Samsung admits to Galaxy S5 camera fault

Samsung has acknowledged that certain US models of the Samsung Galaxy S5 are suffering from camera failure issues.


Although UK users are currently untroubled by the problems, a number of S5 owners on America's Verizon network have reported seeing "camera failure" messages when attempting to use the handset's snapper.

According to Engadget, Samsung and Verizon have acknowledged an issue with the camera module in some Galaxy S5 handsets.

The fault, which will require customers to exchange their phone for a new one in order to solve the issue, has been discussed on the XDA developer forum, with users trying everything they could think of to get the module working again.

So, why doesn't the problem affect phones on UK networks? Well, there are a number of different SKUs (variants, if you will) of each Samsung phone, the affected model is the Samsung SM-G900V whereas the European model is the Samsung SM-G900F. The differences mostly come down to the supported frequencies for 4G and other carrier-based customisations.

It could be that one batch of the handsets had a defective camera module, or it could be that the problem is software-based. It's unlikely we'll be told, no matter what the problem is.

If you do happen to have a phone displaying this fault, get in touch with your service provider who will sort it for you. And, of course, stick a comment below letting us know you've had an issue.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date, rumours, news, specs and price

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Oppo Smart Lens smartphone camera lens leaked

The rumoured Oppo Smart Lens has been snapped ahead of a potential launch later this year.

From the looks of the leaked high-resolution images, the Oppo Smart Lens camera looks exceedingly similar to the Sony QX10 and Sony QX100 smartphone lens cameras launched at IFA last year.

The images suggest that the lens camera will connect to your smartphone using NFC and attach via expanding feet akin to that offered by the Sony lens camera duo.

It also has Wi-Fi connectivity, which we expect will be Wi-Fi direct to connect to smartphones that lack NFC like the iPhone 5S.

This model has a 10x optical zoon, but there are rumours there will be a 15x optical zoom model also available.

Previous leaks suggest it will feature a microSD card, 16-megapixel sensor and optical image stabilisation.

The images all appeared on Chinese social media site, Weibo but Oppo has yet to confirm their legitimacy. We doubt the company will of course, until an official launch.



Read more: Best cameras 2014

Via: GizChina

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Mad Max release date set for 2015

Avalanche Studios has confirmed that the Mad Max release date will occur somewhere in 2015 in a new trailer for the game.

The new teaser trailer, embedded below, not only reveals the albeit slightly delayed 2015 release date, but also sheds some light on the driving aspects of the official Mad Max game.

Originally announced at E3 2013, Mad Max is in development at Avalanche Studios, probably best known for the Just Cause game series.

The movie spin-off was originally expected to land sometime in 2014, but has now been pushed back to 2015.

“Survive The Wasteland and customise the ultimate combat vehicle to overtake even the fiercest enemy,” reads the YouTube video blurb. “Mad Max delivers open world gameplay in a post-apocalyptic setting where cars are the key to survival. Developed by Avalanche Studios, gamers become Mad Max, a lone warrior who must fight to stay alive in The Wasteland, using vicious on-ground and vehicular combat against savage gangs of bandits.”

“Following the theft of his iconic Interceptor, Max must align himself with a gifted, but peculiar mechanic named Chumbucket and others to build the ultimate war vehicle as he works to escape from the dangerous Wasteland.”

The first gameplay trailer for the game was released in July last year, following the announcement trailer shown off by Sony at E3 where you saw Mad Max himself sprinting over a wounded man lying at the side of a desert track.

The gameplay trailer itself was a lot bleaker, focusing on the loss of hope and issues around morality and justice.

Sadly, it looks like we’ll have to wait quite some time before we can play Mad Max, but at least the extra development time gives Avalanche more time with the new consoles.

Published by Warner Bros, the game will arrive in 2015 for Xbox One, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Read more: Xbox One vs PS4

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Stephen Elop says ‘possibilities are endless’ as Nokia is acquired by Microsoft

As Nokia confirms its takeover by Microsoft has been completed, the Finnish manufacturer’s outgoing CEO Stephen Elop has suggested the “possibilities are endless” for the company.

Despite Microsoft having acquired Nokia’s Devices and Services business, as well as a number of the company’s mobile-based patents and trademarks, Elop has claimed Nokia will remain “your go-to choice” for mobile devices.

Speaking in an open letter as the takeover was finalised, Elop remained optimistic on Nokia’s future and its new place within Microsoft.

“From today onwards, the possibilities are endless,” he said. “As now, we’re one.”

He added: “At our core, we are passionate about building technology that will change the world. From the early vision of Microsoft of placing a PC in every home and on every desk, to Nokia connecting billions of people through mobile devices, we have empowered generations.

“Whether you want to read more, capture more, watch more, listen more or get more done, Nokia mobile devices have been and are your go-to choice.

“As Microsoft and Nokia Devices and Services come together as an expanded family, we will unify our passion, dedication and commitment to bringing you the best of what our joint technologies have to offer.

“Together, we can connect and empower people with one experience for everything in their life in a world where it is mobile first and cloud first.”

The completion of the Nokia takeover by Microsoft was confirmed earlier today, with the final sale fee sais to have exceeded €5.44 billion (£4.48bn).

