Verizon To Launch Samsung Galaxy Stellar

Rumors have been circulating about Verizon planning to offer the Samsung-made Galaxy Stellar, but a recently-leaked image shows that the mid-range smartphone will see the light of day in retail. While there aren't any specs to write about so far, the image reveals some of the Galaxy Stellar's peculiarities. For one, the bottom part of the device is not flat, but shaped like a chin when viewed from the side. It will also have a so-called Starter Mode, an easy-to-use interface featuring a smaller number of reconfigured homescreens as well as handy shortcuts to commonly-used programs.

Gadget.com , Verizon To Launch Samsung Galaxy Stellar, Verizon To Launch Samsung Galaxy Stellar

The jury reached a verdict in Apple vs. Samsung case

The tech's biggest court trial has ended with a verdict in Apple's favor. After a relatively short deliberation, the jury decided rather overwhelmingly that Samsung infringed Apple's intellectual property with multiple devices. The Korean company will therefore have to pay $ 1.05 billion in damages to Apple. Furthermore, regarding Samsung's own countersuit against Apple, the jury has found that Apple has not infringed upon the Korean giant's patents.

GSM Arena , The jury reached a verdict in Apple vs. Samsung case, The jury reached a verdict in Apple vs. Samsung case

RIM files patent for automatic blog drafting on mobile devices

With faster network speeds these days and with our smartphones and tablets becoming more than capable of replacing our laptops for certain activities, such as typing emails, quick photo edits, checking Facebook, it is no surprise that some have turned to their mobile devices to type up blog posts while on the go. That and being connected to data networks allows users to post blog posts as soon as they're done, instead of having to search for a WiFi hotspot or get a modem dongle.

Ubergizmo , RIM files patent for automatic blog drafting on mobile devices, RIM files patent for automatic blog drafting on mobile devices

Apple executive reportedly denies that the “iTV” will be launching in the near future

There have been plenty of Apple's HDTV rumors floating about these days, with some suggesting that we will only see a release next year, while some optimistically believe it could be released sometime towards the end of 2012. In any case according to reports, Apple's Vice President for internet services and software, Eddy Cue, had reportedly told an analyst that such a device from Apple is unlikely in the near future, with the main reason being that such a TV set would have to meet all of Apple's standards regarding user experience and performance first.

Ubergizmo , Apple executive reportedly denies that the “iTV” will be launching in the near future, Apple executive reportedly denies that the “iTV” will be launching in the near future

Fifth Gear headed to Velocity Channel in October

For those familiar with Fifth Gear, it's a welcomed alternative if you have burnt yourself out from watching 12 hours straight of Top Gear on torrents and BBC America reruns. The show is hosted by former TG presenters Tiff Needell and Vicki Butler-Henderson, along with two-time BTCC champ Jason Plato and auto journalist Jonny Smith. Now word comes that the British enthusiast program will be joining Discovery's Velocity network and its automotive-based lineup.



Autoblog , Fifth Gear headed to Velocity Channel in October, Fifth Gear headed to Velocity Channel in October

Sony Xperia Acro S arrives in Europe (only in Russia for now)

Available in Asia (including in Taiwan) since earlier this month, the Sony Xperia Acro S is now making its way to Europe. The first European country to get it seems to be Russia, where the new smartphone has been released today for 23,990 RUB (about €600 or $750). Only one Russian retailer is selling the Acro S at the moment, offering both the white, and the black version of the handset.
Running Android 4.0 ICS, the Sony Xperia Acro S is dust and water resistant, and features a 4.3 inch HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 12MP rear camera, and 16GB of internal memory.

Unwired View , Sony Xperia Acro S arrives in Europe (only in Russia for now), Sony Xperia Acro S arrives in Europe (only in Russia for now)

Canon EOS-1D X field review

Just before Halloween in 2009, Canon announced its most powerful DSLR to date. The $5,000 full-frame EOS-1D Mark IV was the company's answer to Nikon's market-leading D3S, which rang in just shy of $5,200. On the basis of price alone, Canon won that round. Then, after two years of silence, the company launched its new flagship, the 1D X. The date was October 18th, 2011 - roughly 10 (or "X") years after the very first model in the series was announced, way back in 2001. A decade ago, Canon priced that introductory 1D at $5,500 - a princely sum considering the 4.15-megapixel CCD on board.










