Tech and Gadgets

Holiday iPhone apps help mix drinks, count calories

Hundreds of apps are devoted to Christmas, ranging from those that can help you make cocktails to others that will help you keep track of those empty calories. Full Story

The gallery of gifts on redditgifts.com is seen in this screen capture image.

Online Secret Santa gift exchange attracts thousands from dozens of countries

'Tis the season for heart-melting tales of spontaneous goodwill among strangers, which, like the rest of our relationships, has gotten a lot more convenient since the advent of the Internet.

In this image provided by Pure Digital Technologies Inc., the Flip Mino camcorder is shown. (AP / Flip)

Gift ideas to impress even the pickiest geeks

There's a misconception I'd like to clear up. I know I may sound ungrateful, and what I have to say certainly flies in the face of the holiday spirit. But this is important. Geeks are not easy to shop for.

Brianne Caskie, 23, demonstrates a yoga session on her Wii Fit made by Nintendo at her home in Aurora, Ont. on Friday, January 9, 2009. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Fitness video games are reshaping medium

At first glance, the rack of video games seems out of place next to the row of elliptical machines at The Sports Authority in Burbank, Calif.

A 1:18 scale model of the 1958 Testa Rossa by CMC is one of the latest releases by the German-Chinese maker known for its detailed models. A Ferrari fanatic would love one under the Christmas tree. (CMC / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Car stuff, from gadgets to models, sure winners for gift-giving

If you're still agonizing over Christmas presents for friends or family, here's a fun fact: there are 22 million cars and trucks on Canadian roads so chances are you know someone who owns one.

A shopper looks at two new second generation Apple iPod Touches at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif. on Sept. 11, 2008. (AP / Paul Sakuma)

iPod still tops, but other players have their advantages

Let's get right to it: if we've got to talk about mp3 players, we've got to talk about iPods.

Canon Pixma MP560 (Courtesy canon.com)

Factors to consider when shopping for printers

Some tips for finding a printer with maximum functionality and a minimal price tag.

In this video game image released by Nintendo, a scene is shown from 'The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.' (AP / Nintendo)

Despite bumps, Nintendo's 'The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks' picks up steam

It's easy to take a series like "The Legend of Zelda" for granted.

The Kindle device is shown in this photograph released by Amazon.com on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. (AP / Amazon.com)

Review: Kindle appeals to early adopters; too pricey for most

For readers sick of lugging around heavy hardcovers on their commutes and filling their suitcases with half-a-dozen books on vacation, Amazon's Kindle is a great alternative.

In this video game image an animated version of DJ-Z-Trip is shown in the video game, 'DJ Hero.' (AP / Activision)

'DJ Hero' overcomes problems to offer fans something new

While "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" have captured the imaginations of millions, those who look up to Grandmaster Flash have long been out of luck.

In this photo released by the WWE, WWE Smackdown Superstar Undertaker and Great Khali, standing, go at it during an action-packed 'FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!'. (AP / Mike Groll, WWE)

'WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010' features customization

Professional wrestling has always had a flair for the dramatic. So it seems natural for a wrestling video game to be an over-the-top package.

Stephen Guymon, left, of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Sanferd Glasses, of Kayenta, Ariz., separate packed boxes for final shipping inside the 800,000 sq. ft. Amazon.com warehouse in Goodyear, Ariz on Nov. 16, 2009. (AP / Ross D. Franklin)

Make sure employees' online shopping is safe

Whether businesses like it or not, online shopping is increasingly prevalent at work, surveys show, and comprise a growing chunk of retailers' sales.

In this video game image released by Ubisoft, a scene is shown from 'Avatar: The Game.' (AP / Ubisoft)

'Avatar' video game to expand film's alien world

James Cameron was thinking beyond the big screen when he created the alien world of Pandora.

Netbook computers are seen on display at Best Buy in Mountain View, Calif. on Oct. 28, 2009. (AP / Paul Sakuma)

Good news: there's no must-have, impossible-to-find gadget this year

There's good news for holiday shoppers who have spent previous years waiting in hours-long lineups and making frantic calls to stores.

A Best Buy customer plays a game on a Sony Playstation 3 in Mountain View, Calif., Thursday, July 30, 2009. (AP / Paul Sakuma)

A sampling of high-tech gift ideas, with some under $100

Here's a sampling of high-tech gift ideas in the following categories: video gaming, digital photography and video, and under $100.

Video game icon Mario is shown. Even though Mario hasn't changed much in nearly three decades, the latest game he stars in, the newly released 'The New Super Mario Bros. Wii,' is one of the holiday season's top titles. (AP / Nintendo)

New 'Mario Bros.' a bit of a throwback but could draw new players

Even before it refined family fun with the Wii, Nintendo was dedicated to creating satisfying multiplayer experiences.

