Blackberry PlayBook 3G+ now available in the UK, 1.5GHz dual-core, 32GB storage

It was over a year ago now that we first heard about RIM's plans to release a 3G PlayBook, but it looks like it is finally here, popping up on the UK BlackBerry site. Of course, since then it's gone one better and delivered an LTE version, but if you're in the UK, and want a little PlayBook action with data to go, you can order one today. Much like its LTE sibling, it comes with 32GB of memory, and gets the same faster 1.5GHz processor too. (The original was 1.0GHz.) The kicker here. The price, at around £420 (about $690 by conversion) this is only £30 ($48) shy of Apple's 32GB WiFi and cellular iPad mini (at UK prices).

Engadget , Blackberry PlayBook 3G+ now available in the UK, 1.5GHz dual-core, 32GB storage, Blackberry PlayBook 3G+ now available in the UK, 1.5GHz dual-core, 32GB storage

Hyundai says dual-clutch gearboxes fit brand's character better than CVTs

Hyundai officials are not afraid to make their views known on prevailing technologies, standing by their choices and criticizing the alternatives. Previously, the Korean automaker's fuel cell boss told reporters that EV makers "jumped the gun." Now comes word that Hyundai is sticking by dual-clutch transmissions, citing the shortcomings of continuously variable transmissions. A report from Automotive News points to words from Hyundai Motor America VP of product planning, Mike O'Brien, backing the dual-clutch technology. "Dual-clutch has a better future with us. It has better fuel economy advantages. It's better for the enthusiast driver.

Autoblog , Hyundai says dual-clutch gearboxes fit brand's character better than CVTs, Hyundai says dual-clutch gearboxes fit brand's character better than CVTs

Volkswagen prices Fender edition Beetle from $24,440*

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition was announced back in May, and with the car hitting dealers soon, VW has finally released the pricing for the guitar-inspired Bug. There will be two versions of this new model: the Beetle 2.5L Fender Edition starting at $24,440 and the Beetle Turbo Fender Edition going for $28,130. These prices are for manual transmission-equipped models and (*) do not include the $795 destination charge. To recap, the Fender Edition adds Volkswagen's 400-watt Fender audio system, exclusive instrument panel accents that mimic a guitar and V-Tex leatherette seats with unique cloth accents running down the middle.

Autoblog , Volkswagen prices Fender edition Beetle from $24,440*, Volkswagen prices Fender edition Beetle from $24,440*

WSJ: Microsoft testing homegrown handset designs with suppliers, may not see mass production

Until very recently, Microsoft wasn't known for making hardware. Sure, it put out the occasional Zune, but most of the tech running Redmond's desktop and mobile operating systems traditionally comes from its partners - the Surface being the exception, of course. According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft might consider making that exception a rule: some of the firm's part suppliers say that the company is experimenting with a smartphone design of its very own.

Engadget , WSJ: Microsoft testing homegrown handset designs with suppliers, may not see mass production

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technologypulse, WSJ: Microsoft testing homegrown handset designs with suppliers, may not see mass production

Why Apple May Be Ditching Fake Leather, Felt, And Bookshelves

The New York Times' excellent Bits Blog wrote this morning about how Apple's management changes could lead to user interface changes. In particular, this concerns skeuomorphic elements and textures: Forstall (and Jobs before him) were apparently enamored with recreating real objects in the iOS interface. You can see this in apps like Game Center (hideous felt and a casino table motif), Newsstand and iBooks (they're not real texts unless they're on a virtual shelf), and the linen texture that pervades iOS and now OS X.

Ubergizmo , Why Apple May Be Ditching Fake Leather, Felt, And Bookshelves, Why Apple May Be Ditching Fake Leather, Felt, And Bookshelves

LG Mach reaches Sprint on November 11th at $100, Optimus G pre-orders begin today

That was quick - not long after launch details of the LG Mach were caught lurking in Sprint's catalog, the carrier has confirmed them. Fans of the Korean firm's aesthetic who also like their QWERTY keyboards can buy the mid-range smartphone for $100 on November 11th, the same day its bigger Optimus G cousin reaches stores.

