FIFA 15 latest game to block PS4 Share Play feature


EA Sports’ FIFA 15 is not allowing PS4 gamers to use the new Share Play tool, which is supposed to enable those without the game to join in on the action online.


According to a GameSpot report on Friday, FIFA-makers is blocking Share Play sessions, with PS4 viewers seeing an error message.


"Viewing the game screen that the host is currently playing is not allowed due to content restrictions in your country or region,” the message read.


The news will come as a blow to Sony which unveiled the feature within the 2.0 software update is pushing the new Share Play feature heavily in recent TV commercials and marketing materials.


Activision has also blocked Share Play for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and the previous generation Call of Duty: Ghost title.


Since then top games like Tomb Raider, Thief and Wolfenstein: The New Order have also restricted access to the feature.


Sony has admitted the feature requires the permission of developers, but seeing as the company Share Play could affect sales of games, it wouldn’t be a surprising if more top titles followed suit.


"Share Play is a system level feature enabled by System Software Update 2.0 making it available for all PS4 titles,” Sony recently told CVG.


“However the option is available to developers to disable the feature according to what they feel will best benefit the consumer experience.”


Read more: How PS4 Share Play is changing gaming



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EE Buzzard 2 in-car 4G dongle launched


UK mobile network EE has launched the EE Buzzard 2, its second car-based 4G dongle this year.


The first EE Buzzard was launched back in May, turning your car's cigarette lighter into a 4G hub for up to 10 devices for a £49.99 up-front charge.


Now EE has launched the Buzzard 2. It too supports 10 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections (we can't imagine many home users needing more) and plugs into the cigarette lighter slot.


Unlike the first Buzzard, however, it comes in just a single, bulbous part. Also, according to EE, the Buzzard 2 has an "intuitive new lighting system that makes it easier to use."


The EE Buzzard 2 doubles as a USB adaptor, which means you can charge your phone through it.


EE's new Wi-Fi adapter costs a little more than the first generation, with a £79.99 up front cost. However, if you opt for it on a £10 1GB monthly plan it's the same £19.99 initial cost as the original.


Sign up on a £15 per month plan and you get the EE Buzzard 2 for free, as well as 3GB of data. All plans come with 100MB of data free right now.


None of these allowances sounds like an awful lot for typical 4G activities, particularly if it's meant to support multiple connections, but we suppose it's a start.


Read More: What is LTE-A?



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Amazon and Hachette wrap up ebook war


Amazon and book publisher Hachette have finally resolved their differences after months of very public feuding.


The two companies have announced that they're signed a multiyear agreement for the online retail giant to keep selling the publisher's books - both physical and electronic.


The standoff over ebook pricing had led to Amazon restricting stock of Hachette's physical books and preventing pre-orders.


According to the email send by Hachette CEO Michael Pietsch to his authors (and republished by CNN reporter Brian Stelter), "Hachette titles will be restored as soon as possible to normal availability on Amazon, will be available for pre-order, and will be included in promotions on the site."


And just in time for Christmas, too.


It's the ebook terms that are of most interest here, however, having been the source of the dispute in the first place. Apparently these new terms will come into effect in early 2015, and will grant the fourth largest book publisher "full responsibility for the consumer prices of our ebooks," thus allowing it to "change ebook prices dynamically to maximize sales."


According to the New York Times, the deal broadly follows the terms set in the recent Simon & Schuster agreement, which suggests that there's haven't been any special concessions for Hachette.


This would suggest that Amazon, for its part, is getting improved rates on the placement of Hachette books on its website. Amazon itself has revealed that the deal "includes specific financial incentives for Hachette to deliver lower prices."


Both parties seem satisfied with the outcome of this scrap, but you have to suspect that Amazon will be in an even stronger position when it comes time to renegotiate.



Read More: Amazon Kindle Voyage review



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BlackBerry Classic up for pre-order in US, shipping in mid-December


The BlackBerry Classic smartphone will begin shipping in the United States in the middle of next month, the Canadian manufacturer confirmed on Thursday.


The Q20 Classic smartphone, widely thought of as the true successor to the company’s wildly popular Bold handsets of yesteryear, can be pre-ordered now for $449, which is around £285.


As well as the iconic physical qwerty keyboard, designed for optimal speed and accuracy no less, the Classic will apparently boast a square 3.5-inch 720 x 720 touchscreen, although BlackBerry is yet to firm up specs.


Running on BlackBerry 10 and featuring the trademark Trackpad and Classic navigation buttons, the device has been designed with the company’s most loyal fans in mind.


“The highly anticipated device is a familiar form factor with a QWERTY keyboard, navigation keys, a trackpad and the upgraded power and performance of BlackBerry 10. We’ve incorporated these familiar features because you asked for them,” the company wrote on its official blog.


BlackBerry says the device, which was originally announced way back in February 2014 at MWC, is being made available in limited qualities so is advising interested parties to get in their first.


The handset will be properly launched at an event in New York on December 17, so we wouldn’t be surprised if this is the mid-December shipping date promised by the company. So far the BlackBerry Classic is only available to pre-order across the pond, but perhaps we’ll hear more about UK availability at the official launch.


Read more: BlackBerry Passport review


Via: Gigaom



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Samsung claims to have solved Gear VR overheating issue


Samsung has moved to dispel fears that its Gear VR headset causes the Galaxy Note 4 handset to run too hot for extended use.


Following the announcement of the Gear VR Innovator Edition on Wednesday, certain game developers claimed the Note 4 units needed to be switched out every 20 minutes to protect against overheating.


However, the manufacturer says the concerned devs were using an older versions of the mobile SDK which demanded a little too much of the phablet's processors, hence them reaching the thermal limit quickly.


“We turned the cores back to a more reasonable level,” Samsung Dallas director of software development Andrew Dickerson, told Recode. He added that “developers lose some performance, but we’ve made some improvements” to ensure the losses aren’t felt too much.


Samsung says the new mobile SDK allows users to run the Gear VR headset for 8 hours continuously without feeling the heat, so to speak.


Samsung’s rebuttal comes despite the company’s employees continuing to swap out demonstration units every 20 minutes at the firm’s Developer Conference,


The company's Gear VR hardware partner Oculus also admitted the problem is something that could be managed but not necessarily solved.


Max Cohen, the head of mobile at Oculus VR said: ““This isn’t a problem that’s going to go away in the near future, unfortunately,” Cohen told MIT’s Simon Parkin. “We’ll always have to manage heat; we won’t be able to fully solve it.”


The $200 Gear VR virtual reality headset will go on sale in the United States in early December, Samsung confirmed yesterday.


The firm also announced the Project Beyond 360-degree camera module which will allow Gear VR users to jump into fully immersive 3D worlds in real-time.


Read more: Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 3: What's new



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Average UK 4G speeds hit 15.1Mbps


The average download speed for 4G mobile internet in the UK weighs in at 15.1Mbps, according to a new Ofcom report.


At that speed, files can be downloaded at a rate of 1.88MB per second – plenty good for streaming media.


It’s also a darn sight higher than the UK’s average 3G download speeds too, with Ofcom’s tests revealing the average 3G speed to be clocking in at 6.1Mbps – that’s around 0.76MB of data per second.


In fact, the lowest average 4G speed was faster than 33% of average 3G speeds, although Ofcom did note that 4G networks ‘are still slightly loaded’ due to having comparatively lower subscription numbers.


Ofcom conducted its tests across five major UK cities, namely London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.


Interestingly, Edinburgh came out on top in terms of 4G download speeds with 16.8Mbps, while Manchester landed first place for 4G upload speeds, measuring in at 13.2Mbps.


