Peruvian developer bids to turn Packard plant into upscale go kart track

The last time a car was made at Detroit's infamously derelict Packard plant was in 1958. Though it's been used for a variety of purposes since, these days it stands empty, an icon of urban decay. But that doesn't mean nobody's trying to do anything about it. The county recently put it up for auction, the winning bid placed by a doctor from Texas who quickly emerged as a quack.

Autoblog , Peruvian developer bids to turn Packard plant into upscale go kart track

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, Peruvian developer bids to turn Packard plant into upscale go kart track

Oberon Design's Leather Luggage Tag makes your bag stand out in a crowd

For the first time in as long as I can remember, I'm still Christmas shopping past Thanksgiving.  I'm usually finished before November, but I'm lagging behind this year and am still constantly on the search for gift ideas.  These beautiful 3″ X 4.5″ Leather Luggage Tags from Oberon Design would be a marvelous gift for the traveller.  Like all of Oberon's gear, the luggage tag is made of premium leather that's been embossed with their beautifully detailed designs.  The strap is securely riveted on, and the mylar-protected address label is secured from prying eyes by a leather flap that's held closed by a metal post.

The Gadgeteer , Oberon Design's Leather Luggage Tag makes your bag stand out in a crowd, Oberon Design's Leather Luggage Tag makes your bag stand out in a crowd

NASCAR buys Iowa Speedway

Back in 2005, former Winston Cup champion Rusty Wallace helped design a racetrack out in the corn fields of Iowa. A tri-oval short-track with a road course on premises, Iowa Speedway has gone on to host stock cars, Indy cars and Grand-Am sportscars, but in the years since it's opening, it has fallen on some hard times. Fortunately the speedway has now been rescued by none other than the motorsport sanctioning body with which it is most closely associated. In a deal announced just the other day, NASCAR will take over ownership of Iowa Speedway, effective immediately.

Autoblog , NASCAR buys Iowa Speedway, NASCAR buys Iowa Speedway

5.5-incher from Huawei leaks with octa-core processor

Leaked images of a Huawei smartphone going by the G750 codename have surfaced. The smartphone is running on MediaTek's new true octa-core MT6592 chipset. MediaTek has been high on praise for its new chipset, which it claims is the first "true octa-core" solution, being capable of running all eight cores simultaneously.








GSM Arena , 5.5-incher from Huawei leaks with octa-core processor, 5.5-incher from Huawei leaks with octa-core processor

HTC Desire 700 Quad-Core Android 4.1 Smartphone

HTC has introduced another quad-core Android 4.1 smartphone ‘Desire 700′ to its range. Coming with a plastic body, the handset sports a 5.0-inch 960 x 540 touchscreen display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, a 1GB RAM, an 8GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, dual microSIM card slots, dual cameras (2MP front & 8MP rear), GPS, HSPA, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 2100mAh battery and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS. The Desire 700 will retail for 13,900 Taiwan dollars (about $469).

TechFresh , HTC Desire 700 Quad-Core Android 4.1 Smartphone, HTC Desire 700 Quad-Core Android 4.1 Smartphone

Facebook Introduces Windows 8.1 App Update With Slew Of New Features

The folks over at Facebook have introduced the latest version of its Windows 8.1 app update, which has already happened several times before ever since the first version rolled out in slightly more than one month back. Right now, the Facebook app for Windows 8.1 happens to be the most popular free app in the Windows Store, so do expect it to remain somewhere at the top after the latest version has already been released, sporting a slew of new features and improvements to make your social network experience a more complete one.

Ubergizmo , Facebook Introduces Windows 8.1 App Update With Slew Of New Features, Facebook Introduces Windows 8.1 App Update With Slew Of New Features

Apple Europe's Black Friday Deals Offers Discounts, Not Gift Cards

A few days ago we reported that Apple would be introducing Black Friday deals via its online store and its retail outlets. Given that Apple products tend to lean more towards the pricey side of things, this is of course a welcome deal by many, even if it means that your savings could be $30-$50. Unfortunately unlike last year's deals where Apple actually gave discounts on selected products, Apple has decided to give away gift cards this year, with the except of Apple Europe.

Ubergizmo , Apple Europe's Black Friday Deals Offers Discounts, Not Gift Cards, Apple Europe's Black Friday Deals Offers Discounts, Not Gift Cards

Samsung Galaxy S5 will not have OIS camera

Before the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 came out there were rumors that it will have a camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). It didnÂ't and rumors had it that it was due to the insufficient supply of stabilized modules in time for the launch. Then there were a couple of OIS-enabled cameras linked to Samsung – a 13MP one and a 16MP one – with speculations coming that they'll be used on the Galaxy S5. Not so fast, says Korean publication ETNews. Apparently, the next Galaxy S flagship will not have OIS due to a number of issues.

