUiaipQopUNW1ymmRE12lPLlSTWAmN5JSCBK82AYFcT0Pgralu/s1600/Blank-Facepalm.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99V_JAh7j8ZHAoankiabr9RsYsYQxeAZEsXXEG1CFokrUw5Rme7mf8rxkfXdHe5g6YuoCMzXAy5019Dcd94PFIBvJqEfUiaipQopUNW1ymmRE12lPLlSTWAmN5JSCBK82AYFcT0Pgralu/s320/Blank-Facepalm.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470536594831802402" /><center>Pretty much says it all.</center></a><br />Okay, I’m done beating that dead horse. Promise.<br /><br />Of course, mistakes are made. Accidents do happen. The loss of the 4G iPhone was particularly bad in terms of security, but hey, nobody’s perfect. It may have prompted Apple to change a few things - <a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/04/next-gen-iphone-on-june-22nd/">possibly bump up the 4G iPhone release date by a few months</a> - but, provided no large legal ramifications come of this, the backlash shouldn’t get any worse than it already is. After all, Apple has a habit of learning from its mistakes and the mistakes of competitors, and a mistake this widely publicized has likely provided a valuable lesson.<br /><br />Which does not explain why <a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/05/video-4th-gen-iphone-found-in-vietnam-contains-a4-ipad-chip/">a newer version of that same 4G iPhone prototype showed up in Vietnam this morning</a>. There are also rumors of a third 4G iPhone prototype that made its way to China.<br /><br />For a company whose security measures have been compared to those of the CIA, this is quite a ways for Apple to fall. I suppose we’ll all wait with bated breath to see the official explanation for this one. Either way, you can certainly bet that Apple is working overtime to plug its security leaks before the entire dam bursts.<br /><br />So what do you guys think? Should Brian have acted differently upon finding the 4G iPhone? Was Gizmodo wrong to buy the iPhone prototype, or were they perfectly justified? What’s Apple going to do about all this? Let’s hear it!<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/category/00070001">10% off XBox 360 consoles and accessories</a>. It's not Apple and it's not security related, but it sure is fun.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-91616977848903507852010-05-10T14:00:00.000-07:002010-05-11T15:21:02.220-07:00Technological Dependence and You: What We Depend On and How We Get It FixedYears ago, when Yahoo chat rooms were cool and Netscape was still the browser of choice, there was a computer commercial extolling the virtues of a certain brand. The commercial showed two college students writing their final papers before graduation. The student with the brand name computer finished his paper, saved it, and went to bed. The student using the competitor’s computer finished his paper, tried to save, and started screaming as the computer went into the ever-terrifying Blue Screen of Death, deleting his entire paper. Cut to ten years later: the brand name student is working a business job with a corner window office, while the student with the competitor’s computer is washing said windows for a living. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj3bFg9ES71c_qusAUfQuFodrLIt4CLtZMq1QJPDQM5i-sJ7Tw-rvmxYDzGOm73YworNUub9MUbJUkzeas2f29K0Fg-7vgtfD86Sgux5pgTHW28FTfDqc6AYHBBZiKQSQgt8JmLDuaoFG/s1600/businessman+laptop.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj3bFg9ES71c_qusAUfQuFodrLIt4CLtZMq1QJPDQM5i-sJ7Tw-rvmxYDzGOm73YworNUub9MUbJUkzeas2f29K0Fg-7vgtfD86Sgux5pgTHW28FTfDqc6AYHBBZiKQSQgt8JmLDuaoFG/s320/businessman+laptop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469757319392312994" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz7LZzXu_0aONTydPtUnhyphenhyphenJy7_ufP2pI_mpEUFedmOATiX8bHQSuRO9zZKl_kTQBHIFMBaQI3T1f_5kTfSxGv0f1ynqIq-jbjkGQSgCHUFA0OeXFoNX3mqCLVYRM7ztmLftfq_BmbBEvh/s1600/window+washer.jpg"><img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz7LZzXu_0aONTydPtUnhyphenhyphenJy7_ufP2pI_mpEUFedmOATiX8bHQSuRO9zZKl_kTQBHIFMBaQI3T1f_5kTfSxGv0f1ynqIq-jbjkGQSgCHUFA0OeXFoNX3mqCLVYRM7ztmLftfq_BmbBEvh/s320/window+washer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469757428782733618" /></a><br />Despite being aired over a decade ago, the spot brings up one very good point: just how dependent are we on technology today?