Lewis Hamilton: Technology in Formula 1 can distract from racing

Lewis Hamilton talk technology in Formula 1 (Picture Credit: Mercedes AMG)

Ahead of this weekend’s Monaco GP, Mercedes F1 star Lewis Hamilton has suggested increased levels of technology within the cars can distract drivers from racing.

Although not lowering the quality of racing or diminishing the skill levels required from the drivers, Hamilton has suggested the current levels of technology within a Formula One car can become a distraction, with racers forced to “juggle more things at the same time as driving.”

Entering the iconic Monaco GP on the back of a poor result in Spain, a race plague by tyre management issues, Hamilton has claimed that although a distraction, the ever increasing levels of in-car technology have not lowered the levels of racing.

“Technology doesn’t really take away from the pure driving side of things; you just need to get your head on top of that stuff,” Hamilton said speaking with TrustedReviews recently. “You have to be able to juggle more things at the same time as driving. If anything I would say that drivers nowadays are required to handle a lot more.”

A sport renowned as much for its technological advancements as its high-octane racing, glamorous lifestyles and iconic venues such as Monaco, Formula 1 has helped push a number of technologies that are used both in modern road cars and further afield.

With Formula 1 being a sport that is constantly evolving, Hamilton stated: “Every year they introduce more and more technology. As an example, on our steering wheels we now have 26 different buttons and switches and this covers everything from hydraulic differential, all the switch sensors that you can turn on and off and those kinds of things.”

Looking back on how Formula 1 has evolved over the year thanks in large to advancing technologies, Hamilton added: “I think in terms of pure racing, technology has always been involved.” Even back in Senna’s day there was still a lot of technology involved back then but obviously nowhere near the same level as we have today.”

Interested in car racing, check out the £125,000 Grid 2 video game that comes with its own real world 170mph sports car.

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iPad 5 release to follow September iPhone 5S launch

The next-gen iPad could be further away than expected

An iPad 5 release date could still be some way off, with latest reports suggesting the next-generation Apple tablet will not arrive until after an iPhone 5S launch in September.

With Apple reportedly saving its big hardware releases until later in the year, it has been claimed that an iPad 5 release date will follow the arrival of the Cupertino company’s next flagship smartphone and Samsung Galaxy S4 challenger. Although no precise launch period has been mentioned, it is still believed the remodelled tablet will land ahead of the lucrative Christmas period.

Citing unnamed supply chain sources, Asian tech blog Macotakara, has suggested that the “new iPad will be shipped after iPhone 5S.”

According to the anonymous tipster, the fifth-generation iPad tablet will play host to an integrated microphone and a cellular compatible standard SIM port, an addition that could see the device capable of making and receiving phone calls.

Earlier this week, similar sources suggested the iPhone 5S would be made available in a vast array of colours including gold, navy blue and grey. On top of this, the heavily rumoured budget iPhone will also reportedly play host to multiple colour options.

iPad 5 Rumours

One of the most eagerly awaited devices yet to be formally unveiled, iPad 5 rumours have been doing the rounds ever since the fourth-generation model was officially announced.

Widely expected to feature a completely remodelled slimmer, lighter brushed metal form factor similar to the iPhone 5 and iPad mini, the iPad 5 has leaked in prototype form on a number of occasions. Having slimmed down, the tablet has been tipped to feature a speedier processor than past models, with improved camera optics and the WWDC 2013 bound iOS 7 operating system thrown in for good measure.

Interested in a new iPad? Check out our iPad mini review

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Yahoo to continue spending spree with Hulu buyout?

Hulu is yet to launch in the UK. Would a Yahoo acquisition change that?

Web giant Yahoo is interested in acquiring the hugely popular US video streaming service Hulu, according to reports in the American media.

AllThingsD reports that, following Yahoo's $1.1 billion purchase of blogging service Tumblr earlier this week, Yahoo is looking to snap up yet another popular web 2.0 mainstay.

The Hulu TV service, which isn't available in the UK, but offers the best of US network television on free and paid subscriptions, has apparently been up for grabs for at least a year.

According to the report, Yahoo has submitted a bid for the video site, joining a host of US media heavyweights looking to grab the site, which has revolutionised catch-up TV in the US in much the same way the iPlayer and co. has in the UK.

AllThingsD reckons satellite provider DirecTV, conglomerate Time Warner Cable and others are also in the market for Hulu, which is currently part-owned by News Corp., Disney and Comcast.

If Yahoo were to agree a deal to take ownership of Hulu, it would continue the revitalisation of the former market leader in web services.

In March, Yahoo reportedly paid $30m in cash to British teenager Nick D'Aloisio for his Summly app and promptly integrated it into its own Yahoo News app.

It has also trimmed a host of its own services as it seeks to streamline the business.

Is Yahoo really on the path to web dominance once again or is it simply throwing mud at the wall hoping something will stick? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Microsoft and Google finally playing nice for new Windows Phone YouTube app

Google was unhapped with the ad-free YouTube app for Windows Phone

Tech heavyweights Microsoft and Google have patched up their differences and have begun working together on a new YouTube app for Windows Phone.

Google reacted angrily to Microsoft's unauthorised efforts to create a YouTube app for its smartphone platform earlier this month, demanding it be removed so advertisements could be added.

Microsoft promptly added the ability for advertisements to be displayed and that gesture seems to have encouraged Google to cut its rival some slack and finally join forces for an official app.

On Friday, Google issued a statement claiming the companies had found common ground and that the new an official YouTube app for Windows Phone would be coming in the next few weeks.

