BMW planning to stretch i3 into i5 family hauler?

If you're sweet on the new BMW i3 but wish it had more space to carry people and stuff, we've got good news for you. According to Autocar, BMW is planning on stretching the platform that underpins the i3 to create a new model, expected to be called i5. The stretch job would add an extra four inches of legroom in the back and another six inches of rear overhang to the benefit of cargo space. The result would create a vehicle longer than the current Mini Countryman - although the next Countryman is likely to be even larger.

Autoblog , BMW planning to stretch i3 into i5 family hauler?, BMW planning to stretch i3 into i5 family hauler?

The LEGO Adventure Book, Vol. 2 - New from No Starch Press

What do you get when you combine an author who is a former LEGO Group product designer and a trusty robot companion named Brickbot. You get The LEGO Adventure Book, Vol. 2 by Megan H. Rothrock. This is a 196 page hard cover book that features 100 example LEGO models from the world's most creative LEGO builders. There are models of hot rods, muscle cars, tug boats, galleons, medieval villages, gas stations, and modern kitchens. After you're finished drooling over those models, there are 40 step-by-step model breakdowns that will make it easy to build your own models. The LEGO Adventure Book, Vol.

The Gadgeteer , The LEGO Adventure Book, Vol. 2 - New from No Starch Press

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, The LEGO Adventure Book, Vol. 2 - New from No Starch Press

US Military Caught Pirating Software, To Pay $50 Million In Fines

Crime does not pay, and certainly it is a crime to steal something that does not belong to you in the first place. Software piracy is a very big issue that needs to be tackled, and Apptricity, the maker of logistics software that is used to track down the location of soldiers as well as shipments in critical missions, has decided to bring the US Government to court after the defaulted on software license fees. This means that the US military had been running on unlicensed copies of the software, which would be tantamount to piracy – and the kicker is this – it has been going on for nearly 10 years.

Ubergizmo , US Military Caught Pirating Software, To Pay $50 Million In Fines, US Military Caught Pirating Software, To Pay $50 Million In Fines

CyanogenMod Installer App Can Still Be Installed On An Android Device

Earlier today we reported that Google has removed the CyanogenMod Installer application from the Google Play Store. The app made it much easier for users who wanted to get a custom ROM on their Android device, since flashing one manually might seem like a titanic task for some users. CyanogenMod Installer app thus made the process very easy. Now that the app is no longer available in the Google Play Store and while the CyanogenMod team says it plans to release the app on Amazon and Samsung stores, there's still a way to get the CyanogenMod Installer app on an Android device. Its quite simple actually.

Ubergizmo , CyanogenMod Installer App Can Still Be Installed On An Android Device, CyanogenMod Installer App Can Still Be Installed On An Android Device

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Rooted

For those of you who are interested in the less famous Android-powered tablets (or at least, variants of it), then you would also want to be in the know about the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7" and 8.9" tablet models that ship with a custom version of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, calling it the Fire OS. What kind of goodies will Fire OS come with. For starters, it will include Amazon's custom user interface that will allow one to interact with books, media, and apps, and it will also remain extremely integrated with Amazon's app and digital music, movie, and book stores.

Ubergizmo , Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Rooted, Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Rooted

Microsoft Targets The Galaxy Tab In Ad This Time Around

We have seen just how cheeky Microsoft can get by targeting some of the rival tablets in its ads recently, where the Surface RT was seen firing a salvo at the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 from Samsung, while Apple's iPad Air was not exempted either, as it was compared to the Surface 2. This time around, we have seen Microsoft aim their crosshairs at the Samsung Galaxy Tab, where said tablet was lambasted for not having a full sized USB port, unlike Microsoft's Surface RT tablet, of course.

Ubergizmo , Microsoft Targets The Galaxy Tab In Ad This Time Around, Microsoft Targets The Galaxy Tab In Ad This Time Around

CyanogenMod Installer Pulled From Google Play

We know that when it comes to installing custom ROMs on your Android device is not easy, especially if you're new to all of this, which is why the CyanogenMod Installer was such a great idea, especially when it was launched on the Google Play store for everyone to download. Unfortunately it seems that the app might have violated some terms and has since been voluntarily removed from Google Play. According to the official CyanogenMod blog, this involved one particular function within the app which was related to sideloading apps which could potentially void warranties of devices.

