Dell releases special edition MTV EMAs laptop
Dell has marked its sponsorship of this year's MTV Europe Music Awards by releasing a 'Filth' special edition laptop, and apparently that's nothing to do with returning host Katy Perry.
The Dell Studio 15 has been given a working over by urban artist Filth and allows one free album download from the Dell Download Store (woo!).
The specs of the machine are: Intel Core 2 Duo (T6600) processor, 15.6 inch screen, 320GB hard drive and 4GB of DDR2 RAM.
The laptop is available through dell.co.uk/mtv and weighs in at آ£479 – unfortunately Perry is not included.
Dell is also running a competition at Amplichoir.com where anyone uploading a video of themselves singing Lollipop can win a VIP trip to Berlin for the EMAs.
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Official: England vs Ukraine to be web-only
For the first-time ever an England World Cup qualifier will be shown only on the internet, after broadcasters failed to bid for the football match Setanta once owned.
As TechRadar informed you last month, the upcoming qualifier between England and the Ukraine had the potential to be web-only, with digital sport specialist Perform gaining sole rights to the football match online and no one in line to buy the TV rights.
Since noboody has stepped forward to televise the football match, you will now only be able to watch it on the internet.
Streamed like YouTube
Although England have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, the lack of television coverage will be a blow to those who like to catch the national team on the television.
It's good news for web aficionados, though, as www.ukrainevengland.com will be the only place to watch the match.
There is a price to pay, though, with virtual tickets for the match going for a minimum of آ£4.99. The price rises the closer to the game, with the price becoming آ£9.99 on Thursday, and the game will cost آ£11.99 if you log-on on the day (Saturday 10 October).
Speaking to BBC Sport about the online match, Peter Silverstone, Managing Director of Kentaro, said: "You will watch as you would any other streaming on the internet, like YouTube or the BBC iPlayer - there will be a pop-up player that will show the match in a very good quality stream."
When it comes to commentary, the whole team is yet to be announced but it is said that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be in the studio for a natter.
Broadening online horizons
While it will be disappointing for some the match isn't on TV, it may be just the thing to push people on to the virtues of online video, with Michael Philips, Product Director, at Broadbandchoices.co.uk, explaining:
"Whilst armchair fans may be disappointed that no TV broadcaster has stepped in to acquire the broadcast rights to this match, it is an opportunity for broadband users who have never watched TV online to broaden their horizons and experience what an internet connection can offer beyond the usual surfing and emailing."
Philips does have certain reservations, especially with those looking to catch the game on a mobile phone, stating: "Watching the match is likely to use around 1GB of a broadband user's download allowance.Whilst this isn't that significant in total terms, it could push some users over their monthly limit so we'd advise footy fans to check first so they don't end up being penalised.
"Those planning to watch via mobile broadband need to be particularly vigilant since over-usage charges can be massive."
If you don't fancy watching the game from your armchair, then the Odeon cinema chain will be showing the game at 11 venues across the UK. This includes the chain's flagship venue at Leicester Square in London.
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In Depth: 10 useful video sites to teach you new tech skills
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Therefore, a video should be worth a thousand pictures. Right?
A video tutorial is great way to learn a new skill because you can see rather than imagine.
Here are 10 video sites that will improve your tech knowledge, starting from amateur tips and tricks at the top, to more advanced techniques and tech skills towards the bottom of the list.
1. Videojug
Basic tasks like connecting your laptop to a TV cannot be easier with the unique, informative, structured and humorous video tutorials at Videojug.
The sheer simplicity in the videos along with the cheesy voice and acting of the Videojug staff is sure to keep you entertained throughout your learning process.
There are numerous articles, but this site is aimed at beginners and hobbyists rather than pros, so it's probably a good one to suggest to less tech savvy friends who could benefit from learning how to clean a laptop, install more memory and speak geek (yes, it's now a language).
2. PC World
The PC World website (not to be confused with the PC World store in the UK) is a great place to find video tips and fixes for common problems such as how to salvage a wet gadget and how to undelete photos on a digital camera.
The videos themselves are pretty straightforward, focusing only on the important steps to ensure your problems are solved.
3. WonderHowTo
Ever wondered how to defragment your computer while idle, or develop content for the Google Android platform?.
WonderHowTo is designed for PC beginners and aspiring programmers on the preliminary stages to becoming a fully fledged geek.
