British hacker admits stealing virtual poker chips from Facebook
British Facebooker Ashley Mitchell has pleaded guilty to stealing over 400 billion poker chips on Facebook. The £7.4m-worth of chips were pinched by posing as an administrator on the Zynga game, which allowed Mitchell to log in and steal the chips.
He then laundered the swag using a number of other Facebook accounts and sold a number of the chips on before he was caught.
App security
Although the Zynga theft took place in 2009, it doesn't exactly fill us with confidence about the security of Facebook apps and games, especially as games like FarmVille are dealing in millions of dollars.
According to Imperva, a data security firm, Mitchell could have gained access either through SQL Injection or by phishing, keylogging (recording keystrokes) or bruceforcing (trying all possible combinations) for the necessary log-in details.
Facebook has recently had to contend with numerous privacy concerns and the fan page of its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, was hacked just weeks ago.
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Review: Patriot Supersonic USB 3.0 64GB
The Patriot Supersonic 64GB USB 3.0 flash drive is the latest addition to the growing list of new drives clamouring to make the most of USB 3.0's capacious amounts of bandwidth.So, make the most of your unloved USB 3.0 ports and pick up some high-speed storage,
But as we've seen flash memory has its own foibles where it can work like lightning in one direction and then run like treacle uphill in another.
At 64GB this is already at the larger end of the current market, couple that with a USB 3.0 interface and this could be an exceptionally portable and exceptionally fast thumb-sized block of storage.
If you're willing to pay for it.
At this price range you could pick up an internal 64GB SSD or a portable HDD tens of times bigger, but obviously that's a choice you'll make based on your functional needs.
Flash storage really needs I/O testing alongside the usual raw sequential read/write speed tests. We use a combination of CrystalBenchMark 3.0 and real world tests to gain a picture of the drives all-round performance.
Sequential read/write performance
Input/Output performance
Real-world performance
Initially our sceptical minds scoffed at the Patriot Supersonic 64GB USB 3.0 packaging with its USB 3.0 claims of 100MB/s reads and 70MB/s writes.
But as our own synthetic tests showed we actually recorded higher numbers than even the marketing claim's the drive can achieve. The drive topped 120MB/s on reads and a sequential 76MB/s for writes.
At this point things become a little more confusing as switching to random access showed an interesting change of fortunes.
While the read speeds remained high, upwards of 100MB/s, the write speed dropped entirely off. This behaviour also showed up in the access time test where read speeds were once again good at 0.818ms, but writes were at a spinning HDD time of 14.8ms.
The similar specification Kingston DT Ultimate USB 3.0 64GB flash drive, while scoring slightly slower on the reads, performed far better with writes in all cases bar the sequential test.
However when trying a real-world copy the Patriot Supersonic's speed returned to a more reasonable level, but was still a fraction of the Kingston.
Copying a folder of small files has the Patriot average 10.7MB/s and the Kingston DT Ultimate 27.6MB/s. The speed differential evaporates with large files where we scored the Patriot a good 61.5MB/s and the Kingston DT Ultimate at 55.3MB/s.
Build-wise the Patriot drive is second to none, we like the aluminium finish that feels rock-solid and should protect the drive from most day-to-day damage and it of course requires no drivers to install.
We liked:
The promise of the Patriot Supersonic USB 3.0 is there from the start. It offers genuinely fast reads both sequential and random access.
It also provides a high-quality metal chassis that does offer protection and gives it a substantial feel without unnecessarily adding to the size or weight.
We disliked:
The big letdown for the flash drive is the odd write performance.
Sequential speeds seem as good if not better than the Kingston DT Ultimate, however as soon as random access and small files are thrown into the mix all hell breaks loose and performance tanks, which is very off putting for such a premium product.
Final word:
Amazing high-speed reads are offset and ruined by slow writes, unless you're exclusively going to be dealing with large files that is.
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UK rollout of new Facebook picture viewer starts today
Facebook has announced it is bringing its redesigned photo viewer to the UK, which updates one of the most laborious aspects of the site.The Facebook Photo Viewer Product, to give it its proper name, is a complete overhaul of the social-network's photo service.
It allows users to open images inside the Facebook browser without opening a new page, accommodates large photo sizes and re-sizes the photo relative to the size of the browser window.
In short, Facebook has created a rival to Flickr but with a much larger user base.
Photo finish
The new update will also bring faster photo uploads and you will be able to Like, tag and comment within the photo viewer.
It's taken Facebook a good few months to sort out its new-fangled photo service for the UK.
The site originally announced the image improvements way back in October.
The update will be rolled out to the UK gradually, so don't worry if you are still having to deal with the frankly pants photo viewer of yore.
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Xperia Play retail booth images leaked
Images of Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play gaming phone – formerly known as the 'PlayStation Phone' - have leaked online ahead of the official reveal at Mobile World Congress later this month.TechRadar has already had some decent hands-on test time with the new Xperia Play and we expect to hear a lot more about Sony Ericsson's plans for the new gaming phone from MWC in Barcelona later this month.
Retail plans and adverts leaked
The Xperia Play, while still not being officially announced, has been thoroughly tested out and adverts for the device have already started leaking online.
These may or may not be planned leaks, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that we will find out how much the Xperia Play is going to cost and when we can get our hands on it in the very near future.
The retail pods contain the words "smart phone, smart gaming" on the side, alongside a T-Mobile logo.
We expect to see lots of these in Barcelona in two weeks time. For now, check out our detailed Xperia Play hands-on to get our first impressions on Sony Ericsson's latest attempt to marry grown-up gaming with a mobile phone.
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Nokia E7 'coming soon' to Vodafone
Vodafone has announced that it will be selling the Nokia E7 when it eventually reaches the UK. The handset was unveiled at Nokia World in September 2010 and was expected to launch last year.
But we haven't seen hide nor hair of the E7 since then, with no UK release date forthcoming.
N8 with a QWERTY
The QWERTY-sliding Symbian^3 handset comes with an 8-megapixel camera, OLED screen and HDMI-out port.
Hopefully, Vodafone's announcement means that the E7 is finally on its way; UK pricing is anticipated to be around £500, but no doubt Vodafone will be offering tariff deals.
The only other option for anyone lusting strongly after the Nokia E7 is to pre-order it from Nokia's Finnish website, which reckons it will be shipping in February.
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Review: Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse
The Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse is yet another innovative addition to the long-line of classic designs that the Microsoft Hardware group has blessed the world with over the years. The Arc Touch Mouse attempts to take style and function to a new level in the modern mouse world by combining a wireless portable mouse with touch-sensitive features and the BlueTrack sense system.
The result is the Arc Touch. The name partly gives away its key design feature: a flexible rear section that doubles as the main wrist support and also folds flat turning the mouse off and leaving it perfect for carrying.
Beyond its physical design, the Arc Touch mouse uses an Apple Magic Mouse besting touch-sensitive wheel.
With built in haptic feedback this adds a sense of style beyond just its design through unobtrusive technology.
But the real question is it any good to mouse with?
The centrepiece to the Microsoft Arc Mouse is its folding rear, beyond just being a fancy way to turn the mouse on or off, it provides a physical support to the rear of the mouse and offers an ergonomic grip.
Despite a potentially flimsy slim-build it's more than sturdy enough and offers a pleasant wrist rest in use.
Attached to that fancy switch is the main body of the Arc Touch Mouse, which is mostly the twin mouse buttons and that touch-sensitive scroll wheel.