Ubergizmo , CyanogenMod Installer Pulled From Google Play, CyanogenMod Installer Pulled From Google Play

Jambox, Mini Jambox Gets Splash-Resistant Coating For $50 Extra

One of our all-time favorite bluetooth speakers has got to be Jawbone's Jambox as it's able to kick out just the right amount of sound from its small frame. One thing the Jambox hasn't been able to do is survive a backyard pool party as combining it with water is something that would certainly damage the device, but today, Jawbone is now making its Jambox splash resistant for an additional fee. Jawbone now has an additional option available that will add a layer of Liquipel 2.0 protection on either the Jambox or Mini Jambox for an additional $50.

Ubergizmo , Jambox, Mini Jambox Gets Splash-Resistant Coating For $50 Extra, Jambox, Mini Jambox Gets Splash-Resistant Coating For $50 Extra

The Robot Girl iPhone Dock Is Creepy And Expensive

iPhone docks come in all shapes and sizes, but we reckon the Robot Girl iPhone dock probably takes the cake. Basically the Robot Girl iPhone dock is a 46" tall robot that has been shaped and designed to look like a robotic woman, and there are gaps and openings all over her body where LED lights are emitted and even pulsated whenever music is played. The head of the Robot Girl will even bop slightly when music is played and given her overall stance, it almost looks like she could be a model walking down a very futuristic runway.

Ubergizmo , The Robot Girl iPhone Dock Is Creepy And Expensive, The Robot Girl iPhone Dock Is Creepy And Expensive

New York cops to use unmarked SUVs to catch texting drivers

Texting while driving is dangerous, and to ensure the safety of its motorists, New York has made it a primary offense for a driver to use a cell phone at all. The problem with a ban on texting while driving, though, is that it can be hard for police to enforce the law since most people text with the phone down by their lap. To combat this, The New York Times says that the New York State Police just received 32 unmarked SUVs so its officers can look down into cars to see what drivers are up to. Aside from the fact that these SUVs are grey in color, the article did not say what type of vehicle is being used.

Autoblog , New York cops to use unmarked SUVs to catch texting drivers, New York cops to use unmarked SUVs to catch texting drivers

Honda's new City hints in India at US-bound Fit sedan [w/videos]

While car buyers on these shores may think of the Civic or Accord as the prototypical Honda sedan, in the Asia and Oceania regions, it all comes down to the City. Based on the Honda Fit, the City is a compact sedan that's currently sold in 55 countries around the world, and now Honda has revealed the newest version. Standing essentially as a Fit sedan (much as the Vezel debuted as a Fit crossover), the new fourth-generation Honda City is as wide as the hatchback on which it's based, but stretches longer on a lengthened wheelbase and sits lower.

Autoblog , Honda's new City hints in India at US-bound Fit sedan [w/videos], Honda's new City hints in India at US-bound Fit sedan [w/videos]

Here's the ultimate iPhone camera lens kit

If you use your iPhone a lot for taking photos but find yourself wishing for more versatility, you may find what you're looking for with the Ultimate iPhone Lens Kit from Bazaared.  The kit includes an 8X telephoto lens, fisheye lens, wide and macro lens, a 2X telephoto lens, and a 60X magnifying microscope. The lenses have aluminum bodies and glass optics.  The small lenses attach to the iPhone with magnets, but attaching the telephoto and microscope lenses requires the use of the included back cover.  All these lenses plus a little tripod store in a compact case.

The Gadgeteer , Here's the ultimate iPhone camera lens kit, Here's the ultimate iPhone camera lens kit

Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP

Keep yourself entertained while traveling with Coby's MP820-4G touchscreen PMP. This compact player has a 1.8-inch touchscreen LCD display, a 4GB of flash storage, a video/audio player, an FM tuner, a photo viewer, a built-in lithium polymer battery and supports for BMP, GIF, JPEG, MP3, OGG, WMA and MTV multimedia formats. The MP820-4G sells for $27.99.

TechFresh , Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP, Coby MP820-4G Touchscreen PMP

iPhone Robber Is Considerate Enough To Return Handwritten List Of Contacts To Victim

For those who don't backup their phone regularly and save important things, such as photos, contacts, and sensitive information to somewhere like a cloud server, then losing your phone or tablet really must suck, but would the sting of having your iPhone stolen from you be lessened if the thief gave you back your contacts, but not the phone.

