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Mathematics focused screensaver

MBSS Gravity Wells uses space-aged thinking to create a screensaver. While it looks gorgeous, there are some complicated elements that may scare off some users.

The program's interface is two-fold. Anyone happy with the default settings will simply enjoy the images on the screen. However, attempting to adjust the settings will discover a world of gravitational and geometric jargon that will confuse. Fortunately, experimenting won't hurt a thing. However, the Help file doesn't provide much insight. The images Gravity Wells produces are fascinating geometric shapes that utilize the entire color wheel. Users interested in changing the patterns … Read more

Home run derby game for iPhone goes on sale

I usually write about iPhone apps at the end of the week, but today (and only today) there is a sale on a game that is too good to pass up. In celebration of the MLB home-run derby and all-star game this week, developer's Com2uS have decided to have a 1-day sale on their extremely popular game Baseball Slugger 3D (usually $2.99). You can get the game today for only 99 cents and, after having played the game, I can tell you it is definitely more than worth the money.

I had initially passed over this title because … Read more

Birth star detector

MB Birth Star tells you what your birth star is, and much more. Based on Vedic astrology, this simple program requires a lot of personal information, but rewards you with an in-depth look at your life.

This program's interface is simple to navigate, even though the information required might take some online research. The link to help users find the longitude and latitude of their births is clunky and not a good addition. However, the results page is intuitive, with its collection of tabs and descriptions presented in layman's terms. In addition, there is a Help file for … Read more

Long space flights will make you short, fat, and bald

Technological progress always comes with a hefty price. (Unless it's a PC, I suppose)

So I must admit to feeling a little heartskip at hearing that the search to commune with aliens in the outer beyond will leave humans looking like, well, porky aliens.

According to a report in the Telegraph, scientists believe that long flights into space will not have beautifying effects on the star-crossed trekkers of the future.

In fact, they will make them short, fat, and bald.

I wish I could find more comforting words to describe their fate. Just as I wish that more people … Read more

Now you can play space doctor

Oh, man. They're just trying to kill me. Which, I suppose, is a bit ironic, as this is a replica of a medical device.

Seriously, though, check it out. For a measly $39.99, you can be the proud owner of a Star Trek Original Series Medical Tricorder. Exclusive to Entertainment Earth (the "they" who is trying to kill me with all this geeky stuff), this deluxe tricorder not only looks sweet, but even has sound clips of DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy, including my personal favorite, "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!" It … Read more

EchoStar says appeals court stays ruling on DVR workaround

Less than 24 hours after a federal judge found EchoStar in contempt in its long-running patent dispute with TiVo, another judge issued a temporary stay Wednesday, according to EchoStar.

"We are pleased that the Federal Appeals Court in Washington temporarily stayed the district court's order in the TiVo litigation. Dish Network customers can continue using their DVRs. We believe that we have strong grounds for appeal," the company said in a statement.

The temporary stay drags out even further a legal contest that is now five years old. It seemed like it had come close to reaching … Read more

Using cheaper microSD memory in your PSP and Sony cameras is a no-no

For anybody who complains that Sony's Memory Stick Duo memory cards are too expensive compared with other forms of flash memory, DealExtreme has a solution. It's the StarJade SDHC microSD to Memory Stick MS Pro Duo Adapter Sleeve, which retails for a mere $2.85, including free shipping. Unfortunately, the only problem is that it's illegal (see "update" note at the bottom of the post).

A quick comparison on Amazon for prices of microSD and Memory Stick Duo reveals that an 8GB microSDHC card costs around $20 (with shipping), while an 8GB Memory Stick Duo … Read more

Court orders Dish to pay $103 million to TiVo

A federal court has awarded TiVo $103 million plus interest in its long-running patent dispute with EchoStar Communications and ordered EchoStar to disable infringing features found on its subscribers' digital video recorders.

U.S. District Judge David Folsom on Tuesday also found EchoStar, which is now part of Dish Network, in contempt of court for violating a permanent injunction by reprogramming millions of DVRs with a new "workaround."

"The harm caused to TiVo by EchoStar's contempt is substantial," Folsom wrote. "EchoStar has gained millions of customers since this court's injunction was issued, customers … Read more

The 404 349: Where it sucks to be back...but we're baaaaaack

After a very relaxing three-day weekend, we're back for a fresh start and a hilarious show. Today, we recap our appearance on Fox News and our weekend exploits, debut a few excellent logo submissions, and reveal Wilson's secret shame.

Welcome back, everyone! Hopefully your weekend was as relaxing as ours was, although sometimes a three-day weekend can be more tiring than a whole week of work! Let's just say that seeing the sunrise as you go to bed can be beautiful and tragic at the same time. We kicked off our Memorial Day weekend with an appearance on Fox News' "Strategy Room" with our buddy Clayton Morris. Most of you have already seen it, but check it out if you haven't and let us know what you think. Were we too serious for our own good? More bathroom humor, perhaps? I'll try harder next time.

In related 404 news, Wilson discovers that Dave Matthews Band is using the REMIXED version of our theme song in a promotion on its Pandora channel. What the crap is that all about, DMB? We're calling you guys out on stealing the song from our buddy Jamie Lewis, and we're extra protective since we consider him the unofficial voice of the show, so expect that subpoena in the mail immediately. And Jamie, if you're reading this...we'll be looking for our commission check soon, too.

Aside from us tearing apart some d-bag that broke the Rock Band 2 world record, we also have a hilarious call from the public and show off more submissions for our "Design The 404 Logo" competition. Watch the video for today's show to check them out, or see the slideshow below for high-res shots. Send your high-res submissions to the404[at]CNET[dot]com and we'll show them on the air for the chance to win a gigantic prize package that includes a copy of "The Back Book," Anna David's "Bought," and more!

EPISODE 349 Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more