Eastpak Sofa – When a Backpack Mates with a Sofa

Always losing your remote controls.  Sat on the couch and remembered you left your tablet on the dining table.  Well with the Eastpak Sofa you'll have a pocket for everything.  Made from polyurethane  foam and cordura, the couch has multiple pockets to store all your couch potato gear.

The Gadgeteer , Eastpak Sofa â€" When a Backpack Mates with a Sofa, Eastpak Sofa â€" When a Backpack Mates with a Sofa

LG's Google Nexus smartphone specs reportedly leak

. About a year after Google (GOOG) gave Samsung (005930) the rights to build its flagship Galaxy Nexus, it's now rumored that LG (06657011) is next in line to build a Nexus-branded Android smartphone. According to MoDaCo, LG's Nexus smartphone will be derivative of its  beefy Optimus G that BGR took a look at last month. MoDaCo says it has “confirmed” the following specs for LG's Nexus: quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 1280×768  resolution display, on-screen soft keys, 8-megapixel camera, 8GB and 16GB internal storage models (no microSD card slot), non-removable battery and wireless charging.

Boy Genius Report , LG's Google Nexus smartphone specs reportedly leak

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hitech, LG's Google Nexus smartphone specs reportedly leak

Motorola Droid RAZR HD screen protectors arrive at Verizon's store, launch imminent?

A few days ago we reported that according to the rumors, it seems that the Motorola Droid RAZR HD and the RAZR MAXX HD for Verizon were delayed due to antenna problems. Unfortunately no timeframe was given for when we might be able to expect the phones, but thanks to the photo above, it seems that screen protectors for the Droid RAZR HD have begun to arrive at Verizon stores. While this does not confirm anything, it sure seems like a sign that the phone could be arriving soon. After all, why would Verizon bother stocking accessories for the product if it won't be available for the next few months, right.

Ubergizmo , Motorola Droid RAZR HD screen protectors arrive at Verizon's store, launch imminent?, Motorola Droid RAZR HD screen protectors arrive at Verizon's store, launch imminent?

Target Announces QR Code-Based Shopping

In anticipation to the stressful holiday shopping, Target has announced it will set up a special in-store area featuring 20 of the most popular toys all tagged with QR codes beginning October 14th. Parents can simply scan the codes with their smartphones or tablets for an instant, secret mobile shopping. That should keep their children guessing whether Santa Claus has presents for them. It also lessens the stress of having to muscle in through throngs of shoppers fighting over the same Furby.

But first, they have to install Target's app to scan the codes and opt-in for the free shipping anywhere in the United States.

Gadget.com , Target Announces QR Code-Based Shopping, Target Announces QR Code-Based Shopping

Logitech's $180 WiFi webcam gets outed, targeted for the Mac

That mysterious Logitech WiFi webcam we spotted on the FCC in July might have finally been outed, thanks to a tip sent to Zatz Not Funny. This Logitech Wireless Webcam for the Mac listed on B&H certainly fits the bill, as it touts both wireless capabilities and apparently a rechargeable battery. There also looks to be an interesting status indicator on the top. Seeing as most Macs already come with a pretty decent front-facing camera, we're assuming the Logitech offers higher quality video (1080p perhaps?) and greater flexibility for broadcasting or recording to the cloud.

Engadget , Logitech's $180 WiFi webcam gets outed, targeted for the Mac, Logitech's $180 WiFi webcam gets outed, targeted for the Mac

Nikon 1 V2 to be announced next, sun to rise in the East next morning

A couple of days ago, we did come across a listing of the Nikon 1 V1 receiving a massive discount at one particular online retailer's site, which might signal one of three things – there is a mistake on the webmaster's part, the Nikon 1 V1 is about to be phased out as there is a new model in the works, or the vendor offering the Nikon 1 V1 is just hoping to get rid of their stock which proved to be too slow moving for their likes, taking up precious warehouse space in the process.

