Leaked photos point to rumored co-branded LG Optimus and Google Nexus smartphone

Anticipation for Google’s next Nexus smartphone is reaching a high point, and a set of leaked photos posted to a Belarusian website ( translation ) is further stoking the flames. Although unverified, the images could represent another hint that Google is readying a Nexus-branded device with the help of LG.

Though the photos were posted last week, they were uncovered by English outlets, including Android Police , on Monday. According to the photos, the device is running test versions of Android, referred to as JellyBean MR1 and “Full Jellybean on Mako”, the presumed codename for the handset. The LG phone is labeled as model number E960 and appears to have Google branding on the back as well.

LG launched its Optimus G smartphone last month with plans to release it overseas throughout October. That device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core CPU, boasts a 13-megapixel camera, is capable of LTE data and has a 4.7-inch display. Late on Monday, a separate batch of unverified photos , also of a modified Optimus G device emerged, adding to the mounting evidence that points toward the rumored handset.

Google and LG are expected to jointly announce the rumored “Optimus Nexus” phone later this month in time for the holiday shopping season.

Image credits: Daniel Berehulak / Getty Images, Baraholka

5 completely dorky gadgets that we’d still probably buy

The following gadgets, gizmos and accessories are sure to expose your dorkiness and fly your geek flag for the world to see.

This hands-free bag from Assero is both a backpack and mobile desk for your iPad. It looks similar to those front carriers that parents use to haul around their little ones. Assero’s bag has adjustable straps, pockets for cords and offers three carrying options; wear in the front/back or hide the straps and use as a hand carrier.

Yes, it does look sorta dorky but it would be handy for the iPad if you were out on the field. Construction and utility workers or any outdoor job that demanded hands-free typing would benefit from this accessory. It’s also sometimes a pain to remove the iPad from our bag and with Assero’s bag, all you need to do is unzip.

This gadget combines your love of iOS devices and.. the bathroom ?! The iCarta + is a stereo dock for the iPhone and iPad that has an integrated toilet paper holder and is meant to be mounted on the bathroom wall. This suped-up toilet paper roll has a built-in rechargeable battery that will solely charge only the iPod (not the iPhone), however the iPhone (2G/3G/3GS/4G) does work (to play music) when connected if it’s got the juice.

Seriously, how much time do you spend in “the office”? In the event that you do think this sounds great, you’ll be happy to hear that the 4 high-performance speakers within iCarta are moisture-free, protecting it from shower steam. At the end of the day, it’s a convenient gadget that really highlights the amount of time you spend in the john.

No, this isn’t a bag to protect your face from the sun. It’s a personal theatre system /TV hat that basically turns your head into a movie theater by creating a dark-room around your face.

At first glance it appears that someone’s pulling our leg here, and I’m sure you’re doubting if it’s real right now. While watching a movie on the iPhone, would you have ever thought to yourself ‘ you know what would make this better — putting a bag on my head’. Um, probably not.

It works by attaching an iPhone or digital media player to the end of a holder that hangs from the brim of the hat, placing the media device about a foot from you eyes. It also magnifies the screen and as we’d mentioned, it encloses your face in black cloth. We hear that it works rather well although on appearance alone, we’re giving this one a dork rating of 5/5.

Sure, we’re animal lovers but this contraption is downright freaky and screams “I’m a complete dork”. This gadget from Heatstick looks similar to a welder’s mask but it holds bird food, turning your face into a bird feeder.

We’re sure you’d look pretty cool sitting completely still in the backyard sporting one of these masks, however for those of us who love wildlife, it may provide you a unique experience — a hummingbird encounter. You have to admit it’s an interesting idea and we can’t think of another way to get this close to one of these creatures. This gadget is one part intriguing and two parts crazy.

If the vast array of gadgets you own make you feel like James Bond, you’ll enjoy the gadget holster . Geeks can store their smartphones, gadgets and wallet in the numerous pockets available and it’s made of a super-stretchy space-age material. At first glance, it resembles a gun holster so people will either think you’re a cop or an extreme tool.

On the other hand, securing expensive gadgets close to you instead of just throwing them in a purse or bag sounds appealing. For those among us who’re constantly frantically looking for gadgets throughout cluttered bags might get some comfort from an accessory such as Think Geek’s holster .

Have you come across a super dorky gadget that you think has a level of coolness? If so, please share it with us.

Pantech 4G USB Modem: Now with 100% more Mac support [Video]

If you’re one of those lucky people that lives in an area serviced by Verizon’s 4G/LTE Internet, it’s a happy time for you. While many have been using the service (and trying to avoid overages of the 5 GB cap ) quite happily, very few of those have been Mac users. Verizon’s VZAccess software simply didn’t support the Mac until recently.

We’ve gotten our hands onto the Pantech version and, on first impressions, things look very good. With a more flexible USB head and Mac support, we can initially recommend the device for its LTE speeds. Though there are rumors floating around of disconnections and network switches, we’ve not yet experienced these problems.

Here’s a quick video for you, showing the device and some speed tests. We’re going to use it for a couple of weeks and let you know how it fares both in the office and on the road.