Flurry claims Amazon App Store provides 3X revenue compared to Google Play

Mobile app analytics company Flurry has just released a report, studying per-user revenues generated by various apps that use their services across the Amazon App Store, Google Play and the Apple App Store. While it isn’t much of a surprise that Apple’s App Store leads the way, what really is worth noting is that the Amazon App Store is not only ahead of Google Play, but is smoking it. The revenue model used for the study was solely in-app purchases, so the data provided here doesn’t apply to paid or ad-supported apps (the latter of which are an overwhelming majority in Google Play).

Android Phone, Flurry claims Amazon App Store provides 3X revenue compared to Google Play

The Doubleback fits a big RV into a small space

We're big fans of the Volkswagen bus, from the original Type 2 and its descendants, to the Vanagon that replaced it, and even the front-drive Eurovan. While VW hasn't sold one of these in the U.S. since it discontinued the Eurovan in 2003, the rest of the world has enjoyed the Transporter T5 for the past decade. The VWs are immensely popular camper vans in Europe (especially those with pop-top roofs), and the novel Doubleback conversion shown above takes the formula to another level.

Autoblog, The Doubleback fits a big RV into a small space

Google releases Translator Toolkit for developers looking to localize apps

Want to translate your app into as many languages as possible. You may want to check out the Google Translator Toolkit, which provides auto-translation of strings stored in your resource files. Now, we know Google Translate often provides some hilarious responses, and the limitation to translate your stored list of resource strings means a more limited implementation, but I can imagine a lot of developers who may find it useful.
Case in point is an app I’ll be releasing very soon myself, which aims to assist users in boosting their vocabulary.

Android Phone, Google releases Translator Toolkit for developers looking to localize apps

The real story behind the speeding Batman

By now you've probably heard about “Batman” getting pulled over by the cops in his Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The story has been all over the Internet this week, thanks to the in-car video from the local Maryland police department that stopped the caped crusader. But now we've got the real scoop on this would-be Bruce Wayne, thanks to the Washington Post. His name is Lenny B. Robinson, and being Batman is only a part-time gig for the wealthy philanthropist. Robinson visits sick children in hospitals around the Baltimore area, decked out in a $5,000 neoprene-and-leather Batman suit, according to the report.

2DayBlog.com

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gadgeter, The real story behind the speeding Batman

Add-on turns a smartphone camera into a joystick (video)

One of the more irritating aspects of touchscreen gaming is almost certainly the inevitability of blocking the screen as you play - particularly with smaller devices like smartphones. A new peripheral being developed by Kelo University takes an interesting approach to the problem - using the device to transform the gadget's camera into a three-axis joystick of sorts by detecting the movement of markings on the add-on. According to its creators, the accuracy of the joystick depends largely on the precision of the phone's hardware.

Engadget, Add-on turns a smartphone camera into a joystick (video)

Verano completes Buick sweep of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards (video)

Congratulations are in order for Buick after its new Verano earned top scores in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. This now means that every new Buick model is on the Institute's Top Safety Pick list. The Verano's safety credentials weren't really in question though, since the Chevy Cruze with which it shares a platform also made the Top Safety Pick list.

Autoblog, Verano completes Buick sweep of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards (video)

iRiver B100 wants you to 'touch the supreme sound', pedants grumble

It's been some time since we heard much from iRiver but the PMP maker is keeping busy with the snow-white B100. This capacitive touchscreen media player will offer up to 36 hours of music playback, or eight and a half hours of video watching. The 3.1-inch TFT screen has a resolution of 320 x 480, but it's backed up by a (relatively) long list of media codecs, including OGG, WAV, APE and ASF compatibility. If you're sick of limited playback options, you might want to consider downscaling those screen-size desires for improved format freedom.

Engadget, iRiver B100 wants you to 'touch the supreme sound', pedants grumble

The Samsung I9300 might be the Galaxy M, a mid-range Android device

A little over a week ago, we reported on a certain handset with the codename I9300. As it turns out according to a tip sent in to GSM Arena, the Samsung I9300 handset will be known as the Galaxy M rather than the highly-anticipated Galaxy S3. If this turns out to be true, it might explain quite a lot of things. For starters the leaked image that accompanied the I9300 did not look anything like what an upcoming Samsung flagship device might look like.

