Nothing kills a freeway Pandora jam session faster than the freaky-deaky alien talk that is GSM interference washing out your tunes. Once the pulsing of a GSM phone’s RF transmitter finds its way to a poorly shielded speaker, all hope of actually enjoying the music is lost.
If you’re only using the iPod functionality of your iPhone, switching the phone into airplane mode is one option. Without GSM radio, there’s no GSM interference. Of course, that also means there’s no way to transmit voice or data. Missing important calls sucks, as does not being able to stream your tunes.
Fortunately, there’s a superior option: Ferrite beads. Know that large cylindrical lump near the end of USB cables? That’s a ferrite bead. From Wikipedia:
“A ferrite bead is a passive electric component used to suppress high frequency noise in electronic circuits. Ferrite beads employ the mechanism of high dissipation of high frequency currents in a ferrite to build high frequency noise suppression devices. “
In other words, a ferrite bead wrapped around the output end of a speaker cable will gobble up any nasty interference, letting the good stuff roll on through untouched.
If you’re dealing with the buzz, head on over to MacLife for a run through on how to knock it out.
Via Mobilecrunch
Sound engineers have digitally restored some of the earliest recordings of stereo sound by the technology’s inventor, Alan Blumlein. Blumlein, a research engineer at EMI, had lodged a patent for “binaural” sound in 1931 and made several experimental recordings to see if they could sell it to the fledgling film and audio industry. In 1934, EMI decided that nobody really needed surround sound and shelved all projects related to it. File that under late great historical oopses.
The 
Answer Me Jesus and Answer Me Buddha: Anyone who has ever used a Magic 8-Ball knows that the answers you receive are extremely vague. The Answer Me Jesus and Answer Me Buddha are no different, but if you ask the right questions you just might receive some guidance. [
Submissive Jesus: If you don’t mind going to hell you could go the extra mile and shake Jesus down for the answers you seek. Just pray to him then twist the crown of thorns on his head. The pain will force him to answer you with one of 100 phrases. Available for $27. [
What Would a Ninja Do? What Would Bacon Do?: Take one of these folders to work and give the dial on the front a spin to find out what a ninja or a piece of bacon would do in your situation. Available for $5. [
Weedja Board: It’s like a traditional Ouija board except this one specializes in contacting stoners for guidance from beyond the grave. “Hey Uncle Jerry. What do you think—Doritos or Donuts?” Available for $33. [
Electronic Rock, Paper, Scissors: Sure you could play a traditional game of Rock, Paper, Scissors—but you still have to decide on a strategy. This electronic version eliminates even that small bit of decision making by choosing your hand sign for you. Available for $9. [
Magnetized Executive Decision Maker: Many of our toughest decisions are made at work, and this tiny device can help you climb the corporate ladder virtually stress-free. Just give the pendulum a push and wait until it settles on an answer. Available for $11.95. [
Dartboard Executive Decision Maker: If you want to have a little more fun with the decision making process, this dartboard version of the executive decision maker will certainly fit the bill. Available for $6. [
The DeFIBulator: This handheld unit claims to separate the truth from the lies by measuring stress, tension, excitement and variations in a person’s voice. If the device believes the person in question is lying, the horns and nose of the “Demonochio” character on the display will grow. It can even be hooked up to your cellphone so you can conduct covert interrogations. Available for $40. [
UrbanSpoon: I eat out a lot which means that I’m constantly faced with the dilemma of choosing a restaurant. With the UrbanSpoon app you can set a geographic location, genre and price point for a meal then give the phone a shake to find a place to eat. The process can be as random as you want it to be which is great for people looking to try new things.
Magic iBall Deluxe: There are a number of 8-Ball apps on the iPhone, but the best is undoubtedly the Magic iBall Deluxe. It’s your basic 8-Ball experience, except this version allows you to switch between responses like classic, weird, zen positive and negative. It also allows you to customize the style of the 8-Ball itself.
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