South Korea opens up cellphone sales, networks wary of the 'free market'

South Korea's Communications Commission is wresting control of the domestic cellphone market away from operators. From May 1st, it is opening the handset business open to any vendor, who will sell phones unlocked so consumers can decide their choice of network. The plan is aimed at lowering prices by introducing competition between the retailers - although some voices in the industry have expressed concerns that the operators will withdraw discounted offers in retaliation.

Engadget, South Korea opens up cellphone sales, networks wary of the 'free market'

Verizon announces new prepaid plan; exclusive to the Samsung Illusion for now

Those of you who aren't fans of contract-based plans will be happy to know that Verizon is adding another prepaid option. The plan is exclusive to the Samsung Illusion for now, and will included unlimited calling and texts, plus 1GB of data for $80 per month. All things considered, it sounds like a very decent offering. You can get the phone and plan bundled for $170 starting May 1st at Verizon stores and VerizonWireless.com, and third party retailers will be offering it shortly afterward.

Android Phone, Verizon announces new prepaid plan; exclusive to the Samsung Illusion for now

Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849

From Acer and HP to Maingear, PC makers across the board are releasing Ivy Bridge desktops before the family of CPUs makes its much-anticipated debut on notebooks. Velocity Micro is following suit, with the announcement of three customizable PCs powered by Intel's third-generation Core processors. Starting at $849, the Vector Z70 comes standard with a 500GB, 7,200RPM hard drive, 4GB of RAM and a 2.6GHz Intel Pentium G620 CPU (upgradeable all the way to a Core i7 processor, clocked at 3.4GHz).

Engadget, Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849

CyanogenMod 9 makes its way to the HTC One X

Arguably the best custom Android ROM has made its way to arguably one of the best Android handset with a build of CyanogenMod 9 reaching the HTC One X. The early take on CM9 for the HTC flagship phone surfaced over at the MoDaCo forums and is a relatively complete build offering a stock Android 4.0 alternative to the One X’s Sense 4.0. In its current state the ROM does not support the handset’s camera or mobile hotspot functionality, which should keep most from using it as their default choice until a little more work is done (the One X’s camera, after all, is one of its biggest selling points).

Android Phone, CyanogenMod 9 makes its way to the HTC One X

Deal of the Day – 60″ LG 60PA6500 1080p Plasma HDTV

Monday's LogicBUY Deal is the LG 60PA6500 60″ 1080p Plasma HDTV (2012 Model) for $1099.99.  Features:  full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution, widescreen 16:9, 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, progressive scanning, ENERGY STAR 4.0, and more.  Expiring today. $1349.99 – $250 instant savings – $100 coupon code = $1099.99 with free shipping. Lowest price currently found by LogicBUY.
This deal expires April 30, 2012 or sooner.

The Gadgeteer, Deal of the Day â€" 60″ LG 60PA6500 1080p Plasma HDTV

Microsoft invests $300 million in new Barnes & Noble 'strategic partnership'

Well, that's an interesting end to all those legal tussles. Microsoft and bookseller Barnes and Noble have decided to buddy-up in the face of competitors like Amazon and Apple. The strategic partnership - Microsoft loves 'em - would come in the form of a new Barnes and Noble subsidiary that deals with all things Nook, in addition to its education business. The bookseller would hold onto the lion's share at 82.4 percent, with the remaining 17.6 percent in Microsoft's control. The first benefit posited would be a Nook app for the incoming Windows 8.

Engadget, Microsoft invests $300 million in new Barnes & Noble 'strategic partnership'

[Hands-On] Hugvie – the huggable communication medium with a heartbeat

The Hugvie is a cushion in a minimalistic human form. It contains a pocket into which you can put your mobile phone, transforming it into a physical communication medium. The shape of this huggable cushion is based on the Telenoid robot developed by Osaka University's Professor Ishiguro. It contains a microcontroller and vibrators which match the characteristics of the caller's voice, so people can have a richer communication experience when talking on the phone with loved ones.
“The two vibrators produce a throbbing sound like a heartbeat. That pulse can get faster or stronger, depending on the volume and tone of the caller's voice.


Akihabara News, [Hands-On] Hugvie â€" the huggable communication medium with a heartbeat

Fujifilm FinePix AX550 Digital Camera Available For Pre-Order

You can now pre-order Fujifilm's latest digital camera ‘FinePix AX550′ in the US via B&H Photo. This compact camera retails for $89.95. In case you didn't know, the FinePix AX550 packs a 16MP CCD image sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot and 720p HD video recording capabilities.

