BMW releases second X6 M diesel teaser

While the notion of an M-tuned SUV may have seemed inconceivable just a few years ago, the BMW X5 M and X6 M are by now a reality. And it's already been hinted that the M-powered SUV family is set to gain a new diesel-powered member. BMW has now released a second clip showing an X6 equipped what we expect is a tri-turbo oil-burner and an M badge on its rump. Follow the jump to watch the intentionally blurry video.



Autoblog, BMW releases second X6 M diesel teaser

NASA shows first global image taken from new satellite; Captain Planet approves

From breaking the ice on Jupiter's moon Europa to going Captain Ahab on comets, NASA's been quite busy formulating all sorts of "strategery" for future projects lately. But just because the space agency has to pay Russians to hitch a ride to space these days doesn't mean it has nothing going on in the present. Check out the first image from NASA's NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite. The satellite launched October 28th and, eventually, will be able to measure anything from ocean temps to fire locations.

Engadget, NASA shows first global image taken from new satellite; Captain Planet approves

Brain-Eating Amoeba in tap water kills two in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has issued a weird warning: if you have to irrigate your sinuses with water for some medical reason, don't use tap water. The reason: your brains may get eaten by the Naegleria fowleri. That's the scientific name of the brain-eating amoeba, the gross thing in the picture above. It's like the brain slug in Futurama, except this one kills you instead of controlling your brain.

It's also what happened to two people in that state. They were infected and died after irrigating their sinuses with tap water.

So what's this nae... nal... er...

2DayBlog.com, Brain-Eating Amoeba in tap water kills two in Louisiana

GSM Galaxy Nexus 4.0.2 update rolls out, matches its cousin on Verizon

After the Verizon LTE Galaxy Nexus finally appeared and was (almost) immediately updated yesterday, it enjoyed the briefest of possible periods as the highest official Android version available. Now, owners of GSM-equipped Galaxy Nexus phones are getting the same bundle of tweaks shoved their way in a quick 8.7MB download.

Engadget, GSM Galaxy Nexus 4.0.2 update rolls out, matches its cousin on Verizon

Adobe updates Flash to 11.1 with support for Ice Cream Sandwich

. Adobe announced an update to its Flash Player on Friday that provides support for Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Prior to Friday, Flash was not officially supported by Android 4.0 on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the only device currently running Google's latest mobile operating system. Adobe noted a few known issues with its release, including one that does not prioritize the audio during an incoming call. That means any current Flash clip will play audio before and after the call is received. In addition, the “enter” key does not work in multi-line text input fields. Those sound like minor bugs for full Flash support, though.

Boy Genius Report, Adobe updates Flash to 11.1 with support for Ice Cream Sandwich

Orange Amps upgrades OPC lineup, gives you the best of both worlds (video)

What better way to combine your geeky and rhythmic sides than with a PC / amp fusion. We first spotted the OPC back in 2010, and although it preserves its glamorous outer shell, internally it's seen quite the overhaul. Aside from a visit to the specs doctor, the new OPC variants also come with lighter price tags. Essentially, you'll still have access to all expected traits: playing, recording, multi-tracking and mixing.

Engadget, Orange Amps upgrades OPC lineup, gives you the best of both worlds (video)

Lenovo B570-1068APU 15.6-Inch Laptop For Only $329.99

Here's another affordable 15.6-inch laptop for you to take home from Lenovo, the B570-1068APU. Available via BestBuy, the system offers a 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 LED-backlit display, a 2.1GHz Intel Pentium B950 dual-core processor, an Intel HD graphics, a 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a 0.3MP webcam, a DVD writer, a 6-in-1 card reader, WiFi, a 6-cell battery, an HDMI port and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS. The Lenovo B570-1068APU can be yours for only $329.99.

TechFresh

See also:
gadgetsngadgets, Lenovo B570-1068APU 15.6-Inch Laptop For Only $329.99

USB Biofeedback Game Controller

Want to flex your muscles, and I mean that literally, when it comes to playing video games the next time around. That can be achieved with the USB Biofeedback Game Controller, where this project will showcase the power of the muscle (EMG) sensors, thanks to Advancer Technologies. This particular DIY project is said to harness the power of electromyography, letting you control video games directly using nothing but pure brawn. A powerful yet affordable Arduino UNO microcontroller runs at the heart of things, functioning as a HID keyboard interface.