The report also revealed that EE offered the best 4G download speeds in the UK, averaging out at a relatively beefy 18.4Mbps.


London also emerged as the hub for nippiest 4G speeds, although the capital came dead last for 3G speeds. We’re guessing this is due to the huge number of 3G users the city likely boasts.


Despite 3G-usage dominance, Ofcom did note that UK consumers have ‘been quick to take up the new 4G services.’


More than 9 million people can access a 4G service, and this figure is set to rise rapidly as the coverage of 4G increases a more 4G-capable devices are launched.”


Ofcom’s report comes days after the regulator pledged to tackle growing 4G demand with a spectrum auction next year.


Late 2015/early 2016 will see network providers battling over prime 4G frequency bands, with bids expected to hit eight figure sums.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date


Via: Ofcom



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Best Tablet 2014: Which tablet should you buy?


Whether you're after a small tablet to use on the way to work, or one to lounge around with on the sofa, we've collated all of the best tablets out there right now. And there are a lot.


The main things to consider when buying a tablet are size and price. Larger tablets are great when you're at home and on the sofa, while smaller tablets are best if you're a regular commuter and need to read standing up. It's also worth considering hybrid tablets, particularly Windows tablets that can replace your laptop as well. Our best tablet round-up also includes specialist tablets, such as one that's great for gaming.


Whatever your preference, our round-up will have the best tablet for you. Pick from the list below or hit the arrow to go through the list.


Best Tablet Overall | iPad Air 2

Best 8-inch Android Tablet | Samsung Galaxy S 8.4

Best 8-inch Tablet | iPad mini 2

Best Budget Tablet | Tesco Hudl 2

Best Gaming Tablet | Nvidia Shield Tablet
NEW ENTRY: 13/11/2014

Best Small Tablet | Amazon Kindle HD 6
Best 10-inch Android Tablet | Samsung Galaxy S 10.5

Best Budget Hybrid Tablet | Asus Transformer T100

Best Hybrid Tablet | Microsoft Surface Pro 3


We use every tablet we review just like you will, but we also subject them to comparative benchmark tests to compare performance. Our scores and awards are based on a blend of a tablet's features as well as how easy it is to use and how much it costs. Important aspects such as screen quality, battery life and price make up the biggest part of the scores and what it takes to make our list of the best tablets.

Our best tablet round-up includes something for everyone. But if you still need help choosing what kind of tablet is right for you, head to our Tablet Buying Guide. It will guide you through the different options and explain some of the jargon you'll encounter.


But if you already have a reasonable idea what you need, hit the 'Next' button below to see our pick of the best tablets of 2014.



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NHS could give Apple Health its own stamp of approval


The NHS, pride of Britain and inspirer of transatlantic envy, wants to start validating health apps with its own stamp of approval.


A new NHS ‘kitemark’ could separate the tech from the tat in the world of health apps – Apple Health included.


The scheme would help users make good choices about which apps are safe to use, and give doctors a go-to list of virtual fitness fare to recommend to their patients.


The plans also detail a ‘paperless’ change-up for the NHS, whereby health records would be accessible on users’ smartphones, tablets, or laptops.


Also included in the system would be an option to include an e-version of the red book that records immunisations for newborns.


Tim Kelsey, NHS’s National Director for Patients and Information, said: “New mothers will now be able to carry their red book around with them on their smart phone and tablet as the NHS moves towards offering digital personal child health records.”


This will put an end to worrying abut leaving your child’s information at home when going for a review, vaccination, or emergency treatment.”


Digitally available health records are tipped by the document for a 2017 launch, with wider electronic access to the health system, pending patient consent, will be available in 2018.


Apple already has its own fitness ecosystem – Apple Health. There are also similar offerings from competitor firms, including Samsung’s Digital Health, Google Fit, and Sony Lifelog.


Should the NHS plans go ahead, it will see all of the above put under scrutiny to ensure patients aren’t opting into sloppy software.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date


Via: BBC



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Gravity’s 3D supervisor says 3D ‘was rushed to market’


Hollywood might have hailed 3D as the be-all-and-end-all of blockbuster viewing, but shoddy execution has left many with a foul taste for the tech in their mouths.


According to Chris Parks, stereoscopic supervisor for Gravity, however, this can be largely attributed to one simple issue – the fact that 3D was rushed into the mainstream.


“Because of the demand for 3D, the product was rushed to market, and that led to a lot of the problems,” he said speaking with TrustedReviews.


Although many have suffered disappointing experiences with 3D, the Gravity lead believes the demand for the technology is still there.


“I think the demand has shown to be there. You put a film out that’s marketed well and conceived well and the audience is there,” he told us.


What’s more, Parks reckons some films do give a ‘better experience’ in 3D than 2D, telling TrustedReviews: “My aim, always, in that final screening we do with the director before signing off on 3D, is for them to actually say ‘I prefer my film in 3D than in 2D.’”


“3D gives, by some measures, 400 per cent more information than 2D,” he continued.


Gravity was met with universal acclaim from critics, with its use of 3D receiving notable praise. Parks told us he thinks the space-epic is the best counter-argument to people who think of 3D as a bit of a buzzword.


“I do truly believe, and I know Alfonso [Cuaron, Gravity’s Director] truly believes, that watching Gravity in 3D gives much closer to the experience that he was trying to give than watching it in 2D,” Parks revealed.


The stereoscopic mastermind was also keen to snub the idea of 3D being perceived as a gimmick, revealing that he used 3D to tell story more than any other film he’d worked on so far.


“You tend to think of 3D as spectacular – stuff coming out of the screen,” he explained. “I think 3D works particularly well for communicating human emotion. I think 3D is about much more than the spectacle.


In spite of concerns that 3D is dying, Park described how the tech was still in its infancy, and there’s lots of room for improvement in the future.


“Working in 3D, you’ve almost got a blank canvas. There aren’t answers. People haven’t done enough with 3D. There are huge numbers of possibilities.”


He continued: “If you want to get into an area of film where you can make up your own rules, 3D is a very good place to start.”


Read More: Best TVs 2014



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Best iPhone 6 Cases 2014: Latest cases tried and tested


Upgraded to an iPhone 6 or considering buying one soon? Then you’ll be needing a protective case to keep it from getting any unwanted scratches or marks. We've been busily trying out the latest iPhone 6 cases and covers so that you don’t have to.


As our iPhone 6 review explains, the handset sports a very different design from the iPhone 5, with a larger screen and a thinner, more rounded chassis. The big 4.7-inch display is superb, while the new software features and camera are also impressive.


The screen still isn’t quite as big as those on the Samsung Galaxy S5 or LG G3, but the iPhone 6 is still a large phone that really needs some form of protection.


Apple offers its own small selection of cases, one of which is on test here, but you can also get phone-protecting kit from the likes of Tech21, Spigen and Proporta to keep your iPhone safe.


While a case might seem like a simple product, there are plenty of elements that go into its design, and questions that need to be answered such as: "How much bulk will it add to the phone?" and "Can I get to the fingerprint scanner easily?"


We’ve taken a selection of the best iPhone 6 cases and covers around for a test spin to find out which ones are worthy of your cash.



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Apple Watch: 40m units to be produced for launch, reports claim


Apple may have ordered as many as 40 million Apple Watch chips, according to new reports.


DigiTimes has revealed that Apple’s supply chains are nearly ready start production on the Apple Watch components, with a launch date set for early 2015.


Citing chip suppliers involved in Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem, the report read: “Orders for chips for the Apple watch are estimated at 30-40 million units, the sources indicated.”


