New Gmail Android update will at last provide pinch-to-zoom capabilities [video]

. Emails on Android smartphones are about to get easier to read. Android Police this week got its hands on an unreleased update to Google's (GOOG) Gmail Android app that adds much-desired pinch-to-zoom and swipe-to-delete capabilities. The pinch-to-zoom functionality speaks for itself: It lets users zoom in on their emails with a simple pinch gesture. The swipe-to-delete feature, meanwhile, gives users the option of deleting or archiving their emails with a simple swipe gesture, although Android Police notes that this feature can be turned off for users who worried about accidentally deleting their entire inbox.



Boy Genius Report , New Gmail Android update will at last provide pinch-to-zoom capabilities [video], New Gmail Android update will at last provide pinch-to-zoom capabilities [video]

BlackBerry 10 ‘L Series' model shown off in Mexican sales demo [video]

. We may not have a firm release date for new BlackBerry 10 devices yet, but least we now know they exist in finished form. Bbin, an Indian BlackBerry blog, has found a video of a Mexican sales representative showing off the final version of RIM's (RIMM) BlackBerry L Series, the first time we've seen a BlackBerry 10 device that isn't a BB10 Dev Alpha B model. The video itself is nothing spectacular - it shows off some of the device's messaging and photo capabilities - but it should be heartening for long-suffering BlackBerry fans who have been waiting many months for a new device to buy.

Boy Genius Report , BlackBerry 10 ‘L Series' model shown off in Mexican sales demo [video], BlackBerry 10 ‘L Series' model shown off in Mexican sales demo [video]

Deal of the day – Logitech Harmony 1100 infrared universal remote with 3.5-inch touchscreen

Friday's LogicBUY Deal is the Logitech Harmony 1100 infrared universal remote control for $249.88.  Features:. 3.5-inch touchscreenRechargeable Li-ion batteryCustomizable icons and controlsRF wireless.
$349.99 – $100.11 instant savings = $249.88 with free shipping.

This deal expires October 18, 2012 or sooner.

The Gadgeteer , Deal of the day â€" Logitech Harmony 1100 infrared universal remote with 3.5-inch touchscreen, Deal of the day â€" Logitech Harmony 1100 infrared universal remote with 3.5-inch touchscreen

iPad mini announcement rumored for 23rd October

It wasn't too long when rumors suggested that Apple could be sending out invites on the 10th of October for an event that would supposedly launch the new iPad mini. Given that it's already the 12th, it's safe to say that those rumors did not pan out. Now it seems that a recent set of rumors has suggested that Apple's event will be held on the 23rd of October instead, which coincidentally (or perhaps not) is only a few days before Microsoft's Surface Windows 8 tablet goes on sale, so maybe Apple wants to steal a little thunder from Microsoft's new hardware.

Ubergizmo , iPad mini announcement rumored for 23rd October, iPad mini announcement rumored for 23rd October

Best Buy reveals Insignia Flex Tablet, 9.7-inches of Android 4.0

It's been a little while since we visited anything from Best Buy's Insignia brand, but this new tablet from the retailer just caught our (or rather a tipster's) eye. Called the Insignia Flex, it's a 9.7-inch, dual-core 1GHz, Android 4.0 slate that promises up to ten hours of battery life. As you can see, the design is unique enough to stand out from the crowd, with a squared off look, and an almost Xperia T-esque curve to the bezel. That's about all we know about it at the minute, other than it being penciled in for release a month from now.

Engadget , Best Buy reveals Insignia Flex Tablet, 9.7-inches of Android 4.0, Best Buy reveals Insignia Flex Tablet, 9.7-inches of Android 4.0

Samsung Galaxy GT-I9260 Premier photo and specs leaked

Last month, we were wondering whether the Samsung Galaxy GT-I9260 Premier would be the eventual Galaxy Nexus successor, while a couple of months back, specifications for this particular device was apparently leaked. Here we are today with a photo of said smartphone in addition to more specifications for your perusal – but whether it will be the next Galaxy Nexus or not remains to be seen, although our money would be on it being most likely considering how many other manufacturers will soon release a Nexus device of their own – sanctioned by Google, of course.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Galaxy GT-I9260 Premier photo and specs leaked, Samsung Galaxy GT-I9260 Premier photo and specs leaked

GE J1458W Digital Camera (Black) Available For Pre-Order

You can now pre-order the black version of the GE J1458W digital camera in the US via B&H Photo. This compact camera retails for $89.99. In case you didn't remember, the GE J1458W sports a 14.1MP 1x2.3″ CCD image sensor, a 28mm wide angle lens, a 5x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, an SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32GB) and 720p HD video recording capabilities.

