Panasonic unveils two new PNDs in Japan with the CN-SG520 Series and CN-MC02 Series

Panasonic announced this morning two new PND that are schedule for a mid October launch. The first model, the CN-SG520 Series, or "Navi Journey" is a compact 5" PND with a 272×480 screen that comes with the support of SD and SDHC cards as well as being compatible with MP3 and WMA files. This very ordinary PND is however Panasonic first "Global" PND that will be perfect for travellers.






Akihabara News , Panasonic unveils two new PNDs in Japan with the CN-SG520 Series and CN-MC02 Series, Panasonic unveils two new PNDs in Japan with the CN-SG520 Series and CN-MC02 Series

11-year-old wins $20k for creating app that deters people from texting while driving

. A young software developer has created a new application designed to show people who text while driving that they're barking up the wrong tree. Geek.com reports that 11-year-old Victoria Walker, with an assist from grown-up software designer David Grau, has designed an app called “Rode Dog” that makes incessant barking sounds at people who are using their smartphones in their car, and it won't stop barking until they put their phones down.

Boy Genius Report , 11-year-old wins $20k for creating app that deters people from texting while driving, 11-year-old wins $20k for creating app that deters people from texting while driving

Sumo Bean Bags Get Furry

The folks at Sumo Lounge are now offering most of their line of adult sized bean bag chairs in new cozy fabric covers that include Microsuede, Corduroy and Ultimate Fur. Curling up in an Ultimate Fur Sumo Bean Bag will make you feel like you've snuggled up with a big bear. One that doesn't want to eat you. Like their original bean bags, they are filled with 100% Polyester Fiber “beans”. I reviewed the Sumo Omni Bean Bag last year and found it to be a big step above the bean bag chair of my childhood.

The Gadgeteer , Sumo Bean Bags Get Furry, Sumo Bean Bags Get Furry

Certain black iPhone 5 reportedly come with dents out of the box

It seems to have become a routine now. Every year Apple releases a new iPhone and while most of the customers are delighted a small subset of buyers pull the short end of the stick. With the iPhone 4, it was the antennagate issue, with the iPhone 4S it was the battery life problem and now some iPhone 5 buyers are noticing dents on their prized possession. Yes, several owners, particularly of the Black & Slate colored model, are reporting dents and scratches along the chamfered edges of their new iPhone right out of the box.

GSM Arena , Certain black iPhone 5 reportedly come with dents out of the box, Certain black iPhone 5 reportedly come with dents out of the box

HP could be headed for another multibillion-dollar write off

. Even if the worst is over for HP (HPQ), the company may not yet be done writing off losses from past acquisitions. The San Jose Business Journal interviewed a few analysts to get predictions on what HP's analyst meeting will reveal next week, and Jefferies' Peter Misek says that the electronics giant could be poised to write off $3 billion in losses linked to its 2011 acquisition of enterprise information technology firm Autonomy.

Boy Genius Report , HP could be headed for another multibillion-dollar write off, HP could be headed for another multibillion-dollar write off

Apple gives region-by-region breakdown of iOS 6 capabilities: specifies Siri and Maps functionality

In an effort to let its customers know exactly what they'll get when the iPhone 5 (and downloadable updates) arrive in their country, Apple has broken down what iOS 6 will offer in different territories. US customers will get the full bounty that the mobile OS has to offer, being the only country whose maps will be peppered with 3D buildings. A pretty comprehensive list of 23 iPhone-enraptured countries will join the US in claiming turn-by-turn navigation and traffic information, including most of western Europe, Australia, China and Canada.

Engadget , Apple gives region-by-region breakdown of iOS 6 capabilities: specifies Siri and Maps functionality, Apple gives region-by-region breakdown of iOS 6 capabilities: specifies Siri and Maps functionality

The irony of the Apple-Google battle: They're rivals despite having entirely different goals

. By now you've probably heard about the mini-backlash that's ensued over Apple's (AAPL) botched Maps implementation on iOS 6 after it decided to ditch Google Maps earlier this year. But anyone paying attention to the Apple-Google (GOOG) rivalry shouldn't be surprised that Apple would flop in its first attempt at creating a maps application that's traditionally been Google's bread and butter. After all, Apple and Google have two entirely different business models and strategies, and the two companies find themselves competing despite, not because of, those models.

