GTA 5 release date set to see records broke, 3m copies set for UK launch


The upcoming GTA 5 release date is lining up to see records broken with UK retailers setting aside 3 million copies of the game.


Despite a GTA 5 release date having been delayed from spring 2013 until mid-September, latest reports have suggested the next instalment of the Grand Theft Auto franchise will become the UK’s biggest gaming release to date, with millions of copies being set aside for launch.


Citing “an enthused retail source,” gaming expert CVG has suggested the three million copies of GTA 5 reportedly set aside for the game’s UK release will see the Rockstar published title take Call of Duty: Black Ops’ crown as the UK’s fastest ever selling game.


Although the September 17 GTA 5 release date will see the long awaited game land just weeks ahead of the next-gen Xbox One and PS4 consoles, platforms the title has not been confirmed for, the claimed insider sources have suggested this will not deter existing PS3 and Xbox 360 owners snapping up the game.


With a reported 13 million PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles currently doing the rounds in the UK, the 3 million copies of GTA 5 set aside for launch would account for a little under a quarter of all current-gen console owners. The 2008 arrival of GTA IV saw 630,000 copies sold on the launch day alone, a figure which at the time represented a quarter of all console owners.


At present the original Call of Duty: Black Ops release holds the UK record for day one game sales, shifting a staggering 1.4 million units back in 2010. Subsequent COD tiles, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 have failed to trouble their predecessor.


With retailers all vying for gamers’ cash, high street presence GAME has lowered its GTA 5 Special Edition price, knocking £10 off the bonus package of the game which is available for pre-order now at £59.99.


Read More: Best games 2013



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Xbox One and PS4 interest ‘balanced’ suggests retailer

Xbox One vs PS4

It's too close to call between the Xbox One and PS4




Ahead of the impending Xbox One and PS4 release dates, a specialist entertainment retailer has suggested that interest in the two consoles is currently “pretty balanced.”


With a back and forth of consumer interest flitting between the two consoles, Microsoft and Sony are reportedly neck-and-neck in a bid to tempt potential customers into plumping for their respective next-gen consoles ahead of that of their bitter rival.


Speaking exclusively with TrustedReviews, a lead buyer for the iconic toys and games retailer Hamleys has claimed that, at present, there is very little to separate the two next-gen gamers in terms of consumer interest.


“Interest in the new PlayStation and Xbox is pretty balanced at the moment,” the buyer told us. “The PS4 might be edging it in the eyes of some people but interest has been about even.”


The PS4 had taken a stronghold on next-gen console pre-orders following E3 when it emerged the Sony branded console would cost £80 less than its rival. Microsoft, however, regained traction earlier this month when it announced it had scrapped plans to introduce Xbox One DRM restrictions which would have forced gamers to pay to use pre-owned or even borrowed games.


Predicting that the console race could be a close fought battle until well after launch, the Hamleys buyer suggested that despite the price discrepancies it could still all come down to the games on offer for the two consoles.


“The market has been longing for another piece of hardware for some time now,” they told us. “I think ultimately it will come down to being about the games and what titles are on offer for each.”


While the arrival of two new consoles is reportedly giving high street retailers, and the games industry as a whole, a much needed boost, Hamleys has predicted this will be hard to sustain, with a gloomy future for specialist games retailers an all too possible a reality.


They stated: “As games become more and more downloadable it is going to be increasingly difficult to see as much success next year.”


Read More: Xbox One vs PS4



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Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom release date leaks, coming to the UK July 8


A Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom release date has reportedly been set, with the camera heavy S4 spinoff pegged to go on sale in the UK on July 8.


One of a trio of Samsung Galaxy S4 spinoffs recently confirmed for launch, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom boasts an impressive camera with 10x optical zoom and will line up alongside the 4.3-inch Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and the waterproof Samsung Galaxy S4 Active.


While a number of recent reports have pegged the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini release date for this weekend, independent online retailer Clove has now claimed the S4 Zoom will go on sale a week on Monday.


Allowing wannabe S4 Zoom owners to pre-order their smartphone turn compact camera right now, the retailer has claimed the Android powered handset will start shipping on July 8. A Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom price tag has been set by the retailer at £442.80.


While Clove has stated “First stock [is] due week commencing July 8th,” Samsung has yet to offer any official word on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom release date.


In announcing the S4 Zoom, Active and Mini, Samsung suggested that, having looked to milk the cashcow that is its flagship smartphone brand dry, there would be no further Samsung Galaxy S4 spinoffs making an appearance.


“With the arrival of the Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active and Galaxy S4 Zoom we can finally say the Galaxy S4 range is complete,” DJ Lee, President and Head of Sales and Marketing for Samsung’s IT and Mobile Communications Division said.


A July 8 Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom release date would see the South Korean manufacturer’s new camera phone offering hit retailers just days before what is likely to become its biggest rival is formally announced. On July 11 Nokia, at a New York launch event, is expected to unveil the Nokia Lumia 1020, a Windows Phone 8 handset with a 41-megapixel PureView camera.



Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom Features


Something of a hybrid device, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is half smartphone, half compact camera with the 4.3-inch device packing Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean alongside its showpiece 16-megapixel snapper with a 10x optical zoom.


With a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display lining up with a relatively low key 960 x 540p display and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom specs sheet sees the handset further benefit from a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, further expandable via microSD.


Landing alongside the showpiece 16-megapixel snapper, the S4 Zoom adds a 1.9-megapixel forward-facing camera and a 2330mAh Lithium-Ion battery. The handset lines up at a considerable 15.4mm thick and a hearty 208g in weight.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom



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Philips 60PFL6008 TV Review


What is the Philips 60PFL6008?


The Philips PFL6008 series sits in the upper middle tier of its latest TV range, and this 60-inch model is the biggest member of the series, which starts at 42-iches for around £1,000 and includes 47-inch and 55-inch versions as well. In fact, it’s the biggest TV Philips currently offers period. It’s equipped with Philips’ new Smart TV engine, passive 3D and, inevitably, Philips’ Ambilight technology. Plus it’s pretty affordable for a 60-inch TV, coming in at fractionally under £2,000.

Philips 60PFL6008 - Design


It’s a tasty looker for a non-flagship TV, too. Its deep grey bezel is startlingly slim – only slightly more than 1cm across – and as such makes the huge acreage of screen feel even more substantial. Keeping the bezel thin also helps make the 2-sided XL Ambilight system more effective, as the pools of coloured light emerging from the TV’s left and right sides seem more directly connected with the picture information they can be set to mimic.

