Facebook wins fake-name court battle against German privacy group
There's no hiding behind a fake name on Facebook for anyone who can honestly say "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner).
The social networking site can legally continue to require users in Germany to register with their real names thanks to its courtroom win against a German privacy watchdog group.
In December, the Schleswig-Holstein data protection body had ordered Facebook to change its real-name policy and allow users the option to use a fictitious name.
The right to use pseudonyms online is enshrined in German law, said the body.
Sweeter than a Berliner (jelly donut)
This reversal is good news for Facebook, which is just one of many tech companies to have run-ins with strict German privacy laws. "We are pleased with the decision of the Administrative Court of Appeals of Schleswig-Holstein," a Facebook spokesperson told TechRadar. "We believe this is a step in the right direction. "We hope that our critics will understand that it is the role of individual services to determine their own policies about anonymity within the governing law – for Facebook Ireland European data protection and Irish law." Previously, Facebook saw its auto-facial recognition feature declared illegal in Germany.With the luck of the Irish
Facebook's mention of Irish law is no accident. The Associated Press pointed out that the company's European headquarters is in Ireland. This means that the Facebook is subject to Ireland's less stringent privacy laws and is outside of the Schleswig court's jurisdiction. Schleswig-Holstein state's data protection body said that it will appeal the decision, but for now, real-names remain a Facebook requirement in Deutschland.
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Sony plans PS4 streaming for PS3 games, according to report
As was whispers' wont this week, yet another rumor centering on Sony's PS4 surfaced late Friday.
This one comes by way of the Wall Street Journal, which reported that Sony plans to utilize Gaikai, a game streaming company Sony owns, to stream existing PS3 games to the new console.
Why not new games? Those will apparently come on an optical disc.
Sony has allowed for backwards compatibility before with its older consoles - gamers could pop a game disc from a PS1 game into a PS2 console, PS2 games could run on a PS3 - but the new ARM x86 chips reportedly housed within the new PlayStation won't allow for the cross-generational play.
Game time
Gaikai is a cloud-streaming service that streams video games over the web, much in the same way as movies and music are accessible, according to the company's website. Sony bought the company in July 2012. If Sony plans to host pre-PS4 games in servers and send those down to the new consoles, it's sure to keep its backward compatibility streak going. The Verge noted that services like Gaikai and OnLive have delivered games at a max resolution of 720p, possibly preventing the former from sending new PS4 games to the console. It might even be a stretch for Gaikai to deliver PS3 titles as it hasn't been used publicly to stream anything but PC games, however Sony has likely poured plenty of resources into addressing the issue. If Gaikai's services are intended for use in the new console, there's virtually no limit to where games could go. Think PS Vita, PS3 and potentially tablets and phones.Counting down the days
This week we've had two prototype pictures of the PS4's trackpad controller leak, while last week we heard word that the entire console would go for about US$428. Typically when there's this much smoke before an event, finding the source of the fire is never far behind, so we certainly expect to see the PS4 come Wednesday. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, so you'll just have to tune back into TechRadar to see how Feb. 20 plays out. Any game titles you'd especially like to see stream from the PS3 to PS4? Let us know in the comments below.
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Facebook hacked, says there's no evidence of user data breach
Facebook recently discovered some of its employees' laptops were hacked, though it doesn't look like any serious harm was done.
The social network posted the news on its blog today, saying the firm didn't find any evidence that user data was compromised. Good news for its 800 million-plus active users.
"Last month, Facebook Security discovered that our systems had been targeted in a sophisticated attack," the blog post state quite simply.
While it acknowledged the hack, Facebook didn't share what, if anything, the perpetrators gained access to.
Zero Dark Java
Facebook identified the "zero-day Java exploit" as the method of attack. It said a handful of employees visited a compromised mobile developer website that installed malware on their laptops. The hackers took advantage of a weakness in Oracle's Java software enabled on web browsers, even though Facebook said its anti-virus software was up to date. The company noted it was a previously undiscovered exploit. The social network said Facebook Security flagged a suspicious domain in its DNS logs and tracked it back to an employee's laptop. After the malware was discovered, the security team conducted a company-wide search and fixed the remaining infected machines.Not alone
Though it seems like Facebook has the security breach under control, it doesn't look like this is an isolated incident. "Facebook was not alone in this attack," the same blog post read. "It is clear that others were attacked and infiltrated recently as well." In the beginning of February, Twitter was also comprised by hackers, affecting 250,000 user accounts. Before that, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal were targeted by large-scale attacks. Facebook didn't mention any connection to the Twitter or the newspaper attacks in its post. However, Twitter's Director of Information Security, Bob Lord, advised that people should turn off Java on their browsers when its attack was made public. He also noted that Apple and Mozilla have turned off Java in each company's browsers after many security questions had been raised about Oracle's software. Though there has been no official mention of any link, Java is the common concern. That might mean the attacks could be coming from the same group or individual, or just that different malicious entities are using the same exploits. Whatever the case, turning off Java on your browser is increasingly looking like the smart move to make.
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Google might be plotting retail store roll out by the holidays
Google is reportedly taking a "build it and they will buy" approach to its products as a new rumor has the search engine giant and Android progenitor building its own standalone retail locations in the U.S. by year's end.
An "extremely reliable source" speaking with 9to5Google told the site that the first of Google's new stores will be ready for business by holiday season, 2013.
The first stores will be in major metropolitan areas with the express purpose of getting products like the next Google Nexus, Chrome and, most importantly, upcoming products into customers' hands.
Already Google runs Chrome store-within-store models at Best Buys and 50 PCWorld/Dixon's in the U.K., but the new stores will reportedly be completely independent with sales flowing directly from Google to customer.
Did Google Glass prod?
While having customers see, touch and interact with devices as a means to a sale is a retail model Apple perfected, it sounds like Google's inspiration for its own stores actually stemmed from Google Glass. The product, though oft-talked about, would need to be met first hand by the public. What better way to do that than through conveniently located shops? Furthermore, the stores would also provide a platform for other projects like driverless cars and mini-drone delivery systems to meet potential buyers. Last year, an analyst told TechRadar that retail locations were a distinct possibility for Google in 2014-2015. Looks like Google may be moving ahead with its plans on a faster timetable.Find the Nexus 4
The Nexus 4 would have a fine time selling at a Google store where customers could ask clerks point blank if the handset was in stock instead of learning from a "Sold Out" Google Play message. Until we maybe one day get standalone shops, Google took some of the burden of tracking the uber-popular handset down for us by launching a Nexus 4 finder Thursday. It's straightforward enough: type in your address and Google will find retail locations that have the handset within five, 10, 20 and 50 miles of your location. The idea is to check availability before heading in, though you'll actually have to phone ahead. T-Mobile is the only official U.S. retailer at the moment, so you'll be seeing all T-Mo options when you search. A company rep told us this wasn't the first time Google's created such a tool: Mountain View made one for the Nexus 7 that's still up and running.
