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Best gadget news

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• iPhone app news: iBats turns your iPhone into a Batphone
• New PS3 UK release date set for August?
• Nokia to adopt Google OS after Nokia Android handset leaks
• Weird News: Expensive shaves and Hedgehog horses
• PS3 price cut to see Sony drop console's price to £179.99
• New Apple Mac Pro: 16-core 2011 update coming soon?
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 UK release date confirmed
• Facebook case not over yet
• Incoming: laptops powered by typing
• Apple granted touchscreen patent after three years
• Google faces antitrust probe on practices by FTC
• Google faces antitrust probe on practices
• Twice as many UK users using iOS apps than Android
• iPad accounts for 89% of world tablet usage
• Netherlands to allow access to Skype at no cost
• Report: Nokia and Sony Ericsson 'to disappear' next year
• Tech Today: Apple iPhone 5 to ditch Google Maps?

iPhone app news: iBats turns your iPhone into a Batphone Posted: 24 Jun 2011 09:15 AM PDT Posted by Chris Smith on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Now we just need to perfect that ridiculous Christian Bale Batman voice. If you're anything like us, you spend most of your free time pretending to be The Caped Crusader, so today's news of an app that can help record the presence of the winged creatures of the night is a timely boost for the weekend's festivities. With the aid of an ultrasonic microphone the iBats application for Android and iPhone can capture the inaudible-to-the-human ear calls of 900 different species of bat around the world.   More from the T3 App Chart Best iPad apps Vote for your App of the Year Best apps: 50 Mobile apps to change your life Best mobile games reviewed Our top rated iPhone apps The app is designed for the purposes of the 700-strong volunteer bat-spotting members of the iBats website. Once you've made your recording the app will upload it to the website where specialised software will identify the species.   iBats project manager Kate Jones says: "Bats are like a heart monitor for wildlife.   "Their presence can tell us a lot about the health of the environment because they have an important role in terms of eating insects and acting as pollinators for many different plant species."   "We hope the iBats app will encourage more people to monitor their local bats and make a contribution to the global conservation of wildlife." The free app is available to download from the App Store and Android Market now.   Link: iTunes | Market (via Yahoo) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

New PS3 UK release date set for August? Posted: 24 Jun 2011 08:39 AM PDT Posted by Michael Sawh on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Exclusive: Sony's slimmer and more power efficient Playstation 3 (PS3) console could see an August UK release date, according to sources The new PS3 UK release date could be as early as August after reports today suggested that a price drop for the current PS3 was planned for the same month.   Trying to connect the dots between the new PS3 console unveiled in Japan earlier this week and talk of the PS3 console dropping below £200 to £179.99, we spoke to CVG's Tim Ingham who told us that the price-cut 'makes sense.'   Related links PlayStation 4 release date not for some time says Sony Best games of E3 2011 Best game accessories of E3 2011 Best mobile games of E3 2011 PlayStation Vita review: Hands-on On whether the new PS3 could be UK bound in August Ingham said, "Sony has launched power-saving iterations of its consoles before in certain territories, so it wouldn't be a huge shock for them to do so again in Europe."   T3’s resident expert, Deputy editor Matt Hill agreed: “Sony quite regularly changes its console chassis to lower production costs, and in turn its sale price, which helps to extend the appeal and life cycle of the product.   "It did it with the Sony PS2, the Sony PSP and it’s already done it with the PS3 once. Cologne’s Gamescom in August is the last major gaming trade event of year, so would make a good launch pad for a Christmas push before PlayStation inevitably turns its full attention to the Sony Vita.”   However, Ingham downplayed the importance of the launch adding, "A lighter, greener PS3 isn't the sexiest of hardware revisions, so I'm not sure how much of a song and dance they'd make of it if it was in their plans."   Specs for the upgraded PS3 model include a lower power consumption compared to the current Slim going from 230 watts to a more efficient 200 watts. Weighing in at a lighter 2.6kg, there will also be a 320GB hard disc, while on the external front it will have changes made to power and eject buttons with LED lamps said to have also been removed.   Sony has refused to comment on whether the tweaked console will be arriving in the UK.   Do you think the new PS3 console could come as soon as August? Let us know your thoughts via Facebook and Twitter.   