BT to choose between O2 and EE takeover ‘early next week’

by Luke Johnson 13 December 2014 |

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BT will decide weather to buy out O2 or EE as part of its return to the mobile space in the coming days, latest reports have suggested.

With the telecoms giant being well known to be in talks with both leading UK mobile networks, claimed insiders have suggested a final decision will be made ‘early next week’.

“BT is not expected to take much longer to choose between the two,” an unnamed insider reportedly told Reuters.

They added: “You can reasonably expect an announcement to be made by early next week.”

Reports of an impending decision have been kicked into overdrive in recent days as it emerged the Chairman of O2’s Spanish parent company – Telefonica – flew into London this week in order to try finalise a deal.

It is believed that both O2 and EE have become open to reduced bids in order to facilitate a deal, with both now believed to be willing to accept shares in BT as part of a takeover.

BT has not been a serious player in the UK mobile space for a number of years.

They firm famously shipped off its mobile arm – what has since become O2 – back in 2001.

Stay tuned to TrustedReviews for all the latest on how the face of UK’s mobile space will change as an eventual deal is completed.

Read More: iPhone 6 review

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Misfit Flash Review

What is the Misfit Flash?

The Misfit Flash is the activity tracker follow-up to the Misfit Shine, arguably one of the most elegant ways to monitor step count, sleep and even dips in the pool. At £50, it's half the price of Misfit's first tracker and offers all of the same great features, including a six-month battery life, a fully waterproof design and the ability to track multiple activities.

Why is it cheaper? Well, this time Misfit has dropped the all-metal design in favour of plastic. It's not really a surprise, given that more affordable wearables, such as the $13 Xiaomi fitness band, are making the market more competitive. It still delivers data in a comprehensive and effortless way, but it's what happens with that data that makes the Flash a tough sell for someone trying to make drastic changes in their day-to-day life.

Misfit Flash – Design and Features

We’ve already mentioned the big change with the Flash when you put it alongside the Shine. The all-metal disc has been replaced with a similarly sized plastic one. Plastic next to metal is nearly always going to finish second best, yet while it’s disappointing to see Misfit go down this route, the Flash carries its cheaper materials well.

The Flash is water resistant, but the rating's reduced to 30m from the Shine's 50m. That still covers fresh and saltwater, which isn’t something you always find with so-called 'waterproof' wearables.

It’s roughly the same size as the Shine, although slightly thicker with flatter edges, to fit more securely inside its thin, plastic wristband – and that’s an important factor here. Having lost two of the Shines in the past with the tracker falling out, we were grateful for the thicker lip on the wristband around where the tracker sits in place, helping keep it more securely in place. Having to fit the the tracker from the bottom of the band instead of the top certainly helps as well. We didn’t have the same concerns with the Flash as we did with the Shine.

The battery's much easier to remove and replace on the Flash. There's no need to worry about digging those fingernails in or using the small tool included in the box to prise it open. The bottom of the circular tracker can effortlessly be removed to display the small compartment for the small button-cell battery.

You still have the same versatile wearing options, but if you opt for placing it around your wrist, it’s both light and comfortable, not at all bulky.

Activating the Flash, gone are the gentle taps needed with the Shine, with more purposeful presses now required. It’s not as fiddly as the Shine and is a more responsive way to quickly monitor progress. It also makes it easier to tag activities by pressing the button before and after a session.

It's still based around the same simplistic dotted LED display, which can switch between giving you an indication of progress and telling the time in the same slightly unconventional way. Those white lights are now replaced with a series of brighter red ones, which makes it easier to read the display.

The Shine had a small icon on the back to indicate which way the tracker should be positioned in the strap for it to be used as a watch, but annoyingly that's not made it on to the Shine. So if you have to remove the tracker from the wristband, you may not instantly be able to work out which dot indicates 12 o'clock.

Misfit Flash – App

With no screen, and only a basic visual indication of how you're progressing towards your daily goals, viewing data is still largely done on the Misfit app. It’s available free for Android and iOS and while it doesn’t look entirely different at first glance, there have been some changes that make it a little more comprehensive without breaking up an otherwise clean and easy-to-navigate user interface.

Syncing data from the Flash to a smartphone is done over Bluetooth 4.0, making it extremely easy to set up, as is the case with the Shine. You still have the dropdown menu tucked up in the top left corner, where you can view and set goals such as hitting a certain number of points, and will calculate which activities you'll have to do to meet your goals. So, if you want to hit 1000 points, that equates to a 1.5-hour walk, a 30-minute run or a 45-minute swim. The same can also be done for sleep and weight tracking.

Additionally, you can adjust profile information, monitor multiple synced Misfit devices and adjust where you wear the device to improve the tracking algorithms. As in most cases, wearing it around your feet is more reliable.

Most of your time will be spent inside the main screen, where you can view the day’s points total inside the circular icon, giving you an indication of how much more activity you need to carry out to hit your goal. A single press also shows steps, calories and distance covered.

The little plus sign lets you add activities or begin tracking for individual tasks. Yoga and dancing have been added to the activity roster, letting you choose whether you worked at a mild, moderate or intense level.

