IT-Code-News: IT News Head Lines (Techradar) 4/24/2015

In Depth: Mini partnered with Qualcomm to make augmented reality glasses

In a surprising move, Mini has teamed up with Qualcomm to create augmented reality glasses, showing that even though Google has gone back to the drawing board with Google Glass, augmented reality isn't out for the count.
Dubbed Mini Augmented Vision, the specs are a working prototype with no pricing or release date attached for consumers.
They were created to blend fashion with the functionality of driving with augmented reality assistance. I was able to try on a pair and took a spin with a driving simulation to see how they would work.

What's it like?

During my demo, I was told that since the glasses were still a work in progress, I had to "wear them like a hat," meaning the arms of the glasses had to go over my head instead of directly on my face.
Mini Augmented Vision

Certain calibrations were also needed before the real demo so the glasses could work properly with my eyes. An insert for prescription lenses was also available for people who need them, which was what I ended up with. After the initial awkward method of putting them on, I found the futuristic glasses to be fairly comfortable and lightweight despite the bulky frame.
Though cartoonish and Elvis-like, Mini Augmented Vision isn't any sillier looking than other AR glasses out there. They could even pass for oversized aviator sunglasses. Robert Richter, BMW senior technology engineer for the project, told me that if a second generation is developed, the glasses will take on a slimmer design.
Mini Augmented Vision

With the outside designed largely by the folks at BMW, the innards were taken care of by Qualcomm. The Mini AV glasses are packed with 2GB of RAM and a Qualcomm 805 Snapdragon processor running off Android 4.4 and Vuforia, Qualcomm's mobile augmented reality software platform that was released last year.
Mini Augmented Vision

Using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS sensors and a 5MP camera housed in the front of the glasses, a heads up display overlays information stereoscopically on a 720p (1280 x 720p), 16 x 9 screen, with the field of view reaching only 28 degrees.
The glasses hook up to the Mini's connected car system and your phone to receive information via the sensors, which is then feed directly to your eyeballs while driving. You can get directions, vehicle speed and even real-time street sign information displayed in front of you.
Mini Augmented Vision

Directional arrows also pop up in front of you during what Mini and Qualcomm call "the first mile" and "the last mile," ensuring you reach your destination without issue. Essentially, a navigational display pops up from your current location to the vehicle or from the vehicle to the final destination.
Aside from the HUD, Mini was keen to show off the "X-Ray Vision" feature. By syncing up to the car's external cameras, you're able to see through the car from the glasses in case you need to check on an obstruction or maneuver into a parking spot.
Mini Augmented Vision

"Safety is our primary goal," Richter said when I asked how distracting AR would be coupled with driving. The companies created minimalistic icons to make sure that information is presented at the opportune moment. During my demo, an engineer also noted how the HUD shows snippets of info centered in the display so "you can still have your eyes on the road in front of you while quickly scanning the info."

The future is unclear

According to Richter, the continued development of these AR glasses hangs on public reception. If there is general interest, it's likely Mini and Qualcomm will pursue a second version. He noted the companies have already learned much about designing and that a sleeker device could definitely be made.
Mini Augmented Vision

"BMW is interested in keeping the Mini connected car platform open to third parties," Richter said. Meaning if we don't see a second-gen set of glasses, it will remain a stepping stone for AR integration with Mini Coopers showing that AR will continue to be an area of focus for the car company.
Jay Wright, Qualcomm vice president of Vuforia, reiterated this notion by saying, "The heads up display for your life, starts as a heads up display for your car."
If Mini and Qualcomm can make Augmented Vision something people will actually want to wear while maintaining decent battery life and a good display, then Wright is onto something.
Mini AV doesn't have the capacity of the Microsoft HoloLens but it seems more practical than Google Glass. My time with the Mini glasses was short, but so far, the progress the companies have made with augmented reality is impressive and feels like a step in the right direction.

Microsoft debuts new Mail, Calendar apps in latest Windows 10 release

Microsoft rolled out a new build of its Windows 10 Technical Preview late Wednesday afternoon. The update brings Windows 10 Technical Preview to build 10061, and comes with new versions of the Mail and Calendar apps.
At this time, the release is only available to Windows Insider customers who are in the fast ring and not the slow ring. In Microsoft's two-stage preview approach, fast ring customers get releases earlier than customers in the slow ring, but may encounter more bugs or issues.

New Mail and Calendar apps

In this release, customers will now have access to the new Mail and Calendar apps. These apps were also delivered recently to mobile customers in the Windows 10 for phones technical preview.
Microsoft says that both apps support Office 365, Exchange, Outlook, Gmail, IMAP, POP, and other protocols.
There is a three-pane UI for quick navigation, an easy toggle to switch between the two apps and also gesture support to perform quick tasks like on the mobile version.
"Mail includes customizable Swipe Gestures, letting you swipe right or left to take actions like delete, flag, move or mark as read/unread," Microsoft said in a blog post. "Also check out the new email authoring experience. Mail leverages the familiar and rich capability of Word to that allows you to easily insert tables, add pictures and use bullets and color to your text."
Users who upgrade to the latest build are advised to visit the Store Beta, which is the grey Store tile, to update both apps. "The version of the Mail and Calendar apps included in this build have a known issue that causes every typed letter to appear twice," Microsoft said, but the update from the store should fix the problem.

Other improvements

There are also other improvements as well. Tablets owners will have a better experience with the new 10061 build as the taskbar now grows in size to support better touch.
"Entering Tablet Mode causes the Start button, Cortana, and the Task View buttons to all grow in size and space out to be more touchable," Microsoft said of the experience. "Items in the Notification area also widen to improve touchability. Also, pinned and running apps are removed by default to reduce clutter and simplify the experience."
There are also new improvements to the task view and a new black theme.
For multitasking customers who need more desktop space, Windows 10 now also supports unlimited virtual desktops.

Read our Windows 10 review

Good delivers smart card-level authentication to Android phones

Continuing the RSA 2015 theme that hardware-based security delivers better threat protection than software approaches, Good Technology is rolling out what it is calling the industry's first Trusted Execution Environment for enterprise mobility management. Available initially for Android smartphones and tablets, Good's solution protects your log-in credentials in a secure container, separate from Google's operating system.
By isolating credentials into a separate container, Good says that even if Android gets compromised, malicious software won't be able to intercept your passwords or PINs.
Chief technology officer Nicko van Someren says that Good was able to deliver this feature based on the TrustZone architecture on ARM-based processors. ARM processor cores can run the Android OS and have a secure component to house the separate trusted operating system to handle PINs.

