Ubergizmo

PureDepth Multi-Layer 3D OLED display patent acquired

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:44:08 -0800

PureDepth has successfully gotten hold of a Multi-Layer 3D OLED display patent which does away with the need for 3D glasses, offering actual depth thanks to its technology that relies on at least a couple of displays, with one placed in front of the other to create actual 3D effects. PureDepth is definitely looking at mobile devices (among other markets) with this development, since OLED displays are gaining in terms of popularity. This will certainly be a boon as they currently hold LCD-related patents that has just received a kindled spirit. No idea on how having dual layer displays will affect the battery life of a mobile device adversely - the question is not whether or not that will happen, but how much? Image courtesy of 3DCADPlus.

Permalink: PureDepth Multi-Layer 3D OLED display patent acquired from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Adapt ADPP-450 micro projector

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:43:13 -0800

Adapt has sent word that they will be rolling out the ADPP-450 micro projector in March, where this tiny wonder boasts 100 lumens of brightness as well as 800 x 600 resolution, a 200:1 contrast ratio, DVB-T support and the ability to throw images of up to 150" in size. At that blown up proportion, we wouldn't think the image would look very good if you're talking about watching movies, but text and pie charts should do just fine. Despite being possibly the world's brightest micro projector, it will still require a fairly dark room to impress. This LED-based projector comes with a built-in 4 watt speaker and is capable of accepting A/V, VGA, USB and a SD memory card. No idea on pricing, but since its battery is external, you will need to lug around an extra device on your travels.

Permalink: Adapt ADPP-450 micro projector from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Sony PS3 3D firmware update coming this summer

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:42:12 -0800

According to John Koller, director of hardware marketing for SCEA, the PS3 console looks set to ride the 3D wave this year by incorporating 3D-supporting firmware update so that Sony's family of living room entertainment products will play nice with each other, especially the recently announced 3D-capable Bravia TVs at CES 2010. It would be interesting to see whether gamers will adopt 3D gaming as fast as Sony would like them to, after all, doing so would mean selling even more TVs, right?

Permalink: Sony PS3 3D firmware update coming this summer from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Texas Instruments WiLink 7 chip is super capable

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:40:47 -0800

Texas Instruments' WiLink 7 chip is extremely capable as it touts to be the first chip of its kind to include a quartet of wireless capabilities, all on a single chip. When we say wireless, we mean Bluetooth connectivity, an FM transceiver, GPS support and 802.11n Wi-Fi. With the merging of all four onto a single design chip, phone designers will be able to play around with the physical size as well as energy requirements. According to Texas Instruments, thie WiLink 7 chip requires just half the space as that of a standard multi-chip approach, consuming 30% less requirements as well. We would like to see just which phone manufacturer takes up the WiLink 7 in their designs first. [Press Release]

Permalink: Texas Instruments WiLink 7 chip is super capable from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Google Buzz unveiled

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:39:24 -0800

As expected, Gmail has a brand new toy for us to play with - Google Buzz. Google Buzz is a brand new way to start conversations about stuff that interests you, while sharing various updates such as photos and videos with your family and friends among others. Since Buzz is already incorporated into Gmail itself, there is nothing to do on your part to make sure everything runs fine. Bear in mind that at time of publishing, Google Buzz might not appear in your Gmail since Google is still in the process of rolling it out worldwide. Sharing information is also made painless and easy, since all responses will be sent by Buzz directly to your inbox in real-time. If you can't be in front of your computer all the time, fret not. Google Buzz is also available on selected cellphones/smartphones. Are you buzzing with excitement?

Permalink: Google Buzz unveiled from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Belkin Shows Off New Cooling Pad Design

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:38:05 -0800

Belkin has modified its cooler pad design to include a new attachment called the Airflow Wing. This USB-powered cooler pad uses a fan and wave shaped design to enhance circulation and lets the hot air flow up and away from the laptop. It’s currently up for pre-order at Amazon for $24.99, which is a few dollars cheaper than the competitors (who are selling it for $30 or so). Despite the presence of the Airflow Wing, it seems that the cooler pad looks good, and should function rather nicely.

