In Depth: Sony at E3 2013: what to expect
Sony, a once mighty electronics giant, has been humbled by some lean years. It's PlayStation 3 has become one of its strongest products, but it took awhile to accelerate after a slow launch.
Its PS Vita hasn't fared as well. The powerful but under-loved handheld has had a hard time competing with the iPhones and S4s already in peoples pockets.
With E3 2013 right around the corner, it's make or break time for Sony. It needs to show gamers why they should grab a PlayStation 4 over an Xbox One, and get them to dust off that Vita, if they even own one.
We've racked our brains to make five predictions as to Sony's approach. We'll see what comes true when TechRadar heads to Los Angeles for Sony's presentation on Monday June 10 5:30pm PST.
1. It'll show a strikingly designed PS4
During the initial PlayStation 4 unveiling event, Sony impressed the crowd by trotting out beloved developer, clips of next-gen graphics with games like Killzone: Shadow Fall, and teasing sweet cloud features like play-as-you-download and easy uploading to YouTube.
But one thing it didn't do was show the actual PS4 console. This was a purposeful choice, obviously, probably meant to leave something behind the curtain that Sony could trot out at E3. It left a lot of people mystified though, some even theorized that Sony hadn't finalized the PS4's design.
We find it difficult to believe that Sony is still sweating over the drawing board. After that blink and you'll miss it, rapid cutting video, we just think its just fallen in love with the tease. We also think it must be in love with its design for the PS4. Expect an overhauled and striking aesthetic from Sony's new system.
2. The Vita will actually get some airtime
Another E3 is rolling in and again we're singing songs of lamentation for the poor PS Vita. The mighty handheld garnered a four-star review from our own James Rivington, but it still seems like there are more sitting on store shelves than in gamer's bags.
Why? Probably because there aren't a whole lot of games for it, and Sony seems to forget about it everytime it gives a presantation. At last year's E3 it hardly even got the "and one more thing treatment."
Now Sony has hedged its bets by making it into a second screen experience for the PS4. Gamers will be able to control their PS4 with the Vita as well as stream games right to the handheld.
That'll certainly please anyone who already owns a Vita, but will it actually move units? Probably not, since most gamers are saving cash to take the plunge on a next-gen system. We wouldn't be surprised to see either a Vita price drop like the Japanese market got, or a new bundle to kindle some interest.
3. Sony will trot out a surprise guest
During Sony's 2010 E3 presentation, jaws hit the auditorium floor when none other than Gabe Newell walked onto the stage. People were gobsmacked not only because Newell is the head honcho of the beloved Valve Corporation, home of Half-Life and Portal, but the man had talked some serious smack on the PlayStation 3, calling it "a disaster on many levels."
The PS3 was known for being notoriously hard to program for, a criticism that Sony seems to have taken to heart. During its initial announcement, it carted out developer after developer to state that its new system was breeze to work with.
Sony's focus on developers at the PS4 unveiling made us happy, but now who does it have left to take the stage and praise its system at E3? Perhaps someone from Naughty Dog, home of the Uncharted series and the upcoming The Last of Us? Maybe someone from Blizzard, the company that's porting its PC dungeon crawler Diablo III to consoles? Or maybe a developer with some indie cred, like Kim Swift of Portal and Quantum Conundrum fame, or somebody from thatgamecompany, the home of Journey? The possibilities are endless, but we guarantee Sony will continue to hammer home its focus on developers, developers, developers. Yes!
4. It'll do its best to capitalize on Microsoft's mixed messages
After Sony caught some flack over choosing to not actually unveil the PS4 at its PS4 unveiling event, Microsoft probably thought it had things sewn up. It could just waltz out there, introduce the Xbox One name, put the console in everyone's face and bask in the praise, right?Well, maybe if it had spent a little more time focusing on games for the new system, not just DVR features and an always-on Kinect. Now, don't get us wrong, we think a lot of the criticism over of the Xbox One presentation is overblown, but we were shocked at how Microsoft fumbled its answers to some gamer's most burning questions: the status of used games on the system and how much internet connectivity the system will require.
Microsoft's failure to present a consistent message could mean much love for Sony. If it can step out onto the stage and provide definitive, upfront answers to those questions, hardcore gamers will turn their heads. Of course, Microsoft has an equal opportunity there, and could steal Sony's potential thunder, since it's presenting first.
