Wii

Gadgets

The Galaxy S4 Mini and a History of Tiny Tech

Samsung introduced a smaller version of its futuristic Galaxy S4, aptly named the Galaxy S4 mini.

Samsung introduced a smaller version of its futuristic Galaxy S4, aptly named the Galaxy S4 mini. The little Android-powered smartphone has been downsized from five inches to 4.3 inches, weighs 107 g, and can truly be operated with just one hand. It's not quite as powerful as its slightly larger counterpart, but still packs a punch with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, an 8MP rear camera, and a 1.9MP front-facing camera.

Samsung isn't the only company that's released tiny tech to appeal to a bigger audience. As tech gets thinner, lighter, better — or at least marketing gets better labeling products "mini" — we decided to take a tour of the miniaturization of gadgets in recent years. From cars to projectors to even vacuums, take a look at what's gotten the pint-sized makeover.

workouts

Best Fitness Video Games For 2013

Whether you're a workout newbie or an old pro, working out with a video game can be a great way to burn a few extra calories while having fun.

Whether you're a workout newbie or an old pro, working out with a video game can be a great way to burn a few extra calories while having fun. But if you want to maximize the calories you burn in front of the TV, choose wisely. The reviewers at Consumer Reports tested the most popular fitness games for the Wii, Wii U, and Xbox Kinect — read on to learn more about their top choices for burning calories in the comfort of your living room.

Source: Thinkstock
Video games

5 Fitness Games to Help You Burn Off Holiday Bulge

The family binging events are over, so now it's time to talk resolutions and fighting off some of that bulge you may have picked up during the holiday season.

The family binging events are over, so now it's time to talk resolutions and fighting off some of that bulge you may have picked up during the holiday season. Good news is there are plenty of ways to burn some calories without spending half an afternoon in the gym. Fire up your favorite gaming console and pop in one of these titles that will have you working up a sweat in no time.

  1. Your Shape Fitness Evolved ($34) — Working with the Xbox 360 and Kinect sensor, this game provides a personalized fitness program based on your skill level, but the Kinect actually senses where your joints are to give you proper form tips while you're playing. Add in special martial arts and weight loss classes led by actual celebrity trainers, and you have yourself a pretty amazing fitness game that really isn't a game at all.
  2. The Fight: Lights Out ($20) — I like The Fight (which works in conjunction with the PlayStation Move), and in comparison to other fitness specific video games it doesn't feel like a workout; it just feels like fun.
  3. Get Fit With Mel B ($) — Another PlayStation Move title, Get Fit With Mel B seems like it would be a good alternative to the gym; mostly cause Mel B is ripped, and if this helps her stay fit, it's gotta work for me, right?
  4. Just Dance 2 ($34) — Like DDR before it, the Wii-compatible Just Dance 2 lets you work up a sweat with some awesome moves, and sing along to popular music. It doesn't get any better than that!
  5. EA Sports Active 2 ($45) — I'm already a big fan of the EA Sports Active titles, so pairing it with the Kinect system is sure to give me an even better, more engaging workout experience.
Video games

Lil Gift Guide: 10 Fun Gifts For Lil Gamers

Game on! Not the sole territory of antisocial teenagers and reclusive 40-year-olds living in their parents' basement, video games have totally gone kiddie, with fun — even educational — options for tots.

Game on! Not the sole territory of antisocial teenagers and reclusive 40-year-olds living in their parents' basement, video games have totally gone kiddie, with fun — even educational — options for tots. Whatever your family's gaming console of choice, read on for a fun selection of age-appropriate video games for even the littlest gamers.

cardio workouts

Do You Use Wii For Cardio Exercise?

Many people claim that Wii games like Just Dance offer sweaty, heart-pumping results.

Many people claim that Wii games like Just Dance offer sweaty, heart-pumping results. This weekend, I tried it out for myself. Using this heart calculator, I found my target cardio range should be between 98-146 beats per minute. After 30 minutes of dancing, my heart rate peaked at 120 bpm. I felt most of the work in my arms, and I did manage to break a sweat. While I did have a great time laughing at the dance moves and working hard to keep up with the choreography, I think of Wii games as a fun way to move and be active with friends but not a good substitute for a gym session. What do you think?

Video games

How Do You Wean Your Kids Off Video Games?

Once you fire up the video console, it can be near impossible to shut it down.

Once you fire up the video console, it can be near impossible to shut it down. Celebrity mama Gwyneth Paltrow knows this game all too well. This morning the mom of two tweeted this photo and message: "How the f do I get these kids off the Wii? I swore I would never have one in the house, now they freebase Mario." Do you have any tips for disconnecting your kids from video games once the fun has begun? Share the tactics that work in your house in comments.

Source: Whosay User Gwyneth Paltrow

Video games

5 Fitness Games to Help You Work Your Wedding Day Bod

You're already stressed out about your wedding day details, but worrying about how you'll look in your wedding gown shouldn't be one of them.
Fitness Video Games

You're already stressed out about your wedding day details, but worrying about how you'll look in your wedding gown shouldn't be one of them. The good news is there are plenty of ways to burn some calories without spending half an afternoon in the gym. Fire up your favorite gaming console and pop in one of these titles that will have you working up a sweat in no time.

Video games

Sexy Alert: We Dare For Wii

There are plenty of kid-friendly games to choose from on the Wii, but Ubisoft is hoping to sex things up a bit with its new title, We Dare.

There are plenty of kid-friendly games to choose from on the Wii, but Ubisoft is hoping to sex things up a bit with its new title, We Dare. Described as a "sexy, quirky, party game that offers a large variety of hilarious, innovative and physical, sometimes kinky, challenges," this game is not meant for the youngsters. In fact, by the looks of things, it's really meant for open minds, swingers, "close friends," or a combination of all three. Check out the trailer (and don't forget to stay for the alternate endings!) after the jump.

Video games

Couple Up: 5 Games For Valentine's Day Fun

Rather than going broke on the usual Valentine's Day dinner for two, why not stay home, cook a meal together, and play a few video games?
Video Games For Couples

Rather than going broke on the usual Valentine's Day dinner for two, why not stay home, cook a meal together, and play a few video games? Not only will you save some cash (and calories), but you'll also heighten the mood with a bit of playful competition. Check out five of my favorite games, perfect for couples.

Valentine's Day

5 Gadget Gifts to Give This Valentine's Day

We're officially halfway through January, which means you should probably switch gears from Winter holidays to Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day Gadget Gifts

We're officially halfway through January, which means you should probably switch gears from Winter holidays to Valentine's Day. Stores are already stocking the shelves with red and pink delights (read: chocolate), but you don't have to give confections to your one and only; give the gift of tech instead! Check out these gadget goodies that are already prepped for gifting.