Microsoft plans to target Google in German patent case against Motorola

. Microsoft (MSFT) on Thursday revealed that it will amend an earlier complaint in Germany against Motorola to include Google (GOOG), FOSS Patents reported. The lawsuit, which marks the first time the two technology giants are set to face off, relates to the Google Maps app found on Motorola smartphones.

Boy Genius Report , Microsoft plans to target Google in German patent case against Motorola, Microsoft plans to target Google in German patent case against Motorola

Billboard charts now count the ways people actually listen to music

Billboard has been the way the music industry tracks what's popular since 1936. The Billboard Hot 100 is generally considered the gold standard for what's the most popular song in the United States, but there are also charts for subgenres: country, rap, rock, etc. The Hot 100 chart has been tracking digital downloads and streaming stats, but that 21st century attitude didn't apply to genre charts. Today, Billboard applied digital data to five genre charts: country, rap, rock, Latin and R&B. Before, those charts were basically 100% based on radio, which isn't the primary way that young people consume music anymore.

Ubergizmo , Billboard charts now count the ways people actually listen to music, Billboard charts now count the ways people actually listen to music

Alcatel announces One Touch Evo 7 ICS tablet in Europe, doesn't say when it's coming

Just as we had talked about Alcatel not necessarily being known for its hardware offerings, the company's now announcing its first "modular" tablet, the One Touch Evo 7. As the moniker adequately implies, the Ice Cream Sandwich slate boasts a 7-inch display (mum's the word on the resolution), which is paired alongside an unnamed processor that's clocked in at 1GHz, 1GB of RAM and a microSD slot is available to take care of up to 32GB of storage needs.

Engadget , Alcatel announces One Touch Evo 7 ICS tablet in Europe, doesn't say when it's coming, Alcatel announces One Touch Evo 7 ICS tablet in Europe, doesn't say when it's coming

Apple might drop Samsung-built chips for TSMC's quad-core ones in 2013

. Citigroup analyst J.T. Hsu told the China Economic News Service that he believes Apple (AAPL) will further distance itself from working with Samsung (005930) by moving to processors provided by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSM). Every single iOS device has had Samsung-produced processors. Hsu says that TSMC will provide Apple with quad-core processors fit for future iPads, the long-rumored iTV, and MacBooks that will use a 20 nanometer processor over Samsung's 32 nanometer processors.

Boy Genius Report , Apple might drop Samsung-built chips for TSMC's quad-core ones in 2013, Apple might drop Samsung-built chips for TSMC's quad-core ones in 2013

Apple and SBB come to agreement over iOS 6 Clock app

Funny how Apple went all out to make sure that Samsung paid their dues in terms of infringing upon Apple's design patents, and the Cupertino company was challenged by the Swiss national railway (SBB) for using their iconic clock design in iOS 6's Clock application without asking for any permission prior. Sure, Apple might argue that they were "inspired" by the old school design, but I guess you just have to call a spade a spade. After all, if that is not the case, why would Apple come to an amicable agreement with SBB in terms of the iconic clock design's use.

Ubergizmo , Apple and SBB come to agreement over iOS 6 Clock app, Apple and SBB come to agreement over iOS 6 Clock app

Google Play Store gets good cop / bad cop APK update, will add wish lists and malware scanner

A recent scan by Android Police through the latest Google 3.9.16 APK for its Play Store has revealed that wish lists are coming along very well, thank you, and that Mountain View will likely introduce a malware scanner soon too. The latter hasn't appeared on our radar before, and it looks like the search giant will soon be able to scope all the apps you've already installed and also bar the door to any suspicious-looking software before it can sully your smartphone or slate, unless you specifically request otherwise.

Engadget , Google Play Store gets good cop / bad cop APK update, will add wish lists and malware scanner

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at2359, Google Play Store gets good cop / bad cop APK update, will add wish lists and malware scanner

Softbank reportedly looking to acquire MetroPCS as well

Yesterday we reported that word on the street was that Japanese carrier, Softbank, was looking to purchase a majority stake in Sprint which was worth about $12.8 billion. Now it seems that there are reports which has suggested that Softbank is not only eyeing Sprint, but possibly MetroPCS as well. It seems like everyone wants a piece of MetroPCS lately, what with Deutsche Telekom having made an offer for T-Mobile USA to acquire MetroPCS, and with the rumors that Sprint could be interested in MetroPCS as well.

Ubergizmo , Softbank reportedly looking to acquire MetroPCS as well

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technoleap, Softbank reportedly looking to acquire MetroPCS as well

MIT pencil draws out sensors with carbon nanotubes

Have you played the game Scribblenauts. I am quite sure that those who have given it a go would have most likely fallen in love with the title. Well, if you have a penchant for drawing stuff using a pencil, then this particular pencil from MIT is a little bit extra special. Chemists from MIT have managed to use a pencil where its graphite “lead” has been replaced by a special material that is known as carbon nanotubes.

