The perfect iPad accessory for the geek in your life this holiday season...

I think the Smart Covers Apple sells simply do not do their iPads justice. To create such a great tech-sexy piece of hardware only to cover/protect its screen with plastic is just tragic… and to charge $40 for it to boot. Well, as the story goes, I was dancing the Net looking for a worthy and unique leather alternative, and I came across the MakeThingsBetter page on Etsy.  It not only caught my attention enough to look through the site but write this up AND also add the Game of Thrones “Winter is Coming” iPad mini Smart Cover to my Christmas wish list.

The Gadgeteer , The perfect iPad accessory for the geek in your life this holiday season...

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Kia continues run of Soul special editions with Red Zone

The 2014 Soul has come on strong since its introduction, going so far as to become the Korean automaker's top-selling model last month, but Kia isn't wasting any time in creating a little extra excitement for its boxy hatchback. Although the name is a little wonky, the Kia Soul Red Zone marks the first special-edition model for the second-gen Soul, and its styling is meant to mimic the 2012 Track'ster Concept, the showcar that inspired the design of the 2014 Soul. "Red Zone" Edition Soul Inspired by the Wild Track'ster Concept is First Special Edition Based on All-new 2014 Soul.

Autoblog , Kia continues run of Soul special editions with Red Zone, Kia continues run of Soul special editions with Red Zone

This App Can Turn Your Smartphone Into A 3D Scanner

If you're into 3D printing as much as we are, then you're probably aware 3D scanners are pretty expensive. We've seen the affordably-priced Sense 3D scanner, which retails for around $400, but a smartphone app can make 3D scanning even cheaper as you'll be able to produce 3D scans straight from your device. Researchers at ETH Zurich have created an application that allows an everyday smartphone to be able to capture and display 3D models, which can then be fine tuned a bit to then be 3D printed.

Ubergizmo , This App Can Turn Your Smartphone Into A 3D Scanner, This App Can Turn Your Smartphone Into A 3D Scanner

EA Stocks Dip After Announcing Halt On Battlefield 4 DLCs

Earlier we had reported that EA had announced that they will be putting a halt on future Battlefield 4 DLCs until they can fix the game, at least get it into a more playable condition. This is due to the numerous complaints and criticisms that EA and DICE have been receiving over how buggy the game is, which EA's VP admitted himself. Well it turns out that while EA's decision to halt future DLCs might sit well with gamers and showed that the company was dedicated to making and publishing great games, investors of the company seemed to think other, as EA's stocks took a dip after they announced their decision.

Ubergizmo , EA Stocks Dip After Announcing Halt On Battlefield 4 DLCs, EA Stocks Dip After Announcing Halt On Battlefield 4 DLCs

MiniShock Are Detailed DualShock 2 Controller Smartphone Straps

Anyone who has been to Japan, or have been exposed to all things Japanese, would know that small and cute do seem to be a huge part of their culture. Anything cute, goes. While the world has already moved forward in terms of video games from the PS3 with its DualShock 3 controllers to the hot selling Sony PS4, it seems that the aged Sony PlayStation 2 still has a place in their hearts. The controller for the Sony PS2, known as the DualShock 2, has just been given the miniaturized treatment, where it has been turned into the MiniShock, which will function as a smartphone strap.

Ubergizmo , MiniShock Are Detailed DualShock 2 Controller Smartphone Straps, MiniShock Are Detailed DualShock 2 Controller Smartphone Straps

Bing Maps Preview For Windows 8.1 Released

To preview the changes that Microsoft has planned for its mapping service, it released the Bing Maps Preview app for Windows 8.1 today. The company says that this app is a first step in “introducing a new way to explore the world.” The app has been built from the ground up, according to Microsoft, and that they have focused on detail, scale and clarity. To ensure that users are provided with the highest quality imagery possible, Microsoft is showcasing a focused list of more than 70 cities around the globe just to let users know what's to come from Bing Maps in the future.

Ubergizmo , Bing Maps Preview For Windows 8.1 Released, Bing Maps Preview For Windows 8.1 Released

GM design boss Welburn says Lincoln isn't a Cadillac rival

General Motors Vice President of Global Design, Ed Welburn, had some dismissive words for a certain cross-town luxury brand during an interview with Car and Driver. When asked about his thoughts on Lincoln, Welburn deflected, before saying, "I don't consider Lincoln to be a competitor for Cadillac.". "They're not a global luxury brand. I don't consider them a competitor. Are they a competitor for Buick? Quite possibly. But not for Cadillac," GM's head designer explained.