<br /><br />Think about it. A few years ago, to get directions to a given place, you’d look them up in the phone book and either call them on your land line and ask for directions from a given landmark or attempt to find them in the city map printed in the front of said phone book. Today, even looking them up on Mapquest or going to the company’s website to find directions is considered archaic: cutting-edge technology demands a smartphone or a GPS unit to give you step-by-step directions as you drive.<br /><br />For another example people my age work with nearly every day, take writing papers. No matter how quickly you write, going at it longhand takes forever and leaves your hand cramped and hurting afterwards. Typewriters speed the process along nicely but are plagued by stuck keys, not to mention that a single misspelled word or missed comma requires retyping an entire page and makes the editing process long and arduous. Computers have revolutionized the very idea of writing: misspelled words are easily fixed or even corrected automatically, entire paragraphs and pages can be rearranged with a single click, and a writer can finish editing their work in its entirety before the first copy is printed.<br /><br />Technology has made everything faster and easier. Listening to a device’s instructions instead of having to look at written directions while driving is safer for the driver and everyone around them. Word processing is quicker, easier, and more easily sharable than handwritten copies of a document. There is, however, one very ominous question looming over this commonplace dependence on digital devices: what if that technology fails?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemYvIhPse3o3UHbFREGy19CI9CiJKdzy1tIz-aiUNIWFKrgkNiPrvZ3lNkmUX1Cd6vlSXv7nPF_1ndsmfbT6ya47QWfGlhXXmJeRnsifHd-0kZgNH5AOrUwLTDA6N-OZZ1SwvGczVpCZt/s1600/disaster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemYvIhPse3o3UHbFREGy19CI9CiJKdzy1tIz-aiUNIWFKrgkNiPrvZ3lNkmUX1Cd6vlSXv7nPF_1ndsmfbT6ya47QWfGlhXXmJeRnsifHd-0kZgNH5AOrUwLTDA6N-OZZ1SwvGczVpCZt/s320/disaster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469758495142865362" /><center>I spy with my little eye a Blue Screen of Death.</center></a><br />If we’re to believe the commercial, then the short answer is to make a career out of washing windows. Those of us who would rather not hang hundreds of feet above the pavement every day or simply have marketable skills in other areas do what most everyone does when faced with a technological crisis in this modern day and age: head over to the local Best Buy or Apple store, talk to a member of the Geek Squad or a Genius, pay through the nose to get our essential little device working again, and attempt to stay calm during the process. It’s a discouraging little waltz; it’s expensive; it’s the reason people buy new electronics in the first place. After all, new products are guaranteed perfect, and refurbished electronics obviously had problems before and will have problems again, right?<br /><br />Wrong on both accounts, actually. Not everything that comes out of the factory is perfect. For example, take the most common problem with the Xbox 360, commonly referred to as the Red Ring or the Red Ring of Death. A console experiencing this error will have red lights around the power button light up, indicating that the console needs service for one of a multitude of problems, ranging from failures in video output to audio errors to the console simply not working anymore. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYBGOFm2rqIOU-gpuuLCJenpOySI6tdEU0muJAMIbVkDl8jpuEdTAqaF3W8rA-Fo2C2TAMOJ7BwVW1wSsBF6pfx-ly6kJBPKyC3QbWxiZjYq2L-yHpUBMbT_2k_20PFfLt-98CwHk72Hy/s1600/Xbox360-ringofdeath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYBGOFm2rqIOU-gpuuLCJenpOySI6tdEU0muJAMIbVkDl8jpuEdTAqaF3W8rA-Fo2C2TAMOJ7BwVW1wSsBF6pfx-ly6kJBPKyC3QbWxiZjYq2L-yHpUBMbT_2k_20PFfLt-98CwHk72Hy/s320/Xbox360-ringofdeath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469754414626612818" /><center>That late night howl of agony probably came from your next-door neighbor when his XBox 360 did this.</center></a><br />A September 2009 survey conducted by Seattlepi showed the failure rate for Xbox 360s to be at 54%. That’s right: over half these consoles have keeled over and died because of errors inherent in the unit itself. Errors like this pretty much shatter the notion that every bit of machinery that rolls off the factory shelves is perfect.