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Ubuntu dev preview for Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4 coming next week
In January, Canonical teased a version of the Ubuntu software for Galaxy Nexus smartphones would be released sometime in February.
The new operating system was announced just before CES, revealing Canonical's intent to bring the full range of desktop capabilities to compatible smartphones.
Canonical has primarily used the Galaxy Nexus as its test device thus far, and it wasn't that shocking to learn a developer version of Ubuntu would be handed out so soon.
However, the developer just revealed a version of Ubuntu for Nexus 4 would arrive with the Galaxy Nexus edition, which comes as a bit of a nice surprise.
Preview of promise
Set to arrive on Feb. 21, the touch developer preview of Ubuntu for both Nexus smartphones will provide images and open source code for more savvy users to mess around with while they wait for a completed version. The idea is to give Ubuntu enthusiasts and developers a chance to see what the OS has to offer, and give an early lead on potential app creation for the smartphone software. Canonical will also release tools to help users flash their existing devices to the developer preview, which would allow them to stay up to date with the most current version. Attendees of Mobile World Congress can bring their Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones to the Canonical booth, where the developer will flash the devices themselves. Additionally at MWC, Canonical will have a variety of Ubuntu devices on display (including a possible tablet), though the actual proprietary phones aren't expected to arrive until October. "Our platform supports a wide range of screen sizes and resolutions. Developers who have experience bringing up phone environments will find it relatively easy to port Ubuntu to current handsets," said Canonical's Pat McGowan in a statement. "We look forward to adding support for additional devices for everyday testing and experimentation." The group has also created downloadable app design guidelines, giving potential developers the power to create for the full range of Ubuntu platforms. Though iOS and Android have dominated the market thus far, there's plenty of room for a possible third option as Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10 have yet to assert themselves in the marketplace. Whether that OS is Ubutnu will largely depend on how quickly and easily users are able to assimilate the open source software.
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Messenger says final farewell as Skype takes over in April
Microsoft is officially closing the curtains on Windows Live Messenger to make way for Skype this April.
While it was previously reported that Messenger users will have to abandon the service on March 15, it turns out users will have a few extra weeks before Skype takes over their lives.
A Skype blog update confirmed that the transition will begin on April 8, and continue through the following few weeks as the update rolls out to all users.
Messenger desktop client users will be greeted by an upgrade notification that day, barring access to the service until it's accepted. Skype will then be installed while Messenger is quietly whisked away, never to be used again.
So long, old friend
The transition will primarily be for users of the Windows Live Messenger desktop client, as Messenger will continue to function on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. Even so, after spending $8 billion on Skype, it's no surprise that Microsoft is still encouraging users to make the switch from Messenger on mobile devices too. That is, unless you live in mainland China, which is immune to the update and will still have Messenger up and running for the foreseeable future. While it's nice that Messenger users will get a few extra weeks out of the service, the unceremonious booting to Skype is still a bit of a kick in the pants for those who have stuck with older service all this time.
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AMD wants to be clear: 'We have the fastest GPUs'
For non-gamers and enthusiasts, talk of GPUs can seem like an impenetrable slurry of chip names with more numbers than seem necessary, clock speeds and endless codenames.
AMD cut through all that Friday morning in a call with journalists during which it cleaned up some confusion on its products and laid out its graphics plans for 2013, all the while offering some choice words in case anyone thought the chip maker would lay down at its competitors' feet.
For starters: AMD will launch a new GPU series by the end of the year, a top-to-bottom group of chips that will move away from than its current Radeon HD 7000 series for desktops. AMD is aiming for before 2014, so don't expect anything truly different until Q4 at the earliest.
Until then, the company will stick with the 7000 family, adding new members to it throughout the year. Several "robust" enhancements are expected by the middle of 2013.
Preparing for battle
Now, for the juicy parts: AMD apparently struggles from a self-promotion problem. "I don't believe we've been strong enough in making it clear that we have the fastest GPUs," said Roy Taylor, corporate vice president and head of Global Channel Sales for AMD. "We'll wait and see what Nvidia comes back at us with, but we believe we will maintain leadership." Taylor was responding to an indirect question about Nvidia's GeForce GTX Titan GPU, which several reports say will launch on Feb. 18. A leak on TechPowerUp has the Titan clocked at 875MHz, though that number won't be final until it's officially released. Although AMD's top-end 7970 clocks at 925Mhz, attention as of late has been slathered on its competitor. Slowing PC sales are hurting the GPU landscape in general, however, Nvidia reportedly claimed it captured 63 percent of the graphics market in fiscal year 2013 - up by 12 percent from the year before. AMD aims to meet its surging competitor head on. "I'm absolutely for bringing back the old wars," Taylor said. "We want to take [competitors] on again and we want people to understand we have the fastest products. I don't believe the readership of all the journalists on the line has had that clearly explained to them." To back that up, AMD noted in a follow up email after the call that two of its 7970 GPUs power the Asus' Ares line, making the products the fastest graphics cards in the world.Time to clarify
AMD took the time to lay out what Sea Islands, an internal codename that's caused head scratches and second guessing in the processor community, really means. The term refers to a roadmap for desktop and notebook graphics products targeted mainly to OEM partners, in case you were wondering. While many have noted that AMD's product cycle has slowed as of late, Taylor explained that the company is taking a repositioning approach - informing customers of its chip prowess before introducing a new line. A massive part of AMD's plan has been to partner with AAA game developers to offer software and hardware bundles like the "Never Settle: Reloaded" package, which offers games like Crysis 3, BioShock Infinite and Tomb Raider with the purchase of Radeon HD 7800 and Radeon HD 7900 cards. The strategy may be working - according to the AMD officials, sales of the 7000, which was introduced in 2011, increased in January and February. Taylor tried to bury the speculation that AMD is stalling for time until it comes up with something better. "There's too much ambiguity here," he said, referring to the shaded speak between journalists and other AMD execs on Friday's call. "We have products. We have a roadmap. We are not announcing them right now because we want to reposition the products we have. "We are unafraid, we don't lack resources, we don't lack imagination and we have new products," he continued. "We have GPU leadership."
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Apple at Staples: could office supply chain house iDevices stateside?
Staples carries all manner of phones, tablets and other devices, though the retailer has yet to reach an agreement with Apple in the U.S. - unless of course, it already has.
According to AppleInsider, several Staples executives - including the retailer's senior vice president of global human resources, Regis Mulot - tweeted on Thursday that Staples will soon carry Apple products in the U.S.
Staples' strategic accounts coordinator, Erin LaFlamme, and field services manager, Mike Goggin, reportedly tweeted the news as well. AppleInsider reported that those executives and others were at a corporate meeting at the time.