5. Last minute PS3 game plugs
The next generation of consoles is just around the corner, but the PS3 and Xbox 360 still have life left in them. In fact The Last of Us, a game that's currently being praised as one of the best of this generation, is coming out the week of E3 on Friday, June 14.
In his Last of Us review, GamesRadar's David Houghton called the post-apocalyptic title, "the swansong that a whole generation of gaming deserves." That's high praise, and the fact that the game is exclusive to the PlayStation 3 is certainly something Sony would love to remind everyone of.
Then there's Grand Theft Auto V, the next installment of Rockstar's veritable crime saga. Even though that multiplatform title is a guaranteed megahit, some plugs wouldn't hurt to ensure that consumers keep consuming current gen titles. After all, neither the PS4 or the Xbox One will be backwards compatible, so it's not as though people will tossing their systems in the trash as soon as Christmas morning rolls around.
What are your predictions?
Alright, so what did we miss? What are you predictions for Sony's E3 2013 presentation? How can they win? And where might they fail? Tell us in the comments below. Who knows, you might even be closer to the truth than we end up being.And if your personal crystal ball has more to say about Microsoft at E3 2013, head over to that prediction page and weigh in.
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In Depth: Microsoft at E3 2013: what to expect
Here we are, on the cusp of Microsoft's second act in it's multi-part Xbox One unveiling extravaganza.
The company promised long before its May 21 reveal that E3 2013 would be a continuation of the conversation on the next-gen console, specifically a place where we'd see a showcase of its "full line-up of blockbuster games."
This news is surely welcomed by gamers the world over - many were miffed the Xbox One's unveiling paid so little attention to its role as a gaming device and so much time on entertainment. That's all well and good, of course, but we're talking about a console here, right guys?
The Xbox One already has a one-up on its main competitor - Sony's PS4 - because we've actually seen it, along with its redesigned Gamepad controller and all-new Kinect.
While there won't be any surprises in the looks department, there's still plenty of unanswered questions about Microsoft's console and its overall presence at E3. We've whipped out our magnifying glasses and sharpened our gaze on just what you can expect out of Microsoft between June 10 -13, laying it all right here.
1. Games galore
Microsoft has left no question that games are the main ponies it's trotting out at this show, much to the delight of a concerned gaming community."I can confirm that we will have TV's (or similar) on stage to show the games. That should be the extend [sic] of TV talk in your #E3," tweeted Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live, on May 31.
Forza Motorsport 5, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Quantum Break, FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, NBA Live and UFC were the only titles talked about during the Xbox One's unveiling, while an E3 teaser trailer (viewable below) gave some YouTube time to Gears of War, Halo and Splinter Cell too.
Following Microsoft's event, we also learned that Ryse by Crytek would be an exclusive offering.
OK, so those are the games you can expect Microsoft to chat up during E3, particularly during its 9:30 a.m. PT/12:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. BST press conference on Monday, June 10, but the company is sure to lift the lid on a number of unannounced titles as well.
Look for more, unannounced IP and third-party titles to race, climb, grind and shoot along the company's press conference stage. In fact, we may have an idea of some of those titles already thanks to a leaked Microsoft E3 slate posted by a NeoGAF forum user and published by Digital Spy.
Titles suggested include Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty Land, Halo 5, Killer Instinct, Dead Rising 3 and Fable 4. Any one of these bad boys would make for a solid E3 presentation, though we expect Microsoft to throw more games at us than there are balls in MLB 2K13. OK, maybe not that many.
Microsoft won't completely ignore the console's entertainment features, especially on ways users can get the most out of the Kinect that comes with it, but as Microsoft has said some umpteen times, get ready for game overload.
2. Xbox 360 gets its day
Despite being eight years old, the Xbox 360 doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, we're due for some 360 lovin' during E3."We have a huge, I think it's huge, [Xbox 360] announcement for E3 that I keep wanting to talk about, but I can't," said Microsoft Game Studios Corporate Vice President Phil Spencer in May.
While Microsoft is obviously ready, willing and able to support the Xbox 360 for years to come, what could this surprise be?
Don Mattrick, president of interactive entertainment business at Microsoft, said during the Xbox One reveal that news and games for the older console would be discussed at E3, so there's one clue. Games would certainly fit with the overall theme Microsoft is going for.