Down below is an indication of which are your most productive parts of the day, broken down by activity using easy-to-read icons when you’ve snagged a trophy or been out for a run.

For sleep tracking, hit the crescent moon, after which the screen turns a purple shade and will tell you quite concisely how close you were to hitting your sleep goal. You can manually add sleep tracking, but the good news is that the Flash automatically tracks sleep. The last section is dedicated to weight tracking, where you can manually input your weight goal.

You'll still be able to set goals, view progress and irritate friends with updates through Facebook. There’s new food tracking and third-party app support here, too, so you can use the likes of Lose It! to track weight, plus apps such as Runkeeper and MapMyFitness to track and upload runs.

Misfit Flash – Performance and Battery Life

From an accuracy perspective, we tested the Flash against the Jawbone UP24 and both wrist-worn trackers served up similar results for steps, distance and sleep tracking. Again, this type of activity tracker isn't as accurate as it would be wearing it nearer to your feet, so if you're a runner you wouldn’t want to use this as a way to train for races. It’s definitely something for more casual tracking. Both Jawbone and Misfit apps break down key moments of movement during the day, but Jawbone does it in more detailed way.

Misfit app compared to the Jawbone UP24 app (far right)

Sleep tracking compared on the Misfit app and Jawbone app (far right)

Sleep tracking seems to throw out different results as well. Unlike the Jawbone, where you need to hit a button on the tracker to activate it, the Flash senses when you're asleep and awake. There's some clear incosistencies in the data, such as the amount of restful sleep and a 20-minute difference in terms of the time slept. We're by no means saying that the Jawbone is at all perfect, but there's always going to be questions over a tracker that tries to work out when you're hitting the hay.

Whether the Flash actually changed the way we approached each day, we're not really convinced. The problem with activity trackers like the Flash is that, while it can overload you with data and put it all in a nice, pretty app, there’s isn’t enough of a motivational push to keep you using it. There’s no vibration motor to tell you haven’t been moving for an hour, or even any phone notifications to give you a nudge to hit those goals on a daily basis.

The data isn’t really put into any sort of context either – something that Jawbone's and Fitbit’s trackers do such a good job of. If you don’t sleep enough, there’s isn’t really any advice to improve things. The Flash isn’t the only tracker out there that doesn’t really make a big enough deal about this.

One thing you can rely on with the Misfit Flash is battery life. It uses a CR2032 button cell, which is commonly found inside most analogue watches and you can grab a pack of five from Amazon for around £3, so it’s nice and cheap to replace. You won’t have to worry about it for six months, comfortably beating most other trackers for battery, plus you don't have to worry about carrying around a separate proprietary charger.

Should I buy the Misfit Flash?

For £50, the Misfit Flash delivers more features than activity trackers more than double the price. It’s waterproof so you can wear it all the time, and while the change in materials means it lacks the elegance of the Shine, it addresses a key design issue that made the first Misfit tracker rather too easy to lose. Its battery life wipes the floor with most trackers as well.

As a means to make changes to your daily lifestyle, we found the Flash to be lacking. While it effortlessly tracks all of your data, there’s not enough analysis here to make it rewarding, and there’s no real incentive to wear it all the time.

If you can afford to spend more, we’d still opt for our 2014 Wearable of the Year the Jawbone UP24, which can be bought for around the £80 mark. The Fitbit Flex might be a little older now, and doesn’t match the Shine for battery, but it can be bought for around £60 and has an ecosystem that does a much better job of helping you make serious changes to your lifestyle.


Verdict

The Misfit Flash is feature-packed and one of the cheapest ways to track your day, but it needs to do more with the data it collects for it to be a worthwhile purchase.

Next, read our round-up of the Best Fitness Trackers

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Galaxy Note Edge hits Vodafone with lofty price tag

by Luke Johnson 13 December 2014 |

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The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge has hit Vodafone in the UK, but the innovative handset doesn’t come cheap.

Announced back at IFA 2014 in September, the Galaxy Note Edge pairs a premium array of specs with a revolutionary curved display which wraps around the handset’s right-hand edge.

This panel isn’t just about its innovative curves, however, the 5.6-inch display benefits from a stunning 2560 x 1440 pixel QHD resolution.

With Vodafone becoming the first UK network provider to stock the Edge, this futuristic screen has seen the handset handed a considerable price tag.

Available on Vodafone’s Red XL plan, the Galaxy Note Edge will set wannabe owners back a massive £58.50 per month. This fee is increased further by a £49 up front cost.

Although this lofty price tag sees the Edge bundled with unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and a 10GB 4G data allowance, assuming you stick within your contractual allowances, the handset will set you back a massive £1,453 during the 24 month plan.

In a bid to add a little more value to the deal, Vodafone has confirmed those splashing out on the Note Edge will also receive a three month NOW TV Sky Movies Pass and with Spotify or NOW TV Sky Sports access for the duration of the contract.

If you’re not taken by Vodafone’s offering but fancy snapping up the Note Edge, you’re going to be facing a bit of a wait.

The handset is exclusive to the red-hued network until January 9.

