Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad

We'll be the first to admit we weren't overly taken with the Super Bowl commercial Honda worked up featuring Matthew Broderick. The company has a long history of genuinely great advertising, and while the countless Ferris Bueller's Day Off references were clever, the ad didn't really come close to the cleverness found in the movie that inspired it. Fortunately, the company has just released a new spot chock full of. that certain something. The clip follows a spark of innovation from inception to realization as the new European Honda Civic hatchback.



Autoblog, Sparks fly with Honda's cool new European Civic ad

Samsung faces antitrust investigation in Europe over use of mobile patents

. The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it has opened a formal investigation into Samsung's competitive practices. The Commission will assess whether the Korean manufacturer “used certain of its standard essential patent rights to distort competition in European mobile device markets, in breach of EU antitrust rules.” Samsung has used a collection of its patents to launch a series of lawsuits against rival companies, such as Apple. The technology giant maintains, however, that these patents are essential to implementing European mobile telephony standards.

Boy Genius Report, Samsung faces antitrust investigation in Europe over use of mobile patents

LG's first triple-SIM phone to be released next month

Looks like LG is trying to steal a piece of Nokia's pie, at least in Russia. As if two weren't enough, the LG A290 is set to feature three SIM cards. While we've seen more (remember the quad-SIM back in October?), we're curious to see if the first triple-SIM from one of the top dogs will sell well enough to be released in other markets.
It's set to feature a 2.2-inch display @ 176x220 pixels, a 1.3-megapixel camera with flashlight, and a 1500 mAh battery. It all comes in at the fairly compact size of 113.5 x 51 x 12.95mm.



GSM Arena, LG's first triple-SIM phone to be released next month

INFOBAR C01, Kddi's latest Android 2.3 Candy Phone

KDDI may not be as glamorous as Docomo or Softbank but you have to give them credit for their continuous desire to bring something different in our gloomy smartphone world. Today is no exception with KDDI new INFOBAR the C01 schedule to come in Japan later this week and that bring the good old iida style in a nice and slim Candy bar phone.



Akihabara News, INFOBAR C01, Kddi's latest Android 2.3 Candy Phone

2012 UK Fraud Predictions

Leading fraud consultancy UK Fraud (www.ukfraud.co.uk) has set out 10 predictions for the domestic fraud prevention market in 2012. The predictions are:That the NFA (National Fraud Authority) will face major political pressure to deliver a fraud strategy that will make a real difference. The government will demand that it starts to demonstrate measurable annual fraud savings. These could be expected to be more than £10 billion. Simultaneously, there will be an increasingly public tussle for funds with the government’s new Cyber Crime operation.

Press Release Distribution, 2012 UK Fraud Predictions

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 announced

Compact digital cameras are dime a dozen, and it has been rather hard picking out a clear winner from the many models in a particular product category all these years, and even with Panasonic's most recent release, the Panasonic Lumix ZS20, life has not gotten any easier either. Still, the show must go on, and here is what the Panasonic Lumix ZS20 has on offer for those looking for a pocket-sized digital camera to capture all those tender moments in life.

Ubergizmo

See also:
aboutit, Panasonic Lumix ZS20 announced

Icarus revisited

Humans must have looked up at the birds of yore, and wished that they, too, could one day traverse the skies. Fast forward to the 21st century and you have all sorts of machinations and contraptions that can ferry a large number of humans from one place to another, although it will not be how Icarus envisioned – that is, by attaching one's body to a pair of wings, flapping one's way around the skies.

Ubergizmo, Icarus revisited

T-Mobile To Limit Data Once Again – This Time With New Roaming Data Allotments

When it comes to carriers, wireless data has been turning into quite the commodity over the past few months. This is made no better evident than the amount of ways carriers are amending their policies, tightening up data use wherever they can. T-Mobile — who pretty much introduced US consumers to “throttled unlimited data” — is once again restricting their customer's data use, this time with new limits to roaming data usage. Come April 5th, customers will be allotted a smaller amount of data use while roaming that's directly proportioned to their current plan.

Android Phone, T-Mobile To Limit Data Once Again â€" This Time With New Roaming Data Allotments

Apple could sell as many as 40 million iPhones in China next year

. Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty believes Apple will partner up with both China Telecom and China Mobile over the next year, and will eventually make the iPhone available on all three Chinese carriers, reports Apple Insider. The move could bring sales of the popular handset to as many as 40 million units in 2013 alone. The iPhone is currently only offered by China Unicom, the nation's second largest carrier. Through this partnership, Huberty believes Apple can only reach 10% of the 150 million “high-end Chinese subscribers” in the country.

