Gadgets

Everything You Need To Remote Control Your Life

We’re all still pretty shaken at the passing of Eugene J. Polley, the inventor of one of the most important devices in the past 50 years: the wireless TV remote. But now is not the time for sorrow.


Science

How We Measure The Universe Without Intergalactic Rulers

Scientists tell us that our universe is trillions of kilometres wide, but how exactly do they come to that measurement without an equally long tape measure? As this beautifully animated video explains, they do it by using similar techniques for measuring distant objects here on Earth.


Entertainment

Sony Adds iOS To Music Unlimited

It’s a little behind schedule, but Sony’s released an iOS app for its Music Unlimited service, expanding its range beyond Android and Sony’s own Bravia and Playstation devices.


Geek Out

This Crazy-Ass Ping Pong Table Took 400 Hours To Build

Axel Yberg and his firm, Akke, make what he calls functional art. That translates to fun creations like this Pingtuated Equilibripong table, which may or may not be the most beautiful ping-pong table in existence.


Software

OoVoo: Video Chat With A Dozen Friends At A Time

Skype might be the proxy video chat service for a lot of people, but it only supports 10 call participants at a time. OoVoo, on the other hand, lets you have a massive conversation with 12 people at a time.


Software

The Lifehacker Total Security Guide

Security is one of our perennial Lifehacker topics: as fast as technology advances, criminals find new ways to exploit it. Here are our 10 most popular guides to security, covering every aspect of your online life.


Online

Google CEO Blasts Facebook For ‘Holding Users Hostage’

Even as news spread that Chrome was now the world’s most popular web browser, Facebook ended up as the focal point in last night’s discussion between Google CEO Larry Page and talk show host Charlie Rose. Rose asked what’s on a lot of people’s minds: Given Facebook’s mammoth IPO, was Larry Page worried?


Geek Out

Giz Asks Mayim Bialik About Her Geek Origins

You may know Mayim from The Big Bang Theory where she plays Amy Farrah Fowler — neurobiologist and Sheldon’s love interest. But did you know that the she actually holds a real-life Ph.D in neuroscience from UCLA? No wonder she’s also an official ambassador for Texas Instruments science class room technology.


Science

Your Gut Beats Your Brains In Shady Transactions

If you’ve ever felt uneasy about making a financial transaction that seemed somehow unfair, you’ll know that it’s not just your brain telling you something’s bad. Instead, if you have a shred of compassion, you’ll have a racing heart, queasy stomach and sweating palms. But it turns out those factors can override rational thought in the decision-making process.


Entertainment

Lunchtime Deal: Kogan 16 Inch LED TV $99

16 inches isn’t a whole lot of telly, but then this doesn’t cost a whole lot of money; for $99 right now — $30 off RRP — Kogan’s selling off a LED TV with inbuilt PVR functionality; it’s also 12V compatible for portable usage. [Kogan]