XMBC announces Android app

. Good news for Android users. XMBC has just announced its full featured app for Android. The app was announced on the developer's blog and will work on any Android-based smartphone, tablet, set-top box and pretty much anything else that runs on Android. If you are unfamiliar with XMBC, it's a media client that packs tons of features including support for all popular file formats(video and audio), local network playback, and even a weather forecast function.
XMBC for Android will offer the full suite of features that are available on the desktop version.

Ubergizmo , XMBC announces Android app, XMBC announces Android app

HTC Vertex pops up in benchmarks, might bring a slice of One X muscle to tablets

HTC has been stoking the fires of anticipation for its return to tablets, and that small flame is quickly turning into a full conflagration. A slab nicknamed the Vertex has surfaced in benchmarks with a 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 and a 1,280 x 752 usable resolution that's noticeably wider than the similarly Tegra 3-equipped One X's 720p display. Other than Android 4.0 (and a probably Sense 4.0), however, there's scant else to go on.

2DayBlog.com , HTC Vertex pops up in benchmarks, might bring a slice of One X muscle to tablets, HTC Vertex pops up in benchmarks, might bring a slice of One X muscle to tablets

Greenpeace: Apple's energy policy has improved, still needs to remove the coal smoke from iCloud

Wondering where Apple stands environmentally after the recent withdrawal (and subsequent return) of its laptops and desktops from the EPEAT rating system. Greenpeace has issued a well-timed report, outlining the company's broader back-end energy policies.

Engadget , Greenpeace: Apple's energy policy has improved, still needs to remove the coal smoke from iCloud, Greenpeace: Apple's energy policy has improved, still needs to remove the coal smoke from iCloud

Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries on web and mobile

Whether it's on two wheels, under cover or across the cruel watery mistress, Google Maps wants to get you there. But what about the long, arduous pedestrian plod. Well, from today, 44 African nations will never need to put a foot wrong, thanks to the introduction of walking directions to their web and mobile versions of the mapping service.

2DayBlog.com , Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries on web and mobile, Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries on web and mobile

Amazon rumored to be working on same-day delivery

If there's one disadvantage about shopping online it has to be the fact that you have to wait for what you want. Even though it's so convenient to just buy what you want from the comfort of your own home, you usually have to spend a day or two (or sometimes even weeks) just waiting for the package to be delivered to your doorstep. And let's not forget about the shenanigans that couriers pull off from time to time. However, it looks like Amazon might be coming up with a plan to change all that (for itself). In case you're wondering why Amazon can price its goods so low – it's because they now have centers set up in tax-friendly states.

Ubergizmo , Amazon rumored to be working on same-day delivery, Amazon rumored to be working on same-day delivery

Antagonist luxury wooden yacht is too James Bond-ish

The photo that you are seeing above isn't taken from a sci-fi movie set or a James Bond movie. It's actually a real yacht designed by the luxury yacht producer Art of Kinetik. The Serbian manufacturer of luxury wooden pleasure yachts has recently unveiled Antagonist, a 37 foot open weekend cruiser that is powered by two diesel-fueled Yanmar engines, boasting speeds up to 33 knots. Antagonist features a large open cockpit that provides space for up to 8 people.
The wooden yacht also has a spacious sunbathing area and a built-in swimming platform.

Ubergizmo , Antagonist luxury wooden yacht is too James Bond-ish, Antagonist luxury wooden yacht is too James Bond-ish

Google Nexus 7 pre-orders have started shipping in the US

While the Google Nexus 7 didn't hit the shelves yesterday (as we heard it might happen a couple of days ago), those who've pre-ordered it should expect to get the tablet starting today.

Unwired View , Google Nexus 7 pre-orders have started shipping in the US, Google Nexus 7 pre-orders have started shipping in the US

Verizon introduces GameTanium that provides you unlimited game play

Verizon Wireless has just introduced the first game subscription app for Android, calling it GameTanium which is said to offer unlimited game play. Exent's GameTanium will play nice not only on smartphones, but tablets as well, and GameTanium will remain as an exclusive only to Verizon Wireless customers and no one else. You will be able to gain access to over 100 of the best Android smartphone games with a choice of more than 50 tablet games, ranging from favorites like Doodle God to Fruit Ninja and World of Goo. The asking price for its monthly fee.

