Sony announces PlayStation 4, but leaves lots of questions unanswered


As widely expected, Sony announced its next generation PlayStation 4 last night in New York. I say announced rather than unveiled as Sony didn't actually have a console on hand to show off. It also stayed mum on pricing details, though we'd expect it sell for no less than the current Sony PlayStation 3, and probably a few dollars more. The console's actual release date was also kept under wraps, though it is promised to be available in time for the 2013 holiday season. So, then, what exactly did Sony talk about during its sometimes glacially paced, near two-hour event? Lot's, though not all of the news will be warmly received. Read more

An eyes wide open look at sleep aids


The bed is a very anxious place for 22 percent of Americans. Why? Performance issues. The nightly dance of tossing and turning to fall and stay asleep leads many to try either prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills: Hypnotics and sedatives accounted for 63 million prescriptions filled in 2011, according to IMS Health. However, doing the mambo with the synthetic Sandman could come with serious health and safety risks. Read more

4 ways to send gifts right from your smartphone


Always shopping for gifts at the last minute? We've already covered the ways that you can order and send gifts via social media, but what could be easier than doing the same on your smartphone or tablet? Here are 4 apps that will help you get gifts on time, even if you procrastinate. Read more

6 luxury strollers for the little people


Ahhhh ...  to have a baby like a celebrity. Money is no object. You don't have to create a budget to afford all the necessary gadgets and still buy diapers. Baby manufacturers beg you to accept (and be seen and photographed with) their products; creating a tacit endorsement without having to pay those pesky client fees. The paparazzi hound you and your little bundle with every step you take, every stroll you make...

Okay, maybe that last one not so much, but these strollers have that covered. All in this line up include canopies that completely cover your little paparazzi magnet. What they usually don't include -- in spite of price tags that can top out at $1,500 or more --  are basic accessories like cup holders, but if you can afford the basic package, you can spring for another $30 or so. These six strollers are often photographed cradling the diapered darlings of the rich and famous. Got a few bucks to spare? You can stroll in style too. Read more

Food allergies and your pet: Switching to hypoallergenic chow


Food allergies make up only 10 percent of allergies among dogs and cats -- symptoms include pets scratching and itching their ears, head, neck and forelegs -- but they can be the most frustrating and expensive allergies to manage. If your pet suffers from food allergies, your best bet is a hypoallergenic diet. But getting your pet on the right one takes some time and testing. Fortunately, there are a slew of commercial hypoallergenic brands available, including some that are cheaper (and better, say some experts and consumers) than the prescription brands. Read more

Recall recap: Triaminic and Theraflu Syrups; Million Dollar Baby and Natart Chelsea Dressers


If you have children in your household, you'll want to pay attention to several of this week's recalls. Triaminic, Theraflu and MegaFood One Daily supplements were recalled for failure to meet child resistance standards. And Bexco Enterprises and Gemme Juvenile recalled certain dressers after reports of toddler deaths from the dressers tipping over when children climb on them or their drawers.

For these and other recalls, read on. Read more

Mobile money: 4 apps that pay back


Most people see their smartphones and tablets as another expense. But now, your beloved devices can actually help you make money. Whether it is by filling out surveys, taking product photos or signing up for a gig in your city, the following apps can put some change in your pocket. Read more

Navigating the world of mobile apps


If you recently acquired a new smartphone or tablet, but find yourself a bit lost as to which apps would be best to download, you aren't alone. "I love my new iPhone, but there are so many app choices that I didn't even know where to start at first," says Jen Conner, an iPhone owner from Indianapolis.

According to Apple, in 2012 nearly 20 billion apps were downloaded by their customers. "The revolutionary App Store offers more than 775,000 apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries around the world, with more than 300,000 native iPad apps available."

With so many different apps available, if you've never used a tablet before, then you may be unsure of which apps would be best to download. Since some apps cost money, and all apps take up space on your device, you don't want to just start downloading hundreds of apps without knowing which ones are best for beginners. Read more

Sweet reads for kids on Valentine's Day


Most parents like to give their little sweetheart something for Valentine's Day, just to show how much they're loved. This year, forget the candy and toys and give the gift of reading.

Reading is not just about knowledge or academics. The act of reading to a young child creates a bond of closeness and shared interests. It also shows them that learning can be fun and engaging. However, choosing a book for a child is not as straightforward as it seems. Getting and keeping kids interested in reading can require some trial and error, but it all starts with a great book. Here are a few picks for children of all ages that may become so popular your kids will be reading them -- or gifting them -- to their kids. Read more

Recall recap: Honda Odyssey and Pilot Vehicles, Various Toyota Models, and Royal Prestige Cookware


Air bag problems plagued both Honda and Toyota recently: Honda recalled some 750,000 2009-2013 Pilot SUVs and 2011-2013 Odyssey minivans as a result. Toyota recalled various makes and models, though a much fewer number, at just 3,235 vehicles.

The largest recall this week goes to Hy Cite, for 1.7 million pots and pans of Royal Prestige 9-Ply Thermal Wall Cookware, which can collapse while in use. And 75,600 Perfect Resistance Bands, by Implus Footcare, sold exclusively at Walmart were recalled because they can snap off, posing an injury hazard.

For these and other recalls, read on. Read more

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