We Look At The Big Year For 2014 GMC And Skip 2013

GMC is supposed to be a professional grade auto manufacturer that runs deep like a rock. As we are seeing for 2013 GMC is simply throwing out some fresh fascias on their crossover vehicles such as the 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali as well as the 2013 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali. These CUV’s are trying to be more competitive in the marketplace and in my personal opinion I think the 2013 GMC Acadia certainly looks better than that suppository shaped Acadia from the previous years. GMC designers give it a more masculine front fascia as they have given the Acadia more of a truck like grille with swoop back headlights giving it much more modern look and less testosterone tampering. As for the 2013 GMC Terrain I guess the designers felt that if they threw enough chrome on this vehicle it would act as a lure and attract all ethnicities. The 2013 GMC Granite was the vehicle I was somewhat interested to see how it would turn out, but it ended up getting slaughtered before it made it to production. The 2013 and 2014 CNG Sierra 2500HD has debuted but at an extra $11,000; yes let me repeat that $11,000 for the compressed natural gas option means that individuals will just simply by a second smaller truck to fit in the bed of their Sierra therefore making more sense than paying $11,000 for this option. So we will more than likely see poor sales coming from all of GMC, well until we look at 2014 GMC.

2014 GMC Sierra – Time to Shine

 
2014 seems to be a whole different story for GMC as they will be introducing the big kids and maybe a small too. As January 2013 approaches we will see GMC getting ready their redesigned 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Though not all as known it looks as though GMC will be offering a 301 hp 3.6L V-6 base engine connected to an eight speed automatic transmission. They will also offer the E-assist setup in order to boost MPG’s and will also see a direct injected V-8 engine and should deliver over 400 hp. It will be interesting to see if GMC and Chevy try and run a twin Turbo setup like the F-150 Ecoboost. Word is that GMC still plans to have an all terrain variant of the Sierra to compete with Ford’s super popular Raptor.

2014 GMC Yukon Denali

 
Word is that the 2014 GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali are going to be sharing a lot of similarities with the GMC Sierra is for us front fascia as well as powertrain options. Some insiders have remarked that the Yukon lineup will try and differ as much as possible from the 2014 Tahoe and 2014 Suburban. So we should see a lot more efficiency coming out of these GMC 2014 full-size vehicles. As we find out more information will be sure to post it in this article and if you have any information for free to share with us.

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How To Update & Root Sony Xperia RAY on Android 4.0.3 ICS Firmware

The official Android 4.0.3 Firmware update for the Sony Ericsson Xperia RAY has already been pushed to certain countries. But if you’re still waiting for the update to arrive on your phone, you could opt for a manual installation. In this post, we will be teaching you how to update your device manually with Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3. Plus, we will also teach you how to root your smartphone on the said firmware version.

Disclaimer: We are not liable for any damages that could happen to your smartphone. Flash and root at your own risk. Be warned that rooting could void your phone’s warranty. We also cannot guarantee that you won’t get your phone bricked and totally unusable. In addition, this update and rooting guide can only be applied to the unlocked version of the Sony Ericsson Xperia RAY smartphone. Do not even attempt to install the firmware on the carrier-locked version.

Pre-Requisites:

–> Create a backup of your phone’s important data such as your SMS messages, call logs, phone contacts, photos, music, documents and videos.

–> Check your phone’s battery and see to it that its battery level won’t go any lower than 80 percent to avoid any unnecessary power interruptions.

–> Disable all Anti-Virus and Security suites on your computer. If applicable, do the same on your smartphone.

–> Enable your phone’s USB Debugging mode by going to Settings > Applications > Development. Check the box next to the USB Debugging option.

How to Install:

Step 1: Download the Zip Package from this link. Save the file to your computer. Extract and open the file. You will see a list of download links that corresponds to a particular source file. Click all the links to download the source files.

