Chevrolet Camaro tours overseas as new safety car for World Touring Car Championship (video)

Seeing a Chevrolet Camaro setting the pace at a NASCAR or Indy race is not uncommon, but its latest tour of duty has taken GM's modern ponycar to another form of racing altogether: the World Touring Car Championship. The WTCC pits race-prepped sedan and hatchback touring cars against each other on tracks across Europe and around the world. Considering that the factory-backed Chevrolet Cruze has emerged over the past couple of seasons as the car to beat in WTCC competition, perhaps its only fitting that another Chevy act as safety car.



Autoblog , Chevrolet Camaro tours overseas as new safety car for World Touring Car Championship (video), Chevrolet Camaro tours overseas as new safety car for World Touring Car Championship (video)

Ferrari restoring Steve McQueen's 275 GTB/4 to factory condition

Even 32 years since his death, Steve McQueen captures the imagination of driving enthusiasts. The actor's cars continue to fetch big bucks at auction. Last summer at Pebble Beach, McQueen's personal 1970 Porsche 911S, driven in the opening scene of Le Mans, sold for $1,375,000 - a figure nearly matched by the racing suit he donned for the same movie. His metallic brown 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso sold at Christies a few years back for $2.3 million, and now another Ferrari from McQueen's past has returned home to Maranello.
The car in question is a 275 GTB/4 that the King of Cool acquired in San Francisco while filming Bullitt.

Autoblog , Ferrari restoring Steve McQueen's 275 GTB/4 to factory condition

See also:
itnet, Ferrari restoring Steve McQueen's 275 GTB/4 to factory condition

Brenthaven ProStyleâ„¢ Courier for iPad Review

The iPad is very portable, and it's small enough for me to even fit into some of my purses.  If you don't carry a purse or other gear bag that's big enough, or if you'd like bag for just your iPad and a couple of accessories, the ProStyle Courier for iPad from Brenthaven could be just what you need.  I was very happy to be selected to review this bag when Brenthaven offered one to The Gadgeteer. Most of the photos in this review can clicked for a larger view.










The Gadgeteer , Brenthaven ProStyleâ„¢ Courier for iPad Review, Brenthaven ProStyleâ„¢ Courier for iPad Review

FCC to review cell phone radiation guidelines

. Julius Genachowski, chairman of the United States Federal Communications Commission, announced on Friday that he plans to ask his fellow commissioners to open a formal inquiry that will evaluate whether or not its standards protect humans from dangerous cellphone radiation, BusinessWeek reported. Despite the increased demand for mobile phones, it is the first time in 15 years that the question has been asked by the FCC. The agency is confident, however, thats its current guidelines pose no risk to consumers. "Our action today is a routine review of our standards," Tammy Sun, a spokeswoman for the agency, said.

Boy Genius Report , FCC to review cell phone radiation guidelines, FCC to review cell phone radiation guidelines

Apple and Samsung made 55% of smartphone shipments in Q1 2012

It was only a month ago when we told you that Apple and Samsung share 99% of all profits in the market for mobile phones. Today we have a new report for you, which breaks down the smartphone segment in a similar fashion and, unsurprisingly, the numbers are again favorable for the two rivaling giants. According to ABI Research, Apple and Samsung have captured 50% of the global smartphone market. What's even more impressive is the fact that the two companies share 90% of the generated profits in the segment for the same period.

The main question, which ABI Research report has posed is which manufacturer will sweep in and take the third place.

GSM Arena , Apple and Samsung made 55% of smartphone shipments in Q1 2012, Apple and Samsung made 55% of smartphone shipments in Q1 2012

Samsung refreshes Series 5 laptops with AMD Trinity processors

We recently got a look at Samsung's new Ivy Bridge-enhanced Series 5 laptops, but it turns out that's not the only refresh the line has gotten this month. Samsung's also now rather quietly introduced a pair of new AMD-based models on its website, including an $850 14-inch version with a quad-core A10-4655M APU, and a $700 13.3-inch model with a quad-core A6-4455M (both otherwise known as Trinity processors).

Engadget , Samsung refreshes Series 5 laptops with AMD Trinity processors, Samsung refreshes Series 5 laptops with AMD Trinity processors

Le Mans starting grid set, Audi hybrid takes pole but Toyotas break up the pack

There were times during the past two days of qualifying when it looked like Audi might own the first two rows of the starting grid for this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The R18 e-tron quattro hybrid cars were running the quickest lap times, with the two diesel R18 Ultras following close behind. The two Toyota TS 030 hybrid cars were also quick, but it seemed they were always nipping at the heels of an Audi's lap time, much like the Audis used to trail the faster Peugeots during qualifying for Le Mans races of the recent past. And we all know how that usually ended for Peugeot.





