SoundBender iPad Sound Amplifier review

I love watching video and listening to podcasts and books on my iPad. It's so much more portable and useful than my MacBooks have been over the years (which is to say it doesn't have a hinge and require me to figure out what to do with that keyboard while watching!) The constant drawback to iPads, however, is sound. Specifically, getting enough of it in all but the quietest of rooms. A new, non-powered solution has recently come onto the scene, and I was fortunate enough to get one for review. It's called the SoundBender from Simply Amazing, LLC.




The Gadgeteer , SoundBender iPad Sound Amplifier review, SoundBender iPad Sound Amplifier review

Intel CEO Supports Softbank's Bid To Acquire Sprint

We're sure you guys might have heard that Japanese carrier, Softbank, is looking to acquire a majority stake in one of the major US carriers, Sprint. At the same time it seems that American company, Dish, could be interested as well and seems to be thinking about making a counter-offer of their own. Dish even goes as far as saying that their acquisition of Sprint could be better for national security.

Ubergizmo , Intel CEO Supports Softbank's Bid To Acquire Sprint

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Apple iOS 7 Will Get New Design

Under Apple's Jony Ive, iOS 7 will have a new look and feel mobile OS, and the interface will have a more flatter and simpler look.

Aurum3 NewTech , Apple iOS 7 Will Get New Design, Apple iOS 7 Will Get New Design

Color Play Plays Music From A Color Wheel

A group of students from the Interactive Telecommunications Program at New York University who started off on a project has begun to explore the relationship between color as well as sound. The brainchild of Natasha Dzurny and Louie Foo, their final product is known as Color Play, which is a device that resembles a record player, although it will play back music from a color wheel instead of a music record. The color wheel itself comprises of plastic wedges in different colors and widths, where the different colors would represent various pitches, while the different widths would represent different rhythms.

Ubergizmo , Color Play Plays Music From A Color Wheel, Color Play Plays Music From A Color Wheel

Evernote Food For Android Update Brings New User Interface

In the past few months we have seen Evernote Food for iOS receiving a number of updates. It seemed like Evernote had neglected the Android app, as it had not received any such update even when the iOS version was getting them. Today the update of Evernote Food for Android has finally been released, the update makes this app similar to its iOS counterpart as it comes with a significantly improved user interface which includes a new navigation drawer. The basic function of this app is to make it easier for users to remember the food that they love.

Ubergizmo , Evernote Food For Android Update Brings New User Interface

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HTC Has More To Say About The Future Of Their Microphones

The folks over at HTC must not have it easy for quite some time now, having suffered from worsening financial results with each looming quarter, not to mention that they are now going through a hiccup of sorts when it comes to the choice of microphones in their flagship HTC One smartphone. No thanks to ST Microelectronics' cock up which resulted in microphones meant to be used exclusively in select Nokia devices only seeing action in the HTC One as well, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer would have to look elsewhere to replenish their stock of the HTC One microphone when the current batch runs out.

Ubergizmo , HTC Has More To Say About The Future Of Their Microphones, HTC Has More To Say About The Future Of Their Microphones

Google Android 4.3 Spotted

It is more or less a given consensus among smartphone users of the Android world that the next version of the Android operating system would come in the form of the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Having said that, does that mean we are no longer going to see any more iterations of Jelly Bean, which currently has its bus parked at Android 4.2. Perhaps not, as there were server logs discovered which pointed to the existence of Android 4.3, and even better yet, it uses the Jelly Bean moniker. So far, there has been servers which reported connections from various devices which were running on Android 4.3, build JWR23B.

Ubergizmo , Google Android 4.3 Spotted, Google Android 4.3 Spotted

Android App Updates Now Restricted From Bypassing Google Play Store

Back in March we reported that Facebook was testing silent updates for its Android app. Silent update means that Facebook would have circumvented the Google Play Store and app updates would have been downloaded in the background while a device was connected to a Wi-Fi network. User's wouldn't be notified that an update is available, the update would have been automatically downloaded and then the user would have been prompted to install said update. Google apparently doesn't want developers following in the footsteps of Facebook, so its has updated the Play Store policies and barred apps from circumventing the Store for updates.

Ubergizmo , Android App Updates Now Restricted From Bypassing Google Play Store, Android App Updates Now Restricted From Bypassing Google Play Store

Paranoid Android shows off their implementation of mutli-windows

Over the past few months, I have fallen head over heels in love with Paranoid Android. While I certainly hold the work of each ROM developer in very, very high regard (let's face it, Android would be a very frustrating platform without them) I love the creativity and functionality that PA adds. Their latest goody. Multi-window support for apps. The team behind Paranoid Android have shared a post giving some early details regarding their implementation on Google+, along with a video demoing it.