We’ve long been fans of Ambilight, finding that it makes viewing more immersive and more relaxing. However, not having any Ambilight effect erupting from the top edge of such a huge screen does make the left and right Ambilight ‘pools’ feel a little dislocated from each other, and thus less immersive than normal.


Philips 60PFL6008


Philips 60PFL6008 - Connections


The Philips 60PFL6008 is well connected for a mid-range set, as it includes four HDMIs, three USBs, a LAN port, Miracast for easy mirroring of your smart devices on the TV’s screen, and integrated Wi-Fi. The USBs and network connections enable you to play back a wide variety of photo, music and video multimedia files from USB sticks and DLNA-enabled PCs, while the network options additionally let you access Philips’ current Smart TV system.

We’ve taken an in-depth look at the 2013 Philips Smart TV system already, so we won’t dwell on it again here. The only things we’ll quickly say are that it’s a pretty uninspiring system in content terms, with less video platforms available than most rivals. The only highlights are the BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Blinkbox, and the recently added Netflix (though this still hadn’t rolled out to our test sample).


Philips 60PFL6008 - Smart TV System


Philips 60PFL6008 The Smart TV system does support a recommendations engine where it can suggest content for you based on your viewing habits. But this is fairly limited in its scope – at least when it comes to the content sources it draws its recommendations from. Especially now Acetrax has closed for business.

The Smart interface is made rather tortuous, too, by its sluggish running speed and occasional crash. Hardly ideal if you want people to use your online services regularly.


There is one good Smart TV touch, though; the inclusion on the rear of the TV’s remote control of a full and tactile QWERTY keyboard.


With any Philips TV it’s always crucial to identify which picture processing system it’s using. And in the Philips 60PFL6008 you get Pixel Precise HD.


This is not Philips’ top level of processing, but it’s still a formidably powerful system with tendrils that extend into almost every facet of the TV’s picture performance.


Philips has thoughtfully given you manual control over the vast majority of the key picture processing elements too – though there is a downside to this, as it makes the Philips 60PFL6008 quite demanding to use if you can be bothered to ensure that you’re always getting the very best picture quality with different types of source.



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Netflix launches 'Max' recommendations engine for PS3 app

Netflix Max

Max is Netflix's answer to Siri




Netflix has announced a new recommendations service for its PlayStation 3 streaming app, which promises to find users something they want to watch within two minutes.


The new service, dubbed 'Max' hopes to bring an end to the countless hours viewers spend aimlessly flicking around the vast library of content in search of something that tickles their fancy.


The fun-focused personal assistant encourages users to pick a genre they're interested in watching, depending on their mood. They'll then rate a host of suggestions in order to narrow the selection down to 'something they'll love.'


In a post on the company blog, Todd Yellin, VP of product innovation, wrote: "Max, rumored to be the child of Siri and HAL 9000, asks a few questions about your mood or movie and TV show tastes to arrive at a suggestion, of course based on your tastes and taking advantage of the Netflix algorithms that predict what you'd enjoy watching.


"One of the experiences Max offers is called the "ratings game," where you pick a genre to fit your mood and then rate a few titles on the familiar Netflix five star scale."


Sometimes they service will ask a simple question like "Monkeys or OFOs" and make a suggestion based on the user's answer. When it has become "intoxicated by past success," as Netflix says, it'll give make a mystery suggestion which users can access by just pressing play. Kind of like Google's 'I'm feeling lucky' option.


Max is only available to US users for now unfortunately, but Netflix said it plans to roll it out to more devices (the iPad is next up) and more territories if Max lives up to its potential.


In the meantime, you can get a sense for how Max works in the video below.


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Via TechCrunch



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Bluestacks announces GamePop Mini 'free' games console

GamePop Mini

BlueStacks' new console is free with a monthly subscription




BlueStacks has followed up the launch of its GamePop Cube console with a permanently free iteration it is calling the GamePop Mini.


The device, which will bring all-you-can-eat access to over 500 Android games on your TV set via HDMI, will be completely free for users if they sign up for a 12-month subscription.


The Jelly Bean 4.2 device will come with access to $200-worth of paid games, including the likes of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, for the monthly fee of $6.99 (£4.60)


If users subscribe for a year, they'll be able to keep the console for good.


The device will only run Android games for now, but BlueStacks' recently-announced 'Looking Glass' technology will make it easy for iOS developers to launch on the platform.


The launch of the GamePop Mini, which goes up for pre-order on Monday and will ship this winter, brings an alternative to BlueStacks' $129 (£85) GamePop Cube console.


The company is also offering that free to pre-order customers that deal comes to an end on Sunday.


Both devices will enter an increasingly competitive marketplace in the race to bring popular mobile games to the living room.


The £99 Ouya console went on sale this week (although Kickstarter backers are still waiting), while the British-born GameStick console is scheduled to arrive next month.


Just yesterday it was rumoured that Google itself was plotting to launch a dedicated games console to bring the best from the Google Play store to television sets.


Via Engadget



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Battlefield 4 single-player campaign to feature multiplayer elements


The Battlefield 4 single-player campaign will incorporate several of the multiplayer elements, states DICE.


According to the game’s developer, the Battlefield 4 single-player campaign will take a much more open-world approach to missions than Battlefield 3.


As shown off in the lengthy single-player gameplay demo entitled “Angry Sea”, DICE’s General Manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson also provided some details on the upcoming FPS.


“There are signature multiplayer elements that we want to bring into single-player,” said Troedsson. “We want to give the player a choice. Do they want to go for the sneaky approach with a sniper rifle and a silenced pistol, or do they want to take the jeep and have the entire squad shoot at everything they see?”


Rather than the very linear storyline of Battlefield 3, it seems that BF4 will offer players various approaches to missions, whilst simultaneously ordering AI squadmates about to achieve the desired tactics.


DICE has already confirmed that each mission will take place in increasingly vast combat environments littered with various vehicles, which should provide a stark contrast to Battlefield 3’s penchant for narrow dimly-lit corridors.


Powered by the Frostbite 3 engine, Battlefield 4 will provide an even more dynamic landscape with photorealistic graphics. However, it is the Frostbite 3 engine that also allows the variation in mission approaches.


“It’s about the human element. You can get very up close and personal with your characters – that’s what we want to dig deeper into with Battlefield 4. This is one of the biggest places where Frostbite 3 comes into play.”


Although Battlefield 4 still only has a loose “fall” release date for the current-gen Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles alongside a PC edition, DICE has confirmed that the game will ship for the Xbox One and PS4.






Next, read our Call of Duty: Ghosts review from the E3 hands-on time.