Diablo 3 is already confirmed for the 360 and PS3 on Sept. 3, meaning you can mark that title off your list.
Beyond that, we wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft follows Sony's footsteps and brings downloadable games to its older console, and throws in a price drop for good measure.
3. Xbox One questions answered
Well, some of them, anyway.Word on the gaming streets is that Microsoft won't offer any details on pricing for the Xbox One itself.
When it comes to pricing, it's doubtful we'll hear anything until the console is ready for release around the holidays. While different numbers have been floated about, the general opinion among observers seems to be that the Xbox One, as well as the PS4, will retail for cheaper than their predecessors.
Interestingly, a June 5 tweet from Steve Tilley, who covers entertainment, video games and tech for Sun Media publications, reported that Microsoft cancelled its post-press conference executive roundtable with media, scuttling any chance reporters would have to pin the gathered suits down for questions all at once.
However, perhaps anticipating fall out from this, Microsoft outed two big revelations for its console on June 6.
The first was that while the console doesn't require an always-on connection, the Xbox One does require that gamers check-in every 24 hours.
"With Xbox One you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library," wrote Microsoft on its new Xbox Wired blog. Gamers won't be able to play offline until they check-in with the interwebs once again.
The second one that will surely tickle gamers' fancy is a clarification on its used game sales policy. From the same Wired blog, Microsoft said that no fees will be charged as part of game sales or giveaways.
"There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once," the company wrote.
4. Headset cases
One thing Microsoft didn't talk about during its Xbox One reveal was the fact that it doesn't support current gaming headsets, news that might be a big bummer to those who wear them while they play.Soon after it came to light that the console's controller has a proprietary port that isn't compatible with on-the-market ear warmers, Turtle Beach piped up with news that it procured a licensing agreement to design headsets for the Xbox One.
Now, with companies like Mad Catz, Razer, Logitech, Plantronics, Sennheiser, SteelSeries and Astro prepared to pepper E3, we can only imagine that they'll have a set of headsets primed for the new console. If not, then it's up to Microsoft to explain what the hold up is.
Obviously we'll search Turtle Beach's wearables as well as other companies, but we're more than ready to question Microsoft on the situation, especially if Sony's PS4 has an all inclusive headset policy.
5. Something to put our hands on
While we were primed to play with the Xbox One up in Redmond, Wash. on May 21, sadly Microsoft wasn't ready to let its box out of the bag for hands on time.We know the specs, we know what it looks like, but how does the darn thing play a game? How does it respond to voice commands and gestures when a regular person who hasn't rehearsed for days tells it what to do? How does it respond to the controller, for crying out loud?
We have many burning questions about how the Xbox One performs, and we anticipate finding it lurking somewhere inside the Los Angeles Convention Center. We're think it will be more Phantom of the Opera than Hairspray because Microsoft knows full well that given the chance, everyone at E3 would go hands on with the console.
However, we've got our ducks in a row and anticipate getting down and dirty with the new machine. Stay tuned.
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Leaked 'internal build' suggests a notifications centre is coming to Windows Phone
Microsoft may be preparing to add a notifications centre feature to a forthcoming Windows Phone update, judging by a test build of the OS which has reportedly broken free.
A Reddit user claimed to have purchased a Nokia Lumia 920 handset from eBay containing an internal, unreleased version of the software that may be the first look at the Windows Phone Blue update.
The screenshots captured by the Lumia owner show the notification centre, the ability to organise apps into a 'most used' category, as well as a newly-modified calendar app that shows a weekly view.
It also looks like Microsoft is testing an improvement to Windows Phone multitasking, allowing users to close down apps by hitting a cross when swiping through the apps in use.
Feeling Blue?
It's entirely possible that this handset features a host of test apps that may go no further, but Microsoft has been plotting a notifications portal for sometime, saying it 'ran out of time' to get it done before WP8.Windows Phone Blue, an update expected later this year, would be the most likely time to introduce the feature perhaps the Reddit user has his hands on an early build of the software.
Naturally, Microsoft has declined to comment on the 'rumour and speculation.'
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Prism whistleblower outs himself, claims NSA is 'ingesting everything'
The man who blew the whistle on the controversial Prism surveillance program has revealed himself as a 29-year-old former CIA employee, in a fascinating interview with The Guardian.
