Volkswagen finally, really, taking over Porsche

After several snags, fits, stops and starts, and even a temporary fear by executives the deal might not get done, German automaker Volkswagen is all set to close the deal to acquire Porsche. On one hand, the deal may sound incongruous to the average consumer and car buyer. VW, which literally translates to “the people's car,” buying one of the most prestigious and exclusive brands in the world.

2DayBlog.com , Volkswagen finally, really, taking over Porsche, Volkswagen finally, really, taking over Porsche

Prometheus Blu-ray extras leak reveals Second Screen app and 15 minutes of deleted scenes

While Ridley Scott's Prometheus is still in theaters, it's been available for preorder on Blu-ray 3D since before the flick debuted, and now Amazon France has exposed the full list of extras on the way. The bad news, pointed out by Movies.com and Prometheus Forum, is that those anticipating a classic Ridley Scott Director's Cut to fill in plot holes appear to be in for a disappointment - while there are 15 minutes of extended / cut scenes, there's no indication that you'll be able to watch the movie with them reinserted.

Engadget , Prometheus Blu-ray extras leak reveals Second Screen app and 15 minutes of deleted scenes, Prometheus Blu-ray extras leak reveals Second Screen app and 15 minutes of deleted scenes

Google Now can now be ported to Ice Cream Sandwich

. Google Now is one of the coolest new features that Google has brought to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but since Jelly Bean has only been announced for three different devices so far, it could be a while before most Android users actually get to use it. But thankfully, an XDA-Developers forum member has come up with a way to bring Google Now to a few extra users by concocting a port over to Ice Cream Sandwich devices. XDA-Developers' Will Verduzco writes on the official XDA blog that “by simply modifying the build.prop” on the app, Ice Cream Sandwich devices can gain access to the program.

Boy Genius Report , Google Now can now be ported to Ice Cream Sandwich

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maximum, Google Now can now be ported to Ice Cream Sandwich

Escape Bear iOS Game App

Games on iOS are considered to be some of the more popular ones since they are cool to play with either on an iPhone or an iPad. And it seems that some games first come out on iOS devices before they ever get on Android. But still, they are games to be enjoyed no matter what the device. But in case you got an iOS device on hand, you can try playing the Escape Bear game app.
The Escape Bear game app for iOS devices is a simple but exciting running game that is in the level of Temple Run in terms of gameplay. This time, players take the role of Escape Bear, who is making a daring escape out of jail.

Gadget.com , Escape Bear iOS Game App, Escape Bear iOS Game App

The Walking Dead first-person shooter video game from Terminal Reality announced

It seems that one game isn't enough to honor AMC's popular TV series – The Walking Dead. If you are done playing Telltale's “The Walking Dead” adventure game, the don't fret because another The Walking Dead-inspired game is underway. Activision has just announced the coming of Terminal Reality's The Walking Dead first person shooter video game. The game revolves around the characters Daryl Dixon and Marle Dixon – two brothers on a haunting and an unforgiving quest to make their way to a supposed safety facility in Atlanta.

Ubergizmo , The Walking Dead first-person shooter video game from Terminal Reality announced, The Walking Dead first-person shooter video game from Terminal Reality announced

These are America's 15 busiest auto plants

Still got that fireworks-induced, patriotic buzz going on. This might help keep you seeing red, white and blue a bit longer. Of the 15 most productive auto plants in the States, Automobile Magazine says the top two spots – and more than half the total tally – are occupied by American car companies. Ford and its Kansas City and Dearborn plants claimed the top two slots for 2011. The Kansas City plant turned out an impressive 460,338 vehicles last year.

Autoblog , These are America's 15 busiest auto plants, These are America's 15 busiest auto plants

Next BMW X1 to share platform with Mini Countryman

When the next generation BMW X1 arrives sometime around 2015, it will be based on a front-wheel drive architecture, sharing its platform with the Mini Countryman. This isn't new news – stories and editorials have been parsing BMW's FWD strategy for more than a year, and in April of 2011, now-CEO Ian Robertson proclaimed there could be six to nine new BMW and Mini models as part of a "compact car family" based on a shared platform. A report in Autocar about the switch adds a few more details, though. In addition to the cost benefits from this arrangement, the next X1 will lose its six-cylinder engines but offer more room.