Android Phone , Paranoid Android shows off their implementation of mutli-windows

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Worker killed at Nissan Tennessee plant

A worker has died at the Nissan assembly plant in Smyrna, TN following an accident. According to The Detroit News, the tragedy happened Thursday and involved a large electric panel that fell while it was being moved. The victim was not a Nissan employee, he was a worker for Michigan-based supplier Complete Automation. Nissan has not released the name of the deceased, but has vowed to cooperate with the authorities investigating the accident.

Autoblog , Worker killed at Nissan Tennessee plant, Worker killed at Nissan Tennessee plant

Julie's Gadget Diary - 2nd look at Qi wireless charging

A few weeks ago I published a gadget diary post sharing my experiences with trying to get Qi wireless charging working with my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3. Long story short, I ordered a wireless charging patch (receiver) and a Nokia DT-900 Wireless Charging pad and it didn't work. One of our frequent readers (Haesslich) left a comment suggesting that the Nokia DT-910 Wireless Charging Stand might be a better choice… I took that advice, sent the DT-900 back to Amazon and ordered a DT-910. I've had a lot better luck with that one except for a couple new problems….


The Gadgeteer , Julie's Gadget Diary - 2nd look at Qi wireless charging, Julie's Gadget Diary - 2nd look at Qi wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy S4 Duos Arrives With Exynos 5 Octa-Core Processor

Earlier last month, we talked about the possibility of the Samsung Galaxy S4 coming in a Dual SIM version, where it will be known as the Samsung Galaxy S4 Duos. This Dual SIM-enabled smartphone has now arrived in Asia, where it will carry the model number Samsung I9502, and obviously the main difference between the vanilla Galaxy S4 model would be the introduction of another SIM card slot, allowing you to carry two lines theoretically on a single device at any one time.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Galaxy S4 Duos Arrives With Exynos 5 Octa-Core Processor, Samsung Galaxy S4 Duos Arrives With Exynos 5 Octa-Core Processor

Sony Handycam HDR-GW66VE Rugged Camcorder

Sony has unveiled another one of its upcoming rugged camcorder, the Sony Handycam HDR-GW66VE. This waterproof, dust-proof, shock-proof and chill-resistant camcorder sports a 1x3.91″ Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 10x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch 460K-dot swivel screen, a microSD card slot, Optical SteadyShot for image stabilization and has the ability to capture both 1920×1080x50p Full HD video as well as up to 20.4MP digital still images. The Sony Handycam HDR-GW66VE will hit the market from June 2013 for unannounced price yet.

TechFresh , Sony Handycam HDR-GW66VE Rugged Camcorder, Sony Handycam HDR-GW66VE Rugged Camcorder

Motorola Photon Q now receiving Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Sprint

The Motorola Photon Q was a device I was always eyeballing on Sprint. I guess somewhere, deep down I've never really gotten over a full 5-row QWERTY. In any case, Photon Q users have something to get excited about. It's been almost a full year since Jelly Bean and after watching almost every other high-end device receive the J-Bean, it's now the Q's turn.
Starting today, Motorola Photon Q users on Sprint can look forward to and update to software version 9.8.2Q-122_XT897_FFW-5, bring their device's firmware up to Android 4.1. Yes, it's not 4.2, but at least it's something.

Android Phone , Motorola Photon Q now receiving Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Sprint, Motorola Photon Q now receiving Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Sprint

Shelby Cobra driver says 'Hey, y'all, watch this!'

A burnout is like a boast, the rubber-shredding equivalent of Babe Ruth pointing his fingers at the center-field bleachers. And everyone knows once you've boasted, you've got to back it up. If The Babe had grounded out to first, the "Called Shot" would be a laugh, not a legend. After doing a little burnout for the onlookers, the driver of this Shelby Cobra replica above ends up on the wrong side of the equation when his Cobra bites back. Thankfully, nothing but bodywork and some pride was hurt. Hopefully the driver has learned his lesson and knows to lift off the brakes and steer next time.



Autoblog , Shelby Cobra driver says 'Hey, y'all, watch this!', Shelby Cobra driver says 'Hey, y'all, watch this!'

Paytouch lets your fingerprints make purchases, hopes to expand into Europe and America next year

We spoke to Virginia Iranzo-Diaz, the company's marketing and communications manager, as well as CEO Javier Paso about the startup's immediate plans for growth. As of now, it's hoping to sneak Paytouch terminals into supermarkets, petrol stations and other retailers in Spain within the next few months, but there's apt to be a pause after that.

