Skype For Windows Update Brings Facebook Video Link, Group Screen Sharing And More (video)

A new update for the Windows version of Skype has rolled out this week by Skype, which beings new features to the communications software. Skype Version 5.8.0.154 is now enabled with full HD recording, as well as group screen sharing. That enables users to share their entire screen or a single application window with other participants on a conference call while continuing to stream video. Watch the video after the jump to see Skype for Windows features in action.

Other useful features in the new Windows Skype package include video calling to Facebook users. Which allows you to now make video calls with all of your friends on Facebook, even if they aren’t Skype users. To start a video call with a Facebook friend, simply choose the person in your list and then click the “video call” option.

As well as a new Push to Talk that enables users that are playing multiplayer games to set a hotkey to allow a quick toggling action to set microphone muting on a Skype call. For more information jump over to the Skype website.

Source: Skype

Canon ELPH Series 530 and 320, D20 And SX260 Compact Cameras Unveiled

Canon has introduce a new series of compact cameras to their ELPH series range in the form of the ELPH 530 and 320. The new Canon compact cameras have been designed to use a complimentary iOS application developed by Canon called the CameraWindow.

Canon CameraWindow enables users to quickly view and transfer photography wirelessly. Canon says that support for Android devices will be arriving in May later this year. As far as specifications go the ELPH 530 HS which will be priced at around $349.99 when it arrives in April. Is equipped with a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor, 12x optical zoom lens, together with the same DIGIC 5 image processor.

The slightly cheaper ELPH 320 HS priced at $279.99 is out slightly earlier in March, and features a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and 5x optical zoom. Both Canon ELPH cameras are capable of recording 1080p video footage and are fitted with 3.2 inch touch screens on the rear.

Another new addition to Canon’s range includes the new D20 a waterproof camera that is arriving in may for around $350. The Canon D20 is equipped with a 12.1-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 1080p video and an “underwater macro” mode designed especially for divers or snorkelers.

Rounding off the new additions is the Canon SX260 arriving in March for $350. This is equipped with a 1.29-inch thick superzoom and a 25-500mm equivalent lens providing a useful 20x zoom. Other useful features included are 1080p video recording, GPS image tagging, and a burst shooting mode that can capture around 10 high-resolution shots at over 10 frames a second. Its also fitted with DIGIC 5 image processor and 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Source: Verge

Apple may partner with Verizon, AT&T and others for iTV content

By: Todd Haselton | Feb 6th, 2012 at 03:15PM

Apple will launch its own HDTV called the “iTV,” analyst Peter Misek of Jefferies & Company said on Monday. We’ve written dozens of reports on Apple’s alleged upcoming HDTV, and most speculate that the device will run a version of iOS along with the company’s Siri voice engine that will remove the need for a traditional remote control. Misek also said that Apple is in talks to partner with carriers such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T for access to exclusive and non-exclusive content, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Best Buy recently leaked possible details on the iTV and the retailer’s survey suggested the device will have a 42-inch display and a $1,499 price tag. The TV could launch near the middle of this year, although a recent report suggested that the television’s launch might be pushed back due to limited display availability.

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Tags: Apple, Best Buy, HDTV, iOS, iTV, Jefferies, leak, Siri, television

Verizon Galaxy Nexus Android 4.0.4 Update Leaked

It looks like the latest version of Android Ice Cream Sandwich for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has been leaked, the update is Android 4.0.4 and it is the official update from Verizon.

Verizon hasn’t as yet started rolling out the update over the air, although the Android 4.0.4 update for the Galaxy Nexus is available to download online.

The Android 4.0.4 update for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus brings a number of new features and bug fixes to the Galaxy Nexus, you can find out full information, as well as the download links over at Android Community.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Teased By Microsoft

Microsoft has put up a special Bing page for its ‘Consumer Preview’ of Windows 8, and Microsoft are expected to release the Windows 8 Consumer Preview some time this month.

The Bing website included a Betta fish which Microsoft has used previously as the default wallpaper in the Windows 7 beta, and you can see the Bing website here.

We don’t as yet have an exact release date for the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, all we know is that it will land some time this month and it will also come with a preview of the new Windows Store, Microsoft’s answer to the app store.

As soon as we get some more information on when the Windows 8 Consumer Preview will be available we will let you guys know.

Source Liveside, The Verge

Verizon Motorola Droid 4 In Action (Video)

The last thing we heard about the new Motorola Droid 4 is that the device is expected to go on sale this Thursday,the 9th of February, although this has yet to be confirmed by Verizon.

We have already seen one video of the Motorola Droid 4 in action, although a new video has been released by the guys from Wirefly which gives us a really good look at the handset.

As a reminder, the Motorola Droid 4 features a 4 inch qHD multi-touch touchscreen display with a resolution of $540 x 960 pixels, processing is provided by a dual core 1.2GHz processor and it also features 1GB of RAM.