Ubergizmo, USB Biofeedback Game Controller

Bugatti says 'Happy Birthday' with unique Veyron Super Sport Edition Merveilleux

It's not every day that a unique Bugatti debuts. But it sure seems that way. The ultra-high-end automaker cranks out unique one-off versions of the Veyron for discerning and well-heeled customers around the world, and this is their latest. Called the Edition Merveilleux (from the French for "marvelous"), this special Super Sport model is distinguished by an unpainted carbon fiber body, blacked-out alloys and brightwork, and a bright blue interior.



Autoblog, Bugatti says 'Happy Birthday' with unique Veyron Super Sport Edition Merveilleux

Google gives the gift of gab, extends free calling in Gmail within North America

Just in time to thank Grandma for that polyester blend sweater, comes more free domestic calling in Gmail for the US and Canada. In the spirit of holiday giving, Mountain View has decided to extend its gratis VoIP program for another year of free chatter.

2DayBlog.com, Google gives the gift of gab, extends free calling in Gmail within North America

Cheap electronic skin edges us closer to cyberpunk future

Researchers working for the Department of Energy's Berkeley Lab have figured out how to create relatively inexpensive "electronic skin" comprising carbon nanotubes enriched with semiconductors. Their process involves an enriched single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) solution embedded in a honeycomb pattern of hexagonal holes to make it more flexible and stretchable - it's so limber, they wrapped it around a baseball, as you can see in the photo above.

Engadget, Cheap electronic skin edges us closer to cyberpunk future

ASUS Transformer Prime delayed for Italy, might come preinstalled with Android 4.0

While the ASUS Transformer Prime is looking like it will be on track for a end of the year launch as far as US markets are concerned, it seems like our friends over in Italy will be seeing a delay. According to ASUS Italy's Facebook page, the ASUS Transformer Prime for Italy will be seeing a delayed launched and will most likely be seeing a launch at the end of January 2012. It's not all bad news though. Assuming ASUS Italy manages to stay on track with their schedule, the Transformer Prime for Italy could be released with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich preinstalled.

Ubergizmo, ASUS Transformer Prime delayed for Italy, might come preinstalled with Android 4.0

Moving Brands reveals proposed HP brand redesign, HP remains noncommittal

HP has gone through some big changes in the past year, and it turns out it's also been considering a rather drastic change to its identity — one that may or may not yet be adopted. That's been revealed by the team at Moving Brands, who began working with HP on a complete redesign of the company's brand in 2008, and have now shown off what they've come up in an exhaustive case study on their website. At the heart of it is a new logo, which traces its history to HP's original 1941 design, but takes on a decidedly more modern appearance; gone are the familiar circle and rounded corners, and in are some sharp lines and hard edges.



2DayBlog.com, Moving Brands reveals proposed HP brand redesign, HP remains noncommittal

HP Wireless TV Connect system arrives at the FCC

If you happen to hang out at the FCC long enough, you would realize that not only smartphones and tablets make their way there – a slew of other consumer electronics devices do, too. The HP Wireless TV Connect system would be one of the latest of such devices to arrive at the doorsteps of the FCC, where this particular setup will be able to stream video from your computer to HDMI-equipped devices like a HDTV. This particular two part system will comprise of an HDMI dongle and a TV receiver.

Ubergizmo, HP Wireless TV Connect system arrives at the FCC

ComfyShell for the iPad 2 looks comfortable

The iPad 2 is rather slim, but because Apple was aiming for a thin device, ultimately this translated into a tablet with somewhat sharp edges. Now it's not really that huge a deal, but if you were to use it for long periods of time especially when placed in your lap, it's probably not the most comfortable position you can be in. Enter the ComfyShell for the iPad 2. As you might have surmised from the photo above, the ComfyShell for the iPad 2 is a casing for the tablet that provides a pillow/cushion on the back. This should allow you to place your iPad on your lap for long periods of time while still maintaining some level of comfort.

Ubergizmo, ComfyShell for the iPad 2 looks comfortable

Ice Cream Sandwich alpha released for Xperia trio, is Sony Ericsson's '143' to the dev community (video)

Sony has a clear stance on the Android dev community: one love. In what is, apparently, a first for the company, an alpha ROM of its in-development Ice Cream Sandwich port is available for install across a trio of unlocked Xperia devices - the arc S, neo V and ray. But hold your horses on that download trigger finger, this early build is only for "advanced developers" and quite a few features, like Google apps, WiFi, Bluetooth, voice, FM radio and ANT+, simply aren't functional.

