weekly

Microsoft and Apple are at it again -- this time over tablets.

Four months after the company unveiled its Surface tablet, Microsoft has finally announced a price and date for the RT version of the device. After an apparent accidental self-out, Microsoft began taking preorders for the Windows RT version of Surface with an actual release date set on October 26 this year. On the same date, Microsoft's brick-and-mortar stores also will begin selling the device; however, preorders are only available online. $499 nets you the 32GB version only, while $599 gets you the 32GB version with a Touch … Read more

Too busy being grateful your last phone bill didn't tally to $15 quadrillion to keep up with Crave this week? We've got lots more reasons for you to be grateful right here.

- What do you get when you cross a Sony Aibo with a Samsonite? A Hop suitcase, that's what!

- "MacGyver robot" uses objects in its environment (and doesn't even have mullet).

- Nor does this calligraphy robot, which can perfectly mimic expert techniques.

- Sunday only at Best buy: $100 off Samsung's Galaxy S3.

- Spider/wasp showdown from 100 million years ago fossilized in amber. … Read more

While it initially appeared that Apple was caught off guard by the furor over how bad its in-house map application is, the company apparently had plenty of warning.

Developers have been complaining about Apple's Maps since shortly after they were given the first pre-release version in early June, CNET has learned. They say they filed bug requests, sent e-mails to specific Apple employees, and vented on message boards only other developers and Apple could see.

Threads on Apple's developer forums described some of the problems that appeared well ahead of the final version of the software, and they … Read more

Too busy tweeting back and forth with Big Bird this week to keep up with Crave? Snuggle up with us under a Pac-Man blanket and we'll catch you up on what you missed.

- There's 24-karat gold in them thar labs! And, apparently, in the "Gangnam Style" meme. But will Psy accept payment in "Star Wars" coins?

- This is one Trojan horse you definitely won't want to get rid of.

- Give us a big squeeze, Like-A-Hug vest!

- Not one single "oops" tweeted during surgery that unfolded live on Twitter. … Read more

Mitt Romney ruffled a few feathers during the first presidential debate with suggestions that days may be numbered for Big Bird of "Sesame Street" fame, hatching a social media backlash and in turn illustrating the power of sites like Twitter in politics.

A number of satirical Big Bird accounts popped up on Twitter after the Republican presidential nominee implied the famed yellow bird would meet an untimely demise, along with PBS subsidies, if he were elected president.

"100 Retweets and I'm going to make my nest outside Romney's bedroom window," read one tweet from … Read more

Feeling sad that you can't drive this life-size Lego big rig? At least you can turn your car into a Tardis or NCC-1701 for $15 or less. And more news to cheer you up:

- No bike lane? No problem. Make your own.

- Will we be seeing two new Nexus tablets before year's end?

- A 625-foot tall Ferris wheel? That's a whole lot of Ferris wheel.

- The Ostrich Pillow is your own personal public-nap tunnel.

- Ready for Facebook friend updates to invade your Caller ID?

- TSA officer takes traveler's iPad home for permanent screening. … Read more

After just a week on the market, the iPhone 5 has owners writing up a laundry list of faults with the new device.

Soon after the iPhone 5 went on sale last Friday, users started filling up discussion forums and social networks with reports of scratches and nicks on their brand-new phones. People say they've noticed the defects around the aluminum band surrounding the phone, with the issue more visible on the black version of the new iPhone.

Those complaints don't appear to bother Apple. "Any aluminum product may scratch or chip with use, exposing its natural … Read more

Too busy waiting in line for some gadget this week to keep up with Crave? Now that the wait's over, you have all the time in the world to catch up.

- Speaking of some gadget, is this the most obnoxious iPhone 5 case yet?

- Yap on your cell phone in this movie theater, and you might get ninja-ed.

- Retro-styled 3D-printed sunglasses put pixels right on your face.

- Who needs Helvetica when you can write in a font made from galaxies?

- Hoodie sleeve brings Zuckerberg chic to your iPad.

- What's this oojamaflip that'… Read more

Finally, one of the year's most hyped consumer devices is in the hands of consumers across the globe.

Apple started selling its iPhone 5 smartphone this morning to droves of fans, many of whom waited in long lines -- and even camped out -- in order to be among the first to nab it.

While there were some early reports of dwindling supplies, and preorder delivery dates have been pushed back three to four weeks, lines in front of Apple stores on both U.S. coasts move pretty fast and smiling consumers emerged with their much coveted iPhones in … Read more