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Nokia to adopt Google OS after Nokia Android handset leaks Posted: 24 Jun 2011 06:55 AM PDT Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Just a day after Nokia's Windows Phone 7 handset leaked online, an image of another of their prototype devices has emerged, sparking rumours of a Nokia Android release   A day after Nokia saw its first Windows Phone 7 handset leaked online, images of a Nokia handset running Google’s Android operating system has hit the web sparking a flurry of rumours of an upcoming partnership with the search giant.   Once again sporting a remarkably similar form factor to the recently unveiled Nokia N9 MeeGo handset, the unnamed, far from confirmed, Android touting handset has landed just months after Nokia confirmed it was to team up with Microsoft to be a key provider of Windows Phone 7 handsets. No specs or further hardware details for the mystery handset have been made available.   Related links Nokia Windows Phone 7 tie-up official Nokia Windows Phone 7 handsets delayed? Nokia Windows Phone 7 concept handsets surface With the first Nokia Windows Phone 7 devices set to be released in the UK around October to coincide with Microsoft’s rollout of the Windows Phone 7 Mango software update, the leak of the tester Android device follows reports that Nokia CEO Stephen Elop admitted his company had briefly contemplated moving to Android in order to save its dwindling smartphone sales.   Leaked in a video recording of an internal Nokia unveiling the company’s first Windows Phone 7 outed yesterday was described by Elop as brandishing “gorilla glass” and a “pillowed shaped back.”   Despite the clear video, a Nokia spokesperson in an interview with T3 said of the leak: “"It’s our policy not to comment on rumours or market speculation – but we can tell you that we’re excited about with the progress we’re making on Nokia with Windows Phone and look forward to the day that we can share it with the world.”   Will the Nokia Android device ever make it to market or was it purely an internal tester tool? Share your thoughts via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.   Via: Engadget   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Weird News: Expensive shaves and Hedgehog horses Posted: 24 Jun 2011 06:25 AM PDT Posted by Adam Bunker on Fri 24 Jun 2011 A look at the more eccentric side of tech's last seven days... Hackers declare war The back and forth hacking craze reached new heights this week, as those with the power at their finger tips pretty much declared all-out war against the world. Well… the world’s governments, anyway. We’re not sure if this means hacking in and changing the course of test missiles, or simply altering employees surnames to ‘ass’ but, either way, we’d best all watch out. Apple somehow patents multi-touch You know multi-touch? That tech that lets you use two of your stubby fingers at once to make pictures and websites zoom? Or play mobile games with more than one button? Yeah, apparently Apple owns that. We’re not sure exactly what that means for Android and other handsets that also use multi-touch, but it can’t be good. The $100,000 razor Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. Don’t use the ‘Best a man can get’ joke. …Never mind. Power typing It turns out that dying laptop batteries could one day be a thing of the past, thanks to some clever research Down Under. New work suggests that one day a thin layer of tech could sit under your keyboard keys that, when struck, would help to charge the battery. The more you type, the more power you get. Why is Sonic on a horse? That’s the eternal question, isn’t it? What do you mean ‘no’? Just watch the video; you’ll know what we mean. It seems gaming has officially fallen off a cliff. And to think: this week we've been celebrating Sonic's 20th successful year. Waht a sham. Most elaborate iPhone accessory ever We’ve seen some iPhone gaming add-ons in our time, but this one takes it. Strap your phone into the gun sights and launch the bundled augmented reality game for some seriously over-the-top blasting action. Certainly looks fun, but we can’t see it proving all that popular on the commute. The passengers opposite you might look a bit worried about having a gun waved at them at 8 in the morning. Nokia releases phone on dead platform The n9 is finally here! Yay! Oh… wait… it runs on MeeGo, which will have a pretty small slither of developer support and won’t ever see any other handsets. It’s a nice looking phone, but we get the feeling that this is more Nokia’s way of drawing a line under its own operating systems than a serious launch. It’s a bit like launching a phone that only displays menus in Latin. And finally… Water 2.0 Water's a pretty difficult thing to animate. All the little drops and the correct physics take up quite a bit of your PS3 or Xbox's brain power. In the future, things'll be different. In GTA V, for example, you could be swimming away from the law in wet stuff that looks like this:     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