Speaking to the 'paper which first reported the scandal that has rocked the Obama administration (with a knock-on effect in the UK), Edward Snowden said he felt a civic duty to reveal the scope of the NSA's initiative.
Snowden, who is now holed-up in Hong Kong, says he now expects to 'never see home again,' but claimed he doesn't wish to live in a place where everything the public says or does is recorded by the government.
He accused the NSA of 'automatically ingesting everything' and said the Agency had created a 'horrifying' infrastructure where anyone's communications can be easily intercepted.
'Nothing good'
He said: "With this capability, the vast majority of human communications are automatically ingested without targeting. If I wanted to see your emails or your wife's phone, all I have to do is use intercepts. I can get your emails, passwords, phone records, credit cards."I don't want to live in a society that does these sort of things … I do not want to live in a world where everything I do and say is recorded. That is not something I am willing to support or live under."
Snowden, who said he expects 'nothing good' to happen to him following the leak, has broken communications with his friends and family through fear they will now become government targets.
He added: "You are not even aware of what is possible. The extent of their capabilities is horrifying. We can plant bugs in machines. Once you go on the network, I can identify your machine. You will never be safe whatever protections you put in place."
As well as the obvious privacy fears for internet users, the Prism scandal has reached our news desk over the last few days due to allegations that some of the world's biggest tech giants are making it easy for the NSA to harvest user data.
Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft have all denied allowing the US government to have direct access to their servers, but reports this weekend have suggested they may not have put up much resistance to requests for user information.
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Sony hasn't forgotten about Google TV, launches new box with voice search
Sony has issued a new version of its Google TV set-top box, despite the continued waning interest in the internet TV platform.
The new NSZ-GS8 device isn't all that different to last year's NSZ-GS7 offering, only this time it adds a microphone to the unique remote control to enable voice search.
In an official blog post, Sony touts the presence of the Google Chrome browser, easy sharing of content from mobile devices and access to the Google Play Store, although none of those appear to be new features.
Final throw of the dice?
The announcement sees the first time Sony has revealed a new Google TV device for well over a year.The GS7 and the GP9 Blu-ray player were revealed at CES back in January 2012, but the latter was subsequently cancelled before it hit the shelves.
The new version of Sony's Google TV set-top box will go on sale in July for $199 (around UK£127, AUD$209).
Will the device gain much traction for the much-maligned Google TV platform? Or is it just a token update on Sony's part? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Google reportedly maps a route to beat Facebook to Waze app purchase
Google is close to agreeing a billion dollar deal to buy the popular navigation app Waze, according to reports this weekend.
The Globes business newspaper, in the start-up's home country of Israel, claimed that Google has beaten out competition from Facebook with an offer of around $1.3 billion (around UK£0.84, AUD$1.36).
Waze is a community-sourced app, with users uploading real-time traffic, accident, police presence and gas price information, while maps themselves are also edited by groups of users.
The company reportedly rejected a takeover offer from Apple to assist its Apple Maps platform, before Google and Facebook revealed their interest.
Boost
It was thought that Facebook had a deal in place to buy the Waze back in May, but talks fell through according to recent reports.If a deal is completed, it'll allow Google to boost its own market-leading turn-by-turn navigation services, while also eliminating one of its only real competitors.
So far Google has declined to comment on the reports, so we'll wait for the official word.
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Roundup: High-tech survival gear: 8 gadgets you shouldn't camp without
Lost in the woods? No problem. This gear is designed to help you send an SOS signal, find your way on a dark path or send a message to loved ones.
Even if your idea of 'surviving' is putting up with Uncle Bill at a remote fishing lake somewhere.
1. MPowerd Luci
The brilliant MPowerd Luci works as a lantern, task list, emergency beacon and flashlight. The lantern blows up in size to about 13 centimeters in diameter and is solar powered - charge it for about 8 hours during the day and you'll yield 6-12 hours of light.There are two brightness levels, the highest of which shines at 80 lumens, and a flashing beacon mode. Oh, and it's waterproof - essential if you're camping under the watering can that is the Great British sky.
2. DeLorme inReach SE
It lasts for 100 hours using a replaceable lithium-ion battery and is packed with extra features: you can send text messages, share your GPS location and even send posts to Twitter.
