Forget Siri – Robin for Android does navigation, traffic, gas prices, Twitter and even jokes

. Siri may be the popular girl around, and everybody wants to get to know her better. But some of us realize that there are smarter, funner girls out there. For us, Android users, one of the best options is Robin.
Robin is an app designed with drivers in mind. It uses voice in/out and gestures to allow users to communicate with their devices, helping them keep their eyes focused on the road.



Android Phone , Forget Siri â€" Robin for Android does navigation, traffic, gas prices, Twitter and even jokes, Forget Siri â€" Robin for Android does navigation, traffic, gas prices, Twitter and even jokes

LTE arrives in Colombia, stays for the coffee

Citizens of Columbia have yet another reason to be proud this week, as LTE connectivity is now part of the nation's infrastructure. State-owned telecom UNE EPM has officially flipped the 4G switch for Bogota and Medelin, and plans to bring similar LTE services to residents of Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena and Bucaramanga in the near future. If all goes well, UNE EPM hopes to provide LTE coverage for 90% of Columbia's population by year's end. The carrier is now offering both 6GB and 12GB data packages to its post-paid subscribers starting at $89,900 COP ($50 USD) per month, which include data caps of 10Mbps.

Engadget , LTE arrives in Colombia, stays for the coffee, LTE arrives in Colombia, stays for the coffee

Nokia hints at June 18th news, may be PureView related instead of Microsoft

Amidst the upheaval in Espoo Nokia continues to push forward, and tonight its Facebook page has already posted a couple of teaser images, including the one seen above, suggesting there's big news due on June 18th. Astute observers will note that's also the day its good buddy Microsoft has already planned its own high profile and highly secretive event, although you may not want to connect the two just yet. One of the images is a map of Hawaii, which AllThingsD notes is home to area code 808, a possible reference to Nokia's PureView 808 41MP cameraphone technology, which was followed up by the above image, with tempo cranked all the way up.

Engadget , Nokia hints at June 18th news, may be PureView related instead of Microsoft, Nokia hints at June 18th news, may be PureView related instead of Microsoft

DevCon5 Returns to New York City, July 23-24

DevCon5, taking place at the NYU Kimmel Center in New York City will offer attendees a comprehensive HTML5 program; from HTML5 design and mobile app execution, to balancing native OS with web development to gaming, animation and building new HTML5 business models for the mobile web. DevCon5's three tracks, Gaming/Mobile, User Interface, and the Animation Track, cover topics and technologies including; CSS3, Touch, JQuery, PhoneGap, Node.js, Unity, Canvas, WebGL, Raphael.js, SVG, building API's for HTML5, and more.




Ubergizmo , DevCon5 Returns to New York City, July 23-24

See also:
wwws, DevCon5 Returns to New York City, July 23-24

T-Mobile USA's Samsung SGH-T699 with Android 4.0 ICS and QWERTY pictured

Apart from readying the launch of the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note, T-Mobile USA is also preparing the introduction of a QWERTY-equipped Samsung smartphone. Called Samsung SGH-T699, the new handset hasn't been officially announced yet, but it appeared in a live photo over at TmoNews.

Unwired View , T-Mobile USA's Samsung SGH-T699 with Android 4.0 ICS and QWERTY pictured, T-Mobile USA's Samsung SGH-T699 with Android 4.0 ICS and QWERTY pictured

Samsung's tube powered DA-E750 audio dock hitting the UK, Korea on June 18th

Have a thing for wood grain and high-end audio. You're in luck, as Samsung has announced that its DA-E750 Audio with Dock will be available in the United Kingdom and Korea beginning Monday, June 18th. As a refresher, this rather handsome boom box uses a handful of glass fiber speakers, a dedicated subwoofer and vacuum tubes to output 100 watts of "natural and harmonious" sound. What's more, the device (available in mahogany or piano black) can accommodate your Galaxy or iOS handheld of choice via a dock, or, for those that abhor cables, stream audio via Bluetooth 3.0, AllShare or AirPlay.