4. Howcast
Howcast is filled with tutorials about gadgets and gizmos. It's all about keeping up with modern tech habits such as setting up a wireless network at home, building a home laser security system and creating 3D effects in Photoshop.
5. CNET TV
CNET TV is the most varied of all of the tech video sites listed here with simple basic tutorials on using MMS on the iPhone to more advanced tasks like getting subscription music rentals from Napster and other services onto your mobile phone.
6. Tekzilla
The tyrannosaurus of tech video sites, Tekzilla has a new daily video tip every weekday (about two minutes long).
This site isn't full of 'how to charge your iPod' sort of tips. Instead it's got auto-refresh Firefox, create custom fonts in Windows and a load of handy hidden features in Windows, OS X and web browsers.
Every tip is genuinely useful and with 454 daily episodes released, there is plenty to catch up if you have never previously visited Tekzilla.
7. Instructables
Instructables focuses largely on the weird and DIY aspect of tech such as removing speakers and Bluetooth chips from a MacBook and how to load a DS game. The majority of the content is user-made so there are pretty unusual topics to find.
8. Adobe TV
If you have Adobe software on your computer at work or home, and ever wondered how to get the most from the apps, Adobe TV is one of the best places to learn. Discover how to create fantastic photographic effects with Photoshop and create clever animations and games with Flash.
The video tutorials consist of tips, tricks and new features by the creators and professionals at Adobe, showing off the software at its best helping you to produce something you never thought you could.
9. Ideal Programmer
With over 800 hours of programming videos, Ideal Programmer is a budding programmer's dream.
The impressive collection includes tutorials from Stanford (such as the introduction to C++) and various other sources. Be warned, though, that while most of the videos are free, some require a payment.
10. Hak5
Hak 5 is a unique tech show, and is definitely not for the amateur. From building a free VPN (Virtual Private Network) on Linux or Windows, to extracting Windows executables from packet captures, these videos are for the hardcore geeks and the software DIY fanatics who only care about getting past their university's firewall and creating Google Maps GPS mashups during their spare time.
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In Depth: 9 ways the Toshiba Regza Cell will change TV
Toshiba's Regza Cell TV has been a long time coming. Rumours of the television stretch as far back as CES 2008, with a prototype of the system shown off at the event.
Since then there has been another CES showing, and countless stories of what the Cell TV might bring to the audiovisual table.
Finally, an official announcement for the Cell TV has come, with this year's CEATEC in Japan playing host to the information.
Now called the Regza Cell 55X1, the TV is bursting with so many innovations it's destined to set the bar for televisions for years to come when released in Japan this December.
So, what's the big deal? Why has the telly got so many people talking? Let TechRadar be your guide:
It unleashes the power of the PS3 Cell processor
The PS3 is well known for being a console ahead of its time. This is all because of the 64-bit processor at the heart of the thing.
Toshiba Cell TV uses the same chip to process myriad video streams, thumbnail video clips and all the other AV niceties that the Cell TV will be able to do.
The chip isn't actually inside the TV, though; but in an accompanying set-top box.
Can record eight channels at once
Your Sky HD box is impressive in that it can record two HD streams at once. But the Cell TV towers over this achievement, with the revelation that it can record up to eight video channels at once.
Eight is the magic number for the Japanese market as it is the number of terrestrial channels available in the country. As the Cell TV has the ability to 'time-shift' all eight of these channels, it also means that Japan now can have its whole terrestrial line-up on-demand. This equates to 26 hours of programs.
Shows eight channels on the same screen
Not only can you record eight channels but you can view them too – on the same screen at the same time.
Why would you want to do this? Well, this means you can have the ultimate visual EPG, where you can view what's on eight channels and then probably decide there is nothing on, so you stick a Blu-ray on instead.
Offers visual access to recorded programmes
If a picture can say a thousand words, then Toshiba's multi-thumbnail display is a full-blown novel.
Once footage has been recorded to your Cell TV's hard drive it can be accessed through a whole lot of visual thumbnails. Up to 40 thumbnails can be shown for each thing you record, giving you an awesome visual bookmark to the stuff recorded.
Uses the might of a 3TB hard drive
The Cell TV doesn't just consist of a television panel but a magical black box too. This plays host to the Cell processor and a mighty 3TB hard drive too.
A good whack of this is used for time-shifting up to eight TV channels (2TB) but this leaves 1TB to play around with.
Brings visual search to the EPG
Electronic Programme Guides are pretty stuffy at the moment, with words making way for images and search pretty much non-existent.