Other specifications on the Motorola Droid 4 include an 8 megapixel camera, a slide out QWERTY keyboard, 16GB of built in storage and a microSD card slot which can take up to 32GB cards.

The Motorola Droid 4 is a 4G LTE enabled device, and it comes with a mobile hotspot feature, which gives you the option to connect up to eight separate devices via Wi-Fi.

The Motorola Droid 4 is expected to retail for $199 when you sign up to a new two year contract with Verizon, as soon as we get some confirmation that it will launch this Thursday we will let you guys know.

Source Android and Me, YouTube

Fungus Loves To Eat Plastic, According to Study

Plastic can give protection and security to a certain gadget or object, it can also hold an object from falling apart, these are not only the ways on how this certain object, such as plastic can be used.

However, there is one thing that can be seen as a negative fact about. Plastic, as a chemically produced material, cannot be breakdown or destroyed completely on a span of time. It is for the reason that the chemically that bonds this material cannot be easily degraded, that is why it cannot be easily dissolved.

Students from Yale University had discovered a fungus which they called Pestalotiopsis microspora while having their task in collecting microorganisms and plant samples in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador.

As the students had brought it back from the rainforest, they had found out that this fungus is fond of eating plastic, Polyurethane. This type of plastic can mostly be found on foams which are placed inside furniture, also this polyurethane can also be found on varnishes and paint.

It was also said that this fungus is able to grow on polyurethane. Further observations and experimentations are done in order to expand the use of this fungus.

Via: Geek

Sony Files Trademark For Xperia Sola Smartphone

We are expecting to see a couple of new Xperia smartphones from Sony at MWC 2012 later this month, we have already seen some leaked devices like the Sony Xperia U, as well as the new Sony Xperia S which was recently announced by Sony.

Now details have been revealed of a new trademark filed by Sony relating to a new device for their Xperia smartphone range, the Sony Xperia Sola.

The trademark was filed with the USPTO on the 30th of January 2012, and according to the guys from Fusible, Sola means ‘alone’ or ‘only’, and we could possibly see this new device announced later this month.

Of course it may be a new name for an existing device which is yet to launch in the US, although we suspect that it is more likely to be a new Android device from Sony.

Source Fusible

Apple TV Update Enables Movie And TV Genius

Apple has quietly rolled out a new update to its second generation Apple TV device this week which has brought with it Genius recommendations for movies and TV shows. The rolled out update is not part of the actual Apple TV firmware, but has been made on Apple’s servers. So no interaction by users is need to enable or view the new Genius recommendations.

The newly enabled Genius recommendations for movies and TV shows, uses your iTunes Store to help suggest new movies and shows. As iTunes already enables users to view related recommendations within the optional Genius Sidebar, the addition of the new Genius Apple TV feature, should not become to much of a shock to users. The new Genius menu options appears under both Movies and TV, opening listings of related content.

Apple recently announced that it has accumulated over 4.2 million ion sales of Apple TVs over the past five quarters. However Tim Cook continued to reveal that, “in the scheme of things, if you dollarise it, we still classify it as a hobby.”

Source: Apple Insider

Apple iPad And iPhone Sales Resume In Germany

Last week we heard that sales of the iPad 3G, the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4 had been suspended in Germany, this was after an injunction which had previously been granted to M0torola came into force on Friday.

It would appear that the ban did not last long, as later on Friday Apple were granted a suspension of the Motorola Injunction and sales of Apple’s devices resumed.

Apple appealed the ruling, claiming that Motorola refused to license the patent to Apple on reasonable terms, Motorola declared the patent an industry standard one  seven years ago, which means they have to license the technology on reasonable terms to other companies.

Motorola were also granted another injunction against Apple relating to their iCloud service in Germany, although Motorola has to place a $100 million bond in order for that injunction to be enforced.

Source Slashgear

PS Vita Demonstration Units Arrive In US GameStop Stores

If you have been waiting to get your hands on PS Vita gaming console to put it through its paces. You will be pleased to know that if you live in the US you will soon be able to try one out in Gamestop. The new PS Vita demonstration consoles are available in 3,300 across the US, and GameStop also promises a wide range of PS Vita titles to test out.

Games that will be available to test at GameStop stores include: Golden Abyss, Little Deviants (which comes with that recently announced 3G Vita bundle), Hot Shots Golf: World International, FIFA Soccer, ModNation Racers: Road Trip, Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition, Escape Plan, and wipEout 2048.

If you are looking to purchase a new PS Vita GameStop will be offering an extra $25 on the trade-in value of a Nintendo DS, 3DS, or PlayStation Portable, just as long as you put the trade-in credit against the price of new Sony PS Vita.

Sony has also revealed that any digital games purchased in the US or Japan PlayStation Stores to be downloaded, will come with a 10% discount over their retail versions.