Hardware-based approach

By migrating security to the hardware - in this case, a component of the ARM chip - Someren says that this approach is equivalent to having an enterprise-grade smart card for your phone or tablet. To use TrustZone, devices must have a ROM that supports this feature. Most high-end Android devices already ship with a TrustZone support today.
As part of its vision to expand secure mobility, Someren says that Good's Trusted Execution Environment solution will help change the perception of Android. Current enterprise activation number is about three to one between iOS and Android, with businesses favoring Apple's operating system because of security.
However, that may change as Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) will be able to protect login credentials even if Android is fully attacked.
As the credentials and the authentication lives outside of the rich operating system - Android - and inside the trusted operating system, malware would not be able to penetrate. User's credentials cannot be accessed even if the device is rooted, and malicious attacks cannot intercept the user's PIN or log keystrokes.

Simple PINs

Someren says that the TEE requires a trusted code, which is signed, to authenticate. This makes it secure and reduces friction as users no longer need complicated passcodes with hardware-based security.
In addition to achieving greater security in the event of a malicious code attack on Android, TEE also provides the benefit of simple PINs. Organizations and IT managers could ease requirements to allow shorter PIN codes without compromising security.
TEE will be able to authenticate itself with the back-end server using a PIN and the device's hardware.

Single sign-on

Like Microsoft's Device Guard for Windows 10, Good's TEE will also allow horizontal single sign-on. Once a user authenticates with the system, the user will automatically be signed on to other apps that are part of Good's suite. This suite includes over 1,600 partner and customer applications developed on the Good Dynamics Secure Mobility Platform.
Someren and his team demonstrated horizontal single sign-on on an Android Kyocera smartphone. With Good's suite installed, a user would log into Good, and a user would also be logged on to connected apps, like Microsoft's Lync communication tool.
In the past single sign-on across different third-party apps was not possible because it would expose the log-in credentials. This is no longer the case with TEE.
TEE will be available to customers starting May.

Read our coverage of the RSA 2015 keynote

Oculus Rift release looking even more unlikely for 2015

During its earnings call, social media giant Facebook confirmed that Oculus Rift will not have "large shipment volumes" in 2015 meaning we probably won't be getting a consumer version of the VR headset in time for the holidays.
Specifically, the company stated: "We have not announced any specific plans for shipment volumes for 2015 related to Oculus ... Oculus is very much in the development stage and it's too early to be talking about large shipment volumes."
This falls in line with what Facebook CTO Mike Schroepfer mentioned during the Facebook developer conference about the impending availability of PC hardware capable of running powerful VR experiences.
Looks like we'll just have to settle for an HTC Vive or even the new Samsung Gear VR for S6.

What else did Facebook talk about? A bunch of numbers.

Pentax K-3 II joins the movers and shakers with its own high-resolution sensor shift mode

The Pentax K-3 II is not just another DSLR. Pentax has always produced interesting, quirky cameras just that little bit different to Canon and Nikon DSLRs – for many folk, just a little too different. But the K-3 II is something new.
It's the third new Pentax DSLR since last August. It started with the K-S1, a decent little camera for beginners and fashionistas if you don't mind the flashing lights and offbeat controls. Then came the K-S2, a much more traditional, tough and powerful DSLR for family use, according to Pentax, but with clear appeal for enthusiasts too.
Pentax K-3 II

But now Pentax has surprised everyone (well us, anyway) with a new flagship DSLR that uses the same idea as the rather brilliant Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. It combines a series of images shot in close succession with just a one-pixel shift between them to produce high-resolution images of a quality you can't get from a regular single-layer sensor.
Read: Pentax K-3 review, Pentax K-S1 review, Pentax K-S2 review, Olympus OM-D E-M5 II review

Shifting paradigms

Once upon a time, camera makers used sensor-shift technologies simply as an alternative to lens-based image stabilizers. The camera has gyroscopic sensors to detect the tiniest camera movement during the exposure and instantly compensate by shifting the sensor to counteract it.
This sensor-shift system is also used to vibrate the sensor at very high frequencies to shake off any dust particles. But then when you've got this fast, precise sensor shifting technology, does it have to stop there?
There are two main limitations to mainstream sensor technology. The first is that the resolution is limited by the number of pixels you've got on the sensor, and the second is that each one is sensitive to only red, green or blue light and the camera has to interpolate (guess at) the full colour data for a pixel by using the data from those around it.
Pentax K-3 II

But if you shift the sensor minutely, a pixel at a time, for a series of image captured during a single exposure, you overcome both limitations. You can capture 'in-between' pixels to add resolution – this is what the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II does with half-pixel shifts. And you can shift the sensor a pixel at a time to capture full-colour data (real, not interpolated) for each pixel.
Details are scant at the moment, and it's not yet clear whether the Pentax K-3 II offers a high-resolution mode, or whether it simply records 'better' 24-megapixel images, its sensor's native resolution. What Pentax does say is that this mode produces more detail, better colour and lower noise.
It's also not clear whether it will have the same limitations as Olympus's system – the need for a static subject and a tripod.
More on this just as soon as we have it.

What else is new?

This is by no means the only interesting feature in the K-3 II, though in most respects it's identical to its predecessor, the K-3. It's a tough, hardy camera with a stainless steel chassis and magnesium alloy body, and it's weatherproof and dustproof – with no fewer than 92 seals – and coldproof down to -10 degrees centigrade.
Like its predecessor, it has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, and this is done to provide maximum sharpness. The even more clever part is that it has an anti-aliasing simulator which uses tiny sensor movements (that sensor-shift system again!) to prevent moiré effects with fine patterns or textures.
Pentax K-3 II

The continuous shooting speed stays the same as the K-3's, at 8.3 frames per second, and it's maintained for 23 raw files or 60 JPEGs. Both cameras have twin SD card slots, the same body-only weight of 700g (25.2oz), 720-shot battery life and 27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus system.
But the K-3 II adds in-built GPS, which can record location, latitude, longitude, altitude, UTC (universal time corrected) and direction, using an electronic compass.
Pentax says it has improved the SR (shake reduction) system too, and it now offers up to 4.5 stops of compensation.

Pricing and availability

We were impressed with the Pentax K-3, and we can't wait to try out the K-3 II's high-resolution mode to see how effective it really is. If this technology takes off, it could spell the end for the current megapixel/sensor size race and see sensor technology heading off in new and unexpected directions.

The Pentax K-3 II goes on sale on May 22 2015. It will cost £769.99 body only (about US$1150/AU$1490), £849.99 (about US$1270/AU$1640) with the Pentax 18-55mm WR kit lens or £1,149 (about US$1720/AU$2220) with the new Pentax 16-85mm WR lens.