Via: Official PlayStation Magazine



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Android 4.3 Jelly Bean expected July, spotted on Galaxy S4 Google Edition


Leaked screenshots show the upcoming Android 4.3 Jelly Bean running on a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition handset.


Android 4.3 has been spotted running on the vanilla Android version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 by notorious Samsung-centric blog, SamMobile.


The blog says its source is apparently already testing the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update on the stripped back Galaxy S4, but the screenshots reveal little about what the upcoming update will contain.


A second screenshot beyond the captured Android 4.3 reference shows that the upcoming software update will bring the new camera UI found on the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus Editions.


Apparently not touting the rumoured Key Lime Pie moniker yet, the Android 4.3 update is tipped for a July release date along with a next-generation Google Nexus 7.


Another tipster named LlabTooFeR on Twitter said that the HTC One Google Edition released on June 26 in the US Google Play Store would be getting an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in July as well.


We expect that the Google Nexus 10 , Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 will all be the first in line to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and all its associated goodies, but don’t expect a huge OS overhaul until Key Lime Pie is eventually released later this year.


A recent report that revealed Google is working on an Android console of its own, also tipped that Google next mobile OS would launch in the autumn, perhaps with an Android 5.0 release date in October.


Key Lime Pie is said to be “better tailored to the lower-cost smartphones prevalent in developing countries”, aiming to boost Android’s global market share.


Next, read our Google Nexus 4 tips and tricks.


Android 4.3 Jelly Bean



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BlackBerry PlayBook BB10 update cancelled, confirms Heins


BlackBerry CEO, Thorsten Heins, has confirmed that the aging and unsuccessful BlackBerry PlayBook won’t be getting the BlackBerry 10 upgrade it was promised.


The BlackBerry 10 OS won’t be coming to BlackBerry’s ill-fated tablet, meaning Heins may have put the last nail in the coffin for the BlackBerry PlayBook


Heins revealed the disappointing news during the company’s financial results call, which revealed BlackBerry had missed its quarterly targets, causing share prices to tumble.


Although he failed to give much reasoning as to the BlackBerry PlayBook update cancellation, Heins specified that the company was “not satisfied with the level of performance and user experience” of BB10 on the tablet.


The BlackBerry PlayBook is already nearing its two year birthday, but BlackBerry said it would “support PlayBook on existing software platform and configurations” rather than updating it to the newest OS found on the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Q10 and BlackBerry Q5.


The CEO originally made a promise in January that the BlackBerry PlayBook would receive the BB10 update, but it seems that to make it work would be too much time and money misspent.


Launched in 2011, the BlackBerry PlayBook failed to chip into an iPad dominated market. Plagued from the off by software and performance glitches, the BlackBerry PlayBook was originally designated as a companion tablet for BlackBerry 7 OS devices.


It was overly reliant on its smartphone counterparts until a software update added increased functions to make it more self-sufficient.


Weighing in at 425g, the BlackBerry PlayBook is 10mm thick with a 7-inch 1024 x 600p resolution LCD display. With a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, the BlackBerry PlayBook can be purchased in a Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and Cellular configuration.


The PlayBook also features a 5-megapixel rear-mounted camera and a 3-megapixel snapper in the front. It comes with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, but lacks a microSD card slot.



Next, read our pick of the best tablets of 2013.



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BlackBerry shares tumble as company misses quarterly targets


BlackBerry shares have dropped by 20 per cent after the company revealed an unexpected operating loss for its Q1 2013.


The US stock market saw BlackBerry shares tumble by 20 per cent to $11.58 (£7.59) before the markets opened this morning due to the company’s Q1 2013 announcement.


The BlackBerry Z10 manufacturer posted a net loss of $84 million (£55 million) for its first quarter, which ended June 1. Despite launching its newest OS, BlackBerry 10, the Canadian company is struggling to compete against the dominant Android devices created by Samsung, HTC, Google and others.


Having posted a $94 million (£62 million) profit the previous quarter, BlackBerry had been predicted to report an average profit of 8 cents (5p) per share.


“During the first quarter, we continued to focus our efforts on the global roll out of the BlackBerry 10 platform,” said Heins.


BlackBerry has launched three BlackBerry 10 devices since the start of the year, the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Q10 and BlackBerry Q5. This helped the company ship 6.8 million handsets in the first quarter, which is up from 6 million this time last year.


Of that figure 2.7 million BlackBerry 10 handsets were shipped during the quarter, despite both the Q10 and Z10 being on sale for a significant portion of the quarter.


However, Wall Street had estimated that the company would have shipped 7.45 million smartphone this quarter, boosted by Z10 and Q10 sales.


BlackBerry hasn’t offered an outlook for the remainder of 2013, stating that increasing competition makes it hard to make accurate predictions.


“The smartphone market remains highly competitive, making it difficult to estimate units, revenue and levels of profitability,” added Heins.


However, the company does remain positive despite the share price drop and unforeseen operating profit loss.


“Over the next three quarters, we will be increasing our investments to support the rollout of new products and services to demonstrate that BlackBerry has established itself as a leading and vibrant player in next-generation mobile computing solutions for both consumer and enterprise customers.”



Next, read why Samsung is hurting Android.



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Apple MacBook Air 2013 video review


With an outstanding battery lifeand the same excellent build quality and design, it’s fair to say we fell in love with the 13-inch MacBook Air 2013 when we reviewed it.


The new 12-hour battery life and latest Intel Haswell i5 dual-core processor makes it far more power efficient, but still just as responsive as the previous model.


The 13-inch Apple MacBook Air 2013 faired very well in our full review, so you might want to get a snapshot of our thoughts on Apple’s latest notebook in our video review below.


“A fantastic update to an already excellent product,” said our Deputy Editor, Andy Vandervell. “It’s a great time for existing owners to upgrade, and it sets the standard for all rivals to try to match.”






Apple MacBook Air 13-inch 2013 Features


The 13-inch MacBook Air 2013 features a 12-hour battery life that’ll certainly be beneficial to users. It also packs faster flash memory and more powerful graphics that won’t tax that beefed up battery life.


The model we reviewed came with a 13.3-inch 1440 x 900p resolution screen, powered by a 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB of RAM. There’s a 128GB SSD hard drive and Intel HD 5000 graphics to boot.


Weighing just 1.35kg, the MacBook Air 13-inch 2013 is just 17mm at its thickest point and has a build quality that far surpasses its £950 price tag.



Next, read our guide: What is Intel Haswell? Five reasons why you should care.



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Acer Iconia W3 Tablet Review


What is the Acer Iconia W3?