TechFresh , GE J1458W Digital Camera (Black) Available For Pre-Order, GE J1458W Digital Camera (Black) Available For Pre-Order

Acer's Windows 8-based Iconia W510 tablet hits the FCC, ready for November launch

Now that we've taken a look at the Acer Iconia W510, it's heartening to see it finally hit the FCC. The documentation doesn't tell us much we don't already know about the Windows 8 tablet, though it's interesting to note it packs a 7300mAh battery, which will hopefully lead to that promised nine-hour battery life. As a quick refresher, the W510 packs a Clover Trail-based Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, a 10.1-inch display, and will cost roughly $500 for the 32GB SSD model.

Engadget , Acer's Windows 8-based Iconia W510 tablet hits the FCC, ready for November launch

See also:
itnews, Acer's Windows 8-based Iconia W510 tablet hits the FCC, ready for November launch

Steampunk Your Next Poker Game with Bicycle Steampunk Playing Cards

If you still enjoy playing card games with real cards, Bicycle is now offering decks of Silver Steampunk cards. These Victorian-esque playing cards feature artwork that blends the past with the future in a really cool sci-fi type vibe. The decks are made in the USA, are priced at $5.99 each and feature a silver foil embossed carton.

The Gadgeteer , Steampunk Your Next Poker Game with Bicycle Steampunk Playing Cards, Steampunk Your Next Poker Game with Bicycle Steampunk Playing Cards

What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this

There are an infinite number of impressive aspects to getting a 1992 Audi to clip past the 260-mph barrier. For starters, there's the fact that Jeff Gerner managed to milk a full 1,100 horsepower from the five-cylinder S4 before shuttling the power to the ground via an all-wheel drive system without vaporizing an axle. That alone deserves a round of applause, but for us, the most awe-inspiring aspect of the feat is just how smooth and drama-free the salt flat run was. The video below, whipped up by the artisans at eGarage, shows Gerner doing the deed in Utah. There's no fuss. No wild fights for traction or mechanical failures.

Autoblog , What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this, What's it like to go over 260 mph in an 20-year-old Audi S4? Watch this

NTT DoCoMo unveils winter lineup, pushes big displays, LTE, quad-cores and NFC payments

Just as the air begins to chill, NTT DoCoMo has announced its forthcoming line-up for release in November and December, including nine smartphones, four feature phones and a tablet. As the Japanese populace would no doubt demand, all of the bigger smartphones - from the 4.7-inch Arrows V F-04E through to the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note II - come with 1,280 x 720 displays, a healthy degree of water- and dust-proofing, plus decent quad-core credentials.

Engadget , NTT DoCoMo unveils winter lineup, pushes big displays, LTE, quad-cores and NFC payments, NTT DoCoMo unveils winter lineup, pushes big displays, LTE, quad-cores and NFC payments

Google chairman says there will be 1 billion Android devices by next year

. Sorry, Facebook (FB), but you're about to get some company in the billion global users club. During an interview with AllThingsD, Google (GOOG) chairman Eric Schmidt projected that there will be more than 1 billion Android devices activated by this time next year if the company keeps up its current pace of activating 1.3 million per day.

Boy Genius Report , Google chairman says there will be 1 billion Android devices by next year

See also:
gadgetsdaily, Google chairman says there will be 1 billion Android devices by next year

Kupa UltraNote Windows 8 tablet packs some pretty impressive specs under the hood

Microsoft is set to launch Windows 8 soon which means that we can expect to start seeing more Windows 8 products popping up in the future - desktops, laptops and tablets. Well if you're in the market for a Windows 8 tablet and wanted to see what your options are, Kupa might have something for you in the form of the UltraNote. Pegged for a release in November, Kupa has yet to unveil the pricing for the device although given its specs, we do not expect it to come cheap. So what sort of specs are we looking at here? Well for starters users can look forward to a 10.1" display with a resolution of 1920×1200.

