hill

Win the race in Bunny Hill

Touch-screen controls have resulted in some interesting new takes on classic platforming and racing genres in the iOS App Store. Bunny Hill is the newest entry in a long line of supercute mascot-style characters running, sliding, or racing their way across the screen with your help. But does Bunny's adventure live up to those of some of his contemporaries, or is it another supercute concept stretched too thin?

At first glance, Bunny Hill looks like a winner. It has the cute but accessible design of a modern iOS classic and the character is immediately lovable. Shaped like a block … Read more

Chinese golf resort tees off with world's largest human QR code

A gigantic QR code took form in China a couple of days ago. Mission Hills China trumpets the accomplishment with the headline, "World's Largest Golf Club & Spa Resort Creates the World's Biggest QR Code." Sounds like someone is obsessed with being the world's largest.

That headline is a little misleading, though. A Canadian corn maze turned out a 309,570-square-foot QR code last year. What Mission Hills China created is most likely the world's biggest human QR code. It certainly beat out the 1,300 people Taiwan drafted for a promotion event.

The club rounded up 2,000 employees for the massive publicity stunt. They stood in designated spots and opened red and white umbrellas above their heads. Seen from 270 feet above the ground, the formation created a scannable QR code. The code links back to an eco-tourism campaign that lets entrants sign up for a chance to win a holiday at the resort.… Read more

Race your car up a hill in Hill Climb Racing

This physics game gives you all the fun of a bumpy ride without any skull fractures and will definitely quench your thirst for off-road driving. Hill Climb Racing becomes a little boring if you get stuck at the same level, but loads of customization and upgrade options will keep you coming back.

The game's Super Nintendo-style graphics makes it run incredibly smooth and won't tax your phone's processor. You will hear some goofy laughs whenever you flip your car and crush the redneck behind the wheel, which you'll do often. Though it's funny when you … Read more

The 404 1,127: Where we eat our utility bill (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Google Glass makes catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week.

- The Fifth Element inspired: Remote-controlled roaches to the rescue.

- Odd "digital rituals" we perform to make technology serve us.

- Will putting a car remote under your chin increase its range?

Bathroom break video: Pong traffic light in Germany.

Video voice mail: Matt is now the ultimate trucker.

Episode 1,127 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  

The 404 1,113: Where there's a ghost in the wires (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Restaurant offers a 5 percent discount to eat without your phone.

- China is building an army of noodle-making robots.

- Melky Cabrera (SF Giants) created a fake Web site to explain failing drug tests.

- Infrared palm scanners at elementary school are the Mark of the Beast.

- Teenager uses fake ID with picture of Bobby Hill to buy alcohol at six different shops.… Read more

Life-size Lego trees, flowers sprout up in Australia

Australia is know for big spiders, big kangaroo feet, and, now, big Legos. Broken Hill in New South Wales is sometimes referred to as the capital of the Outback. It is home to around 19,000 people and a temporary forest of massive Legos.

The Lego installation consists of 15 pine trees and flower sets that are 66 times bigger than a standard Lego. The iconic designs are installed in a flat area of red earth around an old hotel. … Read more

Tim Cook gets to know Capitol Hill

Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to Washington, D.C. earlier this month was a chance to have a meet-and-greets with various political leaders on the hill, according to Fortune.

Besides a sit-down with Speaker of the House John Boehner, Cook also met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He was unable to meet with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi because she was out of town on an official trip in Afghanistan at the time.

"It was an act of opening up a line of communication," one aide told Fortune, "but … Read more

GM to invest $61 million in Spring Hill assembly plant

General Motors has announced it will invest $61 million to update equipment in its Spring Hill, Tenn., assembly plant and retool the facility.

According to the automaker, the plant is being retooled for new products and will be capable of producing a variety of products. The investment will also create 594 hourly jobs and 91 salaried positions.

The Spring Hill plant will begin production of the Chevrolet Equinox in the second half of 2012. Power train and stamping operations for the Chevrolet Traverse are still operating at the plant.

GM will also invest $183 million for midsize vehicles to be … Read more

The 404 883: Where the PATH to success is paved with delays (podcast)

Why are schools no longer teaching typing? Typing class used to be a sanctuary for nerds, but now that everyone has a smartphone and a Facebook profile, some school districts are making a case against teaching standardized touch-typing lessons.

But before we dive into the technology lessons we think should be taught in all grade schools, we start today's episode of The 404 Podcast with a recap of the past week's metaprotesting in San Francisco and the flames that ignited Anonymous to shut down public transit.

The 404 Digest for Episode 883

SF subway closes stations during Anonymous protest. Why are schools no longer teaching typing? A video voice mail from Andrew in Ontario!

Episode 883 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more