Sony: Early Xbox One release date ‘not an advantage’

Ahead of the upcoming next-gen console battle, Sony has claimed that Xbox One release date is ‘not an advantage’ for Microsoft despite preceding the UK PS4 arrival by a week.

With the Xbox One release date having been confirmed for November 22, Sony has defended its later console arrival, with the UK PS4 release date set for seven days later on November 29. The PS4 release date is two weeks earlier in the US, preceding the Xbox One and touching down on November 15.

Despite the delayed UK PS4 release date seeing the console land after its bitter rival, Sony has claimed it has not handed Microsoft an advantage in doing so.

“I don't think seven days is going to have an advantage or disadvantage,” Sony’s UK Managing Director of the PlayStation division said of the two console launches. “I think it's a moot point really, we're effectively launching at the same time,” the Sony head stated.

With demand for both the Xbox One and PS4 expected to exceed supply ahead of the lucrative Christmas period, Gara has looked ahead to the long game stating: “This is not a sprint, this is a marathon.”

Although the PS4 will hit UK retailers after the Xbox One, the Sony branded console has already won over fans by lining up a full £80 cheaper than the competition.

Again despite this seeming advantage, Gara has played down how beneficial this will be to the company, stating that “price isn’t everything.”

Discussing the lower PS4 price he stated: “It's an advantage, but it can move over time. Value to the consumer is everything, which is price and quality of content for that price. We feel in very good shape on that front. We're really pleased.”

Read More: Xbox One vs PS4

Via: CVG

readmore »»  

Apple Maps to launch as multiplatform desktop service, job listing hints

An Apple Maps desktop edition looks set to be unveiled, with a new job listing at the Cupertino-based company hinting at the expansion of the Google Maps rival.

Despite having got off to something of a rocky start, with the original Apple Maps service having been plagued by glitches and errors, the currently iPhone and iPad locked Apple Maps could be desktop bound as Apple looks to employ new developers for the service.

Although Apple has incorporated a desktop edition of its Maps software within the Mac looked OS X Mavericks operating system, to gate the service has not been made available to all desktop users.

"At Apple, we’re lucky to be working on projects that have the potential to change the world,” the company’s job listing understatedly reads. It adds: “We’re working on an exciting new system and need your help.”

The listing for a Maps based Web UI Designer goes on to state: “You would be joining a small team working on an advanced web platform upon which many of Apple’s future services will be based.”

Hunting for a developer with experience in HTML, CSS, Javascript and data exchange formats, it has been suggested that the new position marks a sign of Apple Maps becoming a truly multiplatform challenger to the likes of Google Maps and Bing Maps.

Although Apple has recently acquired startups Embark and HopStop to enhance its Maps software, the platform is still facing a number of issues, and this week Apple Maps forced an airport in Alaska to close.

Affecting Fairbanks International Airport in the remote American state, the latest Apple Maps glitch saw users directed across the airport’s runways. Amazingly two driver ended up on the active taxiway, causing the airport to close the runway and divert a number of jets, including Boeing 737s.

“We asked them to disable the map for Fairbanks until they could correct it, thinking it would be better to have nothing show up than to take the chance that one more person would do this,” Melissa Osborn, Chief of Operations at the airport said of Apple following the Maps problems.

Read More: iPhone 6 rumours

Via: AppleInsider

readmore »»  

HTC One Max release date tipped for October 15

The HTC One Max release date could be just a matter of weeks away, with the oversized phone tipped to make an official arrival on October 15.

With a raft of HTC One Max leaks and rumours having done the rounds in recent weeks, new reports have claimed that the HTC One Max release date will be held on October 15, the same day that Apple is expected to formally unveil the new iPad 5 and iPad mini 2.

Citing claimed “sources familiar with HTC’s plans,” latest reports have pointed to the October 15 handset reveal will precede an in-store HTC One Max release date later the same month.

With the HTC One Max having been the subject of many leaks, it is widely believed that the HTC One and HTC One Mini sibling will enter the realms of reality with a a whopping 5.9-inch 1080p Full HD display in tow, eclipsing even the new 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in terms of on screen real estate.

A feature not seen on either of its One branded predecessors, the new reports have claimed that the HTC One Max will feature integrated microSD expansion, allowing users to further bolster the phone’s relatively restrictive 16GB of integrated storage. A number of HTC One Max rumours have also pegged the phone as packing an integrated fingerprint scanner similar to the iPhone 5S.

Elsewhere, the HTC One Max specs sheet looks set to be a familiar affair, with a quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor lining up alongside 2GB of RAM, HTC’s BoomSound stereo speakers and the same 4-Ultrapixel rar-mounted camera as the flagship phone.

A date that now promises a lot, the claimed October 15 HTC One release date has yet to be formally confirmed by the Taiwanese manufacturer. Similarly, Apple has yet to confirm plans for its own October 15 launch event.

Read More: HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4

Via: PocketLint

readmore »»  

Maxell MXSP-SB3000 Audio Review

What is the Maxell MXSP-SB3000?

Anyone who compiled mixtapes or recorded the pop charts in the 80s will already be familiar with Maxell, a name forever associated with blank cassettes. The company has kept a low profile in the audio market since tape died a death, but it recently returned with a range of soundbars – and the snappily-titled MXSP-SB300 is its latest effort.

It’s a 2.1-channel soundbar designed to offer the sort of large-scale sound quality that modern flatpanel TVs lack, without the space-hogging clutter of a full 5.1 system. At £229 it’s firmly positioned at the budget end of the market, but with a tidy range of features including Bluetooth and HDMI inputs it could be great value for money – if sound quality is up to scratch of course.

Maxell MXSP-SB3000 – Design

First things first, the MXSP-SB3000 is not a sound ’bar’ per se – it’s a TV base with a speaker inside, like the Orbitsound SB60 we reviewed recently. You can place a TV up to 80kg in weight on the Maxell’s 939 x 390mm top surface, which is a neat and tidy arrangement – although it does leave a large footprint, so make sure you have a surface big enough to place it on.

Admittedly it’s not the prettiest unit we’ve set eyes on, but the brushed black veneer covering the wooden enclosure and curved edges are elegant touches. Pick it up and build quality is satisfyingly robust – the sturdy wooden enclosure is designed to acoustically enhance bass output.

The tasteful styling continues on the front with a black cloth covering the drivers, and a central LED display panel with touch-sensitive controls running along the top.

The LED readout is just about large enough to read from the sofa but could do with being a touch bigger – some of the little status icons are impossible to see unless you’re up close. The display can be dimmed using the remote control if it gets distracting.

Maxell MXSP-SB3000 – Connections

On the front panel is a USB port, although this only charges USB devices and doesn’t play music from them. Boo. Maxell makes up for this on the rear panel with an excellent selection of sockets – much better than you’d expect at this price.