Engadget , Canon EOS-1D X field review, Canon EOS-1D X field review

Amazon and NBCUniversal expand Prime Instant Video deal, let you stream Parks and Rec in one place

Amazon and NBCUniversal Cable & New Media Distribution today announced a deal that will expand the mega-retailer's streaming selection by hundreds of episodes, including the likes of Parks and Recreation, Parenthood, Friday Night Lights, Heroes and Battlestar Galactica. Prime users will be able to check out older seasons of those shows on their computers, iPads, Xbox 360s, PlayStation 3s and, of course, Kindle Fires. Non-Prime subscribers can also try out Prime Instant Video's 22,000 movies and TV shows for one month, gratis.

Engadget , Amazon and NBCUniversal expand Prime Instant Video deal, let you stream Parks and Rec in one place, Amazon and NBCUniversal expand Prime Instant Video deal, let you stream Parks and Rec in one place

NTT DoCoMo releasing limited edition JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Optimus Vu

If you can't get enough of the adventures of the Joestars and their various progeny, then you're in luck. NTT DoCoMo knows how to keep hardcore fans happy, releasing a limited run of 15,000 LG Optimus Vu with the phablet carrying custom wallpaper and illustrations from the creators of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Beneath the surface, it's the same phone we've seen before - albeit with support for mobile TV standard Nottv.

Engadget , NTT DoCoMo releasing limited edition JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Optimus Vu, NTT DoCoMo releasing limited edition JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Optimus Vu

Adobe Revel 1.5 released with new UI, text captions and auto-syncing albums

Adobe's cloud-based photo storage and editing app has been enjoying its new name since it hopped off the Carousel, and now it's appreciating a feature bump too. Version 1.5 has just hit the virtual shelves of the Mac and iTunes stores, complete with a new UI and the option to log in using Facebook or Google accounts. Functionality wise, the update adds text captioning for your snaps and the ability to create albums which auto-sync across your devices and can be shared with others via the web.

Engadget , Adobe Revel 1.5 released with new UI, text captions and auto-syncing albums, Adobe Revel 1.5 released with new UI, text captions and auto-syncing albums

Final Fantasy Dimensions tipped for end of August release

Final Fantasy Dimensions is an upcoming RPG title for the Android-powered platform, where it has been slapped with an end of August release date – at least this is what Siliconera claims. Originally released in episodes for feature phones in Japan, Final Fantasy Dimensions has received a stunning (relatively speaking here) graphical overhaul, and news of news – it is not only available on the Android platform, but iOS-powered devices, too, will be able to get a hold of it this coming August 31st.

Ubergizmo , Final Fantasy Dimensions tipped for end of August release, Final Fantasy Dimensions tipped for end of August release

HTC Proto photo leaked

We first talked about the HTC Proto back in July, and at the beginning of this month, the HTC Proto was allegedly spotted in a leak. Bear in mind that the HTC Proto might sound as though it is future forward, but this is actually an entry level handset, and it seems that the good people over at the Verge have managed to cobble together a picture of this yet to be announced smartphone.

Ubergizmo , HTC Proto photo leaked, HTC Proto photo leaked

Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies

You know Sennheiser's pissed when it holds a press conference just to talk about its anti-counterfeit efforts. In Guangzhou yesterday, the German audio company brought along two executives to debut its new authentication technologies on its retail packaging: a shiny Tesa PrioSpot authenticity label plus a “fool-proof” online look-up system. For the former, President of Corporate Services Volker Batels claims it's treated as securely as one would with cash money, in the sense that it has many visible and invisible features.


2DayBlog.com , Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies

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technoleap, Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies

PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership

PayPal already has a partnership with MasterCard in place that lets you use its debit cards in stores, but the company has now expanded that retail presence even further with a new deal it's struck with Discover. Starting sometime next year, that arrangement will let PayPal customers use their charge cards at any of the 7 million retail locations that accept Discover cards, with funds drawn directly from their PayPal account. What's more, PayPal says that retailers won't have to make any hardware or software upgrades to accept the PayPal payments, noting that they'll simply have to let customers know of the new option with in-store signage.

2DayBlog.com , PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership, PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership

T-Mobile intros cheap ZTE Concord Android phone

T-Mobile USA has announces its cheapest Android smartphone ever: the T-Mobile Concord. Manufactured by ZTE, the Concord will be offered only on no annual contract plans (including T-Mobile Monthly4G). Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Concord obviously has entry-level features: 3.5 inch HVGA display, Wi-Fi, and a 2MP rear camera.
The handset can be already bought at Walmart, which is offering it for $99.98 with its Walmart Family Mobile no annual contract plan.

