Crave

Fans of Sony products are often disappointed at the January Consumer Electronics Show to discover that the company doesn't have very much to say. Sure, there's a big Sony booth and a handful of token product announcements and press releases, but it's always small potatoes compared to the dozens of new items on display from competitors such as Samsung, Philips, and Panasonic. But that's entirely by design: rather than get lost in the CES maelstrom, Sony opts to launch its new line of products at its own Sony-only line show. We've got complete coverage of … Read more

We all knew it was too good to last. For several years now, one solid piece of advice to anyone buying a big-ticket item such as a plasma TV was to get it at Costco if possible, thanks to the big-box retailer's well-known return anytime policy. With the exception of desktop and laptop computers (limited to six months), a member could pretty much return any item at any time, including that $2,000 TV that suddenly stopped working two years later.

Of course, plenty of people abused the privilege, returning items when a cheaper model came out or using … Read more

Remember Bono's (RED) campaign, the charity project that launched the red iPod? (And eventually a torrent of other crimson gadgets.)

Given all the publicity, we assumed that the initiative would have brought in truckloads of money for its stated purpose of helping fight AIDS in Africa. But according to marketing firm PSFK, the charity reported raising only $11.3 million as of the end of December, "a tiny fraction of the $6.6 billion funds the Global Fund has committed to 460 programs in 136 countries."

The campaign is still less than five months old, so it'… Read more

The jury is still out on whether the EFPs (explosively formed projectiles) wreaking havoc in Iraq are home-brewed or made in Iran. But one thing's certain: The U.S. military is no slouch when it comes to meting out the molten metal.

The M2 Selectable Lightweight Attack Munition (SLAM) has been mass-produced by Alliant Techsystem for the U.S. Army since 1990. Like its jihadi counterpart, the M2 consists of a circular explosive with a shallow cavity fitted within a thin metallic liner at the business end. Upon detonation, the liner morphs into a lethal, molten slug that can … Read more

Shipments of the Apple TV have been delayed until mid-March, according to media reports confirmed by CNET News.com.

The delay is neither surprising nor particularly problematic. With less than 72 hours left in the month of February, the possibility of hitting the announced release window was becoming increasingly unlikely. That said, a March release for Apple TV would only be two to three weeks late and still within the Q1 2007 span originally mentioned when the product was initially announced last fall (under the "iTV" moniker).

In other words: take a deep breath, fanboys. The Apple TV … Read more

Here it is: "The newest and most advanced" robo-boat in the world. It sure looks the part.

Unveiled this month at IDEX 2007 in Abu Dhabi, the Marine Robotics Vessels International (MRVI) Interceptor is a fourth-generation unmanned surface vessel. Project partner SeaRobotics provided the command, control, navigation and data-acquisition system, which allows both remote control by radio and autonomous operation. In autonomous mode, an onboard computer will steer the rig on a pre-determined course to complete its programmed mission. Onboard sensors allow the craft to change course to avoid collisions.

Applications range from anti-piracy patrol to oil rig … Read more

If you're planning on buying an Apple TV, make sure you have some extra A/V cables on hand. According to the Apple Web site, the only items included in the box--besides the Apple TV unit itself--are the remote, a power cord, and the instruction manual. Indeed, a more detailed overview of the product elsewhere on Apple's site lists the cables you'll need to supply: either HDMI (which can carry audio and video to compatible HDTVs) or component video, and--if using component--a pair of analog stereo or an optical digital cable to handle the audio. Those not … Read more

If only we had one of these in high school gym. This nifty invention by some enterprising MIT students can climb a rope all by itself at the astonishing rate of 10 feet per second--carrying 250 pounds all the while.

The success of the "Rope Ascender" apparently hinges on the concept of strength derived from winding the rope around a cylinder multiple times. The students' efforts, which led to the formulation of a company called Atlas Devices, have reportedly been rewarded already with a U.S. Army contract.

As an example of its very practical uses, Coolest-Gadgets notes … Read more

"Hey! Who left that package there?" Today that question triggers an avalanche of the latest bomb-disposal gear, not to mention the obligatory traffic jam that ensues. But now you can defuse that situation yourself if the bomb squad isn't around the corner.

Today a $10, pocket-sized explosive detector called "ELITE" (for Easy Livermore Inspection Test for Explosives) puts you in charge--at least until you touch the wrong wire. The 5- by 7.5-centimeter device requires minimal training to quickly and cheaply locate and identify up to 30 types of explosives and propellants. The card gives … Read more