Verizon HTC One Software Update Brings Few Improvements

Verizon was late to get to the HTC One party in the U.S., but the variant it is selling is the only one that comes with Android 4.2 pre-installed. Today, a Verizon HTC One software update has been released. Base Android OS version remains the same, don't think that Verizon has received the much awaited Android 4.3 update before its rivals. This is actually the first over-the-air update for HTC One on Verizon and it brings a few improvements. The update brings version number up to 1.10.605.10. According to the official changelog, this Verizon HTC One software update will ensure that device lock-ups don't happen that often.

Ubergizmo , Verizon HTC One Software Update Brings Few Improvements, Verizon HTC One Software Update Brings Few Improvements

iGrann Instagram Client For BlackBerry 10 To Be Released Soon

There's no official Instagram app available for BlackBerry 10 right now. Users have to make do with an Android port by sideloading the APK on their BB10 device. Time and again it has been said that the official app will probably not be coming soon. This was reiterated by BlackBerry's VP of developer relations at the Jam Asia 2013 conference last week. He suggested that users find an “alternative.” A third party Instagram client for BlackBerry 10 will soon be making its way into the BlackBerry World, and it brings an impressive list of features.

iGrann is a full featured native Instagram client for BlackBerry 10.

Ubergizmo , iGrann Instagram Client For BlackBerry 10 To Be Released Soon

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, iGrann Instagram Client For BlackBerry 10 To Be Released Soon

BMW recalls over 76k 2012-2014 models over brake failure

Bimmerfest is reporting that BMW has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of its intention to voluntarily recall more than 75,000 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 models due to a possible loss of power brake assist that could result in the vehicles failing to stop. The recall affects 2012-2014 models equipped with either the N20 or N26 engine produced from May 2012 to August 2013. Until recall repairs have been performed, BMW dealers will discontinue selling or delivering any affected vehicles in their inventories.

Autoblog , BMW recalls over 76k 2012-2014 models over brake failure, BMW recalls over 76k 2012-2014 models over brake failure

Samsung executive says the Galaxy Gear "lacks something special", and I agree

I have said it time and again: the smartwatch market is a sleeping giant, simply waiting for the manufacturer who will do it right. Naturally, we assume that a large manufacturer like Samsung (or Apple) would have the most chances – given their resources and expertise. This was simply not the case for Samsung's Galaxy Gear, though, a smartwatch that failed to impress me one bit (see our hands-on for more). I am not alone when it comes to this stance.



Android Phone , Samsung executive says the Galaxy Gear "lacks something special", and I agree, Samsung executive says the Galaxy Gear "lacks something special", and I agree

Build your own Steampunk thermometer

I have a fascination with nixie tubes, or vacuum tubes that ThinkGeek calls the LEDs of the past.  These tubes aren't being manufactured any longer, but there are still some available that are being used to make Steampunk things like clocks and thermometers.  You'll need to know how to read schematics and how to solder electronics, but you'll be able to build a thermometer that displays temperature in Fahrenheit, Celsius, or Kelvin, and shows humidity with this DIY Nixie Tube Thermometer Kit.  The microprocessor-controlled thermometer has a rear temperature sensor, blue LED accent lights, and a motion sensor to change the display.

The Gadgeteer , Build your own Steampunk thermometer, Build your own Steampunk thermometer

Buyer beware: Some Samsung Galaxy Note 3s locked down by region

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 users are in a tizzy this afternoon after word got out of some oddly worded labeling slapped on their newly purchased Samsung Galaxy Note 3. According to security stickers placed on the Notes by Samsung, the devices seem to be locked down to their respective regions. Here's what the label reads:.

Android Phone , Buyer beware: Some Samsung Galaxy Note 3s locked down by region, Buyer beware: Some Samsung Galaxy Note 3s locked down by region

BMW X4 M probably not in the cards

BMW is preparing to exploit its latest market niche - those that find themselves unable to choose between the 3 Series, 4 Series and X3 - with the X4. If you're looking for an M product, though, you'll remain limited to the 3 and 4 Series. BMW's Bernhard Ederer, at the Australian launch of the X5, told Car Advice he wouldn't "bet on it," when asked about a hotter X4. Oddly, Ederer's reasoning, according to the Aussies, is out of concern for the X6 M, whose sales the X4 M would apparently cannibalize. That's like saying the M3 doesn't make sense because it will cannibalize M5 sales - the logic just doesn't really hold up.