The Cell TV changes this, incorporating a unique visual search tool within the telly. Essentially, if you like a film with, say, Angelina Jolie in, then you can search for other films with her face in it. The way it works is you choose a thumbnail of a film or show you like, then other programs are shown circling the thumbnail, either nearer or further, depending on relevancy.
Revolutionises web-browsing on a TV
The Cell TV isn't just about viewing footage from terrestrial TV or a satellite but getting video from the web too.
Using an Opera-based web browser, the TV supports 1080p web viewing, as well as the ability to upscale things like YouTube to near Full HD levels.
Couple this with DLNA and what you have is something pretty special.
Takes LED backlighting to another level
It's all about brightness with the new Cell TV. Toshiba has incorporated some nifty LED tech which breaks the screen down into 96 distinct areas. The Cell processor then does its work and divides this into 512 areas.
In geek speak this means that there is closer management of image contrast and the LED technology brings out image detail to the full.
It also makes for better backlight control, and sharpens edge detail and the textural effect of adjacent areas of brightness and darkness. So there.
Has the potential for 4K resolution
While we in Blighty are getting to grips with Full HD, Toshiba's Regza Cell TV has the possibility of a native resolution which is four times greater that 1080x1920p. This is called 4K, which equates to 3840x2160.
While we won't see this type of resolution in the first Cell TV line-up, Toshiba has announced that a 4K version is in the offing, as well as a 2K version.
4K resolution is what many filmmakers are recording to at the moment, as it is said to be the digital equivalent of 35mm film quality. One camera filming to this spec is the much-loved RED camera.
The Toshiba Regza Cell TV has a release date of December, and is only available in Japan. It has an estimated street price of 1 million yen - around آ£6,900. There's no word as of yet of a UK release.
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Review: Microsoft Security Essentials
If you thought that anti-virus software was something that got in the way of doing what you wanted to do, then it's time to think again.
Microsoft's long promised free anti-virus tool has finally arrived, and there's no longer any excuse for not protecting your PC. Microsoft Security Essentials is free, unobtrusive, and it works.
When Microsoft closed down its OneCare service, and announced that it was going to be releasing a free security tool, it was easy to make jokes. OneCare hadn't been a success, and its anti-virus component wasn't as effective as many of the free alternatives.
But Microsoft rarely gives up, and it hired several well-respected antivirus researchers to give its security practice a much needed boost – initially for its enterprise ForeFront solution, and then to work on a consumer version, codenamed Morro.
If you've ever driven from Los Angeles to San Francisco up the coast, you'll probably have passed through the little fishing town of Morro Bay.
You certainly won't have missed the Morro, a towering granite pillar at the edge of the harbour. It's an apt codename for a security product, one of the biggest and most solid rocks around.
The Morro has been watching Morro Bay for millions of years – and Microsoft wants MSE to do the same for your PCs.
The install is quick and easy, with three versions available for download. One is for 32-bit XP systems, the others are separate 32- and 64-bit releases for Vista and Windows 7. Clocking at just over 4MB, it takes less than a minute to download over a broadband connection.
Once installed it will automatically update to new versions as they come out, and then regularly download updated signature files as they become available from Microsoft Update.
When you're up and running, Security Essentials will download the most recent set of signatures and scan your PC for the first time.
SCHEDULE: It's a good idea to change the scan schedule as soon as possible – 2 am on Sunday really doesn't work. We'd recommend a daily quick scan at a time your PC is likely to be on.
MSE's scanner is quite nippy – and it scanned our heavily loaded test PC in under 10 minutes. We're still not sure about the default scan settings, though.
Back when we looked at the beta we said that the default system scan time of 2am on a Sunday morning wasn't suitable for most home PCs, which were likely to be off at that time.
TIPS: Security Essentials works so unobtrusively that it's a good idea to keep an eye on its history, just to see what's been blocked, what's been quarantined, and what you've let into your PC
Yes, MSE does offer real time scanning of files as you open them, and when you download them from the web, but that doesn't stop a zero day exploit getting past MSE.
That's the value of regular system scans, as they catch malware that's infected a PC in the brief window of opportunity before a new signature file arrives.
We'd recommend changing the default scan time to something that's more suitable as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to see if MSE's default actions are what you want.
SCAN: While MSE will update its malware definitions automatically, there's always the option to download the latest files, especially if you're aiming to scan a machine that you don't regularly use
We were happy with the defaults, though the dialog box with "Recommended action" for each of four alert levels isn't as clear as it might be.