Source: TFTS

Verizon Wireless introducing DROID RAZR BOGO, double data, 4G LTE discounts

By: Jonathan S. Geller | Feb 7th, 2012 at 12:01AM

Verizon Wireless is planning on introducing a number of promotions starting February 10th, in addition to availability of the Motorola DROID 4. The DROID 4 will sell for $199.99 with a two-year agreement. Starting on the 10th, all Motorola RAZR smartphones will be buy one get one free, and this includes the recently-introduced DROID RAZR MAXX, in addition to the purple and white color models. Verizon is also bringing back the company’s double data promotion, which, doubles your smartphone data. This applies to any 4G LTE smartphone purchase, and will give you 4GB of data for just $30 a month. If you’re still running around with a feature phone or basic cell phone, Verizon is offering a trade-in deal which will give you a $30 Verizon gift card for your old phone, and this is an in-store offer with immediate gift card. Lastly, Verizon is giving customers $100 off any 4G LTE tablet with the purchase of any phone and two-year agreement.

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Google Earth Update Removes Grid Where Atlantis Link Started

If you came across some revived Atlantis attention, well it’s because of some undersea grid found by some Google Earth users.

Google Earth recently allowed users to take a look at terrain under the sea and some were able to make out some grid-like pattern which resembled city streets. And just like that, Atlantis was back for another round of revived talks.

Turns out, however, the grid was only caused by overlaying data sets coming from sonar data to map the ocean floor, and not city streets as some would like to believe. Google has updated its app and the grid that started it all has been removed.

Google also made some tweaks on its ocean mapping and is now more accurate. Google Earth has also expanded its sea floor area viewable on the app, as it is now at 15% from the previous 10%.

Via: Slashgear

iPhone 4 and 4S Cellhelmet Case Covered With Insurance

A new iPhone 4 and 4S case from Cellpig offers more than protection for the popular devices. This case actually comes with a year of insurance, allowing it to stand out from the wide array of cases available in the market.

The product is called the Cellhelmet. Made from thermoplastic polyurethane rubber (TPU), the so-called ruggedized case feels like a flexible type of rubber without the rigidity of plastic. It is designed to withstand possible damages such as being stepped on, dropped, or hit with a hard object, for which situations, the device will be covered with insurance.

However, this insurance does not cover water damage. In cases where the insurance covers the damage, users will have to file a claim through their 1-800 number, which will require a proof of purchase from a customer service representative.

The user will then send the phone to Cellpig along with a handling fee of $50, and they will fix the unit and send it back via UPS. Otherwise, if the damage is too extensive, they will replace the phone. This insurance also covers unlimited repairs as long as it is covered.

Apart from this durable protection, Cellpig is also concerned with aesthetics, and users will be happy to know that the design was made as less bulky and unattractive as possible. The case comes with interchangeable backplates, which comes in a rainbow of colors.

The Cellhelmet retails for $44 and is available to US and Canadian residents.

Via: Mobile Mag

White Nokia Lumia 900 Leaked?

Yesterday Nokia announced that they would be launching a white Nokia Lumia 800, with the announcement of the new Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia posted some photos of the device to their Facebook page.

It would appear that someone at Nokia made a mistake, and instead of posting photos of the white Nokia Lumia 800, the photos were actually of a white Nokia Lumia 900 which has yet to be announced.

According to the guys over at Pocket Now, the photo is believed to be the internal version of the Nokia Lumia 900, which has yet to be announced, and we can expect to see the device launch at MWC 2012 later this month.

The international Nokia Lumia 900 is expected to share many of the same specifications as the US version, which include Windows Phone 7.5 Mango device and it features a 4.3 inch AMOLED ClearBlack touchscreen display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.

Other features include a a single core 1.4GHz processor, plus a rear facing 8 megapixel camera with an f2.2 Carl Zeiss lens, the rear camera is capable of recording HD video in 720p, up front we have a 1 megapixel camera with an f2.4 lens and the device comes with 16GB of built in storage.

Source Pocket Now

Verizon And Redbox To Take On Netflix With New Video On Demand Service

Verizon has teamed up with DVD rental service Redbox, and the two companies are working together to launch a new video ion demand service to compete with Netflix and other video on demand services.

The new video on demand service will launch in the second half of 2012, and it will be a subscription based service, which will be delivered by Verizon, and Redbox will continue to operate its DVD rental service.

When you consider the core elements the parties bring to this venture – our powerful brands; our national rental kiosk footprint; our anytime, anywhere network presence; and our mutual commitment to customer-focused innovation – it’s clear that Verizon and Redbox are a powerful entertainment team,” said Bob Mudge, president of Verizon consumer and mass business markets.

There are no details on how much the new video on demand service from Verizon and Redbox will cost, as soon as we get some more information we will let you guys know.

Source The Next Web

Firefox 11 Receiving Add-on Synchronisation

Mozilla has been busy this week releasing an update to its stable Firefox release and has now rolled out updates to its Aurora and Beta Firefox versions, bringing with them some very interesting new additions.

The new features rolling down the Firefox development ladder include a new add-on synchronisation process. Enabling users to replicate the same add-on installations and settings, across multiple desktops, if required.