There are no less than three HDMI inputs, which is rare on any soundbar, let alone one this affordable. The HDMI inputs all pass through 3D, plus the output is ARC compatible, which facilitates a two-way, single-cable connection to your TV.

You’ll also find two digital audio inputs – one optical, one coaxial – plus two analogue inputs, RCA and a 3.5mm minijack. If you’re still struggling to hook up all your devices after that little lot then you probably need to get out more.

Maxell MXSP-SB3000 – Features

Bluetooth is the highlight of the Maxell’s modest spec sheet. It makes music streaming from phones and other mobile devices incredibly easy, and as an added bonus you can plug the device into the USB port and charge it while playing so it doesn’t drain any power.

In terms of power output, the Maxell’s Class D amplifier delivers 30W per channel stereo from the front speakers, with 100W coming from the built-in woofer. Maxell’s decision to integrate the woofer rather than supply a separate wireless sub keeps clutter to a minimum.

SRS Wow HD processing aims to improve audio clarity and width, while TruBass boosts low frequencies (there are three levels). There’s a decent array of EQ presets too, including Standard, Cinema, Speech, Music and Sport. There’s no Dolby or DTS decoding – the HDMI and digital inputs only support PCM, but this isn't a problem at this price range.

readmore »»  

Apple signs-up NikeFuel Band designer, to work on iWatch?

Apple has reportedly hired one of Nike's leading designers, with a view to working on wearable devices like the long-rumoured iWatch smartwatch.

9to5Mac says Ben Shaffer, the studio director Innovation Kitchen, Nike's R&D lab, which is responsible for the FuelBand fitness wristband that launched in 2012 to decent critical and commercial acclaim.

Speculation in recent months has suggested that any Apple iWatch release will place a big focus on wellness and fitness apps. The company is already tight with Nike due to its long association with the Nike platform and now the Nike Move app for the iPhone 5S.

iWatch rumours have been in short supply in recent weeks, suggesting a launch is not on the cards for the this year, but speculation will certainly crank out now one of Nike's finest is on board.

According to the report, Apple CEO and Nike board member Tim Cook, as well as other high rankings executives at Cupertino, are big fans of the FuelBand, which would have surely influenced Shaffer's appointment.

Of course, the Nike FuelBand isn't Shaffer's only achievement with Nike. He's also worked on the development of the Flyknit Shoe.

Neither Nike nor Apple has confirmed the move, so we'll update this story when more information becomes available.

readmore »»  

Valve unveils Steam Controller for new living room games consoles

Valve, the owner of the popular cloud gaming platform Steam, has announced a new game pad for its forthcoming Steam Machines PC-based games consoles.

Valve's third big announcement of the week, following the Steam OS and Steam Machines on Monday and Wednesday, is a controller unique to anything on the market right now.

It is shaped much like the current Xbox and PlayStation controllers with easy-to-grip handles, but that's where the similarities come to an end.

Instead of a directional pad or dual analogue sticks there are two clickable trackpads which valve says will offer an experience similar to a desktop mouse.

"The most prominent elements of the Steam controller are its two circular trackpads. Driven by the player’s thumbs, each one has a high-resolution trackpad as its base," Valve explains. "It is also clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. The trackpads allow far higher fidelity input than has previously been possible with traditional handheld controllers. Steam gamers, who are used to the input associated with PCs, will appreciate that the Steam Controller’s resolution approaches that of a desktop mouse."

The idea is that PC gamers will be able to decant themselves from the desk and play their Steam games in their living room, on the sofa.

That's not all, though. There's also a hi-res touchscreen nestling in the centre that also responds to user clicks, while the controller also sends haptic feedback to players in-game, through several sensors dotted around the controller.

"The whole screen itself is also clickable, like a large single button," Valve says. "So actions are not invoked by a simple touch, they instead require a click. This allows a player to touch the screen, browse available actions, and only then commit to the one they want. Players can swipe through pages of actions in games where that’s appropriate. When programmed by game developers using our API, the touch screen can work as a scrolling menu, a radial dial, provide secondary info like a map or use other custom input modes we haven’t thought of yet.

These sensors will "play audio waveforms and function as speakers," according to the Steam living room website. There are 16 buttons in total, with the traditional A, B, X, Y buttons at the four corners of the touchscreen and there are three beneath.

Like its Steam Machine consoles, the company is making 300 "or so" beta units available this year, but won't include a touch screen and won't be wireless. Those released next year alongside the first consoles will be the real deal.

Valve said that's it for the announcements for now, but the company has certainly laid down a marker ahead of the PS4 and Xbox One launches in the next two months.

readmore »»  

Samsung Galaxy S5 release date, news, rumours, specs and price

The Samsung Galaxy S5 release date might well be many months away, but that hasn't stopped Samsung responding to a raft of Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours and offering early details on the upcoming flagship phone.

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 now a matter of months old, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 official and the iPhone 5S having been unveiled as the new target of the smartphone industry, Samsung has promised some impressive Samsung Galaxy S5 specs are on the horizon.

While recent Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours have pointed to the device trading in its less than impressive plastic build in favour of a new metal option, Samsung itself has stated the phone will support a 64-bit processor. While it might copy the iPhone 5S' CPU, Samsung has stated the S5 will not feature an integrated fingerprint scanner.

What's more, while much on the Korean manufacturer's next flagship phone still remains shrouded in speculation and mystery, recent reports have claimed that the Samsung Galaxy S5 specs sheet could be bolstered by a 16-megapixel rear-mounted camera and 3GB of RAM. Although currently unconfirmed, the already eagerly awaited Samsung Galaxy S5 is an inevitability of the current trend of annual product cycles and companies’ insatiable need to always be pushing the envelope and raking in the cash.

Ensuring you are kept abreast of all the latest Samsung Galaxy S5 news and rumours, including when you can expect the Samsung Galaxy S5 release date, what specs the phone will have and how much it will set you back, bookmark this page as will be updating it regularly leading up to the S5 launch next year.

Samsung Galaxy S5 News

The latest Samsung Galaxy S5 news has seen the Korean manufacturer play a petty game of one-upmanship with Apple. Following the iPhone 5S unveiling with a 64-bit CPU in tow, Samsung has confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S5 specs sheet will see the same processing power.

Questioned by the Korea Times on whether its future phones will run 64-bit CPUs like the iPhone 5S, Samsung’s CEO of Mobile Shin Jong-Kyun stated: “Not in the shortest time. But yes, our next smartphones will have 64-bit processing functionality.”

Although taking pointers from the iPhone 5S' processor, further Samsung representatives have added that the S5 will not incorporate a fingerprint scanner like its leading rival. “We are not yet developing the technology,” an official Samsung spokesperson said when questioned on the possibility of a fingerprint scanner hosting Samsung Galaxy S5.

According to Korean national news outlets, the Samsung Galaxy S5 will adopt an aluminium or other metal body in a bid to keep footing with the highend and luxurious path being forged out by its competitors, Apple and HTC.

