skepticism

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  • Pocket ghost detector may be as hard to find as its targets (update: details)

    by 
    Jon Fingas
    Jon Fingas
    02.01.2015

    Let's get this out of the way: ghost detection is based on junk science. It's trying to prove something that's unprovable almost by definition, using theories that have little connection to the real world. But if you are going to chase phantoms, you might as well have the best technology at your disposal, right? GhostArk certainly thinks so. It's developing a pocketable ghost detector that supposedly has everything you need to track down supernatural beings, including an electromagnetic field meter, high-sensitivity microphones, radio frequency sweeping and sensors for both atmospheric pressure and temperature. Think of it as an audio recorder on steroids -- you can even add white noise to "bolster the spirits' strength." It's a clever concept, even if none of its findings would stand up under academic scrutiny.

  • DS Daily: Did you ever doubt the DS?

    by 
    Chris Greenhough
    Chris Greenhough
    11.18.2007

    When Nintendo first unveiled our portable friend back in the uncertain days of January 2004, the internet reaction bordered on hysterical -- flabbers everywhere were well and truly gasted. Two screens, one a touchscreen? On a handheld? Had Nintendo finally gone ever so slightly mad?Well, no, they hadn't. Turns out, we needn't have worried. Yesterday, we learned that the twenty millionth DS had just sold in Japan, while it continues to mercilessly stomp all over the competition everywhere else. But that happy news got us thinking, back to that first announcement. We'll I'll be honest (it wouldn't be fair to suggest the entire team feels the same way) -- I had my doubts. I thought Nintendo had gambled a little too much. I was proven delightfully wrong.But what about you? Honestly now: did you ever think Nintendo had dreamt up a great big, steaming pile of fail when it unveiled the DS? You can tell us. We're all friends here.