In use it does make for comfortable mousing, though occasionally your fingers might fall short of the buttons and this can almost tip the mouse over. We know this is designed as a portable mouse but it's this type of flaw that means this is no gaming mouse.
It's not going to stay standing in any rigorous deathmatch situations.
The touch-sensitive wheel provides clever haptic-feedback, give it a flick to start scrolling with 'gravity' and the scroll plate actually vibrates in line with the speed of the scroll.
It's clever and works well, though it's questionable if this is actually better or more precise than a physical wheel.
Powered by two AAA batteries, Microsoft claim a six-month battery life.
The wireless transceiver is one of the smallest we've seen and magnetically sticks to the back of the mouse for transit. Finally the tracking is pretty impressive, the best we've seen in a wireless mouse with no sign of lag and it even wakes from rest as quickly.
We liked:
The action is very smooth and the tracking is excellent. It's certainly an eye catching design and eminently portable.
The wireless ability works excellently and is highly responsive.
We disliked:
Despite its beautiful design the Microsoft Arc Touch isn't perfect, making it lightweight and so more portable has its disadvantages.
It's certainly not going to be embraced by the gaming community, even those looking for something with more style than substance.
It also lacks side navigation buttons, which we've come to rely on.
Plus the price is horrendous, you can pick it up for almost half the original price but even so we've like to see a dedicated Li-ion rechargeable pack at this price.
Final word:
If you want to be flash this is a mouse you have to have, for others it's something to miss
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Plextor announces external USB 3.0 Blu-ray writer
Plextor has announced its first external Blu-ray writer – with the PX-LB950UE boasting a 12x write speed and USB 3.0 technology. The new drive is billed as a "high performance, portable gadget [which] offers uncompromising reliability and accuracy with the added extra of being super quiet".
Stylish
"The easy to use, stylish design makes it perfect for home or business users who need to back-up large quantities of data or want to enjoy the latest Blu-ray movies at home or away," added Plextor's release.
The drive comes bundled with LightScribe disc labelling technology, and software including PlexUtilities.
The drive has a UK release date of February with a price point of £179.
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Review: Arctic Cooling K381 Keyboard
The first keyboard produced by Arctic Cooling, the K381, manages to impress with its minimalist design and its mimicking of the made-famous-by-Apple chiclet key design. At just over ten pounds it's also going to be hard to criticise on a cost basis.
No matter how you look at it the Arctic Cooling K381 keyboard has a lot going for it. If you're looking to add a keyboard to a new low-cost system, replace an existing broken keyboard or you just want a spare one hanging around it seems ideal.
With 111 keys - we counted them - and a full numeric keypad all contained in a slimline, lightweight and compact design it has everything you could possibly want in a budget keyboard.
If you're not already considering it then let's take a closer look at how well it performs and the build quality.
The most striking feature of the Arctic Cooling K381 keyboard is the fact it's so compact, almost like they've simply taken a laptop keyboard and given it a case.
Another way of looking at it is that it's a cheap impersonation of the Apple keyboard but at a fraction of the price, with wires and not built quite so well.
Putting that to one side, borrowing the chiclet key style – used so widely now from Apple laptops through to Sony and Samsung models – that it's easy to overlook the keyboard's shortcomings, which is backed up well with the slim-line, minimalist design.
Let's not beat around the bush, build quality is at best average.
The plastic feels cheap, it's easy to flex the entire keyboard and the keys have a cheap 'click' to them. That's certainly not to say it's bad, the keys have a decent response and don't stick.
In use those keys also respond well, the chiclet actually provides more surface area for each key than a traditional key design, but this can take a little while to get use to.
The Arctic Cooling K381 also offers the usual twelve office keys that double as the function keys, along with volume controls and a sleep key.
There's no additional media controls but the numeric keypad and arrows keys are all full size.
Its wired USB connection is a lengthy 173cm. Encouragingly the key decals seem relatively hardy but it's hard to judge how long they may actually last.
Finally the main omission from the keyboard is any rear height adjustment, a solid bar is built into the back of the keyboard but there's no additional way to raise or lower it.
We liked:
The chiclet keys make for easy use and good typing, even under multiplayer-deathmatch pressure. This is backed up by the minimal design that takes up as little space as possible on your desk or in your LAN-party bag.
It's a full keyboard, which is always handy, though part of us would like to see just a basic keyboard without the numeric pad.
We disliked:
The build quality is the biggest disappointment or more likely worry.
It flexes easily when twisted and the lack of any additional height adjustment could be a real and literal pain for some people.
Final word:
A no-frills keyboard that provides style and good function but don't expect much else.
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Tweeting from Supreme Court gets the go ahead
The UK Supreme Court has given the thumbs up to courtroom tweeting, releasing a number of guidelines on when and how the live updates should be used. While you won't be able to whip out your phone and pithily update your followers from a courtroom involving witnesses or a jury, tweets from the Supreme Court are allowed.
The Supreme Court is an appeals court which deals with civil cases, including appeals in criminal cases, and rarely calls for confidentiality.
#objection
Twittering from the courtroom was first allowed in December, when the judge gave permission for journalists to tweet from the appeal of Wikileaks' Julian Assange.
The press release notes that "the Justices of the Supreme Court are content with legal teams, journalists and members of the public communicating to the outside word what is happening in the courtroom."
There are a few instances when you won't be able to live-tweet the action though; if there are reporting restrictions in place, and when reporting on the case risks influencing proceedings in another court.
Lord Phillips, President of the Supreme Court, comments: "The rapid development of communications technology brings with it both opportunities and challenges for the justice system.
"An undoubted benefit is that regular updates can be shared with many people outside the court, in real time, which can enhance public interest in the progress of a case and keep those who are interested better informed."
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Bing UK announces in-search-engine casual games
MSN UK has announced that it will be offering 'casual games in search' available directly from the Bing UK search engine. The likes of Bejeweled 3, Plants Vs Zombies and old fave Solitaire are on the list of 46 free "casual" games available on Bing.
Bing spokesperson, Tamsin Todd commented, "Since Bing's inception, games have been a popular search term with our users.
Excited
"Allowing our users to get to their favourite games in quickest possible time, playing the games right through the search results page, we're excited to make these great casual games available on Bing," she added.
The search engine is hoping to wrest more market share from market giant Google, and the arrival of in search engine games will be an interesting test.
So, if you fancy some lunchtime Zuma's Revenge or Mahjongg then you just need to point yourself over to Bing UK.
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LG Optimus 3D coming to Vodafone
Vodafone has confirmed that it will be ranging the LG Optimus 3D when the handset makes its way to the UK. The recently-announced smartphone is set to debut at Mobile World Congress 2011, with the promise of 3D sure to draw a crowd.
A spokesperson for Vodafone told ElectricPig, "It will come to Vodafone. As soon as it's launched, we will bring it to the UK."
Third dimension
The statement doesn't make it sound as though the network has struck a deal with LG just yet, but it does seem clear that Vodafone is desperate to get its hands on the Optimus 3D.
It's obviously quite excited about the handset's ability to record 3D using dual cameras, as are we.
With no word yet on UK pricing or a UK release date, hopefully more will be revealed at MWC.
Of course we'll be on the show floor elbowing our way through the crowds to bring you a hands on LG Optimus 3D review as well.
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Virgin Media adds BlackBerry phones to PAYG line-up
Virgin Media is now offering BlackBerry handsets on Pay As You Go, including the BlackBerry Torch 9800. "Astonishing" BlackBerry sales on the Branson-owned network last year saw over 200,000 fruity phone sales making up a third of Virgin Media's contract shipments.