Permalink: Belkin Shows Off New Cooling Pad Design from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

OS 5.0.0.464 Has Been Officially Released For The BlackBerry Bold 9000

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:25:09 -0800

Looks like the OS 5.0.0.464 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 has been officially released, though it’s not by AT&T, rather by another carrier – Zain Kuwait. If you’re really desperate for this update for your BlackBerry Bold 9000, you can pick it up at the official site, though you’ll want to remember to backup all your files and settings before attempting this. Unfortunately there isn’t any official listing of the updated features on this latest OS version, so if you notice anything different after applying the update, drop us a comment.

Permalink: OS 5.0.0.464 Has Been Officially Released For The BlackBerry Bold 9000 from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Yahoo Checking Out Search By SMS Feature

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:17:05 -0800

Search by SMS never really took off, but by referring to a patent that was recently filed by Yahoo, the company seems like it wants to take a crack at the challenge. In the patent, it’s mentioned that users will be able to use the system by sending a search query as a text message to a predetermined number, after which the search query is processed, and the results delivered, along with some advertisements, to the user. The search-related advertising here might be rather interesting, especially if there is widespread adoption of this technology, it would present a nice revenue stream for Yahoo. Currently the technology is targeted at developing countries, where mobile phone penetration is high, but the Internet services are rather low. Sounds like a rather useful service, though it remains to be seen whether it would be well received and used if it were to be rolled out.

Permalink: Yahoo Checking Out Search By SMS Feature from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Google Street View snowmobile

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:10:46 -0800

Google will be bringing you the Street View feature all the way from Whistler Mountain, which comprises of "a range of rugged mountains, trails of snow, fir trees and placid lakes below." Doesn't it just boggle the mind as to Google's ability to gather imagery at 7,000 feet above sea level? This was made possible thanks to a snowmobile decked out with cameras that are capable of capturing slope-level imagery of several runs on Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. Apart from that, you will be able to enjoy 3D models and Street View imagery of all the competition venues at the Winter Olympics, alongside new aerial imagery of the Vancouver-Whistler area. Those pretty images just pique one's interest to take a vacation there.

Permalink: Google Street View snowmobile from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

27-inch Apple iMacs Shipping Again

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:08:12 -0800

While Apple’s 27-inch iMac has been having some notable problems recently, causing long delays and a possible halt in shipments, it seems that things might be back on track for the fruity company. Folks who have been waiting expectantly for their iMacs to arrive have started to receive notifications that the units will be shipping out soon. An online user who ordered his 27-inch iMac on January 29th has received his shipping email, with the unit set to leave the depot on February 9th, and delivery should take a week. Hopefully this means that Apple has sorted out the various issues that it has been experiencing, such as yellow displays or cracked screens.

Permalink: 27-inch Apple iMacs Shipping Again from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

AMD ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics card

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:06:01 -0800

AMD has rolled out its latest ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics card which is an energy efficient, low-profile DirectX 11 card that targets small form factor PCs. Despite its relatively small size, it still sports full DirectX 11 support, ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology and ATI Stream capabilities. Just as we ought not to judge a book by its cover, let us also not do the same by the size of a video card - in this case, the Radeon HD 5570 is capable of delivering full 1080p HD playback while handing the full Microsoft Windows 7 experience without missing a beat - now how about that! It will sell for under the $80 banner while boasting a maximum of 1GB of onboard GDDR3 RAM alongside a 650MHz core clock speed, sipping a mere 43W of juice under a full load. Any takers? [Press Release]

Permalink: AMD ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics card from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

NEC P701 display is a behemoth

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:37:02 -0800

So you think you've got a pretty mean setup for your desktop? The NEC P701 certainly takes the cake, as it is a monstrous 70" in size, albeit maxing out at 1,920 x 1,080 in terms of resolution. Other specifications include a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a 420 cd/m2 brightness rating with 600 cd/m2 maximum brightness. You will find that the NEC P701 is also equipped with an integrated thermal protection and internal temperature sensors. Nice to know that this industry-standard display relies on a sealed design that keeps dust, grease and steam out so that it can operate just fine under most weather conditions. With an internal clock, the P701 knows when to turn itself off during off-peak hours to further reduce energy consumption. Expect the NEC P701 to roll out this March with an integrated tuner known as the P701-AVT for a yet undisclosed sum.