You'll need to go online to see that severe and high level alerts mean that malware is automatically deleted, while medium and low level alerts just report on the file that's been detected, leaving you to decide if it can be allowed on your PC.
The real-time scanner is effective. We started a download of a zipped version of the Eicars test virus, and MSE was offering to clean it off our test PC before it had even finished downloading.
HOME: The main MSE screen is easy on the eye, and designed to show you quickly whether you're protected or not.
The warning dialog box is clear and descriptive, with links to additional online information. There's enough information to help even the most naive user decide what to do.
Each copy of MSE isn't on its own, either. They're all part of Microsoft's SpyNet service.
If a new piece of malware appears on the net, and if it's detected by MSE, then it'll report back to Microsoft, and the information used to help build a signature file that can be delivered to every MSE (and every ForeFront) install.
ALERT: You're able to change the default actions for different alert levels. We're pretty happy with the default actions, but click any drop down and you can tune MSE to behave just the way you want
Security Essentials turns every PC that runs it into part of a massive honeypot, making MSE not just an anti-malware tool, but also an early-warning system for all Internet-connected Windows PCs.
We ran MSE on several machines throughout the beta, and hardly noticed it. Once or twice when a PC was turned on after being off for a few days it recommended a manual scan, but that was the total extent of our interactions with the tool.
In fact, if you're using Windows 7, you're unlikely to realise that it's there at all, as the status icon is kept with the rest of the hidden task bar icons.
THREAT: Open up an alert box, and you'll get a good view of just what MSE suggests you should do – and why
DANGER! If you inadvertently download malware, MSE will warn you that you're doing something potentially unsafe, and blocks you from completing the action
This really is essential software for your PC, and for anyone who's PC you're supporting. Thanks to MSE there's really no need to think about installing anti-virus software on a Windows PC – it's now just a matter of deciding whether to use MSE or another anti-malware package.
Microsoft really has stepped up to the mark here, providing Windows PCs with the essential security tools they need.
Download from: http://www.microsoft.com/Security_essentials/
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24: A day in Android apps
After taking you through a day with the Apps Store's finest, we thought it was only fair that we rummaged through the best that the Android Marketplace has to offer in helping us lead a more productive day.
So with Android smartphone in one hand and a day that reads like the itinerary of a stroppy celebritys' agent,launch the gallery to live through a day through Android app
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Tories appoint James Dyson as UK's Tech Tsar
The Conservative Party has given vacuum cleaner (and former wheelbarrow) magnate Sir James Dyson the job of becoming the UK's 'tech tsar' and to head up a task force to boost Britain's high-tech exports.
Dyson, best known for his vacuum cleaners, awesome high-powered hand dryers and wheelbarrows with balls on, will hopefully help David Cameron's party to improve the perception of the UK's technology industries on the world stage.
Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke slammed the Labour government, claiming that they: "have failed to encourage private sector investment in new technologies" adding that the Tories "will look at ways to unlock the talent in our universities and allow a new generation of hi-tech exporters to flourish."
Cash for UK start-ups
While 39 per cent of all private equity investments in the States goes to start-ups, the same figure for the UK is a measly 4 per cent.
Dyson argues that the UK needs "to awaken our creativity and competitive spirit… if we nuture the next generation of scientists and engineers then Britain could become Europe's hi-tech capital."
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European Commission orders volume down on MP3 players
The EU is turning down the volume on all iPods, MP3 and portable media players on health grounds. The European Commission has ordered manufacturers to add a default maximum volume setting of 80dB to their devices within two years.
The current maximum volume level of music players typically hovers between 100-120dB. Citing health concerns, the Commission warns that as many as 10 per cent of portable music users risk deafness by listening to their music at 120dB for more than an hour a day. A study by EU boffins concludes that music can be safely listened to at 80dB for 40 hours a week. The 80dB volume level is comparable with that generated roadside by traffic.
Consumer rights Commissioner Meglana Kuneva says: "It's easy to push up the volume on your MP3 player to damagingly loud levels, especially on busy streets or public transport."
The EU's standard default setting will not prohibit users from increasing the volume, but warnings will make it clear that higher-volumes are potentially unsafe. "The mandate is not prescriptive in terms of how this is done. Industry solutions could include, for example, labels or digital information on the screen."
According to figures released by the US National Institute on Deafness and other Communications Disorders, the 110dB generated by today's MP3 players is the equivalent of going to a rock concert, while 120db is akin to a jet taking off.