Other newly emerged Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours have claimed the upcoming handset will make use of a new 16-megapixel smartphone camera sensor, offing high-end snaps that will finally spell the end for the dedicated compact camera.

According to recent reports, the Samsung Galaxy S5 specs sheet will see the new 16-megapixel camera sensor further bolstered by optical image stabilisation features.

The revised camera component is said to be under development in Korea to replace the 13-megapixel snapper found on the existing S4. It is not expected that the improved camera optics will be ready in time for next week’s Samsung Galaxy Note 3 unveiling.

Further reports have suggested the Samsung Galaxy S5 release date will see the handset line up with 3GB of RAM in tow. A feature that has also been mooted for the imminent Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the S5's expansive RAM has been hinted at after the company's latest development announcement.

Speaking in recent weeks, Samsung confirmed that it had started mass production of the first 3GB low power DDR3 RAM chips for mobile devices. With the Samsung Galaxy S5 set to be the manufacturer's new flagship phone, it makes sense that it will run the company's latest developments and most advanced components.

A chip that could spell more than increased speeds and improved multitasking capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S5 RAM improvement could result in a slimmer phone with a bettery battery life. An official spokesperson for the company stated: "Samsung's new ultra-slim memory solutions will enable thinner smartphone designs and allow for additional battery space, while offering a data transfer speed of up to 2,133 megabits per second (Mbps) per pin."

Samsung Galaxy S5 Release Date

As you would expect, Samsung has yet to give any direct indication as to when the Samsung Galaxy S5 release date will be held. That’s not to say we don’t have some idea on when to expect the next addition to the company’s flagship smartphone brand though.

If Samsung sticks with past tradition – and we can’t see why it wouldn’t – then it is expected that the Samsung Galaxy S5 release date will be held sometime around April/May 2014.

Although still nothing more than speculation, this predicted Samsung Galaxy S5 release date does have a theory behind it. Like its bitter rival Apple, Samsung has become something of a fan of strict annual product cycles for its leading product lines, as such it has become a little bit predictable.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 hit UK retailers on April 26 after a dedicated New York launch event on March 14. The Samsung Galaxy S3 went into stores on May 29 2012 and all the way back in 2011, the Samsung Galaxy S2 launched on May 1. Starting to see the pattern?

Although a late April/early May Samsung Galaxy S5 release date is believed to be on the cards, there are still many rounds of rumours and leaks expected before then.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Rumours

It might be early, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours are already doing the rounds. The most prominent Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours to date, however, all focus on one area of the currently unconfirmed phone – its design.

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 having been widely criticised for its plastic form factor which failed to match up to the brushed metal highlights of the iPhone 5 or HTC One, Samsung is widely expected to adopt an all new finish for the S5, with new aluminium body repeatedly tipped.

According to unnamed “sources close to the South Korean phone maker,” recent reports have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be used to launch a new ‘Design 3.0’ standard within the company.

The sources stated: “While we don’t have the slightest idea what Design 3.0 really means in terms of looks, we can now confirm that Samsung will start to use aluminium for its high-end smartphones, and the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be the first one to receive this treatment.”

Further hinting at a change in design and materials, Samsung recently acquired carbon fibre specialist the SGL Group, announcing in an official statement that it would be using the high-end lightweight materials in future phones and tablets.

"Lightweight materials have become an important factor not only in industrial applications but also the consumer end markets such as digital media," Yoosung Chung, President & CEO of Samsung Petrochemical said. He added: "This partnership will position Samsung as a leading player in the development and application of carbon fibre-based products.”

"The cooperation is expected to provide a stable long-term supply of carbon fibre materials for Samsung and promote its use in various Samsung products and applications such as consumer electronics, medical devices and engineering applications,"

Samsung Galaxy S5 Specs

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 having taken smartphone specs to the next level, it is widely expected that the South Korean manufacturer will continue with a similar trend with the next-generation S5. Although few areas of the phone’s features list have yet been rumoured, certain elements have been teased.

Earlier this month a Samsung design patent leaked (above) showing off a new angled-edged phone which has been mooted to the be the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5.

Based on the outed design filing, the phone will run a version of Google’s Android operating system (no surprises there then) as well as integrated cameras front and back. At present no further S5 specs have leaked.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Price

Although the Samsung Galaxy S5 price is a long way from being confirmed, it has already been suggested that the S5 will cost more than its already pricy predecessor.

According to the same unnamed sources who have claimed a metal bodied design will be bestowed upon the next-gen handset, the Samsung Galaxy S5 price will be bumped up by the new premium building materials.

Stay tuned for more Samsung Galaxy S5 news and rumours as more details on the S4 follow-on continue to appear. While you wait, why not take a look at all the latest iPhone 5S rumours.

readmore »»  

Forza 5 Xbox One direct-feed gameplay footage released

Forza 5 at Silverstone on a particularly grey English day

Turn 10 Studios has unveiled a new video offering the first ever direct-feed gameplay footage of Forza Motorsport 5 on the Xbox One.

Featuring the 2012 Pagani Huayra racing the Bernese Alps circuit amidst the snowy peaks, the direct-feed footage is shown in Full 1080p HD at 60fps.

The Bernese Alps circuit was introduced with Forza 4, but has been rebuilt for Forza 5 on the Xbox One to showcase the elevation changes in the track and make the most of the new graphics engine for the game.

Take 10 Studios also announced that the Silverstone Circuit will be making its reappearance in Forza 5, having been rebuilt for the Xbox One game to include the track layout introduced in 2010.

“Known as the ‘home of British racing’, the Silverstone Circuit is 3.6 miles long and features 18 corners ranging from high-speed sweepers such as Woodcote to intricate series like the Maggotts and Becketts corners,” explains Microsoft. “The Silverstone Circuit was laser-scanned during development to provide the most accurate rendering of the circuit to be found in any racing game.”

Earlier this year, Polyphony announced that Gran Turismo 6 for the PS3 would also feature the Silverstone Circuit.

Forza 5 will feature hundreds of drivable cars that will appear during the eight leagues within the new career mode. Each league covers a different genre of vehicle, ranging from vintage to supercar, with a special introduction and commentary provided by Top Gear hosts James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson for each set of events.

Rather than progressing from low-performance cars to the super-charged, players will be able to enter the events in whichever order they please, as long as they have a car that fits the requirements of the league.

Available to pre-order now, Forza 5 will be a launch title for the Xbox One when it is released in the UK on November 22.



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

readmore »»  

iPad mini 2 will not feature a Retina display reports claim

Despite the iPad mini 2 being widely expected to be announced next month with a new Retina display in tow, latest reports have suggested the 7-inch tablet update could miss out on a screen refresh.

Although it is believed that Apple had been planning to give its smaller tablet a Retina display themed makeover, latest iPad mini 2 rumours have suggested that low manufacturing rates have put a dampener on the development, making a Retina iPad mini 2 mass release unlikely.