Engadget , Samsung's tube powered DA-E750 audio dock hitting the UK, Korea on June 18th, Samsung's tube powered DA-E750 audio dock hitting the UK, Korea on June 18th

Diablo 3 was originally intended to be an MMO, according to Runic Games' Max Schaefer

Considering that Blizzard has made an MMO out of one of its franchises, Warcraft, naturally players assumed and probably fantasized (I know I did) that Blizzard might have considered or are considering an MMO based on either their Diablo or Starcraft franchise. While a sci-fi MMO based on Starcraft remains to be seen, it seems that at one point in time during Diablo 3's early development stages, the game was intended to be the Diablo version of World of Warcraft. This was revealed in an interview (via I.Eat.Games) with Runic Games' boss, Max Schaefer who was one of the original developers behind Diablo.

Ubergizmo , Diablo 3 was originally intended to be an MMO, according to Runic Games' Max Schaefer

See also:
aboutit, Diablo 3 was originally intended to be an MMO, according to Runic Games' Max Schaefer

Koodo Mobile To Launch The Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia ‘Sharpens Strategy' By Dropping Three Executives & HTC Won't Use Cheap Phones To Bolster Sales

Koodo Mobile To Launch The Nokia Lumia 610. The Nokia Lumia 610 is coming to Canada and now it looks like it's heading towards Koodo Mobile. This Windows Phone powered device will be available sometime this Summer and it looks like you can expect this entry level device to come in around the $200 no-term price. A refresher of specs has the Lumia 610 coming with a 3.7-inch display (400x800), 800 MHz processor, 5MP camera that captures 720p HD videos and Wi-Fi.

Cell Phones Ca , Koodo Mobile To Launch The Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia ‘Sharpens Strategy' By Dropping Three Executives & HTC Won't Use Cheap Phones To Bolster Sales

See also:
at2359, Koodo Mobile To Launch The Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia ‘Sharpens Strategy' By Dropping Three Executives & HTC Won't Use Cheap Phones To Bolster Sales

Debriefing Software’s Wizards for SVC upgrade coincides with launch of IBM Storage SAN Volume Controller software V6.4.0

Upgrade ensures continued service for Debriefing Software’s enterprise customersJune 15 2012 – Viby J, Denmark – Debriefing Software, experts in cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM), Storwize and SVC solutions, today launched an upgrade to its Wizards for SVC simultaneously with the launch of IBM Storage SAN Volume Controller software V6.4.0.Wizards Storage Portal provides instant and detailed insights to the customer site both for historical and current server performance analysis.

Press Release Distribution , Debriefing Software’s Wizards for SVC upgrade coincides with launch of IBM Storage SAN Volume Controller software V6.4.0, Debriefing Software’s Wizards for SVC upgrade coincides with launch of IBM Storage SAN Volume Controller software V6.4.0

Samsung DA-E750 Audio Dock will be making its debut in Korea and the UK June 18th

A couple of months back, we reported on the Samsung DA-E750 Audio Dock with Vacuum Tube Amplifier. For those who might have missed our coverage, this is essentially a docking system for smartphones that will utilize Samsung's hybrid vacuum tube amplifier technology. Granted vacuum tube amplifiers do take a while to warm up unlike your regular speakers, but the result is that of a more warmer and richer sound. Of course this probably isn't for everyone and the $800 price tag certainly points to that.

Ubergizmo , Samsung DA-E750 Audio Dock will be making its debut in Korea and the UK June 18th, Samsung DA-E750 Audio Dock will be making its debut in Korea and the UK June 18th

Temple Run: Brave now available on both iOS and Android

A little over a week ago, we reported that Temple Run: Brave was announced by Imangi in collaboration with Disney and Pixar and was basically a tie-in with the movie, Brave. It maintained the Temple Run mechanics while adding in some new features of its own, new graphics, a new main character and new "bad guys" who are chasing her. The good news is that if you enjoyed the hands-on gameplay video back then, you will be pleased to learn that Temple Run: Brave has since been released and is available to download on both iOS and Android.