Available from today, the flexible Pay As You Go deals include the BlackBerry Curve 8520, BlackBerry Curve 3G, BlackBerry Pearl 3G, BlackBerry Bold 9780 and BlackBerry Torch 9800.
Data-hungry
The obvious issue with paying-as-you-go on any smartphone is that using data services could eat through your credit pretty darn quickly.
So the fact that Virgin is offering weekly (£2) and monthly (£5) passes for customers to use email, BlackBerry Messenger, apps and internet browsing is quite handy, leaving regular top-ups free for calls and texts.
Graeme Oxby, executive director of Mobile and Home Phone at Virgin Media said: "BlackBerry smartphones have become a firm favourite with Virgin Media families, demonstrating how our customers love the best in connectivity, be it at home or on the go.
"As the BlackBerry brand continues its growth as an extremely popular consumer device, we're committed to delivering new and affordable ways for customers to enjoy BlackBerry smartphones and services."
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Microsoft delight at Facebook Messenger tie-up success
Microsoft's tie up with Facebook has apparently been a roaring success, with the company claiming that 2.8 billion minutes of Facebook Chat is now coming through Messenger, and 75 million more customers are now able to take advantage of the service. Microsoft had announced the 1.5 billion minute landmark back in November, after launching the service in August 2010, but the collaboration has continued to grow and is now closing in on 3 billion minutes a month.
The service has now been rolled out to more messenger clients – 75 million of them to be precise – and should now be available 'wherever Facebook is available'.
75 per cent
"The number of Messenger customers who have connected Messenger to Facebook has grown over 75% to nearly 18 million people," blogged Microsoft's Piero Sierra.
"The addition of these new connections has nearly doubled the number of chat sessions between Messenger and Facebook to about 440 million, powering more than 2.8 billion minutes of Facebook chat.
"We expect even more progress with the availability of Facebook chat from Messenger to the remaining countries we're releasing this feature to today."
YouTube, LinkedIn, MySpace
Other Live services tie-ups from Microsoft – as it embraces the open world – include YouTube, LinkedIn and MySpace.
"We've been working to build partnerships with Messenger that help customers connect to their friends across their different social networks, added Sierra.
"The number of connections Messenger customers are making to LinkedIn has more than doubled since our last update. Meanwhile, MySpace and YouTube connections have grown nearly 50 per cent to remain among the top services among more than 75 great services that customers are connecting to Windows Live."
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Facebook games make more money than traditional games
Facebook games like FarmVille could be taking more cash than most traditional console games if estimations by gaming site IGN are to be believed. The site slotted Facebook games like FarmVille into the top 10 games of 2010, taking both number of players and estimated money made into account.
Although Call of Duty: Black Ops retains its top spot, four Facebook games stormed the list, with CityVille and FarmVille taking the second and third spots, beating big hitters like Halo Reach and Red Dead Redemption quite comfortably.
Zynga's 'Ville franchise, the bane of our news feeds, has things quite nicely sewn up with FrontierVille also featuring in the top 10.
An element of guestimation
The numbers are slightly guestimated, based on research findings that 10 per cent of people who play Facebook games pay real money for in-game purchases, and that the average player who makes in-game purchases spends around $55 (£34).
Even so, the chart gives a good idea of how social gaming is raking in the cash and its small, repeated purchases are proving more lucrative than traditional high-box-price games.
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Video: Epic's Duty Calls FPS war game spoof is marketing genius
Epic Games has started a promotional campaign for its upcoming videogame Bulletstorm by putting the boot into the rather successful Call Of Duty franchise.Epic has created a fully playable game that roundly mocks CoD, which is aptly called Duty Calls.
The game isn't the biggest ever, someone has uploaded themselves playing it and it clocks it at just under five minutes, put it is chock-full of parody for a franchise that takes itself way too seriously.
Hand of CoD
Call Of Duty has become an easy target of late, mainly because of its barmy plots that try to push the wargame genre to its limits.
Because of this, Epic's viral game could well have been subject to gamers' backlash.
Instead, the idea that Bulletstorm, when released, will 'put the fun back into gun' has been well received. And it also means you won't be able to hear an Eastern European voiceover in the same way again.
Bulletstorm is released on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 has a UK release date of 25 February.
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Review: Iiyama ProLite E2472HD
Not long ago, a 24-inch full-HD monitor for £180 would have been a conspicuous bargain. The new Iiyama ProLite E2472HD hits both targets and adds an LED backlight for good measure. Unfortunately, PC monitor prices have been tumbling of late. 24 inches, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and even an LED backlight are no longer anything that special in a modern feature set. More to the point, the very same feature set can be had for less money from the likes of the BenQ V2410T.
In fact, BenQ goes one better with another model, the EW2420, by throwing in a VA panel for just under £160 through some, but not all, suppliers. In that context, it's hard to see how the Iiyama ProLite E2472HD can really compete.
Going by past experience, it's Twisted Nematic, or TN, LCD technology seems likely to hold it back. On the other hand, the latest TN panels are much improved.
Good for a TN…
Maybe the E2472HD has a chance after all? Out-of-the box impressions don't make things any better though. The engineering and construction are pretty rudimentary. Cheap plastics and a tilt-only stand are your lot.
Okay, the glossy bezel does lift the aesthetic a little. But this is clearly a budget screen.
Likewise, the HDMI, DVI and VGA video input are no more or less than you would expect from a monitor of this size and cost. In other words, the E2472HD screen will win or lose based on image quality. The good news is that the LED backlight is bright, clean and powerful. The panel is also fairly consistent given its TN underpinnings. Edge bleed, so often a problem for TN panels, is mercifully absent.
Black levels are another strong point. Granted, the best PVA panels give deeper blacks still, but the ProLite E2472HD's decent blacks combined with good viewing angles make for an above average movie watching experience. Then there's the excellent pixel response. Teamed with the powerful backlight, the result is a great gaming panel.
…but can't beat VA
Less impressive, however, is the colour accuracy. Whites and bright colours suffer from fairly severe compression, for example. Another problem is the greenish tinge to flesh tones. More generally, colours are simply not as vibrant, saturated and satisfying as those offered by IPS and VA panels.
The 24-inch screen diagonal and full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixel are probably the sweet spot right now in terms of size, price and image quality. The ProLite E2472HD adds an LED backlight and a decent set of input options for a solid all-round feature set and reasonable image quality.
So, while the ProLite E2472HD looks good in isolation, it struggles to compete with BenQ's EW2420, a screen that's cheaper but beats it by nearly every metric of image quality. Things are hotting up at this end of the market and this Iiyama monitor can't quite compete.
There's nothing conspicuously wrong with the E2472HD's TN panel or the visuals it produces, but even the LED backlight isn't enough when you consider that a superior VA monitor is available for less money.
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Review: Asus U53Jc Bamboo
Adding to Asus' comprehensive range of high-end laptops, the U53Jc (£899 inc. VAT) is a powerhouse portable with a twist. Finished with a bamboo exterior, it is one of the most uniquely designed machines you can buy, but proves to be far more than just a pretty face.
Chosen for its environmental credentials, the use of bamboo on the lid and palm rest is notable for the strength and organic look that it lends this laptop. With a finish resembling mahogany, it creates a luxurious style of its own – albeit one that is likely to divide opinion.
The remainder of the chassis' interior is finished in brushed aluminium, contrasting nicely with the bamboo veneer. As such, the black-plastic keyboard looks a little out of place, but it is a pleasure to type on, with its spacious design and firm keys responding well at all times.