Ubergizmo , Nikon 1 V2 to be announced next, sun to rise in the East next morning

See also:
computerworld, Nikon 1 V2 to be announced next, sun to rise in the East next morning

Pika? Yes, pika: this very yellow Pokemon-themed Nintendo 3DS XL is heading to Europe this year

The incredibly bright, somewhat terrifying yellow Nintendo 3DS XL that Japan got last month is now heading to Europe, according to a Europe-specific Nintendo Direct press conference this afternoon (via Joystiq). The Pikachu-themed 3DS doesn't have a solid release date just yet, but it's said to arrive at some point in 2012. A price also isn't included (though it costs ¥18,900/$238 in Japan), nor is it known if the device will be exclusive to one retailer - in Japan, you can only buy a 3DS XL plastered with Pikachu's indifferent smirk from a Pokemon Center.

Engadget , Pika? Yes, pika: this very yellow Pokemon-themed Nintendo 3DS XL is heading to Europe this year, Pika? Yes, pika: this very yellow Pokemon-themed Nintendo 3DS XL is heading to Europe this year

Hitachi boarding gate can sniff explosives on passes, keep the transport queues flowing (video)

Anyone who's hopped on a flight at a major airport, or even some land-based transit, knows the agonizing wait that certain agencies demand while they scan for explosives and check boarding passes. Hitachi is working with Nippon Signal and the University of Yamanachi to build a new boarding gate that hopefully kills those two security birds with one stone. As you're swiping your boarding pass (or smartphone), the machine also scans it for particle-sized traces of explosive materials and sends the all-clear or no-go in less than two seconds.

Engadget , Hitachi boarding gate can sniff explosives on passes, keep the transport queues flowing (video), Hitachi boarding gate can sniff explosives on passes, keep the transport queues flowing (video)

Elon Musk says Tesla will be 'cash flow positive' soon, announces early repayment of DOE loan

After Tesla Motors' recent SEC filing painted a picture of production delays, revenue shortfalls and stock sales to raise cash, CEO Elon Musk has gone on the record to say everything's a-okay. The omnipresent executive said that "if the calendar were simply shifted a few weeks to the right" Tesla would have actually exceeded its vehicle delivery targets for the quarter, and said that the share release was merely held to mitigate risk from suppliers.

Engadget , Elon Musk says Tesla will be 'cash flow positive' soon, announces early repayment of DOE loan, Elon Musk says Tesla will be 'cash flow positive' soon, announces early repayment of DOE loan

Blizzard's Rob Pardo believes that next-gen consoles could be the last

Word has it that come 2013, we could be seeing next-gen consoles from both Sony and Microsoft. Of course given that these are rumors, taking them with a grain of salt for now would be the best course of action. However speaking of next-gen consoles, could the next-gen consoles be the last of their kind. Well it seems that with the focus of gaming starting to shift towards mobile devices like our smartphones and tablets, especially given that some of the higher-end smartphones and tablets have the ability to handle superb graphics, it wouldn't exactly be a stretch of the imagination, would it.

Ubergizmo , Blizzard's Rob Pardo believes that next-gen consoles could be the last, Blizzard's Rob Pardo believes that next-gen consoles could be the last

Vidyo Contributes Scalability to HEVC

New Video Coding Standard Gets Ready for “Personal Telepresence"London, UK – October 2012 – Vidyo, Inc., the first company to deliver personal telepresence, and Samsung Electronics, Co. Ltd. cooperatively submitted a response to the call for proposals for scalable coding extensions of  the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard. Vidyo also contributed technology to the response to the call by Canon Research Centre France.

Press Release Distribution , Vidyo Contributes Scalability to HEVC , Vidyo Contributes Scalability to HEVC

Acer Iconia Tab A100, A200 and A500 will not be seeing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

So we know that Acer's Iconia Tab A700 tablet will be getting its Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update, along with the A210 and the A510, but what about its older siblings. What about other Acer devices like the A100, A200 and the A500. Well if you're the owner of either of those devices, you might be disappointed to learn that according to an Acer UK spokesperson, it seems that those tablets will not be seeing the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. We're not sure why but it's still pretty disappointing news for many.

