Saturday, November 30, 2013

Android 4.4 KitKat Reportedly Degrades Video Playback

Android 4.4 KitKat Reportedly Degrades Video Playback

For the most part, receiving software updates is something to look forward to because this usually involves bug fixes, performance improvements, and sometimes even new features as well. Unfortunately it seems that Android 4.4 KitKat might not necessarily be the update the video lovers might be looking forward to. According to a study conducted by OptoFidelity, it has been found that video playback on Android 4.4 KitKat is actually worse compared to playback on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

Ubergizmo , Android 4.4 KitKat Reportedly Degrades Video Playback, Android 4.4 KitKat Reportedly Degrades Video Playback

Friday, November 29, 2013

SMS exploit can remotely reboot Nexus handsets

SMS exploit can remotely reboot Nexus handsets

A new security exploit affecting a number of Nexus smartphones has been made public, revealing a fault with the way the devices handle Flash SMS. The vulnerability, discovered by Bogdan Alecu, can force a device to remotely reboot, freeze, and face connectivity issues as a result. Flash SMS is a special class of text message that by default is not stored by the system and triggers no audio alert. These are typically encountered as system alerts. When received on an Android device, such a message takes priority, popping up over any open apps or windows.

Android Phone , SMS exploit can remotely reboot Nexus handsets, SMS exploit can remotely reboot Nexus handsets

Thursday, November 28, 2013

MOSS Robot Kit Helps You Get Started Even Without Having A Clue

MOSS Robot Kit Helps You Get Started Even Without Having A Clue

Modular Robotics, a company that hails from Boulder, Colorado, is all set to roll out a collection of robot-building kits to those who are interested, where it would enable you to work on just about any kind of robot that you would like – just use your imagination. Even better is the fact that there is no need for any kind of programming, now how about that. These kits are called MOSS, and they will come in a variety of sizes. The larger sized MOSS kits will feature pieces that let you build your robot, where all of the plastic has been molded around several exposed magnets and ball bearings, so that connecting them would be a snap.

Ubergizmo , MOSS Robot Kit Helps You Get Started Even Without Having A Clue, MOSS Robot Kit Helps You Get Started Even Without Having A Clue

Sony Pictures Registered The Last Of Us Movie Domain

Sony Pictures Registered The Last Of Us Movie Domain

When it comes to video games being turned into movies, it is not often that blockbusters arrive on the silver screen. Rather, it is more or less the case of the movie bombing, while the game itself continues to make tons of money. Remember Mortal Kombat. How about Super Mario Bros. Even Mario's widespread appeal could not prevent a box office bomb. Well, Sony does have a pretty decent movie studio, and their forays into Spiderman have proven to be rather lucrative in the past, so they might be casting an eye on turning video games into movies as well.

Ubergizmo , Sony Pictures Registered The Last Of Us Movie Domain, Sony Pictures Registered The Last Of Us Movie Domain

Oppo R827T Receives Certification From Chinese Authorities In China

Oppo R827T Receives Certification From Chinese Authorities In China

The company known as Oppo is starting to grow to be a force that ought to be reckoned with its growing list of smartphones that were released in recent memory, and this time around, we have word that yet another smartphone from Oppo has already been certified by the Chinese Authorities in China. This particular mystery handset happens to be the Oppo R827T, and just about all of its specifications have been revealed to the masses. For starters, we do know that the Oppo R827T will arrive with a 4.7-inch display that has 960 x 540 pixel resolution, not to mention running on a quad-core 1.2GHz processor according to the filing.

Ubergizmo , Oppo R827T Receives Certification From Chinese Authorities In China, Oppo R827T Receives Certification From Chinese Authorities In China

Why we switched from the iPad Air to the iPad mini with Retina display

Why we switched from the iPad Air to the iPad mini with Retina display

iPad Air (left) and iPad mini with Retina display (right). Dave Rees recently told us about his experiences when he and Ryan Chapman bought Apple‘s new iPad Air on release day.  I also bought a new iPad Air on release day, and I had been happily using it as a replacement for my first-gen iPad mini.  Eventually both Dave and I replaced our new Airs with the new iPad mini with Retina display.  Why?  We're happy to tell your our reasoning.  My comments will be in black and Dave's will be in .