Built around a 15.6-inch screen, this is one of the larger laptops in this group test and so is better suited to home use than travel. At 2.8kg, you can certainly carry it on shorter journeys, however, and the 271-minute battery life is a capable enough result for a laptop of this size.
Thanks to its larger dimensions, storage is comprehensive, with two hard drives paired up for a staggering 640GB of storage space. As with all the laptops here, cutting-edge wireless and fixed network connectivity is also in place, courtesy of 802.11n Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet.
Cutting-edge components
Powered by a processor from Intel's Core i5 range, the Asus delivers fantastic performance. While slightly bettered by the Toshiba Satellite R630-141, software loads and runs impressively quickly. Graphics are slightly less capable, but there is still more than enough power for watching high-definition (HD) movies and editing your photos and videos.
The HP Envy 14 more than doubles the performance on offer here, however, so bear this in mind if you're a serious gamer. That's not to say the Asus is not a good choice for home entertainment, as the bright 15.6-inch screen proves sharp and vibrant. With its deep black levels providing a striking level of contrast, widescreen movies in particular look great.
One area that this laptop falls short of the others in this group is the software included as standard. There is no office or multimedia software and internet security is limited to a 60-day trial version; so factor the software you need into your budget. While you'll either love or hate the bamboo finish of the U53Jc, the power and components it delivers ensures this laptop provides great value for money. Only the limited software package lets it down, but this is still a unique and highly capable home machine.
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Gaming boosts Sony's profits, no thanks to TVs
Sony has announced a slight dip in profits for October to December, with the TV sector to blame for the financial decline.Sony reported a 5.9 per cent fall in operating profit to 137.5 billion yen (£1.3 billion) for the October-December period, but this did leave its full-year operating profit forecast at 200 billion yen, which will be a slight rise on what it made in 2009.
Sony had its gaming sector to thank for keeping its profit margins fairly stable.
The arrival of Gran Turismo 5 and other key games meant that operating income from this sector nearly doubled from the previous year – to 45.7 billion yen (£346m).
Predicted sales of the PS3 for the financial year are staying steady at 15 million, though, with 6.3 million PS3s sold in the quarter.
"The game business benefited from significant cost reductions of PlayStation 3 hardware and higher unit sales of PS3 software, which favourably impacted the change in segment operating results (excluding restructuring charges)," said Sony.
TV go home
It was a different story in the television sector, with sales of TVs in the full year looking to be 23 million units – down two million from the previous year.
Profits have been hit hard, too, because of strong competition driving prices down.
Sony's consumer, professional and devices division, which houses the TV business, was hit with a 47 per cent profit dip.
While this has means that annual revenue forecasts has had to be lowered by three per cent, the sales of TVs were actually up because they were cheap to buy.
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iPad 2 apparently spotted at The Daily launch
Reuters claims that a prototype of the next Apple iPad was spotted at the launch of News Corp's The Daily yesterday. The unnamed eyewitness didn't manage to snap a picture of the iPad 2 but maintains that it had a front-facing camera at the top of the screen.
As Reuters illuminatingly adds, "A source with knowledge of the device confirmed its existence."
Good source, Reuters
Yes, in the same way as whether or not Monday will follow Sunday comes into question every week, the iPad 2's existence was very much in doubt until now.
The source goes on to tell the news outlet "that the final release model could have other features."
Well, stop the presses. We thought the front-facing camera would be the only upgrade Apple's been working on for the past year.
There you have it, folks. An iPad 2 may or may not have been at The Daily launch and will probably have some new features when it launches. Good to know.
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Hands on: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review
If you cast your minds back to the murky depth of Christmas, you'll recall TechRadar brought you word of two new phones on their way - the Sony Ericsson Anzu and Hallon.The former has emerged as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, but the latter one was a mystery - only the fact it was a reboot of the Vivaz form factor was available as a clue to what it would be.
But you can rely on TechRadar to come up with the goods - and we've got you an early hands on Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review to take a look at.
The phone shares very few similarities with the original Vivaz - only the form factor and key arrangement remain to help you see any evolution in the line.
Unlike the Xperia Arc, the 'human curvature' form factor remains here - the back is rounded to make it easier to hold in the hand, although whether you'll agree remains to be seen.
The phone itself looks pretty good - it sits well in the hand, has a semi-anodised finish and the key arrangement at the front is easy to access with a single digit.
On the top we're treated to the usual gubbins - a proximity and light sensor, the ear piece and a whopping great front facing camera.
We weren't able to get the specs of this sensor, but in quick tests it seems to be better quality than the average VGA hardware bolted onto most phones these days.
The other phone furniture is nicely arranged too - the lock/power key is on the right-hand side and is within easy reach of your thumb, despite the large 4-inch screen.
Similarly, so is the volume key below it - we're talking a lot of length here, but it's still relatively easy to hit when holding it to your ear.
And we're glad Sony Ericsson is sticking to its roots with this one - a camera shutter key is provided for good measure. We were starting to worry this key was becoming extinct on Android phones.
Talking of the camera, it's an 8.1MP sensor on offer here, with a single LED flash. The latter hardware is bright and powerful, and the relatively central positioning of the camera sensor makes photo taking seem natural and easy, much like dedicated compacts.
Sony Ericsson's build quality has always been pretty standard, and that's the case again here, with the plastic and chrome-esque covering making a sturdy-feeling device. The top of the phone houses three ports: one for microUSB connection and charging, the large and well-placed 3.5mm headphone jack and the mini-HDMI out connection.
We're not sure if the latter port will come with a cable in the box, but we certainly hope so - it would be a real plus point if you were able to stream your HD movies straight to a TV.
Under the battery hood is a relatively straightforward affair: we're talking large battery (although the final size of this has yet to be confirmed) and a hot-swappable microSD card.
The width of the phone, with the bulging back, isn't too bad either - we measured it at around 11-12mm, and it didn't feel too thick in the hand, although phones like the Xperia Arc and the LG Optimus Black feel significantly thinner.
In terms of the interface, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo is significantly... similar to the rest of the recent Xperia family.
We're not saying this is a bad thing at all - while some people hate overlays, the Sony Ericsson TimeScape offering has been improved with the recent Gingerbread set of handsets.
The result is a much more fluid-feeling interface that shows very little sign of judder and slowdown.
We can't really see the point of having all your social networking updates scraped together in one timeline, but it works quickly and doesn't seem to slow down the phone.
One thing we do happen to love though: you can pinch the home screen in, and all the widgets you've placed on the various five displays will all bunch together in the overview mode.
It's like HTC's Leap View, but even better than that is the fact the salient info is actually visible, rather that just easy to locate - if only you could have this as a default home screen.
But beyond the swirly blue background and Splines (that's what Sony Ericsson calls the combined timelines) it's pretty much generic Android 2.3 running under the hood.
The desktop mode is in full effect again, although there's no docking port we can see to make this into a dedicated alarm clock or the like.
The keyboard is once again Sony Ericsson's own concoction - it's a little bit less accurate than the Gingerbread effort found on the Google Nexus S, but given that this isn't final release software it's not really fair to comment on the accuracy of such a tool as yet.
However, were it to launch like this, it would still be better than a lot of soft touch keyboards on the market at the moment, including the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, which shows how much better the new Gingerbread version of Google's mobile OS is when it comes to keyboard accuracy.