The first portrait-aspect Windows 8 tablet is here. The Acer Iconia W3 is an 8.1-inch Windows tablet that costs significantly less than the Microsoft Surface RT at £279. However, there are a few compromises involved with this little tab.


Acer Iconia W3 - Design


Like most of Acer's tablets, the Acer Iconia W3's casing is plastic. Its edges are white and its back a plate of silver - silver plastic that is.

It doesn't feel tremendously strong or expensive, but it does have a much more one hand-friendly form than any other Windows 8 tablet to date. It's also the first we've used to be based around a portrait design - as the mandatory Windows home button sits on one of the narrower sides, at the other end of the bezel to the front-facing camera.


To simplify matters in dumbing-down fashion, the Acer Iconia W3 is currently the closest thing Windows has to an iPad mini alternative. However, it is significantly heavier and thicker at around 11m and 540g.


Stylistically, it's no competition despite selling at roughly the same price as the iPad mini. It's far less elegant, with more seams, more sockets and much less clear design aspirations - beyond being relatively small in its Windows clan.


Along its edges you'll find a microHDMI video output, a microUSB slot, a microSD card slot, headphone jack and two pretty clear speaker outputs that sit on the bottom edge. Many of you may rejoice at this selection, but it demonstrates that the Acer Iconia W3 values connectivity over style. And perhaps connectivity is not aquite a replacement for 'substance' in the old 'style vs substance' adage.



Note the 'filled-in' SIM slot . Sm-ooth.


Acer Iconia W3 - Screen


The one reason why the Acer Iconia W3 manages to stay much smaller than the Window tablet competition is because of its screen. The smallest WIndows tablet we've seen to date had a 10.1-inch screen; the Acer Iconia W3 has an 8-inch screen.

We welcome smaller tablets, but it's also where we find some of the Iconia W3's most serious problems.


The W3 has a widescreen 1,280 x 800 pixel display, similar in aspect to Android tablets like the (slightly smaller) Nexus 7. Sharpness is a little limited, but it's the panel type used that's the problem here.


The Acer Iconia W3 appears to use a TN panel, which offers poor viewing angles compared with the IPS displays found in most tablets these days. There's fairly significant contrast shift when the tablet is turned in certain directions, and that's disappointing when almost all other tablets at the price have higher-quality screens.


Acer Iconia W3 -Specs


This tablet's core specs are fairly basic, too. The Acer Iconia W3 has a dual-core Atom Z2760 processor clocked at 1.5GHz rather than the Core i-series type found in much pricier Windows 8 tablets, and 2GB of RAM.

We did notice some obvious lag when flicking about the interface, but there is one serious software win to the Iconia W3 - it uses full Windows 8 rather than the RT version. It may not have the power to run every Windows app under the sun, but at least you'll be able to try. WIndows 8 RT can't install any old application.


Using a low-power Atom processor and 6,800mAh battery, the Iconia W3's battery life should be reasonably solid. Acer claims eight hours, which it's only likely to achieve with light tasks.


You get 32GB of internal memory, a significant chunk of which will be taken up by the Windows installation. It's easy to bulk that up with a microSD memory card, though.


Acer has produced a bespoke dock that gives you a full-size keyboard, turning the Iconia W3 into to a little typing monster. We didn't get to try this first-hand, however.


First Impressions


The Acer Iconia W3 is one of the most interesting Windows 8 tablets in a long while. However, its issues don't quite make it the stand-out lower-cost choice for Windows 8 that the Nokia Lumia 620 was for Windows Phone 8.


Next, read all about the new Windows 8.1 features



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Sony Xperia i1 leaked with 20MP camera


Sony is apparently preparing aSony Xperia i1 smartphone that packs a hi-res 20-megapixel camera.


Perhaps aiming to rival the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom and rumoured Nokia Lumia 1020, the Sony Xperia i1 has leaked supposedly touting a 20-megapixel rear snapper.


Pictured in between the Sony Xperia ZL announced at CES 2013 and the newly launched Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet, the Sony Xperia i1 is a white handset that looks to have a screen size somewhere around the 5.3 or 5.4-inches mark.


The Sony Xperia i1 was previously referred to by the codename Honami and was tipped to pack a 20-megapixel Sony 1/1.6 Exmor RS stacked sensor.


Paired with this will be a Cybershot G lens and either a Xenon flash or exceedingly bright LED flash – perhaps shown off in that pill-shaped flash section to the right of the camera.


Although this may be Sony’s own monster-megapixel smartphone, it may still pale in comparison to the likes of Nokia and Samsung’s camera-centric offerings.


The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom has a 16-megapixel image sensor but also packs 10x optical zoom, 100 to 3200 ISO range and an integrated Xenon flash.


Potentially being launched at a Nokia press event in New York on July 11, the Nokia Lumia 1020 (previously known as the Nokia EOS PureView) will be a Windows Phone 8 device with a 41-megapixel Carl Zweiss image sensor.


It is also said to have a Xenon flash, optical image stabilisation and a variable aperture to rival the S4 Zoom.


Design wise the Sony Xperia i1 looks to feature the same influences as the Sony Xperia Z and Sony Xperia Tablet Z with a thin profile and squared edges. It also looks like that signature power button is there too.


Any word of a launch date let alone a price for the 20-megapixel camera smartphone is still unknown.



Next, read our pick of the best mobile phones of 2013.


Via: CNET UK



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128GB phone tech is coming, says SanDisk


SanDisk says it is working on storage tech that will enable both 128GB phones and 128GB microSD cards.


Talking to TrustedReviews, SanDisk product marketing manager Ruben Dennenwaldt said that micro-storage capacity of “128GB is certainly something we’re working on”, and that the technology would needed to produce 128GB phones will “absolutely” be readily available within the next two years.


Although vague about exactly when the prerequisite tech will arrive, Dennenwaldt says SanDisk is “making very good progress in the next capacity point.”


Full-size 128GB SD cards are already available – Sandisk’s own 128GB Extreme SD card sells for just over £100 – but getting the size down to a level that will fit into microSD cards and today’s slim phones is “a significant challenge.”


Dennenwaldt explains, “for microSD, from a technology perspective, the maximum that can be done at this point is 64GB, purely because of the form factor.”


He added that the miniaturisation of flash storage used in phone memory “is pretty much the same challenge” as squeezing yet more storage into the thumbnail-size microSD form.


SanDisk is commonly regarded simply as a maker of memory cards, but it also produces a significant amount of the NAND flash wafers that go into the storage of phones, tablets and computer SSDs.


Dennenwaldt sees increased internal storage, including to the 128GB level, as “something consumers want, consumers demand.”