GSM Arena , Samsung Galaxy S5 will not have OIS camera, Samsung Galaxy S5 will not have OIS camera

New Killzone Mercenary Updates On Its Way With Free Multiplayer Maps

So, the dust of next generation console launches has already fallen, and it is now a race between two thoroughbreds – the Xbox One as well as the Sony PS4, to see just which particular console between the two would come up tops in a few years' time. I do, of course, expect this to be an extremely tight race to begin with, and here is some word on Killzone Mercenary that will be on the receiving end of several updates in the months to come. First of all, Update 3 would introduce minimal changes, but it is extremely important since this is one patch that would do its bit to drop the size of the other patches.

Ubergizmo , New Killzone Mercenary Updates On Its Way With Free Multiplayer Maps, New Killzone Mercenary Updates On Its Way With Free Multiplayer Maps

Possible Super Smash Bros. Release Date Hinted By GameStop

Nintendo's upcoming Super Smash Bros. is slated to arrive on the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Wii U come 2014, although at the moment no specific dates have been revealed yet, at least until recently when GameStop updated their database and revealed a possible release date which has been set for the 8th of April 2014 for both the 3DS and the Wii U console. We're not sure if GameStop is speculating on a release date, or if they knew something and might have accidentally let the cat out of the bag a little earlier than expected.

Ubergizmo , Possible Super Smash Bros. Release Date Hinted By GameStop, Possible Super Smash Bros. Release Date Hinted By GameStop

HoneyDru car charger review [GIVEAWAY]

When it comes to chargers, there is no competition for the fun and cute (yes, I used that word) chargers made by “Power by Gen”. These double as a charger and Android figurine, making them the best charger for the loyal Phandroid. You may remember I checked out the ANDRU Dark and ANDRU Chill chargers last year. I fell in love with them and even nominated them as one of my Staff Picks for our Holiday Gift Guide. Almost a year later I sit here with Gen's newest charger – the HoneyDru!

HoneyDru form factor and build quality

Power by Gen is stepping out of its comfort zone and has built its first car charger.




Android Phone , HoneyDru car charger review [GIVEAWAY], HoneyDru car charger review [GIVEAWAY]

Sony To Adjust PS4 PSN Game Prices In Europe

This week in Europe, Sony and third party publishers like Ubisoft and Electronic Arts were the subject of criticism when gamers discovered that the prices for digital game downloads from PlayStation Network were higher than their counterparts on the Xbox One store. Titles that were priced higher include FIFA 14, Assassin's Creed 4 and Battlefield 4. Even when the games' prices were reduced to £60 from the previous £63 price, they were still £5 more expensive than on the Xbox One store. Sony confirms to Eurogamer that it will adjust the prices prior to the PlayStation 4′s launch in Europe.

Ubergizmo , Sony To Adjust PS4 PSN Game Prices In Europe, Sony To Adjust PS4 PSN Game Prices In Europe

Carlos Tavares named CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën

Carlos Tavares is a man of ambition. As well he should be, because you don't get to the top ranks of a major industrial group without it. But as chief operating officer of Renault, there was only so far he could go in the shadow of his boss Carlos Ghosn. So with an eye toward running a major automaker, Tavares left Renault a couple of months ago, expressing his desire to run an automaker like Ford or GM. Now Tavares has gotten what he wanted, but he won't have to move to Detroit to get it.

Autoblog , Carlos Tavares named CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën, Carlos Tavares named CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën

PayPal Now Accepting Prepaid Gift Cards For Online Purchases

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner as many Americans consider its official start occurs once we all recover from our Thanksgiving feast comas. Millions of Americans will head out on Black Friday in an attempt to get the best deal for products they plan on giving their family, friends and even co-workers during the holiday season. One of the easiest gifts to give someone is a gift card to one of their favorite retailers, and PayPal is making the use of prepaid gift cards even easier as the company has announced they will support them.

Ubergizmo , PayPal Now Accepting Prepaid Gift Cards For Online Purchases, PayPal Now Accepting Prepaid Gift Cards For Online Purchases

Nokia Lumia 525 is a 1GB RAM WP8 smartphone on the cheap

The Nokia Lumia 520 is by far the best-selling WP8 smartphone, helping the platform to some remarkable growth over the past few months. This means it's only natural for Nokia to bring up a successor sooner rather than later. That would be the Lumia 525, which brings more RAM, which would expand the app compatibility of what was an already well working package. As you know some of the apps in the Windows Phone Store are incompatible with 512MB RAM smartphones.
The Nokia Lumia 525 packs double the RAM at 1 GB and comes with Windows Phone 8 with the Lumia Black update out of box.






