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How to charge your phone in an emergency

You see that battery meter dwindling down to zero. There's a knot in your stomach. You'd pay anything just to squeeze another 10 minutes from your phone.

Your panic is justified. Not only does a dead phone battery cut you off from communication with the outside world, but it strips you of your contact book as well. There was a time when I could remember close to a dozen phone numbers off the top of my head. But today, I can barely remember my wife's number without the aid of my phone.

Fortunately, there are a number … Read more

The 404 1,039: Where we start back at one (podcast)

Of all the terrible video game movie adaptations, the 1991 version of "Super Mario Bros." got the most critical reaction.

Its story is chronicled in a new book called "Generation Xbox: How video games invaded Hollywood," so we'll spend some time today dissecting all the negative reviews and discover how it became a cult favorite.

Bridget Carey joins us for the first half with a backstage pass to her new show, CNET Update!

It rounds up all the top tech stories of the day and keeps a close eye on product updates, emerging trends, and … Read more

SkyLight smartphone-microscope mount: Let's get small (video)

It may not be the first smartphone-microscope combo, but creators of the SkyLight adapter say their device is different: it doesn't use any optics.

Attach the base of SkyLight to a microscope and slide in a smartphone--most any smartphone actually, thanks to the mount's adjustable clips. Users -- whether students or scientists -- can then capture microscopic images and send them via e-mail or to the Web.

SmartPlanet visits with SkyLight creators Andy Miller and Tess Bakke for a hands-on look at the device.

This video originally appeared on SmartPlanet with the headline "SkyLight starts selling combo smartphone-microscope mount.&… Read more

Seagate GoFlex Desk Thunderbolt adapter review: Best deal so far

Finally, you now can have access to a Thunderbolt storage device without having to sell an arm and a leg, but maybe just a little finger.

Seagate's latest adapter for its superflexible external hard drive, the GoFlex Desk, now supports the Thunderbolt standard and costs just $190.

While $190 is not a small amount, the GoFlex Desk Thunderbolt adapter, when coupled with a GoFlex Desk drive (which costs another $250 for the top 4TB capacity), still comes out at least $100 cheaper than any other Thunderbolt storage device, including those with much less storage space.

To add icing to … Read more

RIM acquires Paratek to boost BlackBerry

Weeks after Research In Motion's shakeup, losing two co-executives and gaining a new CEO, the company is beginning to make some changes. The latest is acquiring Paratek Adaptive RF, which designs and manufactures adaptive radio frequency front-end components for cell phones.

"Watch out providers of mobile phones," General Partner of Polaris Venture Partners Alan Spoon, which is a lead investor in Paratek, wrote in a statement today. "Integrating Paratek's technology into mobile phones is a game changer."

Spoon writes that Paratek technology will allow Blackberry users to upload and download large amounts of data … Read more

ABCs of Car Tech: Driver aid systems

Last time, we took a look at how cars protect their passengers in the event of a crash. This week, we're taking a look at a few high-tech ways that modern vehicles can help prevent accidents in the first place.

Modern tech cars can be equipped with a host of driver aid systems that help make driving easier for your average commuter. From road-aware cruise control systems to self-aware headlight systems, cars are getting smarter every day.

Adaptive cruise control If the standard cruise control system was the first step toward vehicular autonomy, then adaptive cruise control system is … Read more

Netgear brings dual-band 450Mbps to a gaming adapter

LAS VEGAS--Netgear announced today at CES 2012 its first dual-band 450Mbps adapter, the N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port Wi-Fi Adapter (model WNCE4004).

It connects Ethernet-ready devices, such as desktop computers, printers, and game consoles, to an existing Wi-Fi network. The adapter comes with four network ports, meaning you can add up to four wired devices to the Wi-Fi network at the far end of the connection.

The fact that it supports dual-band and the higher 450Mbps speeds means that you can use it with any existing wireless networks without having to worry about compatibility or performance degradation.

Netgear says that … Read more

Apple patent application details password-protecting power adapters

In a recent patent application uncovered by The Apple Blog, Apple has detailed a system for allowing your power adapter to become a security key for your password recovery process.

In basic terms, should you forget your password, an onscreen recovery application would prompt you to plug in your specific power adapter to confirm your identity. That adapter would store the necessary passwords and give you access to them when needed.

Current security measures, such as sending a verification e-mail or answering security questions are easily attacked by hackers who have managed to create any number of very sophisticated applications … Read more

Get a flexible USB adapter for $2.98 shipped

You may think I'm scraping the bottom of the deal barrel today, but hear me out.

While supplies last, Cctveworld via Ebay has the Flexible Swivel Twist Angle 360 USB Adapter for $2.98 shipped.

Update: Sold out, but this seller has the same thing for $2.99 shipped.

Why would you want such a thing? Simple: To make USB cables go where you want them to go, rather than sticking out of your PC at aesthetically displeasing angles.

See, my laptop doubles as my desktop. Thus I keep various USB peripherals plugged in at all times: iPhone dock, … Read more

CNET Roadside Assistance 038: How often should you really change your oil? (podcast)

The best GPS you can load on your phone, how often you should change your oil in the real world, don't trust that self-braking car with your life (or someone else's) and adding remote start and seat heaters the right way.

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EPISODE 38 SHOW NOTES