Ubergizmo , Acer Iconia Tab A100, A200 and A500 will not be seeing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Acer Iconia Tab A100, A200 and A500 will not be seeing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Email regulation issues leaving businesses confused

New research finds that IT departments are struggling to cope with complex and conflicting regulations around email retention and archiving4 October 2012 - London, UK: Corporate email archiving and retention policies are muddled and unclear, with many businesses leaving themselves exposed to potential litigation or compliance issues, according to new research launched today by Mimecast®, the leading supplier of cloud-based email archiving, continuity and security for Microsoft Exchange and Office 365.The research, which surveyed IT managers on their organisations’ email policies and archiving practices, found that j

Press Release Distribution , Email regulation issues leaving businesses confused, Email regulation issues leaving businesses confused

The iPhone 5 was reportedly the last Apple phone to get Steve Jobs' blessing

. Businessweek has published a long, detail-rich feature on how Apple (AAPL) has changed ever since current CEO Tim Cook took over for Steve Jobs in 2011. While the piece has generated a lot of talk about the contrasting management styles of Cook and Jobs, there's one tidbit that's been largely overlooked: Namely, that the just-released iPhone 5 was the last Apple smartphone to get the late Jobs' explicit blessing before going to production.

Boy Genius Report , The iPhone 5 was reportedly the last Apple phone to get Steve Jobs' blessing, The iPhone 5 was reportedly the last Apple phone to get Steve Jobs' blessing

Audi creates custom A4 slot car track (video)

Audi recently whipped up an interesting piece of advertising in Toronto's Royal Bank Plaza. Partnering with Slot Mods USA, the German manufacturer created a handmade slot car track, complete with a set of scale Audi A4 models. Slot Mods USA employed some pretty interesting tech to create the cars. Using an industrial laser scanner, the company built a digital outline of the sedan before sending it off to a 3D printer to create the bodyshells.





Autoblog , Audi creates custom A4 slot car track (video), Audi creates custom A4 slot car track (video)

Gold-producing bacteria used by researchers

Throughout human history, many have tried to ‘create' gold from other materials. We popularly know these people as alchemists, none of which succeeded of course. Thanks to the modern understanding of the chemical elements and the ability to use them effectively, gold can indeed be created (or rather extracted) in a lab from other elements. But the procedure is too expensive to be financially profitable.
Researchers at Michigan state university have now been able to use a bacteria to precisely this end.

Ubergizmo , Gold-producing bacteria used by researchers, Gold-producing bacteria used by researchers

AMD Trinity review roundup: good bang for your entry-level buck

It's never easy playing second fiddle, but AMD is trying their best to keep Intel on their toes with its latest line of Trinity desktop chips. We were introduced to the Trinity last week, but now the official reviews are in from the usual specialist sites. The consensus seems to be that it provides solid performance for the price. The Trinity A10-5800K is in the same class as the Core i5 but sells at $130 on NewEgg, which is the going rate for the Core i3-3220 (Guess those price leaks were true).

Engadget , AMD Trinity review roundup: good bang for your entry-level buck, AMD Trinity review roundup: good bang for your entry-level buck

Akimbo Kinect hack offers precise control with minimal effort (video)

We've seen Microsoft's Kinect used in countless ways, but 3Gear Systems means to better these predecessors with the beta release of its SDK, which turns all the subtleties of hand movement into actions. In addition to using two Kinect cameras for accuracy, the software compares hand poses against a pre-rendered database so gesture commands are executed with little lag. It offers complete control of a virtual 3D environment from the comfort of your natural desk position, so you won't have to worry about flail fatigue after long stints.



Engadget , Akimbo Kinect hack offers precise control with minimal effort (video), Akimbo Kinect hack offers precise control with minimal effort (video)

Oracle begins appeal process in its Java patent case against Google, Android

You should know by now that it's never truly over when tech giants resort to legal warfare over their technology, and just as it said it would, Oracle has filed an appeal of the US District Court ruling in its case against Google. In case you'd forgotten, back in May Judge William Alsup found that the structure of its Java APIs were not copyrightable so Oracle had to settle for $0 in damages over its claims that Android infringed on its patents and copyrights. FOSS Patent's Florian Mueller has a full breakdown of what he sees in the case, meanwhile we'll be preparing our fallout shelters for potential Android Armageddon.