Ubergizmo, The Samsung I9300 might be the Galaxy M, a mid-range Android device

High performance Kodak i1860 production scanners selected to process the 2011 South African census

Over 225 million images to be digitised in 6 months50,000 images handled per shift, seven days a weekKodak involved in numerous international censuses including Argentina, Australia India, and BangladeshLondon March 30, 2012 – Kodak today announced that Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is using sixteen high performance i1860 production scanners to process all paperwork associated with the 2011 census in South Africa.  The third official census in South Africa since apartheid ended and democracy started in 1994, the population census was conducted between October 10 and 31, 2011 and involves residents completing a 15 page

Press Release Distribution, High performance Kodak i1860 production scanners selected to process the 2011 South African census

Leaked screenshot suggests a Nokia TV app

According to a screenshot leak, it looks like Nokia could be launching a new app for their Lumia devices called Nokia TV. According to the information surrounding the leak, the app is expected to debut in Finland and will allow Lumia owners access to television channels that they can watch via their mobile devices over a WiFi or data network by searching, browsing and streaming the episodes. The app is also expected to be released with three channels accompanying it: YLE, MTV3 and Nelopen.

Ubergizmo, Leaked screenshot suggests a Nokia TV app

Nano-SIM standard vote postponed while RIM accuses Apple of cheating

No Voting by Proxy During a Technical Body Meeting

Engadget, Nano-SIM standard vote postponed while RIM accuses Apple of cheating

Robotic hand figures out grip force, body temperature and touch

Robots look set to feature prominently in our society down the road, as technology advances to ever more impressive levels. Recently, a research group at Osaka University were working on a robot hand for tele-handshaking purposes, where it is capable of communicating a person's grip force, body temperature, and touch. According to the research group, “In ordinary video-conferencing systems, it's difficult even to see life-sized pictures of other people. But by attaching this robot hand, you can shake hands with people at a distance.

Ubergizmo, Robotic hand figures out grip force, body temperature and touch

2011 Mini Countryman: March 2012

When our friends at The Tire Rack told us they'd be sending over a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 tires mounted on 17-inch Sport Edition alloy wheels for our long-term Mini Countryman, our minds were immediately filled with images of the little blue hatchback bounding along snowy roads with razor-sharp precision and confidence. Instead, editors Neff, Paukert and myself can literally count on one hand the number of times we actually had to drive the Mini on snowy/slushy roads. So much for winter tire/all-wheel-drive snowy playtime.

Autoblog, 2011 Mini Countryman: March 2012

Hundreds of new Saab models spotted rotting at New Jersey port

One of the postscripts of the travails of Saab Cars North America (SCNA) is this, a couple hundred 9-3 and 9-5 sedans left to the unkindness of coastal winds at a New Jersey port facility. According to the poster at Found Our Own Road, there are 900 cars in this Asphodel Meadows awaiting the resolution of the company's fate. Last we heard, SCNA is still fighting the involuntary bankruptcy filed in Delaware by its dealers and is trying to get the case moved to Michigan.

Autoblog

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gadgets, Hundreds of new Saab models spotted rotting at New Jersey port

12-passenger 2012 Nissan NV priced from $31,690*

Nissan will slowly be expanding its commercial vehicle lineup here in the United States, and the next product to hit dealerships is this 2012 NV3500 passenger van. Pricing has now officially been set, with the base 12-passenger NV3500 carrying an MSRP of $31,690 (*not including destination charges). Tick every option box on the NV configurator and a fully decked-out NV3500 SL V8 with leather and navigation will run you just shy of $40,000.

Autoblog, 12-passenger 2012 Nissan NV priced from $31,690*

2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 back on sale, production hold removed

Just as mysteriously as it began, Chevrolet has removed the production hold it had placed on the 2012 Camaro ZL1. For those keeping track, the delay has lasted roughly three weeks, and we still don't know what the "quality assessment issue" was. According to Motor Authority, a letter has been sent to those who have placed orders on Chevy's hottest muscle car, letting them know when they can expect their machines to arrive at the dealership.

