Leap Motion Partners With Best Buy For Exclusive Retail Launch (video)

Leap Motion the creators of the small Leap motion gesture controller that is 200 times more accurate than Microsoft’s Kinect gesture controller. Has this week announced that they are partnering with Best Buy to offer customers an exclusive package.

The new Best Buy Exclusive Leap Motion package is expected to be available to pre-order from next month and will finally be available from both the Best Buy website and high street stores, throughout the US.

Once officially launched the Leap gesture control device will also ship with its own app store, and the leap gesture controller is also expected to be available in Europe and other world wide markets shortly. Through other partners that have yet to be announced by Leap, but as always we will keep you posted as more information comes to light.

The latest news follows on from PC manufactures such as Asus who have also adopted the new Leap Motion technology to be included with their flagship systems later this year.

Source: Tech Crunch

Diamond Media TAB360 Racing Gaming Wheel Stand Launches (video)

If you enjoy playing and driving games on your tablet device, you might be interested in a new rotating tablets stand which has been created by Diamond Media.

The new Diamond Media TAB360, has been specifically designed to be used with tablet racing game applications from 7 – 10.1 inch in size and provides 360 degree rotating motion. Check out the video after the jump to see the new gaming tablet stand in action.

Diamond Media has equipped their stand with a Giro 360 degree will design consists of a three-dimensional ball joint driving rod and base, providing both a handy tablet stand and also a racing game wheel.

The Diamond Media TAB360 is now available in a stander edition for $59.99, or a Bluetooth speaker edition priced at $79.99.

Source: Hot Hardware

Mini X TV Android Linux $89 Mini PC

Joining the ever growing list of mini PCs capable of running Android and Linux and available to connect to your TV, providing the ability to run applications and games for under $100.

The Mini X TV is now available for just $89 and is powerful enough to run both Google’s latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system, or Linux versions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Puppy.

The Mini X TV measures just 72 x 61 x 13mm, and is equipped with a Allwinner A10 processor, supported by 512MB memory and has 4Gb of built in storage which can be expanded if required via the microSD card expansion slot.

Even though is runs Google’s latest Android 4.0 operating system, it also compatible with Android 2.3 and comes with 2 x USB host ports, 802.11n WiFi, and an 1 x HDMI port. More information can be found over on the Brando website, were is also available to purchase for $89.

Source: Liliputing

FIFA Approves Use Of Select iBall Smart Soccer Ball (video)

FIFA has approved the use of the worlds first intelligent football, called the iBall which has been design to help referees know when a soccer ball has crossed the goal line or not.

FIFA has been the new Select’s iBall design over the past few months in the GoalRef system, and has now approved the new intelligent iBall system for final testing ready for use in professional football games. Watch the video after the jump to see how the Select iBall will help the game of football.

The iBall is constructed with an internal mesh of copper wire, which is then used to communicate with antennas mounted in the frame of the goal. When the ball passes over the line of the goal a notification is then sent to the referee’s wristwatch.

Peter Knap, CEO of Select explains: “It is challenging work to design an intelligent ball that can withstand Ronaldo’s kick and at the same time be able to communicate with a system on the goal line. We have been developing the soccer ball for more than 65 years, so we have a solid head start when it comes to ensuring quality in new solutions.”

Source: Slashgear

Nokia Lumia 900, Lumia 610 And Lumia 710 Getting Software Updates

Nokia has announced that it is rolling out a software update for a number of its Lumia Windows Phone devices, and the list includes the Nokia Lumia 900, Lumia 710 and Lumia 610.

The software updates for the various devices bring a range of new features to these Lumia Windows Phone smartphones as well as performance enhancements, you can see a list of what is included in the update below.

- Lumia 900 version 2175.2101.8779.12201: Enhanced sensitivity for proximity sensor performance and improvement to your phone’s screen colours in low light conditions

- Lumia 710 version 1600.3031.8779.12180: Internet sharing (Wi-Fi Hotspot) — Share your phone’s internet connection over Wi-Fi with up to five other devices or computers and Flip to silence — Silence incoming calls by turning your phone face down.

- Lumia 610 version 1066.0000.8779.12201: Enhanced sensitivity for proximity sensor performance and improved sound level for alarm tone during voice calls.

You can find out more information about the software updates for the three Nokia Lumia Windows Phone devices over at Nokia.

Source Brief Mobile

Samsung To Manufacture Qualcomm’s 28nm Snapdragon Processors

Samsung and Qualcomm are currently competing with each other on their smartphone processors, and not it would appear that Samsung is actually going to help its rival produce their 28nm Snapdragon S4 SoC.

Qualcomm’s current processors are made by Taiwan’s TSMC, who are unable to keep up with the demand for the S4, so Qualcomm have looked for other companies to help meet the demand for their latest flagship processor.

As well as Samsung United Microelectronics (UMC) will also be producing the S4 SoC’s for Qualcomm, we wonder if a total of three different manufacturers will be able to produce enough of the chips to keep up with the demand.