Ubergizmo , Verizon introduces GameTanium that provides you unlimited game play, Verizon introduces GameTanium that provides you unlimited game play

Researchers use off-the-shelf parts to let you write emails with your eyes (video)

There's a lot of research to help the spinal cord or stroke-injured become more self-sufficient, but it often takes some exotic paraphernalia. To buck that trend, scientists from Imperial College London showed that subjects could perform relatively hard tasks like writing messages and playing Pong using eye movement - with a mere $35-worth of parts. They even showed how well the system worked, with subjects scoring within 20 percent of an able-bodied person after a scant 10 minutes of practice.

Engadget , Researchers use off-the-shelf parts to let you write emails with your eyes (video), Researchers use off-the-shelf parts to let you write emails with your eyes (video)

NFC mobile payment growth could be stunted by security flaws

. Developers who work on mobile payment platforms should start hitting the panic button: Esteemed hacker Charlie Miller is about to mess them up.

Boy Genius Report , NFC mobile payment growth could be stunted by security flaws, NFC mobile payment growth could be stunted by security flaws

Retina trackers used in supermarkets to monitor your shopping choices

Research shows that consumers have the tendency to please their testers each time they are asked for their opinions about a certain product in the market. This poses a challenge to companies since they usually ship large amounts of products without direct contact to its users for feedback. In a bid to solve this, companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Kimberly-Clark are using three-dimensional computer simulations of product designs and store layouts with eye-tracking technology to monitor shopping decisions.

Ubergizmo , Retina trackers used in supermarkets to monitor your shopping choices, Retina trackers used in supermarkets to monitor your shopping choices

Google drops OS X Leopard support for Chrome 22 dev release

Just as we catch wind that Apple's released the Gold Master version of Mountain Lion, the latest version of Chrome to hit the browser's developer channel — that's version 22.0.1201.0, for the record — isn't so supportive of OSX 10.5 and lower.

2DayBlog.com , Google drops OS X Leopard support for Chrome 22 dev release, Google drops OS X Leopard support for Chrome 22 dev release

Browser-controlled robot lets you skip stones remotely, mentally escape the concrete jungle

Can't unwind without the aid of open spaces. Skippy the robot might be able to help you out. The aptly named bot lets you remotely skip stones across an Idaho pond using a simple web interface. After waiting for your turn in a virtual queue, the machine lets you adjust its aim, tweak the amount of force behind the pitch and dispatch a rock. Best of all, your stone jumping exploits are automatically recorded, letting you show off your skipping prowess.

Engadget , Browser-controlled robot lets you skip stones remotely, mentally escape the concrete jungle, Browser-controlled robot lets you skip stones remotely, mentally escape the concrete jungle

German town doles out parking spaces based on sex

Triberg, Germany is known for having the world's largest cuckoo clock and the country's tallest waterfalls. And now, it's known for having gender-specific parking spaces. After the town's newest public parking lot opened, Triberg mayor Gallus Strobel decided at least two of the spots were hard to get into, "They could be dangerous for your car, so at the same time, we decided to make them for me and then give 12 others for women," Strobel said. Women get the larger, better lit spots.

He admits most of the town thinks it's a joke, and that he does, too.

Autoblog , German town doles out parking spaces based on sex, German town doles out parking spaces based on sex

Actually, smartphone growth has been just what was projected in 2006

. We all know that consumer electronics industry projections are useless in the three-year time frame, and grotesquely wrong beyond the five-year horizon. Or are they. Back in 2006, Informa was close to industry consensus when it forecast smartphone unit sales of 333 million for 2011.