Boy Genius Report, Apple could sell as many as 40 million iPhones in China next year

Samsung Galaxy Note Comes to AT&T on February 19

Wireless carrier AT&T has announced it will offer the Samsung Galaxy Note beginning February 19, but consumers can pre-order it online or any authorized retail stores from February 5 to 15 and have it delivered two days earlier. Choose from two color options: carbon blue and ceramic white. The Samsung Galaxy Note is part-smartphone and part-tablet. It features a 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED screen with 1,280 x 800 resolution, 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 8-megapixel back-facing camera with full HD video recording and playback, 16GB expandable internal memory, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity among others.

Gadget.com, Samsung Galaxy Note Comes to AT&T on February 19

Windows Phone Tango supports up to 120 languages

All right, the future Windows Phone Tango update is not going to cut the mustard against C3-PO when it comes to mastery of languages, but we do know that this particular operating system update is going to be able to support up to 120 languages, making it a truly international handset to own.

Ubergizmo, Windows Phone Tango supports up to 120 languages

Tweets prevent two British tourists from entering the US

While it's common knowledge to be careful about what you say in public, it looks like that practice will have to apply to tweets as well. It has been reported that two British tourists were recently barred from entering the US when Homeland Security flagged them for a couple of insensitive tweets. Instead of being received with open arms when they arrived at the airport, they were greeted by US security, interrogated for five hours, and locked up over night. They were then sent back to the UK the next morning.

Ubergizmo, Tweets prevent two British tourists from entering the US

Kindle Fire ‘defined and dominated' low-end tablet market with 6 million units sold

. When it comes to tablets there is no denying the iPad's dominance, selling more than 15 million units last quarter alone. Not everyone can afford nor do they want a high-end device, however, and that is where Amazon's Kindle Fire comes into play. Stifel Nicolaus analyst Jordan Rohan said on Monday that fourth-quarter Kindle Fire shipments likely reached 6 million units, placing the tablet on par with the original iPad.

Boy Genius Report, Kindle Fire ‘defined and dominated' low-end tablet market with 6 million units sold

Leatherman Skeletool Review

The Leatherman Skeletool has been on my ‘wish list' for some time now (especially the carbon-fiber handled CX version), so when I saw them at a local Target over Christmas on clearance for 1x2 price, I finally snagged one. Leatherman Skeletool (top), shown with a Leatherman Juice S2 for comparison. Closed position.
This is considered a small or pocket multi-tool since it is only 4″ long and weighs 5oz.







The Gadgeteer, Leatherman Skeletool Review

USS Enterprise coffee table is for Star Trek fans

If you're a fan of Star Trek, and you're looking for a piece of furniture that represents your allegiance to the franchise, this USS Enterprise table might be right up your alley. Created by artist Barry Shields, it is made from ash, poplar and cherry wood. It took a month to complete and features a glass top that makes it look like it is in motion, with a base that portrays the ship in orbit over a planet. It is said to be sturdy enough to rest your feet on after a long day at the office, but I doubt any Trekkie would want to soil this awesome-looking creation with their feet stains.

Ubergizmo, USS Enterprise coffee table is for Star Trek fans

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V 18.2-megapixel Glass Design Camera

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V features an enhanced 18.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor with a new BIONZ processor. The camera also has the Optical SteadyShot Active Mode, which offers a better image stabilization and a super fast auto focus. What makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V more special is that it is also waterproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof. Available in silver, red and violet, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V will be released in March 2012 for around $500.

TechFresh, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V 18.2-megapixel Glass Design Camera

Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad

Honda isn't typically one to dive into the Super Bowl advertising fracus with splashy spots, so when the company anonymously teased us with a quick clip of Matthew Broderick reprising his role from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, our eyebrows did a little dance. Now the company has dropped a full-length ad on the web, and it features Broderick skipping his acting duties for a little frolicking about in the city.



Autoblog

See also:
things, Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad

The Porsche 911 evolves

If we could summarize the Porsche 911 with just one word, it would be "evolution." For decades, Porsche has methodically improved its rear-engined sports car. The design changes are subtle, and power has risen steadily. To illustrate this, Porsche made a video that plays off the 911's rich history.



Autoblog, The Porsche 911 evolves

Blaser outfits special edition Land Rover Defender for hunting

The Land Rover Defender may be nearing the end of its line, but over the course of its lifetime it has become the go-to vehicle for any number of off-road applications. They're used on safaris and expeditions, by military forces and humanitarian organizations. And yes, they're used by hunters.

Autoblog, Blaser outfits special edition Land Rover Defender for hunting

EA has new games for Nokia Lumia platform

EA wants to “challenge everything” in the world of gaming, and the company has clearly set their sights on the Windows Phone platform in the immediate future.

