South Korea Tries to Reduce Bloatware…YEA!

Bloatware really sucks. You know what I am talking about. So much of the software that is pre-installed on some smartphones and gadgets right out of the box is just garbage. In South Korea, bloatware has become a huge issue. For instance, the Galaxy S4 from Samsung sold on the SK Telecom network comes out of the box with 80 apps installed.

That is a huge number of apps with 25 of them coming from the carrier itself, 39 from Samsung, and 16 from Google. To combat this increasing bloatware, South Korea is set to put some guidelines into effect that will require bloatware to be deletable by the end user.

Some of the software will be allowed to stay if it has to do with the app store or functionality of the device. That means software for things like Wi-Fi and NFC tech don’t have to be removable, but if Angry Birds comes pre-installed, you should be able to easily remove it.

I hope that this sort of rule goes into effect around the world. It sucks to have half your storage space already eaten up when you pull your new smartphone out of the box.

[via ZDNet]

via Technabob http://ift.tt/1emVnnM

Beer Flavored Jelly Beans: Jelly Belly, Meet Beer Belly

Can’t get enough of the taste of beer? Well, forget swigging down pints and pints of liquid. Now you can get the taste you crave from jelly beans. That’s right, jelly beans. Just in time for the Super Bowl, Jelly Belly has announced that it’s adding a hefeweizen inspired Draft Beer flavored jelly bean to its lineup.

Jelly Belly says that “beer has been a highly-requested flavor for decades” – of course it is. The final beer flavor took about three years to perfect, but now they have it. The Draft Beer flavor jelly bean has a golden color with an iridescent finish. Sadly, it won’t foam slightly when you bite it. C’mon, this is jelly bean technology, not a miracle.

They describe the flavor as “clean with notes of wheat and a touch of sweetness” with a “mildly bready” aroma. And no, there is no alcohol in the new jelly beans. All the taste, none of the awkward drunken pranks that you are used to.

[via Geekologie]

via Technabob http://ift.tt/LRUQTK

Tech Deals of the Day: Friday, 1/24/14

Our friends at TechBargains.com compile a list of daily deals to help you save money. Keep in mind that as with any good deal, products are limited in quantity and can sell out quickly – so don’t hesitate to check them out now.

If you’re looking to buy a product from a specific store, save money with updated and verified coupon codes here.

Computers & Peripherals:

• Refurbished HP M6-1045DX Intel Core i5-3210M 15.6″ Notebook Computer $299.99 plus free shipping (normally $600 – use code: HP200)


• OEM Microsoft Windows 8.1 Operating System 64-bit Software $79.99 plus free shipping (normally $110 – use code: EMCPWHF46)


• LG WH14NS40 14X Internal BDXL Blu-Ray Writer w/ 128GB BDXL Support $39.99 plus $5 shipping (normally $90 – use this form and this form)


• Seagate Backup Plus 1TB Portable Hard Drive + Total Defense Premium Internet Security Bundle $24.99 plus $5 shipping (normally $90 – use this form and this form)

Home Entertainment:

• Super Mario 3D World Game (Wii U) $49.99 plus $1.99 shipping (normally $60)

Personal Electronics:

• RooCASE Origami Dual-View Case Cover + Dual-Station Case $8.99 (normally $80 – use code: 2B2BIRGG)


• Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR II Vibration Reduction Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras $244.99 plus $0.99 shipping (normally $400 – use code: TB-NIKON245)

via Technabob http://ift.tt/KQWuEc

Legend of Zelda Pillowcases: Na Na Na Naaaap!

Video game merch maker James Bit is back with another item inspired by The Legend of Zelda : made-to-order pillowcases printed with the Triforce logo.

Each pillowcase measures 16″ x 16″, has a concealed zipper and is printed on both sides. You can order a gold and black colorway or specify your own color combination.

All the power, wisdom and courage in the world won’t be of use to you if you’re sleepy. This brave link and $29 (USD) will save you.

[via it8Bit]

via Technabob http://ift.tt/LR8FSk

GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition/Music Records Jam Sessions from the Band’s Perspective

GoPro makes some of the most popular cameras out there for recording action sports. Typically when we see video made with one of these cameras it is on YouTube and often has people doing things that are dangerous. GoPro has announced a new camera kit that has specialized mounts for people that want to record their jam session in the garage or on the stage.

The camera is called the GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition/Music and it comes with several mounts designed specifically for use on the stage. The mounts include one that allows the camera to fit on a mic stand with US or European mounts. The camera also comes with adhesive mounts for attaching directly to musical instruments.

What might be the most interesting mount looks like a clamp you might use in the workshop. It is designed to clamp onto just about any surface and securely hold the camera in place. It can also be used with other mounts in tandem for more flexibility. The Music camera kit will hit stores this spring for $399.99(USD).

via Technabob http://ift.tt/1aRXkHQ

Samsung and Illy Team up to Put Galaxy Tablets in Their Coffee Shops

How do you compete with a giant like Apple’s iPad? Well, if you are Samsung, you form a strategic alliance with the coffee company Illy. As a part of the deal Illy coffee shops will put Samsung’s latest tablets on display. That way, people can try them and then decide to buy them.

Illycaffè shops will have a Samsung display booth demonstrating the new tablets, like the Galaxy Note 10.1. It provides a relaxed environment where users can get to know the tablets. Customers visiting the Illy coffee shops will be assisted by ‘Samsung Angels’ who will demonstrate the tablets and its features. That just sounds weird. Unless they are like Victoria’s Secret angels. I’m all for that.

London’s Illy shop was the first to start with the service, but right now the tablets don’t have any special apps for the coffee shop except for the price list. The deal will also have some Illy coffee shops being set up in Samsung showrooms. Desperation or innovative thinking? You be the judge.

[via C|NET via New Launches]

via Technabob http://ift.tt/1aRNhCG

LEGO Star Wars Bobble Heads Don’t Bobble, but They Do Have Heads

I’m not sure what you call a bobble head that doesn’t bobble, but that is what these LEGO figures are. They were created by a LEGO master using the Force named Jose Carlos Fernandez. He is also known as LEGO-man-at-arms and Wolf-at-Arms, so clearly he can’t make up his mind.

He created the scout trooper complete with his speeder bike and a big-headed Ewok right after stealing the speeder bike.

For some reason the scout reminds me of Wall-E. I think it must be his eyes. The speeder bike scenes were always some of my favorite in the original three-film franchise. I think these would make for some popular LEGO sets and they should be official kits.

[via Brothers-Brick]

via Technabob http://ift.tt/1hr77sD