David Pogue's Blog, page 15

A Gadget Is More Than the Sum of Its Parts

If you think Amazon's real cost to make that Kindle Fire is $201, then by all means go to China and cobble one together yourself. The components are only part of the cost of any gadget.

The New Improved Heckling of Movies

If you're willing to watch a movie DVD on your computer (instead of your TV), then you can use the new Rifftrax Player app to simultaneously play the DVD and the usually hilarious Rifftrax audio, which is like sitting in an audience of hecklers.

Hollywood-Style Tricks on the Cheap

A $250 kit lets you play around with green screen techniques, setting actors in front of any background of your choosing. It takes the pain out of a process that can be difficult to get right.

If Car Companies Were Run Like Tech Companies ...

What if the car companies were as innovative as the tech industry? That alternative industry may not be as wonderful as you would think.

Amazon Makes the Fire Less Balky

Amazon heard the complaints about the Fire's balky software. It updated the software and fixed it.

Hand-Washers Beware: Your iPod Nano Could Get Hurt

A warning about water damage to the iPod Nano, if it's used as a wristwatch.

The Year of C.E.O. Failures Explained

Hewlett-Packard. Netflix. Cisco. One after another in 2011, chief executives did foolish things -- from the perspective of their customers. The lesson they impart: Use your customers as beta testers. Don't worry about burning them. Don't worry about souring them on your company name forever.

Projecting a Lot of Light on Bad Situations

The Epson Megaplex projector saved the day twice in most unusual ways: as a makeshift monitor and as tool to help repair a befouled septic tank.

Jawbone Recovers Good Will After Tumble

Jawbone is offering all buyers of its Up fitness device a refund. If there were ever a way to go about recovering goodwill and standing by your customers, this is it.

Jawbone Recovers Goodwill After Tumble

Jawbone is offering all buyers of its Up fitness device a refund. If there were ever a way to go about recovering goodwill and standing by your customers, this is it.