Autoblog, 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 back on sale, production hold removed

Logitech® BCC950 All-in-One Audio and Video ConferenceCam

The new BCC950 ConferenceCam from Logitech is the “first communications tool to combine a full HD webcam with a high-quality, omni-directional full-duplex speakerphone in one USB device, enabling small groups to collaborate in conference rooms, closed offices or shared work spaces.”  The camera has a motorized 180-degree pan, tilt, and zoom, 8-degree field of view, support for 1080p, and 30fps HD through plug-and-play UVC H.264 video technology.  The high-quality, omni-directional full-duplex speakerphone allows people to hear and to be heard from up to 8 feet away.  It's optimized for Microsoft Lync and Skype Certified, and it

The Gadgeteer, Logitech® BCC950 All-in-One Audio and Video ConferenceCam

Opera Mini 7 hits Google Play, still goes easy on the data

Opera has another update available for their data-friendly mobile browser ready for deployment. Opera Mini 7, which still aims to save on data usage and increase browsing speeds by reformatting and compressing web content, has the added benefit of virtually unlimited homescreen favorites. That's a pretty nice increase from the nine users could store in older versions. Opera also improved on the browsers hardware acceleration, making site navigation even smoother. You can grab the latest version in the Google Play Store.

Android Phone, Opera Mini 7 hits Google Play, still goes easy on the data

Change on Searchmetrics’ Executive Team

CEO Dr. Horst Joepen is leaving Searchmetrics, the search and social analytics leaderLondon, 29 March 2012 - After four years of successfully building the company, Dr. Horst Joepen will be leaving Searchmetrics at the end of March 2012 to work on new projects. Since he joined Searchmetrics, it has grown from 20 to 100 employees and is able to win global enterprises and agencies as customers. Dr. Joepen’s successor as CEO, as well as an extended management team, will be announced shortly. Searchmetrics founder and executive, Marcus Tober, continues to be responsible as CTO for Searchmetrics’ products and SEO services.Dr.

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trendygadgets, Change on Searchmetrics’ Executive Team

Google+ new update lets you Hangout like a sir with diving goggles

So you've started a Hangout on Google+ with some pals. Now what. Are you just going to sit around and talk. Thanks to some new additions to the social network, you don't have to rely solely on your conversational skills anymore. The software company announced today the addition of a number of apps to the Facebook competitor, which should make your Hangout time all the more riveting. Now you and a few close friends can play poker and pop culture trivia, add mustaches and glasses to one another, collaboratively doodle and share presentations on the service.

2DayBlog.com, Google+ new update lets you Hangout like a sir with diving goggles

DirecTV's latest HD interface comes to the five tuner HR34 DVR

Even if you don't have DirecTV, you've probably heard of the HR34 if you're into DVRs. That's because it's the only DVR from a provider that can record five HD shows at once and it also works in multiple rooms of the house thanks to RVU. All that upside came with a big downside, though, the old and ugly DirecTV DVR user interface. We figured it was only a matter of time before DirecTV's new HD user interface made it's way to the big daddy, and now Solid Signal reports that it's everything you've been waiting for with only slight differences from the HR24.

Engadget, DirecTV's latest HD interface comes to the five tuner HR34 DVR

Amazon's Bezos finds Apollo 11 rockets in ocean, contemplates shipping options

Ya' know, there's nothing like a little rocket hunting to save oneself from the doldrums of generating billions of dollars in revenue in the private sector. At least that appears to be the case for Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, who spearheaded an ocean expedition to find the F-1 rockets used in the Apollo 11 mission. Forget newer stuff like the GENIE, Vega and Slytherin's SuperDraco - the classic F-1 is still the rocket that ignites Bezos' proverbial liquid fuel. Having found his prize resting 14,000 feet below the surface via deep sea sonar, Bezos' team is now trying to recover at least one of the rockets.

Engadget

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itworld, Amazon's Bezos finds Apollo 11 rockets in ocean, contemplates shipping options

Google+ Hangout Apps Finally Ready for Use

It is not our intention to overload you with Google+ news after we covered their first TV ad in the UK as well as the Google Comments which will be integrated with Google+, but this new tit-bit of information is simply too good to ignore. The search giants have announced the arrival of some of its first fully featured apps for Google+ Hangouts. The apps amounting to 6 are part of a starter set designed to have fun with and play games with others. The only exceptions are the Slide Share and Cacoo. The full list of new apps comprise of +Aces Hangout which allows friends to play poker online via Hangouts.