Read More: Nokia Lumia 1020 review

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iWatch could have flexible display as Apple reportedly places order with LG

The heavily rumoured iWatch could feature a flexible display, according to reports Apple has just placed a large order with LG.

The iWatch could follow in the footsteps of the Samsung Gear Fit and feature a curved display if the latest reports are correct.

According to numerous Korean news sources, Apple has placed an order with LG for around 12 million flexible OLED display units, akin to those used in the LG G Flex.

This should help the iWatch be a more comfortable fit for your wrist when it is launched supposedly later this year.

It looks like LG could be the sole supplier for the iWatch display components, which could be quite the lucrative deal for the South Korean electronics giant.

The move could be due to the problems between Apple and Samsung, which usually provides the components for iPhone devices. Although it could be that LG’s display technology is just better than that of Samsung’s, but we doubt we’ll find out either way.

Samsung is the first to demonstrate its ability to tailor flexible display technology to a range of screen sizes, from the Samsung Galaxy Round down to the new Gear Fit healthcare accessory, which features a 1.85-inch 432 x 128p curved AMOLED display.

LG has recently outlined its plans to scale its flexible displays within this year though, which would make them prime for the wearable market.

In March, LG revealed its new process for plastic substrate flexible OLED materials, which would extend the life of LED components.

The iWatch itself is expected to launch with a screen size somewhere in the region of 1.3- and 1.5-inches. There have been rumours Apple may launch two different sizes to make sure the iWatch appeals to both male and female watch wearers.

Production of the iWatch has been tipped to start in July for a September launch and release alongside the iPhone 6.

Read more: iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5C

Via: Display Central

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Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 – Which is better?

Which is the Best Android in Town?

Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone is now available in shops, with all the bells and whistles that you’d expect from the South Korean manufacturer. But how does the Galaxy S5 stack up to the Android platform’s official poster boy, the Nexus 5?

With a £250 price disparity, it might seem like they’re in a different class altogether, but you might be surprised to learn how closely fought this battle is.

Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 — Design

Samsung Galaxy S5 - 8.1mm thick, plastic construction, IP67 certified, 145g

Google Nexus 5 - 8.59mm thick, plastic construction, 130g

While few would argue that the Nexus 5 is one of the best-looking phones in a market that includes the HTC One M8 and the iPhone 5S, its simple, minimalist design is undoubtedly easier on the eye than the Galaxy S5.

There's a certain elegance and a commendable level of restraint to LG's and Google's all-plastic effort. It might be low-cost, but it certainly doesn't feel cheap.

Samsung, meanwhile, has continued with its own somewhat heavy-handed use of plastic and questionable design choices. The Galaxy S5's dimpled soft-touch rear cover looks like something you might find on the handle of a cheap old badminton racquet. We’re astounded, too, that the company is still pushing its faux-metal surround mid-way through 2014.

On the plus side, it feels a lot better than it looks, with a grippy and solid build. Also positive is the Samsung Galaxy S5’s IP67 certification, which means that it’s both water and dust resistant.

It’s also slimmer than the Nexus 5 by half a millimetre, though it’s a not-inconsiderable 15 grams heavier.

Ultimately, while the Nexus 5 continues to be a perfectly pleasant phone to look at and hold, the Galaxy S5 shows that we’re still waiting for Samsung’s aesthetic efforts to match the excellent work it puts in elsewhere.

Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 — Screen

Samsung Galaxy S5 - 5.1-inch 1920 x 1080 Super AMOLED (432ppi)

Google Nexus 5 - 4.95-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD (445ppi)

The Nexus 5 really grabbed our attention upon release for offering a top-notch 4.95-inch display for a mid-range price. It continues to impress today, thanks to its 1920 x 1080 resolution and fine colour reproduction.

It also uses an IPS panel, much like the iPhone 5S, which makes for a clear picture even when viewed at an angle.

Over in the other corner, the Samsung Galaxy S5’s display is ever so slightly larger. This serves to produce a slightly less pixel-dense picture, but not to any noticeable degree.

The biggest difference here is that the Galaxy S5 uses Super AMOLED technology rather than LCD. This results in considerably more vibrant colours and deeper blacks.

We’ve often criticised AMOLED technology in the past for offering unnaturally deep - and thus inaccurate - colours, but Samsung has taken huge strides forward with this in recent times. As a result, the Galaxy S5’s screen is an absolute treat.

Yes, it still uses the inferior PenTile array for arranging its sub-pixels, but the screen is so sharp and clear that you probably won’t notice.

In darker conditions in particular, the Galaxy S5’s display wipes the floor with the Nexus 5’s.

The Nexus 5 has software soft keys, the Galaxy S5 'real' ones

Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 — Software

Samsung Galaxy S5 - Android 4.4.2, TouchWiz UI

Google Nexus 5 - Android 4.4.2

Both phones run on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the very latest version of Google’s mobile OS. However, the Nexus 5 still has the major advantage here.

That’s because while Google has its excellent stock Android OS, Samsung has once again layered on its intrusively busy custom TouchWiz UI. It’s an improvement over previous versions in terms of visual appeal and clarity, but it’s still well below stock Android in terms of day-to-day usability.

Samsung’s main mistake is that it seems to think choice and customisation are everything. Witness the dizzying number of toggles available in the expanded settings menu - so many that it actually negates the concept of such a 'shortcut' menu.



