freestyle

That mainstay from youth, the "suicide"--that's several different flavors of soda mixed together in a single glass to create one insanely sweet concoction, in case you're not in the know--is finally available on demand without having to fiddle with half a dozen 2-liter bottles.

Coca-Cola's nonstop marketing machine has introduced "Coca-Cola Freestyle," an online and real-world system that allows corn syrup (or Aspartame, for you Diet Coke drinkers) addicts to create their own soda "mixes."

The online component allows Facebook fans to fiddle with hundreds of combinations of various Coke brands and flavors, and an app for Android and iOS provides a related game. The apps also direct you to the nearest physical Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, where you can actually try out your deliciously decadent and dangerous-to-diabetics creation. There are currently more than a thousand "mix your own" dispensers in select restaurant chains, including some Burger Kings, Domino's Pizzas, Pei Wei Asian Diners, and other spots.… Read more

You might not know what to make of the HTC Freestyle when you first see it. And, to be honest, we didn't either. Though it looks like many an HTC smartphone, the AT&T handset is really a "quick messaging device." Communication and basic productivity take center stage and you won't find a lot of high-end options. Though the latter point is fine considering the price tag ($99 with service), we missed an accelerometer and Wi-Fi. Also, the Freestyle comes with too many third-party apps.

Inside you'll find a curious BREW-powered interface that resembles Android. It's easy to use even if we didn't love the virtual keyboard. Performance is satisfying save for an average speakerphone. We wouldn't recommend the Freestyle to everyone, but it does offer a quasi-smartphone experience without the required data plan.

For the full scoop, check out CNET's HTC Freestyle review plus photos and video. … Read more

HTC may have vaulted to glory in recent years with its selection of Android phones, but last month at CES the company broadened its portfolio just a bit with the new Freestyle quick-messaging phone.

The Freestyle, which goes on sale from AT&T this Sunday, February 13, lacks the high-end features of the new HTC Thunderbolt and its simple design won't stand out in the cell phone crowd. Yet, for users who don't need a lot, the BREW-powered Freestyle should deliver.

The aluminum body features a 3.2-inch touch screen with just a few navigation controls below. … Read more

Most of us gym-goers are dependent on our carefully tailored workout playlists to keep our legs moving during an otherwise dreary exercise. Needless to say, this entertainment is difficult to achieve underwater, but that hasn't stopped well-known swim gear brand Finis from helping swimmers have some fun, too. With this in mind, the company has updated its unique waterproof MP3 player, the SwimP3. Version 2 is carefully designed for comfort and practicality, and it's sure to sound a lot better than the splashes of a freestyle stroke.

Like the first version, SwiMP3 v2 uses bone conduction technology. It … Read more

Sometimes it seems that there's some kind of competition to see which gadget can be subjected to more abuse, especially of the water-torture variety: the MP3 player or the USB drive.

Although the latter gladiator seems to be well ahead in the games, a tough new media player has entered the contest--a 1GB version of the "Freestyle Audio Digital Music Player." (A 512MB model had been promised to come out this year as well, affixed to a helmet.)

Chip Chick says the 1.3-ounce player can be submerged up to 10 feet in water and last for … Read more