Engadget, Ice Cream Sandwich alpha released for Xperia trio, is Sony Ericsson's '143' to the dev community (video)

Detroit's Christmas Wish: Regain market share lost by Japan

Honda And Toyota Miscues Help Detroit Gain An Edge. All three domestics have gained market share this year, the first time that has happened since 1998. If Detroit's three automakers could each get a wish for Santa this holiday season, it would be to keep the healthy gains in sales and market share they've racked up over the past year. The so-called Big Three have come through the worst automotive downturn since the Great Depression in far better shape than even their most ardent admirers might have hoped.

Individually, all three have gained market share this year, the first time that has happened since 1998.

Autoblog, Detroit's Christmas Wish: Regain market share lost by Japan

Windows usage grows in November as Mac OS, Android, iOS inch down

. Microsoft's desktop Windows operating system was the only major platform to show usage gains in November according to new data released on Tuesday. Using impressions served to desktop and mobile platforms to calculate market share, advertising network Chitika found that Windows gained 1.4% between October and November to climb to a 76.45% share. Apple's Mac OS stayed in the No.2 spot but slid 0.35% to a 9.33% share, and iOS dropped 0.04% to a 6.76% share in November. Android dipped 0.58% to 3.93% while Linux shed a half a point to drop to 2.93%.


Boy Genius Report, Windows usage grows in November as Mac OS, Android, iOS inch down

Samsung Galaxy Tab is “The tablet Apple tried to stop.”

To celebrate its recent victory in Australia (Apple tried to block sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 but were denied the motion), Samsung has started running ads in the Sun-Herald advertising the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as “The tablet Apple tried to Stop.” Pretty bold words for a company that is facing multiple lawsuits in different countries around the world - but hey, a win is a win right. No word on whether Samsung is going to use this advert in other countries as well but we're pretty sure Samsung is going to make the most of all the public exposure it's been getting due to Apple's lawsuits.

Ubergizmo, Samsung Galaxy Tab is “The tablet Apple tried to stop.”

Emailcenter launches multivariate tool to increase email marketing uplift by 45%

Technology developed in-house will form fundamental component of MaxemailLondon, 15th December 2011 – Boutique email marketing agency, Emailcenter, has launched a multivariate testing tool for in-house marketers. Developed and integrated by Emailcenter into its Maxemail email marketing platform, the company is the first email service provider (ESP) to offer multivariate testing as part of an integrated solution.

Press Release Distribution, Emailcenter launches multivariate tool to increase email marketing uplift by 45%

American Airlines wins FAA approval for in-cockpit iPads, will launch this Friday

If you fly as an American Airlines premium passenger, you'll get to play with a Galaxy Tab. If you actually fly the plane, though, you'll have to make do with an iPad. According to ZDNet, the carrier has already won FAA approval to use iPads “as electronic chart and digital flight manual readers,” making it the world's first airline to be totally tablet friendly. A source close to the situation tells ZDNet that AA “will begin iPad operations on B-777 aircraft” before expanding to other planes, and that both first and second generation devices have been cleared for cockpit use.

2DayBlog.com, American Airlines wins FAA approval for in-cockpit iPads, will launch this Friday

Galaxy Nexus Is Now Officially Available From Verizon Wireless (And Everywhere Else)

. This is it, folks. Despite your frustrations with either Verizon, Samsung or Google, the Galaxy Nexus is now officially available for purchase, online, from Verizon Wireless and a plethora of other online wireless retailers.

Android Phone, Galaxy Nexus Is Now Officially Available From Verizon Wireless (And Everywhere Else)

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II software update brings Wi-Fi calling and bug fixes, rolls out today

The launch of the white version isn't the only bit of news we have today about T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy S II. A software update has started rolling out for this device, which brings with it an important new feature and a few bug fixes and performance improvements. This update is going to be available for both the white and black versions of the Galaxy S II. The rollout will take place over-the-air and it's going to be staggered. As such, it may be a few days before it reaches your particular device. You'll also be able to install using a computer if you so wish, courtesy of Samsung's Kies Mini desktop app.

Unwired View, T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II software update brings Wi-Fi calling and bug fixes, rolls out today

Consumers spent $1.1 billion on Green Monday, up 19% from last year

U.S. consumers spent $1.1 billion on Green Monday, up 19% from the same day last year according to comScore. Green Monday was the third heaviest day behind the record-setting Cyber Monday, when consumers spent $1.25 billion, and Monday December 5th, when consumers spent $1.17 billion. "Green Monday was another exceptional day for the online holiday shopping season, posting more than $1.1 billion in sales with a growth rate of 19 percent versus last year," comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni said.