Autoblog , GM design boss Welburn says Lincoln isn't a Cadillac rival, GM design boss Welburn says Lincoln isn't a Cadillac rival

ABBYY Announces Professional OCR Tool for Mac Users

FineReader Pro for Mac Enables Document Scanning and Conversion Tasks of Any Complexity; Essential Tool to Edit, Share, Copy and Quote Information Sealed in Documents and ImagesTheale, UK (December 5, 2013) — ABBYY®, a leading provider of document recognition, data capture and linguistic technologies and services, today announced FineReader Pro for Mac, a professional OCR (Optical Character Recognition) application for efficient document scanning and conversion on the Mac platform.

Press Release Distribution , ABBYY Announces Professional OCR Tool for Mac Users, ABBYY Announces Professional OCR Tool for Mac Users

ETL’s New Dextra RF Range Offers Best Performance to Date

Professional RF splitters and combiners outperform more expensive models on the marketMadley, UK 05th December 2013 ETL Systems, a global designer and manufacturer of RF distribution equipment for satellite communications, has released a new range of web-enabled professional splitters and combiners to cover the L-band frequency range.The new Dextra series includes 4-way and 8-way splitters and combiners in both single and dual configurations and 16-way splitters and combiners, available as single units.

Press Release Distribution , ETL’s New Dextra RF Range Offers Best Performance to Date

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LG: Flexible Displays Will Account For 40% Of The Market In 2018

It was only a few years ago that companies such as Samsung were demonstrating displays that were flexible, and while it was rumored for a while, the fruition of their efforts were realized this year with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Round and the LG G Flex, both of which have gone on sale to regular consumers, as opposed to merely being prototypes or concepts. While both devices do feature pretty curved displays, they are still somewhat rigid and apart from novelty value, there really isn't much use to owning one at the moment.

Ubergizmo , LG: Flexible Displays Will Account For 40% Of The Market In 2018, LG: Flexible Displays Will Account For 40% Of The Market In 2018

Automic Unveils Business Process Accelerator for SAP to Drive 100x Performance

Achieve Lightning Fast SAP Processes without Sacrificing Control5th December, 2013 - Automic, the world’s most proven and comprehensive platform in business automation, today launched Automic’s Business Process Accelerator for SAP (BPACC) to help customers unleash the full potential of SAP investments by making them 100x faster.For most organisations, the expensive hardware that runs SAP systems rarely nudges above 45 per cent utilisation.

Press Release Distribution , Automic Unveils Business Process Accelerator for SAP to Drive 100x Performance, Automic Unveils Business Process Accelerator for SAP to Drive 100x Performance

West Lancashire Borough Council Tenants To Reap Response Time Benefits From Mobile Workforce Technology Investment

Tenants and residents of West Lancashire Borough Council are to reap the benefits of a new scheme which aims to speed response times to the issues they raise. The Council is working with leading mobile technology company 1st Touch (www.1sttouch.com) to introduce a mobile working system for housing officers in its Estate Management Team.

Press Release Distribution , West Lancashire Borough Council Tenants To Reap Response Time Benefits From Mobile Workforce Technology Investment, West Lancashire Borough Council Tenants To Reap Response Time Benefits From Mobile Workforce Technology Investment

BMW and Mini shuffle NA management, McDowell to retire

BMW and Mini recently shuffled top personnel in their design departments, and now BMW of North America will reorganize its management to improve customer relations. Peter Miles (pictured), currently the executive vice president of operations, will take a newly created position, vice president of sales channel development and customer relations, while Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini of the Americas, will retire. Chris Koenders, president of BMW Group Netherlands, will move take Miles' spot as executive vice president of operations.

Autoblog , BMW and Mini shuffle NA management, McDowell to retire, BMW and Mini shuffle NA management, McDowell to retire

Chrome For Windows Gains Additional Password Security

Security on your computer is of utmost importance, but as we have mentioned many a time, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In fact, it was just yesterday when we talked about how researchers have managed to come up with a proof-of-concept malware that can spread through audio signals alone, putting to death the notion that a computer that is not linked to the Internet or network in any way is safe from such malicious programs. Earlier this morning, a botnet attempt managed to see the leak of over 2 million passwords that could offer access to multiple online services.