Step 2: Click and rename the ‘update’ zip package to ‘B’. Place the extracted files to the Flash Tool folder in C:/flashtool. Select ‘Yes’ when prompted to replace the files.

Step 3: Click and run the Flashtool.exe executable file. After which, go the C:/Drive > flashtool > firmwares then delete everything that you see. Once you’re done, click Exit.

Step 4: Find and extract the Official Android 4.0.3 ICS Zip Package. By doing so, you will get the .ftf file. Copy the .ftf file to C:/ > flashtool> firmwares.

Step 5: Launch the flashtool executable file on your computer. Click the ‘flashing icon’, select ‘flashmode’ then click OK. The firmware name 4.1.A.0.562 must be shown on the left box. After which, you need to click the options for ‘Wipe User Data’, ‘Wipe Cache’ and ‘No Final Verification Check’. Once you’re done, click Start to begin the update process.

Step 6: After the installation, remove your phone from your computer. Your phone will reboot but it would take around 10 minutes before you will able to see your phone’s home screen. That’s it!

How to Root:

Step 1: Download the Xperia RAY Rooting Package from this link. Save the file to your computer. Extract the file to a specific folder.

Step 2: Connect your phone to your computer using a USB data cable. Click and launch the ‘runme.bat’ file on your computer.

Step 3: As soon as your device gets recognized, press 1 then ‘Enter’ to start the rooting process. After which, you will be able to see the superuser and busy box tools on your smartphone. You will also see the ‘All Done’ message on your phone’s screen.

Just make sure that you update your phone with the official Android 4.0.3 ICS firmware first before you proceed to rooting.

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Five of the Best Computer Case Mods, and One More

Computers come in varying sizes, and can be adapted to fit in a large variety of custom case mods. Sure, the Raspberry Pi will eventually make for some notable portable computers and some seriously gnarly custom case mods and designs- but the product isn’t available for everyone at the moment.

Unfortunately, we’ll have to quench our thirsts for case design by checking out some stunning case mods that have been tailored for regular computers (and by regular we mean computers that are larger than the credit card sized Raspberry Pi). Nevertheless, there’s plenty of breathtaking computer cases in the wild so our desires can certainly be squandered in the meantime.

Five Awesome Custom Computer Case Mods

WMD- The Weapon of Mass Destruction

Bush searched far and wide for Weapons of Mass Destruction, it’s too bad he had no clue there was one right under his nose- within the country borders. Bit-Tech designed a WMD computer case, which was originally born thanks to an idea of ignoring traditional box designs. Most computer cases are designed with a tower shape, and Bit-Tech wanted something “outside the box”.

The WMD is one badass mod and makes for one hell of a machine. It’s hard to picture something as magnificent as the WMD case chillin’ on someone’s home or office desk,  but if we had one of these babies lying about there would be no complaints.

The WMD resembles a working bomb, complete with a timer LCD panel and some aesthetic style water cooling tubes (they look like wires). We have some advice for the secret task force who has been called in to disarm this thing; remember, always cut the green wire.
Companion Cube Portal Inspired Custom Case with Sweet Paint Job

 There are no words to express how impressive this case is, okay maybe there’s one- Portal. This custom case was obviously inspired by Valve’s fictional Aperture science labs featured in the Portal series.

As you can see from the image, the case is outfitted with a custom paint job meant to match the destruction of Aperture. We love the paint job,

 but we find it increasingly difficult to remove our eyes from that attractive companion cube. We’ve had too many nostalgic experiences with that lovely heart-stamped box.

Not much information has been given about this case other than an obligatory image, but an image is enough. Consider us inspired.

Remember, do not return that companion cube to Glados- no matter what she promises in return. 

“Recycle Your Computer” Custom Case by Alexey Chistov

We’ve never considered our computers to be trashy, at least in a traditional sense. This case mod by Alexey Chistov has changed our minds, because we want our computers to be trashy- so trashy.

