Voting begins for T3 Gadget Awards 2010
T3 has announced it has opened up its voting booths for the annual T3 Gadget Awards.
The awards are the ultimate barometer for what is cool in the tech world, as voted by the general public.
In association with Samsung and Qualcomm, the T3 Gadget Awards 2010 are now awaiting your vote for the best gadgets out this year.
The voting system this time around is a two-tier one. Head over to http://awards.t3.com/vote now and you will be able to have your say over which gadgets in the top-ten lists will make it through to the shortlist, which will be announced 22 July.
18 categories
It doesn't matter which tech tickles your fancy, as there are a whopping 18 categories to have a say in.
These range from App of the year, TV of the year and there's even a T3 design award in there for good measure.
If you vote now, then you will be in the mix for winning a whole host of products, including an iPad, HTC Desire and a PS3.
Once all voting has been done and longlists have turned into shortlists, the winners of each category will be announced in October.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to http://awards.t3.com now and see what all the gadget fuss is about.
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Mobile web users escape Ofcom file-sharing clampdown
Ofcom has announced its plans for illegal file-sharing in the UK today and has opened a loophole for those using a mobile network.
The reason for this seems to be the technology behind the mobile network, rather than those who use it.
In its online infringement document, Ofcom states: "Mobile network operators ("MNOs") assign public IP addresses differently to most fixed ISPs.
"MNOs typically have limited allocations of IP addresses and use those they have in a more dynamic way, sharing them across subscribers. An IP address identified as related to copyright infringement may be in use by multiple individual subscribers at the time of the alleged infringement."
Ofcom also notes that large amounts of file sharing will not be going on through mobile ISPs due to "speed and capacity constraints (eg caps on uploading and downloading), traffic management policies (eg bandwidth throttling at certain times and locations) and pricing relative to fixed".
Small networks
It's not just mobile networks which have been given a reprieve, but smaller ISPs, too. Any ISP with a subscriber base of under 40,000 will not be initially affected by the copyright infringement plans.
What this does mean, though, is that: Orange, Post Office, Sky, TalkTalk Group and Virgin Media users are all affected.
Call us cynical, but this seems to be something of an easy loophole for web pirates to use. We've a feeling that small ISPs are going to get something of a subscriber boost after this announcement.
As long as it doesn't push them over the 40,000 subscriber mark, that is.
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Mobile web users escape Ofcom file-sharing clampdown
Ofcom has announced its plans for illegal file-sharing in the UK today and has opened a loophole for those using a mobile network.
The reason for this seems to be the technology behind the mobile network, rather than those who use it.
In its online infringement document, Ofcom states: "Mobile network operators ("MNOs") assign public IP addresses differently to most fixed ISPs.
"MNOs typically have limited allocations of IP addresses and use those they have in a more dynamic way, sharing them across subscribers. An IP address identified as related to copyright infringement may be in use by multiple individual subscribers at the time of the alleged infringement."
Ofcom also notes that large amounts of file sharing will not be going on through mobile ISPs due to "speed and capacity constraints (eg caps on uploading and downloading), traffic management policies (eg bandwidth throttling at certain times and locations) and pricing relative to fixed".
Small networks
It's not just mobile networks which have been given a reprieve, but smaller ISPs, too. Any ISP with a subscriber base of under 40,000 will not be initially affected by the copyright infringement plans.
What this does mean, though, is that: Orange, Post Office, Sky, TalkTalk Group and Virgin Media users are all affected.
Call us cynical, but this seems to be something of an easy loophole for web pirates to use. We've a feeling that small ISPs are going to get something of a subscriber boost after this announcement.
As long as it doesn't push them over the 40,000 subscriber mark, that is.
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Ofcom outlines 'three strikes' file-sharing clampdown code
Ofcom has confirmed that it will be looking at a 'three strikes' process to clamp down on illegal file sharing in the UK.
In its 'initial obligations code', Ofcom has highlighted what it wants to happen to illegal file-sharers in the UK, including the sending of notifications to infringers which will come with "easy to understand information on the nature of the allegations made against the subscriber and on what actions a subscriber can take, both to challenge the allegation and to protect their network from being hijacked for the purposes of infringement."
Large ISPs targeted
Ofcom has also suggested that it will not be targeting small and medium-sized ISPs with its new code. But if there is persistent file sharing going on, then these consideration will be given to "bringing these providers within the scope of the Code".
For an ISP to adhere to the proposed code, it will have to have 400,000 subscribers or more.
Ofcom has pointed out, though, that big ISPs make up 96 per cent of the UK market. Essentially this means that the copyright code will affect 96 per cent of the population with an internet connection.
Another set of ISPs which are excluded are mobile providers, with Ofcom noting: "Mobile operators are initially excluded, due in part to current mobile technologies being less conducive than fixed for copyright infringement. However, we will review, on a regular basis, whether to extend coverage of the code."
Making a list
At the heart of this code is similar to what is happening in Ireland at the moment – it's the dreaded three-strikes rule.
As Ofcom states: "We set out a three-stage notification process for informing subscribers of infringements through notifications and propose that subscribers, following receipt of a third notification, may be included in a copyright infringement list requested by a Copyright Owner.
In short: if you get caught three times, your information, including IP address, the number of times an infringement has been logged and your name, will be shipped over to the companies you are stealing the music from.
Interestingly, nowhere on the document does it talk of banning infringers from the web. It's more a case of turning their information over to the relevant people and then legal action will take place.
As with everything Ofcom does, a consultation is taking place and will be running until 30 July. for more information, go to: www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/copyright-infringement.
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BBC One HD coming this autumn
The BBC has announced that it is to offer BBC One in HD this autumn in simulcast form.
At the moment the broadcaster only offers BBC HD, which takes in content from all its channels and puts it into one place.
Although BBC One HD won't be 100 per cent full of HD content, the rest of the content will be upscaled if you have a set-top box with this capability.
The service will be available on all digital TV platforms, including: Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media.
Broadening choice
Speaking about the new service, Jana Bennett, Director BBC Vision says: "BBC HD has established itself as the most popular HD service, and these changes are important next steps in improving that service still further, providing an opportunity to showcase the wide variety of BBC programmes in the highest possible quality.
"We recognise that audiences have already beenenjoying many of their favourite programmes in HD, and I'm delighted that we can now broaden their choice."
BBC HD is currently the most popular HD channel in the UK. This will stay as a channel but there will be more content going hi-def for BBC One HD, including including: EastEnders, Holby City, The One Show, The Apprentice, The Weakest Link and QI.
The BBC is hoping that by 2012, the majority of its content will be in HD.
Just this week, the BBC told TechRadar that its focus was on HD and that the hype surrounding 3D at the moment was "a distraction".
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In Depth: 10 best Android apps worth paying for
We've already shown you our favourite 20 best free Android apps, but what of the produce from those developers keen to actually make a bit of money from spending all their spare time hunched over a development phone?
It is possible to find free alternatives that offer similar features to most of the below apps, but some of the paid-for app crowd are simply so polished and innovative you feel duty-bound to occasionally throw the maker a couple of quid as a thank you.
And don't panic because we're mentioning money here - the average cost of this little lot is around two dollars a pop. In return, you're able to tether, customise, share data and more, all in incredible style, thanks to the work of Team Android's finest people.
Read on for our pick of the 10 best paid-for Android apps...
1. EasyTether, $9.95
A rather steep asking price on this one, but it's worth paying - that one-off fee lets you use any Android phone as a 3G modem, freeing yourself from the misery of having to use wireless hotspots. The free demo works for causal browsing, but refuses secure (https) connections, rendering half the internet broken. Hence you might want to buy the full app.
2. Beautiful Widgets, €1.49
The maker of this app got into a bit of trouble with HTC for cloning its HTC Sense UI look a little too well, but a few rejigged fonts soon fixed that and got it back on the Android Market. Your micro-transaction gets you a stunning collection of clocks and weather icons, bringing Sense-like style to any boring 'vanilla' Android home screen.
3. Touiteur Premium, €1.99
You may well think there's not much room for a paid-for Twitter app on Android, with the likes of Seesmic and the official Twitter client already doing a damn fine job. But for a mere 1.99 euros the 'Pro' version of Touiteur adds a home screen widget, in-app browser and support for the Twitlonger protocol. For the 'power' user in you.
4. Vignette, £2.99
The quite frankly terrible standard Android camera app can be customised too, thank god, with superb tools like Vignette bringing numerous effects and shooting options to all Android handsets. A self-timer and geo-tagging tools are the headline additions, while casual snappers will love the wacky colourisation toys. Make your phone's camera actually useful.
5. 360 Live, $1.99
An extremely clever app that brings the worlds of Microsoft and Google smashing together, granting users slightly limited but impressive-all-the-same access to their Xbox Live accounts via Android. Manage friend lists, compare achievements, ping messages about what time you'll be in Call of Duty-land tonight and more, all for less than you'd waste on a rubbish hat for your 360 Avatar.