Boy Genius Report , Actually, smartphone growth has been just what was projected in 2006, Actually, smartphone growth has been just what was projected in 2006

Rovio and the ‘Amazing Alex' gamble

. At 12:00 p.m. EST, “Amazing Alex” hit the No.1 iPhone paid app position in America; eight hours is possibly the fastest move to No.1 ever by a non-franchise, non-movie tie-in app. Amazing Alex arrives on iOS and Android more than two and a half years after the “Angry Birds” series launched in December 2009 and proceeded to rack up 1 Billion downloads across smartphones, tablets and computers. The competition in the mobile gaming market is far harsher than it was two years ago, and Rovio is taking a risk with its new game. Angry Birds was fast, kinetic and dumb.

Boy Genius Report , Rovio and the ‘Amazing Alex' gamble

See also:
itworld, Rovio and the ‘Amazing Alex' gamble

McLaren opens up a bit about new MP4-12C Spider

McLaren has given the world a better look at its MP4-12C Spider with a new video and a brace of photographs. The clip shows off some of the convertible's innards before dropping the retractable hardtop in real time. It takes just 17 seconds for the two-piece top to stow itself behind the seats with the car rolling contentedly down the track. As you might expect, it doesn't take long for the test driver to lay into the 616-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine, frolicking sideways and lighting the rear tires on fire.



Autoblog , McLaren opens up a bit about new MP4-12C Spider, McLaren opens up a bit about new MP4-12C Spider

Apple's lawyers sharpen their knives: Nexus 7 has hidden Smart Cover feature [video]

. Google and ASUS may have taken a page out of Apple's playbook when designing and building the Nexus 7 tablet. The upcoming slate has been found to feature a Smart Cover-like magnetic sensor that, with the proper cover, will turn off the tablet's display and put it to sleep. The Nexus 7 appears to be the first and only Android tablet with a magnetic sensor. Neither Google or ASUS announced the feature during the products unveiling last month, however, and it isn't mentioned among the tablet's specs on Google's website either.

Boy Genius Report , Apple's lawyers sharpen their knives: Nexus 7 has hidden Smart Cover feature [video], Apple's lawyers sharpen their knives: Nexus 7 has hidden Smart Cover feature [video]

IMDb for iOS and Android gets 40 million downloads, updated with discovery and social features

If you're a movie junkie, then my guess is that you've already used IMDb on the web or on your mobile device in the form of apps. Today, the world's most popular online movie database is announcing that its app on Android and iOS has already reached more than 40 million downloads. IMDb said that the monthly visits over the last 5 months have reached more than 150 million on a monthly basis. But the Amazon-owned behemoth isn't resting on its laurels yet.

Ubergizmo , IMDb for iOS and Android gets 40 million downloads, updated with discovery and social features, IMDb for iOS and Android gets 40 million downloads, updated with discovery and social features

Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy Note 2 on August 30

According to the Korean Digital Daily website Samsung is planning to have an Unpacked event for the Galaxy Note 2. It should happen on August 30 - a day before the IFA expo kicks off in Berlin, Germany. According to the information the event will start at 19:00 (local time, CET) and will be all about the Galaxy Note 2. As the latest rumors have it, the NoteÂ's successor will be powered by a quad-core Exynos chipset, will feature a 13MP camera and will actually be narrower despite the larger, 5.5" screen.

GSM Arena , Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy Note 2 on August 30, Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy Note 2 on August 30

Android accounts for more than half of all smartphones sold in U.S. and Europe

. For the first time ever Android now accounts for more than half of all smartphone sales in the U.S. as well as the biggest markets in Europe and Australia, according to an analysis firm Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. Android sales recorded over the last 12 weeks across Europe ranged from 49.6% of all smartphone sales in Italy to 84.1% of all smartphone sales in Spain, TechCrunch reported. Spain saw the largest year-over-year increase of Android sales, up 42.8%. Android sales in the United States declined year-over-year from 57% to 50.2%, however, while sales of iOS devices increased from 28.7% to 37.4%.

Boy Genius Report , Android accounts for more than half of all smartphones sold in U.S. and Europe, Android accounts for more than half of all smartphones sold in U.S. and Europe

Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries on web and mobile

Whether it's on two wheels, under cover or across the cruel watery mistress, Google Maps wants to get you there. But what about the long, arduous pedestrian plod. Well, from today, 44 African nations will never need to put a foot wrong, thanks to the introduction of walking directions to their web and mobile versions of the mapping service.