Permalink: NEC P701 display is a behemoth from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

AnyDATA ASP-318 and the ASP-518 Windows smartphones

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:32:35 -0800

AnyDATA has made available a couple of Windows-powered smartphones in the form of the ASP-318 and ASP-518, where the former is easy on your pockets, making it the ideal Windows Mobile smartphone for students and enterprise workers, where it runs on Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, sporting a 3.2" color touchscreen display, GPS navigation, an accelerometer, dual SIM carriage, a microSD memory card slot, a 3.2-megapixel camera with an integrated flash and autofocus as well as a built-in FM radio. Apart from that, AnyDATA aims to enhance the ASP-318 further with SRS TruMedia from SRS Labs. As for the ASP-518, this 3G dual mode smartphone will also be powered by Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, sharing many features mentioned earlier with the ASP-319 albeit having dual cameras (a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera and a VGA camera), the Qualcomm MSM7627 3G processor and SRS technology for its audio needs. Meanwhile, we are left scratching our heads as to who would be offering these handsets, and at what price. [Press Release]

Permalink: AnyDATA ASP-318 and the ASP-518 Windows smartphones from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Apple Gets Patent To Improve The Experience Of Virtual Stores

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:32:09 -0800

Considering that the future is going to rely heavily on virtual goods and services, Apple seems to have gotten a rather nice patent under its belt, specifically a patent for improving the user experience in a 3D virtual Apple Store. While virtual shopping might be fun, it can also lack a certain feel that users experience in traditional stores. Apple goes into quite a bit of detail of things such as natural outdoor lighting that reflects the time of day, seasonal outdoor schemes, and anything that might make the cold digital shopping experience more fun. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of experience shopping at a virtual Apple store would be like. After all, most online stores nowadays are just point-and-click sites, we’ll see if Apple can make it fun.

Permalink: Apple Gets Patent To Improve The Experience Of Virtual Stores from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Netgear MBRN3300 shares your 3G connection

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:26:22 -0800

Netgear's latest MBRN3300 is the result of a collaboration with Ericsson, where the device is capable of using an internal 3G modem which includes HSPA+ at roughly 20Mbps, while sharing that link via either 802.11n Wi-Fi or through a quartet of 100Mbps Ethernet ports - it all depends on what your home network setup is like. Both Ericsson and Netgear is priming the MBRN3300 for households where regular cable, DSL or fiber isn't available, as well as those who rely on completely mobile local networks. Heck, you can juice it up with you wherever you go in a car, thanks to the optional car charger and a battery pack that does not need a traditional plug. No idea on its pricing since Netgear hopes to make the MBRN3300 available from various telco carriers.

Permalink: Netgear MBRN3300 shares your 3G connection from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Seagate Savvio 10K.4 hard drive

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:21:04 -0800

Seagate has announced its Savvio 10K.4 hard drive which is touted to be the highest capacity and most reliable 2.5" enterprise-class drive in the world, hitting a maximum capacity of 600GB while boasting a 2 million hour MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) solution. Targeting enterprise servers while enabling new levels of data density in external storage arrays, the Savvio 10K.4 has twice the capacity of its nearest rival. No idea on pricing though. [Press Release]

Permalink: Seagate Savvio 10K.4 hard drive from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Atlona AT-HDVieW offers HDMI connectivity

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:56:11 -0800

Not everyone is able to upgrade their notebook every couple of years to keep up with the latest and the greatest, so if you're still on a computing boneshaker and want to play games on it while viewing all its past graphical glory on a HDTV, then the Atlona AT-HDVieW ought to be your cup of tea. Powered via USB, it will take both VGA and 3.5mm audio by merging their signals together, sending the resulting output at 1080p via HDMI. On the plus side, the scaler/converter will communicate with your HDTV so that the right output resolution is achieved just in case 1080p looks weird. Looks like a no-brainer of a device which retails for a mere $120.