He says, “The massive amounts of data being created, people just need higher capacities.”


Will 128GB phones prove popular?

At present, the largest-capacity phones available have 64GB of internal storage – including the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4.


However, there has been limited demand for such high-capacity phones that also have a microSD memory card slot.


For example, UK retailer Clove cancelled plans to stock a 64GB Samsung Galaxy S3 in late 2012 as “the number of pre-orders that we received did not meet the minimum required to bring stock into the UK.”


A company likely to be among the first to successfully pioneer an ultra-high storage phone is Apple – it was also the first to range a 128GB tablet, introducing the 128GB iPad in February 2013.


It has also never offered expandable storage in any of its iOS mobile devices.


The question is whether sufficiently tiny high-capacity storage tech will be ready for the iPhone 5S, due to launch later this year in September.


SanDisk teased that it has a big announcement to unveil on 22 July. Could such super-storage be what they have to show off?


Next, read our Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5 comparison feature



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Google reportedly developing own games console and smartwatch

Ouya

Could Google be creating its own Ouya?




Google is working on its own games console and smartwatch concepts, according to a recent report.


The Wall Street Journal carries the claims that Google is branching out with its Android-based hardware plans.


With Android gaming growing at a massive rate after a somewhat sluggish start, Google is said to be designing its own console through its Google X and Android labs. It won't be turning to Motorola, which it acquired last year, for these new devices.


While Android-powered living room gaming has been in the news recently with the launch of the Ouya console (pictured), the report claims that Google's main aim is to head off Apple's own rumoured intentions for a gaming-capable Apple TV device.


It's a similarly reactive case with Google's smartwatch plans, states the report. Apple is rumoured to have a 100-strong design team working on a so-called iWatch, and iOS 7 is known to play far nicer with intelligent Bluetooth devices.


Google is said to be keen to avoid the kind of head starts Apple enjoyed in the smartphone and tablet markets with this potential new category of smart devices.


The report also carries claims that Google will revisit its failed Nexus Q concept. Last year's spherical media streaming device, which was the first to be designed and marketed by Google itself, was revealed to the public but never made it to shops. Google's second Nexus Q will apparently be much cheaper than the $299 original.


It's claimed that at least one of these new hardware devices will hit the market this autumn.


Another point of interest from the report concerns Key Lime Pie, the next version of the Android OS. Apparently, Google is working on making it better suited to entry-level smartphones, as well as alternative devices and appliances.



Next, catch up on the Best mobile phones of 2013.



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Ricoh GR Camera Review


What is the Ricoh GR?


The Ricoh GR Digital series is now several generations old, having evolved previously from Ricoh’s film heritage. Its long heritage is a hint at its purpose, too, because this is pricey, fixed lens compact for the ‘true photographer’ – decide for yourself if you qualify.

The latest model, labelled simply the Ricoh GR, is the first from the newly formed Pentax Ricoh stable and is also the first to feature an APS-C sensor. It arrives in a burgeoning enthusiast compact market and thus faces some serious competition.


Ricoh GR 7


Ricoh GR - Features


As mentioned previously, the area that has seen the biggest leap forward from previous GR Digital models is the Ricoh GR’s sensor.

Where previous versions in the series featured a 1/1.7-inch sensor in keeping with other enthusiast compacts, the new GR features a DSLR-sized, APS-C unit with a resolution of 16.2MP. The sensor also lacks an anti-aliasing filter, which means it’s more likely to resolve a higher level of detail than those with said filter.


Paired with this new sensor is a newly developed fixed focal length lens. This lens offers a fixed focal length of 18.3mm – 28mm in equivalent terms – and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens includes a number of impressive features, including low dispersive elements and high refractive indexes, as well as an integrated ND filter.


The list of new features continues with the Ricoh GR’s processing system. A new GR V processor includes, among other capabilities, a ‘Moire Pattern Removal’ function that should counter any ill effects from the lack of the anti-aliasing filter.


Ricoh GR 6


Another area in which the GR impresses is its LCD screen. Not only is it both of good size and resolution – at 3-inches and 1.23-million dots – but it also features the same Sony ‘WhiteMagic’ LCD technology as seen on recent impressive Sony compacts, such as the RX100 and RX1.


As a result of this ‘WhiteMagic’ technology, the screen on the GR should provide clear and bright images in a variety of shooting conditions, including traditionally difficult situations such as bright conditions when shooting outdoors.


Another clever feature on the Ricoh GR is an interesting ‘35mm Crop’ mode. In this setting the GR will trim away the edges of the image to give the appearance of being captured at a 35mm focal length, although this does result in a slight drop in resolution.


As well as offering full HD video and Raw image capture, the Ricoh GR also sports a host of shooting effects including High-Key and Bleach Bypass, among many others.


The Ricoh GR is the first model to display the influence of the relationship with Pentax with the presence of a Time-Aperture Value (TAv) setting common to Pentax cameras. It allows you to adjust the aperture and shutter speed desired and then selects the ISO sensitivity to suit the correct exposure.



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Skype boosts iOS app with unlimited free video messages

Skype

Skype video messages now unrestricted




Microsoft-owned VoIP app Skype has updated its wares for iOS users, allowing them to send unlimited free video messages to fellow users.


The newly-tuned app lifts restrictions on video clips, which had previously limited users to just 20 free videos a month unless they upgraded to the $4.99 Skype Premium subscription.


The update comes just over a week after Skype announced it would be making video messages completely free on all platforms.


In a blog post at the time the company said: "Video messaging is now available to all Skype users. You can send and receive as many video messages as you want – completely free of charge. Video messages can be received and viewed on any platform or device running Skype."


The functionality allows users to send video messages up to three minutes in length from Skype's smartphone, tablets and Windows and Mac apps.


It's proved popular for those wishing to send personal video messages quickly and easily, while it's also a good alternative if users are unable to make contact when attempting to make a live voice and video call.


As well as some general fixes and improvements, the app also improves video and audio call stability and brings more reliable photo sharing.


Earlier this month the company had rolled out the video message feature, which first appeared for iOS, Android and Mac users in February, to BlackBerry, Windows 8 and Windows desktop users.


Strangely, considering Microsoft owns the company, the feature is yet to hit Windows Phone.



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Sony explains PlayStation Plus requirement for PS4 online


Sony has explained the reasoning behind requiring PlayStation Plus subscriptions for online gaming with the PS4.


The PS4 will require a PlayStation Plus subscription for gamers to play online, like the Xbox Live Gold subscription at present, and access streaming services like Netflix.