PS3 price cut to see Sony drop console's price to £179.99 Posted: 24 Jun 2011 04:29 AM PDT Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Sony is expected to drop the price of the Sony PlayStation 3 this August with the PS3 console to drop to £179.99 Sony is to slash the price of its formidable PS3 at Gamescom this August with the home entertainment console to drop below the £200 mark for the first time with a £179.99 price tag, new reports have revealed.   Whilst gaming blog CVG has claimed that industry “insiders” predict Sony will drop the PS3 from its current standard £230 pricing to just £199.99, trade magazine MCV has reported that the gaming giant will knock £50 from its console’s price offing it to UK consumers for just £179.99.   Related links PlayStation 4 release date not for some time says Sony Best games of E3 2011 Best game accessories of E3 2011 Best mobile games of E3 2011 PlayStation Vita review: Hands-on "I would anticipate a further price cut on existing consoles prior to Christmas. It'll probably happen around September and Gamescom may be interesting,” Codemasters boss Rod Cousens reportedly announced. He added: “There's also time for a further cut next year, before Wii U is out."   Adding to Cousens’ predictions, industry analyst Nick Parker added: "£199.99 makes sense as it keeps Sony's options open for another drop, but they could be more aggressive. Microsoft wants to be No.1 but I expect it is adopting a 'wait and see' approach with possible new value-added deals on Kinect."   The Sony PS3 was first launched in Europe in 2007 with a price tag of £425 and the Japanese corporation subsequently released the PS3 Slim in 2010 for £250.00.   Earlier this month a 'new PS3' was unveiled in Japan with the revamped device expected to decrease power consumption and increase performance of the third-generation PlayStation console.   What price would the PS3 need to be for you to pick one up or replace your Xbox 360 with? Share your thoughts via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.   Via: CVG   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

New Apple Mac Pro: 16-core 2011 update coming soon? Posted: 24 Jun 2011 03:29 AM PDT Posted by Adam Bunker on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Apple's new Mac Pro model could have twice as much power, according to reports, but will it see a 2011 launch? Ever since Apple started shipping some of its computer line with the new Intel Sandy Bridge processors, we’ve been waiting for the inevitable refresh to spread across the rest of the Mac range. The Mac Pro desktop tower is among that number. Related links Apple Mac Pro 2010 review Apple Mac Mini 2010 review Apple updates Mac Mini New rumours from 9 to 5 Mac suggest that the new tower will be with us imminently, sporting a ridiculously powerful 16-core CPU. The Pro will be available in several an increments, with 8-core option being the lowest. With rumour running rife that the MacBook, MacBook Air and Mac Mini will join the fray soon also, it seems only logical that Apple is set to overhaul the Pro too. Question is: what would you do with a 16-core Mac? With that level of power, you could have the world on a plate. Which Mac do you most want refreshed? Let us know on the T3 Twitter feed.   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 UK release date confirmed Posted: 24 Jun 2011 02:06 AM PDT Posted by Luke Johnson on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Samsung has officially confirmed the UK release date for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet with the Apple iPad 2 challenger to launch on August 4th Samsung has officially confirmed that its long awaited and recently refreshed 10-inch tablet the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will launch in the UK later this summer on August 4th.   Following its official unveiling at Mobile World Congress back in February the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was given a dramatic pre-release redesign to further compete with Apple’s second-generation iPad tablet slimming down to a minimalist 8.6mm form factor whilst dropping its original 8-megapixel snapper for a lower res 3-megapixel offering.   Related links Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 pictures: Hands-on at MWC Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 white: First impressions Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 loses 8mp camera Boasting a 1GHz dual-core processor, Samsung’s first 10-inch tablet is to launch in the UK running Google’s tablet-centric Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system in Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus 3G forms with both black and white colour variants to be made available.   With the 3-megapixel rear mounted camera to feature 720p HD video recording capabilities and be joined by a forward facing 2-megapixel offers, the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s impressive spec sheet is further plumped by a 10.1-inch WXGA display at 1280 x 800p resolution with 16, 32 and 64GB storage options.   “The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the latest example of Samsung’s ongoing innovation in this market and commitment to the Android platform,” declared Simon Stanford, Managing Director, Mobile, Samsung UK and Ireland. He added: “Our Galaxy family all feature a premium design, excellent screens and are packed with compelling entertainment features.  We plan to deliver exciting new user experiences and lead the tablet market in the months and years to come.”   