WSJ: Google to sell ASUS, Samsung tablets from its own online store

In a move that would be reminiscent of its initial plans for the Nexus handsets, the Wall Street Journal suggests Google will open its own online store this year, but stocked with tablets instead of phones. The Android tablets would be built by Samsung and ASUS who already offer the well-received Galaxy Tab and Transformer lines, but have been unable to make a dent in marketshare comparable to that of Apple or even Amazon.

2DayBlog.com, WSJ: Google to sell ASUS, Samsung tablets from its own online store

Purchased Play store apps gone missing? Google's looking into it

Quite a few folks have seen many of the apps they paid cold, hard cash for have disappeared from their list of purchases after Google rebranded Android Market as the Play Store. We haven't had the problem ourselves, but according to a litany of posts on the XDA-Developers forums, there are plenty of you out there who have. In addition to disappearing from the list of purchases, the afflicted apps apparently give users an error message when attempting to access them directly.

2DayBlog.com, Purchased Play store apps gone missing? Google's looking into it

Apple patents Siri-like system for controlling cameras, PMPs through a computer or smartphone

“Siri, turn on the flash and take three pictures with my camera after waiting two seconds.” Apple's intelligent voice control system has been wildly popular amongst consumers in the U.S., and abroad, but Siri could be making her way to other devices in the future, including iPods, cameras and other consumer electronics. “Okay, Rock God, I will take your picture in two, one…” A patent by Apple filed in 2010 but published today describes a scenario in which you could control a secondary electronic device using your voice, with all of the backend processing passing through a connected smartphone or computer.

2DayBlog.com, Apple patents Siri-like system for controlling cameras, PMPs through a computer or smartphone

Draw Something App

People now like to play games on their smartphones and tablets. So much that some are getting quite addicted to it. Here's one game app that may be quite an engaging activity not only for an individual but will also let friends in on the fun. The Draw Something app combines funny drawings and guessing games into one.
Draw Something is an iPhone and iPad app that allows people to make a game out of their doodles on their smartphone or tablet. This game app can be played by a pair of fun loving iPhone or iPad owners. One player can draw something on the app and lets the other guess what it is.

Gadget.com, Draw Something App

Dospara Prime Note Galleria MR6 15.6-Inch Gaming Notebook

Here's another powerful gaming notebook from Dospara, the Prime Note Galleria MR6. The system sports a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD display, a 2.40GHz Intel Core i7-2760QM processor, an Intel HM65 Express Chipset, an NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB graphics card, an 8GB DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a DVD Super Multi Drive and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium OS. The Prime Note Galleria MR6 sells for 94,980 Yen (about $1,146).

TechFresh, Dospara Prime Note Galleria MR6 15.6-Inch Gaming Notebook

Skype Shop updated

If you've ever wanted to get started with Skype and you're not sure where to begin, the recently updated Skype Shop has all the answers you need. Everything you need to make Skype calls from your computer, TV, home phone, and more can be purchased there. From microphones to webcams, to headsets and even phones (!); all these Skype-compatible devices will ensure that you won't have any trouble doing so. The Skype Shop is currently available in 67 countries and 16 different languages, with all the items laid out in an efficient and easy to use layout.

Ubergizmo, Skype Shop updated

Apple Working on a 3D Camera

According to a patent released some time back by Patently Apple, Apple might be working on a new 3D camera that could possibly be used in an upcoming iPhone, the next iPad and any other potential device including a standalone camera. Given the beautifully sharp graphical capability of the Retina Displays on several iOS products, it would make sense to allow the devices to capture 3D images as the pictures will be admired even more on a screen like that. According to PatentlyApple, which has a complete list of the probable camera should it be produced, the device would be capable of features like facial and gesture recognition.

Ubergizmo, Apple Working on a 3D Camera

Sprint launches AAA ID Pack

Sprint has just announced the launch of a new ID Pack for its Android devices. Just in case you don't know what ID Packs are, they are a collection of apps, widgets, wallpapers, ringtones and themes centered around a theme or specific purpose. These Sprint ID Packs make it easy to customize a brand new phone from a plain, general device into something that has everything you need. Sprint teamed up with AAA to release the AAA ID Pack. It features a variety of AAA apps and web links for folks who want to access AAA's content, services and information on the go.