Ubergizmo , Kupa UltraNote Windows 8 tablet packs some pretty impressive specs under the hood, Kupa UltraNote Windows 8 tablet packs some pretty impressive specs under the hood

Popular iOS game Doodle Jump to be turned into an arcade game

For those who own an iOS device, chances are you might have played Doodle Jump at some point in time. If you have and you enjoy the game thoroughly, you might be interested to learn that Doodle Jump will be arriving at an arcade near you soon, assuming you live in the US. Obviously the game will differ from its mobile counterpart, so don't expect to be tilting arcade cabinets any time soon. However given that the arcade version of Doodle Jump will be offered on a 42" HD display, we expect that this will introduce a whole new gaming experience, even for those who have played, or are still playing the game.

Ubergizmo , Popular iOS game Doodle Jump to be turned into an arcade game, Popular iOS game Doodle Jump to be turned into an arcade game

Citicus appoints WiNoble as distributor to serve the growing market for risk management software in Korea

UK company Citicus® Limited has appointed Seoul-based WiNoble, Inc as its Distributor in the Republic of Korea.

Press Release Distribution , Citicus appoints WiNoble as distributor to serve the growing market for risk management software in Korea, Citicus appoints WiNoble as distributor to serve the growing market for risk management software in Korea

BMX Jam races onto the App Store for iPhone, iPad & iPod touch

London, UK - 11 October 2012 - Independent Game Developer Vivid Games is proud to announce BMX Jam, their latest game for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. BMX Jam is a sideways-scrolling time trial game that lets players attempt amazing tricks, rack up mega high scores, and unlock new levels whilst trying to complete challenges in the quickest possible time.

Press Release Distribution , BMX Jam races onto the App Store for iPhone, iPad & iPod touch, BMX Jam races onto the App Store for iPhone, iPad & iPod touch

Lytro camera gets manual controls, new colors and accessories for exacting light-field fans

A frequent gripe of Lytro camera owners has been the hands-off nature of the photography, with that signature infinite focus about the only real fine-tuning that's on tap. As of a fresh firmware upgrade, the light-field camera is much friendlier to demanding shooters. The unconventional point-and-shoot now lets owners manually adjust the ISO sensitivity (80 to 3,200) and shutter speed (1x250th of a second to 8 seconds) as well as lock the exposure or invoke a neutral density filter.

2DayBlog.com , Lytro camera gets manual controls, new colors and accessories for exacting light-field fans, Lytro camera gets manual controls, new colors and accessories for exacting light-field fans

Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Serious PC gamers are always on the lookout for the best gaming peripherals out there. It seems to be an unending quest for most since gaming peripherals introduced year after year is designed to trump those gaming peripherals coming before them. But for those who are not quite that obsessed, this new Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard will do quite fine. The Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is designed for Pc gamers who are quite selective with the peripherals they use when playing their favorite PC games. It comes with highly responsive yet quiet mechanical keys housed in a no-nonsense keyboard design.

Gadget.com , Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

See also:
maximum, Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Razer wants you to choose Project Fiona's CPU/GPU configuration

The other day we reported that Razer had launched a campaign on Facebook in which Project Fiona would be made a reality if they managed to garner 10,000 Likes/Shares. The good news is that it looks like Project Fiona has been given the greenlight and it seems that Razer is keeping true to their motto of, "For Gamers, By Gamers", by actively involving their fans in the process of creating Project Fiona. On Razer's CEO's Facebook page, Min-Liang Tan posed a question to their customers and asked them to choose between four different CPU/GPU configurations.

Ubergizmo , Razer wants you to choose Project Fiona's CPU/GPU configuration

See also:
itband, Razer wants you to choose Project Fiona's CPU/GPU configuration

Sprint reportedly backs off counteroffer for MetroPCS

. Just after T-Mobile announced its merger agreement with MetroPCS last week, we started hearing rumblings that Sprint (S) was poised to make a compelling counteroffer that would get MetroPCS to break off its deal with T-Mobile and merge with Sprint instead.

Boy Genius Report , Sprint reportedly backs off counteroffer for MetroPCS, Sprint reportedly backs off counteroffer for MetroPCS

RIM now accepting apps for BlackBerry 10

. Even though it may be quite some time before the first BlackBerry 10 devices are available, Research in Motion (RIMM) on Wednesday announced that it has begun accepting BlackBerry 10 apps for the company's BlackBerry App World. The sooner developers begin submitting apps, the sooner RIM can publish them. The Waterloo-based company “guaranteed” that apps submitted on Wednesday will be reviewed, tested and ready for publishing when BlackBerry 10 launches in the first quarter of 2013.

