Mobile Miscellany: week of October 29th, 2012

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, Cricket added a compact smartphone to its lineup, new press images landed for Verizon's next QWERTY-enabled handset and Canadian carriers grabbed a rugged smartphone from Samsung. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of October 29th, 2012.





Engadget , Mobile Miscellany: week of October 29th, 2012, Mobile Miscellany: week of October 29th, 2012

Bell gearing up for November 15th HTC 8X release

Windows Phone fans in the Great White North shouldn't have to wait long to get their hands on HTC's latest piece of kit - a internal Bell document obtained by MobileSyrup pegs the 8X for a November 15th launch. The reported Canadian launch date trails T-Mobile's availability by a mere day, noting that pre-ordered devices could ship out as early as November 9th. Not too surprising, considering the phone just skipped through the FCC with support for the entire north American continent. No word on pricing, but the page's listed specs nicely match the brightly colored 4.3-inch, 1.5GHz dual-core slab we reviewed.

Engadget , Bell gearing up for November 15th HTC 8X release, Bell gearing up for November 15th HTC 8X release

Julie's Gadget Diary – It may be iPad Mini day for some, but it's Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 day for me!

I've been wanting to try the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 for awhile now, and I finally caved in and ordered one yesterday afternoon from Amazon. Thanks to my Amazon Prime membership, shipping was only $3.99 for next day. UPS just dropped it off to me about 20 minutes ago. How's that for almost instant gratification. But guess what, that's not the only thing I ordered… A few days ago I decided to order a Chromebook. In an effort to cure my mid-life tech crisis, I've decided to use these devices in a couple of experiments. 

Since the Chromebook is on back order, my first experiment will involve the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.

The Gadgeteer , Julie's Gadget Diary â€" It may be iPad Mini day for some, but it's Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 day for me!, Julie's Gadget Diary â€" It may be iPad Mini day for some, but it's Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 day for me!

Retailer accidentally sells Lumia 920 a bit lower, honors wrong pricing anyway

Mistakes are inevitable. They are forgivable too, but only if one has the courage to admit them. But a retailer in Australia seems to be taking a different approach. Australian-based retailer Harvey Norman accidentally listed the pricing of the Nokia 920 as worth AUD $699 while the less-speccy Lumia 820 was priced a hundred dollars even more – AUD $799. Now, most businesses who face a similar dilemma will usually release an official statement to its customers apologizing for the mistake.

Ubergizmo , Retailer accidentally sells Lumia 920 a bit lower, honors wrong pricing anyway, Retailer accidentally sells Lumia 920 a bit lower, honors wrong pricing anyway

Kobo Glo review: another illuminated e-reader lights up the market

There's nothing like a good underdog story. Aside from last year's failed Vox tablet, Kobo has made some quality devices, but has still failed to make a huge dent in the e-reader market - a space dominated by Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In the case of the Glo front-lit e-reader ($129), Kobo might just be hampered by unfortunate timing. Though the company managed to get a jump on things in the last round with the Kobo Touch, the Glo comes on the heels of similar devices, the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.










Engadget , Kobo Glo review: another illuminated e-reader lights up the market, Kobo Glo review: another illuminated e-reader lights up the market

Mexican Drug Cartels Have Technology Departments Staffed With Kidnapped Engineers

The Mexican Drug Cartels are a couple of billion-dollar organizations requiring secure communications and logisitcs, so it would make total sense for them to have thriving IT departments. They do, but it looks like they're staffed with engineers who have been kidnapped. According to a report from Mexican news site Animal Politico, 36 engineers and technicians have simply vanished in the past four years, never to be heard from again. Most Mexican kidnappings include a ransom, but these guys have just vanished–and they include at least one IBM employee.

Ubergizmo , Mexican Drug Cartels Have Technology Departments Staffed With Kidnapped Engineers, Mexican Drug Cartels Have Technology Departments Staffed With Kidnapped Engineers

Steamer Trading Cookshop Opens The Doors To Its Online Store

Lewes, East SussexSteamer Trading, the UK’s leading independent cookware shop, has opened the virtual doors to its online store. Food-lovers can now head to www.steamer.co.uk and purchase everything from cake pop moulds to asparagus steamers to berry pickers, from exciting brands including Le Creuset, KitchenAid and Joseph Joseph.Offline, Steamer has 28 stores in cities from Chester to Brighton, and is much-loved by customers who value the expertise and knowledge of store staff and the unique range of quality kitchenware in-stock.