Review: Alienware 17 (2015)

Introduction and design

In the age of shrinking laptops, it’s nevertheless unbelievable that hulking 17-inch gaming laptops still exist. Even gaming laptops are not immune to the changing tides of the mobile computing world, the Origin EVO15-S and Aorus X7 Pro will tell you.
Now Alienware is getting in on the shrinking notebook race this year in introducing a new, slimmed down version of its 17-inch gaming laptop. Measuring in at 1.35 inches thick, it’s noticeably thinner than the company’s previous gaming rigs. But don’t think performance has been sacrificed for a thinner profile, because the new Alienware 17 comes packing an Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GTX 980M graphics chip.
What’s more, Alienware’s shiny new Graphics Amplifier now works with the 17, which lets you connect a desktop GPU into your gaming laptop for even more power. But for all its innovations as a gaming laptop-desktop hybrid, this winning combination runs into a few more speed bumps than the MSI GS30 Shadow with GamingDock.
Alienware 17 review

Design

Alienware is well known for some of the industry’s flashiest, most divisive gaming laptop designs. And so it comes as a bit of a surprise to see the company’s latest 17.3-inch machine slightly toned down in regards to the customizable Alienware FX lighting zones.
You’ll still be able to modify the color and pattern of eight lighting zones, but they’re a smaller focus on the new Alienware 17. Unlike last year’s model, the lighting strip around the base of the machine does not whip around the front edge and extend to the sides. Instead, you’ll only find one short band of illumination at the front of the laptop. This, along with cutting out the optical drive, was done to help cut down on the thickness of Alienware’s classically chunky machines.
Alienware 17 review

Luckily, not much has changed with the other lights on the laptop. The keyboard still splits apart into four distinct lighting zones. Meanwhile, you can also set the lid to act like a signal light pulsing with every shade of the rainbow, there is a new light up Alien head logo above the keyboard that perfectly matches with the Alienware typography beneath the screen.
Of course, the lights aren’t the only thing that’s changed with the new Alienware 17. The laptop also has an unmistakably slimmer waistline and as a result it’s slightly less angular. The bottom of the laptop, for example, caps off with straight and short lines compared to the round bottom machine from last year. Likewise, the rear corners of the Alienware 17’s screen lid also fall off to a much more gradual slope.
Overall, these are welcome changes. Sure this Alienware 17 isn’t as ostentatious as the other machines from years past, but this new model skips some of the fluff and focuses on squeezing even more performance into a tighter package.
Alienware 17 review

Amp it up

Alienware might not have been the first to introduce GPU boxes, but the company definitely has one of the more elegant solutions with its Graphics Amplifier. Inside of this optional laptop accessory, which looks like an oversized bread box from the future, you will have space for a desktop graphics card.
Of which, you’ll have to supply that part on your own, if you want to supercharge your gaming experiences with the Alienware 17. The good news is the Amplifier comes outfitted with a 460-watt power supply that should be more than enough to run even a top-end Nvidia GTX Titan X graphics card.
Alienware 17 review

Connecting the Alienware 17 and Graphics Amplifier is a simple matter of plugging in the proprietary four-pin PCI-Express 3.0 (PCI-E) cable to both devices. With a PCI-E cable, Alienware’s solution is much more flexible, letting you move the laptop while connected. By comparison, the GS30 Shadow is locked on top of the GamingDock while it’s in use.
What’s more, unlike the GS30 Shadow, you can use the Alienware 17’s gorgeous 17.3-inch IPS screen while it’s connected to the Graphics Amplifier. MSI’s GamingDock, meanwhile, requires you to plug in the hybrid device into an external monitor. That makes MSI’s combo decidedly more of a desktop than Alienware’s flexible setup.

Specifications and value

Going with a thinner design hasn’t just given the new Alienware 17 a sleeker profile measuring 16.93 x 11.49 x 1.35 inches or 430 x 291 x 34 mm (W x D x H), it’s also helped cut the weight down to 8.33 pounds (3.78 kg). Comparatively, the 2014 model weighed in at 9.15 pounds (4.15 kg) and came in at 1.9-inches (48 mm) thick. However, no matter how thin this new 17-inch laptop is, slinging around a device of such considerable size will still require you to pick up a new bag from Alienware or a third-party company such as Slappa bags.
Gigabyte has outdone itself squeezing in an immensely powerful gaming laptop into a 0.9-inch (22 mm) frame with the Aorus X7 Pro. The X7 Pro still has a considerably large footprint that measures 12- by 6.85-inches (304 by 173 mm), but at 6.6 pounds (2.99 kg) it’s much easier to carry around.
The MSI GS30 Shadow is in a whole other size category, being a 13-inch mobile computing rig, but if portability is what you seek than this 2.65-pound (1.2 kg) machine is your best bet. Just keep in mind that while it has a small 12.59 x 8.93 x 0.77 inch (319 x 226 x 19 mm) frame, this machine can’t truly game on its own with just the on-board Intel Iris graphics.
Alienware 17 review

Here is the Alienware 17 configuration given to TechRadar for review:

Spec sheet

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-4710HQ (quad-core, 6MB cache, up to 3.5GHz with Turbo Boost)
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (4GB GDDR5 RAM), Intel HD Graphics 4600
RAM: 16GB DDR3L (1,600MHz)
Screen: 17.3 inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS anti-glare display
Storage: 256 GB M.2 SATA SSD + 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm)
Ports: 4 x USB 3.0 ports (1 x with PowerShare Technology), SD card reader mini DisplayPort, HDMI, Headphone jack, Microphone jack, Ethernet, Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port
Connectivity: Killer 1525 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi + Bluetooth 4.1
Camera: 2MP Full HD webcam
Weight: 8.33 pounds (3.78 kg)
Size: 16.93 x 11.49 x 1.35 inches (W x D x H) (430 x 291 x 34 mm)

And here is the Alienware Graphics Amplifier configuration given to TechRadar for review:

GPU capacity: PCIe x16 Slot for desktop graphics card
Graphics: PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 980 with 4GB GDDR5
Power supply: Alienware 460 Watt Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Ports: 4 x USB 3.0, Alienware Graphics Amplifier to Notebook Port
Weight: 7.71 pounds (3.5 Kgs.)
Dimensions: 7.3 x 16.12 x 6.83 inches (W x D x H) (185 x 409 x 173 mm)

What you’re looking at here is an Alienware 17 with a completely bumped up configuration that calls for a steep$3,049 (£2,581). This is no doubt a huge purchase, but keep in mind this price tag includes a faster processor, headier GPU, more storage and RAM, plus the cost of the Graphics Amplifier as well as a Nvidia GTX 980 graphics card.
Oddly enough, the Amplifier does not come as a discounted bundle in Australia. So users living in that region will end up having to for over the full AU$349 price for the Amplifier, plus another AU$699 for an Nvidia GTX 980 card, which brings up the final total to an insane AU$4,547. (Keep in mind this is an example; these GPU boxes can work with Nvidia’s more affordable cards like the Nvidia GTX 960.)
Alienware 17 review

Without the optional GPU box, the Alienware 17 with the configuration above rings up for a slightly saner $2,299 (£1,782.19, AU$3,499). For the amount of power you’re getting alone, that’s actually a sweet deal. The Alienware 17 also starts at $1,499 (£1,298, AU$2,499) for a base configuration consisting of the same processor, a lower-end 3GB Nvidia GTX 970M, 8GB of RAM and only a 1TB hard drive spinning at 5,400rpm.
For what it’s worth, the MSI GS30 Shadow is a more affordable gaming laptop-desktop hybrid solution, ducking below the 2,000 clams mark with a $1,899 (£1,200, AU$2,699) price tag. But, keep in mind this price does not include a desktop GPU, though, so you’ll have to source your own. Also, be prepared to add a few extra peripherals including a keyboard, gaming mouse and a monitor before you can even think about playing games on the GS30 Shadow.
Aorus X7 Pro is a much simpler, self-contained laptop that comes in one configuration for $2,599 or £2099 (about AU$3,320). The unit offers plenty of power for the price, including a higher-end processor (that the MSI GS30 also comes sporting), dual Nvidia GTX 970M cards working in SLI, plus a massive 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM.