Boy Genius Report , RIM now accepting apps for BlackBerry 10, RIM now accepting apps for BlackBerry 10

Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini photo and specs leaked ahead of official launch

Samsung has confirmed that it will be unveiling the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini tomorrow, but apart from its 4" display, what sort of specs will it pack under the hood, and how will it look like. Well the folks at Mobile Geeks have managed to get their hands on a photo of what they claim is the Galaxy S3 Mini along with its specs. Assuming the photo above is true, it seems that Samsung is keeping to the design of the Galaxy S3, albeit in a smaller form factor but apart from that it shares some design similarities.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini photo and specs leaked ahead of official launch, Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini photo and specs leaked ahead of official launch

Avaya Connect Enables Partners to Sell Radvision Scopia Video Solutions

Authorised Avaya partners can expand real-time collaboration offerings with Radvision’s Scopia® video communications solutions More than 50 Avaya Connect Channel Partners selected for fast-track authorisation to sell Radvision Scopia solutions, expanding Radvision’s global reachBasking Ridge, NJ — Avaya today announced that members of its Avaya Connect Channel Partner Program – a reseller program encompassing approximately 10,000 companies globally – can be authorised to sell Radvision Scopia® video solutions as part of their unified communications (UC) offerings.

Press Release Distribution , Avaya Connect Enables Partners to Sell Radvision Scopia Video Solutions, Avaya Connect Enables Partners to Sell Radvision Scopia Video Solutions

Samsung to unveil 4-inch Galaxy S III mini tomorrow in Germany

The rumors were true, the Samsung Galaxy S family is about to get a new member. No, not a Galaxy S IV, but a Galaxy S III mini. The news comes straight from JK Shin, Samsung's president, and the phone will be launching as soon as tomorrow.


GSM Arena , Samsung to unveil 4-inch Galaxy S III mini tomorrow in Germany, Samsung to unveil 4-inch Galaxy S III mini tomorrow in Germany

LG Optimus L9 for T-Mobile hands-on (update: video)

Just a day after it announced the LG Optimus L9, T-Mobile showed the smartphone off at MobileCon 2012. It's definitely a worthy member of the L-series of stylish (yet mid-range) handsets, sporting the same signature look and feel that the Korean manufacturer has taken to heart over the past few months. The device features a 4.5-inch qHD display, 2,150mAh battery, 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor with 1GB RAM, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), 5MP rear camera with 1080p video recording capability, Gorilla Glass 2, 4GB internal storage and external storage capacity and support for the usual T-Mobile HSPA+ radios.






Engadget , LG Optimus L9 for T-Mobile hands-on (update: video), LG Optimus L9 for T-Mobile hands-on (update: video)

Verizon vows to get Voice over LTE running next year

. Carriers can blow smoke over which one has the largest “4G” network since the term “4G” encompasses multiple types of wireless technology. But when it comes to having the largest LTE network - and all tests show that LTE services are faster than HSPA+ and WiMAX - Verizon (VZ) is the undisputed champion. And during the MobileCON wireless trade show on Tuesday, the company announced two major milestones: First, it now covers 400 markets with its LTE services and second, it will have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services up and running by the end of 2013.

Boy Genius Report , Verizon vows to get Voice over LTE running next year, Verizon vows to get Voice over LTE running next year

Google goes back to basics, announces GSA 7.0 for all of your enterprise searching needs

Long before retail outlets were flooded with Android-powered electronics, Google embarked on its maiden voyage into the world of hardware. Venturing out into uncharted waters, the then only web search company released a glaring yellow box known as the Google Search Appliance. Sticking to its search engine roots, Google's first piece of enterprise hardware was designed to help its customers perform fast and effective searches of internal networks. While the GSA may not be the search juggernaut's most noteworthy piece of equipment, it doesn't mean that the company has abandoned its original vision for the platform.

