Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Blizzard to offer new World of Warcraft mount and pet in their store

Blizzard to offer new World of Warcraft mount and pet in their store

One of the great things about MMOs is that they are always being updated with new content. Now if you're a World of Warcraft gamer and you'd like to get your hands on a special mount, or perhaps a pet, it seems that Blizzard has these two items that should be available either before or after the release of Patch 5.1. Now as some of you guys know, Blizzard has an online store in which gamers can purchase mounts and pets using real life money, and these two items - the Swift Wingsteed and the Cinder Kitten can be bought and their prices should be around the same as the other mounts/pets in the store.

Ubergizmo , Blizzard to offer new World of Warcraft mount and pet in their store, Blizzard to offer new World of Warcraft mount and pet in their store

Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes

Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes

It seems the Pontiac Trans Am steadfastly refuses to die. Ever since Chevrolet was granted a retrofied Camaro to compete with the Ford Mustang, Pontiac lovers have lamented the loss of this 1970s icon. And, looking at the Hurst Edition from Trans Am Depot, shown here at the 2012 SEMA Show, may explain what all the fuss is about. It's not going to appeal to everyone's muscle-car tastes, but there's certainly room for a brash-and-bold black-and-gold Special Edition in many a Trans Am lover's garage. After all, if you want the keys to a custom pony car, you'll certainly get noticed in this one.

Autoblog , Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes, Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes

Google adds AMBER Alerts for missing children to Search and Maps

Google adds AMBER Alerts for missing children to Search and Maps

In partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Google announced on Wednesday that it has added AMBER Alerts to its Search and Maps services for desktop and mobile devices. AMBER Alert notifications will be displayed for your local area or locations based off of web search content. Alerts will be updated as information becomes available, but may include case details such as a description of the abducted child and the make and model of their alleged abductor's vehicle.

Engadget , Google adds AMBER Alerts for missing children to Search and Maps, Google adds AMBER Alerts for missing children to Search and Maps

Grand Theft Auto 5 confirmed for Spring 2013 release, pre-orders begin 5th November

Grand Theft Auto 5 confirmed for Spring 2013 release, pre-orders begin 5th November

Remember yesterday we reported that according to leaked promo materials, it was suggested that Grand Theft Auto 5 could be released in the Spring of 2013. Well the good news is that Rockstar has come forward and officially announced the Spring release themselves. No word on when we can expect a launch for the PC, but according to the blog post, the Spring release is for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. "Hey guys, glad to see so much enthusiasm about the release announcement.

Ubergizmo , Grand Theft Auto 5 confirmed for Spring 2013 release, pre-orders begin 5th November, Grand Theft Auto 5 confirmed for Spring 2013 release, pre-orders begin 5th November

OWC certifies 480GB Mercury Aura Pro SSD for 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display

OWC certifies 480GB Mercury Aura Pro SSD for 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display

The inside of a MacBook Pro certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're willing to pair your recklessness with a side of wild abandon, then you might just have what it takes to upgrade the storage of the Retina-equipped 13-inch model. OWC is more than willing to test your limits with its 480GB Mercury Aura Pro, an SSD module that's now certified for use with Apple's latest laptop. While its $580 price will deter many, the 480GB option compares favorably to the 512GB upgrade from Apple, which rings in at a healthy $800.

Engadget , OWC certifies 480GB Mercury Aura Pro SSD for 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, OWC certifies 480GB Mercury Aura Pro SSD for 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display

LG Spectrum 2 made official for Verizon, brings Optimus LTE II to the US for $100

LG Spectrum 2 made official for Verizon, brings Optimus LTE II to the US for $100

Hints that LG would bring the Optimus LTE II to Verizon have persisted since the spring, which almost led us to wonder if the smartphone was still coming: not to fear, as it's finally here under the Spectrum 2 badge. Other than the expected switch-ups in navigation keys and the mix of both CDMA with global GSM roaming, the design will feel very familiar to anyone who's been on a trip to South Korea lately. The Spectrum 2 preserves the 4.7-inch AH-IPS display, dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4, 8-megapixel camera, 16GB of storage and support for wireless charging for those who buy a charging pad.