Engadget , LG Mach reaches Sprint on November 11th at $100, Optimus G pre-orders begin today, LG Mach reaches Sprint on November 11th at $100, Optimus G pre-orders begin today

Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper

There's no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler is a shining beacon of aftermarket success here at the 2012 SEMA Show. If there's any one vehicle that can stake a claim to challenging the Scion FR-S and Ford Mustang in the sheer-number-of-vehicles contest, it's Jeep's iconic off-roader. So it comes as little surprise that Mopar is interested in picking up a bit more of that market with its own factory-approved line of performance parts.

Autoblog , Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper, Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper

Microsoft outspends Apple 3 times for research and development

You know what they say – the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and when it comes to Microsoft's research and development pudding, it is three times as large as what Apple has in their oven, forking out $9.8 billion compared to Cupertino's $3.4 billion. Of course, they are fundamentally two different companies as one concentrates on mostly software and services, while the other has quite an array of hardware with some software on the side, but for the average layperson, do you think that pumping in more money to R&D always leads to better financial performance in the market.

Ubergizmo , Microsoft outspends Apple 3 times for research and development, Microsoft outspends Apple 3 times for research and development

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 with 4G LTE hits Sprint on November 11th for $550

Verizon rolled out an LTE-equipped version of its smaller counterpart a few months ago, and now Sprint has announced that it'll begin offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 with 4G LTE on November 11th.

Engadget , Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 with 4G LTE hits Sprint on November 11th for $550, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 with 4G LTE hits Sprint on November 11th for $550

Mophie introduces White Juice Pack Powerstations, exclusively at Apple

Mophie has introduced new, white versions of their Powerstation backup batteries that will be available exclusively from Apple stores and Apple.com.  All three versions of the Powerstation are available in white.  Shown from left to right are the Powerstation Mini, Powerstation, and Powerstation Duo.  (Click for a larger view.)  The Powerstation Mini ($59.95) has a 2500mAh capacity battery that can recharge an iPhone about 1.5 times.  It has a single 1A USB port.  The Powerstation ($79.95) has a 4000mAh capacity battery and a 2.1A USB port for charging iPads as well as iPhones and iPods.

The Gadgeteer , Mophie introduces White Juice Pack Powerstations, exclusively at Apple

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technoleap, Mophie introduces White Juice Pack Powerstations, exclusively at Apple

Ford shakes up executives, Mulally to stay through 2014

. Ford shored up its executive team this morning, announcing not only a series of promotions, but confirming that popular CEO Alan Mulally will remain at Ford through at least 2014. The announcements arrive amid speculation about Ford's succession plan and who would ultimately replace Mulally, 67, who has been credited with Ford's recent revival.
Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and executive chairman at Ford, made the announcement during a last-minute press conference Thursday.

Autoblog , Ford shakes up executives, Mulally to stay through 2014, Ford shakes up executives, Mulally to stay through 2014

Ubuntu summit raises software development kit for OS

Things have been hopping in the land of Ubuntu lately, with the operating system securing a pending date with Steam, an appearance on the Nexus 7 and an April 25 launch for version 13.04. Now the OS is getting another extra hop in its step as word of a "future Ubuntu SDK" was dropped at a recent developer summit in Copenhagen. The powers-that-be mentioned the need to start discussions in order to define potential criteria for assessing technologies and libraries for inclusion in an Ubuntu SDK, as well as what tools to throw in.