Engadget , Google goes back to basics, announces GSA 7.0 for all of your enterprise searching needs, Google goes back to basics, announces GSA 7.0 for all of your enterprise searching needs

Petrolicious sets its lenses on the outrageous Lamborghini Countach

It's easy to forget just how insane the Lamborghini Countach was when it debuted in 1971. While the rest of the world was still focused on producing sports cars with flowing, organic body lines, Lamborghini pulled back the sheets on fiendishly-low Countach with it's razor-sharp panel creases and plethora of vents and ducts. Very simply, there had never been anything like this car on the road before. Maybe that's why it holds onto our imaginations so rabidly. It's more than having owned the poster.

Autoblog , Petrolicious sets its lenses on the outrageous Lamborghini Countach, Petrolicious sets its lenses on the outrageous Lamborghini Countach

Rumor: Apple may have changed iPad Mini design at the last minute

A report from a Japanese manufactuer of cases implies that Apple's production woes on the iPad Mini may be due to an unexpected last-minute design change. Considering that we don't even know if the iPad Mini is a real thing yet, we should take this with a heavy dose of skepticism.  Japanese Mac blog Macotakara reports that the leaks we've seen may not end up being the final design:. Since iPad Mini invitations are rumored to go out tomorrow, it's not clear whether this means that OEMs bet on the wrong design, or whether the iPad Mini has production problems that may mean that it misses the holiday season.

Ubergizmo , Rumor: Apple may have changed iPad Mini design at the last minute, Rumor: Apple may have changed iPad Mini design at the last minute

Robotherapist 3D Spanish stroke rehabilitation robot targets worldwide patent

Being a stroke patient these days, you have a far better quality of life and higher chance of returning to a normal lifestyle with the kind of medical technologies and advances at our disposal. Well, robots come into the picture, too, with the Robotherapist 3D being a robot which is touted to aids stroke patients' recovery. This is the first robot of its kind that is touted to enable patients to begin exercises while supine, making sure that the recovery process is expedited. Somehow, living in the world of instant noodles, this does not come across as too much of a surprise to us.

Ubergizmo , Robotherapist 3D Spanish stroke rehabilitation robot targets worldwide patent, Robotherapist 3D Spanish stroke rehabilitation robot targets worldwide patent

Chinese company has successfully cracked microchip inside Apple's Lightning cable

. It was only a matter of time before somebody managed to crack Apple's (AAPL) Lightning cable. Apple's new charging cable came under fire after it was discovered an authentification chip was embedded inside of it that prevented third-parties from easily making clones. A Chinese company claims it has successfully reverse engineered Apple's cable with a new dock called the Flash Lightning Dock. The wiring on the third-party Lightning dock even glows when its charging or syncing, with the lights pulsing faster and slower depending on how much battery is left in an iPhone 5.

Boy Genius Report , Chinese company has successfully cracked microchip inside Apple's Lightning cable, Chinese company has successfully cracked microchip inside Apple's Lightning cable

Algiz 10X rugged tablet laughs at life's challenges

When the going gets tough, the tough do not stay put. They get going. Along with the rest of their earthly possessions too, of course. After all, no modern day tough road warrior is going to leave home without his or her smartphone and tablet, and if the latter tends to fail on you, you might want to consider picking up the Algiz 10X rugged tablet instead.

Ubergizmo , Algiz 10X rugged tablet laughs at life's challenges, Algiz 10X rugged tablet laughs at life's challenges

Preorders for Windows Phone 8 devices will reportedly begin on October 21st

. There's a lot to love about Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows Phone 8. There's no doubt that Windows Phone  8′s official October 29th launch will be big, but when will eager fans be able to put in their orders for a colorful smartphone. According to The Verge's sources, preorders for Windows Phone 8 devices will begin on October 21st. Devices such as the Nokia (NOK) Lumia 920 and HTC (2498)  Windows Phone 8X can be reserved on that date, although actual release dates will vary.

Boy Genius Report , Preorders for Windows Phone 8 devices will reportedly begin on October 21st, Preorders for Windows Phone 8 devices will reportedly begin on October 21st

Cambium Networks and allpay Broadband Win NextGen Challenge 2012

9 October 2012 — Cambium Networks and Herefordshire-based allpay Broadband have won the ‘rural leadership and community development’ award at the NextGen Challenge 2012.