Ubergizmo, Google+ Hangout Apps Finally Ready for Use

Oracle rejects Google's offer to settle patent suit with Android revenue share

. Google on Tuesday offered to pay Oracle a percentage of its Android revenue if Oracle wins a patent infringement suit set to be tried soon. Google offered to pay the company roughly $2.8 million in damages on the two patents remaining in the case, giving Oracle 0.5% of Android revenue on one patent until it expires this December, and 0.015% on a second patent until it expires in April 2018. Reuters reports that Oracle rejected the offer, however, claiming it was too low. Earlier this month, a U.S. judge in San Francisco scheduled the trial between the two companies for April 16th.

Boy Genius Report, Oracle rejects Google's offer to settle patent suit with Android revenue share

Pioneer Computers DreamMobile M5 3G Dual SIM Android Smartphone

Here we have a new dual SIM Android smartphone from Pioneer Computers Australia, the DreamMobile M5 3G. Specs-wise, the handset sports a 5.0-inch 800 x 480 capacitive multi-touch display, an 800MHz MTK6573 processor, a 1GB RAM, a 4GB of storage, dual GSM SIM card slots, a 0.3MP front-facing camera, a 5MP rear-facing camera, an FM radio, a G-sensor, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and runs on Android 2.3 OS. The DreamMobile M5 3G is available now for $349.

TechFresh, Pioneer Computers DreamMobile M5 3G Dual SIM Android Smartphone

Evernote for Android adds speech-to-text and custom widgets in latest update

If you've been putting Evernote through its paces on your Android device, a new update adds a few more bells and whistles. First, the outfit has integrated speech-to-text transcription to go alongside its existing audio notes feature. Don't worry, the original audio is also attached to each note and the new tool can be disabled for sound-only reminders. This feature only works with Android 4.0 tech and "certain other devices" though.Are those standard widgets just not doing the trick. An update to the Evernote Widget app should do the trick. Now, you can customize color, buttons and exactly which notes appear in the large widget.

Engadget, Evernote for Android adds speech-to-text and custom widgets in latest update

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Release Date Unveiled

According to the latest trailer posted on Gamespot, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron will be released on August 28th, 2012. The video game will be available for the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360. Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is currently in development at High Moon Studios. Stay tuned for more updates.

TechFresh, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Release Date Unveiled

Apple working on a 5″ Retina display device for next year?

Of late, we've been hearing plenty of rumors about Apple working on devices with larger displays and today we've got one more to add to the mix. According to a Japanese website - Macotakara, Apple is working on a device that features a 5″ Retina Display that will be launched in 2013. The product is also said to have a resolution of 1,600 x 960 or 1,280 x 960. There was no mention if this was going to be a larger iPod touch or iPhone or smaller iPad but it could be a totally new device - or it could be nothing more than just a rumor.

Ubergizmo, Apple working on a 5″ Retina display device for next year?

Amazon Kindle Fire 6.3 Update Coming, Root Already Achieved

The Amazon Kindle Fire is receiving an upgrade to firmware 6.3 tonight. Before we go any further, let me just inform you that the upgrade has already been rooted. You can find more details on that in this XDA thread. That said, this new update does break the previous root method and the following changes have been made:.
Sharing: Customers will be able to easily share favorite passages and notes from their books directly from Kindle Fire, without even leaving the book.

Android Phone, Amazon Kindle Fire 6.3 Update Coming, Root Already Achieved

Skype offers unlimited calls to Brazil and Russia

Skype has been helping couples remain connected in a long distance relationship for the longest time already, not to mention making sure that family and friends alike are able to keep in touch with one another at a minimal fee – free at times, too. Making international phone calls are now a cinch with Skype if you have enough credits, and this time around, the VoIP giant has announced spanking new unlimited subscription plans for calls to Brazil and Russia.

Ubergizmo, Skype offers unlimited calls to Brazil and Russia

Epson America Ships World's First Android-Based See-Through Wearable Display

With the Moverio BT-100 wearable display from Epson, you'll always have a floating 80″ high-res, quarter HD display with you so you can enjoy streaming video and side-by-side 3D content.  The “screen” is see-through, so you'll always be aware of the world around you.  The Moverio BT-100 runs on an Android 2.2 platform with Adobe Flash 11 support.  You'll always have access to content from the built-in WiFi or from the 1GB of internal storage and from the SD card (4GB card included).   Using the touch-sensitive controller, you'll be able to play games, check your email, surf, or enjoy streaming (or downloaded) content. 