We say "reportedly" because the tweets have apparently all been deleted or made private - the personnel were likely admonished for leaking this news, as if being stuck with your coworkers in a meeting on Valentine's Day wasn't bad enough.
The incriminating tweets
Mulot's tweet, before being deleted, reportedly read, "After Canada, #Apple products are coming to #Staples in US. Great news!" LaFlamme's: "Thanks #Apple for letting #Staples sell you...oh, and for the delicious apple products to celebrate at…" with an Instagram picture of an apple-flavored beer and what appears to be an apple tart. Goggin wrote, "Staples just finalized a deal to begin selling Apple products," accompanied by the appropriate hashtag "#finally."iPads and iMacs and MacBooks, oh my
Staples already sells iPads, iPods, MacBooks, iMacs, and countless Apple accessories in its stores and online in Canada, though notably it seems the retailer doesn't stock iPhones. Still, it's unclear exactly which products will be made available in the U.S. Given the number of tweets that reportedly went out Feb. 14 and the speed with which the messages were deleted, we don't much doubt the veracity of this particular report. Still, TechRadar asked Staples and Apple for clarification and will update this story if and when the companies respond. Perhaps we'll get an early bird discount?
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Xbox 360 continues to lead console sales as Wii U reportedly struggles
Microsoft tops the video game console sales charts yet again in the NPD Group's January video game sales report.
While the NPD Group doesn't include exact console sales numbers in its report, Microsoft decided to be more open and disclose that 281,000 Xbox 360 consoles were sold last month.
Along with being the best selling game console for 25 months in a row, Microsoft says Xbox 360 also earned the most of any console in January with users spending US$338 million on the system between hardware, accessories, and software.
The NPD Group also announced the 10 best-selling games for January with Halo 4 on Xbox 360 coming in at No. 7, and representing the only game from the list released exclusively on one system.
The top 10 selling games in January consisted of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Far Cry 3, Just Dance 4, NBA 2K13, Madden NFL 13, DmC: Devil May Cry, Halo 4, Assassin's Creed 3, Skylanders Giants, and FIFA Soccer 13.
Nintendo in trouble
On the other side of the sales spectrum is Nintendo, with Wii U sales that are reportedly far below expectations. A source with access to the NPD data told Gamasutra that the Wii U sold "well under" 100,000 units during the month of January, with estimates in the range of between 45,000 and 59,000 systems sold during the month. The Wii U was already suffering from selling fewer consoles than expected, as Nintendo lowered its fiscal year sales expectations from 5.5 million to 4 million units. Typically the two ways for a game console to recoup from low sales are to release more games or roll out a price cut. However, Nintendo has already taken a firm stance against dropping the Wii U's price any time soon. The alternative is to offer more new games to attract players. Nintendo does seem willing to pick up the pace publishing a handful of games, including the greatly anticipated Pikmin 3 before the summer. Most of Nintendo's new Wii U games are set to arrive in the second half of the year though, which may be too little too late as both Microsoft and Sony gear up for their own presumed new console releases, the Xbox 720 and PS4.
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Google maps out the home of the Indianapolis Colts
With the advent of 24-hour coverage, an entire network devoted to the sport, and high-definition cameras getting viewers and fans closer to the action than ever before, almost every facet of the NFL is readily available for enjoyment.
About the only thing the average fan can't do these days is step onto the field or wander the locker room the players call home.
Well, that was the case until Friday, when Google revealed it mapped out the entirety of the Indianapolis Colts' Lucas Oil Stadium.
For the first time ever, any person around the world can now stand on the 50-yard line of one of the NFL's premier stadiums, and see what it's like to be on the turf where all the action happens.
On any given Sunday
Most Colts fans are already familiar with the inner workings of the multiple concourses they have to navigate to find their seats or the best hot dog stand in Lucas Oil Stadium. While there's nary a bad seat in the house to watch the game, few, if any, fans have ever set foot on the artificial turf field they watch pros battle on every Sunday. Google's map of the building covers every last inch of the green carpet running endzone to endzone, allowing many people their first glimpse at what it's really like to be one of their favorite stars. Even better, the Colts have given Google incredible access to the locker rooms, which many will remember being the home of impassioned speeches from head coach Chuck Pagano. Sure, you can check out the walk around the upper concourse, or even peek in the elite Quarterback and Loge suites, as Google has literally photographed every possible inch of Lucas Oil Stadium. Of course, the real joy comes from marching up and down the field itself, counting every yard the Colts fought for in their miraculous win against Green Bay during week five of the season.Google's Earth
According to Google, this is just the first of many NFL stadiums the company hopes to cover extensively with Maps. Google claims this is just the latest step in providing the "most comprehensive, accurate and usable map of the world," readily available at your fingertips. Sporting venues are just the tip of the iceberg as far as Google is concerned, and with how thorough and detailed this walkthrough was, future expeditions should prove to be just as awe-inspiring. By giving people the ability to explore real world locations from the comfort of their own homes, Google Maps is truly evolving from a service that could merely tell us where we're going into one showing us where we're headed.
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Another PS4 controller photo leak shows touchpad and Move-like panel
Can anything stay a secret these days?
It wasn't too long ago that the gaming world was wondering whether Sony would finally change its iconic PlayStation controller for its next console, the PS4, and now it appears we already have a pretty solid idea of what the PlayStation 4 controller looks like.
A photo leaked on Friday that purports to show a prototype of the PS4 controller followed one leaked on Thursday, showing the same device. The new image's origin is unclear, but it appears to match the previous one.
The controllers pictured feature a touch trackpad in the center, consistent with rumors that have been flying for the past two weeks.
Change is hard
Sony's DualShock PlayStation controller has remained largely unchanged since the second stick was added in the late 1990s. The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 controllers were nearly identical to the original PlayStation controller, besides some small tweaks. However, based on the PS4 leaks that appeared this week, it seems that's finally about to change. Rumors of a PS4 controller touchpad similar to the PS Vita's rear panel first appeared at the start of February, and it wasn't long before that report was seemingly confirmed by the first leaked image. Speculation contends that the pictured touchpad could even be an LCD screen that could display buttons, media playback controls or other information directly from games.Touch-a touch-a touch-a touch me
If it's true, the PS4 controller's touch trackpad/display will mark a huge departure for Sony's console. Touch controls have become the norm for gaming, though, with every system from Nintendo's 3DS and Wii U to Microsoft's Xbox 360, with its barely there Xbox SmartGlass features, having touch interactions of some variety. But that's not the only change these images show; the directional buttons look thicker, and the control sticks are concave, with what appears to be a speaker in between them. The start and select buttons are barely visible to either side of the touchpad, as well. Even stranger is the light-colored strip situated on the PS4 controller's top, between the triggers. In Thursday's leaked photo, that strip was glowing blue, indicating that it could have something to do with PS Move-like features for the PS4. Compared with Thursday's leak, the controller that appeared in a photo on Friday has longer handles and what looks like a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom, proof that if these are real, they're definitely prototypes that are subject to change. Whatever form the final PlayStation 4 controller takes, TechRadar will be there to cover it on Feb. 20, when the new Sony console will likely be announced.