Engadget , Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries on web and mobile, Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African countries on web and mobile

TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?!

TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski has taken the tiny English car firm on a ride wilder than anything you could get from a Speed 12 (pictured), and now he's riding the name right out of the car business. Telling Autocar that the production possibilities don't make financial sense anymore, he is instead repurposing the hardcore brand into "a new venture building portable wind turbines.". We'd say this is a rather odd thing to do with TVR, but the young Russian's run at the captain's wheel has been just this kind of odd since the beginning.

Autoblog , TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?!, TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?!

Rolls-Royce reveals 150,000-part LEGO jet engine

Rolls-Royce has just revealed the world's first jet engine to be made entirely out of LEGO bricks. They revealed the model, made out of 152,455 standard LEGO bricks, at the Farnborough Airshow. The engine is a half-size replica with moving parts of the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 turbofan jet engine, which powers the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The engine does not function and its dimensions are as follows: weighs in at 677 pounds, 6.6 feet long, and 4.9 feet wide. The engine took eight weeks for a team of four to complete. Over 160 separate engine components were individually built in the project.

Ubergizmo , Rolls-Royce reveals 150,000-part LEGO jet engine

See also:
wgitn, Rolls-Royce reveals 150,000-part LEGO jet engine

Apple sunsets a few 64-bit Macs with Mountain Lion, video drivers likely the culprit

Apple is well-known for wanting a close spread in hardware requirements with OS X upgrades, having dropped PowerPC like a hot potato when Snow Leopard arrived just three years after the Intel switch. Whether or not you're a fan of that policy, it's certainly carrying forward with Mountain Lion. When the newly-finished OS hits the Mac App Store, it will rule out the very first wave of 64-bit Macs: certain MacBook Pros, Mac Pros and other early systems will be denied a taste of 10.8.

Engadget , Apple sunsets a few 64-bit Macs with Mountain Lion, video drivers likely the culprit, Apple sunsets a few 64-bit Macs with Mountain Lion, video drivers likely the culprit

Age Man Suit lets you know how it feels to be really old

Last year, MIT developed a suit – called AGNES – that will simulate the feeling of being a 70-year old. AGNES was designed to help researchers understand the needs of older people. Well, a similar suit is being tested by the folks over at Berlin's Evangelical Geriatrics Centre (EGZB). The suit is dubbed as the “Age Man Suit”, and it precisely does what it says. The suit lets  the wearer know how it feels to be old.

Ubergizmo , Age Man Suit lets you know how it feels to be really old, Age Man Suit lets you know how it feels to be really old

Lenovo IdeaTab S2109 tablet now available

In an effort to keep up with changing times, Lenovo has just announced the launch of a new Android tablet: the IdeaTab S2109. It will feature a 9.7″ (1,024 x 768) display, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor, 1GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel front facing camera, HDMI output, micro-USB, microSD card slot, SRS surround sound speakers and a 6,720mAh battery which is touted to give you 10 hours of video playback. The tablet costs $349 for the 16GB version and can be purchased now from Lenovo's website.

Ubergizmo , Lenovo IdeaTab S2109 tablet now available, Lenovo IdeaTab S2109 tablet now available

Nokia hits RIM with another triple-patent combo punch

In the law of the playground, he who has the biggest rep holds court. In the world of mobile, though, it's all about your quiver of patents. Nokia has its fair share, and already flexed its litigation-muscle against RIM (among others). Now, it's popping another three in the chamber in this latest filing. It's Germany, again, the Madison Square Garden of the mobile world - more specifically Munich. FOSS Patents asserts that Nokia has a much stronger IP portfolio than RIM, but that Waterloo will still likely countersue.

Engadget , Nokia hits RIM with another triple-patent combo punch, Nokia hits RIM with another triple-patent combo punch

Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs

Sebastien Loeb has won the World Rally Championship - with the same team - for eight consecutive years, and this year, he's so far ahead more than halfway through the season that he'd have to sit out two rallies to let the second-placed drive overtake him. Yet few complain about the predictability of the WRC, with complaints mostly about vehicle regulations and not Loeb's suffocating consistency. It's videos like the one below that explain why.