6. More Icons Widget, $1.99
A superb little enhancement that really ought to win the creator a job and substantial pay cheque from Google, this manages to miniaturise four app icons and squeeze them into the space usually occupied by one. Looks a bit scruffy around the edges, but if you want everything contained on the one screen, it does the job.
7. Spotify, £9.99 subscription
The streaming music service that's taken Europe by storm. You basically get what seems like all the music ever recorded, apart from the newest stuff, for free, in exchange for a £9.99 per month subscription. There's also offline syncing so it doesn't break if you're out of wi-fi range, plus access to all your PC playlists - and multitasking so it doesn't go quiet if you need your phone for something else.
8. DroidBox Pro, $1.99
The developer of DroidBox has somehow managed to squeeze more features into his Dropbox-compatible app than are contained within the rather feature-light official Dropbox Android client, with this unofficial enhancement of Dropbox's web interface letting you create folders, force uploads and generally tinker with things as Android users are wont to do.
9. Open Home, $3.99
Not a mere app, but an entire facelift for your Android phone that allows complete customisation of the Home screens and icons. Better still, the developer and community pumps out numerous compatible skin packs constantly, letting you have an Android OS that suits your every shirt.
10. Documents To Go, $14.99
If you have a tiresome job that requires constant access to the 'Torture Suite' made up of Excel, PowerPoint and PDF, you can probably put a copy of Documents To Go on expenses, letting you read and edit popular PC file formats on the go. Managing a complex Excel spreadsheet on a HTC Tattoo might be a bit of a chore, but if you're stuck in an airport for 36 hours it could be a lifesaver.
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New 14MP phone shown off - running Android?
Altek has unveiled the world's first 14MP mobile phone, complete with optical zoom and HD video recording: the Altek Leo.
The new phone has both LED and Xenon flashes (for video and photography respectively) and features a full touchscreen too.
While it looks more like a camera that has a larger screen thrown on the back, its said to be running both 3G and Wi-Fi as well as offering an array of buttons similar to those used on Android phones.
Big and beautiful
This would be a ridiculously high-spec Android phone - especially as we're only just getting used to HD video recording with the likes of HTC Evo and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (with future firmware upgrade).
Altek, which is known for its OEM digital camera rather than mobiles, will be announcing more information about the new Leo next month - we may even get that rarest of creatures for really high-end tech out of Asia: a UK release date.
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In Depth: Top 90 best iPad apps
The iPad has arrived – and that means deciding which apps you should purchase and download right away.
We tested the launch apps when the iPad became available in the US and we've ranked them below based on how they test out, if they make use of the larger screen, and any added perks.
When the iPad became available in the UK, we trawled the UK Appr Store to pick our favourite free iPad apps, paid-for iPad apps, free iPad games and paid-for iPad games. You'll find links to all those round-ups at the end of this article.
1. Kindle for iPad
Why list a free e-book reader as the top pick when Apple's own iBook is included? Ask anyone who owns a Kindle – with this free app, you can download every book and magazine you have ever purchased for free and read them on the iPad.
The Kindle reader doesn't have the annoying grayscale book spine of the iBook reader, and books through Amazon are cheaper. There's also a much wider selection. And, one of the best ways to use the iPad is for reading books, mags, and newspapers.
2. Blackboard Mobile Learn
The second free app that tops our list, Blackboard Mobile Learn is a classroom learning tool where teachers can make assignments, interact with students, write blogs, and post grades. It requires a backend infrastructure. Currently available only for higher-ed schools, Blackboard will add K-12 support by June.
3. Scrabble
Scrabble is another app that is just an ideal fit for the iPad. The classic word-cross board game is well-designed with wooden tiles that look realistic. With the accurate touchscreen control, it is easy to slide tiles around on screen.
4. Groovemaker
Groovemaker is like having a DJ on your iPad. There's an easy to way to record and mix loops, add drum parts, and adjust sound levels to make a song. Samples clips sound great, especially on earbuds. The app is ideal for live music at parties as well.
5. Things
We know all about Things – the well-regarded task manager for iPhone and Mac. On the iPad, once again the app just has a new life because it's like carrying around a clipboard with all your to-do items in one easy-to-access bucket.
6. Fieldrunners
Fieldrunners – the classic tower defense game for iPhone where you drop cannons to shoot advancing armies – has always needed some extra screen real estate. On iPad, the game looks crisp and colorful, but most importantly there is more room to plan out your strategy and divide up your units in a logical array.
7. Netflix
Netflix is on so many devices it is becoming a legitimate standard for streaming movies over the internet. (It's on the Roku player, Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray player, and many others.) Now, it is on the iPad, and it works: you can even set up a movie queue and search for films and shows, unlike other embedded devices that force you to add instant movies to your queue on your PC only.
8. Pianist Pro
MooCowMusic got an early jump with its iPhone port of this useful piano tool. On the iPad, the keys are large enough to actually play a real song. There's plenty of sampled piano sounds – even a church organ – and a quick way to record.
9. WeatherBug Elite
WeatherBug Elite is a perfect example of why the iPad is changing computing: it shows a well-detailed map of your exact location, forecasts, video, and even camera feeds from your area. There are even contour maps for wind speed and temp.
10. FlightTrack Pro
This iPhone port works exceptionally well on the iPad, mostly because you can see a large map that shows your flight departure and arrival. Pop-ups after you enter the flight info remind you about when the flight is ready to take off.
11. Pages
Apple knew full well that Microsoft would not move an inch to support the iPad, so Pages is the best (and only!) word processing app. Combined with the iPad Dock with an Apple Bluetooth keyboard, it is possible to do real work on the iPad, even if Pages lacks some key features – such as HTML mark-up support.
12. Tweetdeck
Another brilliant port to iPad, Tweetdeck shows you the feeds of your Twitter friends, your own mentions, and your direct messages. It works well because there is enough screen space to actually read all of this content.
13. Keynote
Keynote is worth the price of admission if only because you can set up an attractive slideshow – using Apple's templates and stock artwork – and run it on the iPad's crisp screen – which is viewable from side angles during a meeting.
14. Mirror's Edge
The PC and console versions of Mirror's Edge never really caught on due to minimalistic gameplay mechanics. On the iPad, the story is still confusing (is she running from enemies, trying to collect info about them?) but the action is better. You flick and jump to avoid obstacles in a side-scrolling window, and there's a few interesting additions – such as tilting the screen to run faster.
15. ABC Player
The ABC Player on the iPad is a must download – it provides the best way to watch TV shows from the US network for free. Most importantly, it works quite well over a Wi-Fi connection without some of the latency problems on the desktop.
16. Labyrinth Lite HD
More than just a simple wood-block puzzle where you move a marble from one end of the box to another, Labyrinth Lite HD has expanded to provide a tougher challenge with switches, rotating dials, and other obstacles. The iPad version is just right: it really feels like you are playing the classic puzzle game.
17. Yahoo! Entertainment
We were surprised to discover this colorful, well-designed app – which shows you TV listings for your area as well as video snippets and news.
18. SketchBook Pro
We're big fans of SketchBook on the iPhone, and this high-def version just makes it even easier to sketch out an artistic image. The tools are amazingly advanced, mirroring what you might see in Photoshop or in a real artist's shop.
19. OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle has never quite fit a device like it fits the iPad. This diagramming tool – which you can use to create flowcharts, sketch out ideas, and even plan an office floorplan – is just pick-up-and-go easy on the smooth touchscreen.
20. AIM
AOL still exists? Yes – in theory. On the iPad, this instant messaging client looks great and, coupled with the responsive soft keyboard, is actually one of the best ways to communicate with friends, short of a video chat in a future iPad version.
Top 20 best free iPad apps
Many great free iPhone apps cost 59p or more in their iPad incarnations, and the quality level of what's still free is often ropey. But among the dross lie rare gems - iPad apps that are so good you can't believe they're still free. Of those we unearthed, here are our favourites.
Read Top 20 best free iPad apps
Top 20 best paid-for iPad apps
We worked our way through the App Store and furiously tested a huge (digital) pile of apps, before coming up with our 20 best paid-for iPad apps.
Read Top 20 best paid-for iPad apps
Top 20 best free iPad games
The App Store offers plenty of iPad gaming goodness for the (unintentional or otherwise) skinflint. Our pick of the 20 best free iPad games are below.
Read Top 20 best free iPad games
10 best iPad games worth paying for
With the iPad, the larger screen and extra clout from Apple's A4 chip creates a gaming experience markedly superior compared to that on the iPhone, and already there are plenty of fantastic titles for the system. Here are our ten current top 10 paid-for iPad games.
Read 10 best iPad games worth paying for
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In Depth: Top 90 best iPad apps
The iPad has arrived – and that means deciding which apps you should purchase and download right away.
We tested the launch apps when the iPad became available in the US and we've ranked them below based on how they test out, if they make use of the larger screen, and any added perks.