Engadget , Ubuntu summit raises software development kit for OS, Ubuntu summit raises software development kit for OS

Samsung's Galaxy S III mini packs bags for November 8th UK arrival

Samsung just revealed that the half-pint Galaxy S III mini that debuted in Germany will arrive in the UK on November 8th. The 4-inch, WVGA super-amoled, dual-core smartphone will arrive toting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and all that entails, like Google Now and the whole butter thing. You'll also get Samsung's video and games hub plus a 50GB Dropbox for two years if you nab the device, along with all the TouchWiz-y doodads like S-Voice and Direct Call. Phones4U announced it was taking preorders for the device earlier, which will be free on contract for £25 and up.

Engadget , Samsung's Galaxy S III mini packs bags for November 8th UK arrival, Samsung's Galaxy S III mini packs bags for November 8th UK arrival

Deal of the Day – Logitech Washable USB Keyboard K310

Wednesday's LogicBUY Deal is the Logitech Washable USB Keyboard K310 (2012 model) on sale for $33.99.  Features:. Hand-washableScratch-resistant surfacePlug-and-play12 hot keys3-year limited hardware warranty.
$39.99 – $6.00 coupon code = $33.99 with free shipping.

This deal expires November 5, 2012 or sooner.

The Gadgeteer , Deal of the Day â€" Logitech Washable USB Keyboard K310, Deal of the Day â€" Logitech Washable USB Keyboard K310

Honda cuts year-end forecasts, looking to rebound in China

Automotive News reports Honda has slashed its net profit forecast by 20 percent following poor sales in China. Like other Japanese manufacturers, Honda sales suffered at the hands of anti-Japanese sentiment in China following a territorial dispute between the two nations. All told, Honda sales fell off by 40.5 percent last month alone in the People's Republic. As a result, the company has cut production at its two largest Chinese manufacturing facilities to just one shift.

Autoblog , Honda cuts year-end forecasts, looking to rebound in China, Honda cuts year-end forecasts, looking to rebound in China

iPad mini reportedly arriving early to some customers

One lucky Apple customer in France has just received a pre-ordered iPad mini ahead of the official launch. French website iGen.fr was able to post the first ever actual images of the iPad mini from the reader who reportedly pre-ordered the tablet through French reseller Darty. Even more interesting is the report that other resellers such as Auchan have also received the shipments. Judging from the image above, you can clearly see that the package arrived with a Lightning cable on it. Also, the packaging hasn't really changed that much when compared to other iPad models.

Ubergizmo , iPad mini reportedly arriving early to some customers, iPad mini reportedly arriving early to some customers

Jaguar's Julian Thomson teaches us about design

For the design-minded among you, Julian Thompson, whose recent hits have included the Land Rover LRX concept and the Jaguar CX-75, gave a talk at the PSFK conference about design values. He begins with the question "How do you get a design story?" and then walks us through Jaguar's to address the issue of making the most of a brand's heritage while keeping things new and fresh.

Autoblog , Jaguar's Julian Thomson teaches us about design

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techblog, Jaguar's Julian Thomson teaches us about design

ASUS ROG G Series G46VW 14-inch Gaming Notebook

ASUS ROG today released its first ever 14-inch gaming notebook, the G46VW. The laptop provides high-end mobile gaming performance. It is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processors, nVidia GeForce GTX 660M graphics with a 2GB GDDR5 VRAM and nVidia Optimus technology and a battery that offers up to 6-hour of operating time or up to 14-day standby time. The ASUS ROG G Series G46VW also provides an instant on 2-second resume, automatic file backups. an SSD storage and the Intel Thunderbolt technology.

TechFresh , ASUS ROG G Series G46VW 14-inch Gaming Notebook, ASUS ROG G Series G46VW 14-inch Gaming Notebook

Bless you! Sneezeman crashes his way onto the App Store

Sneezeman: Escape from Planet Sneeze brings Sneezeman to iOS  London, UK – 31 October 2012 - Sensei Games today announced that the game Sneezeman:Escape from Planet Sneeze, based upon the cult TV cartoon character Sneezeman has finally come to iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod touch).