With the iPad mini 2 release date having been tipped for October 15, supply chain checks have now hinted that the 7.9-inch tablet refresh will be missing as the full sized iPad 5 goes it alone ahead of the pre-Christmas shopping rush.

“The Retina Mini looks less certain for that time," Rhoda Alexander, IHS iSuppli's director of Tablet and Monitor Research said ahead of the planning launch. "Manufacturing volumes on that would match better with a Q1 ‘14 [first quarter 2014] launch."

Far from the only production issues Apple has faced recently, latest week’s iPhone 5S release was plagued by stock shortages as day one online orders of the phone were offered with a 6-8 week shipping timeframe. What’s more, the new flagship phone sold out at Apple stores within the first hour as the restricted supply was unable to meet demand.

Although the inclusion of a Retina display has been atop the iPad mini 2 rumours list for some time, it is far from the only detail of the next-gen tablet to make a premature appearance.

Set to retain the same, slimline form factor as its predecessor, the iPad mini 2 has leaked in a range of iPhone 5S colours, with dark grey and gold models of the tablet having been caught on camera. What’s more, taking another leaf out of the iPhone 5S’ book, the iPad mini 2 has been shown with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner in tow.

Read More: iPhone 6 rumours



Via: AppleInsider

readmore »»  

GTA 5 cheats, easter eggs and secrets

Over the next few weeks we’ll be spending a frankly unhealthy amount of time in GTA 5’s Los Santos. We’ll be there to uncover all the top easter eggs, tips, tricks and cheats for your gaming pleasure.

However, we already know a bunch of the best. Here are our favourite GTA 5 cheat and easter eggs. But first why not read our full GTA 5 review.

GTA 5 Easter Eggs

It's a bit early for us to have revealed too many GTA 5 easter eggs, and Rockstar claims no-one will ever find all of them. Here are a few of the bits we've discovered so far. Just want cheats? Scroll down a bit further.

Hollywood get-up

The clothes available in GTA 5 are littered with references from popular films, and Rockstar’s other games. Look out for the jacket with a crab on the rear, which looks a lot like the jacket Ryan Gosling wears in Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. Next up is a jacket called Overlooked Red Blouson, which is a clear reference to the jacket Jack Nicholson wore in The Shining. It’s a pretty innocuous red jacket, but the name gives it away – the hotel in the film was called The Overlook.

A Hawaiian shirt in the game is also the spit of the shirt Max Payne wears in Max Payne 3 – a 2012 Rockstar game.

Shark fishing

If you swim out far enough in GTA 5, you’ll encounter probably one of the most terrifying characters in the game – a great big shark. It’s much quicker to hijack a boat, drive it out into the blue until you see a red blip on your radar. This indicated there’s a shark nearby.

There’s no way out of this fight, short of jumping back on your jet ski quick-sharp, but it does earn you an achievement.

Playboy Mansion
Rockstar put a replica of the Playboy Mansion in GTA 5. It’s found just to the north west of the main city area of Los Santos.

In the daytime it seems like a fairly classy old-school mansion, but at night it’s lit up with colourful lights to give it some more of that Playboy flavour. Sadly you can’t enter the house, or buy it, though.

Zombie Walkers

GTA 5 is not a zombie game. However, there is a zombie walker in there, of sorts. On one of Los Santos’s sidewalks you’ll find a washed-up actor playing the role of a zombie walker. He has a voice-acted story to tell you too – worth seeking out.



The ‘Lost’ hatch

What set of modern culture references would be complete without a nod to Lost, a TV show that was still running when GTA 5 started production. It’s not too easy to find. Deep under the sea is a ‘hatch’ based on the one seen in the US TV show. You’ll find it to the east of the north coast of the island. You’ll really need the submarine to get down there, although get too close and you’ll be crushed by the pressure – even if you are in a sub.



Flying UFO

GTA 5 is littered with alien references, but one of the most striking extra-terrestrial easter eggs is the UFO suspended in the sky. It’s found above the Fort Zucado military installation. Sadly, you can’t pilot the UFO, but this is one easter egg completists will certainly want to seek out.

Master Chief

There’s a Master Chief imposter on the strets of Los Santos. You’ll find him in front of the cinema in north Los Santos. He won’t always be there, but if he doesn’t appear just drive around a little more and return to the same spot.

It’s not a 100 per clone Master Chief clone, but then that could land Rockstar in hot water. It’s just an affectionate nudge/dig at another mammoth gaming franchise.



The ghost of Lenora Johnson

Lenora Johnson is a murdered actress in the world of GTA 5. You can unlock a mission to solve the murder by picking up 50 scraps of paper across the city, but you can also find her ghost.

She appears on the cliffs between the hours of 11pm and 12pm, on the top of a mountain in the top-right side of the map (north east, in other words).



Rusted tractor

One of GTA 5’s unique vehicles is the rusted tractor you’ll find by a farm in Cape Catfish, in the north east part of the map.

It’s an unmistakeable GTA 5 classic vehicle, but if you’re expecting a tractor supercar, think again. This tracker is rusted to hell, doesn’t have any tires and it’s pretty slow.

Bigfoot

One of the earliest publicised (or rumoured) easter eggs in GTA 5 was bigfoot. It’s real, and you’ll find the beastie during a mission called Predator – if you’ve not reached far enough into the game you’ll have to soldier on.

When in the helicopter looking down on the forest during the mission, turn on thermal imaging and slowly look across the forest. You’ll see the heat signature of Bigfoot. However, look directly at him and he’ll disappear.



UV map secrets

The map included with the special edition of GTA 5 includes messages that can revealed by shining a UV light over it.

Niko's ride is in the port

An almost exact replica of the ship that brought Niko Bellic to Liberty City in GTA IV can be found in the port of Los Santos. It's called Octopus - a brother to the Platypus ship that Niko took.

Underwater alien spaceship

There's a hidden alien spaceship underwater in the north part of the game world. We'll try and get you a more exact map pin-point soon.

Underwater alien corpse

You'll find a frozen alien corpse in the prologue mission. It's directly under a bridge you drive over in your travels, stuck within a frozen river.

Nico Bellic exists in the world

The star of GTA IV exists in GTA 5. Nico Bellic is referred to occasionally throughout the game, although we're yet to see if he actually turns up in person.



Now, onto the cheats...

General Xbox 360 GTA 5 Cheats

Next, read our best games of 2013

readmore »»  

HTC abandons Beats ship, sells all its shares

HTC One, complete with Beats audio technology

HTC has sold its remaining stake in American audio company Beats for $265 million after the relationship took a turn for the worse.

The Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer has sold its remaining 24.84 per cent stake in Beats for $265 million (£165 million) with an $85 million (£53 million) pre-tax profit.

Two years ago HTC took a 51 per cent stake in Beats, an audio company founded by music producer Jimmy Iovine and rapper Dr. Dre, for $300 million (£187 million).