The Gadgeteer, Epson America Ships World's First Android-Based See-Through Wearable Display

Apple's new iPad gains Chinese certification, could head to retail soon

Apple's newest iPad could be making a trek over to the Orient very soon, if this latest regulatory filing is any indication. As recently as last week, China's Quality Certification Center granted that Cupertino slate — bearing model number A1416 — its seal of approval, paving the way for a retail debut in the region. If and when it does make it to official sales channels, expect that particular unit to be of the WiFi-only variety, as additional clearance is necessary for network-enabled variants.

2DayBlog.com

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cherryapple, Apple's new iPad gains Chinese certification, could head to retail soon

Report: Amazon to offer two 7-inch Kindle Fire configurations alongside 8.9-inch model

Though recent reports suggested that Amazon might forego an 8.9-inch Kindle Fire in favor of focusing on a larger 10-inch tablet, new rumors originating with Taiwan Economic News claim that the smaller of the two sizes is still on track for release. The same story also reiterates plans to upgrade the original 7-inch Kindle Fire, but adds the twist that it may soon be offered at two pricing levels. The lower-tier Kindle Fire would ship with the same 1024×600 display as the original, while the model falling in a higher pricing tier would see the resolution bumped to 1280×800.

Android Phone, Report: Amazon to offer two 7-inch Kindle Fire configurations alongside 8.9-inch model

RIM's latest patent details automatic volume adjustments based on handset placement

That moment when you physically hurt your ear by mashing your cellphone up against it in a futile bid to hear the person on the other end. That's the very moment that RIM's gunning to make history with its latest patent, which was filed way back in November of 2007 but just granted today. The BlackBerry-maker's patent describes an adjustable acoustic speaker output "based on an estimated degree of seal of an ear about a speaker port" - effectively a system where the volume can automatically increase if a handset jostles further from your ear.

Engadget, RIM's latest patent details automatic volume adjustments based on handset placement

LG Lucid 4G Official; Coming March 29th for $80

After spending some quality time inside the rumor mill, it looks like Verizon is officially ready to allow the LG Lucid 4G to emerge. They’ve announced that the device will be on its way March 29th and will cost just $80 with a new two-year agreement. It’s a four inch device which has a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 5 megapixel 1080p HD camera, and Android 2.3. Don’t fret, though, as Verizon promises Ice Cream Sandwich will be in tow for anyone who buys the phone. It looks like LG’s custom UI will remain on top of that, but we’re hardly surprised in this day and age.

Android Phone, LG Lucid 4G Official; Coming March 29th for $80

ARM-based Xbox Lite rumored for E3 launch

While it seems unlikely that we will be seeing a next-generation Xbox revealed by Microsoft this year, MS Nerd has come forward with a new leak that they claim was revealed to them by an insider regarding a possible launch of an Xbox Lite at E3 which will be happening in a few months' time. So what exactly does an Xbox Lite entail. Well if the information is to be believed, the Xbox Lite would be a revision of the current Xbox that would be powered by an ARM-based processor which would retail for around $100.

Ubergizmo, ARM-based Xbox Lite rumored for E3 launch

5 Best iPad 2 Cases

For those who think the iPad is better off without any casing, think again. With the tablet being used as a media player apart from anything else, you need something that would make the device stand on its own. Some cases also provide additional protection against accidental drops. While there are a lot of iPad cases to choose from, we have narrowed the choices to the best in the market.

Griffin Technology Survivor Case for iPad 2 – The added protection it brings to the tablet against shock, rain, and dirt, makes the Survivor case highly-recommended. Its silicon cladding reduces vibrations during shaky situations.

Gadget.com, 5 Best iPad 2 Cases

Spiegel chooses Exterity’s IPTV technology for TV distribution in new production studio

27th March 2012, Hamburg, Germany: Exterity, the leading provider of IPTV communication solutions, was selected to equip Spiegel’s new production facility in Hamburg with their market leading IP-based TV and video distribution technology.Installed by German specialist Perfect Media Solutions (PMS), the IPTV solution supplies a combination of 47 SD and HD TV channels simultaneously to 600 members of staff throughout the new facility.

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alldigits, Spiegel chooses Exterity’s IPTV technology for TV distribution in new production studio

TeeFury Featuring Star Wars Themed Android Shirt For $10 – Only 3 Hours Left!