What is interesting is the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and the Xperia Arc share a lot of hardware similarities - next-gen Snapdragon 1GHz processor, large 4-inch reality display and HDMI-out compatibility, so it will be interesting to see how the two phones stack up against one another in the market and how SE positions them.
Should the price difference be enough, we can see two top sellers kicking around - but if they're too close in cost per month, then the Xperia Arc will surely dominate the less striking-looking Xperia Neo.
We await Mobile World Congress fervently to see if Sony Ericsson sheds any light on this subject - and we'll endeavour to bring you our full Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review in the near future.
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Buying Guide: Best internet TV platforms compared
Call it what you want, but 'smart', 'connected' or internet TV is about to become big news.With zero advertising so far it's the TV industry's best kept secret, but expect the big brands to break cover in 2011 and start shouting loudly about their portals, apps and widgets.
Just as Apple went from being a maker of unpopular computers to a major player in the entertainment industry when it invented the iPod and iTunes, so TV manufacturers are jostling for the role of content arbiters in a brave new world of TV and movie distribution.
And it's all down to the humble broadband router. Wi-Fi modules are in some TVs - for now usually only high-end models - while USB dongles are coming down in price, but what's to watch?
It's a rather strange state of affairs at the moment, with ring-fenced platforms and only a smattering of open web browsers in what has already become a very fragmented market.
Expect slick simplicity in 2011 as your TV begins to resemble a smartphone; cue a world of apps and customisation where choice is king, something that's bound to streamline services and get rid of the dross (and at the moment, there's plenty of that).
What is great about the world of 'connected' TVs is that as well potentially lessening the need for a set-top box or DVD player, it relies purely on software updates; in short, your TV won't go out-of-date shortly after you buy it, with new apps and services likely to become available instantly.
Whether a particular interface from a particular brand of TV impresses or not often comes down to one very British preoccupation: BBC iPlayer.
As a public broadcaster, the Beeb's engineers work on a first-come, first served basis and show no bias, though the end result is a market distortion; some brands' portals have full access to BBC iPlayer, and others do not - yet.
But with Google TV a future possibility and the ever-delayed YouView slated to arrive on set-top boxes later this year, the race is on among TV makers to deliver a truly compelling connected experience - before someone else does.
So how do the current internet TV services stack up?
Sony - Bravia Internet Video & Qriocity
Is Sony the current king of connected TV? Love it or hate it, you've probably used Sony's trademark Xross Media Bar on the PS3 or one of the brand's TVs or Blu-ray players.
On Sony's current range of TVs its latest content deals, widgets, apps and web-related options are integrated into the XMB; from all the web portals featured here, it's Bravia Internet Video that makes the most sense.
One moment you can be scrolling through digital TV channels, the next activating Lovefilm (albeit it at £9.99 per month) to stream the latest films - or even loading BBC iPlayer to look for last night's Question Time - and all from a simple and consistent grid-style user interface that lends unique uniformity.
MOVIES: Lovefilm joins BBC iPlayer on Sony's Bravia Internet Video service
Other services include Demand Five (exclusive to Sony), YouTube, Dailymotion, Twitter, Facebook, eBay, rolling news from Eurosport, and a plethora of small website channels like Videocast.com, FordModels and Singing Fool.
Weirdly not all Sony TVs have the same services; some only feature a basic service, which doesn't include the widgets (the headline acts there being eBay, Facebook and Twitter).
The provision of FIFA's World Cup video archives last summer was superb, but short-lived; at the turn of the year it was switched-off, which in itself is a warning; in this new age of connected TVs, software and services can be updated constantly, but it's not just about adding new content - it's about managing it.
Sony is currently in the process of taking the current concept and making it portable via its Qriocity service, which will eventually put all of your movies, music and games in the cloud to access from various Sony devices.
QRIOCITY: Sony's attempt at creating personal 'cloud content' across its TVs, PS3, PSP and Vaio laptops
Later this year Sony plans to fit Bravia Internet Video with an open Opera web browser, a Sky News video service, Skype (via a webcam, built into some models) and more comprehensive video and music streaming via Qriocity.
It will also feature control via a smartphone app, with Sony also confirming that more of its TVs will have Wi-Fi built-in. One thing is for sure' Sony's connected TV service is heavy on quality content, and growing fast - which suggests that Sony's States-side obsession, Google TV, isn't destined to visit these shores for some time to come.
Sony Bravia Internet Video appears on Sony's NX813, EX703 and HX703 Series.
Samsung - Internet@TV
Clumsily named but with more heritage than most, this once innovative platform is beginning to stale. The interface itself is a touch gaudy and not particularly quick to skip around … it's nowhere as slick as Sony, the only other platform that matches it for content.
Amongst a lot of clutter are Internet@TV's crown jewels, with BBC iPlayer nudging in front of Lovefilm movie streaming (Acetrax is also present), though all the 'essential' apps are here - Twitter, Facebook, AccuWeather and Google Maps - alongside some filler services such as Dailymotion, Picasa and, er, Getty Images. Other so-so options include Rovi (TV listings), The History Channel (a bland 'this day in history' feature), Muzu.TV (music) and USA Today (news).
SAMSUNG APPS: Internet@TV is content-rich, though uses a rather tacky, dated design
Much like Philips' Net TV platform, these services can be added from, or sent back to, the Samsung App store. In December 2010 Samsung claimed the 'one millionth download' from its app store, though that's misleading - it's far more about customising which apps you want on the main home screen, and not at all about purchasing and downloading.
We're guessing that will change, with something akin to Apple's App store the presumed endgame for all connected TV portals. In 2011 Internet@TV will be replaced by Smart Hub, which premiered at CES in January. It looks decidedly phone-like and wisely includes apps aimed at kids as well as adults.
Also featuring recommendation software, Smart Hub ties-in with other devices on your home network (much like LG's Smart TV also promises to do), searching on the TV for a particular artist might produce a concert from, say, Lovefilm alongside some MP3 files on your PC, and relevant Twitter feeds.
The current Intenet@TV features are available on Samsung's C9000, C8000, C7000 and C6500 LED-backlit LCD TVs, its C750 and C650 LCD TVs, C7000 and C6500 plasmas, and BD-C7500, BD-C6900, BD-C6500 and BD-C5500 Blu-ray players.
LG - NetCast
LG has been a bit behind the curve when it comes to its internet TV platform, but has big, big plans; expect to see this brand shouting about its new-for-Spring Smart TV concept just as loudly as it was about 3D.
Until late November, LG's NetCast portal appeared to be a mere placeholder, with just a trio of services on its pretty home screen; Picasa, YouTube and Accuweather. More services have just been added - via a firmware download - that at last makes NetCast worth a look.
The most important is BBC iPlayer, a feature that's certain to help persuade many to invest immediately, but there's many more; Acetrax movie streaming (see the Panasonic section for details), Vtuner (web radio), MLB.tv (baseball), Accedo (games), Viewster (more movie streaming), Google Maps and the social networking duo of Facebook and Twitter.
NETCAST: BBC iPlayer, Facebook and Twitter have recently been added to LG's NetCast interface
It doesn't end there. Premiered at CES was LG's redesigned Smart TV platform, which will feature across its new spring range of plasma and LCD TVs. More movies, customisable apps, videos and open web browsing is promised as is a QWERTY keyboard app - crucial if you want to browse the web on a TV - for both iPhone and Android.
