Chronic Dev Team today announced the release of Absinthe 2.0, which offers users the ability to jailbreak numerous iOS devices running iOS 5.1.1, including the third-generation iPad, without having to tether the device to a computer for booting. The jailbreaking process allows users to load third-party software and hacks not authorized by Apple onto their devices.

TUAW reports that Apple will be scaling back on systemwide "hotkey" apps, which allow users to call up other apps and functions, in the Mac App Store as of June 1, the same date the company's sandboxing requirements are scheduled to go into effect. Apparently, Apple will allow hotkey apps that are already in the Mac App Store before June to offer only bug fixes after that. New sandboxed apps and any apps that add features (i.e.

i just got a new iPad 2 today.

A group of developers in Russia recently launched the “HackStore,” a centralized location for third-party OS X applications. Like Cydia on iOS, the HackStore is a software hub that allows developers to distribute applications without having to endure Apple’s approval process. The developers behind the project claim that piracy will not be tolerated in their app store, though it is unclear exactly what measures they are taking to prevent pirated software from being distributed through the HackStore.

In keeping with the old proverb that rolling stones gather no moss, this stationary table not only gathers plenty of moss, but gathers plenty of electricity as well, hacking into the photosynthesizing plants to harvest enough power to keep small devices like clocks charged up and happy.

I remember seeing universal translators on TV and in the science fiction stories I read in my youth. I didn't think it would ever happen, but science fiction is becoming fact. If you travel or are in regular need of translation, let me suggest you take a look at SayHi Translate , on sale for US 0.99 in the app store.

The art of sushi is complex. On the one hand, you've got cheap sushi and then you've got skilled artisan sushi

This June's E3 won't bring any next-gen Xbox hardware , but The Verge has heard that Microsoft is going to debut a new cross-platform Xbox music service that'll replace the current Zune service .

This prototype robot hand is uses eight double-acting pneumatic actuators on each finger that can simulate an almost perfect range of human finger movement.

Before all the Instagram and Pintrest users start to panic, let's clarify. This camera doesn't do away with your images — it is a device that sends your captured image to humans who then describe your photo in words.