As well as the new sync feature Mozilla will also be stepping up their updates into a more silent update process, similar to that of Google Chrome’s. Once officially released the new features will allow users to confirm update processing just once. After which updates will automatically be downloaded and installed behind the scenes.

Mozilla’s Firefox beta version now also supports Google’s SPDY protocol for faster and safer site loading, a 3D view for the Page Inspector developer’s tool, together with a live update option for changing CSS code on the fly, and support for importing data from Google’s Chrome browser. Some of the new features are now available to check out in the Firefox 12 Aurora download for available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Source: CNET

Higher Smartphone Shipments Show Soaring Demand

We already know that smartphones have become very popular the past few years but it’s still worth knowing how much of an increase it is.  International Data Corp. recently reported that a huge jump of 55% in global smartphone shipping in the fourth quarter of last year were recorded compared to 2010.

The percentage translated to 158 million units shipped by manufacturers in the fourth quarter, compared to 102 million units recorded in the same period the previous year. The number was so high that it even exceeded IDC’s own estimate of a 40% increase.

Smartphones have not only become more versatile with the multitude of apps available on different platforms but also more affordable compared to past years as more manufacturers target the entry-level market.

Breaking down the numbers further, Apple edged out Samsung in total number of units sold for the quarter with a 24% share. Samsung was a close second with a 23% share. Nokia and Research in Motion lost some market share at 12% and 8.2%, respectively.

Via: Businessweek

Psycho Siri Has Some Cool Effects (Video)

We have already seen a couple of funny Siri parody videos, and now the latest one ‘Psycho Siri’, which was created by Nathan McMurry and Andrew McMurry, takes Siri to a new level.

Have a look at the video below, lets hope Siri doesn’t get these features in a future software update.

Source The Next Web

Video Credit AndewMFilms / Youtube

Lego Lord Of The Rings Sets First Images Leaked

Lego and Lord of The Rings fans waiting for the arrival of the new Lord of The Rings Lego sets, which are set to arrive later this year. Might be interested in a few photos that have been leaked showing a first glimpse of the new sets in all their glory.

The highly anticipated arrival of the Lego and Lord of The Rings, should be a great additional to the Lego range going by the small selection of images that reveal a little more about the sets. Lord of the Rings fans will notice that the kits include the Mines of Moria and Helm’s Deep to name a few.

The images of the sets was secretly taken by a fan from Slovenia in private area of the Lego booth at Nuremberg’s Toy Fair. But you can expect more information to be released on the new sets as they approach their launch date. Unfortunately no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.

Source: Gizmodo

Cockroach As A New-Discovered Source of Electricity, According to Study

The humble cockroach, which many consider to be a household pest, could soon be a viable electricity source.

After a five-year study, researchers have discovered that the insect produces chemicals that have a maximum power density of around 100 microwatts for each square centimeter at about 0.2 volts. Furthermore, it could reach up to 450 micro amps per square centimeter.

This electricity generated is a result of a chemical reaction that occurs within the cockroach’s body. To do this, one needs to make use of enzymes in a series. These enzymes are used in an anode, or an electrical conductor in which electricity flows.

First, an enzyme splits the sugar trehalose into two simpler forms of sugar called monosaccharides. Then, another enzyme oxidizes these monosaccharides. This process of oxidation unleashes electrons, which are then drawn to the cathode.

This system is then inserted into a cockroach, specifically, into a sinus in the abdomen, where it is far from the vital organs. The good news is that this insertion does not give long-term damage.

In fact, the insect is able to walk or run away after the process. This is because cockroach has open-type circulatory system that does not have as much blood pressure as a mammal’s, in which case, inserting said system would be dangerous.

Via: OhGizmo

Samsung Galaxy Note Hits Pre-order Status For $300

If you are looking to get your hands on the new Samsung Galaxy Note, you might be pleased to learn that AT&t have now put the Galaxy Note up for pre-order in the US on their website. The AT&T website lists the Samsung Galaxy Note priced at $299 when taken out with a two year contract, and shipping will commence on February 17th.

Unveiled earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, the new Samsung Galaxy Note sits between a smartphone and tablet. In a quick recap the Samsung Galaxy Note will feature a 5.3-inch Super AMOLED 800 x 1280 resolution screen, and will be powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos processor, with 16GB of internal memory and a 2500 mAh battery. Samsung explains:

“Thin and light design allows maximum portability, and full-screen utilisation is perfect for quick and effective tasking on the move. With a choice of touch or super-sensitive S Pen input, you can sketch, write, and capture or crop elements from any screen quickly and easily. The 1.4GHz dual core processor and HSPA+ internet speeds of up to 21Mbps make sure you’ve got the power you need, too. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Note and discover a new kind of smartphone experience with a world of freedom.”

Other features will include 4G LTE connectivity together with a a stylus called the S Pen, 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front camera for video conferencing. AT&T have the new Samsung Galaxy Note available in two colours Carbon Blue and Ceramic White, and will run Google’s Gingerbread Android operating system. Measuring 83.95 mm x 146.85 x 9.65 mm.

