dare

Buzz Out Loud 1417: Malaria > Steve Ballmer (podcast)

Gmail is still up and down, PS3 sales are actually blocked in Europe, and Motorola says Xoom sales are off to "a good start." What does that mean? But they're certainly off to a better start than Microsoft, which is only just now, rumor has it, working on Windows 8 tablet design demos that we'll see ... in June. JUNE! Bill Gates is so pretending he never worked there right now. Plus, Penthouse in 3D. Ew. --Molly

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A Wii game for swingers? No, really

Thin is the line between party and sex party.

A few more drinks, a little more Prince, and suddenly what started out as innocent suburban fun turns into debauchery that will be gossiped about for years to come.

The makers of a new game for Wii and PS3 called "We Dare" seem to want to help you cross that line. Created by Ubisoft, "We Dare" is, according to Kotaku, a game that may swiftly replace social icebreakers like the key party as the favored Friday night couple-relaxing entertainment in your subdivision.

While I wouldn't dream of encouraging such socially divisive behavior, the makers of "We Dare" would like to offer you about 35 "fun and flirtatious" games that will help you relax in the company of Mrs. Galloway from number 47. And her slightly creepy husband who always wears a check cardigan.

The "We Dare" trailer is already enjoying so many parody versions posted to YouTube that Ubisoft appears to be scrambling to protect its behind--I mean, copyright (YouTube has already yanked a few of the clips).

Some people, though, will be less concerned with Ubisoft's copyright and more concerned about how uber-titillation can make their weekends complete.… Read more

The 404 765: Where we dare you to give us a mature rating (podcast)

Our guest on today's episode of The 404 Podcast is Russ Frushtick, the games and tech editor for MTV Multiplayer, but the ESRB has assigned him an AO rating for Adults Only, so he won't be visiting Australia anytime soon. Similarly, Australia also refuses to welcome the latest Mortal Kombat game due to excessive violence.

The real story, however, is Australia's outdated rules for video game classification that currently only accommodate a maximum MA15+ rating, so video games that surpass these limitations are automatically banned in the country.

Since Australian adults still have access to mature media in its other myriad forms, it doesn't make sense that local gamers can't also enjoy video games with similarly "explicit" content.

And speaking of risque video games, a U.K.-only Nintendo Wii title is promising "flirty fun for all" with its latest adult-friendly release, called We Dare. The trailer for We Dare illustrates gameplay in the form of four consenting adults using the Wii remote to control virtual versions of party games like Spin The Bottle, Kiss Under the Mistletoe, and the ever-popular Take Off Your Clothes.

The We Dare trailer is a perfect example of vendors using viral marketing to hype up the release of video games that may not be as fun as the videos suggest.

The Dead Island trailer is making similar waves for two reasons: because of its graphic nature that makes sensitive babies like Wilson and me squirm, but also because it doesn't show footage of actual gameplay in Dead Island.

Game previews often show cut scenes or, worse, videos exclusively created for the trailers, which leaves plenty of gamers feeling cheated when the gameplay doesn't even come close… Read more

Verizon launches V Cast Media Manager

Verizon Wireless released new desktop software on Monday to help its customers better manage the media between their cell phones and computers.

Based on Smith Micro's QuickLink Media Software, V Cast Media Manager is available as a free download and lets you transfer photos, videos, and music from your phone to your PC via USB cable and provides you with tools for organizing, editing, and viewing the content. With the software, you can do such things as touch up photos, create slideshows, and rip and burn CDs. In addition, V Cast Media Manager can help you sync your multimedia … Read more

VW to consumers: Our diesels are clean, fast, and will start when frozen

New particle trapping technology and significantly lower sulfur diesel fuel has opened the door for more diesel-powered vehicles to be sold in all 50 states. But the increase in engine cleanliness hasn't translated into increased diesel vehicle sales the way German automakers wanted.

The problem? Consumer perception hasn't caught up with engineering advances.

To combat the dated stigma that diesels are dirty, slow, expensive, and won't start in the cold, VW has launched TDI Truth & Dare, a new Web site that aims to debunk these myths.

The videos may provide a bit of entertaining education, but … Read more

Verizon Wireless has the LG Dare Cell Phone for $129.99, after $50 savings.

Save $50 on the LG Dare Cell Phone from Verizon Wireless >> Regular price is $179.99 >> Sale price is $129.99 >> Savings $50 (27.78%) >> Click here for deal

iPhone wannabes or smart alternatives? You decide

CORRECTION July 9 at 10:48 a.m. PDT: This article misstated the BlackBerry Bold's display type. It does not have a touch screen. The story has been updated to reflect this change.

Apple's iPhone 3G hits store shelves on Friday, but if you haven't been struck with iPhone fever, don't fret. There are plenty of alternatives that offer similar style and features. And they may even be easier on your wallet in the long run.

To some Apple fans, phones such as the Samsung Instinct or the HTC Diamond are simply iPhone wannabes. But to … Read more

Dialed In 38: Look Ma, no hands!

We kick off the show with a discussion of the new hands-free driving laws that hit CA and WA this week, and then quickly launch into the latest iPhone 3G news, the high cost of texting, and tons of smartphone rumors. We also go over our latest reviews like the LG Dare and the Motorola Rokr E8. Listen now: Download today's podcast NewsHands-free calling http://www.cnet.com/hands-free-cell-phone-laws/ Canadian iPhone 3G plans lack unlimited data http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9979657-1.html Getting ready for the iPhone 3G http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9693189-1.htmlThe rising cost of texting … Read more

Review: LG Dare

The LG Dare may seem like just any other touch-screen phone, but I'm here to tell you that it has quite a few surprising features that made us sit up and take notice. First, it has one of the more innovative interface layouts I've seen, where you can drag and drop shortcut icons directly to the home screen. Also, there's a drawing pad application that lets you sketch out little doodles and maps and then send them to your friends via MMS. As for text input, you can choose from a T9 keypad, a full QWERTY keyboard … Read more