Microsoft said: "Microsoft and YouTube are working together to update the new YouTube for Windows Phone app to enable compliance with YouTube’s API terms of service, including enabling ads, in the coming weeks."

Google had previously demand that Microsoft completely remove the YouTube app from the Windows Store, but Redmond's willingness to comply seems to have softened the stance at Mountain View.

Google has yet to comment.

Via: The Verge

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Adidas miCoach Smartball confirmed for 2014 release

Adidas miCoach Smartball: The future of football has arrived

The Adidas miCoach Smartball has been officially showcased ahead of the Champions League Final, with the performance tracking, techy football confirmed for a 2014 release.

Set to hit retailers next year, the consumer targeted Adidas miCoach Smartball marks the future of football training, bringing the beautiful game into the modern, tech-filled era in style.

Capable of tracking all manner of performance metrics including strike zone, power, spin and trajectory, the Adidas miCoach Smartball talks with an iPhone enabled app, wirelessly transferring user data to be viewed and shared in an easily accessible and understandable manner.

“The Adidas miCoach Smartball is for the individual, it is a consumer targeted product, not a team targeted product. What we really wanted was to give everybody the best kicker on the team,” Christian DiBenedetto, Senior Innovation Director at Adidas said speaking with TrustedReviews.

He added: “This ball allows player to have flare, and what’s more, you can show your flare in your stats. It’s not just about how hard you can kick the ball, it’s about the skill.”



Adidas miCoach Smartball Features

A 32 panel premium grade football with a suspended sensor package and magnetometer, the Adidas miCoach Smartball sees innovative technology placed at the heart of the football, literally. Helping protect the important electronics from the inevitable pounding the ball takes, the sensor bundle at the centre of the ball is protected by a selection of force cushioning arms.

Capable of recording and analysing the forces placed on the ball when being kick and during its flight, the miCoach ball uses turns this data in to performance metrics, with the ball’s bend and trajectory able to be tracked precisely.

Needing to travel at least 10 metres to record kick data, the Adidas miCoach Smartball transfer individual kick data instantly via Bluetooth to a designated iPhone app.

Presenting all data in a user appeasing, easily understandable form, the miCoach football can be used alongside a selection of training or competition modes built within the apps, with personal highlights and best kicks able to be stored and shared via social networking accounts such as Twitter.

Given its gadgety innards, the Adidas miCoach Smartball comes paired with a wireless charging dock, allowing you to repower the balls data recording components with minimal fuss.



Adidas miCoach Smartball Release Date and Price

Having formally unveiled the ball at a London based event, DiBenedetto gave TrustedReviews insight into the Adidas miCoach Smartball release date stating: “We are looking at 2014 for launch. We haven’t nailed down when in 2014 yet though.”

Remaining cagey on a miCoach Smartball price, he added: “We haven’t nailed a price down yet either, we are still too far out.”

Further Reading: Adidas miCoach App Review

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iOS 7 to be “black, white and flat all over”

The iOS 7 redesign is tipped to be “black, white and flat all over” when the redesign launches at the annual WWDC next month.

Jony Ive’s complete design overhaul for Apple’s next mobile operating system could see iOS 7 launch in black and white with the realistic textures stripped back.

According to sources close to Apple, iOS 7 will be “black, white and flat all over”, with all the heavy textures dropped and monochrome UI features added.

Ive has already aired his dislike of the current skeuomorphic app designs introduced by Steve Jobs and former iOS chief Scott Forstall. In software design meetings with iOS developers, Ive has said he believes such texture-heavy designs don’t have long lasting user appeal.

So, he is rumoured to be abandoning the current iOS structure that users are familiar with in favour of a more clean and seamless design that keeps the iOS simplicity.

The following is the brief outline Ive is supposedly bringing to iOS 7:



iOS 7 Lock Screen

Ive is said to be dropping the transparent unlock bar, replacing it with a matt black interface. The pin code buttons will also be transformed into round black buttons with white borders and text.

The sources also suggest that it will be compatible with multi-touch gestures that will allow acces to different features.



iOS 7 Notifications

Gone will be the linen-esque texture of the notifications menu, instead featuring a dark grey or black background with white text.

iOS 7 could also introduce a great variety of widgets, building upon the weather and stocks information introduced in iOS 5, as well as a quick-access panel for Airplane Mode, Bluetooth and other functions like Android.

iOS 7 Home Screen

The majority of the iOS 7 app logos will be redesigned to lose their skeuomorphic designs, especially the Camera, Photos and Game Centre apps.

Sources suggest iOS 7 could introduce panorama wallpapers that scroll with the swiped home screens.



Next, read what iOS 7 features Apple needs to catch Android.

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Call of Duty: Ghosts to utilise Xbox One Kinect voice commands

Call of Duty: Ghosts will take advantage of voice commands using the new Xbox One Kinect sensor, says Activision executive.

Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, has said Call of Duty: Ghosts has been designed to incorporate voice commands via the new Xbox One Kinect .

The second generation Xbox Kinect has been vastly improved over the current Kinect, increasing the capture angle by 60 per cent and adding sensors that can pick the user’s heartbeat, wrist and shoulder positions and even track eye movements.

“We think the improvements to Kinect really excited us because of the level of responsiveness and detail”, said Hirshberg. “I thought that the demo they did with the voice commands on television, the instant changing between games and music, was really compelling. You’ll see more of this coming from us as we get closer to the launch.”

The Call of Duty: Ghosts world premiere occurred during the Xbox One reveal on Tuesday, May 21, and revealed the game’s all-new engine that will provide more “immersive” gameplay and higher graphic fidelity.

