Hasta La Gadget!

While Instagram’s arrival on Windows Phone may or may not happen, folks who want to snap hipster-like photos similar to what Instagram and other apps such as Hipstamatic are offering can do so via the Lomogram app. As it name suggests, the Lomogram is probably inspired by Lomography cameras that use the traditional film format to capture photos with interesting colors and effects. There are 121 different effects that  users can use to apply to their photos, which when broken down include 33 filters, 57 lighting effects and 31 borders to choose from. However unlike Instagram that has its own community in which users can upload their photos to, Lomogram does not have such a feature, but they still offer social network sharing nonetheless to the usual suspects – Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and VK. The app is free for download so if you own a Windows Phone device, pop on over to the Windows Phone Store to check it out.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Bloomberg app a Nokia Lumia exclusive, Windows Phone App Hub to receive upgrade,

It has long been suggested that Google has a 32GB Nexus 7 tablet planned, and reports not too long ago suggested that Google might have accidentally shipped out a 32GB Nexus 7 to a customer. While Google has yet to make the official announcement, the folks at Android Central have spotted an ad in UK retailer Argos’ Christmas gift guide which revealed the 32GB Nexus 7 tablet. Interestingly it seems that the ad has marked the 32GB version of the Nexus 7 at £199.99, and if you’re wondering about its significance, it’s because the price of £199.99 is also the price of the 16GB version of the tablet, suggesting that the 32GB model could replace the 16GB model.

In fact the folks at Android Police have also stumbled across a listing  on Staples’ Advantage website which has outed the 32GB Nexus 7. However the date listed says the 18^th of October which we believe is merely a placeholder. The price listed on Staples’ Advantage website has also priced the 32GB model lower than the 16GB model by a few dollars, thus corroborating the speculation that the 32GB model will be replacing the 16GB version. Either way we’ll keep our eyes peeled so if you’re in the market for a 32GB Nexus 7, check back with us at a later date for more info!

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google and Microsoft to expand Nexus 7 and Surface lines [Rumor], Google Nexus 7 32GB spotted in Carphone Warehouse listing,

When the iPhone 5 was released, Apple’s Phil Schiller reportedly said that there won’t be an official charging dock for Apple’s latest iPhone. Certainly not a deal breaker for many, but we’re sure that there are many users out there who wouldn’t mind the convenience and ergonomics that a dock could offer. However given that the Lightning adapter requires an authentication chip, we expect that there won’t be as many docks up for grabs. Well if you’re in the market for an iPhone 5 dock, this Kickstarter project called Dock+ might be worth checking out, especially given its simplistic nature and its choice of materials.

Featuring a very sleek and polished look, the Dock+ has been made out of solid steel and according to its creator, this makes it pretty hefty which means that it should remain stable while your phone is attached to it, and won’t wobble or tip while you use it while attached to the Dock+. It will also feature a non-slip rubber bottom along with a soft rubber pad so that when you insert your iPhone into the dock, it won’t mar the aluminum backing. For those with an iPhone case, the Dock+ will be shipped with two soft rubber pads of different thickness to accommodate the extra bulk of cases. Like we said, its simple, elegant and appears to be of good quality so if you’d like to see the Dock+ be made a reality, head on over to its Kickstarter page for the details.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Ideal Timepiece iPhone dock now on Kickstarter, LandingZone dock for the MacBook Air adds more ports,

Evidence is mounting which suggests that a new 32GB Nexus 7 will soon be available, and that it will cost the same as the original 16GB version. More »

We’re now hearing from a source close to Apple’s accessory manufacturing partner that the company plans to hold a conference in Shenzen, China for its Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad (MFI) program partners on November 7 and 8, similar to the one it held last year between December 7-9 when it expanded the MFI program to promote adoption of new AirPlay and Bluetooth standards. We’re also hearing that Apple will strictly regulate sales of Lightning connectors for MFI partners, and that the cost per part for those components, while not unreasonable, is fairly high compared to other widely-available standards like USB.

iLounge reported earlier in October that the confab in Shenzen for MFI partners was planned for November, and that it would detail new rules. One of those new rules, according to one of our sources close to the program,is that Apple’s Lightning pin supply is controlled by the company itself, and it supplies approved MFI partners with production quantities of the pin once their product is determined to have met its standards and specifications. It sells them in volume, and our source says the pricing is actually very fair when you consider the advanced technology involved in the connector’s construction.

Another source believes that while Apple regulating sales isn’t surprising in the least, unauthorized copies from Chinese engineers are likely to still appear, but that using their products in accessories could incur legal action or goods being confiscated by customs authorities at border checkpoints. That source also noted that Apple seems to have provided additional security against low-quality copies, something supported by a new Chipworks teardown in which a potential security chip was found. Still, there is evidence that some companies are already ramping up to create off-brand Lightning cables at prices that undercut Apple’s, as one of our tipsters was able to negotiate a quote for volume orders of the same at between $10 and $12 per piece, with an estimated ship date for later this month.

Of course, as with any product as popular as Apple’s mobile devices, a shadow economy of unauthorized goods and accessories is bound to pop up. The good news on the official side is that once Apple lays out its MFI guidelines in this upcoming forum, we’ll likely see a lot more Lightning-enabled accessories come to market, with some hitting shelves in time for the holiday shopping rush. Apple’s extensive dock connector-based gadget ecosystem won’t be easy to replace, but getting the wheels turning on the expanded Lightning MFI program certainly should help.