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Apple design guru Sir Jony Ive gets Gold Blue Peter badge
Apple design chief Sir Jonathan Ive has been awarded that most prestigious of all accolades - the famous Blue Peter gold badge.
Cupertino's senior VP of industrial design, from Chelmsford, Essex, becomes one of only 1,000 people to be awarded the highest honour from the iconic BBC children's TV show.
The man responsible for designing the hardware for iOS gadgets and Mac computers joins the likes of David Beckham, The Queen, J.K. Rowling and others who've inspired children around the globe.
Ive, who was Knighted in the New Year's Honours in 2012 said the award was "absolutely incredible."
Inspired
The design chief said he'd been inspired as a child by the way Blue Peter presenters had re-used household items to fashion awesome creations such as a paintbrush holder made from a detergent bottle. "I loved the way there was just products that you thought were no longer useful, but reusing them, it was fantastic," he told the BBC. Ive will appear on a gadget-themed of the CBBC show to be screened on Saturday, where viewers will get a unique glimpse around Apple's Infinite Loop canvas. Check out the link to the presentation in the BBC hat-tip below.
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FDA approves 'bionic' eye, brings partial vision to the blind
It may not quite be the sophisticated technology used to turn Steve Austin into The Six Million Dollar Man back in the '70s, but a new "bionic" eye can restore at least partial vision to those without it.
The New York Times reported Thursday that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an initial treatment for new technology known as an "artificial retina."
Like something out of science fiction, the artificial retina is essentially a bionic eye which restores limited vision for certain types of blindness.
Considered a milestone in vision research, the technology will allow blind people to see crosswalks, better detect people or vehicles and in some cases even view letters or numbers, provided they are big enough.
How it works
Marketed as the Argus II, the artificial retina uses a pair of glasses outfitted with a camera and video processor, all connected to a sheet of electrodes implanted inside a patient's eye. The system doesn't restore actual vision, but instead helps those wearing it to "see" outlines, particularly for objects with a high degree of contrast between light and dark. "Without the system, I wouldn't be able to see anything at all, and if you were in front of me and you moved left and right, I'm not going to realize any of this," a 74-year-old retired electrician who participated in early clinical trials told The Times. Ophthalmologist Dr. Mark S. Humayun spent 20 years developing the technology behind Argus II at the University of Southern California.Limited availability
Second Sight Medical Products received FDA approval Thursday to treat patients with severe retinitis pigmentosa, a condition involving deterioration in the eye's photoreceptor cells. Artificial retina technology will be available at only seven hospitals initially, where it's expected to cost upwards of $150,000 in addition to training and surgery costs. The report notes that 100,000 Americans suffer from retinitis pigmentosa, but less than 15,000 of them age 25 and older are expected to qualify initially. The Argus II received European approval back in 2011, where it's also being used to treat severe blindness from outer retinal degeneration.
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Skype rolling out video messages that let you send a clip to a friend
Skype's video messaging service is rolling out right now, so fire up the program if you want to send a clip to a friend.
The feature lets you send someone a video message of up to three minutes long, which they can watch the next time they come online. It's like a visual version of voicemail.
Or you can send a pre-recorded message to someone who's already online.
Skype is rolling it out now to a handful of countries, including the US and UK, and is looking for feedback before launching it fully. It'll be a part of the latest version of Skype for Mac, Android, or iOS.
Not for Windows?
Windows is conspicuous by its absence, especially considering that Microsoft owns Skype - though anyone using Skype on Windows or Windows Phone will be able to see the messages by clicking a link. They just won't be able to send them. The feature will eventually find its way onto all platforms Skype operates on. A Skype spokesperson wouldn't be drawn on when the feature will reach Windows. They told The Verge they were "pleased there's interest for Video Messaging to come to Skype for Windows and Skype for Windows 8", and that they would "let you know" when it expands to Microsoft's desktop OS. The feature was revealed in an update to Skype's terms of service last year. Via AllThingsD, The Verge
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Review: Logitech T620 Touch Mouse
To say we weren't completely enamoured with Logitech's earlier M600 Touch Mouse would be a bit of an understatement, so it was with a slight hint of trepidation that we opened the packaging for the touch-responsive Logitech T620 Touch Mouse.
We liked what Logitech was attempting with the M600, but a muddled design and cheap feel got in the way. But is the Logitech T620 Touch Mouse any better?
The good news is that for the most part the Logitech T620 Touch Mouse is a big improvement on its predecessor. Gone is the hollow feel of the M600 that gave it a rather cheap and brittle feel.
The new mouse is by no means heavy, but it feels better built. The Logitech T620 Touch Mouse also has a more responsive touch interface, and backed up by Logitech's own software you can configure your own gestures to navigate Windows 8 with.
So a quick double-tap of the mouse with a single finger brings up the Start screen, flicking from the left-hand side of the screen (or in this case the mouse) switches between apps, while flicking from the right brings up the Charms menu. Pinching to zoom in and out is still absent, however.
The Logitech T620 Touch Mouse is priced at £59.99/AU$89.95/US$69.99, putting it above the Logitech T400 Zone Touch Mouse in the brand's recent touch-sensitive range of mice.
Verdict
Left and right button clicks are much more accurate considering there's no separate buttons to speak of, and overall the Logitech T620 Touch Mouse is a big step up from the Logitech M600 Touch Mouse. It's not perfect - double-clicking can be a touch hit and miss - and it won't be for everyone, but it's got some nice features and a lovely design.
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Review: OCZ Vector 256GB
Solid-state drive controller chipsets matter. A lot. That's why relatively small outfit OCZ acquired boutique controller manufacturer Indilinx with a view to making its own kit.
But controller chipsets are also bloody difficult to get right, which is why Intel was forced to buy Sandforce controllers off the shelf when its own technology had fallen behind. But if Intel, with its bottomless pit of money, can't get it right, what hope for OCZ?
It's time to find out, courtesy of the new OCZ Vector - the first OCZ drive to have a truly home-grown controller chipset. Yes, really.
Previous OCZ drives like the Vertex 4 were branded as 'Indilinx Infused', but the Indilinx Everest 2 controller was in reality just re-badged Marvell silicon with custom firmware. Admittedly firmware is a very important part of the controller chipset package, but if you're not designing custom hardware, you can't truly claim to be cooking up the real in-house deal.