Source: Liliputing

Smart Headphones Aid to Switch Audio

A new innovation was made for those who wanted to experience real music, and also those who wanted to hear it clearly.

People nowadays, are fond of listening to some music while seating on a bus, drinking coffee, and those who just wanted to throw themselves to the couch and listen their favorite music all day, have been using different kinds of earphones.

However, there are times that a person gets distracted from his music then mixing up the left and right earphones, placing it on the wrong ear. This kind of instance makes the person hear the music but not totally be able to experience and feel the real music of the artist behind of a certain song.

In this case, the research team at Igarashi Design Interfaces Project which can be located at Tokyo had invented an earphone which they called the Universal Headphones.

This type of earphones helps two people sharing a pair of earphones in hearing the real music which is not set at a mono mode only.

Not only does this earphones help during a time of intermingling with friends in listening music but it has also the ability to detect whether the left earphone is placed on the proper ear, then if it is not placed correctly, the stereo channel which comprises and audio circuit transmits itself to the proper ear.

This is only the beginning of an innovation to an invention.

Via: Dvice

Nike+ FuelBand Gets Dismantled At The FCC (video)

Nike’s new fitness monitor unveiled last month has now made its way to the FCC and has been dismantled revealing its inner workings. The Nike+ FuelBand has been designed by Nike to keep track of calories, steps and time, to name a few. As well as Nike Fuel, a new goal value which has been created that you try to achieve each day. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.

Nike+ FuelBand is equipped with a single button and is 100% waterproof allowing you to swim and shower with out a worry. The Nike+ FuelBand also features 20 performance LEDs, 100 white informational LEDs, bluetooth and a built in UDB plug. Currently the Bluetooth connection only works with Apple’s iPhone app, but Nike says more devices will be supported very soon. The new Nike+ FuelBand is available to purchase for $150. Engadget explains:

“A long peruse of the user manual revealed that the two metal extender links (for bigger-wristed enthusiasts) have to be swapped out using a sizing tool — but the manual notes that if one isn’t to hand, a bent paperclip will suffice. The documents also revealed that it’s using a TI CC2564 Bluetooth radio and a stack provided by Stonestreet One. The monopole antenna is etched directly into the substrate of the flexible circuit board — ensuring it’ll bend around your bones and still operate. We also learned that once connected to your cellphone, it’ll sit in a low-power “sniff mode,” for two minutes and if there’s no further activity it’ll shut down.”

Source: Engadget : FCC

Buhel Speakgoggle G33 Intercom Used For Audio Conferences While Skiing

Skiing fanatics who are also technies will appreciate the The Buhel Speakgoggle G33 Intercom.

These unique googles combine the basic job of protecting the eyes from the bright sunlight reflected off snow as well as the cold wind with the uses of a mobile phone. Particularly, it acts as a hands-free kit for the phone while the wearer is enjoying the sport.

To make this possible, it uses of Bluetooth to enable the device to communicate with the mobile phone, or even other devices such as music players or other gadgets with Bluetooth. To provide input, the user pushes buttons on the side of the goggle which may control playback or enable him or her to answer phone calls via a special microphone that senses vibrations made by facial muscles and bones.

An added feature of the device is that it is also able to communicate with other Speakgoggles using intercom communications for up to 500 meters or 1,640 feet away. There is a limit of 6 goggles for this feature, however.

This device eliminates the hassle of getting tangled in wires or holding other devices and is thus particularly useful for those who like to be entertained or remain connected while skiing.

Via: Ubergizmo

BioWare Hints More Mass Effect Games Maybe On The Horizon

In an interview with GamerZines Mass Effect 3 Associate Producer Mike Gamble, suggested that more Mass Effect games could be on the way. Saying that gamers who will be playing the new Mass Effect 3 game shortly to be released, should keep a copy of their save game just in case.

The hint could be towards additional DLC, but seems seams very likely anyway, and even though Mass Effect 3 is the end of Shepard’s story. Another instalment in the popular series is probably more likely.

Mass Effect 3 Associate Producer Mike Gamble explains:

“We want the outcomes to be satisfying to the player. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all going to be happy or positive, but they have to be satisfying. Players have to understand that the choices they’ve been making in this game and in previous have had an impact, and that they’re an architect in what happens.”

The storyline within Mass Effect 3 will be influenced by decisions from the previous Mass Effect games, and include settings on both Earth and Mars. Ccombat with in game has also been given a revamp with the addition of a new cover system, and more options for manoeuvring around the battlefield. The new Mass Effect 3 game will be arriving in stores on March 6th for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Source: TFTS : GamerZines

CyanogenMod 7 Ported To Nook Tablet (Video)

We have already seen CyanogenMod running on a number of different devices, the latest device to get a port of CynogenMod is the Nook tablet with CyanogenMod 7.