Then there’s Samsung’s habit of doubling up on apps. Again, it’s better than it was, but the Galaxy S5 still has its own app store, its own music app, and its own chat app when Google’s own versions are superior.

TouchWiz is also a bit of a resource drain, slowing down homescreen navigation in spite of the zippy hardware (more on that in a bit).

Additional features like Air View and Multi Window are neat little gimmicks, but they fail to fundamentally enhance the user experience.

While the Galaxy S5 can arguably do everything the Nexus 5 can do and more, it somehow comes out as the loser in the software round thanks to its lack of restraint and cohesion.

Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 — Power/CPU

Samsung Galaxy S5 - 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 CPU, 2GB RAM

Google Nexus 5 - 2.26GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2GB RAM

While the Nexus 5 is powered by the trusty Snapdragon 800 CPU, the Samsung Galaxy S5 packs the newer, faster Snapdragon 801.

But really, there’s not an awful lot in it. In fact, the 801 is very similar indeed to the 800, with the main difference being that it can be clocked a little higher. Sure enough, the Galaxy S5 is clocked at 2.5GHz to the Nexus 5’s 2.26GHz.

It's certainly an advantage, but hardly a resounding one.



Elsewhere, the Galaxy S5’s Snapdragon 801 processor has a superior Image Signal Processor, which is one of the reasons its camera takes quicker pictures and the autofocus is snappier.

Both phones have 2GB of RAM, which is pretty much par for the course when it comes to modern high-end smartphones.

All in all, neither phone is going to be found wanting with the upcoming genertion of mobile games, 1080p video playback, or multitasking. They're both strong performers, with the Galaxy S5 taking a slight edge.

Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 — Camera

Samsung Galaxy S5 - 16MP, 1/2.6-inch sensor, software stabilisation, f/2.2 aperture, LED flash

Google Nexus 5 - 8MP, 1/3.2-inch sensor, OIS, f/2.4 aperture, LED flash

For the first time in this comparison, well, there really is no comparison. The Samsung Galaxy S5’s camera is better than the Nexus 5’s in almost every way.

On paper, the Galaxy S5 wins easily. It packs double the number of megapixels (16 versus 8) into a larger 1/2.6-inch image sensor, while it also features a larger f/2.2 aperture lens, allowing it to let more light in.

Of course, megapixels and F-stops don’t necessarily a superior camera make, but in the Samsung Galaxy S5’s case it happens to translate into far superior images with a greater degree of sharpness - provided you give them enough light, of course.

The Galaxy S5 is also extremely fast at loosing off its shots - as fast as an iPhone 5S, in our experience.

The Nexus 5’s camera isn’t bad by any means, and it offers real hardware stabilsiation. But it’s not the top-end component that we see elsewhere on the phone. For once, the part fits the price.

Here's how their photos compare:



The Galaxy S5 produces much more natural-looking colours, although detail on the Nexus 5 compares pretty well despite the much lower-res sensor.

Galaxy S5 vs Nexus 5 — Battery

Samsung Galaxy S5 - 2,800 mAh, 390 hours stand-by, 21 hours 3G talk time

Google Nexus 5 - 2,300mAh, 300 hours stand-by, 17 hours 3G talk time

While the Samsung Galaxy S5 might have the faster processor, a larger display, and a busier UI, its battery life stretches much further.

That’s because it comes packed with a much bigger battery unit. Its 2,800 mAh capacity dwarfs that of the Nexus 5 and its 2,300 mAh equivalent.

The listed stamina figures suggest that Samsung has put this extra capacity to good use. It should last 90 hours longer in stand-by, while it should achieve around four hours more 3G talk time.

Our real life tests appear to bear this superiority out. With regular use, we struggled to get the Nexus 5 to last through a full day, whilst the Galaxy S5 could keep going for a day and a half before we needed to plug it in.

It’s also worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is one of the few modern high-end phones that allows you to access and exchange the battery. This should be of great interest to those who travel a lot with little to no access to a charge point, as well as to those who game or watch videos a lot whilst out and about.

Which is the better phone?

In some technical respects, the Galaxy S5 seriously outclasses the Nexus 5. Its camera is a lot better, its processor is a little more advanced and the new Samsung OLED screen is a corker. However, the Nexus 5 is better in some less techy ways. We love the restraint of its plain design and its unadorned software, making it a better choice if you fancy saving some money.



Read More: Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy S4

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Dragon Age Inquisition screenshots released with class details

BioWare has added a whole load of new Dragon Age: Inquisition screenshots to the official website along with the first character progression details.

Although some of the screenshots appear to be from the latest Dragon Age: Inquisition trailer, the majority are brand new, never seen before snaps from the game.

You might spot some familiar faces from previous games, including Morrigan and Varric, but there’s a lot of new stuff to spot in the over two dozen new screenshots scattered around the official website.

What’s more, BioWare has provided some fresh details on the character progressions available in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

The basic level classes are Warrior Mage and Rogue, but these evolve into a choice of three specialisations. So far, we only have one of each specialist class for each basic class, which are outlined below.

Not only does each of these specialist classes come with a unique set of abilities, special moves and weapons, but you’ll also see “class-reactive story content”.