Autoblog , Next BMW X1 to share platform with Mini Countryman, Next BMW X1 to share platform with Mini Countryman

Motorola Defy Pro is the first Defy to pack a QWERTY keyboard

Motorola has officially introduced a new semi-rugged Android smartphone - the first in the Defy family to come with a QWERTY keyboard. Called Motorola Defy Pro, the handset is waterproof, dust-proof, and seemingly runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It features a 2.7 inch Gorilla Glass display of unknown resolution (probably QVGA or HVGA), Wi-Fi, DLNA, GPS, Bluetooth, QuickOffice, MotoPrint, 5MP rear camera, and a 2GB memory card pre-installed. The smartphone also comes with several "instrumental dashboards to help you plan every step of your day":

The Motorola Defy Pro will be available in Brazil "by July 15", for an unknown price.

Unwired View , Motorola Defy Pro is the first Defy to pack a QWERTY keyboard, Motorola Defy Pro is the first Defy to pack a QWERTY keyboard

Korean Carriers get quad-core Samsung Galaxy S III with LTE

. It seems as though the US carriers have gotten the short end of the stick with the Samsung Galaxy S III. In the US, major carriers offer the Galaxy S III with LTE(except T-Mobile), but it only comes with a dual-core processor as the quad-core processors on the US market do not yet offer LTE support.The technology is available currently in Korea, hence why Samsung decided to bump up the Korean version to a quad-core processor. Samsung has also decided to upgrade the RAM on the S3 from 1GB to 2GB, but will keep the 2,100mAh battery as is. The upgraded Galaxy S III will be heading to the following Korean carriers: KT, LG U+, and SK Telecom.

Ubergizmo , Korean Carriers get quad-core Samsung Galaxy S III with LTE, Korean Carriers get quad-core Samsung Galaxy S III with LTE

Apple may be working on Project Glass-like wearable displays

. Google unveiled the first iteration of its “Project Glass” connected eyewear this past April, and reports emerged soon after suggesting Google's rivals were already working on similar solutions. According to a patent granted to Apple earlier this week, the company is among those toying with the idea of wearable displays. As noted by Apple Insider, patent No. 8,212,859 covers “peripheral treatment for head-mounted displays,” specifically mentioning see-through display technology that may find a home in some type of connected eyewear.

Boy Genius Report , Apple may be working on Project Glass-like wearable displays, Apple may be working on Project Glass-like wearable displays

Apple's App Store reportedly flooded with corrupt apps

Apple has over 650,000 apps on its App Store. That's a lot of applications compared to Google's 600,000 apps on Google Play and Microsoft's 100,000 apps in its Windows Phone Marketplace. But if your favorite apps such as Instapaper and Angry Birds Space HD Free have been crashing lately, then you must know that corrupt apps are reportedly thriving in the App Store. This was first observed by Instapaper creator Marco Arment.

Ubergizmo , Apple's App Store reportedly flooded with corrupt apps, Apple's App Store reportedly flooded with corrupt apps

Double amputee Oscar Pistorius will race in the London Olympic games

Four years ago, double amputee Oscar Pistorius - aka the Blade Runner - was battling bureaucracy (and his own ability) for the chance to compete in the Beijing Olympics. He might not have made the cut for China, but this time around he's secured his ticket to London. The South African athlete was already penned in for the 4 x 400 meters relay, and will now also compete in the singles 400 meters - said to be his favorite distance. The South African Olympic committee made a last-minute decision to include Pisterous in the team, making him the first amputee track athlete to compete in the full Olympic games.

Engadget , Double amputee Oscar Pistorius will race in the London Olympic games, Double amputee Oscar Pistorius will race in the London Olympic games

Microsoft Acquires Xbox8 Domains, Sparks Another Saga Of Speculations!

Earlier reports have divulged interesting names for the Xbox 360 successor where a leaked document confirmed rumors that the next generation Xbox console will be called Xbox Durango. Besides Xbox8.com, Microsoft has also allegedly secured XboxTablet.com, XboxPhone.com  XboxLIVETV.com, XboxCompanion.com, Xbox8.us and Xbox8.org. Furthermore, it is still in the process of acquiring XboxLIVErewards.com, Xboxsports.com, Xboxsmartglass.com and Xboxmusic.com.