But never mind, because that's finally arrived with the Vector SSD and its Barefoot 3 controller. As ever, full technical details of the chip's internal architecture are hard to come by: manufacturers simply don't release deep-dive data in the same way that CPU makers do.
For the most part though, that makes sense - knowing how the innards of a CPU work can be important for software developers, whereas digging around in the oily bits of an SSD is rather more academic. Still, what do we know?
Well, there's an ARM Cortex CPU core in there, but the exact model isn't divulged. Frankly, that could mean anything from a fairly simple in-order effort to one of ARM's snazzy new out-oforder designs, though we suspect something along the lines of Cortex A8 is probably about as fancy as it gets.
Intriguingly, there's another co-processor core to go along with the ARM Cortex core. OCZ calls this Aragon, but we know even less about that than we do the non-specific ARM Cortex core.
At this stage, the penny will have dropped that discussions of controller chip specifications can be pretty frustrating. Instead, we have to look to other specifications to get a feel for what it's capable of.
Specifics
The key benchmark here, of course, is OCZ's own Vertex 4 with its Everest 2 controller. Keeping things like-for-like and comparing the 256GB models, peak read speeds for the new Vector drive actually drop by 10MB/s to 550MB/s, but claimed write speeds are up 20MB/s to 530MB/s. If that seem incremental, going on insignificant, bear in mind that numbers above 500MB/s for peak throughput are hammering up against the maximum capabilities of the SATA6Gbps interface. You'll never see a single SATA6Gbps drive capable of data rates of 600MB/s and beyond. Similarly, it's often not peak sequential performance that defines how fast a drive feels in practice. Instead, random access performance is usually more critical for the sort of daily drive churn generated by modern PCs. Happily, then, OCZ claims that 4k random IOPS performance is up all round. Read IOPs step up to 100,000 from 90,000, and writes grow from 85,000 to 95,000. The Vertex 4's numbers were already very beefy in those areas, so the Vector really does look pretty impressive on paper. But what about the rest of the hardware? In terms of the main memory, we're talking 256GB of MLC two-bit-per-cell flash. It's 25nm NAND produced in partnership by Intel and Micron, it's synchronous, and it's basically the good stuff. In fact, it's good enough in combination with whatever wear-levelling algorithms OCZ has come up with for a warranty lasting five years or 36.5TB of writes (whichever comes first). If you're wondering what the latter translates to in reality, it's 20GB of writes each and every day for five years. For the vast majority of users, the five-year timer will expire before the write budget is soaked up. That's impressive stuff, but it's particularly critical for OCZ, because if there's one area where its drives have fallen short historically, it's reliability. An effective five-year warranty gives you a very healthy window of operation. Even if it's still working perfectly in five years' time, odds are you'll be ready to upgrade by then anyway. With the Vector, OCZ also continues to offer firmware with a performance mode that gives increased throughput as long as less than 50 per cent of the drive's capacity is used. Put it all together and you certainly have one hell of a package on paper, but does it truly deliver in practice?Delivery report
In nearly all of our benchmarks, the answer has to be a resounding yes. This drive is clearly faster than its Vertex 4 predecessor in every metric except 4k random reads, where it's a dead heat, but how does it stack up compared to the current champ of SSDs, Samsung's 840 Pro? The answer is, it's very, very tight. They trade blows in the sequential read and write test for both compressible and incompressible throughput. All the results are up around the 500MB/s mark, and some are so similar, odds are these two drives are realistically just bumping up against the limitations of the SATA6Gbps interface. Things get a little more interesting in the 4k random benchmarks, an area where there's still plenty of scope for drives to flex their muscles. Here the Samsung has the edge for reads with 28MB/s compared with 23MB/s for the new Vector, but for writes OCZ absolutely blows Samsung away. It's 74MB/s versus 59MB/s. Then there's our 1GB ZIP file decompression test where the Vector clocks our fastest time ever at 23 seconds. That's a particularly nice result given that the ZIP file decompression is a bona fide real world test of drive performance, not just a synthetic measure of theoretical throughput.Benchmarks
Sequential read performance AS SSD: Megabytes per second: Bigger is better OCZ VECTOR 256GB: 514 OCZ VERTEX 4 256GB: 466 SAMSUNG 840 PRO 256GB: 516 INTEL SSD 520 240GB: 494 Sequential write performance AS SSD: Megabytes per second: Bigger is better OCZ VECTOR 256GB: 494 OCZ VERTEX 4 256GB: 454 SAMSUNG 840 PRO 256GB: 498 INTEL SSD 520 240GB: 290 4K random read performance AS SSD: Megabytes per second: Bigger is better OCZ VECTOR 256GB: 23 OCZ VERTEX 4 256GB: 23 SAMSUNG 840 PRO 256GB: 28 INTEL SSD 520 240GB: 20 4K random write performance AS SSD: Megabytes per second: Bigger is better OCZ VECTOR 256GB: 74 OCZ VERTEX 4 256GB: 70 SAMSUNG 840 PRO 256GB: 59 INTEL SSD 520 240GB: 50 ZIP file decompression performance ZIP: Seconds: Quicker is better OCZ VECTOR 256GB: 23 OCZ VERTEX 4 256GB: 26 SAMSUNG 840 PRO 256GB: 26 INTEL SSD 520 240GB: 25Test of time
Put all our results together and you have to conclude that the Vector might just be the fastest SSD on the market right now. It's certainly not materially any slower than the Samsung 840 Pro. Whether it will prove as reliable is another matter. With any new SSD, there are always doubts regarding both outright longevity and the manner in which performance holds up over time and with heavy world loads. But that five-year warranty at least suggests OCZ has confidence in the Vector's staying power and we had zero problems in testing. The only major downside is that the Vector is burdened with a £197 price tag. Admittedly, other premium performance drives are priced in roughly the same ballpark (Samsung's 840 Pro goes for around £190 in 256GB), but if anything, we'd like to see OCZ pricing the Vector below the 840 Pro. After all, Samsung's drive has a great reputation for both performance and reliability. Rolling the dice with OCZ would be a lot more attractive with some financial incentive too.
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Explained: Now TV: what is it and how do you get it?
Available since July 2012, Now TV is an internet-based instant streaming TV service powered by satellite provider Sky that's designed to persuade you to switch from Lovefilm and Netflix, but it will soon supply sports as well as movies.
Available across multiple devices, it's based around Sky Movies - and promises the best films first.
There's no contract, but it's not exactly cheap. Here we explain all about Now TV.
Where can I get Now TV?
As well as being accessible through any web browser, there are Now TV apps for iOS and Android devices (though it's not on Apple TV) so Now TV can get into all smartphones and tablets on Wi-Fi or 3G internet connections. But unless your device has an HDMI output to hook up to a TV, the service arguably makes most sense on set-top boxes and games consoles. Now TV apps can be downloaded to YouView boxes from Humax and BT, and the Roku streaming boxes such as the Roku 2 XS and Roku LT. Those with an Xbox Live subscription can download the Now TV app to an Xbox 360 games console.
