Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 Ti boasts 'fastest gaming GPU in the world'
Hot on the heels of new top-end cards from AMD comes this, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 Ti – a new gaming flagship card that's a bulked up version of the GTX 780. It's also a cheaper version of the GBP £840/USD $999/AUD $1,200 GTX Titan, the compute king.
Thankfully the GTX 780 Ti will be somewhat cheaper, priced at £550 in the UK and $699 in the US (around AUD $736).
But of course, it's still out of the reach of most users. The price represents a considerable outlay on top of the GTX 780.It's also more expensive than our favourite new AMD card, the AMD Radeon R9-290 as well as its more expensive and barely-better brother, the AMD Radeon R9 290X.
All three of those Nvidia cards use different variants of the same GPU - the 28nm GK110 based on Nvidia's Kepler architecture.
Nvidia claims a performance bump of around 12% over the GTX 780 for the GTX 780Ti. That's not surprising when you consider it features around 25% more GPU cores over the GTX 780 (2,880 vs 2,304). There's also 4GB of GDDR5 on-board memory, but the same not-inconsiderable 250W power draw.
Naturally the card also features Nvidia's G-SYNC tech, which essentially synchronises the monitor's refresh rate to the GPU's render rate meaning that images appear the instant they are rendered. Nvidia reckons that this leads to smoother gameplay and sharper objects.
Variants of the GeForce GTX 780 Ti are available today from suppliers including Asus, EVGA, Gainward, KFA2, Gigabyte, Inno3D, MSI, Palit, PNY, Point Of View and Zotac. For a limited time some cards will include a free copy of Batman: Arkham Origins, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist.
Nvidia tells us the card will also be sold in built systems from vendors including Scan, Overclockers and PC Specialist.
We'll bring you a full review in due course on TechRadar.
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Samsung vows to improve its sub-par software
Samsung's gone for the refreshing approach of telling the truth when it comes to its software prowess - or lack of - with the company's CEO admitting it needs work.
Speaking to analysts this week, Kwon Oh-hyun said that the company has been hiring more software experts and founding new overseas research and development centres to improve localised services.
In fact, half of Samsung's R&D crew is now focusing on software, and Kwon expects that ratio to shift even further in software's favour in the near future.
Relying on a baseball analogy paraphrased by the WSJ, he explained that no team is likely to be equally good at batting and fielding - the implication being that no company should expect to be "equally strong" in hardware and software.
"Even though we're doing the software business," he said, "we're not as good as we are in hardware."
Truth hurts
A rare bit of truth-telling? Perhaps, or perhaps this is a brave new Samsung - Kwon added, "We are quite open. We are quite different. We have changed."
Sure, Samsung. Sure. Later in the day, JK Shin, Samsung's head of mobile, added that it is working towards a "fully integrated" software experience across all Samsung devices which could mean big changes afoot for its smart TVs and laptops to bring them in line with the Galaxy Note, Tab and S ranges and perhaps a lessening of Samsung's reliance on Android.
The overall plan, Shin says, is to become the world's "most beloved" mobile company, with the game plan being to overtake iPad sales in the tablet world.
- Want to help Samsung out? Try the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
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Half of Samsung's R&D workforce works exclusively on software
Samsung wants to move way from its hardware roots and embrace software as soon as possible. So said the vice chairman of its electronics division and CEO, Kwon Oh-hyun, during the company's analyst day in Seoul.
The 61-year old, whose background is in the chip business, revealed that half of Samsung's employees working in the R&D division are currently working on software solutions and that number is likely to rise significantly.
A "ball" analogy
Kwon compared Samsung's current status to Boston Red Sox's recent World Series championship in baseball. The team, he said, led major leagues in batting but not in pitching performance and somehow managed to win the world championship.
His conclusion being that nobody can be strong in both before adding "even though we're doing the software business, we're not as good as we are in hardware".
Samsung has more than 40 R&D labs and so-called global research facilities scattered across the world including one in Staines just outside London which focuses on telecoms and audio visual.
The company's research and development head count stood at 50,000 employees as of 2011, nearly one in seven of its employees back then, that last number rose to 425,000 by the end of the chaebol's 2012 financial year.
Tizen's the future?
Samsung is quietly betting on Tizen, a multi-purpose operating system, that replaced MeeGo and its own Bada OS, to fulfil part of its software ambitions.