Performance and features

Even without the Graphics Amplifier, the Alienware 17 is a fully capable gaming machine all on its own, unlike the MSI GS30 Shadow. The Alienware 17's biggest advantage over the Shadow is that it comes with a discrete mobile graphics chip. This distinction will allow users to take the 17-inch laptop to LAN party or another gaming event without need to drag along its accompanying GPU box.
What’s more, with battery life teetering around four hours, this is a powerful laptop you can actually take on the go without worrying it will die away within an hour.
Alienware 17 review

Benchmarks

Here's how the Alienware 17 fared in our our benchmark tests:

3DMark: Cloud Gate: 18,332; Sky Diver: 18,947; Fire Strike: 8,008
Cinebench CPU: 634 points; Graphics: 97.44 fps
PCMark 8 (Home Test): 3,225 points
PCMark 8 Battery Life: 3 hours and 33 minutes
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor (1080p, Ultra): 63.52 fps; (1080p, Low): 81.76 fps
Metro: Last Light (1080p, Ultra): 33.67 fps; (1080p, Low): 64.33 fps

The Alienware boasts some impressive performance but plugging in the Graphics Amplifier yielded even better numbers - shocker. The performance increase isn’t quite as drastically improved as we saw with the MSI GS30’s GamingDock, but that’s also not a huge surprise given the leap from integrated graphics to desktop-grade power. Here are those benchmarks again with Alienware's new box behind them:

3DMark: Cloud Gate: 18,080; Sky Diver: 21,797; Fire Strike: 9,591
Cinebench CPU: 502 points; Graphics: 83.14 fps
PCMark 8 (Home Test): 2,813 points
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor (1080p, Ultra): 85.65 fps; (1080p, Low): 127.26 fps
Metro: Last Light (1080p, Ultra): 45 fps; (1080p, Low): 91.67 fps

From the numbers we can see the single Nvidia GTX 980M-powered Alienware 17 can run games like Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor at an average 64.33 frames per second (fps) with all the bells and whistles on. The 17-inch rig can even keep Metro Last Light at a playable 33.67 fps on Ultra settings. Comparatively, the Aorus X7 Pro gets even more mileage out of its dual Nvidia GTX 970M setup, which was able to run the benchmark tests for Middle Earth at 85.28 fps and Metro Last Light at 43.67 fps.
Plugging in Alienware’s Graphics Amplifier elevates this race to a whole other level above almost any gaming laptop. The turbo-boosted Alienware 17 was able to push even more frames, running Shadow of Mordor at 85.65 fps and Last Light at 45 fps. However, the MSI combo was able to push even harder, running the same games at 93.70 fps and 51.33 fps.
The performance gap is even more apparent when you look at the synthetic tests stressing the graphics card. With the Amplifier, the Alienware 17 was able to only turn in a 3D Fire Strike score of 9,591, whereas the MSI GS30 and GamingDock scored 11,285 points. Even the Aorus X7 Pro was able to put up a higher score of 10,451 points.
Note that the MSI was also tested using an Nvidia GTX 980, but from MSI rather than the PNY model provided by Alienware for this review.
Alienware 17 review

Mind the gap

The biggest reason for this performance gap is likely the four-pin PCI-E cable that connects the Alienware 17 with the Graphics Amplifier. The GS30 Shadow, meanwhile, uses a traditional 16-pin PCI-E connection with the GamingDock. Generally speaking, more pins means more bandwidth and, as a result, more throughput.
Beyond the bottlenecking issues of the proprietary cable, you might find that a few games don’t work with the Graphics Amplifier. Grand Theft Auto V, for example, crashed every time I attempted to start the game with the GPU box plugged in, and that was after installing an Nvidia driver designed specifically for this game.
Updating the both the laptop and Amplifier can be a precarious process. Alienware says it would be best if users install new Nvidia drivers with the notebook disconnected. In the future, the Dell-owned company plans on releasing new software patches that will improve the communication between the two devices.

Modularity in mind

Despite the few shortcomings of the Graphics Amplifier, Alienware still has come up with one of the more elegant solutions to connect a desktop graphics card to a gaming laptop. Unlike some homebrewed kits, the Alienware 17 can recognize what GPU is inside the Amplifier right out of the box. What’s more, you can actually continue using the laptop normally with the built-in screen, keyboard and trackpad while it’s connected to the GPU box. This is something you can’t do while the MSI GS30 is sitting on top of the GamingDock.
Chances are you won’t ever need to plug the Alienware 17 into an external monitor, because the laptop comes with a nearly perfect display as is. The 17.3-inch screen offers a giant viewing space for games and media with excellent contrast and wide color gamut. It’s also big enough to comfortably place two windows or more side by side, plus the matte finish virtually eliminates any reflections and glare.
For this year’s round up of machines, Alienware used Klipsch speakers that sound great for basically any music genre. Games, on the other hand, don’t sound quite as amazing, especially with explosions and gunfire that largely fall flat. These speakers are more than enough to get you by for movies and most media, but if you’re looking to get the best sound while gaming, it might be best to get a new headset.
Alienware 17 review

Unleash the beast

On top of all the performance you can squeeze out of the Alienware 17, this is surprisingly a gaming laptop you can feel comfortable using away from the plug. The massive gaming laptop managed to last 3 hours and 33 minutes while running through the PC Mark 8 battery test. With a less taxing anecdotal test consisting of web browsing, word processing and watching a 30 minute YouTube Video I was able to get 3 hours and 52 minutes of usage out of the Alienware 17.
Comparatively, the Aorus X7 Pro has an extremely short battery life of only 2 hours and 5 minutes. Meanwhile, the GS30 Shadow does not lag far behind, kicking the can after just 2 hours and 32 minutes, thanks to a very power hungry Intel Core i7 processor.

Bundled software

AlienAutopsy - This portal app lets you look up all your system info and diagnose your machine with this built-in Checkup application.
AlienRespawn - Restore your Alienware system back to factory state with a click, plus the ability to manually backup and restore your data.
AW Command Center - Customize your Alienware FX lighting zones
Alienware Digital Delivery - This application takes care of downloading your digital purchases, one of which includes a free year of 20GB of DropBox space.
Creative Software Update - This application will help keep your audio drivers up to date.

