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The 404 691: Where tech guys should not be handymen (podcast)

The days of selling your used video games back to retail stores may be over sooner than we thought. The SF-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals recently made a ruling in the case of Vernor vs. Autodesk (LOL) that software publishers have the right to restrict the resale of their products to another users.

In the same way that many software companies require second round users to re-register for access, the ruling is major news for companies that buy back and sell video games, DVDs, books, and music.

But GameStop is definitely one of the bigger companies affected, as used game sales make up 46-percent of the company's gross income of $260 million per quarter. We knew the demise of GameStop would happen eventually, but thought it would because of games moving into the cloud.

And here's yet another reason not to join Facebook, if you haven't already. If you live in Victoria, Australia, police now have the court's approval to serve you papers via Facebook as a last attempt following prior attempts to contact you.

The subpoena comes in the form of a private message and even includes a video shot of the order that reads "as if the Respondent was being directly spoken to." They can also serve via text message as well, so just don't commit any heinous crimes and you'll be fine.

Tune into the rest of today's episode of The 404 Podcast to hear some personal stories about our high school jobs (yes, one of us was a dishwasher), as well as a long overdue Calls From the Public!

Episode 691 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS VideoRead more

Weird game swag: Plants vs. Zombies pottery

We're no strangers to unusual video game promotional items, but today's unexpected collection of pottery figures inspired by the hit casual game Plants vs. Zombiestakes the cake (at least for this week).

Although there was no explanatory note or press release included in the box (shipped directly from Moose Studios Pottery in Clovis, California), we assume this is to promote the $19.99 Limited Edition "Game of the Year" version of Plants vs. Zombies for PC. This new boxed retail version of the popular PC/iOS game includes a plastic zombie toy and an in-game tool, … Read more

Chinese vase packs a mean woofer

You heard it here first: The next trend in home media gadgets will be on the dinner table.

It started in Japan a few months ago with the "Supper Sound System," which hides speakers and other media gear in fake bottles, cups, and other dinnerware. Now, URBoom has modified its "Boom" system to include a Chinese vase that houses a 25-watt subwoofer to complement its 2.1 speakers, according to Shiny Shiny.

We're already anticipating the next addition, which seems inevitable: an LCD dinner plate.

Loving: Babygadget.net holiday gift guide

If you're the kind of parent who spends $245 on red wooden stilts for your child (and who isn't, really?), you have got the check out the Babygadget holiday gift guide--this is the "big things" installment, but there's a link to the whole shebang in there, too. OK, I'm underselling it. Even if you're not going to spend $245 on red wooden stilts, it's fantastic and, I'm betting, largely lead-free reading. I love, love, love the polar bear rocker, too, and it all makes me far less furious than reading … Read more

Pottery Barn has SMART TECH

Smart Technology is the innovative new line by Pottery Barn. I couldn't stop laughing when i first saw this over on Cool Hunting... is this the sign that technology has truly become ubiquitous in our everyday? Or have we just redefined what makes something "smart"? Honestly, take a look at this new line of products... classic Pottery Barn styled pieces get more intelligent with the integration of speakers, powerstrips, and holes for cables to come through... Below are a few more pieces from the collection. All of this makes me wonder whether there is a need for the services of someone willing to adapt all of your antique furniture to better house your tech... embedding speakers, powerstrips, wifi boosters, splash pad chargers that work beneath that gorgeous wood inlay?… Read more