Autoblog , BMW X4 M probably not in the cards, BMW X4 M probably not in the cards

Ordnance Survey Agency Recreates Britain In Minecraft

We've seen people create some pretty amazing things with Minecraft, recreating entire worlds from games, and now it looks like the Ordnance Survey has decided to use Minecraft to recreate the British terrain, only missing out on Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. For those unfamiliar, the Ordnance Survey is basically Britain's national mapping agency and the Minecraft recreation was thanks to their in-house mapping tools, OS Terrain 50 and OS VectorMap District. The entire creation took them two weeks to put together and is 22 billion blocks big.

Ubergizmo , Ordnance Survey Agency Recreates Britain In Minecraft, Ordnance Survey Agency Recreates Britain In Minecraft

Inserting Images Into Gmail Email Body Could Result In A Temporary Ban

Google's Gmail email service has not been in the pink of health lately, so much so that there were email delivery delay issues reported this week. Having said that, there is another thing for Gmail users to look out for, and that is, if one were to insert images into the body of an email message, the simple act of doing so might actually see you receive a temporary ban from the account. This is a rather disturbing bug which has already affected some unsuspecting Gmail users over the course of the past few months, and chances are it will have something to do with Gmail's revamped "New Message" compose interface.

Ubergizmo , Inserting Images Into Gmail Email Body Could Result In A Temporary Ban, Inserting Images Into Gmail Email Body Could Result In A Temporary Ban

Windows Phone 8 Considered Least Usable, According To Survey

When it comes to smartphone operating systems, it really boils down to personal preference, and of course usability also is taken into account. For the more tech savvy user, figuring out how to navigate a new operating system is not too difficult, but for the layman who might not be as tech savvy, this could pose a problem and in a survey conducted by Pfeiffer Consulting, it was found that in terms of usability, Windows Phone 8 scored the lowest, with iOS 7 taking the number one spot which is surprising given that the redesign with the new colors and icons might have been a little jarring for existing users.

Ubergizmo , Windows Phone 8 Considered Least Usable, According To Survey, Windows Phone 8 Considered Least Usable, According To Survey

Gmail update for Android adds card-like UI to conversations

A little something to look forward to as you rummage about your daily emails. The Gmail team is back with another update to their awesome Android app, this time introducing a cleaner, card-like UI for conversations. Of course, you can expect smaller tweaks as well. The Gmail team has added little check marks when multiple emails are selected, and a notification in the app reminding you whenever your account sync is turned off.

Android Phone , Gmail update for Android adds card-like UI to conversations, Gmail update for Android adds card-like UI to conversations

AT&T Exclusive Carrier Partner Of Pebble Smartwatch

There has been significant boom in the smartwatch market recently. A few big name companies have already announced or are currently considering ways to develop their very own wearable watch. The Pebble smartwatch, which is one of the biggest success stories online, recently crossed the 275,000 pre-order mark. Surely it can serve as decent competition against the new contenders, one of which is the Samsung Galaxy Gear. AT&T announced today that it has become the first exclusive carrier partner of the Pebble Smartwatch.
To be absolutely clear, AT&T isn't getting a special edition of the Pebble smartwatch.

Ubergizmo , AT&T Exclusive Carrier Partner Of Pebble Smartwatch, AT&T Exclusive Carrier Partner Of Pebble Smartwatch

Samsung unveils golden Galaxy S4; shameless Apple ripoff jokes ahead

It's been a long-running gag in the land of smartphones that Samsung wants to be just like Apple. The company has gotten a lot of flack for its use of a physical home button, icons in TouchWiz reminiscent of iOS, and more. While Samsung has come into their own in terms of design in recent years, the company is about to give wit-filled jokesters yet another reason to snicker. The company has introduced a golden Samsung Galaxy S4.


Android Phone , Samsung unveils golden Galaxy S4; shameless Apple ripoff jokes ahead, Samsung unveils golden Galaxy S4; shameless Apple ripoff jokes ahead

NVIDIA Executive Believes Consoles Will No Longer Have Better Graphics Than PCs

Back in the day when upgrading computers and getting graphic cards for the PC was an expensive hobby, gamers turned to consoles like the Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation, or Microsoft Xbox to get their gaming fix. The good thing about those consoles is that games created for them would definitely run without a hitch, unlike PC games where one had to meet the minimum requirements, and even then it might not necessarily be the best experience. Now it has evolved to the point where NVIDIA executive, Tony Tamasi, believes that it is no longer possible for consoles to have better graphics than the PC.