The rightfully named, “Recycle Your Computer” case mod, crams an entire computer into an aluminum mesh trash can. Did we mention how fantastically trashy it looks? Oh, we did? Sorry.

Awesome Computer Case Mods

Battlestar Galactica Custom Case Mod

Battlestar Galactica is a fabulous show (old and new), but surprisingly the star-studded galactic drama also makes for a revered custom case theme. Okay, maybe we’re not THAT surprised that Battlestar makes for a cool custom case theme but still.

This case mod includes the entire computer, with an added LCD screen. As you can see from the image, the case is designed to look like a Battlestar ship. We’re curious if those afterburners fire, or at least light up when the computer is on. Sadly, we haven’t been able to find any other shots of this wondrous case mod, so one image will have to suffice.

If you look closely, you can spot a Cylon in the background- those damn pesky androids.

Russian Wall-E Inspired Case Mod

Apparently Disney Pixar’s Wall-E animated film inspired a few Russian designers. This custom Wall-E case was whipped up in a total of 18 days and includes a solid metal body.

All metal pieces were custom cut from metal sheets, and were used to complete the entire case. The Wall-E case is nearly identical to Pixar’s animated version, complete with a working optical drive and internal power supply.

Imagine having one of these guys sitting at your desk, we’re guessing productivity would go down for weeks.

Awesome Case Mods, Just One More

We’re reluctant to end this article because we love browsing custom case mods, so here’s one more we found.

Wii- Unlimited Edition

This next mod wasn’t exactly designed for a traditional computer, but it’s still worth mentioning. The Unlimited Edition case was designed for the Nintendo Wii entertainment console, and it is sexy!

It reminds us of a contraption one would find in an Umbrella Corp lab, thanks to the side water cooling tanks, which resemble T-Virus vials. The entire case was designed by 32 year old Martin Nielsen from Denmark. It incorporates all the Wii hardware components and adds a complete water cooling system.

We’re not entirely sure a Wii needs a water cooler, but we do think  that maybe Microsoft should toy with the idea considering the Xbox 360 has been plagued with overheating issues. It’s a shame that video game consoles don’t come with sweet cases like this one off the shelf.

There are Many More Case Mods Out There

Obviously this is anything but a comprehensive list of the best case mods, there are plenty more out there. If you happen to come across any impressive case mods, please feel free to share them below!

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DOWNLOAD Your Guide To Social Media Marketing

Do you want to start using Facebook to help grow your business, but don’t know where to start? Then it’s time to check out the latest free manual from MakeUseOf: “Your Guide To Social Media Marketing” by author Mike Nichols of YourZulu.com.

Businesses of all sizes are always looking to get the step up on their competition. Often, there are questions lingering over them about return on investment, sales, and customer retention. Right now, there is an onslaught of both people and companies turning to social media outlets. The competition is fierce, and no company can waste time or money doing it wrong. It’s necessary to take action, but how do you know what the right course of action is?

This guide is here to help. It is not designed to teach you the basic strategies of each and every individual social media application. There are enough of those guides out there. Rather, it is a course for maximizing response and bringing awareness to your company through these means.

What does this mean? Read to find out!

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We look at the 2013 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid

Toyota is looking to have a big year for 2013 as they are continually redesigning some of the big sellers such as the Corolla, Avalon, and the Toyota RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 has filled a niche for small introductory SUV crossovers that could deliver fuel efficiency as well as the ability to get around and inclement weather. Though not as popular as a Toyota Highlander will see the new redesigned Toyota RAV4 being less bulbous and cutesy and a little sleeker and attractive to more male drivers. We will see that efficiency will be a top priority as Toyota works to implement direct injection and higher compression ratios in their engines. We will also see that 2013 Toyota RAV4 hybrid will be utilizing Tesla’s latest battery design as well as Toyota’s latest hybrid designs therefore producing what should be some very impressive numbers for a smaller crossover SUV.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Competitors

we look at competitors of the Toyota RAV4 2013 it seems apparent that the 2013 Ford Escape and Ford Escape hybrid are going to be Toyota’s biggest rival. With the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape you’re seeing Ford’s implement their Ecoboost engine designs as well as the latest hybrid technology making for a stiff competitor for the 2013 RAV4. Yet the other competitors for the 2013 RAV4 are very brisk as well. We will see many buyers being attracted to vehicles such as the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2013 Hyundai Tucson, 2013 Kia Sportage, 2013 Kia Sorento, 2013 Mazda CX5, and the 2013 Honda CRV.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Design Changes