<br /><br />Refurbished products, on the other hand, have an awful reputation. People regard them with the view that a product, once broken, cannot be repaired to any level of satisfaction. This is not entirely true: the quality of the repairs depends on the skill of the repairman. If the repairman has no idea what they’re doing, does an awful job, or fails to test the product before selling it, then odds are the product probably can’t be trusted. Give that same device to a skilled repairman who does a thorough job and tests his work before sending it out, however, and that device will work just like if not better than new. It all depends on the person doing the repairs and how well they handle the technology.<br /><br />We’ve seen that our society is technologically dependent, and we’ve all known the heartbreak and horror when the technology we depend on in our everyday lives fails. How, we ask, do we keep it from failing? Aside from the common sense tenets of technology care – keep it dry, perform regular maintenance, and don’t drop it – the best way to prevent tech fail is to shop smart. Go to the people you trust, and if you’d like to save a few bucks and get the best quality for what you do spend, go to the people you trust to refurbish the technology you want. Find someone who knows what they’re doing, who consistently performs well, and who tests their refurbished tech to make sure it performs well. Guarantees and quick shipping don’t hurt, either.<br /><br />Don’t know anybody like that? Well, I have <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com">a recommendation or two</a>.<br /><br />Have any tech horror stories? How about the time your dog chewed your TV cord, or your neighbor’s kid dropped your iPhone in the toilet? What about great tech service stories? Let’s hear them!<br /><br /><i>Katherine</i><br /><br /><b>Deal of the Day:</b> <a href="http://www.edexdeals.com/StoreFront/do/product/MGA%3A205784?%26category%3D00040002">Magellan Maestro 3100 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator</a>, for when Mapquest and the phone book just aren't working for you.<br /><br />TECHNORATI CODE: KH9YY44995FUeDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3896733662419553390.post-52542546760597868242010-04-20T11:26:00.000-07:002010-11-30T11:28:59.434-08:00All About UsHello and welcome to the blog for eDEXdeals! This is our very first entry, and you know what that means: introductions and technical stuff. Don't worry, we'll make it fun and easy for you.<br /><br /><b>Company Overview</b><br /><br />eDEXdeals is a major reseller of new and refurbished consumer electronics specializing in digital cameras, desktop and laptop computers, MP3 players, LCD monitor, accessories and more. With more than 29 years of history, Power Seller status on eBay, and impeccable technical and customer support, we are able to provide you with great products at highly competitive prices. We carry most major brands including Toshiba, Sony, HP, Dell, and more.<br /><br />eDEXdeals was launched by DEX, a leader in Global Supply Chain Solutions for high-technology industries, to offer extremely affordable deals to consumers worldwide. With operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, eDEXdeals is a multinational retailer with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. To ensure a superior customer experience and deliver the best products to our customers, our engineering and technology specialists recertify and test every product to “like new”.<br /><br />You can expect fast shipping times with more than 90% of our orders shipping the same day you place your order (orders placed before 6pm PST). Our representatives are available from 8:00am – 5:00pm PST at 1-888-678-9201 (dial option #6) to answer questions about any of our products or to help you complete your order.<br /><br /><b>About This Blog</b><br /><br />This blog focuses on the more personal side of the company. Here, we’ll update you on recent events in the company, discuss technological news, and generally chat about whatever tickles our fancy. This is your space to get to know us better, so feel free to drop a line or ask a question in comments – we’d be glad to talk with you.eDEXdealshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04636641385499065475noreply@blogger.com0