The full list and related blurb for the new content classes are as follows:

Warrior – “Battle-hardened and masters of close combat, warriors are pivotal to any group entering battle. AS front-line fighters, they absorb the brunt of opponent attacks, steal enemy focus, and create an opening for deadly ranged assaults from other classes. While some warriors prefer visceral, sweeping damage, many are silverite-clad bulwarks, weathering any blows they don’t deflect with their shields.”

Warrior Specialisation: Champion – “Champions are defenders and protectors, and when a warrior trains in the champion’s tradition, he or she becomes unstoppable. Champions use their armour, weapon and awareness to shrug off incoming attacks while holding critical positions on the battlefield and protecting allies in the process.”

Mage – “Those who can tap into the raw energy of the Fade and block the whispering temptations of demons are truly exceptional. When they turn that mental focus onto the field of war, they can be truly terrifying opponents. Rains of fire, walls of ice, or even the ability to heal allies make up a mage’s toolkit. Most employ considerable skills rendering foes not only weakened, but also vulnerable to physical attacks, setting up opportunities for their teammates to exploit.”

Mage Specialisation: Knight Enchanter – “Among the Circles of Magi, only a few mages have the strength of will necessary to focus their energy inward. Wrapped in protective magics and wielding blades of arcane force, the Knight Enchanters are rare, but inspiring sights as they lead the charge into enemy ranks.”

Rogue – “Armed with bows, daggers, and any number of dirty tricks, the rogue’s primary focus is damage: tearing foes down one at a time with systematic efficiency. Rogues commonly use a mixture of stealth and mobility to reach positions of advantage, be it a sniper’s perch away from enemy blades or behind an unsuspecting mage. Deadly and resourceful, rogues can tip the balance of any strategic assault.”

Rogue Specialisation: Artificer – “Intricate mechanisms are the core of the artificer’s craft: Deadly traps; Distracting contraptions; Marvels of engineering turned to deadly purpose. If an artificer is standing at the far end of a seemingly innocuous stretch of the battlefield, you should find another path. If he or she is smiling? Best just to hope your affairs are in order.”



Read more: Mass Effect 4 rumours

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Red HTC One M8 reportedly on the cards as press image leaks

A red HTC One M8 has leaked

The HTC One M8 launched last month in a trio of colours and now newly leaked images have suggested that a new, red hued offering is on its way.

Currently available in silver, grey and gold finishes, the newly surfaced press renders have hinted that a red HTC One M8 will touch down in the near future with US network Verizon tipped to be one stockist of the vibrant handset.

Although HTC has yet to offer any formal indication on the introduction of new HTC One M8 colours, given last year’s HTC One added a range of additional, post-launch hues to its line-up, including red and blue models, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a red M8 sooner rather than later.

Having emerged courtesy of serial tech tipster @evleaks, the image of the red HTC One M8 was partnered with the simple and slightly random message “tough crowd.” There is currently no word on a planned release date or availability.

While the leaks have not discussed the phone’s specs, we can’t imaging the red HTC One M8 differing internally to its alternately toned siblings.

The HTC One M8 packs a 5-inch, 1080p Full HD display alongside a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.

The phone’s party piece is its dual-lens UltraPixel rear-mounted camera which helps bring added depth to captured images.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date, rumours, news, specs and price

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Microsoft completes Nokia takeover

Microsoft has completed its proposed takeover of former handset giant Nokia, with the final fee exceeding €5.44 billion (£4.48bn).

With the buyout having originally been tabled back in September 2013, the two technology giants have today confirmed that Microsoft has now successfully taken over much of Nokia’s Devices and Services business.

“Nokia today announced that it has completed the sale of substantially all of its Devices & Services business to Microsoft,” the Finnish company has confirmed in an official statement.

With the final deal price having risen over the original expectations, the buyout sees Microsoft take charge of Nokia’s handset arm and includes the licencing of a number of Nokia held trademarks and patents relating to the mobile sector.

Although the buyout was originally proposed to incorporate Nokia’s manufacturing facilities in India and Korea, Nokia has confirmed these premises have been stripped from the final sale.

As a result, the companies have confirmed: “Nokia and Microsoft have entered into a service agreement whereby Nokia would produce mobile devices for Microsoft.”

With Nokia’s devices and services business now falling under Microsoft’s banner, there have been a number of staffing changes at the former Samsung and HTC rival.

The most high-profile of the personnel changes at Nokia is CEO Stephan Elop who has now left the company with immediate effect. Despite his departure, it has been widely reported that Elop will join Microsoft in the near future.

Although Microsoft has remained coy on its plans for Nokia during the takeover process, earlier this week it was suggested that Microsoft will drop the Nokia branding, instead naming its new smartphone efforts Microsoft Mobile.

In a leaked internal document from Nokia, the company stated: “Please note that upon the close of the transaction between Microsoft and Nokia, the name of Nokia Corporation/Nokia Oyj will change to Microsoft Mobile Oy.”



Read More: Nokia Lumia 1020 review

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Netflix vs Comcast: Netflix bites back in net neutrality row

Netflix has issued a new statement in response to the Comcast net neutrality row.

If you haven’t been following the Netflix and Comcast saga, Comcast limited the bandwidth it allocated to Netflix’s streaming service meaning poorer quality movies and TV shows for users viewing Netflix through a Comcast connection.

Netflix then agreed to pay Comcast a premium rate to allocate more bandwidth to the service, giving customers a better streaming experience.

