Lifestyle

The 404 at CES 2013: Where we change out $100 (podcast)

We've seen plenty of innovative gadgets at this year's show, but Jeff wants to talk about a few things we'd be thankful to never see again.

We'll also talk about the trend of indestructibility with regard to smartphone cases and screen protectors, alternative computer displays, and more.

Finally, we'll check out a local bar called Insert Coin(s) that dispels the myth of video game stereotypes. It's a unique take on nightlife that lets patrons choose from a selection of 60 vintage cabinets and modern games that you can play on 44 HDTVs plastered … Read more

Bye-bye blemishes? Luna mini vows to clean your face better

LAS VEGAS--Foreo touts its Luna mini as the first facial-cleansing device to combine sonic pulsations with silicone brushes.

Honestly, from the shape of the device, I'd never have guessed it was a gadget for cleaning the face. But according to the manufacturer, it is six times more effective than washing by hand and can help prevent acne and other blemishes.

Here's how it works. Applying the Luna mini to your face sends up to 14,000 sonic pulsations per minute beneath the skin. This is said to effectively unclog dirt, oil, or makeup residue from pores. It apparently … Read more

The 404 at CES 2013: Where we pay tribute to Danny DeVito (podcast)

We've had some awesome guests on The 404 Show before, but nothing could have prepared us for Danny DeVito. Well, except for all the preshow preparation we did. None of that mattered though, because Mr. DeVito stole the show with a wiggle of a toe on his #trollfoot.

At the CES 2013 CNET stage, Mr. DeVito joined us to talk about filmmaking, Twitter, social media, and the story behind his Twitter profile picture. The iconic star has appeared in countless legendary films and currently plays Frank Reynolds on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."… Read more

The 404 at CES 2013: Where that just happened (podcast)

Felicia will also help us introduce an ongoing segment at the show we're calling "That just happened." Today we'll feature clips from last night's Qualcomm keynote address that made us all squirm in our seats.

Lastly, she'll run through a couple of her favorite games from 2012 including Far Cry 3 and Dishonored. Be sure to check out Felicia's YouTube channel and follow her on Twitter to keep yourself updated on her world.… Read more

Hitcase lets iPhone star in your own adventure movies

When I first saw a photo of Hitcase's new chest mount for its ruggedized iPhone case system, I thought to myself, "Hmm, I wonder how that fits on a woman." I had to go find out for myself.

Let's backtrack before we get to the try-on stage. Hitcase has splashed down into the category of tough cases for the iPhone. It's a bit chunky and a bit heavy, but it does the job. Unlike the water-resistant and waterproof-for-a-few-inches cases, it can go for a serious dive of up to 33 feet under the blue.

Hitcase is trying hard to replace the need for a GoPro for action sports nuts who love to film mountain biking, downhill skiing, and other outdoor activities with a high probability of wiping out. Instead of treating your iPhone like a delicate flower, you can take it along to record the fun. The case opens up like a book, so it's easy in and easy out. The idea is you don't leave this on your phone all the time, just when you need it. … Read more

Freaky-awesome massage vest rubs you up with your own tunes

LAS VEGAS--If you ever wanted to know what it would feel like to have Mick Jagger massage the knots in your back muscles while you listen to "Tumbling Dice," then I have the perfect gadget for you. The iMusic BodyRhythm massage vest sits over your shoulders and upper back. Plug it into your iPhone, fire up the app, and enjoy a rubdown to the beat of your favorite song.

I got to try out a fully functioning prototype of the vest at CES 2013. The vest's creator Uwe Diegel hooked me up with some "Gangnam Style" massage action. I could see going for the full-album experience and having an extended session with "Exile on Main Street." It would be a very different way of experiencing the music.… Read more

Circuit Playground plushies a perfect post-Xmas toy for hacker kids

It's a little late for Christmas presents, but if you throw a little time-machine action into the mix, this might be the perfect gift for the hacker kid in your life: Circuit Playground plushies.

The plushies are the newest product from Adafruit Industries, a leader in the open-source hardware world and the maker of a wide range of products for hackers young and old. Led by Entrepreneur magazine's entrepreneur of the year Limor Fried, Adafruit has a long history of promoting the do-it-yourself movement, and giving those who play and work in it the tools they need. … Read more

The 404 1,187: Where we bully the bullies (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- One way or another, Danny DeVito will join us on the CNET stage at CES 2013.

- Here's hoping this doesn't happen to us on tomorrow's CES flight.

- How blind people use Instagram.

- Lego is officially producing the "Back to the Future" DeLorean time machine.

- Streetlight Manifesto trombonist thwarts phone theft with OKCupid trolling.… Read more

In search of the perfect, diaper-free gadget trade-in box

Shortly after its rebranding in 2008, year-old gadget trade-in service Gazelle had a problem.

People were sending in diapers.

Not used diapers, of course. But after agreeing to send the company their old smartphone in return for cash, some customers were eschewing typical pack,aging materials in favor of whatever was in their house. As it turned out, this could be spare diapers, worn-out shoes and even pillows.

Why was this happening? The service, which buys used gadgets then sells them off to third-parties, was giving customers U.S. Postal Service shipping boxes and an envelope. People took one look … Read more