GSM Arena , Nokia Lumia 525 is a 1GB RAM WP8 smartphone on the cheap, Nokia Lumia 525 is a 1GB RAM WP8 smartphone on the cheap

Google posts holiday shipping schedule for Google Play orders to ship by Christmas

Christmas time is right around the corner, and now is the time of year when most folks begin shopping for their loved ones. If one of your gifts is coming from the Google Play Store, you'll want to take heed to the following list of cut-off dates to make sure the item ships by December 25th:.

Android Phone , Google posts holiday shipping schedule for Google Play orders to ship by Christmas, Google posts holiday shipping schedule for Google Play orders to ship by Christmas

Slate is a bamboo lapdesk with style and function

The Slate Mobile AirDesk is a new Kickstarter project that just launched yesterday and has already surpassed the funding goal of $6500. It is made in Tempe, Arizona from a solid block of hand sanded bamboo. A grid of holes has been drilled through the block to help with air flow and heat dissipation. There is a special slot for your phone or tablet and a built in mouse pad. It's lightweight, sturdy and looks very nice. I think I need one… My primary computer at home is a 3 year old 13″ Macbook Air. I love it because it's lightweight while still having a nice sized screen and keyboard.

The Gadgeteer , Slate is a bamboo lapdesk with style and function, Slate is a bamboo lapdesk with style and function

Prysmian Enters Cooperation Agreement With Rosseti, The Largest Russian Power Grid Company

THE AGREEMENT, SIGNED DURING THE ITALY-RUSSIA BUSINESS FORUM, FOCUSES ON TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION IN RUSSIA.

Press Release Distribution , Prysmian Enters Cooperation Agreement With Rosseti, The Largest Russian Power Grid Company, Prysmian Enters Cooperation Agreement With Rosseti, The Largest Russian Power Grid Company

Rockstar Trademarks New Bully Title In Europe

For those unfamiliar, Bully was a game released by Rockstar back in 2005 and has been pretty well received due to its unique gameplay. The game saw a re-release for the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360 in 2008, but we haven't really heard about the franchise since, although back in 2011 it was stated that a sequel was in the cards, but not confirmed. Well it looks like things could be well on their way thanks to the folks at Junkie Monkeys who discovered a trademark by Rockstar that was registered in November for the title, "Bully Bullworth Academy: Canis Canem Edit".

Ubergizmo , Rockstar Trademarks New Bully Title In Europe, Rockstar Trademarks New Bully Title In Europe

Lotus to receive $16M government grant

Troubled British automaker Lotus is getting a second infusion of cash following a 100-million-pound ($161.5-million) investment by its parent company DRB-Hicom that was made in August. The substantially smaller investment, a mere 10 million pounds ($16.2 million), comes from the British government's Regional Growth Fund. The fund, which is part of a 3-billion-pound ($4.8-billion) fund to spur economic growth in the UK, will allow Lotus to invest even further in research and development as it seeks to reinvent its lineup of lightweight sports cars.

Autoblog , Lotus to receive $16M government grant, Lotus to receive $16M government grant

Mass-market HTC One in Gold goes official

This just in - a golden-colored HTC One becomes official, courtesy of HTC itself. This isn't the 24-carat Gold Genie version, nor the 18-carat MOBO one, which we handled. This is a gold-colored aluminum HTC One, which we've already seen leaked in images. The device will join the new Blue and Red and the classic Silver and Black on the shelves.

GSM Arena , Mass-market HTC One in Gold goes official, Mass-market HTC One in Gold goes official

Answers to your HTC One max questions

Last week we asked for your HTC One max questions. Unsurprisingly, most of you had questions about the fingerprint scanner and the handset's size. We have answers to the best questions, but we'll be exploring he handset in a lot more detail for our full review. If you have any additional HTC One max questions, feel free to post them in the comments below.
Q: How responsive is the fingerprint scanner? I read in one of the early reviews somewhere that you need to keep your fingers straight for the phone to scan your finger and that keeping the finger at an angle (the way our fingers naturally are when we hold a phone) would not work.