When the iPad became available in the UK, we trawled the UK Appr Store to pick our favourite free iPad apps, paid-for iPad apps, free iPad games and paid-for iPad games. You'll find links to all those round-ups at the end of this article.
1. Kindle for iPad
Why list a free e-book reader as the top pick when Apple's own iBook is included? Ask anyone who owns a Kindle – with this free app, you can download every book and magazine you have ever purchased for free and read them on the iPad.
The Kindle reader doesn't have the annoying grayscale book spine of the iBook reader, and books through Amazon are cheaper. There's also a much wider selection. And, one of the best ways to use the iPad is for reading books, mags, and newspapers.
2. Blackboard Mobile Learn
The second free app that tops our list, Blackboard Mobile Learn is a classroom learning tool where teachers can make assignments, interact with students, write blogs, and post grades. It requires a backend infrastructure. Currently available only for higher-ed schools, Blackboard will add K-12 support by June.
3. Scrabble
Scrabble is another app that is just an ideal fit for the iPad. The classic word-cross board game is well-designed with wooden tiles that look realistic. With the accurate touchscreen control, it is easy to slide tiles around on screen.
4. Groovemaker
Groovemaker is like having a DJ on your iPad. There's an easy to way to record and mix loops, add drum parts, and adjust sound levels to make a song. Samples clips sound great, especially on earbuds. The app is ideal for live music at parties as well.
5. Things
We know all about Things – the well-regarded task manager for iPhone and Mac. On the iPad, once again the app just has a new life because it's like carrying around a clipboard with all your to-do items in one easy-to-access bucket.
6. Fieldrunners
Fieldrunners – the classic tower defense game for iPhone where you drop cannons to shoot advancing armies – has always needed some extra screen real estate. On iPad, the game looks crisp and colorful, but most importantly there is more room to plan out your strategy and divide up your units in a logical array.
7. Netflix
Netflix is on so many devices it is becoming a legitimate standard for streaming movies over the internet. (It's on the Roku player, Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray player, and many others.) Now, it is on the iPad, and it works: you can even set up a movie queue and search for films and shows, unlike other embedded devices that force you to add instant movies to your queue on your PC only.
8. Pianist Pro
MooCowMusic got an early jump with its iPhone port of this useful piano tool. On the iPad, the keys are large enough to actually play a real song. There's plenty of sampled piano sounds – even a church organ – and a quick way to record.
9. WeatherBug Elite
WeatherBug Elite is a perfect example of why the iPad is changing computing: it shows a well-detailed map of your exact location, forecasts, video, and even camera feeds from your area. There are even contour maps for wind speed and temp.
10. FlightTrack Pro
This iPhone port works exceptionally well on the iPad, mostly because you can see a large map that shows your flight departure and arrival. Pop-ups after you enter the flight info remind you about when the flight is ready to take off.
11. Pages
Apple knew full well that Microsoft would not move an inch to support the iPad, so Pages is the best (and only!) word processing app. Combined with the iPad Dock with an Apple Bluetooth keyboard, it is possible to do real work on the iPad, even if Pages lacks some key features – such as HTML mark-up support.
12. Tweetdeck
Another brilliant port to iPad, Tweetdeck shows you the feeds of your Twitter friends, your own mentions, and your direct messages. It works well because there is enough screen space to actually read all of this content.
13. Keynote
Keynote is worth the price of admission if only because you can set up an attractive slideshow – using Apple's templates and stock artwork – and run it on the iPad's crisp screen – which is viewable from side angles during a meeting.
14. Mirror's Edge
The PC and console versions of Mirror's Edge never really caught on due to minimalistic gameplay mechanics. On the iPad, the story is still confusing (is she running from enemies, trying to collect info about them?) but the action is better. You flick and jump to avoid obstacles in a side-scrolling window, and there's a few interesting additions – such as tilting the screen to run faster.
15. ABC Player
The ABC Player on the iPad is a must download – it provides the best way to watch TV shows from the US network for free. Most importantly, it works quite well over a Wi-Fi connection without some of the latency problems on the desktop.
16. Labyrinth Lite HD
More than just a simple wood-block puzzle where you move a marble from one end of the box to another, Labyrinth Lite HD has expanded to provide a tougher challenge with switches, rotating dials, and other obstacles. The iPad version is just right: it really feels like you are playing the classic puzzle game.
17. Yahoo! Entertainment
We were surprised to discover this colorful, well-designed app – which shows you TV listings for your area as well as video snippets and news.
18. SketchBook Pro
We're big fans of SketchBook on the iPhone, and this high-def version just makes it even easier to sketch out an artistic image. The tools are amazingly advanced, mirroring what you might see in Photoshop or in a real artist's shop.
19. OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle has never quite fit a device like it fits the iPad. This diagramming tool – which you can use to create flowcharts, sketch out ideas, and even plan an office floorplan – is just pick-up-and-go easy on the smooth touchscreen.
20. AIM
AOL still exists? Yes – in theory. On the iPad, this instant messaging client looks great and, coupled with the responsive soft keyboard, is actually one of the best ways to communicate with friends, short of a video chat in a future iPad version.
Top 20 best free iPad apps
Many great free iPhone apps cost 59p or more in their iPad incarnations, and the quality level of what's still free is often ropey. But among the dross lie rare gems - iPad apps that are so good you can't believe they're still free. Of those we unearthed, here are our favourites.
Read Top 20 best free iPad apps
Top 20 best paid-for iPad apps
We worked our way through the App Store and furiously tested a huge (digital) pile of apps, before coming up with our 20 best paid-for iPad apps.
Read Top 20 best paid-for iPad apps
Top 20 best free iPad games
The App Store offers plenty of iPad gaming goodness for the (unintentional or otherwise) skinflint. Our pick of the 20 best free iPad games are below.
Read Top 20 best free iPad games
10 best iPad games worth paying for
With the iPad, the larger screen and extra clout from Apple's A4 chip creates a gaming experience markedly superior compared to that on the iPhone, and already there are plenty of fantastic titles for the system. Here are our ten current top 10 paid-for iPad games.
Read 10 best iPad games worth paying for
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Nokia offers free cabs across the UK
If you're out and about in the UK this bank holiday weekend then keep your eyes peeled for an Ovi-branded cab if you want free travel.
In a bid to promote its free Ovi Maps sat nav service, Nokia is laying on the fleet of taxis to ferry you from A to B.
So if you're carrying heavy bags around the likes of London, Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow and spot one of these cabs, hail one down for a free jaunt.
Free sat nav
There's even a Nokia X6 in the back of taxi to try out the service and show how it can really be used as a sat nav replacement.
Sadly, you can't make it take you too far... so if you're in Glasgow and want to see your Mum in Portsmouth, the cabbie might not be too happy with you.
The cabs look like custard with Ovi branding all over it, and if you happen to take advantage, tweet and let us know on @techradar with pictures.
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In Depth: Top 20 best iPad apps worth paying for
Although it's only been out for a couple of months, the iPad already has dozens of great apps available for it.
Some are universal, optimising themselves accordingly for your iPad or iPhone. Some are 'upgrades' of iPhone apps, reworked for iPad. And some are entirely new apps, designed specifically for Apple's tablet.
We worked our way through the App Store and furiously tested a huge (digital) pile of apps, before coming up with our 20 best paid-for iPad apps.
1. 1Password for iPad (£3.99)
Online security is increasingly important, and it's recommended you use 'random', complicated passwords for logins. The thing is, they're tough to remember, which is why 1Password is a handy app to install. It enables you to store website names and passwords for automatic login.
Unlike the Mac version, 1Password for iPad doesn't integrate with Safari, instead using a built-in browser, but it's a no-brainer for safeguarding details you don't want anyone else to have access to.
2. Air Display (£5.99)
If your iPad's sitting unused in your office while you work on your Mac, Air Display enables you to turn your tablet into a second display. It's likely using VNC, so updates aren't fast enough for video, but the app's fine for palettes, inspectors, IM apps and browser windows, and although you can move your mouse cursor to the iPad, you can also control Mac windows via the touchscreen. Developer Avatron promises Windows support "soon".
3. Air Sharing HD (£5.99)
Apple seems to think email and iTunes are the best ways to get documents on and off your iPad. If you want something better, Air Sharing HD enables you to wirelessly copy across files via Finder or Windows Explorer, or to grab attachments from email accounts. Items within the app can be managed, viewed, opened in another app, emailed, or printed via a shared printer on your network.
4. Air Video (£1.79, universal)
Air Video Free grabbed a slot in our best free iPad apps feature, but the paid-for Air Video release is even better. Lacking restrictions, it enables you to browse full playlists and folders from computers on your network running the free Air Video Server, enabling you to stream video. The app uses live conversion when necessary.