The video below shows CyanogenMod 7 running on the Nook Tablet, and when the release is finished you will either be able to instal CyanogenMod 7 with the devices internal storage or from a bootable SD card.

With the SD card method you will be able to boot directly from the card without making any changes to the Nook Software, you can find out full details over at the XDA Developers.

Source Liliputing

Amazon reportedly plans to open a retail store this year

By: Dan Graziano | Feb 6th, 2012 at 05:35PM

Amazon is preparing to open a retail store in Seattle within the next few months, according to a report from Good eReader. Amazon is apparently looking to open a small boutique rather than a large shop in an effort to test the market. The store would feature the Amazon Exclusive book line and the company’s popular eReaders and tablets most prominently according to the rumor. Amazon’s headquarters is located in Seattle, which is known as being fairly tech savvy and may be the perfect location to gauge interest in such an endeavor. The company has reportedly already contracted the design through a shell company and it is expected that the first location will open ahead of the holiday season this year.

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Tags: amazon, books, e-readers, kindle, Kindle Fire, Retail, Retail store, Seattle

Apple’s HDTV Being Tested By Rogers And BCE?

According to the Globe and Mail, two companies already have Apple’s new HDTV in their labs, and are testing out the devices, the companies in question are Canada’s Rogers Communications and BCE Inc.

The report says that the HDTV has some of the features we have previously heard rumored, Apple’s Siri and hands gestures are apparently used to control the device.

An on-screen keyboard, meanwhile, can also be activated in a similar manner, allowing viewers to surf the web, conduct video chats and use social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook – all without any physical interface.

Apple are apparently looking for other partners to work with on their HDTV and they are not closed to doing it with one company or two.

It isn’t clear as yet whether the information came from, although if it turns out to be correct it certainly sounds very interesting, we were expecting the device to be controlled by Siri, but the bit about hand gestures is something new.

We are expecting to see the first Apple HDTV some time this year, when that will be nobody knows at the moment, as soon as we get some more information we will let you guys know.

Source Mac Rumors

Google reportedly hires Apple exec for top secret project

By: Dan Graziano | Feb 6th, 2012 at 04:25PM

Google has hired Apple’s former senior director of product integrity for a new secret project, according to a report from VentureBeat. The man in question is Simon Prakash, who worked at Apple for more than eight years. Prakash was responsible for the quality control at Apple, a company that has a long-standing reputation for quality. He will now reportedly be working in Google’s “X lab” on a secret project headed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin. It is speculated that the project could be hardware related, and it may tie in with the company’s pending acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Google and Apple are currently being investigated by the Department of Justice following accusations that the companies upheld an illegal “no poach” agreement along with Intel, Adobe, Intuit, Pixar and Lucasfilm.

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Tags: Apple, DOJ, google, Google X Labs, Hardware, Hire, Motorola, product quality, Secret

Apple’s iOS 5 Split iPad Keyboard Contains Six Hidden Keys (video)

iPads owners who have updated to the latest iOS 5 might already be using the new split keyboard feature that was included in the update. However Apple has included a few phantom keys to help you increase your typing speed and comfort, which you may not be aware of.

If you find the split iPad keyboard a little awkward you may not be using the phantom keys that are available on both sides to seamlessly join the halves together and allow you to type the later you prefer with either hand.

If you haven’t already started using the new split keyboard and would like to give it a go. Enable it simply slide your fingers from the centre of the keyboard outwards towards the edge of the iPad and reverse the motion to join the two halves back up. Watch the video below to see it in action.

Source: Lifehacker

Samsung Galaxy S Advance Poses For The Camera

The new Samsung Galaxy S Advance was announced recently, we have already seen a hands on video of the Samsung Galaxy S Advance and now we have some photos of the device.

The Samsung Galaxy S Advance is due to go on sale in the UK and Europe later this month, and the device features a 4 inch WVGA Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and it will come with Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

The Galaxy S Advance also comes with a a dual core 1GHz processor, plus 768MB of RAM, and a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video chat, on the back there is a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and an LED flash, the rear camera can record HD video in 720p at 30fps.

Other specifications on the Samsung Galaxy S Advance include Samsung’s custom TouchWiz user interface, and a choice of either 8GB or 16GB of built in storage, plus a microSD card slot which can take up to 32GB microSD cards.

Source BGR, Mainguyen (translated)

Netbook Navigator NAV10T Dual Core Atom N570 Windows Tablet Launched

This week Netbook Navigator has launched a new Windows tablet to their range which is equipped with a 10.1 inch 1366 x 768 Capacitive LCD display. The new Netbook Navigator NAV10T is powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N570 dual core processor, supported by 2GB of DDR3 800MHz memory. Internal memory is provided via a solid state disk that can be increased up to 128GB depending on your storage requirements.

The Netbook Navigator NAV10T will come supplied running Windows 7 Home Premium, with other versions of Windows available rich up to the Ultimate if preferred. Other features on the Windows tablet include 2 x USB 2.0 ports, microSD card reader, VGA/LAN adapter, 1.3MP front-facing camera and optional 3G support, together with WI-FI 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v2.1 connectivity.