This goes against Comcast’s pledge to net neutrality rules guaranteeing content providers equal treatment, but Netflix users were definitely getting a bit of a raw deal.

“Netflix agreed to pay Comcast for direct interconnection to reverse an unacceptable decline in our members’ video experience on the Comcast network. These members were experiencing poor streaming quality because Comcast allowed its links to Internet transit providers like Level3, XO, Cogent and Tata to clog up, slowing delivery of movies and TV shows to Netflix users,” said Netflix’s Vice President of Content Delivery, Ken Florance.

The blog post is one of two detailed arguments against paying Comcast, because Netflix is still the one that transmits its content to the Comcast network, which is essentially a brick wall delivery system.

“Comcast does not carry Netflix traffic over long distances. Netflix is itself shouldering the costs and performing the transport function for which it used to pay transit providers. Netflix connects to Comcast in locations all over the U.S., and has offered to connect in as many locations as Comcast desires. So Netflix is moving Netflix content long distances, not Comcast.”

Comcast has previously argued that Netflix has cut out wholesalers deliberately and still has the choice to go back to working with network connection partners if it so wishes.

Netflix believes that it bought “all available transit capacity into Comcast’s networks from multiple transit providers”, but still found its services constantly downgraded because Comcast wouldn’t upgrade the connections as was requested.

Once Netflix forked out the money to Comcast, the service quality increased.

“In sum, Comcast is not charging Netflix for transit service. It is charging Netflix for access to its subscribers. Comcast also charges its subscribers for access to Internet content providers like Netflix. In this way, Comcast is double dipping by getting both its subscribers and Internet content providers to pay for access to each other.”

Read more: Netflix vs Amazon Prime Instant Video

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Toshiba Kira-101 Laptop Review

What is the Toshiba Kira-101?

The growth of the Ultrabook brand has seen Samsung and Sony gain prominence in a quest to beat the Apple MacBook Air at its own game, but Toshiba has been left behind in a quagmire of uninspiring mid-range laptops.

That could be about to change with the Kira. It’s the first of a new range designed to bring some sheen back to Toshiba, and its first impression – an all-metal construction, a 2,560 x 1,440 screen and a Core i7 processor – whets the appetite. There’s a downside to this, and that’s the price: at £1,299, the Kira is more expensive than every competitor.

ROUND-UP: 10 Best Laptops

Toshiba Kira-101: Design & Build Quality

The Kira is expensive but, at first glance, it looks the part. It’s made entirely from metal, with a brushed finish, and it’s magnesium alloy rather than aluminium – a material that Toshiba says is stronger, lighter and more resistant to scratches.

Magnesium dominates the Kira, and it looks good when set against the black keys and the dark bezel. The lid looks classy, too, with the metal only disturbed by a shiny Toshiba logo.

Underneath, the Kira is built using a “honeycomb” structure designed to keep the system sturdy without adding weight. It works for the underside, which feels strong, but we got mixed results from the wrist-rest: there’s only a little depression from the metal, but the right-hand side clicked awkwardly when we pushed. The screen is the Kira’s weak point, with a flexible rear that caused significant screen distortion when pressed (most laptops do this but here more so than others).

That’s not the only design disappointment. The Kira looks smart, but we can’t help thinking that we’ve seen a laptop with brushed metal, a tapered front edge and a black bezel before – and it’s not like this is even the first time an Ultrabook has taken plenty of inspiration from the MacBook Air.

There are plenty of other touches that put us off. The base and screen are saddled with obvious, distracting seams, and that front edge is irritatingly sharp. There’s a column of four stickers and logos on the right-hand side that you just wouldn’t find on a MacBook, and the underside is similarly busy. We don’t like the chrome-effect ring around the touchpad, either: it’s designed to add class, but its effect is diminished by its presence on many cheaper machines. These are tiny complaints, but they all add up, and they all disappoint on a system that’s this expensive.

The Kira is no slimmer or lighter than rivals, either. It’s 21.5mm thick at its widest point and, while it tapers to a 4mm front edge, that former figure is still larger than the MacBook Air, Sony VAIO Pro 13 and the Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus. The Kira weighs 1.35kg: the same as the MacBook, but more than the 1.06kg Sony and the 1.3kg Samsung.

Toshiba makes up ground with good connectivity. Three USB 3.0 ports is more than the Apple and Sony machines, and they’re joined by HDMI, an SD card reader and a single audio jack. There’s no room for Gigabit Ethernet, and no adapter in the box, but the Kira makes up for this omission with dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

REVIEWS: Latest Ultrabooks

Toshiba Kira-101: Screen & Sound Quality

The Kira’s huge 2,560 x 1,440 resolution marks it out from the MacBook Air, which hasn’t yet been given a Retina display, and it’s also got the Sony’s number – the VAIO Pro 13 made do with a 1,920 x 1,080 panel. It’s not got the mighty resolution of the Samsung’s 3,200 x 1,800 screen, which remains the highest pixel count we’ve seen on an Ultrabook.

Nonetheless, the 221ppi screen means that text, images and apps looks impressively sharp, as long as they’ve been scaled to appear smoothly on the high-pixel panel. That’s done by Toshiba, which has used Windows 8.1’s own settings alongside its own similar tools, but the panel isn’t at adept when tasked with third-party software.