Can the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 challenge the likes of Apple’s iPad 2? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Facebook case not over yet Posted: 24 Jun 2011 12:34 AM PDT Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Facebook accused of 'suppressing evidence' Well it doesn’t look like Mark Zuckerberg and the Winklevosses will be adding each other as friends just yet. Despite settling for $65 million (£48 million) with Zuckerberg and Facebook yesterday, the twins, along with their partner Divya Narendra, have now asked the court in Massachusetts to determine whether Zuck “intentionally or inadvertently suppressed evidence.” So it seems the case isn’t quite closed just yet. Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss accused Zuckerberg in 2008 of stealing their idea for ConnectU, a social networking site that Facebook closely resembles, according to the pair. Now they’re claiming Facebook has thwarted their new lawyer’s efforts to file a motion for discovery and relief. The new filing states that once discovery is complete, i.e. Facebook reveals this evidence it’s accused of suppressing, the twins will seek appropriate relief. There was no comment from Facebook on this latest twist, but a spokesperson said yesterday that it’d “considered this case closed for a long time.” Via Cnet   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Incoming: laptops powered by typing Posted: 24 Jun 2011 12:05 AM PDT Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Australian researchers have devised a way in which your laptop computer can be charged simply by typing on it, but could it spell the end for the much loathed power cable?   Google’s Chromebooks may boast amazing battery lives, but this is the dream: a laptop that’ll never die. How? Because it’s powered by your typing.   And it could be closer than you think. Australian researchers have found a way to harness the energy of your typing to power your PC's battery.   It’s called piezoelectricity, and is similar to cigarette lighters that create a spark by striking a piezoelectric crystal.   Here’s how it’d work: a much thinner layer of piezoelectric material would have to be developed using nanotechnology, so it could be spread over the keys. It’s the result of a study at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.   Other possible uses could include in running shoes, charging mobile phone batteries, or converting blood pressure into a power source for pacemakers.   Another benefit to powering laptops through typing: you could see which of your colleagues isn’t doing any work, as their computer would die.   Via Mashable   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple granted touchscreen patent after three years Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:58 PM PDT Posted by Devina Divecha on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Apple is granted patent for its original iPhone touchscreen, three years after application, but experts say it could allow the consumer electronics giant to bully its competitors   A patent related to Apple's capacitive touchscreen from the original iPhone has been granted to the company after three years. Related links iPhone 5 release date imminent? iPhone 5 release date UK imminent? iPhone 5 specs: Metal backplate? iPhone 5 pictures: Are these real? iPhone 5 rumours: The latest Best iPhone apps The multitouch display patent gives Apple rights over it, which means other non-Apple touchscreen products may be in danger of copyright infringement. However, for non-Apple products with similar touchscreen gestures, such as the Blackberry Torch 9800, to be sued, they would have had to copy the interface in its entirety. TechRadar reports patent commenter and IP law blogger, Florian Mueller, as having said: "This patent covers a kind of functionality without which it will be hard to build a competitive smartphone. Unless this patent becomes invalidated, it would allow Apple to stifle innovation and bully competitors." "The way to read a patent claim is that it's only infringed if the accused technology is implemented in its entirety - all of the characteristics must be matched," he added. What smartphone are you currently using? Let us know on T3's Twitter and Facebook feeds and remember to follow us for more news in the tech world. Via: TechRadar     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Google faces antitrust probe on practices by FTC Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:42 PM PDT Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Google 'to be accused of unfair practices' and faces investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following complaints it's unfairly directing users to its own sites   The search giant is to be investigated in the next few days by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), according to the Wall Street Journal. Google is to be accused of manipulating search results to steer users to its own sites above competitors. So if you used the Google search engine, the accusation is it’d unfairly prioritise its services over others.   