Beachgoers are shown in a rack of postcards  in New York, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. (AP / Kathy Willens)

Phone postcards: Apps make it easy to say 'Wish you were here'

There's no longer any excuse for not staying in touch from your exotic location, as new apps make it ridiculously easy to send a photo postcard from your phone.

The SmartMeasure Cup (Courtesy YankoDesign.com)

Holiday cooking in no time!

The holidays are approaching fast, along with the requisite complex meals. But some time-saving gadgets may help cooks get out of the kitchen faster.

In this video game image released by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., a scene is shown from 'Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.' (AP / Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.)

'Uncharted 2,' 'Arkham Asylum' lead noms for Video Game Awards

"Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" has seized a leading eight nominations for this year's Video Game Awards, Spike TV announced Wednesday.

Several customers use the new MacBook Pro laptops at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif., Thursday, June 11, 2009. (AP / Tony Avelar)

Key factors can help determine best laptop choice

Laptops have never been cheaper, faster, or as powerful as they are now. Take a look at what you should consider if you're thinking of going portable.

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, introduces the Kindle DX at a news conference in New York, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. (AP / Mark Lennihan)

Popular Kindle reading device now shipping to Canada

Canadians can finally discover for themselves whether Amazon's Kindle ebook reader is worth all the hype and the more than $300 it will cost to have one shipped north.

This screen grab released by Atari/Cryptic Studios shows a scene from 'Star Trek Online.' (AP / Atari-Cryptic Studios)

'Star Trek Online' to beam gamers to the bridge

The most iconic setting in "Star Trek" almost didn't make it into the series' online video game.

Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB (Courtesy apple.com)

Smartphones: Which one is smarter?

The holidays are coming, and parents are undoubtedly trying to figure out what to get the little ones - or not so little ones. A popular gift choice for parents is getting their child or teen a cell phone, or nowadays smartphone.

Clinton Eichler buys the first 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' video game in Redwood City, Calif., early Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. (AP / George Nikitin)

'Call of Duty' game sells $310M in 24 hours

First-day sales of Activision Blizzard Inc.'s "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" broke records, raking in an estimated $310 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone.

Nintendo's Wii game consoles are sold at 25,000 yen at a Yamada Denki electronics shop in Tokyo, Japan on July 30, 2009. (AP / Koji Sasahara)

Fish indoors on the Nintendo Wii with 'Bass Pro Shops: The Strike'

My son and I went fishing last weekend with "Bass Pro Shops: The Strike" on the Nintendo Wii.

In this image from 'Spectrobes,' provided by its publisher, Disney, a boy named Rallen battles alien creatures in the video game. (AP / Disney)

Fearsome Krawl reappear in 'Spectrobes: Origins' Wii game

Two star members of the Nanairo Planetary Patrol in "Spectrobes: Origins" find themselves once again battling the menacing Krawl.

Jonathan Hutcheson works on his laptop as his iPhone lays beside it at a coffee shop in Columbia, Mo. on May 13, 2009. (AP / L.G. Patterson)

Will consumers buy movies, music they can't even put on their iPod?

Are you willing to buy a movie or a song that you can never keep in your home or even on your computer hard drive?

This photo released by Protection One shows how your cell phone can be used as a home security monitor.(AP / Protection One)

Remote control: Security systems alert travellers to trouble at home

This holiday season, many travellers will be able to keep a close eye on home thanks to new security system technology.

Jamal Wilkins, left, and Clinton Eichler look into the video store while waiting in line to purchase a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 video game in Redwood City, Calif. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. (AP / George Nikitin)

'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' has powerful combat, weak story

"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," almost certain to be the year's best-selling video game, has also become its most notorious.

The Netflix Player by Roku is seen in this undated image. The device enables Netflix subscribers to stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV. (AP / Roku)

Top tech gadgets that won't be under Canadian trees in 2009

Canadian geeks have been looking longingly at their southern neighbours' access to cutting edge technology for, well, forever.

Ashley Martinez, 3, of Falls Church, Va., holds a DVD as she shops with her mother at a store in Baileys Crossroads, Va. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008. (AP / Gerald Herbert)

Wal-Mart trims online preorder prices of big DVDs; rivals too

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is upping the ante heading into the holiday season, trimming the online preorder prices of some upcoming DVDs following last month's price cut on books.

Sony CyberShot W220

Taking the Holidays Digital! Choosing the right digital camera

Discovery.ca has their top picks and tips for buying digital cameras.

This video game image released by Activision shows a scene from 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.' (AP / Activision)

New 'Call of Duty' game could be biggest blockbuster yet

This holiday season's biggest entertainment blockbuster likely will be a sequel to a popular franchise

A 12-inch-tall toy Buzz Lightyear toy is posed at Kennedy Space Center, as Space Shuttle Discovery sits behind it on the launch pad, at Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Friday, May 30, 2008. (AP / Walt Disney Company, Gene Duncan)

Retro items, motorized gadgets, arts and crafts among hot toys

Consumers will be in for a little deja vu this holiday season as some popular playthings from the past make a return appearance.