The Apple Watch’s chips are custom-built SiP – system-in-package – chips, which sees an entire computer architecture fitted onto a single, tiny chip.


The chip is called the ‘S1’, and will come encased in resin for added protection.


Due to the size constraints caused by the small form factor of a smartwatch, Apple can’t just repurpose it’s A-series chips that appear on its smartphone and tablet devices.


Other features landing with the Apple Watch include the new ‘digital crown’, a twistable side-button that smartwatch owners can use to operate the device.


There’s also an improved retina display landing on Apple’s upcoming wearable, capable of discerning finger pressure. This means different screen-poking pressures can translate to different input commands.


There’s also ‘taptic’ haptic feedback, Apple Pay functionality, and a raft of sensors to integrate with Apple Health.


The 40 million shipment figured touted in the report means Apple is clearly expecting huge demand for its flagship wearable.


Despite the smartwatch hype, there’s already an existing smorgasbord of wearables available from other OEMs available for purchase right now, including the Moto 360 and the Sony Smartwatch 3 .


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date



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Samsung gives devs access to Smart Home and Digital Health


Samsung has just released developer kits for its Smart Home and Digital Health platforms.


Digital Health is Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Health-kit, offering a way for apps to track health metrics like activity, workout data, and food consumption.


It also syncs data with Samsung’s Cloud server and your Samsung account. Developers can then build their apps around this ecosystem using the new SDK, giving end-users a chance to enjoy enhanced fitness-focused content on mobile devices.


The South Korean tech firm has also made a wearable called the Simband available to developers.


The Simband what Samsung calls reference hardware. It's a basic design that developers can use with the software platform to test out their programming wares.


Samsung also hopes it will have new and unusual sensors crammed into it by developers to boost innovation in wearables.


Won-Pyo Hong, Samsung’s Presient and Head of Media Solutions, said: “Our news today highlights the exciting developments occurring at Samsung and its growing ecosystem of developers and partners, across a wide range of technologies.”


He added: “We remain committed to enabling developers to create innovative solutions that ultimately improve consumer lifestyles.”


Also on show was a new ‘bio processor’ that Samsung reckons will make it easy to add health monitoring to next-gen wearables.


Samsung didn’t stop there though, and subsequently opened up its SDK for the Smart Home platform too.


Samsung Smart Home sets out to integrate as many electrical items around your house into one ecosystem, allowing you to control things like lighting and heating from your smartphone.


The grand unveiling of both SDKs took place at this year’s Samsung Developer Conference at Moscone West in San Francisco California.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date



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Samsung announces Flow for transfering content easily between devices

Samsung Flow

Samsung Flow (image credit: Gigaom)




Samsung has announced a new feature which will allow users to easily transfer content between the company’s array of mobile devices, computing products, televisions and wearables.


The Samsung Flow tech, announced at its Developer Conference on Wednesday, will make it easy to perform tasks like sending video from a Samsung phone to a tablet, or transfer a phone call to the Samsung television in the living room.


Samsung has explained that Flow will essentially be comprised of three main elements; firstly, Transfer makes it possible to easily shift web content, emails or phone calls to another gadget.


The Defer element is geared towards enabling users to complete tasks at their leisure. For example, Galaxy smartphone users could ‘Defer’ a movie to watch it on the main television set when they get home, or fix a PowerPoint slide when they get to work.


The final component is Notify, which will push notifications to all of your devices. Incoming phone calls will pop up on the TV set, for example, which could be helpful if the phone is in another room or on silent. Users will also see messages and low battery notifications on their other devices, meaning if your smartphone is running low you could get a notification on your Samsung computer or smartwatch.


Samsung has released the Flow SDK to Android developers today, so with any luck Flow will be built into future iterations of apps for Galaxy handsets, tablets ans wearables.


The tech will be seen as Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Continuity and Handoff features, which is designed to make it easier to move content between iOS 8 and Mac OS X Yosemite.


Read more: Samsung Galaxy S5 review


Via: Gigaom



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Android 5.0 Lollipop now landing on Nexus devices

Android Lollipop

Lollipop: Nexus owners can suck it and see




Google has announced its Android 5.0 Lollipop update has started to hit the company’s own-branded Nexus devices.


In a tweet send out from the official Android app on Wednesday evening, Google says the latest version of the operating system will soon be available on ‘most’ Nexus devices.


The software maker hasn’t revealed which Nexus devices are first in line, but it seems certain the current Nexus 7 tablet as well as the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 handsets will be at the front of the queue.


Nexus owners can manually check by heading into the Android settings and selecting System Updates, then Check Now.


The news comes after a small sample of Motorola Moto G users became the first to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, ahead of Nexus devices.


Earlier this week the LG G3 was tipped to take the honours as the first existing smartphone to rock the new OS.


Of course the Nexus 6, which is already available in the US and will hit the UK soon is only handset so far to come with Android 5.0 built in. The Nexus 9 takes that honour for tablets.


Meanwhile, Google Search for Android has been updated with the Material Design UI and a host of new features. The app enables “OK Google” searches to begin when the handset is locked and unplugged from the mains (Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Galaxy Note 4 only). Users can also ask the app to flip a coin with an “OK Google” command.


It also boasts more efficient reminders, by notifying users of things they mean to follow up on, while there’s also a host more Google Now cards to enjoy.


Has your Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 started received the update yet? Share your experiences in the comments section below and be sure to read our full Android 5.0 Lollipop review.


Read more: iPhone 6 Plus vs Nexus 6


Via: Gigaom



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Samsung reveals Project Beyond 360-degree 3D camera for new VR experiences

Gear VR

Project Beyond will provide exciting new content for the Gear VR headset




Samsung has announced a new 360-degree video camera module in order to create virtual reality worlds for wearers of its Gear VR headset.


The camera, christened Project Beyond, was announced at the Korean tech firm’s 2014 Developer Conference.


It will enable users to capture full 360-degree video in 3D, meaning Gear VR owners will instantly be able to jump into worlds captured by the camera.


It'll contain 16 full HD cameras, high speed connectivity, ultra-wide angle lenses, a top camera and a verstiile mount, all packed within a portable package.


Samsung says the module would be able to live stream footage, allowing Gear VR users to see whatever the camera sees, in real time, from any angle.


The Project Beyond camera would also be able to record footage, allowing for the virtual reality experience to be joined at a later date.


The portable camera module has already been carted around San Francisco (of course) and a few other locations within the state of California, which can be experienced by owners of the Gear VR headset.


The newsworthy announcement certainly raises the stakes for Samsung’s VR plans and this seems like a major development.


More details will surely emerge in due time, but Project Beyond definitely seems like one to watch. Is the era where we can go anywhere at any time almost upon us?


Read more: Is Sony's Project Morpheus headset ready for prime time


Via: The Verge



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New Twitter users to get ‘instant timelines’ in 2015


Twitter is planning to pre-populate the timelines of new users with tweets from interesting accounts, in a bid to help them to become accustomed with the social network.


For the first time, newbies will not be required to seek out new accounts to follow as soon as they sign up to the service.


This may help to lower the entry level for those bracing the social network and perhaps encourage them to stick with Twitter for longer.


It is not clear how Twitter will determine how to populate the timelines of users but it seems reasonable to suggest new users will be polled about their interests during the sign-up process.


The change in tact was announced by Twitter’s Dick Costolo at the company’s first investor day, as per a Wall Street Journal reporter.


Vidal Goel tweeted: “New Twitter users will get an instant timeline, no need to follow anyone, says @dickc.”


However, that’s not the switch in the cards. According to the same source, Twitter also plans to completely revamp its Direct Messages portal in early 2015.


