Homemade robot has boring name, but likes to party

Is all that bottle-poppin' and drink-serving getting in the way of you releasing your inner party animal this New Year's Eve? Fear not, dear readers, for our friends from Japan have built yet another humanoid service robot, only this time it was constructed using "off the shelf parts." While we're skeptical that the 'Shack has everything needed to build one of these for your stateside soiree, the THKR-4 (as he is not-so-affectionately known) was created to perform all of your mundane party tasks like opening the fridge, pouring drinks, and greeting guests. The robot won't be entertaining guests with a dance routine or kissing you at midnight, but it can give you a back-rub to keep you relaxed when that inevitable 'party foul' ruins your leather couch. Check out the video after the break to see the 'bot do its Mr. Belvedere thing.

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Homemade robot has boring name, but likes to party originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 05:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hanger is a fun, gruesome physics Time Waster

The rules for Hanger are quite simple: You've got to reach the end of each level merely by swinging back and forth and grappling with your rope. You use LEFT and RIGHT to swing back and forth; once you gather enough momentum, hit SPACE to let go and fling yourself on; then hit SPACE again to latch onto the ceiling once more.

Careful, though: If you swing too high and hit the ceiling, you start losing body parts. The legs go first, then the arms, and then a few other random tidbits. That's where the gore comes in - when you lose a body part, you start bleeding. But it's not that bad really: You can keep on playing right until you lose all body parts, and there's no time pressure.

It takes a few minutes to master the physics of the game, but it's really quite fun once you get the hang of it (see what I did there?).

ed note: am I the only one who wants to see the Black Knight scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail now? I didn't think so. YouTube clip after the break!

Continue reading Hanger is a fun, gruesome physics Time Waster

Hanger is a fun, gruesome physics Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 19 Most Wired iPhone and iPad Apps of 2010

See Also:

15 iPad Apps You Should Download Today
10 Stellar iPad Apps That Will Blow You Away
Top Five iPad Comic-Book Apps Reviewed
GeekDad: IPhone Apps
Underwire: IPhone Apps

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McAfee: Smartphones, Apple devices to be top malware targets in 2011

Traditionally, Windows' massive user base has made it a juicy target for malware authors, but a new report from McAfee suggests there could be a major shift in 2011. The security company is predicting that attacks on the exploding smartphone segment and Apple devices will increase significantly.

Mac trojans have already become increasingly common in 2010, and McAfee finds that "lack of user understanding of proper security for these devices, will increase the risk for data and identity exposure." This lack of understanding, coupled with the increased presence of iOS devices in business environments, will make Apple users a prime target for malware.

The report also finds smartphone users will face increased danger in 2011. With hundreds of millions of new users purchasing more powerful phones and spending more time browsing on them, increased attention from malware authors is a natural (albeit unwelcome) side effect. If the app store for your phone offers security applications, there's no time like the present to read some reviews and get one installed.

Apart from smartphones and Apple devices, social engineering attacks (e.g. scams via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and social networks) will continue to be big in 2011. McAfee asserts that personal information made available via geolocation apps and privacy lapses will allow attackers to better craft their attacks on individuals. There's also no sign of viral attacks on social sites like Facebook and Twitter slowing down, and short URL services will continue to be used to hide malicious links. Here's hoping more URL shorteners will look into pre-scanning their links to ensure our safety.

McAfee: Smartphones, Apple devices to be top malware targets in 2011 originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Images From Bell Labs in the Sixties—It's Like Nerdy Mad Men [Blast From The Past]

Beehives, flower power, and really, really large computers. Looking at these photos taken at Bell Labs in the 1960s is like traveling back in time. Was working at Bell Labs totally "groovy"? More »

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Win A New iPad From the Staff At Klick.com

The creative staff at Klick.com is giving away a brand new Apple iPad absolutely free to one lucky winner this holiday season! For your chance to win a new iPad simply pay close attention to the video below, watch it a few times if you have to. While viewing try to spot as many Internet [...]

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Santech can't wait for CES, lists a bunch of Sandy Bridge CPUs on new N67 laptop

Man, who needs to go to CES anymore? Intel's frailly maintained secrecy around Sandy Bridge processor identities has been blown to smithereens today by Italian systems integrator Santech. The company lists a now familiar Core i7-2630QM (quad-core, 2GHz) alongside an i7-2720QM (2.2GHz), an i7-2820QM (2.3GHz), and an i7-2920XM (2.5GHz), confirming once and for all that Intel has completely lost its mind when it comes to naming chips. Other specs include up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, up to 750GB of magnetic storage or 160GB of the solid state stuff, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, and a 15.6-inch display that can be either glossy or matte, with a resolution of either 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080, depending on your preference and budget. Deliveries are said to start on January 27th and prices range between €1,200 ($1,577) and €3,000 ($3,943).

Santech can't wait for CES, lists a bunch of Sandy Bridge CPUs on new N67 laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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