HTC Source , Answers to your HTC One max questions, Answers to your HTC One max questions

Jaguar C-X17 resurfaces in China with gold finish, five-seat cabin (video)

Some concept cars make the rounds of the auto shows and are then retired. But a number of automakers are showing that a fresh coat of paint can go a long way towards rejuvenating a show car and giving it a new lease on life – at least as far as the auto show circuit is concerned. Lexus did that recently with the LF-LC concept, initially unveiling it in red at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, then repainting it a dark shade of blue for the subsequent shows in Australia and LA. Mini did the same with the Rocketman concept.

Autoblog , Jaguar C-X17 resurfaces in China with gold finish, five-seat cabin (video), Jaguar C-X17 resurfaces in China with gold finish, five-seat cabin (video)

Formula E tests Spark-Renault SRT_01E for the first time (video)

Until the first Formula E race takes place in Beijing come September, all the hype surrounding the new electric racing series will remain exactly that: hype. But the series has taken a big step toward reality with the first test session of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E that is set to form the backbone of the tree-hugging motorsport discipline. The session took place at the Circuit La Ferté Gaucher, a track we had never heard of in northern France that makes us wonder why they didn't go for a warmer location closer to the Côte d'Azur given the dropping autumnal temperatures.

Autoblog , Formula E tests Spark-Renault SRT_01E for the first time (video), Formula E tests Spark-Renault SRT_01E for the first time (video)

Talbot-Lago Teardrop Cabrio sells for $7m, Ferrari 250 LM for $14m [UPDATE w/video]

Classic car auctions take place in locations all around the world, from Monte Carlo and Maranello to Monterey and Manhattan. Or so you might think, but last week marked the first time a major classic car auction took place in the Big Apple in over a decade. And boy did it return with a bang. The highlight of the auction was the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM we reported on just a few days ago ahead of the event, which sold for a massive $14.3 million.

Autoblog , Talbot-Lago Teardrop Cabrio sells for $7m, Ferrari 250 LM for $14m [UPDATE w/video], Talbot-Lago Teardrop Cabrio sells for $7m, Ferrari 250 LM for $14m [UPDATE w/video]

HTC One in gold goes official

It looks like Apple might have started yet another trend that other OEMs will look to emulate. HTC has just announced a golden version of their 2013 flagship HTC One. It's not the first time we've seen this stallion clad in gold-plated armor, as Gold Genie took it upon themselves to create an after-market modification of the phone a while ago (and HTC tried their hand at a limited edition run of it at a very premium price point). But this is HTC's official go-round at the golden version, and boy does it look nice. It's not the shiny, flashy gold that you might expect, with HTC instead going for a more subtle, muted effect.

Android Phone , HTC One in gold goes official

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, HTC One in gold goes official

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake snapped while testing

The new Mercedes CLA-Class is still fresh on the market, but recent rumblings have indicated that Mercedes was working on a wagon variant of the car – possibly even in place of a sportier SLA Roadster.

Autoblog , Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake snapped while testing, Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake snapped while testing

Happy Hour Virus Fakes Computer Problems To Let You Get Off Work Early

We're sure everyone has the Monday blues, and that everyone also looks forward to Fridays as well, after all TGIF, right. Well if you were thinking about clocking out a tad early and want a valid excuse for doing so, how about simulating a computer problem. Dubbed the Happy Hour Virus, this is basically a website which you can use to simulate a variety of problems, ranging from "Kernel Panic", to "Broken Monitor", and the dreaded "Blue Screen of Death". The former might not be overly convincing, but the Broken Monitor and Blue Screen of Death are pretty realistic.

Ubergizmo , Happy Hour Virus Fakes Computer Problems To Let You Get Off Work Early, Happy Hour Virus Fakes Computer Problems To Let You Get Off Work Early

Sony Rumored To Be Buying Back Crash Bandicoot Franchise From Activision

One of the more iconic games back in the days of the PlayStation 1 was none other than Crash Bandicoot In fact if one could recall seeing PS1 demo units out in stores, Crash Bandicoot would be the game that would be playing at the moment. According to a recent leak, it has been suggested that a new Crash Bandicoot title could be making its way onto Sony's PlayStation 4 and while we're not sure if the listing was made in error, new rumors had surfaced suggesting that Sony could be looking to buy back the franchise from Activision.

Ubergizmo , Sony Rumored To Be Buying Back Crash Bandicoot Franchise From Activision, Sony Rumored To Be Buying Back Crash Bandicoot Franchise From Activision

Danish local authority chooses NComputing for more flexible & efficient public services IT

NComputing N-Series thin clients & vSpace Management Centre combine with Citrix Xen Desktop to help Struer Kommune widen access to improved IT for staff Hemel Hempstead, UK – 22 November 2013 – NComputing, the leader in accelerating the adoption of desktop virtualisation, today announced how Struer Kommune, a Danish municipal government body, is progressing its desktop virtualisation programme to support the delivery of public services in education, healthcare and social services in addition to key administrative functions.