Without elaborating, Goel added: “Major improvements to Twitter's private messaging coming this quarter.”


Murmours of a standalone Twitter messaging service have been doing the rounds for the last year or so, so perhaps Twitter plans to make messaging less of an afterthought and more of a rival to the likes of Facebook and WhatsApp.


Read more: Twitter now has 284m monthly users, but is growth strong enough?


Via:
The Next Web



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Samsung sues Nvidia over fudged Tegra K1 benchmarks


Samsung is taking legal aim at Nvidia to settle a score over what the firm reckons are misleading Tegra K1 benchmark results.


The South Korean tech firm says Nvidia made false claims about the true speed of its mobile processor, as well as violating six Samsung patents.


According to Samsung, Nvidia’s claims that the Shield tablet has ‘the world’s fastest mobile processor’ are false.


Instead, Sammy reckons its own Exynos 5433 trumps the Shield’s Tegra K1, based on several benchmark results.


The Exynos 5433 is Samsung’s top-end mobile processor, and trumps most other competitor chips – all except for the Tegra K1.


While the Exynos did indeed beat the Tegra K1 on a handful of benchmarks, Nvidia’s chip scored top spot in an overwhelming majority of tests.


Samsung is also suing Velocity Micro, a small Virginia-based Nvidia customer, in regards to eight patent infringements, including the six Nvidia is being sued over.


Nvidia claims the main reason Velocity has been included in the suit is to keep the lawsuit in Virginia, due to it having a relatively speedy time-to-trial as far as US states go.


It’s unfortunate that Samsung sued Velocity. This isn’t Velocity’s fight,” said David Shannon, Nvidia’s executive VP.


“It can be a dangerous strategy for one of the largest companies on the planet to decide to sue one of the smallest companies in all of Virginia,” he added.


It’s also important to remember that Nvidia is already amidst its own lawsuit target at Samsung.


September saw litigations begin over alleged infringements of Nvidia GPU patents on the part of Samsung.


Nvidia went as far as requesting the sale of a selection of Samsung devices banned in the USA, including the Samsung Galaxy S5, the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Tab S, and the Galaxy Note 3.


The US International Trade Commission is currently setting up to investigate Nvidia’s allegations.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date


Via: Nvidia



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Smartphones to get Intel wireless charging early next year


Intel will be launching its own wireless charging technology as soon as next year, new reports reveal.


Better yet, the new Intel-stamped solutions will be shipping in actual smartphones, although it’s not yet clear which handsets will make use of the tech.


According to FocusTaiwan, Intel’s general manager of wireless charging Kumar Chinnaswamy confirmed that several smartphones have been certified as ‘ready to go’ with the firm’s in-house solution.


Chinnaswamy also revealed that devices demanding healthier portions of juice, i.e. tablets and notebooks, would be getting Intel charging functionality in the second half of the year.


The Intel charging don says the firm wants to focus on mid-to-high-end laptops first, with a ‘no wires’ future being possible for low-end tech by 2016 or 2017.


He added that these notebooks in question would be running Intel’s own low-power Core M chips.


While it’s not confirmed exactly how Intel’s charging system will work, the company is backing a standards organisation called Alliance for Wireless Power, which is promoting magnetic resonance technology.


It’s likely that Intel’s own systems will use the same technology to power up consumer devices.


A4WP has 135 members signed onto its scheme currently, including Qualcomm, Samsung, Asus, and Acer.


The Alliance is currently battling with the Wireless Power Consortium, owners of Qi, for wireless charging standard dominance.


WPC currently has 137 members signed up across 15 countries, with north of 100 products certified with Qi.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date



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Samsung Galaxy S6 to use superfast next-gen storage, reports say


New reports suggest Samsung is going to switch up its storage strategy with the Samsung Galaxy S6.


The currently unconfirmed flagship is tipped to use UFS, also known as Universal Flash Storage, the next evolution in NAND storage.


UFS would be a big leap for Samsung’s smartphones, with the storage tech offering higher speed transfers, easier integration into embedded apps, and lower power consumption compared to SD cards to you.


It’s specifically tailored for mobile apps, designed to offer high performance while keeping battery drain to a minimum.


It works by combining a super-fast solid state drive with a low-power embedded multimedia card.


The new storage standard should be good for 1.2GB/s transfers, a far cry from the 400MB/s offered by current eMMC fare.


The report says Samsung will ‘gradually replace’ internal and external memory cards in its consumer goods, including smartphones and tablets.


A Samsung insider was reported as saying: “UFS is an important element for our smartphone business next year. We will start the application centering on flagship smartphones.”


He continued: “However, we cannot disclose any details because the time of a new smart phone release next year and specifications of this new model have not been finalised.”


The tipster revealed Samsung would be mass-producing UFS Flash storage at the end of 2014, and should have it ready in time for a flagship launching next year (read: Samsung Galaxy S6).


Super-charged storage isn't the only fresh tech rumoured for the Galaxy S6. We recently heard that the fast-approaching blower might tout a double-edged screen, trumping the oddball Galaxy Note Edge.


Read More: Sony Xperia Z4 release date


Via: Etnews, GForGames



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Sony VPL-VW300ES Projector Review


What is the Sony VPL-VW300ES?


The VW300ES is potentially the most exciting 4K product yet. It’s a native 4K/UHD projector using Sony’s impressive SXRD technology that can be yours for the astonishingly reasonable sum of £5850. Which begs just one question, really: what’s the catch?

Sony VPL-VW300ES – Design and Features


The VW300ES doesn’t show any outward signs of compromise. Its large, bulky, vaguely elliptical shape with its central lens and front-mounted cooling grilles make the VW300ES basically identical in appearance to its much more expensive VW500ES 4K sibling.

Sony VW300ES

Connections are tucked down the projector’s left side (as you look at it), and comprise two HDMIs, an Ethernet port, a USB service port, a 9-pin RS-232 port for integrating into wider home entertainment control systems, an IR input, and two 12v trigger outputs. Please note, however, that you don't get a typical three-line component video input on the VW300ES, or a D-Sub PC port.

Inside the VW300ES is a ‘true’ 4K video engine. By which we mean that you get 4096 x 2160 pixels on its SXRD chips rather than the 3840 x 2160 pixels of so-called 4K TVs – more accurately called UHD (Ultra High Definition) TVs.


Of course, essentially all of the 4K/UHD content that’s slowly creeping through is arriving in the 3840 x 2160 format, but don’t worry; the VW300ES doesn’t engage nasty scaling processing to remap such sources to its true 4K resolution. Rather it just doesn’t use the extreme edges of its chips – something you’ll notice if you use the provided built-in test patterns when setting the projector up.


The SXRD chips at the VW300ES’s heart are unusually well set up for 4K playback. They need hardly any gap between each pixel and respond fast enough – in theory, at least – to react to changing image content without causing 4K-damaging blur and resolution loss.


We’ve also noticed Sony’s SXRD chips coming on leaps and bounds in contrast terms over the past couple of years – but actually this is one area we do feel concerned about with the VW300ES, as it doesn’t employ a dynamic iris arrangement like the step-up VW500ES does. Underlining our concerns is the way Sony doesn’t give a claimed contrast ratio figure for the VW300ES, while it’s perfectly happy to go public with the 200,000:1 contrast figure claimed for the VW500ES.


It’s worth considering, though, that not having a dynamic iris could lead to a more stable-looking image and potentially less operating noise.