Read More: Galaxy S6 release date

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iPod classic nostalgia is about way more than hipster cool points

Did you buy an iPod classic back in the day, which you haven’t used since you upgraded to an iPhone?

If so, be quick! Dig it out of that non-descript ‘old tech’ box in your closet and wipe off the dust as well as the Leona Lewis tracks. Because, now Apple has stopped making them, they’re worth more than Apple was selling them for.

Multiple reports this week highlighted that 6th generation 160GB iPod classic media players have popped up on eBay for up to four times the original sale price.

That anomaly got me thinking: Why exactly did Apple stop selling them? Was it right to do so? And why are people getting all misty eyed and nostalgic about a bloody iPod?

The first one’s easy, isn’t it?

There’s really no denying the trusty ol’ iPod classic had become the odd man out at Apple. The bulky design, the iconic-but-antiquated click wheel, the lack of touchscreen functionality and the complete reliance on interconnectivity with a computer goes against everything the company has been working towards.

There’s also no Wi-Fi, no access to the iTunes Music Store, App Store, iCloud or Safari. If you’re walking around with one of these all day, you’re not making Apple any money through content and ad sales. To create that post-purchase revenue, users must plug in their iPod, download music from iTunes and transfer it. Not in this decade.

Quite simply, Apple didn’t want you buying an iPod classic. Why else do you think it hasn't been updated since 2008? It wants those rubbish built-in EarPods plugged into an iPhone or, at the very least, an iPod touch.

SEE ALSO: Best Christmas Gift ideas for Audiophiles

Tim Cook's line about running out of parts is likely to be codswallop, but let’s not forget, when questioning Apple’s motives, that people had stopped buying iPods. Sales continue to fall off significantly, quarter after quarter, year after year. In that sense, I can’t really blame Tim Cook (a pragmatic bean counter by trade) for cutting off the manufacturing process for what was becoming such a niche product.

However, that leads me to my second point. Was Apple right to do it?

After all, what harm was that iPod classic doing sitting there on the website? Was there really any need for the company to remove a device that actually allowed people to store their entire music library (40,000 songs!) without relying on cloud storage or streaming?

Remember, this is a company that just reported record quarterly profits of $8.5 billion. In three months! Was busting out a few iPod classics to keep a small section of its enthusiastic customer base happily listening to all of their tunes without piddling about with offline Spotify playlists really such a chore?

Would it have hurt Apple to allow folks to continue enjoying personal music without the distraction of emails and iMessages and Candy Crush invites and Facebook notifications and FaceTime calls and those depressing BBC Breaking News alerts? Damn, you could be listening to KC and the Sunshine Band and have your buzz killed when one of those comes through.

You see, the classic’s appeal is very specific compared to the iPhone and touch. It provides the opportunity for distraction-free entertainment that’s so absent from the entire iOS ecosystem.

The 160GB iPod classic was the last bastion of that freedom. It presented a chance to escape from everything with every track you own, without an email from the boss ruining the mood and without informing telling all of your Facebook friends every song you listen to. (Yeah, I like Call Me Maybe, what of it?)

SEE ALSO: Spotify vs iTunes Radio

All this brings me to the final question.

Initially it seemed really strange to me that people were getting all nostalgic over what is essentially a six-year-old piece of technology.

I had visions of beardy Shoreditch hipsters attaching them to necklaces and wearing them ‘ironically’ or using them as art installations in the latest trendy café. I’m sure that’s probably happening, but it’s more than that isn’t it?

The dramatic re-emergence of vinyl proves there’s still a real desire for music to represent more than throwaway background noise, to be consumed while browsing the web or playing Candy Crush.

The iPod classic might not capture the essence of this bygone era in the same way as a 12-inch record does, but in many ways the sound of that click wheel rotating is akin to the snap, crackle and pop of an old record.

To me, it makes sense that a few people are willing to pay over the odds to safeguard an experience Apple doesn’t value and probably never did in the first place. True, unbridled enjoyment of music is not something you can put a price on…

READ MORE: Opinion: The biggest news from Apple's iPad event didn't really get a mention

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Nexus 9 LTE hits Google Play Store, but only in United States

by Chris Smith 12 December 2014 |

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The new Android 5.0 Lollipop Nexus 9 tablet is now available in 4G LTE flavour, but only for tablet fanciers in the United States.

The HTC-made 8.9-inch slate has shown up on the Google Play Store with mobile data speeds. Right now it’s only the 32GB black version of the tablet showing up across the pond.

Sadly, Brits are still playing the waiting game as only the Wi-Fi-only option are available at the time of writing.

The Nexus 9 was announced alongside the Nexus 6 back in October as the first devices to arrive with Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box.

The Nexus 9 is certainly Google’s most flashy tablet ever, packed with the Tegra K1 desktop-class processor and 2GB of RAM. A 64GB version is also said to be on the way, but there’s no sign of that either on either side of the Atlantic.

The UK Google Play Store says still promises the 4G LTE edition is coming soon, but if you’re hoping to get one of those in your Christmas stocking, you should perhaps consider rewriting your letter to the North Pole.

Come on Google. What’s the hold up? Why is it always seemingly such a mission getting out hands on a Nexus device?