Press Release Distribution , Steamer Trading Cookshop Opens The Doors To Its Online Store, Steamer Trading Cookshop Opens The Doors To Its Online Store

The Lost Shores will be the next Guild Wars 2 update

A couple of days ago we reported that one of the reasons why ArenaNet was not extending their Shadow of the Mad King Halloween event was because they had another major content updated planned for the 15th of November. Some of you guys asked us what the update would contain and now we have an answer for you. ArenaNet has revealed that the next major content update would be called The Lost Shores and while the exact nature of the update remains somewhat a mystery, we can only guess that it has something to do with the sea - at least based on what we can see in the image above.

Ubergizmo , The Lost Shores will be the next Guild Wars 2 update, The Lost Shores will be the next Guild Wars 2 update

Replay Social Denim jeans updates your social network

What are some of the tools that you have used to ensure that your friends will know just where you are, and what you are doing or the restaurant that you just visited for some good food. A smartphone and a tablet would be the primary modes of updating one's social networks while on-the-go, apart from using such apps when seated in front of your notebook or computer, of course. How about a pair of jeans. Wait a minute here, how can something you wear be used to update your social network status.

Ubergizmo , Replay Social Denim jeans updates your social network

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Apple applies for anti-theft patent

In the future, your smartphone – presumably the iPhone in this case, would be able to know whether it is in the process of being stolen or not. The thing is, how does a device know just the right kind of movement to claim that a theft is in progress, compared to you furiously whipping out your handset from the pocket because you were expecting an urgent call. Apple is working on finding the difference, but just to be prepared, they have gone ahead to file a patent application for a, “acceleration-based theft detection system for portable electronic devices.”.

Ubergizmo , Apple applies for anti-theft patent, Apple applies for anti-theft patent

Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R (video)

Imagine, for a moment, this scene taking place way back in the 1960s:. "Ford has so much success with the Shelby racing program in the US, they had the new Indy motor that they wanted to get more development out of, they wanted to promote the Mustang more in Europe, and Martini Racing was just coming about. So the idea behind the car is that Ford contacted Martini and asked if they would do some testing on the Indy engine if they gave them some performance parts from Shelby.".
It didn't actually happen, but it's a unique bit of historical coulda-woulda-shoulda-been described to us by Peter Harksell of Pure Vision Design.











Autoblog , Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R (video), Pure Vision Design imagines what could have been with Martini Racing 1966 Ford Mustang T-5R (video)

Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat, has stated that the planned unification of both companies will have to wait a little longer as the Italian automaker grapples with the European financial crisis. Marchionne has previously stated that the goal was to achieve unification as early as 2014, but that has temporarily been put on the back burner while Fiat aims to strengthen its finances. In a Reuters report, Marchionne said, "The objective has always been to try and bring unification by 2014 or 2015.

Autoblog , Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015, Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015

X-Mini UNO and MAX – New “Sound Beyond Size”

I love my X-Mini II Capsule and Max II Capsule speakers and X-Mini has just released upgrades to both these lines.  Both the new mono UNO and the stereo MAX now come with ceramic tweeters which produce a wider frequency range covering higher and lower sounds and battery life has been increased up to 20 hours on the UNO. The UNO now has a weighted base to stop it bouncing around (something that many people actually found amusing and an “advantage” with the old line ) and charging is now via micro-USB to make it more compatible with current chargers (can I claim this one as it's something I mentioned in my reviews ).

The Gadgeteer , X-Mini UNO and MAX â€" New “Sound Beyond Size”, X-Mini UNO and MAX â€" New “Sound Beyond Size”

Apple to pay maximum of $1 per iPhone for Motorola Mobility's wireless patents

I find it rather interesting that we have heard anecdotes of the late Steve Jobs doing his utmost best to squeeze every single penny possible from Apple's suppliers while doing business, and it is perhaps this kind of mindset that had led Cupertino to inform a Wisconsin court that they will not pay a penny more than $1 to Google-owned Motorola Mobility when it comes to licensing their standard-essential wireless patents. This stark admission by Apple would be the first time Cupertino revealed that they are willing to license standard-essential patents from Motorola.

