WTF, DoD? Dumbest Military Tech Acronyms

List includes advancements from iPhone, Amazon and Netflix

(NEWSER) - David Pogue runs down the best tech ideas of 2008 in the New York Times, “the flashes of genius that somehow made it through committee, past the lawyers, and into the marketplace.” Highlights include:

• Headache-free packaging: Amazon’s plastic-free alternative is good for the environment and does not require the jaws of life to open.
• Freehands gloves: Type away on your PDA—effectively—without exposing your paws to frostbite.

Innovative solutions for wilderness living

(NEWSER) - Wired sees a distinct lack of cool high-tech outdoor gear, and gives its favorite examples of steps in the right direction:

1. The Cocoon, a hanging teardrop-shaped tent/sleeping bag.
2. The Adamant, an earthquake-proof bed.
3. The Bedu Emergency Rapid Response Kit, a keg full of enough essentials to keep a family alive for up to 5 years.
4. The Urban Skiff, a portable sailboat.
5. The Firun Inflatable Sled, a snowsled that folds down into a backpack.

You haven't already spent that tax refund, have you?

(NEWSER) - This year, the government’s economic stimulus package will add $600 to the average $2,300 refund each taxpayer receives. That’s a sizable chunk of change, perfect for a little tech-toy indulgence, reports ComputerWorld.

1. Casio Exilim Pro Ex-FI high-speed digital camera: Snag 60 frames in a single second, to score a shot in which everyone’s eyes are open.

Weapons experts say imports could upgrade military—or be sold

(NEWSER) - Chinese companies linked to the People’s Liberation Army were cleared to import sensitive high-tech equipment from the US after the Bush administration eased restrictions blocking the sale of technology with military applications, the New York Times reports. One company has ties to arms sales to Iran and Syria, claims a report by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control. More»

(NEWSER) - When PC World decided to whip up a list of 2007's most disappointing tech, was there really any doubt what would headline the list? Vista wasn't awful, but neither was it, you know, good. Here's how the list broke down:

1. Vista
2. The Hi-Def Format War
3. Facebook Beacon
4. Yahoo
5. Apple's iPhone