Although it's designed to work across all of these devices, you can only register two devices at any one time. These can be changed, but only once per month, so it's not a case of 'anything, anywhere, anytime'.
Now TV is also strictly limited to the UK, so there's no way of watching movies while abroad.
What can I watch on Now TV?
Now TV is all about Sky Movies. At the time of writing the catalogue included top-line titles including The Dictator, The Grey and J. Edgar, and Sky has already confirmed that it will stream Anna Karenina and Les Miserables before anyone else (Despicable Me 2, The Bourne Legacy and Ted will appear a year before Lovefilm and Netflix, too). Titles - which include plenty of back-catalogue titles - are grouped into collections, with 'New In', 'Most Popular' and 'Must See' on the home page.
'Collections' currently leads to groupings of Oscar Winners, Rom-Coms and Anti-Valentine's movies, while the entire database can also be accessed alphabetically, though it's still organised by collection (from Action and Adventure to Western and World movies).
Choose Live TV and you can access anything currently playing across any of Sky's 11 movie channels.
Can I download movies on Now TV?
No - Now TV is strictly a streaming service that requires a 2.5MB broadband line. That restriction makes little difference if you're watching it from an Xbox 360 at home, but Now TV on a tablet or smartphone requires a constant Wi-Fi or 3G signal to stream data. Jet-setters will consequently write it off as a quaint parochial service and stick with the likes of BBC iPlayer when travelling. But it's not Sky's fault; Hollywood studios still divide the world up into markets, and licence movies for specific regions only.
The same applies to sports events, which is a huge shame; there's not a petrol head out there who hasn't had to sacrifice at least one F1 race weekend each season because of a holiday, and would happily pay a tenner to download it to a phone while in an airport. Or is that just us?
What about Sky Sports?
It's coming. From spring 2013 you'll be able to watch Sky Sports through Now TV, though it's best thought of as an occasional treat. For £9.99 you'll get a 24-hour pass to all six Sky Sports channels, which could be handy on the occasional Sunday if a Sky-exclusive F1 race and two Premier League games are broadcast in succession. With BT's deal for the 2013-14 football season, however, that likelihood could fade.How much does Now TV cost?
The first 30 days are free, though you do, of course, have to hand over your credit card details upon sign-up. After 30 days Sky charges you £8.99 per month for the next three months, then it increases to £15 per month.Is Now TV easy to use?
It couldn't be simpler. It's all based around cover art, which together with a refreshingly bright blue spots-on-white design creates a visually arresting UI. Our only criticism is that the search box - which invites film titles, actors, directors and genres - doesn't find related content, and nor does it use predictive text. If you don't get the spelling of a Polish director's surname correct, forget it.
A simple A-Z list of movies would be appealing to some, though Sky is clearly trying to steer clear of lists.
A 'save for later' planner wouldn't go amiss, and nor would pages for significant actors and directors, although from Sky's point of view that might show up holes in its catalogue.
Is Now TV's picture quality high definition?
No, it's standard definition for now, which does make it less loveable if you have an HD-ready TV. The picture quality on an iPad is rudimentary, though stable. What it does do is stream immediately, and very stably; in our iPad test The Dictator started playing a mere 10 seconds after we'd selected it.
Watched through an Xbox 360, The Dictator appeared soft, but acceptably so.
Still, if you've got a home cinema that you use only occasionally, Lovefilm's postal service for Blu-ray discs is still your best option.
What are the alternatives?
Now TV's main rivals in the subscription movie streaming sphere are Lovefilm and Netflix. Neither will be hosting any live sport anytime soon, and neither can challenge Now TV in terms of top titles; Sky gets the top titles a clear 12 months before anyone else, and promises to add 20 premieres each month. That exclusivity, however, is the main reason why Now TV is the most expensive option. Existing Sky subscribers will have no need for Now TV, with the far cheaper smartphone/tablet TV service Sky Go option available to them, and Sky Player for computers and Sky Player for Xbox 360.
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Nokia Music+ hits UK, hopes to drown out echoes of Comes With Music
Nokia's Music+ service has just launched in the UK, so if you've got a Windows Phone 8-running Lumia, you can now stream higher quality music, and take advantage of some new listening features.
The service is an optional extra to the free Nokia Music, and is similar to Spotify Premium, though a lot cheaper. For £3.99 a month, you can listen to tunes offline (handy if you're on the tube), and you can even have the lyrics scroll along the bottom of the screen in time with the track. Which is useful if you fancy a bit of karaoke on the go.
Tracks will also sound better, with Nokia promising downloads at eight times the standard quality of Nokia Music.
A PC client is also on the way for Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets.
Pay the piper
The first week of Nokia Music+ is free, then it'll cost you a penny shy of £4 a month. Nokia has a bit of a chequered history with music services. Its first stab, Comes With Music, didn't fare too well, and was rebranded before too long. Nokia Music+ certainly looks a lot slicker, thanks to Windows Phone 8's tile-based UI. What do you think of Nokia Music+? Can it take on Spotify premium? Let us know in the comments. Via Windows Phone Central
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Tutorial: Recover Windows: how to reinstall your system
Not so long ago, when you bought a PC with Windows 95 or 98 on it you received a disc along with it that you could use to reinstall the system if anything went wrong and you needed to replace the hard drive.
That all started to change with the launch of Windows XP, when rather than a disc you'd find simply a partition on the hard drive with the system files on it, from which you could create a recovery CD or rebuild the system directly.
This practice has continued with later versions of Windows and is compounded by the fact that many modern systems such as netbooks don't have a DVD drive to reload the system from. So what happens when you need to reinstall the system? We'll tell you.
Partitions and recovery discs
Most new systems prompt you to create a recovery disc the first time they're used, so if you've done so then you can boot from the disc and restore the system. Job done. But a lot of people skip this step either because they don't have a blank disc to hand, their PC doesn't have an optical drive or they're just feeling lazy. If you skipped this, you won't therefore have a disc handy when things go wrong. But don't worry, that's why we've written this guide.
In most cases you can boot directly into the recovery partition via a hotkey sequence when the machine starts. How you do this varies between manufacturers, on Dell computers it's usually by pressing F12, for example, while some Lenovo systems have a special button on the keyboard. Your system documentation should tell you.
Whatever way you get there, booting to the recovery partition will give you a number of options. These vary according to the manufacturer but there are usually tools you can use to repair the system - by rebuilding the boot sector, for example, or setting it back to its factory state.