The company still relies on Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows operating systems to power most of its electronic products but some recent changes in the market, most notably Google's acquisition of Motorola and Nokia's purchase by Microsoft, may have finally convinced Samsung that being in control of one's software is the way forward.
- In the meantime, check Samsung's first attempt at producing a Tizen-based smartphone
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Exclusive: Ryse designer: Xbox One Kinect's problem isn't the tech, it's you
Ryse: Son of Rome has changed a lot since that initial trailer at E3 2011, where it started life as a first-person Kinect title.
The game will finally see the light of day on November 22 alongside the Xbox One, now played from a third person perspective without any reliance on Kinect at all.
Ryse's design director Patrick Estevez still has a lot of hope for the future of Kinect, but told TechRadar that it currently has a "design conundrum" when it comes to integrating it into games that don't rely on it completely.
"I always refer to the design conundrum of Kinect where basically it's not a hardware issue - and whatever the hardware limitations are, there are workarounds and a lot of ways to do things," said Estevez.
"But you put 25 people into a room and you tell them to row a boat, everyone rows the boat in a different way.
"The problem is humans. And so what you end up doing is trying to teach people how to row a boat rather than play the game."
Time for a rethink?
Estevez certainly isn't against Kinect as an idea. In fact, he told us that he'd "definitely be into doing a full-on Kinect title". But right now he realises that it's difficult to get the best of both worlds - full gesture control and fluid, immersive gameplay from the off.
"The dancing games work really well because it's dancing, everyone understands music and dancing.
"But you try to make a boxing game and you try to say 'Ok, this is a right hook' and one guy goes like this and one guy goes like that.
"If a right hook and a jab are ever going to have any gameplay difference then you need to teach them that this is a jab and this is a right hook."
Despite the fact that the new Kinect is miles better than its current version, we doubt Estevez is the only one who feels this way. So what's the solution?
"I truly believe that there has to be a rethinking of how to interface with people when making games, and it's completely a design conundrum," he said.
Ryse to the challenge
Ryse couldn't quite nail it all, so Crytek made compromises to deliver the game it really wanted to create.
"There were things that were stronger than Kinect that we wanted to do. I guess that's the best way to put it. We knew we wanted to make an up close brutal game, we wanted to have up close cinematic cameras, we wanted to push facial performance and have a really good story," said Estevez.
"So at some point we just said 'Ok we need to get along with making the game we want to make - this story-driven Roman game.' and it makes more sense to do something that challenges us at Crytek so we did a third person action adventure."
- Check out our hands on review with Xbox One Kinect
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Huawei to throw hundreds of millions at 5G research over five years
Huawei's incumbent CEO, Eric Xu, has announced that the Chinese networking giant will be committing a whopping $600 million (£370m) to resources dedicated to research and development in next generation wireless network technology, commonly known under the umbrella term "5G".
The company, who is better known for its mobile devices but also provides enterprises worldwide with networking technology, said that the investment would be carried out over five years.
5G technology, Huawei said, would allow speeds of up to 100x faster than the 4G networks that are in operation in the UK and may be rolled out commercially by the end of the decade, something which is turning into a leitmotiv for the company.
At 10Gbps (on the 5GHz band), it would be as fast as the backplanes of most servers used in data centres. Beyond speed, Xu also reckons that the technology will allow even more devices to be connected, many of which being part of the Internet-of-things ecosystem.
Speed bump
EE teamed up with Huawei earlier this week to launch the first LTE advanced network in the UK with a theoretical speed on up to 300Mbps, a tenfold improvement on EE's 4G speeds at launch. Shame that no mobile devices can actually take full advantage of that speed bump unless they connect to a compatible hotspot via 802.11ac.
Other than Huawei, Samsung and NTT Docomo have also jumped on the 5G bandwagon and late last year, the Chinese company joined forces with Telefonica and Fujitsu to partner on a new £35m 5G research centre in collaboration with the university of Surrey.
Earlier this year, European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes went even further saying that she wants 5G to be pioneered by the European industry. The EU has spent well over £600m over the past six years on 4G and next generation wireless technologies.
- Be in the know. Here's everything you need to know on 4G and LTE
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Updated: Google Glass: release date, news and features
With so much new information surrounding Google Glass, we have completely updated this 'what you need to know' feature. Enjoy!
Many of us spend a significant portion of our day glued to our smartphones, or to other connected devices. Reading social media or checking out the weather or otherwise dipping into the wealth of data at our disposal will typically consume all of our attention, making it hard to do anything else.