Ubergizmo, Sprint launches AAA ID Pack

Sony Targets Mid-April for First Xperia ICS Updates

Sony's bringing the sweet taste of Ice Cream Sandwich to all their 2011 phones, and it seems we'll have to wait just a tad longer. It's only a two week wait (give or take a few days) because they've now pegged mid-April for the first set of rollouts. Of course, we imagine the unlocked and unbranded versions will get the upgrades right away, but carrier-specific versions will depend on each specific carrier. Most European and Canadian carriers tend to get the update out rather quickly, while it may be a more tough wait here in the United States.

Android Phone, Sony Targets Mid-April for First Xperia ICS Updates

Diablo 3 new class skills videos revealed

Blizzard's highly-anticipated Diablo 3 will be making its way into the hands of eager gamers come 15th of May, and perhaps to whet the appetite of fans and would-be players of the upcoming hack and slash RPG, Blizzard has released a new series of videos demonstrating the destructive abilities of the different classes that are playable within the game. "Doing battle with the Burning Hells means fighting fire with fire, and this week's videos are all about destruction. We've got skills to tear through demonic invaders with summoned zombies and locusts, pepper them with knives and arrows, warp their minds, blow their bodies apart, and more.".

Ubergizmo, Diablo 3 new class skills videos revealed

Could Verizon be readying a Droid Bionic 2?

Verizon launched the Motorola Droid Bionic last year and it looks like they might be back with its successor, the Droid Bionic 2. At least that's what a form found on Asurion (a technology protection company) seemed to suggest. As pictured in the screenshot above, the drop-down list revealed the Droid Bionic 2, in name anyway, and the Droid Bionic.

Ubergizmo

See also:
techabout, Could Verizon be readying a Droid Bionic 2?

Believe it not, Xbox 360 main use today is not for gaming

Microsoft has succeeded in evolving the Xbox 360 game console into something more than just a video gaming gateway.  According to the company, owners now spend more time watching TV and listening to music through the console than playing games with it. The average household now use the Xbox for 84 hours per month and the majority now goes to movies and videos, said Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi. One year ago, passive entertainment content accounted for only 30 percent of Xbox usage.
Of course, there is one potentially major flaw in the calculation as it is based on Xbox Live usage and cannot consider offline game play.

2DayBlog.com, Believe it not, Xbox 360 main use today is not for gaming

Google generates four times more revenue from iPhone than Android

. According to legal documents for its upcoming hearing with Oracle, between 2008 and 2011 Android generated less than $550 million in revenue for Google. Apple's iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, which use Google Maps and search, generated more than four times as much revenue for the Mountain View-based company during the same time frame, The Guardian reported on Thursday. Roughly 100 million Android devices have been activated since the end of 2011, with an average of 850,000 devices activated each day, suggesting that Google pulls in slightly more than $10 per Android handset each year.

Boy Genius Report, Google generates four times more revenue from iPhone than Android

Logitech® BCC950 All-in-One Audio and Video ConferenceCam

The new BCC950 ConferenceCam from Logitech is the “first communications tool to combine a full HD webcam with a high-quality, omni-directional full-duplex speakerphone in one USB device, enabling small groups to collaborate in conference rooms, closed offices or shared work spaces.”  The camera has a motorized 180-degree pan, tilt, and zoom, 8-degree field of view, support for 1080p, and 30fps HD through plug-and-play UVC H.264 video technology.  The high-quality, omni-directional full-duplex speakerphone allows people to hear and to be heard from up to 8 feet away.  It's optimized for Microsoft Lync and Skype Certified, and it

The Gadgeteer, Logitech® BCC950 All-in-One Audio and Video ConferenceCam

Fidelity’s Top Tips For Investing This ISA Season

London, 29 March 2012: As savers think about where to invest their ISA ahead of the end of the tax year, Tom Stevenson, Investment Director, Fidelity Worldwide Investment, highlights some tried and tested principles of successful investment:1) Diversify your portfolio: “A well constructed portfolio should be diversified across asset classes to reduce risks and smooth returns.  Defensive assets such as bonds and cash can fare better during periods of high market volatility, while growth investments like property and stocks provide attractive returns when economic conditions are expected to be more favourabl