If you hurry, you could snag yourself this fun — very limited edition — Star Wars themed Android shirt being featured today on TeeFury.com. If you're new to TeeFury, this is a site that offers up one of a kind designs for only 24 hours, slaps it on a t-shirt, and throws it on sale for $10. That means, once they're gone… they're gone forever. If this one tickles your fancy, you may want to get moving.

Android Phone, TeeFury Featuring Star Wars Themed Android Shirt For $10 â€" Only 3 Hours Left!

Online movie streaming in U.S. to top DVDs for the first time in 2012

. Online movie streaming in the United States is expected to top both DVD and Blu-ray use for the first time ever in 2012, according to a study from IHS Screen Digest. The study suggests that in 2012, Americans will legally stream 3.4 billion movies online - twice the 1.4 billion streamed in 2011 - while DVD and Blu-ray movies watching this year will to 2.4 billion from 2.6 billion in 2011. Last year, the unlimited-streaming services offered by Netflix and Amazon Prime accounted for 94% of all paid online movie viewing in the U.S.

Boy Genius Report, Online movie streaming in U.S. to top DVDs for the first time in 2012

Apple offers royalty-free nano SIM patent license if approved by the ETSI

Close to a week ago, we reported that according to reports, Apple was reportedly trying to push for their own nano SIM standard, a move that did not sit well with other manufacturers such as Nokia, Motorola and RIM. Nokia has since come forward claiming that Apple's design for the nano SIM was flawed, although we're guessing the deeper underlying problem here would be if they were to go with Apple's nano SIM standard, it would basically give Apple the power to license out the patent to the competition, a scenario in a world filled with patent battles is probably one the other manufacturers are hoping to avoid.

Ubergizmo, Apple offers royalty-free nano SIM patent license if approved by the ETSI

Getmapping’s Scottish Flight Sim Scenery

Hartley Wintney, UK, March 26, 2012, Getmapping’s complete aerial photographic survey of Scotland will soon be available as a comprehensive set of terrain scenery for the popular Microsoft Flight Simulator, ‘Generation X’ edition. The 3rd volume, Scotland South, created by Horizon Simulations for Playsims Publishing, covers over, 30,000 sq/km and is supplied on 7 DVDs.

Press Release Distribution, Getmapping’s Scottish Flight Sim Scenery

Astrum Dual SIM Android Smartphone

The Astrum is the latest dual SIM Android smartphone from Chinavasion that sports a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 capacitive multi-touch display, a 650MHz processor, a 446MB RAM, a 164MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot (up to 16GB), dual SIM card slots (1x GSM, 1x WCDMA), a 2MP front-facing camera, an 8MP rear-facing camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, a micro USB port, a built-in speaker, a 2000mAh battery and runs on Android 2.3 OS. The Astrum will set you back just $220.06 fully unlocked.

TechFresh, Astrum Dual SIM Android Smartphone

Linux creator Linus Torvalds declined to join Apple

I take a guess and predict that many of us mortals would have taken a chance. Linux Torvalds did not, according to a Wired article. Apparently, Torvalds received a personal job offer from Steve Jobs more than a decade ago. He was offered to work on Unix for MacOS, but the offer came with the condition that he would have to drop all work on Linux.
"Unix for the biggest user base: that was the pitch," Torvalds told Wired. "He wanted me to work at Apple doing non-Linux things. … I said no."

Perhaps, the offer was not enticing enough anyway and most obviously pitched to the wrong person.

2DayBlog.com, Linux creator Linus Torvalds declined to join Apple

Aston Martin teams with John Lobb for special driving shoes

The right occasion calls for the right footwear. Aston Martin figures its customers should have the right shoes to drive their GTs, so the British automaker has collaborated with the shoemakers at John Lobb on a special collection of driving shoes. Called Winner Sport, the shoes are made of full-grain calfskin, lined with sheepskin and perforated in just the right places for a unique look.

Autoblog, Aston Martin teams with John Lobb for special driving shoes

What do Samsung and Phones 4u have to show the UK on March 30th?