“We’ve always made sure that we don’t just use new technology for novelty’s sake. We always make sure that it makes the gameplay better. In [Kinect’s] case, we think it will.”

Instead of producing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Activision chose to create an entirely new franchise to debut on the next-generation consoles.

“We felt like, with a new generation of consoles, we want to set the gold standard. We felt the best way to do that was not to lean on existing characters or existing narratives or existing worlds. We wanted to start with as clean a sheet of paper as you can with a Call of Duty game.”

Activision recognises the need to stay loyal the brand identity and the huge fan base the franchise has accrued since it started in 2003.

“You have to continue to make the game that people have fallen in love with. But the chance to do an all-new sub-brand, an all-new narrative, an all-new world, and all-new characters built on an all-new engine for the next generation was a great opportunity.”

Call of Duty: Ghosts will be released on November 5 for the current Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. An Xbox One and PS4 release date hasn’t yet been confirmed.



Next, read our Battlefield 4 news, rumours and release date roundup.

Via: VentureBeat

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Panasonic Lumix G6 Camera Review

Page 1: Key Features
Page 2: Design & Performance
Page 3: Image Quality and Verdict
User Reviews
Photos

What is the Panasonic Lumix G6?

With the proliferation of Compact System Cameras (CSCs) currently on the market, it's difficult to remember a time when the CSC wasn't around. That time was 2008, and it was Panasonic that announced the very first model with the Panasonic Lumix G1.

The Panasonic Lumix G6 is several generations descended from the G1, yet it still maintains the key facets that have made the G series so popular and pioneering. The model isn't a direct replacement for the Panasonic Lumix G5, instead serving as a new addition between the G5 and the Panasonic Lumix GH3. It is, in other words, Panasonic’s ‘mid-range’ option going up against most entry-level DSLRs, like the Canon EOS 100D and Nikon D5200.

Key Features: 16.05MP Live MOS sensor; ISO 100-12,800 (extendable to ISO 25,600); 3-inch, vari-angle 1040k-dot touchscreen; 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD video in either AVCHD or MP4; 1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system

Panasonic Lumix G6 – Key Features

Although the Lumix G6 has the same resolution as its G5 stablemate, the sensor itself is in fact a different unit. The G6 features the same 16.05MP Live MOS found in the old Panasonic Lumix GH2, which is paired with an all-new version of Panasonic's Venus Engine technology.

This pairing offers an ISO range of 160 to 12,800, which is extendable to ISO 25,600 – both a step up on the G5 and enough to match the entry-level DSLRs.

Another benefit of the Venus Engine is that the Panasonic Lumix G6 offers some impressive continuous shooting rates. A headline speed of 7fps is possible, although once focus tracking is engaged this drops to 5fps. It's even possible to shoot at 40fps at reduced resolution with the model's electronic shutter enabled.

The fast speeds continue in the AF department. The Lumix G6 includes Panasonic's Light Speed AF technology, which promises impressive focus speeds with a selection of different settings available.

The rear of the Lumix G6 houses an impressive LCD. The 3-inch screen packs in a resolution of 1040k-dots and has a capacitive touchscreen with the ability to register tap and swipe functions as well as multi-touch gestures.

The screen itself is of the vari-angle variety, so it can rotate around 180° from the body and then about 270° on a horizontal axis.

Above the model's LCD screen sits an electronic viewfinder (EVF) – one of the by-products of dispensing with the mirror or pentaprism with a CSC is that a conventional viewfinder is no longer possible.

The good news is that the Lumix G6's EVF features a 1.44m-dot resolution, offers 100% coverage and is composed of OLED technology, and as such is as rich and detailed as you’re likely to find.

One area where the G6 really excels is in the video capture department - something that comes of little surprise when you consider its GH2 sensor heritage. The G6 offers full manual capture at 1080p quality and at 24, 25 or 50p in AVCHD, or 25 and 50p in MP4 format.

There also the added benefit of a 3.5mm socket should you wish to connect an external microphone, although the G6 does have a built-in stereo microphone, too.

Amongst the headline new additions are Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. These two technologies allow users to connect to the G6 using their smartphone or tablet to easily transfer or review images. You can also download the Panasonic Image App which allows you to control focus points, adjust exposure and capture images on either Smartphone or tablet.

As well as offering full manual stills capture control, the G6 also features 19 filters, all accessible through the 'Creative Control' mode. Two new settings also debut - a Creative Panorama function and Clear Retouch mode, both of which offer simple access to advanced post-production tools.

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Xbox One: Microsoft and publishers to take sales cut on pre-owned games

Microsoft and any associated game publisher will automatically get a cut of any pre-owned game sold for the Xbox One.

According to retail sources speaking to MCV, Microsoft has debriefed key retailers on how it intended to profit from pre-owned Xbox One game sales.

The company has already confirmed that the Xbox One won’t require an always-on DRM connection, but need to be connected to the internet at least once per day. According to the sources, this is so that Microsoft and the game publishers can track pre-owned game trade-ins and receive a cut from any sales made.

Only retailers that have signed Microsoft’s terms and conditions and have integrated with Microsoft’s Azure cloud-based pre-owned system will be allowed to accept Xbox One trade-ins.

Any title a gamer wishes to trade in will be registered on the Azure system via the retailer. The gamer will then have the title removed from their Xbox One hard drive and no longer have access to that game.

The retailer then has the power to charge as much or as little as they so wish for said title, but will automatically lose a percentage of that price to Microsoft and the publisher.

Earlier we reported that this retailer percentage could be as little as 10 per cent, which is more akin to the cut retailer’s receive from the sale of a new release.