TechFresh, Fujifilm FinePix AX550 Digital Camera Available For Pre-Order

Koss intros Striva headphone systems, lets you stream music over WiFi straight to your ears

Koss may be known for its budget-minded offerings in the headphone space, but today it's announced something to shake things up a bit. Falling under the Striva moniker, Koss has created what it claims to be the first lineup of headphones to use “WiFi technology that receives music directly from the Internet without wires.” To start, there's the over-ear Pro model, loaded with gesture controls for volume and channel adjustments, while an in-ear set, dubbed Tap, is also available for extra portability.


2DayBlog.com

See also:
newgadgets, Koss intros Striva headphone systems, lets you stream music over WiFi straight to your ears

Forza 4's May Top Gear Car Pack includes Venom GT, Galant VR-4 and Wrangler (video)

It's almost DLC time again at Forza Motorsports – Tuesday, May 1 will bring with it the Top Gear pack, a true goulash of automobilia. At one end you have the 2012 Hennessey Venom GT, a car that automotive historians will look back on and say "Wow." At the other end you have the 1977 AMC Pacer X, a car that we look back on and say "Wow." In 'between' are the: 2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 1966 Lotus Cortina, 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, 2012 Smart ForTwo, 1990 Subaru Legacy RS and 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8.



Autoblog

See also:
hightech2012, Forza 4's May Top Gear Car Pack includes Venom GT, Galant VR-4 and Wrangler (video)

Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores

Although Sprint is winding down iDEN services here in the US, it hasn't turned its back on the technology completely. The nation's third largest wireless carrier has announced a new push-to-talk service offering, dubbed International Direct Connect. The $10 monthly add-on will allow Direct Connect push-to-talk users in the US - utilizing its CDMA network - to communicate with iDEN PTT users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru free of charge. Although not explicitly stated, the aforementioned nations are referred to as "initial" markets, implying that more countries will be added to this list at some point in the future.

Engadget, Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores

Panasonic teams up with NHK on 145-inch 8K Super Hi-Vision plasma TV

We thought the 8K 85-inch Super Hi-Vision LCD we saw during CES was impressive, but Japanese broadcaster NHK is already looking to surpass that by going even bigger. To that end it worked with Panasonic (above: that's Panasonic's Keishi Kubota on the left, Yoshio Ito of NHK on the right) to create this 145-inch prototype plasma, unveiled today as an example of the kind of displays we can expect to see once broadcasts jump to the higher resolution some day. The world's first self-illuminating Super Hi-Vision TV, it features every pixel of its expected 8K resolution - 7,680 x 4,320.










Engadget, Panasonic teams up with NHK on 145-inch 8K Super Hi-Vision plasma TV

Dropbox enhances photo support; brings automatic photo and video uploads out of beta (and how to get 3GB of extra space)

With all the excitement surrounding the launch of Google Drive this week, Dropbox probably found it necessary to respond in a big way. They've been holding on to a handy feature that's been in beta for a while now and they're finally bringing it to all who'll take it. Automatic photo and video uploads are now enabled for any Android device, as well as support for automatic upload support on both Windows and Mac. With Android, if you plug your camera in Dropbox will automatically find all new photos and will upload them without you having to lift an arm and an arm (unless you type with your feet, then…).

Android Phone, Dropbox enhances photo support; brings automatic photo and video uploads out of beta (and how to get 3GB of extra space)

WeBike Pedal To Power Desk

While certain furniture designs certainly use attention getting features, functional appeal can also do as well. For offices or places where productivity is being valued, this unique WeBike Pedal Powered Desk may likely be something essential. It may just someday become a common fixture in many places all over the world as long as productivity in some ways is very important. Designed by Belgian company We-Watt, the WeBike Pedal Desk is a stationary bike and office desk combo. Although such hybrid desks are not that new nowadays, the WeBike may just be able to have that added appeal factor that might make it popular.

Gadget.com, WeBike Pedal To Power Desk

MakerBot printing out Robot Petting Zoo for Maker Faire

Sure, it's no $500 3D printer, but the folks at MakerBot always have plenty of fun stuff floating around their Brooklyn headquarters. Stuff like, you know, a Robot Petting Zoo. The company's prepping a slew of 3D printed 'bots for display at the upcoming Maker Faire in California. CNET's got shots of the robots, each of which have special functionality like old Button Bot pictured above - not so great for petting, but he likely knows more tricks that your average sheep.

