"Excuse me, did you just grope me?"

It's a double whammy if you are a woman living in Japan because you are not only a likely target of sexual harassment, you are also often too embarrassed to report the offender. In 2005, 1,853 people were arrested for groping train commuters in Tokyo, according to figures by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. That's not inclusive of those who got away scot-free.

Fortunately, there's a more discreet way to ward off further assaults by these scumbags. The Anti-Groping Appli developed by Takahashi is a mobile phone software that flashes messages in bold print on the victim's handset screen, which the latter can show it to the offender (honestly we think it's more effective to shove it up their rear end).

The messages get increasingly threatening from "Excuse me, did you just grope me?" to "Groping is a crime" to "Shall we head to the police?". Each of these is accompanied by a warning chime when the victim hits the "Anger" icon on the application. Although why bother with text messages which likely won't deter the offender, when a kick in the unmentionables ought to do the trick.

Still, this being Japan, it just won't do to be impolite, even to your groper.

Via Ubergizmo (Source: Yahoo News)
Picture credit: Ubergizmo

Office Mobile to come as an optional download?

Heard from a Microsoft representative at the recent Motorola Q 9h launch in Singapore. According to the source, smart phone users will be able to download the Office Mobile application and run it alongside whatever Office viewer/reader already preinstalled in the device. We even had a demo of a Q 9h unit with both the Documents To Go (which is the default Office application for the handset) and Office Mobile installed. We were told that this standalone version of the Office Mobile, which will support the latest Office 2007 files, is expected to be available as an optional download from Microsoft before the end of this year.

There was no mention of whether the Office Mobile download will be available for other versions of the Windows Mobile 6 (WM6) OS other than the Standard edition for smart phones. Nor could we get a fix on the price for the Office Mobile download.
Read more »

Charm your dates with Thrrum

It's always good to impress your gal the old fashioned way with wads of cash or a swanky new ride. But today's women want their men to be well-informed and well-read. That's where Thrrum steps in to help sweep your date off her feet with your amazing knowledge.

Here's how we imagine the scenario. You're out to impress your partner at a posh restaurant and you're at a loss which tipple to order. Now pretend to scrutinize the wine list while pointing the camera on your phone at the name of the alcoholic beverage. With a click of a button, you'll get relevant information, prices and more on the Thrrum Visual Browser.

What's the catch? The software costs US$5.99 and that includes 12 months of access to the camera-phone search service powering the Visual Browser. Currently, it works only on the Nokia N73, N95 and select Sony Ericsson models such as the K810, K850 and T650. You'll also need to have a wireless data service plan from your telco operator.

Now, go on, impress your date with your newfound knowledge.

Via CNET Crave
Picture credit: Thrrum

Battery powered cell phone

My word, when was the last time a battery-powered cell phone made it to market? That said, Sanyo's cell-based cellular bucks the traditional look for a cylindrical cannister design that sports braille-like keys and probably looks as awkward talking on as the Nokia N-Gage was. Dressed in that signature Cupertino white we all love, this is one phone that knuckles down to barebone basics in order to wring the most charge out of a single AA Sanyo Eneloop battery. So no 3G, no camera, no MP3 player, no SMS, and not even an LCD screen!

The end result is a battery life that's touted to last a good 5 hours of yaktime and 250 hours on standby.

Did we also mention that this runs only on Willcom's PHS network in Japan? Ah well.

Via Japan Today

Moto Q 9h gets launch date this weekend

That's October 27 in Singapore and next week in Malaysia. Other markets that will also get the Q 9h treatment include China and Indonesia with the latter targeted for a November launch. In Singapore, the QWERTY handset is expected to retail at S$828 (US$608.82) without contract.

Admittedly, what we like about the Q 9h is its keyboard, which is one of the best in the market right now. The only other one that caught our fancy was the earlier Nokia E61. Unlike most other QWERTY handsets, the keyboard on the Q 9h is curved. In a way, it matches the movement of our thumbs better than a straight set. Other features include HSDPA and Bluetooth stereo, though the unit is ostensibly missing Wi-Fi connectivity. To find out more, click here for a full review.

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (779)

» Digital Cameras (431)

» Notebooks (506)

» PC & Peripherals (531)

» Handhelds (264)

» Printers (44)

» Home AV (523)

» Music & Play (439)

» Gadgets (1002)

» Future Tech (171)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads