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Old-school arcade action

Super Laser: The Alien Fighter is a fast-paced, vertically scrolling 2D shooter in the spirit of arcade classics like Raiden, Xevious, and 1942.

You pilot a small ship that never stops shooting, maneuvering through tight formations of enemies that attack throughout the game's seven frenetic levels--all of which end in boss battles of increasing epic-ness. The game gives you four different choices for controlling your ship: Touch (you just place and move your finger wherever you want your ship), Relative (like Touch, but you can place your finger anywhere on the screen, e.g., beside your ship), Joypad (a … Read more

The 404 716: Where we're thankful for enhanced pat-down searches (podcast)

It's the last day of the week for us! Mark Licea joins us today to fill in for the day before Thanksgiving. We hope all of your enjoy your new TSA-approved enhanced pat-downs when you're flying to see your loved ones. Justin isn't even leaving the city, but he's making daily trips to the airport to meet his special security officer.

Speaking of the TSA screenings that have become all the rage on the news these days, Jeff thinks that it's the dearth of news in American media that is letting the issue blow up on cable news and across the Web. In part, Wilson agrees given that the new regulations, backscatter (cool name for a band) X-ray scanning machines and pat-down searches have been planned for months. While the general populace might be a bit surprised by the new TSA regulations, Wilson doesn't believe it makes it right to be photographed through our clothes just because we want to fly.

In happier ramblings, The 404 does give thanks for the privilege of essentially shooting the tech-and-culture crap with each other on a daily basis. It's something we're truly thankful for, and we'd love nothing but to share our love for our loyal and growing listener base.

Jeff, being Jeff, though, has to interrupt the flow of happiness to talk a bit about the blackout for the New York-New Jersey region when it comes to the NHL's new GameCenter service, which lets fans watch games and replays. The big exception that really irks Jeff is that the service won't let him watch his beloved New Jersey Devils! Wilson and Mark really couldn't care less.

Any way, we won't be having a show tomorrow or Friday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, but be sure to e-mail us or call in at the usual 1-866-404-CNET (2638), and let us know what you're thankful for. Maybe it's that new tech gadget or Wilson's laugh? Let us know.

Episode 716 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Don't Ask.com

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

Windows Phone 7 launches and so do the new Windows Phone apps

Google announces Instant Preview, a feature that lets you preview Web sites before clicking n them

Ask.com shuts down its search efforts to focus on Q&A services

Apple has reportedly purchased Wi-Gear, a wireless headphone maker

Android users can control YouTube videos on their GoogleTV with the new app

AT&T users with non-Apple smartphones can get apps from GetJar

RIM claims that the BlackBerry PlayBook will cost less than $500

A court in Connecticut is set … Read more

The 404 672: Where we make Frends with Kevin Pearce (podcast)

The 404 Podcast has interviewed professional athletes before, but few are as young, or as inspiring, as today's guest, professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce. At only 22 years old, Kevin is already very accomplished, winning back-to-back Arctic Challenge titles in 2007 and 2008, in addition to being the first man to earn two Air & Style rings in one season.

Kevin sits down with The 404 Podcast to talk about his snowboarding history and an accident earlier this year that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Narrowly escaping death with the support of his friends and family, Kevin also tells us that his miraculous recovery wouldn't have been possible without the help of his brother Adam, who also joins us as Kevin's unofficial photographer in the studio.

Kevin's also here to show off his new line of headphones named after his seven-deep crew of snowboarders called "Frends." The group consists of Keir Dillon, Mason Aguirre, Danny Davis, Scotty Lago, Kevin, and Jack and Luke Mitrani, and the current lineup includes five different headphones that range from earbuds to large DJ style cans. In fact, Kevin actually wears a pair with pride on today's episode.

Finally, Kevin and his brother David are in New York to participate in this weekend's 2010 New York City Buddy Walk, a one-mile walk to benefit the National Down Syndrome Society and Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. Kevin's already well on his way to raising $10,000 but needs your help to reach his goal, so head over to his donation page and give what you can!

Episode 672 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

IE9 beta takes a bow

  Links from Thursday's episode of Loaded: Microsoft releases beta version of Internet Explorer 9 Craigslists rules out reopening adult services Facebook competitor Diaspora releases source code Apple iOS 4.2 brings the iPad up to par Playstation 3 firmware update includes 3D Blu-ray support

Maine offshore energy project exceeds expectations

Maine is now home to the "largest ocean energy device ever installed in U.S. waters," the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) announced Wednesday.

That device is the company's Beta Power System, which was installed in Cobscook Bay off of Eastport, Maine, and includes a submerged Turbine Generator Unit with a capacity of 60 kilowatts.

The TGU works in similar principle to a wind turbine, but with a horizontal turbine propelled by tidal currents instead of wind. The turbine is built from composite materials resistant to corrosion and, being gearless, requires no lubricants that could make their … Read more

Are we edging toward Net neutrality detente?

Editors' note: This is a guest column. See Larry Downes' bio below.

The news is coming fast and furious in the battle over Net neutrality. After rumors began to circulate on Wednesday of a separate peace accord between leading combatants Google and Verizon Communications, the Federal Communications Commission suddenly announced on Thursday that it was concluding meetings aimed at resolving the regulatory logjam it had been holding since June with major stakeholders.

While Google and Verizon, partners in wireless service for Android telephones, acknowledge long-standing discussions, both are also denying any specifics of those talks, or of the existence of … Read more

Google, Verizon in tiered-Net traffic talks

Links from Thursday's episode of Loaded:

Verizon & Google agreement may raise net fees RIP Google Wave FTC & Intel reach settlement Jailbreakme.com patch coming soon

preGAME 21: Deathspank, Limbo, & Blacklight: Tango Down

With the summer gaming drought in full effect, we figured it was a perfect time to dive into the world of digital-downloadable games. On today's episode, we'll demo three download-only titles: Deathspank, Limbo, and Blacklight: Tango Down.

With a game drought also comes a news drought, but we were happy to hear about this morning's announcement of an official release date and price for Microsoft Kinect. The body motion-sensing attachment will ship November 3 for $150.

While we had a fairly good idea of how much Kinect would cost, we were happy to see the unveiling of … Read more