Unwired View , T-Mobile intros cheap ZTE Concord Android phone, T-Mobile intros cheap ZTE Concord Android phone

Toyota shocks ad world with topless androgynous model

This one will take some puzzling. Toyota has released an ad for the company's brand-new 2013 Auris hatchback, complete with a topless model. It's not what you think, however. The agency behind the spot contracted Stav Strashko, a 19-year-old male model born in the Ukraine and raised in Israel for the role. Strashko has a distinctly androgynous appearance and has modeled women's clothing in the past.



Autoblog , Toyota shocks ad world with topless androgynous model, Toyota shocks ad world with topless androgynous model

Rumor: Nokia to Reveal Two New Windows 8 Phones on September 5

Rumorville has been churning about what kind of Windows 8-powered Lumia phones Nokia is expected on unveil on September 5th. While the struggling Finnish phone maker remains vague about what it will bring to the table, certain sources have revealed interested information. According to The Verge, Nokia will reveal two new Lumia phones nicknamed “Arrow” and “Phi,” with the latter being groomed to become its flagship smartphone.
Tech reporter Eldar Murtazin purported that the Phi phone, which has a slimmed-down profile, will have a 4.7-inch AMOLED display and a microSD card slot.

Gadget.com , Rumor: Nokia to Reveal Two New Windows 8 Phones on September 5, Rumor: Nokia to Reveal Two New Windows 8 Phones on September 5

Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan

We enjoyed our short time with Panasonic's new mirrorless G5 in our hands-on last month, even if it was a little on the porky side. And, if you hail from the Land of the Rising Sun and had your heart set on one of these 16-megapixel shooters, Panny's announced you'll get your chance from September 13th. We're getting dangerously close to missing the stateside launch target of August, but where the US website is showing the G5 as unreleased, availability on Amazon tells a different story.

Engadget , Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan, Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan

Galaxy Note 10.1 is not the ‘iPhone moment' Samsung was looking for

. Samsung (005930) aimed high when it unveiled its Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet for the third time last week. Calling the new Note nothing short of “life-changing,” Samsung focused on the slate's S Pen stylus integration as a key differentiating factor that will change the way we use tablets forever. Despite a wide range of criticism, we found that Samsung's stylus features indeed added some great capabilities in certain cases.

Boy Genius Report , Galaxy Note 10.1 is not the ‘iPhone moment' Samsung was looking for, Galaxy Note 10.1 is not the ‘iPhone moment' Samsung was looking for

Chrome for iOS updated

Hear ye, hear ye, those of you who are currently using Chrome for iOS – it seems that this particular software or app has received an update courtesy of the folks over at Google.

Ubergizmo , Chrome for iOS updated, Chrome for iOS updated

PayPal inks Discover deal to bolster mobile payment platform

. PayPal on Wednesday made its big move to upend Google (GOOG) Wallet in the mobile payment platform wars by signing a deal to enable its mobile payment system on Discover's credit card network. As reported by GigaOM, the new partnership will deliver PayPal's in-store payment service to more than 7 million different stores across the United States starting next April.

Boy Genius Report , PayPal inks Discover deal to bolster mobile payment platform, PayPal inks Discover deal to bolster mobile payment platform

McLaren X-1 Concept created as one-off for anonymous client

The machine you see above is the McLaren X-1 Concept, and it was created by McLaren Special Operations for an anonymous client. Underneath that crazy slice of bodywork lies the British company's unique carbon monocell - the same basic structure that underpins the MP4-12C. MSO Programme Director Paul MacKenzie describes how it came to be:.     “One of our clients who already owned a McLaren F1, a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and now a 12C, wanted a unique car. The conversation began with our Executive Chairman Ron Dennis almost three years ago - before the 12C was even launched.






2DayBlog.com , McLaren X-1 Concept created as one-off for anonymous client, McLaren X-1 Concept created as one-off for anonymous client

Chrome OS update revamps app list and Google Drive saves, allows relentessly adorable wallpapers

Aw, wouldn't you look at the cute little… wait. Right, there's a Chrome OS update. At its heart, the upgrade to Google's cloud-based platform introduces a streamlined app list that both occupies less space and carries an internet-wide search box. It's also possible to save files directly to Google Drive, and audio can now play through either HDMI or USB. Don't lie to yourself, however: the real reason you'll rush to update your Chromebook today is newly added support for custom wallpapers, which guarantees all-day, everyday viewing of your most favorite dog in the whole wide world.