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Review: Sidmusic SIDPLAY
For anyone who used to own a C64 and wants a shot of nostalgia, SIDPLAY should do the job.
The app provides a vaguely iTunes-like interface for playing tracks from the HVSID collection, which encompasses tunes from C64 games and demos.
Tracks can be exported to various formats, and palettes provide access to information about the music and controls for fine-tuning playback.
However, the interface isn't nearly as refined as that of iTunes, and it can be fiddly to navigate through tracks and sub-tunes.
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Acer renames flagship F1 phone ahead of UK launch
Acer has clearly had a good sit-down planning meeting with some creative types and decided that its forthcoming range of phones (the L1, C1, E1 and F1) just aren't exciting enough, so it has embarked on a renaming spree.
The new names are all a little odd, but the best of the bunch has to be the Acer F1, the 3.8-inch touchscreen flagship phone, which will now be dubbed the Acer neoTouch, according to online retailer Clove.
And the rest are part of another exclusive group -- the C1 will be called the beTouch E100, the E1 the beTouch E101 and the L1 the beTouch E200.
No idea
Don't ask us what the names mean -- we have no idea and as they're only currently being reported by Clove, we're waiting to hear if they will be the official monikers.
A number of eyebrows were raised at Acer when we spoke to them about a flagship phone being named the F1, especially as the company has close ties with Ferrari and has released a number of branded products with the car maker.
But no matter what it's called, we're looking forward to a closer look at the F1 / neoTouch with its 3.8-inch touchscreen, Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system and 1GHz processor on board.
Acer has already confirmed to us that the phone is coming in the next few days, so we'll hopefully bring you a good review of the phone in the near future.
Via Clove
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Molyneux looks to Natal for Fable III
Peter Molyneux wowed the crowds at E3 2009 this year with his Project Natal demo – featuring a slightly creepy little virtual boy called Milo.
Molyneux's Lionhead Studios is, of course, Microsoft-owned, so it stands to reason that one of the world's greatest and most innovative games designers is going to be doing some pretty cool stuff with Microsoft's forthcoming motion controller.
Fable III, for example! However, Molyneux was a little circumspect when asked the question direction on Game Kings, telling them:
"I am going to say it's going to use a controller. But I've never said it's not going to use Natal."
A 'controller experience'
The Fable dev added: "I have not said that we're not going to have Natal in Fable III. All I have really said is it is a controller experience. That doesn't mean there isn't going to be Natal. Do you really think … knowing me … I wouldn't want to use something like Natal? I mean that's just mad, man."
TechRadar will bring you all the latest news, rumours and more on Microsoft's Project Natal as and when we get it.
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10 Reasons to buy the PSP Go
The worst kept secret at this year's E3 gaming expo, the smaller, slimmer PSP Go has finally hit the shelves in the UK.
With PSP owners wondering whether they should be heading for the shops to trade in their current powerhouse portable gaming device for Sony's latest pint-sized PSP offering, we felt it was only right that we helped make that decision a little easier.
Launch the gallery for our 10 reasons why you should buy a PSP Go
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In Depth: CES 2010: New Year gear to get you excited
As 2009 hurtles to a close, what new technology should we be looking forward to next year?
CES 2010 will set the mood for the year ahead, which we hope will be one of 3D TVs, Tablet PCs and ebook readers, OLED displays, Wireless HD and devices packing the new USB 3.0 connection.
Microsoft traditionally kicks off CES with a pre-show keynote. CES 2010 will be no different. Steve Ballmer will undoubtedly be singing (not literally) the praises of the newly-launched Windows 7 and casting his eye over the wider Windows ecosystem.
Look out for Zune HD and Windows Mobile news, fresh mobile form factors such as the Courier Tablet and an Xbox 360 segment dominated by eye-catching Project Natal demos.
It seems there's no truth to the rumour that Steve Jobs will be giving a keynote at CES – Engadget shot that fib down. Instead, the opening day keynote will be delivered by Ford Chairman and CEO Alan Mulally. Expect him to focus on electric cars and in-car tech, including in-dash sat nav and Ford's own 'Sync' voice-recognition technology.
TABLETS: With an Apple Tablet in the works, slate devices and ebook readers (like the IREX-DR800 above) are all the rage
Intel's Paul Otellini has been lined up to follow Mulally on Day 1. Having already unveiled a 22nm silicon wafer, Larrabee and new Sandybridge processors at IDF, CES 2010 is an opportunity for Intel to show off its current products in real devices.
