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Sonic CD is an excellent iOS port of what's widely considered the best game in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, an ill-fated but critically acclaimed 1993 release for the Sega CD console.

Anyone who has even passing familiarity with video game history will know the Sonic schtick--speeding around, spinning and jumping, and collecting rings--and the coolest thing that sets Sonic CD apart from other Sonic titles is a time-traveling feature that essentially lets you experience three different versions of each level (past, present, and future). The game looks and feels like the original, with settings and unlockable extras that … Read more

The maker of a controversial Steve Jobs doll is ceasing production and sales of the 12-inch figure in response to "immense pressure" from Apple and Jobs' family.

"Though we still believe that we have not overstepped any legal boundaries, we have decided to completely stop the offer, production and sale of the Steve Jobs figurine out of our heartfelt sensitivity to the feelings of the Jobs family," Tandy Cheung, head of the Hong Kong-based In Icons, said in a statement yesterday announcing the decision. "Regardless of the pressure, I am still Steve's fan, I fully respect Steve, and his family, and it is definitely not my wish or intention that they be upset." … Read more

LAS VEGAS--As I've said before, it's not often that I get to cover surf-related tech, so when CNET's Kent German told me Oregon Scientific had a new video camera for surfboards, you'd better believe I bolted over to the company's booth to check it out.

The ATCMini Action Video Camera is Oregon Scientific's latest action cam, and it's one of the lightest ones yet at just 2.3 ounces. This means it won't weigh you down when you're trying to capture all your thrills and spills as you're surfing, biking, … Read more

Although all you really need for Bible study is a copy of the Bible, having some extra tools can help you get the most out of the scriptures. ActionBible is an easy-to-use program that can help you quickly locate desired passages, keep track of what you've done, and record your ideas and questions. We think this would be a great tool for clergy, laypeople, and anyone else with a desire to delve into the Bible.

ActionBible has a plain and intuitive layout, and it's quite easy to get started with it. A pane on the left side contains … Read more

As expected, the $99 posable figure resembling late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs now appears to be following the same legal path as its predecessors.

The Telegraph today reports that Apple sent In Icons--the figure's creators--a cease and desist note, claiming the company is breaking the law by creating a product that "resembles the technology company's logo, person's name, appearance or likeness of its products."

The figure, which made waves earlier this week, closely resembles Jobs, including his well-known wardrobe of a black turtleneck and jeans, and frameless glasses. Among the other things included in the … Read more

I haven't picked up a bearded 12-inch action figure since the 1970s, when the G.I. Joe Action Adventure Team was a kick-ass toy. But I can't resist this new fuzzhead from In Icons that's the spitting image of Steve Jobs.

The craftsmanship that went into this fully poseable collectible from In Icons and Hong Kong-based Dragon in Dream, known for its hyper-realistic Barack Obama figure, is quite striking.

This isn't the first Jobs action figure--last year, Apple lawyers put the kibosh on a predecessor by China's MIC Gadget.

But this one is far more … Read more

Google may soon launch a new, more sophisticated voice assistant for Android devices that can respond to natural language commands, claims tech enthusiast site Android and Me.

Codenamed Majel after the late "Star Trek" actress Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, who provided the voice of the computer for all of the later versions of the popular science fiction TV series, the new voice assistant could launch as early as January or February.

If the report holds true, Majel would be an upgrade to Android's current Voice Actions app, which lets you make calls, send e-mails, search the Web, get directions, … Read more

Why did Batman cross his legs?

Because he had to go to the bat-room.

I know, I know. But that joke kills in a room full of 7-year-olds.

Speaking of Batman (you knew I had a reason for the potty humor), there's good news for fans of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, two of the top-rated console games of 2009 and 2011, respectively: the Dark Knight just went mobile.

Warner Bros. Entertainment has unveiled Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, an official iOS spinoff of the console version. It's $5.99.

Built on the famed Unreal engine, Lockdown is sure … Read more

The latest incarnation of an officially licensed Superman video game turns out to be as mediocre as its many predecessors--passably fun, but somehow also capturing the tedium of life as an all-powerful, invulnerable superhero.

This 2D arcade-action game has some things going for it: The graphics are sharp (especially when you download the optional HD assets), and flying around as Superman--especially when you fly up into the darkness of space above Metropolis--looks and feels great. The cheesy comic back story (involving Lex Luthor and a weather-control satellite, naturally) can feel tacked on, alternating between superfluous single panels and long stretches … Read more