BMW predicts US will be biggest i8 market

BMW will be showing a production version of its new i8 plug-in hybrid supercar at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, and while we're quite excited about seeing the company's second i product in the flesh. According to a new report from Automotive News Europe, BMW is expecting its largest markets to be the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. Notable for its absence in that list is everybody's favorite mega-market, China.

Autoblog , BMW predicts US will be biggest i8 market, BMW predicts US will be biggest i8 market

LaFerrari gets shakedown from Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso is quite cool behind the wheel, as evidenced by an earlier video where he gave a full interview while actively hooning a Ferrari F12 around the Nürburgring. So when you see the Spaniard somber-faced and sweating while hustling a Ferrari LaFerrari around the Scuderia's Fiorano test track, you know the new hypercar is pretty demanding. Alonso doesn't give commentary on this one (except to the engineers at the end), but he does wrestle the 949-horsepower hybrid around the track. It does look like a handful.

Autoblog , LaFerrari gets shakedown from Fernando Alonso, LaFerrari gets shakedown from Fernando Alonso

LG Optimus L9 II Could Have Hit The FCC

All right, while the world is still abuzz with word of LG's latest flagship, the LG G2, this does not mean that the South Korean consumer electronics giant does not have some of its attention pointed elsewhere. No sir, there is a very real possibility that the successor to the LG Optimus L9 (tipped for an August 7th release which has, sad to say, come and gone without nary a peep at it) has already hit the FCC. Of course, the naming convention of this particular handset is not exactly the most creative one in the world, but it will work, giving an overall sense of continuity.

Ubergizmo , LG Optimus L9 II Could Have Hit The FCC, LG Optimus L9 II Could Have Hit The FCC

LG G2 hands-on [VIDEO]

Following LG's announcement of their new flagship G2, we were able to get some personal time with the device. This 5.2-inch 1080p smartphone comes chock full of powerful goodness, with a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset, 2GB of RAM, 13MP camera with optical image stabilization, a 3,000 mAh battery, Android 4.2.2 and more. This device is a bit unique, with LG putting the volume rocker and power button on the back instead of the standard position of the sides or top of the device.






Android Phone , LG G2 hands-on [VIDEO]

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, LG G2 hands-on [VIDEO]

Sony Patent Hints At Plans For More Transparent Camera Designs

While sometimes it is fun to see the guts of our hardware through transparent casings and what not, it is safe to say that the novelty of such designs can wear off pretty fast and transparent chassis hardly exudes the feeling of sleekness and elegance. However it seems that Sony could once again be toying with the idea of launching a possible transparent camera thanks to a recently filed patent.

Ubergizmo , Sony Patent Hints At Plans For More Transparent Camera Designs, Sony Patent Hints At Plans For More Transparent Camera Designs

Protect your camera from the rigors of combat - even if it's just in the urban jungle

Hazard 4 calls their gear packs, bags, and apparel “progressive tactical” gear.  The company's name is derived from the “standard classification index of threats: '1' being low, '2 & 3' being moderate, to '4' being potentially deadly”.  Even if your job doesn't entail the threats that face our police, fire, and military personnel, your environment can pose a threat to your expensive camera equipment.  Hazard 4′s new Wedge SLR Carrying Case is made of Dupont 1000D Cordura fabric for durability and is heavily padded to protect your expensive SLR camera.

The Gadgeteer , Protect your camera from the rigors of combat - even if it's just in the urban jungle, Protect your camera from the rigors of combat - even if it's just in the urban jungle

Webcam Broadcast From Warhol Grave Marks Artist's Birthday

If Andy Warhol were to be alive today, he would have turned 85, but alas, he left the world all the way back in 1987, but not before ensuring that his legacy among the great pop artists would have been immortalized. Apparently, in order to celebrate what would have been Warhol's 85th birthday, a museum which was set apart and dedicated to Andy Warhol has broadcasted a live webcam feed from his grave in Pittsburgh, US. This particular project was called "Figment" as the late artist did mention before that he would have liked the word inscribed on his gravestone, or so the Pittsburgh-based Warhol Museum shared.

Ubergizmo , Webcam Broadcast From Warhol Grave Marks Artist's Birthday, Webcam Broadcast From Warhol Grave Marks Artist's Birthday

Lenovo Miix Windows 8 Tablet Goes On Sale In The US

The Lenovo Miix was a Windows 8-powered tablet that was announced a couple of months ago, and we are proud to bring you word that this particular tablet is ready to rock and roll in the US, never mind that Microsoft looks set to launch Windows 8.1 on an official basis later this year. The Lenovo Miix will come with an Intel Atom Z2760 1.8GHz processor, where it will be accompanied by a 10.1" display (which is touchscreen capable, of course) alongside 1,366 x 768 resolution, 2GB RAM, 64GB of internal memory, a 1-megapixel camera (How disappointing.