Ubergizmo , Chrome For Windows Gains Additional Password Security, Chrome For Windows Gains Additional Password Security

Hastings Direct chooses Eptica’s Multi Channel Customer Email & Knowledge Management Platform

Reading, 4 December 2013, Fast growing insurance retailer Hastings Direct wants to enhance customer service and provide improved channel choice for its 1.3 million customers, while increasing efficiency across its contact centre operations by deploying Eptica’s multi channel customer service platform.The company will use Eptica to centralise knowledge and make it available across email, telephone and web self-service channels. Initial implementation is planned to commence in December 2013 at its head office providing staff with access to the most up to date information for resolving customer enquiries.

Press Release Distribution , Hastings Direct chooses Eptica’s Multi Channel Customer Email & Knowledge Management Platform, Hastings Direct chooses Eptica’s Multi Channel Customer Email & Knowledge Management Platform

Nokia's New Video Highlights How The Lumia 1520 Was Made Using Recycled CDs

The Nokia Lumia 1520 is the Finnish company's latest handset, and also its biggest with a display measuring 6" in size. Just like the rest of Nokia's lineup, save for the Lumia 925, the Lumia 1520 features a polycarbonate body. Some have criticized Nokia's choice of using plastics, instead of more "premium" materials like glass and aluminum, but it turns out that Nokia's choice has to do with sustainability as well. The company has recently released a video on YouTube in which it illustrates how Nokia has given CDs a new lease on life by recycling them, transforming them into polycarbonate, which is then used in devices like the Lumia 1520.

Ubergizmo , Nokia's New Video Highlights How The Lumia 1520 Was Made Using Recycled CDs, Nokia's New Video Highlights How The Lumia 1520 Was Made Using Recycled CDs

WaterField Designs goes skinny with new Victor Wallet

WaterField Designs is one of my all time favorite soft gear companies. I love their bags, sleeves and wallets. I currently carry one of their Finn wallets and love the zippered design. If you prefer a thinner, more minimalist style wallet, WaterField has you covered there now too. Their brand new Victor Wallet is a slim leather wallet with space for bills and slots for cards, all held securely in place with a stretchy nylon strap.

The Gadgeteer , WaterField Designs goes skinny with new Victor Wallet, WaterField Designs goes skinny with new Victor Wallet

Amphiro A1 Self-Powered Smart Water Meter

Depending on your bathing habits, you might actually use up a whole lot more water in a shower than in a bathtub. Well, enter the Amphiro A1, which has been proclaimed to be the first self-powered shower monitor that will actually engage users, all in order to save an average of 23% of one's thermal energy. This would mean the ability to actually save up to $135 each year, all without having to give up your comfort. Just where will the Amphiro A1 fit in.

Ubergizmo , Amphiro A1 Self-Powered Smart Water Meter

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Samsung Galaxy J Could Be Announced In Taiwan On December 9th

The Samsung Galaxy J has been leaked and rumored for a while now, although it has since been launched in Japan. However if you're looking forward to getting the handset and you're not in Japan, Samsung has started to send out invites to an event in Taiwan for the 9th of December in which the Samsung Galaxy J could be officially announced for other markets. The handset was first sighted in a leaked brochure for Japanese carrier, NTT DOCOMO, which initially led some to believe that it could be a Japan-only release.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Galaxy J Could Be Announced In Taiwan On December 9th, Samsung Galaxy J Could Be Announced In Taiwan On December 9th

Student Advantage Program Launched By Microsoft

Just like how membership has its privileges, students too, happen to have some privileges of their own in this day and age. For instance, there are restaurants and cafes that offer discounts for students, while they also experience cheaper prices when it comes to watching movies and attending selected courses, depending on which area you live in. Microsoft has a love for students, and they have expressed their affection for this particular consumer group most recently by launching the Student Advantage program.

Ubergizmo , Student Advantage Program Launched By Microsoft, Student Advantage Program Launched By Microsoft

Over $1.2 Billion Spent Online This Black Friday

Nobody will be surprised when they hear that a lot of people spent a lot of money on online shopping this Black Friday, it has become a yearly tradition. According to the latest data released by comScore, over $1.2 billion was spent online this Black Friday, making it the first holiday day this season to cross the billion dollar mark. Black Friday 2012 saw a total of $1.04 billion being spent online, which is roughly a 15 percent year-over-year increase that translates into an additional $156 million being spent on online shopping this Black Friday.

Ubergizmo , Over $1.2 Billion Spent Online This Black Friday, Over $1.2 Billion Spent Online This Black Friday

Holiday Shoppers Prefer Tablets As Retina iPad Mini Supply Eases Up

A research note from Brian White, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, reveals that more than 39 percent of online shoppers over the holiday weekend were interested in purchasing a tablet. With nearly $2 billion being spent over the weekend online, customers are bound to have purchased a significant amount of tablets as well apart from a wide variety of other products. Tablets were at the forefront of the consumer electronics segment, with Walmart and Target both revealing that the iPads were the top sellers on Black Friday.