2DayBlog.com , Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs, Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs

HooknLoop Stretchy Bowl

Having to display or place those fruits in the table won't be possible if you don't have any bowls around. But some households never bother to have bigger bowls around for the main reason that they are usually a challenge to store safely when not used. For those who wish to avoid having bulky bowls around, this unique Stretchy Bowl from HooknLoop may be an ideal option. The Stretchy Bowl may be unlike your typical bowl in the sense that it is flat when not in use. It is designed with a metal hoop that is covered with a layer of breathable and elastic fabric to make up a flat disc.

Gadget.com , HooknLoop Stretchy Bowl, HooknLoop Stretchy Bowl

AT&T Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II Skyrocket finally get Ice Cream Sandwich update

. AT&T's magnificently monstrous “phablet” can finally be counted among the select few smartphones with access to Google's Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. As had been previously reported, Galaxy Note users on AT&T now have access to the latest and greatest Google has to offer - well, almost - and Samsung's tweaked ICS build for the Note also includes a “Premium Suite” of stylus-optimized apps.

Boy Genius Report , AT&T Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II Skyrocket finally get Ice Cream Sandwich update, AT&T Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II Skyrocket finally get Ice Cream Sandwich update

Firm accuses Apple of stealing noise cancellation technology

. A company called Noise Free claims it showed Apple its secret noise cancellation technology and the Cupertino-based company used it in the iPhone and iPad without permission. Noise Free is now suing Apple for patent infringement, theft of trade secrets and breach of contract, GigaOM reported. The company filed its complaints last week in the District Court for Northern California. Along with the allegations, Noise Free has asked the court to invalidate a related pending Apple patent for noise-canceling technology.

Boy Genius Report , Firm accuses Apple of stealing noise cancellation technology, Firm accuses Apple of stealing noise cancellation technology

New Antenova antenna covers all LTE bands. This is what Apple's iPhone 5 should use

One of the problems with LTE is that, for now, if you're buying an LTE-capable device, you won't be able to use its LTE powers in too many countries (since frequency bands differ). Antenova, a company based in Cambridge, UK, hopes to solve this with its new global LTE antenna, called A10453. Antenova says its antenna – which doesn't require “switches or tunable active components” – covers the following bands: LTE 700, LTE B7 (2.5-2.69GHz), LTE B38 (2.57-2.62GHz), and LTE B40 (2.3-2.4GHz), GSM 850, GSM 900, DCS 1800, PCS 1900, and WCDMA2100.

Unwired View , New Antenova antenna covers all LTE bands. This is what Apple's iPhone 5 should use, New Antenova antenna covers all LTE bands. This is what Apple's iPhone 5 should use

1954 flying car for sale at $1.25 million

Flying cars are years away from becoming a reality, but it turns one was built back in the 50s. The 1954 Taylor Aerocar N-101D was way ahead of its time and only five were made ever. Greg Herrick, the proud owner of one of these flying cars, is selling his for $1.25 million. Herrick is a large aviation collector and has nearly 40 aircraft in his collection. The Taylor Aerocar was the first aircraft he ever owned when he bought it in the early 1990s. In order for the car to take flight, you'll need to push the wings forward that are normally folded back in car mode.

Ubergizmo , 1954 flying car for sale at $1.25 million, 1954 flying car for sale at $1.25 million

Google Nexus 7 could be in stores on Thursday

Google's Nexus 7 tablet might be in stock in an Office Depot store near you this Thursday, on July 12. 341 stores will apparently get Google's first tablet on that date. At least according to the image you see below, which is purportedly a screengrab of an internal Office Depot system. If you'd like to get your Nexus 7 from Office Depot, you can pre-order one either in-store or online starting today. Or you could just head to one of their stores on Thursday to get your new tablet.