Google Glass might offer a solution to this problem, giving us a way of using the outboard brain of the internet while still being able to do other things. Glass was created, according to Google, to "be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't."
The first Glass units have been with early adopters (who had to sign up to a lottery for the privilege) since April and Google is using this semi-public testing period to fine tune the device for general consumption, as well as get the world used to the idea of wearables.
Google Glass features
Essentially, Google Glass is a wearable Android-powered computer built into spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, take pictures, search and translate on the go as well as run specially-designed apps.
Google Glass uses a miniature display to put data in front (or at least, to the upper right) of your vision courtesy of a prism screen. This is designed to be easily seen without obstructing your view.
Glass responds to voice commands as well as taps and gestures on the touch-sensitive bar that runs along the side of the frame. You can start a search with "Ok Glass.." and take a photo or launch an app with a command phrase or a tap of your finger. Glass can also be paired with a phone using the My Glass app to allow quick fiddling with settings and customisation.
Google Glass runs a version of Android, so developers can easily create apps that take advantage of its unique display and input methods. Developers using Google's Mirror API, which makes it possible for apps to speak directly with a Glass headset, are forbidden from charging for their software or embedding ads in the Glass display. Google has indicated that this policy may change however.
The early Google Glass apps provide a neat glimpse into the potential of the headset.
You'll be able to use Google Maps to get directions although as there is no built in GPS receiver you'll need to tether Glass to your smartphone. Several third party developers have announced apps for services including Evernote, Skitch and Path.
The New York Times has also demoed an app that will pop up news headlines on request and JetBlue has suggested that it could create an app to show how much time was left before you had to board your flight. One developer even created an app (since removed by Google) to allow surreptitious taking of photos simply by blinking when you have something good in your sights.
Google has snapped up voice specialists DNNresearch whose voice recognition tech could give Glass the ability to translate words being spoken to you into your own language on the display. Obviously you'll need a WiFi connection or a hefty data plan if you're in another country, but it's certainly a neat trick if it works.
Google Glass design
Glass is designed to be lightweight and as unobtrusive as possible. The frame will come with adjustable pads for comfort, and is expected to be both light and extremely robust. It will also have a touchpad along one arm for silent interaction.
If you already wear glasses, don't worry. Google is trialing several different designs that will enable Glass to be attached to existing frames. There is also the possibility of designer prescription glasses with Glass functionality built in. This patent might give us a glimpse of a future, more natural looking version of Glass.
At the moment Google Glass comes in five colours: Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, Cotton and Sky. Using Glass's translation ability to turn that list from marketing speak to plain English, that's black, orange, grey, white and blue. Consumer versions of the product could offer a different palette.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1uyQZNg2vE
Google Glass specifications
Current versions of Glass offer a 640 x 360 display. According to Google the display is "the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away." There is a 5 megapixel camera built-in to the frame that can also capture video at 720p resolution.
The rechargeable battery last for roughly a day, although that's with the standard "typical use" caveat, which probably excludes a lot of video capture or playback.
There's 16GB of flash memory built into the device, although only 12GB is currently available for user storage. The device will sync to your Google Drive, giving you both a place to stash your photos and video clips as well as a stash of documents and files you can call up from the cloud.
Bluetooth and WiFi will be built in, but there is no GPS chip - so the Glass will probably work best alongside an Android phone for full Google Maps functionality. You can however pair with any Bluetooth enabled phone and we would expect some support for iOS at least.
Sound will be produced through bone conduction transfer - vibrating your skull to transmit to your eardrum. Google recently revealed a new version of the Glass headset that can take an optional mono earbud if you need to wear Glass in a noisy environment where bone conduction just can't give the volume you require.
Tech Radar was able to spend some time with the Google Glass Explorer edition and give our verdict on this early model.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpWmGX55a40
Google Glass Controversy
Obviously with any new technology there is the potential for misuse - and Google Glass is perhaps a little problematic when it comes to privacy. Of course, Google would say that it is merely taking the functionality that we already have in our portable devices and making it more readily accessible.
A lot will come down to personal preference. For many, the prospect of being filmed by someone from their glasses will make them uneasy and having conversations logged and transcribed will be divisive.
Google has released some information regarding how you know when people are filming through the device, which should quash some people's fears that the device will be used as a perving mechanism. Google also acted to remove an app that allowed photos to be taken silently via blinking, which could potentially have been abused. Facial recognition apps will also be banned from the Glass equivalent of Google Play following privacy concerns.
