Hasta La Gadget!

The folks over at Microsoft have just upgraded Bing Maps, this time around throwing a whole lot more images than hopefully you will have time to go through, and there is no word on just how large the update file’s size is this time around, although it will comprise of a whopping 13,799,276 square kilometers of high resolution satellite shots. Those who are wondering what lurks beneath the ocean too, will be able to enjoy a far more intimate view of the ocean floor.

The all new “straight down” photos will provide the base map with a resolution of 15 meters per pixel, and when Microsoft decided to throw in bathymetric imagery that changes the ocean’s hue depending on its depth, you have got quite the looker here for curious eyes and minds. The Bing Maps update will not have that many clouds too, so that you can see more of the earth instead of waking up your craving for cotton candy. Bing Maps is proud to cover the whole of the US, in addition to 90% of Western Europe, thanks to images shot from aircraft. [Press Release]

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Raspberry Pi Cake Does Bites Instead Of Bytes, Microsoft’s Atlas Ad Business Purchased By Facebook,

I am wondering when will smartphones break the 2GHz mark when it comes to processor speed, as we are getting dangerously close to that level. Take the latest leaked details of the Sony C670X into consideration for instance – it comes with a 4.8” Full HD display to keep up with the Joneses, in addition to a quad-core 1.8GHz Snapdragon 600 processor alongside Adreno 320 graphics that ought to keep you drooling already.

If those are not enough, how about 2GB RAM to whet your appetite, where that is accompanied by 32GB of internal memory alongside a 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera at the back, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean in tow. Whispers on the grapevine have it that the Sony C670X is tipped for a launch sometime in the middle of the year, and we do hope that there will be a nickname attached to the handset instead of having to memorize pesky model numbers. Still, it remains to be seen if the leaked details are legit or not, since the image shows a similar setup guide found in the Xperia Z. Only time will tell the legitimacy of the Sony C670X.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Steelcase Gesture Is An Office Chair Designed For Smartphone, Tablet Use, Facebook Showing Off News Feed Changes To Media Next Week,

So, you have gotten yourself a spanking new iPhone 5, and to your amazement, you realize that this has been the smartphone which you have been looking out all this while. Thing is, with the sheer number of apps as well as functionality that keeps you glued to your handset most of the day (to the chagrin of your missus, I might add) had you realize that the iPhone 5 lacks one thing – a high capacity battery to handle all that you throw at it. Well, good thing there is this thing known as peripherals, and this is where the new PowerSkin for iPhone 5 comes in handy.

I am quite sure that many of us smartphone owners have already heard of PowerSkin, the manufacturer of shock-absorbing, battery-boosting cases for smartphones as well as gaming accessories, where they have just introduced their second Apple-certified external charging solution for the iPhone 5, which comes along not too far apart from the PoP’n external battery charger.

With the PowerSkin for iPhone 5, you will be able to take advantage of another 1,500 mAh of power capacity, which theoretically speaking, is capable of extending talk time by another 6.5 hours in addition to music time of up to 32 hours. There will be an on/off button which is strategically placed at the back so that users are able to power-on-demand, while the presence of LED battery lights will show just how much juice there is left in the PowerSkin for iPhone 5.

If you are interested in picking up the PowerSkin for iPhone 5, it is readily available over online here, retailing for $79.99 a pop, and if you have decided to place your order, it will be accompanied by free express shipping through till March 7. Well, what are you waiting for? There is nothing quite like the ability to draw on power reserves for sure!

Press Release
[ PowerSkin for iPhone 5 is super slim copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The Raspberry Pi project is one year old today, having launched on February 29, 2012 (they’re going to have a rager of a party in 2016.) I sat down with the Pi-parents themselves, Eben and Liz Upton, as well as Pi-supporter Limor Fried AKA Lady Ada of Adafruit Industries to talk about the special occasion.

The current incarnation of the Pi, the Model B, just sold its millionth unit and the Uptons are hard at work at new versions of the beloved mini-computer. The popularity has stunned supporters in the UK and the US alike and we talked about education, the future of the Pi, the mystery of the ultra-rare Model A owned by Lady Ada, the only unit of its kind in America.

“I remember when Raspberry Pis were rare enough that I had a spreadsheet that told me where they were in the world,” said Eben. “Now we’re a million Pis in.”

The Pi is computing of the best sort – it’s a little intimidating at first and then an amazing amount of fun. If the Upton’s vision comes to fruition, expect to see an entire generation of computer-educated kids rolling through the school systems around the world, ready to take on the future.

Microsoft faces a potentially huge fine from the European Union over its PC browser choice goof last year, with insiders claiming the penalty will be imposed before the end of March. “The Commission is planning to fine Microsoft before the Easter break” a source familiar with the investigation told Reuters; though the exact amount Microsoft faces in penalties is unknown, there are whispers that it will be considerable since this will be the second time the company has not complied with the EU.

Microsoft fell foul of “a technical error” which meant that some Windows PCs failed to show the browser selection screen the company had agreed to install on new computers, after complaints that preloading Internet Explorer as the default app amounted to anti-competitive behavior. All went well, until a glitch in the system meant 28m PCs failed to show the screen, a problem which went unnoticed for more than a year.

The EU warned Microsoft it would be taking action back in October 2012, and at the time the maximum fine that could be levied was totaled up as in the region of $7.4bn. That’s not necessarily going to be the final amount, but the number could easily dwarf the not-inconsiderable $2.1bn Microsoft has already paid in various antitrustpenalties.

An EU spokesperson declined to comment on the rumors. Microsoft is also yet to comment on the possibility of a March punishment, though the company did give a statement late last year regarding the gaffe.

“We take this matter very seriously and moved quickly to address this problem as soon as we became aware of it. Although this was the result of a technical error, we take responsibility for what happened, and we are strengthening our internal procedures to help ensure something like this cannot happen again. We sincerely apologize for this mistake and will continue to cooperate fully with the Commission” Microsoft

Microsoft’s board has already spanked Steve Ballmer, metaphorically speaking, with a bonus cut last year, justified in part by the antitrust issue. Whether the company’s executives will face further censure will likely depend on the amount of the new fine.

Microsoft facing EU browser fine by end of March claim insiders is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
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