Engadget , Oracle begins appeal process in its Java patent case against Google, Android, Oracle begins appeal process in its Java patent case against Google, Android

Fujitsu demos ad transmission technology, sends info from TV to handset via smartphone camera (video)

Another easter egg at Fujitsu's CEATEC booth was a system for transmitting coupons, URLs and other digital information from a TV screen to a user's smartphone. We'll back up a bit: the data ends up on-screen in the first place thanks to information embedded in light flashing at various levels of brightness (the frame rate is too quick to be detected by the human eye). Theoretically, when a viewer is watching a commercial, they'll see a prompt to hold up their phone's camera to the screen, and doing so will bring up a corresponding coupon or website on their handset.









Engadget , Fujitsu demos ad transmission technology, sends info from TV to handset via smartphone camera (video), Fujitsu demos ad transmission technology, sends info from TV to handset via smartphone camera (video)

Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge

Rohm's hydrogen fuel cells are meant to power smartphones and other mobile devices, but unlike other juicing-up solutions, the cells are only good for one charge. Rohm says disposable fuel cells can be made smaller and lighter than their multi-use counterparts, and as the only byproduct is hydrogen, the company is touting the cells' eco-friendliness. The system generates electricity by using hydrogen that's created by the reaction of a metal material and water. While the device we saw here at CEATEC is a prototype, Rohm may offer its recharging system as both a smartphone case and a USB-attachable juicepack.










Engadget , Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge, Rohm 5Wh hydrogen fuel cells power up smartphones, ready for the trash after one charge

ASUS releases Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for Transformer Prime and Infinity Pad

. ASUS (2357) has finally made good on its promise to update its Transformer Prime tablet to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The only downside, however, is that Jelly Bean needs to be side-loaded into the Transformer Prime. To update the Transformer Prime to Jelly Bean, users can visit ASUS's download website and search for “TF201″ and select “Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201.” On the “Download” tab, change the OS in the drop-down menu to “Android.” Select “Firmware”and download “Version  V10.1.2.15″ to get Jelly Bean rolling.

Boy Genius Report , ASUS releases Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for Transformer Prime and Infinity Pad, ASUS releases Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for Transformer Prime and Infinity Pad

Like-A-Hug Facebook-connected vest lets you know you are liked

Now here is a piece of technological fashion that is certainly very different from others that we have seen before – the Like-A-Hug vest which is connected to your Facebook account. Basically, whenever a friend in your Facebook account “likes” a photo, video or status update, the vest will inflate inwards, letting you feel a virtual hug. Of course, those who wear this in hot and humid countries would probably prefer something far smaller, like say, an inflatable wristband, and it is not exactly the most fashion forward piece of clothing iether.

Ubergizmo , Like-A-Hug Facebook-connected vest lets you know you are liked, Like-A-Hug Facebook-connected vest lets you know you are liked

10.1″ Toshiba Excite 10LE Regza Edition Android Tablet

QVC is offering a 10.1″ Toshiba Excite 10LE Regza Edition tablet at a “today's special value price.”  The Excite 10LE has a 1.2GHz TI OMAP 4430 Dual-Core Processor with 1GB DDR3 RAM and running Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich.”  It has a 10.1″ diagonal LED-backlit Gorilla Glass capacitive 10-finger multi-touch display with 1280×800 resolution at a 16:10 aspect ratio.  This device comes with 16GB built-in storage that expandable with a microSD card.  It measures approximately 10″ wide X 7.8″ tall X 0.3″ deep and weighs 1.18 lbs.

The Gadgeteer , 10.1″ Toshiba Excite 10LE Regza Edition Android Tablet, 10.1″ Toshiba Excite 10LE Regza Edition Android Tablet

Lightplay is an Android-powered projector by PhoneSuit

PhoneSuit has just announced their latest projector known as the Lightplay, and what makes this projector more special than others in the market would be the fact that it runs on Google's Android operating system. The Lightplay handheld media projector could be said to create a totally new niche device, where it is something of a cross between an Android-powered tablet and a pico projector. Thanks to the Google Play marketplace that is available on the majority of Android-powered devices, one is able to gain access to a slew of apps, movies and content that you can play on any projectable surface.

