More Android Security Issues Exposed – This Time From Apps Already Installed On Your Device

It wasn’t bad enough to have apps like CarrierIQ pre-installed on our devices which record our every swipe and now this. Researchers at North Carolina State University have apparently uncovered some vulnerabilities in the apps that come pre-installed on Android devices that could potentially allow for malicious applications to wreak all kinds of havoc on our phones. Things like sending SMS messages to sign you up for 3rd party SMS services, record late night conversations with your bff — even factory reset a device and all without any input needed from the user. Fun.

Android Phone, More Android Security Issues Exposed â€" This Time From Apps Already Installed On Your Device

Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead

Siri hasn't been caught cooking dinner yet, but hackers worldwide have boldly taken Apple's personal assistant to a whole new level by incorporating its functionality with a plethora of different devices. We've seen Siri use custom commands, change the temperature in your house, and even allow select car owners to utilize their automobile's Bluetooth integration. Nifty, no doubt, but this assistant's evolution towards greater heights isn't over yet. Vimeo user toddtreece has whipped up a slick demo of the iPhone 4S' right hand gal (or guy) taking command of his television set.

Engadget, Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead

Roboden elastic cables transfer power and data

If you've ever thought to yourself “I wish USB cables were stretchy”, you're in luck. The Asahi Kasei corporation has unveiled a new cable called the Roboden, which is touted as the world's first elasticated cable that can be used to transfer data or power. The company manufactures Spandex so you can be sure it knows a thing or two about elasticity. At the moment they are available as regular USB data/power cables, but in the future these stretchy cables can be used in the design of new machines and gadgets that require cables to expand and contract i.e. robots and motion sensing suits.



Ubergizmo, Roboden elastic cables transfer power and data

Smart Car transforms into a food truck

Food trucks generally lean towards the larger side, but not content with such an ungainly vehicle and the fact that parking is harder to come by for trucks, a pair of German students studying at the University of Texas have managed to take all the essential components that goes into a food truck and stuck it all inside a Smart Car (as pictured above). What they have managed to do is to modify the interior of the vehicle. This was done by removing the passenger seats at the back and replaced with a power system that is powered by a couple of truck batteries.

Ubergizmo, Smart Car transforms into a food truck

The BMW M table that you always wanted

We aren't typically ones to geek out on furniture, but this warrants an exception to the rule. Phillips Collection has worked up a coffee table perfect for any BMW fan. From the side, the piece simply looks to be three tilted boxes, but view the table from above and it becomes clear that it's actually a physical manifestation of the BMW M logo. Made from cold-pressed steel and powder coated in the exact hues used by the BMW go-fast division, the table is sure to last for years and years. If you want one as badly as we do, you'll have to contact Phillips Collection for more information.




2DayBlog.com

See also:
maximum, The BMW M table that you always wanted

One Year Later, Path ‘Personal Network' App Still Brings the Love

The new Path includes a nifty button which houses all the new posting features, like location, photo and sleep mode. Photo: Ariel Zambelich/Wired.com. As the world becomes ever-more-saturated in social media, the court of public opinion grows only more sensitive. Retweets can propel an errant thought to meme-like levels of notoriety, while a mismanaged Google+ post can set your circles aflutter. Yes, managing one's online self-expression isn't what it used to be.

Path, the small, smartphone app-based social network created by former Facebook employee Dave Morin, wanted to turn that dynamic on its head.



Gadget Lab, One Year Later, Path ‘Personal Network' App Still Brings the Love

Harvard-designed 'soft robot' shows you how low it can go (video)

It's the stuff of slow-moving robopocalyptic nightmares: a 'soft robot' designed by a team of Harvard scientists that draws inspiration from invertebrates like worms and starfish. The wired 'bot is made from a flexible elastomer material that allows it to squeeze into spaces that are inaccessible for more traditional robots. Inside are chambers that inflate and deflate, allowing the thing to undulate forward.