Ubergizmo , iPhone Robber Is Considerate Enough To Return Handwritten List Of Contacts To Victim, iPhone Robber Is Considerate Enough To Return Handwritten List Of Contacts To Victim

Lamborghini takes Veneno out to play on wet Vallelunga (video)

With only four examples in existence, you're not very likely to ever see a Lamborghini Veneno roaming your local highways and byways. That's what makes this clip a little out of the ordinary. Lamborghini brought the super-rare supercar out to the Vallelunga circuit near Rome for the World Finals of its Super Trofeo series, where, incidentally, American driver Andrew Palmer beat out the competition from Europe and Asia to claim the world title.

Autoblog , Lamborghini takes Veneno out to play on wet Vallelunga (video), Lamborghini takes Veneno out to play on wet Vallelunga (video)

Get a $30 HTC One on Verizon and Sprint for Black Friday (plus a chance to win a gold HTC One)

Oh, you thought an OEM wouldn't get in on the Black Friday fun. HTC wants to provide some awesome deals for the holidays, and they're doing it with a great price on their flagship phone from earlier this year. It's the HTC One, and it can be yours for just $30, so long as you're willing to sign another two years of mobile life away to either Sprint or Verizon. The HTC One is one of the few phones worthy of your attention this year when it comes to high-end beasts. It's a 4.7-inch 1080p display with beautiful design and very respectable specs.

Android Phone , Get a $30 HTC One on Verizon and Sprint for Black Friday (plus a chance to win a gold HTC One)

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, Get a $30 HTC One on Verizon and Sprint for Black Friday (plus a chance to win a gold HTC One)

4K Thunderbolt Displays Reportedly In The Works

Back in 2011, Apple unveiled their new Thunderbolt display but fast forward to today, Apple has yet to make any changes or upgrades, namely in the 4K variety which is odd considering that the Cupertino company's upcoming Mac Pro computers will come with the ability to support up to three 4K displays at once. Perhaps something could be in the works, according to a post on Reddit where a poster claims that Taiwanese manufacturer, AUO, has begun the manufacturing of display panels with 4K resolution at both 27" and 32" varieties.

Ubergizmo , 4K Thunderbolt Displays Reportedly In The Works, 4K Thunderbolt Displays Reportedly In The Works

Oppo N1 Review, a massive Android phone packed with unique hardware

When Oppo announced the N1, they boasted that their latest smartphone would bring back innovation to the smartphone space. As time goes on, it's widely accepted that smartphones will get faster internals, get thinner, weigh less, and continue to incorporate larger screens. Oppo set out with the N1 to add true innovation to the smartphone, not to just to continue playing the numbers and specs game that most manufactures play with every new release. Has the Oppo N1 held true to their word.










Android Phone , Oppo N1 Review, a massive Android phone packed with unique hardware, Oppo N1 Review, a massive Android phone packed with unique hardware

Morgan 3 Wheeler gets substantial performance, reliability updates for 2014

The Morgan 3 Wheeler has a special sort of universal appeal: many people will admire it, but only a few will actually buy one. Case in point, Morgan says in a November press release that 1,000 of the 25,950-pound ($41,917) vehicles have been delivered to customers since it was introduced in 2011, and the retro trike is Morgan's top seller. Those who need hatchback practicality, sportscar precision or luxury vehicle opulence need not apply, but if you're willing to take the plunge into 3 Wheeler ownership, there are a host of updates for the 2014 model that promise to make it a better drive and easier to live with.

Autoblog , Morgan 3 Wheeler gets substantial performance, reliability updates for 2014, Morgan 3 Wheeler gets substantial performance, reliability updates for 2014

Velodyne vFree On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones review

As our society becomes more and more mobile - and wireless - headphone makers are stepping up and providing consumers with choices. Some of those choices are a new breed of Bluetooth headphones that provide a freedom that could only be imagined just a few years ago. Velodyne - famous for subwoofers - now offers the vFree On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. Let's rephrase that: Velodyne has come from nowhere and exploded with almost too many headphone choices with the vFree being just one. Their current selection is quite impressive.







The Gadgeteer , Velodyne vFree On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones review, Velodyne vFree On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones review

BlackBerry says goodbye to its COO, CMO and CFO

After the acquisition plans fell through, BlackBerry changed strategies and its CEO. The changes in the company go deeper than just swapping the leader though – it was announced today that the COO, CMO and CFO are being replaced. Kristian Tear, the outgoing Chief Operating Officer, and Frank Boulben, Chief Marketing Officer, are leaving and their replacements are yet to be announced.
Here's what new CEO and Executive Chair John Chen had to say about the two:

The Chief Financial Officer, Brian Bidulka, is also on his way out.