Autoblog , Le Mans starting grid set, Audi hybrid takes pole but Toyotas break up the pack, Le Mans starting grid set, Audi hybrid takes pole but Toyotas break up the pack

Verizon approves HTC Droid Incredible 2 update to fix picture download bug

Having trouble downloading images form social networks on your HTC Droid Incredible 2. Verizon just approved an update that will provide a fix. Yep, software version 6.01.605.05 710RD won’t bring Ice Cream Sandwich levels of change to your device, but at least you will be able to properly view photos on Facebook, right. The 32MB update also enables the DINC2′s wireless alerting system, for what it’s worth.

Android Phone , Verizon approves HTC Droid Incredible 2 update to fix picture download bug, Verizon approves HTC Droid Incredible 2 update to fix picture download bug

Apple 1 computer sold at £240,000 price point

Just when you thought that the Apple 128k Macintosh prototype known as 'Twiggy' that was put up for sale by Steve Woz for $100,000 was expensive, here we are with an extremely rare Apple 1 model that went for £240,929 in an auction at Sotheby's. Just what is so special about the Apple 1. For starters, this is touted to be the first ready-made personal computer from Cupertino, sporting a naked circuit board that would make any self-respecting computer of today blush.

Ubergizmo , Apple 1 computer sold at £240,000 price point, Apple 1 computer sold at £240,000 price point

Kinectimals for Android from Microsoft

Microsoft might have their very own fledgling mobile operating system in the form of Windows Phone, but this does not mean the company has no heart to develop software and apps on rival platforms. Case in point, the Kinectimals game that is now available on the Android operating system. Let us keep our fingers crossed that this will be the first of many games on the Android platform from Microsoft. The Kinectimals release for Android does have its own tie-in to the Xbox 360 game, but you can also say that this is a game all on its own, compared to its predecessors.

Ubergizmo , Kinectimals for Android from Microsoft, Kinectimals for Android from Microsoft

Will Microsoft show its own Windows 8 tablet on Monday?

Redmond's "major announcement" may be just around the corner, but mum's the word on Microsoft's lips. Still, that hasn't kept the rumor mill from churning, and the latest is just in: Microsoft's next slate may be built in-house. According to sources from The Wrap and AllThingsD, the firm is planning to introduce a Microsoft-built tablet, undercutting the efforts of third-party builders to more directly compete with the iPad. Rumors flit back and forth between the slate running the ARM optimized Windows RT, the full on x86 version of Windows 8 or both, separated by different models.

Engadget , Will Microsoft show its own Windows 8 tablet on Monday?, Will Microsoft show its own Windows 8 tablet on Monday?

GM may suggest pension buyouts to UAW

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said the company may offer buyouts to United Autos Workers members before it negotiates a new contract in 2015. "We can bring it up," Akerson said Tuesday before GM's annual meeting, according to The New York Times. "I'm not saying we're going to do it, but it's something we could look at if the opportunity should arise.".
Roughly 42,000 of GM's 118,000 retirees or eligible spouses could opt for a one-time payment instead of a traditional pension. A similar offer was made to white collar retirees who retired between 1997 and 2011.

Autoblog , GM may suggest pension buyouts to UAW, GM may suggest pension buyouts to UAW

id America unveils New York City themed iPhone covers

Are you born and bred in New York City. Or maybe you have fond memories of the place during a holiday visit, but whatever the reason if you can't help but show your love for the place, id America has announced their new line of foam protection for the iPhone that features popular New York landmarks in various artistic impressions that you can proudly display on the front and the back of your iPhone.

Ubergizmo , id America unveils New York City themed iPhone covers, id America unveils New York City themed iPhone covers

Mophie Powerstation Mini Portable Battery Pack

Gone are the days when people will worry if the batteries of their smartphones run out. It is a good thing that people now have options to bring along with them external battery packs for backup power. The market is even getting bigger with new products like the mophie powerstation mini now being introduced. The mophie powerstation mini portable battery pack is one of the newest additions to the mophie juice pack line of portable power backup. This new portable battery pack comes with 2,500mAh battery that can provide up to 150 percent extra battery power to your smartphone.

Gadget.com , Mophie Powerstation Mini Portable Battery Pack, Mophie Powerstation Mini Portable Battery Pack

Morphing gown Mechapolypse is mind-controlled

A dress that actually changes shape with the power of your mind. Now, that is truly something worth writing home about. Created by Nange Magro, this shape-shifting gown known as Mechapolypse will be able to illuminate and change its form, depending on the level of concentration of its wearer at that point in time. Nange Magro is an MA student at the London College of Fashion, and the creation of the Mechapolypse required the use of EEG (electroencephalographic) chip with sensors located in the cap as well as the faithful standby, an Arduino chipset.