SEE ALSO: Best Surround Sound Systems Round-up


Sony VW300ES


The lack of a dynamic iris and resulting drop in contrast isn’t the only difference between the VW300ES and its more expensive VW500ES sibling. Its maximum brightness is also 200 Lumens down on the 1700 Lumens delivered by the more expensive projector, and you don’t get the VW500ES’s auto-calibration feature.


One other key cutback on the VW300ES is lens memory, meaning that people with ‘cinemascope’-ratio (2.35/2.4:1) screens can’t establish different, easy-to-access sets of zoom and focus parameters for the many different aspect ratios the movie world uses.


Another slight limitation – although this is one the VW300ES actually shares with Sony’s other 4K projectors to date – is that despite carrying an HDMI 2.0 socket with HDCP 2.2 support, the VW300ES’s chroma subsampling support tops out at 4:2:0 rather than the full 4:4:4 system. To be fair, though, the VW300ES is far from alone in this regard, and it doesn’t mean that the VW300ES won’t necessarily be able to deliver natural and punchy colours. Especially as it still employs Sony’s Triluminos technology for delivering a wider colour gamut than typical projectors.


The VW300ES also joins the VW500ES in supporting 3D playback, and while no 3D glasses are included you don’t necessarily have to buy a pair of Sony’s TDG-BT500A models – Sony is part of the 3D glasses initiative, so you should be able to use other brands of active 3D glasses you may already own if they’re compatible with this initiative. We had no problem getting a pair of Samsung’s latest 3D TV glasses to work with the VW300ES.


The VW300ES even introduces a new feature not originally found on the VW500ES: a video game-friendly low latency mode designed to reduce the time it takes for the projector to produce its images. This is a potentially very welcome move given that input lag measured a little high on the VW500ES – and actually it’s a feature that can now be added to the VW500ES via a firmware update.


SEE ALSO: Best Blu-ray Players Round-up


Sony VPL-VW300ES – Setup


The VW300ES is fairly easy to set up on a basic level, for the simple reason that, as with Sony’s latest TVs, it features a well-thought-out and sensitively calibrated set of picture presets. Film 1 and Film 2 are especially useful for dark-room viewing, although it’s also good to see Sony being pragmatic enough to include a bright, more heavily saturated TV mode for viewing video content in relatively bright conditions.

Sony VW300ES


If you want to go beyond the presets into something more specifically optimised for your room conditions, though, then the VW300ES is reasonably well set up for that, too. It’s got 10 different gamma-correction settings, for instance, including the 1.8, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6 values. It’s got four different colour temperature presets, multiple colour-space settings including BT.709, and multiple settings for Sony’s MotionFlow motion processing – which is definitely one of the more accomplished examples of this sometimes dark video art. There are also multiple ‘strength’ settings for a useful contrast-enhancer system, and you can switch the lamp between low and high brightness outputs.


When it comes to the rather more straightforward business of getting the image to the right size and right position for your screen, the VW300ES handily provides fully motorised lens controls for zoom, focus and vertical/horizontal optical shift. We did find it a little tricky to get the focus exactly right using the automated controls, but with a little toing and froing we got there in the end.



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Amazon won’t charge Prime members extra for 4K content

Alpha House

Original series like Alpha House will be available in 4K




Amazon has promised Prime Instant Video subscribers they will not be charged extra for watching Ultra HD content through the service.


Earlier this year the company agreed distribution deals with the likes of Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, Samsung, Disney and Lionsgate in order to show 4K content through its streaming service.


Unlike its great rival Netflix’s offerings, Amazon customers will not see an increase in the bill for watching movies and television at the higher resolution.


Netflix customers will need to pay $11.99 a month in the US, which is a $4 increase on the current tariff, if they wish to access 4K content. That's a decision which has already drawn plenty of criticism.


Amazon’s stance makes buying a 4K television a more attractive proposition for customers who’re currently worried about the amount of content currently available.


Michael Paull, Amazon’s Vice President of Digital Video said: "We want to be the best entertainment destination for customers. We’re confident that offering Ultra HD content, whether it’s a TV series or a film, will help create the ultimate viewing experience and can’t wait to start making it available this year.


“We’ve already announced that the Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE! concert will be available in the premium resolution as well as Amazon Original Series including Transparent, Alpha House and the upcoming Mozart in the Jungle series, and we’re excited to unveil even more titles that Prime members and customers can watch in Ultra HD later this year and into next year.


"Amazon Prime members will have access to a great selection of Ultra HD content on Prime Instant Video at no additional cost.”


Do content creators and providers have a right to charge more for 4K content or are they holding back the proliferation of 4K TVs? Let us know your thoughts below.


Read more: Netflix vs Amazon Prime Instant Video


Via: Slashgear



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Microsoft releases patch for huge Windows vulnerability


Microsoft has issued a ‘critical patch’ for a potentially seriously vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Windows.


According to Microsoft, the so-called ‘Schannel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability’ could allow an attacker to remotely run any piece of code they wished on a user’s machine.


The issue is quite far ranging as the patch has been issued for users with machines running Windows Server 2003/2008/2012, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and Windows RT.


The company says server and workstation machines running an affected version of Schannel - which deals with encryption and authentication within Windows - are most at risk from the issue.


The good news right now is that Microsoft claims it is not aware of anyone taking advantage of the vulnerability.


Microsoft says there is no workaround or ways to prevent the attack. The only way for the security hole to be plugged is to download the patch from Windows Update at the earliest possible opportunity.


Explaining the problem, Microsoft wrote: “A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Secure Channel (Schannel) security package due to the improper processing of specially crafted packets. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.


“When this security bulletin was issued, Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Schannel sanitizes specially crafted packets.


Users can open the Windows Update portion of their operating system now in order to safeguard their servers.


The issue invokes memories of the Heartbleed OpeSLL vulnerability which forced internet users into changing their online passwords en masse earlier this year.


Read more: Windows 10 Technical Preview: First Impressions


Via:
The Next Web



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Apple sued over former iPhone users’ lost messages


Apple is facing a lawsuit in the United States over an iMessages issue that prevented mobile users receiving text messages after leaving iOS for Android or other rival platforms.


The issue resulted from then-iPhone users registering their mobile numbers to the iMessage service. After eschewing their handsets for Android, users’ messages would not be received on the new device.


Apple did not inform users of this potential disruption, but finally released a tool allowing former iPhone users to deregister their numbers from iMessage earlier this week.


However, that late move is not enough for Judge Lucy Koh (of the Apple-Samsung trials fame) who says a lawsuit filed this year in relation to the issue should now be allowed to go ahead.


The plaintiff Adrienne Moore claims the blocking of messages disrupted her service with Verizon when she opted to switch from an iPhone 4 to a Samsung Galaxy S5 in April.


According to Moore, who is claiming unspecified damages, Apple is at fault for failing to reveal the issue to users who left the iPhone platform. Judge Koh says the case deserves to be heard in court.


The Judge wrote: “Plaintiff does not have to allege an absolute right to receive every text message in order to allege that Apple's intentional acts have caused an actual breach or disruption of the contractual relationship.”


In filings to the court Apple says it never claimed iOS 5 users would be able to receive messages when switching to rival platforms, but most would expect that goes without saying.


Apple has not responded to requested for comment on this latest development but it appears we’re all set for another legal battle involving the Cupertino-based firm.


Read more: iOS 8 tips, tricks and secrets


Via: Reuters



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YouTube secures crucial deal with indie labels for streaming service

YouTube

The YouTube streaming service 'leaked' earlier this summer




Google has seemingly removed one of the last major barriers to launching the long-awaited YouTube music streaming service.


The web video giant has agreed terms with the Merlin rights agency, which represents thousands of independent record labels around the world.