Press Release Distribution , Bless you! Sneezeman crashes his way onto the App Store, Bless you! Sneezeman crashes his way onto the App Store

Skype for Windows Phone 8 preview

Skype was announced to be integrated within Windows Phone 8 like never before seen or done on any other mobile operating system – which makes sense actually, considering how Microsoft owns Skype. Well, here are more details on Skype for Windows Phone 8 – it has been specially built from ground up to be an integral part of the Windows Phone experience, allowing you to be contacted at all times via voice or video, never mind that you have already opted to navigate away to another app, or have locked your device. This happens without causing too much strain on your battery, too, making it the ideal VoIP mobile app to tote around.

Ubergizmo , Skype for Windows Phone 8 preview, Skype for Windows Phone 8 preview

Samsung Ativ S Windows Phone 8 Smartphone

Samsung Canada has announced the availability of the Ativ S Windows Phone 8 smartphone. Designed for both work and entertainment, the Samsung Ativ S includes a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, LTE connectivity and a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display. Samsung will release the ATIV S smartphone in Canada via Bell, Rogers, Telus and Sasktel next month.

TechFresh , Samsung Ativ S Windows Phone 8 Smartphone, Samsung Ativ S Windows Phone 8 Smartphone

HTML5 Progress to “Rocket” as Google Leads November 5th Workshop at OTTtv World Summit

Google’s Senior Business Product Manager Matt Frost to host and chair key event alongside Chrome Video Technology Product Manager, John LutherLondon, 31 October 2012 – As trends in browser adoption evolve, companies are under increasing pressure to embrace the latest web standards and start building richer web experiences that take advantage of the capabilities supported by modern browsers. This provides the focal point of the HTML5 Workshop at this year’s OTTtv World Summit, which is set to be hosted and chaired by Matt Frost, Senior Business Product Manager at Google.

Press Release Distribution , HTML5 Progress to “Rocket” as Google Leads November 5th Workshop at OTTtv World Summit, HTML5 Progress to “Rocket” as Google Leads November 5th Workshop at OTTtv World Summit

Smart uniform closes pores when it detects harmful chemicals

Being in the military – especially if you are in the higher ranks, would make you privy to some of the more unusual devices that do make you wonder whether you are living in a science fiction world. This time around, researchers are exploring the possibility of a new kind of fabric that will see action in military uniforms, sporting pores to keep soldiers cool. This will be a smart uniform of sorts, as it can quickly shut its pores whenever it detects the presence of harmful chemicals in the vicinity. Sorta like a prototype of the alien symbiote that Spiderman and Venom "wore" in the comics.

Ubergizmo , Smart uniform closes pores when it detects harmful chemicals, Smart uniform closes pores when it detects harmful chemicals

Microsoft: we're calling our apps 'Windows 8 Store Applications'

Ever since those bygone days of Metro, we've all been struggling to figure out precisely what to call the design language of Microsoft's OS offerings.

Engadget , Microsoft: we're calling our apps 'Windows 8 Store Applications', Microsoft: we're calling our apps 'Windows 8 Store Applications'

Verizon officially announces Nokia Lumia 822, coming this Fall (update: $100 on two-year contract)

Ahead of the big Windows Phone soiree later today, Nokia has now confirmed that Verizon will be getting the Lumia 822, which will its 4G portfolio in the coming months. While the fact that a Big Red version of Nokia's second Windows Phone 8 device wasn't the best-kept secret, Nokia's proud press release (after the break) finally confirms it - although it neglects to mention any prices or dates. The phone will arrive in black, white and grey options - all LTE-ready, with those interchangeable covers also incoming.

Engadget , Verizon officially announces Nokia Lumia 822, coming this Fall (update: $100 on two-year contract), Verizon officially announces Nokia Lumia 822, coming this Fall (update: $100 on two-year contract)

Office Depot and GameStop drops Nexus 7 16GB price to $199

Google's incoming 32GB Nexus 7 may be one of its worst kept secrets, with most estimates (and those leaks) pointing to a $249 price tag and a launch date later this week. However, it also appears that the 16GB model will drop its price down to $199, according to leaked images from both Office Depot and GameStop - great news for anyone who's so far held off from grabbing the first Nexus tablet.