Read more: Nexus 9 vs iPad mini 3



Via: Android Central

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Computer failure causes closure of London airspace

by Chris Smith 12 December 2014 |

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Heathrow flights grounded on Friday

Airline passengers are still facing long delays after following a computer crash at an air traffic control centre caused the closure of London’s airspace on Friday afternoon.

The as-yet-unspecified issue at Stanwick caused flights from Gatwick and Heathrow, London City and other UK airports to be grounded for a brief period on Friday. Flights are now taking off again with some delays while the backlog is cleared.

There were also knock on effects at other airports around the UK, such as Birmingham, Bristol, Luton and Stansted, with delays, suspensions and limits on flying through London airspace.

As of right now the the air traffic controllers have only acknowledged a ‘technical issues’ along with the standard apology for delays and inconvenience caused to travellers.

A statement read: “Following a technical failure at Swanwick, the system has been restored. However, it will take time for operations across the UK to fully recover so passengers should contact their airline for the status of their flight.”

The Wall Street Journal claims the outage may have been down to a power failure that took the systems offline, but NATS denies those reports.

Meanwhile The government has called the issue “unacceptable” and has called for a “full explanation” of what occurred.

British Airways has offered those passengers scheduled to fly from Heathrow, Gatwick or London City a full refund if they’d like to avoid the chaos.

Read more: Is commercial supersonic air travel set to return?



Via: BBC

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Google Maps for iOS and Android now offering motorway lane guidance

by Chris Smith 12 December 2014 |

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Google Maps gets lane guidance

Google has announced an update for its Google Maps app which brings lane guidance when in turn-by-turn navigation mode.

The feature, which was already available in the United States, can now be accessed in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Lane guidance gives Google the ability to compete with some of the more advanced sat-nav solutions on the market, such as those from TomTom and Garmin.

Today’s update is available on iOS and Android too, just in time for those Christmas expeditions to visit friends and family across the UK.

On the Google Maps blog, product manager Darren Barker wrote: “When you’re in the turn-by-turn navigation mode, we can now make sure you don’t miss your next turn or exit by showing you which lane to stay in or move to so you’ll never find yourself darting across traffic at the last minute -- or worse, driving for miles down the wrong road.

“When you approach a junction or exit with multiple lanes, voice guidance will suggest which lanes are best for your route. You’ll also have easy access to alternate routes while you’re navigating, so you can choose the best drive for you.”

Read more: Best sat nav 2014 round-up

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30% of wearable tech will be invisible by 2017

by Sean Keach 12 December 2014 |

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A new report suggests a healthy chunk of wearable tech will be hidden from view by 2017.

In three years time, Gartner reveals, around 30 per cent of ‘smart wearables will be unobtrusive to the eye.’

This means that unlike Google Glass or the LG G Watch R, the next generation of wearables will take up a more subtle position on your body.

Annette Zimmermann, Gartner’s research director, said: “Already, there are some interesting developments at the prototype stage that could pave the way for consumer wearables to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.”

“Smart contact lenses are one type in development. Another interesting wearable that is emerging is smart jewellery,” continued Zimmermann.

She added: “There are around a dozen crowdfunded projects competing right now in this area, with sensors built into jewellery for communication alerts and emergency alarms.”

The report also outed Gartner’s estimation that somewhere around 25 million head-borne display units will have been sold by 2018.

It did note however, that manufacturers would first need to find solutions for privacy and security concerns, as well as developing platform-appropriate software.

This sits well with earlier crystal ball gazing from Juniper Research that suggested over 100 million people would be using smartwatches by 2019, forecasting massive uptake in the wearable market.

Read More: Apple Watch release date

Via: Wearable

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First Samsung Galaxy S6 image leaks

by Luke Johnson 12 December 2014 |

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Is this the Galaxy S6?

With the Galaxy S6 rumours coming thick and fast, the first claimed image of the eagerly awaited has popped up online.

Surfacing courtesy of Dutch website Toptienmobiel , the purported Galaxy S6 image is said to be of a prototype device currently under development within Samsung’s South Korean HQ.

Although far from official – and we must suggest you use a liberal pinch of salt when addressing these claims – the leaked image shows the face of a device with a number of design traits similar to past Samsung flagships.

Despite featuring softly curved corners similar to the Galaxy S5, the claimed S6 image shows a handset with considerably slimmer bezels.

This design difference has previously been tipped to be bestowed on the S6, with the handset expected to follow the LG G3 in squeezing a near 5.5-inch display into a relatively compact form factor – all by cutting down the framing.

Other visually differences over the existing S5 include the relocation to the forward-facing camera to a more centralised location.

Despite repeated claims that Samsung could ditch a physical home button in favour of a soft key-centric interface, {pullquote}the S6 looks set to retain the same fingerprint scanner incorporating controls of its predecessor.

Further new S6 design elements – including the heavily rumoured metal frame – remain shrouded in mystery.

With the mooted S6 image having leaked via an ‘anonymous tipster’, it has previously been suggested that the phone could be just months from entering the realms of reality.

The device, which will rival likely competition such as the HTC One M9 and Sony Xperia Z4, has been tipped for an MWC 2015 unveiling in early March.