Technology Nerd , Microsoft Acquires Xbox8 Domains, Sparks Another Saga Of Speculations!, Microsoft Acquires Xbox8 Domains, Sparks Another Saga Of Speculations!

Samsung denied: Judge Koh declines to lift injunction against Galaxy Nexus, but Google's got a workaround

Happy Independence Day, Apple. Reuters reports that Samsung's request to have the preliminary injunction against the Galaxy Nexus lifted has officially been denied. This follows a similar ruling yesterday, when the Korean firm's plea to have a similar ban on its Galaxy Tab 10.1 also fell on deaf ears. This means that there will be no more Samsung Nexi on store shelves until either a workaround can be implemented or the case is resolved.

2DayBlog.com , Samsung denied: Judge Koh declines to lift injunction against Galaxy Nexus, but Google's got a workaround, Samsung denied: Judge Koh declines to lift injunction against Galaxy Nexus, but Google's got a workaround

Gaikai's cloud gaming beta arrives on cue to high-end Samsung Smart TVs

Gaikai announced with a flourish that it was partnering with LG and Samsung for Smart TV cloud gaming, so its acquisition by Sony made us wonder if those arrangements would still hold. Well, it looks like all's well with the arch-foes, at least on that front. The service has landed in a closed beta, provided you're the lucky owner of a 2012 Samsung LED 7000 series or higher Smart TV with the latest firmware update.

Engadget , Gaikai's cloud gaming beta arrives on cue to high-end Samsung Smart TVs, Gaikai's cloud gaming beta arrives on cue to high-end Samsung Smart TVs

Bill Gates backs Microsoft's Surface Tablet solo venture

Former chief executive and current chairman of Microsoft Bill Gates knows exactly why the company seemingly punched its partners in the gut with the introduction of the Windows 8-powered Surface tablet. Even more, he thinks Microsoft has done the right thing by going solo, and that Windows 8 is going to kill the traditional PC. Whoa. Bill Gates made this revelation on Charlie Rose Monday night as he talked about Microsoft's decision to make its own tablet. As previously reported, Surface will arrive in two flavors: x86-based featuring Windows 8 Pro, and ARM-based using Windows RT.

2DayBlog.com , Bill Gates backs Microsoft's Surface Tablet solo venture, Bill Gates backs Microsoft's Surface Tablet solo venture

Google Now ported to Android 4.0 with AOSP support

Google Now did seem at first glance to have been developed specifically just for the recently announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, but there are people good people over at XDA-Developers did spend the past week or so working hard, and having successfully porting Google Now over to any AOSP-based ROM. In layman's terms, that would mean any ROM out there, including CyanogenMOD, which was specially built from ground up from the Android Open Source Project – and not by the manufacturer themself.

Ubergizmo , Google Now ported to Android 4.0 with AOSP support, Google Now ported to Android 4.0 with AOSP support

SoloMatrix Spike gives your iPhone a unique physical keyboard

While we all know that Apple is probably never going to release an iPhone that features a physical keyboard, there are plenty of solutions available on the market to rectify this issue. It looks like we might have one more to add to the mix. Created by SoloMatrix, the Spike is a unique iPhone case that protects your phone as well as provides it with a physical keyboard. However, it isn't like any other keyboard case available right now. It features a carefully designed TypeSmart keyboard that doesn't rely on the iPhone's Bluetooth capabilities to work (that means no extra battery drain or having to charge the case).

Ubergizmo , SoloMatrix Spike gives your iPhone a unique physical keyboard, SoloMatrix Spike gives your iPhone a unique physical keyboard

Capesso™ available for ASSET

The market leading radio network planning tool and ACP together for the first timeLeatherhead UK, 4 July 2012 – AIRCOM International, the leading independent network planning and optimisation solutions provider, has today announced the availability of Symena’s Capesso™ for ASSET. Capesso™ offers several significant advantages over other ACP tools integrated with ASSET.