The agreement will give the service access to music from XL recordings, which represents Adele, and also Domino, the Arctic Monkeys' label.


YouTube had already made agreements with the major labels, Universal, Sony and Warner and this latest accord gives it a full house.


The deal, according to a report in the Financial Times, ends months of bitter negotiations which saw YouTube threaten to remove the revenue-creating videos of artists whose labels refused to adhere to the terms offered. A compromise has now apparently been reached.


The company now seems all set to launch the streaming service and go on to rival the likes of Spotify, Rdio, Beats Music and the rest of the gang.


The FT says the paid YouTube subscription service will start to reach reach users in the next couple of weeks. Subscribers will then be able to listen to tunes, watch music videos and save music for offline listening without commercial interruption.


YouTube’s plans to enter the streaming sector comes during a growing debate over whether services like Spotify are helping or hindering artists.


Taylor Swift has removed her entire back catalogue from Spotify, claiming it fails to compensate artists and writers properly. Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek says his service saved music from piracy.


Where do you stand?


Read more: Opinion: Why musicians hate Spotify



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Spotify fires back over Taylor Swift’s boycott

Swift

Taylor Swift has decided against distributing her music on Spotify




Spotify has issued a ‘Swift’ rebuttal over pop star Taylor’s decision to remove her back catalogue from the popular music streaming service.


The hugely popular Shake It Off singer announced she was abstaining from Spotify last week, claiming the service does not fairly compensates writers and artists for their music.


In a lengthy response Spotify CEO Daniel Ek pointed out that it licenses every song available through the service and has so far paid out more than $2 billion in royalties to artists.


“That’s two billion dollars’ worth of listening that would have happened with zero or little compensation to artists and songwriters through piracy or practically equivalent services if there was no Spotify,” he wrote.


Within the post Ek claims the alternative to the funds dished out by Spotify is the zero revenue artists bring in through privacy. Ek is now worried those who streamed Swift’s music through Spotify will now go back to sites like The Pirate Bay.


“You can’t look at Spotify in isolation,” he wrote. “Even though Taylor can pull her music off Spotify (where we license and pay for every song we’ve ever played), her songs are all over services and sites like YouTube and Soundcloud, where people can listen all they want for free.


“To say nothing of the fans who will just turn back to pirate services like Grooveshark. And sure enough, if you looked at the top spot on The Pirate Bay last week, there was 1989 [Swift’s latest album].”


Ek says that while listening and buying habits are changing, Spotify is ensuring artists are being paid for music again, saying: “We’re connecting artists to fans they would never have otherwise found, and we’re paying them for every single listen. We’re not just streaming, we’re mainstreaming now, and that’s good for music makers and music lovers around the world.”


Our own John Mundy weighed in last week, which side of the streaming debate do you fall on? Are services like Spotify saving or destroying music?


Read more: European musicians earning more from Spotify than iTunes



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Just Cause 3 announced ahead of 2015 release


Gamers rejoice, Just Cause 3 is official and it’s heading to your consoles next year.


Four years after Just Cause 2 landed, Square Enix has confirmed it is to revive one of its key franchises. Although an exact Just Cause 3 release date is still to be announced, it has been revealed the title will touch down in 2015.


Firmed up details on the next addition to the open-world action/adventure series are still thin on the ground, but the first screen from the title has surfaced as part of GameInformer's next mag cover.


Announcing the game, Square Enix has stated: “A new playground of chaos and destruction rockets to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC."


Based in a fictional Mediterranean archipelago, Just Cause 3 will see gamers enjoy an expansive open-world setting and be tasked with overthrowing a new, tyrannous leader.


With glorious mounds of grappling hook action promised alongside some serious shooting and parachuting action (at times combined), the game is to be built around the same, much loved elements as its predecessors.


As with the past franchise additions, Just Cause 3 is being developed by Swedish firm Avalanche.


That’s all we know about the game so far. Stay tuned to TrustedReviews for all the latest details on Just Cause 3.


Read More: Best Games 2014



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HTC One M8 given a blue-hued makeover


The HTC One M8 is a smartphone that oozes style and class, or at least it did. The phone’s Taiwanese manufacturer has transformed its flagship phone by painting it blue.


With the high-end handset having previously been offered in silver, gold and black colour schemes, the newly hued blue HTC One M8 has been formally unveiled as a Carphone Warehouse exclusive here in the UK.


Smurf-centric colour scheme aside, the brightly coloured handset is identically to its more traditionally toned siblings under the hood.


Packing a 5-inch, 1080p Full HD display alongside a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 801 processor, the One M8 is a direct rival to the likes of the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S5.


Adding an innovative (read bizarre) dual-lens 5-ultrapixel camera on the rear of the subtly curved, metal body, the handset’s specs sheet is further enhanced by 2GB of RAM, Android 4.4 KitKat and the option of 16GB or 32GB of internal storage – both expandable via microSD.


The HTC One M8 is second to none when it comes to usability and design so we have taken this one step further by making the phone available in a range of bold colours,” Peter Frølund, HTC’s UK and Nordics General Manager said in unveiling the device.


He added: “We are delighted to be able to arrange this exclusive with the Carphone Warehouse and offer the brand new Blue option in the UK, providing customers with even more choice to reflect their personal sense of style.”


With the HTC One M8 having launched earlier in the year, the flagship phone has come down in price significantly since launch.


Available for free on £28 per month, 24 month contracts, the blue M8 is paired with 500 any network minutes, unlimited texts and a disappointly low 500MB 4G data allowance.


For those happier to splash the cash up front, the device can also be snapped up SIM-free for £529.95.


Pink and red handset options have also previously been made available.



Read More:
HTC One M8 vs iPhone 6



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Samsung Galaxy Note Edge UK release green lit


A Samsung Galaxy Note Edge UK release is on the cards and has been green lit by the Korean manufacturer, latest reports have suggested.


Although Samsung has previously stated that the Note Edge will be a ‘limited edition concept device’, it has now been claimed the handset will touch down in a number of European territories – including the UK – in the near future.


At present, the innovative handset is only available in select Asian markets – Japan and Korea. However, the Note Edge, which features a bent AMOLED display wrapped around the phone’s right-hand edge, will touch down in the US this Friday, November 14.


Now, according to reports from SamMobile, Samsung has outlined the full list of territories set to be offered the device.


Joining the UK, it has been suggested Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy and France will be offered the Galaxy Note. Austria, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland and Luxembourg are also on the handset’s hit list of stopping off points. Samsung has yet to formally confirm these plans first hand.


While this list doesn’t give the Note Edge the ‘limited edition’ air Samsung had previously promised, the device will reportedly only be available in small numbers.


Although set to touch down on British shores, there is currently no word on a precise launch date.


We recently contacted Samsung regarding a potential Galaxy Note Edge UK release date and were told no precise information was currently available.


Pricing, however, is becoming clearer. According to the reports, the Note Edge will set wannabe owners back somewhere between €849 and €899 (£664 and £703).


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date



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OnePlus One pre-orders to recommence next week

OnePlus

OnePlus One will be available again on 17/11




The highly-rated OnePlus One phone will briefly be available for pre-order again next week, but only for one hour, the company has revealed.


The handset, from upstart manufacturer OnePlus, caused a stir in the smartphone world with its top specs and performance for an affordable price tag.


The device has proved popular, with half a million sales globally, but availability had been limited to invite until it briefly went up for pre-order last month. That window wasn’t without its hitches so OnePlus will try again on Monday November 17, from 4pm-5pm GMT.