Press Release Distribution , Cambium Networks and allpay Broadband Win NextGen Challenge 2012, Cambium Networks and allpay Broadband Win NextGen Challenge 2012

Microsoft backs free Boingo WiFi in NYC and San Francisco, hopes you'll see Metro on the metro

Microsoft is about to launch a giant media blitz for Windows 8, and it wants to guarantee that even those of us heads-down in our laptops and smartphones take notice. It's sponsoring Boingo's WiFi, making it free at popular locations in New York City and San Francisco through the holidays to pitch both its new OS and the Windows Store.

Engadget , Microsoft backs free Boingo WiFi in NYC and San Francisco, hopes you'll see Metro on the metro, Microsoft backs free Boingo WiFi in NYC and San Francisco, hopes you'll see Metro on the metro

McAfee shows how major Android scamware ticks, prevents us from learning first-hand

Most Android malware lives in the margins, away from Google Play and the more reliable app shops. It's nonetheless a good idea to be on the lookout for rogue code, and McAfee has stepped in with thorough explanations of how one of the most common scamware strains, Android.FakeInstaller, works its sinister ways. The bait is typically a search-optimized fake app market or website; the apps themselves not only present a legitimate-looking front but include dynamic code to stymie any reverse engineering.

2DayBlog.com , McAfee shows how major Android scamware ticks, prevents us from learning first-hand, McAfee shows how major Android scamware ticks, prevents us from learning first-hand

New native Facebook Android app coming soon as final internal testing begins

. There's a perfectly good reason why the majority of mobile Facebook (FB) users are choosing to get their social network fix through the mobile website instead of through apps: the apps stink. Well, at least for Android, it still stinks. The Facebook app on iOS received a much-needed speed and stability boost when the company dumped HTML5 for re-written native code. Engadget has learned that a native version of the Facebook app for Android is in the final phases of internal testing and should be released very soon.

Boy Genius Report , New native Facebook Android app coming soon as final internal testing begins, New native Facebook Android app coming soon as final internal testing begins

Ladies Love It: Evoque wins Women's World Car of the Year

The 2012 Women's World Car of the Year Award winners are in, and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has taken top honors. A jury of female auto writers from a total of 12 countries all voted on this year's winners over four categories, including Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car, though the panel also awards a trophy for "supreme winner." This year, the Evoque took first place in both Luxury Car and supreme winner segments. The jury of Women's World Car of the Year, which comprises women motoring writers from 12 countries, has completed the voting process to announce their choices for the best cars of 2012.

Autoblog , Ladies Love It: Evoque wins Women's World Car of the Year, Ladies Love It: Evoque wins Women's World Car of the Year

Must See HDTV (October 8th - 14th)

The fall premiere season is hardly over, with CW taking the wraps off of if its new comic book adaptation, Arrow (preview video embedded after the break) while NBC and ABC unveil Chicago Fire and Nashville. Of course, some old favorites are returning too, and web series Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blogis making its TV debut Tuesday night. Oh, and some little flick called E.T. is coming home on Blu-ray for the first time. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames.

Engadget , Must See HDTV (October 8th - 14th), Must See HDTV (October 8th - 14th)

Apple and Google spent more on patents than R&D in 2011

The New York Times' excellent iEconomy series wrapped up this morning with a look into the current patent wars going on between Apple and other technology companies. A close read reveals several disconcerting facts: over $20 billion was spent on patent litigation and acquisition in 2011, which a hefty chunk of money. Also, in 2011, Google and Apple spent more on patents than on research and development. If there was ever a statistic that backs up the “patents are hindering creativity” argument, you've got it.
Of course, that individual statistic takes into account Google's patent-motivated $12 billion purchase of Motorola.

Ubergizmo , Apple and Google spent more on patents than R&D in 2011, Apple and Google spent more on patents than R&D in 2011

Galaxy S3 becomes all-time top-selling device with T-Mobile

Samsung launched the third release on its Galaxy S line-up of smartphones, Galaxy S3, with a lot of high hopes. The company went a long way to equip the device with the top-of-the-range hardware as well as a number of really cool features. Subsequently, after the launch, Samsung officials cited high hopes with the sales of Galaxy S3. Back in August this year, while the iPhone 4S sales had retarded in anticipation for the iPhone 5 release, Galaxy S3 was able to grab the crown of being the top-selling smartphone in the U.S. One would've thought that after the release of iPhone 5, Samsung's sales may suffer an imminent decline.