Press Release Distribution , Capesso™ available for ASSET, Capesso™ available for ASSET

Skrill joins Demandware LINK: giving retailers direct access to more than 100 international payment solutions

Pre-built integration makes it faster and easier for Demandware clients to deploy Quick Checkout Enterprise London – 4 July 2012 – Skrill (Moneybookers), one of Europe’s largest online payment providers, today announced that it has become a Demandware LINK Technology Partner, joining a best-of-breed community committed to accelerating the adoption of innovative commerce technologies that are complementary to the Demandware® Commerce platform.

Press Release Distribution , Skrill joins Demandware LINK: giving retailers direct access to more than 100 international payment solutions, Skrill joins Demandware LINK: giving retailers direct access to more than 100 international payment solutions

Mammut T-Trail And Ambient Light Dry Bag

One of the important things to bring along when going outdoors camping is a portable light source. Whether it's a flashlight, a lamp of a candle, it is always an essential tool to have especially when the light goes out and the nighttime approaches. For those who wish to have a unique light source with an accessory that also doubles as another essential device to have around, then the Mammut T-Trail and Ambient Light Dry Bag would be something worth considering. The Mammut T-Trail is a convenient headlamp that can be used to help provide some focused lighting where one is going in the dark.

Gadget.com , Mammut T-Trail And Ambient Light Dry Bag, Mammut T-Trail And Ambient Light Dry Bag

Samsung Samples Industry's First 16-Gigabyte Server Modules Based on DDR4 Memory technology

Samsung today announced that it has begun sampling the industry's first 16-gigabyte (GB) double data rate-4 (DDR4), registered dual inline memory modules (RDIMMs), designed for use in enterprise server systems. Using 30nm-class process technology, Samsung sampled new 8GB and 16GB DDR4 modules in June, in addition to providing them to major CPU and controller makers. The modules will bring the highest density and performance levels to premium enterprise server systems.

Akihabara News , Samsung Samples Industry's First 16-Gigabyte Server Modules Based on DDR4 Memory technology, Samsung Samples Industry's First 16-Gigabyte Server Modules Based on DDR4 Memory technology

Seal Software Group and PointBeyond Announce Partnership to Accelerate Customer Value

Leaders in Contract Solutions and Microsoft SharePoint Business Applications Join ForcesLondon, UK – 3rd July 2012 – Seal Software Group, a provider of solutions to discover, capture, extract and manage contracts, today announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with leading SharePoint Business Application Specialist, PointBeyond.

Press Release Distribution , Seal Software Group and PointBeyond Announce Partnership to Accelerate Customer Value, Seal Software Group and PointBeyond Announce Partnership to Accelerate Customer Value

Fujitsu & NICT develop indoor navigation for the blind

I recently read about how a young Helen Keller grasped the concept of a word for the first time when she felt water running through one of her hands, while her teacher helped her sign the word “water” with the other hand. What joy it must have been for young Helen that day. Well, the blind are able to read through Braille, but they do need some aid in getting around places simply because the lack of sight has proven to be quite the inconvenience in this modern world.

Ubergizmo , Fujitsu & NICT develop indoor navigation for the blind, Fujitsu & NICT develop indoor navigation for the blind

Google Chrome searches redirecting to blank.html, but there's a fix

There's no word yet on what exactly is causing it, but various Google Chrome users are reporting that searches from the omnibox / address bar pull up blank pages. While the instant results appear properly, once the user hits enter they're sent to a blank.html page that's just that, blank. There's a Google Groups thread 116 posts long of people noticing the issue going back a few hours and we're seeing it on our end also.

Engadget , Google Chrome searches redirecting to blank.html, but there's a fix, Google Chrome searches redirecting to blank.html, but there's a fix

Canon recalling S100 Camera due to faulty lenses

. The Canon S100, primarily known for its great point-and-shoot abilities, is being recalled due to a manufacturing problem that causes the lens to get stuck while it is extended. To find out if you have a faulty model, you can just check the serial number. Any serial number beginning with 29-41 fall under the faulty model category. Canon explained that certain S100 models are susceptible to the lens error that is caused by a disconnected part within the lens. The part will come loose when exposed to high temperatures or humidity. If you are suffering from this problem and Canon can confirm it, they will repair it for free.