“Everything’s better the second time around,” the company joked on the OnePlus blog


“Last month, we launched our pre-order system as a chance to purchase the OnePlus One without an invite, and tens of thousands of fans became new One users. In the end, we experienced some server issues from the surge visitors to our site. Things could have gone better; but it was an invaluable learning experience for our entire team. That’s why we’re back with our second round of pre-orders.”


OnePlus has promised people who purchase the device while it is unstuck will see their devices shipped instantly, while others will be “automatically converted to a pre-order” and be issued with an estimated shipping date and will not be charged until the handset is on the way.


The company has also promised bundles of accessories can be purchased as a discount.


In a recent TrustedReviews test, we awarded the OnePlus One handset a hugely commendable 9/10 score.


We praised the high quality 5.5-inch 1080p screen, the power offered by the quad-core Snapdragon 801 and the value on offer to consumers at just £229.


Will you be jumping on the OnePlus One during the pre-order window next Monday? Let us know below.


Read more: The OnePlus Two handset has already been confirmed



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Watch the GTA V PS4 and Xbox One launch trailer

GTA 5

GTA 5 arrives on PS4 and Xbox One on November 18




Rockstar Games has released a brand new launch trailer for the forthcoming Sony PS4 and Xbox One version of the Grand Theft Auto 5 .


The long-awaited next-gen console release date finally arrives on November 18, while the Windows version will be released on January 27.


The minute-long trailer will also be released on television in the week leading up to the launch, Rockstar says.


The Xbox One and PS4 releases follow a hugely successful launch on the previous-generation consoles last winter. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions has sold 34 million to date.


Those who have pre-ordered the game get $1,000,000 of in-game money to spend, which is split between Story Mode and GTA Online.


Read more: Xbox One vs PS4



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Instagram update finally adds option to edit captions

Insta

Instagram users can now edit their captions




Instagram users can spend hours pouring over the filters, tilt shift options, crops and the multitude of editing photo editing options. However, one misplaced finger while typing the caption can often undo that photographic perfection.


Until now.


The makers of the Facebook-owned photo-sharing have issued an update for iOS and Android allowing users to edit those captions after the photo has been posted.


Now, rather than delete the photo and repost it, or add an apologetic secondary caption, users can fix those typos and add an extra hashtag to ensure the photo reaches the largest possible audience.


The company wrote on its official blog: “In addition to the updates to Explore, we’ve added the ability to go back and edit captions on your posts. When you share a moment to Instagram, a typo shouldn’t get in the way. This has been one of the top requests that we’ve heard from the community, and we’re excited to finally bring it to you today. You’ll find a new “Edit” option in the menu beneath your image. Tap it to edit your caption.”


Alongside the additional editing tools, Instagram has also tweaked the Explore section, which will now feature two tabs: Photos and People.


The first will remain as before, featuring images that fit in with your own posts and the people you follow, while the new People tab “highlights interesting accounts for you to discover.”


Users will also be able to add in or edit a location after the fact.


The new app is available to download from the App Store and the Google Play store from today.


Read more: Have you checked out Instagram's new Hyperlapse app?



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New iOS vulnerability could see legit apps replaced with malware


A new security vulnerability within Apple’s iOS software could allow for apps containing malware to be loaded over the top of legitimate apps, according to new research.


Security researchers at FireEye have identified the ‘Masque Attack’ as a way for attackers to sideload apps onto iPhones from links to items outside of the App Store.


The vulnerability, according to the research, comes through Apple’s enterprise/ad-hoc provisioning system, which enables users to install applications from links within texts or emails instead of going through the official portal.


The iOS provision profiles are used to allow developers to share beta versions with users or by companies to distribute applications to their employees. Users must have a provisioning profile installed on their phone in order to be vulnerable to the attack.


As explained in the video below, users may receive an SMS asking them to download a ‘New Flappy Bird’ version, asking users to follow a link to download the app.


Instead of giving versions a new version of Flappy Bird, the link could secretly dub over an app like the official Gmail app. The researchers claim users would be none-the-wiser.


The flaw comes as Apple does not “enforce matching certificates for apps with the same bundle identifier” according to FireEye.


“In one of our experiments, we used an in-house app with a bundle identifier “com.google.Gmail” with a title “New Flappy Bird”. We signed this app using an enterprise certificate. When we installed this app from a website, it replaced the original Gmail app on the phone,” the post read.


In theory, if the app replaces the legitimate version cyber-criminals could steal log in credentials by accessing the original app’s local data. This could be especially damaging if the app was for banking.


“Surprisingly, the malware can even access the original app's local data, which wasn't removed when the original app was replaced. These data may contain cached emails, or even login-tokens which the malware can use to log into the user's account directly,’ the post read.


“We have seen proofs that this issue started to circulate. In this situation, we consider it urgent to let the public know, since there could be existing attacks that haven’t been found by security vendors. We are also sharing mitigation measures to help iOS users better protect themselves.”


Those mitigation measures involve iOS users checking their settings to see if they have any provisioning profiles installed on their device by going to Settings > General > Profiles, although iOS 8 does not show the provisioning profiles.


Read more: iOS 8 review


Via: MacRumors



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Facebook Messenger hits 500m active users


Facebook users have, begrudgingly it seems, accepted the requirement to download the company’s standalone Messenger app.


The firm today announced it has now reached half a billion active users after shutting off access to the chat portion of the main app back in August.


{pullquote}The decision prompted a backlash from some more vocal users, as well as sparking a moral panic over privacy worries associated with the Messenger app’s permissions{/pullquotes}.


The Messenger app was launched initially in 2011, but only made compulsory this summer. It not only offers the opportunity to share text messages with individuals and groups, but also photos, videos, stickers and free calls over Wi-Fi and 3G.


“With Messenger, you can reach people instantly,” the company wrote on its Newsroom blog. “It is just as fast as SMS but gives you the ability to express yourself in ways that SMS can’t. You can send stickers or videos, take selfies, chat with groups and make free calls.


“We’ve also continued to improve speed and reliability. Updates to Messenger ship every two weeks so it continues to evolve and improve.


“This is an exciting milestone but with a half billion people relying on Messenger to communicate and connect, it is also a reminder that there is so much left for us to do.”


Have you held firm against Facebook’s tactics and sacrificed your ability to use chat on your phone? Or have you caved in and become one of the 500m? Share your feelings below.


Read more: Facebook has made it easier to mute your annoying friends



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Activision to reboot Tony Hawk series with new game in 2015

Tony Hawk Project 8

Tony Hawk's Project 8 from 2006. Better graphics assured from the next title...




Tony Hawk has just announced a new title in his eponymous game series, courtesy of Activision.


The legendary pro skater outed the game on Twitter, writing “I’m currently working with Activision on a console game for 2015.”


He added: “I think fans of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series will be hyped.


The last Hawk-officiated title on consoles was Pro Skater HD in 2012, which landed across PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii.


Pro Skater HD was a re-release of the original Pro Skater games, featuring high-definition revamps of classic levels.


The last title in Tony Hawk’s main series of games was Proving Ground, which launched in 2007 to lukewarm critical reception.


Tony Hawk kicked off his game-endorsing career back in 1999 with the original Pro Skater title, seeing play on the PlayStation, the Nintendo 64, the Dreamcast, the Game Boy Colour, and the N-Gage.


Pro Skater 1, 2, and 3 were all developed by Neversoft, a subsidiary of Activision that was merged into Infinity Ward in May this year.


Hawk also revealed he was working on a new mobile game, replacing Shred Session on iOS which he said had been ‘put on hold indefinitely.’


Read More: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare first impressions



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LG G4 could bend, G5 could fold, G6 could roll


Display enthusiasts rejoice – LG has unveiled its product roadmap for the next few years, and it shows off a smorgasbord of next-gen screen technology.