Engadget, Harvard-designed 'soft robot' shows you how low it can go (video)

Acer Iconia Tab A200 promo video leak shows full size USB port

Acer is getting ready to release a new Android tablet, that's clear. It will be called Iconia Tab A200, and we've already written about it twice this month. It got both its Bluetooth certification, as well as the FCC's approval, and it turns out it's a 10-inch tablet despite its model number being closer to the 7-inch A100 than the previously launched 10-inch A500. Acer already has the first promo video ready for the new tablet, and this has been leaked.



Unwired View, Acer Iconia Tab A200 promo video leak shows full size USB port

Anti-Slip Case Keeps Your iPad 2 Safe, Even at 60 MPH

Can your iPad case do this. Image: Sofshell. Driving off after leaving a drink on your car's roof is a messy bummer. Doing the same with your smartphone or tablet is downright traumatizing.

If you're prone to absent-mindedness, iPad casemakers Sofshell may have a solution for you.

The Sofshell iPad case is made of a medical-grade proprietary elastomer, fully encasing the iPad's bezel in order to protect it from accidental slips and drops. The company says its cases are anti-slip for surfaces angled up to 70 degrees, and reduce the shock of a drop by up to 43 percent.

Gadget Lab, Anti-Slip Case Keeps Your iPad 2 Safe, Even at 60 MPH

Qbo robot looks in a mirror, learns who he is (video)

A robot equipped with stereoscopic vision and some object and facial recognition programs opens up a whole number of different possibilities, but few quite as interesting as what happens when you place said robot in front of a mirror. It took a bit of guidance (and no doubt a bit of prep), but the open source Qbo robot was quickly able to both recognize and learn to identify himself when he was recently placed in just such a situation.

Engadget, Qbo robot looks in a mirror, learns who he is (video)

Xbox sees biggest ever sales week thanks to hot holiday weekend

. Microsoft announced on Tuesday that last week marked the Xbox 360′s best ever week of sales. The company sold more than 960,000 Xbox 360 consoles and more than 750,000 Kinect controllers last week. Microsoft also confirmed that more than 800,000 of the consoles it sold last week were purchased on Black Friday alone. ”We have seen tremendous excitement from customers for our hot holiday gaming offers,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager of Home Entertainment at Best Buy, in a statement.

Boy Genius Report, Xbox sees biggest ever sales week thanks to hot holiday weekend

Amtrak begins testing e-ticketing system, other futuristic things

It's been a long time coming, but it looks like Amtrak is finally ready to get with the times. This month, the human-carrier began testing a new e-ticketing system for passengers traveling along its Downeaster line, which extends from Maine to Boston. Under the trial, travelers can either print their tickets at home, or have them e-mailed as a barcode-laced PDF file for conductors to scan. Customers can also change their reservations at the last minute, without having to wait in line at the ticket counter and interact with other people.

Engadget, Amtrak begins testing e-ticketing system, other futuristic things

HTC may ignore smartphone sales ban in Germany

. IPCom has reportedly moved to ban HTC from selling smartphones in Germany. HTC lost a patent lawsuit to IPCom in 2009 and recently decided not to file an appeal against the ruling, likely in an effort to avoid further litigation it might have faced from a ruling on two additional patent cases. HTC may ignore IPCom's request to stop selling smartphones because it believes IPCom's lawsuit is no longer valid. According to BBC, HTC has argued that the German Federal Patents court ruled that IPCom's patent claim was invalid in December of 2010. Whether or not HTC faces a fine for ignoring IPCom's request will be the court's decision.

Boy Genius Report, HTC may ignore smartphone sales ban in Germany

Unannounced iPhone, iPads and Apple TV referenced in iOS 5.1 beta

. Apple's latest developer build of iOS might not include the intriguing Siri enhancements that had been rumored earlier this month, but it does include references to several unannounced Apple devices. Some digging through the iOS 5.1 code has revealed three new device code names, giving developers new keywords to hunt down on their constant quest for information on upcoming Apple devices. The first, “iPad2,4,” could refer to a new version of the iPad 2 set to hit Sprint's network, though we're just months away from the expected launch of a new iPad so it would be odd for Sprint to adopt an older model so late in its life cycle.

Boy Genius Report, Unannounced iPhone, iPads and Apple TV referenced in iOS 5.1 beta

Next Xbox To Come In Two Versions? Kinect 2 To Read Lips?