It is expected that the S6 specs sheet will see Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 810 processor partnered with a new, 20-megapixel camera and Google’s latest Android 5.0 Lollipop OS direct from the box.

Are you impressed with the rumoured look of the S6 or were you hoping for something different? Let us know via the comments section below.

Read More: Galaxy Note 5 release date

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

Everything you need to know about the iPhone 6S

The iPhone 6S release date is already one of the most eagerly awaited days on the 2015 tech calendar, despite the existing iPhone 6 being less than three months old.

Although Apple introduced two all-new mobiles back in September – the iPhone 6 and the larger iPhone 6 Plus – the ever insatiable rumour mill is already focusing on what’s next – namely the iPhone 6S.

With Q3 shaping up as the likely time-frame for the iPhone 6S release date, reports have suggested the handset could feature everything from improved camera optics and an all-new design, to drop-protection tech and a potential design refresh.

Further features set to be bestowed on the mooted iPhone 6S include a Samsung-manufactured 64-bit A9 processor and shiny new software in the form of iOS 9.

We'll continue to update this page with all the latest iPhone 6S release date details, rumours and leaks as new details emerge. Bookmark it now to keep up to date with all things 6S.

Watch our video on what to expect from the iPhone 6S

iPhone 6S Release Date

The iPhone 6S release date is still a closely guarded secret within the walls of Apple’s Cupertino HQ. However, just because the manufacturer hasn’t yet issued the formal invites, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a strong idea as to when the handset will land.

Apple is a creature of habit. The company likes to stick to strict product cycles, and that means tradition can give us a strong indication as to what the future might bring.

While the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the HTC One M9 are expected to grace us with their presence around MWC 2015 in March, don’t expect the iPhone 6S to touch down until Q3.

September is firmly iPhone territory and we can’t see 2015 being any different.

With the iPhone 4S having seen Apple move from a June to a September product cycle, all subsequent iPhones have followed suit.

Throwing a potential spanner into the works, though, recent reports have claimed the iPhone 6S release date could be held as early as ‘spring 2015’.

As unlikely as this might sound, there does appear to be some sound reasoning behind the claims.

“Apple is looking at a condensed six-month release timetable going forward, in order to not only keep up with the more frequent releases from Samsung, but also to provide a boost to iPhone sales when the Apple Watch launches in the spring,” supposed Apple insiders have reported.

If we weren’t dubious enough over these claims, the insiders have cast their own serious doubt over biannual iPhone launches.

“Apple could easily change its mind,” the tipsters stated. Hmm.

At this point, we'd tentatively guess at the iPhone 6S being released on either September 18 or 25. We must stress, however, that this is nothing more than a prediction at this stage.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Release Date, Rumours, News, Specs and Price

iPhone 6S News

With Apple’s handsets traditionally shifting millions of units in their opening days on sale, components need to be produced early and stock piled in order to meet demand. That is what’s reportedly already happening with the iPhone 6S’s processor – the A9 chip.

According to latest reports, production of the new chipset has already begun, with Apple roping in Samsung to manufacturer the processors.

Despite the two companies' less than harmonious relationship, Samsung has reportedly been handed sole responsibility for producing the A8 replacement. What’s more, claimed supply chain insiders have revealed production of the A9 chip has already begun.

Set to be built around new 14nm FinFET technology, the A9 chip will be 15 per cent smaller than the 20nm A8.

More importantly, though – at least from the general consumer's point of view – it will also require an impressive 35 per cent less power, a feature which will further enhance the handset’s battery life.

Extending Apple’s push to produce more ‘made in America’ products, the A9 chip is said to be being pieced together at Samsung’s plant in Austin, Texas.

Clock speeds and performance of the chip are currently unclear.



Read More: LG G4 Release Date, News, Rumours, Specs and Price

iPhone 6S Rumours

Concrete iPhone 6S features are still some way off, but the rumour mill is already churning out plenty of speculation over what we might see.

Based on the usually iterative improvements of an iPhone ‘S’ upgrade, don’t expect a dramatically different device.

Although the phone is expected to retain the same 4.7-inch, 6.9mm-thick form factor of the existing 6, it's been suggested that it'll benefit from a reinforced frame. This is in a bid to prevent a repeat of the ‘bendgate’ woes which plagued the launch of the iPhone 6.

Further iPhone 6S rumours currently doing the rounds have surrounded the phone’s new OS. Although iOS 9 is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 6S in September, following a WWDC unveiling in June, specifics of the software are currently unclear.

Perhaps one of the most common iPhone 6S rumours surrounding the device focuses on the handset's name. It's repeatedly been suggested that the handset could be known as something else entirely.

iPhone 6S – What will it be called?

While the iPhone 6S is the likely name of choice for Apple’s next flagship phone, there have been contrasting reports as to just how accurate this might be.

Ever since the iPhone 4, Apple’s biannual handsets have been adorned by an ‘S’ suffix. Like the 4S followed the 4 and the iPhone 5S replaced the iPhone 5, it seems likely that the 6 will be superseded by the 6S.

The Apple rumour mill, though, is often filled with opposing claims and this is a prime example of such confusion.