In 2015, the South Korean firm has tipped bending displays, and we’re guessing they don’t mean iPhone 6 Plus style.


It’s not clear whether LG means the phone can be bent in your hands, or if they’re referring to over-edge screens like the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge boasts.


The short time-span LG has applied to the bendy-screen tech could mean it shows up on the LG G3.


Alternatively, it could debut as a more abstract handset like 2013’s LG G Flex, which touted a curved screen.


Moving on to 2016 and we’re looking at LG-stamped foldable displays. This could mean multiple things – folding out your smartphone into a tablet, for instance.


You could also bend up half of your tablet to make it sit more like a laptop, negating the need for added keyboard peripherals.


Far off into 2017 and there’s whispers of rollable screens. That’s pretty uncharted territory as far as displays go, but it would be great to keep form factor down for larger screens during transit.


LG has also tipped rollable TVs to land around the same time. We’d imagine this means your tele would roll down much like today’s projector screens, sans the projector of course.


It’s all possible through the magic of plastic OLED, with LG talking up the display tech’s potential as ‘very promising.’


“LG Display is devoting its energy and resources to respond quickly to fast growing market and consumers’ needs in order to develop Plastic OLED to become the key OLED application technology in the future,” said the South Korean tech firm.


It seems that plastic OLED will play an important role in people’s everyday lives in the future.


It is, of course, very possible that none of these device applications will actually come to fruition, but it’s good to know that LG’s got some funky concepts in the works at the very least.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date



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Razer Nabu to get wordless messaging with Ping app


Wordless communication service Ping could be coming to Razer’s Nabu smartband, the creator of the app told TrustedReviews.


The Ping app, which launched just last week, is already being developed to work on the wearable device - due to launch this year.


Muslim Shortanov, the mind behind the Ping, told us there’s ‘huge potential’ with the app for the Nabu, revealing that it would ‘work very well with all wearables.’


The Ping app is currently available for free on iOS and Android, and has a singular function – send a ping to a friend.


It’s not dissimilar to ‘Yo’, although Shortanov assured us his team ‘aren’t trying to copy’ it, with the Ping app offering a far more barebones solution to messaging.


Ping is more simple. Ping is pure wordless. There is no word, not even ‘Yo’,” Shortanov explained. “We invented Ping in 2012, not now. We used it but didn’t launch the public version because we had a lot of different things to do.”


Shortanov also talked TrustedReviews through his reasons behind wordless messaging, revealing: “I believe that people are busy, overloaded by information flow. Ping is a wordless app. It’s like a pager.”


He continued: “It’s a good delicate way to keep in touch, to stay in touch, and to remember each other, but without interrupting your work.”


“But you say nothing. That’s what we believe. I don’t check my WhatsApp or SMS, it creates a bad mood.


We're in assuredly safe hands with the Ping app too - Shortanov is a seasoned Russian technologist, having helped found Russia's first ISP in the nineties.


Razer’s Nabu smartwatch, currently in beta-testing, should be set to launch within the next few weeks, and boasts a 128 x 32 OLED display, an accelerometer, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and 5 to 7 days of battery life.


Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date



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Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Phone Review


What is the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact?


The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is a 4.6-inch Android phone and the baby brother of the 5.5-inch Xperia Z3. It's also the successor to the excellent Xperia Z1 Compact. If you're wondering where the Z2 Compact is, well, Sony seems to have skipped a generation, leaving us expecting something of a revolution with this latest instalment.

Sadly the Z3 Compact is no revolutionary, but when you compare it to the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini the HTC One Mini 2 and other similarly sized Android phones, it's still the handset that manages to cram flagship features into a more pocket-friendly body.


You get the same powerful overall performance as the Xperia Z3, plus the same impressive camera and mammoth battery life, at a saving of more than £100.


Watch our Sony Xperia Z3 Compact video


SEE ALSO: Best Mobile Phones Round-up


Sony Xperia Z3 Compact – Design


While the Z1 Compact was pretty much a clone of the Z1, it's not quite the same story for the Z3 Compact. It retains most of the Z3's good looks, but you do have to make one compromise: more plastic. It's not a deal-breaker, but it does feel like a backwards step from Sony.

It still has the tempered glass on the back and front, and the latches protecting the key ports to give it the same waterproof certification as the Z3, but it's on the sides where things are different. The anodised aluminium trim used on the full-fat Z3 has been swapped for a cheaper-looking translucent plastic that takes away some of the Compact’s overall sheen.


The red colouring of the version we tested certainly made the change in materials more noticeable, which dropped the Compact some style points. If you're hoping for something as elegantly constructed as the Z3, you might be a bit disappointed. Over time, though, you do quickly forget it’s there, and it actually gives the handset a more robust, durable build.




Xperia Z3 Compact, HTC One Mini 2 and S5 Mini


There’s more similarities to be found with the bigger Z3, such as Sony’s Omnibalance design emphasised by the aluminium standby button and more subtly curved look. The Z3 Compact is available in white, black and green versions as well, and we have no doubt that the black and white versions would do a much better job of de-emphasising that plastic trim.


It has the same rounded corners as the Z3, to help improve protection against accidental drops – that glass back likes to slip around when left on soft material surfaces.


It also includes the same front-facing speakers above and below the screen bezel, which means there's less chance of cupping the speakers, as can be the case when they're placed on the back. One issue with the speakers, however, is that they have a habit of trapping muck and dirt. It's a similar story at the top of the phone where the bezel meets the plastic trim. The gap is just big enough to suffer from the same problem.


One thing we highlighted with the Z3 is the busy nature of the body, and again the mostly minimal design is broken up by buttons, latches, the five-pin 3.5mm headphone jack and the magnetic dock connecter that we're pretty sure nobody uses.


At 8.6mm thick, it’s not as slim as the Z3's 7.3mm, but weighing just 129g it matches the iPhone 6. While the Apple is a different proposition to hold, the Z3 Compact is similarly easy to grip and use in one hand.


Compared to the S5 Mini and the One Mini 2, we’d still opt for the HTC phone for pure design, but despite the plastic trim, it’s a better-looking phone than the S5 Mini. Even without the metal edge, it’s still a nicely constructed, solid phone to use.


Z3 Compact


Sony Xperia Z3 Compact – Screen


Sony has moved from a 4.3-inch to 4.6-inch IPS LCD screen, so there’s a little more room to play with, but the resolution is the same 720p HD as the Z1 Compact's display. The pixel density has dropped down to 319ppi from 341ppi because of the change in size. It’s disappointing that Sony hasn’t matched the Z3’s Full HD display, but this is still good for a phone this size, and it matches what the competition currently offers.

As with the Z3, Sony is using the same Triluminous and X-Reality For Mobile display technologies inspired by its Bravia TV range, which improve sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy. Once again, colours can feel a little bit of an explosion, and thankfully Sony does let you tinker with this in the Display settings. For the many who won’t venture into those settings, it'd be nice for Sony to set it up with something more balanced and neutral.


The adaptive display setting adjusts the brightness depending on the environment and also makes sure you're not unnecessarily draining the battery. When you have to take the Xperia Z3 Compact outdoors in the bright sunlight it’s not all rosy and it still has some issues with glare, which means it’s not always the easiest to read on.


Against the S5 Mini and the One Mini 2, the Z3 Compact more than holds its own for sharpness, clarity and vibrancy. It can’t match the black levels on Samsung’s AMOLED display, but the improvements with contrast that Sony's made really shine through.


This is still one of the best 720p HD displays to glue your eyes to.



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