The rumor mill is churning once again. This time, word has been spreading about the sequel of Xbox 360, which has been speculated to come in two models. The first version is a pared-down set-top box that targets casual gamers, while the other model would be a bit heftier in specs and will be geared towards hardcore gamers. Either way, the two versions of Xbox 360–which have been codenamed “Xbox 720″ or “Xbox Loop”–will supposedly be paired with a revised version of Kinect motion sensor.

Gadget.com, Next Xbox To Come In Two Versions? Kinect 2 To Read Lips?

Look International Advance with DIGITALK

Look International, US provider of the leading 'SINPIN' PINless calling services, have selected the DIGITALK Consumer Platform, an NGN service delivery platform for retail service providers, to support their consumer services. In addition, Look International will be using the DIGITALK SBC VoIP peering solution for carrier routing.

Press Release Distribution

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gadgetsblog, Look International Advance with DIGITALK

PhD student creates jumping robot that can pick itself up

Jianguo Zhao, a PhD student at Michigan State has developed a robot that can not only jump, but pick itself up after it lands, and even steer itself in order to keep itself headed in the right direction. He has hopes that this robot/technology will eventually find a use in search and rescue, environmental monitoring and surveillance, although it seems that the robot's inability to jump off uneven terrain is holding it back. Zhao's robot manages to achieve a jump height of 36", using frog-like legs and a windup to propel itself into the air.



Ubergizmo, PhD student creates jumping robot that can pick itself up

Telehouse enhances green commitment with 100 per cent renewable energy

Telehouse, a leading provider of global data centres and managed ICT solutions, today announced that it's London Docklands data centre site, which houses the IT infrastructure of almost 500 major international organisations, now purchases 100 per cent renewable energy from UK provider SmartestEnergy. SmartestEnergy is the UK's leading purchaser and supplier of electricity from independent generators. The 100 per cent renewable energy purchased by Telehouse is generated by projects throughout the UK using a variety of sources including wind, solar, hydropower and anaerobic digestion.

Press Release Distribution

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newtech, Telehouse enhances green commitment with 100 per cent renewable energy

LG Nitro HD Arrives in AT&T

AT&T has annunced that its LG Nitro HD will be available for retail beginning December 4. It will cost $249.99 with a two-year contract. The Nitro HD, which also goes by the name Optimus LTE outside the United States, features a 4.5-inch high-definition AH-IPS display with 720p resolution, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 4GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel camera at the back, and a pre-installed 16GB microSD card. The handset runs android 2.3.5 Gingerbread OS and will likely have preloaded apps, which you can uninstall if you so desire.

On paper, the Nitro HD looks like an impressive smartphone.

Gadget.com, LG Nitro HD Arrives in AT&T

The Ken Fox Troupe and the Wall of Death

The carnival doesn't quite enjoy the same level of prestige it once did. The old-world entertainment now has to vie with a movie industry soaked in computer-generated special effects, on-demand satellite entertainment and a vast expanse of electronic distractions. That doesn't make some of the stunts performed at the carnival any less amazing, however, and it's especially true when it comes to the infamous Wall of Death, wherein motorcycle riders ramp up speed and take to a near vertical wall to defy gravity. Benedict Campbell has just finished a short film on Ken Fox and his family.

2DayBlog.com, The Ken Fox Troupe and the Wall of Death

YAL concept watch looks awesome

If you're a fan of futuristic designs and of watches that require a little bit of effort when it comes to telling the time, you might be interested in the YAL concept watch. Inspired by music from Tron, this funky-looking watch looks like it could have been a prop from the movie. It features bright blue lights, complex segments and electronic circuit track lines. Other than telling the time and lighting up dark locations with its face, it doesn't have any other features, but hey - if you want a watch that draws attention, this watch can do the trick.

Ubergizmo, YAL concept watch looks awesome

Samsung Galaxy Sleek Trademark Hints Toward New Series

Samsung’s snapping up some names for their 2012 line of phones, it seems, and the latest name thrown into the pot is “Samsung Galaxy Sleek”. The application was filed on November 23rd and it describes “ Telephones, smart phones, mobile phones and tablet computers.” It’s not exactly clear if the name will apply to only one or all of them so we still don’t know what to be expecting, but the “sleek” name obviously has us thinking light, thin and beautiful. 2012 just got that much more interesting.