Engadget, MakerBot printing out Robot Petting Zoo for Maker Faire

Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring

Watching television news can be depressing. Between the political rancor of election season and the "if it bleeds, it leads" mentality of most news directors, positive stories are scarce. But here's one that should make any lover of fine automobiles pleased. The story, as reported by CBS This Morning, starts when the owner of a Los Angeles-based rental car company that specializes in exotics and luxury cars noticed that one of his vehicles was uncharacteristically sitting still for a few days after being rented.

Autoblog, Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring

CH Auto's Lithia EV strikes an Audi-like profile in China

There's a certain German sports car that the designers at CH Auto might have been dreaming about before they penned the Lithia.

Autoblog, CH Auto's Lithia EV strikes an Audi-like profile in China

Samsung Galaxy S3 to arrive on Verizon Wireless?

So Vodafone and O2 have already announced that they will avail themselves to carry the highly anticipated (and rightly so) Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone when it arrives (most folks have pegged the announcement date to May 3), but what about mobile carriers here across the pond. Verizon is first off the blocks, at least according to BGR, that the Samsung Galaxy S3 will be part of Verizon's lineup for the year, although there is no exact release date yet, but summer is the most likely season where the Galaxy S3 will hit the ground running.

Ubergizmo

See also:
technoleap, Samsung Galaxy S3 to arrive on Verizon Wireless?

Chrysler Group reports quadrupled Q1 profits on U.S. sales increase

Chrysler Group had nothing but good news to share this morning as it has reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2012. The headline-hogging number is that the automaker's first quarter profit quadrupled from $116 million a year ago to $473 million this year. All that was on the back of U.S. sales that increased 39 percent year-over-year. The rise in sales also resulted in Chrysler Group increasing its market share in the U.S. from 9.2 to 11.2 percent.

With such an impressive first quarter, Chrysler is targeting an equally impressive year.

Autoblog, Chrysler Group reports quadrupled Q1 profits on U.S. sales increase

Samsung introduces tablet-ready DVD drive with Android compatibility,

Samsung has unveiled a new DVD drive designed with portability and tablet compatibility in mind. The SE-218BB DVD/CD writer is an ultra-thin (in terms of external optical disk drives) powered by a USB connection and ready to plug-and-play with Mac, PC, and Android 3.1+ hardware. It measures in at only 14mm thick, which Samsung says “18 percent thinner than conventional DVD writers.”. There are a few obvious concerns (such as increased battery drain), but it's almost surprising we haven't seen something like this sooner.

Android Phone, Samsung introduces tablet-ready DVD drive with Android compatibility,

Leaked service manual reveals Galaxy S3 sketch and final specs?

With Samsung’s Unpacked event still a week away, there is plenty of time to get in a few more Galaxy S3 leaks. The latest is a scan of a page purported to be ripped from the upcoming phone’s service manual. Aside from a sketch of the handset we see what could be the final list of specs, though a few of the bullet points conflict with official and rumored information alike. The scan references a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display while rumors have suggested we might see something closer in size to the Galaxy Nexus at 4.6 or 4.7 inches.

Android Phone, Leaked service manual reveals Galaxy S3 sketch and final specs?

Samsung unveils Galaxy S3′s new quad-core processor

. While the flagship smartphone itself will remain under wraps until next week's press conference, Samsung on Thursday unveiled its next-generation mobile processor, the Exynos 4 Quad, which will power its upcoming Galaxy S3. The new 1.4GHz quad-core SoC is built on 32-nanometer architecture, and Samsung says the chipset will offer significant performance improvements over its previous-generation Exynos processor while consuming 20% less power. “The quad-core processor offers phenomenal multitasking abilities surpassing any single or dual application processor,” Samsung's VP of System LSI marketing Taehoon Kim said.

Boy Genius Report

See also:
supertechnologies, Samsung unveils Galaxy S3′s new quad-core processor

Brisbane Outdoor Gear Bags

I love finding gear that's still designed and manufactured in Australian, as so much of it has been outsourced overseas. Brisbane Outdoor Gear from Queensland's line-up certainly fits that criteria.  They're made out of local materials where available and using reclaimed materials such as PVC billboards, and they even try to use recycled products for the patterns used in their manufacturing process. Their range covers messenger bags, backpacks and accessories such as tool rolls, straps and pouches made of recycled bicycle inner tubes. Because they still hand manufacture on site, they can do custom bags as well.