However, the Beats and HTC split has been on the cards for a while now, since HTC sold half of it majority stake last year for $150 million.

Sources close to HTC said the partnership between the two companies had soured, causing HTC to sell the first half for a loss.

Despite the success of the critically acclaimed HTC One, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer has struggled to compete with rivals Samsung and Apple, with its market share dropping to 2.8 per cent this year.

“For HTC it puts more cash in the bank, and they need cash now that they have turned operating cash flow negative,” said Jean-Louis Lafayeedney, an analyst at JI Asia in Hong Kong. “Investors have been asking HTC to shed assets and get cash back to help them regain profitability.”

Analysts have always questioned the HTC and Beats partnership, stating that the Beats audio technology wasn’t seen as a strong selling point for mobile phones.

“People don’t buy smartphones because of the headphones,” said Barclays tech analyst Dale Gai before the deal was announced. “The synergy was very small.”

HTC has recently launched a new advertising campaign fronted by actor Robert Downey Jr. in an attempt to turnaround profit losses and boost smartphone sales.

The Beats stake sale will mean HTC made $415 million over two years from its initial investment.

Next, read our HTC One tips and tricks.

readmore »»  

iPhone 6 release date, news, rumours, specs and price

An iPhone 6 release date might well be just short of a year away, but that hasn’t stopped a number of iPhone 6 rumours from already doing the rounds online.

With the iPhone 5S having hit retailers in the UK last Friday alongside the colourful iPhone 5C, attention has already turned to what comes next, with a raft of iPhone 6 rumours hinting that a complete redesign could be on the cards for Apple’s next flagship phone.

Helping make sure you are kept up to date on all the latest iPhone 6 news and rumours, including details on the coveted iPhone 6 release date, we will continue to update this page up until the iPhone 6 launch next year so bookmark it now.

iPhone 6 News

The iPhone 6 is expected to bring the next big change to the smartphone scene, with Apple having to react to the HTC One follow-on and Samsung Galaxy S5, both of which are expected in the early part of 2013.

Although the phone currently remains shrouded in mystery, one iPhone 6 rumour that has surfaced on a number of occasions, is the suggestion that the phone will benefit from an increase in screen size as part of a total redesign. With the likes of the LG G2 having already pushed flagship Android phone displays to 5.2-inches, Apple is likely to make another jump in size, having moved from 3.5-inchs to 4-inch with the iPhone 5.

“The electronics giant has begun evaluating a plan to offer iPhones with screens ranging from 4.8 inches to as high as 6 inches,” claimed “people familiar with the matter” have been quoted as stating in recent reports.

Component suppliers have added that: “Apple has been particularly interested in recent tests for a 4.8-inch screen.”

iPhone 6 Release Date

While we are a little far out yet to accurately predict an iPhone 6 release date, based on Apple’s past habits, we can take a pretty good stab in the dark and guess that the new flagship phone will be formally unveiled in September.

With the iPhone 4S having marked the company’s first move to a late summer unveiling, the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S have all made their first appearances around the same time of year.

Given that Apple is a creature of habit, we expect the iPhone 5S release date will be held in either late September or early October 2013, following an unveiling two weeks prior. One thing you can bet on is that the iPhone 6 will not be hit by the same level of stock shortages as the iPhone 5S, a device which faced 6-8 week shipping delays on day one.

iPhone 6 Rumours

With Apple having repeated teased and hinted a wearable gadget potentially being in the works at its Cupertino HQ, it has been suggested that the iPhone 6 release date could be held in conjunction with an Apple iWatch launch.

The iPhone 6 rumour which continues to generate the most talking points, however, is the move to a larger display. With insiders and component suppliers chattering about a bigger display, analysts have got in on the act too, with Topeka Capital analyst Brian White also pointing at a 4.8-inch form factor.

“The next iPhone will offer customers more choice in terms of screen size, White suggested in a recent note to investors. “Tthe Company has never offered multiple screen sizes for a single model, we believe this is about to change with the next iPhone offering different screen sizes that we believe will allow Apple to better bifurcate the market and expand its reach.”

One iPhone 6 rumours which seems to be stretching the realms of possibility, is collection of iPhone 6 concept images which have shown the phone with a curved, wraparound display. While these images have grabbed the attentions of many, even the concept’s designer has questioned its likelihood.

“Such a design may appear on the iPhone 6 or 7, or maybe never,” designer Nikolay Lamm said. “It’s a cool design, but one which is unlikely to give Apple a sustainable competitive advantage.”

iPhone 6 Specs

The iPhone 6 specs sheet is set to have a few surprises in store following the incremental updates from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 5S.

With the Touch ID fingerprint sensor having made an appearance aboard the iPhone 5S, it is expected that the biometric security measure will become something of a standard on flagship models, and make another stop within the iPhone 6’s home button.

Further iPhone 6 specs will likely see the increased screen and completely overhauled design partnered with an even speedier 64-bit processor and larger camera sensor. Further and more precise iPhone 6 specs are still unclear.

As has become customary, the iPhone 6 is expected to be made available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage forms, although a new 128GB handset is also believed to be on the cards.

iPhone 6 Price

Although Apple isn’t short of a few bob, the iPhone 6 price, like that of its predecessor is sure to hit you where it hurts, the wallet.

The iPhone 5S price was increased over its predecessor, and with the iPhone 6 expected to get a bump in screen size and an all new design, you can expect and even lofty rise in costs next time around. We will bring you further details on the iPhone 6 price as and when we get them.

Read More: iPad mini 2 rumours

readmore »»  

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is region locked, sorry European SIMs only

The telltale sticker on the side of the Galaxy Note 3 box

Samsung has region locked its latest Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone, meaning only UK and certain European SIMs will work in the device.

Those users who like to travel and simply pop a foreign PAYG SIM into their existing smartphone, won’t be able to do so with the Galaxy Note 3, as Samsung has made it region locked.

Usually a smartphone will be locked to the network it is on rather than a specific region, but it seems Samsung isn’t favouring network providers here.

Instead, Samsung has put the kibosh on anyone wishing to save on roaming charges by making it impossible to use a SIM from anywhere outside the EU or other European countries.

As revealed by stickers adorning the Galaxy Note 3 box, the smartphone is “only compatible with a SIM-card issued from a mobile operator within Europe.” A SIM from any of the EU countries, Switzerland, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia and the Vatican City will work, but forget about one from the US or Australia for example.

It’s not clear why Samsung has chosen to region lock the Galaxy Note 3, but we expect it is something to do with the software contained within the 5.7-inch smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Features

The Galaxy Note 3 is the most powerful of Samsung’s latest smartphone with a quad-core 2.3GHz Qulacomm Snapdragon 800 processor with an unprecedented 3GB of RAM.

It packs a 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display compatible with the new Samsung S-Pen stylus and offers an image density of 266ppi.