Ubergizmo , MIT pencil draws out sensors with carbon nanotubes, MIT pencil draws out sensors with carbon nanotubes

NTT DoCoMo Releases Sharp Aquos Phone Zeta SH-02E Smartphone

Japan's NTT DoCoMo has announced the availability of the Sharp Aquos Phone Zeta SH-02E. It is known as the world's first smartphone with an IGZO display. The IGZO display uses the indium gallium zinc oxide technology to provide a higher translucency that normal LCD display. For your info, the Sharp Aquos Phone Zeta SH-02E comes jam packed with a 4.9-inch IGZO display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, a 16-megapixel digital camera, a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon quad core processor, an Adreno 320 GPU and the Google Android 4,0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

TechFresh , NTT DoCoMo Releases Sharp Aquos Phone Zeta SH-02E Smartphone

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alldigits, NTT DoCoMo Releases Sharp Aquos Phone Zeta SH-02E Smartphone

Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye 2012 is a basket of insanity

If you've never heard of he Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye, crack open your ears for a spell. The race is a grueling four-day event that slithers through the Carpathian mountains of Romania. We aren't talking about battling some logging road, either. The competitors who tackle Romaniacs bolt up ridge sides, climb waterfalls and tear across open terrain in an attempt to set the best recorded time. A single stage can put the riders through 30,000 feet of climbing over incredibly varied terrain. This is a competition where no single skill set will nab you the title.



Autoblog , Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye 2012 is a basket of insanity, Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye 2012 is a basket of insanity

Lola shuttered as administrator unable to find buyer for bankrupt automaker

When Lola Cars International filed for bankruptcy in May of this year, the expectation was that a buyer would be found because, after all, it's Lola. Over the past 54 years, the British racecar builder has had its aluminum and carbon fiber fingers in every top series and a cornucopia of feeder series', and it continues to have cars racing on tracks as you read this. A report on Speed puts paid to that, however, with word that no suitable buyer came forward and hence the division has been shut down and will probably have its assets sold. For the moment, the move only affects Lola Cars, which is the car building arm of Lola Group Holdings.

Autoblog , Lola shuttered as administrator unable to find buyer for bankrupt automaker

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maximum, Lola shuttered as administrator unable to find buyer for bankrupt automaker

Sony Alpha A99 DSLR sample shots and video, plus comparison with the RX1 full-frame compact

Sony's A99 marks the first time in years that the company has built a full-frame pro rig to compete with the big boys from Canon and Nikon. The hardware impressed when we got our hands on one a month ago, but the proof, as they say, is in the pudding - or in the photos in this case. So, we jumped at the chance to spend some time shooting with an A99 equipped with a 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens. Want to know how Sony's latest and greatest performed. Head on past the break to find out.

As noted in our hands-on, the A99 was surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle for a camera of its size and caliber.








Engadget , Sony Alpha A99 DSLR sample shots and video, plus comparison with the RX1 full-frame compact, Sony Alpha A99 DSLR sample shots and video, plus comparison with the RX1 full-frame compact

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Work Pants Review

Pants.  On a gadget review site.  Well, how else are you going to carry all your toys.  Today let's look at a pair of tricky trousers, the Fire Hose Work Pants from the Duluth Trading Co.
A little background:  I wear “cargo” or “tactical” style pants every day.  I'm currently a Fire Prevention Officer and EMT, but I first got introduced to Royal Robbins pocketed pants when I was with the FBI.  A company called 5.11 Tactical out of Modesto, CA now carries the pants pattern. If Steve Jobs had a closet of jeans and black turtlenecks, then mine is full of 5.11 pants.










The Gadgeteer , Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Work Pants Review, Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Work Pants Review

Acer Aspire V5 and M5 laptops will be available with touchscreens this month

Make no mistake, one of the biggest trends you'll see this fall is PC makers slapping touchscreens on their current machines so as to make them a little more Windows 8-appropriate. And Acer is no exception: the company is introducing touch-enabled versions of its existing Aspire V5 and M5 laptops, both of which will go on sale this month. Starting with the M5, it's the touch-enabled version of the M5 Ultrabook we reviewed earlier this year. Though the standard version is available in 14- and 15-inch screen sizes, the touchscreen model (aka the 481PT, pictured above) will only be offered with a 14-inch (1,366 x 768) panel.










Engadget , Acer Aspire V5 and M5 laptops will be available with touchscreens this month, Acer Aspire V5 and M5 laptops will be available with touchscreens this month

Apple expected to stock iPhone 5 cases later this month

If you were to head to Apple's retail store or online store, you might be a bit perplexed as to why there aren't any iPhone 5 casings listed for sale. After all with the reports of the aluminum unibody chassis scratching and scuffing a lot easier compared to the iPhone 4S, we'd expect that many new iPhone 5 customers would want to slap on some protection ASAP. Well the good news is that if you're looking for an iPhone 5 casing from Apple's stores, word has it that Apple could begin stocking iPhone 5 cases some time later this month.

