Tech Briefs

By Lev Grossman

GET YOUR KICKS Hey, nobody ever lost money selling kids new ways to break their neck--hence the K2 Evolution Four kickboard ($199), this summer's answer to the Razor Scooter. The kickboard is an unholy combination of skateboard and scooter geared toward stunts. Safety-minded kids may prefer simply to play in traffic.

I WANT MY HBO Are you going to let your TV boss you around? Soon you may not have to. HBO has a new cable service called HBO Interactive, due out this summer. For 10 extra bucks a month, you can watch anything that's on HBO any given week, whenever you want, however many times you want. Microsoft, Showtime and @Home have similar "Video on Demand" projects in the works. Just remember: Tony Soprano don't take orders from nobody.

THAT'S EDUTAINMENT This week the Smithsonian Institution debuts a uniquely immersive installation at its Discovery Center in Washington. Titled "Vital Space," the 2,400-sq.-ft. facility introduces audiences to "the wonders of the human body" via a 48-ft.-wide screen and 50 interactive consoles with which the audience can control the outcome of a sci-fi adventure. Hint: the Martians did it.

--By Lev Grossman