In the rear, the Galaxy Note 3 has a 13-megapixel camera capable of recording 4k resolution videos, coupled with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

With a hearty 3,200mAh battery, the Galaxy Note 3 also offers 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, NFC and Infrared connectivity.

Next, read our Samsung Note 3 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 comparison.

readmore »»  

Cut the Rope 2 release date confirmed for late 2013

A Cut the Rope 2 release date has been confirmed for this year, with developer ZeptoLab announcing the app-based game will land in late 2013.

Marking the return of the lovable, candy munching little green monster Om Nom, the sequel to Cut The Rope will be available to download for both iOS and Android in the coming months.

Making the announcement, ZeptoLab has confirmed that the game will feature a reimagined version of Om Nom's candy-filled world, with new adventures, interactive environments and never-before-seen characters.

What's more, fans will also be able to watch Om Nom in a third season of sister web series Om Nom Stories.

"Cut the Rope 2 is a massive step forward for the game," said Misha Lyalin, ZeptoLab CEO. "Amazing graphics, gameplay and characters drive a brand new experience that fans are going to love."

The original Cut the Rope game was released in October 2010 and was followed by Cut the Rope: Experiments in August 2011 and Cut the Rope: Time Travel in April 2013. ZeptoLab also brought out an additional puzzle game called Pudding Monsters in December 2012.

The gaming company has revealed that since the original Cut The Rope was launched in 2010, players have cut more than 60 billion ropes on the game at a rate of 42,000 ropes per minute.

The games have had 400 million global downloads, with 60 million active monthly users in the first half of 2013. A precise date of arrival is still up in the air, as is pricing.

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

readmore »»  

Google celebrates 15th birthday with interactive piñata doodle

Google has introduced an interactive piñata doodle to celebrate its 15th birthday.


Users take control of the second G in the Google logo to smash a swinging star-shaped piñata using the space bar to release the sweets and achieve high scores.

The doodle is part of Google’s birthday celebrations that marks 15 years since PHD students Larry Page and Sergey Brin started in a garage as part of a research product called BackRub.

There has been some debate over the actual date of Google’s birthday, as September 7 was when the website was incorporated and September 15 was when the Google.com domain name was supposedly first registered.

However, September 27 has been named as the search engine’s official birthday and seemingly stemmed from an argument between Google and Yahoo in 2005 over each site’s growth rate and size.

Google also announced today that it has made its search algorithm to make it more responsive to user requests as part of the new Hummingbird update.

Having been gradually rolled out over the past month, Google has yet to disclose the full modifications the update has made to the search engine.

It may well mean websites experience a major impact on their daily hits, as Amit Singhai, one of Google’s senior vice presidents, said the update is the most dramatic alteration to the search engine since the Caffeine update three years ago.

For users, the Hummingbird update aims to help Google understand concepts rather than single words, meaning users will be able to enter longer questions and receive more accurate answers.

Google Voice and the increasing use of voice-recognition technology has also meant users are asking the search engine more questions as part of an ongoing conversation, which has also influenced the Hummingbird update, said Singhai.

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

readmore »»  

Netflix opens Super HD streaming to all users

Netflix has made its Super HD high quality streaming option available to all of its subscribers.

Super HD, which Netflix launched in January, is a step up in quality from from the company's Full HD 1080p streaming standard.

However, up to now the on-demand media streaming company has only made the new standard available on a handful of ISPs with direct links to Netflix.

Now all Netflix subscribers can access Super HD content regardless, though there are still a couple of understandable caveats.

Obviously you need a fairly decent internet connection in order to be able to stream at such a high standard. If you can attain speeds of between 5Mbps and 7Mbps, you should be set.

The second restriction concerns the device you use to access Netflix - not all of them will support the new standard. Generally, if you have a Blu-Ray player, smart TV or streaming player that supports Netflix 1080p, you should be alright.

In addition, support has been confirmed for subscribers who own a PS3, Apple TV 2012, Roku with 1080p, Nintendo Wii U or a Windows 8 PC with the Netflix app.

Thanks to Netflix's adaptive streaming technology, you won't have to do anything to enable Super HD content. If your connection and device can take, Netflix will employ its premium standard automatically.

It should be noted that not all Netflix content is available in Super HD just yet.

Netflix has taken the opportunity to urge ISPs to sign up for the company's Netflix Open Connect content delivery network, which optimises Netflix streaming performance by storing popular shows on local servers.



Next, check out the best TVs of 2013.

readmore »»  

Sandstrøm S47S13 Soundbar Audio Review

What is the Sandstrøm S47S13?

The Sandstrøm S47S13 is a 2.0 soundbar that at the time of writing is exclusively on sale at Currys for the grand sum of just £80. Despite this remarkably cheap price, the S47S13 comes with built-in Bluetooth and NFC support, and a claimed output of 60W. It sounds like an impressive deal and a very good value of giving your TV's sound a serious boost. But how does it compare to the best soundbars? Let's find out.

Sandstrøm S47S13: Design

Considering how incredibly cheap it is, the ‘Brushed Metal’ Sandstrøm S47S13 is surprisingly good looking. It’s a reasonably long-form design (as its name suggests, it’s been designed to go with TVs with 47-inch or larger screens), with three exposed speakers at each end comprising two gleaming metallic mid-range speakers sitting either side of a black tweeter. In the bar’s central section, meanwhile, there’s a cute circular area containing speaker status lights.

The Sandstrøm S47S13 is chunky enough to raise at least hope of some real audio power, yet slim enough to still look stylish and not jut out too far if fixed beneath a flat TV. There’s an understandably rather plasticky feel to the Sandstrøm S47S13’s build quality, but this isn’t obvious from a distance, meaning your over-riding first impression is that you’re getting a heck of a lot of product for your £80.

Sandstrøm S47S13: Connections

Tucked away under a simple clip-off panel on the Sandstrøm S47S13’s rear is a rather disappointing collection of connections. All you get here are the mains power inlet, an optical audio input, and a 3.5mm audio input. Fortunately there is one further socket tucked down the right hand side, though: an MP3 link socket.

The main omission here, of course, is an HDMI input. In fact, the dearth of AV-centric connections generally suggests that the Sandstrøm S47S13 has really been designed to connect to your TV’s audio outputs; it’s not one of those soundbars designed to have multiple external AV sources attached to it so it can essentially be used as an AV switchbox.

It can, though, just about be considered a multimedia switchbox. For surprisingly for its money it’s able to pair to Bluetooth-enabled devices - there’s a Pair button on the remote to enable this - while its central section contains an NFC sensor so you can wirelessly connect NFC-enabled devices for music playback simply by touching them to the soundbar’s fascia.

This sort of connectivity has the potential to make the Sandstrøm S47S13 a firm favourite in multimedia-savvy households - so long, of course, as the Sandstrøm S47S13 has enough audio quality to make the music it produces from these multimedia sources sound good.

readmore »»  

Nokia to launch six new devices on October 22

Nokia will launch six new mobile devices in October, including its very first tablet running on Microsoft's Windows RT OS.