Boy Genius Report, Consumers spent $1.1 billion on Green Monday, up 19% from last year

iOS 5.1 beta 2 out of the oven, ready for developer consumption

Ready to kick off Monday with some iOS flashing. Excellent, because Apple's just released the second beta of iOS 5.1, lovingly christened 9B5127c. No Cupertino devices at Engadget HQ have taken the plunge, but as noted by MacRumors, the beta enables individual picture deletion from Photo Stream — which differs from the existing delete all or nothing implementation.

2DayBlog.com, iOS 5.1 beta 2 out of the oven, ready for developer consumption

Ford prices turnkey Focus ST-R racer at $98,995

There aren't many American cars that approach $100,000. As excited as they were by the ZR1's performance figures, Corvette enthusiasts balked at how a 'Vette could cost so much. After steadily climbing since its announcement a few years ago, the Fisker Karma's base price just breached the $100k mark. And of course the Ferrari-slaying Ford GT went for a good $150k if you could get your hands on one, and was probably worth even more. But a Focus? You've got to be kidding, right?

No, we're not kidding, but this also isn't the same Focus filling shopping mall parking lots and rental fleets across America and around the world, either.

Autoblog, Ford prices turnkey Focus ST-R racer at $98,995

GammaTech Durabook R13C Convertible Notebook launched

Fans of durable notebooks rejoice - GammaTech has just announced the launch of its latest Durabook, the R13C. An upgraded version of the R13S, the rugged convertible notebook features Military Standard 810G certification for drop, shock, and spill protection, plus explosive atmosphere, salt, fog, and freeze/thaw standards - basically you'll be hard-pressed to find a location where this notebook won't work in. In addition to military standard certification, the Durabook R13C features an IP65 rating for dust and water protection of its enclosed portions, and a water-resistant backlit keyboard.

Ubergizmo

See also:
alldigits, GammaTech Durabook R13C Convertible Notebook launched

Zenonia, Swiftkey X headline day 9 of the Android Market sale

There's two days to go before the Android Market returns to normal, as we enter into day 9 of its sale to celebrate the download of the ten billionth app. Only one, Swiftkey X, has come back for a second helping of the sale. Of the eleven apps being featured today, a healthy eight are games: Sleepy Jack, Icebreaker Hockey, Deer Hunter 3D, MX Moto, Guns 'n' Glory, Tank Riders, Zenonia and Collapse. Rounding out the selection you'll find ezPDF Reader - which obviously needs no introduction - and Toddler Tapping Zoo for the young 'uns.

Engadget, Zenonia, Swiftkey X headline day 9 of the Android Market sale

Panasonic SDR-H100K Camcorder

Amazon has started selling the Panasonic SDR-H100K. This camcorder features up to 78x optical zoom that is combined with an Advance O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer), and a 33mm wide-angle lens. The Panasonic SDR-H100K camcorder also features an 80GB hard disk drive, a pure color engine, a zoom microphone, a wind noise canceller and several scene modes. that allowed you to store more than 30 hours of stunning video. The Panasonic SDR-H100K camcorder is priced at $229.99 each.

TechFresh, Panasonic SDR-H100K Camcorder

Asterisk the omnidirectional robot picks up objects

Some researchers in Japan have managed to develop a six-legged robot, Asterisk, which can use two legs as arms when needed so it can pick things up and carry them. In addition to normal walking motions, the robot will be able to get over elevations and even through narrow places by lowering its body. The robot, inspired by insects, has legs that feature the same working range in all directions.



Ubergizmo, Asterisk the omnidirectional robot picks up objects

Sprint and C Spire postpone AT&T merger lawsuits

. Sprint and C Spire Wireless have decided to postpone lawsuits levied against AT&T. The two carriers had originally filed the suits in hopes of blocking AT&T's planned  $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom. AT&T recently pulled its merger application from the FCC however, and was granted a stay until January 18th for its lawsuit against the Department of Justice.