Engadget , Paytouch lets your fingerprints make purchases, hopes to expand into Europe and America next year, Paytouch lets your fingerprints make purchases, hopes to expand into Europe and America next year

Next Generation Xbox Will Reportedly Be Priced At $499

After months and months of wait, Microsoft finally announced yesterday the date on which it will unveil next generation Xbox. The announcement is scheduled for the 21st of May at the company's headquarter in Redmond, Washington. While Microsoft did not say anything about pricing, the next generation Xbox will reportedly come with a price tag of $499. If customers opt for a $10 per month two year Xbox Live Gold subscription, the price will come down to $299. The rumor of next Xbox requiring always on internet connection surfaces again today, Microsoft has not yet clarified whether that is indeed the case with its upcoming console.

Ubergizmo , Next Generation Xbox Will Reportedly Be Priced At $499, Next Generation Xbox Will Reportedly Be Priced At $499

iPhone Leads All Other Smartphones In First U.S. 2013 Quarter

Regardless of the fact that Android smartphones account for nearly 70% of the entire global smartphone market, Apple's iPhone still reigns supreme on its home turf. The three major U.S. carriers, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, have released their Q1, 2013 financial results and data collected from them shows that iPhone leads all other smartphones on these carriers. Apple's iPhone line-up consists of three models, the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and the current flagship smartphone, iPhone 5.

Ubergizmo , iPhone Leads All Other Smartphones In First U.S. 2013 Quarter, iPhone Leads All Other Smartphones In First U.S. 2013 Quarter

Google Drive Receives New Social Features

Google announced today that it is releasing a string of new social features for Google Drive which will make it even easier to work together in Drive. These features consist of one-click group chat and new profile pictures. Instead of just displaying names of other viewers, whenever a user now opens a file in Drive they'll see profile pictures, which will make it easier to know who else is viewing the file in just a single glance.

Ubergizmo , Google Drive Receives New Social Features, Google Drive Receives New Social Features

Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem

Audi is celebrating the 2013 Wörthersee Tour with a special concept version of the company's TT. The Audi TT Ultra Quattro concept tips the scales at just 2,449 pounds thanks to some extensive engineering work. The company pulled nearly 95 lbs from the car's body structure and used carbon-fiber reinforced plastics for many of its detachable body components. As a result, the concept weighs in at a full 220 pounds lighter than its production counterpart. Throw in a wicked turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and you get a machine with the power to weight ratio in the supercar realm.

Autoblog , Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem, Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem

Handmade leather cases from GettingWeddy

GettingWeddy is an Etsy shop that makes and sells handcrafted leather goods, jewelry, and other things.  The above image (click it for a bigger view) shows their iPad sleeve on the left and the iPad mini sleeve on the right.  They make the exteriors from oil-tanned or vegetable-tanned tooling leathers, and the interior is lined with EcoFi felt (made from recycled plastic bottles).  The iPad case fits all generations with a Smart Cover, and the iPad mini fits the mini with its Smart Cover.  Each case is made to order, and they can adjust the size to fit other tablets or even add some custom carving to the case.

The Gadgeteer , Handmade leather cases from GettingWeddy, Handmade leather cases from GettingWeddy

Siva Cycle Atom Wants To Break Into Reality

Are you one of the new generation office drones who love nothing better than to cycle to work. Not only do you get to work out along the way, it also helps reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions, not to mention help keep more vehicles of the road. Well, cyclists too, like normal motorists, might venture into unfamiliar territory once in a while, which is why they too, have GPS devices to help them out. The thing is, what happens when you run out of juice before you arrive at your destination. This is where portable power packs come in handy, but those can be quite messy to tote around.

Ubergizmo , Siva Cycle Atom Wants To Break Into Reality, Siva Cycle Atom Wants To Break Into Reality

AppSense Expedites Windows 7 Migration Without User Disruption

Achieved by Securely Centralizing Persona and Data Assets NEW YORK – April 24, 2013 – AppSense, the people-centric computing company, in combination with its partners, offers solutions to help organizations large and small, implement a seamless Windows 7 Migration before Windows XP’s end of life date on April 8, 2014. Utilizing the combined power of DesktopNow and DataNow, AppSense enables companies to effortlessly gather all user related persona and data assets, centralize them and stream the assets back into any new desktop without user disruption.