5. FlipTime XL (£0.59)
In our opinion, FlipTime for iPhone is the best clock app ever designed. The iPad version is pretty much identical, aping old-school flight info boards and including alarms and a 'flickable' calendar. Luckily, this means it's still utterly brilliant—grab it while it's at half price.
6. FTP On The Go PRO (£5.99, universal)
FTP On The Go PRO is used to view web and office files on a server, and to resize and upload images from your photo library. There's also a built-in editor and browser, making the app almost resemble a 'lite' iPad version of Panic's Coda.
7. GoodReader for iPad (£0.59)
If you want a good PDF reader for iPad, it makes sense to buy one called GoodReader! Luckily, the app lives up to its name. You can connect to various services (or dump documents into the app via iTunes file sharing), and the app is effective for reading PDFs (and also other text files, such as Office and iWork documents).
8. Instapaper Pro (£2.99, universal)
If you often find yourself thinking "I'll read that later", but you never do, you need Instapaper. It enables you, with the help of a bookmarklet, to fling web content to the service, which then syncs with the iPad app. This provides you with a focused, high-quality reading experience on a device that's great for reading. A number of iPad and iPhone apps also offer 'send to Instapaper' support.
9. Korg iElectribe (£5.99 until June 30, £11.99 thereafter)
If you're lucky, you might be able to pick up an Electribe-R on eBay for £100. By contrast, Korg iElectribe costs six quid and yet it's essentially the same piece of kit that's revered by dance musicians. While it's great fun for mucking about with, the app also has serious potential for live performance and recording duties.
10. LogMeIn Ignition (£17.99, universal)
Yet another universal app that suddenly makes sense on the iPad's larger screen, LogMeIn Ignition enables you to access and control computers remotely. Set-up is simple and the app is usable, assuming you've a reasonably fast internet connection.
The iPad version also helpfully includes Command+Tab and Command+' shortcuts for Mac users, assuming you have the slightly cryptic 'Alt=Command, Windows=Alt' setting selected in LogMeIn Ignition's 'Remote Control' preferences.
11. Numbers (£5.99)
The best of the three iWork apps for iPad, Numbers feels right at home on Apple's tablet. The intelligent keyboard is a joy to use when entering data, and you can create forms that make adding data to tables a cinch. If your needs are modest, this app can rival Bento for data management, and while its lack of Excel export support is baffling and irritating, Numbers nonetheless comes recommended.
12. OmniGraffle (£29.99)
OmniGraffle feels right at home on the iPad, using the touchscreen as a canvas. The diagramming tool - which you can use to create flowcharts, sketch out ideas, and even plan an office floorplan - is intuitive and straightforward, enabling you to make full use of multi-touch gestures to draw, drag and style shapes.
13. Pages (£5.99)
Another iWork app converted to the iPad, Pages is a successful word processor, offering some interesting multi-touch gestures for editing content. In combination with a keyboard dock or Bluetooth keyboard, it's possible to do real work on the iPad using Pages, even if the app lacks some features from the desktop version.
14. Photogene for iPad (£2.39)
Photogene is similar to the iPhone version in being a simple tool for making quick image edits: cropping, resizing, straightening, levels adjustment and sharing. Usefully, the app includes session restore and the ability to revert any section's edits, ensuring you can experiment without fear.
15. Pianist Pro (£5.99)
This upgrade of MooCowMusic's iPhone app is a useful tool for musicians. On the iPad, the piano keys on Pianist Pro are large enough to actually play a real song. There's a selection of sampled piano, organ and synth sounds included, along with an arpeggiator, a basic drum machine and recording functionality, making this a suitable app for laying down quick demos.
16. SketchBook Pro (£4.99)
We're big fans of SketchBook on the iPhone, and this high-def version, SketchBook Pro, makes it even easier to sketch out an artistic image. The tools are amazingly advanced, mirroring what you might see in Photoshop, Painter or in a real artist's shop. (Image credit: Michael Heald, fullyillustrated.com)
17. Soulver (£3.49)
It's hard to categorise Soulver - the app is a mixture of calculator, spreadsheet and the back of an envelope. It enables you to make calculations in plain English, using a multi-line display. The large, friendly keyboard includes useful features such as percentages and user-definable variables, and while Soulver for iPad lacks Soulver 2 for Mac's conversion engine, it nonetheless comes recommended as an alternative, superior take on a calculator.
18. Things (£11.99)
Things is a task manager for iPhone and Mac, well-regarded due to its innovative, efficient means of filing items, which helps you focus. New to-dos are collected in your inbox, and you define what you want to achieve today, soon (via the 'Next' category), soonish (via 'Scheduled') or at some point in the distant future ('Someday'). On the iPad, Things boasts an intuitive interface, making using the app almost effortless.
19. Twittelator for iPad (£2.99)
Twittelator for iPad is a Twitter client which makes full use of the iPad's screen space. On the left is your feed; on the right is everything else: messages, mentions, searches and drafts. This means you don't leave your feed to do other stuff. There are also loads of options for power users, but the default set-up's fine for anyone who doesn't like to tinker.
20. Weather Station Pro (£1.19)
It's not the most feature-packed weather app, but Weather Station Pro is one of the best-looking ones. It provides current conditions for user-defined locations; for one selected location, you also get a five-day forecast, sunrise and sunset times, and local time information, making the app suitable for use as a clock when your iPad's docked.
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In pictures: Madness of the iPad queue
As some of you may have heard, the new Apple iPad launched internationally this morning, and the flagship Apple store on Regent's Street was snowed under as hundreds descended to get their own Apple tablet.
We sent some intrepid photographers down to the scene to capture the madness, so check out the crazy London Apple iPad scenes:
PANDEMONIUM: The queue for the iPad on Regent's Street stretched down the street and around the corner
FIRST UP: The early iPad buyers, some of whom had been waiting for 24 hours, leave the Apple store
MEDIA: Everyone leaving was greeted by a cacophony of snaps and flashes
LEAFLETS: Paper made to look like an iPad... clever
INTERVIEWED: The early buyers are grilled about why they'd stay out for so long for an iPad
LATECOMERS: Those turning up later were forced to wait for a long time, and rumours of a sell-out meant some might not even pick up an iPad
APPLE FAN: Apple's most famous evangelist turns up at the store
LONG TIME: The queue looks set to continue until supplies run out
COLD WAIT: Hanging out overnight staring at the prospective iPads... we're surprised some didn't go mad
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In pictures: Madness of the iPad queue
As some of you may have heard, the new Apple iPad launched internationally this morning, and the flagship Apple store on Regent's Street was snowed under as hundreds descended to get their own Apple tablet.
We sent some intrepid photographers down to the scene to capture the madness, so check out the crazy London Apple iPad scenes:
PANDEMONIUM: The queue for the iPad on Regent's Street stretched down the street and around the corner
FIRST UP: The early iPad buyers, some of whom had been waiting for 24 hours, leave the Apple store
MEDIA: Everyone leaving was greeted by a cacophony of snaps and flashes
LEAFLETS: Paper made to look like an iPad... clever
INTERVIEWED: The early buyers are grilled about why they'd stay out for so long for an iPad
LATECOMERS: Those turning up later were forced to wait for a long time, and rumours of a sell-out meant some might not even pick up an iPad
APPLE FAN: Apple's most famous evangelist turns up at the store
LONG TIME: The queue looks set to continue until supplies run out
COLD WAIT: Hanging out overnight staring at the prospective iPads... we're surprised some didn't go mad
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Behind the scenes: 3D Tennis French Open
This year's French Open will be one that is remembered not just for the tennis played but for the fact that it is being shot and broadcast live in 3D.
Home Cinema Choice – part of the TechRadar network – were on hand to witness the event.
According to HCC, the transmissions, produced in association with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT), are being beamed to 3,000 locations across 58 European territories, via Hotbird and Astra.
In the UK, the matches can be viewed in any Panasonic retail outlet.
Investing in 3D
Laurent Abadie, CEO of Panasonic Europe, said about the 3D trials: "We've been investing a lot in 3D research and development, from 3D broadcast cameras and TVs, but what we want now is 3D content, which is why we're delighted to contribute to this 3D trial."
The 3D content was watched through 50in Panasonic VT20 Active Shutter plasmas, with the whole production costing 50 per cent more than a normal 2D setup.
To read the full exclusive report about the 2010 Roland Garros 3D transmissions, head on over to HCC.techradar.com.
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Behind the scenes: 3D Tennis French Open
This year's French Open will be one that is remembered not just for the tennis played but for the fact that it is being shot and broadcast live in 3D.
Home Cinema Choice – part of the TechRadar network – were on hand to witness the event.
According to HCC, the transmissions, produced in association with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT), are being beamed to 3,000 locations across 58 European territories, via Hotbird and Astra.
In the UK, the matches can be viewed in any Panasonic retail outlet.
Investing in 3D
Laurent Abadie, CEO of Panasonic Europe, said about the 3D trials: "We've been investing a lot in 3D research and development, from 3D broadcast cameras and TVs, but what we want now is 3D content, which is why we're delighted to contribute to this 3D trial."