Some apps have tiny interfaces, others have trouble displaying text boxes and other page furniture properly, and the low-resolution fonts and images found on many websites are quickly exposed. This is still largely the fault of Microsoft and the poor support Windows has for these high resolutions but clearly Toshiba hasn't managed to fix the issue.

The brightness and black levels of 253cd/m² and 0.1cd/m² are excellent, meaning the Kira’s panel delivers bright, vivid colours and some of the deepest blacks we’ve seen on any laptop.

The average Delta E of 1.84 is similarly impressive, and it means good colour accuracy, and the Kira’s panel correctly displayed 94% of the sRGB colour gamut – another good result. The colour temperature of 7,075K isn’t as good, but that’s the only benchmark test where this panel fell behind and this is something that should be easy to calibrate. The Kira’s screen also has middling viewing angles and a very glossy surface.

This is an excellent touchscreen, with better quality than the Samsung and more pixels than the non-touch MacBook, but it’s pipped to the post here by the Sony. While the VAIO doesn’t have the sheer pixels of the Kira’s panel, its 1080p screen isn’t hampered by formatting problems, and it’s got better brightness and colour accuracy.

The Kira boasts of Harmon/Kardon speakers, and they’re certainly loud; despite the Toshiba’s small size, it pumped out enough volume to fill a small room. Quality is mixed, with thumping bass drums accompanied by tinny, loud high-hats – they’re obtrusive enough to make the mid-range feel swamped. And, while those bass drums sounded good, more subtle deep notes were almost entirely lost. We’d listen to music on the Kira if nothing else was available, but the Apple’s more balanced speakers are better.

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Huawei Ascend P7 specs leaked ahead of launch

The Huawei Ascend P7 specs have leaked ahead of the official May 7 launch event.


Although the 2014 Huawei flagship isn’t expected to launch until next month, notorious tech tipster @evleaks has managed to get hold of a near full specs sheet for the Ascend P7.

According to the tweet, the Ascend P7 will run on a 1.8GHz quad-core Kirin 910T processor with 2GB of RAM and feature 16GB of internal storage bolstered by microSD card.

It will also have a 5-inch full 1080p HD display crammed into a body under 7mm thick, which puts it around the same size as the 6.2mm thick Huawei Ascend P6.

Other specs include a 13-megapixel rear camera coupled with a pretty impressive 8-megapixel front-facing camera for enhanced selfies.

From what @evleaks says you can expect the Ascend P7 to look exactly like the current P6 in terms of design and style.

All these specs line up with the AnTuTu benchmarks that emerged earlier this week, although the processor clock speed is a little higher than the 1.6GHz previously tipped.

It is also expected to run on a 2460mAh battery, offer 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and be made from “exquisite materials”. We strongly expect it to run the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS come launch.

Sadly for Huawei, those leaked benchmarks suggest that the P7’s processing powers will lag far behind the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8 and iPhone 5S.

Even the new OnePlus One mid-range handset has a better AnTuTu benchmark than the Ascend P7’s leaked results.



Read more: Samsung Galaxy S5 vs HTC One M8

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PS4 update 1.70 set for April 30 rollout

PS4 update 1.70 has be dated for release, with Sony confirming the latest console patch will be rolled out next week.

Set to being a range of bug fixes and new features to the Xbox One rival, the PS4 update 1.70 will be available as a free download for PS4 gamers next Wednesday, April 30.

“Heads-up: PS4 firmware update 1.70, inc. SHAREfactory and HDCP Off, goes live on 30th April. More soon,” Sony announced via the official PlayStation Europe Twitter feed.

A sizeable update which will bring new features to gamers, PS4 update 1.70 will introduce the ability to automatically pre-download PS4 games for the first time. With titles to be available days before their general release, those making use of the feature will be able to play the title as soon as they are digitally unlocked on the day of launch.

Another new feature set to be introduced in update 1.70 is the video editor app SHAREfactory. Letting users turn their captured gaming clips into short videos, the SHAREfactory will come with a range of special effects, themes, filters and transitions.

As well as being able to be shared through social networks, gamers will be able to export their videos to USB drives or, thanks to the new HDCP Off features, stream their captured gameplay footage through HDMI using a capture card.

Sony’s latest PS4 update comes just days after the Japanese gaming giant has shifted a staggering 7 million PS4 units during the console’s opening five months on sale. During the same period the rival Xbox One has sold just 5 million consoles to retailers, not gamers.

Read More: PS4 vs Xbox One

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Samsung working on 7-inch smartphone

New rumours have emerged suggesting Samsung is working on a huge 7-inch smartphone with mid-range specs.

Samsung is well known for experimenting with different screen sizes and form factors, just look at the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 or Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom for example, but we just can’t see the point of a 7-inch smartphone.

This is the standard size for the smallest tablets, like the Google Nexus 7 2 and the 7.9-inch iPad mini 2 Retina. Samsung already has a 7-inch slate to its name, with the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 being an affordable tablet option for this size.

However, according to a new report Samsung is working on a 7-inch smartphone that is taller and thinner than your average slate. The model number SM-T2558 suggest Samsung is technically calling it a tablet, but as you can see from the images above, it is strongly designed like a smartphone and makes telephone calls as well.