Ubergizmo , Apple expected to stock iPhone 5 cases later this month, Apple expected to stock iPhone 5 cases later this month

Advanced analytics for smarter lead nurturing

Tools designed to track behavioral activity of potential prospects and influencers and also provide messaging during the evaluation and buying stages.London, October 11th, 2012 − Madison Logic, the top provider of data, lead generation and nurturing solutions for enterprises and media companies, today introduces two new products for marketers and sales people: Data Match ™ Behavioral Analytics and Data Match™ Lead Retargeting.Data Match™ Behavioral Analytics is designed to analyze buyer intent behavior and push data into marketing automation systems and CRM systems; while Data Match™ Lead Reta

Press Release Distribution , Advanced analytics for smarter lead nurturing

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bigcrunch, Advanced analytics for smarter lead nurturing

Nikkei: SoftBank in talks to acquire Sprint for $20 billion

. Why is Sprint (S) suddenly less interested in MetroPCS (PCS). According to a report from Nikkei on Thursday, it's because Japanese carrier SoftBank is in talks to acquire the United States' third largest carrier for approximately 1.5 trillion yen, or $19.22 billion. Additional details are limited and Nikkei's report does not cite any sources.

Boy Genius Report , Nikkei: SoftBank in talks to acquire Sprint for $20 billion, Nikkei: SoftBank in talks to acquire Sprint for $20 billion

Wireless Smartphone Photo Printer prints without wires or ink

Given that our smartphones and tablets have the ability to take photos and edit them on the go, wouldn't it be nice if we had a printer to print on the go too without all the wires and ink. Well if you're in the market for such a device, Hammacher Schlemmer has a product for you in the form of the Wireless Smartphone Photo Printer. As its name suggests, this is a printer for your mobile device that transfers photos from your phone to the printer wirelessly. This can be done over a home or office WiFi network, or for those with iOS devices, you can connect it directly via the dock connector at the top.

Ubergizmo , Wireless Smartphone Photo Printer prints without wires or ink, Wireless Smartphone Photo Printer prints without wires or ink

Nexus 4 announcement on October 29 (Rumor)

Earlier this morning, we talked about how there was a LG Nexus 4 spotted in a Carphone Warehouse listing, coming in both black and white shades. Well, it seems that a new rumor has pointed towards the viability of the Nexus 4 being launched in just a few weeks' time. According to French newspaper Le Figaro, they claim that Google has every intention of rolling out the Nexus 4 range this coming October 29th which so happens to fall on the last Monday of the month.

Ubergizmo , Nexus 4 announcement on October 29 (Rumor), Nexus 4 announcement on October 29 (Rumor)

Google+ app updates bring iPhone 5 support, new widget on Android and more

Google's social networking efforts are getting a boost with new versions of its Google+ apps for Android and iOS alike. While both platforms are now sporting the ability for managers of pages to post and comment on items on the go (expect quicker "We're at CES 2013" check-ins on the Engadget G+ page) there are some individual changes for each. For Android there's a redesigned home screen widget, one-click access to photos in posts and a new 'Find People' function. Meanwhile on Apple hardware it gains iOS 6 / iPhone 5 support, as well as the ability to edit posts, save photos to the camera roll and search for people and posts on the iPad.

Engadget , Google+ app updates bring iPhone 5 support, new widget on Android and more

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gadgetsblog, Google+ app updates bring iPhone 5 support, new widget on Android and more

Leap finally gets LTE, rollout starts next week

Leap customers, go ahead and jump for joy. The CDMA-based carrier is finally rolling out its first LTE market next week after about a year of testing it in Tucson, Arizona. (The first official market has yet to be named, however.) With its spectrum swaps finally complete, Leap hopes to spread LTE to around 21 million POPs by the end of this year and to around two-thirds of its current network by the end of 2015. Its only LTE offering is a Huawei Boltz mobile hotspot, but it promises LTE-capable smartphones soon. Curiously, the carrier does offer the LTE-capable iPhone 5, but there's no word if Leap's LTE network will support it.

Engadget , Leap finally gets LTE, rollout starts next week, Leap finally gets LTE, rollout starts next week

Sony Alpha NEX-6 sample shots and video

Sony's fourth member of the acclaimed NEX family of cameras, the NEX-6, predictably slots in between the 5N and 7 in its mirrorless product lineup. We've seen the 6 hardware a few times, and now we've gotten to take some pictures with the thing. Want to know how its 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor performed. Check out our gallery below and head on past the break for a video sample and our impressions.
As a heavy user of the NEX-C3, we were right at home using the NEX-6, as the camera's UI is quite similar. However, in our time with the newest NEX, we really came to appreciate its integrated OLED EVF and additional manual controls.







Engadget , Sony Alpha NEX-6 sample shots and video, Sony Alpha NEX-6 sample shots and video