Engadget , LG Spectrum 2 made official for Verizon, brings Optimus LTE II to the US for $100, LG Spectrum 2 made official for Verizon, brings Optimus LTE II to the US for $100

New York Times releases Windows 8 app for all the news that's fit to tile

New York Times releases Windows 8 app for all the news that's fit to tile

The newspaper of record announced today that it will be arriving on Windows 8 tomorrow, offering up full articles, videos, photos and blogs to subscribers. Non-subscribers, on the other hand, will just get access to the Top News section. Also new in the world of New York Times / Microsoft teamups is the arrival of a NYT channel in the Bing News app.

Engadget , New York Times releases Windows 8 app for all the news that's fit to tile, New York Times releases Windows 8 app for all the news that's fit to tile

Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for

Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for

The staunchest Honda geeks among us have always wanted the CR-Z to be a great car, even if its particular blend of performance and fuel economy have not exactly been sales gold for the Japanese automaker. How to reconcile this incongruence in the car's character. Supercharge the sucker and ignore the hybrid aspect altogether, naturally. Check and mate.

The automaker's Honda Performance Division (HPD) has done just what enthusiasts – and more than a few tuners – have been expecting since the model's inception... they've made the CR-Z a lot quicker.

Autoblog , Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for, Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for

Foscam FI8910W Wireless IP Camera

Foscam FI8910W Wireless IP Camera

The Foscam FI8910W is an indoor day-night camera that records high-quality video at VGA and QVGA resolutions. The wireless IP camera supports two-way audio for communicating with visitors or possible intruders on-site. It is equipped with a color CMOS sensor that offers a light sensitivity of 0.5 lux. It means that it can record footage in low-light conditions. A night-vision range of up to 26' (8 m) is ensured by its 11 IR LEDs. The Foscam FI8910W wireless IP camera is priced at $85.50.

TechFresh , Foscam FI8910W Wireless IP Camera, Foscam FI8910W Wireless IP Camera

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Google announces $299 32GB Nexus 7 with HSPA+ mobile data

Google announces $299 32GB Nexus 7 with HSPA+ mobile data

Google's not only introduced some new devices today, it's also delivered a few updates to its flagship Nexus 7 tablet. That includes a new, unlocked 32GB model with HSPA+ mobile data that will set you back $299 - and run the just-announced Android 4.2, naturally. Look for it to be available in the Google Play store in the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada (where it's priced slightly above par at $309) on November 13th.

Engadget , Google announces $299 32GB Nexus 7 with HSPA+ mobile data, Google announces $299 32GB Nexus 7 with HSPA+ mobile data

Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries

Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries

We hope you weren't basing your calendar around Google's big Android event on October 29th. The company has confirmed to us that it's postponing the event to an as yet undetermined point in the future due to Hurricane Sandy, whose East coast arrival will follow so closely before the New York City gaterhing that Google isn't willing to take the chance on its big day. If you're experiencing a sense of déja vu, you're not alone - Google delayed last year's event revealing the Galaxy Nexus out of respect for the late Steve Jobs.

Engadget , Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries, Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries

The US Navy Can Now Launch Missiles From Unmanned Boats

The US Navy Can Now Launch Missiles From Unmanned Boats

A tripod-mounted Spike missile mock-up. The military and quasi-military divisions of the United States Government have been able to launch missiles from unarmed flying drones for a while, but only recently have they expanded the functionality to unmanned seafaring vessels. Today, the Naval Sea Systems Command's Naval Special Warfare Program Office  announced that they successfully launched six missiles from an unmanned vessel on October 24. The missiles launched were Rafael Spike missiles, which feature automatic self-guidance with a 3.5km range.

Ubergizmo , The US Navy Can Now Launch Missiles From Unmanned Boats, The US Navy Can Now Launch Missiles From Unmanned Boats

German robot arm learns ping-pong as it plays humans, might rival its masters

German robot arm learns ping-pong as it plays humans, might rival its masters

We like to tell ourselves that learning by doing is the best strategy for improving our skills, but we seldom apply that philosophy to our robots; with certain exceptions, they're just supposed to know what to do from the start. Researchers at the Technical University of Darmstadt disagree and have developed algorithms proving that robot arms just need practice, practice, practice to learn complex activities. After some literal hand-holding with a human to understand the basics of a ping-pong swing, a TUD robot can gradually abstract those motions and return the ball in situations beyond the initial example.