The accusation comes from companies offering similar services. Google handles two thirds of US search queries, and with its impressive roster of services including maps, shopping, news, travel services, and more, it’d be easy to see how others would struggle to compete.   The New York Times has reported the FTC debated it earlier this month, and now is close to acting. The Financial Times has also reported that attorney-generals in California, New York and Ohio have already launched antitrust investigations.   Google is yet to comment.   Via BBC   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Google faces antitrust probe on practices Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:42 PM PDT Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Google 'to be accused of unfair practices' and faces investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following complaints it's unfairly directing users to its own sites   The search giant is to be investigated in the next few days by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), according to the Wall Street Journal. Google is to be accused of manipulating search results to steer users to its own sites above competitors. So if you used the Google search engine, the accusation is it’d unfairly prioritise its services over others.   The accusation comes from companies offering similar services. Google handles two thirds of US search queries, and with its impressive roster of services including maps, shopping, news, travel services, and more, it’d be easy to see how others would struggle to compete.   The New York Times has reported the FTC debated it earlier this month, and now is close to acting. The Financial Times has also reported that attorney-generals in California, New York and Ohio have already launched antitrust investigations.   Google is yet to comment.   Via BBC   This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Twice as many UK users using iOS apps than Android Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:40 PM PDT Posted by Devina Divecha on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Figures released for app usage in the UK According to a recent study by GSMA, 65% of UK-connected app users are on Apple's iOS. Related links Best iPad apps: free and paid apps for your iPad Top 10 football iPhone apps Best dual-core apps Best apps video: 2011 Best apps 2011: this year's hottest apps T3 Gadget Awards 2011 | Vote for App of the Year Coming in second is the Android OS by Google, at 31% of UK's population. Symbian came in third at just 1%, with a mixture of other OS' at 3% of the total. The total number of app users on smartphones stands at 8,753,197 unique users. In addition, when it came to apps that were accessed, Google reigned, owning three out of the five top ranked apps. Google Maps was the most accessed app with 6.4 million unique users. "We are excited to release the first public census-level data from the GSMA and comScore on mobile application usage," said Henry Stevens, media director, GSMA. "Apps have become an important entry point for accessing content on mobile devices and their usage will only increase with the rapid proliferation of smartphones. We look forward to delivering to the UK market these critical insights to help understand the mobile ecosystem." he added. In April 2011, 40% of the 21.8 million UK mobile internet users accessed a connected application. Google Maps reaches 73.3 per cent of all UK app users. Yahoo's Weather app ranked second with 3.6 million followed by Facebook's app with 3.5 million unique visitors. Another two apps published by Google - Google Mobile and YouTube - rounded out the top five. Which apps do you access the most? Tell us on T3's Twitter and Facebook feeds and follow us for more tech news.     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

iPad accounts for 89% of world tablet usage Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:19 PM PDT Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Apple still king of tablet land If you were in any doubt as to the iPad’s dominance in the world of tablets, let this latest study confirm what we all suspected: the iPad is still well and truly king. The report, by comscore, says the iPad is responsible for 89% of all worldwide tablet traffic, while in the US that figure rises to 97%. Other tablets are struggling to get a look in. Obviously this is tracking only online usage, but then that’s still a pretty good indicator. “The iPad is currently the dominant tablet device across all geographies, contributing more than 89 percent of tablet traffic across all markets,” the report reads. In the US the iPad has nearly 97% of non-computer traffic, with Android accounting for almost all of the remaining 3%. So does Apple have the tablet game sewn up? Or is it not too late for the likes of the HP Touchpad to steal its thunder? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter. via Mac Rumors  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Netherlands to allow access to Skype at no cost Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:15 PM PDT Posted by Devina Divecha on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Netherlands to become first European country favouring net neutrality Netherlands is set to become the first in Europe to allow users to access Skype and other similar services on smartphones at no extra cost. Related links T3 Gadget Awards 2011 | Vote for Skype Skype for iPhone app review App news: Skype suffers another widespread crash Skype only certifies CPU webcams for HD calling What is known as net neutrality around the world has become a law in Netherlands, where all internet traffic will be judged the same, whether it is in video, audio or text format. On June 22, the Dutch parliament passed a law stopping mobile operators from blocking or charging extra for voice calling through the internet. The law needs to pass through the senate before being approved, but reports say it's almost a certainty the law will come to pass. Netherlands, while the first European country, will be the second in the world to make net neutrality a law, following Chile. Do you think this law will affect other European countries and their outlook on net neutrality? Let T3 know via its Twitter and Facebook pages and stay tuned in for more tech news. Via: BBC     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Report: Nokia and Sony Ericsson 'to disappear' next year Posted: 23 Jun 2011 10:48 PM PDT Posted by Joe Svetlik on Fri 24 Jun 2011 Rise of iOS and Android partly to blame It’s been a rough year for both companies, now a damning new report claims Sony Ericsson and Nokia will go to the wall in 2012. The report, published by website 24/7 Wall St., is an annual list of brands that will disappear in the next 12 months. Sony Ericsson is pegged at number six, while Nokia sits at 10. It’s not known whether they’re ranked in any order. Both companies have had it rough of late, with Sony Ericsson’s sales falling 19%, while Nokia’s profits fell 22% in the fourth quarter of last year. Both have been criticised for not keeping up with the rise of Apple and Android in the smartphone world. Among the other brands predicted to disappear are Sony Pictures, Saab, American Apparel, and MySpace. The accuracy of the list is mixed: the site predicted Blockbuster’s demise, but also said BP would soon be gone in last year’s list.  Via PR Daily This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Tech Today: Apple iPhone 5 to ditch Google Maps? Posted: 23 Jun 2011 05:20 PM PDT Posted by Chris Smith on Fri 24 Jun 2011 While you were sleeping we've been keeping tabs on the tech news from around the web. There's news that Apple might launch its own mapping service and the final OS X update before Lion. Apple releases Mac OS 10.6.8 with Lion imminent In what is likely to be the last incremental update before the arrival of Mac OS X Lion, Apple has rolled-out Mac OS X 10.6.8 which offers an update to the Mac App Store to prepare users for the upgrade to Lion. There's also various bug fixes and more protection against variants of the Mac Defender virus. Link: Apple Insider Apple to ditch Google Maps for own mapping service in iOS Rumours are about that Apple is to end its reliance on Google for its iPhone mapping solution by launching its own bespoke maps app. Some of the legal small-print in Apple iOS 5 has revealed that Apple has been working with third-party services, such as TomTom along with others that have no association with Google. Link: MacRumous   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- App of the Year | Vote in the T3 Gadget Awards 2011 Is GarageBand the best app of 2011? Or can Flipboad, Star Walk or the other nominees take the title Vote for App of the Year | GarageBand for iPad review| Flipboard for iPad rated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Facebook reaches 3/4 billion users Mark Zuckerberg's unstoppable march to a billion friends has reached the latest landmark after reportedly racking up 750 million members. Meanwhile just one day after it appeared that jilted Facebook twins the Winklevosses had finally settled with the social networking site, they have filed yet another lawsuit. Link: WSJ Better Xbox Live integration coming as part of Mango Microsoft has detailed the forthcoming improvements to the Games Hub section of Windows Phone that will arrive in the new Mango update. Among the changes are better Xbox Live integration, allowing users to respond to messages on any platform, moving avatars, side by side achievement comparisons and pop-up notifications for game invites. Link: Electronista   Japan creates fictional pop-star from parts of other pop stars' faces Japanese advertisers have created a computerised pop icon comprised of the features of the members of real-life girl group AKB48. Aimi is comprised of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair and facial features of various members of the 50-member strong AKB48 group. Check her out in the video below. It's not like they did a bad job. Link: Telegraph   News@8: In our daily round-up there more news on Apple's rumoured venture into the TV market, while word has reached the internet that the iPhone 5 will have a dual LED flash camera. In other news the first Nokia Windows Phone has leaked out and Nokia has been talking to T3 about why it chose Microsoft's platform over Android.     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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