LG reveals Optimus L Series II, dual-SIM L7II is the first to launch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/11/lg-reveals-optimus-l-series-ii-dual-sim-l7ii-is-the-first-to-la/

As usual, LG can't wait for the show to start to display its latest phones and is previewing the Optimus L Series II line ahead of MWC 2013. Just like its predecessors, the L Series II will come in a variety of sizes, with a 3.2-inch L3II, 4.0-inch L5II and 4.3-inch L7II on the way. According to LG, the second coming of the L Style adds Seamless Layout, Laser Cut Contour, Radiant Rear Design and Smart LED Lighting (the button at the bottom has a lighted edge) design elements to the beauty of the original phones. Other than screen size, the different versions will also feature different batteries, ranging from 2,460mAh in the largest to 1,540mAh in the smallest.

The L7II will be first to launch and has the most details, with specs listing a 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8225 CPU, up to 4GB internal storage, 768MB RAM and a microSD slot, plus WVGA IPS screen and 8MP rear / VGA front camera setup. The dual-SIM version seen in earlier leaks will debut in Russia this week with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on board, availability for the other new phones will be announced later. The full rundown of new features and a pair of pictures are after the break, while you check those we'll keep an eye out for any more surprises from LG before the show floor opens in Barcelona.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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LG promo confirms 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro for Korea

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/11/lg-promo-confirms-5-5-inch-optimus-g-pro-for-korea/

If you were worried that you might have to wait until Mobile World Congress to learn whether or not a 5.5-inch version of the Optimus G Pro was real, your mind can rest at ease. While hoping to drum up buzz for a launch beyond Japan, the company has ever-so-casually mentioned that at least the South Korean edition of the G Pro has a 5.5-inch, full HD screen -- half an inch larger than the Japanese model, and just as large as the panel on the Galaxy Note II. Want to know more? That's part of the promo. Borrowing a page from Sony, LG promises to reveal more of the phone the more Facebook Likes it receives. While previous tips suggest that the 5.5-inch edition will mostly be a larger take on an already supersized device, it's still very tempting to click that Like button -- just don't expect one of the mentioned prizes if you live beyond LG's native borders.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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Source: LG Social (translated), LG Electronics (Facebook)

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Sandboxr lets us easily make custom-posed, 3D-printed figurines (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/sandboxr-lets-us-easily-make-custom-posed-3d-printed-figurines/

Where was Sandboxr when we were kids? Instead of dragging our parents around on a hunt for the perfect figurine, we could have used the company's new web app to easily manipulate a virtual model and get a 3D printed statuette in the exact pose we wanted. There's compensation for the lost opportunities of our childhood, however. The creation tool allows for customized accessories, scenes and sizing, and it's expected to have reasonable prices of about $12 for a 2.5-inch character and over $20 for a 3.5-inch version. The best news may simply be the likelihood of a figurine existing in the first place -- Sandboxr sees itself as a platform for everyone from 3D animators through to game developers and dedicated toy companies, many of which can use existing 3D models to start a collectible line. The printing service is currently invitation-only and plans a Kickstarter fundraising drive to scale larger, but it's easy to see an end to the days of limited edition figurines -- much to the delight of our inner child.

Filed under: Misc, Household

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Via: Wired

Source: Sandboxr

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Google aiming to build $82 million aircraft facility at SJC, probably launch more Project Glass demos from it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/08/google-82-million-SJC-aircraft-facility/

It's no secret that Google has an interest in the automotive industry, but over the years the popular search engine has also managed to amass quite the collection of aircrafts. So much in fact, the company is in the process of inking an $82 million construction deal that would bring its fleet to Mineta San Jose International Airport. Pending city council approval, the privately funded facility would generate an annual $2.6 million rent lease, around $400,000 in fuel revenues and create 236 jobs. If agreed upon, the 29-acre Googleport will take up to two years to build and will include an executive terminal along with hangers to house the company's private Boeing 737 and 747 jets. Google currently parks its jets at Moffett Federal Airfield, where the company has offered to renovate NASA Ames' Hanger One in exchange for two-thirds of its facility space to house its planes. There's no word if either deal will affect the other, but as it stands San Jose's city council is expected to vote on its proposal sometime in April.

Filed under: Misc, Google

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: Mercury News

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The Future Of Smartphones: New Report Says Samsung's Next Galaxy Phone Will Have Touchless Gestures

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/samsungs-galaxy-s4-touchless-gestures-2013-2

Samsung's next flagship smartphone is on the way.

The latest rumor says the Galaxy S IV can be controlled by touchless gestures instead of regular taps and swipes. 

The report comes from the Korean publication DDaily.

So what do we mean by touchless controls?

One example is you'll be able to answer your phone just by holding it up to your ear when it rings. There's no need to tap an "answer" button.

The touch-free system is supposed to mimic the Galaxy Note II's Air View, a sensor that recognizes when the stylus is over the screen, but a newer sensor would eliminate the need for a stylus, reports Phandroid.

Here's a list of the gestures from Geeky Gadgets blog:

 

The rumored 5-inch smartphone's standard features are said to include a high-quality 1920 x 1080 resolution screen, 13 megapixel camera, lightning fast 8-core processor, and 2 GB of RAM.

Don't Miss: Samsung May Announce The Next Galaxy Phone On March 15 >

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