Verdict

The Alienware 17 is an impressive refinement for this series of gaming laptops. Not only is it thinner, it’s more powerful, thanks to a new Nvidia Maxwell GPU. At the same time, Alienware has knocked its first gaming laptop-desktop hybrid out of the park with a machine that’s only boosted by its GPU box buddy, not set up to rely on it.

We liked

Although you’re looking at spending $3,049 (£2,581, AU$4,547) for the full experience, the Alienware 17 is one of those few outrageously priced gaming laptops that’s actually worth it. It comes with a high-end configuration with two of Nvidia’s best graphics modules and, most importantly, it just works right out of the box.
The Alienware 17 is a fully capable gaming machine and, with the added power of an Nvidia GTX 980 inside the Amplifier, you won’t run into a game you can’t play on Ultra settings for a long time. And when you do, you can easily swap out the desktop GPU for a newer model. Alienware even says they’re working on adding support for Nvidia’s latest monster card, the Titan X.

We disliked - subhed

For all the added flexibility Alienware has added by going with a proprietary connection, the Graphics Amplifier simply does not bring the same level of added performance as MSI’s GamingDock for the GS30 Shadow.
It seems the four-pin connector simply does not offer the same graphical throughput as a traditional 16-pin connector. Alienware also seems to still be working out some bugs, especially with GPU driver updates so be prepared to run into situations in which you can’t run games or times when you will need to diagnose your system.

Final verdict

Alienware has done the gaming laptop-desktop hybrid right with an even leaner 17-inch monster and its accompanying Graphics Amplifier. The laptop itself is a completely self-contained gaming machine, and things only get even better with connecting the GPU box. The ability to use the screen, plus not needing to plug in a keyboard and mouse makes it a much more sensible solution than the MSI GS30 Shadow. And if you’re looking for something smaller, the Alienware 13 also works with the Graphics Amplifier.
The Aorus X7 Pro proves to offer just as much, if not more performance into a tighter package, thanks to its dual Nvidia GTX 970M chips. But in the long run, Alienware 17 owners will be able to upgrade the desktop GPU inside of the Graphics Amplifier for years to come. With the X7 Pro, what you bought is what you’ll have until you ultimately upgrade to another laptop. Alienware also trumps Aorus’ thin 17-inch laptop with a more attractive screen, longer battery life and quieter fans.
Over 3,000 bucks is a lot to pay for a gaming laptop, and you can just as easily build a killer desktop for the same amount of money. But the Alienware 17 is an equally amazing portable package than any serious gaming PC of today could hope to be. It’s one of the best 17.3-inch gaming laptops I’ve ever tested, and the Graphics Amplifier opens up the system to even more demanding games and upgrades for the future.

This is the staggering amount of people who use Facebook

How much does Facebook affect our lives? Apparently quite a lot.
Facebook cofounder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg began the company's earnings call by listing off a bunch of numbers that are pretty crazy if you think about it.
Here are the more interesting bits:

There are 936m active daily users
1.4 billion use the core Facebook service
800m people use WhatsApp
600m use Facebook Messenger
300m people use Instagram
People spend an average of 21 minutes a day on Instagram
During the Superbowl, there were 256m Facebook interactions
There are 4 billion daily video views
45 billion messages are sent through Facebook every day

We also use Facebook on mobile the most with 1.5m people logged on in March.
That's a lot of us using Facebook and Instagram, and somehow it seems like the numbers are only increasing every year.

Facebook also launched a new app called Hello

Facebook's Hello app wants you to say 'goodbye' to your Android dialer

On the heels of Google's Project Fi announcement, Facebook has introduced a new dialer app called Hello.
Far less ambitious than Project Fi but potentially useful in its own way, Hello is a free app that lets you make calls over Wi-Fi. You can download it from the Google Play Store and it's available only on Android smartphones.
The Facebook Messenger app already lets you make free VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls but Hello will tap into Facebook to give you more information. Callers will be identified using the social media site even if you don't have their information, blocked calls will be sent directly to voicemail and you'll be able to search for people and businesses.
The app is similar to WhatsApp - which just rolled out its own voice calling service, WhatsApp Calling - Skype and Viber with the added elements of Yelp and Open Table.
At the moment, there's no word on whether Hello will greet iOS platforms.

Spotify, Tidal, Pandora and more: which is the best music streaming service?

Xbox One to stream live TV to PCs and tablets starting in May

Five years ago the term "Microsoft ecosphere" didn't mean much. Between Xbox 360s and PCs the Redmond-based company had a majority share of both the computing and gaming worlds, but didn't have a way to bridge the two.
That's all going to change with Windows 10, Xbox One and the updated Xbox app that runs on mobile phones (both Android and Windows) and tablets.
On brand ambassador Major Nelson's blog today, the company released a video detailing the latest update to the three platforms which includes the ability to stream games from an Xbox One to a PC as well as share a live over-the-air TV stream from users' Xbox Ones to both PCs and mobile devices.
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=187&v=OY_EuKuuwhA
We heard a bit about this functionality back during GDC 2015, but had no idea how soon we'd see it live on the device.
Other interesting morsels of information from the upcoming update include the ability to Miracast Android and Windows Phones to the Xbox One, use Game DVR on Windows 10 PCs and access avatar customization software on PC.
The software should start rolling out to Xbox preview members in early May, and then to the rest of the Xbox community sometime this summer.
Want the top streaming video and games apps? These are the best Xbox One apps!

In depth: Google Project Fi: What you need to know about Google's cell network

Google Project Fi: what is it?

Google has its hands in a lot of pots, and the search company just added wireless service to that list.
In the US, mobile contracts are the realm of disliked-but-tolerated companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and others. But now that Google - a company notably less disliked than these carriers - has joined the fray.
Google has officially launched with Project Fi (yes, that's the name), a mobile virtual network operated on the backs of Sprint's and T-Mobile's LTE networks and Wi-Fi hotspots.
You probably have a lot of questions about it, so read on. We'll tell you what there is to know so far.