Ubergizmo, EA has new games for Nokia Lumia platform

Amazon's Send to Kindle lets you send stuff to your Kindle

Do you like Amazon Kindles. Do you like PCs. Do you like documents. Would you like to send documents from your PC to your Kindle. Fantastic, because that's totally what you can do with Amazon's new Send to Kindle software. You might wanna take this opportunity to grab a notepad, because it's sort of complicated: download the program for free, fire up Windows Explorer, find a document, right-click it, and choose Send to Kindle. You can also save documents to download at a later date and synchronize your bookmarks, notes and highlights across all (non-PDF) documents, which is pretty wild, if you think about it.

2DayBlog.com, Amazon's Send to Kindle lets you send stuff to your Kindle

Fujifilm X-Pro1 To Hit Japan On February 18th

Fujifilm will begin selling their first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera ‘X-Pro1′ in Japan on February 18th. The X-Pro1 will retail for 150,000 Yen / $1,930 (Body Only), while the XF 35mm f/1.4 R Fujinon lens will retail for 55,000 Yen (about $710).

TechFresh, Fujifilm X-Pro1 To Hit Japan On February 18th

Qmadix Boostpac Quick Shot 1200mAh Auxiliary Battery Pack For iPod

The Qmadix Boostpac Quick Shot rechargeable auxiliary battery pack is ideal for charging your iPod and iPhone. Measuring 2-inch x 1.4-inch x 1-inch, the gadget is equipped with a 1200mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, an integrated Dock Connector, a micro USB port, a standard USB to micro USB cable and LED battery indicator lights that display estimated remaining battery life. The Boostpac Quick Shot also features the Smart Technology that prevents overcharging.

TechFresh, Qmadix Boostpac Quick Shot 1200mAh Auxiliary Battery Pack For iPod

Central Core Studios Takes A Break From Video Games And Introduces New HD Live Wallpapers For Android

I came across these absolutely stunning live wallpapers new to the Android Market from a couple of self-proclaimed indie game developers and I felt the need to share them all with you here. Developer Central Core Studios has taken time away from coding games, deciding to work instead on a few more artistic projects such as these live wallpapers for your Android device. A fan of both video games and sci-fi, outer world space exploration, I decided to give them a shot. Upon setting them to my homescreen, I was absolutely blown away.





Android Phone, Central Core Studios Takes A Break From Video Games And Introduces New HD Live Wallpapers For Android

Lenovo and NAF Team Up to Teach High School Students Mobile App Development

Lenovo and the National Academy Foundation have announced a partnership that will see the latter bringing mobile application development curriculum to students of high schools within their network. Five schools will be getting the program but the NAF aims to bring it to their entire network of schools in due time. Lenovo's contribution will come from providing the devices for development and testing. Namely, some of their ThinkPad tablets will be headed straight for several classrooms. Pretty exciting stuff, though I'm the nerd who always wanted to learn mobile application development while I was in high school.

Android Phone, Lenovo and NAF Team Up to Teach High School Students Mobile App Development

iPhone 4S accounts for 89% of all iPhone sales, study suggests

. Most new iPhone buyers are choosing the iPhone 4S, according to a new report. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) released data on Thursday that suggests Apple's latest iPhone model accounts for 89% of all Apple smartphones sold since the iPhone 4S was released in October. We're a bit surprised by the figures; the new iPhone offers beefier specs and a better camera than previous generation models, but the iPhone 3GS is free on a contract with AT&T and the iPhone 4 is still available at a discount in several markets.

Boy Genius Report, iPhone 4S accounts for 89% of all iPhone sales, study suggests

Avengers cologne: Smell good while you save the world

“Avengers assemble!”, goes the famous battle cry of Marvel Comics' team of superheroes. We do know that the movie will be more or less a blockbuster hit when it arrives, and considering the amount of physical exertion that superheroes go through in order to save the earth from the latest machinations of some mad enemy, it makes perfect sense that they too, want to smell good at their job. After all, you can never tell just which damsel in distress you will save, and how can she fall for you (even though you have a ripped body) when you stink to high heaven.

Ubergizmo

See also:
digitalhouse, Avengers cologne: Smell good while you save the world

The Kurio Android Tablet

With tablets now being built here and there, it can be hard to choose sometimes. There are tablets that are built for adults and there are tablets that are built specifically for kids. And there's the new Kurio Android Tablet that's build for both. The new Kurio Android Tablet from Inspiration Works is designed not just for adults but is also kid-friendly. This tablet comes with a protective casing that keeps it safe from the unpredictable hands of kids when they are using it.

Gadget.com, The Kurio Android Tablet

Apple's grip on tablet market said to be loosening as Android shipments tripled in Q4

. Apple sold more iPads in the fourth calendar quarter than it has ever sold before in a single three-month period, but the 15.4 million tablets it managed to move weren't enough to keep Google from gaining ground. Market research firm strategy analytics on Thursday released its tablet estimates for the three months ended December 2011, and Google's Android partners seemingly managed to triple tablet shipments during the holiday quarter last year. Read on for more.