Click on any image to enlarge it.

I had only gotten the first mini because there was a promise of a job requiring one.
Why we switched from the iPad Air to the iPad mini with Retina display

Why we switched from the iPad Air to the iPad mini with Retina display


The Gadgeteer , Why we switched from the iPad Air to the iPad mini with Retina display, Why we switched from the iPad Air to the iPad mini with Retina display

LG G Flex Global Release Reportedly Slated For Early December

LG G Flex Global Release Reportedly Slated For Early December

LG appears to be much more serious about its flexible smartphone, the G Flex, as opposed to the Samsung Galaxy Round. The latter is said to be a prototype of sorts which has only been released in extremely limited quantity in Korea, global launch is not expect. On the other hand LG has already talked about its plans of taking the G Flex around the world, and the release might kick off from early December. Latest reports suggest that LG is holding a launch event of the device on December 3rd in Hong Kong which will mark the global release of the device. Invitations for this event have reportedly been sent out.

Ubergizmo , LG G Flex Global Release Reportedly Slated For Early December, LG G Flex Global Release Reportedly Slated For Early December

DSS Sues Apple For Patent Infringement

DSS Sues Apple For Patent Infringement

Apple has more often than not been the party that brings someone else to court, but this time around, they are on the receiving end of a lawsuit after being sued by patent company DSS Technology Management. The reason for this lawsuit. DSS claims that Apple has allegedly infringed a couple of patents of theirs that have something to do with using wireless peripheral devices. Oh yeah, just so that everyone is on the same page, DSS stands for Document Security Systems.

Ubergizmo , DSS Sues Apple For Patent Infringement, DSS Sues Apple For Patent Infringement

Study on Europe’s Digital Powerhouses: Software Clusters Compared

London is Europe’s global hub for IT Services and Venture CapitalBerkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire leads in employment and industry-specific factors such as gross pay and attractiveness to investorsLondon, UK, 28/11/2013 – European software clusters are unique: They have clearly distinguishable profiles when it comes to, R&D activities, specialisation, and economic success. This is according to the “EU Software Cluster Benchmark 2013” (www.softwareclusterbenchmark.eu) published today by the German Software-Cluster.

Press Release Distribution , Study on Europe’s Digital Powerhouses: Software Clusters Compared, Study on Europe’s Digital Powerhouses: Software Clusters Compared

Samsung Galaxy S5 Might Not Have OIS After All [Rumor]

Samsung Galaxy S5 Might Not Have OIS After All [Rumor]

It was just recently when the alleged specs of the Samsung Galaxy S5 was leaked and according to the rumors, one of the alleged features of the upcoming device is a 16MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) on board. However as it turns out, a rumor from ETNews, it has been suggested that perhaps the Samsung Galaxy S5's camera might not come with OIS after all. Apparently this is due to Samsung unable to get all the necessary components in time, which means that OIS for the Galaxy S5 will be omitted and instead be reserved for Samsung's devices later in 2014, presumably the Galaxy Note 4 as being one of them.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Galaxy S5 Might Not Have OIS After All [Rumor], Samsung Galaxy S5 Might Not Have OIS After All [Rumor]

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Google Introduces Chromecast-Specific App Segment To Play Store App

Google Introduces Chromecast-Specific App Segment To Play Store App

When it comes to Google's support for their very own Chromecast, you can more or less say that that it still remains rather limited, although there is always the bright promise of additional apps being worked on for the future. Still, the apps that play nice with Chromecast right now happen to be widely used by many, including the likes of YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Play Movies, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, and of course as recently as last week, HBO Go. Well, we have good news for you – Google is working on rolling out the official Chromecast SDK which will hopefully see a deeper level of integration of apps.

Ubergizmo , Google Introduces Chromecast-Specific App Segment To Play Store App, Google Introduces Chromecast-Specific App Segment To Play Store App

Apple's PrimeSense Acquisition Could Be Used To Improve Maps

Apple's PrimeSense Acquisition Could Be Used To Improve Maps

The other day we reported that Apple had confirmed that they had just closed a deal with Israeli-based tech company, PrimeSense, which saw Apple acquire the company for anywhere between $300-$350 million. It had been rumored that due to PrimeSense's early involvement with the Microsoft Kinect sensor, at least the first-generation, that Apple could be looking at using the motion detecting technology and incorporate it into the company's rumored iTV. However while that might be a possibility, new information has surfaced that has suggested Apple's interest in PrimeSense might not necessarily be TV-related.

