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Let Video Games Shape You Up in 2009!

GeekSugar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:30:47 -0800

Since losing weight is number one on FitSugar's New Year's Resolution poll, I wanted to be here for you to tell you that it doesn't have to be all gyms and stinky lockers. Getting in shape can be fun - just turn on your video game console! Check out my guide to getting fit with gadgets in 2009. Source

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Nintendo Introduces Walking Game For the DS

GeekSugar — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:04:37 -0800

With the successful Wii Fit just celebrating its first birthday, Nintendo is ready to debut a new fitness game to the world by February of next year. Walk With Me! for DS portable gaming devices makes walking fun by allowing players to gain points for each step they take.

How it works is that the game comes with two small pedometers that are intended for family members to carry around in their pocket or bag every day. At the end of the week, all you have to do is point your pedometer at your DS and it will tell you how many points you've accumulated. You can also play against people in other countries with the social activity platform. Just another way Nintendo is helping people get fit while having fun.

4 Great Websites For Runners

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:32:05 -0700

It's marathon season! I have to admit, there is something incredibly inspiring about watching the marathoners in New York City (the race is this Sunday). I love a good run, and whether you're a marathoner-in-training or a recreational runner, here are four sites that will help you train and get prepped for the race!

Do you have an interesting website you want to share? Join the Website of the Day group where you can post your favorite website! And you never know, it could be featured on GeekSugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.
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Blinded by the Light: Have You Been Fooled by a Commercial?

GeekSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:05:28 -0700

I was stoked after seeing a commercial for the Powermat, a wireless gadget charger that claims to charge any of your electronic toys without wires, cords, or trouble just by placing your device on the Powermat - finally a solution to my cord-management problems! A few days later I saw the Powermat at my local Best Buy and considered forking over the $100 listed on the price tag for convenience alone. But then reality (and an explanation from the sales rep) set in: $100 is not the bottom line on this super charger.

The Powermat does exactly what it says it does: charges your cell phones, PSP's, smart phones and other gadgets, but it does so with the help of dedicated cases that have a receiver attached to the back. Bye-bye custom iPhone and Blackberry cases - you'll be rocking the Powermat case and battery pack (which sticks out on the back) from now on. What's more, each gadget case starts at $30, and you'll need one for each device you want to charge! For me, this meant spending over $200 just to have all of my daily accessories covered. I walked away a little disappointed, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been fooled by a gadget commercial before. Share your gadget commercial rants, or about the time you bought a gadget and it wasn't what you expected below!

Tech Dating 101: Keep The Mushy Stuff to a Minimum Online

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:03:58 -0700

When you start dating someone you really like, it's easy to get wrapped up in the romance of it all: candle-lit dinners, hand-held walks in the park, and deciding on a name for your first born (don't pretend like you haven't done this). Jumping in head-first in the beginning is easy, but the bottom line is, don't go overboard on the mushy stuff online.

Since your love is new, you might have a tendency to announce to the world how you feel about Mr. Right via a few status updates. This is cute and all, but not everyone wants to know your pet names for each other, how much you miss being without them, or in what ways he completes your life on a daily basis. This is why the Facebook gods built private messages, and let me give you full reign to use those babies to your hearts' content. Want to pour your heart out? Send a PM.

Don't get me wrong, announcing how much you appreciate someone is awesome, but don't let it get to the point where your friends are gagging in front of their computer.

Would You Rather Go to the Apple Store or Order Online?

GeekSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:36:56 -0700

I hit up the Apple store Saturday to grab a new iPhone case and noticed the 20-person line snaking outside for iPhone 3G S buyers. Then, on Sunday, I ran an errand across the Bay Bridge and witnessed yet another line of eager buyers.

Despite the lackluster launch day (compared to last year and the year before, anyway), there's still not just demand for the new iPhone, but enough demand that people are willing to stand in line to get it right in their hands then and there, even though you can order it online.

Although I was grateful not to have to wait for anything, I understand the desire to go to the store and have the whole "experience" (not just having to go in for tech support) - to say nothing of being able to walk home with your shiny new purchase. So tell me - do you love Apple products so much that you love to go into the store, or do you order online when you have the chance?