Permalink: Atlona AT-HDVieW offers HDMI connectivity from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Panasonic Announces First 3DTV With Its Viera TH-P54VT

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:51:51 -0800

Panasonic Japan has made a rather nice announcement for 3D fans today, with the 54-inch Viera TH-P54VT and 50-inch TH-P50VT2 announced (though only the first supports 3D). Specifications for both these plasma TVs are rather impressive as they boast full HD displays, native contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, Viera link, web connectivity, 4 HDMI ports, multiple TV tuners, eco-mode, built-in speakers and sub-woofer. If you want to use the 3D feature for the TH-P54VT, you’ll need to wear active shutter glasses, so do keep that in mind. Both these displays will be going on sale in Japan on April 23rd. Expect to pay $5900 for the TH-P54VT, and $4800 for the TH-P50VT2.

Permalink: Panasonic Announces First 3DTV With Its Viera TH-P54VT from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Elecom rolls out new memory card readers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:49:20 -0800

Elecom has a couple of new memory card readers available in Japan - the USB-style MR-A001BK as well as the cable-type MR-A002 series. The former is capable of handling up to 10 different types of memory cards, including the latest SDXC format which maxes out at a whopping 64GB, while the MR-A002 series plays around with 32 different types of media including SDXC, alongside the Memory Stick range from Sony sans an adapter. Design-wise, there is nothing much to shout about although we're pretty happy with them in terms of practicality. After all, isn't it better to be prepared than get caught with your pants down?

Permalink: Elecom rolls out new memory card readers from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Samsung Super AMOLED phone could run on Bada

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:45:25 -0800

We brought you news of a new Super AMOLED handset from Samsung that will debut at Mobile World Congress (MWC), Barcelona, and today there is a new development on this mystery phone. Apparently, it is being promoted as the first Bada-powered Samsung phone, debuting on a day filled with love - Valentine's Day. What do you think of this news - will you be all thrilled about a Bada OS phone, or are you still saving up to make sure you have enough money to purchase an Android or iPhone OS-powered handset?

Permalink: Samsung Super AMOLED phone could run on Bada from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Google Looking To Extend Free Turn-by-turn Service To Europe

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:05:43 -0800

Google has recently been offering free turn-by-turn navigation for Android phones in the US, and while that is great, our friends on the other side of the pond have had to make do without for some time now. Fortunately Google seems to have been listening, and word is that Google has been working with a company in the Netherlands to bring said feature to folks over in Europe. Speculation is that the company might be Navteq (which is owned by Nokia), and the recent withdrawal of Navteq from the Android market serves to further strengthen speculation. If Google were to start rolling out its free turn-by-turn navigation in Europe, and maybe extend it to Asia, companies that focus on GPS such as Garmin might start to shudder in fear.

Permalink: Google Looking To Extend Free Turn-by-turn Service To Europe from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

ESPN Game Changer Universal Remote Control 2 Pack

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:55:32 -0800

Are you a sports addict that flicks between channels all day long? If you think your remote isn’t keeping pace with the rate you’re flicking between channels, the ESPN Game Changer Universal Remote Control might be able to help you out. Featuring dedicated ESPN buttons (ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU); you’ll be able to quickly switch between sports channels to keep in touch with all the games that are running simultaneously. If you want to keep switching between a non-sports channel, you’re still covered, as the buttons are programmable, so you won’t miss whatever reality show you’re addicted to at the moment. The best part is, it won’t set you back $300 like the Ultimate Remote, rather you’ll be able to pick up two of these remotes for just $8 (plus $5 for shipping). Doesn’t seem like an expensive decision to make, does it? Especially since Amazon is selling it for $24.99 each.