Press Release Distribution, Fidelity’s Top Tips For Investing This ISA Season

Make this ISA Weekend - Fidelity Announces Deadlines and Drop-Offs

Applications can be dropped off at Fidelity offices in London, Kent, Surrey and Manchester on April 5thPhone lines and online application open until midnight 5th AprilPostal applications must be received by 5th AprilLondon, 29 March 2012: Fidelity Worldwide Investment is urging investors to treat this weekend as ‘ISA weekend’ and ensure they get their ISA applications in on time to avoid the last minute ISA rush.

Press Release Distribution, Make this ISA Weekend - Fidelity Announces Deadlines and Drop-Offs

Intel's Ivy Bridge launch schedule has apparently been leaked

Thanks to what appears to be a leaked schedule of Intel's upcoming Ivy Bridge processors, it seems that we can expect a host of Intel Ivy Bridge chipsets to start launching between April 22nd and April 28th. This seems to contradict earlier reports that the upcoming chipset by Intel has been delayed until June, but we guess until we get an official word from Intel themselves, perhaps it might be best to take this with a grain of salt for now.

Ubergizmo, Intel's Ivy Bridge launch schedule has apparently been leaked

Assassin's Creed III - Three years of development by eight studios

Assassin's Creed III has been in development for more than three years, since Assassin's Creed II was released, and has eight studios working on it, according to Ubisoft. Tommy Francois, Assassin's Creed IP development director, explained to IncGamers, "We've had over three years of development and we've still get a few months to go. This is a Ubisoft Montreal production, but the game is being made by eight different studios across the world to support it.".

2DayBlog.com, Assassin's Creed III - Three years of development by eight studios

Google+ Hangout Apps Finally Ready for Use

It is not our intention to overload you with Google+ news after we covered their first TV ad in the UK as well as the Google Comments which will be integrated with Google+, but this new tit-bit of information is simply too good to ignore. The search giants have announced the arrival of some of its first fully featured apps for Google+ Hangouts. The apps amounting to 6 are part of a starter set designed to have fun with and play games with others. The only exceptions are the Slide Share and Cacoo. The full list of new apps comprise of +Aces Hangout which allows friends to play poker online via Hangouts.

Ubergizmo, Google+ Hangout Apps Finally Ready for Use

YouTube Next Vlogger registration open

If your idea of fame is being recognized by thousands of subscribers for your videos on YouTube - you might want to give Vlogging (video blogging) a shot. Tons of people have done it before, and there's still a lot of room out there for more. However, if you're serious about wanting to take Vlogging to the next level, Google will help to make some of your dreams come true - at least sixteen of you. Google announced today the start of its hunt to find the YouTube Next Vlogger. Starting today, applications will be open for 16 promising vloggers to take part in 3 months of intimate educational workshops held on Google+ Hangouts.

Ubergizmo, YouTube Next Vlogger registration open

Chinese bus companies tell drivers not to hit supercars

Being a bus driver in China must be awful. Lots of traffic, lots of people, no tipping. And the job has just gotten worse in Jinghua, where a bus company has instructed its drivers to please stop hitting expensive supercars. To illustrate the point, drivers were shown a poster with supercar logos to watch out for and how much the associated cars were worth. Hit a Lamborghini, you'll be out 5 million yuan (almost $800,000 USD). And right there, the last vestige of fun was taken away from the under-appreciated Chinese bus driver.

The poster even includes the Shelby Super Cars logo, which can't possibly be all that common in China.

Autoblog, Chinese bus companies tell drivers not to hit supercars

U.K. and Swedish regulators follow Australia's lead, examine '4G' iPad claims

. Earlier this weak, Australian regulators claimed that Apple was misleading consumers with false promotions and advertisements for its new “4G” iPad tablet. While the new iPad supports some 4G LTE networks, users in most regions are stuck with HSPA and HSPA+ 3G networks. After the allegation, Apple began to offer refunds to Australian iPad owners who felt duped by the company's 4G claims. Now, regulators in the U.K. have confirmed that they are looking into various complaints regarding the new iPad, Pocket-lint reports.