If you think the new Netbook Navigator NAV10T tablet is for you its already available to purchase online with a 16GB SSD and non operating system installed for $500. If an operating system is required Windows 7 Home Premium is available to be pre-loaded for $100.

Source: Liliputing

Best Buy Customer Survey Asks Users about Apple HDTV

It is been a while since I’ve heard any new rumors about the Apple TV set. So far, I’ve heard the TV set called the Apple TV, iTV, and now Apple HDTV. Best Buy is apparently running some sort customer survey on their website asking people questions about the Apple HDTV. I wouldn’t think they have any insider information, even though the survey gives up some details.

I would bet the details are things that Best Buy has made up simply to gauge if customers are interested in the TV and at what price they would be willing to buy. According to the survey, the set has a 42-inch full HD resolution screen, runs IOS, and supports iCloud for storing content.

The customer survey says that the TV would be $1499 and would have an iSight webcam for HD Skype. I don’t see Apple using Skype with anything it makes, it would be Face Time instead. This is a very strange survey for Best Buy to run, what do you think?

via The Verge

Samsung announces white Galaxy Nexus, available February 13th in the UK

By: Dan Graziano | Feb 6th, 2012 at 09:35PM

We already knew the Galaxy Nexus would be available in white, but on Monday Samsung made the device official. The white handset will arrive in the United Kingdom on February 13th featuring the same internals as its black counterpart. “After much speculation, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Galaxy Nexus White which follows the great reception the phone has received since it was launched back in November,” said Simon Stanford, managing director of Samsung Mobile UK & IRE. “One of the things we at Samsung pride ourselves on is the choice we offer customers, and we’ve enjoyed huge success to date by introducing white variants of our most popular models to our product portfolio.” Read on for Samsung’s press release.

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES THE GALAXY NEXUS WHITE

Samsung’s latest Android device coming to UK shores 13th February

6th February 2012, London, UK – Samsung has today confirmed the availability of a white variant of the Galaxy Nexus in the UK. The first smartphone to feature Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Galaxy Nexus White can be bought in a range of stores across the country from 13th February.

Simon Stanford, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division said: “After much speculation, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Galaxy Nexus White which follows the great reception the phone has received since it was launched back in November. One of the things we at Samsung pride ourselves on is the choice we offer customers, and we’ve enjoyed huge success to date by introducing white variants of our most popular models to our product portfolio.”

The Galaxy Nexus™ White offers customers all the features found in the original Galaxy Nexus, from the 4.65” HD Super AMOLED display which boasts a market-leading resolution of 720p (1280×720), to the 5 megapixel camera and super-fast 1.2GHz dual core processor and HSPA+ connectivity so owners can connect to and browse the internet quickly and easily when they’re out and about.

Tags: Android, Android 4.0, Galaxy Nexus, HSPA, Ice Cream Sandwich, Samsung, U.K., united kingdom, white

HTC Ville Poses For The Camera

We have already seen some leaked renders of the new HTC Ville, and we recently saw a video of the device, now we have some more photos of the yet to be announced HTC Android device.

The photos show that the HTC Sense is running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, plus HTC’s new custom user interface, HTC Sense 4.0, something which we saw in the video previously.

The HTC Ville will come with a 4.3 inch qHD multi-touch touchscreen display, with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, and processing is provided by a dual core 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor.

Other specifications include an 8 megapixel rear camera which can record full high definition video in 1080p, a 1,650 mAh battery and Beats audio.

We should have some more information on the new HTC Ville, as we can expect it to be announced at MWC 2012 in Barcelona later this month.

Source BGR, eprice

Apple Removes Fake Apps From The App Store

Apple has removed a number of fake applications from the App Store, the apps in question were from a developer called Anton Sinelikov, and they were basically copies of popular applications.

There were a total of nine fake applications from the developer removed from the app store, with names like Temple Jump, Tiny Birds and Numbers with friends which were basically copies of Temple Run, Tiny Wings and Words with Friends.

What is interesting that Temple Jump, one of the fake applications reached the top of the paid applications charts, and this lead to the applications being removed from the app store.

It does make you wonder how Apple let these applications on to the app store in the first place, when they were obviously copies of popular applications.

Source Tech Crunch, Apple Insider

ITC attorney backs Barnes & Noble in Microsoft patent case

By: Dan Graziano | Feb 6th, 2012 at 06:00PM

Barnes & Noble on Monday received some potentially good news following the rejection of its antitrust suit against Microsoft earlier this month. Microsoft is looking to halt the import of the bookseller’s Nook slates, claiming the devices infringe three Microsoft patents. Barnes & Noble argued that the patents in question are invalid because they do not cover new inventions, and the company has a new ally. Jeff Hsu, a staff attorney at the U.S. International Trade Commission, told Bloomberg he recommended that ITC Judge Theodore Essex rule that there is no violation by Barnes & Noble. Microsoft said the recommendation was made before evidence was presented, and it believes Hsu’s opinion may change once the trial gets underway. Bloomberg notes, however, that the ITC staff acts as a third party in the case and there’s no requirement that the judge follow any recommendations. Microsoft claims the Android operating system found on Barnes & Noble’s Nook eReader utilizes its protected technology, and the software giant has signed agreements with roughly 70% of Android vendors in the United States to license the technology in question. Judge Essex is expected to release his findings on April 27th.