It's important to note that there may be restrictions on when you use Glass, both legal and social. Indeed, one early adopter has already been arrested for driving while 'distracted' by her Google Glass headset. On the other side of the legal coin, another member of the Google Glass Explorer program became the first Glass user to film an arrest using his headset. Some jurisdictions may frown on this kind of public oversight.
A strip club and a bar have already earned cheap publicity by pre-emptively banning Glass, and TechRadar columnist Gary Marshall has had his say on Glass' privacy implications. Gary also looked at just who fears Google Glass and why.
Google Glass Competition
Much as with the recent fad for Smart Watches, Google Glass is certain to spawn competitors. Apple and Microsoft are Google's most obvious rivals - and both are rumoured to be working on their own equivalents. Samsung could be getting in on the act too with what looks like a sportier take on the concept.
Sony has gone so far as to patent a Glass-alike offering with a 'double lens' projecting visuals to both eyes. Vuzix, Oakley, Baidu and Oculon are also said to be working on rival systems.
Another project that is attracting attention for mixing screens and glasses is the Oculus Rift, which is currently very much about gaming, but could feasibly - using a camera - show you live video of reality and enable some awesome real time overlays because it's a complete screen. The sheer size and weight of the Oculus Rift headset as it currently exists means it is unlikely to happen soon, however.
Google Glass price
Google Glass is not yet commercially available but some of those who signed up to the Google Glass Explorer program have been able to purchase a developer edition for $1,500 - around £985 or AU$1,449. Such is the buzz behind Google Glass that there is now a black market in Explorer program invites, with a 'Buy It Now' invite going for as much as $2,999.
The consumer versions are expected to be a little cheaper, although any actual prices remain speculative. They are unlikely to be super-cheap - but Google's success with the Nexus 7 tablet may prompt the company to subsidise some of the cost.
Google recently unveiled an accessories store, selling Google Glass add-ons and extras at premium prices. A spare pouch for Glass will set you back $50 and a clear eye shield is on sale for $75.
Google Glass release date
There was speculation that Glass may launch early, before the end of 2013 but no announcement has been forthcoming from Google. Google has however announced that another round of invites will be sent out to those who wish to buy a Google Glass Explorer edition, with existing users able to invite up to three friends. Which could mean that the original 2014 launch is more likely. In short, it will soon be easier to get a developer edition, but those wanting a proper consumer model will have to wait until well into 2014.
While waiting for the full release, we had some thoughts about where Google Glass may be headed by the end of the decade. If Google's wearable future comes to pass, just what will the world of tech look like by 2020?
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Samsung reveals a folding phone-to-tablet prototype
With flexible displays now making their debut in the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Round and theLG G Flex, Samsung is looking ahead to new kinds of foldable devices.
In fact, it's already got some prototypes doing the rounds, which it recent showed to investors.
Although the press wasn't invited to this demonstration, Phone Arena heard from Jae Lee, a Daiwa Securities analyst, that two prototypes were on show.
"The first one they showed us was the size of an S3 smartphone which can be folded in half from top to bottom. So like a compact powder used by women" Lee commented.
Shut up and take my money!
He went on to say that "there was also one in the size of a lengthy wallet which can be unfolded on both sides into the size of a tablet computer."
That's all we have to go on so far and it's likely to be a while yet before we see these displays out in the wild, as during its Analyst Day held yesterday, Samsung estimated that its foldable displays won't hit the market until late 2015 or early 2016.
Still, it's an exciting prospect. The idea of a phone sized device which can be folded out into a tablet sounds like more than just a gimmick. At the very least it could make tablets smaller and more portable than ever, but it could also remove the need to have both a phone and a tablet if it can effectively combine the two.
- Like the sound of a phone/tablet hybrid? Well Asus already makes one.
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Fighting talk: How the Nintendo Wii won the console war
The PS3 didn't win the console war, and the Xbox 360 definitely didn't either. No, it was the Nintendo Wii that defined this gaming generation.
Did it have the graphical might to stand shoulder to shoulder with the PS3 and Xbox 360? Hell no. Did it have the hardcore library of the GameCube? Nope. Did it have a stupid name? Yeah, we sniggered.
And guys, it couldn't even play DVDs.
But the Wii won this generation by doing something much, much bigger: it got the whole world playing videogames.