There might well be talk of Light Peak and Moblin. But expect Intel's sprawling CES stand to be humming with i5- and i7-powered gear, including laptops packing Core i7 Mobile processors and perhaps even an i3 system or two based on the Arrandale chip.
Netbooks will continue to threaten traditional laptops in 2010. Netbooks are getting thinner, the battery life is getting longer and SSD storage is getting cheaper. Samsung is promising OLED notebooks for 2010, while MSI is reportedly upgrading its Wind netbook with a touchscreen.
The performance difference between netbooks and laptops is fast disappearing, too, thanks to Intel's efficient Atom chip and Nvidia's ION GPU. On the software side, we shouldn't be surprised to see netbooks running Windows 7 and an outing for Google's Chrome OS.
3D TV and OLED TV
In consumer electronics, 3D TV will continue to be the hot trend. Regardless of whether the full HD 3D spec is finalised in December, the likes of LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, JVC and Sony will be keen to showcase their newest 3D sets.
Panasonic has a 50-inch 3D TV on the way in 2010, not to mention 3D-capable Blu-ray players. The stereoscopic excitement will also spill over to gaming via the PS3 and PC.
Elsewhere, pricey OLED technology will continue to impress, but mostly in prototype form. That said, LG should start shouting about its skinny 15-inch OLED TV set, currently 'the world's largest, commercially available OLED TV'.
With OLED stuck in the slow lane, CES 2010 gives LED technology another chance to, er, shine. HDMI 1.4 should get an outing on new HD TVs, although Wireless HD and Toshiba's TransferJet technologies will again point the way to a living room without wires.
What else should we expect? Look out for wireless charging technology to start becoming more widespread; a fondness for ebook readers and Kindle-esque e-slates; gadgets equipped with USB 3.0; a heavier dose of eco-friendliness; more hopeful iPhone-killers (including squads of new Android phones); multi-terabyte hard drives; fuel cell mobile phone rechargers; the Crunchpad; and Sony's own motion controller for the PlayStation 3.
What do you think will hit the headlines at CES 2010? Leave your predictions below.
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Review: SoundMAGIC PL30 headphones
With cables that fit behind and over the ear, the SoundMAGIC's PL30s are pretty comfy, though their sound isolation isn't so complete.
Accessories include different sized tips, a case, a cable tidy and a clothes clip. Overall, the sound quality is fine, with clear detail.
There's a knob on each earbud to switch from 'clear bass' to 'deep bass', but the effect is negligible.
Bass isn't a strong point, so we wouldn't recommend it for rock, but its midrange is ideal for pop.
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Sigma DP1s 14MP camera unveiled
Sigma has announced a follow-up to its DP1 compact range – the DP1s.
More a tweak here and there rather than a full-on overhaul, the DP1s adds better backlit performance and a Quick Set function.
The DP1 launched back in March 2008 to universal acclaim. This very site gave it an impressive 4.5 stars, praising the camera for its "sharp" images and "awesome" dynamic range.
While it cost آ£600 at launch, you can now pick the compact camera up for around آ£300.
Improved performance
When it comes to the new backlit functionality, Sigma says: "The DP1s is enhanced by improved performance when shooting backlit subjects, aiding the cameras characteristics of superb resolution and richly graduated tones with a natural, three-dimensional feel.
As for the Quick Set functions, you can allocate certain functions to the zoom button on the camera for easy access.
The DP1s has the same chipset as the DP1, a 14MP Foveon X3 direct image sensor. Well, it's claimed to be 14MP but what it actually is a three-colour 4.6MP sensor.
And the camera will also boast the same fixed 28mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.
The Sigma DP1s has a release date of November, with pricing to be announced. Go to Sigma-imaging-uk.com for more details.
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Review: BrawerSoft uBar
We get the idea behind uBar – it's a vaguely Windows-like task bar that might appeal to people who dislike the OS X Dock.
However, uBar is ugly and buggy. Bizarrely, clicking its clock launches the Date & Time System Preferences, and it doesn't enable you to access Dock menu items.
For an encore, uBar crashed twice during testing, and also wandered away from the foot of the screen. If it was free, we'd go easier on it, but it's $15.
If you really want something other than the Dock, go for DragThing.
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Intel looks set to upgrade to Windows 7
Intel has announced that participants of its internal test of whether Windows 7 should be rolled out to the PCs within the company have voted overwhelmingly in its favour.