Ubergizmo , Apple's PrimeSense Acquisition Could Be Used To Improve Maps, Apple's PrimeSense Acquisition Could Be Used To Improve Maps

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Apple Tweaks App Store Search Engine To Disregard Spelling Mistakes

Apple Tweaks App Store Search Engine To Disregard Spelling Mistakes

While there's nothing inherently wrong with the virtual QWERTY keyboard on iOS devices, making mistakes while typing is inevitable. Accidently place your finger on an alphabet you don't want to enter and the touchscreen registers it as a tap, which results in a typo. The App Store's search engine used to be very specific, making a spelling mistake when searching for an app's would result in that app not being displayed in the search results. TechCrunch claims to have learnt that Apple tweaked the search engine a few weeks ago and it now disregards misspelled queries. This obviously results into better search results.

Ubergizmo , Apple Tweaks App Store Search Engine To Disregard Spelling Mistakes, Apple Tweaks App Store Search Engine To Disregard Spelling Mistakes

Next Audi R8 to be up to 130 pounds lighter

Next Audi R8 to be up to 130 pounds lighter

"Simplify and add lightness," as Lotus founder Colin Chapman said. In a world where even supercars are subject to environmental, efficiency and emissions standards, lighter vehicles are being looked on as a sort of panacea - make it lighter, and it's automatically faster, more agile, easier to brake and better on gas. Knowing this, it comes as no shock that Audi is looking at ways to lighten up its next-generation R8, with the brand's head of technical development Ulrich Hackenberg targeting a 110- to 130-pound diet for the mid-engine rocket. This supports previous reports regarding the focus for the next R8.

Autoblog , Next Audi R8 to be up to 130 pounds lighter, Next Audi R8 to be up to 130 pounds lighter

Xbox One's Upload Studio Can Get You Banned Temporarily If You Curse A Lot

Xbox One's Upload Studio Can Get You Banned Temporarily If You Curse A Lot

We think it's safe to say playing video games and cursing up a storm goes hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. Sure – many of us try to live a life free to expletives, but that doesn't mean the rest of the population will hold back their potty mouths, but Microsoft apparently is attempting to do so within its Upload Studio application. Some Xbox One users have run into some issues with their uploaded videos using the consoles Upload Studio app.

Ubergizmo , Xbox One's Upload Studio Can Get You Banned Temporarily If You Curse A Lot, Xbox One's Upload Studio Can Get You Banned Temporarily If You Curse A Lot

3D-Printed Batteries May Come Sooner Than You Think

3D-Printed Batteries May Come Sooner Than You Think

3D printing has certainly taken off over the past couple of years as we've seen some amazing products created only using 3D printing. As impressed as we've been in the past over 3D printed goods, being able to 3D print batteries has just completely blown our minds. In the past, 3D printing batteries has caused way too many issues to actually be implemented, but new inks and tools are now making the possibility of printing a 3D lithium ion battery a reality.

Ubergizmo , 3D-Printed Batteries May Come Sooner Than You Think, 3D-Printed Batteries May Come Sooner Than You Think

Moto G 8GB available in the UK for £130

Moto G 8GB available in the UK for £130

The Moto G hit the UK a couple of weeks ago, but availability hasnÂ't been the best. In fact, the 16GB version is still on pre-order. The 8GB version, however, is available right now from Amazon UK on the announced £135 price.
Or you can grab it from Phones4U on £130.

GSM Arena , Moto G 8GB available in the UK for £130, Moto G 8GB available in the UK for £130

Unorthodox Method To Fix Xbox One's Blu-Ray Problem Actually Works

Unorthodox Method To Fix Xbox One's Blu-Ray Problem Actually Works

As gamers might recall, it was only just before the Xbox One was scheduled for released that we started hearing complaints from some gamers on how their Xbox One's Blu-Ray disc driver started to emit some strange grinding noises when a disc was inserted. We're still not sure what the problem is, but thankfully Microsoft has since offered to replace these units as well as throw in a free game to appease gamers who might have been affected by the issue.

