The dangers of an exploding tire

As anyone who's been near a big rig that's lost a tire on the interstate will tell you, rubber under pressure can cause some serious damage. In an effort to promote shop safety, the crew from Branick Nitrogen put together a quick video showing just what kind of havoc overinflating a tire can cause inside of a garage. Apparently, this kind of scenario causes more than its share of accidental deaths around the world. After watching the footage, we can certainly believe it.

2DayBlog.com, The dangers of an exploding tire

Video Stabilization Software from SRI Embedded in Google Talk

Google Talk video chat used while walking by SRI researchers on an Android tablet. Image stabilization is a technology commonly used for digital cameras, but here, we are talking about real-time image stabilization for live video streaming, specifically for video chat services, which requires different algorithms and more computing power. Silicon Valley-based SRI International, a nonprofit research and development organization, is announcing that Google Talk for Android 3.0+ devices integrates its 2D video stabilization software.

Ubergizmo, Video Stabilization Software from SRI Embedded in Google Talk

HTC Desire Android 2.3 update to launch “end of July”

HTC has issued another short statement regarding the off/on Android 2.3 update for its popular HTC Desire phone, with the company now saying the Desire version of the Gingerbread upgrade will “begin” to launch before the end of July. Which is at least something. Here's the full, rather brief, statement:. Hi everyone. We have more news about our build of Gingerbread for Desire. Our testing has gone well so we will begin rolling out the update by the end of July! Thank you again for your support!

But remember, always take update timeline announcements with a pinch of salt.

Eurodroid, HTC Desire Android 2.3 update to launch “end of July”

Samsung Galaxy S II Android 2.3.4 update leaked

Samsung's forthcoming Android 2.3.4 update for its astonishingly fast Galaxy S II phone has been leaked, with those brave enough to take a punt on installing it… installing it right now. According to reports, it adds support for Google Talk Video, fixes the “lag” that some users noticed on the lock screen and there are, er, some new ring tones. Here's a good photo we've been saving for such an exciting event:.
If you DEFINITELY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING, it's possible to get all you need to stick the Android 2.3.4 update on your lovely new phone over on the XDA forums.

Eurodroid, Samsung Galaxy S II Android 2.3.4 update leaked

Apple patent reveals new way to share content between iOS devices

In yet another patent filed by Apple, this one reveals the company's plans to introduce a new form of content sharing between iOS devices. What so new about content sharing, you ask. Well, how about if you could share content between iOS devices by "pouring" or flicking files between each device. If that caught your attention, that's pretty much what Apple has in mind with their patent.

Ubergizmo, Apple patent reveals new way to share content between iOS devices

Google Docs for mobile is new and improved

Working while you are on-the-go has become the norm for many of us, and while notebooks and netbooks have become a staple in our everyday lives, the use of tablets and even smartphones to manipulate and modify work documents have started to become more commonplace. Google Docs for mobile browsers has just received a shot in the arm with the addition of the ability to sort, narrow, and share multiple docs in your mobile docs list.

Ubergizmo, Google Docs for mobile is new and improved

ASUS K43 And K93 Laptops

ASUS today introduced two new K Series laptops, the K43 and K93. The ASUS K43 14-inch laptop is powered by the second generation Intel Core family processor, up to 8GB DDR3 memory, a LED-backlit 16:9 HD display (1366 x 768), a DVD burner and a choice of an nVidia GeForce 520M GT (512MB ​​or 1GB VRAM) or an nVidia GeForce 540M (1GB or 2GB VRAM) graphics card. The ASUS K93 18.4-inch laptop features an Intel Core CPU, up to 16GB DDR3 memory, two hard drives for a total capacity of 1TB, a widescreen display (16:9, full HD 1920 x 1080) and an nVidia graphics card.




TechFresh, ASUS K43 And K93 Laptops

Garmin Streetpilot now on Windows Phone 7

Are you a fan of the Windows Phone 7 platform. If you have answered in the affirmative, here's a piece of good news. The Garmin Streetpilot is now available for that particular platform, adding to the total number of turn-by-turn navigation solutions. Guess when competition gets tense and companies give their best, the consumer wins in the end.