It brought families together in the living room to share a round of virtual bowling, it got grandparents and grandkids going head to head for some Wii Tennis. It was Nintendo's plan from the start and it worked marvelously.
Like so many great ideas before it, the Wii had a tough time getting people to take it seriously at first. "What a funny name" and "Is that a NES controller?" But then it actually happened, and Nintendo set the living room ablaze, shaking up an industry that really needed it.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 were souped-up versions of their predecessors - Nintendo dared to be different. Perhaps the Wii should have clutched onto its development codename of "The Revolution." In an industry that was becoming more averse to risk taking, it truly was.
Motion revolution
But perhaps the best evidence of the Wii's superiority was demonstrated in Microsoft and Sony's own clumsy responses with Kinect and Move respectively. Neither got it quite right at the time – they felt rushed and nowhere near as confident as Nintendo's own attempt to make motion-based gaming a thing.
What they did show was that the industry needed to react.
As for numbers, the others fall short on that too. The Wii has sold 100 million units to date. Sure, price has played a big part in that, but then that was all part of the big plan: maximum accessibility. And accessibility leads to numbers, which leads to developer support, and the Wii ended up enjoying a good balance of first party and third party titles.
Yes, it missed its fair share of big blockbusters along the way, but the sacrifice was worth it.
The best game ever made?
Which brings me to another of the many jewels in the Wii crown: Super Mario Galaxy. Not only was it my favourite game of this generation, it's hands down my number one game of all time. I don't say that lightly.
After hammering through a number of heavy "must play" titles on my Xbox 360 and PS3, Mario Galaxy was a league above.
It was refreshing, sheer unadulterated fun for the sake of it, something that so many games have forgotten to be. It was the whole reason I fell in love with videogames as a kid. The controls felt fluid, the music was enchanting. Those gravity-shifting mechanics were pretty brilliant too.
It was also one big middle finger to anyone who thought Nintendo had lost its magic when it came to first party titles. But Galaxy is just one example of where the Wii shone in its exclusives. Skyward Sword, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Xenoblade Chronicles, and yes, Mario Galaxy 2. They were all system sellers.
But for all their "casualness", Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort were the juggernauts that helped Nintendo unravel its true master plan: to win the hearts of the non-gamers.
It's what snuck the Wii into every living room, not so much as an alternative to the PS3 or Xbox 360, but an as well as. That's a huge success in my book.
Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus Rift, recently told me he thought controllers were unintuitive "broken abstractions of how we actually interact with the world". The Wii wanted to solve that problem. It was much more than "waggle to win" as the naysayers joke – when executed well, that Wiimote could feel natural, intuitive and a whole world better.
A perfect example of this was when I first played an FPS using the Wii controller. Aiming with that remote felt so much more precise and fluid than anything I had used before; I couldn't believe how archaic the standard gamepad approach seemed when I returned to it.
Verdict
So congratulations to the PS3 and Xbox 360. You acted out your parts in this generation, but you'll be remembered as little more than having slightly better engines than your predecessors. You played it too safe.
The unified console is unsustainable but the legacy of the motion control will persevere. That's testament enough to the Wii's success.
It's a shame the Wii U now sits in the shadow of its predecessor, but it never had a chance of hitting the highs of the Wii, did it? Then again, neither will the Xbox One or PS4. And even if the U does completely sink, Nintendo still has plenty of gold to sit on. It can thank its "Revolution" for that.
TechRadar staffer Hugh is a lucid dream enthusiast who sees mushrooms and go karts whenever he closes his eyes
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Office Web Apps flex real-time collaboration muscles, add auto-save
Microsoft is bringing the fight to Google Docs by beefing up its free Office Web Apps with real-time co-editing and other features designed to boost productivity in the cloud.
Working in SkyDrive's suite of web-based Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps used to be a lonely affair, but the latest update, which is documented in a company blog post, means that colleagues, family or friends (any other SkyDrive user, in other words) can sign in to co-edit documents and see changes instantly without waiting for them to be saved.
As with Google Docs, each person gets a colored marker to indicate the area of the document they're working on, and a pair of indicators in the top-right hand corner show which pages two collaborators are editing at that moment in time.
Total recall
The update has also brought a much-needed auto-save function to SkyDrive's Word App, something that Microsoft's free OneNote, Excel and PowerPoint web apps have had for some time.
Word is also getting a heap of other improvements listed on Microsoft's Word blog. They include Find and Replace, page breaks, format styling for tablets, and header and footer insertion.