 

As for the looks of the interior and exterior we see that Toyota will be borrowing styling cues from the Camry and Avalon. Though were not positive as to what the final product the US market is going to look like we do see from the spy photos there will share similar front fascia is other Toyotas. It does appear that the RAV4 will have 18 inch wheels standard for the higher end RAV4 Sport and RAV4 Limited. It also appears that the RAV4 sport will have more flat black accents such as on the front and rear fascia. It appears that the exterior rear spare carrier will get nixed for 2013 and will likely be placed outside and underneath the rear cargo area. The reason for this is more likely because of slow speed accident damage costs as well as rear visibility design issues.

2013 Toyota RAV4 EV
 
As for the fuel economy for the Toyota RAV4 2013 I expect no less than 30 miles per gallon for the base model engine and around 40 miles per gallon for the 2013 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. There has been some speculation about a 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV but it seems to be being produced as we speak in the Toyota Ontario Canada factory. This is also a vehicle the Toyota will be utilizing the Tesla batteries that appear to be very durable. We don’t know what the RAV4 EV MPGe rating is as of yet but I’m sure it will be similar to that of the Nissan Leaf. As we continue to uncover more information pertaining towards Toyota RAV4 2013 will be sure to post it up and keep you informed.

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Trojan designed to take screenshots of hotel payment apps

Researchers warned this week of a trojan that is being hawked, on black market websites, as a way to steal customer credit card information from hotels.

Amit Klein, CTO of security firm Trusteer, said in a Wednesday blog post that its intelligence team discovered the remote access trojan being peddled in underground forums for $280. The malware is designed to compromise the front-desk computers of hotels. Once installed on those machines, it downloads a difficult-to-detect spyware component that captures screenshots from point-of-sale (PoS) applications, specifically to sniff out credit card numbers and expiration dates.

Oren Kedem, director of product marketing at Trusteer, told SCMagazine.com on Thursday that the hospitality industry is a lucrative target because it deals in valuable financial data. In addition, fraudsters might find hotels to be easy pickings because it is easy to trick employees into trusting an email, even if that means inviting malware into the network.

"Hotels communicate with the public," he said. "If you're a hotel you open emails and communicate with people you don't know on a regular basis."

The forum on which the trojan is being sold even includes guidance from the sellers on how to use VoIP-based social engineering to trick front-desk clerks into installing the trojan, Klein said.

He added taht often the devices hotel employees use are unmanaged, and thus may not contain patches and anti-virus protections that would stop a trojan like this.

The hospitality industry has been hit hard in the last couple of years. As an example, The Desmond, a high-end hotel and conference center in Albany, N.Y. that also hosts many weddings, announced last month that the credit card information of every guest between May 21, 2011 and March 10, 2012 may have been stolen by hackers.

A notice from the hotel didn't say how the breach happened, and the general manager did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Not only are hotels and food-and-beverage establishments susceptible to social engineering, but their PoS applications often are easily accessible using default passwords. Criminals can scan the web to find organizations that may be open to such an exploit.

"There will be remote access available on the internet," Nicholas Percoco, who heads Trustwave's research arm, SpiderLabs, explained to SCMagazine.com in February. "They'll then go and basically brute force attack those systems, and they are highly successful at that ...There's no alarms that went off. They just connected and logged in. Now they're in the environment, and you're not suspecting they're there and they're now implementing customized malware into these environments."

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