Finding install media
The problem with recovery partitions, of course, is that one of the most common causes of PC problems is a failed hard drive. This means that in most cases if the worst happens the recovery partition will have gone AWOL, along with the rest of your data. In the past, with an XP or Vista system, this would have meant that unless you had access to a Windows install disc from somewhere else you'd have been stuck or have had to resort to the darker corners of the web or pay out money to the PC manufacturer for a recovery disc. Now though, because so many modern systems come without discs, Windows 7 install media is available to download from Digital River. You will of course need access to another working PC to do the download. You'll need broadband too, since these are big files.
You can find the following Windows 7 versions on Digital River:
- Windows 7 x86 Home Premium
- Windows 7 x86 Professional
- Windows 7 x86 Ultimate
- Windows 7 x64 Home Premium
- Windows 7 x64 Professional
- Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
Running the install
Once you've downloaded the appropriate ISO file from Digital River you can burn it to a DVD to create an install disc. If your PC doesn't have a DVD drive, or even if it does and you'd rather not use it, you can create a bootable flash drive by downloading the USB/DVD download tool. Armed with your newly created media you can boot the system and begin an install. A clean install of Windows 7 is pretty simple - most of the time you just need to keep clicking Next, and it should only take about an hour on most systems.
Make sure you have a note of your licence key handy - on laptops it's often written on a label underneath, making it hard to read and type in at the same time.
Because you've installed from full version media using an OEM key, you probably won't be able to activate Windows automatically afterwards. That's not a problem, you'll just have to use the telephone method. This will mean a few minutes dealing with an automated system, but it's a free call to get a code, then you'll be good to go.
Identifying hardware and finding drivers
While the Windows DVD provides enough to get the system going, you'll probably find that the screen resolution is wrong and some bits of more obscure hardware such as card readers and trackpads don't work correctly after a reinstall. This means you need to track down the right drivers. If you received a driver disc with your PC, everything you need should be on there. If not, or if your driver disc is a few years old and you want to check for newer versions, you'll need to do a bit of detective work.
Open up Device Manager and right-click on a piece of unidentified hardware. Select Properties and on the Details tab choose Hardware IDs from the drop-down list. Make a note of the VEN and DEV numbers, take these to PCI Database and you can find out what the device is and who made it. Once you have this information it should be straightforward to track down and download drivers on the manufacturer's website.
If you're still struggling with some items of hardware try installing a program such as SlimDrivers, which will scan the system and find any missing or outdated drivers for you.
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Samsung Galaxy S4 mini could arrive a month after Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 mini release date is apparently scheduled for May according to the same source which brought word of the handset earlier this week.
Android Authority received the information from an anonymous tipster who claimed the Galaxy S4 mini would arrive a month after the rumoured April launch of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4.
The idea that Samsung might be planning a smaller, cheaper version of its next flagship device isn't a huge surprise considering it's already done the same with the Galaxy S3 in the form of the Galaxy S3 mini - however, the timing does seem suspect given such a move would likely cannibalise sales of the larger device.
Honey I shrunk the smartphone
There's currently no word on pricing or features for the Galaxy S4 mini, but if the reports turn out to be true you can probably expect the handset to sport a smaller lower-res display, less powerful processor and smaller internal storage options. Samsung is staying tight lipped as usual on the subject of future devices, so we're going to have to just wait and see if these rumours develop into fact.
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Is this the first look at the Samsung smart watch?
Just a couple of days ago we brought you rumours that Samsung would be producing a rival to the Apple iWatch and launching its own smart watch. Well, here are what purport to be screens of Samsung's timepiece.
They're very unofficial, as they just popped up on a Korean message board, but they show the time-teller running what looks like Android - though the tiles on one screen aren't a million miles away from Windows Phone 8.
Time will tell
As well as telling the time, the watch appears to have music capabilities, messaging and what looks like an e-book reader. How useful that last feature may prove seems debatable: reading anything at length on a tiny screen would be a bit of a strain on the eyes. A slide bar along the bottom suggests it'll be touchscreen too. The watch also appears to be called the Samsung Galaxy Altius, though the Galaxy S4 was previously said to be codenamed Altius, so it's worth approaching these screens with a healthy dose of cynicism. Apple reportedly has 100 people working on its iWatch, including those from the marketing department, so the device could well launch sooner rather than later. It's all just hearsay at the moment of course, but then that's how reports of devices like the iPhone and iPad started as well. Via Gizmodo
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Samsung Galaxy S4 pops up again, this time in its American guise
The Samsung Galaxy S4 may have reared its head again with a benchmark result this time claiming to be from an American variant of the phone.
Recently a handset popped up on GLBenchmark claiming to be the Korean version of the Galaxy S4, and now another device has appeared on Nenamark sporting the model number SCH-I545.
Reports suggest that this could be the Verizon variant of the Samsung Galaxy S4 destined for the US, as the Galaxy S3 on the same network has a very similar model ID: SCH-I535.
Eye-popping
The results from the Nenamark test suggests the Galaxy S4 will sport a 1.9GHz processor, thought to be quad-core and come running Android Jelly Bean 4.2. You can also see the proposed screen resolution for the Galaxy S4 which has been listed as 1920x1080 - making it a full HD offering and pitting it against the Sony Xperia Z, Huawei Ascend D2 and ZTE Grand S. Benchmarks results aren't the most reliable of sources and can be easily faked so we're taking this leak with a dab of seasoning, although it does seem to tally with previous rumours.
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In Depth: Google Glass: what you need to know
When Google unveiled Project Glass, the tech world instantly fell into two camps. Camp one was excited: we're living in the sci-fi future! Camp two, though, wasn't so happy. It's vapourware! some said, while others worried that Google just wanted to plaster ads on the entire world. Is either camp correct? Let's find out.
What is Google's Project Glass?
Google Glass is the attempt to make wearable computing mainstream, and it's effectively a smart pair of glasses with an integrated heads-up display and a battery hidden inside the frame. Wearable computing is not a new idea, but Google's enormous bank account and can-do attitude means that Project Glass could well be the first product to do significant numbers.When will Google Glass be released?
It looks as though Project Glass will see a public release in 2014 at the earliest. Latest news is that developers will be able to get hold of 'explorer edition' units at some point in 2013 with a "broad consumer offering" arriving a year later.What's the difference between Google Glasses and Google Goggles?
Google Goggles is software, an app that can search the web based on photos and scans. Google Glass is hardware.How does Project Glass work?
According to well-informed Google blogger Seth Weintraub, Google's Project Glass glasses will probably use a transparent LCD or AMOLED display to put information in front of your eyeballs. It's location-aware thanks to a camera and GPS, and you can scroll and click on information by tilting your head, something that is apparently quite easy to master. Google Glasses will also use voice input and output. An FCC filing in the US also revealed more potential details, suggesting that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth would be used to send pictures to the screen, whilst bone-induction may be used for sound, vibrating your skull to communicate the sound into your inner ear. It's not a new technology, but certainly does have critics who suggest that it falls short of traditional headphones.What are the Google Glass specifications?