Ubergizmo , Galaxy S3 becomes all-time top-selling device with T-Mobile, Galaxy S3 becomes all-time top-selling device with T-Mobile

WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers]

Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for a shocking announcement: Sébastien Loeb has won the 2012 World Rally Championship title, and his Red-Bull-sponsored Citroën team took home the manufacturer's trophy. For those keeping track, this is Loeb's ninth WRC title, and the season-clinching win at Rally France – in front of fans from his hometown of Haguenau, no less – marks the 75th time Loeb has driven to victory in the series. So dominant was Loeb in 2012 that his title has been secured with two races remaining on the calendar.

Autoblog , WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers], WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers]

RIM Lamp

Lamps in the home are no longer just functional sources of light. They also provide a lot of aesthetic value. That is why how lamps look matters a lot when people would want to have them around in the home. That's why there are intriguing ones like the RIM Lamp that can easily capture anyone's attention.
The RIM Lamp is a unique lampshade that utilizes simple lines and form and yet offer arresting looks if seen at the home. This unique lamp is designed by Paris-based Japanese designer Jun Yasumoto and features a circular lampshade with a translucent fabric seemingly attached to a base.

Gadget.com , RIM Lamp, RIM Lamp

M-Phone is an elegant concept phone with adjustable dual display

A number of recent innovations in the smartphone arena have been rather radical – and yet, they've garnered massive successes. A most recent example is that of Apple's iPhone 5. Before the release of the device, many had criticized the new dimensions of the display, citing how it may turn out to be be a failure since it was a departure from the regular display dimensions. As it turns out, the new iPhone is a massive success, setting a number of sales records. This success of iPhone 5 has also reaffirmed that any radical change, if it is to the taste of the consumers, has a chance of becoming a major success.

Ubergizmo , M-Phone is an elegant concept phone with adjustable dual display, M-Phone is an elegant concept phone with adjustable dual display

BBC announces YouTube original content channels for science, nature

Hot on the heels of YouTube's launch of 60 new original content channels, the BBC has announced that it will be partnering with Google's video service to present two of those. The UK broadcaster said it will introduce a nature channel, with content coming from its BBC Earth Productions unit, and a science channel featuring Top Gear presenter James May "and his crack team of scientists." The new portals will come online in 2013, and "Auntie Beeb" has also redesigned its six current YouTube stations and added new clips from Top Gear (season 18) and other original programs, too.

Engadget , BBC announces YouTube original content channels for science, nature, BBC announces YouTube original content channels for science, nature

Titan's team is over 100 people

While many Blizzard fans are preoccupied at the moment by pudgy pandas punching everything in sight, an interview by Curse with Blizzard vice president of game design Rob Pardo reveals that the development of its mysterious Titan MMO project is in full swing with a team that now numbers in the triple digits. "We are definitely in the middle of development at this point," Pardo said. "The team is over 100 people now." He also explained core development started small in teams of two or three hashing out concepts before growing over the course of four years.

2DayBlog.com , Titan's team is over 100 people, Titan's team is over 100 people

Motorola says goodbye to Webtop functionality

There are some ideas that just capture the world's imagination by storm, while others do not really do that well, fading into obscurity along the way. Well, you can say that Motorola's Webtop concept that was launched with the original Atrix 4G in tow peered into an alternate version of the future which was not meant to be – one that saw our computers being replaced by a smartphone that is hooked up to a Lapdock. Having said that, Motorola has just confirmed that devices from the Photon Q 4G LTE and Droid RAZR M families onward will no longer offer Webtop functionality, and neither will future versions.

Ubergizmo , Motorola says goodbye to Webtop functionality, Motorola says goodbye to Webtop functionality

Pioneer's latest Raku Navi GPS units take commands from hand gestures

An AR heads-up display wasn't the only navigation hardware Pioneer showed off at CEATEC 2012. The firm also took the opportunity to tear the wraps off a new line of gesture-controlled Raku Navi GPS units. With the infrared-powered Air Gesture feature, drivers can wave their hand in front of a device to pull up a menu with commands such as setting their home or a personal haunt as a destination or skipping to the next tune on a playlist. Once a hand is retracted, the menu will be replaced with the usual map interface. Though the solution isn't completely hands-free, horizontal hand waves can be assigned one of ten different functions.

Engadget , Pioneer's latest Raku Navi GPS units take commands from hand gestures, Pioneer's latest Raku Navi GPS units take commands from hand gestures