Android Phone, Samsung Galaxy Sleek Trademark Hints Toward New Series

BlackBerry PlayBook rooted

After being out on the market for a number of months now, it looks like the developer community has finally made some headway with the device. A developer named Chris Wade managed to root the QNX tablet over the weekend. This basically means that he'll be able to access, files, folders and settings that are normally unavailable to non-rooted users. It's a pretty big step forward for the developer community as this appears to be the first case of the tablet being rooted successfully.
No, you won't be able to load custom ROMs onto the tablet just yet (that requires unlocking of the bootloader) but it's a start.

Ubergizmo, BlackBerry PlayBook rooted

Sensu Artist Brush for Capacitive Screens

I'm sure there's more e-doodlers out there than me , and Artist Hardware's Sensu Artist Brush looks pretty cool for doodling and painting on the go on your capacitive screen device. Now fully funded on  Kickstarter  ( funding requested $7,500, funding recieved $68,823 . ) , the Sensu is a capacitive brush device that gives you the feel of a real artist's brush . Traditional synthetic brush hair is infused with conductive properties to make this work on your iPad or Android Tablet ( or any other device with a capacitive screen ) .

The Gadgeteer, Sensu Artist Brush for Capacitive Screens

HAPPY HOLIDROID CONTEST: Cyber Monday Mania

It’s Cyber Monday and that means millions of people will be scouring the web for the best deals of the year. In honor of today’s legendary status, we’re continuing our 31-Day Holidroid Giveaway with our biggest contest yet, including a Kindle Fire, Galaxy Nexus Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Jawbone JAMBOX and a whole lot more. How can you win.
Simply visit Amazon.com and link us to one of your favorite gift giving ideas of the year in the contest! It’ll make reading the comments fun and helpful for today’s holiday shoppers.

There are a few more details… read on for all of them.






Android Phone, HAPPY HOLIDROID CONTEST: Cyber Monday Mania

CustVox Announces Major Upgrade for its Enterprise Feedback Manager

European CEM pioneer is rolling out an upgrade of its core product, bolstered by the power of an algorithm developed in-house.(ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND) - CustVox AG, a European leader in next generation Customer Experience Management software solutions, today announced an upgrade for its Enterprise Feedback Manager, now in version 1.6.CustVox's Enterprise Feedback Manager is the only comprehensive, multi-channel platform for capturing, managing and analyzing the voice of the customer in real-time on a cross-channel basis.Equipped with the ability to naturally process 10 different languages, the Enterprise Feedback Manager is also capable of

Press Release Distribution, CustVox Announces Major Upgrade for its Enterprise Feedback Manager

HTC Ville to be only 8mm thick, to become thinnest HTC phone

HTC have some interesting droids in the pipeline and we get to glean some specs from occasional leaks. Now we've learned a new detail about the rumored HTC Ville droid - it will be HTC's thinnest phone to date with an 8mm thin waistline. The thinnest current HTCs are at just under the 10mm mark, so the newcomer will have them easily beat.

GSM Arena, HTC Ville to be only 8mm thick, to become thinnest HTC phone

LandingZone, a Clever Dock for The MacBook Air

The LandingZone dock quickly clamps onto your MacBook Air. Want a way to quickly dock you MacBook Air to all your desktop peripherals, but don't want to drop $1,000 on Apple's Thunderbolt display. Then you might want to consider the LandingZone, a $140 desktop dock for Apple's tiny MacBook.
The LandingZone sits on your desk, hooked up to power, a monitor, an Ethernet cable and up to four USB devices. You turn up to work with your 11 or 13-inch MacBook Air and set it down. Move the lever at the back and the sides of the LandingZone move in, clamping the notebooks and inserting plugs into its ports.