Press Release Distribution , AppSense Expedites Windows 7 Migration Without User Disruption, AppSense Expedites Windows 7 Migration Without User Disruption

Swype no longer in beta, arrives in the Google Play Store at the introductory price of $1

You guys may remember Swype when it came bundled inside a handful of Android handsets back in the day (like the Droid Eris from '09). Shortly after, we saw Swype launch as a public beta and many have scratched their heads wondering when or if Swype would ever release in the Google Play Store. After all this time, the unthinkable has happened — Swype is now officially available in the Google Play Store. Launching at a special introductory price of $1 (a free trial version is also available), I honestly can't say I ever thought I'd see the day. In reality, it hasn't been too long since Nuance acquired Swype for $100+ million back in '11.

Android Phone , Swype no longer in beta, arrives in the Google Play Store at the introductory price of $1, Swype no longer in beta, arrives in the Google Play Store at the introductory price of $1

LANDesk Named a "Leader" in Client Management Tools Magic Quadrant

LANDesk Client Management Suite Continues to Evolve with The Ever-changing Business WorldLONDON – 24 April, 2013 - LANDesk Software, a global leader in integrated systems lifecycle management, endpoint security and IT service management, today announced that LANDesk Management Suite was positioned as a "Leader" in Gartner's 2013 Magic Quadrant for "Client Management Tools"(1).The Client Management Tools report, evolving from the "PC Configuration Life Cycle Management" report is a critical tool in guiding IT’s understanding of the market space and accommodating the emer

Press Release Distribution , LANDesk Named a "Leader" in Client Management Tools Magic Quadrant, LANDesk Named a "Leader" in Client Management Tools Magic Quadrant

Hearsay Social Brings Social Media-Driven Selling Revolution to UK and Europe

Leading Silicon Valley software firm expands into Europe with London office opening to address rapidly growing European customer base and demandApril 24, 2013 - London, UK – Hearsay Social has announced the opening of its European headquarters in London, the appointment of a regional director and an update to its social sales and marketing platform in anticipation of further growth in the region. The world’s largest organisations use Hearsay Social to increase revenue, referrals, and renewals by transforming the entire enterprise into a social business.

Press Release Distribution , Hearsay Social Brings Social Media-Driven Selling Revolution to UK and Europe, Hearsay Social Brings Social Media-Driven Selling Revolution to UK and Europe

Tumblr iOS App Updated With New Social Features

This past week we have seen Tumblr make a number of changes to its mobile offering. Just a couple of days back it announced that ads will now be displayed in Tumblr's mobile apps. Yesterday the first ever Tumblr app for Windows Phone 8 was released and today their updated iOS app is available for download from iTunes App Store. The update brings a couple of new social features, users can now share directly to Facebook or Twitter from straight within the app.

Ubergizmo , Tumblr iOS App Updated With New Social Features, Tumblr iOS App Updated With New Social Features

Nokia Updates Symbian Belle Feature Pack 1 And FP 2 Phones

Nokia has just announced that they will be pushing out updates for Symbian Belle Feature Pack 1 and Feature Pack 2 handsets, where among these would include the super high resolution camera totin' device known as the Nokia 808 PureView (we're talking about 41 megapixels here!). Other models that are covered by the update would include those manufactured sometime in late 2011 and 2012. This particular update would see the introduction of the WebView widget, which would no longer be in beta, right to your handset itself.

Ubergizmo , Nokia Updates Symbian Belle Feature Pack 1 And FP 2 Phones

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More Light On Nokia And HTC Microphone Snafu

It was yesterday when we brought you word on how Nokia picked up a preliminary injunction against Taiwan-based HTC in the Netherlands for the infringement of a microphone part that was meant to be manufactured and used exclusively in Nokia devices only, only to have it make its way to the HTC One. Well, 24 hours is a long time in football (soccer just in case you were wondering) and politics, and I guess you can more or less say the same thing about the world of technology.

Ubergizmo , More Light On Nokia And HTC Microphone Snafu, More Light On Nokia And HTC Microphone Snafu

eBay for Android update brings new shopping cart feature and improved UI

If you're an online shopaholic, the latest eBay for Android update is only going to enable you further. The latest update (version 2.2) is now available in the Google Play Store and brings, not only a more minimal UI, but also a handy shopping cart for the easy handling of multiple items. This allows users to pay for items from different sellers in a single transaction, or save an item for later. Here's some more deets:.