Ubergizmo , Lenovo Miix Windows 8 Tablet Goes On Sale In The US, Lenovo Miix Windows 8 Tablet Goes On Sale In The US

Newly granted Android patent suggests we might see a pattern unlock that also features app shortcuts

Application shortcuts from the lockscreen aren't exactly a new “thing” in Android. We've been enjoying them since the 528MHz days, but unfortunately, there's never been a way to keep your device securely locked while still enjoying application shortcuts from the lockscreen. It's always been one or the other and is one of the reason I've never bothered with securing my device with a pin/pattern unlock (please don't rob me). But it seems those wacky brains at Google are on top of it, or… at least thinking about it, as hinted by this newly granted patent. It's the familiar pattern lock we all know and love only with a twist.

Android Phone , Newly granted Android patent suggests we might see a pattern unlock that also features app shortcuts, Newly granted Android patent suggests we might see a pattern unlock that also features app shortcuts

Glickenhaus' FIA championship-winning P4x5 Competizione comes home (video)

The sexy Ferrari P4x5 Competizione, a cross between the lightweight F430 Scuderia and the race-only F430 GT2 with special Pininfarina bodywork, spent some time in Europe notching a few race victories. But it finally has made its way back to the US and into owner Jim Glickenhaus' collection, where it met its sister car and inspiration, the original P4x5. During its short-but-sweet two-year racing campaign, it competed in just two races but left a big impact.

Autoblog , Glickenhaus' FIA championship-winning P4x5 Competizione comes home (video), Glickenhaus' FIA championship-winning P4x5 Competizione comes home (video)

LG G2 press image leaks out hours before the announcement

With less than twenty four hours left before its scheduled official unveiling, the LG G2 made yet another appearance. This time around, the Android powerhouse emerged in a proper press image. The press render of the LG G2 holds practically no surprises - it is in line with previous leaks. The image showcases the front of the handset, dominated by its large display with extremely thin bezels.

GSM Arena , LG G2 press image leaks out hours before the announcement

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, LG G2 press image leaks out hours before the announcement

BMW 1 Series getting a small nose job

As BMW prepares to launch its new 2 Series lineup, it appears that the current 1 Series is going to get a little attention for itself.

Autoblog , BMW 1 Series getting a small nose job, BMW 1 Series getting a small nose job

2013 Ram 1500

Enough Is Enough. Finally. Not long ago, the efforts of an automaker to put a six-cylinder engine into a pickup truck went something like this: take the basic bread-and-butter V8, lop two cylinders off one end of the block and call it a day. The resulting engines were generally pretty rough around the edges, and while they were able to churn out reasonable amounts of torque, they generally weren't good at anything else. Instead of being smooth running, they shook and shimmied; in place of a quiet highway jaunt, they operated well outside their low-rpm comfort zones and sent a corresponding racket throughout the cabin.










Autoblog , 2013 Ram 1500, 2013 Ram 1500

Charging station for your Apple Bluetooth keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad

I use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and Magic Mouse with my Mac mini desktop setup.  I've been surprised at how long a set of batteries last in the keyboard, but the mouse needs fairly frequent battery changes.  I'll hang my head in shame and admit that I use disposable batteries in both devices, because I need to keep using my computer even when batteries are exhausted.  With the Magic Feet charging station from Mobee, I could keep all my Apple devices charged – and could even keep using them while they charge – without throwing away so many disposable batteries.

The Gadgeteer , Charging station for your Apple Bluetooth keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, Charging station for your Apple Bluetooth keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad

ECBC luggage charges your tech gear as you travel

Luggage is a necessary part of travel, but you might as well have it doing something beneficial for you while you lug it around.  These new bags in EBCB‘s  High Tech Rolling Luggage Collection all feature ECBC's “FastPass system, a ‘TSA compliant' front zippered flap that keeps all your electronic gear secured in a high-density foam compartment for a quicker process through security”.  This compartment has pockets for a laptop (up to 15″), tablets, and other small tech devices.  It also holds a 4500mAh rechargeable battery pack that can charge your small devices right in their storage pockets.

The Gadgeteer , ECBC luggage charges your tech gear as you travel, ECBC luggage charges your tech gear as you travel

Is this the back of the Samsung Galaxy Note III?

On September 4, Samsung is holding an event in Berlin pre-IFA. It's then when everyone is expecting the Galaxy Note III to become official, keeping with the Korean company's traditional early September announcement for its Note phablets. Over the past few months, there have been many leaks about this device, and we even got a few purported images.

Unwired View , Is this the back of the Samsung Galaxy Note III?, Is this the back of the Samsung Galaxy Note III?

Samsung Unpacked event scheduled for September 4, Galaxy Note III expected

Samsung has officially confirmed that its next Unpacked event will take place on September 4. As always, the company doesn't reveal what it's going to announce then. However, we can confidently say that it will finally present the Galaxy Note III - not only because we heard many times that the new Note would be announced on September 4, but also because Samsung urges us to "Note the date.". From previously-leaked details, we know that the Note III should feature LTE-Advanced connectivity, a 13MP rear camera, 3GB of RAM, a Full HD display, and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

Unwired View , Samsung Unpacked event scheduled for September 4, Galaxy Note III expected, Samsung Unpacked event scheduled for September 4, Galaxy Note III expected

LEGO Bricks Used To 'Draw' Popular Characters

Have you heard of Chris McVeigh before. Well, he happens to be an author, illustrator, and photographer, all rolled into one, and even better is his latest effort that will see famous characters from the universes of Star Wars, Transformers, and Futurama being brought to life with the help of LEGO – which would once again underline the unique manner where such building blocks that used to remain under the domain of kids' toys being used in such a creative way, opening up new worlds of possibilities along the way. McVeigh used the LEGO.com Digital Designer, which is a free consumer CAD tool that enables him to bring his pieces to life.

