ie8 fix

coco

Liquid physics games for iOS

I often write about action games in my collections, and it's no secret I'm a fan of the racing-game genre as well. But another genre I like to play while on my commute is mind-twisting puzzle games. A new game was released a few days ago that has jumped to the top of the charts at iTunes App Store and it has all the bells and whistles to remain a hit.

Though puzzle games come in a lot of different forms, one of my favorite types is those that use realistic physics. Some of the best I have come across use liquid physics and require you to experiment in order to solve each puzzle.… Read more

Great sling shot games that aren't named Angry Birds

With the incredible success of the original Angry Birds, few iOS gamers were probably surprised that Angry Birds Space would rocket to the top of the iTunes Store's list of paid apps. I've been playing the game quite a lot over the past 24 hours, and though I've noticed some bugs (kill all pigs with one bird to get one star, anyone?), the new gravity fields, interesting levels, and new bird types definitely add something new to the game.

Angry birds isn't the only game in this genre, however. When Angry Birds took off at the iTunes App Store, several developers came out with their own version of the sling-shot game mechanic and many brought new elements to add to the fun.

This week's collection of iOS apps are all Angry Birds-like destruction games, but each have an interesting twist on the original game mechanic. The first offers a heavy metal theme as you smash monster trucks into structures. The second lets you blast ragdolls through intricate levels towards a target. The third mixes game genres to add liquid physics into the equation making for unique challenges.… Read more

Cell phones from the lesser-knowns

With all the hype and hoopla surrounding blockbuster releases from powerhouse cell phone manufacturers (we mean you, Samsung, LG, and Motorola), it's nice to shine a light on the lesser-knowns.

We've gathered up five phones produced by five different handset-makers and signed by different carriers.

Since all these phones are either entry-level or midrange feature phones, they're worth a look from those of you in search of a device to do what phones do best: make calls and text.

Check out our roundup here.

Ask Conan a question, get a Facebook video reply

Conan O'Brien's new show is coming to TBS on November 8. In the meantime--perhaps as a creative way to get the word out--he is inviting fans to ask him questions about himself, his new show, and his past.

The controversial comedian announced in a video this week that anyone can ask him questions on the Team Coco Facebook page. He will then answer some of those questions in a follow-up video.

O'Brien didn't say when he would answer the questions, but his Facebook page is still soliciting them as of this writing. So far, there are … Read more

Messaging phones from AT&T: Roundup

AT&T isn't shy when it comes to padding its lineup of quick messaging phones. These are typically cell phones in the middle of the feature range, with a healthy quantity of social media apps on board in addition to optional AT&T services like the AT&T Navigator and a music store.

We've rounded up five top picks of AT&T messaging phones, some of which include a touch screen in addition to QWERTY keyboards, and all of which are 3G-capable. All cost $150 or under, so there's something for every budget.… Read more

The 404 Podcast 526: Where we form a flying V

The 404 is complete once again, forming flying Vs and throwing knuckle pucks that would make Gordon Bombay proud. The first story to mention is the return of The Red Kid (not that one, Jeff), but this time to Twitter! It's about time, Conan, but you know you're a little late to the Twitter game when you get beaten by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. It's good to have Conan back, and he might even be coming to a city near you!

The former king of late night recently finalized plans to perform a live show in select cities that will employ ex-"Tonight Show" employees and bring back classic characters from the talk show. It's good to have you back, Mr. O'Brien--we knew you couldn't stay away for too long!

Next, Jeff tells us a truly terrifying story about things that go bump in the night....keep your mind out of the gutter while you listen, but it's about his fiancee's troubled-sleep woes. The scary part is she's not the only one in the studio with serious slumbering issues! Wrap yourself in a Snuggie, climb into a Tauntaun, and prepare yourself for a collection of night terror stories that will have you reaching for the phone, and who you gonna call? THE SLEEP DOCTOR MICHAEL BREUS! Look for another appearance from The Sultan of Sleep on a future episode of The 404, 'cause this is getting out of hand.

If you're just tuning in, we should warn you that the next story should not be heard during a meal or while in a state of anger, because you might do something crazy like send your nemesis a pile of poop. Poopsenders.com lets you send your friend/enemy/frenemy a steaming pile of cow, elephant, or gorilla dung, and you can even choose the amount! Can you hear the excitement in my written voice right now? With an ace of spades prank like this up our sleeves, we dare BOL to call us out again! Just kidding guys...;)

EPISODE 526 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS VideoRead more

The 404 Podcast 503: Where everything was better in the '90s

In typical 404 fashion, this morning's show started later than usual, mostly because we couldn't shut up about all the things that made the 1990s one of the best decades ever.

Some of the conversation leaks into the beginning of the episode, including a chat about the evolution of video games since the '90s. It's hard to imagine a time before you needed a toy chest to hold all the plastic instruments you need play a simple game!

You can get your 404 fix every day of the week (thanks to Nick for the image above!), but the most random stories always end up on Friday. Today is no different, with Wilson's first story about mysterious cookies that offer "natural supplemental endowment." Called the F Cup Cookie, the treat is quickly gaining popularity in Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, because of their promise to increase bust size in three weeks or less! Rest assured, we've already ordered three boxes to test the claims ourselves.

Should the film industry provide heart health warnings prior to showing movies with heavy 3D imagery? It might be worth the discussion, especially after a 42-year-old Taiwanese man died after watching "Avatar" in 3D.

The man started to feel uneasy during the screening of "Avatar" in 3D and was quickly taken to a hospital where a scan showed a brain hemorrhage. Sadly, the man died 11 days later. Doctors reported that "the over-excitement from watching the movie triggered his symptoms," a claim that opens up our conversation about possible preshow warnings.

We've spent all week stuffing your SASEs full of 404 stickers, and if you already got yours in the mail it's YOUR turn to do some work for US! Take a picture of where you stuck your 404 sticker(s) and tattoo(s) and send it to us at the404(at)cnet(dot)com. If you do, there's a good chance we'll show it on the air! Take a cue from Cheryl, the Official 404 Grandmother who sent us a picture of her grandson fully covered in them! Nice work, Cheryl!

EPISODE 503 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS VideoRead more

Mutant pen grows an SD card

We thought the whole pen convergence trend had subsided after seeing the most recent combo devices with built-in camcorders and DVRs. But video is apparently only the beginning for the versatile writing instrument, which also has designs on the storage market.

There have been many USB memory pens, as Chip Chick has noted, but now things have gotten downright silly with an SD card reader. The "3 in 1 Cocos Card Reader" also has a USB drive and actually writes, hence the three functions, with storage of up to 512MB.

But unlike the earlier surveillance-oriented pens, we wouldn'… Read more