Android Phone , eBay for Android update brings new shopping cart feature and improved UI, eBay for Android update brings new shopping cart feature and improved UI

Samsung Receiving Visits By Top Microsoft And Google Executives

Go back half a decade or so and the only things you would think of when someone mentioned Samsung would be home appliances. Now the South Korean manufacturer's name is synonymous with high-end smartphones, churning out hit after hit such as Galaxy S2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note etc. It is a force to be reckoned with in the global smartphone market. In recent times we have seen Samsung shift its reliance away from component suppliers, it now uses self-manufactured components wherever it can.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Receiving Visits By Top Microsoft And Google Executives

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BlackBerry Q10 Releasing In Canada On May 1 For $199

The road to release for the BlackBerry Q10 has certainly been a long one as it was introduced alongside the Z10 back in January, but BlackBerry has since stayed pretty tight-lipped in regards to the device. A release in Canada was first said to be expected in the “coming weeks“ earlier this month with a rumor circulating possibly having the Q10 release on April 30. It looks like that rumored release date was pretty close as BlackBerry has announced they'll be releasing the BlackBerry Q10 starting a day later, on May 1.

Ubergizmo , BlackBerry Q10 Releasing In Canada On May 1 For $199, BlackBerry Q10 Releasing In Canada On May 1 For $199

Google One Today Hands-On

Google has been finding new ways to use its technological power for the greater good. Its newest effort arrives to Google Play store as "One Today." One Today is a beautiful application full of Google design language, beautiful pictures, and plenty of do-goodedness. One Today is currently invite only however you can still download the application and show your interest. The first time you open the application you are greeted by instructions on how One Today works. You are then immediately taken to the landing page which is usually the charity that is seeing the most action.



Android Phone , Google One Today Hands-On

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QuickerTek EyeBattery Upgraded, Supports MagSafe 2 Adapters Now

QuickerTek knows that one can never be prepared for all eventualities, which is why a contingency plan is extremely important, especially when it comes to making sure that things run fine and dandy in the event of a plan going awry. Well, with today's modern day gadgets and computers, there are moments when you actually run low on battery power due to unforeseen circumstances, which is why QuickerTek has come up with the EyeBattery that offers up to an additional four hours of runtime for Retina display laptops.

Ubergizmo , QuickerTek EyeBattery Upgraded, Supports MagSafe 2 Adapters Now, QuickerTek EyeBattery Upgraded, Supports MagSafe 2 Adapters Now

ITC: iPhone Did Not Infringe On Motorola Patent

Earlier this morning, the folks over at ITC passed a ruling that obviously favored Apple from Cupertino, which would translate to another legal defeat for Motorola, as the ITC ruled that the iPhone did not infringe upon Motorola's patents. This would mean it has been a couple of losses for the subsidiary of Google since Friday, especially when a German court then denied Motorola Germany an injunction against Microsoft concerning a rather dubious push notification patent.

Ubergizmo , ITC: iPhone Did Not Infringe On Motorola Patent, ITC: iPhone Did Not Infringe On Motorola Patent

Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world

Meet Brad, Sheena and Nacho. Driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees.
Currently, Brad and Sheena face two options when it comes to making their way west toward Greece. Right now, the couple plans to point their faithful van, Nacho, toward Cambodia and drive through Laos before entering China. No one said the Van Ordens were taking the direct route.

The only problem is that driving through China is a pricey proposition.







Autoblog , Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world, Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world

Verizon's new device payment plan detailed (spoiler: far from UNcarrier-like)

Last week, Verizon tipped the world off to a new device payment plan that would allow users to snap up hot new devices before their contracts were up. At the time, we only knew that users could spread the cost of a device over 12 months, attached to their monthly bill. Now, a few more details have been made official by Verizon as the program has officially launched. Here's the quick rundown:.

Android Phone , Verizon's new device payment plan detailed (spoiler: far from UNcarrier-like), Verizon's new device payment plan detailed (spoiler: far from UNcarrier-like)

Sony Projectors Does Wireless Image Transfer

We have seen our fair share of projectors in the past, ranging from portable ones to models that are meant for classrooms, but this time around, Sony Japan has announced yet another five more business class LCD projectors, where these are divided into two different series. The new Sony interactive LCD projectors sport one interesting capability, that is, it is able to transfer images sans wires from smartphones and tablets, in addition to letting you write text as well as graphics on the projection screen with ease and with speed.

Ubergizmo , Sony Projectors Does Wireless Image Transfer, Sony Projectors Does Wireless Image Transfer

Sony - Wireless projector - Transfer files wirelessly to the projector from a smart device

Sony is going to release 5 models of professional use projectors. After downloading dedicated software to your smart device, you can transfer photos, powerpoint files, and PDF files to the projector wirelessly. The super short focus liquid-crystal projector “VPL-SW536C” comes with 2 included pencils that you can use to write letters or draw figures on the projection display.



Akihabara News , Sony - Wireless projector - Transfer files wirelessly to the projector from a smart device, Sony - Wireless projector - Transfer files wirelessly to the projector from a smart device