Ubergizmo, Morphing gown Mechapolypse is mind-controlled

Bot-written plays compiled from YouTube troll comments hit Kindle store

. Among the countless phenomena brought about by the Internet, comment trolls are undoubtedly among the most anomalous. These curious creatures make their way across the Web leaving a trail of unintelligible “flame bait” in their wake, often making it impossible for others to engage in intelligent conversation. We know them well.

Boy Genius Report, Bot-written plays compiled from YouTube troll comments hit Kindle store

Spotify users in Germany no longer need Facebook account to register

Spotify users in Germany no longer need a Facebook account to register for the music service, Digital Music News reports. Since Spotify buddied up with the social network last year, users across the globe have had to hand over their Facebook info to create an account and start streaming. Now Germans will have the option to create a Spotify account by providing their email address and creating a username, though the Facebook requirement holds true for all other countries.

Engadget, Spotify users in Germany no longer need Facebook account to register

Nokia sells of Vertu, reshuffles executives and announces plans to lay off an additional 10,000 workers

We have been hearing for a while that Nokia is looking to sell off its luxury phone company, Vertu, and now it looks like it has finally happened. The Finnish company has announced that Vertu has been sold to private equity firm EQT, although they did mention that they will be keeping a 10% in the company. On top of that, the company will be laying off an additional 10,000 workers between now and the end of 2013 and will be reshuffling the number of executives. This movie is expected to cost €1 billion which is on top of the €900 million tied to its previous restructuring efforts.

Ubergizmo, Nokia sells of Vertu, reshuffles executives and announces plans to lay off an additional 10,000 workers

Judge gives car thief break, thief gives judge's car a break-in

Stealing cars is (obviously) against the law, and getting caught usually translates into a significant prison term. We're guessing the crime is just a bit stiffer if you're caught attempting to swipe the ride of a judge, especially if you just left her court room. SF Gate reports that Judge Lillian Sing had just finished giving convicted felon Phillip Bernard a break after he missed some probation requirements when the gentleman walked out of the court room and used a weighted sock to smash a car window in the court parking lot.

Autoblog, Judge gives car thief break, thief gives judge's car a break-in

Exterity partners with Cilutions to bring feature rich ‘out of the box’ digital signage solution to its customers

Infocomm, Las Vegas, 14 June 2012 - Exterity, the leading provider of IPTV communication solutions, and digital signage specialists, Cilutions, have today announced a partnership that will make Cilution’s signage applications available on Exterity’s range of receivers. The partnership will enable Exterity customers to easily include comprehensive digital signage into their existing IPTV solutions.

Press Release Distribution, Exterity partners with Cilutions to bring feature rich ‘out of the box’ digital signage solution to its customers

Sharp Labs Europe develops portable microfluidic chip that completes blood tests in minutes

In partnership with the University of Southampton, Sharp Labs Europe is developing a mobile lab-on-a-chip that spits out results in minutes, potentially putting the test result waiting game to an end. Using microelectronics found in LCDs, the programmable microfluidic square splits microliters of blood - and potentially other fluids - into smaller droplets which it subjects to controlled chemical reactions. A single blood sample can be used for multiple tests, so there's no need to endure a barrage of pricks.

Engadget, Sharp Labs Europe develops portable microfluidic chip that completes blood tests in minutes

Google TV team focuses on third party content, second screen apps as I/O approaches

The slow-starting Google TV project has gotten a lot of attention at the last two Google I/O conferences, so what do the folks at Mountain View have up their sleeves this time around. Judging by recent updates to the Google Developers support pages, a major focus will be on helping third party devs create apps full of content, as well as control and information apps for mobiles or tablets.

Engadget, Google TV team focuses on third party content, second screen apps as I/O approaches

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to be launched in Australia on June 18 (via Optus)

Launched in the US back in May, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is seemingly ready to make an official appearance in Australia. According to Ausdroid, Optus will be the first Australian carrier to offer the Tab 10.1, and it should do it starting June 18 - next week. Reportedly, the tablet will be available on Optus' Consumer and SMB plans.

Unwired View, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 to be launched in Australia on June 18 (via Optus)

Google shows off high-res Chrome browser for Retina MacBooks, hitting Canary channel first

As we noted in our review, the downside of the super high DPI displays Apple is shipping in its latest MacBook Pro is that non-retina display friendly apps don't look so good, but Google's already working on changing that for its Chrome browser. In a blog post the team showed off the image above with a comparison on what the high res edition will look like compared to its current counterpart based on "early results." Users on the bleeding-edge Canary channel should see the upgrades first, with more rolling out over the next few weeks and eventually reaching wider audiences as they go along.