Read

Tags: Android, Barnes & Noble, Barnes and Noble, International Trade Commission, ITC, microsoft, patent infringement, patents

Samsung’s Super Bowl Galaxy Note Advert Pokes Fun At Apple Fans (Video)

Samsung has revealed it latest advert during yesterdays Super Bowl, and as usual Samsung are poking fun at a bunch of Apple fans who are obviously waiting in line outside an Apple store.

The latest advert follows the same theme as we saw previously, and Samsung are advertising the new Galaxy Note in the video which you can see below.

What do you guys think? Is Samsung’s latest advert enough to convince you to buy the new Galaxy Note, we suspect that the device will be popular in the US as it has been in Europe and the rest of the world.

Source Samsung / YouTube

Rdio Launches New Android App

Rdio has announced the launch of a new Android app, and the latest version of Rdio from Android comes with a range of new features, and according to the guys from Gizmodo, this new version is better than the iOS version.

Some of the new features in the Rdio app for Android include album charts, network activity, user profiles, new releases and more, and the latest version now supports Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

“With the Rdio for Android redesign, we were focused on bringing Android users the best mobile music discovery application possible,” said Malthe Sigurdsson, VP of Product, Rdio. “We believe this launch further reinforces our commitment to creating the most visual, social and interactive experience of music across every platform.”

You can find out more information about the new Rdio Android app over at Rdio.

Source TechCrunch

Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus To Cost £249 In The UK

Samsung recently announced the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus, a new budget Android smartphone which is due to land in the UK shortly, and now it looks like the handset will retail for $249.99 SIM free.

One UK retailer has the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus up for pre-order for £249.99 SIM free, although they haven’t as yet listed an actual launch date.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus features a single core 1GHz processor, plus a 3.65 inch HVGA touchscreen display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, plus Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Other specifications include a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and an LED flash, HSDPA, WiFi and Samsung’s custom user interface, the TouchWiz UI, plus A-GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0, plus an accelerometer, digital compass and a proximity sensor, it comes with 3GB of built in storage, plus a microSD card slot.

You can find out more information about the SIM free Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus over at Expansys, there are no details as yet on how much the device will retail for on contract with the various mobile providers.

Source GSM Arena

Skyrim Creation Kit Arriving Tomorrow (video)

Any game modders patiently waiting for the arrival of the new Skyrim Creation Kit promised by Bethesda, will be pleased to learn that their wait is nearly over, and the Skyrim Creation Kit will be arriving on PC tomorrow. Not only that, but Bethesda revealed that you can also expect a nice surprise to arrive with its launch.

The announcement of the immanent arrival of the highly anticipated Skyrim Creation Kit, was conveyed to gamers via a Tweet from Bethesda VP of Marketing Pete Hines. Check out the video preview released by Bethesda last week after the jump, to see a small glimpse of what you can expect from the new Skyrim Creation Kit.

The Skyrim Kit has been designed for the modding community, providing gamers with access to Bethesda’s own development tools used to make Skyrim content. Valve’s own Steam Workshop tool for Skyrim will provide PC gamers with an easy way of installing and finding community-created game mods.

Once you’ve subscribed to some mods, simply start the Skyrim launcher and your subscribed mods will automatically download and install. The launcher will even check if to see if a mod has been updated and grab the latest version for you automagically. Enjoy! The new Skyrim Creation Kit will be listed on Steam under “Tools” and will be available to be downloaded for free.

Source: Joystiq

Updated Plex Runs On Android 3.2 For Google TV

Early this year, Google has released a new Android update to the Sony Google TVs. This update runs on version 3.2 Honeycomb.

Some of the additions are a new capability for 3D Blu-ray playback as well as some tweaks that enhance the performance of Google Chrome. The update has a total size of 260MB and will be available in several stages. Thus, users who are not getting it at the moment should expect to receive the update shortly.

There are also several changes in the system that improve the latest Plex for Google TV Android app. These changes give added functionality to the popular media server.

The main enhancement that was done is an improved support for HTTP Live Streaming or HLS. This means that the new version of the Plex client (2.0.3.3) may now transmit transcoded video from the user’s server.

This works even if the video is in a format that Google TV does not recognize, that is, if there are required codecs to enable its playback. Users thus get access to channels that were disallowed before by HLS.

Another enhancement is subtitle support, which again opens up new material for users to view. Other updates include multiple audio stream selection as well as several tweaks regarding video playback bugs.

This updated Plex for Google TV Android app is currently available for 99 cents.

Via: The Verge