Boy Genius Report

See also:
supertechnologies, U.K. and Swedish regulators follow Australia's lead, examine '4G' iPad claims

Good Technology debuts 'first secure browser' for enterprise Android deployments

Good Technology is touting the latest addition to its Good Mobile Access (GMA) Android software suite, a secure browser. The company's GMA offering gives corporate foot soldiers armed with a smartphone access to secure intranet resources without having to initiate a VPN session - while simultaneously allowing IT folks to manage mobile ingress. By bringing a browser into the fold, Good's software will allow employees to access databases, resources and collaboration tools without ever having to leave the safe confines of GMA's sandbox.

Engadget, Good Technology debuts 'first secure browser' for enterprise Android deployments

Tealeaf brings mobile customer experience to the forefront

Tealeaf introduces powerful new mobile customer experience solution, gives organisations the ability to see mobile channels through the eyes of their customersSAN FRANCISCO – March 28, 2012 – Tealeaf®, a leader in digital customer experience management solutions, today introduced the latest version of Tealeaf CX Mobile™, a complete mobile customer experience management solution.Tealeaf CX Mobile enables sophisticated customer experience analysis across all mobile channels, including mobile web sites, native iOS and Android apps, hybrid apps, and the growing number of apps and sites built in HTML5.

Press Release Distribution

See also:
hitech, Tealeaf brings mobile customer experience to the forefront

Report claims iPad owners are spending $70,000 a day at the Newsstand

It seems that according to reports, iPad owners are spending $70,000 a day (collectively) for content in the iOS 5 Newsstand, purchasing subscription-based content from publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Daily. Adding on to that amount would be in-app subscriptions, and according to Distimo, news apps are apparently accounting for about 7% of the top 200 grossing apps for the iPad.

Ubergizmo, Report claims iPad owners are spending $70,000 a day at the Newsstand

The ‘phablet' is a hit: Samsung Galaxy Note sales top 5 million

. BGR reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Note in February and while there were a number of features we liked about this phone/tablet hybrid, we found it to be entirely too large overall to be used as a cell phone. Toward the end of February, Samsung confirmed that it had sold more than 2 million Galaxy Note phablets worldwide and now, about one month later, Samsung says sales of the supersized Android phone have reached 5 million units. The Galaxy Note features a dual-core 1.4GHz Exynos processor, 32GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel camera, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a massive 5.2-inch WXGA Super AMOLED display.

Boy Genius Report, The ‘phablet' is a hit: Samsung Galaxy Note sales top 5 million

Argyll and Bute Council adopts Microsoft Lync to create and manage a flexible workforce

Council deploys unified communications to 2,000 staffREADING, UK – 28th March, 2012 – Argyll and Bute Council, covering the second largest land area in Scotland, has chosen Microsoft’s communication and collaboration technology, Lync 2010, to create and manage a flexible working programme.

Press Release Distribution, Argyll and Bute Council adopts Microsoft Lync to create and manage a flexible workforce

Google may launch third-party comment platform to rival Facebook

. Google may be preparing to launch its own blog commenting system to compete with Facebook and Disqus. The rumor originated on the Saudi Arabian website Tech-WD and was later reportedly confirmed by TheNextWeb's unnamed sources. Google's comment system will reportedly incorporate the company's search product, Google+ and other web services. The introduction of a comment system could help the Mountain View-based company bolster interest in its Google+ social networking service, which has reportedly seen a relatively slow adoption rate.

Boy Genius Report, Google may launch third-party comment platform to rival Facebook

HTC Vivid's Ice Cream Sandwich Update Boosts Performance By 66%

 . Aside from all the new apps and features Android 4.0 brings with it, probably the one of the biggest reasons users like me are most excited about receiving the update on their device is simply because of the expected performance increase it will bring. Having a shiny new Android firmware capable of firing on both cylinders (cores) means an OS that should, in theory, explode with unspeakable power.
HTC Vivid users were the first lucky Android users in the US to take advantage of Ice Cream Sandwich over-the-air update on their once Gingerbread running devices. So, did ICS really bring da pain? In a word, yes.