Additionally, the Excel Web App now lets you drag and drop cells and re-order sheets, and more workbook types are supported online. The app now provides analysis of data directly into the status bar, including sum, count, and average of a selected range of cells. To find out more head over to Microsoft's Excel blog.
Yammering on
Along with the additions to its Office Web Apps, Microsoft has announced in a company blog post that Yammer Enterprise, the company's cloud-based social network for businesses, is now included in all Office 365 Enterprise plans for free.
It has also launched the Yammer Partner Enablement Program to support Yammer roll outs. Detailed in a separate blog post, Microsoft says that the invite-only program offers "workshops, online courses and other training opportunities" to help businesses make the most of the platform.
Microsoft bought Yammer in 2013 for $1.2 billion and has increasingly embedded the service into many of its existing offerings including Office, Lync, Outlook and Dynamics.
- Collaboration is here, so now it's time to learn how to use Google Docs in business
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Leaked HTC M8 photos give first glimpse of new flagship
HTC impressed us to the tune of a five star review with the HTC One, but that's starting to feel like old news and we're anxious to see what the Taiwanese company can cook up next.
The answer to that appears to be the HTC M8. We first heard about it around a week ago, but now we've got some pictures courtesy of Taiwanese site ePrice.
Based on these images it looks as though the HTC M8 will have a similar form factor to the HTC One, with a metal body and a rounded back; however, there are a few differences.
First up there's the fact that there doesn't seem to be any break in the metal along the edges, so instead it's totally wrapped in metal.
Mystery marking
The back of the device is also a bit different as there's what looks like a hole or lens above the main camera lens. It could be a fingerprint sensor, but it's in a rather awkward position for that. One alternative is that it might be another camera lens, though if so it's unclear why HTC would opt for two rear cameras.
The final thing to take away from the images is that while the body mostly looks quite dark it does seem to have a slight blueish hue to it, though whether this will be the final colour of the handset is unknown.
As well as posting these images ePrice is also reporting that the HTC M8 will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, the Sense 6.0 interface and an estimated screen size of 5-5.2 inches.
If those specs are true then, along with the even more metal-icious form factor, HTC's new flagship could actually be a worthy successor to the HTC One.
- Not sold on HTC? Samsung makes some pretty good phones too.
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Apple adds new suppliers to make sure you get that iPhone for Christmas
Apple has reportedly invested in some new supplier relationships as it struggles to meet demand for iPhones and iPads with its current lot.
The word comes from 'supply chain sources' over in Asia, who told the WSJ that Apple is scrambling to meet the public's insatiable demand for iPads and iPhones.
The iPhone 5S is apparently in short supply because Apple's main manufacturer keeps messing up and building defective models.
Yield
The iPad mini 2, which isn't even out yet, is also facing supply problems with many eager tablet fans worried that there won't be a Retina display-toting 7-inch iPad under their trees this Christmas.
And Apple's go-to plant Foxconn is still under a lot of scrutiny over its largely questionable working conditions.
Little wonder, then, that Apple would be looking to widen its supply net - although the company itself will not comment on the manufacturing situation.
Still, if all goes to plan, we should see fewer iPhone and iPad shortages in 2014 as Apple broadens its product ranges.
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Updated: Best tablet 2013: our top 10 ranking
Best tablets: 10-6
What's the best tablet for 2013? Today's latest tablets compared and rated - constantly updated
Tablets are taking the world by storm. Just a few years ago they were an unknown for many people, but nowadays you've got more choice than you can shake a mildly agitated koala at.
And with choice comes decisions - difficult decisions. Do you eschew Apple's high prices, join the Android brigade and find the best iPad alternative? Or jump on board Apple's lovetrain, and use one of the most popular tablets on the planet?
We're still waiting to get the the new iPad mini 2 with Retina Display and LG G Pad 8.3 through our in-depth review process, but if you can't wait that long then we've got you covered.
Luckily we've made it easy for you and pulled together the top 10 tablets of the moment available in Australia. We'll keep this listing constantly updated as new players enter the market and the older ones fizzle out.
- Are you wondering what the iPad rival to the Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD is like? Check our hands on: iPad mini review to find out!
For those of you who are still new to the whole tablet game, let us fill you in on what one is:
In general terms, today's tablet computers sport touchscreens ranging in size from 7- up to 13-inches. These dimensions are by no means static, and boundaries can be blurred as smartphones get larger displays, a la the 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and huge 6.44-inch Sony Xperia Z Ultra.