We're not saying this could be the date-of-reveal for the Galaxy S III, but we also can't say it's not. What we can surmise, however, is that either Samsung or UK retailer Phones 4u (possibly both) apparently have something to unveil on March 30th. According to Eurodroid, the window pictured above, simply reading "coming 30.03.12" under a Samsung logo, was photographed by one of its readers outside of the Phones4u located on Oxford St. in London. The site also notes that this same location was the exclusive retailer for the Galaxy Nexus when it launched, making the little meat that's currently here all the more juicy.

Engadget, What do Samsung and Phones 4u have to show the UK on March 30th?

Instagram opens signup page for Android port, release date still unknown

It's no secret that one of the most popular apps to ever hit the App Store will soon be coming to Android, and if you'd prefer to be one of the very first on your block to be notified. well, there's a website for that. Instagram has just opened up a signup page for Android loyalists, enabling folks to input their email address and await word on the download going live. Sadly, there's no hint on the aforesaid page that gets us any closer to a specific release date, but hey - it's one less unspecified thing you have to remember, right.

Engadget, Instagram opens signup page for Android port, release date still unknown

Android store in China sells iPhones

If you ever set foot in an Android store, the last thing you'll probably expect to see on sale would be the iPhone - unless you're in China. A blogger in China recently spotted an unsanctioned Android store in Zuhai city, Guangdong province - and while it features a pretty authentic looking logo with some text that translates to “celebrities smartphone experience store”, we're pretty sure it's far from it. What's surprising about the store is that Android devices aren't the only thing being sold there - also on display are iPhones, iPads and computers.

Ubergizmo, Android store in China sells iPhones

Now You Can Organize Your Purse with GRID-IT! Panels

We've told you about the GRID-IT. system from Cocoon Innovations before.  These panels are covered in interwoven elastic straps that grip and organize your smaller items.  These panels come permanently installed in some laptop and gear bags from Cocoon, and they are also available as separate panels that you can add to your own laptop bag.  The CPG4 GRID-IT.

The Gadgeteer, Now You Can Organize Your Purse with GRID-IT! Panels

RIM putting BlackBerry 10 test units in developers' hands in May

It's telling, perhaps, when a VP for your company uses the word "finally" while discussing plans to release test models for your upcoming mobile operating system - but it's certainly a pretty accurate sentiment when dealing BlackBerry 10.

Engadget, RIM putting BlackBerry 10 test units in developers' hands in May

LG Lucid 4G specs confirmed

Looking forward to the LG Lucid 4G. Well, the folks over at Droid-Life managed to get their hands on an image showing off the complete specs of the device and it looks like it's going to be a mid-ranged 4G LTE phone on Verizon's network. The Lucid 4G will pack a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 4″ IPS (800 x 480) Gorilla Glass display, Android 2.3, 8GB of internal storage (no mention of a microSD card slot), a 1,700mAh battery, and of course 4G LTE connectivity and mobile hotspot capabilities. The phone is said to be arriving next Thursday on March 29th, and should be priced in the less than $200 price range.

Ubergizmo, LG Lucid 4G specs confirmed

Sony Xperia S headed to Canada on Rogers

Sony is shipping their latest flagship handset to carriers and retailers around the globe, and we can add Rogers in Canada to the list. A picture posted to the Sony Mobile Facebook page gives us as clear an indication as any. Given the timing, the Sony Xperia S should launch on the Canadian network in April.

Android Phone, Sony Xperia S headed to Canada on Rogers

4G LTE phone shipments to grow tenfold this year

. Global 4G LTE smartphone shipments reached 6.8 million units in the technology's first year. According to a study from market research firm Strategy Analytics, global LTE smartphone shipments could surge tenfold to 67 million units in 2012. It is expected to be a breakout year for LTE technology, with Apple, Samsung, HTC and others planning to launch 4G LTE phones in the United States, Japan and South Korea. “The mobile industry is entering a breakout year for 4G LTE technology.

Boy Genius Report, 4G LTE phone shipments to grow tenfold this year

Mouse Computer LB-K800E 15.6-Inch Notebook

Planning on replacing your old notebook with a new one. Why don't you take a look at this LB-K800E from Mouse Computer. Powered by a 2.50GHz Intel Core i5-2450M processor, the system is equipped with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD display, a GeForce GT 555M graphics card, an 8GB DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a DVD Super Multi Drive, a multi-card reader, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS. The LB-K800E will set you back 64,890 Yen (about $785).

TechFresh, Mouse Computer LB-K800E 15.6-Inch Notebook