A TV Apps section also forms part of the dashboard, which will divvy-up services between TV Live or Premium Content icons. It's unclear whether this new platform will be an upgrade for current LG TV owners, though we do know that the web browser will only be available on 2011 models - though LG is also making a tiny Smart TV Upgrader ST600 box available for those wishing to upgrade, or get Smart TV without buying a LG TV.
There's another reason to buy-in to LG's Smart TV; Plex. Demoed to us at the CES, Plex is based on a popular open source platform called XBCM that aggregates all your content into one interface, whether it's stored within the TV's interactive services, on a PC, phone, online movie streaming service or media server on the same home network.
COMING SOON: LG's Smart TV interface will be unveiled in Spring
The current NetCast platform is available on LG's LED-backlit TVs, including the LX9900 (47 and 55-inch), LE8900 (42, 47 and 55-inch), LE7900 (32, 37, 42, 47 and 55-inch), LE5900 (32, 37, 42, 47 and 55-inch) and LE4900 (32, 37 and 42-inch). It also features on the LD790 (32, 42 and 47-inch), LD690 (32, 37, 42, 47 and 55-inch) and LD490 (32, 37 and 42-inch) LCD TVs, and LG's PX990 (50 and 60-inch), PX790 (50 and 60-inch) and PX590 (50 and 60-inch) plasmas.
Panasonic - VieraCast
Bespoke is the word here - a lot of time and attention has been paid to the way Panasonic's VieraCast menus react to your choices, and a wholly joined-up experience it is, too. It's the best looking, simplest interface of all, but has one significant problem; there's nothing to watch.
That's perhaps a little unfair; the portals for Eurosport and YouTube (both of which have a terrific 'predictive text' style search engine) are peerless, but the company has clearly struggled with content deals; just Picassa, Daily Motion and Euronews were on offer until late last year when Acetrax - a web-based movie streaming service - appeared (it's also available on LG and Samsung TVs).
ACETRAX: Pay-for movies from Acetrax is the main draw on Panasonic's VieraCast
Acetrax costs about £3.49 for a top-line title (once rented and started, you can watch a movie as often as you like for 24 hours), and its catalogue contains the latest flicks such as Inception and The Other Guys, as well as classics like Big Fish and Clockwork Orange.
It's available on Panasonic's VT20, V20, G20, D28 and D25 series of TVs as well as all of its Blu-ray players.
VIERACAST: For now it's low on content, but VieraCast boasts a beautiful design
Still, VieraCast is badly in need of BBC iPlayer, though on some of its TVs you can access that service if you hook-up its built-in Freesat HD tuner to a satellite dish.
And then, of course, there's Skype. We're not sure if anyone wants to use a PC as a telephone, let alone a TV (there's a reason why Skype is now available on smartphones), and the idea of video calling on a 42-inch plasma will horrify some - but that's what's on offer on VieraCast. If you like a big face, Panasonic's TY-CC10W Skype-enabled USB camera and microphone is yours for a shade over £130.
Nevertheless, the platform is slated for an overhaul in Spring when it will be renamed VieraConnect. Like a lot of the new platforms, there will be more of an emphasis on downloading apps to the TV from a virtual marketplace (though specific new services are yet to be announced), with the added bonus of control by Panasonic's first tablet computer.
VIERACONNECT: Spring's VieraConnect refresh will include control by the brand's debut tablet computer
Philips - NetTV
If the idea of an open internet browser sounds appealing after perusing the 'walled garden' approach by most brands, the freedom it promises comes with huge caveats on Philips' Net TV platform.
Based around an Opera browser and relying solely on an intuitive and fast virtual keyboard that pops-up along the bottom of the screen, the message along the bottom says it all; 'Some internet pages may not take viewing on a television into account or may depend on third party plugins not available for TV browsers.' In other words, you can't just head to the BBC iPlayer homepage and start watching EastEnders, but you can read the news.
It's a tad clunky to use, with a cursor necessary slowly moving down each page from link to link, with many pages taking a while to load, and often with plenty of holes. Net TV needs plugins such as Flash (and many more besides) to display the web effectively, as well as significantly more processing power.
Elsewhere on Net TV is a distinctly Euro-flavoured choice of content, though it's simple enough to remove France 24 from the line-up and effectively put in back in the 'app store', a kind of vault for stuff you don't really want.
Interfaces for YouTube, Picasa, Twitter and Ebay are all available, as is subscription-based content from Box Office 365. For £2.99 a month it offers access to Cartoon Network, Hit Entertainment (Bob The Builder et al) and a range of dated ITV comedy and drama series, though the interface isn't a patch on developer BiBC's slick websites.
PHILIPS: NetTV boasts an open Opera web browser, but it lacks functionality
A similar, but free service is offered by iConcerts, though only a raction of what's available on their own website - we counted just 29 artists' gigs ranging from 'Noughties fare like Keane and James Blunt to 'classics' such as Johnny Cash, Tina Turner and, er Mark Knopfler. As with all the video content from Net TV, the quality is good without ever reaching hi-def.
Other apps include Tunin.FM Radio (which automatically finds radio stations and podcasts in your locality - though no BBC), TomTom HD traffic (in the living room? Seriously), Myalbum.com (a Picasa alternative), Dailymotion, Cinetrailer and Funspot (rudimentary games like Sudoku, Black Jack and Solitaire).
There's no word on additions for 2011, but despite its unique web browser it's in need of UK-specific deals with broadcasters - with BBC iPlayer and a movie streaming service essential.
Net TV is available on Philips' 7000, 8000, 9000 and Cinema 21:9 Platinum series of LED-backlit LCD TVs as well as its 8000 and 9000 Series of Blu-ray players.
Sharp, Toshiba and Loewe
Although Toshiba's Net TV service has hosted a few apps (Facebook, Picasa, Twitter and Flickr), it's so far largely avoided streaming video in the vast majority of its range (with the exception of its flagship WL Series, which includes YouTube and BBC iPlayer - but nothing else).
It's a similar story over at Sharp and Loewe, though all three brands will embrace internet TV more fully in 2011.
At the recent CES Toshiba was demoing Skype services on its forthcoming Regza ranges of TVs for 2011, though UK-specific content deals have yet to be announced. Details of Sharp's plans - a brand that has so far rebutted the whole idea of connected TV - are similarly scant, but we do know that its US models will host movie streaming services.
A minor brand it might be, but Loewe TVs have been trading digital files with computers for yonks.
LOEWE: MediaNetwork is the German brand's first go at an online dimension
Loewe's first stab at an online dimension, MediaNet appears to be a pared-down version of Philips' Net TV in terms of content; Cinetrailer, iConcerts, Aupeo (music screaming) and, er, German language audio books (via hoerbuch-direkt.tv). However limited it proves to be, you can be sure that the luxury German brand's MediaNet interface will be top notch in terms of usability.
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Review: Kogan FHDLED26
This Full HD, LED TV from Kogan's 'Elite' range includes one or two surprising features for a cut price LCD, including USB recording. Elsewhere in the budget brand's stable is an HD Ready 19-inch LCD TV (£121), and models otherwise identical to the FHDLED26; 22-inch (£169), 24-inch (£189), 32-inch (£390) and 40-inch (£479). In that context, the FHDLED26's price constitutes quite a premium – the extra two inches costs a whopping £100.
Kogan also sells the LEDBD32, a 32-inch LCD TV with a built-in Blu-ray disc drive.
Features
The chief attraction is probably that LED backlight, which helps enable a reasonably slender depth of 45mm.
The other feature of note is a PVR function, which is less impressive than it sounds; instead of digital video recording akin to Sky or Virgin, the Kogan offers to record to a USB memory stick. It does introduce basic recording (both immediate and timed), though probably of more use is the addition of pause and rewind live TV functions.
