In what can be a sad revelation and truth to come to terms with, the U.S. of A. is not as steadfast in their “free internet” beliefs outside of home grown soil. While the internet in the U.S. is uncensored, and hopefully will remain that way for…..ever, it seems we have different motives elsewhere. When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the west *that’s the U.S….among others* is one of the top providers and supporters of internet censoring software and tactics outside of U.S. borders. Surprised? I was. So how exactly has the U.S. aided such anti-American tactics abroad?

While wars currently rage between labels, copyright holders, RIAA-like companies, and consumers alike, a small movement may be on the verge of starting. A new band, “We Are The Fallen” has risen from the ashes that was Evanescence. While many will confuse the old and the new, Ben Moody, the co-founder of Evanescence sees the two bands as walking the path of life on this earth peacefully rather than resorting to typical celebrity drama/bashing. So what exactly is the big deal with this new band. At first glance many will more than likely confuse them for Evanescence as it is again a group of guys with a girl fronting the band. The real difference isn’t in the structure of the band, but in how they will share their creations with the rest of the world. Hint: Don’t think of “big CD releases”, instead, think of more sporadic updates. Their approach is exciting to say the least…

When Android was announced by Google, the mobile world was taken by storm…at some times a slow rumbling storm but a storm none the less.  People had high hopes back in those early pre-android days.  Fast forward and Android is definitely a player in the mobile market.  However it isn’t perfect and still has a [...]

While there were many things announced yesterday at WWDC, several of those pertaining to the new iPhone 3GS, one in particular left me wanting more - the camera. The old iPhone 2G and 3G cameras were 2 megapixel shooters with nothing else to aid in mobile static image gathering. The new iPhone 3GS uses a *slightly* higher resolution 3 megapixel camera, except this time auto-focus, auto-white balance, and a few other small software tweaked features are also added. As soon as I saw the camera I thought to myself “That’s it?”. Do you find yourself asking the same question?

When Android was announced by Google, the mobile world was taken by storm…at some times a slow rumbling storm but a storm none the less.  People had high hopes back in those early pre-android days.  Fast forward and Android is definitely a player in the mobile market.  However it isn’t perfect and still has a [...]

Coming off of yesterday’s review of BerryWeather, HandyWeather is following closely vying for your dollar and dedicated spot on your berry. As far as weather information is concerned, HandyWeather does a good job of laying out the information on the screen in a decent manner that is easy to read. Though, while the app isn’t ugly by any means, I much prefer BerryWeather’s visual appearance and overall more “modern” feel. Is it the right Blackberry weather for you?

Accuweather makes the jump into iPhone weather applications with a self titled weather app that puts up some serious competition to others already available such as The Weather Channel and My Weather. How does it stack up. Come inside!

If you are the type of peson who finds the Blackberry shortcuts merely adequate or even insufficient for your needs, you my friend have an addiction. An addiction that modern science and medicine cannot cure. So what is a person to do? You could always set time limits for your Berry usage. You could give it up all together (thought that is a bit extreme). Lastly and more importantly, you can make use of a great little tool…”ShortcutMe”, an amazing, easy to use shortcut application that allows you to set practically limitless (as there aren’t /that/ many BB apps) shortcuts. So what exactly can you do with shortcut me? How can this shorcut app make your life with your Berry even more productive and easier?

The iPhone version of Scrabble brings the many joys of Scrabble to the mobile world and does a great job doing it. Many hours of my life will now be gone…invested in trying to muster a 3 letter word while the computer puts together a 30 word sentence…

When Android was announced by Google, the mobile world was taken by storm…at some times a slow rumbling storm but a storm none the less.  People had high hopes back in those early pre-android days.  Fast forward and Android is definitely a player in the mobile market.  However it isn’t perfect and still has a [...]

When Android was announced by Google, the mobile world was taken by storm…at some times a slow rumbling storm but a storm none the less.  People had high hopes back in those early pre-android days.  Fast forward and Android is definitely a player in the mobile market.  However it isn’t perfect and still has a [...]

Are you a Blackberry user who has so many favorite applications and/or email address that you couldn’t possibly just pick 5-7 to fit on a bottom dock theme but despise “Icon” style themes? Good news for you as the 50 x 50 Bottom and Hidden docks today theme is exactly what you’ve been looking for. CrackShack.com has stuffed 11 icons into a hiding bottom dock as well as crammed 4 more additional icons on a second hidden side dock bringing the grand total to 15 icons on the homescreen. Indecisive users have finally met their match!

Take your Blackberry to the next level with Robotika, a unique “build-your-own” type of theme that allows you to custom build a robot on the homescreen depending on the user chosen icons on the homescreen. With over 35 parts to choose from, Robotika will surely enjoy an extended stay on your Berry as he shows off to all.