Apparently, the 7-inch mega phone will come with a 720p HD display running on a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, probably a Snapdragon 400 CPU and 1.5GB of RAM.

There should be an 8-megapixel rear camera coupled with a 2-megapixel front-facing video calling option.

LTE 4G connectivity with be paired with Bluetooth 4.0 and the device will come with 8GB of internal storage bolstered by microSD card support.

Definitely a lower-end device, the phone will apparently run Android 4.3 Jelly Bean rather than the latest Android KitKat OS.

There is something that makes us think this might not be a new device and that is the phone uses the old menu key rather than the more recent apps key. This might mean it is not a final version of the device, but could also mean it is a phone Samsung worked on a while back and decided not to launch.

Currently there is no information as to if or when this giant handset will be available.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S5 review

Via: Sammobile

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Google+ boss Vic Gundotra leaving Google

Google executive and head of the company’s Google+ social network, Vic Gundotra, has unexpectedly announced that he is leaving the company.

Gundotra had been at Google for eight years, during which time he spearheaded the creation of the Google+ platform that finally saw the company offering a competitive and fully integrated social network.

Now Gundotra has announced that he is leaving Google.

"Today I'm announcing my departure from Google after almost 8 years," wrote Gundotra on (what else?) Google+. He went on to highlight some of his achievements at the company, as well as paying tribute to his boss and Google co-founder Larry Page.

"From starting Google I/O, to being responsible for all mobile applications, to creating Google+, none of this would have happened without Larry's encouragement and support," wrote Gundotra.

Page, for his part, posted his own Google+ tribute to Gundotra. "Vic - thank you for a tremendous almost eight years at Google," he began.

Page too mentioned Gundotra’s key contributions to establishing Google+ and the annual Google I/O event, claiming that "These were vintage Vic projects." He also mentioned Gundotra’s work on Google Maps navigation, revealing that "when I first used turn-by-turn navigation, it blew me away."

Gundotra did not mention what prompted him to leave Google after eight years, nor did he reveal what he would be working on next. "Now is the time for a new journey… I am excited about what's next," is the extent of what he had to say on the matter.

In the meantime, Recode claims that Larry Page has already appointed vice president of engineering, David Besbris, to Gundotra’s newly vacated role, though there has been no official announcement as yet.

Read More: Google Play Music All Access review

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Amazon planning own delivery service

Amazon is planning to take control of the final element of the online shopping experience by delivering its packages itself.


While recent reports have highlighted the company’s fanciful experimentation with drone delivery systems, another altogether more grounded experiment is going on in various parts of the US.

As highlighted by a recent Wall Street Journal report, the online giant has set up small delivery networks in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. These networks, which Amazon is calling Last Mile, feature Amazon-emblazoned trucks driven by Amazon-supervised contractors, and each exclusively carrying Amazon orders to their nearby final destinations.

The benefits to Amazon and its customers will be many. The online shopping giant will have almost complete end-to-end control over its products from the time they are ordered to the time they arrive at a customer’s house. It should also help the company to circumvent the delays that blight it over the Christmas period.

Owning the delivery process will also cut shipping costs for the company, which have apparently grown as a percentage of sales since 2009.

The latter problem was all too evident with the company’s recent quarterly earnings call. This revealed that shipping costs had risen 31 percent, and that profits were a relatively slender $108 million (with sales of $19.74 billion, that’s not as great as it sounds).

As the report points out, this self-delivery initiative could also point the way forward to a time when same day deliveries can be specified on your Amazon order. On a more basic level, Amazon could deliver at more specific times to suit its customers - even at night, so you wouldn’t have to wait in for your package.

"Amazon is growing at a faster speed than UPS and FedEx, who are responsible for shipping the majority of our packages," read a recent job posting on the Amazon website. "At this rate Amazon cannot continue to rely solely on the solutions provided through traditional logistics providers. To do so will limit our growth, increase costs and impede innovation in delivery capabilities."

Amazon has already created similar small-scale networks in certain parts of the UK where commercial carriers have been unable to cope with the sheer volume of orders.

Read More: Amazon Kindle Fire HDX review

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Monster iSport Freedom Headphone Review

What are the Monster iSport Freedom?

The Monster iSport Freedom are a pair of on-ear sports headphones packed with Bluetooth wireless connectivity so you can work out in the gym or go running outdoors minus the flailing headphone cable.

Like the rest of the iSport headphone range, the Freedoms are built to withstand the rigours of a tough workout but it does come at a price. At £229, it's a massive investment for specialist headphones especially when they are not without their faults in the design and the sound departments.



ROUND-UP: Best Sports Headphones

Monster iSport Freedom: Design and Comfort

It doesn't take long after you prise them out of the box to realise that these are undeniably sports headphones. The neon green running through the interior of the headband all the way to the earcups ensure the Freedoms truly stand out. That's before spotting the big reflective strip to aid visibility and make them ideal for night-time runs.

The Freedoms are made largely from plastic and rubber to keep the overall weight down and prevent them from feeling heavy or bulky to wear. The headband interior is made from a softer, squishy, rubber that sits secure and snug on the top of the head. The slim, black antimicrobial ear cushions also get the rubbery treatment with car tyre-like grooves and sets of holes to help ventilation when things get hot and sweaty. Like the iSport in-ear headphones, you can actually wash these under the tap without fear of frying the insides.