The multi-handset unveiling will apparently take place at a special event to be held in Abu Dhabi on October 22.

That's the claim made by The Wall Street Journal and its "people familiar with the plan" sources, at least.

It claims that the six-strong lineup will include several Lumia smartphones running on Windows Phone 8, as well as low-end feature phones running on Nokia's own S40 OS.

Most excitingly of all, Nokia will unveil its first tablet. As hinted at earlier in the week, this is likely to be called the Nokia Lumia 2520 (code-named Sirius), and will take the form of a 10.1-inch Windows RT device.

Expect a fairly low-res 1371 x 771 display contrasted with a highly competent Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU. We're also expecting a 6.7-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics.

4G support, a 10 hour battery life and a case that doubles as a keyboard are also predicted for the Nokia Lumia 2520. It should all cost around the same as an iPad, too.

Of course, the Nokia Lumia 2520 will also have competition from within the cramped confines of the Windows 8 ecosystem, as Microsoft recently announced its second generation of Surface tablet devices.

With Nokia having agreed to sell its hardware arm to Microsoft next year, it will be interesting to see how it differentiates its tablet offering from that of its partner and soon-to-be master.

Read more: Best Windows 8 laptops, tablets, convertibles and PCs.

readmore »»  

Xbox One will boast a new personal trainer app called Xbox Fitness

Tracy Anderson will be part of Xbox Fitness (via Polygon)

Microsoft is seemingly plotting a new fitness application for its forthcoming Xbox One console, which will allow owners to 'work out smarter with famous trainers.'

A page detailing the as-yet-unannounced Xbox Fitness app was briefly posted on the Xbox.com website on Thursday before it was swiftly removed by Microsoft.

The application will, according to the now-deleted post will make use of the Xbox One's new Kinect sensor in order to track the users vitals, heart-rate, motion and more.

The company isn't just relying on 'Jaden from LA Fitness' to get us in shape either. Microsoft has enlisted top fitness coaches.

Jillian Michaels, whose show The Biggest Loser is a huge hit Stateside is the face of the campaign, while Tony Horton, who pioneered the quite-frankly-ridiculous P90X regime is on board too, The aesthetically-pleasing Tracy Anderson and Insanity creator Shaun Thompson are also in on the action.

These professional butt kickers will be on hand to guide users through the cardiac tests, while also offering real-time personalised feedback on form and performance, according to the post.

The application will be a privilege for Xbox Live Gold subscribers who'll have unlimited access to the app until November 2014 when it'll become a subscription based service users will have to fork out extra for.

The fitness program is likely to build on the success Microsoft enjoyed with Kinect-based fitness apps, for the Xbox 360, which were, of course, pioneered by Nintendo's game-changing Wii Fit game.

Microsoft has yet to let out a peep about Xbox Fitness, but now it has inadvertently let is slip, perhaps we can expect confirmation and full details sooner rather than later.

Via Polygon

readmore »»  

Apple outs iOS 7.0.2 to plug lock screen by-pass flaw

Apple has released an iOS 7 update to remedy a security flaw that had allowed potential intruders to by-pass the iPhone's lock screen passcode.

Shortly after the revamped operating system became available to the public on September 18, a video of the flaw, which is activated by a series of complex commands was posted online.

9to5Mac reckons that Apple spent a couple of weeks of testing the iOS 7.0.2 update, which puts paid to the concerning bug.

The update is almost exclusively to plug the security gap, with the only other feature mentioned in the release notes is the return of a Greek keyboard option when entering the pass codes.

iOS 7.0.2 also brings the iPhone 5, 4S and 4 in line with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C . Those devices enjoyed an exclusive update with iOS 7.0.1 to accompany last week's launch.

The update can be obtained over-the-air by heading to Settings > General > Software update, or by tethering your iPhone to iTunes on your Mac or PC via USB.

It's is also thought that Apple is working hard on a larger update known as iOS 7.1, which could arrive alongside a pair of new iPad tablets in October.

Many iOS 7 users will be hoping that update will remedy the new, remained operating system's propensity to drink down iPhone batteries like they're going out of fashion.

Are you struggling to keep your handset going throughout the day? Here's a few handy hints and tips to preserve its life-force and until you reach the sanctity of a wall socket.

readmore »»  

Audio Pro ADDON T10 wireless speaker launches in UK

Audio Pro is updating its speaker range with the release of the Audio Pro ADDON T10 wireless speaker in the UK.

The stylish single stereo system combines Bluetooth 4.0 and AptX technology with 80 Watts of power. The Audio Pro ADDON T10 plays high quality audio from smartphones, tablets and music devices via a wireless connection.

Audio Pro ADDON T10 Features

The Audio Pro ADDON T10 is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Mac and PC Bluetooth devices.

As well as its wireless capacity, it has two additional audio inputs for connecting extra sources and a USB port for charging devices.

In order to play room-filling audio, the ADDON T10 has two cloth-dome tweeters at its outer edges driven by a 20W amplifier. Another 40W amplifier powers a larger central bass driver. The speaker also has a sub output for connecting a subwoofer.

Relatively compact at 32cm wide, the Audio Pro ADDON T10 comes in matte black or white as standard with an aluminium remote control. A special edition version is available in orange gloss with a leather handle.



Audio Pro ADDON T10 Release Date and Price

Although having only just been unveiled, the Audio Pro ADDON T10 release date is already upon us, with the speaker available now in matte black and white for £299. The special edition orange gloss Audio Pro ADDON T10 is £349.



Read More: Beats Studio headphones

readmore »»  

Sony confirms PS4 Killzone Shadow Fall Mega Bundle

PS4 Killzone: Shadow Fall Mega Bundle

Sony has confirmed that a PS4 bundle offering Killzone Shadow Fall, an additional DualShock 4 controller and the PlayStation camera will be available at launch.

The Killzone Shadow Fall bundle was leaked on Amazon last month, but Sony has now confirmed the bundle will be released in November in time for the PS4 release date.

“I can officially confirm that the answer is yes [Sony will bring the bundle to the UK],” said Sony UK boss Fergal Gara to Eurogamer.

If you opt for the Killzone Shadow Fall PS4 bundle, which Sony is internally calling the “mega bundle”, you will receive an additional DualShock 4 controller, PlayStation Camera and a physical copy of the game with a 500GB hard drive PS4.

Competitively priced against the basic Xbox One bundle that offers the console, chat headset, 4k-compatible HDMI cable and Kinect, the PS4 mega bundle will retail for within £10 of the £429 UK Xbox One price.

“It will be no more than a tenner either way [of the Xbox One £429 UK price] depending on what conversation rate we use on the given day.”

However, before you get too excited, the PS4 mega bundle is only available in limited numbers to begin with and only existing pre-order customers will probably get access to it at first.