Ubergizmo , NVIDIA Executive Believes Consoles Will No Longer Have Better Graphics Than PCs, NVIDIA Executive Believes Consoles Will No Longer Have Better Graphics Than PCs

Alleged Surface Mini Specs Revealed

Just the other day Microsoft took the wraps off their new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets, but interesting enough the company did not make any mention about the possibility of a Surface Mini, a device which has been rumored for a while now but not mentioned at all by Microsoft during their presentation. It is possible that the Surface Mini could merely be a fake and a false rumor, but at the same time it could be that the device is not primed for launch yet which is why Microsoft has kept mum on the details. In any case thanks to new information obtained by CNET, some of the alleged Surface Mini specs have surfaced.

Ubergizmo , Alleged Surface Mini Specs Revealed, Alleged Surface Mini Specs Revealed

These Gold-plated Earphones Will Cost You $14,500

If you're looking for an accessory that will match your recently acquired gold iPhone 5s, perhaps these pair of Happy Plugs earphones will do the trick, although you should be warned that getting your hands on a pair of these earphones will set you back an eye-watering $14,500. Yup, you read that right, these pair of gold plated earphones will cost you a small fortune, and why not. After all these earphones are crafted in Sweden and feature 25 grams of gold per earbud, not in total, but per earbud, meaning that you'd be stuffing your ears with about 50 grams worth of gold.

Ubergizmo , These Gold-plated Earphones Will Cost You $14,500, These Gold-plated Earphones Will Cost You $14,500

GM mulling off-road variants of fullsize SUVs

According to General Motors, owners "just love off-roading with [its fullsize body-on-frame sport utility vehicles]," namely the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon. If that's the case, it's a bit odd that sales of the previous generation of these models with the Z71 off-road package didn't sell particularly well. Perhaps, considering this disconnect between owner's thoughts and desires with actual sales, it's not surprising that General Motors is reportedly "considering" an off-road specific model.

Autoblog , GM mulling off-road variants of fullsize SUVs, GM mulling off-road variants of fullsize SUVs

CyanogenMod hits stable release, 10.1.3 now available for a variety of Android devices

If bleeding edge, occasionally buggy Android software isn't exactly your thing (I'm looking at you, Raveesh), CyanogenMod might have your back. The team that recently raised 7 million in funding to go full-time has now announced that they're finally ready to move past the RC (release candidate) phase, and onto a stable release. CyanogenMod 10.1.3 is just that release, hitting their servers and ready to download for a handful of devices. Not only does 10.1.3 bring stability into your wild and crazy Android life, but it also introduces CM Account for remote wiping of lost devices amongst other nifty stuff.

Android Phone , CyanogenMod hits stable release, 10.1.3 now available for a variety of Android devices, CyanogenMod hits stable release, 10.1.3 now available for a variety of Android devices

GM CEO Akerson calls out Tesla, says Cadillac will compete on EVs

Cadillac will be taking on Tesla Motors, the underdog EV manufacturer that's seen heaps of critical acclaim and stock market buzz with its most recent sedan, the Model S. "If you want to compete head-to-head with Tesla, and we ultimately will, you want to do it with a Cadillac," Dan Akerson, the chairman and CEO of General Motors, told media in Washington, according to The Detroit News.

Autoblog , GM CEO Akerson calls out Tesla, says Cadillac will compete on EVs, GM CEO Akerson calls out Tesla, says Cadillac will compete on EVs

iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S Sales: 9 Million and Counting!

With Apple reporting 9 million units of these devices sold collectively in the launch week, it is intriguing that the number is still 9 million against the 5 million devices Apple sold in the same period when the iPhone 5 (the only iPhone launch of the year) made its commercial debut. However, Apple investors can rejoice for the Cupertino giant has succeeded in gaining about 6% hike in the Apple shares value on the trade market. Apple share price is reportedly approaching the $500.


Technology Nerd , iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S Sales: 9 Million and Counting!, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S Sales: 9 Million and Counting!

Aspect Enterprise Solutions “Power Hours” Training Webcast To Focus On Unique Price Table Tool For Commodities Traders

Aspect Enterprise Solutions, a leading provider of multi-commodity trading and risk management Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications delivered in the Cloud, announces today its next session in its continued series of monthly "Power Hour"s complimentary Webcasts for traders. This month’s topic is: “Using AspectDSC Price Table For Competitive Advantage.” The Price Table is a focal point of the AspectDSC market data and analytics platform, and one of the key tools that users leverage to stay ahead of the market.

Press Release Distribution , Aspect Enterprise Solutions “Power Hours” Training Webcast To Focus On Unique Price Table Tool For Commodities Traders, Aspect Enterprise Solutions “Power Hours” Training Webcast To Focus On Unique Price Table Tool For Commodities Traders

Ford taken to task by gov't for Chicken Tax end-around

Ford is in a bit of a pickle for importing and selling Turkey-built Transit Connect cargo vans as passenger vehicles in the US, then converting them to commercial-vehicle specification stateside in an effort to bypass a 25-percent tax imposed on vehicles imported for commercial use. Automakers are required to pay a 2.5-percent tax on imported passenger vehicles. The Blue Oval got into trouble for this in a January ruling in which U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials asked Ford to stop the practice of importing the Transit Connect vehicles with passenger seats, then removing and shredding them.

Autoblog , Ford taken to task by gov't for Chicken Tax end-around, Ford taken to task by gov't for Chicken Tax end-around

A compact, multi-purpose cooking pot and kettle from the makers of the BioLite CampStove

BioLite, the same company that brought us the CampStove, is now offering an accessory that serves two functions.  The KettlePot is made of thin stainless steel, so it's more durable than aluminum pots and easier to clean without worrying about scrubbing off the coating.  It comes with a BPA-free plastic kettle top with a silicone seal that stands up to high temperatures; it acts as a cooking lid or a pouring spout for beverages.  Cool-touch handles protect your hands while cooking and then fold away for easy packing.

The Gadgeteer , A compact, multi-purpose cooking pot and kettle from the makers of the BioLite CampStove, A compact, multi-purpose cooking pot and kettle from the makers of the BioLite CampStove

NASA On The Lookout For Snoozers

To get paid while you are doing something that you love is more or less the dream of every single person out there. After all, it is not called work then, is it. For those of you out there who love nothing better than to grab some shuteye, then you would be more than pleased to discover that NASA is working on a study which will require folks to lie in a tilted bed for up to 70 days.

Ubergizmo , NASA On The Lookout For Snoozers, NASA On The Lookout For Snoozers

Limited Edition Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with flexible display rumored to launch next month

Seems like every year rumors begin to swirl of a new Samsung device releasing with one of the manufacturers fancy new flexible LCD displays. We saw it back with the Galaxy Note 2, a few months later with the Galaxy S4, and of course, the recently announced Note 3. In the end, it always ends up the same: another Galaxy iteration with the same ‘ol design and flat display panels we're all accustomed to. But there's still hope yet for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
It wasn't too long ago — just before the official announcement — there were rumors of the Galaxy Note 3 launching in 4 different hardware versions.

Android Phone , Limited Edition Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with flexible display rumored to launch next month

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, Limited Edition Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with flexible display rumored to launch next month

Cambridge Audio Network Music Player for Audio Streaming

The Minx Xi from Cambridge Audio lets you access and enjoy music regardless of your source.  This Bluetooth audio streaming device plays music stored on a smart phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device.  In addition to “Standard Bluetooth CODEC (SBC), Minx Xi also supports the much higher quality Bluetooth system, aptX, which sounds even better and squeezes the absolute maximum digital detail out of Bluetooth audio streaming.”  You can also stream music from any UPnP server, NAS drive, or computer on your home network.

The Gadgeteer , Cambridge Audio Network Music Player for Audio Streaming, Cambridge Audio Network Music Player for Audio Streaming

HTC allegedly working on an Octa-core version of HTC One

HTC is allegedly working on an Octa-core variant of its current flagship smartphone, the HTC One. According to a new report, the upcoming version of the metallic beauty will also feature 3 GB of RAM. The HTC One with Octa-core processor is also said to come with a couple of software tweaks. One of the major software additions include the clear audio option, which enhances the audio performance and improves the clarity during calls.

GSM Arena , HTC allegedly working on an Octa-core version of HTC One, HTC allegedly working on an Octa-core version of HTC One

Mugen Power 6400mAh Extended Battery for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with Battery Door review

There are often times when I need just a little bit more battery life on my mobile phone, especially when I go to an event where no outlets are available.  I recently had the chance to review the Mugen Power 6400mAh Extended Battery with Battery Door for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from Mugen Power.  The battery life on the Note 2 is already pretty good, so imagine a battery that gives me even more life.  Let's take a look.
Note: Images can be clicked on to view a larger size.

The Mugen Power 6400mAh Extended Battery  came in an easy to open package with a 6400mAh Lithium Ion battery as well as a battery door (back cover).










The Gadgeteer , Mugen Power 6400mAh Extended Battery for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with Battery Door review, Mugen Power 6400mAh Extended Battery for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with Battery Door review

Epicor Positioned as a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Single-Instance ERP for Product-Centric Midmarket Companies

Fourth Consecutive Placement in the Visionaries Category for EpicorEpicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, today announced it has been positioned by Gartner, Inc., in the “Visionaries” quadrant of the Magic Quadrant (MQ) for Single-Instance ERP Product-Centric Midmarket Companies based on evaluation of its next-generation Epicor enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.[1]The MQ for ERP for Product-Centric Midmarket Companies focuses on ERP systems that support a single instance strategy for multi-entity midmarket and

Press Release Distribution , Epicor Positioned as a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Single-Instance ERP for Product-Centric Midmarket Companies, Epicor Positioned as a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Single-Instance ERP for Product-Centric Midmarket Companies

Subaru gunning for 500,000 US sales by 2015

For the last four years in a row, Subaru has experienced incredible sales growth including record sales of 336,441 units in 2012. This trend is all but guaranteed to continue this year with 281,652 on the books so far, but Automotive News is reporting the automaker has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. The report says that Subaru is gunning for around 500,000 sales in the US by 2015, which doesn't seem like too far of a stretch considering 2013 sales totals are expected to top 400,000 units.

Autoblog , Subaru gunning for 500,000 US sales by 2015

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, Subaru gunning for 500,000 US sales by 2015

Oppo N1 is official with 5.9-inch fullHD display and Color OS

Oppo has just announced its latest smartphone in a special event in Beijing, China. It's called the Oppo N1 and runs the latest version of the company's home-brewed Color OS based on Android 4.2. The Oppo N1 is built around a 5.9" IPS display of full HD resolution, which equals out to a pixel density of 377 pixels per inch. The display is super sensitive and allows you to use gloves and even pens, just like the Sony Xperia Z1.

Below the display there are 3 capacitive Android keys - back, home and menu. The whole phone is made of plastic and will be available in two color options - black and white.





GSM Arena , Oppo N1 is official with 5.9-inch fullHD display and Color OS, Oppo N1 is official with 5.9-inch fullHD display and Color OS

Official photo of the Nokia Asha 500 leaks ahead of announcement

The first official photo of the Nokia Asha 500 has just surfaced courtesy of evleaks. The leak doesn't provide more information of the upcoming Asha 500 other than the photo itself, so no specifications are available at this point. The phone is obviously merely a Dual SIM version of the Nokia Asha 501. We notice however some changes, which Nokia has made in the design department of the phone. The form factor seems to be left intact, but as the photo shows, there's an interesting translucent effect around the outer edges of the Asha 500.

GSM Arena , Official photo of the Nokia Asha 500 leaks ahead of announcement, Official photo of the Nokia Asha 500 leaks ahead of announcement

Ram considering Rumble Bee concept for production

Yellow truck enthusiasts, take note - Ram is considering production for its Rumble Bee Concept, a very, very extroverted pickup that debuted at the 2013 Woodward Dream Cruise. Drawing inspiration from the last Ram Rumble Bee, which in turn borrowed heavily from the Dodge Super Bee muscle cars of the 1960s, the Rumble Bee sports a few things that set it apart from the standard 1500 lineup. The most obvious change is its retina-scorching, matte yellow paint. Teamed up with a two-inch suspension drop and monster 24-inch black wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, the Rumble Bee cuts an imposing figure.

Autoblog , Ram considering Rumble Bee concept for production, Ram considering Rumble Bee concept for production

Be inspired by Beautiful LEGO - New from No Starch Press

. If looking at your little brother's LEGO creations never inspired your imagination, this new book from No Starch Press sure will. Beautiful LEGO by Mike Doyle is a 280 page coffee table book that features LEGO sculptures from dozens of artists. From abstract to life-like, the models featured in the pages of this book are sure to kick start your creative juices if you're a LEGO fan, and if you're not, it will at least give you new appreciation for the art that can be created when you combine a couple thousand little plastic bricks. Beautiful LEGO is due this month from No Starch Press but can be pre-ordered now for $29.95.

The Gadgeteer , Be inspired by Beautiful LEGO - New from No Starch Press, Be inspired by Beautiful LEGO - New from No Starch Press

Jeremy Clarkson pondering run for Parliament?

Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken host of Top Gear, may be pondering a run at the UK's Parliament, according to a tweet he posted over the weekend. Of course, the note, which has now been retweeted over 4,400 times, comes from a man whose penchant for hyperbole is legendary, so take this musing with the usual grain of salt. There's been no further mention of his political aspirations since the original tweet went up, leading us to assume that it was just idle banter. Even so, Clarkson has no issue being controversial, but it's where he's apparently thinking of running that's adding fuel to the fire – Doncaster North.

Autoblog , Jeremy Clarkson pondering run for Parliament?, Jeremy Clarkson pondering run for Parliament?