Android Phone, HTC Vivid's Ice Cream Sandwich Update Boosts Performance By 66%

Custom SLR M-Plate Universal Camera Tripod Plate

Custom SLR today introduced the M-Plate universal camera tripod plate. Crafted in the USA from aerospace grade aluminum, the Custom SLR M-Plate allows quick release from virtually any tripod head. It is claimed to be the world's first universal tripod plate that provides built-in Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss connections as well as attachment points for accessories. What's more, the M-Plate supports any camera strap system including the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount, BlackRapid, Spider Holster, Sun Sniper, Cotton Carrier, etc. The Custom SLR M-Plate retails for $74.95 a pop.

TechFresh, Custom SLR M-Plate Universal Camera Tripod Plate

ASUS teases 'awesome new features' for Transformer Prime, doesn't say what they are

Like that one friend who cares enough to update everyone about a "killer party" they're headed to without saying where it is, the official ASUS Facebook page has dropped a teaser that is as tantalizing as it is frustratingly vague. The note promises "awesome new features" in the next update for its Transformer Prime, but has absolutely no details on what that means. So what could be in store, some minor .01 revision ICS bump, further GPS tweaks, custom ASUS apps or some celebratory Hasbro wallpapers.

Engadget, ASUS teases 'awesome new features' for Transformer Prime, doesn't say what they are

OnStar to offer vehicle tracking service for extra $3.99/month (video)

Are you the parent of a teenager who hasn't found enough reason to hate your ever-loving guts. Well then OnStar has a new product for you. Dubbed Family Link, the new service will tell you exactly where your OnStar-equipped vehicle is at any time. It will even send you emails or text messages at particular times of day with a location update.



Autoblog, OnStar to offer vehicle tracking service for extra $3.99/month (video)

HTC to revamp HTCSense.com

It looks like HTC is set to revamp its HTCSense.com cloud service. Yesterday, HTC announced that it will be shutting down the service in order to improve it. For those of you unfamiliar with HTCSense.com, it is a service launched by HTC back in 2010 for HTC phone owners to back up their contacts, messages, call history, and track their devices. For those of you who use the service - fear not. You'll be able to download everything you've stored on it in a handy zip file before it gets erased. Just log in to HTCSense.com before April 30th 2012 and click “Download” in the Account Overview section.

Ubergizmo

See also:
hitech, HTC to revamp HTCSense.com

MagniCase gives your iPhone a larger display

While the 3.5″ display on the iPhone may be the perfect size for a lot of people, there are a lot of people out there who think that it deserves a bigger screen. Well, for those of you who want an iPhone with a bigger screen, the MagniCase can be a temporary fix to that problem - at least until Apple decides to release a larger iPhone. This specially designed case comes with a high quality Fresnel lens that enlarges the display of the iPhone 4x4S by 1.5 times to 5.3″ the same size as the humongous Samsung Galaxy Note's display.

Ubergizmo, MagniCase gives your iPhone a larger display

Dual SIM HTC T328w Wind with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich spotted in China

An unannounced HTC Android smartphone has been just unveiled in China, and several reports are suggesting that this is a dual-SIM device (a rarity for HTC). Called HTC T328w, the new smartphone looks a lot like the HTC One S, but it's a bit smaller, featuring a 4 inch Super LCD WVGA display.




Unwired View

See also:
itnet, Dual SIM HTC T328w Wind with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich spotted in China

Chevy Camaro to get Boss 302-rivaling 1LE trim for 2013 [UPDATE]

General Motors struck back at the mighty Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with the similarly brawny Camaro ZL1, and now it looks like GM has taken aim at the Mustang Boss 302 as well. According to posts on the Camaro5.com forums, a dealer reference guide has revealed buyers will be able to opt for a new performance track package for the 2013 Camaro. The 1LE pack includes a number of aerodynamic tweaks, including an aggressive front splitter and unique rear spoiler, both painted in smoke gray. Red Brembo brake calipers, a hood wrapped in matte black vinyl and 20-inch wheels shod in Goodyear Eagle Supercar tires are all part of the party.

