Valve will release later this year a new gaming PC that will be built from off-the-shelf PC parts. 300 Steam Machine will run Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS and it will feature GPU units with Nvidia Titan, GTX780, GTX760 and GTX660; CPU boxes with Intel Core i7-4770, Intel Core i5-4570 and Intel Core i3. Power supply will be internal 450 W 80 Plus Gold and storage 1 TB / 8 GB hybrid SSHD. Dimensions of this machine are approximately 12×12.4×2.9-inches. Company will release the CAD source files for design in case users want to replicate it and they don’t want to show images of the prototype’s case, because the design isn’t completed yet. Continue reading »

BlackBerry asked for preliminary expressions of interest from potential strategic buyers. This buyers can buy the whole company or parts of it, which would be alternative to the preliminary agreement reached weeks ago with a group, led by Fairfax Financial Holdings (BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder), to take the company private for ca. $4,7 billion. Potential strategic buyers are Cisco, Google, Intel, LG, SAP and Samsung. The potential buyers have been especially interested in BlackBerry’s secure server network and patent portfolio. Analysts are saying that BlackBerry’s assets include well-regarded services business that powers its security-focues messaging system worth $3 bn – $4,5 bn; a collection of patents worth $2 bn – $3 bn and $3,1 bn in cash and investments. BlackBerry has a special committee with the assistance of independent financial and legal advisors, which is conducting review of strategic alternatives. Financial advice is providing JPMorgan Chase and RBC Capital Markets. Legal advice is providing Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Torys LLP. Continue reading »

Jalopnik first posted photos and videos of Wednesday’s accident in the Seattle-area when Tesla Model S caught on fire. Shortly after the accident, Tesla released a short statement, just claiming that the driver survived without injury. Musk yesterday explained that the cause of the accident appeared to be a piece of metal that fell off a semi-trailer and struck the Model S. According to him, the metal piece from a semi-trailer caused a powerful lever action as it went under the car and that only a force of 25 tons would’ve been strong enough to punch the 3-inch hole in the armor plate at the base of the Model S. Luckily, the flames didn’t enter the passenger compartment, because the fire started in the front battery section and was contained to that ares. Tesla’s shares are up 434% so far in 2013 despite this incident, when between Wednesday and Thursday stock slumped more than 10%. Continue reading »

BMW has launched app M Laptimer that is compatible only with vehicles equipped with BMW Apps (M Division and normal models), a system that can’t be retrofitted after the BMW leaves the factory. M Laptimer has a social media function that lets users brag with results on Facebook and Twitter. With app a wide variety of other details can be accessed such as throttle and braking inputs, engine rpm, ambient temperature and g-force. Drivers can zoom in and out, rewind and fast forward through the track recordings. It also has a Comparison Mode, which displays individual or dual runs in real time, including laps shared by other users, so amateur racers can improve their skills by seeing where better drivers tackled a course differently. M Laptimer is available as a free download from iTunes Store. Continue reading »

App OpenDoor is a free app that provides users a randomized IP address to keep their browsing habits anonymous and enables users to circumvent firewalls and access restricted sites. Anonymous developer of this app has said that “as the developers of an app that protects users’ privacy and anonymity online, it only makes sense to do the same ourselves“ and that Apple provided no notification that OpenDoor had been pulled, the got that information from consumers. This is not the first time that Apple has removed apps from its App Store in China. Apple has previously removed apps for falling foul of censorship laws include one providing access to forbidden books, a news app for a US-based broadcaster founded by banned spiritual group Falun Gong. Chinese social media users are very critical of latest Apple’s move. In their opinion, the decision diminished Apple’s moral standing and comparing it unfavorably to Google as a champion of Internet freedom. This app remains available in App Stores outside China, but prior to its removal from China App Store on July 11^th, this app was being downloaded ca. 2,000 times a day and that was almost a third of the app’s total downloads. Continue reading »

Jawbone’s Mini Jambox is using Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connection and supports multipoint for connection two devices at the same time. Li-ion battery is built-in rechargeable and it can continuous play music up to 10 hours and 75 hours of standby. This wireless speaker is housed in extruded aluminum case with two neodymium drivers inside and passive bass radio for HQ sound. It comes in awesome colors and works with free iOS and Android Jawbone app for customization. It costs $180. Continue reading »