Ubergizmo, Garmin Streetpilot now on Windows Phone 7

Wi-Fi Motorola Xoom can be had for just $450 at Staples until July 9

The Motorola Xoom was the first tablet to run Android Honeycomb, the version of Google's mobile operating system optimized specifically for tablets. Because of that, or perhaps in spite of that, the Xoom was expensive. It was, in fact, $100 more expensive than Apple's iPad 2. That's not a good strategy if you want to compete with Apple, a company that's recognized by most as selling its products at a premium compared to competitors (the famed ‘Apple tax').

Unwired View, Wi-Fi Motorola Xoom can be had for just $450 at Staples until July 9

Spotify Coming to America

The music streaming service that has taken over Europe by storm is about to take that big jump over the Atlantic pond to win over the hearts of Americans. Spotify has just announced that its service will be available in the United States in a couple of months (or weeks, even days, they would not tell). “We're working hard to launch the service in the US as soon as possible,” director of product development Michelle Kadir stated in her Twitter account.

Gadget.com, Spotify Coming to America

Star Fox 64 3D Japanese Lylat Tour Gameplay

Star Fox 64 3D is an up-coming arcade shooter video game for the Nintendo 3DS. The game was a co-development effort between Q-Games and Nintendo EAD, and it will be published by Nintendo. Star Fox 64 3D will be released on July 14, 2011 in Japan, September 9, 2011 in Europe, and September 11, 2011 in North America. Star Fox 64 3D features the return of the core gameplay feature from Star Fox 64, but the graphics are displayed in stereoscopic 3D. Nintendo also stated the game would include other new features as well, taking advantage of the new three-dimensional depth perception, as well as the Nintendo 3DS's motion sensor.

TechFresh, Star Fox 64 3D Japanese Lylat Tour Gameplay

Mitsubishi upgrade its i-MiEV EV car with now improved range

Mitsubishi announced yesterday in Japan that it has now upgraded its i-MiEV EV Car by declining it in two trim with the entry level M announced at 2,6 Million yen and the high-end model the G announced at 3.8 Mil;ion Yen. While both models will comes with several refinement like a set of 15" alloy wheel and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter know available only on the G Series, Mitsubishi thanks to Toshiba and its SCiB Battery are proud to announced that its new i-MiEV comes now with an improved range of 120km for the M Series and 180km for the G series fitted with a larger battery.




Akihabara News

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newgadgets, Mitsubishi upgrade its i-MiEV EV car with now improved range

Archos Gen8 tablets receive software update

When it comes to tablets, French manufacturer Archos is not left behind the game with their offerings to date, although they haven't really made a meal out of it. The Archos Gen9 tablets have yet to roll out as those will sport Android 3.1 Honeycomb, but that doesn't mean the engineers over at Archos have been doing nothing – no sir, they did work on a software update for Gen8 tablets that were released in 2010. The latest software update will target the Archos 28, 32, 43, 70, and 101 tablets, where all of them are still running on Android 2.2 Froyo.

Ubergizmo, Archos Gen8 tablets receive software update

AlphaSphere musical instrument looks like a soccer ball

Adam Place has an idea to revolutionize the way musical instruments work – with the AlphaSphere. He worked on it with a team of Bristol sound engineers to churn out this spanking new musical instrument. Adam Place's idea came about because he started to get bored with conventional keyboards, and decided to play synthesized music in a different manner.

Ubergizmo, AlphaSphere musical instrument looks like a soccer ball

Gameloft giving away three free Android HD+ games this weekend

Mobile publisher Gameloft is running yet another CRAZY GIVEAWAY promotion this weekend, with three of its “Android HD+” titles up for grabs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On each of those three days, Gameloft will make one game free for a period of TWO HOURS and will let you know which one it is. You then download it through Gameloft's mobile store on your phone during the two hour period.

Eurodroid

See also:
gadgetsdaily, Gameloft giving away three free Android HD+ games this weekend

Panasonic new SV-ME970 1Seg TV now supports Web Surfing

Panasonic announced today in Japan the SV-ME970 Series, a new portable 7x1Seg TV that comes with an IPX6/IPX7 (Waterproof) body but with a new and improved UI allowing you to use your SV-ME970 as a tablet for web surfing thanks to a dedicated browser. The SV-ME970 is equipped with a 7x800×480 touchscreen and WiFi, as well as 4GB of internal memory and an SDXC slot. The SV-ME970 support Video Recording as well as being DLNA compatible, it can also access to Videos Stored on some of Panasonic Diga compatible products as well as YouTube Videos and Online Japanese Radio Services like radiko.jp.