Engadget , German robot arm learns ping-pong as it plays humans, might rival its masters

See also:
techabout, German robot arm learns ping-pong as it plays humans, might rival its masters

Laser Guided Fabric Scissors

Laser Guided Fabric Scissors

Scissors are very handy cutting tools. Having a pair is always essential around the home. Burt despite it being a handy and useful tool, some people can have challenging accuracy issues using scissors for cutting. This is especially true for cutting lengthy fabrics. For those who may have problems using a scissor for cutting accuracy, this Laser Guided Fabric Scissor may become quite useful.

The Laser Guided Fabric Scissor is a handy cutting tool that comes with a laser guide. Turn on the laser guide and a convenient straight line will provide the guide for users on where to cut.

Gadget.com , Laser Guided Fabric Scissors, Laser Guided Fabric Scissors

Monday, October 29, 2012

9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are

9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this just leaves us speechless. Pictured above is a compressed 108,500 x 81,500 pixel image of 84 million stars across central parts of the Milky Way. Taken by the VISTA survey telescope at the ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile, this 9-gigapixel photo is the result of thousands of individual images being meshed together. If it were printed out at the average resolution of a standard book it would measure a mind-boggling 9 x 7 meters. Using three separate infrared filters, VISTA is able to see through dust fields that normally obscure the view of an optical telescope.

Engadget , 9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are, 9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are

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

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

AMD promises 64-bit ARM-based Opteron server CPUs coming in 2014

AMD promises 64-bit ARM-based Opteron server CPUs coming in 2014

AMD has long stuck to x86 architecture for its server processors, but its gearing up to add 64-bit ARM-based Opteron CPUs to its arsenal in 2014. Sunnyvale also plans to reap the fruits of its SeaMicro acquisition by employing the company's "fabric" tech to link its ARM-based processors in clusters for maximizing efficiency. Where might these new processors come in handy. AMD thinks they'll fit nicely into clouds and "mega data centers" thanks to their power efficiency, but it'll let its x86-based hardware do the heavier lifting such as video encoding and rendering.

Engadget , AMD promises 64-bit ARM-based Opteron server CPUs coming in 2014, AMD promises 64-bit ARM-based Opteron server CPUs coming in 2014

Mercedes-Benz A-Class dubbed most successful launch in company history

Mercedes-Benz A-Class dubbed most successful launch in company history

When we drove the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class earlier this year, we called it "likely the most important Mercedes-Benz passenger car since the old 190 turned into the C-Class "Baby Benz" back in 1993." And just like that car opened all kinds of new doors for The Three-Pointed Star, the A-Class looks to be doing the same.

Autoblog , Mercedes-Benz A-Class dubbed most successful launch in company history, Mercedes-Benz A-Class dubbed most successful launch in company history

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

As Lord Eddard Stark said, Winter is Coming. And the best way to get ready is, well at least in Japan, not to learn how to fight these creatures from the north, but investing in Thanko's latest USB Futon Mouse pad warmer. Based on the “original” Japanese Futo concept this mouse pad warmer comes pretty much with everything including a cushion that will act here as a wrist rest, and get ready for a sweat or being “badly” burn since Thanko warned us that its USB Futon Mouse pad warmer is capable to reach up to 50 deg C ( 122 deg F ).
USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!


Akihabara News , USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!, USB Futon Mouse pad, for a warmer winter!

Global Warning System Selects tyntec For International Safety Alerts

Mobile interaction service provider selected for high-reliability global health and safety alerts systemMobile interaction specialist tyntec announced today that it has been selected by Global Warning System (GWS), a mobile security alert company, to power its global alert system, Safeture. GWS will use tyntec’s high-quality SMS to provide real time alerts regarding health and safety threats. The SMS service is crucial for users that are outside regions of mobile internet coverage or have deactivated data roaming.Safeture from GWS is a service which enables businesses to safeguard and inform travelling employees.

Press Release Distribution , Global Warning System Selects tyntec For International Safety Alerts, Global Warning System Selects tyntec For International Safety Alerts

Researchers create video game that monitors heart rate to keep children's anger in check

Researchers create video game that monitors heart rate to keep children's anger in check

Nintendo may have left its Vitality Sensor by the wayside, but researchers at Boston Children's Hospital are using heart rate monitoring in a video game to teach children with anger issues how to temper their emotions. Dubbed RAGE (Regulate and Gain Emotional) Control, the game tasks players with blasting hostile spaceships while keeping their heart rate from exceeding a predefined limit. If a gamer's pulse rises above the ceiling, they'll lose the ability to shoot until they can ease their pulse back down.