The 3D content was watched through 50in Panasonic VT20 Active Shutter plasmas, with the whole production costing 50 per cent more than a normal 2D setup.
To read the full exclusive report about the 2010 Roland Garros 3D transmissions, head on over to HCC.techradar.com.
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Weird Tech: Videogames in shocking 'good news' claim
North America is going through something of a renaissance period at the moment, apparently, with the number of murders and general violent crimes dropping by five percent over the last year.
One of the possible explanations for this new era of love? Videogames! Yes, the always-to-blame gaming world earned itself some rare good PR this week, with the New York Times reporting the views of an economist that games are keeping the "young and idle" of the country busy.
And that means they have less free time to spend hanging around outside robbing grandmas at knife-point.
However, it's not all good news for gamers - another ludicrous piece of weird science this week claimed playing a game for two hours produces the "same high as taking a line of cocaine". So we're all staying in, behaving ourselves, and getting high on Red Dead Revolver? Sounds like an ideal utopian future.
"Here's me having a go on some old woman's crown"
Poor old Liz Kendall, the newly elected MP for Leicester West got herself in a bit of trouble this week, thanks to trying to show that's she's just as "into" modern technology as the kids are.
While attending the very serious Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, she whipped out her phone (model unknown, suspect low-end Nokia) and took a photo of the event - and uploaded it to Twitter.
SMILE YOU MISERABLE OLD COW: She also got one of Dave and Nick giggling about something
Serious people were not particularly amused by Kendall's impromptu modernising of the constitution, what with her attached tweet about taking photos of "diamonds and tiaras" and the way she lowered the tone of the serene event. There's a video of Liz's apology up on the BBC if you want to see a rather uncomfortable clash between the new and old worlds immortalised.
Repellent idea
If you've ever been to the more rural parts of Scotland, you'll know there's one rather awful summer infestation to suffer - midges. The biting pests strike hardest on warm evenings, leaving you looking like a measles victim the next day if you're brave enough to tolerate their bites for more than a few seconds.
BITE ME: Radar forecast shows several wasps moving in from the south. [Image credit: Pic via APS]
But help, of a sort, is on the way, thanks to the fine work of Advanced Pest Solutions - which is to launch its iPhone Midge App this week. According to the Scottish Sun, the tool will stream in data from the "national midge forecast" service, telling users when they're able to step outside without first having to apply an extremely toxic midge-repellent to their faces, arms and hands. As long as you can get a signal.
Multiple use utility surface
We're not entirely sure there's a need for a product that identifies itself as a "laptop stand" as surely pretty much every desk, and indeed human lap or flat surface in general, also has the inherent ability to operate as a thing to put your precious little computer on?
PUT IT DOWN: Also supports EVERYTHING ELSE in the whole world
But the maker of the "Laptop Lilo" has pushed on regardless, creating a heat-proof PVC "inflatable laptop support" that is supposed to help keep your laptop cool, also reducing the extremely minor modern inconvenience that is having a mildly warm thing touching your legs. If having a bit of a warm lap is all you've got left to worry about, we think it's safe to assume you've won at life.
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Review: HP PhotoSmart C4680
The HP PhotoSmart C4680 is a compact and stylish photo printer that also manages to cram an A4 scanner into its design.
The printer is made from glossy black plastic that matches the current crop of HP laptops.
The front of the printer consists of a Power button, alongside two memory card slots covering SD, xD Card, MMC, as well as Sony Memory Stick/Duo formats. All other controls are handled through a small but perfectly practical 1.5-inch LCD screen.
All tasks are handled from the front of the printer, so the printer tray also doubles as the paper feed and pulling down the flap above it exposes the printer cartridges. This means you can store the printer in a confined space, only having to worry when you need to use the scanner.
The scanner handles scans up to 1200dpi (dots per inch) in size and, while it's a relatively quick scanner, quality is variable, so you may find yourself spending extra time colour-balancing photos.
Twin-cartridge
This is a two cartridge printer – one for black and a tri-colour pack of cyan, magenta and yellow – and installing the cartridges is simply a case of following the onscreen instructions.
With just a single USB port on the back, along with power input, this is a quick and easy printer to set up and start using. Printing is quick and relatively quiet.
We found our test shots printed in less than one minute each at the best print quality of 4800 x 1200dpi (dots per inch). Colours proved acceptable, but blacks didn't seem as sharp as on the Epson printer, with a heavy bias towards magenta.
You'll find that ink cartridges are comparable to the other full-sized printers here, so expect to pay between £12 and £15 (inc. VAT) for each cartridge.
The HP PhotoSmart C4680 is a very compact and easy-to-use printer that will mostly appeal to those on a budget looking for versatility rather than true colour reproduction.
Related Links
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Updated: 60 really useful iPad tips and tricks
Running two apps at once will be the ultimate iPad timesaver, but until Apple releases iPhone OS 4.0 later this year the iPad can't multitask thrid party applications.
Of course, that doesn't mean there aren't lots of neat time-saving tricks hidden away in the iPad just waiting to be discovered.
Here's our favourite 10, and because the iPad runs the same OS as the iPhone you'll find that many of these tips will work just as well on that device, too.
1. Quick volume mute
Unlike the iPhone, there's no dedicated mute button on the iPad. However, you can still cut the sound in a hurry if you need to pretend you're doing something serious instead of watching the latest YouTube viral. Simply keep the 'Volume down' button depressed and the sound will mute.
2. Add extra apps to your tray
There are four apps in the iPad's Dock (the shelf along the bottom of the Home Screen) by default, but you can have up to six apps here for quick access. Press and hold any icon on the Home Screen until the icons start to wobble, then drag two more apps to your Dock.
3. Save time using Spotlight
Instead of wading hopelessly through your music library looking for that one song you want, or endlessly hacking through your Contacts. It's much quicker to make use of the Spotlight search - it can search both iPod and Contacts. Flick right on the Home screen to access Spotlight search, or press the Home button. It also works for launching apps.
4. Redefine your iPad Home button
Double-clicking the Home button takes you to the home screen by default, but you can redefine its action in General - Home. To help save you time you can set it to bring up Spotlight search or the iPod application.
5. Make use of suggestions
As you type you'll notice that the iPad guesses at the word you're typing. To choose this suggestion simply stop typing the word and tap the space bar. If you're typing a lot of text then this can be a real time saver.
6. Enable Autofill
Save time filling out web forms in Safari by making use of Autofill. In Settings choose Safari - AutoFill, then select Use Contact Info to autofill information from the Contacts app, or Names & Passwords.
7. Add a web page to the iPad home screen
If you visit a web page frequently then save time ponderously locating it in your Safari bookmarks by adding it as an icon to your Home screen. Tap the + icon in Safari then tap "Add to Home Screen".
8. Quicker websites
Save time typing web addresses in Safari by using the iPad's ".com" key when typing in a URL. A little-known timesaver is that if you hold down the .com key you get access to a menu that offers a .co.uk option, too.
9. Turn iPad caps lock on
To type a capital letter on the Onscreen Keyboard you first tap the left or right shift key, then the letter. If you need to type a whole word in caps this can be painful. Save time typing in caps by turning the caps lock on. To do this double tap on either shift key.
10. Use the magnifying glass
You're entering text but you realise you've made a mistake a couple of lines back. You either fumble about with your finger trying to get back to the exact place, or you use the magnifying glass. Touch and hold your finger in the right area and the magnifying glass appears, enabling you to fine tune your insertion point.
11. Use a custom wallpaper
Like the iPhone, you can use a custom wallpaper. First, use Safari to find the image you want. (Try Interfacelift.com, which has iPad-sized images.)
View the image, then press and hold on the screen and select Save Image. Now, go to Settings, Brightness & Wallpaper. Flick to the right, go to Saved Photos, and select the image. Press the Set Lock Screen or Set Home Screen option, or Both.
12. Control iPad notifications
Have you ever played Tap Tap Revenge on the iPhone? Good, then you know how annoying notifications can be. These messages pop up on the iPad as well. but you can control them. Go to Settings, Notifications, and configure which alerts (and accompanying sounds) will appear.
13. Read iPad books in portrait
You may be tempted to read e-books in landscape mode -- with the Apple iBooks app, you'll have a few more on-screen aids and a book spine. The spine, though, has this fuzzy pattern that actually draws your eyes away from the words and ruins the immersion of the e-book. Go portrait instead.
14. Make use of the dock
The iPad ships with just a few apps on the dock, but you can have up to six. Just press and hold down on an app and drag it into position on the dock. To remove one, press and drag away.
15. Password protection
You can password-protect apps like iTunes so that a family member can't buy every U2 record with your credit card. Go to Settings, then General, then Restrictions. Press Enable Restrictions and type a password, then turn on the restrictions you want for the apps available. Note that this password is different from your iTunes password - you'll need to tap in both.