Ubergizmo , LEGO Bricks Used To 'Draw' Popular Characters, LEGO Bricks Used To 'Draw' Popular Characters

SimCity For Mac Launches August 29th

EA was expected to release SimCity for Mac in June, but it announced in the very first week that the launch was being delayed because they believed the game wasn't ready for primetime back then. The launch was initially slated for June 11th. Without announcing a concrete date, it was said that the game would instead be launched in August. We're nearly done with the first week of this month and fortunately we know now that the launch isn't that far off. EA announced today that SimCity for Mac will be released on August 29th.

EA is going to distribute this game through its Origin store.

Ubergizmo , SimCity For Mac Launches August 29th, SimCity For Mac Launches August 29th

Battlefield 4's Battlescreen map exclusive to next-gen and PC, Battlelog now fully web-based

We spoke with Battlelog assistant producer (and one of the guys in the video) Jesper Nielsen, an affable gentleman who openly discussed Battlelog's trajectory since launch in late 2011. "When we set out to build this [Battlelog in Battlefield 4], our biggest goal from the start was really to bring a better Battlelog to the console players," Nielsen said. In Battlefield 3, PC players launched the game from a Battlelog portal on the web; that led to much higher engagement numbers on PC (despite initial resent from longtime PC loyalists). Battlelog's Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 experience was...lacking.



Engadget , Battlefield 4's Battlescreen map exclusive to next-gen and PC, Battlelog now fully web-based, Battlefield 4's Battlescreen map exclusive to next-gen and PC, Battlelog now fully web-based

BlackBerry 10.2 Might Bring "Cardholder" App

A build of BlackBerry OS 10.2 was leaked recently. It revealed quite a lot of information, particularly about the new flagship that the company is expected to announce in the coming months. Placeholder images indicate that the company's much rumored phablet might be called the Z30. The same leaked build also hints towards the possibility of a Passbook like app for BlackBerry smartphones. The image for app called “Cardholder” has surfaced online, even the icon looks quite similar to that of the iOS Passbook app.

N4BB reports that this image was found in the leaked 10.2 OS build's assets.

Ubergizmo , BlackBerry 10.2 Might Bring "Cardholder" App, BlackBerry 10.2 Might Bring "Cardholder" App

Doom 4 Underwent A Redesign Due To Its Lack Of "Spirit" And "Soul"

It's been a while since we last heard about Doom 4, although back in 2012 there were rumors that the game might have been cancelled, although those rumors have since been refuted. John Carmack then stated that Doom 4 will be "done when it's done" and while we appreciate the developers trying to create the best game possible, there's still no word on a possible release, let alone an official announcement of sorts. Well as it turns out it seems that the reason why Doom 4 has yet to make an appearance, which some speculated could take place at Quakecon this year, is because the game had to undergo a redesign.

Ubergizmo , Doom 4 Underwent A Redesign Due To Its Lack Of "Spirit" And "Soul", Doom 4 Underwent A Redesign Due To Its Lack Of "Spirit" And "Soul"

Adidas Springblade Running Shoes review

. My daily geek uniform includes a pair of sneakers, tennis shoes, athletic shoes, kicks or whatever other name you might call them. I own more pairs of sneakers than “grown up” shoes and am picky when it comes to their style and comfort. A month or so ago when I saw the news about the new Springblade running shoes from Adidas I knew I wanted to try them. My first thought upon seeing them was of the special running blades that amputee athletes sometimes use. Dave Rees is The Gadgeteer's resident runner, so I asked him what he thought about the Springblades.










The Gadgeteer , Adidas Springblade Running Shoes review, Adidas Springblade Running Shoes review

Acer Iconia W3 Gets Price Cut

Is it me, or do you think that Windows-powered tablets do not have a generally bright future. That is what one would mull over after hearing that the Microsoft Surface Pro has just received a $100 price cut, and this time around, the recently introduced Acer Iconia W3 8" Windows-powered tablet (in June this year in fact) will get a price cut. This is less than three months after pre-orders were taken, where it will cost $80 cheaper than the $379 listed price for the 32GB model.

Ubergizmo , Acer Iconia W3 Gets Price Cut

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, Acer Iconia W3 Gets Price Cut

Kirobo Robot Sent To Space At Last

In June this year, we did bring you word that Japan's very own Kirobo robot was being prepared for a mission where no lovable and cute robot as itself has ever gone before – to the final frontier for mankind, namely space. Of course, after watching Pacific Rim, you might start to wonder whether fissures deep down in the ocean might yield lifeforms from a different galaxy. Having said that, let us take a look at what Kirobo would be up to when it is blasted all the way to space.

Ubergizmo , Kirobo Robot Sent To Space At Last, Kirobo Robot Sent To Space At Last