Players may also have to unlock the game’s license by paying a fee, which could potentially be up to £35. It is not known whether this figure includes the retail price of the game as well.

“We know there is some confusion around used games on Xbox One and wanted to provide a bit of clarification on exactly what we’ve confirmed,” said Microsoft in a statement. “While there have been many potential scenarios discussed, we have only confirmed that we designed Xbox One to enable our customers to trade in and resell games at retail. Beyond that, we have not confirmed any specific scenarios.”

“Another piece of clarification around playing games at a friend’s house – should you choose to play your game at your friend’s house, there is no fee to play that game while you are signed in to your profile.”

Next, read our Xbox One vs 360 comparison

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Philips DesignLine 55-inch TV launches in Selfridges today

Selfridges has launched the 55-inch Philips DesignLine TV today as part of an exclusive deal with TP Vision UK.

The Philips DesignLine TV will be exclusively available at Selfridges from today with an RRP of £2800 on the retail chain’s website or in stores.

Created from a seamless single sheet of glass that combines TV and stand, the Philips DesignLine TV offers a 55-inch display that seems to float upon the wall.

Featuring Philips Ambilight technology on three sides, the Philips DesignLine TV projects light onto the wall behind the TV that matches the colours of the content currently shown on screen.

The 55-inch display has a 1400Hz perfect motion rate for sharpness and clarity and Full 1,920 x 1080p resolutions. The Philips DesignLine TV includes micro dimming and local contrast features to improve colour contrast improve the image quality.

The Perfect Pixel HD technology provide an immersive picture, while 3D Max allow the TV to show 3D motion content in full HD resolutions.

“The stunning 55-inch DesignLine TV from Philips is a revolution in TV design, its single glass design will become an icon of its time,” said Richard Jones, Technology Buyer for Selfridges. “Performance and features are equally eye-catching, as is the price.”

The single sheet of glass simply leans against the wall of the room using the specially designed bracket included within the price. The leaning angle can be adjusted between 0- and 10-degrees according to the viewer’s preference.

“By consciously designing a system which offer implicit performance, but in a language focused on interior context we can make the TV a true Object of Desire,” said Rod White, Senior Creative Director at TP Vision.

The Philips DesignLine TV is a fully functioning Smart TV and offers four HDMI and three USB ports for wired connectivity as well.



Next, read 10 reasons why you should care about 4K TV.

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Microsoft Surface Pro out in the UK today so watch our video review

The Windows 8 Microsoft Surface Pro tablet will be available in the UK from today with prices starting at £719 for the 64GB version.

Anyone interested in buying the Microsoft Surface Pro can do so in the UK from today. The 64GB option costs £719 while the 128GB option will set consumers back £799.99.

We here at TrustedReviews were impressed by its 10.6-inch Full HD screen and innovative design. It fully showcases the Windows 8 platform and comes complete with a Wacom digitiser pen for all your scribblings.

However, it only scored seven out of ten in our review. If you want to find out why, scroll down the page to watch our handy Microsoft Surface Pro video review.



Microsoft Surface Pro Features

The Microsoft Surface Pro features a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display offering 1920 x 1980p resolutions. Packing a third generation Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB of RAM, the Surface Pro also includes Intel HD Graphics 4000.

Running Windows 8, the Microsoft Surface Pro includes either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and is compatible with apps from Windows 7.

Packing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) connectivity, the Surface Pro has two 720p HD LifeCams in the front and rear of the device and a 42W-h battery.

Coming complete with a Wacom digitise pen stylus, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a fairly heft 910g in weight and is a chunky 1.35cm in width, potentially making it not the tablet that scores highest for portability.

With a full-sized USB 3.0, microSD card slot and Mini DisplayPort, the Microsoft Surface Pro is well connected, and is aimed to be used as a device for all the user’s needs from business to pleasure.

Next, read our Google Nexus 7 review.

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Xbox One second hand game licenses could cost up to £35

Playing second hand games on the Xbox One console could cost games up to £35 just to acquire the license.

According to ConsoleDeals.co.uk, Microsoft could charge up to £35 for players to access a second-hand game.

The news comes from “a senior employee at one of the UK’s largest video game retailers”, who says the additional license for any used games could cost up to £35 per title.

This means that anyone wanting to lend their game to their friends, or allow another family member to play it on a different Xbox gamer profile will have to fork out the premium fee.

Microsoft hasn’t yet openly discussed its plans for pre-owned games, but many have suggested it will introduce a registration code system that locks the game to the first Xbox gamertag that plays it.

“Another piece of clarification around playing games at a friend’s house – should you choose to play your game at your friend’s house, there is no fee to play that game while you are signed in to your profile,” said Microsoft’s Larry Hyrb, better known by his gamertag Major Nelson.

Xbox One users will be able to quickly transfer their gamertag between console via the new cloud gaming servers Microsoft will introduce come launch, but those looking to grab themselves a second-hand bargain will most likely lose out.

ConsoleDeals.co.uk’s source also revealed that game retailers will only be allowed to sell pre-owned games at a 10 per cent discount on the original RRP. Currently they can offer used games up to 50 per cent of their full value.

If you combine the license fee with the higher price second-hand games, consumer may actually end up paying more for a used game than a full-price new release, effectively killing the second-hand games market.

“We are designed Xbox One to enable customers to trade in and resell games,” reads the Xbox One FAQ on Xbox Wire. “We’ll have more details to share later.”

Expect Microsoft to reveal more about their game trading plans during their Xbox One E3 press event on June 10.



For now, read our Xbox One games list.