It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that Samsung is willing to produce the S4 for Qualcomm, as they actually use the processor in their US version of the Samsung Galaxy S III, the international version of the device uses their own quad core Exynos processor.

Source GSM Arena

Apple’s Siri vs Google Search On Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (Video)

We have seen a couple of videos before of Apple’s Siri against various other voice activated virtual assistants, and now we have a video of Siri tested against Google Search on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The video below shows Google Search running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and Apple’s Siri on the iPhone 4S, both devices are asked the same question at the same time.

As you can see from the video, it looks like the default Google Search seems to be able to answer the questions quicker than Apple’s Siri, it will be interesting to see this test again when Siri gets updated with iOS 6 to see if it can do a better job then.

Source Technobuffalo

Modbook Pro, The Worlds Largest And Fastest OS X Tablet

Fancy transforming your brand new Apple MacBook Pro laptop into the “the world’s most powerful and largest-screen tablet computer.” running Mountain Lion OS X? If you do then Modbook can help you with the conversion process, which uses the Apple laptop for and transforms it into a tablet.

Which can be equipped with a number of different configuration options such as a 2.5GHz dual core Intel Core i5 processor or 2.9 GHz dual core Intel Core i7 processor, supported by up to 16GB of RAM.

Storage can be provided by Modbook as a 2.5–inch SATA drive up to 1TB HDD or up to 960GB SSD, together with an 8X SuperDrive DVD burner. Graphics are handled by Intel HD Graphics 4000 chipset, and connectivity is supplied via 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. However you will lose the MacBook Pro’s FaceTime camera during the conversion process.

“Modbook Pro has a state-of the-art digitizer from the industry leader in pen tablet technology, Wacom, offering 512 levels of pen pressure sensitivity — more than any other tablet computer on the market. And the Modbook Pro’s pen interface features tough and scratch-resistant ForceGlass, providing an etched, paper-emulating drawing and writing surface… Included with the Modbook Pro is a best-inclass digitizer pen with two programmable side buttons and digital eraser. The pen is securely stowed in the built-in, magnetic catch-equipped pen garage.”

Unfortunately no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always, as they are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Source: 9to5 Mac

Lunatik TakTik Shockproof Rugged iPhone Case (video)

Lunatik the creators of the TikTok and LunaTik Apple Nano watch straps, have unveiled a new project on Kickstarter this week inn the form of the rugged Lunatik Taktik iPhone case.

Which has been designed to provide your iPhone with extreme shock and drop protection. The new Taktik iPhone case includes a shockproof suspension system that provides a 9mm impact truss around the edgers of your iPhone.

Which has then been encased in an aluminium case, complete with Gorilla Glass lens protector. Protecting your Apple iPhone from dust, and water damage. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.

Source: Kickstarter

My Xbox Live App Lands On Android

Microsoft has released a new app for Google’s Android OS, called My Xbox Live, the app is designed to let you track and compare your Xbox Live achievements.

The My Xbox Live App for Android will also let you chat with your Xbox Live friends, you can also edit your gamer profile and change your 3D avatar from your Android device.

Take your Xbox LIVE experience wherever you go with the My Xbox LIVE app. Track and compare your achievements, connect with your Xbox LIVE friends, and change up your 3D Avatar. Review all the recent great games you and your friends love to play and compare achievements with them.

The My Xbox Live App for Android is available as a free download, you can find out more information over at the Google Play Store, it will work with devices running Android 2.2 and above and you will need an Xbox Live account to use the app.

Source Android Community

LG Optimus LTE2 Android Smartphone Announced

LG has announced another new Android smartphone, the LG Optimus LTE 2 which will go on sale in South Korea in the middle of May, and comes with the latest version of Google’s mobile OS, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The LG Optimus LTE2 comes with a True HD IPS display, and  a massive 2GB of RAM, unfortunately there are no details on what processor it will use as yet.

Other specifications on the LG Optimus LTE2 include a 2,150 mAh battery, unfortunately that is all we know so far on the specifications as the announcement didn’t include a full list of specifications.

The LG Optimus LTE2 will go on sale in South Korea in the middle of May, and will be available with all of the five domestic carriers in the country.

Source Engadget

Samsung To Announce New Galaxy Tablet And Galaxy S III May 3rd ?

Samsung announced recently that they were holding a special event in London on the 3rd of May, where the company is expected to unveil their new Galaxy S III smartphone.

It looks like Samsung may have something else to announce on top of the new Galaxy S III, according to the guys over at Cnet, Samsung will also be announcing a new Galaxy Tab.

The device is reported to be a 10.1 inch version of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab tablet, although we don;t actually have any information on any other specifications on the device.

As soon as we get some more information on this new Galaxy Tab from Samsung and also some more details on the new Samsung Galaxy S III we will let you guys know.

Source Cnet

Battlefield 3 Battlelog Companion App Arrives On iOS Devices (video)

EA has this week launched a new Battlelog application for iOS devices, that will allow Battlefield 3 players to stay connected to Battlefield 3 and their gaming friends while away from their console or PC.