Elsewhere the FHDLED26 can play digital files from a USB stick, including AVI, MP4, DivX and XviD video files, MP3 and WMA music and JPG and BMP photos. Excellent news, though the USB slot itself is, rather daftly, buried beneath the set's rear panel and is particularly hard to access.
Ease of use
In and outputs are plentiful and USB recording a cinch to operate; the 8GB stick we inserted was able to record an hour of HD material, or 209 minutes of SD fare, though even a 512MB stick can be used (though the 14m/4m of SD/HD recordings that capacity allows is only suitable for short pauses).
The interface is excellent; simple, attractive and uncluttered with transparent backgrounds and fade-ins. Recordings are easy to set either automatically, or from the EPG where once-only, weekly and manual timings are possible. It's hardly Sky+, but it works.
A shame, then, that the remote control is cluttered with tiny buttons and, worse, proves slow and occasionally completely unresponsive.
Picture
Despite – or maybe because of – the FHDLED26's use of a Full HD panel, standard-definition material from Freeview lacks sharpness and clarity. A bluish tint to blacks and indistinct peak whites tally with its low contrast ratio specs, while colours lack realism.
Both of these problems increase if you watch the FHDLED26 from the wings; a tight viewing angle is inescapable, with some uneven brightness also detectable. The FHDLED26 does produce precise hi-def images, but a lot of that good work is undone by considerable motion blur.
Aside from its unusual slimness, there's little evidence of the advantages of LED backlighting found on bigger brands' efforts.
Sound
The two 15W speakers create an incredibly thin sound that is all treble and no bass, with even dialogue-only programmes suffering. And though it would be wrong to criticise too much – few 26-inch LCD TVs boast audio that's anywhere near acceptable – we've heard much better.
Verdict
It may suit a few occasional TV watchers, but the novelty of recording to a USB stick is just a novelty; if you're after LED-backlit picture quality, the FHDLED26 isn't for you, though its low price, decent recording options and superb user interface might be enough to convince some.
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Dual-core HTC Pyramid specs revealed
A mysterious dual-core HTC handset codenamed Pyramid has been detailed by an insider, with superphone specs to boot. The big news is that this could be HTC's first dual-core handset, following in the footsteps of the likes of the Motorola Atrix and LG Optimus 2X.
Alongside the 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, the HTC Pyramid is also said to have 4G connectivity – which is great for those places already rocking 4G networks, but not so great for us Brits.
The Pharaohs would be proud
The display is a 4.3-inch qHD affair; it's probably a safe bet that the Pyramid will offer 1080p video playback with that dual-core processor on board, so expect to be able to hook it up to a larger screen via HDMI-out.
T-Mobile has snapped up the handset in the US and its slated for a release in May 2011.
Sadly for us, there's no sniff of a UK release date at present although we would anticipate getting in on the dual-core HTC action.
As usual, HTC has no comment on rumour or speculation but we could be seeing more of the HTC Pyramid at Mobile World Congress 2011.
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Review: Sony KDL-40NX713
Step up from Sony's mainstream EX TV range and you'll find the first of its 3D designer models. The NX Network sets combine advanced multimedia capability with premium picture performance and Sony's trademark Monolithic Design.NX models come in a variety of sizes, from 32- to 55-inch; confusingly, there are no fewer than four 40-inch models (the NX803, 703, 503 and the 713 reviewed here) on offer. All you need to know is that this is the one to aim for, because it alone has Dynamic Edge LED backlighting (as opposed to regular edge LED) and MotionFlow 100 Pro processing.
Anyone who's been shortlisting a new flatscreen recently will know that there's no shortage of LED TVs available, but not all are created equal. The LED iteration here is prefixed Dynamic because it offers a semblance of local dimming. Sony, rather inventively, says that it offers "GigaContrast" for the whitest whites and blackest blacks as a result.
The 40NX713 is 3D-capable via an optional upgrade, which means that you'll also need to invest in the brand's TDG-BR100B Active Shutter glasses (a not inconsiderable £99 each) and the TMR-BR100 3D transmitter (around £50). The latter plugs into the rear of the TV.

As befits the screen's networking nomenclature, Wi-Fi is built in. This is undoubtedly helpful if you don't have a wired connection to your viewing room. Connectivity is standard for a telly of this size. There's a Scart input (via adaptor) for your older kit (good news for those still using a VCR), plus four HDMIs (one of which is side mounted).
It's worth noting that the rear inputs are side mounted into a slim recess, which rules out the most heavily insulated HDMI cables.
There are also component and composite video jacks, stereo audio phonos and a D-Sub 15-pin PC input. Providing an outward-bound audio feed is a digital audio optical port. Other sundries include a USB port for local media playback, an Ethernet connector a headphone jack and an interface for a Conditional Access Module (CAM) for pay TV.
Despite representing Sony's Networking range, the TVs media streaming feature rather flounders. It seems to recognise and stream only AVCHD files, although it will play MP3s across a network. Even better, it reads and displays cover art as well.
Media file support from USB is better: the 40NX713 plays AVIs (with subtitle support) and MPEG4 files, but not, apparently, MKVs.
Other niceties on the NX713 include a Picture Frame mode that can even read GPS location data. An insert graphic from Google maps pops up to reveal where snaps were taken.
IPTV content is rapidly becoming a must-have feature on any respectable TV. The good news is that Sony offers a wide range of extra content via its Bravia Internet Video portal, as well as apps.
From the set's XMB you can browse the BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, catch up on Sky News, or watch skateboarding kittens on YouTube and Daily Motion. There's also streaming video via LoveFilm and pay-per-view (PPV) movies from Sony's new Qriocity video streaming service.
Need more? The BIV portal has a growing range of more esoteric, dedicated services including Blip TV, Ford Models, the Howcast network, Ustudio, Livestrong, Golf Link and Singing Fool. 

The NX713 also offers widgets (of a sort), a consequence of Sony's short-lived dalliance with Yahoo. Sony has now moved from this relationship, leaving this particular widget Gallery high and dry. Just as well, since they're slow to load and you can only run a handful before running out of memory.
Compared to the extensive apps program run by Samsung, these are a non-responsive waste of time.
Once the stand is assembled – a pleasingly swift job that involves a single screw into a cylindrical base bracket, upon which the TV sits snugly, with a second screw to anchor – navigating to the auto-tune setup menu is a doddle. 

It's at this point that you'll probably notice the set's only real oddity. The remote control has a single, solitary Power On/Off button on its rear. Quite why any remote zapper needs a secondary power button on its reverse side is a mystery.
The XMB interface will be familiar to anyone who has purchased a Sony-branded vision product over the past few years. First seen on the PS3, it's now spread virus-like across the brand's products. This is all well and good, as it's easy to master.
However it does become a tad confusing when you hook the TV up to a Sony Blu-ray player, AV receiver or PS3. It's often difficult to tell exactly what product's UI you're looking at. 
Beneath the hood, the screen is both simple and sophisticated.
There are only three picture presets (Standard, Custom and Vivid). Yet dig into the setup menus and you'll find far more than the basics.
There's a backlight Control slider, two flavours of adjustable noise reduction and variable MotionFlow options (Off, Smooth, Standard, Clear and Clear Plus), designed to prevent motion blur. It's worth noting that Sony rates power consumption as 142w when the screen is in Vivid mode, but only 97w when in the Standard setting.