What is Google Project Fi

Project Fi is a new wireless service that Google is launching to offer mobile service directly to users.
The most innovative aspect of Google Fi is its pricing: Google is charging $20 (about £13, AU$25) per month for talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in 120+ countries, then an additional $10 (about £6, AU$12) per GB of data each month.
For example, a plan with 3GB of data costs $50 (about £33, AU$64) per month. However, if you don't use all that data, Google will partially refund the money you already paid. So if you only used 1.4 of your 3GB, Google says, you'll get $16 (about £10, AU$20) back.
What's better than rollover data? Rollover cash, of course.
Being a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) means Google essentially licenses network infrastructure from other carriers. There are other companies that do this, like Straight Talk, which TechRadar explored depth on. Straight Talk offers customers phone plans that work on other carriers' networks.
Google is doing the same, making itself the middleman between customers and carriers. So although your Project Fi phone will use T-Mobile and Sprint LTE service, you'll only ever have to deal with Google.
The company says your device will automatically hop among Sprint and T-Mobile networks and Wi-Fi hotspots depending on which has the best connection. Google counts over a million free, open Wi-Fi hotspots in the US as part of its network.
When you're connected to Wi-Fi networks, Google encryption keeps you secure, the company says. And you'll transition seamlessly between Wi-Fi and LTE, even in the middle of a call.
Google Project Fi looks to reinvent wireless networks

Google Project Fi looks to reinvent wireless networks

Many of these details turned up originally in an app discovered in an unofficial firmware image released to testers for Google's Nexus 6 flagship. Android Police detailed the app, which described many of the features and functions of Project Fi.
The app itself might turn out to be important, but Google has yet to mention if officially. According to that original report, though, it seems it will let you pay bills, check your plans and more.
It looks like users may be able to activate new service and request and transfer new numbers within the app, which is more than most carriers let you do. But we won't know more until Google discusses it.

Availability and supported devices

Where it will be available

Google's Project Fi is starting in the US only for now, although Google could theoretically launch it anywhere that carriers are willing to partner with it.
You can sign up for an invite to try it out, though users can find out if Project Fi is available in their area using this map.
This is definitely a soft launch, though. Google says invites will start going out in the next few weeks, but the rollout might be pretty slow, as this is a whole new arena for the company.
But it seems availability is pretty wide, as there's no reason Fi shouldn't work wherever there's Sprint and/or T-Mobile service.

What devices will support it

Google has revealed that Project Fi will initially be available on its Nexus 6 flagship.
You'll then obviously need to own or buy a Nexus 6 to use Project Fi, although that doesn't mean it's the only device with which it works.
Nexus 6 Google

You'll also be able to make calls and send texts from your tablet or laptop if it supports Google Hangouts because your phone number will be stored in the cloud. Now that's pretty cool.

What it means for carriers

Google had to partner with traditional wireless carriers for this service, but it could still give those companies a run for their money by being more affordable, flexible and friendly than them.
That's often been Google's M.O., and although it hasn't always been successful the company has a reputation for disrupting these traditional spaces. One need only look at the positive buzz around Google Fiber, a service that's only available in a handful of US cities.
Google Fi could be better for users

Project Fi looks like it might turn out the same thanks to versatile service, easy payments and more flexibility than what any other wireless service offers.
This won't be the first time the wireless industry has been forced to step up its game to compete with a new threat - just look at all the positive changes T-Mobile's "Un-carrer" campaign has catalyzed - but with Google at the helm this could prove to be a major shake-up.
No doubt we'll learn more about Project Fi in the coming weeks, and we'll let you know as soon as we test it out ourselves.

Device Guard safeguards Windows 10 with hardware authentication

Continuing the theme of Microsoft's RSA keynote that hardware-based security is superior to a software approach, I sat down with Microsoft's Windows Security and Identity Group program manager Dustin Ingalls and senior product marketing manager Chris Hallum to discuss Device Guard, a feature that will launch with Windows 10. Device Guard will join Windows 10's three-pronged approach to security this summer, alongside Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello.
Our current version of security is that we trust everything until antivirus programs - like McAfee, Norton and Windows Defender - tells us otherwise, says Hallum. However, there are unknown threats out there that remain undetected until the threats are known. At that point, there will already be victims and data would have been compromised.
Moving away from this model, Microsoft Trustworthy Computing corporate vice president Scott Charney proposes that companies should whitelist apps and migrate to hardware-based authentication.

Windows security

With each version of Windows, Microsoft has evolved the way it approaches security for its desktop operating system.
On Windows 7, Microsoft uses a software approach. However, that changed to a hardware-based strategy starting with Windows 8, which uses a platform secure boot through a feature called Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, or UEFI, to prevent BIOS-based firmware attacks.
On Windows 10, Microsoft is continuing its focus on hardware security with a hypervisor-based solution to create a trusted secure mode with Device Guard.

Device Guard

Device Guard offers better malware protection by blocking any app other than trusted apps. This essentially creates a whitelist of apps for your organization to use, and locks the system from new or unknown malware attacks.
Ingalls says this begins with the Local Security Authority (LSA) to create a virtual secure mode that prevents hash attacks. The virtual secure mode runs outside of the main operating system to keep things safe, even if the operating system is compromised.
Then, we move to kernel mode integrity component. This moves the Code Integrity outside of the kernel, and Windows checks to see if a software package has been officially signed by Microsoft or a trusted publisher. This prevents rogue or malicious software from running in what Microsoft terms as user mode code integrity.
Ingalls says that the hypervisor-based approach keeps things safe by moving the security feature outside of the main OS and is hardware-dependent. When an app is run, Windows determines if the app is trustworthy. By using hardware and virtualization to isolate this decision-making process outside of Windows, Device Guard remains secure and safe, even if a malicious code gains access to full system privileges.

Roots in Windows Phone

In effect, by requiring applications to be signed through the Code Integrity program along with the hardware-based hypervisor feature, Device Guard creates a whitelist of applications that can run on a system.
"This is an architectural change to the system, not just another [antivirus] solution, and it contains elements from Windows Phone," said Hallum.
Microsoft says that Device Guard is a newly coined name, but the feature has been around and is in use on Windows Phone. By vetting apps in the Store and requiring apps to be digitally signed, Microsoft says that its approach, compared to the competing Android operating system, significantly reduces the risk of malicious attacks.

Requirements

Ingalls says that apps can be signed in two ways. Publishers can submit their apps to Microsoft for a digital signature as the easy and quick approach.
For enterprises with proprietary code and data, and publishers who may not want to expose their apps to Microsoft, the company will provide tools for them to sign their own apps to run on their systems.
In order to use Device Guard, Ingalls says that any device that's certified for Windows 8 will be compatible. Essentially, you'll need a device that supports hypervisor, including any device that supports Intel's VT-D. To support the complete features of Device Guard, Microsoft says that it will work with hardware partners to roll out systems that are Device Guard certified.

Reducing friction and maximizing security

So while Device Guard addresses the problem of malicious code on a system, data still needs to be protected. Short passcodes are not secure, but requiring strong passwords increases friction.
Another problem is that enterprises may only issue secure log-ins - like RSA's keyfob - for a subset of users or only for certain apps, like logging into VPNs. Additionally, there is no good version for consumers currently, and there isn't a system-wide log-in that delivers the enterprise-grade security.
To combat this, Microsoft introduced Passport and Windows Hello.

Hi, Windows Hello

With Windows Hello, Microsoft is relying on enterprise-level biometric authentication. Depending on the machine, users can log in with a fingerprint, face scan with advanced cameras like Intel's RealSense 3D Camera, and iris scan.
This eliminates the need for a PIN or complex passcode requirements, and makes securing a system easy. Microsoft hopes that security will come without friction for Windows users.