Ubergizmo , Temple Run: Brave now available on both iOS and Android, Temple Run: Brave now available on both iOS and Android

Nokia Lumia 610 coming to China Unicom, Elop slips details in conference call

Chinese residents not willing to fork out for Nokia's flagship just got another option, the Lumia 610. China Unicom will be offering the littlest (and most recent) Lumia device, according to Stephen Elop, who managed to sneak the announcement into an at-times grim conference call held yesterday. While we knew the device was headed to all places Pacific, the device now looks set to join existing smartphone options on 3G (presumably low-price) plans. Interested.

Engadget , Nokia Lumia 610 coming to China Unicom, Elop slips details in conference call, Nokia Lumia 610 coming to China Unicom, Elop slips details in conference call

Microsoft applies to patent gaze-tracking camera, wants to stare into your eyes

See that complication of a line-drawing above. Well that's Microsoft describing how it would like to patent a function for a dual 3D and 2D camera setup that's able to process precisely where your eyes fall on a screen. While Kinect could fulfill that hardware component, the application goes into more detail on how the "gaze tracker" would calculate both the direction you're looking in and track the region of the screen that you're focusing on. It aims to do this by closely following your eye - more specifically the pupil and iris - with some attention also paid to monitoring the orientation of your head.

Engadget , Microsoft applies to patent gaze-tracking camera, wants to stare into your eyes, Microsoft applies to patent gaze-tracking camera, wants to stare into your eyes

Deal Alert: AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 Only $150 For Upgrades at Amazon Wireless and Target Mobile

I have a feeling more than a few of you are looking to make the Samsung Galaxy S3 your next big upgrade, and I have some good news for those of you on AT&T. First, Target was offering the device for only $150 for upgraders ($190 new accounts and $200 for family accounts), and now it looks like Amazon Wireless is following suit, matching that same deal for those flying solo on a individual account. Of course, the device is backordered so there's no promising if you'll be able to get the phone on day 1. But for $50 in savings, that's a tough offer to refuse.


Android Phone , Deal Alert: AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 Only $150 For Upgrades at Amazon Wireless and Target Mobile, Deal Alert: AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 Only $150 For Upgrades at Amazon Wireless and Target Mobile

T-Mobile LTE update: Trials this summer, launch next year

. T-Mobile, which is expected to be the last major carrier in the United States to launch 4G LTE services presuming Sprint actually gets its act together and launches LTE this year, has delivered an update on its progress through its official blog. Here are the basic highlights: T-Mobile will be conducting trials of LTE Release 10 equipment this summer and is still on track to launch its LTE network next year. T-Mobile is upgrading 37,000 cell sites to LTE and has already secured zoning approval for 19,500 sites. The carrier expects to have 400 sites upgraded to LTE by the end of June and 2,500 sites upgraded by the end of July.

Boy Genius Report , T-Mobile LTE update: Trials this summer, launch next year, T-Mobile LTE update: Trials this summer, launch next year

Price Drop on Apple Macbook Air Notebooks at B&H Photo

The net has been buzzing about the new Macbook Pro with Retina Display since it was announced at WWDC earlier this week. Although it's tempting to buy one, I'm sticking with my 13″ Macbook Air until Apple offers an Air with a Retina Display. For me the MBA is the perfect combination of size, weight and power. Apple also updated the MBAs this week, but if you want to save some cash, you should check out the deals at B&H Photo on older models. They are offering the 13″ Apple Macbook Air for $1049, which includes free shipping and $59 of free software.

The Gadgeteer , Price Drop on Apple Macbook Air Notebooks at B&H Photo, Price Drop on Apple Macbook Air Notebooks at B&H Photo

Hexy: hands-on with the adorable, affordable hexapod (video)

The Artisan's Asylum has a few guiding principles, one of which is anyone can "make." We assume one of the others is "you can never have too many hexapods." If Stompy, the giant rideable bot, is a bit much for you to handle (or store), then maybe Hexy is more your speed. He's got six legs and 20 servos, but at only $200, he's much cheaper than similar hexapod kits and, most importantly, more adorable. The bot is the brain child of Joseph Schlesinger, a resident at the Somerville hacker space who saw a need for a low-cost but serious robotics kit.










