crave

Crave giveaway: LifeProof iPhone 4 case

We took a break from the giveaway circuit last week, but we're game-on again with the sleek and durable LifeProof iPhone 4 case in black.

As we said in our Top 20 tough iPhone 4 cases round up, the LifeProof Case's claim to fame is that it's very tough (waterproof, shockproof, dirt-proof, and snow-proof, the company says) yet it's slimmer than most of the other tough cases out there, with an integrated clear plastic shield that protects your screen (and, obviously, seals your iPhone into the case).

After trying it, we have to say it does strike an excellent balance between sleek looks and toughness. This one's drop-tested for 6.6 feet and can go underwater. The only downside is that it's expensive at $69.99.

So, how do you try to win this week's prize? Let us enumerate the basic rules. Please read carefully; there will be a test--as well as a strut down the catwalk. … Read more

Crave 58: Replace your face (podcast)

This week, Donald and Eric discuss two street-legal TRON-inspired lightcycles at opposite ends of the price spectrum. Plus, we creep out on a way to perform real-time video face substitution, and the implications it will have on the future of video chat and our children. In geek news, Eric nominates an actor for Zombie of the Year and sounds off on Gears of War 3.

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Crave in Comments: From Star Wars to :(

Did you miss me? I was on vacation in Mexico last week so my colleague Tim Hornyak filled in with Crave in Comments. I know it was probably scary to have someone else behind the wheel, but don't worry; I have returned. Are you ready for some cunning comments from our Crave community? Buckle up!

In regard to Glowing kittens may advance AIDS research:

"Great! Instead of buying glowsticks, I'll just bring my cat!" --by Notjub

In regard to Sony officially details Android Walkman:

"Nice! I like a curvy rear ..." --by brickcityboy

In regard to Sony adds two new colors to PS3 Slim lineup:

"Crip or blood." --by Jay Two

Crave 57: Keepon invasion (podcast)

It was only a matter of time before the Crave podcast was invaded by robots. Fortunately, this week's robot overlord is the insanely adorable, soon-to-be-available My Keepon robot by BeatBots. The pint-sized dance bot is joined by its co-creator Marek Michalowski, who explains the robot's origins and its road to commercial viability.

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Crave in Comments: Just remember to flush

Last week I was at a certain establishment in Las Vegas than can only be described with that most pithy of adjectives, "douchetastic." I admire the creativity of whatever smirking scenester coined that gem, as well as the shiny nuggets that Crave readers shower us with daily. This week, Crave in Comments looks at borrowing toilets, Star Trek, and iPhone lunches.

Running along with It's about time: Nike sneakers go back to the future:

"We still don't have a working hoverboard. Just sayin." -- by ReVeLaTed

Haunting the topic of High-tech ghost town planned for New Mexico:

"Now if the politicians would only be willing to pay for upgrading and repairing the existing American infrastructure...'" --by solitare_pax

Crave giveaway: $400 of IndiDenim custom jeans

Congrats to Bryce M. of Tonawanda, N.Y., for winning a Davek Note Bag and umbrella in last week's giveaway. Now, on to this week's prize.

A few months back, we gave away $300 in custom men's shirts from ShirtsMyWay. This week, we're adding custom pants to our gratis-goods ensemble with a $400 voucher for jeans from custom clothing site IndiDenim.

If you win, all you have to do is head over to the site and unleash your inner jean designer. You'll choose the fit (relaxed, trouser); wash (dark, vintage tinted, distressed, and so on); and style (pockets, pocket embellishments, fly, hem style); and then add your measurements. Your dream jeans will arrive in about four weeks. If they don't fit perfectly, you can exchange them for jeans that do.

With jeans sold on the IndiDenim site generally running about $200 max, you'll be adding two new pairs of fancy-schmancy pants to your wardrobe. The site sells both men's and women's denims.

So how do you try to win this week's prize and live out your "Project Runway" fantasies. Let us enumerate the basic rules. Please read carefully; there will be a test--as well as a strut down the catwalk. … Read more

Crave 56: Midi-chlorians vs. MIDI accordions (podcast)

This week, Donald and Eric discuss the future of mind-controlled televisions, and an iPad joystick that looks like Atari's vision of the future from the '80s. The horror of the MIDI accordion is revealed for what it is. And in Geek News, Donald and Eric sum up the unforgivable digital vandalism George Lucas has wrought on his masterpiece.

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Crave in Comments: From chatbots to HP clamor

It's been a super busy week here at CNET, especially with all of the new products emerging from IFA 2011. On top of the deluge of new devices, there were plenty of curious Crave stories posted over the last week. Here are a couple of my favorite comments from our faithful readers.

In regard to Chatbot-to-chatbot chat is silly and satisfying:

"Reminds me of Fox News for some reason. Meaningless nonsense, back and forth..." --by SwissJay

In regard to Microsoft details Explorer layout for Windows 8:

"Of course they moved the buttons again. They have to move the buttons to charge you for it again. And a billion folks will pay again. YOU will pay again. And then they'll move the buttons again next time. And you'll pay again. We've been playing this game since 1995. It never gets old." --by symbolset

In regard to Physicist cuts plane boarding time in half:

"Nevermind the morons in airline management who figured that charging for checked bags would save money. Bean counter fail." --by n0v0cane

Crave 55: Commander Riker's wingman (podcast)

Donald and Eric receive a record number of viewer e-mails, with tons of great suggestions. Stephen unveils his epic intro for Eric's Geek News segment. And of course, there's no shortage of Crave-worthy gadgets to talk about, including the Sony S tablet, a Sony head-mounted display, self-inflating tires, and a fan that might eat your cat.

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New USB vibrator generates buzz

To consider the plight of the modern woman, all you have to do is read the plaintive experience of a Gizmodo writer who went on a date with a man she discovered to be the world champion of Magic: The Gathering Player.

So how can one not be both relieved and delighted that a group of dedicated designers in San Francisco has created the Crave Duet USB vibrator?

Fox News stepped out to relay the buzz surrounding this machine.

The Crave team, entirely unrelated (as far as I can tell) to CNET's Crave blog, is attempting to enter a market gap by offering what it calls "discreet, compact luxury vibe."

For myself, there are very few places in which a luxury vibe ends up being both discreet and compact. The Four Seasons is not compact. And one could hardly describe my local Starbucks as discreet.

I am sure, therefore, that quite a few humans, both men and women, will be fascinated by the idea of luxury portable pleasure.… Read more