Let's start with Apple's strategy because it's relatively straightforward.

Boy Genius Report , The irony of the Apple-Google battle: They're rivals despite having entirely different goals

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gadgetsblog, The irony of the Apple-Google battle: They're rivals despite having entirely different goals

Sprint's iPhone 4 will only be available online starting Friday

. Following its announcement of the iPhone 5, Apple (AAPL) revealed that the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 will continue to be available at discounted prices. The iPhone 4S will be available for $99 with a new two-year agreement and the iPhone 4 will be offered for free on-contract, replacing the iPhone 3GS. 9To5Mac on Monday published a leaked Sprint (S) document suggesting that the carrier might discontinue the iPhone 4 following the launch of Apple's new iPhone 5, but BGR has learned that this is not the case.


Boy Genius Report , Sprint's iPhone 4 will only be available online starting Friday, Sprint's iPhone 4 will only be available online starting Friday

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

The folks at Mercedes-Benz must have a guilty conscience when it comes to the SLS AMG supercar. Why else would the German automaker follow up the snarling V8-powered debut of the modern gullwing with the SLS AMG E-Cell, and now the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive. While the retina-searing E-Cell was a merely prototype, the vehicle you see here is a production version, and can be yours for a cool half a million bucks. Mercedes-Benz says this electrified gullwing is the most powerful vehicle in the AMG stable.

Autoblog , Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

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techage, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

Intel details Clover Trail tablets: three weeks on standby, 10 hours of use, 'full' Windows 8 experience

You only have to look at the tidal wave of Ultrabooks to know that Intel design specifications can carry a lot of influence with manufacturers. That's why the chip-maker's claims about its latest reference tablet, built around a dual-core Atom Z2760 processor (aka "Clover Trail"), likely give us a broad hint of what to expect from devices like the forthcoming Lenovo Think Pad 2, ASUS Vivo Tab and Samsung ATIV Smart PC.

Engadget , Intel details Clover Trail tablets: three weeks on standby, 10 hours of use, 'full' Windows 8 experience, Intel details Clover Trail tablets: three weeks on standby, 10 hours of use, 'full' Windows 8 experience

Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display

Ferrari is quick to point out that while output across its lineup has jumped roughly 100 horsepower in the last four years, fuel consumption and emissions are down nearly 30 percent. Such gains in efficiency are made through a holistic approach, including engine tuning, aerodynamics, tires, and so on. A a good part of any gain in efficiency can be made through the use of exotic materials and lightweight structural components. With the F70 Enzo successor still in development, the folks from Maranelo chose Paris to display a carbon-fiber architecture, apparently for the limited-run roadcar.

Autoblog , Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display, Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display

Scape, Brian Eno's new ambient music creation app is now available on the iPad (video)

Music making apps for the iPad are ten-a-penny, but when it's the brainchild of a super-producer like Brian Eno, you have to take notice. Scape is the third of his collaborations with Peter Chilvers after Bloom and Trope, an app that lets you generate ambient music with Eno's own sounds on a colorful, conceptual interface. Unlike standard beats'n'loops setups, each sound is tied to a series of rules - including the time of day - that ensures the tunes you create never play the same way twice.

Engadget , Scape, Brian Eno's new ambient music creation app is now available on the iPad (video)

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techcrunch, Scape, Brian Eno's new ambient music creation app is now available on the iPad (video)

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a bolt of all-wheel-drive blue

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, noted by the wider rear end and illuminated crossbar element between the taillamps, bring Porsche Traction Management to the 911 line in coupe and convertible forms. Haunches spread 22 millimeters further across tires that are ten millimeters wider than the ones found on two-wheel-drive 911s. A manual shifter offering access to seven forward gears sits between the seats as standard, and the new 4x4S models are up to 143 pounds lighter than the previous ones, helping you get to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds in the Carrera 4S model.