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GT6 news, screenshots, cars and release date

Gran Turismo 6 News

Gran Turismo officially unveiled

Gran Turismo 6 was unveiled at a dedicated event at the Silverstone Circuit on May 15.

Launched by series creator Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo 6 will run on the same gaming engine as it predecessor, but given a complete overhaul to boost the graphics and make the game feel even more realistic.

“The rendering engine will be completely renewed for GT6, there will be a revamped Physics Engine, new suspension, tyre and aerodynamics modelling,” said Yamauchi. “It is amazing to think that it is 15 years since we first released Gran Turismo. Things have changed a lot since then and now Gran Turismo 6 is a further evolution of my dream.”

Read more: Gran Turismo 6 officially unveiled with trailer and screenshots – May 16

Gran Turismo 6 concept video appears online

A Gran Turismo 6 concept video appeared online just days after the game was formally unveiled by Polyphony.

The concept video, created by AllGamesBeta, shows off a selection of vehicles, tracks and gameplay all created using detailed conceptual footage. It also showcases what the Silverstone Circuit could look like in the game and how true to life it could look.

Read more: Gran Turismo 6 concept video shows off new cars and tracks - May 20

Gran Turismo 6 Features

Polyphony confirmed that GT6 will launch with a huge garage of 1,200 cars. That includes all the vehicles from GT5 too, so players loyal to the series will still be able to race their favourites.

Although, they will be able to do so in the seven new locations offered in GT6, one of which is Britain’s own Silverstone Circuit. In total, GT6 will have 33 tracks available to race in-game with 71 track variations and 19 of those are GT6 exclusives.

So far, Silverstone is the only track location confirmed for GT6 and even features in the official trailer, which can be found below. However, Polyphony staff were spotted taking a tour of the Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, Australia.

The game will also offer more customisation options than previous games in the series, and have a strong focus on DLC content.

“I am very pleased with everything about the new game and new additions, but the launch will be only the beginning for GT6”, said Yamauchi. “The game will continue to develop throughout its life. I already have many ideas for things I want to achieve in the next 15 years of Gran Turismo.”

More GT6 footage will be shown at E3 2013 and gamescon this year, so we’ll be seeing much more Gran Turismo come June.

Gran Turismo 6 Release Date

Polyphony confirmed that Gran Turismo 6 will launch on the current PS3 console later this year, with only a loose “holiday 2013” GT6 release date given at this stage.

“We’re pleased to deliver GT6 to PlayStation 3 as we have a very loyal community on that platform,” said Yamauchi. “However, we have refactored the game to make it very flexible and expandable, with a view to making many future developments.”

Yamauchi’s comments could suggest that GT6 will ship for PS4 as well as the current generation Sony console, but Polyphony haven’t confirmed that yet.

A Gran Turismo 6 PS4 release was teased by online retailers at the beginning of May, just days before the official unveiling. Nordic retailer CDON listed the PS4 title online, but failed to offer a precise release date.

Many have questioned the validity of this listing, but with a “holidays 2013” release date offered by Polyphony for the game, it can’t be just coincidence that that’s the same date given by Sony for the PS4.

Gran Turismo Trailer and Screenshots

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PS4 UK release date confirmed by Metro ad for 2013

An advertisement in the latest edition of the Metro has confirmed a PS4 UK release date for this year.

The full page advertisement in the Metro May 24 edition lists a PS4 UK release date for some time in 2013.

Sony’s next-generation console has a full-page ad dedicated to it in the free London tabloid today, which lists that the PS4 is “coming 2013.”

“Now is the time. The World’s greatest players are going to entertain, create and amaze on the ultimate stage,” reads the ad. “This year a new generation will push the boundaries of play and share in moments of wonder. This year players will become legends.”

Sony had already listed a loose PS4 release date for “holidays 2013”, but has yet to officially confirm that the next-gen console would launch in multiple regions before the end of this year. Originally, rumour suggested that only Japanese and US markets would receive the PS4 this year, with the UK and other regions having to wait until the turn of next year.

In April, the Executive Vice President of Strategy Business and Brand Development at GameStop, Michael Hogan said “we know that Sony will introduce the PlayStation 4 globally in 2013”. This Metro ad seems to confirm the same.

The PS4 was unveiled at a dedicated Sony event in February, revealing the next-gen console will play host to an architecture that makes it more akin to a high-end gaming PC than a traditional console.

With an eight-core x86-64 AMD Jaguar CPU with 8GB of GDDR5 RAM and a GPU capable of reaching 1.84 teraFLOPS, the PS4 will be a powerful gaming console.

Sony expects to ship 16 million PS4 consoles by the end of this year, and if the Metro ad is correct, a global launch would certainly help towards that goal.

A loyal Xbox fan? Read the ten things you need to know about the Xbox One.

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Grid 2 Mono Edition pre-order costs £125,000, comes with own 170mph sportscar

Grid 2 BAC Mono car, 170mph of real life racing action

Grid 2 has set a record for the most expensive game pre-order of all time, with a £125,000 Grid 2: Mono Edition release coming with its own 170mph BAC Mono Supercar.

Taking gaming to all new realms of realism, the Grid 2 pre-order, which is open now, sees the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC bound title land alongside a 285bhp sports car in Grid 2 livery, as well as all the extras including a made to measure race suit.

Capable of hitting 60mph in just 2.8 seconds, the Grid 2 branded BAC Mono is a road legal racing car, with a carbon fibre chassis and a 2.3 litre, 285bhp engine running the show. Lining up alongside a PS3 compatible copy of the Grid 2 game and a PS3 console, the £125,000 pre-order bundle sees eager gamers turn wannabe racing drivers also offered a day at the BAC factory and a custom Grid 2 themed Bell Racing helmet.

