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ie8 fix

pinning

A 3D classic bar game done right

10 Pin Shuffle Lite is a preview version of 10 Pin Shuffle, a physics-based shuffleboard simulator with polished graphics and a convincing interface.

The interface is simple but subtle: you look down the length of a traditional, barroom shuffleboard table, with a realistically rendered shuffleboard weight in front of you. You have a number of options for positioning and shooting the weight, with left and right arrows that slide the weight laterally, and another pair of arrows that let you rotate your aim to the left or right. You can also just tap and drag the weight into position, and … Read more

Multiple-shot photos and 3D Shuffleboard: iPhone apps of the week

With almost 150,000 apps in the iTunes App Store, it shouldn't come as a surprise that some apps have slipped under my radar. Though it's embarrassing to admit, some of my great app discoveries happened only because I read about them long after their release, or I had a friend pull out their iPhone and say, "You mean you've never tried 'X'?" But I think that's part of what is so fun about owning an iPhone: you virtually never stop discovering new things you can do with it even if the app isn'… Read more

Virtual password vault

Tired of trying to remember passwords, account numbers, and other important confidential information? Passwords Plus can help. It will store all of your secret information in one database. You can choose from several categories built into the program, such as bank accounts and health insurance, or add more of your own. It has some interesting features, such as the ability to import information from PDAs and other handheld devices.

Passwords Plus has a compact interface that opens as a small window so it's easy to use in tandem with other programs. The built-in categories cover most password and PIN … Read more

Text editor for Chinese

Teachers or students of Chinese language will appreciate this full-featured text editor and its wide range of fonts and formatting options. The audio features for playing the Chinese text aloud provide extra enrichment for more in-depth studies.

The HanWJ Chinese Smart Editor launches a Microsoft Word-like interface with a menu bar, toolbar for basic file management functions (new document, open document, save, print, search, and so forth), and a formatting toolbar. The editing pane can display a ruler and status bar, and its view options allow it to be displayed in multiple manners. It includes a full range of formatting … Read more

Rolling out the dough

At least once a week, I pull my wooden rolling pin out of the drawer and use it to roll out dough. Then I have to wash it. And I really hate that, because it reminds me every week that I want a new plastic rolling pin. The wooden one warps over time, and it's just plain hard to clean. It's not really supposed to go in the dishwasher, and I guess I really wasn't supposed to soak it in the sink overnight either.

Progressive International offers a cute rolling pin with extras that are smart--and useful. … Read more

Innovative organizational tool

While some programs focus only on passwords or account information, eWallet promises to help keep all of your important numbers together in one secure place.

This program's colorful, busy interface looks overwhelming at first, but there's an excellent Wizard to guide you through the process. The interface has a large central screen to view a selected record. Along the left side is a file tree that is dedicated to your virtual wallet and all the records it will contain. The top of the screen houses the commands that allow you to develop this wallet. Adding an item is … Read more

Finovate: Privacy is dead, long live the PIN

What's something we often use for security in the real world but not online? PIN codes. We use them at stores, banks, and ATMs, so why not use them online? For one, a QWERTY keyboard lets you create a much stronger, and often easier-to-remember password than you could with numerical digits. But PINs are still a password and can be just as good with the right precautions.

Some companies are using PIN codes to add an extra layer of security on top of what sites already offers. Here are four companies at the FinovateStartup conference doing just that.

Aradiom's SolidPass … Read more

The 404 302: Where Wilson is walking on sunshine

Justin calls Wilson out for being happy with his life, so they decide to name the show after the popular '80s song Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. Meanwhile, Justin hates his life because New York City ruined his evening. Stay tuned for that story on today's The 404.

Jeff talks about a dangerous e-mail chain letter about entering your PIN number in reverse to call the police during a robbery. Too bad, it ain't true. You might just get stabbed in the stomach if you try this one. Speaking of your health, you can help stop the spread of the flu this year with Twitter. We also suggest not licking the subway poles, but hey--to each his own.

Also, Apple quietly introduces data tethering to the iPhone OS 3.0. Apparently, it takes a little minor hacking, but you'll be able to tether your iPhone 3G to your computer over USB. Bluetooth support is a few more hacks away. Hopefully, you don't take down the entire AT&T network when you BitTorrent the latest "Battlestar Galactica" over your iPhone 3G connection.

Microsoft releases the latest version of Internet Explorer 8 for download. The tech community gives a collective yawn (except for IT managers), while we get creeped out by a Japanese robot model.

Finally, our tagline contest is coming to an end, and before we decide on an official winner, we'd like you to chime in by taking our poll. Click here or look up and to your left. Jonathan Coulton had to reschedule but will make his appearance in the coming weeks, so hold onto your horses. Be sure to support our very own Natali Del Conte's Smackdown for Charity!

EPISODE 302 Download today's podcast |  Subscribe in iTunes |  Subscribe in RSS… Read more

Securing smartphones with picture codes

A company called PINoptic says it has a new picture-based security mechanism to make smartphones more secure.

The company claims that its new software will make a smartphone 37 times more secure than using a simple four-digit personal identification number.

As smartphones become increasingly popular, experts warn they could be targets for hackers. These devices provide access to corporate networks, e-mail accounts, and sometimes corporate data. Stolen smartphones can also provide criminals with plenty of information to steal personal identities. And because they're made to be portable, smartphones can be lifted easily from pockets or purses or even left … Read more