Android

The 404 854: Where we don't point fingers (podcast)

Researcher in the Asian Journal of Andrology claims that the size ratio between your ring and index fingers has a direct correlation to the size of...another body part. There's a cheesy pickup line somewhere in there that we're too lazy to create.

In other news, Verizon is introducing tiered data plans and eliminating the unlimited model; Facebook is about to launch "something awesome;" and the slacker generation gets a new King on today's episode of The 404!

The 404 Digest for Episode 854

Finger length has anatomical significance. Facebook to launch "something awesome." Verizon confirms tiered data plans and hot-spot charge for July 7. Why young men are refusing to grow up.

Episode 854 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Vizio's new 8-inch tablet now up for preorder

First demoed at CES in January, Vizio's new 8-inch VIA tablet finally has a price and a ship date.

Slated to ship on July 18, the new Android tablet is now available for preorder. Vizio is selling the tablet directly for the full retail price of $399. However, consumers can grab a better deal by ordering it at Costco for $329 or Wal-Mart for $348.

A report from mid-June had already pegged Wal-Mart selling the tablet for $349.

Equipped with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but customized with Vizio's own user interface, the tablet offers an 8-inch, 1,024x768 … Read more

Testing the Nexus S 4G's WiMax woes

The Samsung Nexus S 4G arrived to plenty of fanfare last month, as Google's flagship Nexus phone was finally blessed with 4G in the form of Sprint's WiMax network. Unfortunately, we've heard plenty of reports that the 4G radio on the Nexus S 4G is either defective or just not up to snuff compared with other Sprint 4G devices. We decided to test this claim out on our own. Here are our findings.

Last weekend, I took the Nexus S 4G out to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and the 4G coverage was dismal to nonexistent. … Read more

What's My Name: Android app tests name memory

As someone who's bad at remembering names, I have developed several survival mechanisms. I post my neighbors' names on the fridge. I attempt to use mnemonic devices like matching names to celebrities or figuring out creative rhymes.

None of these techniques actually help much. That's where an app like What's My Name for Android comes in to save the day.

Thankfully, the app doesn't make you snap a pic of every new person you meet. That could be a little awkward. What's My Name imports photos from your contacts, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

The photos are then displayed with a choice of four different names. Choose the wrong one and a big red "X" lets you know you failed miserably and should try harder.

Names can be broken down into groups so you can separate out your drinking buddies from your clients or in-laws.

The flash card-style game can be played in continuous mode or timed mode to simulate the pressure you'll be under during an important business meeting or social mixer or when greeting well-wishers at your wedding.

The app from developer Knowlysis costs $1.99 after a one-week free trial. It should be handy for heading off the embarrassment of calling someone by the wrong name or referring to him as "That guy over there. Whatshisface. You know who I'm talking about." … Read more

Verizon confirms tiered data plans and hot-spot charge for July 7

Update on Tuesday, July 5 at 1:15 p.m. PT: The $10-per-month data plan will not be available for smartphone users.

Verizon Wireless officially confirmed today that it will replace its unlimited data plans with tiered options starting Thursday.

Spokeswoman Brenda Raney told FierceWireless that consumers will have their choice of four data allotments: $10 for 75MB per month, $30 for 2GB per month, $50 for 5GB per month, and $80 for 10GB per month. The cheapest tier is avaialble only for feature phones. Subscribers with an iPhone or a WebOS, Android, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone 7 device will … Read more

The 404 853: Where our bellies were sluggish with goat meat (podcast)

Happy belated Fourth! We're back from celebrating on Independence by blowing up a piece of it, and we spend the first half of today's episode recounting all the bbq we ate yesterday. We're also bringing you results of the annual Nathan's hog dog eating contest and breaking news about one of our favorite shows on Comedy Central--and of course we wouldn't let a Monday go by without Tanging that Tune!

The 404 Digest for Episode 853

Joey Chestnut wins 5th straight Nathan's hot dog eating competition. Jellyfish fireworks over the Hudson river in NYC.

Episode 853 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Ten-inch Galaxy Tab to get TouchWiz, other updates

Owners of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1-inch tablet are in line to receive a host of updates, including the company's TouchWiz interface.

Promising that the updates are "coming soon," Samsung touted a list of the new features and enhancements on its Web site late last week.

One of the most significant updates will be the TouchWiz UX user interface for tablets. Initially designed for the company's mobile phones, TouchWiz offers a Live Panel, which gives people quick and customizable access to virtually any feature, including news, weather, and e-mail. A mini apps tray also provides … Read more

CNET's top 10-inch tablets

When we first created CNET's Best 5 Tablets feature, it was a stretch just to find 5 worthwhile products. Today, there are dozens of solid tablet choices out there in all shapes and sizes, with more arriving every month.

Still, the iPad and its 10-inch screen remains the tablet drawing the most attention. It's in good company, though, with an increasing number of tablets coming on the market with the same 10-inch screen size.

Though early competitors were quick to differentiate themselves from Apple with 5- or 7-inch tablets, most are coming around to the larger screen size. … Read more

Tag Heuer Link Android smartphone a mere $6,750

And you thought your iPhone was so cool. Tag Heuer, known for making lux watches, has released one of the cooler-looking smartphones we've ever seen. But don't get too excited--one Tag Heuer Link Android smartphone will set you back $6,750.

What's with the price? The Link Android, which runs on the old-generation Android 2.2 (Froyo), comes with a steel, 18-carat rose gold- or titanium-finished case. (It kind of looks like it belongs to a Jedi knight, right?) Trims come in calfskin, alligator, lizard, or carbon leather. (Fancy!)

It features a Gorilla Glass screen, a high-strength thin sheet of glass used as a protective cover with scratch resistance and durability, and offers up 256MB of RAM and 8GB on a memory card to save the pics you take with its 5-megapixel auto-focus HD camera. It can also house 11 hours of music playback. The phone goes on sale this month TAG Heuer retailers.

So OK, you're paying for the look and feel of this gadget, not the tech specs. Is it worth the price? You tell us!

This story originally appeared on CBSNews.com.

… Read more