talks

The latest Google Hangouts update removed the ability for users to make outbound phone calls, the company said Monday.

Nikhyl Singhal, a director of real-time communication products for Google, posted on Google+ that the company is working on adding outbound calls for the Web and the Chrome extension. Hangouts currently only supports incoming calls for users with Google Voice numbers. Users who still want to make phone calls can use Gmail's Google Talk while they wait for Google to make the function available again in Hangouts.

"Hangouts is designed to be the future of Google Voice, and making/… Read more

Whether he's talking about the weight of 300 billion elephants or battling Bill Nye the Science Guy for geek supremacy, famous astrophysicist and Star Talk Radio host Neil deGrasse Tyson is someone I pay attention to. I'm interested in his opinion and give it more weight than a lot of other people's. When he tackled one of the greatest sci-fi rivalries of all time, I perked up. "Star Trek" or "Star Wars"?

It's no secret Tyson is a major Trekkie, but his bountiful space love doesn't stretch to encompass "Star Wars" quite so much. Now we know why. "I never got into 'Star Wars,'" he admits in an interview with Business Insider (see embedded clip). "They made no attempt to portray real physics. At all."… Read more

The iPhone is a perfect device for integrating audio and images into a single interface. While this usually means creating videos, it doesn't have to. There are dozens of ways to use the technology in new and creative ways. Case in point: Talking Pictures. This app allows you to tag a photo with different audio tracks that can be activated by other users with the same app -- a potentially innovative way to share information.

When you open the app, you can choose to view your gallery (which will be empty) or create a new talking picture. Choose the … Read more

Our iPhone already came equipped with a Voice Memo app, but, hey, we're all about choices. iTalk Recorder claims to be a "full-featured recording app with a streamlined and intuitive user interface." And after putting it to the test, we'd have to agree with that statement.

iTalk Recorder does indeed offer a simple and intuitive interface. Users are greeted with a large, prominent red button that you press to start recording. To get started, simply give the recording a name, select from the three different recording quality options (Good, Better, Best), and press the Record button; … Read more

The built-in alarm clock on the iPhone is a companion to millions of people who have long since ditched their plug-in alarm clocks. Simple, easy to use, and very effective at making large volumes of noise, the iPhone is a natural alarm device. But it is limited in its functionality. For those interested in a more classic look or an alternative to loud, grating noises, The Talking Alarm is a breath of fresh air. With a classic, green LED display design and a number of voices to choose from, it is an effective, fun-to-use alarm that offers a great alternative … Read more

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Researchers at Cambridge University have created a virtual talking head that expresses emotions and someday might be your personal assistant and a shoulder to cry on. Scotland may pass a law allowing Jedi to officiate at weddings. And the Image Toaster prints pictures from the headlines on your toast, making breakfast a whole lot more enjoyable. This, and more, on Crave. … Read more

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Let's talk about Modafinil, the sleep-aid "smart drug" that inspired the movie "Limitless."

- Daylight saving time may cost America $434 million from lost sleep.

- Study: Women more affected by sleep deprivation.

- Sleeping stoned, the debate rolls on.

- We didn't answer your question? Sorry, there's only so much time in an episode, but why not follow Dr. Breus on Twitter and ask him yourself?

- Check out more information on Dr. Breus's exclusive line of signature mattresses on his Web site. Don't forget to sign up for his newsletter too!… Read more

Slacker Radio (free) This is a great option for listening to streaming radio, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to find what you want quickly. To use Slacker you must sign up for an account or log in with your Facebook credentials.

You can search for artists using a field at the top; check out the Music Guide curated by Slacker; or search by genres, stations you've previously listened to, specialty stations, or news, talk, and sports stations. Each selection on the first screen leads to another list where you can swipe to browse selections to find … Read more

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- "Friendzone" added to Oxford dictionary.

- Makerlove is an online community of 3D-printed adult toys.

- New app turns your iPhone into a mobile urine lab.

- It was bound to happen: Dongiverse lets you print 3D sex toys.

- Boston frat starts Indiegogo campaign for transsexual brother.

- Oleg Berg's YouTube and Soundcloud pages rework the keys of classic songs, for better or worse. Exhibit the creepiness of "Hey Jude" in minor.… Read more