Autoblog, Chevy Camaro to get Boss 302-rivaling 1LE trim for 2013 [UPDATE]

Phones 4U 30th March event is for a Samsung store-in-a-store

Remember yesterday we reported about a 30th of March event that will be taking place at Phones 4U in the UK. Many had speculated that it might have something to do with the Samsung Galaxy S3 launch, and we guess we got ahead of ourselves as well given the high-profile nature of the device. Unfortunately it turns out that the event has nothing to do with a Galaxy S3 launch, although we guess we can't say we're surprised, but instead will be something less interesting.

Ubergizmo, Phones 4U 30th March event is for a Samsung store-in-a-store

Aston Martin DB9 successor caught romping in the snow

Svelte as it still looks, the DB9 is getting a little long in the proverbial tooth – Aston Martin first launched the 2+2 way back in 2004.

Autoblog, Aston Martin DB9 successor caught romping in the snow

Archos Arnova A9G3 tablet bares its backside for the FCC

Tablets have fared far better than smartphones under Ice Cream Sandwich's Lady Liberty embrace. While the market's seen a paucity of smaller-screened Android 4.0 devices, the opposite is true of its slate cousins. And Archos appears determined to further spread Google's latest OS love to the people with a G3 update to its budget-minded Arnova line. A tab bearing the model number A9G3 - presumably the outfit's 9.7-incher - has recently sailed through the FCC's gates with radios for WiFi b/g/n on board.

Engadget, Archos Arnova A9G3 tablet bares its backside for the FCC

HTC partners with Intertrust, buys 20 percent of SyncTV

It's been a while since we've heard the name SyncTV 'round these parts, but perhaps we'll be seeing a bit more of it now that HTC has a stake in the streaming video company. As part of a deal with Intertrust, HTC has purchased 20 percent of its new partner's subsidiary. In addition, the Taiwanese manufacturer has licensed a broad portfolio of patents from the Sunnyvale firm, primarily dealing with DRM. Unfortunately we have no specifics about how HTC plans to leverage its new media property, but hopefully they're working on some fun surprises even as we speak.

Engadget, HTC partners with Intertrust, buys 20 percent of SyncTV

LG can make your wishes come true on Facebook, also gives away Optimus L7 smartphones

LG has announced a really interesting contest, called LG Optimus L Series Event. Launched in celebration of the company's new L Style smartphones (including the Optimus L7, L5, and L3), the contest / event will give 5 lucky participants the opportunity to "live out their dreams." More exactly, LG is ready to make a wish come true for 5 people (in the limit of $5,000 for each of them). To participate, you have to like LG Mobile's official Facebook page, and submit your wish there. Wishes can be submitted until April 11. The winners of the "wishes coming true" will be chosen based on several criteria, including votes from other users.

Unwired View

See also:
maximum, LG can make your wishes come true on Facebook, also gives away Optimus L7 smartphones

Dual-SIM HTC Wind T328w headed to China

A few leaks suggest HTC is ready to push a rather cheap dual-SIM droid to the Chinese market. Known as the T328w, it should also go by the Wind moniker. The phone is running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC Sense UI 4.0, but is based on quite outdated hardware – a Qualcomm MSM7227A SoC with 1GHz single-core processor, Adreno 200 GPU and 512MB RAM.





GSM Arena, Dual-SIM HTC Wind T328w headed to China

Square relaunches Card Case as ‘Pay with Square,' brings geo-fenced payments to Android

Square is relaunching their Card Case app, reminding us all that the company not only allows users to accept payments, but also to make payments of their own. What will from here on out be known as Pay with Square provides hands-free, NFC-free payments via a newly updated app for Android that brings its feature set in line with that of iOS. The app gets a complete overhaul in the process. The refreshed UI now provides a list of nearby merchants sorted by relevancy along with the ability to search among the over 70,000 retailers accepting Square payments.

Android Phone, Square relaunches Card Case as ‘Pay with Square,' brings geo-fenced payments to Android