Akihabara News, Panasonic new SV-ME970 1Seg TV now supports Web Surfing

Today's Mobile News in Brief (July 4, 2011)

As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here's your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Monday, July 4th 2011. Cellphones Are Dangerous / Not Dangerous: Cancer Experts Say ‘What, Me Worry?'. If you haven't already gotten whiplash from the ongoing cellphone-cancer debate, a freshly released scientific review might just do the trick.

Cell Phones Ca

See also:
trendygadgets, Today's Mobile News in Brief (July 4, 2011)

Nokia 700 ‘Zeta' gets classy, dresses in white for leaked press shots

Representing a letter of the Greek alphabet can be a daunting task. The Nokia 700 “Zeta,” however, is busy getting primed for the massive duty on hand, indicated by a pair of possible press shots that surfaced from Indian site KnowYourMobile. A comparison of these new pictures with the spy shots grabbed last week show very little difference besides the obvious color change, with the 1GHz, Symbian Belle-powered Zeta opting for a white front and chrome back instead of the black and candy-apple combo we saw previously.

2DayBlog.com, Nokia 700 ‘Zeta' gets classy, dresses in white for leaked press shots

Holga Twin Image Maker does 3D images on the cheap

In the world of High Definition and digital photography, many of us have already forgotten about lo-fi photography. Well, we are glad to report that the latter niche is still not quite dead yet, as it focuses more on creative experiments alongside inexpensive film cameras to create works of art. The Holga Twin Image Maker (TIM) is one of them, burning a small $60 hole in your pocket, and yet sporting a couple of lenses that enables it to shoot either 3D images or half frames. Not only that, it will also pave the way for multiple exposure of a single frame, sporting a detachable flash with color filters to boot.

Ubergizmo, Holga Twin Image Maker does 3D images on the cheap

LotR: War In The North Gets A Fall Release

Warner Bros. and Snowblind Studios have made a new announcement today that they will be releasing the Lord of the Rings: War in the North title this fall. To remind you, this role-playing video game will be available on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms when it outs.

TechFresh, LotR: War In The North Gets A Fall Release

Suppliers Claim Sony to Launch PlayStation 4 by 2012

Taiwanese publication Digitimes has published a report claiming that Sony is gearing up for a PlayStation 4 launch in 2012. According to the report, Taiwan-based component makers, as well as PS3 assemblers Foxconn and Pegatron, will supposedly begin the production of Sony's new gaming system by late 2011. The PS4 will supposedly feature movement-based control like the Kinect for Xbox 360. The planned shipment volume is at least 20 million units, if sources are to be believed.

Although the report sounds promising, some tech blogs seem to cast a shadow of doubt.

Gadget.com, Suppliers Claim Sony to Launch PlayStation 4 by 2012

Verizon Halts Unlimited Smartphone Data Plans July 7

A Verizon spokesperson confirmed the company will soon shift to tiered pricing data plans. Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com. Verizon confirmed Tuesday it will end its unlimited data pricing plan options for smartphone customers on July 7, continuing a broad shift to tiered-use plans amongst cellular carriers.
Instead of the existing $30 monthly fee Verizon currently charges for an unlimited data package, the company's new structure mimics that of others in the industry.

Gadget Lab, Verizon Halts Unlimited Smartphone Data Plans July 7

Apple has yet to approve Google+ app

Erica Joy, a support technician at Google, has recently been reported posting this message on Google's new social networking website, Google+. It reads, ”For my iPhone using friends: the Google+ iPhone app has been submitted to the App store (no not today, sometime prior to today) and is awaiting approval.” She later clarified that it was for iOS devices, and not limited to just the iPhone.

Ubergizmo, Apple has yet to approve Google+ app

AT&T offers iPhone insurance

In life, there are plenty of bills to pay, and once a month most of us would have the “pleasure” of forking out additional dough for our insurance policies. It might be painful to pay for now, but the principle of delayed gratification comes into play – after all, some policies these days do come with some sort of investment linked plan that allows you to build up a nest egg over the years to boot. What about insurance for cell phones. AT&T is one of the few telcos out there that will soon jump aboard the insurance bandwagon, targeting iPhone owners specifically just in case their shiny new smartphone gets a dink.