Ubergizmo , Holiday Shoppers Prefer Tablets As Retina iPad Mini Supply Eases Up, Holiday Shoppers Prefer Tablets As Retina iPad Mini Supply Eases Up

Gift ideas - Five accessories for the iPad and iPhone user

Julie asked me to suggest some gift ideas for the iPhone and iPad users in your life.  I thought about how I have used my original iPad mini, the new iPad Air I owned for a short while, and the iPad mini with Retina display I replaced the Air with, and I came up with five things I use daily and love.  I have a mixture of accessories and apps, and none of them is very expensive.

The Gadgeteer , Gift ideas - Five accessories for the iPad and iPhone user, Gift ideas - Five accessories for the iPad and iPhone user

YouTube Makes Its Way Onto The Nintendo 3DS

Good news Nintendo 3DS owners, if you wanted to take a break from gaming and perhaps surf some YouTube to watch some videos or listen to music, you might be pleased to learn that YouTube for the Nintendo 3DS is finally available, and while it might be already obvious, it will not come with support for 3D which we're not sure is a good or bad thing. YouTube for the Nintendo 3DS joins the likes of Netflix which was released back in 2011, and Hulu which was released for the 3DS just in October a few months ago. The YouTube app for the 3DS console is available via the Nintendo 3DS eshop for North America and Europe markets.

Ubergizmo , YouTube Makes Its Way Onto The Nintendo 3DS, YouTube Makes Its Way Onto The Nintendo 3DS

Samsung Reportedly Working On 20MP Camera Modules For 2014

While more megapixels does not necessarily mean a better camera, it is unfortunately still heavily marketed by companies. After all to the average consumer, bigger numbers usually means better, right. In any case it seems that Samsung could be working on a 20MP camera module that is set to debut in the second half of 2014. This is according to Korea news website, ET News who claims that Samsung Mobile's Advanced Development Team has begun working on such modules.

Ubergizmo , Samsung Reportedly Working On 20MP Camera Modules For 2014, Samsung Reportedly Working On 20MP Camera Modules For 2014

CVXP-DC48 Digital Binocular Camera

Get up close to the action with Chinavasion's digital binocular camera ‘CVXP-DC48′. Powered by 2x AA batteries, the device is equipped with a 1.3MP CMOS image sensor, a 25mm wide-angle lens, a 10x digital zoom, a microSD card slot (up to 32GB), a mini USB port and has the ability to capture both 640 x 480 VGA video and up to 1280 x 960 digital still images. The CVXP-DC48 sells for just $25.63.

TechFresh , CVXP-DC48 Digital Binocular Camera, CVXP-DC48 Digital Binocular Camera

PSN Suspends Redemption Of Vouchers

If you are a gamer who intends to redeem your vouchers on the PlayStation Network (PSN), but somehow or rather still continue to run into issues that prevent you from doing so, that is because your account has experienced a suspension. The thing is, you do not need to freak out at all, since the redemption of vouchers has been suspended. This particular bit of news was announced over on the PlayStation Blog by Sid Shuman, who also happens to be a social media manager at Sony.

Ubergizmo , PSN Suspends Redemption Of Vouchers, PSN Suspends Redemption Of Vouchers

Survey says $25k barrier is a problem for EVs

The majority of consumers are more or less priced out of the market. Meanwhile, Navigant's Electric Vehicle Survey found that 67 percent of those surveyed had a favorable opinion on hybrids while 61 percent thought positively of EVs, meaning that while consumers might be interested in purchasing an EV, the majority of consumers are more or less priced out of the market. According to the project's principal research analyst, Dave Hurst, the EV will become more accessible, but it's going to take time. "Batteries make up half the cost of vehicles.

Autoblog , Survey says $25k barrier is a problem for EVs, Survey says $25k barrier is a problem for EVs

In a world of hurt? Let the Fubar Baby help pry you out of that situation

In the world of consumerism, we like to get the most bang for our buck. Take pocket multi-tools for example, we think the more things we can use it for the better and in most cases I would agree. But one designer has seen a short coming in one prominent feature of the pocket multi-tool, the pry bar feature and he has done something about it. The Fubar Baby, a kickstarter project by Scott Howard is a simple, single function pry bar.

The Gadgeteer , In a world of hurt? Let the Fubar Baby help pry you out of that situation

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