Crave

If Hong Kong-based Brando were a little kid, he'd be the one in the back row of the classroom getting everyone else in trouble. That, at least, is what the gadget maker seems to be doing (wittingly or otherwise) with its "Sports Pack" of accessories for the Wii.

The innovative "Wiimote" of Nintendo's new game system has gotten the company in some legal trouble with people who blame the device for gaming-induced injuries. Now Brando comes along with a set of attachments to the wireless remote, including pint-sized versions of a tennis racket, golf … Read more

Vizio is at it again. The price-busting flat-panel TV specialist has set its sights on the huge-screen category with a 60-inch plasma TV, the VM60P HDTV, that will retail for $2,999 when it hits stores in February. That price is the best I've seen for any flat-panel TV larger than 50 inches, and it helps people shopping for a massive picture consider something other than rear-projection sets. The closest comparable HDTV I can think of, Panasonic's 58-inch TH-58PX600U, costs more and has a smaller screen, although if Panasonic's excellent track record is any indication, its picture … Read more

When we first heard of the "Taxi Hailer," we thought it was a joke. After all, it's basically just a flashing light, not some kind of state-of-the-art wireless dispatcher. But it's apparently been officially sanctioned by the London cabbie association, and some early street tests indicate some success.

Tech Digest says the credit-card-sized device has a "super bright" amber light that can be spotted easily on packed city streets, day or night. The Taxi Hailer site even features a video of it in action.

We'd use one of these in New York City … Read more

--GAMING: Wii Mii Celeb Creation (GameVideos)

--ARTS & CRAFTS: Secure chip-and-PIN terminal hacked to play Tetris (BoingBoing)

--ZILLIONAIRES: Gates says day of the home-help robot is near (The Guardian)

--JUICY GOSSIP: Apple Keynote 2007: Speculation that iTunes will snag song lyrics (Gizmodo)

--JUICY GOSSIP: Former Apple sales boss: Mac Phone yes, Mac Tablet no (CNET News.com)

--SECOND LIFE: Inworld Buddhism (Wonderland)

TVs galore this morning.

Microtek, known for its scanning and digital imaging technology, announced Wednesday that it was launching two television lines.

The Microtek line includes a 42-inch flat panel plasma television for $1,500 and a 50-inch version for $2,000. The Cineon line offers a 42-inch flat panel plasma for $1,600 and a 50-inch for $2,200.

On Friday, Microtek announced that it will be adding a 42-inch LCD HDTV to each of those new lines. The L42CX2A for $1,900 will be added to the Microtek line and the CL42HA for $2,000 will be added … Read more

It looks as if the Xbox 360 will be getting an HDMI-powered overhaul before it even hits its second birthday. AOL's Engadget sports what looks to be an authentic, leaked, back-panel shot of the next generation of the Xbox 360, which includes an HDMI jack directly below the proprietary A/V port found on existing 360s. According to the story, the new unit--codename "Zephyr"--will also offer a 65nm CPU (said to be less prone to overheating) and a much more spacious 120GB hard drive (perfect for downloading the growing list of HD movies and TV shows … Read more

Yeah, yeah, we get the Jetsons reference. (Aren't there enough of those these days?) The $650 Garmin Astro, as featured on Gizmodo, is meant to track hunting dogs by following the movements of small wireless devices that can attach to their collars. The Giz guys, however, suggest that it could be used to keep tabs on kids or live-action Pac-Man players. Here at Crave, we think there are way more uses for this little handheld navigator. Namely, it could be used to fight crime. Imagine the kinds of reconnaissance you could do with a GPS device that not only … Read more

Hannspree has come out with some interesting televisions in terms of physical design as it continues to change its image.

The company is known for its kitschy televisions for kids. They have everything from toy helicopters to stuffed animals encasing TVs. While the company is still maintaining its children's lines, it's also bringing that sense of whimsy to adults with lines that offer hints at other fantasies.

In addition to the travel Hannslounge 26-inch widescreen LCD HDTV, Hannspree has televisions based on a man's belt, the cello, and even pearls.

The rubber-encased Hannstime.square 12-inch LCD TV … Read more

Sometimes, the techy arts-and-crafts picks that Make magazine's blog talks about are just too cool to pass up. I never did get around to obtaining a paint mixer to build a Mark Foley Halloween decoration, but now I'm inspired to build myself a GloGlobe, which Make recently featured. It's constructed out of a Styrofoam ball with a battery, an LED, and some electronic bits shoved inside. The blog recommends it for Dune junkies who want to create their own Holtzman effect, but personally, I think they would make amazing party decorations. Too bad I didn't know … Read more