Engadget | , Hexy: hands-on with the adorable, affordable hexapod (video)

Skype for Windows, Mac and Linux all get updates on the same day

Skype in all its forms received incremental updates for those video conferencing addicts out there. The Windows flavor gained various UI improvements, including a pinnable contacts list, backwards-compatible video rendering for older machines and better Facebook integration. Meanwhile, the Mac version got a similarly refreshed interface, improved screen sharing for premium users and a bunch of fixes necessary to get the software ready for Mountain Lion. Over on the Linux table, users will find improved video and audio quality along with a raft of minor bug fixes and improvements.

Engadget, Skype for Windows, Mac and Linux all get updates on the same day

Nokia to cut 10,000 jobs by the end of 2013

In a move to cut costs and restore the company's former glory, Nokia has just revealed its plan to cut 10,000 jobs before the end of 2013. Earlier today, Nokia released a press release citing that it will ax that many jobs on a global scale by the end of 2013. Nokia said that discussions with employee representatives have already begun to inform Nokia workers about the massive layoff. Also, Nokia is prepping up early to meet the local legal requirements.
Apart from cutting jobs, the Finnish mobile manufacturer also announced plans to shut down facilities in Germany, Finland, and Canada.

Ubergizmo, Nokia to cut 10,000 jobs by the end of 2013

Max Payne Now Available – We Go Hands On With Rockstar's Latest [Video]

It’s that time, folks. Max Payne (Mobile) just landed in the Google Play Store late last night and without hesitation, I’ve downloaded and installed the latest from Rockstar Games onto my Galaxy Nexus. One of the few games I’ve ever played to completion, (I have a hard time finishing what I’ve started) I’m sure you already know exactly what this game is about. But for our younger readers, I’ll go ahead and give you the spiel. You’re a cop, with a chip on his shoulder who finds himself on the wrong side of the law after his family is brutally murdered in his home.



Android Phone

See also:
gadgets, Max Payne Now Available â€" We Go Hands On With Rockstar's Latest [Video]

Microsoft Windows 8 tablet unveiling said to be slated for Monday

. Windows fans who have enviously watched iOS and Android users toting around tablets won't have to wait much longer. Microsoft sent out a press invitation on Thursday for a “major announcement” slated to take place in Los Angeles on Monday, June 18th, and All Things D is reporting that it will center around Windows RT-based tablets.

Boy Genius Report, Microsoft Windows 8 tablet unveiling said to be slated for Monday

Acer Debuts Iconia Tab A700 Tablet with Full HD 1080p Display

The Acer Iconia Tab A700 presents high-quality images in a new level of clarity and realism with a remarkable 1920 x 1200 resolution that delivers 55 percent higher pixel density compared to 1280 x 800 displays. This results in sharper images and greater details in everything from websites and text to photos and video. The bright and detailed visuals are further enhanced by Dolby® Mobile 3 with 5.1-channel home theater surround sound capabilities.










Akihabara News, Acer Debuts Iconia Tab A700 Tablet with Full HD 1080p Display

Microsoft reportedly charging vendors $85 for Windows RT licenses

. Microsoft's ARM-friendly Windows RT operating system may hit more than a few road blocks when it launches this fall. The software giant is reportedly charging tablet makers a whopping $85 licensing fee per device to use its latest operating system, potentially making it extremely difficult for companies to undercut Apple's iPad. The purported pricing was revealed to VR Zone by numerous vendors during the Computex Taipei trade show, all of which claimed the price would be anywhere between $80 and $95 - $85 being the most frequently reported number.