Although some have suggested the company’s next phone will be the iPhone 7, we find this hard to believe.

Perhaps a more likely option, however, is that Apple will drop its numerical naming convention altogether.

Thoughts of an iPhone 12 dropping on retailers in the coming years is so anti-Apple that things have to change at some point, and, most likely, some point soon.

The numbers are already getting to silly levels and it has been suggested – from more than one source on more than one occasion – that Apple will ditch the number-based system altogether.

Read More: Sony Xperia Z4 Release Date, Rumours, News, Specs and Price

iPhone 6S Specs

The iPhone 6S specs sheet will need to impress. With the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 looking set to kick the smartphone space into overdrive in early 2015, Apple’s next handset will face stiffer competition than ever.

Fortunately, it appears that major improvements are inbound. At least in some areas.

As previously mentioned, the A9 chipset looks set to pair power improvements with impressive battery-saving credentials – two of the most important smartphone features to many consumers.

On top of this, Apple looks set to give the iPhone 6's 8-megapixel iSight camera a massive overhaul.

Sony recently announced its next-generation smartphone chip, a 20.7-megapixel Exmor sensor dubbed the IMX230. As well as heading to handset such as the Xperia Z4, it's been claimed Apple will adopt the technology into its next handset.

The first CMOS sensor designed specifically for smartphones, the sensor promises near DSLR-quality snaps direct from your phone. A 192-point autofocus system's also been thrown in for good measure.

If that camera offering doesn't tickle your fancy, a leaked Apple patent has revealed the company is looking into bringing an interchangeable-lens camera system to its future phones.

While we can't see this futuristic addition making it in time to hit the iPhone 6S, it has given a tantalising look at the next decade of smartphone development.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S6 Release Date, Rumours, News, Specs and Price

iPhone 6S Price

An official iPhone 6S price is still a long way from being confirmed. One thing we know for sure, however, is that the handset won’t be cheap. Apple is renowned for its premium price tags and the iPhone 6S won't stray from this highly lucrative model.

At launch the iPhone 6 set wannabe owners back £539 – and that’s just for the ‘entry-level’ 16GB offering.

For those after the larger storage options – 64GB and 128GB – the iPhone 6 costs £619 and £699 respectively.

We'd anticipate that the iPhone 6S prices will echo those of the existing 6. Although the phone’s camera and processor are expected to be improved, a price hike is unlikely to be bestowed on this modest handset update.

Share your thoughts on what you'd like to see included on the iPhone 6S though the comments section below.

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iPhone 6S might not see spring launch after all

by Sean Keach 12 December 2014 |

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New reports out of China have revealed that Apple’s iPhone 6S might not see a spring launch, despite earlier rumours suggesting that might be the case.

A UDN article says that components might not be ready in time, which could see the purported date pushed back.

Apple was initially reported to be considering a spring release for its next flagship smartphone so that next year’s Apple Watch would land alongside a new handset.

According to new reports, Apple won’t have time to get new components sorted for a spruced up device, with the Apple Watch already taking up the lion’s share of the firm’s supply chain efforts.

For starters, the production of Apple’s upcoming A9 chip has only just been kicked off by Samsung, which leaves very little time to finalise the rest of the device.

Considering the ‘-S’ variant of Apple handsets typically ship with beefier innards, an iPhone 6S seems a likely candidate to debut the A9 chip.

This would suggest we’d be looking at a much later release date – possibly even the usual autumn launch we’ve grown accustomed to these past few years.

It would also be an odd move for Apple to launch a new smartphone just 6 months after its latest handset duo – the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus – launched.

Such a short release cycle would surely invoke anger for the huge number of consumers who only just shelled out for the premium devices.

Fortunately, it’s also reported that the Apple Watch production is actually ahead of schedule, with mass manufacturing tipped for January instead of the previously expected Feburary.

Read More: iPad Pro release date, rumours, news, specs and price

Via: GForGames, UDN

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Apple adds PayPal support for online store

by Sean Keach 12 December 2014 |

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Apple has just updated its online store in the UK and USA to work with PayPal.

This means you can now re-route your payments via the e-commerce service, rather than paying through the existing credit or debit card options.

Anything on the store can now be bought through PayPal, including MacBooks, iPhones, and Beats headphones.

The update also means you can make use of PayPal’s Credit scheme, which gives you interest free credit for 18 months, to pay for Apple-stamped goods.

It’s not the first time Apple has worked with PayPal – the service has been available to handle transactions on the App Store and iTunes for a while now.

Apple has never offered any other payment options for its online store however, so this is a welcome change.

It’s worth mentioning that although people outside of the UK and USA will now be able to use PayPal to make purchases through the Apple online store, goods will still need to be shipped to the UK/US.

The move comes at an interesting time, as PayPal found itself at odds with Apple earlier this year after the service was left out of the Apple Pay partner roster.

It seems that the horn-locking has subsided in the interest of capital for now, but it will be interesting to see how the relationship fares once Apple Pay launches worldwide.

Read More: Apple iPad Air 2 review

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Best Washing Machines Round-up

Choosing the best washing machine is a purchase that's worth researching properly. To help you choose we've selected the top washing machines that we've tried and tested in our lab.