16. Keep a cloth handy
Unlike the iPhone, the iPad does not use the oleophobic coating to keep smudges from accumulating on the screen. (Our guess: it would cost too much on the 9.7-inch screen.) Second best option: keep a cloth handy to wipe off grime, or use a kit like the one from Griffin.
17. Charge at night
It might seem obvious, but the best way to charge the iPad is overnight -- it takes a good four to five hours for a full charge from near empty.
18. Use the Kindle reader
Amazon offers the free Kindle reader for iPad, and it is a welcome addition. All of your Amazon e-book purchases will be available immediately, and Amazon prices are much better than iBooks.
19. Use an Apple keyboard
Any Apple Wireless Keyboard will work with the iPad. In fact, you can prop up the device without the expensive dock, use the Pages app to type up long documents, or reply to emails.
20. Shake Facebook
The Facebook app loads in a 1/8 view, which is lame. But, it works the same as it does on the iPhone: you can shake the iPad (gently) to reload your Facebook page quickly.
21. Go full-screen with ABC
It might not seem possible at first, but the ABC Player app -- which lets you watch TV shows on the iPad, but only from that network -- starts in a vertical view. Once you play a show, though, you can turn the iPad horizontally and the show will play in full-screen landscape mode.
22. Touch differently
For those used to the iPhone, there is a new art to using the iPad. With the Photos app, for example, you can control your shots in new ways - try pressing with two fingers in the all photos view. You can then spin the photo and slide it around. (This works exactly like a Microsoft Surface table.)
23. Expand your Home
There are 11 home screens available, and you can drag icons to the right of the main Home screen at anytime, not just when you load new apps.
24. Re-install deleted apps
Once you buy an app, you can always re-install it even if you delete it from your device. Just go to the App Store and buy the app again. You will see a prompt that you have already bought this app and an option to re-install it without having to pay for it again.
25. Drag sites to the Home screen
Like the iPhone, you can add as many web sites to the Home screens as you want. Just go to the site you want, then click the Plus sign next to the URL. Press on the Add to Home Screen option.
26. Connect to an HD
You can connect the iPad to your television. You'll need the Apple iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter, which connects to the 30-pin port on the iPad and to the VGA port on your HD.
27. Use 802.11a for reliable streaming
If you want the most reliable Wi-Fi signal for streaming videos from, say, YouTube.com, use a router that supports 802.11a, which does not have the best range but does not conflict with the 802.11g signal used by microwave ovens, baby monitors, and other wireless devices.
28. Set your EQ
Be sure to set the EQ for the iPad, which makes the sound quality much more listenable. Go to Settings, then iPod, then EQ. Select the style of music you listen to most often.
29. Switch search engines
You do not have to use Google for searching from the Safari browser. To switch to Yahoo, go to Settings, Safari, Search Engine, and then select Yahoo.
30. Adjust your email signature
Using the default "sent from my iPad" signature line for every email makes you look cool, but also tells your e-mail recipients that you do not know how to change it. Go to Settings, then Mail, Contacts and Calendars and select Signature. Type in any text you want.
31. Group your icons
Savvy iPhone users have learned to group icons according to categories - business apps, video and music, games, etc. On the iPad, this is even more important because the screen is much larger and it is easier to get lost in app confusion. You can even group icons in their own screen.
32. Shuffle your slides
The iPad is a great picture frame, although we're still waiting for an app that streams live pictures from, say Flickr. For now, you can easily shuffle your photos when you use the slideshow mode in the Photos app. Go to Settings, Picture Frame, and enable the Shuffle option.
33. Go VPN
The iPad supports a VPN connection. To configure it, go to Settings, then General, Network. Select the VPN and move the slider to On, then add a VPN configuration with your server and account details.
34. Use widescreen for some movies
Depending on the movie you watch, widescreen mode might work better. To use it, go to Settings, Video, and enable the Widescreen option.
35. Get free e-books
The iPad supports the ePub format, and you can load these books simply by e-mailing them to yourself. Search on the Web for "epub" to find book collections. Some libraries let you check out ePub books.
36. Mute the device
iPhone users know you can press the volume button to mute an incoming call. But there are no incoming calls on the iPad. You can still mute the device by pressing a holding the volume down button for about two seconds.
37. Type fast
The soft keyboard on the iPad does not work like the inaccurate keypads on a smartphone. You may be tempted to type slow and methodically, but no worries: you can actually type your normal speed and the iPad, using its Apple A4 processor, keeps up rather nicely.
38. Start a slide show while locked
Once you save your first photo to the device, you will see an option on the unlock screen to start a slideshow. Just click it and the slideshow will start. Under Settings, you can adjust slide timing.
39. Download podcasts
You can search for and subscribe to podcasts so they are downloaded automatically to your iPad. Go to iTunes, then click Podcasts at the bottom of the screen. Search for the one you want and select it, then select Free next to the episodes you want. Note: to subscribe to podcasts, you need to use a PC and sync with the iPad. Why this is true we have no idea.
40. Quick browser scroll
You can scroll to the top of any web site by double-tapping on the top of the title window.
41. Copy and Paste
You can quickly copy and paste text by holding down, then tapping Copy, then going to a different window, and holding down and tapping Paste. To select a paragraph of text tap four times.
42. Turn off email alert chimes
You can turn off the chime for new e-mails. Go to Settings, then General, then Sounds and disable the chimes. You can also adjust the sound level here.
43. Perform a hard reboot
You can reboot the iPad by holding down both the Home and Power button for a few seconds until the device reboots.
44. Take an iPad screenshot
Like the iPhone, you can take a screenshot by pressing Home and then the power button. Images are saved automatically in the Photos gallery. Here, you can view or email them.
45. Increase iPad battery life
The iPad battery can last for up to 10 hours, but you can squeak out a bit more usage. Drag the brightness slider (under Settings, Brightness) as low as you can stand, turn off both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (under Settings), don't play and videos or music, and avoid gaming apps.
46. Save space for more music
When you connect your iPad to iTunes, there's an option under summary that, when enabled, will automatically convert all songs to 128 kbps, which will save space on the device.
47. Turn off duplicate names for Wi-Fi nets
The iPad has problems if you use a dual-channel router (one that supports both 802.11a and 802.11n at the same time) if the networks use the same name. Change the SSID to different names.
48. Avoid USB docks
The iPad does not charge when you connect it to some USB docks. Instead, plug in the cord directly to a USB port. Note that, on some PCs, USB port son the front of the computer may not work either (these are considered part of a USB dock) so you will need to plug into one on the back.
49. Look for dead pixels
When you first buy an iPad, make sure you look closely for any dead pixels. You can run iBooks and flip to an empty page to help. Dead pixels are tiny dots in white or black. If you find one, be sure to go back to your retailer and exchange it for one without dead pixels.
50. Use a protective cover
The iPad does not scratch easily, but it still scratches. Apple offers an iPad case to protect the device, as does Tom Bihn and iLuv.
51. Connect the audio
The iPad has great audio quality - if you use earbuds. The speaker is not exactly robust, but you can connect the iPad to a stereo using a 3.5mm mini-to-mini cable.
52. Search with Spotlight
If you flip to the left of the Home screen, you can quickly search for music, movies, apps, and just about any text. Just type in what you want and tap on the item you want in the results.
53. Replace a word
When you hold down on a word to copy it, you will see a new option: replace. Here, you can paste in a word (one you copied before) that replaces the currently selected word.
54. Get even more dim
You can lower the brightness setting down to a low level using the Brightness option under Settings. But the iBooks app has its own brightness slider, which you can use to lower the level down even more.
55. Watch web video full screen
You can watch web videos in full screen. Just flick with two fingers. Flick back to return to browsing.
56. Zoom in on web sites
You can zoom in on any web site by flicking out with two fingers on the screen. This also makes it easier to select words and tap links. To zoom out again, just spread out two fingers.
57. Watch the heat
Despite what we hear from Apple, the iPad does get quite hot after long periods of watching a movie or playing games. Grab a magazine as a buffer tray between your lap and the device.
58. Remove The Elements
Here is one quick way to save tons of space: if you bought The Elements app, you can save about 1.5GB of space by removing the app. It also makes iPad back-ups when you connect to iTunes takes forever.
59. Watch HTML5 videos
You can watch videos in the Safari browser, once companies start supporting HTML5. The first rumor: CBS is already prepping a service that will make it possible from a web page.
60. Access the iPod
Like the iPhone, you can access an iPod pop-up by double-pressing on the Home button.
Buy iPad SIM cards from Vodafone
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In pictures: View from the iPad queue: the madness of Regent's Street
There were crazy scenes at the Apple Store on Regent Street this morning, with hundreds of people queuing to be the first in the UK to get their hands on the new iPad.
TechRadar was on hand to chat to the girls and guys in the queue and to find out what some of the first UK iPad users were planning on doing with their shiny new computer.