The Gadgeteer, Brisbane Outdoor Gear Bags

Archos Child Pad reportedly delayed until mid-May

If you were hoping to get your hands on the Archos Child Pad for your kid, the bad news is that the tablet has been delayed. The tablet was originally slated for an end of March release, but given that we're nearly at the end of April, safe to say the tablet has been delayed. According to the folks over a PC Advisor, the tablet is now scheduled for a mid-May release instead, so if you were hoping to get your hands on the tablet, mid-May might be your best bet. For those unfamiliar with the Archos Child Pad, the tablet was announced earlier this year by Archos as a 7" Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich designed for children in mind.

Ubergizmo, Archos Child Pad reportedly delayed until mid-May

Sony rumored to announce NEX, Alpha cameras and new lenses mid-May

Sony's NEX series of mirrorless cameras are quite the hit and it looks like thanks to a fresh set of rumors, customers will have yet another NEX camera they will be able to choose from. The rumors are saying that come mid-May, Sony is expected to announce a new NEX camera dubbed the NEX-F3 that will come in a more compact size but yet will retain its ability to snap top quality images, or so they claim.

Ubergizmo, Sony rumored to announce NEX, Alpha cameras and new lenses mid-May

OrangeScape fast-tracks Lotus Notes Migration in partnership with CIMtrek

OrangeScape, a Global 10 Platform as a Service provider, has announced a partnership with CIMTrek Ltd, a leader in the automated migration of Lotus Notes applications. Enterprises will now have fast-track migration of the Lotus Domino Applications to a modern cloud based application on OrangeScape platform. This solution will be bundled into OrangeScape’s offering to their mutual customers enabling the rapid transition of apps from Lotus Notes to the Cloud.Migrating from Lotus, to Google or Microsoft, typically starts with email and calendars. However this remains incomplete and painful until Domino Applications are also addressed.

Press Release Distribution, OrangeScape fast-tracks Lotus Notes Migration in partnership with CIMtrek

Kinect Star Wars app makes Facebook and Twitter more Forceful on Nokia Lumia smartphones

The Force is definitely strong with you if you decide to install the Kinect Star Wars app on your Nokia Lumia smartphone which runs on the Windows Phone operating system from Microsoft. It enables you to hook up to your friends on Facebook and Twitter in a more fun method, delivering the usual latest news feeds from both Facebook and Twitter in the classic scrolling up manner during each movie's opening sequence, in addition to delivering all the relevant sound bites from the dynamic droid duo fondly known as R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Ubergizmo, Kinect Star Wars app makes Facebook and Twitter more Forceful on Nokia Lumia smartphones

Crysis 3 gameplay trailer released [video]

. Electronic Arts and Crytek last week announced the highly anticipated next installment of the Crysis franchise, Crysis 3, alongside a 19-second teaser trailer. On Tuesday, the two companies issued the official gameplay trailer that showcases the game's stunning graphics. The third installment of Crysis is set in 2047, and users control protagonist “Prophet” as he returns to New York only to discover that the city is covered by a giant Nanodome created by the evil Cell Corporation.

Boy Genius Report, Crysis 3 gameplay trailer released [video]

‘Apple fever rocks on'

. Despite early-morning jitters on Wall Street, Apple on Tuesday reported yet another blow-out quarter. The Cupertino, California-based company managed the second most profitable quarter in its history, posting a net profit of $11.6 billion on $39.2 billion in sales. Apple sold 35.1 million iPhones into channels last quarter, along with 11.8 million iPads, 7.7 million iPods and 4 million Mac computers.

Boy Genius Report, ‘Apple fever rocks on'

PSA: HTC One S arrives today at T-Mobile, $199 on-contract after $50 rebate

If you haven't already smuggled a carrier-free version of HTC's One S into the US, you can now sign up two years of your wireless life for T-Mobile's flavor. Largely undiluted by the Big Magenta, the dual-core phone arrives today for a single dollar shy of 200 - after a $50 mail-in rebate.

Engadget, PSA: HTC One S arrives today at T-Mobile, $199 on-contract after $50 rebate

Google Wallet up and running on T-Mobile Galaxy Nexus

Hear that. It's the sound of Google Wallet pennies clinking inside a Galaxy Nexus, despite the fact that we have a T-Mo SIM inserted rather than one from AT&T. Although we downloaded the app from Google Play and got it up and running fine, we haven't actually paid for anything yet - we're waiting til wage day. Let us know if you have any successful transactions.

Engadget, Google Wallet up and running on T-Mobile Galaxy Nexus

PSA: Nintendo 3DS firmware update now live in North America

If your 3DS' home screen is looking a little too cluttered, then today's your lucky day. Nintendo is rolling out the firmware update that adds folders to your folder (You've gotta fold the console closed,geddit?). The only other change evident so far is a redesigned eShop interface that makes better use of the screen's real estate, but pssh, who cares.

