Instagram issued an update to its popular photography app, and with version 2.1 comes a streamlined look, easier interaction, a new filter, and an easy way to jazz up your pics without filters.

First up, the fun stuff — Instagram added a new filter (above) called Sierra. This adds a nice, soft vintage feel to images and looks great in almost any light. Also new is Lux, a feature that allows you to brighten your pics without using a single filter. Activated by tapping the sunlight icon in the lower left-hand corner, Lux brings out detail and adds light to your images. Easy peasy.

Find out what else is new in Instagram 2.1 after the break.

Tech-savvy President Obama is known for his proficiency in navigating the world of social networks. Both the White House and president have been on Twitter for years. He recently joined Instagram (@barackobama) and held a post-State of the Union Hangout on Google+. The president's latest tech move is for the musically-minded; he (well, his reelection staff) released a 2012 campaign Spotify playlist.

The 28-song digital mixtape is a combination of staff choices and a few of the commander in chief's personal favorites. With songs from Arcade Fire, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, and U2 among others, it's a playlist with a message of how the staff wants to look at the election season. After the president's soulful rendition of Al Green, it's likely "Let's Stay Together" was one of his selections.

If the rumors are true, the iPad 3 should be announced in March. If you're ready to upgrade from your first-gen iPad or iPad 2, now's the time to start thinking about selling. But before you post a listing on Craigslist or eBay, get all your ducks in a row first. Here's a few tips on how to prep your gadget for resale, and get top dollar for your efforts.

• Back up your data and do a clean sweep — First thing's first — make sure you connect your iPad to iTunes and back up all of your data. You'll be able to sync it with your new iPad after you bring it home. And just like a computer, before you sell your old tablet, you'll want to wipe it clean of any sensitive information, apps, and contact lists. Erasing all of your content and settings (go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) is great, but go ahead and perform a full restore in iTunes as well.
• Polish the exterior — Cleaning your old iPad is kind of like cleaning your LCD monitor — you don't want to use any harsh chemicals or, even more damaging, water. Using a tried-and-tested cleaner like iKlear ($30) will ensure you won't damage your iPad's sensitive bits. Use the included microfiber cloth (or one of your own) and shine that baby up.

To see the rest of my list, including tips on how to get your gadget sold quickly online, just keep reading.

There are lots of ways to find your geeky love match online, but as they say on The Bachelor, not all online daters are there for the right reasons. According to a new report, online dating fraud rose 150 percent in 2011, making Internet dating sites a hotbed for fraudulent links and phishing scams.

With over three percent of interactions being of fraudulent nature — including those misrepresenting themselves to get personal information via links or spamming — how are you supposed to tell who is genuine and who isn't? I mean, you're there to meet new people, right? Some red flags to consider are the use of the word "love" early on in correspondence, someone urging you to take messaging off-site to email or Facebook (where hackers have easier access to your personal information), and weird syntax and language discrepancies. Basically, if their message sounds like one you might find in your spam folder, keep your guard up.

Of course, the only way you'll really be able to tell if someone is really into you, or if you're flirting with disaster, is to trust your gut instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

• See every Apple product in just 30 seconds  — Geekosystem
• Details on Google's "entertainment device" — Newser
• Take a trip on the fastest elevator in the world — Tecca
• Giant disco ball measures relativity — Dvice
• Truths that may ruin sci-fi for you — Cracked
• The country where Twitter use can lead to a decade in prison — SlashGear

We're getting ready for Valentine's Day by sharing loads of gadgets that we love on Pinterest. Dozens of boards are already filled with our favorite geeky finds, and now we want you to show us what you love! Share your favorite gadgets with us on Pinterest and enter to win an AT&T Samsung Focus S Windows Phone. It's supereasy to enter — just follow the steps below and make sure to complete your board by Feb. 13 as we will be picking the best gadget board winner on Valentine's Day. Check out the official rules for more entry and giveaway info. Ready? Then start pinning and share your link in the comments!