Engadget

See also:
techcrunch, Google shows off high-res Chrome browser for Retina MacBooks, hitting Canary channel first

ARM vows Mali-450 graphics will liven up mid-range smartphones

ARM is still cooking its next-generation Mali-T604 mobile graphics, but it has what could be a massive lift to performance coming considerably sooner through the Mali-450 family. The architecture is almost almost literally two Mali-400 chips (the same that powers the Galaxy S II) grafted together, and the maximum eight cores accordingly run up to twice as quickly as what we saw just a year ago. The real achievement might be just be targeting the Mali-450 at a more down-to-Earth audience: where the 400 was all about conquering the high-end, ARM wants the 450 to focus on mid-range and even entry-level phones.

Engadget, ARM vows Mali-450 graphics will liven up mid-range smartphones

Dark side of ‘Anonymous' comes out in new interview

. It's no mystery that the hackers behind notorious “hacktivist” groups Anonymous and LulzSec cause a tremendous amount of trouble for the companies and agencies they target, but thousands of young web users cheer them on with the belief that these groups are fighting for Internet freedom around the world. According to a recent profile, however, this isn't always the case. In a rare in-depth interview with Anonymous members, The Daily Beast's Parmy Olson uncovers the dark side of Anonymous, likening the divide between the group's activist members and its pranksters to Batman and the Joker.

Boy Genius Report, Dark side of ‘Anonymous' comes out in new interview

Phone app sorts out potentially stressful text messages

One of the advantages of having a secretary would be to have him or her sort out all of your incoming mails and text messaging, as he or she figures out just the right timing when it comes to revealing delicate news. Perhaps humans can be taken out of the equation now with a new phone app which has been touted to be able to detect stress-inducing messages – right before you read them. I guess the developer behind this app hopes it will be used as a tool to assist folks in managing their stress ‘in the best possible way'.

Ubergizmo, Phone app sorts out potentially stressful text messages

Ice Cream Sandwich named best platform experience by Parsons

. Google's Android operating system has seen many changes throughout the years. When it was first introduced, the platform was bland and the user experience was boring, which led many vendors to customize their devices with skins that were meant to enhance a user's experience. As the platform grew, the user experience slowly began to improve and each software version delivered a few welcome design changes. It wasn't until the release of the completely revamped Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, however, that Google's operating system became a cohesive experience with a beautiful user interface.

Boy Genius Report

See also:
hitech, Ice Cream Sandwich named best platform experience by Parsons

More images of the Apple iPhone 5 surface

Four images of what are reportedly two Phone 5 units just surfaced, showing the new design with aluminum back panel to all of us once again. The pictures also confirm a smaller dock connector, a 3.5 mm headphone jack placed at the bottom, a front-facing camera above the earpiece as well as a different camera and LED flash module. The devices go all "the Dark Knight Rises" with an all-round black design, going as deep as the external antenna of the device. Even the Apple logo on the back is colored black.

But here's what we find unusual about this, assumed, iPhone 5. It's running on iOS 5, not iOS 6, which we gather from the Maps icon.




GSM Arena, More images of the Apple iPhone 5 surface

T-Mobile HTC One S now just $99.99 for new customers and upgraders alike

Good news if you want to get an HTC One S on T-Mobile. The superphone is being sold by the carrier for $199.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate, by the way) with a new two-year contract. Yet if you want to save half of that sum (or even more, if you're likely to forget to mail in that rebate), you should probably head to Best Buy right now. Online only, though, for you won't find this offer in actual stores.
$99.99 is what you'll need to pay for a brand new HTC One S. You'll have to sign a new two-year contract if you're new to the magenta carrier, or extend your contract by an additional two years if you're looking to upgrade.

Unwired View, T-Mobile HTC One S now just $99.99 for new customers and upgraders alike

Apple demos Passbook, a one-stop shop for tickets and boarding passes

From airline and train boarding passes to concert tickets, we've seen a variety of tix make their way into the digital realm at venues around the world. With today's announcement of Passbook, the hard copy credential may soon be a thing of the past. Speaking on stage at Apple's WWDC keynote, VP of iOS Software Scott Forstall demonstrated the feature with United boarding passes, Fandango movie tickets and a Starbucks gift card.

2DayBlog.com, Apple demos Passbook, a one-stop shop for tickets and boarding passes

Sony Mobile unveils Xperia miro and Xperia tipo – stylish, fun and easy to use smartphones

Sony Mobile Communications today announced two new Xperia™ smartphones, Xperia miro and Xperia tipo. Xperia miro is a slim and stylish smartphone available in a fun range of colours with deep integration of Facebook™ throughout contacts, photo gallery and the music player, plus Sony's xLOUD™ audio technology for crisp and loud sound. Xperia tipo is designed to be easy to use enabling consumers to get the most from their smartphones - whether browsing the web, sharing pictures or downloading apps.










Akihabara News, Sony Mobile unveils Xperia miro and Xperia tipo â€" stylish, fun and easy to use smartphones