Beyond Windows

After logging into Windows with Hello, Passport allows users to also log into trusted apps.
In a demonstration at RSA 2015, Hallum showed me that it took less than a second for the Intel RealSense 3D Camera, which was attached to a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook via USB, to recognize his face. After he logged into Windows with hello, Hallum was also instantly logged into other apps - like the Azure service - that would normally require a password.
As Microsoft is part of the FIDO Alliance for security authentication, it will allow third-party apps to support Passport login.
For consumers, this means that in the future, once you log onto Windows, you can also log onto your Bank of America or Wells Fargo banking account, access your eBay auction and payments on PayPal, and check the status of your Amazon order without having to log into these individual services, provided they support Passport.

Enterprise applications

For enterprises who may want to keep things even more secure, Microsoft could also deliver multi-device authentication with Windows Hello.
In a demonstration, Hallum showed that business customers can use their phones to log into Windows Hello on their PCs. This means that if a computer was stolen, the user cannot log into the system unless they have the phone and PIN.
With a Windows Phone-powered Lumia connected to the Lenovo ThinkPad over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Hallum typed his PIN into the phone, rather than onto the computer, to log into his PC.
Passport, Ingalls says, is a hardware-bound solution that's similar to a smart card.

The Windows 10 family

Even though Microsoft executives remain tight-lipped about their plans for Passport on other devices and screens inside the Windows 10 family, Ingalls admitted that Xbox, Windows 10 for phones, and Windows 10 all share the same code, meaning that it's just as easy to run Passport on those devices.
The possibility for Passport is endless, and the technology makes computing even more personal and secure. One potential use could be unlocking parental controls on an Xbox for gaming or TV watching with a face scan, or securely logging into mobile apps on a Windows 10 phone with a new 3D camera on a future Lumia phone.

Read our report on the Microsoft keynote at RSA 2015

Updated: Google launches Project Fi, its own take on wireless service

We heard it might launch today and now here it is, Project Fi, Google's own wireless service.
The new Google network initiative aims to re-imagine the lifeline of modern communication: wireless connectivity. Project Fi will explore how best to create seamless, easy-to-use and accessible connectivity for all, Google explained in a blog post, keeping connections strong as users move from home to work to wherever.
Like the Nexus program, Google is working with partners for Project Fi, so it's not going this new wireless-provider route alone.
The company is teaming up with US carriers Sprint and T-Mobile to use the companies' 4G LTE networks for the program, but since Project Fi is a hardware, software and connectivity initiative, stay tuned for more to join up.
Project Fi also works over Wi-Fi hotspot, so Google has essentially woven various networks together to create an amalgamated network it can call its own.
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfFHnBQ6nQg

The Project Fi deets

The heart of Project Fi is that it determines which network will give users the best connection wherever they're located. That could mean hoping on a Wi-Fi hotspot or jumping onto a carrier's 4G LTE line. If you're on T-Mobile's 4G LTE network but Project Fi figures Sprint will be faster, you're automatically switched to Sprint.
As for the hotspots, Project Fi currently counts more than one million free, open Wi-Fi hotspots in its network. Encryption keeps data safe, Google promised.
Google is essentially (hopefully) taking the thinking out of connectivity, and part of this plan involves moving calls automatically from Wi-Fi to cell networks so that call quality never suffers.
Project Fi also puts users' phone numbers on the cloud, enabling them to keep talking and texting whether they're on a phone, tablet or laptop. If a user misplaces their phone, they can keep connected through these other devices. Any device that supports Google Hangouts works with this Project Fi function.
Google Project Fi coverage

The Nexus 6 is the first smartphone to support Project Fi's "network of networks." New and currently owned Nexus 6s work with Project Fi. On the Fi FAQ page, Google went no further than to say that during the network's Early Access Program, "we plan to only support the Nexus 6."
As for the plan and price, Google is keeping it simple and cheap. Project Fi costs $20/month for basic services, including international coverage in 120+ countries. Users then pick how much cellular data they want, which are available in increments of $10 per GB (1GB is $10, 2GB is $20, etc.). Unused data is reimbursed with a credit for its full dollar value.
The pricing and straight-forward, customer-first plan should be highly appealing to consumers overwhelmed and frustrated by carriers' opaque pricing and plan structures.
Google Project Fi is launching via an Early Access Program, and interested users can request an invite to join. While the launch is limited to the US, it seems plausible Google could partner with international carriers to make Project Fi a global initiative.
Find out if Project Fi's network covers your location

In Depth: Spotify, Tidal, Pandora and more: which is the best music streaming service?

Diamond-level services

Music streaming services are like sports teams: everyone has the squad they root for above all others. Whether you're a Pandora person, an iTunes devotee, a Spotify specialist or a Tidal lover, we all have one service that's close to our hearts.
But music streaming services, like all things, change over time. What do you do when that one feature you loved six months ago has been replaced to make room for a new, completely unwieldy user interface, causing all the friends you knew who used the service to pack and leave for greener pastures?
Well, one suggestion is throwing darts at a dartboard. But if you love tech, diving headfirst into the unknown - and possibly low-resolution - world of music software probably isn't your bag.
To help you decide, we've compiled the list of the best music streaming services on the planet in 2015. We've divided streaming services up into categories, from best (Diamond) to worst (Gold).

Diamond level streaming services

In the music industry, your record goes diamond when it reaches 10 million units sold. It may not sound like a lot in our day and age, when YouTube videos of cats get five million hits every single day, but a diamond record is pretty much the highest aspiration any musician can want out of their new tracks.
To meet TechRadar's diamond standard , streaming services must offer extremely high-quality music (320Kbps), give users the ability to choose their songs and provide a robust free version that gives users a good idea of what they're getting into before they start shelling out a subscription fee.
After extensive research on the subject, we only found two streaming services that fit the bill - Spotify and Rdio.