Permalink: ESPN Game Changer Universal Remote Control 2 Pack from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

NVIDIA Optimus achieves goal of seamless GPU transition

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:13:06 -0800

After the NVIDIA Optimus teaser was posted in early January, there was some speculation about what it was, but we now have first-hand information: NVIDIA Optimus is an architecture for multi-GPU computers (typically integrated + discrete) that allows the operating system to seamlessly switch between integrated and discrete graphics. The goal is to use the most appropriate graphics processor at any given time in order to minimize power consumption or maximize performance.

I’ve seen it in action, and I can tell you that it is leaps and bounds better than what is out there today. Typically, today’s computers require several steps in order to switch from one GPU to another. It’s not intuitive and most users don’t even bother doing it because it’s a hassle.

Permalink: NVIDIA Optimus achieves goal of seamless GPU transition from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Handheld Algiz 7 rugged tablet

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:47:32 -0800

Handheld has rolled out its Algiz 7 rugged tablet that is able to take its fair share of knocks while getting on just fine without missing a beat. After all, it features plus IP65 and MIL-STD 810G ruggedness, running on Windows 7 Professional while featuring a 7" widescreen tablet display, with an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor running within. The Algiz 7 also sports a 64GB SSD as well as 2GB of RAM, coupled with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS navigation, a 2-megapixel camera with LED flash and optional 3G cellular capability for you to remain connected on the go via high-speed GSM/UMTS/EVDO data transmission. Being Gobi 2000-ready, it has built-in antennas and works great outdoors thanks to its special MaxView screen technology. It has a hot-swappable 2,600mAh dual battery pack which allows you to change batteries on-the-fly without having to shut down. No idea on pricing though, which is a bummer.

Permalink: Handheld Algiz 7 rugged tablet from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Wearable Robot project

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:40:54 -0800

Now here is one of the more unique robot projects out there from the folks at the Tsumaki Telerobotics Laboratory (Yamagata University) who have devised a Wearable Robot. Known as the Telecommunicator T1, this experimental model aims to offer gestural presence that you do not obtain from a cellphone conversation as it sits on your shoulder. The robot will remain connected to the Internet, where you can control where it looks simply by tilting your head. Apart from that, arm gestures including waving are also possible, although the current hardware restricts it movement by a fair bit. Whatever the robot looks at will be transmitted to you through a pair of goggles, while you can also hold Face-to-Robot conversations. No idea on where the project is at the moment, but it would be interesting to see a commercial version released.

Permalink: Wearable Robot project from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

North Paw anklet points to the north

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:22:15 -0800

We would say that the North Paw anklet is some sort of mystical geek device that ought to thrill nerds out there who do spend a fair amount of time in Role Playing Games - after all, this nifty little anklet will always let you know where North is, thanks to eight cellphone vibrator motors located around the ankle. A control unit that holds an electronic compass will sense magnetic north, jump-starting the appropriate motor to inform you of where North is at that point in time. The North Paw anklet is the result of a subsequent experimentation with the Feelspace research performed at the Cognitive Psychology department of the University of Osnabrück in Germany. Nifty - we would like to see this commercialized to come with a GPS navigation system for outdoor lovers.

Permalink: North Paw anklet points to the north from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Cube ebook reader pimped

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:17:43 -0800

It is true - sex sells, which is perhaps why Cube came up with this rather provocative shot of a pouty chick to market their yet-to-be-released ebook reader which supposedly comes with a 6" capacitive color touchscreen display, Wi-Fi connectivity and Windows Mobile 6.5 as the operating system of choice. Hmm, this is a new marketing tactic, or is it? We do know that the final product will not cost anything more than $150 after conversion in China, so it would be interesting to see whether there is enough back end support to make this ebook reader a success in its motherland.