However, Sony has explained the reasoning behind the new paywall, saying the PS4 online gaming network requires “a large investment of resources.”


“The main pillar for the PS4 will be online play,” said Yoshida. “We’re developing many new ways to play and connect which requires a large investment of resources.”


Currently, PS3 online gaming is free, with a PlayStation Plus subscription an option affair that lets users gain access to a free Instant Game Collection, full game trials, PlayStation Store discounts and other benefits.


“Considering the cost, to try to keep such a service free and consequently lower the quality would be absurd. We decided if that’s the case, then it would be better to receive proper payment and continue to offer a good service.”


The PlayStation Plus service for the PS3 costs £11.99 every 90 days or £39.99 per annum. It is unknown whether the price of the PlayStation Plus subscription will rise for the PS4. Current memberships will transfer to the PS4 from the PS3 though.


The PlayStation Plus account will be mandatory for anything that offers “realtime online play”, but anything outside this remit would be available to non-members on the PS4, which sounds fairly cryptic but similar to the functioning of the Xbox Live Gold and Silver tiers.


Yoshida did say that the PS4 would allow all users to reap the benefits of PlayStation Plus as long as the main account on that PS4 console had a subscription.


Next, read 10 things we learnt about the PS4 at E3 2013.


Via: Kotaku



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Angry Birds Trilogy coming to Wii U and Wii in August

Angry Birds Trilogy

Angry Birds Trilogy for Wii and Wii U




Nintendo Wii U and Wii gamers will be able to get in on the Angry Birds action from August with the launch of the Angry Birds Trilogy.


Rovio has confirmed that the Nintendo Wii and Wii U will be getting the Angry Birds Trilogy disc-based game from August, offering 30 episodes of bird-flinging fun.


Angry Birds Trilogy for Wii U and Wii was formally announced via the Rovio YouTube channel in an all new trailer that can be viewed below.


The Angry Birds Trilogy includes three of the games already available on Android and iOS – Angry Birds, Angry Birds: Seasons and Angry Birds: Rio.


“It includes as much as 140 hours of comical, addictive gameplay, and 30 episodes on disc – including exclusive new levels”, reads the trailer description. “In addition it has Wii U Gamepad and TV swap capability, touch screen controls and online leaderboards.”


Slated to hit the Wii U and Wii in North America on August 13, UK Nintendo gamers can expect the Angry Birds Trilogy for the Nintendo consoles a couple of days later.


In February, Rovio announced that the Wii U and Wii version of the game were inbound, but failed to give a specific release date.


The Wii U and Wii edition announcements followed the news that Angry Birds Trilogy has sold over one million copies worldwide, having been already made available for PS3 with Move support, Nintendo 3DS and Xbox 360 with Kinect integration.


“It was certainly satisfying to see Angry Birds gameplay adapt so well to other platforms in 2012,” said Petri Jarvilehto, Rovio’s Executive Vice President. “The features specific to the Wii U are very intruiging to us, so we’re excited to release this version to fans.”


The Angry Birds Trilogy release will be a bit of a boost for the Wii U, which is struggling to achieve good sales figures due to a less than impressive games line-up.


Next, read why the Wii U is Nintendo’s Dreamcast.




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Xbox 360 becomes the UK’s most popular console ahead of Xbox One release

Xbox 360

Xbox 360, now the UK's most popular console




With the Xbox One set to hit retailers in a matter of months, latest figures have revealed the soon to be superseded Xbox 360 has overtaken Nintendo’s Wii to become the UK’s most popular games console.


Continuing to outsell its PS3 and original Wii themed rivals, figures collated by GfK Chart-Track have revealed that with a hefty 8.4 million Xbox 360 consoles now doing the rounds in the UK alone, Microsoft’s aging gamer is the most popular of the current-generation of devices.


Although having overtaken the Nintendo Wii to take top gaming hardware honours in the UK, the Xbox 360 is not yet the nation’s most popular console ever. The PS2 sold a reported 10 million units during its days.


“This is an historic milestone and our sincere thanks goes to each and every person that has bought and enjoyed Xbox 360 over the past eight years," Harvey Eagle, Microsoft’s Director of Xbox and Entertainment said speaking with MCV.


While an Xbox One release date has been confirmed for this November, Microsoft has been keen to stress that the Xbox 360 still has a lot of life in its legs and will be continue to be supported for a number of years to come. Officially unveiled alongside the next-gen Xbox One, Microsoft has even gone as far as to launch a new Xbox 360 console to fit in with the design principles of its replacement.


"As you saw at E3 earlier this month, we announced a new Xbox 360 form factor and we are committed to ensuring Xbox 360 remains the best place to play games, connect with friends and enjoy your entertainment,” Eagle stated. “You’ll see great exclusive content coming not only to Xbox 360, but also to Xbox One later this year.”


Although the likes of the Xbox One and PS4 are the talk of the gaming community, a number of developers have already stressed their intentions to continue supporting the likes of the Xbox 360 for some time yet. EA announced earlier this year that it would support the current Xbox until at least 2017, adding another four years to the console’s life.


“EA will continue to publish games for current-generation consoles through at least 2017,” Blake Jorgensen, EA CFO announced in a recent interview.



Read More:
Xbox One vs Xbox 360



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Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan Gadget Review


What is the Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan?


The Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan is the latest addition to the British brand’s collection of eye catching air multipliers. A scaled down verison of one of the original trio of Dyson fans, it is the new big brother to the multipurpose Dyson Hot & Cool.

Capable of increasing airflow 16 times, it is for more intensive, large scale usage than the table top primed Dyson AM01. It is not your conventional electrical fan either, doing away with rotating blades in favour of passing a high intensity stream of accelerated air over an angled fin.


At £300 the Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan is far from cheap. Can it justify this lofty price tag? Let’s see.


Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan


Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan Design


The AM02 Mini Tower Fan’s design is classic Dyson. Smooth, flowing curves partner a minimalist, uncluttered form. The hollow elongated oval from where the airflow descends resembles the eye of an oversized needle and sits atop a solid base that houses all the inner workings. This combination ensures a sturdy foundation that's secure against accidental nocks.

At just less than one metre tall, the ‘Mini’ isn't all that... well, mini - it's only 13cm shorter than its predecessor. Its size is not an issue, however. The small 25cm footprint of the Dyson means it can comfortably sit in most home or small office environments. What’s more, it will look stylish and a little futuristic while doing so.


Unlike the full-size AM02 Tower Fan, the Mini is available in just one colour, silver. This classic colour ensures it will fit with most household decors, even if the lack of choice is a little disappointing. That said, however appealing on the eye, the matt plastic finish does betray the luxuriousness expected of a device priced just shy of £300.


The Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan’s design really does help separate this bladeless beauty from the mass of more conventional tower fans on the market. With the hollow centre throwing an air of confusion and witchcraft over the fan, its design turns this pricey luxury into more of a desirable gadget than a standard household appliance.


Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan




Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan Features


The Dyson AM02 Mini Tower Fan is not exactly laden with features. It does what it does and it does it well. Beyond that, there are few additional bells and whistles. Before we get into features, though, to science class with you.

The AM02 Mini does not work like your typical fan. It utilises a brushless motor hidden within the base to draw in air (32 litres per second we are told) which is then accelerated through a 2.5mm aperture over the head’s airfoil design. The result is multiplied airflow that creates an area of low pressure, drawing in further air from behind. This improves the efficiency of the 65 watt fan. While this air is not passed over any cooling elements, the movement gives you a cooling effect. Simple, right?


With no blades in sight, this sophisticated approach gives the AM02 Mini, like other Dyson air multipliers, an airflow output uninterrupted by buffeting. While this might not sound like such a breakthrough, the results are extremely pleasing. No blades also means no safety hazards to the straying fingers of youngsters.


It comes bundled with its own compact remote. Although a small addition, we love that the fan’s remote can be magnetised to the top of the unit for safe storage. The handset’s gentle curve even perfectly mirrors that of the fan for a seamless, snug fit. This further highlights the premium design of the fan.


Unlike some of its smaller siblings, the AM02 Mini lacks the touch-tilt capabilities that allow you angle the airflow up or down. It's not an issue when cooling a large room, for more directed airflow, say when you are sat at a desk, but it is an irritating omission. A 2-metre power cord removes some of the location restrictions that befalls some rivals.



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iOS 7 to introduce head movement controls


iOS 7 will allow users to control their iOS device using head movements, a feature discovered in the new iOS 7 beta 2.


Found in the Accessibility section within the Settings menu, the head movement control option will allows users to access certain features using head gestures in the newly confirmed iOS 7.


Left or right head movements can be used to access the home button, for example. Other functions that can be controlled using head movements include calling up Siri, opening the Notification Centre, increase or decrease the volume, open the App Switcher panel or even just tap the touchscreen.


It seems that all the available options offered with any left or right head movement are cycled through, with an additional head movement made to select that option.


Intended for Accessibility iOS 7 users, the new head movement controls are nonetheless an interesting addition to Apple’s new mobile OS.


Similar to the Samsung SmartScroll and SmartPause functions found within the Samsung Galaxy S4, iOS 7 looks to take advantage of the sensor and cameras in Apple devices like the iPad mini and iPhone 5.


The new head movement control feature was discovered in the iOS 7 beta 2 version released earlier this week to iOS developers.


Some of the new features discovered in the version 2 beta of iOS 7 include new male and female Siri voices and iPad support. iOS 7 beta 2 also included the Voice Memos app that was missing from the original iOS 7 beta.


iOS 7 brings a flatter and more refined user experience than the current iOS 6 operating system, which Apple describes as “the most significant update since the original iPhone.”


The iOS 7 will launch in autumn as a free download for iPhone 4, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5, with the iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad 4 also making the iOS 7 cut.


Next, read what's new in our iOS 7 features list.


iOS 7 head movement controls


Via: 9to5mac



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Xbox One and PS4 “looking more like PCs every day” says Alienware


The PS4 and Xbox One consoles are becoming more like gaming PCs with every announcement, claims Alienware.


Frank Azor, General Manager at Alienware, said the PS4 and Xbox One are being built with PC architecture but are also adopting desktop gaming ideas.


“A lot of the innovations and things that are proven on the PC are making their ways onto consoles”, said Azor. “The consoles are looking more and more like PCs every day.”


“If you look at what Sony and Microsoft are doing, they’re taking PCs and putting them into the living room. It’s an AMD CPU, it’s an AMD graphics card, it’s a standard desktop hard drive. It’s unbelievable.”


Both the Xbox One and PS4 pack an x86 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU, although Sony’s next-generation console is tipped to have a CPU clocked slightly higher, perhaps at 2GHz in comparison to the Xbox One’s 1.6GHz processor.


Azor claims that the way the Xbox One and PS4 are being built and marketing showcase the merits of gaming with a keyboard and mouse rather than a controller.


“That tells you that the PC is the gaming platform of choice out there, there is nothing there that’s better. You look at what they’re trying to do and they’re becoming more and more like PCs.”


The Xbox One and PS4 both require gamers to install the games rather than play them directly from the disc, which of course is how PC games have worked for years.


A lot of the PC features that draw in gamers are now being introduced into the next-generation consoles.


“You’re installing games now instead of running them off the disc, because that’s the right thing to do; you’re downloading games digitally, which we’ve been doing on PC for years; they’re integrating certain TV aspects and stuff, well, ten years ago we started experimenting with media centre.”


Next read our PS4 vs Xbox One comparison.


Via: PCGamesN



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How to install Windows 8.1 Preview in the UK


Want to download and install the brand new Windows 8.1 Preview in the UK? Well, you're bang out of luck because in Microsoft's infinite wisdom, the update supports US English, German, French and a bunch of other languages, but not UK English. Ho hum...


But, but... there is a way and we have it. In fact, we've tried it and it works. So here's how it goes...



Step 1: Download and apply US English language pack
There's more to it than this, but you can't skip this step. Use your preferred method to reach the Control Panel - via search works for us - and head to the 'Clock, Language and Region' section and click on 'Language'.


From here, click on 'Add a language'. Search for 'English' and then double click to reveal the various types and select 'English (United States)' from the list to download the language pack.


We could, at this point, insist on writing the rest of this article in US English, but we won't because... well, it's just wrong, isn't it?


Anyway, next you'll need to remove UK English so that US English becomes the primary display laguage.


You'll be asked to reboot your PC at this stage, but before you do...


Step 2: Fiddle about with the registry to make this work
Sigh. We hoped that would be it, but no. No luck.


Next you need to head to Registry Editor. At this point we feel duty bound to point out that anything you mess up at this stage is totally down to you and advanced users need only apply.


Disclaimer out of the way... search for 'regedit' to get there - as an advanced user you really ought to know this.


Once it's loaded, you need to navigate the following menus from the dropdowns on the left:



  • HKey_Local_Machine >>

  • System >>

  • CurrentControlSet >>

  • Control >>

  • Nls >>

  • Language


Once on the Language page, scroll down to the bottom to the entry called 'InstallLanguage'.