3. PowerTrekk
You can charge your phone from zero to full once per fuel cell puck (available in a three-pack) and there's a full-size USB port for connecting a phone, and a micro-USB port for charging the standard battery when you're not using a fuel cell.
4. Arka USB Charger + Lantern + Flashlight
Push the lantern shell back into the recess and the Arka works as a flashlight, focusing the beam - which projects about 75 meters - to help you find your way through the dark (there's also a setting for SOS strobe). On top of all that, the Arka can also be used a back-up battery charger with a USB port for your phone.
5. Sony DEV-50V DVR Binoculars
You can snap 24 megapixel photos, record hi-def 2D or 3D videos and zoom in up to 25x (or down to .5x), and the DEC-50V uses image stabilization tech to maintain a steady view. A helpful perk: a new low-light feature means you can spot subjects even at dusk and record whatever you see.
6. Scosche BoomBottle
The survival aspect comes in due to the BoomBottle's durability: the speaker is rated for short drops, water splashes, and heavy jostling.
7. Fujifilm XP200
There's a 5x optical zoom and another 10x digital zoom. The most impressive feature? A new Wi-Fi transfer system uses an app on your mobile device to transfer images from the camera.
8. Garmin Oregon 650t
Using the touchscreen you can zoom in on maps and flip around to see where you are. Unlike most handheld GPS devices, the 650t also has a built-in 8-megapixel camera.
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Buying Guide: 10 best running gadgets: the top tech for training
Free running is all very well, but we've all got different goals and circumstances. Some run to lose weight, others to boost their aerobic fitness, while speed is the top priority of the more experienced.
Either way, there are gadgets that can help you get through the run - from tiny MP3 players, wireless headphones and the latest in running-centric trainers, armbands and backpacks - to those that help you monitor your progress. Think activity trackers, GPS watches and heart rate monitors.
Don't load yourself necessarily with gadgetry, but instead choose wisely and concentrate on that one product that will motivate you, and keep you on track to achieve your goals. Here are some of the best running gadgets around, that you might like to buy.
1. Griffin Adidas miCoach Armband for iPhone 5 & iPod touch - £20/US$30 (around AU$33)
Echewing GPS watches and activity tracker armbands for a free app such as RunKeeper, Endomondo Sports Tracker or MapMyRun is fine, but where will you put your phone? A downright awkward gadget to carry while on a trail, Griffin has come up with a simple armband that keeps a smartphone dry and out of the way.
An ultra-lightweight nylon band that easily adjusts in diameter, its moisture wicking claims are less impressive than its ability to stay in place. Some won't like the restrictive feeling on their upper arm, but there's no doubting its usefulness. As well as easily trailing headphones through a t-shirt sleeve, there's a port for connecting the Adidas miCoach Connect heart rate monitor - hence the otherwise irrelevant branding tie-up.
But our favourite feature? A tiny key holder that snaffles away that essential - though irritating - running companion.
2. Sennheiser Adidas PMX 685i Sports - £50/US$72/AU$100
Though boasting a rather odd design, it's good to see a running-specific pair of earphones. The totally waterproof - and even washable - Sennheiser Adidas PMX 685i Sports neckband headset is worn across the back of the head, thereby avoiding the back-and-forth of a headband, something that automatically makes then suited only to running.
It's not just about fit. The actual tips of the earphones take a slight step back to avoid blocking out all noise - crucial if you're running along roads - though still manage to deliver full, bassy sonics.
Crucially, there's a cable clip for clothes, and an in-line remote control on the audio cable that operates volume and navigation and enables you to answer phone calls on the move.
3. Berghaus Limpet 10+ backpack - £50 (around US$78/AU$82)
Probably the most versatile - as well as the tiniest - backpack we've ever used, the Berghaus Limpet 10+ is ideal for trail running. It's made from a reflective waterproof fabric and sits snugly on a back, thanks not only to the shoulder straps, a chest fastener and waist straps (rare at this small size), but also to mottled foam pads that create some airflow in the centre, thereby reducing sweaty back syndrome.
Mesh pockets on the outside are handy for sunglasses and liquids, while inside an elasticated pouch can take a hydration pack. That's all perfect for trail running, though the Limpet 10+ does a decent all-round job, too. It's zip-expandable around its hull to increase load to 15 litres, while that elasticated pouch is perfect for a 10-inch netbook or tablet.