Ubergizmo , Apple to pay maximum of $1 per iPhone for Motorola Mobility's wireless patents

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Pentagon will continue to use BlackBerry phones

In spite of an era that is dominated by iPhone 5s, Galaxy smartphones, and Nexus devices, Research In Motion continues to prove its reliability in terms of security, at least to the Pentagon. The Pentagon, the heart of America's security and defense, said today that it will continue to use and support BlackBerry phones. This is definitely a good news for the struggling BlackBerry maker, considering that the U.S. military has plans of using other devices such as the iPhone from Apple.
Last week, the U.S.

Ubergizmo , Pentagon will continue to use BlackBerry phones, Pentagon will continue to use BlackBerry phones

AMP-Foot 2.0 prosthesis gives the power of real feet, keeps a light step (video)

It was five years ago that prosthetics took a very literal step forward when Arizona State University's SPARKy foot offered a more natural walk, capturing the inherent kinetic energy that previously needed a big motor to replicate. Belgium's Vrije Universiteit Brussel may well carry the torch for the next wave of artificial limbs. Its second-generation Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot (AMP-Foot 2.0) uses a pair of force sensors to determine the leg's relative position and let an actuator build energy when the foot bends, locking the power away to use only when the owner pushes off.

Engadget , AMP-Foot 2.0 prosthesis gives the power of real feet, keeps a light step (video), AMP-Foot 2.0 prosthesis gives the power of real feet, keeps a light step (video)

iTunes accepting relief donations for Hurricane Sandy victims

Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern parts of the U.S., is considered to be the largest recorded Atlantic hurricane in terms of diameter, with winds reaching 1,100 miles. Now Apple is working with the American Red Cross to help thousands of victims affected by the tropical storm. Apple has setup a page in the iTunes Store for people to pledge donations ranging from $5 to $200, as shown in the image above. You can check it out here.
Additionally, Amazon also partnered with the American Red Cross and has also launched a page for relief donations. You can view it here.

Ubergizmo , iTunes accepting relief donations for Hurricane Sandy victims

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Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas

These are the funky quintet of five custom Ford Focus STs that were teased not long ago, built by Tanner Foust Racing, Bojix, M&J Enterprises, Galpin Auto Sports and Steeda Autosports.





Autoblog , Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas, Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas

2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut

Subaru has released two pictures and some preliminary details of the all-new 2014 Forester that will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The new Forester arrives with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will make 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The exterior adds some more refinement and the turbo model loses its iconic hood scoop – something some of us are glad to see go.

Autoblog , 2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut, 2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut

Cosworth preparing 330-hp Ford Focus ST for SEMA

Cosworth has something special planned for SEMA 2012. Later this week, the company will unveil its take on the Ford Focus ST, complete with around 330 horsepower. The suitably named CS 330 is technically a concept car and features a few tweaks to turn up the grunt. Those include a new exhaust and intake as well as "improved thermal management." We take that to mean there's a revised intercooler at work on this hatchback, and we'd guess the minds behind this creation played a bit with the turbo set up as well.

Autoblog , Cosworth preparing 330-hp Ford Focus ST for SEMA, Cosworth preparing 330-hp Ford Focus ST for SEMA

Sony NEX-5R review: focusing and performance improvements make this cam a winner

By some accounts, Sony botched the NEX-F3. Positioned as the successor to the fantastic C3, it replaced that camera's slim profile with a bulkier build, but sacrificed basic display tilt functionality in favor of a front-facing model. Image quality was fine, but focusing speeds fell short. Fortunately, the company has redeemed itself with the $750 NEX-5R. The mirrorless camera you'll read about today represents everything a successful update should: performance has been improved all around, the touchscreen tilts in every which way and the design has changed only for the better.










Engadget , Sony NEX-5R review: focusing and performance improvements make this cam a winner, Sony NEX-5R review: focusing and performance improvements make this cam a winner

Pandora app gets major redesign on Android and iOS with new social features

Numerically, going from version 3.2 of an app to 4.0 makes much more sense than starting at 1.7. But, Pandora won't let a little thing like logic stand in its way. Today both the iOS and Android editions of the internet radio app are being updated to 4.0, regardless of the latter's lagging version number. 4.0 brings with it a significant refresh of the UI which Pandora bills as "uniform," though we'd call them feature equivalent instead. "Uniform" implies that the apps look exactly the same, when in fact they adhere to the to the design language of their respective platforms.






Engadget , Pandora app gets major redesign on Android and iOS with new social features, Pandora app gets major redesign on Android and iOS with new social features