Autoblog , 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a bolt of all-wheel-drive blue, 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a bolt of all-wheel-drive blue

Google updates Chrome app for iOS 6, makes it friendly with the iPhone 5

Over the next few weeks, we can surely expect iOS developers from all over the globe to start pushing out updates to make their applications better interact with Apple's iOS 6 and that all-new screen found on the iPhone 5. And, because we know some of you choose Chrome over Cupertino's built-in Safari browser, we thought we'd single out the fact that Google has outed a new version of the app which makes it friendly with the new iPhone's larger display as well as the most recent variant of iOS.

Engadget , Google updates Chrome app for iOS 6, makes it friendly with the iPhone 5, Google updates Chrome app for iOS 6, makes it friendly with the iPhone 5

Razer unveils its own BlackShark, black and green version ships next month for $120

Love the look of Razer's Battlefield 3-branded BlackShark headset that we laid our peepers on back at E3. Don't want to commit yourself exclusively to one title. Good news: the West Coast outfit has just announced a variant that lacks any game specifics and is clothed in the signature black and green hues. You can expect a unit that wears the same, aviator-inspired stylings as the original - right down to the leatherette-sealed earcups, detachable boom microphone and splitter adapter cable. Sound good? Well, the unit will arrive sometime in September ready to dock your wallet $119.99.






Engadget , Razer unveils its own BlackShark, black and green version ships next month for $120, Razer unveils its own BlackShark, black and green version ships next month for $120

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

Back at IFA we spent most of our time handling new tablets and Win 8 devices, but, given that the show has grown into something of a mini-CES, there was news in almost every product category, portable audio included. TDK announced a trio of speakers that week, and though we didn't get hands-on in Berlin, we got a second chance tonight at a New York City press event. In particular, the company is showing off its first ruggedized product, the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker. As you can see in those photos down there, it has all the stylings of a run-of-the-mill portable speaker, except it also happens to be IP64-certified against the elements.






Engadget , TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on, TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

Angry Birds set to land on Xbox, PS3 and Nintendo 3DS on September 28th

Angry Birds is, without a doubt, one of the most popular games on the mobile platform. Rovio, the creator of the game, has released three titles under the garb of Angry Birds franchise, and each of these titles has been a wild success. The company is now planning to enter the hard-core gaming arena. When it comes to game consoles, there are a lot many game titles that have been around for years and have huge fan following. It is this audience that Rovio now intends to target. The company has plans of releasing the Angry Birds trilogy on Xbox, PS3 and Nintendo 3DS soon.

Ubergizmo , Angry Birds set to land on Xbox, PS3 and Nintendo 3DS on September 28th

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techcrunch, Angry Birds set to land on Xbox, PS3 and Nintendo 3DS on September 28th

Apple computers top customer satisfaction survey

. Well look at that… it's another consumer survey showing that Apple (AAPL) customers are the most satisfied by a significant margin. The American Consumer Satisfaction Index has released its latest survey of personal computer users and has found that Apple customers are more satisfied than any other PC customers, as they rated their experience with Apple computers at an 86 on a 100-point scale.

Boy Genius Report , Apple computers top customer satisfaction survey, Apple computers top customer satisfaction survey

iPhone 5 / iOS 6 app update roundup: new versions for a taller world

Call it a hunch, but we suspect that at least a few of you picked up an iPhone 5 today, or at least made the leap to iOS 6. If you're in either position, you may be wondering just what apps to feed Apple's flagship (or that fresh new firmware) once it's ready to go. We've got a quick-hit list of titles that have been updated to take advantage of the tall display and new OS that go beyond Apple's own work. The biggest upgrades of the lot come from keynote darling CNN as well as Flipboard: both have done more than add extra columns on the iPhone 5, offering an interface you won't see on any mere 3.5-inch iPhone.

Engadget , iPhone 5 / iOS 6 app update roundup: new versions for a taller world, iPhone 5 / iOS 6 app update roundup: new versions for a taller world

Entire inventory of Microcar Museum to be auctioned

Bruce Weiner's Microcar Museum in Madison, Georgia is said to be the largest collection of little cars in the world, and they're all rolling over the RM Auctions block February 15-16, 2013. Weiner spent 15 years assembling the 200-strong bounty, and beyond the size of the collection RM Auctions says many of ladybug-sized vehicles are of exceptional rarity or in the best condition or the most unusual, and are headed to auction for the first time.