Gadget Lab, LandingZone, a Clever Dock for The MacBook Air

SteelSeries Limited Edition Fnatic Sensei gaming mouse

Your choice of a gaming mouse is very important when it comes to making sure you are able to get the right shot in at those crucial moments, even more so when you are involved in a team game, as you might need to cover someone else's back, and a failure in equipment on your part (no, your ego would never have admitted to a failure in skill) might spell the difference between disaster and success.

Ubergizmo, SteelSeries Limited Edition Fnatic Sensei gaming mouse

Gamestop lists Transformer Prime release date

First there was single core, followed by dual-core processors and now the ante has increased even more – with the presence of quad-core processors, of course. To borrow from the Spiderman adage, “with great power comes great responsibility” – so how will the responsibility of a tablet that sports a quad-core processor measure up. I guess you won't really know until you pick one up for yourself and give it a go – I'm talking about Gamestop listing the Asus Transformer Prime's release date as December 9th.

Ubergizmo

See also:
newtech, Gamestop lists Transformer Prime release date

T-Mobile UK announces Vivacity smartphone

Gadgets are funny business – the high end models are the most desirable in terms of design as well as functions most of the time, but then again, they do not generate the most sales for a company, since any graph would show that the mid-range and entry-level devices would do far better since the majority of the population would be able to afford them. Well, having said that, I am not opposed to high end devices – I would associate them with Formula 1 racing, pushing the boundaries of mobile technology always so that the masses will benefit in the long run.

Ubergizmo, T-Mobile UK announces Vivacity smartphone

Martin says its jetpack is 'practical,' offers crappy computer animation as evidence

Ever wonder what a jetpack is good for, besides fulfilling dreams and fighting Nazis. Well, Martin wants you to know there are, in fact, practical applications for its $86,000 personal propulsion system. According to the aviation company everyone from emergency responders to search and rescue teams to military personnel could find a place for the dual-engine craft in their arsenal of tools. Sure, we could see how their ability to get in an out where the size of a helicopter or plane might be prohibitive would prove handy, but their high cost and limited carrying capacity make them a tough sell.

Engadget, Martin says its jetpack is 'practical,' offers crappy computer animation as evidence

Officine Autodromo places the spirit of vintage Italian racing on your wrist

Some watchmakers seek out automotive associations - typically in the form of licensing agreements with automakers or racing series. But some just have octane just dripping from their cogs. Like this latest collection from Officine Autodromo.

2DayBlog.com, Officine Autodromo places the spirit of vintage Italian racing on your wrist

Jorian Ponomareff shows off insane motorcycle drifting skills

Welcome to lessons in vehicle control with Jorian Ponomareff. The motorcycle stunt rider has made a name for himself as a guy who's capable of pulling off incredible feats of riding, including getting tail-happy with precise, controlled drifts. Ponomareff has released a new video of his talents demonstrating just how well the guy knows his bike, and the clip provides plenty of lessons in two-wheeled manipulation while riffing off of the famous Ken Block gymkhana series. The whole clip is well shot with a soundtrack to match, and we're completely in awe of Ponomareff's mountain of skill.

2DayBlog.com, Jorian Ponomareff shows off insane motorcycle drifting skills

Seagate: HDD production won't return to normal for 1 year

Wednesday Seagate Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Luczo said that Wall Street analysts are talking nonsense when they say that hard drive production will be back to pre-flood levels by next summer. In fact, he's predicting a difficult road ahead for the industry given that many of Seagate's own 130 or so suppliers are still under three feet of water. “This is going to take a lot longer than people are assuming, until the end of 2012 at least,” he admitted.

2DayBlog.com, Seagate: HDD production won't return to normal for 1 year

Kaspersky Lab wins at V3.co.uk Technology Awards 2011

Kaspersky Lab judged Best Security ProviderAbingdon, UK, 25 November - Kaspersky Lab has hit the top spot at the V3.co.uk Technology Awards 2011, scooping the highly sought after Best Security Provider award in the Business Software category.This prestigious award recognises Kaspersky Lab as a leading company which prides itself on making the digital world safer for more than 300 million users worldwide.

Press Release Distribution, Kaspersky Lab wins at V3.co.uk Technology Awards 2011

Samsung to discontinue netbook in favor of ultrabooks (Rumor)

If you were planning to get yourself a Samsung netbook, it seems that in an alleged email that Samsung sent to its trading partners, come Q1 of 2012 Samsung will be discontinuing their 10.1" netbook and will instead focus their efforts on ultrabooks which are also expected to launch some time in 2012. According to the email which reads:.