The set's programme listing is easy to navigate and features a live video window.
The NX713 proves to be a demon on the test bench, acing trial after trial. Motion picture resolution is outstanding, and depending on the severity of MotionFlow picture processing selected, it's possible to preserve clarity right up to 1,080 lines.
To hit these giddy heights, select either the Clear or Clear Plus modes (the latter robs the screen of some brightness). Despite this amazing detail retention, there are only slight predictive motion artefacts around moving objects, which in most cases will go unnoticed.
Thankfully, it's not necessary to delve into the XMB to adjust the MotionFlow frame-rate settings, you can use the Option button on the remote; however, if you're using the screen with a Sony Blu-ray player you'll need to disable the CEC HDMI control, else the Option panel for the BD player will appear, rather than the one for the TV.
One challenging test, featuring scrolling English and Japanese text, was brushed aside by the panel. At 100, 50 and 30 per cent luminance the moving characters remain perfectly legible with no smudging.
This TV is also exceptionally smooth when it comes to pans. There's precious little cinematic judder, even with all the picture processing gubbins turned off; an artful sequence from Disney's Sleeping Beauty (Blu-ray) wherein Prince Charming canters behind a rocky outcrop, passes smoothly without incident or artefact.
Engage MotionFlow and scrolling sequences are as smooth as can be, without so much of a smudge of halo artefacts.
Another big surprise is just how good this set is when viewed off axis. Even at an extreme angle, there's no massive fall-off in colour or contrast. Indeed, the NX713 behaves much like an IPS (In Plane Switching) LCD screen.
Naturally, the set has a Freeview HD tuner. This means subscription free high definition from BBC One HD, BBC HD, ITV 1 HD and C4HD is only ever a click away.
While Freeview HD channels don't tend to stand comparison with Blu-ray, they are nonetheless free from the kind of macro-blocking and fuzz that makes standard Freeview look so rank. An HD transmission of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones is wonderfully detailed.
On the debit side, the edge LED backlight is not particularly even, although there are plenty of worse examples on the market. Under most circumstances this flaw isn't particularly noticeable, but play a movie in letterbox format or catch a slow fade to black and you'll notice light pooling from the corners.
The image presented here reveals just how uneven the backlight is, although taken with a slow shutter it does tend to emphasise the problem.
Black levels and contrast, meanwhile, can be considered above average. 
So what's the 40NX713 like in 3D? The screen offers a couple of 3D adjustment controls. You can alter the brightness of the Active Shutter glasses, from Auto to High or Medium. There's also a depth adjustment tool, which has two plus or minus increments, either side of the default.
Rather unhelpfully, when you elect to adjust this setting 50 per cent of the screen remains obscured by the menu, so you can't really see what you're doing.
Unfortunately, none of the controls will help you dial crosstalk out of a 3D image. In the TV's default 3D setting, the church steeple at the beginning of Monsters vs Aliens has clear secondary spires.
This image overlap can be fixed by adjusting for negative parallax using the Depth Adjustment tool, but then everything in zero or parallel parallax is thrown out of whack. Crosstalk remains an issue, regardless of how you tinker.
On the sublime Blu-ray promotional edition of Avatar, double imaging effects are far less prevalent. They're there if you look for them, just not so intrusive. 
Of course, with precious little 3D content available, you might well be tempted to play with the set's real-time 2D to 3D converter.
This takes any flat source, from over the air TV to discs and games, and dimensionalises it. The TV offers variable levels of simulated 3D depth, but even on the High setting you're unlikely to be impressed.
Sony's 3D Active Shutter glasses are nicely designed and relatively comfortable (in an uncomfortable kind of way).Spectacle wearers will find them a tight fit, though.

The 40NX713's audio performance is serviceable but thin, and stereo imaging is cramped, if not entirely monophonic. This is not surprising for such a slim TV design. 

Providing modest welly is a diminutive S-Force digital amplifier with a claimed 26w total output (this is derived from a 2 x 8w stereo output, plus a 10w subwoofer). Given that there's no real bass coming from the set, the term 'subwoofer' is a bit of a misnomer: it's more of a mid-bass plumper.
For those that want to experiment, there is a selection of DSP modes: Cinema, Music, Live, Sports and Game.
Ultimately, it's well worth augmenting the set with a separate sound solution when circumstances allow.
Value
When all's said and done, the 40NX713 is an outstanding flatscreen TV. Given that it's widely available for less than a grand, it can be considered rather good value for buyers seeking an above average 2D Full HD performer.
In many ways, the 3D element appears to be an afterthought. Having to add an external sync transmitter seems awkward at best. With the best 3D content available, the set offers tangible depth, but the bugbear of crosstalk is always there if you look for it. You should regard the 3D component as a bit of fun, no more or less.

The only significant negative in terms of picture performance is the uneven backlight, but then this has to be traded against the ultra-thin cosmetics. If it bothers you, perhaps you shouldn't be looking at edge-lit LED as a screen technology.

Ultimately, we would rate the KDL-40NX713 as a great Full HD picture performer.
Sony has an exhaustive range of flatscreen TVs, but you need to look up the range to find the best performers. It's here you'll find the KDL-NX713.
What is really impressive about this screen is the clarity and the outstanding motion resolution of its images. This 40-incher offers first division picture processing. Pictures from Blu-ray are sensational and the HD channels offered by the Freeview HD are sharp and shiny.
Across the board there's massive detail and precious few blurring artefacts. This makes the screen great for sport, video games and action movies.
Sony is setting the standard in the IPTV content market. Its Bravia Internet Video portal has all the key attractions you'll want for bonus telly, while Qriocity and Lovefilm offer a wide range of premium PPV streaming movies.
Oddly, where the set stumbles is with network support (ostensibly the raison d'etre for the range). Video file support across a LAN is poor, and is far from comprehensive even when you pull content from USB media.
We liked
The clarity of the 40NX713's HD images, and its superb moving picture resolution, blew us away. We were pleased with the extensive content offered through its proprietary Bravia Internet Video portal, as well as the integrated Wi-Fi and the stylish overall design
We disliked
The clumsy nature of the optional bolt-on 3D sync transmitter is bit of a shame, as are the crosstalk effects prevalent on 3D content. Inadequate file support across a network and the lack of MKV support from USB also let us down.
Final verdict
This designer set is a top-flight picture performer and looks fabulous with Blu-ray. As a 3D proposition it has flaws, principally because you'll need to invest more cash to obtain the required accoutrements. But overall, the TV gets two thumbs up.
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BT results show growth in DSL uptake
BT has announced its latest financial results – and pointed to a significant uptake in broadband internet as a key reason for profits and cash flow that were up year on year. Revenue dropped for BT, a company that is investing heavily in fibre optic cabling in order to cope with the growing desire for superfast broadband.
But it was DSL growth that was picked out by the company – with BT adding 188,000 net additions, its most in eight years, and claiming a 53 per cent market share.
Ahead YOY
"Profits and cash flow in the quarter were ahead of last year," said chief executive Ian Livingstone.
"BT Retail had a good quarter with growth in business revenues and our highest share of DSL broadband net additions for eight years.
"Openreach benefited from a stronger broadband market and growth in its copper line base.
"BT Global Services is now expected to be cash flow positive this year, a year earlier than targeted.
"These results show that we are making progress on a number of fronts. There is always more to do but our performance underpins our outlook for this year and the period to 2012/13."
So, fibre may well be the future but for the time being copper wiring is still bringing in the bucks.
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