Ubergizmo , Canon recalling S100 Camera due to faulty lenses, Canon recalling S100 Camera due to faulty lenses

Nokia does have a Plan B after all

Earlier this year, we brought you word that Nokia has decided to place all of their eggs in a single basket – which means that they do not have any Plan B so to speak, throwing their entire lot with the Windows Phone ecosystem. I guess it was rather premature to go along with the general consensus, as Finnish phone manufacturer Nokia has stepped forward to claim that they do have a Windows Phone ‘contingency plan', after all. Chairman Risto Siilasmaa dropped hints over a live Finnish TV talk show that Nokia has a backup plan just in case the upcoming Windows Phone 8 software tanks.

Ubergizmo , Nokia does have a Plan B after all, Nokia does have a Plan B after all

Samsung 'S Health' Launches for Galaxy S III

amsung Electronics announced the launch of S Health - a mobile application that can effectively help control blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight - with its strategic flagship smart phone Galaxy S III on July 2nd. S Health updates and transfers the above health related info or those of your loved ones to your smart phones, either by putting them on SNS platform or easy to read health charts.





Akihabara News , Samsung 'S Health' Launches for Galaxy S III, Samsung 'S Health' Launches for Galaxy S III

Roachbot 2.0 set to thrill

It is hard to believe that a toy known as Roachbot which was introduced just earlier this year, functioning as a remote controlled cockroach (much to the chagrin of roach haters everywehre), is already on the receiving end of an "upgrade" of sorts. Japan Trust Technologies, the company realized that they ought to spice things up a bit, and have introduced a souped up version of the original Roachbot – by throwing in support for the iPhone and iPad as well.

Ubergizmo , Roachbot 2.0 set to thrill, Roachbot 2.0 set to thrill

Google TV will get subscription billing, support for movie and TV purchases in Google Play

While it didn't merit a spot in either keynote, the Google TV platform is also getting an updated version of the Google Play store. Along with a new UI that looks a lot like the one on other Android devices it will have support for purchasing movies, music and TV shows as mentioned yesterday, and also subscription billing. The “Bring Your App to the Big Screen” presentation is still going on, we'll let you know if any other new elements are revealed. There's a new post on the Google TV blog mentioning apps like the one announced by Sirius XM, and the new hardware from partners LG, Sony and Vizio.

2DayBlog.com , Google TV will get subscription billing, support for movie and TV purchases in Google Play, Google TV will get subscription billing, support for movie and TV purchases in Google Play

Samsung Omnia W ready to take Windows Phone Tango route

Looks like Windows Phone is about to do the Tango tango – pardon me, I just could not resist that dig, with the Samsung Omnia W. Makes perfect sense for this to happen, especially when you consider what is practically a dinosaur in the world of consumer electronics (the 2-year old), the Dell Venue Pro, has already been reported to receive its fair share of Windows Phone Tango goodness. At least the Samsung Omnia W, being the far more popular Windows Phone handset between the two, will also be getting its circuit boards flashed with the Tango update.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Omnia W ready to take Windows Phone Tango route, Samsung Omnia W ready to take Windows Phone Tango route

Opel board approves new turnaround plan

's supervisory board has approved changes in the company it hopes revitalizes the brand. The most important element is "massive" investments in new products over a four year period. The division also plans to increase exports and cut materials and development costs. The Opel board said it expects to also see savings from GM's partnership with Peugeot-Cetroen.

The board's press release was short on details about how the plan would work or how it would be implemented.

Stephen Girsky, Vice-Chairman, General Motors and Chairman, Opel Supervisory Board, said in the statement, "The plan we approved today paves the way for Opel's strong future.

Autoblog , Opel board approves new turnaround plan, Opel board approves new turnaround plan

Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video)

While the Nike+ fitness tracking platform has been around for years, the footwear giant has only just unleashed shoes with the technology built right in. The Nike Hyperdunk+ (last seen skying through the FCC) is its first basketball shoe in the line, while the first training shoes are the Lunar Hyper workout+ for women and Lunar TR 1+ for men. All feature not only the new Nike+ Pressure Sensor that tracks its wearer's movement, but also lightweight Flywire construction and Lunarlon cushioning.










Engadget , Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video), Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video)