“BAC is immensely proud and excited at the release of GRID 2: Mono Edition; a game which offers an opportunity for one lucky person to own a truly unique supercar,” said Neill Briggs, Project Director, BAC Mono. “Codemasters has developed a stunning game which focuses on delivering the ultimate driving experience and Mono is the ultimate expression of this, in both the real and virtual worlds.”

With a Grid 2 release date set for May 31, the Grid 2: Mono Edition pre-order page is live now via the Game website.

Further Reading: Best Games of 2013

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Samsung Galaxy Young UK release date confirmed

The Samsung Galaxy Young UK release date has been confirmed by Samsung, with the budget handset arriving this weekend.


The entry-level handset has a 3.7-inch screen, runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and comes in four different colours to appeal to the younger generations: White, deep blue, wine red and metallic silver.

“As with all smartphones in our Galaxy range, the Galaxy Young is stylishly designed and packed full of really standout features that make it a great phone to experience and own,” said Samsung UK and Ireland’s Vice President of the IM division, Simon Stanford.

Available from this weekend in the UK, the Samsung Galaxy Young will be offered by Carphone Warehouse, O2 and a selection of other UK network providers and retailers.

Samsung Galaxy Young Features

Announced alongside the similarly specced Samsung Galaxy Fame, the Samsung Galaxy Young features a 3.27-inch HVGA TFT screen, powered by a Lithium-ion 1,300mAh battery.

Running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Samsung Galaxy Young misses out on the latest version of Google’s mobile OS, and has Bluetooth 3.0 and GPS connectivity.

The Samsung Galaxy Young features a 3-megapixel camera in the rear and has a 1GHz processor under the hood with 768MB of RAM.

Offering 4GB of internal storage, Samsung Galaxy Young owners can enjoy additional memory through the microSD card slot that can support an extra 64GB.

Weighing just 112g, the Samsung Galaxy Fame comes in four colour varieties and has Samsung’s TouchWiz UX interface.

Not trying to compare to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4 handset, both the Samsung Galaxy Fame and Samsung Galaxy Young are designed for those users wanting an affordable Android handset.

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

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Turtle Beach approved to create Xbox One headsets

Turtle Beach has announced that it will be creating audio accessories for the Xbox One, after signing a new licensing agreement.

Xbox One headsets from Turtle Beach have been approved by Microsoft, as the two companies combine their expertise to build next-generation audio solutions to complement the Xbox One console.

Turtle Beach isn’t giving anything away about their Xbox One headsets, but state that they will be one of the first Microsoft-licensed gaming headsets available at launch.

“In Turtle Beach we have a partner that can help Microsoft deliver world class gaming audio experiences to our customers,” said Branden Powell, Director of Strategic Alliances Xbox Hardware Group. “Turtle Beach has consistently innovated in wireless, surround sound, and other features and we are looking forward to working with them.”

The Turtle Beach Xbox One headsets will be revealed at the Xbox One E3 briefing next month.

Anyone hoping to avoid buying a new headset buy reusing their Xbox 360 cans will be sorely disappointed. The new Xbox One controller introduces a proprietary port that makes them incompatible with any old 360 gear, meaning gamers will have to fork out for a new pair.

“Turtle Beach is dedicated to creating audio products that improve players overall game experience,” said Bob Picunko, CMO at Turtle Beach. “We are very excited about the opportunity to work with the Xbox team to develop new products that support the advanced Xbox platform.”

According to the NPD Group, Turtle Beach made four out of the top five best-selling headsets of all time, including the Turtle Beach Ear Force X12 wired headset that is rated as the number one best-seller ever.

The next-generation Xbox One console was unveiled this week complete with a redesign Xbox Kinect sensor and controller.

Playing host to an eight-core AMD processor with 8GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, the Xbox One will rely heavily on its new cloud gaming capabilities and entertainment features.

Microsoft has already confirmed the Xbox One will feature 15 exclusive game titles , including Forza 5, eight of which will be all new IPs like Quantum Break.



For more information, read our Xbox One vs PS4 comparison.

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Forza 5 cover art leaks, shows off Xbox One box designs

Forza 5 cover art and how Xbox One game packaging will look

Forza 5 cover art has leaked online, showing off a first glimpse of how Xbox One game packaging and box designs will looks.

A sign of things to come during the coming years of the gaming sector, the Xbox One box designs show a bright green bookended case with a silver spine proudly adorned with the console’s new name and a large game-specific cover image.

Formally unveiled during Microsoft’s big XboxReveal event earlier this week, the Xbox One has been confirmed for release ‘later this year’, with Forza 5 racing sim to land as one of the console’s launch titles.

Coinciding with a Battlefield 4 Xbox One cover art leak, the prematurely outed Forza 5 casing has further suggested that Xbox One games will be encased in a green plastic box, darker than those of the 360 but seemingly of similar dimensions.

Appearing via the German arm of Amazon, the leaked Xbox One case has failed to offer any insight into Xbox One game prices, with Microsoft expected to unveil further details on June 10 ahead of E3 2013.

Xbox One Features

Packing an eight-core processor and 8GB of RAM, the Xbox One looks set to focus as heavily on its entertainment and multimedia as its core gaming base.

With a 500GB HDD and integrated Blu-ray player, the Xbox One is set to go head-to-head with the PS4, with Microsoft’s latest gamers touching down alongside a new and dramatically improved second-generation Kinect peripheral.