WWDC Highlights: No (Wo)Man's Land

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:34:29 -0700

Although I feel right at home surrounded by gadgets and technology, attending the WWDC made me realize that I was walking into a man's world. Making my way to the West Hall of the Moscone Center, I could see that the line outside was 99 percent XY chromosome, and only a spattering of ladies braved the gaggle of geeks alone.

Even though I was outnumbered, I could still find joy in the little things that happen when you get this many geeks together in one place. For example, one of my favorite moments of the day took place after all the big announcements in the keynote had come and gone, and I made my way to the restrooms. Yes, just like at MacWorld, there was a big line for the men's room, and crickets coming from the women's restroom. These are the times we cherish, am I right ladies?

But among all the fun, there were some blatantly obvious signs that this event was more male-focused than not. To find out what they were, just read more.

As I made my way to registration before the keynote, I saw these girls. Not exactly "Booth Babes," not quite swimsuit models, but they did serve a purpose. They were pimping a new app called iPorn. I guess you could call them iPorn Girls?

After the keynote, as I was trying to find a place to plug in my Macbook Pro, I heard an extremely loud belch coming from a group of classy males to my right. After attempting to give the 'ole stinkeye, not one of the dudes posting it up along the wall would make eye contact. That's right guys, not in public.

The Most Charming Earbud Caps You Shall Ever See

GeekSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:20:18 -0700

Each time I put my earbuds in (or headphones on), I resent the few seconds it takes to look at which one is left and which is right. Call me lazy - I call me efficient.

For a brief, crazy minute (or minutes), I may have even thought about using a Sharpie to make the "L" and "R" much bigger, but then my craziness would be on display to everyone I walk by on my morning commute. That just won't do.

What will do, however, are these sweet Earbud Caps ($10) from Etsy, with the "L" and "R" elegantly printed on each cap. When cute and useful combine like this, I can hardly stand it. Etsy seller nothingelegant, you are a genius.

Have You Ever Suffered an Extended Internet/Cable Outage?

GeekSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:45:52 -0700

Dear friends and readers, take pity on me. I have no Internet or cable at my house right now. Both services come from Comcast, and now I'm starting to see where that bundle deal was not such a great idea after all. The modem's probably broken, they say, and the only solution is to send someone out to our house. The catch? They can't come until tomorrow. That happened Monday (without even an apology for the outage, which would have been nice).

Since then, we've been living on a steady diet of season one Lost DVDs and video games (to add insult to injury, Little Big Planet keeps reminding me how fun online play is).

Sure, I should probably be using this forced disconnect time to read some books, maybe go on some long, thoughtful walks, but let's be real: I just want my Internet back (I'm whimpering). And cable and TiVo and Boxxee.

What I really learned this week is how dependent I am on these things - and that I really hate forced outages. Have you ever had to live a few days without cable, Internet, or both, against your will?

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Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes First Impressions

GeekSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:35:12 -0700

I got to meet up with my pals from Lucas during E3 yesterday, and they walked me through their Star Wars themed title. A classic battle between good and evil (is there any other kind?), you battle your way through levels wielding your Light Saber and powers of the Force. But this game isn't based on the classic Star Wars franchise - it takes off after season one of the hugely popular animated series on the Cartoon Network, Clone Wars.

Not only does the game look like a ton of fun for experienced gamers and newcomers alike (since the main action involves button mashing and aiming your joystick), but it keeps things fresh by adding in a few new features. To find out what they are, just read more.

If you're familiar with the other Star Wars games (or even if you aren't), then you'll love the added features that come with Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes. You'll be able to jump on various enemies and take them over, using them against their own kind in a move called "Droid Jacking." Not only is this really fun, but you'll earn achievements as well. Another cool feature you'll find familiar is the "Drop in, Drop Out" co-op play we saw in Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones. Your friends can pick up a controller and jump in, then leave at any point they want. Cool for those fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants types.

And finally, to keep things interesting, Lucas Arts has added some fun mini games (like shoot-em up, which has you mowing down enemies for points) within the levels. The good news is you won't have to exit your current game, so it's not a hassle to participate. Due out in September, Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes will be released on the Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms.