Sony Ericsson announces Xperia active Billabong edition

Sony Ericsson and the extreme sports brand Billabong have entered into a partnership, which will bring the Xperia smartphones closer to the adrenaline junkies, who are fans of the popular Australian clothing and gear company. The first product of the partnership is the Sony Ericsson Xperia active Billabong edition. There is no difference between the newcomer and the tough as nails, regular Xperia active, which we came to like quite a lot, save for the Billabong branded back cover and some software additions.

GSM Arena, Sony Ericsson announces Xperia active Billabong edition

ComScore on US Smartphone Market Share: Despite Late iPhone 4S Surge, Android Closes Out Q4 Ahead of All

Comscore have released their Q4 2011 numbers for smartphone market share in the United States. Earlier reports suggested Apple would take a great chunk of the share back from Android with the launch of the iPhone 4S, and while they did have a great spurt to close the year out it didn't hurt Android as much as some might have thought it would. They found that Android still grew 2.5% more over the previous quarter at 47.3% vs 44.8%. Apple, on the other hand, grew 2.2% more over the previous quarter with 29.6% vs 27.4%. Everyone else is on the decline, a trend that has held true for quite some time now.

Android Phone, ComScore on US Smartphone Market Share: Despite Late iPhone 4S Surge, Android Closes Out Q4 Ahead of All

Valve working on “secret” Team Fortress 2 project

Fans of Valve's Team Fortress 2 can expect something exciting from the company in 2012. Apart from Valve's upcoming DOTA 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and according to the Team Fortress 2 blog, it seems that the company has a "secret" Team Fortress 2 project planned for the year of 2012 as well. While we're not sure 100% sure what they have up their sleeves, this is what they have decided to tease us with:. “The TF2 team is working on something brand new for 2012. We can't tell you what it is, because they won't tell us, but what they WILL say is that it isn't a hat, it isn't a map, and go away.

Ubergizmo, Valve working on “secret” Team Fortress 2 project

Studebaker Motor Company resuscitated, looking for investors

The annals of automotive history are filled with nameplates that weren't quite able to survive the boom and bust nature of the business, especially here in the United States. One of the most successful orphaned automakers was Studebaker, remembered fondly for such design gems as the bullet-nosed post-World War II Starlight and trend-setting fiberglass-bodied Avanti. Sadly, Studebaker officially ceased producing automobiles in 1966, though a small portion of its legacy lives today in the form of the ex-Kaiser AM General. But if a Colorado-based business has its way, the Studebaker name will once again appear on vehicles sold in America.

Autoblog, Studebaker Motor Company resuscitated, looking for investors

Jawbone's BIG JAMBOX Bluetooth speakers spotted at the FCC

Remember the Jawbone JAMBOX Bluetooth speaker. Well thanks to an FCC filing, it looks like Jawbone is set to release an updated version of their JAMBOX Bluetooth speaker, except this time round it will be bigger which is evidenced in its name, the "BIG JAMBOX". Just like its predecessor, the BIG JAMBOX will pair with devices via Bluetooth but will now measure 10.1 x 3.2 x 3.7" and weighs 2.7 pounds. For those curious, this is a step up from the original JAMBOX which measures 6 x 2.2 x 1.6" and weighs 1.6 pounds.

Ubergizmo, Jawbone's BIG JAMBOX Bluetooth speakers spotted at the FCC

USB Bean Shooter

We have seen our fair share of desktop toys that come in the form of USB-powered missile launchers, where foam missiles are sent in the direction of your annoying colleagues. Trust the Japanese to come up with something ever zanier – this unique USB-powered desktop toy that comes with a quartet of “guns”, where you can always have a pack of beans ready nearby as ammunition. This is far more hygienic compared to shooting peas from a sturdy plastic straw as there is no saliva that gets involved, and you can use the included software to take aim.



Ubergizmo, USB Bean Shooter

Kenko Tokina 400mm lens for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX hits Japan tomorrow

Looking for a zoom booster to flesh out your NEX or MFT kit. Then take a highly magnified gander at Kenko Tokina's 400mm f/8 mirror lens, which now comes with both E- and T-mounts to complement the manufacturer's existing SLR-compatible range. So long as you don't mind the light-sapping aperture and manual focus, you'll be able pick one up in Japan tomorrow for a price that should soon become apparent.

2DayBlog.com, Kenko Tokina 400mm lens for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX hits Japan tomorrow

Wi-Fi security issue found on HTC devices

A security related bug was discovered on certain HTC Android smartphones. This bug allowed any application that has access to the ACCESS_WIFI_STATE permission (something that the apps ask you before you install them) will let the application not only check on the status of your Wi-Fi but also have complete access to all your Wi-FI passwords. The handsets that are reported to have this bug include the Desire HD, T-Mobile myTouch 4G, Desire S, Sensation, EVO 3D, DROID Incredible, and the Thunderbolt 4G. However, HTC is now reporting that the problem has already been solved on certain devices, although which ones exactly was not mentioned.

GSM Arena, Wi-Fi security issue found on HTC devices

Google Wallet Now Available On Nexus S And Galaxy Nexus for AT&T – Verizon Galaxy Nexus Also Makes The Cut

Sprint Nexus S 4G users no longer have a reason to gloat after Google Wallet — once exclusive to that device and carrier — has finally been made available for those on AT&T. The app can be installed on either the Nexus S 4G or GSM Galaxy Nexus without Ralph de la Vega or his cronies standing in your way. Just jump into your Market app or use the link below to be taken straight to Google Wallet. Now, I know we have many a reader who is wondering if perhaps the Verizon Galaxy Nexus was included in this celebration. Well, kinda — things are a little more tricky but it can be done.


Android Phone, Google Wallet Now Available On Nexus S And Galaxy Nexus for AT&T â€" Verizon Galaxy Nexus Also Makes The Cut

ASUS K75 17.3-inch Laptop

The ASUS K75 is a 17.3-inch laptop that is powered by the upcoming 3rd generation Intel Ivy Bridge processor and an upcoming 28nm nVidia GeForce GTX 670M graphics card. This desktop replacement supports up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, up to 2TB of storage space, a 1600×900 resolution display and a choice of a DVD burner or a Blu-ray drive. Unfortunately, there is no info on pricing or availability so far.

TechFresh, ASUS K75 17.3-inch Laptop

Hasselblad TV: an online video platform aimed at photographers

Hasselblad, the Swedish manufacturer of cameras and photographic equipment has announced the launch of Hasselblad TV - an online video platform aimed at photographers, both aspiring and professional. Hasselblad TV aims to be a portal where Hasselblad enthusiasts can go to for fundamental training on their camera systems and software techniques. While the main chunk of the website will help photographers learn how to use their Hasselblad cameras and equipment. While Hasselblad TV is now live, Hasselblad is looking for photographers to submit videos of interesting shoots, stories and events to post on the website.

Ubergizmo, Hasselblad TV: an online video platform aimed at photographers

Touchscreen iMac could be in the works according to Apple patent

. Apple certainly helped shape the mobile space by popularizing multitouch screens on smartphones and tablets, but can it do the same for desktop computing, too. The United States Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published an Apple patent application that describes a desktop computer - likely the iMac - with a touchscreen display. Dell, HP and plenty of other firms have introduced all-in-one PCs with touchscreens, of course, but Apple's invention may make some applications more intuitive.

Boy Genius Report, Touchscreen iMac could be in the works according to Apple patent

Sony Introduces Three New Cyber-Shot Models

Sony has added three new pocket-sized cameras to their Cyber-Shot line.  All three will have the new “high-resolution ‘Exmor R' CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ™ image processor that together boost low light performance and enhance auto-focus speeds, among other benefits.”  The DSC-TX200V (top left, cost about $500) will have an 18.2MP Exmor R sensor and 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ Tru-Black OLED wide touchscreen, and it can take full HD video or take 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record".  The DSC-WX70 (top right, cost about $230) has a 16.2MP Exmor sensor and a 3.0″ 921k

The Gadgeteer, Sony Introduces Three New Cyber-Shot Models

Jeremy Clarkson voted worst off-road trip partner in UK survey

If you're about to embark on an off-road driving expedition, you're going to need the right co-pilot. Someone with good knowledge of how a car works, good survival skills and – most important of all – a good sense of humor. This according to a recent study carried out in the UK by Continental Tires ahead of the launch of the Conti 4x4 Trophy, in which respondents ranked humor as an over-arching qualifying trait for the right person to ride shotgun.
So who did the British respondents choose? The blokes went with a pretty face in glamor model Kelly Brook, while the ladies elected Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame.

Autoblog, Jeremy Clarkson voted worst off-road trip partner in UK survey

White HTC Sensation with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on board coming to the Netherlands on March 1

HTC's Dutch arm has just announced that a white version of the HTC Sensation will become available in the Netherlands on March 1. Furthermore, this white Sensation will come preloaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Google's mobile operating system. This will probably make HTC the first of the big smartphone makers to come out with a device running ICS from the get-go. But this is also good news for owners of the existing Sensation.

Unwired View, White HTC Sensation with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on board coming to the Netherlands on March 1

Blue eyed boy from China born with night vision?

The term “blue eyed boy” might soon take on a very different meaning from being someone's favorite, as this little kid from China who was born with blue eyes, is claimed by his parents to have night vision – just like a cat. Originally worried, his parents were informed by doctors not to fret, since their son's unique blue eyes were said to function as normal as he grows up, but after some years, Yongsui's father, teacher and doctors think that the young boy's eyes are no ordinary eyes = endowing him with night vision instead.

Ubergizmo, Blue eyed boy from China born with night vision?

Sony posts huge $2 billion net loss in Q3, cuts forecasts

. Kazuo Hirai was appointed Sony's new chief executive on Wednesday and one day later, the company reported a wider than expected loss in the third fiscal quarter of 2011 that sent its stock tumbling more than 6% in early trading. The firm posted an operating loss of $1.2 billion on $23.4 billion in revenue, down more than 17% compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2010, and its net loss for the quarter totaled $2 billion. Sony also said it now anticipates a full-year loss of $2.9 billion, more than twice its earlier projection of $1.2 billion.

Boy Genius Report, Sony posts huge $2 billion net loss in Q3, cuts forecasts

Institutions can call the cavalry when it comes to meeting AIFM directive

The FSA’s latest discussion paper outlines concerns, around the impending Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) directive, notably the prospect of over-regulation and lack of implementation time impacting fund managers.

Press Release Distribution, Institutions can call the cavalry when it comes to meeting AIFM directive

Vizio 58-inch 21:9 CinemaWide TV hitting the markets in March for $3,499

Vizio is a well known name among households for churning out quality HDTVs without breaking the bank, more often than not hitting the sweet spot between price and performance. Those who are always on the lookout for value-for-money purchases where HDTVs are concerned tend to have Vizio at the back of their minds. Well, it seems that Vizio feels they need something with more of a punch in their arsenal to keep up with the big boys, and has announced that their monster 58″ 21:9 CinemaWide TV will be arriving at stores in the US this March for $3,499 a pop.

Ubergizmo, Vizio 58-inch 21:9 CinemaWide TV hitting the markets in March for $3,499

Squint Really Hard: Smart ForTwo gets modest update

Smart has put the ForTwo under the knife in an attempt to give the maligned A-segment vehicle a few more years of life. The ForTwo now wears a smarter-looking revised fascia with a bolder Smart emblem, more expansive grille and redesigned lower valance. The front clip is paired with more defined rockers and a similarly restyled rear valance. Throw in a few more wheel options and the package helps freshen the vehicle quite a bit. Unfortunately, engineers left the engine bay alone.

Autoblog, Squint Really Hard: Smart ForTwo gets modest update

First look at SlingPlayer for Amazon's Kindle Fire

. Sling Media has been the go-to provider for video placeshifting solutions for nearly seven years now. The California-based company launched its first Slingbox in 2005, enabling users to watch live television exactly as it was being broadcast to their homes on any Internet-connected PC. The company rolled out its first SlingPlayer Mobile application the following year and it hasn't looked back, continuing to expand its mobile offering to support a wide range of popular platforms and devices.





Boy Genius Report, First look at SlingPlayer for Amazon's Kindle Fire

Photos show quad-core iPad 3 processor, Wi-Fi and global LTE options

. A source claiming to be in possession of an iPad 3 prototype provided BGR with images containing details about Apple's highly anticipated third-generation tablet. From the data in the photos, which contain the output from an iPad 3 using a development and debug tool called iBoot, we can infer plenty of information about the upcoming iPad 3. For starters, the model numbers are J1 and J2 (iPad3,1 and iPad3,2), and while DigiTimes reported this a few weeks ago, these two models are not different devices, just a single iPad available in two versions - one with Wi-Fi only and one with Wi-Fi and embedded GSM/CDMA/LTE for all carriers.





Boy Genius Report

See also:
itband, Photos show quad-core iPad 3 processor, Wi-Fi and global LTE options

Nokia Siemens Networks to lay off more than 4,000 workers in Europe

. Nokia Siemens Networks recently announced that it will cut as many as 1,200 jobs in Finland and lay off another 2,900 workers in Germany as it begins to restructure the company. Both Nokia and Siemens originally tried to sell the joint venture, which has struggled to report a profit, but gave up those plans this past summer. The move is expected to save €1 billion per year, Reuters said Tuesday. Nokia Siemens Networks is the second larger maker of phone network equipment in the world behind Ericsson, and the joint venture was originally created to help both Siemens and Nokia better compete on a global scale.

Boy Genius Report, Nokia Siemens Networks to lay off more than 4,000 workers in Europe

Chrome to Phone Updated to Fix Bugs and Improve Look and Feel

Google has updated another one of their applications today. This time, it's Chrome to Phone, an application that gets extensive use out of me. The application allows users to send webpages that they're viewing on Chrome to their Android devices that have the application installed. My main use for it has been to send maps and directions to my device before I leave to go to a place I don't know.
The new update fixes an error that caused the app to crash on Honeycomb devices. Google has also added landscape support and an improved look and feel. A solid update, all in all. Find it here in the Android market.

Android Phone, Chrome to Phone Updated to Fix Bugs and Improve Look and Feel

Redesigned BlackBerry London leaks, will be the world's first BlackBerry 10 smartphone

Back in November of last year we saw the first purported picture of the BlackBerry smartphone codenamed London, that was going to be the company's first smartphone running BBX, the next generation operating system inspired by the QNX powering the PlayBook. More than two months have passed, and many things have changed since then. First of all, BBX got rebranded to BlackBerry OS 10 because of some trademark issues, and the BlackBerry London seems to have lost its initial design very reminiscent of that seen in the Porsche Design BlackBerry P'9981.
What you can see above is how the London looks now, apparently.

Unwired View, Redesigned BlackBerry London leaks, will be the world's first BlackBerry 10 smartphone

Sony VAIO Z VPCZ239FJ / B 13.1-Inch Notebook

The VAIO Z VPCZ239FJ / B is another upcoming 13.1-inch notebook from Sony that packs a 13.1-inch 1600 x 900 LCD display, a 2.50GHz Intel Core i5-2450M processor, an Intel HM67 Express Chipset, a 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD, a webcam, an SD card slot, WiFi, WiMAX, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (SP1) OS. The VAIO Z VPCZ239FJ / B will start shipping from February 4th for around 200,000 Yen (about $2,621).

TechFresh

See also:
wwws, Sony VAIO Z VPCZ239FJ / B 13.1-Inch Notebook

LG A290 Triple SIM Phone For Russia

LG is reportedly preparing to release their first triple SIM phone in Russia. Called the A290, the handset will feature a 2.2-inch 176 x 220 display, a 1.3MP camera, triple SIM card slots, a LED flash and a 1500mAh battery. The A290 will go on sale in Russia from late February for 2,990 Rubles (about $99).

TechFresh

See also:
techcrunch, LG A290 Triple SIM Phone For Russia

Sprint Gives LightSquared New Deadline – 6 Weeks To Win FCC Approval For 4G LTE Network

Earlier today we filled you guys in on the status of LightSquared's LTE network and the challenges they've been facing with FCC over alleged GPS interference. It ended with the FCC asking for public approval on the matter but now, Sprint — who plans to use LightSquared to help roll out their upcoming 4G LTE network — is giving LightSquared a new deadline before cutting off ties. In a statement to BGR, LightSquared said they have been given 6 weeks by Sprint to straighten things out with the FCC. "Sprint and LightSquared have agreed to extend our network agreement through mid March.

Android Phone, Sprint Gives LightSquared New Deadline â€" 6 Weeks To Win FCC Approval For 4G LTE Network

PlayBook OS 2.0 released on February 17?

Many rumors that make their rounds on the Internet these days tend to have grounds for confirmation, simply because technology has enabled one working from within a company to be able to grab a snapshot here, or an image there, before releasing such information to the masses in a ninja-like manner. The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 release date has certainly made its rounds on the rumor mill for some time, with many of them touting a February 2012 release date, but out of the 29 days of the month for this year, just which will be the correct one.

Ubergizmo, PlayBook OS 2.0 released on February 17?

Panasonic WiGig 1Gbps Wireless SD Memory Card Concept

Panasonic is currently developing applications for the new WiGig gigabit wireless communications technology. In this concept demonstration, a communications module which supports WiGig is embedded on an SD memory card. Although Panasonic is still in the process of prototyping the WiGig-enabled SD card, the company demonstrated how it will be possible to transmit videos, photos and other local data from a wireless controller such as a tablet, to the displays mounted in the passenger seats of a car.




Akihabara News, Panasonic WiGig 1Gbps Wireless SD Memory Card Concept

Emotiva unveils new airmotiv 4 speakers at $399

Interested in picking up a pair of new desktop speakers for your computer. If you happen to be in the market for such a product, you might be interested in checking out Emotiva's airmotiv 4 speakers, which on first glance might seem like a normal set of speakers, but for the speaker enthusiast they might point out to you that the airmotiv 4 appears to be missing a dome tweeter that is commonplace in most speakers. In place of the dome tweeter is a Heil air motion transformer, which instead of pushing air to make sound like most tweeters do, it instead "squeezes" air thanks to its pleated diaphragm.

Ubergizmo, Emotiva unveils new airmotiv 4 speakers at $399

Angry Birds Portable Power Packs for the iPhone aimed at fans

We know that the Angry Birds franchise from Rovio is insanely popular, after all how many games out there can inspire t-shirts, mugs, caps, plushies and even a theme park of its own. Not many would be the answer. Well, looking to add to that list of Angry Birds merchandize (we're not even sure if these are official/licensed) would be these Angry Birds Portable Power Stations, which as the name implies are portable back-up battery chargers for your smartphone. In this case, it seems that these portable power stations are being aimed at Apple's iPhone and feature a battery storage capacity of 1,900mAh.

Ubergizmo, Angry Birds Portable Power Packs for the iPhone aimed at fans

Amazon Kindle: estimated 6 million sold

We all know that Amazon has sold “millions” of Kindle Fire tablets, but what the exact figure is - we're not so sure. According to an estimation by Jordan Rohan, an analyst at Stifel Nicolas, - the company sold 6 million units of the Android tablet in the last quarter alone. He also believes that the Kindle and the Kindle Fire have effectively become the 3rd major mobile ecosystem after Apple iOS and Google Android - something that competing tablet manufacturers and app developers should take note of. Amazon will be revealing its Q4 2011 results tomorrow, so hopefully we'll find out the real number then.

Ubergizmo

See also:
itband, Amazon Kindle: estimated 6 million sold

Nokia Lumia 800 teardown

The good people over at TechRepublic has taken the Nokia Lumia 800 and torn it down – going to show at the same time just how different Nokia's phones have gotten over the years. Of course, while we already do know what kind of specifications the Lumia 800 has, the teardown reveals more information in greater detail, where a 1.4GHz single-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 (MSM8255T) processor runs everything from within, aided by an Adreno 205 GPU. Not only that, 512MB RAM from Elpida is thrown into the mix, while the flash chip used is a 16GB Hynix NAND (H26M52002CKR).

Ubergizmo, Nokia Lumia 800 teardown

Best Buy Outs February 14th for Galaxy Note Launch Date in Canada

With AT&T getting a confirmed release date for the Samsung Galaxy Note earlier the Canadians don't want to be left out of the fun. While we've known for some time now that the device would be launching mid-February, we didn't have an exact date. Thanks to Best Buy, that's no longer the case. And when they say mid-February, they mean exactly in the middle of the month. We should be seeing it on Rogers, Telus and Bell starting February 14th. Pricing is believed to be around $250 on a three-year agreement for most offering it but that can't be 100% confirmed right now.

Android Phone, Best Buy Outs February 14th for Galaxy Note Launch Date in Canada

Nabi Tablet For Kids

Since tablets have become quite a popular device, it can't be helped that some kids would also like to have them. But with most tablets being designed with adults in mind, putting them on the hands of kids would not always be appropriate. If it is a tablet for kids you are looking for, the new Nabi Tablet might just be the thing. The Nabi is a kid-friendly tablet that is specifically designed for kids. It sports a 7 inch responsive multi-touchscreen display at WVGA resolution. It comes with a 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 dual core processor and runs on the Android OS. It also comes with 512MB RAM, a 4GB flash drive and a front facing camera.

Gadget.com, Nabi Tablet For Kids

Samsung Galaxy S Advance i9070 gets official, will be launched in February

Seen last night in some leaked photos and a video, the Samsung Galaxy S Advance i9070 has now been officially announced. Samsung has confirmed all the features unveiled yesterday: Android Gingerbread, TouchWiz UI, 4 inch WVGA Super AMOLED display (slightly curved), 1GHz dual-core processor, 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, and a 1,500 mAh battery. In addition, we now know that the Galaxy S Advance measures 123.2 x 63.0 x 9.69 mm, and comes with HSPA (14.4Mbps), Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 3.0, Samsung Hub, Samsung ChatON, 768MB of RAM, and 8GB / 16GB of internal memory.


Unwired View, Samsung Galaxy S Advance i9070 gets official, will be launched in February

AT&T to launch Samsung Galaxy Note on February 19th for $299.99

. AT&T announced Monday that the Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone will be available in stores on February 19th for $299.99 on contact, a day after we recently reported. Pre-orders are set to begin this weekend with delivery promised by February 17th. “The Galaxy Note brings a new level of efficiency to busy customers who would normally rely on multiple devices," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of devices at AT&T. “This new breed of smartphone helps consumers accomplish more with a single device than ever before.

Boy Genius Report

See also:
cherryapple, AT&T to launch Samsung Galaxy Note on February 19th for $299.99

Love Box iPhone accessory records videos in the front and back simultaneously

We're not sure how many of you guys out there see the need to record videos that film both the front and the back at once, but if you think that you might need to create such a video in the future, or if the idea sounds intriguing, you might be interested in taking a look at the Love Box, a surprisingly low-tech gadget for the iPhone that allows users to film both the back and front simultaneously. Originally designed in Barcelona as part of documentary titled "The Love Box Conversations", it was meant to capture two people conversing at once, which we guess is a more economical way as opposed to using two cameras to record.



Ubergizmo, Love Box iPhone accessory records videos in the front and back simultaneously

Razer Tiamat delayed again

Last year, Razer announced the Tiamat 7.1 gaming headphones that were supposed to arrive in time for Christmas but missed the date. It was then rescheduled to arrive later this month, however it looks like Razer will be missing the date again. According to an official announcement on the Razer blog, the Razer Tiamat is still not ready for shipping. Apparently the headphones aren't “good enough” yet, and Razer refuses to ship an imperfect product.
Well, for those of you who are still waiting to get your hands on a pair, the company now promises a release date of February 2012.

Ubergizmo, Razer Tiamat delayed again