One of the most crippling blows to the reputation of Windows Vista was the news that Intel would not be upgrading its own corporate PCs from Windows XP.
However, of 300 participants in its "The Value of PC Refresh with Microsoft Windows 7" study, 291 thought it would be an improvement to upgrade.
Intel is now looking to prepare a build of the forthcoming OS during 2009 and will begin to roll out Windows 7 in 2010.
Testing apps
"During 2009, we plan to continue preparing for deployment by creating a Microsoft Windows 7 build and by installing the OS on systems in test labs to enable business groups to test applications and perform any necessary remediation," said the report.
"In the first quarter of 2010, we plan to begin deployment of Microsoft Windows 7 on new PCs with Intel vPro technology as part of our established refresh cycle.
"We intend to roll out the new PCs to segments of our user community based on factors including their job role and application requirements."
It's not a shock, by any means, but after the snub to Vista from one of Microsoft's old allies, many in Redmond will be breathing a sigh of relief that Intel will be adopting Windows 7.
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Sony Ericsson Satio now available for pre-order
Sony Ericsson's 12MP Satio handset will be launching on Vodafone later this month, and is now available for pre-order.
The flagship model - which combines the best of SE's Walkman and Cyber-Shot brands - marks a new era for the company, with a completely re-designed Symbian OS powering the Satio.
The new phone will be available for free if you're willing to tie yourself into a two year deal on آ£35 per month, or آ£40 per month if you prefer to only jump in for 18 months.
Top whack
The Satio is available from online resellers SIM-free too for around آ£500, so you'll have to really want a high-end Sony Ericsson phone with top specs to pay those prices.
But we're keeping a close eye on the Satio, as we were pretty impressed after our hands on a few months back.
We'll be bringing you a full and in-depth review next week, so keep your eyes peeled to see if it can live up to the hype and price tag.
From Vodafone
Search for the latest Sony Ericsson deals at Omio
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Review: Disgo Video Fun
Disgo's Video Fun is a cheap pocket digital video camera… and it shows.
We tested it against two mobile phones (Nokia N73 and iPhone) and all three did a fair job recording outdoors in the sun, but struggled indoors under false light.
The Video Fun failed to outperform the phones, and, in some areas, was much worse.
There's some nice bundled accessories, and if all you want to do is make movies in your garden and put them on YouTube, it's fine.
But that's all.
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UK gets 10x more accurate GPS
A new satellite system has been launched in Europe which hopes to bring a more accurate signal to the humble sat nav.
Called EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service), the system is now in Open Service, which essentially means it is ready for EGNOS-compatible receivers up and down the land.
Lucky for us, most sat-navs around at the moment are EGNOS-compatible. This means that the signals everywhere are going to be given a much-needed boost.
The EGNOS has landed
The service is said to be 10 times more efficient than what was used before – making accuracy to around two metres, compared with about 20 metres for GPS.
EGNOS is free to use, and is billing itself as the first pan-European navigation satellite system.
Instead of relaying signals from the US, EGNOS makes use of three satellites over the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Europe. These are linked to a network of approximately 40 ground stations and four control centres.
The system is a joint project set-up by the European Commission (EC) and Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation.
This is all great news for regular sat nav users but bad news for those who blame their GPS for getting them lost.
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Toshiba Regza Cell TV: details announced
At the end of September, TechRadar revealed that Toshiba's plans for its uber-powerful Cell TV were on track, but now the company has released official details about the television just before its official announcement at CEATEC in Japan.
According to Toshiba, the telly will be a 55-inch 240Hz model which sports a jaw-dropping 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and will be LED backlit.
When it comes to sound, a seven-speaker soundbar nestles itself at the bottom of the TV.
3TB HDD storage
Just to prove that all mod-cons are catered for, Toshiba is giving the Regza Cell TV an Opera-based browser for all your internet needs and DLNA connectivity.
To push the Cell TV far above what its peers can do in terms of performance, the Cell TV will be capable of recording eight simultaneous video feeds.
To house all of this content, a 3TB hard-drive is included, 2TB of which is dedicated to time-shift recording. This equates to 26 hours of video viewing.
The TV is powered by the PS3 Cell processer – hence the name. The TV will also come with its own set-top box.
Different versions
Toshiba also revealed it has a number of Cell TV concepts in the works, including a 3D version and a 4K2K which upconverts 1080p to 3840 x 2160 resolution.
