toy

If you're looking for a convenient, uncomplicated, and stable synchronization tool, you could do much, much worse than Microsoft's SyncToy. Part of the Windows XP PowerToys add-ons, this tool makes it easy to keep folder contents identical on one machine or across a network.

The first time you run it, SyncToy will guide you through creating a pair of linked folders. Labeled as Left and Right, it will then ask you to choose from one of five synchronization methods. Echo works like a standard one-way sync, copying all files from Left to Right. Synchronize is bidirectional; Contribute works … Read more

As the father of two, I see a lot of toys. And as I'm accused of being slightly immature (I like to think of it as boyish charm), I take great interest in really cool toys.

So when I get the chance to see a new toy concept, I'm all over it. While perusing various Web sites--purely for work, I assure you--I came across Karten Design's bizarre concept for a toy it calls Epidermits (presumably because OMGWTFBBQ?!?! was already taken).

And you thought the Furby was creepy-looking.

I showed it to a handful of co-workers, and the … Read more

I used to be the biggest Sega fan. Starting way back in 1986 from the Sega Master System, all the way to the Dreamcast (yes, I'm that old), I've been a diehard Nintendo/NEC/Sony-hating Sega fanboy. After the Dreamcast, our 16-year relationship ended and now the reason why is painfully clear. The robots have taken over Sega, at least in Japan, and they've enacted their plan for world domination I first alluded to a few weeks back.

Be afraid. Be very afraid. "Lucky" is coming, and I don't think he can be stopped. … Read more

Kim Bratcher from Wild Planet Toys stops by to show off some great new gadgets for your young ones...or maybe just for you.

Watch the show on CNET TV.

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Remote Buddy expands the capabilities of your remote to control different functions of your Mac.

Griffin Firewave adds surround sound capability to your iMac, or other Firewire-based device.… Read more

Toys are truly a reflection of the time in which they are sold. This new car set from Tamiya has only been around for a short while, and it's already temporarily out of stock. (No worries; Tamiya America says it plans to get more in.)

Instead of a crank or bite-size fuel cell to make your little Speed Racer run, this $67 model kit comes with its own miniature wind turbine.

You don't have to live in Colorado for the wind turbine to work. Specially shaped blades and different gears allow the turbine to turn from the slightest … Read more

Power-packed beyond Registry tweaks, RegToy focuses on Registry edits to optimize your computer performance--but novices shouldn't expect much hand-holding. Though the tweak options are carefully labeled, users must know the consequences of altering them, as the few onscreen notes don't provide adequate assistance. You can restore the Registry settings to the Windows default, but that's an emergency final resort, as it will undo many changes made by you and other programs. RegToy also includes a poorly explained feature for saving and loading settings.

Other features include a file renamer, a file shredder, a start-up manager, an uninstall … Read more

You thought it was bad getting tossed aside for another woman? Try getting rejected for an MP3 player.

A new dating series based on the notion that "boys love their toys" will pit girls against gadgets in an attempt to answer that age-old question: hottie or hot HDTV? In a twist on the reality TV staple For Love or Money, Playboy TV's Gadget or the Girl will make contestants choose between a weekend getaway with a girl of their choice or a surprise high-tech toy.

The gear will range from a 60-inch plasma TV to an arcade … Read more

Brazilian industrial designer Bruno Oro de Abreu wrote in to tell us about Dilus, an electronic teddy bear that's far more than a cuddly toy. It's a socialization tool.

The Bluetooth-enabled concept bear has a holographic display that kids can use to surf the Internet, play games, attend remote classes, and make friends with other Dilus-toting youngsters. It can display 2D and 3D images and has a customizable polymer body that can be changed according to design preference. Oh, and it's cute.

The 23-year-old designer, who is working on Dilus as a graduation project, says the smart … Read more

This August, you may be dodging something other than Frisbees at the beach or your boss at the office.

Innovation First is releasing the Hexbug Crab, the latest in its line of Hexbug microrobotic toys that sell for about $9.99.

While the minirobot is geared toward kids, it's easy to see the Hexbug Crab gaining a place alongside office stress balls in cubicles across the country.

Like other Hexbugs, the Hexbug Crab can be left to roam around and respond to its environment. Think of it as a little pet that doesn't need to be fed.

"… Read more