Boy Genius Report, Microsoft reportedly charging vendors $85 for Windows RT licenses

Koenigsegg CCX-powered Ford Granada is the ultimate unlikely hammer (video)

The lowly Mark II Ford Granada isn't high on anyone's want list. The machine wallowed from the factory with at most 160 horsepower from a gasoline V6 and with as little as 53 ponies from a wheesematic Peugeot diesel four cylinder. But where most of the world sees ancient crap can, one owner in the UK saw heaps of potential. After swapping the stock mill for a Cosworth four-cylinder, the owner was on the verge of ditching the machine for an R32 Nissan Skyline straight from the land of the Rising Sun.



Autoblog, Koenigsegg CCX-powered Ford Granada is the ultimate unlikely hammer (video)

Interoute’s Virtual Data Centre wins digital technology award for innovation

London, 14 June 2012 – Interoute, owner operator of Europe's largest cloud services platform, announced today that its Virtual Data Centre (VDC) has been awarded the 2012 Information, Communication and Media Technology (ICMT) Award for TLC driven convergence.The award ceremony, which took place on 12 June, was hosted by the President of the Italian Republic Senate, Roberto Schifani. The award recognises the superior simplicity and security of Interoute’s Virtual Data Centre and the contribution it has made to advancing in cloud computing technology.

Press Release Distribution, Interoute’s Virtual Data Centre wins digital technology award for innovation

iFixit tears the MacBook Pro with Retina Display to pieces, gets a few shocks on the way

Barely two full days have elapsed since Tim and the gang announced the gawkily-named MacBook Pro with Retina Display, and already the screwdriver-wielding mavens at iFixit have torn one apart. What did they find. The Samsung-made SSD and Hynix RAM are non-upgradeable, forcing you to decide how much of both you'll need now and in the future. Meanwhile, the battery is glued to the housing and that gorgeous display is fused into the assembly, so it'll be expensive to replace should the worst happen.

2DayBlog.com, iFixit tears the MacBook Pro with Retina Display to pieces, gets a few shocks on the way

Western Digital enters the router market, higher-end models include built-in hard drives

Western Digital is no stranger to media streaming, but until now its specialty has been moving content off a set-top box and onto your television. Now, though, the company is getting into the wireless game as well: it just announced its first networking products, including four dual-band routers and an Ethernet switch. Across the board, the routers use WD's so-called FasTrack technology to prioritize bandwidth-hogging activities like movie streaming, video chats and online gaming. And, like any modern-day router worth its salt, they include options for parental controls, as well as setting up a guest network.

Engadget, Western Digital enters the router market, higher-end models include built-in hard drives

Samsung says Facebook project rumor 'groundless'

Samsung has stated that it's not planning to offer a social network along the lines of Facebook. Previously referred to as Samsung Facebook, the company reiterates that it'll continue to offer its own Family Story service on its devices - and its working to upgrade the experience.

Engadget, Samsung says Facebook project rumor 'groundless'

HTC won't use cheap phones to bolster sales, CEO says

. Troubled smartphone manufacturer HTC plans to sell only medium- to high-end handsets despite struggling to match sales of its competitors. “We don't want to destroy our brand image,” HTC CEO Peter Chou said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “We insist on using better materials to make better products that offer premium experience. Many consumers like that.” The executive's statements come at a time when many industry watchers are beginning to question HTC's current strategy.

Boy Genius Report

See also:
itnet, HTC won't use cheap phones to bolster sales, CEO says

Orbitsound announces T9 iPhone-friendly soundbar, we go ears on

You may remember seeing Orbitsound's T12 iPod dock / soundbar pop up in our summer buyer's guide. Today, the firm's just unveiled the latest in its product family: the Orbitsound T9. As you'll see, it's a very similar deal, but with an obvious difference - its size. At 300mm (about 12") across, it's almost exactly half the length of its bigger brother (605mm) - but not everything is a straight cut down the middle. Power-wise, this diminutive dock has a peak output of 140W RMS (split 80 on the subwoofer, 35 on the front speakers and 25 on the sides,) and carries the same in- and output options.










Engadget, Orbitsound announces T9 iPhone-friendly soundbar, we go ears on