On arriving at the Regent Street store at 7.30am this morning, it seems fairly quiet out the front, with around ten to twenty people queuing outside the door. It was only on rounding the corner that the size of the actual queue hit you – with hundreds of eager Apple fans jostling for position.
Nobody knew what the stock situation was, so whispers were going around the crowd that stocks might well run out. We should know more on this later in the morning, so we will be sure to update you on the in-store stock situations across the UK as and when we get the news in from Apple.
One guy we (literally) bumped into was Apple's leading celeb fan, Stephen Fry – our colleagues over at T3 managed to grab him for a few minutes chat, so watch out for that interview over on T3.com shortly.
Scenes at Apple Stores elsewhere in the country were not so hectic. TechRadar's Deputy Editor Dan Grabham informed us that there were around 40 people hanging around outside the Bath store at opening time, with iPad stocks plentiful.
At least it's not Primark
Back on Regent Street, chaos reigned. We spoke to a friendly copper who told us that the crowd was well behaved and orderly.
"It's a white, middle class crowd of computer geeks, what do you expect?" the bobby informed us. "I mean, at least it's not Primark."
Plenty of other companies took advantage of the PR opportunity, with reps on hand from The Guinness Book of World Records, showing off their new app. Food and coffee was being dished out for free by Pret and Starbucks mobile teams and a strange man called Alfie was showing off his 'Appertize' van. (We are still not sure what that does, but it certainly looked quite cool.)
Some of the first guys in the queue had been there throughout the night. TechRadar spoke with Jules Morris, who was actually the fourth guy in the queue and had been camped out on Regent Street throughout the night.
"I've been queuing for 16 hours," Jules told us, looking tired and happy and clutching his new iPad. "I used to have an iPhone, but I had to get rid of it in order to justify buying this," he continued.
"I never used my iPhone as a phone anyway, I just used it for the web and the apps. Most of the apps I had on my iPhone, I'll now download for the iPad. I'll also get a few of the new dedicated iPad apps. I really like the Sky Sports app. And I love the Angry Birds game, so I'll get that back."
So what else will he use this iPad for? Reading? E-books and newspaper apps?
"Nah! Not really. I love movies, so I'll mainly use it to watch movies. I've always been an Apple fan. Part of your five a day innit? You've got your BlackBerries and your Oranges and now you've got your Apples. I like my granny smiths!"
And on that (bizarre) note Jules wandered off to work. Looking dazed and slightly confused. But clearly very happy with his new toy.
Stay tuned for more pictures as quickly as we can upload them!
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Review: Epson Photo Stylus P50
The Epson Photo Stylus P50 is a striking printer that comes with something of an art deco feel and looks as though it's been designed with an eye on looking great in any modern home.
Compared to many printers on the market, you won't readily want to hide the P50 away once you've finished using it, adding to its overall value and appeal. The high-gloss black finish and simple clean lines are mirrored by the basic control functions on display.
Connecting to your laptop via a USB cable, this is an easy printer to set up. You'll find three buttons on the front of the printer, but little else, so no PictBridge port or LED control panel.
This is a dedicated photo printer that uses six ink cartridges, five individual colours and black. With so many cartridges, setting up takes a little time, but it's a fairly standard routine.
We found that while the P50 installed easily on a Windows Vista laptop, we needed to download new drivers from the Epson website before it would work on a Windows 7 machine. This is a 19MB download and details on downloading it are found in the box, along with those on getting the latest drivers for use with Apple Mac OS X, letting MacBook owners get in on the act too.
Quiet operator
Printing is an incredibly quiet affair, with the shunting of paper associated with most printing kept to a minimum.
This isn't the fastest machine, however and we found that our test 4 x 6-inch glossy photos took well over a minute to print. Thankfully the results are truly stunning and compensate greatly.
The Epson Photo Stylus P50 sits at the upper end of the price bracket in terms of entry-level photo printers, but it is incredibly easy to use and looks great. With six ink cartridges to consider, each costing around £10 (inc. VAT), running costs can be expensive, but if you're serious about getting great results from your images, then it is well worth the investment.
As a result, we have no qualms in recommending this printer with our highest accolade.
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In Depth: Top 20 best free iPad games
So you've got your shiny new iPad and come to the dawning realisation that you've no cash left to buy any games for it.
Have no fear, because the App Store offers plenty of iPad gaming goodness for the (unintentional or otherwise) skinflint. Our pick of the 20 best free iPad games are listed below.
Note that apps marked 'universal' will also work on an iPhone or iPod touch, scaling down controls and graphics accordingly.
1. Air Hockey Gold (universal)
Air hockey games work much better on the iPad than the iPhone, simply due to the iPad's larger screen. Air Hockey Gold isn't the only free game of this type, but it was the one that felt best during testing, and the two-player mode works nicely.
2. Aurora Feint 3
Aurora Feint 3 is essentially Puzzle Quest (Bejeweled welded to a basic RPG). Slide gems and match three to gain energy or smack your foe during battles. The horizontal-only sliding combined with accelerometer-based gravity-shifting in the well means you have to think fast in this game, which is well-suited to the iPad.
3. Bub - Wider
This curious creation is a tranquil arcade game, where you tilt your iPad to guide a bubble around forests. The aim of Bub is to snare strangely named seeds and avoid foes. There's little new here over the iPhone release, and the fuzzy graphics desperately need an upgrade, but Bub works well on iPad due to the precision the larger device offers.
4. Checkers Free HD
It's checkers. On an iPad. For free. What more do you want to know? Oh, OK, then – Checkers Free HD is a pretty decent version of the popular board-game, with a variable difficulty level, configurable player names, an 'undo' function for wusses, and a toggle for forced captures.
5. Cliffed: Norm's World HD
This race-to-the-bottom vertical platform game lacks depth but Cliffed is fun for a quick high-score blast. Use the chunky controls to make your guy dash left or right to avoid rocks and leap down holes. If the screen catches up with him, it's game over. Cliffed XL (£1.19) adds characters and power-ups.
6. Compression HD
Compression HD is roughly what you'd end up with if you used a hammer to smash Puyo Puyo into the garbage compactor scene from Star Wars. Pieces fall, and you move and rotate them to fashion lines of three. All the while, the walls are closing in.
7. Dizzypad HD
Dizzypad is a one-thumb game which has you tapping the screen to have your frog leap between rotating lily pads. If he falls in the drink, he dies (pollution, eh?), but extra lives can be gained by munching bugs or bravely skipping lily pads. Extra modes are available via in-app purchase.
8. Escape - Norm's World XL (universal)
IUGO's puzzler Escape has you swiping to make your silhouette leap between circles, which vanish when you leave them. The idea is to jump on every circle, whereupon you move to the next level. 59p in-app purchases are available for tougher levels and two-player modes.
9. Frotz (universal)
Although it works on an iPhone, Frotz isn't great on the smaller screen. But on the iPad, with its larger keyboard, the interactive fiction player is a revelation. It uses the Z-Machine format, and you can download a selection of freely available text adventures (including the original Zork) using the app, or upload your own files to the app via FTP.
10. GodFinger for iPad
There are quite a few open-ended god games for the iPad, but most are pretty charmless affairs (we're looking at you, We Rule). GodFinger takes you in close, enabling you to interfere with your subjects in detail. The interface is interesting, the game is full of character, and while it doesn't last forever, it'll provide you with plenty of entertainment.
11. Harbor Master HD
This game might look like Flight Control in the drink, but the gameplay mechanics are subtly different. As with Firemint's effort, Harbor Master is a line-drawing game, this time with you drawing paths so boats can dock. However, once they've unloaded, they must leave the screen or sometimes visit another dock, ensuring things rapidly become complex and frantic.
12. Hole-in-a-wall HD
Hole-in-a-wall HD is pretty much the space-age equivalent of that Saturday evening TV show where daft people try and fling themselves through holes in a wall. Here, though, you swipe to rotate a shape, aiming to fit it through a very specific gap. The game doesn't come off flawlessly (it's often hard to judge alignment as the wall zooms towards you), but perseverance reaps rewards.
13. Implode Nature! (universal)
Effectively a taster for IUGO's full Implode game, Implode! Nature nonetheless gives you ten buildings to blow up. The chalk-themed physics-based destruction looks great on the iPad, and although there aren't that many levels, achieving perfection on them all is a challenge.
14. Labyrinth 2 HD Lite
Another demo for a paid-for title (and one that made our top 10 best paid-for iPad games), Labyrinth 2 HD Lite's definitely worth downloading if you don't have the full game. It's the digital equivalent of tilt-based marble games, but with varied, crazy designs. You get 15 mazes here, and there's always a high-score to beat.
15. Loco Railer Lite
Draw tracks to guide your train to 'stations' (directional arrows) in this simple action game. The tracks don't always do what you want, and Loco Railer Lite is a basic, slightly clunky game, but it's nonetheless oddly compelling and endearing.