Finally, there's also a 46-inch version in the works, which will house the Cell TV television tuner and hard-disk drive. A 37-inch version is also mooted. This will apparently act as a home media server.
The first iteration of the Cell TV, dubbed the Cell Regza 55X1 will be out in December in Japan for the expected price of 1 million yen. This equates to around آ£6,900. Better start saving now.
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Digg app coming to the iPhone
Digg is to finally get its own iPhone app, after website co-founder Kevin Rose unwittingly let details slip.
Rose was a speaker at last week's FOWA (Future of Web Apps) conference in London, and while he said nothing about the application in his guest speech, he did mention the app to two bloggers in an interview afterwards.
Nobody knows about that
An eagle-eyed Arnt Eriksen and Thomas Moen spotted Rose playing with the application on his iPhone before the podcast interview started and quizzed him about it when the video was running.
His response: "I cannot show that off yet. You're not even supposed to know about that… nobody knows about that." He then sheepishly allowed them to keep the segment in their podcast.
Currently, Digg has its own mobile version of the site, but it has yet to get an official iPhone app.
Category level
Also in the interview, Rose mentioned that Digg is to change the way it aggregates articles on the web, saying that multiple homepages could be in the running.
He explained to Eriksen and Moen: "We've always had this universal homepage which we are promoting stories to, but now we are going to start promoting it at a category level to get more longer tail content. It's completely redesigned for us."
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Full Flash on your phone by next year
On the eve of its MAX developer conference Adobe has announced that when the next version of the Flash Player, 10.1, comes out in the first half of next year it will run on smartphones as well as PC and Mac.
This is the first time we'll get the same version of Flash on mobile and PC systems rather than the cut-down Flash Lite, and it's the first time you'll be able to download Flash onto your phone yourself rather than having to hope the OS or handset has it bundled. And having Flash on phones is the first step towards having AIR apps running natively on phones.
Flash Player 10.1 won't run on every smartphone OS. According to, Tom Barclay, Flash senior product marketing manager, the list is "Symbian Series 60, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm webOS and hopefully others we will be able to talk about in the near future".
A developer beta for Windows Mobile 6.5 and Palm webOS (and for Mac and PC) will be available before the end of the year and the public betas for Android and Symbian are expected early in 2010.
FULL FLASH ON PHONES: Today 40% of new phones have the basic Flash Lite; next year smartphones will have full Flash
The final version of 10.1 will ship in the first half of 2010 and Barclay says that "there will be devices in the market that support it next year".
If the Flash player doesn't come on a new device or as part of a system software update, it will be available through app stores; or if you try to load Flash content, he says you might get an automatic download.
"Our goal is to make it very easy to install and keep it updated to avoid fragmentation of the runtime," says Barclay.
Flash on Android and Chrome
As well as working with Adobe on the Android Flash player, Google is also signing up to the Open Screen project that Adobe announced earlier this year.
While Google hasn't made any public announcements about Flash and Chrome, group Flash product marketing manager Adrian Ludwig says that "their participation is a strong indication that they're planning on delivering a Flash player and AIR to their operating system".
POWER UP: Flash is video and graphics and scripts; AIR turns that into fully fledged apps
That might seem odd in light of the way that Chrome product manager Ian Fette hinted (during Google's own developer conference this year) that he was hoping to see more video on the web move away from Flash into codecs supported by its proposed HTML 5 video tag: "We have to support something like 50 image formats in the browser - it's just complicated; for video, we want to make it simpler."
But with 75% of videos on the web currently in Flash format, Ludwig says Google is being pragmatic about supporting Flash: "They consider a Flash player one of the technologies that's very important for them to be successful in building web technologies."
Optimised for phones
The obvious issue with Flash on mobiles is whether the processor is powerful enough to show content. Tom Barclay says "a lot of existing content will just work on those devices" and the new player takes advantage of hardware graphics acceleration and video decoding.
With other improvements in the code, he promises that improves software rendering performance by "over 87%" and reduces memory consumption by "over 55%".
Adobe has done specific optimisation for devices based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips (which means high-end phones like the Toshiba TG01 as well as the promised SmartBook devices), as well as for Nvidia's Tegra and Ion chips.
Buy one of the new netbooks like the HP Mini 311, Lenovo Ideapad S12 or Samsung N510 and you'll be able to try a public beta of Flash 10.1 that will show full-frame H264 video by the end of this year.
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