Physical keyboards are also a rarity, but there are the exceptions such as the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity and Mircosoft Surface Pro 2 which come with a keyboard dock for the tablets.
Apps
As with today's best smartphones, applications play a big role on tablets – you can get your fill of Temple Run, update your friends on Facebook and read the latest news, all on a bigger screen.
If none of the top 10 tablets here take your fancy then head on over to our tablet reviews pages, where you'll find in-depth reviews for many more models.
Let us know your thoughts on the top 10 and whether you think we've got the order wrong, in the comment box below.
10. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
What's better than a tablet with a big screen? A tablet with a big screen, a quad core processor and the might of the S Pen... known as a stylus to me and you.
Well, not just a stylus - with many levels of pressure sensitivity and the ability easily sketch and annotate on a wide range of items, the Galaxy Note 10.1 offers so much more than your average tablet.
We're huge fans of the alternative choice here, and it even comes with a microSD slot to boot - plus we're now looking at Android Jelly Bean sitting proudly underneath the TouchWiz OS.
Quick verdict
Sure, it's expensive, the screen quality is lower than we've seen from Samsung in the past and the build quality somewhat lower than the competition, but this is still a fabulous tablet that many workers constantly forced to use a paper and pen will love to try out.
It is worth remembering that this will be usurped pretty soon by the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) so if you want the latest from Samsung, maybe hold off on the purchase until that's available. At the very least, the older Note 10.1 will come down in price.
9. Microsoft Surface Pro
It may have been superseded by the Surface Pro 2, but the subsequent price drop makes this worth a second look.
With a higher resolution screen than the Surface RT, and running the full blown version of Windows 8 the Surface Pro is kinder on the eyes and more powerful under hand, making for a potent, portable offering.
Making your mind up about the Surface Pro is less about what it is and what it does and more about what you want out of a tablet. As a hybrid PC it's an undeniable compromise - but that's no bad thing.
YouTube : youtubeurlv=J7YQGLYj8HI
Quick verdict
It's a bulky device with significant weight, but at the end of the day you're pretty much getting a portable PC, and all that power means there's a wealth of options available on the Surface Pro which you just can't get on the more standard of tablets.
8. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity
If it wasn't for the higher price, the Infinity would be a real contender for the top spot. It's got everything you could want in a tablet - and a keyboard dock as standard too.
With a simple interface and more ports than you can poke with a stick, the Infinity is the tablet that can handle anything you can throw at it.
Add in the Super IPS panel with a tremendous resolution, and you can see why this is a tablet to rate very highly - especially if you're fond of typing on the go but crave the simplicity of a slate too.
Quick verdict
Everything we'd look for in a high-end tablet is present and accounted for with the Transformer Pad Infinity.
While power is always welcomed, it was the improved screen that really caught our attention. Given that we use our tablet mostly for browsing the web and watching video, we couldn't help but marvel at the resolution, either. It needs something of an update in the Android version arena, as it's still stuck on an older iteration, but it's still a decent option nonetheless.
The newer Infinity is set to cross our desks soon too - let's see how that gets on in our in-depth test.
7. Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 arrived on the scene with the iPad mini firmly set in its sights and while it gave a strong showing the Android tablet, complete with S Pen, didn't manage to hit the same heights as its Apple-made rival.
That's not to say the Galaxy Note 8.0 isn't a good tablet as it's a light, highly portable device and there's no denying that its display is far better than that of the iPad Mini.
It's solidly built, with expandable memory - the S-Pen has clearly been enhanced to make this a major selling point, plus we love the IR blaster and its media capabilities.
YouTube : youtubeurlv=Q-VODfzpOPc
Quick verdict
The Galaxy Note 8.0 is a good device. There are better out there for the money, and with an arguably better design as well. However, for those that like the S Pen as a tool, it's a great offering, albeit not really worth the extra cash for most.
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 2
*Ding, ding* Round 2. Microsoft's second generation Windows 8 slate is here, building on its predecessor and providing a well rounded tablet-come-laptop experience.
In terms of portability the Surface Pro 2 won't be winning any awards - it's big and it's heavy, but if you're looking for a powerful business tablet then the Pro 2 is one of the best (if not the best) around.
Microsoft has improved the Pro 2 in a numbers of ways from the original Surface Pro, with an updated Windows 8.1 OS, beefy Intel processor, improved battery life and two position kick-stand.