Ubergizmo , Unorthodox Method To Fix Xbox One's Blu-Ray Problem Actually Works, Unorthodox Method To Fix Xbox One's Blu-Ray Problem Actually Works

iBuyPower Unveils Steam Machine For $499

iBuyPower Unveils Steam Machine For $499

It wasn't too long ago that Valve unveiled Steam Machines along with SteamOS, both of which were methods for Valve to break into the living room which is currently dominated by the likes of Sony's PlayStation, Microsoft's Xbox, and Nintendo's Wii platforms. While Valve has yet to release Steam Machines to the masses, they did share what a prototype Steam Machine might be like and given those specifications, building such a machine for yourself could cost anywhere between $700-$1,800, money which technically could be put towards building an awesome gaming PC for yourself.

Ubergizmo , iBuyPower Unveils Steam Machine For $499, iBuyPower Unveils Steam Machine For $499

Monday, November 25, 2013

Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP

Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP

Keep yourself entertained while traveling with Coby's MP820-4G touchscreen PMP. This compact player has a 1.8-inch touchscreen LCD display, a 4GB of flash storage, a video/audio player, an FM tuner, a photo viewer, a built-in lithium polymer battery and supports for BMP, GIF, JPEG, MP3, OGG, WMA and MTV multimedia formats. The MP820-4G sells for $27.99.

TechFresh , Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP, Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP

Final Fantasy XIV To Introduce Housing Feature In Patch 2.1

Final Fantasy XIV To Introduce Housing Feature In Patch 2.1

Final Fantasy XIV players, if you're in a guild, then the upcoming patch 2.1 which is slated for a release in December is definitely something worth looking forward to. Square Enix has revealed on its website that one of the upcoming new features that will be introduced to the game in the patch is housing which essentially allows players from the same guild (or Free Company as it is known in the game), to come together to one place which can act as their base of operations, or simply as a location where guild members can come together and "hang out" virtually and just chat.

Ubergizmo , Final Fantasy XIV To Introduce Housing Feature In Patch 2.1, Final Fantasy XIV To Introduce Housing Feature In Patch 2.1

Mini could go even bigger with next Countryman

Mini could go even bigger with next Countryman

We recently reported that the new family of Minis could balloon from eight models to ten or more, but it's not only the model line that's expected to grow: so too could the largest model itself. That, of course, would be the Countryman, which is already bigger than anything else ever to wear the Mini badge. But if you think the current Countryman is already big enough, the latest reports suggest that it could get even bigger.

Autoblog , Mini could go even bigger with next Countryman, Mini could go even bigger with next Countryman

Apple iPad Mini 3 Prototype With Touch ID Spotted [Rumor]

Apple iPad Mini 3 Prototype With Touch ID Spotted [Rumor]

Apple announced a new iPad Mini with Retina Display a few months ago, but as you'd probably know by now, a new product announcement never stops the company's rumor mill from working around the clock. Today, we're hearing rumors regarding the next-generation iPad Mini, which is being called the iPad Mini 3 at this time. An image submitted to Nowhereelse.fr shows off what appears to be a prototype of the iPad Mini 3, which as you can see, it features Touch ID, which made its debut on the iPhone 5s.

Ubergizmo , Apple iPad Mini 3 Prototype With Touch ID Spotted [Rumor], Apple iPad Mini 3 Prototype With Touch ID Spotted [Rumor]

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Looking back through our full roundup of LA Auto Show coverage, we have to say, this show was seriously solid. And that's especially important this time around, with hot new metal from the Tokyo Motor Show vying for everyone's attention at the exact same time. But no matter, we covered the hell out of the LA show, and as usual, the entire editorial team has picked out the cars that deserve some extra attention. The final Top Five list shouldn't shock you, really. But you'll likely be surprised by what didn't make the cut.
Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts


Autoblog , Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts, Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 LA Auto Show Debuts

Lamborghini Cabrera could look this good when it replaces Gallardo

Lamborghini Cabrera could look this good when it replaces Gallardo

The Lamborghini Gallardo is a bit long in the tooth, so it's only natural that Lamborghini has its replacement in the works.

Autoblog , Lamborghini Cabrera could look this good when it replaces Gallardo, Lamborghini Cabrera could look this good when it replaces Gallardo