Permalink: Cube ebook reader pimped from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Hap.tickle Greeting dress

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:11:22 -0800

Want to let your loved one know how much you love them, that giving them a tickle from time to time shows your affection? That's what the Hap.tickle Greeting dress designed by Lina Saleem is all about, where it comes with its fair share of ruffles, frills and vibrating motors on its back and sides. Whenever the dress receives an SMS, the motors will automatically get to work, sending tickles through your sides and spine. Not recommended for those who are in an important boardroom meeting talking about the company's performance as well as goals to its board of directors, that's for sure.

Permalink: Hap.tickle Greeting dress from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Sony Bravia TV sports built-in Blu-ray player

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:08:25 -0800

Still don't have a Blu-ray player in your living room? Why not kill two birds with one stone if you're thinking of upgrading your current standard definition TV to one of those newfangled HDTVs? Sony has just the thing with their latest Bravia TV which will come in 32" and 40" sizes, known as the KDL-32EX40B and KDL-40EX40B. As it is under the Bravia umbrella, you can expect staples such as Internet widget support, DLNA compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, USB media playback and an added bonus - a built-in Blu-ray player.

Permalink: Sony Bravia TV sports built-in Blu-ray player from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Vertu Constellation Ayxta ready for Valentine's Day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:05:20 -0800

This Valentine's Day, if you're feeling particularly flush and want to impress your girlfriend with something much more than standard issue bling, why not fork out a handsome amount of dough for the Vertu Constellation Ayxta? After all, this late-2009 release sports the same features alongside coming in pink leather, although we would love to see it get adorned with diamonds and other sorts of precious jewels for that added touch of class.

Permalink: Vertu Constellation Ayxta ready for Valentine's Day from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

GuruPlug up for pre-order

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:02:49 -0800

The GuruPlug is an all-in-one server that is ready for pre-order if you lack the technical know how as well as wizardry to build one of these for yourself. This next generation SheevaPlug comes with new goodies including a couple of Gigabit Ethernet ports, a solitary eSATA connector, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity (also found in the original) in addition to all that is available on the original SheevaPlug. It retails for $129 which is $30 more, and the fact that it sips a mere 5 watts of juice makes it all the more interesting.

Permalink: GuruPlug up for pre-order from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Google flexes muscles against social networks

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:59:45 -0800

Google isn't going to let the popularity of social networking just pass by them without doing anything about it - word has it that the Internet search giant is taking on Facebook and Twitter on their own turf, thanks to a new module in Gmail which can stream media and status updates of online friends. Hmm, this module more or less resembles a Gmail Labs feature that can be enabled or disabled at the account holder's discretion. Some might not say that this feature is worthy enough to be a rival since Google has already integrated Twitter updates in its search, but it could be a stab at Facebook considering Facebook is already mulling over plans to introduce their own email service.

Permalink: Google flexes muscles against social networks from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to go beyond Android 1.6

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:56:16 -0800

Sony Ericsson has confirmed that their Android-powered Xperia X10 will be getting a newer version of Android sometime after its launch, although the exact time frame has yet to be announced. It will bolt through the stable doors with Android 1.6, and hopefully we'll see a jump to Android 2.1 sooner rather than later. It does make us wonder why can't it roll out with Android 2.1 in the first place - would you rather wait for the phone to be released later with the updated 2.1 OS, or hold one in your hands sooner only to make the upgrade later on?

Permalink: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to go beyond Android 1.6 from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

iPhone 3.1.3 firmware is not problem-free

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:55:18 -0800

The latest iPhone 3.1.3 firmware is not the panacea to fix all of your iPhone's ills, as some folks have already voiced out their concern on Apple's support forums. One of the most critical and nagging issue would be its battery life that ends up pretty wonky for no reason whatsoever, jumping randomly from its current level to on that is extremely low, before returning to what it was before. In worst-case scenarios, one might see their iPhone lose hours of power despite being fully charged just moments ago, or even running at a higher temperature level than normal. Ironically, the 3.1.3 firmware was supposed to fix the battery meter problem on the iPhone 3GS. Are you one of the unfortunate few to be affected by the latest firmware update, and how are you dealing with it?