Whether you're looking for a cheap washing machine for £300 or so, or have a little more to spend, our round-up includes something for everyone.

In our most recent update we've removed one Samsung washing machine and replaced it with a new LG washing machine, a machine we think offers the best all-round value for anyone looking to spend £500.

You can pick out the best for you from the list below, or hit the 'Next' arrow to go through each one by one.

• Best Value Washing Machine — LG F14U1TBS2 NEW ENTRY 12/12/14
  
  


• Best £300 Washing Machine — Servis W714F4HD


• Best £400 Washing Machine — Servis W814FLHD
  


• Best Washer Dryer — Samsung WD906U4SAGD
  


• Best High-Capacity Washing Machine — LG F1495BDA
  


• Best Panasonic Machine — Panasonic NA-140VZ4


• Best Miele Washing Machine — Miele WMR 560 WPS


• Best Samsung Washing Machine — Samsung WW9000
  

All of the washing machines that make our best washing machines list have been scientifically tested, evaluated and rated based on nine specific criteria:

Design & Ease of Use
Here we look for style and simplicity. Looks might not matter to everyone, but if your washing machine lives in your kitchen then it's better to have one that looks good. We also look for simple, easy to understand controls.

Washing Quality
Every washing machine we test includes a test strain strip of wine, coffee, blood, ketchup, fruit juice and engine oil and we always use the same, known brand non-bio washing detergent in every washing machine we test.

Spin Efficiency
We weigh clothes after each wash to determine how much water is left over. Too much water weight means clothes will take ages to dry, which is just plain annoying.

Noise
We measure the noise in decibels for every machine during it spin and wash cycles and compare it the to manufacturer claims. We also keep an ear out for knocking noises that will prove distracting.

Running Costs and Value

We calculate the approximate annual running cost based on typical UK usage for every machine using full, half loads and eco modes. We also look at whether the machine is good value based on the features and performance on offer compared to other machines at the same price.

Click the next arrow to read more, or select your preferred options from above.

Need more help? Leave a comment and we'll do our best to help.

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LG G Pad 8.0 Tablet Review

What is the LG G Pad 8.0?

The LG G Pad 8.0 is an 8-inch Android tablet which slots neatly in between the G Pad 10.1 and the G Pad 7.0, which are also being launched at the same time. The internals are practically identical across all three devices, with a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon CPU, 800 x 1280-pixel IPS screen, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

SEE ALSO: Best Tablets Round-up

LG G Pad 8.0 – Design and Screen

In the realm of Android, smaller 8-inch tablets are fast becoming the norm, with this particular screen size seeming to strike the perfect balance between portability, functionality and price for many consumers. The G Pad 8.0 has this 8-inch sector covered, and while its design's hardly likely to set your pulse racing, it's appealing enough.

The rear of the G Pad 8.0 is made of matte-effect plastic, which is reasonably grippy but soon becomes covered in unsightly thumbprints. Aside from the LG logo, camera lens and two speaker grilles, there's little else of note around the back.

Unlike the G Pad 10.1, this smaller variant is designed to be held in portrait mode by default – the orientation of the LG logo and camera makes this abundantly clear. On the left-hand edge you'll find the power button and volume controls, while the top edge is home to 3.5mm headphone socket, IR blaster and microSD card slot. The bottom edge is reserved solely for the Micro USB port.

The tablet's 8-inch screen has a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, which delivers a pixel density of 189 ppi. The G Pad 10.1 has the same number of pixels stretched across a much larger screen, which results in blocky text and a general lack of definition. On the 8.0 model, the lack of sharpness isn't quite as pronounced, but it's still noticeable.

The IPS panel is bright and colourful, and affords excellent viewing angles. The only criticism we have is that, occasionally, some images can look a little washed out.

LG G Pad 8.0 – Software and Apps

LG's been remarkably restrained when it comes to adding in too much bloatware on its G Pad range, each of which ships with Android 4.4.2. Some welcome unique features, such as Knock Code – which allows you to unlock your device by tapping a sequence on the touchscreen, even when the display is powered down – make the G Pad 8.0 stand out from its Android rivals.

Another nice element is the ability to run two applications in tandem, side by side. This is limited to a strict selection of apps and is arguably less useful on this tablet than it was on the larger-screened G Pad 10.1, but it's something we found ourselves using more than we expected, even if it did cause the device to chug quite badly.



Q Pair is an app which is unique to LG tablets and has been seen in older models, allowing you to link your phone to the G Pad in order to receive notifications such as text messages. This saves you having to reach for your handset when you're using the tablet, and is one of those truly impressive little features which should be present in every device of this type.

Finally, there's QuickRemote, which works with the tablet's built-in IR blaster to enable control of your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player without having to search down the back of the sofa for the remote.

Refreshingly, it's possible to uninstall some of the pre-loaded applications on the G Pad 8.0, which means you can free up more space for other downloads. Many manufacturers don't offer this feature, so LG should be applauded for giving its customers the option.

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Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which Amazon e-reader to buy?