2DayBlog.com , Chrome OS update revamps app list and Google Drive saves, allows relentessly adorable wallpapers, Chrome OS update revamps app list and Google Drive saves, allows relentessly adorable wallpapers

'Assassin's Creed 3 is a franchise, like Mario or Resident Evil,' says Ubisoft

Speaking with CVG at gamescom, Hutchinson said an annual release doesn't take anything away from the series, nor make it "less amazing.". "Since when is something less amazing if you get a new one every year?" he said. "If Breaking Bad was shown twice a week I'd watch it twice a week. If Radiohead put out an album every six months I'd gladly buy one every six months.

"If people want these massive triple-A blockbusters, people will have to accept that we have to make our money back somehow. It's rare that you'll make your money back on the first one.

2DayBlog.com , 'Assassin's Creed 3 is a franchise, like Mario or Resident Evil,' says Ubisoft

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trendygadgets, 'Assassin's Creed 3 is a franchise, like Mario or Resident Evil,' says Ubisoft

RIM says BlackBerry Enterprise Server 10 users will get legacy device support, IT admins (may) rest easy

Corporate server managers everywhere were given a jolt this week when rumors emerged that RIM might implement a hard cutoff for BlackBerry Enterprise Server 10: any devices based on BlackBerry 7 and earlier might not connect at all, leaving IT leads with the uncomfortable choice of either running a BlackBerry server platform that's supposedly without a future (BES 5) or having to upgrade both the servers and phones all at once. RIM is putting minds at ease - more or less.

Engadget , RIM says BlackBerry Enterprise Server 10 users will get legacy device support, IT admins (may) rest easy, RIM says BlackBerry Enterprise Server 10 users will get legacy device support, IT admins (may) rest easy

Obama and Romney get into a fight at the White house [+video]

Catchy title, right. Well, it actually describes exactly what President Obama and hopeful Mitt Romney are doing in this new video game by Chair Entertainment, powered by the Epic Unreal Engine (yes, that's the Infinity Blade engine). The free app is called “VOTE!!!” and it has been designed at the right time. Now that the gloves are off on the political stage, voters of both party can actually take action instead of hearing a bunch of non-information on both sides.
Behind the game, this is a way to attract the attention of young voters to the upcoming elections.

Ubergizmo , Obama and Romney get into a fight at the White house [+video], Obama and Romney get into a fight at the White house [+video]

U.S. government seizes three popular Android piracy sites

. The Department of Justice on Wednesday announced that in connection with Dutch and French law enforcement agencies, it has seized three of the most popular sites for illegally downloading Android apps. The three domains - Appbucket, Snappzmarket and Applanet  - are now in the custody of the federal government, and would-be visitors are greeted with an FBI seizure notice. “Criminal copyright laws apply to apps for cell phones and tablets, just as they do to other software, music and writings.

Boy Genius Report , U.S. government seizes three popular Android piracy sites, U.S. government seizes three popular Android piracy sites

RIM confirms BES 10 will not support existing BlackBerry phones without BES 5

. Research In Motion (RIMM) responded to a recent BGR report on Wednesday by telling the media that “RIM will provide an upgrade to BES 10 in order to ensure that our enterprise customers have the most up-to-date technology available to manage their devices.” RIM also said that, “ will support existing BlackBerry devices, including the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet,” and that, “BES 10 will be the ultimate management solution for all BlackBerry platform devices, as well as iOS and Android devices. BES 10 will launch simultaneously with the first BlackBerry 10 devices in Q1 calendar 2013.”.

Boy Genius Report , RIM confirms BES 10 will not support existing BlackBerry phones without BES 5, RIM confirms BES 10 will not support existing BlackBerry phones without BES 5

Feds launch largest-ever road test of connected vehicles (video)

Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-To-Infrastructure (V2I) communications are going to play a big role in future automobiles when it comes to autonomous vehicles, but in the near term, these technologies are being looked at as a way to make the roadways safer by reducing crashes and congestion. As part of its Safety Pilot program, the Department of Transportation has announced plans for the largest-ever real-world test of V2V and V2I technologies consisting of almost 3,000 cars, trucks and buses in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Autoblog , Feds launch largest-ever road test of connected vehicles (video), Feds launch largest-ever road test of connected vehicles (video)

Confirmit Acquires CustomerSat from MarketTools

Acquisition brings together best-of-breed companies to strengthen leadership in the Voice of the Customer marketLondon, UK and Oslo, Norway and New York, NY: August 22, 2012: Confirmit, the leading global software provider for Customer Experience, Employee Engagement and Market Research, has announced that it has acquired CustomerSat™, the Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) software and services provider, previously owned by MarketTools®.