The free iOS Battlelog application has been created to provide Battlefield 3 players with access most of the features from the full-fledged Battlefield 3 game directly from your iOS device. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.

Battlelog allows you to receive real-time notifications when your friends unlock new weapons or get new awards, together with the ability to comment on their posts. You can also use the Battlelog application to check which friends are playing in real-time and see the maps they are currently enjoying.

Other Battlelog features include the ability to review your statistics and progress on the battlefield. Or view the dog tags you have collected from your enemies, including new weapons, gadgets, vehicle upgrades, and specialisations to name just a few.

The new Battlefield 3 Battlelog Companion application is now available to download for free from the iTunes App Store.

Source: Into Mobile

Google Drive Cloud Service To Launch In April?

We know that Google is working on its own cloud based service to take on the likes of Apple’s iCloud and third party applications like Dropbox, the service is expected to be called Google Drive and we have already seen some screenshots of the service.

We recently heard that Google Drive was almost ready to be launched, and now it would appear that Google’s new cloud service could launch as early as next month.

According to a recent report by GigaOM, Google will launch Google Drive in April, and we don’t as yet have a specific date, but it is expected to launch some time in the first week of April.

It will be interesting to see what Google’s Cloud Drive service is like, and we can expect heavy integration with Google’s Android OS, as soon as we get some more details on Google Drive and the exact launch date we will let you guys know.

Source GigaOM

Apple’s Siri Becoming More Popular According To Report

It looks like Apple’s voice activated virtual assistant is becoming more popular according to a recent report by consulting firm Park Associates, who surveyed iPhone 4S owners of their usage of Apple’s Siri.

According to the report, 87 percent of the iPhone 4S owners use Apple’s Siri at least once a month, and people seem to be using Siri for making phone calls and sending text messages.

Other features are used less often, with 32 percent of people surveyed using it to play music and 35 percent using it to schedule meetings, and around 55 percent of the people surveyed were happy with the service.

I use an iPhone 4S as my main smartphone, and to be honest I hardly ever use Siri, although I do live in the UK where the service is not as good in the US, if more of the features worked here then I would probably use it more often.

Source WSJ

Watch The Future, Smartphone Wrist Control Concept

A new watch concept has been created by F.Bertrand called the “Watch The Future”, which has been designed to enable you to link to application on your smartphone. Enabling you to control and receive updates directly on your wrist.

The “Watch The Future” concept wrist watch can display the weather, your contacts, stock exchange information, SMS messages, Facebook updates, your GPS location and more. As well as keeping you update-to-date with the current time.

The innovative watch concept would keep the application you use most at easy access, and would even change the icons location on the strap according to the position of your wrist.

Roland Unveils Its New Wireless Connect Apps And Hardware (video)

Roland has this week introduced a new addition to their range of products called the Roland Wireless Connect, which consists of a USB adapter and two new iOS apps. Roland Wireless Connect has been designed to allow users to enjoy their instruments on iOS devices.

The first new application from Roland is the Air Recorder, which enables you to record from a Roland synthesiser or V-Accordion directly to your Apple iPhone. Tracks can also be played on your iPhone and sent directly to the instrument, enabling you to jam along and record the result back in the Air Recorder application.

Apple Will Announce Its Plans For $100 Billion Cash Reserve Today

Apple has built up a serious cash reserve over the last couple of years, the company now has close to $100 billion in cash, and today we will find out what Apple intends to do with its pile of cash.

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and their CFO Peter Oppenheimer will be holding a conference call later today where they will discuss Apple’s plans for their massive cash reserve.

Apple Conference Call
WHAT: Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, and Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO, will host a conference call to announce the outcome of the Company’s discussions concerning its cash balance. Apple® will not be providing an update on the current quarter nor will any topics be discussed other than cash.

The conference call will take place at 9am eastern time, and it will be interesting to see what Apple has planned for all that money.

Source Tech Crunch

HTC One X Headed To O2 UK April 5th

UK mobile carrier O2 has confirmed on Twitter that they will start selling the new HTC One X here in the UK on the 5th of April, although the haven’t as yet revealed any details on pricing and also no details on the contracts it will be available with.

This is the date we heard previously as Amazon had it listed on their website with a launch date of the 5th of April with a SIM free price of £530.

As a reminder the HTC One X features a quad core 1.5GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and it features a 4.6 inch HD Super LCD 2 touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

Other specifications include a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera which is capable of 720p video and a rear facing 8 megapixel camera which is capable of full high definition video in 1080p.

The HTC One X will also come with Android 4.0 ICS plus HTC’s custom UI, HTC Sense 4.0, and 1GB of RAM plus 32GB of storage, Beats Audio and 25GB of online storage with Dropbox.

Source The Verge

New iPad 3 Gets Taken Apart

Apple new iPad 3 goes on sale today, and the guys over at iFixit have already managed to get their hands on the new iPad 3 and have taken their screwdrivers top it.

You can see the teardown photos below, and we heard previously from some benchmarks that the new iPad has 1GB of RAM, and this has now been confirmed by the iFixit team.