Hasta La Gadget!

Seems like everyone’s trying to get a piece of the home automation action these days. Question is, however, if pricey catchall systems are really the answer. Smart Power Strip offers a simple, affordable solution, letting you control and monitor appliances in real-time using your smartphone. The …

We’ve gone back and forth many times on the possibility of the next iPad mini having a Retina display. There have been rumors in favor of the possibility, predictions on the contrary. We’ve heard it all from unverified sources, major news outlets and Wall Street analysts. A well known analyst, Peter Misek of Jefferies, is back again with his very own prediction, claiming that Apple is “more likely” to launch Retina iPad mini this quarter than to delay it in the first quarter of 2014, as has been rumored recently.

It has been said numerous times that Retina iPad mini launch is going to be delayed due to supply constraints of display panels. Based on these purported supply constraints, it has been speculated that perhaps Apple is going to delay the launch to Q1, 2014. Misek believes that Retina iPad mini is going to be launched this year, but it is likely to be in short supply, he predicts as little as 2 – 5 million units. He predicts the price as well, expecting it to retain the $329 price tag of the existing base model of the iPad mini. It goes without saying that a lot of us are quite done with the perpetual confusion of will Apple or won’t Apple launch the Retina iPad mini this year. Fortunately, its iPad event is merely four days away.

Retina iPad Mini Launch On October 22nd Rumored Once Again original content from Ubergizmo.

This isn’t the motorcycle you need. It’s the motorcycle you deserve. You’ll be able to conquer Bane and the morning rush hour commute aboard this insane Harley V-Rod mod. And yes, those are dual flamethrowers and shotguns up front.

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Verizon today rolled out a new software update for its Samsung Galaxy S4. Bear in mind that the update does not bump up the core Android OS to 4.3. It will still take a while for carrier branded devices to receive the Android 4.3 update in the U.S. This particular update, build VRUDMI1, brings Samsung’s Optical Reader app and a few updates to existing apps such as WatchON, Samsung Hub, S Health, Air View and more. Optical Reader app lets users find addresses, business cards and contacts with “real-time recognition.”

A number of improvements accompany the update as well. Better Wi-Fi connectivity is promised, and so are improvements to device wake-up upon pressing the relevant button. A fix for force closes on long video recording sessions is included in the update as well, including the ability to roam on TELUS across the border in Canada. Driving mode setting has been relocated to S-Voice settings and a number of other changes have been made as well. The update weighs in around 150MB and is currently rolling out over-the-air. Still, it may take a couple of days before the update reaches every Verizon branded Galaxy S4 unit out there. No word as yet on when carrier approved Android 4.3 update is going to roll out for the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Verizon Galaxy S4 Update Build VRUDMI1 Released original content from Ubergizmo.

It turns out the myriad of benches dotting parks and green spaces can be doing so much more than just providing a place to sit or dispose of your gum. MARS Architects—a Shanghai-based firm—designed these wonderful bench alternatives that look like upholstered chesterfield couches, but are actually reservoirs for collecting rain that can later be used to water plants.

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