Engadget, PSA: Nintendo 3DS firmware update now live in North America

HP announces six new desktops with Ivy Bridge processors

If you're looking to get your hands on a new desktop system based on Intel's latest Ivy Bridge processor, you might be interested to learn that HP has recently announced six new models, all of which will sport Intel's Ivy Bridge processor under their hoods and should be available for purchase directly from HP themselves. Out of the six new models, three will feature an all-in-one desktop design with includes the Omni 220qd at $999, the Omni 27qd at $1,199 and the TouchSmart 520xt at $999. The Omni 220qd will feature integrated Beats Audio while the Omni 27qd will sport a larger 27" display.

Ubergizmo, HP announces six new desktops with Ivy Bridge processors

Hackstore for Mac now available for download

Earlier this month we reported on the Mac Hackstore which is essentially what Cydia is to jailbroken iOS devices. The good news for those who were intrigued by the Hackstore is that it is now available for users on Apple's OS X computers to download. For those unfamiliar, the Hackstore is basically a store similar to Cydia, the iTunes App Store and the Mac App Store, except that it will provide users access to apps that might have otherwise been not allowed onto the official App Stores by Apple.

Ubergizmo, Hackstore for Mac now available for download

Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time

Interested in getting a tattoo but disappointed by your lack of completely random options. Then Instattoo might be just the app for you. Released today for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, it lets you automatically generate a one-of-a-kind tattoo with just a few taps and swipes, which you can then print out and get transferred to your own body with the aid of a skilled professional - but not before you share it on your social network of choice, of course.

Engadget, Instattoo iOS app lets you randomly generate tattoos, can't turn back time

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 now available on iOS for $2.99

Last week we announced that Capcom's Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 would be arriving on iOS devices on the 25th of April. True to their word, the app is currently available for download via the iTunes App Store. The app is priced at a promotional rate of $2.99 and will be compatible for a variety of iOS devices. This promotional price is expected to last until the 6th of May where it will be reverted to its regular price of $4.99. It will feature a 56-character roster from both the Marvel and Capcom franchise and will also allow for multiplayer capabilities over Bluetooth connections.

Ubergizmo, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 now available on iOS for $2.99

OtterBox Case for the Kindle Fire Now Available

The heavy duty mobile device case-maker OtterBox has revealed an equally heavy duty option for the Amazon Kindle Fire called the Defender Series. The company is known for making strong and solid cases that help protect devices against shock or bumps and in the case of the Kindle Fire, OtterBox Industrial Engineer Cameron Magnus said, The Kindle Fire's remarkably clean design gave us a blank canvas to work with.

Ubergizmo, OtterBox Case for the Kindle Fire Now Available

iCade Core and iCade Mobile Hitting U.K. in June, Roughly Priced at $81

ION Audio, the brilliant makers of the iCade arcade cabinet, announced early this year at the CES that it will be launching a new set of flagship gizmos for the year 2012. One of them is the iCade Core, which is a cool iPad dock with a set of buttons and an arcade stick. Contrary to ION's previous accessory, the arcade cabinet, the iCade Core has a better feel as far as gameplay is concerned. So we were very thrilled when we just got a word that the iCade Core will be arriving sometime in June in the U.K. The pricing has been revealed too.

Ubergizmo, iCade Core and iCade Mobile Hitting U.K. in June, Roughly Priced at $81

Send to Kindle for Mac Now Available

Ever dreamed of the day when you will finally be able to send all your files and documents to your Kindle reading app. Well, Amazon is granting you that wish right now by releasing Send to Kindle for Mac. Basically, this app will allow you to read all your personal documents on your Kindle device or app. But in order for you to use this juicy app, you'll need two things: a Mac and Snow Leopard (Mac OS X v10.06) or higher.
Send to Kindle for Mac also has a nice drag and drop functionality that instantly uploads your personal documents into the app via the Send to Kindle icon located in your dock.

Ubergizmo, Send to Kindle for Mac Now Available

Google raises Gmail to 10GB free, 10-fold increase since launching in 2004

Eight years ago one gigabyte of online storage was a remarkable thing. One gigabyte of email. Preposterous, but that's exactly what Google offered back in 2004 with the launch of Gmail, and now that factor is increasing. Current Gmail users were floating at around 7.5GB of storage but, as part of all the Google Drive hoopla, that storage is now officially up to 10GB.

Engadget, Google raises Gmail to 10GB free, 10-fold increase since launching in 2004