By deploying so many large, economical aircraft from a vast base, open around the clock and halfway between Europe and Asia, Emirates could in effect run a global hub, reducing European airports to a feeder role and impoverishing their associated flag carriers.

ECONOMIST: Aviation

Without any LCD or way to preview the video, the camcorder clock relies on an adjustable base and a clever mirrored button similar to the tiny round mirrors used for taking pictures of yourself on cameras and camera phones.

ENGADGET: Switched On: Creep spy for the cheap guy

Chief amongst them is the Wireless Command Center, an oblong remote control useable from anywhere in the home that lets users steer the Roomba, send it back to its base, schedule a cleaning and adjust its clock.

ENGADGET: Roomba 790's Wireless Command Center lets you obliterate dirt from afar

DirecTV, which drives most of their subscriber base, is more or less just letting the clock run out on the rest of their deal.

ENGADGET: TiVo Deathwatch