Always needing to be connected to the console, the new Kinect will allow gamers to communicate with the next-gen console via gesture and audio command, saying “Xbox on” to turn on the console and automatically log in to their specific account.



Further Reading: Xbox One vs PS4



Via: CVG

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Huawei Ascend P6 super skinny smartphone official pics and release date leak

More details of the Huawei Ascend P6, potentially the world's slimmest smartphone, have leaked onto the net.

Arch tipster Evleaks posted seemingly official images of the Huawei Ascend P6 on their Twitter account. They appear to confirm the device's improbably slim 6.2mm metal chassis.

The pictures also appear to highlight that Huawei has been paying particular attention to Apple's recent efforts. There's more than a whiff of the iPhone 5 about the Ascend P6, particularly its top and side sections.

We also have an idea of when the Huawei Ascend P6 will be announced. Apparently, Huawei Device Chairman Richard Yu told followers on Chinese social network Sina Weibo that the new P-series device would be revealed at a special event bring held in London on June 18.

The post was swiftly deleted.

Previous rumours suggest that the Huawei Ascend P6 will come with a 4.7-inch HD display, a 1.5GHz quad-core processor backed by 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.

It's also believed that it'll come with a fairly ordinary-sounding 5-megapixel camera, which might have something to do with that impossibly thin chassis.

Huawei's own custom Emotion UI 1.6 will be layered over the Android Jelly Bean OS.

Take a look at our Best Mobile Phones of 2013 round-up to see what the Huawei Ascend P6's key rivals will be.

Via: Engadget

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HTC One Google Edition rumours strengthen

More rumours have emerged concerning the existence of an HTC One with stock Android, this time from the very source that accurately predicted the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition.

Geek's Russell Holly correctly ascertained that Google was going to launch a version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 running the stock Android OS at its Google I/O event last week.

Now he's performing the same crystal ball routine over a possible HTC One Google Edition.

According to "multiple sources," HTC has its own stripped back flagship handset in the works, and a US launch could be imminent. The US-only initial roll-out could mean that Google is once again going to take responsibility for distributing the handset, as it has with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition.

This supports last week's suggestion from a well-informed Twitter tipster that a was headed for launch this summer.

Of course, a couple of the HTC One's key features rely on custom HTC software to operate, so it will be interesting to see if HTC is permitted to apply a light sprinkling of software source, or if the handset will be notably hamstrung.

The HTC One's impressive stereo speakers are boosted by Beats Audio software, while its unusual UltraPixel camera relies on a whole heap of custom software to get the most out of it.

It's worth noting, though, that unlike Samsung, HTC has already launched a phone with stock Android as an option. The ill-fated HTC First may have launched with a customised Facebook skin, but it could easily be disabled to leave a pure Android Jelly Bean experience.

It seems HTC is already facing up to a post-Sense UI world - or at least the option of one. An HTC One with stock Android may be the logical next step.

Read our Samsung Galaxy S4 vs HTC One comparison feature.

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Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet Review

What is the Microsoft Surface Pro?

A tough question. It’s neither a straightforward tablet, nor a tablet/laptop hybrid. It’s more ambitious. The Surface Pro is nothing less than an attempt to create the perfect PC for the ‘Post PC’ era. It’s a tablet you can use at home on the sofa. It’s a PC you can plug into a monitor and use in your (home) office. It’s a laptop replacement that lets you work on planes, trains and anywhere between. It’s a digital canvas you can take notes with on a factory floor or building site. It’s all these things. It wants to be all these things. But is it?

Key features: 10.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution screen; 1.7GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 4GB RAM; 64GB or 128GB storage; USB 3.0, microSD, mini-DisplayPort; 276.4 x 173 x 13.5mm, 910 grams

Surface Pro vs Surface RT

The Surface Pro’s key features hint at this naked ambition. Its 10.6-inch screen is the same size as the cheaper, £399 Surface RT, but it has an upgraded 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Instead of a weedy Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, it has a laptop-grade 1.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor. Instead of the crippleware Windows RT, it runs full Windows 8 Pro. It adds a mini-DisplayPort port that lets you connect to any monitor at up to 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. Instead of a merely adequate 2GB RAM, it has 4GB.

There are numerous smaller improvements, too. The Surface Pro has a USB 3.0 port, instead of 2.0; the touchscreen supports 10-points of touch rather than 5-points; and it comes with a Wacom digitizer pen, allowing proper pen input and hand writing recognition – a feature many a dodgy iPad stylus attempts to accomplish with little success.

Finally, there’s the keyboard covers – the touch-based Touch Cover (£99) and the traditional Type Cover (£109). They’re important because, while Surface Pro costs £719 (64GB) or £799 (128GB), neither comes with a cover. They really should. A Surface Pro without one of them… well, it isn’t complete. Add £100 or so for your cover of choice and you reach the true price of a Surface Pro.

Surface Pro – Design & Build Quality

Whichever you choose, it’s a hefty price to pay. But at least Microsoft hasn’t skimped on design or materials. Quite the opposite.

Like the Surface RT, the Surface Pro's build quality is exemplary. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the kickstand that flips out to prop the Surface Pro up, and the magnetic clasp that holds your choice of keyboard cover. The stand has a smooth, reassuring action, while the magnetic clasp is so strong you can lift the Surface Pro up by its cover – emphasis on can, we don’t recommend you do.

The Surface Pro looks fantastic, too – more like an actual ‘slate’ than any tablet we’ve seen. But it’s damn heavy. At 910g, the Surface Pro weighs 230g more than the Surface RT, and at 13.5mm the Surface Pro is 4mm thicker, too. It’s 258g heavier and 4mm thicker than the iPad 4, and that’s before you factor in the Touch Cover (214g) or Type Cover (210g).