Do you go for the Kindle Paperwhite or the new Kindle Voyage? We help you decide

Given Amazon’s continued mastery of the e-reader format, the Kindle maker is arguably its own biggest rival in the field.

To prove that point we thought we’d pitch arguably the two best e-readers around against each other - the Kindle Voyage and the Kindle Paperwhite.

Have the latest model’s advances really made all that much of a difference? Here's our take.

Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Design

Kindle Voyage: 180g, 7.6mm thick, magnesium back, buttonless design

Kindle Paperwhite: 206g, 9.1mm thick, plastic body with soft touch back

The Kindle Voyage is definitely a step forward from the Kindle Paperwhite in design terms, though you have to really go hands-on with it to feel, rather than see, the difference.

The Voyage’s display now sits flush with the bezels rather than sitting recessed within them, as with the Paperwhite. That results in a device that’s 1.5mm thinner, as well as 26g lighter.

The Voyage also drops the functional-but-clunky buttons of the Paperwhite in favour of subtle capacitive controls, giving it a much sleeker look arguably more akin to a compact tablet than an e-reader.

Finally, the back of the Voyage is formed of a nice premium-feeling magnesium material rather than the plastic of old. Combined with a glass front (more on which in a moment), the Voyage is in a totally different class of desirability.

Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Screen

Kindle Voyage: 6-inch, 300ppi, micro-etched glass, adaptive front light

Kindle Paperwhite: 6-inch, 212ppi, plastic Paperwhite Carta e-paper display

The Paperwhite may have felt crisp and bright when it first emerged - and it is, but the Voyage is on a whole other level.

At 300ppi, the Kindle Voyage display is around 35 percent sharper than the Kindle Paperwhite’s. This aids reading comfort considerably, particularly when it comes to smaller text.

It’s also worth reiterating that the Voyage’s display is the first Kindle example to be of toughened glass rather than plastic. This means that it’s more resistant of scuffs, thus allowing the aforementioned sleeker design, and is also smoother to the touch. That's despite the fact that the Voyage's display has been micro-etched to avoid reflections.

The Voyage’s display also benefits from an adaptive front light that adjusts the brightness more subtly than the Paperwhite when moving to a darker environment.

Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Storage and Connectivity

Kindle Voyage: 4GB on device storage, free cloud storage, 3G and Wi-Fi options

Kindle Paperwhite: 2GB on device storage, free cloud storage, 3G and Wi-Fi options

Amazon has added loads more internal storage for the Kindle Voyage. You now get 4GB, which might not sound like a lot if you’re coming from the world of smartphones and tablets, but it’s loads in the world of e-books - the figure usually given is 1,000 ebooks per 1GB of storage.

It’s also, more pertinently, around double the capacity of the Kindle Paperwhite.

Other than that, both e-readers have similar options. Both have access to Amazon’s free cloud storage, and both come in both 3G and Wi-Fi-only options.

Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Content, Stores and Pricing

Kindle Voyage: 3 million ebooks including newspapers and magazines, from £169

Kindle Paperwhite: 3 million ebooks including newspapers and magazines, from £109

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that both tablets have identical access to Amazon’s vast ebook store. We’re talking three million ebooks, newspapers, and magazines.

Amazon’s offering is pretty much the most comprehensive in the business, especially now that it’s settled its ugly differences with some of the publishers who dared to hold out for a better deal earlier in the year.

Where the two devices really differ is in pricing. We’ve established that the Kindle Voyage is a much more advanced e-reader in many ways, but then you have to pay £60 more for than for the Paperwhite equivalents.

To illustrate that, the £169 price of the Wi-Fi Voyage would get you a 3G Paperwhite. That might be worth considering if you’re on a budget and are likely to find yourself away from a Wi-Fi hotspot for much of the time.

Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Battery life

Kindle Voyage: 6 weeks

Kindle Paperwhite: 8 weeks

Both e-readers last a good spell longer than your average tablet on a single charge, as is the way with ebook readers. However, the Kindle Voyage’s sharper, brighter display has clearly taken a toll on its stamina.

Amazon quotes six weeks of life from a single charge for the Kindle Voyage, but we found that four weeks was a more realistic figure for regular usage patterns.

Even taking Amazon’s quoted figure as read, that’s a notable backward step from the Paperwhite, which is quoted at eight weeks.

It’s worth considering if you really want to minimise the time your e-reader is attached to a wall socket.

Kindle Voyage vs Kindle Paperwhite: Verdict

The Kindle Voyage is a better e-reader than the Kindle Paperwhite in almost every way. It’s got a much better screen; a nicer, more compact, more tactile design; and double the internal storage.

For these reasons it is the clear winner of this contest.

However, the Kindle Paperwhite isn’t a complete write off, and victories in two notable categories should give everyone some pause for thought when considering a purchase.

The Paperwhite is considerably cheaper than its successor, and its battery life is a fair bit better. If you’re on a tight budget of around the £100 mark, or you really need your e-reader to last longer than a month on a single charge, the Paperwhite might be a better bet.

For most people though, there’s really only one option here. The Kindle Voyage is the best ebook reader in the business, and a considerable step up even from its esteemed predecessor.

MORE: Kindle Paperwhite vs Nook GlowLight

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