Spotify

Despite how you feel about the company's ethics, Spotify continues to be one of the best ways to stream whatever music you want, whenever you want thanks to its massive 25 million song catalog and irresistibly low $0 price tag. Social integration with Facebook means you'll never miss what your friends are listening to while private listening mode makes it so they'll never find out about your late-night guilty pleasures.
Admittedly, Spotify's biggest problem is that if you don't know what you want to listen to, the service probably won't be much help. It has some really good curated playlists, but the radio stations leave a lot to be desired.
If you like what you hear on the free version, you can upgrade to Spotify Premium, which offers the same great music sans advertisements. You'll need to fork over $10/month (£10, AU$12) but it may be well worth it not to have your tunes interrupted by annoying commercials.
Pros: 25 million song catalog, universally available, free with ads, great social integration with Facebook, curated content, can upload any songs Spotify is missing, available on PS4 with PlayStation Music, offline listening
Cons: Artists aren't paid much, radio recommendations are sub-par
Bitrate: 96Kbps for low bandwidth connections, 160Kbps for desktop and "high quality" mobile streaming, and 320Kbps for the the high bitrate setting (desktop, iOS and Android)
Cost: Free with ads / $10 (£10, AU$12) a month for Spotify Premium

Rdio

It's hard to say anything bad about Rdio. Like Spotify, it's free to sign up and you'll never need to shell out a dollar if you don't mind listening to ads. It has roughly the same amount of songs (around 20 million), awesome social network integration via Facebook and Twitter, a plethora of curated content from friends and tastemakers, and a radio function that's actually worth using. Rdio also wins the award for best looking music streaming service as well as one of the easiest to navigate.
Pros: 20 million available songs, available on nine out 10 devices, smart-looking interface, great social integration with Facebook and Twitter, discovering new music is easy, offline listening
Cons: Not as big of a community as Spotify, smaller catalog overall
Bitrate: 192Kbps by default, but premium users can select 320Kbps
Cost: Free with ads / $10 (£10, AU$12) a month for all access pass

Platinum-level services

Platinum-level streaming services

Songs and albums go platinum when they sell five million units. They're well on their way to the top, but clearly there's something stopping them from going all the way.
In our platinum-level music streaming choices, we found that each offered a great selection of music with one or two premium features that neither Spotify or Rdio offered. However, neither of them are free and while they sound wonderful, they both have a major caveat that makes it impossible to give them a full recommendation.

Google Play Music All Access

Google Play Music All Access is the ideal companion for anyone who uses the Google Play Store on a daily basis. It has about as many songs at its disposal as its competitors (around 18 million at last count), but it allows listeners to use the service as a digital locker to upload and download songs to and from different devices.
Pros: Hooks into Google+, 18 million songs, digital locker, great for Android users
Cons: No iOS app, no free trial
Bitrate: Sound quality peaks at 320Kbps (downloads are the same), although you can tell the difference between Google's MP3s and Sony's AACs
Cost: $10 (£10, AU$10) a month

Tidal

Tidal is somewhat of the city on the hill in the world of music streaming. By pushing for fair and equal pay for musicians and high-quality 320Kbps FLAC files for every song in its library, Tidal and its new owner Jay Z are aiming to rewrite the music streaming script by having artists as owners. Beyond its expertly curated playlists, Tidal offers music videos and short articles that entertain and inform listeners about genres, artists, producers and studios. All that good stuff comes at a price, however. Tidal doesn't offer any tier of its service for free. Standard audio subscriptions start at $10 (£10, AU$15) a month, while the high-res collection opens up at $20 (£20, AU$24) a month.
Pros: Best curated content, no advertisements, 25 million songs, 75,000 music videos, high-fidelity music
Cons: Limited social network integration, most expensive music streaming service, new interface is crowded
Bitrate: 320Kbps lossless media
Cost: Tidal starts at $10 (£10, AU$15) a month for Tidal Premium, but high-fidelity music is only unlocked for Tidal HiFi subscribers which costs $20 (£20, AU$24) a month.

Gold-level services

Gold-level streaming services

Last but least are albums and singles that go gold by selling over a million units. Just like gold records, the remaining two services are tried and true, even if they're not the most popular options out there. Some consider them one-hit wonders. Some considered them revolutionary ... 10 years ago. Whatever you think about them, they do one thing well, and, even if they haven't managed to keep up with the times, they're still staples of the burgeoning streaming industry.

Pandora

When it was released in 2000, Pandora was probably the best thing since sliced bread. Offering users an unexplored valley of new music based on their past listening history, the internet radio sensation took off and within a few years was at the top of the food chain. In the time since, however, Pandora has found itself clawing for a spot in the charts.
For starters, it doesn't allow you to replay songs and, due to licensing restrictions, it's rare you'll hear two songs from the same album in a row. It lacks decent social integration and with a pool of only about a million songs, there isn't a lot of variety. All that said, if you're looking for something to throw on at a party, Pandora is still the best bet thanks to its ability to keep the beat going with only minimal intervention.
Pandora does offer a subscription service called Pandora One, that eliminates the all-too-frequent commercial breaks and ups the sound quality to 192Kbps.
Pros: Music recommendations based on the Music Genome Project, free with ads or cheap premium edition, available on most devices
Cons: Only has about one million songs, can't pick songs on-demand, limited amount of skips, poor social integration
Bitrate: 128Kbps for non-subscribers and peaks at 192Kbps for Pandora One users
Cost: Free with ads, though the premium edition - Pandora One - is very affordable at $3.99 (AU$5) per month / $36 a year. Not available in the UK.

iTunes

We're the first to admit it: iTunes isn't great. Unfortunately its surplus of content and the urge to sell for $1.29 a pop (song) is the exact reason it continues to be one of the least recommended places for people to go and listen to music hassle free. And whereas other services are willing to let you "own" content by creating playlists and download songs for offline listening, iTunes merely suggests songs that you should buy.
Sure, the radio feature - a free service that looks at your music tastes and finds similar artists from the data of its millions of users - is a cool idea in theory, but it isn't better than, say, Pandora or even Spotify when push comes to shove.
So what's iTunes' redeeming factor? There's simply no other way to manage content you already own on your iOS devices while simultaneously seeing a personalised list of new music that you might also like.
Pros: Decently good at managing content on your iDevices, smart radio
Cons: Music discovery is tied to a price tag, it's there to sell you on music you don't own
Bitrate: Music is sold is 256Kbps AAC
Cost: iTunes Radio is free, but songs vary in price from 69 cents (59p,AU 99 cents), to $1.29 (99p AU$1.69).

Hands-on review: Updated: HP Pavilion 15 (2015)

Even though HP is exploring different notebook form factors with its x360 products across the Spectre, Envy and Pavilion line, the PC-maker isn't giving up on the traditional laptop design. This year's Pavilion notebooks, available in 14-, 15- and 17-inch displays, represent HP's continued investment in the affordable laptop space.
The biggest changes this year include support for Intel's latest Broadwell architecture as well as HP's shift to its newest music partner Bang & Olufsen with the B&O Play branding.
Bang and Olufsen

As the entry models to HP's back-to-school lineup, the Pavilion comes in at an affordable starting price of $479 (£321, AU$621). With varying options for processors, storage, and RAM, the Broadwell-equipped Intel Core i3 Pavilion in a 15-inch form factor starts at $599 (£400, AU$775). At the entry level 14-inch price, you're getting more power - and screen real estate - than a netbook without breaking the bank.
The 15-inch Pavilion competes against Dell's 15-inch Inspiron 5000 series at the same price, Lenovo's G50-70 ($449, £300, AU$580 after instant discounts), and the Intel Celeron-powered Asus Vivobook X200MA with an 11-inch display ($300, £200, AU$370). Even Microsoft's recently announced Surface 3 comes in at the $499 (£335, AU$645), though the cost quickly increases if you add in accessories like a keyboard and USB hub to get additional ports.