Boy Genius Report, Sprint and C Spire postpone AT&T merger lawsuits

Veho Kuzo VCC008HDKUZO Full HD Pocket Camcorder

Capture special moments with family and friends with Veho's Full HD pocket camcorder, the Kuzo VCC008HDKUZO. This travel-friendly camcorder has a 5.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a 20x optical/digital zoom, a 3.0-inch touchscreen display, an SD card slot (up to 32GB), an HDMI port and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities. The Kuzo VCC008HDKUZO sells for $99.99.

TechFresh, Veho Kuzo VCC008HDKUZO Full HD Pocket Camcorder

Google Street View documents Japan tsunami devastation

The online news cycle moves at a blistering pace. It's easy to forget that, while the story of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami that occurred last March may move from the front page, individuals are still struggling to cope with the widespread devastation on the island. Google took it upon itself to document the structural destruction in some of the hardest hit areas in its Google Maps Street View function.

Autoblog, Google Street View documents Japan tsunami devastation

O2 new lease plans for iPhone 4S let you have it with no upfront cost

You are living in the UK, desperately want the new iPhone 4S, and you are currently running a little low on cash. If you tick all the boxes, you might be interested to hear that O2 will let you have your dream smartphone on a lease with no money required upfront. The carrier will let you have the smartphone on a 12-month lease without demanding any cash up front.

GSM Arena, O2 new lease plans for iPhone 4S let you have it with no upfront cost

Toyota Supra rumors continue with 400-hp hybrid power

Have we told you how badly we want a reboot of the Toyota Supra. One of the iconic cars of Gen X youth, the Supra died an untimely death in the mid-1990s along with the rest of the Japanese sports car market.









Autoblog

See also:
gadgetsngadgets, Toyota Supra rumors continue with 400-hp hybrid power

Third Man 45 iPhone case features a real vinyl record

Love collecting vinyl records and want the whole world to know. Griffin Technology and Third Man Records have teamed up to let you do so - with the Third Man 45 iPhone case. The two companies announced their partnership today and the launch of their new unique iPhone case. While from the front it doesn't look any different from a regular iPhone case, it's from the back where it shines.

Ubergizmo, Third Man 45 iPhone case features a real vinyl record

22 SMS Toll Fraud Apps Removed From Market

Google's done some more malware cleaning lately. The latest infection to the market was pegged ReFraud and consisted of 22 apps which consisted of code that would send text messages from your phone to premium SMS services unbeknownst to the user. Of course, these apps are disguised as run-of-the-mill everyday apps such as wallpapers, horoscopes and fraudulent games. No worries, though, as Lookout has already notified Google and Google has already removed them from the market. Lookout urges users to update their Mobile Security application to get the latest malware and virus definitions to make sure you're not downloading any of these apps.

Android Phone, 22 SMS Toll Fraud Apps Removed From Market

BlackBerry OS 7.1 Leaked, Shows Off Mobile HotSpot Functionality On Torch 9810!

RIM's Blackberry phones have been lacking mobile hotspot functionality even though some of its recently released phones tout mobile hotspot functionality. Finally, that's going to change, if the download file at the end of this post maps with the impending official release. Apparently, the leaked build carries a 7.1.0.74 version number and has seemingly been tried on the BlackBerry Torch 9810.


Technology Nerd, BlackBerry OS 7.1 Leaked, Shows Off Mobile HotSpot Functionality On Torch 9810!

Post Office Ltd Awards Qmatic with Barrier and Call Forwarding Contract

Bedfordshire – 13 December 2011 – Qmatic’s Customer Flow Management (CFM) solutions, including barrier and call forwarding, is to be piloted at selected Crown Post Office branches across the UK.  Post Office Ltd is to benefit from valuable management information acquired through the Qmatic system to help improve customer service.   David Anahory, UK CEO, Qmatic UK said, “As the first business to harness cashier number three technology and queue ticketing, Post Office Ltd has continuously sought ways to improve the customer’s branch experience through innovation.

Press Release Distribution, Post Office Ltd Awards Qmatic with Barrier and Call Forwarding Contract

Meet iZac, the Android powered bartender

Ever since its inception, Google's Android operating system has been used for very big things such as tablets, smartphones, cutting edge applications and now to add to the list- bartending. Meet iZac, he's the Motorola Xoom powered bartender that cuts the chit-chat and heads straight to drink mixing. Like his cousin, the typewriter drink machine, he will serve you drinks until you are too intoxicated to press a button. Designed by Nick Johnson, iZac utilizes a custom Android app along with a Motorola Xoom to control two rotating platforms that are filled with several questionable liquids.

2DayBlog.com, Meet iZac, the Android powered bartender