Engadget , Researchers create video game that monitors heart rate to keep children's anger in check, Researchers create video game that monitors heart rate to keep children's anger in check

The Microsoft Windows Phone 8 event happens tomorrow, get your liveblog here!

The Microsoft Windows Phone 8 event happens tomorrow, get your liveblog here!

We know tomorrow's Windows Phone 8 event will finally answer all of those burning mysteries that we've been yearning to hear more about since Microsoft first announced the new OS in June. After all, the company has kept its upcoming platform under tight wraps, preventing its hardware partners from showing it off to the press. So what else will the folks from Redmond have up their sleeves.

Engadget , The Microsoft Windows Phone 8 event happens tomorrow, get your liveblog here!

See also:
maximum, The Microsoft Windows Phone 8 event happens tomorrow, get your liveblog here!

Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers

Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers

If you're looking to create that perfect multi-threaded, NFC, GPS-based OpenCL app (and who isn't?), but found your development board options too limited, Samsung has good news. It's just launched the Arndale community development board around its Exynos 5 Dual SoC, with the ARM Cortex-A15 dual-core CPU and ARM Mali T604 GPU. Those specs give the board "an order of magnitude lift in performance" from the last model and full profile OpenCL capability, according to Samsung, on top of NFC, GPS and camera sensor features.

Engadget , Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers, Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers

32GB Nexus 7 tablet spotted, going for $250 at Office Depot

32GB Nexus 7 tablet spotted, going for $250 at Office Depot

Some folks have reported that they have managed to get a closer look at the 32GB version of the NExus 7 at a local Office Depot, where said tablet will still cost far less than the iPad mini at $250 a pop. One ought to take into consideration that the 32GB model of the Nexus 7 has been whispered about tech circles for some time already, in addition to word of price cuts being introduced to the 16GB Nexus 7 in the UK. At time of publishing, Office Depot's website does list the 16GB as well as 8GB versions of the Nexus 7 as “not available for purchase at this time.”.

Ubergizmo , 32GB Nexus 7 tablet spotted, going for $250 at Office Depot

See also:
aboutit, 32GB Nexus 7 tablet spotted, going for $250 at Office Depot

Friday, October 26, 2012

G-Project's G-Grip Bluetooth speaker takes a licking

G-Project's G-Grip Bluetooth speaker takes a licking

We recently told you about G-Project's portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker, the G-Go (see related posts).  Now, G-Project is announcing the G-Grip, their new ruggedized, portable Bluetooth speaker.  The G-Grip has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery than provides you with up to 8 hours of music between charges.  (Charge with a USB port on your computer or with the included charger.)  Use it with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, MP3 player, or tablet, or connect a non-Bluetooth to the G-Grip via the 3.5mm audio jack.  On-board buttons let you control playback and volume, and it comes with a buckled strap to carry it or clip it to a bag.

The Gadgeteer , G-Project's G-Grip Bluetooth speaker takes a licking, G-Project's G-Grip Bluetooth speaker takes a licking

Celebrate Windows 8 day with this livestream of Microsoft's launch event (video)

Celebrate Windows 8 day with this livestream of Microsoft's launch event (video)

Microsoft's big coming out day for Windows 8 is finally upon us. In celebration, Redmond's throwing a launch party for its newest OS update on New York City's Pier 57. You may not be able to join in on the fun in person, but we've got this handy stream beyond the break should you wish to play along virtually, and it's starting any minute.

Engadget , Celebrate Windows 8 day with this livestream of Microsoft's launch event (video), Celebrate Windows 8 day with this livestream of Microsoft's launch event (video)

Chevy unveils production Sonic Dusk sedan for SEMA

Chevy unveils production Sonic Dusk sedan for SEMA

The SEMA show in Las Vegas has become a place to see some of the most outrageous concept and custom cars imaginable (where else can you see anything like Toyota Sequoia Family Dragster?). But amidst all of the outrageousness, there are usually a handful of sober, production-intent models that show up as well. Such is the case with the Chevrolet Sonic Dusk sedan that General Motors is revealing today. The Dusk started life as one of many Sonic concepts on display in Vegas last year, and the new trim will show up at Chevrolet dealerships in 2014, bringing an upscale vibe to the subcompact's sedan range.