GSM Arena , BlackBerry says goodbye to its COO, CMO and CFO, BlackBerry says goodbye to its COO, CMO and CFO

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile Will Not Charge Customers For Spam SMS

Receiving spam SMS is just a way of life as we're sure many of you have inadvertently given your number out to a company, not realizing they'd be texting you on an hourly basis with special discounts you can receive if you reply to their offer. The annoying part of these spam SMS is the fact that they counted against your allowance of texts, that is, if you don't already have an unlimited texting plan. Today, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint are making sure these kinds of texts don't count against your monthly text allowance.

Ubergizmo , AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile Will Not Charge Customers For Spam SMS, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile Will Not Charge Customers For Spam SMS

8-Inch Nokia Lumia 2020 Launching In Early 2014 [Rumor]

We just reviewed Nokia's first foray into the Windows 8 tablet market, the Nokia Lumia 2520, but it looks like this may not be the only tablet the company is creating as rumors are circulating around an 8-inch tablet, which is being referred to under the codename "Illusionist.". The Illusionist is expected to become the Nokia Lumia 2020, according to an anonymous source revealing their information to DigiTimes. The naming scheme seems to make sense considering the recently released Lumia 2520 would serve as the 2020's bigger brother.

Ubergizmo , 8-Inch Nokia Lumia 2020 Launching In Early 2014 [Rumor], 8-Inch Nokia Lumia 2020 Launching In Early 2014 [Rumor]

Is this the Galaxy S5's metallic frame?

What we're seeing here isn't much, but if we are to believe the reports associated with these images we are looking at the skeletal base of the Samsung Galaxy S5. Of particular note: the material here is metal, not plastic. The images come by way of Nowhereelse.fr. They claim to have obtained the photos from sources working for a Samsung subcontractor tasked with production of the Galaxy S5.

One running complaint against Samsung's premium Galaxy S line has been the company's decision to utilize plastic as the primary build material over the device's first four generations.


Android Phone , Is this the Galaxy S5's metallic frame?, Is this the Galaxy S5's metallic frame?

Pharrell Launches 24-Hour Interactive Music Video For 'Happy'

If you've listened to a pop music station this past summer, we're sure you're aware Pharrell Williams has been absolutely everywhere. Pharrell was included in two of this summer's hottest songs: Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" and Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines." Pharrell has released a new song called "Happy," and if you've watched Despicable Me 2, we're sure the song will song very familiar to you. Pharrell released a music video for Happy as well, although he didn't just release a music video.

Ubergizmo , Pharrell Launches 24-Hour Interactive Music Video For 'Happy', Pharrell Launches 24-Hour Interactive Music Video For 'Happy'

2014 Nissan Dayz Roox is the littlest high-roof van you ever did see

Even average production cars from Japan often seem very conceptual to US eyes. Throw in typical, nonsensical-quasi-English-words name like "Dayz Roox" and you'd be forgiven for thinking this Nissan box on wheels was still a designer's dream. But the fact is that the Nissan Dayz is a model currently on sale, and this Roox version is the latest take on the micro-van, which is a popular segment in Japan. In fact, this generation of Dayz is the first minicar that Nissan has developed completely in-house, and the thing has been selling astoundingly well in its first stint on the market (30k units in month one month, says Nissan).

Autoblog , 2014 Nissan Dayz Roox is the littlest high-roof van you ever did see, 2014 Nissan Dayz Roox is the littlest high-roof van you ever did see

Google Play update highlights tablet-optimized apps

Android has received a fair bit of criticism for it's lack of apps designed specifically for the tablet form factor. While the latest Google Play Store update won't solve the problem outright, it will definitely make it easier for tablet users to find apps tailored to their devices. A new update to Google's digital storefront is pushing out now to users, the key addition being a new "Designed for tablets" section that will be placed front and center for users of devices with larger display sizes.

Android Phone , Google Play update highlights tablet-optimized apps, Google Play update highlights tablet-optimized apps

Mitsubishi AR Concept continues a wacky, wonderful tradition (video)

Mitsubishi enjoys a long history of thinking outside the literal box when it comes to designing minivans and people movers. Remember the Mitsubishi Van, a.k.a. Delica. How about the Chariot, better known to us as the Colt Vista. The Expo and Expo LRV, the twin models that succeeded it? These were all left-of-center takes on the MPV genre, and while they never sold in large volumes, we can't help but look back at them with a mix of bemusement and respect for their oddball character.