Unwired View , Google Nexus 7 could be in stores on Thursday, Google Nexus 7 could be in stores on Thursday

Angry Birds Trilogy for PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS confirmed

If there was a casual game that had really hit mainstream consciousness, sparking off an entire line of authentic as well as bootleg merchandise, it would be Rovio's Angry Birds. This particular phenomenon shows no sign of slowing down at all, and has seen numerous expansions to date that even saw the birds take to space in their adventures. Well, there is the upcoming Angry Birds Trilogy to think about, where it is said to be built from ground up to see action on HDTV, especially when you consider this trilogy is making its way to the Sony PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS.

Ubergizmo , Angry Birds Trilogy for PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS confirmed, Angry Birds Trilogy for PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS confirmed

Sony Xperia miro and Xperia tipo hands-on (video)

Sony's smallest additions to its smartphone roster won't launch until late August, but that didn't stop us dabbling with both handsets at Carphone Warehouse's Christmas (already?) show in London earlier today. The point of interest here is Ice Cream Sandwich, which arrives ready-to-go on both devices. The Xperia tipo will be arriving in Europe in its single SIM guise, with the dual-slot brother launching in Asia. It feels unerringly light in the hands at 3.5 ounces, while the 3.2-inch 480 x 320 TFT screen and 800MHz processor just aboutsuffices for web browsing.










Engadget , Sony Xperia miro and Xperia tipo hands-on (video), Sony Xperia miro and Xperia tipo hands-on (video)

Chevy kicks off 60-day return policy and no-haggle pricing (video)

General Motors has good news for you if you're in the market to pick up a new Chevrolet. The automaker is now officially offering consumers its new "Chevy Confidence" program that allows buyers to return any model they've purchased within 30 or 60 days with less than 4,000 miles on the clock and no damage. GM calls it the "Love It Or Return It" program. In addition, GM has applied special pricing on all of its 2012 models on top of all current incentives under the banner of "Total Confidence Pricing." Each model carries a clearly-marked no-haggle price.







Autoblog , Chevy kicks off 60-day return policy and no-haggle pricing (video), Chevy kicks off 60-day return policy and no-haggle pricing (video)

Stealth Touch Mouse has no buttons or wires

If you take a look at the first computer mouse you saw when you were a kid and compare it to a mouse from today, you would notice that times have really changed. From the shape of the mouse, to the lack of wires and recently – the loss of buttons. The Stealth Touch Mouse features no wires, no buttons and has been designed to double up as a wireless remote for controlling your presentations as well. The mouse connects to your computer with a 2.4GHz wireless receiver and features a touch-sensitive surface which you can swipe, tap and slide to control its features.

Ubergizmo , Stealth Touch Mouse has no buttons or wires, Stealth Touch Mouse has no buttons or wires

Apple pulls out of EPEAT green registration, may not be able to sell computers to federal agencies

Apple has withdrawn all its laptop and desktop computers from the EPEAT environmental rating system, including older MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. According to iFixit, who recently tore down a MacBook Pro and its retina screen, that's likely related to a design direction favoring smaller, lighter notebooks and longer battery life. Doing so required them to glue the cells to the aluminum shell, making it impossible to recycle the case and other parts — iFixit couldn't pull the batteries out without spilling the (highly toxic) battery guts all over.

2DayBlog.com , Apple pulls out of EPEAT green registration, may not be able to sell computers to federal agencies, Apple pulls out of EPEAT green registration, may not be able to sell computers to federal agencies

Jolla promises MeeGo will live on, plans new smartphone to reward the faithful

More than a few N9 aficionados felt their hearts sink when important MeeGo team members left Nokia this week, putting the fate of the entire swipe-friendly platform in doubt. Recently-founded Jolla was clearly watching, as it confirmed just in the nick of time that it's planning to carry the torch further. The Finnish startup, which includes important members of the N9 team as well as veterans of the unofficial MeeGo community, not only plans to iterate on MeeGo but to build its very own smartphone with that foundation.

2DayBlog.com , Jolla promises MeeGo will live on, plans new smartphone to reward the faithful, Jolla promises MeeGo will live on, plans new smartphone to reward the faithful