Strategy Analytics estimates that Apple's 15.4 million iPads shipped was good enough to capture 57.6% of the tablet market in the fourth quarter last year.


Boy Genius Report, Apple's grip on tablet market said to be loosening as Android shipments tripled in Q4

Motorola Will Focus On “Smart Actions,” High-End Devices, And New Razr's in 2012

When Motorola introduced the Droid Razr, they didn't just debut the device but their new Smart Actions software as well. Smart Actions is a much coveted app that gives users the ability to assign certain “triggers” when performing a specific action. For example, you can configure the app so that every time you plug-in your headphones, the Music app will instantly open. Or you could set it to lower the ringer volume during late night hours. Pretty smarty-pants stuff.

Well, according to Motorola's Senior VP Alain Mutricy, Moto is planning to expand investment in Smart Actions, bringing the software to more devices next year.

Android Phone, Motorola Will Focus On “Smart Actions,” High-End Devices, And New Razr's in 2012

Microsoft details Windows 8 sensor support

Microsoft does seem as though they are embarking on a quest to transform their upcoming desktop operating system, Windows 8, into a platform that will conquer mobile platforms as well. After all, who is to be blamed for thinking that way, as the company continues to introduce improvements as well as features to the Windows 8 ecosystem that seem to target upcoming tablets by making them competitive with Android and iOS-based rivals.



Ubergizmo, Microsoft details Windows 8 sensor support

$99 ZTE Optik Heading To Sprint In February – 7-inch, Dual-Core, Honeycomb Tablet

We first told you of a possible ZTE tablet making its way to Sprint back in October after the V55 popped up in an FCC filing and now it looks like things are getting a little more official with this leaked internal Sprint doc. Dubbed the ZTE Optik, the 7-inch tablet will be available on contract for only $100 starting February 5th online through Sprint online and in stores March 11th. Specs revealed in the leaked doc are as follows and take note of a complete lack of either 4G LTE or WiMax support:.


Android Phone, $99 ZTE Optik Heading To Sprint In February â€" 7-inch, Dual-Core, Honeycomb Tablet

LG Spectrum just $80 at Amazon.com

Amazon is offering new Verizon customers the newly-launched LG Spectrum for a hot price. The device has only been available since last Thursday but they’ve already knocked the price down to $80 for new customers signing a new two-year agreement. For that price you’re getting a very capable 1.5GHz dual-core S3 snapdragon processor, a 4.5 inch display, 1GB of RAM, a 1080p HD 8 megapixel camera, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and more. It’s worth the price if you don’t mind LG. The only problem is that the device is backordered 1-2 weeks but if you don’t mind the wait get on over to Amazon today.

Android Phone, LG Spectrum just $80 at Amazon.com

2013 Ford Escape configurator powers up, prices subject to change

The configurator for the 2013 Ford Escape is live – or rather, a survey masquerading as a configurator. On the introductory page of small print, there are three crucial bits Ford wants you to know: that "the information on this site is for survey purposes only," that "features and prices for the final 2013 Ford Escape will only become available when the vehicle goes on sale in 2012 and are subject to change," and that "information on this site may change frequently, so don't be surprised if things look different next time you visit.".

Autoblog, 2013 Ford Escape configurator powers up, prices subject to change

Volvo expanding S60 lineup with T5 all-wheel drive model

Volvo is plugging a gap in its S60 model line by adding a T5 AWD model, according to a report from Car and Driver. As it stands, if you want all-wheel drive with your S60 you need $39,325 for the T6 just to get in the game, and only then you can you start throwing options at it.

Autoblog, Volvo expanding S60 lineup with T5 all-wheel drive model

GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: 'I don't believe you'

What a surprise. Today's Congressional hearing over the Chevrolet Volt fire and the resulting investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration turned out to be contentious. The hearing took place in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending. Just from the title of the event – "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA Know and When Did They Know It?" – it was plain to see that chairman Darrell Issa was not looking to mess around.

Autoblog, GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: 'I don't believe you'

Sony Cybershot DSC-WX50

Sony has released the Cybershot DSC-WX50 in the Japanese market. The camera has a 16.2-megapixels Exmor R CMOS sensor with a 5x optical zoom, up to 3200 ISO sensitivity (expandable up to 12800), 3D Photo and 1080x60i AVCHD video. The Sony Cybershot DSC-WX50 also supports SDXC memory card. Folks in Japan are able to purchase this compact camera for 25,000 Yen ($320).

TechFresh, Sony Cybershot DSC-WX50