Autoblog , Chevy unveils production Sonic Dusk sedan for SEMA, Chevy unveils production Sonic Dusk sedan for SEMA

Samsung SCH-W2013 Clamshell Android Phone

Samsung SCH-W2013 Clamshell Android Phone

Samsung has decided to release the SCH-W2013 Clamshell Android phone in the Chinese market. The handset features dual 3.3-inch AMOLED displays supporting WVGA 800x480 resolution, a 1.4GHz processor, a 2GB RAM and the Google Android 4.0 operating system. There are also an 8-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel secondary camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a microSD card.

TechFresh , Samsung SCH-W2013 Clamshell Android Phone, Samsung SCH-W2013 Clamshell Android Phone

New Mac mini taken apart, benchmarked

New Mac mini taken apart, benchmarked

The updated Mac mini was introduced to the world just a couple of days ago, and it did not take too long for someone to take one of these newfangled desktops and tear it apart, revealing to all and sundry what lies underneath the hood. Of course, we are well aware that Intel's Ivy Bridge processors will power this puppy, with the option for one to configure the Mac mini to carry a whopping 16GB RAM, although the entry-level model will come with a quarter of that amount. At least it is far better than its predecessor that featured just 2GB RAM, making it barely enough for OS X Mountain Lion to chug along.

Ubergizmo , New Mac mini taken apart, benchmarked, New Mac mini taken apart, benchmarked

Ortus introduces 9.6-inch LCD panel at 458ppi

Ortus introduces 9.6-inch LCD panel at 458ppi

Ortus has rolled out what they deem to be the "world's smallest" 4K2K LCD panel, measuring at a mere 9.6" while packing in a whopping 3,840 x 2,160 pixels – sporting a resolution count which is as high as 458ppi. Eat your heart out, Retina Display. Ortus will develop this 4K2K LCD panel to target the video equipment, medical equipment and commercial equipment markets that deal with monitors for broadcasting purposes. The viewing angle of the panel stands at 160° for both the vertical and horizontal directions, and will also feature a 72% color gamut on NTSC standards.

Ubergizmo , Ortus introduces 9.6-inch LCD panel at 458ppi, Ortus introduces 9.6-inch LCD panel at 458ppi

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

Nissan Brings A Subtle All-Arounder To The Toughest Block In Town. Creating a competitive new compact sedan in the US is perhaps the hardest chore that big automakers face today. Shoppers in this slice of the market really do require a single vehicle that will do just about everything for them: get great fuel economy, give a comfortable and confident ride, have a usable back seat with plenty of cargo space, offer an abundance of techy bells and whistles.
2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra

2013 Nissan Sentra


Autoblog , 2013 Nissan Sentra, 2013 Nissan Sentra

Apple Q4 2012 earnings: $36 billion in revenue, $8.2 billion net profit

Apple Q4 2012 earnings: $36 billion in revenue, $8.2 billion net profit

Just a day after introducing the iPad mini, a revised iMac, a 4th-generation iPad and a retooled Mac mini, the company is outing its Q4 2012 earnings - and it looks as if it has narrowly fell short of Wall Street estimates. Revenue was pegged at $36 billion (compared to estimates of $35.08 billion), with net profit at $8.2 billion. For the sake of comparison, the outfit's fourth quarter of 2011 saw $28.27 billion in revenue alongside $6.62 billion net profit - at the time, those comically large numbers were actually not up to Wall Street's comical expectations.

Engadget , Apple Q4 2012 earnings: $36 billion in revenue, $8.2 billion net profit, Apple Q4 2012 earnings: $36 billion in revenue, $8.2 billion net profit

Diablo 3 Linux users auto-banned by Blizzard

Diablo 3 Linux users auto-banned by Blizzard

It does seem as though there are plenty of raw wounds on the minds of Linux-Wine users who play Diablo 3, as they are still being hammered, so to speak, by Blizzard's auto-ban service. Some WineHQ forums have already seen a bunch of Linux users complaining about their current auto-ban situation, which actually went into effect a few weeks after Linux users started to play the game.

Ubergizmo , Diablo 3 Linux users auto-banned by Blizzard, Diablo 3 Linux users auto-banned by Blizzard