Press Release Distribution , Confirmit Acquires CustomerSat from MarketTools, Confirmit Acquires CustomerSat from MarketTools

Amazon launches Glacier archiving service, a cheap way to put your files on ice

Amazon's S3 cloud service has proved a popular proposition, with many large web enterprises happily depending on it (most of the time) to serve up its content. Now, the internet retail giant is offering a similar product, aimed squarely at archives, called Glacier. The idea seems pretty simple, starting from a penny, you can store 1GB of data on the firm's servers for one month. You'll only pay for what you store, and there are no upfront costs. Thinking this sounds like a cheap way to host your website? Well, maybe not, as retrieval requests are sent to a queue, and won't be available to download for a few hours.

Engadget , Amazon launches Glacier archiving service, a cheap way to put your files on ice, Amazon launches Glacier archiving service, a cheap way to put your files on ice

Icon Bronco rumbles into Jay Leno's Garage

According to Jay Leno, "The only time people in L.A. go off-roading is when they are about to get a D.U.I." That may be the case, but if you are looking to hit the trails with something inherently tough, but with a classic look, the folks at Icon are the people to see about it. The builder, known for retro-look off-roaders with serious trail chops, has done its thing with the CJ and FJ. Now the Icon brand (not to be confused with Iconic the makers of a reinterpretation of the Shelby Cobra) has rolled out its Bronco redeux, and brought it by Jay Leno's Garage.

Autoblog , Icon Bronco rumbles into Jay Leno's Garage, Icon Bronco rumbles into Jay Leno's Garage

Sony announces new Android 4.0 ICS updates for 2011 Xperias

Most of Sony's Xperia smartphones introduced in 2011 have already received Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This being said, Sony announced a new series of updates for its handsets launched last year. The updates won't bring a newer version of Android (although Jelly Bean is a possibility in the future), but "bug fixes, performance tweaks and other improvements.". The Xperia Arc (pictured below), Xperia Arc S, Xperia Ray, Xperia Neo, Xperia Neo V, Xperia Mini, Xperia Pro, and Xperia Active will receive their updates starting this week.

Unwired View , Sony announces new Android 4.0 ICS updates for 2011 Xperias

See also:
itworld, Sony announces new Android 4.0 ICS updates for 2011 Xperias

The Bloombox is an iOS speaker dock that lets you grow a plant in the middle of it

We've seen plenty of iOS speaker docks which claim to be green because they are made out of natural materials and because no electricity is required. Instead the sound is usually amplified naturally by making use of the science of acoustics. If you're a fan of such systems, then this Kickstarter project called the Bloombox might be worth taking a look at. Pictured above is the "device" and basically it's a stand for your iPhone or iPod touch with a hollowed out middle.

Ubergizmo , The Bloombox is an iOS speaker dock that lets you grow a plant in the middle of it, The Bloombox is an iOS speaker dock that lets you grow a plant in the middle of it

Guild Wars 2 gears up for another stress test today

Good news Guild Wars 2 players, we know that the launch of the game is close at hand, but what if you can't wait until this weekend (for pre-purchasers). Well it seems that ArenaNet has decided to host another stress test for the game which will be taking place on Tuesday, August 21st and is expected to run from 3PM EDT to 7PM EDT, giving Guild Wars fans a good four hours of gaming before the official launch. However it should be noted that because this is a stress test meant to, well, stress the servers and find any issues that might hamper the launch of the game, do not expect the experience to be a very smooth one.

Ubergizmo , Guild Wars 2 gears up for another stress test today, Guild Wars 2 gears up for another stress test today

Fisker recalls Karma due to faulty cooling fan

The Fisker Karma hybrid car is certainly one mean looking machine, but that does not mean it has no issues of its own to work out. No thanks to a faulty cooling fan, Fisker has issued a recall for their set of wheels, the Fisker Karma – all 2,400 of them sedans. I suppose this has been long overdue, ever since we read about how a Fisker Karma actually burnt into a crisp while its owner went out for some grocery shopping, all $102,000 of it. Fisker claims that a faulty cooling fan is the main cause of the fire, and continued to stress that the fire was not the result of the lithium-ion battery pack.

Ubergizmo , Fisker recalls Karma due to faulty cooling fan, Fisker recalls Karma due to faulty cooling fan