16. Pocket Legends for iPad
Most iPhone OS MMOs are dreary text-based affairs, so it's nice to see Spacetime Studios creating something a bit more ambitious with Pocket Legends, providing us with an iPad-specific 3D world populated by the usual motley collection of fantasy characters. As always with MMOs, the game demands you invest plenty of time to get anything out of it.
17. Solitaire Ace
After a few hands of Klondike, we actually ended up preferring this free app to several of the iPad solitaire apps with hefty price tags. Solitaire Ace might be simple (no undo, only one theme, just three solitaire variations), but it's fast and responsive, with intuitive controls and extremely clear cards.
18. Tap Blaster HD
Tap Blaster HD currently comes off like a demo - it's silent, and it's not terribly polished. However, in two-player mode Tap Blaster HD is a lot of fun. Ultimately, it's Pong, but you fire up to three projectiles at your opponent, in 'first to five' matches. There's also a reasonable single-player mode.
19. Tap Tap Radiation
The Tap Tap rhythm-action games are popular, but they're also a little staid. Tap Tap Radiation takes the game off the rails, with hit zones meandering around the screen, occasionally snapping into new formations. The result is a much more exciting and fun game that will excite long-time Tap Tap fans and newcomers alike.
20. 10 Pin Shuffle (Bowling) Lite (universal)
We're big fans of 10 Pin Shuffle, a universal app that combines ten-pin bowling and shuffleboard. Of that title's three game modes, the best one is included here in 10 Pin Shuffle Lite, for free. Called 10 Pin Poker, it adds a card game to the mix. Get a spare or strike and you're given one or two cards, respectively. At the end of the tenth frame, whoever has the best hand wins.
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Review: Canon PIXMA iP2702
The Canon Pixma iP2702 is as basic and entry-level a photo printer as you're likely to find. The simple design consists of a paper feed tray at the top and two function buttons.
There isn't any fancy touchscreen control panels or any other means of connecting to your laptop other than a single USB connection.
Maintaining the minimalist approach to design, you'll find there is no capture tray at the bottom, with your finished prints simply rolling out on to the desktop.
The printer has two inkwells, one for black and a second for colour, and are accessed by lifting up the top of the printer. Once you've inserted the ink cartridges you'll find setting up is incredibly easy.
Easy installation
We found the drivers self-installed on both Windows Vista and Windows 7 with no problems, which means you'll be able to start printing straightaway.
When it comes to print speeds, you'll find the Pixma iP2702 is capable of printing up to seven pages a minute in black and white, and a little over four pages per minute in full colour.
However, for this test we wanted to check out photo printing capabilities and a standard 4 x 6-inch glossy took just under a minute, which is acceptable.
Image quality is also more than acceptable, considering there is only one colour inkwell. This means you won't find the full depth of colours as found on more dedicated printers, but for the cost we felt quality was above average.
The printer may indeed be cheap, but you will find cartridge prices will add to the overall running costs. A black ink cartridge, on average, costs £12 (inc. VAT), while we found colour cost £15 (inc. VAT) per cartridge.
The Canon Pixma iP2702 is a reasonable photo printer for anyone looking for entry-level results. It's certainly a cost-effective machine to buy and for the casual user it will prove easy to use and fairly cheap to run.
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Updated: Hectic scenes at Apple stores for iPad launch
There were crazy scenes at the Apple Store on Regent Street this morning, with hundreds of people queuing to be the first in the UK to get their hands on the new iPad.
TechRadar was on hand to chat to the girls and guys in the queue and to find out what some of the first UK iPad users were planning on doing with their shiny new computer.
On arriving at the Regent Street store at 7.30am this morning, it seems fairly quiet out the front, with around ten to twenty people queuing outside the door. It was only on rounding the corner that the size of the actual queue hit you – with hundreds of eager Apple fans jostling for position.
Nobody knew what the stock situation was, so whispers were going around the crowd that stocks might well run out. We should know more on this later in the morning, so we will be sure to update you on the in-store stock situations across the UK as and when we get the news in from Apple.
One guy we (literally) bumped into was Apple's leading celeb fan, Stephen Fry – our colleagues over at T3 managed to grab him for a few minutes chat, so watch out for that interview over on T3.com shortly.
Scenes at Apple Stores elsewhere in the country were not so hectic. TechRadar's Deputy Editor Dan Grabham informed us that there were around 40 people hanging around outside the Bath store at opening time, with iPad stocks plentiful.
At least it's not Primark
Back on Regent Street, chaos reigned. We spoke to a friendly copper who told us that the crowd was well behaved and orderly.
"It's a white, middle class crowd of computer geeks, what do you expect?" the bobby informed us. "I mean, at least it's not Primark."
Plenty of other companies took advantage of the PR opportunity, with reps on hand from The Guinness Book of World Records, showing off their new app. Food and coffee was being dished out for free by Pret and Starbucks mobile teams and a strange man called Alfie was showing off his 'Appertize' van. (We are still not sure what that does, but it certainly looked quite cool.)
Some of the first guys in the queue had been there throughout the night. TechRadar spoke with Jules Morris, who was actually the fourth guy in the queue and had been camped out on Regent Street throughout the night.
"I've been queuing for 16 hours," Jules told us, looking tired and happy and clutching his new iPad. "I used to have an iPhone, but I had to get rid of it in order to justify buying this," he continued.
"I never used my iPhone as a phone anyway, I just used it for the web and the apps. Most of the apps I had on my iPhone, I'll now download for the iPad. I'll also get a few of the new dedicated iPad apps. I really like the Sky Sports app. And I love the Angry Birds game, so I'll get that back."
So what else will he use this iPad for? Reading? E-books and newspaper apps?
"Nah! Not really. I love movies, so I'll mainly use it to watch movies. I've always been an Apple fan. Part of your five a day innit? You've got your BlackBerries and your Oranges and now you've got your Apples. I like my granny smiths!"
And on that (bizarre) note Jules wandered off to work. Looking dazed and slightly confused. But clearly very happy with his new toy.
Stay tuned for more pictures as quickly as we can upload them!
Update: and here's the extra pictures
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View from the queue: Hectic scenes at Apple stores for iPad launch
There were crazy scenes at the Apple Store on Regent Street this morning, with hundreds of people queuing to be the first in the UK to get their hands on the new iPad.
TechRadar was on hand to chat to the girls and guys in the queue and to find out what some of the first UK iPad users were planning on doing with their shiny new computer.
On arriving at the Regent Street store at 7.30am this morning, it seems fairly quiet out the front, with around ten to twenty people queuing outside the door. It was only on rounding the corner that the size of the actual queue hit you – with hundreds of eager Apple fans jostling for position.
Nobody knew what the stock situation was, so whispers were going around the crowd that stocks might well run out. We should know more on this later in the morning, so we will be sure to update you on the in-store stock situations across the UK as and when we get the news in from Apple.
One guy we (literally) bumped into was Apple's leading celeb fan, Stephen Fry – our colleagues over at T3 managed to grab him for a few minutes chat, so watch out for that interview over on T3.com shortly.
Scenes at Apple Stores elsewhere in the country were not so hectic. TechRadar's Deputy Editor Dan Grabham informed us that there were around 40 people hanging around outside the Bath store at opening time, with iPad stocks plentiful.
At least it's not Primark
Back on Regent Street, chaos reigned. We spoke to a friendly copper who told us that the crowd was well behaved and orderly.
"It's a white, middle class crowd of computer geeks, what do you expect?" the bobby informed us. "I mean, at least it's not Primark."
Plenty of other companies took advantage of the PR opportunity, with reps on hand from The Guinness Book of World Records, showing off their new app. Food and coffee was being dished out for free by Pret and Starbucks mobile teams and a strange man called Alfie was showing off his 'Appertize' van. (We are still not sure what that does, but it certainly looked quite cool.)
Some of the first guys in the queue had been there throughout the night. TechRadar spoke with Jules Morris, who was actually the fourth guy in the queue and had been camped out on Regent Street throughout the night.
"I've been queuing for 16 hours," Jules told us, looking tired and happy and clutching his new iPad. "I used to have an iPhone, but I had to get rid of it in order to justify buying this," he continued.
"I never used my iPhone as a phone anyway, I just used it for the web and the apps. Most of the apps I had on my iPhone, I'll now download for the iPad. I'll also get a few of the new dedicated iPad apps. I really like the Sky Sports app. And I love the Angry Birds game, so I'll get that back."
So what else will he use this iPad for? Reading? E-books and newspaper apps?
"Nah! Not really. I love movies, so I'll mainly use it to watch movies. I've always been an Apple fan. Part of your five a day innit? You've got your BlackBerries and your Oranges and now you've got your Apples. I like my granny smiths!"
And on that (bizarre) note Jules wandered off to work. Looking dazed and slightly confused. But clearly very happy with his new toy.
Stay tuned for more pictures as quickly as we can upload them!
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Read More ...
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