Autoblog , Mitsubishi AR Concept continues a wacky, wonderful tradition (video)

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, Mitsubishi AR Concept continues a wacky, wonderful tradition (video)

Tumblr For iOS Gets An All New Design

Tumblr is a popular blogging platform that's now owned by Yahoo. The team has updated Tumblr for iOS app which now has an all new design that's much more in sync with the look and feel of iOS 7. Apple made some drastic user interface changes in its latest iOS version, since its release quite a lot of apps have been updated and redesigned to be more consistent with iOS 7. The dashboard, where posts from followed blogs are displayed, has received a total makeover and its now much more refined, clean and easy to navigate. There's also a new compose screen which contains post creation options in a grid layout.

Ubergizmo , Tumblr For iOS Gets An All New Design, Tumblr For iOS Gets An All New Design

HTC delivers HTC One GPe Android 4.4 KitKat build to Google - OTA update imminent

HTC took to Twitter this afternoon to announce that the Android 4.4 KitKat build for the HTC One Google Play Edition is finished and has been sent to Google for distribution. Google has not chimed in yet, so we don't exactly know when they will be flipping the switch to push out the OTA update for the handset. We're hoping the good folk at Google will sort things out and release the HTC One GPe Android 4.4 update before the weekend it out. While it has been 15 days since Google officially unveiled Android 4.4, HTC's build for the One GPe may make its way to phones before Google has a chance to push out the Android 4.4 update to the Nexus 4.

HTC Source , HTC delivers HTC One GPe Android 4.4 KitKat build to Google - OTA update imminent, HTC delivers HTC One GPe Android 4.4 KitKat build to Google - OTA update imminent

Apple Patent Reveals Plans For Liquidmetal

Back in 2012 we had heard the rumors that Apple was planning on making an iPhone out of the liquidmetal alloy, which was backed up by the inventor of liquidmetal who claims that such a feat could happen in a few years' time. While it remains to be seen as to whether such an iPhone would be realized, new patents have emerged that shows Apple's interest in the alloy. These patents suggest how liquidmetal could be used to create various product parts through the process of injection molding and 3D printing (via Patently Apple).

Ubergizmo , Apple Patent Reveals Plans For Liquidmetal, Apple Patent Reveals Plans For Liquidmetal

Motorola now offering up to 18 months interest-free financing when buying a new device on their site

Motorola customers now have a new buying option when checking out via their online retail site, the all new Motorola Credit Account. Barely going live only moments ago, Motorola now offers customers the option to finance their next smartphone purchase, offering zero interest for up to 6, 12, or 18 months. Of course, the usual caveats apply. The most obvious being above average credit if you hope to get approved. After that, it'll take a minimum $549 purchase (before tax) to qualify for the longer 18 months interest-free financing.

Android Phone , Motorola now offering up to 18 months interest-free financing when buying a new device on their site, Motorola now offering up to 18 months interest-free financing when buying a new device on their site

Daihatsu FC凸DECK Concept is a cab-over cutie

When we first saw the Daihatsu FC凸DECK (also called the FC Deco Deck), we couldn't get over its funny name, but this cab-over kei car could signal a whole new level of efficiency wrapped in a very small package. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Daihatsu FC Deco Deck is powered by a liquid fuel cell and a compact generator, and the Japanese automaker suggests that this technology might someday be used in low-cost vehicles. Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) will be exhibiting at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show, which will be open to the public at Tokyo Big Sight from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, December 1.

Autoblog , Daihatsu FC凸DECK Concept is a cab-over cutie, Daihatsu FC凸DECK Concept is a cab-over cutie

Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) LTE now available at T-Mobile retail stores starting today

You might remember last Thursday when the Nexus 5 officially became available for sale via T-Mobile's. That was for pre-order and Google's latest flagship wouldn't be shipping until the 20th. Today the Nexus 5 has arrived at T-Mobile retail locations around the US, which means you can finally hop on over to your local retail location and physically walk out of the store with a shiny matte new Nexus 5. Oh, and the Nexus 7 (2013) LTE is also available in-store as well.

Of course, when buying a new device with T-Mobile versus the Google Play Store you pay less upfront, but in the end it will cost you more.

Android Phone , Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) LTE now available at T-Mobile retail stores starting today

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, Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) LTE now available at T-Mobile retail stores starting today