4. Sony NWZ-E474 Walkman - £80/US$90 (around AU$130)
OK, so you're not going to be watching much video, but this tiny MP3 player weighs just 51g (1.8oz), which is perfect for stowing in a pocket or armband while on the move. With an FM tuner and a generous 8GB of storage - though sadly there's no microSD card slot for upgrading - this Walkman plays music for a stunning 36 hours and video for over five hours on a single charge. It even has a handy SensMe mode that presumably uses BPM data to play only fast-paced tunes in 'workout' mode.
However, for us it's the expansive sound quality that puts this Walkman in pole position, despite the headphones supplied being less than brilliant. Transferring files is a simple drag 'n' drop process, and was painless using a Mac.
A cheaper alternative is something like the Sansa Clip+, but you won't find many tiny MP3 players that sound as good as this Walkman.
5. Jabra Sport - £90/US$100/AU$150
They may not have caught on with commuters, but the concept of Bluetooth headphones is arguably at its best as a sports technology.
Don't fall prey to the 'cable-free' argument - the link to a smartphone is replaced by a meaty cable that joins the two earpieces, and there's a cable for regular recharging, too - but the Jabra Sport manages to be both comfortable and reliable despite the chunky design. It does take a little getting used, but since it's sweat-proof and instantly links to a phone (once initially paired), it's well prepared.
Meanwhile, sound quality - not exactly Bluetooth headphones' best trait - is thoroughly respectable, and certainly good enough for a run.
6. Adidas Energy Boost Shoes - £110/US$150/AU$180
They might look worryingly similar to polystyrene, but the soles of these new Adidas Energy Boost trainers are said to revolutionise the way you run. The new Boost foam - which is actually thermoplastic polyurethane - is used for its ability to bounce back into shape after every step, thereby reducing the strain on joints and muscles.
An 'energy returning boost' is the key concept here, though just as important is comfort, with a snug 'techfit' and a super-lightweight construction.
If you want to stay on-brand, you might consider pairing the shoes with the Adidas miCoach Speed Cell and app.
7. Nike+ FuelBand - £130/US$150 (around AU$213)
An accelerometer worn on a wrist that tracks how active you are throughout the day, Nike's FuelBand differs from the Fitbit One and other rivals with its sheer style and system of monitoring achievements on your iPhone (or at nikeplus.nike.com). Some doubt these gadget's usefulness, but just having something telling you how active you are each day is an astonishingly powerful motivator - the truth obviously does hurt.
What doesn't hurt is that the Nike+ FuelBand just looks gorgeous, with its simple black rubbery exterior and single band of silver at the clasp. Press the single button on the FuelBand and a system of LEDs light up on the face. And unlike pretty much every other gadget we've seen, these lights really do look as if they're embedded into the band, and the effect is mightily pleasing.
Key metrics - number of steps taken, calories burned, and the time - are displayed for around a week on a full charge. There's no GPS to track runs, but it could be paired with the free Nike+ Running app on an iPhone.
Read our full Nike+ FuelBand review
8. Polar RC3 GPS with Heart Rate Monitor - £200/US$260/AU$300
Anyone with running experience will tell you that understanding your own heart-rate is the best way to understand running, and Polar's latest sports watch takes full advantage of that by adding GPS, too.
An all-in-one GPS training computer in eye-catching red and orange colour, the super-light 58g (2oz) Polar RC3 is aimed at runners and cyclists. Speed, distance, altitude and route are calculated using GPS satellites (there's even a 'back to start' feature, though that's only of use if you weren't lost en route), but it's the Smart Coaching features that are most impressive. Zone Optimizer mode adjusts your heart rate zones for every training session, based on your current physiological condition, while Fitness Test puts you through five minutes of pain to track your progress.
A Running Index feature compares running efficiency based on your heart rate and speed, giving you an estimated finish time, while all data can be uploaded to polarpersonaltrainer.com for analysis. And, yes, you can share all of this on Facebook, you big show-off.
9. Garmin Forerunner 610 - £280/US$400/AU$500
GPS-capable watches are myriad, but this one from Garmin does more than just talk to satellites. Its key features for runners include Virtual Racer and Virtual Partner, which enables you to race your previous bests, another user's pace, or a static, pre-determined pace.