Since I’m stuck with an 8320 until the Onyx/Magnum come out, I decided to try and track down that Verizon vendor theme that I once had on my 8320 (before I switched to an iPhone). At the time of the 8330’s release, the Verizon theme was one of a few bottom dock themes for that series of device - hence the hype surrounding it. While true hardcore Blackberry users who have an eye for candy generally switch to 3rd party themes, some people prefer the fast and simple interface the stock vendor themes provide. Have you been searching for the stock Verizon vendor theme for your non-CDMA device?

Those in the market for a fresh premium BlackBerry theme have another option today with LineUp. While the basic layout is radically unique, the colors used throughout show that the designer, Brandy R. over at Artistic-Me have quite the eye for good design. The theme which is available in either a bottom dock or plus style will cater to most users’ needs. LineUp is available for 8900, 9000, and 9630 devices for $6.99 from Artistic-Me.com.

As you read the title above, think about how much 1 Trillion truly is. That is how many text messages we sent in 2008 according to CITA’s CEO, Steve Largent. But is it surprising? With the number of wireless subscribers in the billions and phones with either half qwerty mashups like RIM’s suretype keyboard or full qwerty keyboards, texting has becoming the new defacto standard for quick communication.

We’ve seen some pretty unique uses for lego in the tech world such as the Lego Flash Drive, the Lego USB hub, and even a Lego MP3 player. The latest use of Lego’s, while not quite “gadgety”, is none the less cool and unique. Instead of having electronic circuits inside the legos, they themselves become literal building blocks, supporting aging wonders of architecture.

TV’s have been in mens restrooms for years. While they vary from the tiny 13 incher in the corner to the monstrous 60″ plasma on the wall, they all have one common flaw: you have to actually advert your eyes from the task at hand to watch. Something that isn’t always possible or safe. However, some truly visionary individual has created one of if not the best piece of gadgetry for a pub…

Though this isn’t gadget related, it is undoubtedly cool. The human body while certainly a walking vessel full of miniture miracles or feats of science happening every second, is still limited in its abilites. For example, our eyes are weak. We can’t see as far or crisp as an owl let alone a telescope. But what if our eyes had the power of the Hubble?

Like many hobbies, addictions can grow and develop from a small crush to a wide following consuming the minds and actions of wide swaths of people. Techie’s in particular can grow quite attached to gadgets, hardware, software, a tech company, or even characters in techie based products such as video game characters. While at the time, a certain tattoo may seem like a great way to show off your geekiness. However, after the ink settles and you step back look at what you’ve done, one can see the utter chaos that some of bestowed upon their bodies.

When you’re in a hurry and have to leave someone a message on their voicemail, you want to do it right this second, not 15, 20, or 30 seconds from now. Another reason for the quick message is not only because of time constraints but more importantly to save a few pennies. Those precious seconds you’re stuck on the phone listening to some stupid recording when you could be yapping away yourself costs against your minutes, and if you’re over your minutes they go on your bill as nasty overages. Pretty shady huh!? But there is a hope for us mere mortals yet.

The WSJ is one of the most widely read and highly regarded newspapers in the world. Because of their global success, the subsciption costs that are required to read said paper don’t deter many as it is again a very established and well respected newspaper. As far as actually spreading news and getting the word out there, having subscription costs and paywalls aren’t exactly the greatest method for Google popularity or subscribers as the people receiving the subscription payments are the only real beneficiaries. In order to be more indexable by Google, a sweet little back door is now open allowing anyone and everyone the ability to read any WSJ article online for free. While more technologically less intelligent people won’t ever stumble upon this wonderful backdoor, I’m letting you fine people know about it in order to “spread the open flow and movement of news”. Want to know how?

Has Safari 4 beta left you wanting a blast from the not so distant and still kinda-sorta present past? If you figured that non-sense out and want to get the tabs back on the bottom in Safari 4…check this out!

For many, MP3 player is synonymous with iPod. However, in terms of audio quality, the iPod is far from the top of the heap. Back when hard drive mp3 players were big, units such as the Rio Karma, iRiver iHP-120 (my favorite…mine still works), and Cowon’s X5 were the real kings of audio when actual audio quality was considered - something that seems to have fallen by the wayside today. If you want to bring some new school love to an old friend, in this case an old Cowon X5, reinvent your dying love with some new compact flash goodness.

Mac OS X users who want to bring back a little of the Aqua shine to iTunes 8 now have a solution with iTunes Blue compliments of Larzon83 over at deviantart by way of a modified iTunes.rsrc file that once copied and pasted in place brings the sexy back to iTunes.