“[The mega bundle] is in limited volume, and therefore it is probably going to go mainly to current pre-order customers, then follow-up volume may well be post-Christmas.”

It seems Sony has other value for money bundles to offer PS4 pre-order customers for day one though, in case the Killzone Shadow Fall bundle sells out.

“But there are other bundles that also represent incredibly good value. Starting yesterday, our retail partners are contacting their pre-order customers in order, so starting with the first, working up to when they run out of that special bundle, saying, we now have clarity on exactly what PlayStation 4 bundles we have to offer for day one.”

Sony is due to announce further PS4 bundles tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see if other PS4 exclusives like Knack will get their own dedicated bundles.

“It’s a brilliant thing to do for the gamer. In theory there could be some free on day one, but I think it’s unlikely, because the people in that queue are going to say yes please.”



Next, read our Xbox One vs PS4 comparison.

readmore »»  

HTC One Max leaks once again with fingerprint scanner on show

New HTC One Max leaks have hit the web, with yet more images of the mooted phone showing off the upcoming handset’s integrated fingerprint scanner.

Expected to follow hot on the heels of the original HTC One and the recent HTC One Mini, the HTC One Max has been the subject of much rumour and speculation in recent weeks, with the oversized phone making a number of premature appearances.

Widely expected to be taking a leaf out of Apple’s book, the HTC One Max has been shown with a fingerprint scanner incorporated within the phone’s rear. The newly leaked images have once again focussed on the biometric security measure, similar to that of the iPhone 5S.

Although the latest HTC One Max leaks have offered no further details on the phone’s internals, they have adding backing to the claims that the phone will sport a similar, albeit larger, brushed metal design to its siblings.

Recent HTC One Max specs have pegged the phone as running a whopping 5.9-inch to 6.4-inch 1080p Full HD display, eclipsing the 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and lining up as a closer competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3.

Alongside the HTC One Max’s gargantuan display, further leaked specs have been tipped as a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM and the same 4-Ultrapixel camera as its predecessor, alongside a 3300mAh battery and Google’s Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS.

Although the HTC One Max has been tipped to run an integrated fingerprint scanner, Samsung today confirmed it would add no such feature to next year’s Samsung Galaxy S5.

“We are not yet developing the technology,” an official Samsung spokesperson is reported to have stated when questioned on a fingerprint scanner hosting Samsung Galaxy S5.

Read More: iPhone 6 rumours

Via: MobiLeaks

readmore »»  

Samsung S27C570HS Monitor Review

What is the Samsung S27C570HS?

The Samsung S27C570HS is straightforward - a 27-inch monitor with HDMI, VGA and a headphone jack. At £250 it isn't super expensive, but at this price it's no surprise to see it's a standard Full HD monitor with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. That's not an especially high resolution for such a large screen, but that doesn't preclude it being a decent buy.



SEE ALSO: Best monitors round-up

Samsung S27C570HS: Design & Features

Monitors rarely excite with their design and the Samsung S27C570HS is no exception. It's slim, which is nice, but its glossy black front and black plastic base are anonymous and inoffensive. The rear has a brushed metal effect, but it is just that... an effect.

There's only tilt adjustment on offer, and the base is not one of Samsung's finest efforts. It's easy to assemble, but it wobbles noticeably when jogged. It's not a fatal flaw, but it is somewhat annoying.

The Samsung S27C570HS's connections comprise HDMI, VGA and a headphone out, which is all most people need. However the lack of a second digital connection (HDMI or DVI) is disappointing, especially considering the 27-inch BenQ GW2760HS has both and at a lower £215 price point.

The Samsung S27C570HS isn't wall mountable, either, which is a silly oversight considering the slim design lends itself well to such an option. It won't bother many people, of course, but it also rules out anyone with a monitor arm mount.

So far, so ordinary, but the Samsung S27C570HS wins points for its easy to use OSD controls. There's just a single control, a four-way control stick and button on the bottom edge below the LED power light. It and the easy to navigate controls make tweaking settings a breeze.

Samsung S27C570HS: Image Quality

The main specs for the panel and monitor read much like any other monitor at this price: 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 5ms grey-to-grey response time and a peak brightness of 300 nits. Actually the latter is very high, too high really - not that this matters a great deal. These don't tell us much, so we fired up our Xrite i1 Display Pro and got testing. And, sadly, out of the box the Samsung S27C570HS calibration is distinctly average, less so even.

Our target colour temperature (white point) is 6500K, but at default settings the Samsung S27C570HS sits at 7471K. This is very cool, leaving whites and blacks noticeably off. We managed to get this down to 6622K using the RGB controls (blue channel down to 45 from 50), but we expect monitors to arrive better calibrated than this.

Contrast and brightness were on target, at 1,044:1 and 331 nits respectively. The latter is quite a bit higher than the quoted figure, and we recommend tuning this down to around 250 nits (brightness to 79 on our model) for comfortable everyday use. Some will recommend lower still - it depends on how bright you environment is.

While the colour temperature is rather cool, actual colour accuracy is decent enough. The Samsung S27C570HS measured a deltaE of 2.29, which is good enough for average users. It's a little way off the BenQ GW2760HS (1.92) and Samsung SC24C650 (1.27), but not so much that any ordinary user should worry.

Brightness uniformity



Colour temperature

The uniformity (aka consistency) of the panel is a concern, however. The brightness (luminance) and colour temperature (white point) uniformity tests shown were conducted before we tweaked the settings, but reducing brightness only improved things a small amount.

Across the whole screen there's a great deal of variance. The white point in the bottom left edge is way off and, while there's no really obvious backlight bleed, brightness consistency across the whole panel is iffy.

These average results are borne out in general use. The Samsung S27C570HS isn't a bad monitor, but it doesn't stand out, either. Colours lack a little punch and it struggles resolve really fine detail in dark scenes in photos and videos. And in comparison to the BenQ GW2760HS, which has an impressive 3,000:1 contrast ratio, the depth and richness of its pictures are sadly lacking.

The redeeming quality here is the viewing angles, which are very, very good. It's the best part about the Samsung S27C570HS's image quality, actually, but not really enough for us to recommend it. We didn't have any complaints about its responsiveness or motion handling, either, which combined with the high peak brightness makes this a reasonable option for gaming, but there are better.

Should I buy the Samsung S27C570HS?

The Samsung S27C570HS isn't a bad monitor, just an average one. It does no single thing brilliantly and has enough issues to cause concern. The fact it comes out of the box so poorly calibrated is irritating, too.

If it were £50 cheaper it would be a decent bargain option, but at £250 you're better off with the BenQ GW2760HS. It's £30 or so cheaper, has more connections and the image quality is better.

Verdict

The Samsung S27C570HS does nothing brilliantly and is a little too expensive right now. It's worth considering if it comes down in price, but you should either save your money or spend a little more to get more.

readmore »»