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The 404 1,087: Where we talk about it without ruining it (podcast)

With Justin Yu still under the weather, The 404 Show once again experiments with Joe Kaminski filling in. We consider ourselves very lucky to have a guest with super-powers on our program. The first power is his knack for going on obscenely long tangents about the most meaningless of topics. The second is the ability to give spoiler-free movie reviews, more specifically of The Amazing Spiderman, which was just released.

Next it's off to a discussion on Android and the fact that only 10-percent of those devices have Ice Cream Sandwich running on them. What's even more confusing is that Jelly Bean (ICS' successor) was just released last week. It's arguably the most annoying Android reality, so we weigh its pros and cons.

Finally, we touch on EA's recent statement that the company will soon be distributing games 100-percent digitally. This shouldn't be much of a surprise, since EA already goes out of the way to combat used game sales (see EA Online Pass).

But perhaps the most exciting news of the day is the introduction of the official 404 trucker hat (pictured above). These bad boys will be available should you come and hang out with us at ComicCon 2012. All the info you need is here. We also highly recommend participating on CNET's ComicCon Twitter Contest for your chance to win a game console. … Read more

Droid Razr Maxx ICS update hands-on

It took a while, but Motorola has finally bestowed the gift of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upon its legendary Droid Razr Maxx. Sure it may not be Jelly Bean, but this fresh infusion of software breathes new life into an already superb smartphone. … Read more

Can you stay alive long enough to complete your mission?

Spellsword is an excellent and almost blindingly fast-paced arena-combat arcade game with addictive RPG elements, super-cute 16-bit fantasy art, and often hypnotic chiptune sound.

At first glance, Spellsword shares some similarities with another great game, Super Crate Box: Both have you dodging enemies and chasing powerups around a satisfyingly cramped playscreen--but Spellsword adds a couple of twists, with a mini RPG-style purchasing system (you collect "rupees," which you can then use between levels to buy equipment and make your powers more effective) and a unique take on power-ups with "spell cards." As you bounce around the (… Read more

Chop, shake, and dip ice-cream toppings fast

Ice cream waits for no one. With the sun beating down, there exists an opportunity that must be taken advantage of: ice cream eating before screams (for a replacement cone) fill the air. While melted ice cream may simply be a fact of life during summer heat, there is a way to maximize not only the time-to-ice-cream ratio, but also the flavor potential.

The Prepara Topper Chopper makes quick work of chopping and distributing ice cream toppings. Not limited to ice-cream toppings only, the gadget gives users an all-in-one solution thanks to its multitasking abilities. The simple hand-crank operation makes … Read more

AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S2 gets its Android 4.0 update tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, the Samsung Galaxy S III won't be the only member of its family to use Google's Android 4.0 operating system on AT&T. The network will begin to roll out Ice Cream Sandwich updates to the Samsung Galaxy S II as well.

Unfortunately for AT&T customers, making the leap from Gingerbread to ICS will take a little more legwork than a simple over-the-air bump. You'll have to first visit Samsung's Web site from your computer, then download the Samsung Kies Upgrade Program to your desktop or laptop.

It seems a … Read more

Droid Razr Maxx and Droid Razr getting Android 4.0 June 22

No, you're not dreaming. After much anticipation and teeth gnashing at the lack of Android 4.0 in the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx and Droid Razr, Verizon has confirmed it will push Ice Cream Sandwich updates to the phones immediately. … Read more

Android 4.0.4 update reaches Sony's Xperia S

Sony is rolling out the latest flavor of Android 4.0 to its Xperia S customers starting today.

Users can update their phones over the air via a mobile network or WiFi, or sync their phones with their PCs using Sony's Xperia Update Web site, PC Companion, or Bridge for Mac software.

The update weighs in at around 200MB, so using Wi-Fi directly or syncing with your PC are better options than updating over your carrier's cell network.

Xperia S owners will receive a notice when the update is ready. The rollout will run over the next few … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S III review: The phone that would be king

Samsung's goal for the Samsung Galaxy S III is clear: set in more hands around the world than any other phone.

The electronics giant knows you can't do that without a favorable price tag and handsets on almost every carrier. More importantly, Samsung understands that it can only reach great heights with a smartphone worthy of the hype.

High-flying specs like Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G LTE speeds, and a sharp-shooting 8-megapixel camera push the Galaxy S III much of the way up the hill. Its large HD screen and friendly design give it another boost; … Read more

Galaxy Tab series readies for Ice Cream Sandwich

A number of Samsung tablets are anticipating a cool serving of Ice Cream Sandwich come July and August, according to details posted on SamMobile. Among those expected to see Android 4.0 in the coming weeks are Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi/3G iterations of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 7.7, and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.

It's unclear exactly when each model will see the Android 4.0 update update, though the source advises most will arrive in August. Not only will these tablets get the standard suite of 4.0 features … Read more

Twelve ways to customize your Android device

Customizing your smartphone, or any device for that matter, is a rite of passage for all of us. By customizing, you turn a standard looking device that millions of users may be carrying around, into something that is truly ours. It goes from a slab of plastic and rare metals, to something that is very personal.

Android users and abusers know very well how customizable their beloved devices are. We rounded up 12 ways for you to customize your Android device; whether you're a seasoned Android vet or an Android noob, you'll want to take a look.

The … Read more