Autoblog , Entire inventory of Microcar Museum to be auctioned

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technologypulse, Entire inventory of Microcar Museum to be auctioned

iPhone 5 pre-order shipping time estimates slip to 2 weeks

So we reported earlier that pre-orders for Apple's new iPhone 5 had gone live. Well despite sentiments online which displayed the disappointment of many hopefuls regarding the iPhone 5, it looks like the numbers don't lie and if you weren't quick enough to place your pre-order in a timely manner, you're going to have to wait a little longer for your iPhone 5 to arrive. Yup it looks like estimated shipping times for the US, UK, Canada, Germany and Australia have now slipped to a 2 weeks waiting time which means that those who purchase now might have to wait an additional 2 weeks after the official release on the 21st.

Ubergizmo , iPhone 5 pre-order shipping time estimates slip to 2 weeks, iPhone 5 pre-order shipping time estimates slip to 2 weeks

Tokyo U reveals that Main Sugar Constituent Provides Effective Anode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries

A research group at the Tokyo University of Science, led by Associate Professor Shinichi Komaba, has confirmed that hard carbon obtained by pyrolyzing sucrose, the main constituent of sugar, is an effective anode material for sodium ion batteries. Currently, most rechargeable batteries are lithium ion batteries. However, Japan relies on imports for its entire supply of lithium, a rare metal. Consequently lithium ion batteries are expensive. Sodium ion batteries are intended to overcome lithium's disadvantages of high price and scarcity.

“In fact, the supply of sodium is unlimited.

Akihabara News , Tokyo U reveals that Main Sugar Constituent Provides Effective Anode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries, Tokyo U reveals that Main Sugar Constituent Provides Effective Anode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries

ASC Receives Certification from Aastra, Strengthening Communications Offering for Businesses

September 25, 2012 — Following rigorous testing and intensive validation at several customer sites, ASC in Hoesbach, Germany, has become a certified member of the Aastra Approval Partner Program (A2P2). This certification enables ASC’s customers to benefit from having ASC’s products integrated with communications solutions from Aastra, a global leader at the forefront of the enterprise communications market.As an Aastra technology partner, ASC is qualified to integrate and support its EVOip active with the MX-ONE and Aastra 700 communication servers from Aastra.

Press Release Distribution , ASC Receives Certification from Aastra, Strengthening Communications Offering for Businesses, ASC Receives Certification from Aastra, Strengthening Communications Offering for Businesses

2013 Buick Encore to carve out a small premium niche from $24,950*

It will take $24,950, which includes $750 destination, to put a 2013 Buick Encore in your driveway. The CUV with the polarizing looks and tiny footprint will come with some of the best fuel economy in its segment and plenty of standard features even on its base trim, including features like a full-color, seven-inch screen, a rearview camera, active noise cancellation and 18-inch wheels. Above that, the Encore trims are denoted by packages, each higher tier including the features from the package below.

Autoblog , 2013 Buick Encore to carve out a small premium niche from $24,950*, 2013 Buick Encore to carve out a small premium niche from $24,950*

YouTube brings interactive quizzes to videos with Questions Editor beta

Feel like something's missing from your YouTube viewing experience — like some good ‘ol multiple-choice questions. The chronic learners among us will be happy to hear that the site is testing an interactive — and potentially educational — feature that lets users add quizzes to their clips. A new page on the YouTube site describes a “Video Questions Editor Beta,” which lets channel owners display multiple-choice questions on top of their videos as they play. The page is pretty blank at the moment, but the beta is up and running for those who opt in.

2DayBlog.com , YouTube brings interactive quizzes to videos with Questions Editor beta, YouTube brings interactive quizzes to videos with Questions Editor beta

Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent

Here's something you probably didn't expect: a compact Sony camera with a full-frame sensor. While Photoprice.ca was uncovering a treasure trove of leaked press shots that include the Alpha A99 and NEX-6, it also came across images of the RX1, whose body looks borderline pocketable yet stuffs in the same kind of sensor (and likely image quality) you'd normally reserve for pro-grade models. Several extra details reveal themselves right from the start. The RX1 is carrying a 35mm, f/2.0 lens with no apparent button to detach the lens - the included glass is probably as good as it'll get.

Engadget , Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent, Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent

Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?

