easter

Bubble Blast Easter 1.0.6 Review

A common trend with mobile games is to take classic mechanics, combine them with a one-minute timer, and challenge users to get as high a score as possible. It's immediately addictive, easy to compete with others, and makes the "freemium" upgrade model easier to implement. That said, Bubble Blast Easter manages to make it work in many ways with only a handful of drawbacks to an otherwise finely-structured, free app.

The goal of Bubble Blast Easter is to shoot colored eggs at a pattern of eggs above you to match and destroy the old eggs. It's … Read more

Google's Cesar Chavez doodle controversy: Much adoodle about nothing?

Those venal, vegetable-munching lefties at Google have struck again.

Just when they should have been doodling away to celebrate a religious festival of bunnies, colorful eggs, and lots and lots of chocolate, they go and place a large picture of recently deceased venal, leftie Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez on the home page.

At least, that's what certain irate and passionate humans thought when they raised their objections about Google's Easter doodle celebrating labor activist and very devout Christian, Cesar Chavez.

Their passions overflowed to such an extreme that some even threatened to perform acts of unspeakable shame and … Read more

Google Cesar Chavez doodle on Easter ignites furor

Twitter is lighting up with tweeps questioning Google's choice of doodle for this Easter Sunday. The main search page today features no mention of the Easter Bunny, brightly colored eggs (which are on full, beautiful display on Bing), or Jesus, but instead commemorates what would have been the 86th birthday of labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez.

Just to be clear, I don't feel strongly about Google's choice. Chavez, Jesus and the Easter Bunny all seem pretty cool to me. But Glenn Beck and other prominent Christians are tweeting their disbelief.

Dana Perino of Fox News also … Read more

Chromebook Pixel legal warnings show sense of humor

Easter eggs can add a little amusement to software and Web sites. But Google tucked the idea into an otherwise mind-numbing place: a pamphlet full of legal warnings.

In this case, it's the pamphlet for Google's Chromebook Pixel, the company's high-end laptop for running Chrome OS. It's nothing that'll make you guffaw out loud, but it's a refreshing break from the ordinary and worth a couple chuckles.

Among the quips:

If your Chromebook Pixel behaves abnormally (e.g. becomes discolored, heats up excessively, emits a foul odor, starts requesting fancy tropical vacations), stop using … Read more

The 404 1,186: Where we're bad at the Internet (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Scientists to do tests to make sure this whole thing isn't just a computer simulation.

- Ban on demanding Facebook passwords among new 2013 state laws.

- Arizona bill would outlaw posing as others on Facebook or Twitter.

- Apple: "Do Not Disturb" will remain disturbed until January 7.

- An infinitely large wall of text editable by anyone, at your own risk.… Read more

The 404 1,161: Where we don't eat the snow (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Square launches mobile payment service at 7,000 Starbucks stores.

- Razer Naga gaming mouse requires always-on Internet connection; license agreement says they can use this to spy on you.

- Mr. Fusion (sorta) cell phone charger.

- Four African teenagers invent a urine-powered generator.

- Follow Bridget Carey on Twitter and check out CNET Update every afternoon!

- Don't forget to enter our Halloween Samsung Galaxy S3 Giveaway contest, ending this Sunday!… Read more

Googling 'zerg rush' sends you to battle to save your search results

Saving your seach results from a swarm of marauding Os is the search giant's latest mission for its army of users.

Playing along with the latest Google Easter Egg, you enter the phrase "zerg rush" at the search giant's home page. In return the usual search results pop up. Then slowly yet surely a group of invading Os (representing the Os in Google) will swoop in from above, below, and the sides, intent on eradicating your search results.

Your only weapon is your trusty mouse (or your trusty finger if you're using a touch screen). … Read more

The 404 1,028: Where we go Dumpster diving (podcast)

Richard, our studio engineer, is the inspiration for today's show title that goes along with a story about his old Dumpster-diving days, when he'd raid the Hostess factory at the end of the night to recover "old" Twinkies and Ho Hos.

Jeff faced childhood memories of his own this weekend while cleaning out his old closet, unearthing treasures like Palm Pilots, two Sega Dreamcasts, and a box of old CD jewel cases. If you don't know what those things are, you're too young to be listening to The 404.… Read more

Microsoft gives away 'free time' to promote Windows Phone

Microsoft wants consumers to really get its pitch that Windows Phones are more efficient than rival smartphones and can thus create more free time for consumers.

To drum up attention for the recently launched Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II, Microsoft has set up "free-time machines" in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. They are essentially offering freebies for meals, personal shoppers, grocery delivery, cleaning, and dog walkers. Personal concierges are also on-hand to handle tasks like waiting in line for a burger.

The promotion is part of the core Microsoft strategy centered on the Windows Phones … Read more

Decorate your Windows 7 PC with Easter themes

Easter is coming, which means it's time to update your Windows 7 desktop with some Easter themes from Microsoft.

Decorated Eggs theme This theme of 13, beautifully decorated eggs will surely inspire you to create some of your own wonderful creations with your family.

Get the Decorated Eggs theme.

Bunnies theme The bunnies theme has six wallpapers with some of the cutest little bunny rabbits you'll ever see.

Get the Bunnies theme.

Wallpapers If you just want to stick to wallpapers instead of installing themes, check out some of the new wallpapers from Microsoft.

Get them here.

That'… Read more