oz

Temple Run journeys to the land of Oz

I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore, at least not in the latest Temple Run game.

In Temple Run: Oz, you play the role of the Great and Powerful himself as you travel the Yellow Brick Road trying to outrun flying monkeys, avoid dangerous plants, and jump over or slide under an array of obstacles.

Released yesterday for iOS and Android for just 99 cents, Temple Run: Oz combines the usual hazards of the Temple Run games with the wonders and dangers of the land of Oz.… Read more

Latest Chrome 'experiment' goes to Oz

Google's newest interactive browser "experiment" transports you from your desk to Oz, highlighting cutting-edge browser tech along the way.

Created in conjunction with Disney and the production company Unit9 to help promote the upcoming movie, "Oz the Great and Powerful," the experiment leverages the latest in Web standards to create a browser-based experiment that previously could have been completed only with Adobe Flash.

In the experiment, called Find Your Way to Oz, you can compose music, goof around with a photo booth, and make a short movie with a zoetrope. If you survive the tornado … Read more

New virtual-agent software uses AI to help users

If you've ever tried to conduct a customer service transaction through one of the automated virtual agents many companies have deployed, you no doubt have had trouble being understood. But a new technology is applying artificial intelligence to the problem in the hopes that agents capable of adapting as they go will make a big difference in consumer satisfaction.

The new technology, from San Francisco's VirtuOz, one of the leading developers of white-label virtual-agent software, is called Rapid Adapt, and it is designed as an adaptive system that can learn from each customer interaction.

Until now, much of … Read more

Daily Tidbits: Glam Media acquires AdaptiveAds

Content network Glam Media announced on Thursday that it has acquired AdaptiveAds, a company specializing in the targeting and optimization of display ads. Glam Media claims that its acquisition of AdaptiveAds will help it solidify its offering in the advertising market. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but Glam did say disclose plans to open an office in Mumbai, India, as part of the acquisition.

PokerVibez, a service that allows users to play poker but get to know each other in the process, has launched in private beta. According to the company, users can sign up for the … Read more

RefurbDepot.com has the OZ-290H 1.5 MB Equivalent organizer, Large Touch-screen Display for $15.95, after $54 savings.

RefurbDepot.com has OZ-290H 1.5 MB Equivalent organizer, Large Touch-screen Display for $15.95, after $54 savings. >> Regular price is $69.95 >> Sale price is $15.95 >> Savings $54 (77.20%) >> Click here for deal

Nokia to buy Oz Communications

Nokia is bulking up its communications platform with the acquisition of Oz Communications, a privately held Montreal-based company that offers mobile e-mail and instant messaging.

On Tuesday, Nokia said it would buy Oz for an undisclosed amount, bringing Oz into its services and software unit. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Oz has been around for about five years. And the company, which has been working with Nokia since 2003, has raised more than $71 million. Its IM, e-mail, and social-networking technologies are used by several mobile operators, including Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile USA, Alltel, … Read more

Faucet for the billionaire bathroom

All too often Crave comes across various goods that are festooned--or infected--with all manner of bling, real or otherwise. We usually try to stay focused on gadgets but, every once in awhile, something non-digital comes along that we just can't resist. This is one of those times.

Italian design house Teknobili has created a bathroom faucet covered with 292 diamonds, according to Trendir. Fortunately no price was listed for the "Oz Diamond Edition," because we just had breakfast.

But really, how bad can it be? After the $1 million fishing lure, nothing would surprise us. … Read more

Don't just daydream--enter the vortex

Acknowledging our generational biases, we've noted our partiality to the lava lamp in its original form, or at least as close as possible. Although we've tried to keep an open mind about more contemporary equivalents, few can even approach the volcanic icon of our wasted youth (so to speak).

But Discovery has managed to come close with a USB swirling vortex that looks good enough to keep us mesmerized even without artificial enhancements. This LED-illuminated item has a practical use beyond its entertainment value as well, housing four USB ports in a 180-degree revolving hub. With any luck, … Read more

Cozy up to your 40-ounce

If you like King Cobra 40s but hate the excess dew you get on your hand from giant bottles of beer, then the 40cozy might be for you. Made out of neoprene, it hugs your beer in a range of styles including camouflage and a pattern of beers and crowns.

The company will even make custom designs for bulk orders (holiday bonus anyone?). 40cozy is also doing its part to be green as it reduces the need for those pesky brown paper bags. It even make cozies for tall boys! So if you are drinking 40s out of style rather … Read more