Connecting the earcups to the headphone frame is a springy, accordion-like mechanism which doesn't appear to have any noticeable benefits when the headphones are on. For a more compact and portable look, there are hinges on either side of the frames letting you tuck them inside the headband.

These are wireless headphones of course so there are onboard controls, which are all situated on the outside of the right earcup. Here you'll find a silver clickable button assigned to sync over Bluetooth and answer calls when used in conjunction with the inline microphone built into the removable headphone cable. The all-black cable measures in at 1.2m so when you forget to charge up the headphones, it can be quite long to tuck away or conceal underneath a t-shirt.

Surrounding that big button are dedicated controls embedded into the surrounding green trim that has a habit of getting a little grubby. Here you can turn the headphones on, crank the volume up or down and skip back and forward tracks. In the midst of a workout it can initially be quite tricky picking out the volume buttons as they are positioned quite close together, but it's generally easy to get to grips with the controls once you've worn the headphones a few times.

Connectivity is all taken care of over on the left earcup where small rubbery latches protect the ports for the headphone cable and microUSB to USB charging cable both of which are provided alongside a small carry bag and a cleaning cloth which will come in handy for the fluff-attracting ear cushions.

Wearing them in the gym and outside, the Freedoms are a mixed bag of results. Everything from the adjustable headband to the lightweight body make these on-ear headphones primed for a sweaty workout. For short 30 minute sessions, there's little to complain about. They are comfortable to wear and stay put. It's when you decide to workout or run for longer than an hour that issues begin to surface. The ear cushions can feel a little sticky and there's some discomfort near the top of the ears that's just enough to become irritating. They are more likely to slip slightly out-of-place which means you'll be re-positioning them on occasions as well.

Monster iSport Freedom: Sound Quality and Bluetooth Performance

After being so impressed with the bassy yet well-defined performance of the iSport Victory in-ear headphones, it comes as a disappointment that the iSport Freedoms struggle to reach the same heady heights. The 40mm neodymium drivers aim to provide the 'booming bass' however there's a distinct lack of power which is far more noticeable when outdoors. Mid range levels are decent enough and clarity is consistent even at higher volumes but the kind or rich, full-bodied audio you'd expect from a £200 plus pair of headphones is simply not there.

Sound isolation is usually hit and miss for on-ear headphones and these are certainly the latter. Unlike in-ear headphones it's more difficult to block out the ambient noise and the iSport Freedoms don't do a fantastic job of keeping that unwanted sound out. That usually results in cranking the volume up which in this case only reveals how much sound they leak. Whether you are in the gym or outdoors, people are going to hear your thumping sounds.

We can at least be more glowing about its Bluetooth capabilities. There's support for AAC and APTX high quality Bluetooth streaming and we had little problems of signal drop-outs or syncing with our iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8.

To prevent reaching for the headphone cable, there's a lithium polymer rechargeable battery that Monster claims provides 30 hours of music playback and calls. We certainly didn't use them for 30 hours straight but for a two or three-hour stints a day over an entire week, they can comfortably go the distance. When the battery is flat and you plug them to the nearest computer using a standard microUSB charging cable, it can take two or three hours to get back to a full charge.

Should I buy the Monster iSport Freedom?

As a pair of sporty on-ear headphones there's plenty to like about the Monster iSport Freedom. The surprisingly lightweight design make them perfect for the gym and the bright, reflective exterior is great for running at night. It manages a faultless Bluetooth performance and the water-resistance is a real bonus especially if you get a real sweat on.

If you are planning to spend more than an hour wearing them, though, you will start to experience some niggling issues with the design and quite simply the sound quality is not up to scratch for a £200 pair of headphones.

The problem with suggesting an alternative is that there simply aren't any really great on-ear headphones that can offer the kind of features the Freedoms can. If you are happy to go in-ear there are definitely some great options like the Pioneer SE-E721 or the Sennheiser PMX-685i, which do have a headband-style design. If you are willing to spend big, then the Monster iSport Victory in-ears do a much better job than Monster's on-ears.

Verdict

Monster's first pair of sporty on-ear headphones are great for short gym or running sessions, but the underwhelming sound quality makes it difficult to justify paying over £200 to own them.

Sports headphones not for you? How about reading our Best Headphones roundup.

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Android 4.4.3 screenshots show updated look

Images from a Google employee's Nexus 5 handset appear to have revealed a new-look contacts app set to feature in Android 4.4.3.

Earlier in the week a Tweet from Google to a customer revealed a new-look dialer for the next version of Android, 4.4.3. Now, more leaked screenshots indicate that there is a new look for the phonebook too.

Visually, the style reminds us of the Gmail app. Contacts are represented by a large, coloured square, with the first initial of the contact displayed in large type.

Contacts who have a picture attached show as a large image instead, presumably this can be pulled directly from Google where relevant.

The dialer app seems to have gone from a dull grey colour to a more interesting light blue, but for the most part the visual change isn't as striking as the new-look contacts list.

The leaked screenshots appear to have come from a Google employee's Nexus 5. As with all Google's Android updates, the Nexus phones and tablets get access to them first, while other manufacturers add in their own software and user interface tweaks.

It seems likely that the update will roll out sometime between now and Google's IO event which starts on the 25th of June.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date, rumours, news, specs and price

Via: Android Community

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