Permalink: iPhone 3.1.3 firmware is not problem-free from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

MotKey flash drive

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:24:37 -0800

The MotKey flash drive from Active Media Products was specially designed to resemble that of an actual key, allowing you to use it on your key ring, which means you can carry it with you virtually everywhere you go on another bunch of important keys like that of your home or car. Of course, the downside to this would be losing said set of keys, which means all your information stored there would be privy to other people's eyes when they stumble upon it. It is rather safe to assume that more people lose loose USB flash drives than keys, right? You can choose from 4GB or 8GB capacities with prices not surpassing the $25 mark.

Permalink: MotKey flash drive from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Samsung TicToc to challenge the iPod Shuffle

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:21:23 -0800

Granted, anyone who wants to top the iPod Shuffle's position in the MP3 player market isn't aiming high, but that has not stopped Samsung from unveiling its TicToc MP3 player which boasts an integrated motion sensor that makes switching tracks a snap - all you need to do is shake the player in the right manner and you will be able to perform various functions such as slow down a song or speed it up. A large button allows you to power on/off the TicToc, although you can turn it off permanently by throwing it against the wall with all your might until it breaks open. The Samsung TicToc will hit the market later this year in 2GB and 4GB capacities, where it carries 12 hours of non-stop playback on a single full charge with support for MP3, WMA, OGG and FLAC audio formats. No idea on pricing though.

Permalink: Samsung TicToc to challenge the iPod Shuffle from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Nokia Nuron (5230) ready to roll out next month

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:18:06 -0800

The Nokia Nuron, also known by its more formal model number, the Nokia 5230, is ready to hit the market come this March 17th, and here are more details concerning its hardware configuration. You will find 3G connectivity thrown into the fray alongside a 3.2” touchscreen display and compatibility with the Ovi Application Store. Guess this is more or less a handset which caters for social networking fans, but we're pretty sure they might find other much better smartphones social network-wise, although the Nokia Nuron will definitely appeal on the price side of things considering this is primed as a mid-range handset.

Permalink: Nokia Nuron (5230) ready to roll out next month from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Dopod roadmap points to HTC Dragon

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:14:53 -0800

Dopod's most recently leaked out roadmap does point a finger at the HTC Dragon which will be Android powered as many expected, boasting a 3.6" WVGA display. Apart from that, details of the HTC Dragon are pretty scant or non-existent at all, pretty much the same applies to fossil evidence for those mythical monsters of ancient lore. Well, at least we know this is one Dragon that will emerge from its cave eventually, giving you access to a treasure trove of golden nuggets of gossip when you use the HTC Dragon to talk with a friend.

Permalink: Dopod roadmap points to HTC Dragon from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

RFID record player

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:11:42 -0800

Have you ever wondered what a real world Cover Flow would be like? Wonder no more with Matt Brown's invention - the RFID record player that is capable of playing songs on a turntable that interestingly enough, does not turn at all. This is made possible thanks to his 45rpm vinyl records being tagged with RFID stickers, and the RFID reader within the fake player will obtain information from said RFID-tagged record. Upon detection, the user will need to move the tonearm into position, where the player will get to work by reproducing its playlist. According to Matt, he wished that people were more personal with their songs, hence this invention that requires them to physically touch the songs.

Permalink: RFID record player from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

Bill's USB helps keep your info safe and sound

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:06:59 -0800

Information and data theft are getting rampant these days, and many a time those incidents could have been avoided if one had implemented more stringent security measures or employed tough-to-crack hardware. Bill's USB concept is one of those devices that fall under the latter category, boasting a physical lock that requires the right combination of turns before you will be able to access the USB connector to plug the device into any computer. Too bad this concept could have done better with software encryption as well as a password protection system. You can't be too safe with mission critical data after all, can you?

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