Ubergizmo, AT&T offers iPhone insurance

ASUS's WX-Lamborghini wireless mouse is €38, cheaper than actual car

A couple months back we reported on ASUS's Lamborghini VX7 laptop, so how about the wireless WX-Lamborghini mouse to go along with it. The mouse isn't exactly new as it was spotted at the FCC some time last year, but has finally made an appearance and is available for 38 Euros, which roughly converts to $55. The mouse will be available in either black (as seen in the FCC) or white with black highlights. It will also come in a limited edition yellow, whose garish and bright colors seem to be Lamborghini's signature, not that I would complain if you gave me a hot pink Lamborghini to drive.

Ubergizmo, ASUS's WX-Lamborghini wireless mouse is €38, cheaper than actual car

Hands-On: The SoundJaw Fixes the iPad 2's Awful Speaker

The simple plastic SoundJaw makes a huge difference to the iPad's shameful speaker. It would be hard to say anything good about the iPad 2's speaker. It is tinnier sounding than the surprisingly good speaker on the first iPad. It faces backwards, firing all sound away from you. It is far too easy to cover it with a hand or a Smart Cover and, worst of all, it is about the ugliest piece of design to come out of Apple since that stupid hockey-puck mouse that shipped back in 1998.

Luckily, there's a fix. It's called the SoundJaw, and it is a little plastic scoop that clips on to the bottom right corner of the iPad 2 and goes passively to work.

Gadget Lab, Hands-On: The SoundJaw Fixes the iPad 2's Awful Speaker

SleepWell Saves the Battery Life Of WiFied Gadgets

If there is one thing to complain about WiFi, it has to be how it greatly sucks battery life on mobile devices as they keep on polling a single access point for data. In other words, battery drainage is greater while downloading a movie in New York compared to downloading the same movie in a rural town in the Midwest. A new software is introduced, which aims to put the device into sleep mode while waiting its turn, thus allowing devices to upload and download everything at once before handing it off to the next device.

Gadget.com, SleepWell Saves the Battery Life Of WiFied Gadgets

Circle Hack Gives Facebook the Google+ Treatment

Still drooling about getting into Google+. Asking friends to send you an invite. Feeling bad that you could not sign into Google's social networking venture even with an invite. You can practice one aspect of Google+ using Facebook.
Described by its developers as a “one-night experiment with Javascript,” Circle Hack is a third-party plug-in that enables Facebook users to organize and sort their friends into circles, much like how Google Circles works.

Gadget.com, Circle Hack Gives Facebook the Google+ Treatment

Samsung Sells 3 Million Galaxy S II Phones Worldwide

That's right. Samsung has sold 3 million Galaxy S II units globally. The company is currently selling one Galaxy S II in every 1.5 seconds and has managed to achieve this milestone in just 55 days. The global goal is to sell 10 million Galaxy S II units this year.

TechFresh, Samsung Sells 3 Million Galaxy S II Phones Worldwide

Microsoft Merging GFW Marketplace and Xbox.com

Friday the Games for Windows website officially announced that Microsoft's digital delivery store for PC games, GFW Marketplace, is merging with Xbox.com. Microsoft doesn't offer up any additional details, only stating that “now you can get all of your gaming needs in one place.” The reaction to the merge is curiously calm over on the Xbox.com forum, with many commenters hoping that the merge means more cross-platform compatibility in the future. Microsoft has been on shaky ground in promoting and selling PC games in contrast to its highly lucrative Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE service.

2DayBlog.com, Microsoft Merging GFW Marketplace and Xbox.com

Apple TV (2nd Generation) Review

I used to think my cable box offered all the programming I needed.  As cable prices keep rising, I've come to the conclusion that those multi-media boxes and an $8/month subscription to Netflix are a better deal.  While I haven't gotten rid of cable yet, I have pared down some of the programming from Time Warner.  I'm using the Logitech Revue with Google TV in my living room for watching Netflix, but I wanted a smaller box to put with my second TV.  I decided the second generation Apple TV had the features I wanted, so I bought one from my local Apple store. In the Box.










The Gadgeteer, Apple TV (2nd Generation) Review