The New York Times says that the glasses will run Android, will include a small screen in front of your eye and will have motion sensors, GPS and either 3G or 4G data connections. Weintraub says that the device is designed to be a stand-alone device rather than an Android phone peripheral: while Project Glass can connect to a smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0, "it communicates directly with the cloud". There is also a front-facing camera and a flash, although it's not a multi-megapixel monster, and the most recent prototype's screen isn't transparent.
What will I be able to do with Google Glasses?
According to Google's own video, you'll be a super-being with the ability to have tiny people talking to you in the corner of your eye, to find your way around using sat-nav, to know when the subway's closed, to take and share photographs and to learn the ukelele in a day.I already wear glasses. Will Google Glasses work for me?
Yes. Google is experimenting with designs that will fit over existing glasses so you don't have to wear two lots of specs.
Is Google Glass vapourware?
The New York Times says no: Google's got some of its very best people working on the project, and experts such as wearable computing specialist Michael Liebhold say that "In addition to having a superstar team of scientists who specialize in wearable, they also have the needed data elements, including Google Maps." Not everyone is convinced. Wired spoke to Blair MacIntyre, director of the Augmented Environments Lab at Georgia Tech, who said "you could not do [augmented reality] with a display like this." MIT Media Lab researcher Pranav Mistry agreed, saying that "the small screen seen in the photos cannot give the experience the video is showing." There are several engineering issues - making a screen that works in darkness and in bright sunlight is tough - and mobile display technology doesn't offer dynamic focusing, which reads your eye to deliver perfectly clear visuals. Current wearable displays have to be two feet away from your face. There's clearly a big gap between Google's demo video and the actual product: Google says its photos "show what this technology could look like" and its video demonstrates "what it might enable you to do" [emphasis added by us]. On a separate note, Google is going to great lengths to keep its Glass development at least partly private. Developers attending its first event had to sign strict non-disclosure agreements that forbade them from spilling the beans. Isn't glass supposed to be transparent?What is the Project Glass price?
The NYT again: according to "several Google employees familiar with the project who asked not to be named," the glasses are expected "to cost around the price of current smartphones." So that's around $750/£500, then, possibly with the help of a hefty Google subsidy. The developer versions - traditionally more expensive that the final consumer units - were made available for pre-order for $1500 (c£966).Is Project Glass evil?
It could be. Google's business is about making money from advertising, and some people worry that Google Glass is its attempt to monetise your eyeballs by blasting you with ads whenever you look at something. If you think pop-ups are annoying in a web browser, imagine them in front of your face. The ADmented Reality spoof is one of very many parodies that made us laugh. Some of the parodies actually make a good point by showing people bumping into stuff: heads-up displays can be distracting, and there may be safety issues too. Until Google ships its self-driving car, the thought of drivers being distracted by their glasses is fairly terrifying. There are privacy implications too. Never mind your web history: Google Glass might record everything you see and do.Google Glass pre-order customers will get regular updates
Those people who paid Google $1,500 for the privilege of pre-ordering some Project Glass specs will be receiving "private updates" through Google+.Will Google Glasses make me look like a dork?
Er... yes.
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Week in Tech: Bring on the next big things!
Now we've got CES out the way for another year, its memory lingering in a faint cloud of disappointment and sexism, it's time for tech to get fun again. Let's get ready to rumble - and to swipe, pinch and prod. Spring has nearly sprung, and that means lots of new toys to get excited about.
For many of you the most exciting gadget of all might be Samsung's Project J, which everybody thought was the Galaxy S4. It is, but it's more too: it appears that Project J is not one, not two but three devices with the S4 and two siblings, Project J Mini and Project J Active. The former is likely to be the S4 Mini and the latter... we don't actually know, but the presence of accessories such as arm bands, bike mounts and pouches suggests something wearable.
Samsung isn't the only firm with some shiny new phones: Motorola's X Phone is expected to put in an appearance at Google I/O in May. The device was accidentally outed on Facebook-for-work site LinkedIn when Motorola advertised for an "X-Phone" product director, and according to Australian carrier Telstra it's a "real breakthrough, a game changer that will put pressure on Samsung and Apple".
Apple attack
Fancy another game changer? According to Xbox co-founder Nat Brown, it's the Apple TV: if Apple decides to make it a games system, which it's perfectly capable of being, it would "simply kill PlayStation, Wii U and Xbox". The problem? Microsoft lacks "a functional and growing platform ecosystem for small developers". Ecosystems can boost or ruin devices, as HP knows all too well: its TouchPad tablet flopped, and now it's apparently embracing Android instead. The first product will be "A high-end device of unspecified size that will make use of NVIDIA's impressive Tegra 4 chip". The move suggests that HP might be losing confidence in Windows' ability to get people excited about new kit, but Nokia clearly disagrees: it appears to have accidentally leaked its own Windows 8 tablet during a launch event for the Lumia 620 in Pakistan. The tablet, arguably tech's worst-kept secret, might just turn up at this month's MWC 2013 - and we'll be there just in case. The Lumia might be real, but the most exciting new Apple toy might not even exist: it's Apple's iWatch, which this week went from flimsy rumour to rock-solid copper-bottomed Next Big Thing status in approximately four seconds. As Michelle Fitzsimmons reports, "a team of about 100 product designers are tinkering away on a 'watch-like device' that possibly performs some of the computing tasks currently undertaken by the iPhone and iPad."They'll be watching you
Could the iWatch be like Pebble, the Kickstarter-funded smart watch - or might it even be a Pebble? According to Kate Solomon, Pebble's CEO is "playing it cool when it comes to talk of Apple buying it out... it wouldn't surprise anyone to hear that major tech companies are sniffing around Pebble, whose smart watch is the most-funded Kickstarter project ever". As you can imagine, rumours are already flying. Will it have curved glass? Siri? Maps? Will it ever ship? To help filter shiny flakes of fact from a river of rubbish, we've put together a comprehensive guide to iWatch rumours, helping you separate probable fact from obvious fiction. While the world ponders the iWatch, Gary Marshall is worried about a different kind of iWatching: gadgets that spy on you. The next Xbox will constantly listen for your commands and possibly watch you as well, and Verizon has filed a patent for a set-top box that monitors what you're doing on the sofa to better blast you with ads: "it might watch you 'talking to, cuddling with, fighting with, wrestling with, playing a game with, competing with, and/or otherwise interacting with the other user.' "And if you do any of those things, it'll sound the klaxons and bellow STOP THAT! STOP THAT AT ONCE! WATCH THE SCREEN! WATCH THE SCREEEEEEEEEEN!" he says. The idea of a gadget "paying attention to me all the time makes me uneasy. Not because I'm paranoid, but because I've seen the patents".
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