Once it's collected the data from your run, it can upload straight to a computer to use Garmin Connect, a social media-cum-analytical platform that puts you on a map and presents lap splits. It also measures the impact of a run on your aerobic fitness.
Completely waterproof, the Garmin Forerunner 610 uses a one-inch touchscreen, and pairs with a Mac or PC using the fitness gadget-centric ANT+ wireless tech.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 610 review
10. Tom Tom Runner GPS Watch - price TBC
TomTom's mapping system makes its first GPS watch a no-brainer. This running-centric version (there's a separate multi-sport model that's better for cyclists and swimmers) is aimed at causal joggers, and has a huge, clean display that uses just one central control below.
The watch asks you to fill out a personal profile, including your age, weight, height and gender. All these factors then get taken into account when it comes to mapping your performance stats and targets. At its core are three different modes. Zone mode enables you to set a particular pace or heart rate, and measure your performance against it, so that if you go too fast the bars on the screen chart will increase and the watch will vibrate to let you know. Go too slow and you'll also be given a gentle buzz to tell you that it's time to pick up the pace.
Race mode compares your runs with previous efforts, but cleverly keeps a close eye on every step of your run in real time, rather than using averages, so that finding the exact points where you slowed down or sped up are easy to identify. Finally, Goal mode is all about you setting your distance and calorie targets. TomTom will be launching its own backend platform called MySports, but the watch will also be compatible with other popular services such as RunKeeper. The interface is simple, with everything the fitness aficionado needs.
Read our full Tom Tom Multi-Sport GPS review
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Analysis: Why Google's Chrome OS will be a success
The statistics for Chrome OS adoption don't make pretty reading, and we're three years down the line from its launch. However, if Google is patient enough, then its vision of a Chromebook future has a strong chance of becoming a reality.
While seasoned users are attached to their local storage and desktop apps, for the next generation a browser-based life isn't so inconceivable.
More encouragingly for Larry Page, it seems most people who try a Chromebook actually quite enjoy the experience, myself included.
Corner an unfortunate victim and begin espousing the virtues of Chromebooks to them, and their first response is usually to ask why would anyone buy such a limited piece of kit? Surely it's better to buy a normal laptop that can run Chrome plus everything else as well? Yet you only have to look at the runaway success of the iPad to see that for a lot of us, less really is more.
Fast start, no slow down
Why have so many casual users picked up an iPad instead of a new laptop (or in addition to their old PCs)? Because it's fast, simple and uncluttered. It can't run Photoshop, but it doesn't matter. The analogy isn't perfect, but Chromebooks bring the same fast, simple and uncluttered ethos with them. They start up in seconds. They don't slow down over time. You're on the latest version of all your apps, all the time.
If you've ever let on to friends and family that you know something about tech, you've no doubt been called on as emergency support whenever a device of any description in the local neighbourhood breaks down. The problems I've had to wade through on other people's computers all have certain common denominators: out-of-date software. Junk apps and toolbars. Viruses and spyware. Failing hard drives. Buggy Windows registries. And, invariably, not a backup in sight. All of these problems are swept away or at least minimised on a Chromebook. If I had the money, I'd buy a PIxel for everyone I know.
There's no point pretending the online apps that inhabit the Chrome Web Store are as powerful as their desktop equivalents. We're some way from Adobe Illustrator or iTunes in the browser, but the signs are that we'll get there before too long. There are a few scenarios — gaming and video editing, for example — where the Chrome Web Store doesn't cut it, but there are more than enough office apps, photo editors, music players and other tools to keep most people happy... and that's if you ever use your computer for anything other than Gmail, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Switching to a machine that depends on a Web connection is a little scary at first, but consider this: how useful is your existing desktop or laptop without online access? At my last place of employment, whenever the Internet broke down, we all went home to work.
And how many places do you visit where Wi-Fi access isn't available? What's more — and lean in close for this one, because it seems to be something of a well-kept secret — Google Drive works offline. And so does Gmail. You can write a novel on a Chromebook from a remote island without a bar of Wi-Fi in sight.
ChromeOS isn't a perfect Windows/Mac OS replacement that's going to work for everyone, and many of you will have perfectly valid reasons why you don't want to sign up; but it is a slick, streamlined platform that makes sense for a lot of users, and which deserves to find a wider audience.
Why not read our guide to the best laptops around: 25 best laptops for every budget
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