Gadgets That Puzzle and Delight - Tech That Makes You Roll Your Eyes
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While we're on the subject of personal technology, let's take a look at digital cameras. If you've ever posed for pictures and not been happy with the results, you know the truth of the old saying that the camera adds at least ten pounds. You'd think that this would change with digital cameras, but you'd be wrong - until now, that is. With so many people wanting to look slimmer, it was only a matter of time before camera makers came up with a way to accomplish this.
Photo-editing technology has been available for a long time, of course, but you can thank Hewlett-Packard for creating cameras with a "slimming mode." Just shoot the picture while making sure the person you want to make look slimmer is in the center. Then go to an editing mode in the camera itself that allows you to add artistic effects, and select "slimmer." Some digital cameras can also eliminate pores and facial lines, or give the subject a tan.
Yes, it can be used for dishonest purposes, and some lawyers believe that photographic "evidence" can no longer be taken seriously because of how much (and how easily) photos can be altered these days. But it can also be used for positive purposes; a photograph of a slimmer you on the fridge might help you stay more focused on your diet and exercise program. (You can read more about these kinds of cameras here http://news.com.com/Digital+cameras+focus+on+revised+reality/2100-1041_3-
6110277.html).
Here's something else that isn't quite everything it appears. Again, it's not a specific gadget, but rather a service. Universal Music Group teamed up with New York-based SpiralFrog to make its music available to U.S. and Canadian customers for free. There's a catch of course. Users can download as many songs or music videos as they want, but they have to register at the site and watch online ads. Tracks can't be burned to CD, but users can transfer them to portable music players with Microsoft DRM software. (You can read more about the new service here http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/9400BA50-9AAA-4C0F-A511-
6517111C7F46.htm).
Next: Don't Forget the Wow Factor >>
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