HMVdigital.ca will offer millions of tracks for download.

HMV Canada launches digital store

HMV is expanding beyond its brick-and-mortar stores to compete online with iTunes for Canadians' digital dollars.

computer, mouse, electronics

PCs shed pounds and CD drives, gain touch screens

Personal computers are changing. Visit an electronics store and you might find laptops are missing a familiar component, experiment with new ways of controlling some computers, and see portable PCs slimming down.

In this photo made Oct. 2, 2009, a student uses a Kindle DX during class at Pace University in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Few options for Canadian ebook lovers

Canadians still can't get the Kindle, Amazon's lusted after gadget that's pushing ebooks into the mainstream, but that's fine with tech-savvy author Kate Pullinger.

Bruno Verner checks out an iPhone at the Apple store in Montreal on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Best iPhone apps for business networkers

It's time to meet your new social secretary: your iPhone. The 10 best apps for business networkers help you manage time and draw connections in your network.

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Canon Pixma MP560 (Courtesy canon.com)

Picking a printer

Tips for finding a printer with maximum functionality and a minimal price tag.

DiscoveryStore.com

DiscoveryStore.com

The Gift Guide has cool ideas for everyone on your shopping list.

Cyclists ride along the canal in Ottawa Sunday Dec. 24, 2006. El Nino may cause much of Canada may experience warmer days just in time for Christmas 2009.(Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

My Christmas

Visit MyNews.CTV.ca to upload your favourite holiday photos.

A customer tries out a new MacBook at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif. on Oct. 16, 2008. (AP / Paul Sakuma)

Going portable

Tips for choosing the best laptop to slide under the tree this year.

Video

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Some great products and tips to make putting away your decor easier.
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A cheese board is an easy and delicious way to entertain.
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Smoky flavours to drinkable desserts, what's big for 2010.
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Last-minute ideas to get your home in the holiday spirit.
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How to get the best deals on the things you want this Boxing Day.
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How to score deals and still get great gifts for loved ones.
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DIY decor, food and drinks for the last-minute party planner.
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A delicious winter grilling recipe may start a new tradition.
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Tips to halt holiday weight gain and still enjoy festive treats.
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Christmas cookies can be a delicious way to decorate your Christmas tree.
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Tips on how to make the hectic holiday season safe for your pets.
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A personal concierge service may help take the stress out of holiday planning.
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Check out a seafood risotto recipe that's perfect for Christmas Eve.
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With only five days left, where can you go for last-minute gifts?
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A look at how charities can lighten your shopping load this season.
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Canada AM brings you five days of the season's top sweets.
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Colder weather seems to be sending Canadians into shopping mode.
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Kris Abel's top gift picks for geeks, shutterbugs, movie buffs and more.
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A master colourist shares his tips for great DIY hair colour.
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Six tips on how not to gain 10 pounds over the holidays.
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Meet a couple who brightened the holidays with 70,000 bulbs.
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Tips on getting more for less, and things you can get for free.
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From adventures to tastes, experiences are becoming popular gifts.
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Everyone needs some 'support' under their cool new party duds.
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How to handle your children over the stressful holiday season.
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Easy and quick appetizers you can make from what's already in your pantry.
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Canada AM contributors share their top picks for holiday gift giving.
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If you're not keen on cut or artificial, you may be able to rent a live tree.
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Tips on how to stay safe during the deadliest season for home fires.
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Some ideas for environmentally friendly gifts this holiday season.
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Some of the best wines and liqueurs to have on hand this holiday season.
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How to make your tree look like it was decorated by a designer.
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Some tips on how to keep your pets healthy during the holidays.
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A slow cooker makes it easy to prepare snacks, deserts and meals.
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Tips on how to avoid counterfeit goods this holiday season.
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A preview of the game, debuting before the hugely-anticipated film.
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A week-long series on gift ideas for kids of all ages and tastes.
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Tips for entertaining while still keeping the budget in check.
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Tips for winterizing your home to keep heating costs down.
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A lesson in cocktail manners to help survive the holiday party season.
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Check out the three hottest looks for decking your halls.
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Tis' the season for spending, but is it possible to give like Santa and save like scrooge?
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Find out the sunny hotspots that will brighten spirits this winter.
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With so much choice, how can you find the right gifts for kids?
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Find out which snow shovels are getting top marks this winter.
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How to keep rechargeables at peak performance for the holidays.
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Great tips on how to go from a day at the office to the party.
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Learn how to winterize your skin to face the snow season in style
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Top tips for staying healthy throughout the winter season.
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Learn how to keep your home clean and energy-efficient.
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A look at some 'cool' ways to work up a sweat this winter.

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