Last week, Ford boasted that the Ford Focus was the best-selling car in the world through the first half of 2012, but Toyota fired right back claiming its compact sits in the top spot. Which automaker is correct. Well, both. Kind of.
Ford says that the Ford Focus has sold 489,616 units through June compared to 462,817 for the Toyota Corolla, and it even hired an independent firm, IHS Automotive, to calculate the sales figures. And this is where things get confusing. See, Ford sells the Focus globally under one name, but the Toyota Corolla is also sold with different body styles that carry different names...

Autoblog , Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?, Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?

Microsoft sends out a Save the Date for Windows 8, all to be revealed in NYC on October 25th

It's been a long time coming, but Microsoft has finally sent out the invites for its Windows 8 launch event. As you can see, Redmond's new multi-faceted OS will be officially revealed in Gotham on October 25th.

Engadget , Microsoft sends out a Save the Date for Windows 8, all to be revealed in NYC on October 25th, Microsoft sends out a Save the Date for Windows 8, all to be revealed in NYC on October 25th

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update headed for Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 10.1 ‘very soon'

If there is one thing that we might have missed out in stressing on earlier this morning at Samsung Unpacked, it would be this – their IFA 2012 keynote in Berlin, Germany, has more or less confirmed that there is an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update headed for the direction of the Samsung Galaxy S3 as well as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 “very soon”. I know that there aren't too many months left in 2012 before the calendar spills its guts over to 2013, but surely “very soon” is a far more optimistic view compared to “later this year”, right.

Ubergizmo , Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update headed for Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 10.1 ‘very soon', Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update headed for Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 10.1 ‘very soon'

Car posters your wall will thank you for

We're always looking for cool new things to hang on our office walls, so we were thrilled when we stumbled across a guy in New Zealand who makes illustrations that any car enthusiast would love. A graphic designer by day, Joel Fletcher has an incredible talent of using his work skills to create some original automotive posters. Fletcher's drawings can be found (and purchased) on the Hive Facebook page starting at $12 plus shipping. Fletcher says that he has a "soft spot" for Japanese cars, which is obvious in his selection of posters, but he can create a unique work of art for any car, even taking special requests.

Autoblog , Car posters your wall will thank you for, Car posters your wall will thank you for

ZTE Warp Sequent with Android ICS launched by Boost Mobile

Boos Mobile has started selling the ZTE Warp Sequent in the US - just like we old you it would. Both design-wise, and specs-wise, the Warp Sequent resembles the ZTE Grand X IN. It runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, featuring a 4.3 inch qHD display, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 768MB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory, and MicroSD card support.
The processor inside the ZTE Warp Sequent is clocked at 1.4Ghz.


Unwired View , ZTE Warp Sequent with Android ICS launched by Boost Mobile, ZTE Warp Sequent with Android ICS launched by Boost Mobile

Mercedes mastering the seas with 'Silver Arrows' yacht concept

Mercedes-Benz's three-pointed star was intended by Gottlieb Daimler to signify three modes of transport: land, air and sea. Land has been well taken care of for more than 125 years. The brand took a leap back into the sky with a Eurocopter EC145 interior designed by Mercedes-Benz Style, its product design division. Now its UK-registered Silver Arrows Marine division will get the brand back in the water in 2013: it has showed off concept looks for a 14-meter "Granturismo" at the Monaco Yacht Show that will soon go into production.

Autoblog , Mercedes mastering the seas with 'Silver Arrows' yacht concept, Mercedes mastering the seas with 'Silver Arrows' yacht concept

Ion The Game action cam has built-in WiFi and 2.5-inch display, we go hands-on

Between big guns like GoPro and Contour and big names like Sony, the action camera market is getting pretty full, pretty fast. Back in May, we saw the arrival of the Air Pro WiFi from Ion, an oblong mountable camera with an add-on WiFi module, and now the company's got another addition to the line, the punnily-named (wait for it) Ion The Game (get it. Eye. Eye-on The Game?). The whole "action" part is far less pronounced here.








Engadget , Ion The Game action cam has built-in WiFi and 2.5-inch display, we go hands-on, Ion The Game action cam has built-in WiFi and 2.5-inch display, we go hands-on