Now, before Microsoft fans cry bloody murder… yes, neither is a fair comparison. The Surface Pro is basically a laptop in a tablet body, whereas the Surface RT and iPad 4 use low-power processors that can’t run desktop applications like the Surface Pro.

But the Surface Pro’s extra bulk has a couple of important consequences:

1. It’s uncomfortable to use as a tablet for long periods unless you rest it on your arm, leg or other body part, and even then it’s hard to feel comfortable for long.


2. It feels as if you’re carrying an actual laptop in your bag, even if it’s a few hundred grams lighter than a MacBook Air.

Neither problem is insurmountable or intolerable, but it’s a flavour of the awkward balancing act Microsoft’s all-purpose hybrid treads.

A more annoying design oversight is the lack of storage for the stylus, or digitizer pen as Microsoft no doubt prefers people call it. It’s damn annoying.

Indeed, at time of writing we’ve actually lost the pen that came with our Surface Pro, and when we did have it, it was invariably where we were not – i.e. at home when at work and vice versa. You can clip the pen onto a cover when using one, but it’s a poor substitute.

Since we’re on niggles, the magnetic charging connection is fiddly to use – a poor imitation of Apple’s mag-safe connections.

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Popular Gmail client Mailbox goes iPad-friendly

Clever Gmail client Mailbox now on iPad

Mailbox, the uber-popular iOS client for Gmail account holders is now supporting Apple's iPad tablets.

The app encourages users to get their inbox down to zero, by deleting, archiving and moving emails to read at a time of their convenience, but has so far been available to iPhone users only.

The app was recently snapped-up by cloud storage company Dropbox, which helped to clear the backlog of invite requests, and now, with the launch of version 1.3 makes the app universal.

The app makes use of the iPad's extra screen real estate to introduce a tabbed interface, similar to the Apple Mail app for the tablet, where emails are revealed on the right, when selected on the right.

All of the same swiping gestures are still in play, making it easy for users to clear read and unwanted emails from their inbox.

If you're yet to try Mailbox on the iPhone, then we'd definitely recommend giving it a try. It's a great, well-designed, useful tool for bringing down for reducing the clutter in your business or personal accounts, leaving on the messages you have to deal with there and then.

Tried the iPad app yet? Let us know what you think.

Via TUAW

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Microsoft has 'huge' Xbox 360 announcement planned for E3, despite Xbox One launch

Just because Microsoft has announced the Xbox One, doesn't mean the world's best-selling games console has been bought a one-way ticket to the glue factory.

Microsoft has today announced that it has a massive announcement planned for the 8-year-old Xbox 360 at the annual E3 expo in June, where the Xbox One will take centre stage .

Microsoft Game Studios Corporate Vice President Phil Spencer, said: "We have a huge, I think it's huge, [Xbox 360] announcement for E3 that I keep wanting to talk about, but I can't."

Speaking to GameSpot Asia, Spencer hinted that the Xbox 360 will enjoy a long life after the new console is launched, in much the same way that developers continued to support the PS2 long after the PS3 arrived.

He added: "I think the [Xbox 360] is going to be very vibrant for many years."

The company's keynote at E3 will still focus on the Xbox One which was announced on Tuesday.

The company had promised that the launch would be a two-part event, with many of the gaps from the launch event expected to be filled, while a host of new games will also be announced.

Spencer said that event will "surprise people."

What do you think Microsoft has in store for the Xbox 360 at E3? Cheaper hardware? A new design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Via TechRadar

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Need for Speed: Rivals announced for PS4 and Xbox One

EA Games and developer Ghost Games have announced that Need for Speed: Rivals will be arriving for Xbox One, PS4 and current gen consoles.

The latest instalment to the long running NFS franchise, Need for Speed: Rivals, will feature on the Xbox One and PS4 “later this year”.

The game is in development by EA’s new studio, Ghost Games, and will feature an open world that takes advantage of the next-generation consoles’ cloud gaming functionalities.

Similar to Need for Speed: Most Wanted, NFS: Rivals will take the Cops vs Racer aspect to a new level, allowing gamers to play both sides, level up and unlock new vehicles.

“Rivals is absolutely an open world game. You’ll drive around, find your gameplay in the world, whether its collectibles, or racing, or stunt jumping or going through speed cameras,” said the game’s executive producer, Marcus Nilsson. “It’s a world that’s pretty filled with content, which your friends can seamlessly join in with what you’re doing in the game.”

Powered by EA Games’ new Frostbite 3 engine also behind Battlefield 4, players will be able to drop in and out of the NFS: Rivals world with any online friends using a new feature called AllDrive.

“AllDrive is fundamentally a way for us to destroy the line between single-player and multiplayer,” said Nilsson. “It is a way for you to play the game single-player and go through the world collecting points and levelling up."

"The interesting thing is, we don’t have single-player or multiplayer mode. You have one mode which you choose how to experience.”

The game will introduce 11 car gadgets ranging from turbo boosts to EMPs for the racers, while cops can employ helicopters and roadblocks available at their disposal. Players will also be able to upgrade and customise their vehicles with custom license plates, decals and more.

EA Games has set the Need For Speed: Rivals release date as November 19 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The PS4 and Xbox One release will occur “later this year”.

Anyone pre-ordering the game will receive the Ultimate Cop Pack free of charge. It offers “exclusive access to the Nissan GT-R Black Edition; early access to level 2 gadget technology; and exclusive cop liveries.”

Next, read our roundup of the best games of 2013.

Via: Joystiq

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