Engadget , Office Depot and GameStop drops Nexus 7 16GB price to $199, Office Depot and GameStop drops Nexus 7 16GB price to $199

Fanny Wang Wang Buds earphones review

I regularly listen to music at work as a way to drown out distracting noises or just for enjoyment. The problem is that I don't normally care for over the ear type headphones and in-ear style earbuds because they tend to block out background noise too much. That may sound like an odd complaint, but I work in IT for my day job. People often walk up with questions or my co-workers want to talk. That's one of the main reasons why I have stuck to old fashioned earbud (think Apple's original earbuds) style earphones. The problem with this style of earbud is that they aren't very comfortable.








The Gadgeteer , Fanny Wang Wang Buds earphones review

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computerworld, Fanny Wang Wang Buds earphones review

Kia mulling Forte production in US?

Since we already know what the 2014 Kia Forte will look like courtesy of the Kia K3 and Cerato, the big news at the car's official debut at the LA Auto Show could end up being where the car is built. Reuters is reporting that Kia is considering building the all-new Forte in the US, and while it didn't say which plant, we'd venture to guess the redesigned compact will be built alongside its sister car, the Hyundai Elantra, in Montgomery, Alabama. This report is even more credible following an article in Bloomberg that indicates that labor disputes and union strikes in South Korea affected Kia's third-quarter profits and stock prices.

Autoblog , Kia mulling Forte production in US?, Kia mulling Forte production in US?

So long Segway, the SBU is the latest urban vehicle for circus clowns

The SBU (Self-balancing Unicycle) from Focus Designs was pitched Friday night on Shark Tank. It uses some of the same self balancing style features of the Segway and puts them in a much more portable package that has only one wheel. According to their website, it only takes 20-30 minutes to learn to ride one. You can buy noob wheels training wheels if you need extra help getting the hang of it. With a max speed of 15mph, the SBU runs on electricity and is capable of holding up to a 325lb person.

The Gadgeteer , So long Segway, the SBU is the latest urban vehicle for circus clowns, So long Segway, the SBU is the latest urban vehicle for circus clowns

Hill Climb Racing Android Game App

Driving cars in a game app seems to be fascinating for many people. It is especially even more engaging of the game uses realistic effects when it comes to speeding, bumping on roads and even going up in the air. People can experience such effects when playing Hill Climb Racing Android game app. Hill Racing Android game app is a simple and yet addictive game that comes with physics simulation features to make controls feel realistic to a certain point. The player controls a car driven by Newton Bill, an aspiring uphill racer.

Gadget.com , Hill Climb Racing Android Game App, Hill Climb Racing Android Game App

Philips introduces iPhone and iPad-controlled LED home lighting system

Dutch multinational electronics company, Philips, is introducing a new LED home lighting system that will enable users to control light wirelessly through an app for smartphones or tablets. Philips hue, as it is called, features pre-programmed lighting settings that are based on Philips' research surrounding the biological effects of light on the body. So how does it work. Basically, Philips hue has a starter pack that includes three bulbs, a bridge that can be plugged into a Wi-Fi router, and an app that can be downloaded into your iPhone or iPad.

Ubergizmo , Philips introduces iPhone and iPad-controlled LED home lighting system, Philips introduces iPhone and iPad-controlled LED home lighting system

AUO builds cellphone display with 'world's thinnest border'

Is that 3mm bezel getting you down. AUO says it has created the "world's narrowest" smartphone border on a new 4.46-inch 720P touch display - just a single millimeter in width. That would put it in the same league as LG's Cinema Screen TVs, but in a smaller form factor, allowing manufacturers to reduce handset sizes without losing screen area. In related news, AUO also says it's developing , along with small form-factor IGZO displays, and that it's started shipping 4.97-inch 1920 x 1080, 443ppi screens.