Ubergizmo, Samsung to discontinue netbook in favor of ultrabooks (Rumor)

RIM offering free Blackberry Playbooks to enterprise customers

If your company has plans to install RIM's BES, or if your company has been toying around with that idea, RIM is now offering a special promotion where if your company were to install or upgrade to RIM's Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) v5.0 anytime from now until the 31st of December, you will be giving one 16GB Blackberry Playbook tablet for free. RIM's Blackberry Playbook tablet has not done as well as they had hoped, and it's a safe assumption that it's probably got to do with the Playbook not shipping with native Blackberry smartphone support.

Ubergizmo, RIM offering free Blackberry Playbooks to enterprise customers

LEGO Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 trailer is awesome

Even though a video game has been released, that doesn't mean we can't watch its trailer anymore. After all, some games have pretty exciting trailers that are worth rewatching - especially if they've been recreated in LEGO. The folks over at Kooberz Studios came up with a recreation of one of the many official Modern Warfare 3 trailers, with nothing but LEGO pieces (and some handmade “special effects”). When you take into account that the whole video was done in stop motion, you gotta applaud the effort they put into creating it.



Ubergizmo, LEGO Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 trailer is awesome

Apple Black Friday online sale launched

Yes, we saw Apple's Black Friday deals leaked just a couple of days ago, but as with most things in life – good things come to those who wait. Case in point, Black Friday is upon us, and as you can expect, there are plenty of crazy deals going around that you can write about, although Apple has been rather prudent through the years when it comes to slashing prices on their products – to maintain a premium image, I suppose. Well, as expected, the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac are all cheaper by a Benjamin for the next 24 hours, while the iPad 2 will be $41 cheaper than usual.

Ubergizmo, Apple Black Friday online sale launched

Samsung LED Bulbs Coming To The US

Even if you think that people are getting more concerned with the environment, it seems that most people are just not doing all that they can. One case in point is the slow acceptance of more energy efficient LED lighting in homes. There are still a lot of people who prefer to use incandescent bulbs that waste a lot of energy to provide its light. One reason for this might be the lack of choices available for consumers, especially in the US. This might just be something that Samsung has thought about.

Gadget.com, Samsung LED Bulbs Coming To The US

Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera Gets Nine New Limited Edition Color Options

Pentax has just added nine new limited edition color options to its K-r digital SLR camera line-up. These colors include pink, purple, blue, green, yellow, navy, metallic brown, gold and silver. Each new color kit will ship with an 18-55mm lens and will soon be available exclusively via Walmart.com.

TechFresh, Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera Gets Nine New Limited Edition Color Options

ASUS Padfone crops up in benchmark database, powered by an S4?

Late last spring, Asus made some round of winds with its Padfone and its companion dock, but aside from potential form factors and a Christmas release window, details of its glorified guts were scarce. That's all changed now thanks to GLBenchmark's public results database, which outs the category-straddling device as having a Krait S4 MSM8960. Yes, the first in a line of uber-performing Qualcomm SoCs will be embedded in the heart of ASUS' smartphone, bringing support for a global range of frequencies (including blazing HSPA+ and LTE speeds) and an Adreno 225 GPU.

2DayBlog.com, ASUS Padfone crops up in benchmark database, powered by an S4?

Why Smartphone Commercials Are Making Us Stupid

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Legions of nine-to-fivers stare idly at their office monitors, pretending to work in the few short hours before going on holiday. Dysfunctional families assemble for awkward turkey dinners. And, of course, all of the consumer electronics companies ramp up their ad campaigns to lure in the tired, poor and hungry masses of seasonal shoppers.

Yet, sadly, by the looks of all the smartphone commercials coming out, it seems advertising companies consider us idiots. Instead of smart, Super Bowl-quality ads, we're forced to watch ridiculous dreck, often featuring more hype than actual product.

Gadget Lab

See also:
hitech, Why Smartphone Commercials Are Making Us Stupid