Press Release Distribution , Danish local authority chooses NComputing for more flexible & efficient public services IT, Danish local authority chooses NComputing for more flexible & efficient public services IT

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB is a $185k mountain-climbing limo

Land Rover is seriously amping up its luxury credentials at the 2013 LA Motor Show, showing off its new Range Rover Autobiography Black. Available only in the off-road manufacturer's new long-wheelbase bodystyle, the Black model of the popular Rangie has a starting price of $185,000. To put that into perspective, a short-wheelbase base model starts at $84,195. So, what's an extra $100,000 get you? For starters, it adds an extra 7.3 inches of rear legroom and an extra eight degrees of incline when the individual rear seats are optioned. The LWB model also adds power rear sunshades and a panoramic sunroof.


Autoblog , 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB is a $185k mountain-climbing limo, 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB is a $185k mountain-climbing limo

Nissan Leaf Aero Style wears new body kit in Japan

Here we have the Nissan Leaf Aero Style, which the automaker says "offers 100% electric vehicle performance in a new stylish and sporty shape." We call it a Nissan Leaf with a not-terribly-attractive body kit and two-tone wheels. Suffice it to say, it's not much like the conceptual version Nissan showed off at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2011. Our blunt assessment of the Leaf Aero Style doesn't necessarily mean it's bad, of course. It's still, best we can tell, a Nissan Leaf through and through, which means it has the same 107 horsepower, 187 pound-feet of torque and 24-kWh battery pack as every other new Leaf.

Autoblog , Nissan Leaf Aero Style wears new body kit in Japan, Nissan Leaf Aero Style wears new body kit in Japan

Zopo ZP998 Octa-Core Android 4.2 Smartphone

Zopo has listed their first octal-core Android 4.2 smartphone ‘ZP998′ on their product page. Powered by a 1.7GHz MTK6592 octal-core processor, the handset sports a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD touchscreen display (401 ppi), a Mali 450 GPU, a 2GB RAM, a 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (up to 64GB), dual cameras (5MP front & 14MP rear with an f/2.0 aperture and 1080p Full HD video recording), A-GPS, NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, a 2400mAh battery and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS. The ZP998 is currently available for pre-order for $299.99.

TechFresh , Zopo ZP998 Octa-Core Android 4.2 Smartphone, Zopo ZP998 Octa-Core Android 4.2 Smartphone

Note 3 owners get a $50 Google Play credit until January 6th, 2014

So you've bought your Note 3 and want to load it up with awesome games, apps, music, books, and movies, eh. Is some of that content only available by forking over a bit of cash. Good news — you won't have to dig into your own wallet to pay for them. Samsung has started a promotion that will net any Samsung Galaxy Note 3 owner $50 in Google Play Credit.
Getting free Google Play credit is nothing new, as we've seen other devices offer $25 in the past. But $50? That's a crap ton, and should keep you swell for quite some time.

Android Phone , Note 3 owners get a $50 Google Play credit until January 6th, 2014, Note 3 owners get a $50 Google Play credit until January 6th, 2014

2015 Cadillac Escalade blings its way into LA

The new Cadillac Escalade sauntered out onto the Los Angeles Auto Show stage, showing off its new familial face and redesigned interior. That exterior, with its slim, wrap-over headlights and tall, vertical taillights (both made up of LEDs) is a subtle but significant departure from the past styling of General Motors' flagship SUV. And while there's no shortage of stuff to discuss about the Caddy's exterior, its cabin is where the big changes happen. Aside from the column-mounted shifter, the cabin receives a heavy going-over, receiving Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system and a significant upgrade to the materials.

Autoblog , 2015 Cadillac Escalade blings its way into LA, 2015 Cadillac Escalade blings its way into LA

Google Wallet Card now available to order, arrives in about 10 days [UPDATE]

If you've really been wanting to use Google Wallet but are bummed because your device doesn't have NFC, you still might be in luck. Google has silently begun offering their new Google Wallet Card and it's accepted everywhere MasterCard is (unlike tap-to-pay). The Google Wallet Card works the same way as a normal pre-paid debit card. When swiped the card will take the funds from your Wallet balance, or you can withdraw cash through an ATM. Adding funds via bank account is free, but adding funds through a connected credit card will cost some money.

Android Phone , Google Wallet Card now available to order, arrives in about 10 days [UPDATE], Google Wallet Card now available to order, arrives in about 10 days [UPDATE]