Engadget , AUO builds cellphone display with 'world's thinnest border', AUO builds cellphone display with 'world's thinnest border'

Windows Phone 8 handsets to invade Europe this weekend, the world next

Microsoft claims to have reinvented the smartphone with the advent of Windows Phone 8, having announced it officially this morning. Folks living across the pond (that would be Europe just in case geography is not your best subject in school), and it will appear in different countries worldwide from November onward. As we covered in separate news stories earlier this morning, there will be different mobile carriers in the US that will carry Windows Phone 8 devices as well. For instance, Verizon has partnered with Microsoft to deliver the HTC Windows Phone 8X and the Nokia Lumia 822 in their stores by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

Ubergizmo , Windows Phone 8 handsets to invade Europe this weekend, the world next, Windows Phone 8 handsets to invade Europe this weekend, the world next

T-Mobile unveils holiday lineup: Nexus 4, HTC 8X, Lumia 810 to land November 14th

T-Mobile was set to have its own splashy product unveiling today in New York City, but a certain Sandy put the kibosh on that. Now that Google's let its trio of updated Nexus products out of the bag, Magenta's ready to give us pricing and availability for the Nexus 4, HTC 8X, Lumia 810 which are set to hit the carrier's shelves this November 14th.

Engadget , T-Mobile unveils holiday lineup: Nexus 4, HTC 8X, Lumia 810 to land November 14th, T-Mobile unveils holiday lineup: Nexus 4, HTC 8X, Lumia 810 to land November 14th

83% of companies frustrated by ‘fake clouds’

New research from ElasticHosts finds that businesses use less than half of their on-premise servers at any given timeLONDON, UK, October 29th, 2012: Cloud hosting provider ElasticHosts has today released the findings of a CIO survey revealing dissatisfaction in the end-user community in relation to ‘fake’ cloud services.

Press Release Distribution , 83% of companies frustrated by ‘fake clouds’, 83% of companies frustrated by ‘fake clouds’

It's Legal to Jailbreak Your iPhone, But Not an iPad

Jailbreaking an iOS device has been in a murky grey area legally, but it just got a lot clearer: today, the US Copyright Office issued an exemption to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act that jailbreaking a device does not violate US copyright law. However, it's not a blanket ruling, because tablets are, according to the US Copyright Office, “difficult to define.” The Electronic Frontier Foundation, along with a host of other electronic freedom organiziations, has been appealing to the Copyright Office to make exemptions to the DMCA legalizing the customization of a device you own.

Ubergizmo , It's Legal to Jailbreak Your iPhone, But Not an iPad, It's Legal to Jailbreak Your iPhone, But Not an iPad

Boxee hands out free Boxee TVs to its most eager cloud DVR fans

If you like the idea of the Boxee TV, you'll be glad to hear that Boxee is handing units out like so much Halloween candy. as long as you live in the right areas, that is. Those who've signed up for product notifications and live in the cloud DVR coverage areas of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, DC can get a free Boxee TV just by filling out a survey. They'll even have the privilege of getting their units ahead of everyone else.

Engadget , Boxee hands out free Boxee TVs to its most eager cloud DVR fans, Boxee hands out free Boxee TVs to its most eager cloud DVR fans

RAZR HD Review + RAZR Maxx HD Review

The introduction of the new Droid RAZR HD and RAZR Maxx HD represent Motorola's first entry in the high-end smartphone market since it was acquired by Google. With a new management in place and a clear strategy oriented around “speed, battery life and the best of Android”, Motorola wants to re-affirm that it too can make great Android phones. In fact, it would be bizarre if a Google company wasn't able to build great Android phones… In any case, those two smartphones are designed to represent the above commitment from Motorola, which has chosen a “racing” design in reference to the idea of high-performance.










Ubergizmo , RAZR HD Review + RAZR Maxx HD Review, RAZR HD Review + RAZR Maxx HD Review