Ubergizmo , Lightplay is an Android-powered projector by PhoneSuit

See also:
itband, Lightplay is an Android-powered projector by PhoneSuit

KDDI palm authentication app

Right now, it remains a prototype, so there are no guarantees that this will ever hit the mass market. Still, one can always keep one's fingers crossed and believe, right.


Ubergizmo , KDDI palm authentication app

See also:
wgitn, KDDI palm authentication app

CDMA-compatible iPhone 5 may be headed for Virgin Mobile

. Remember when the iPhone used to be on just one U.S. carrier. What a difference five years makes. The iPhone 5 is now on 16 U.S. carriers including prepaid companies such as Cricket. And there's more good news on the way: It seems that prepaid customers holding out for the iPhone 5 on Virgin Mobile might not have to wait very long, as MacRumors has learned that Apple has “Virgin-specific CDMA iPhone 5 units lined up and ready to go.” 

Neither Apple (AAPL) or Virgin Mobile have announced any plans to sell the a prepaid iPhone 5 at this time.

Boy Genius Report , CDMA-compatible iPhone 5 may be headed for Virgin Mobile, CDMA-compatible iPhone 5 may be headed for Virgin Mobile

Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS agree on $1.5 billion T-Mobile merger (updated)

Apparently the "significant issues" that stood in the way of a prospective T-Mobile and MetroPCS deal couldn't have been too onerous. Just a day after acknowledging that talks were underway both boards have approved the deal according to the Wall Street Journal. Details of the deal haven't been officially announced yet, but Financial Times Deutschland are reporting that the two carriers will be combined into a single unit in which Deutsche Telekom will hold 74 percent of shares. MetroPCS will have a 26 percent stake in the company and receive a $1.5 billion check for its troubles.



Engadget , Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS agree on $1.5 billion T-Mobile merger (updated), Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS agree on $1.5 billion T-Mobile merger (updated)

BobjGear Rugged Silicon Tablet Cases

BobjGear, located in Florida, has a range of protective cases that add that little bit more protection to your tablet compared to other offerings. Made from rugged closed-cell formula silicone with features like rounded, raised bezels and  shock-absorbing feet on the back, these cases contain four to eight times the amount of silicone found in normally available silicone cases.  Obviously there's always a trade-off between weight, size, and protection; however, they do look like they'd be really good if you like “naked” devices but want that extra bit of protection.

The Gadgeteer , BobjGear Rugged Silicon Tablet Cases, BobjGear Rugged Silicon Tablet Cases

IRL: Dyson DC44, NUU ClickMate PowerPlus and the Galaxy S III

Can't get more random than this, folks: in this week's edition of IRL, we have Darren recommending a vacuum cleaner, Dan Cooper continuing his search for a backup phone charger and Jon Fingas putting the Galaxy S III to the test against his beloved HTC One X. Dyson DC44 Animal I've long been a fan of Dyson's vacuums. I've yet to try a consumer vac that holds suction for as long as these things. And while the "ball" series of household vacuums are far easier to maneuver than your conventional Hoover, there's still a certain level of annoyance associated with dragging around a wheeled canister and dealing with a power plug that's never...




Engadget , IRL: Dyson DC44, NUU ClickMate PowerPlus and the Galaxy S III, IRL: Dyson DC44, NUU ClickMate PowerPlus and the Galaxy S III

Nest Learning Thermostat Second-generation

. We all remember the award winning Nest Learning Thermostat launched less than a year ago , and we are happy to see its even more elegant successor, Nest Second-gen. Slimmer and with a slightly re-designed hardware (the inside particularly), the new Learning Thermostat offers a number of cool features, including two additional languages (Spanish and French in addition to English), version 3.0 of its software, increased compatibility with low voltage residential heating and cooling systems (from 75% to 95% of the systems on the market) and improved energy saving capabilities.



Ubergizmo , Nest Learning Thermostat Second-generation, Nest Learning Thermostat Second-generation