Righ-click on the entry and select 'Modify'. Change the number value from 0809 to 0409, which is computer speak for EN-US.


Step 3: Make a cup of tea (and backup your stuff)
The tea is optional, but you do need to restart and then run the update file that you can download from Microsoft's website. Before you do, however, remember to backup anyting you don't want to lose because the update removes everything and puts you back how Windows 8 was born, albeit with a bunch of new features.


Next, read about those new Windows 8.1 features.



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Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Power Edition coming July


A new Power Edition of the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is launching in July, updating the current model with a sleeker design and an extended battery life.


The limited edition Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Power Edition will provide a highly powerful and more colourful version of the popular smartphone controlled quadricopter.


Parrot has introduced a sleeker hull design for the limited edition AR.Drone 2.0 Power Edition to make it that bit speedier and has given it a piano black finish to make it look more ominous.


However, to make it stand out, the AR.Drone Power Edition will come with three sets of interchangeable propellers in red, orange and blue as well as the standard black.


The Power Edition also comes with a new lithium polymer battery, extending the current model’s battery time by 50 per cent. The limited edition AR.Drone 2.0 actually comes with two of these beefier batteries for extended flight times.


As with the standard AR.Drone 2.0, the Power Edition features a HD 720p camera to record videos of what the quadricopter sees, which can be shared via social media.


Controlled via a smartphone or tablet over a self-generated Wi-Fi connection, the AR.Drone 2.0 connects to the free AR.FreeFlight 2.0 app for iOS and Android devices.


The AR.Drone 2.0 hovers in the air unless directed by the pilot using its embedded sensors and navigation system. It can still work in windy conditions up to 15mph and can do 360-degree barrel rolls too.


AR.Drone 2.0 pilots can also enjoy the Parrot AR.Race 2 game launched for iOS devices.


The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Power Edition will be available from Selfridges, Amazon and other select retailers for £319.99 from July.



Next, read our pick of the best mobile phones of 2013.



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Ouya Review


Ouya - First Impressions


What is Ouya? Haven't you heard? Ouya is the revolution that's going to sweep the games industry, at least that's what its creators hope. Made famous by its incredibly successful Kickstarter, where it raised over $8.5 million, Ouya is an Android-based, open source games console based on an Nvidia Tegra 3 chip. Imagine if an Apple TV played games, as it could well do in future, and you've got the idea.

Ouya 3


Ouya - Features


As noted just now, inside Ouya is an Nvidia Tegra 3 chip - the T33 variant with a 1.7GHz ARM A9 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. The wisened among you will know this is far from the bleeding edge of mobile processing, especially now we've seen the Sony Xperia Z Ultra and its Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 system on a chip perform so well in the 3DMark 11 benchmark. But it's good enough for the kind of games Ouya's intended for, and plays a large part in keeping Ouya's price down to palatable £99 with one controller included.

(It's worth noting, however, that it's $99 in the US. If Ouya wasn't a plucky start-up, we'd be seriously hacked-off, but we'll give it the benefit of doubt in this case.)


There's 8GB of internal storage, which should be ample for games and apps, but there's a USB port should you need to expand it or load external apps and games. There's 802.11n Wi-Fi built-in, though it only supports the 2.4GHz band, not the 5.0GHz band that's faster.


Joining the USB port at the rear is an Ethernet port, HDMI and Micro USB port - the latter of which is for connecting Ouya. All told it has everything it needs, and there's Bluetooth built-in for pairing with the wireless controller - we've yet to ascertain whether it's available for other purposes.


Ouya 1


Ouya - Design


There's something almost iconic about Ouya's design. Perhaps it's the size, but it just looks damn cool. Its silvery metal body does no harm, while the four exposed screws at the top give it an industrial look and feel that hints at its homebrew-ish outlook. We've yet to try, but we assume unscrewing them will let would-be tinkerers get inside and start making alterations.

Ouya - Controller


The controller, by contrast, is conventional. Its only nod to modernity is the black segment in the middle, which acts as a touchpad. It's the least useful feature, however, since so far it seems limited to aiding navigation of touch-based apps rather than any interesting gameplay applications.

Ouya 4


Besides this, the controller has four main face buttons, two analogue sticks (both clickable), a D-pad and four shoulder triggers - two basic ones, and two analogue ones. It's a wireless controller that uses Bluetooth, and it's powered - in true retro fashion - by two AA batteries that sit in each of the two handles.


On the whole the controller is good. The button layout is fine, and the analogue sticks have a decent level of resistance - we haven't had enough time to get a feel for their accuracy. There are a couple of stumbling points, however. The D-pad feels mushy and imprecise, while the left-hand analogue trigger on our controller has slightly sticky feel as if it's rubbing against its housing when pressed.


Ouya 8


Ouya - Software and Setup


Setting up the Ouya is much like setting up any modern gadget: connect to Wi-Fi, setup account, setup payment details and... check for a software update. The latter part took a while, and the Wi-Fi connection mysteriously dropped once, but it's all straightforward enough.

The basic interface gives you three options: Play, Discover, Make and Manage. They're self-explanatory, and the menus and options are cheerily simple and intuitive. Our only complaint about the interface thus far is that there's no simple way to manage your download queue, which means you have to hunt through the menus to cancel any you've decided against.


The Discover section, where you download games and apps, is fairly rudimentary as well, but given the number doesn't top 200 yet that's not a big deal.


Ouya 12


Ouya - Games, Apps and Performance


Which brings us onto the obvious topic of games. We'll get into this in more detail in our full review next week, but it doesn't take long to realise there's not much depth here at present. The highlights from what we've played are Canabalt HD and Vector, neither of which are exclusive to Ouya. The main highlight is the 3D conversion of Final Fantasy III, though the presence of numerous emulators might take the sheen off that a touch...

The most graphically intense game we've played thus far is Shadowgun, another Android refugee. Judged on Google Play ratings alone it's a popular game and it looks good; Shadowgun's graphics are sharp and detailed, even if it lacks the whizzier effects of consoles titles. But it's a very generic third-person shooter, the kind that's a novelty on a mobile or tablet but feels shallow when played with a controller on a 42-inch screen.


There aren't many non-game apps yet, but Plex (the media streaming app) is a highlight and there's all sorts of fun to be had side-loading Android apps.


Ouya 14


First Impressions


So far Ouya seems much like everyone expected - an interesting curio that still has a long way to go before it feels like a serious gaming platform. Check back next week for a full review next week, but at first glance it's a fun toy for hackers and tinkerers rather than a mainstream console alternative.

Ouya too underpowered for you? Then read our Xbox One vs PS4 comparison .



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