Quick verdict
The Surface Pro 2 doesn't offer the best natural tablet experience, but if you're looking for a device which bridges the gap between laptop and tablet then this is one of the best on the market.
With a handy QWERTY keyboard, large screen and Microsoft's Office suite it's an obvious business machine, but also offers something rather different to the iPad and Android slates.
It's expensive though, so be ready to fork out at least £700 for the basic version - plus you'll need a keyboard on top of that.
Number 5: Google Nexus 10
5. Google Nexus 10
The 10.1 display is one of the biggest talking points on the Google Nexus 10. At 299 pixels per inch it's the highest resolution 10-inch tablet display on the planet - take that Apple, and your Retina screens.
If you're looking for something which is packing even more pixels you'll need to trade in screen size for the 7-inch, 323ppi Nexus 7.
It's a great performer too. Other than taking a while to process panoramic photos we never felt like it was struggling to keep up. It's fast and smooth whatever you throw at it.
Sure it may not be as stunning to look at, or as well built as an iPad, and the lack of expandable memory will irk some, but overall the Nexus 10 gives you a quality, big-screen Android experience which is not to be sniffed at.
YouTube : youtubeurlv=pjiyACPO5bw
Quick verdict
The Google Nexus 10 is easily one of the best Android tablets on the market and while it's not quite as fantastic value for money as the Nexus 7, it certainly gives Apple's high-priced iPad Air a run for its money.
For the price you're paying, you won't be disappointed. Be warned though, a new Nexus 10 is expected to arrive soon.
Number 4: Apple iPad mini
4. Apple iPad mini
Apple's former CEO Steve Jobs famously slammed small tablets a few years back, leading many to believe the Cupertino-based firm would never dabble in the budget end of the market, but here we are.
In terms of consistency in the tablet market Apple cannot be matched, as it now lays claim to two of the top four places in our top 10, although the iPad mini is no longer the jewel in an already glistening crown - it's already been usurped by the upgraded Google Nexus 7.
The big downside to the iPad mini is that it misses out on a Retina display, and it pushes the upper end of the budget price bracket, but you can justify that price with its slick operation and premium build quality, letting you know you have a top piece of kit in your hand.
YouTube : youtubeurlv=mwm9iRb9JVk
Quick verdict
When it landed we dubbed the iPad mini "the best iPad Apple has ever created", and while the iPad Air may lay claim to that title now, this pint sized slate is still a force to be reckoned with.
If the screen puts you off, fear not, for the iPad mini 2 with Retina display will be out soon - we fear this original mini will drop out of the list altogether when that happens.
Number 3: Google Nexus 7
3. Google Nexus 7
The new Nexus 7 takes over from the original 7-inch effort from Google in 2012, and packs a 1.5Ghz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and comes with either 16GB or 32GB of storage
Offered up at just 260g, it's the perfect tablet for slinging in a bag and hurtling down to the local supermarket, or is equally adept at being a long-haul saviour, with reams of apps, a decent slug of battery life and that all-new high-res 7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 display with 323 ppi.
It's a little more expensive than the previous model was at launch, with prices set to begin at $299 for the 16GB option and $339 for the 32GB variant - and it's worth remembering that the OS takes a portion of that storage too, to allow for Android 4.3 to thrive.
It's also about to get the 4.4 KitKat update in the very near future soon, so you know you'll be getting the latest version of Android with this all-new tablet.
Plus there's a 4G option from the outset, offering 32GB of storage for $439.
Overall, this has some top end features, a low-risk update policy and is built in a way that makes it feel both premium and robust enough to chuck around the house. That's a good mix in our eyes.
Quick verdict
If you're considering a tablet now and are already dabbling in the Android ecosystem, we see know reason why shouldn't take the plunge with a Nexus 7.
If you haven't invested at all with Android, you're still in a good place to start. You could wait for the iPad mini 2, which is advisable for those who have racked up a lot of App Store purchases, but it's not as affordable as the new Nexus 7.
We do think the new iPad mini will jump back to (at least) second spot by beating everything the new Nexus 7 has bar the price, but that's a tablet battle we just can't wait for.
Number 2: Sony Xperia Tablet Z
2. Sony Xperia Tablet Z
Sleek, powerful, iconic - these are all words used to describe the impressive tablet from Sony,
The brand has been plugging away in the mobile space for a few years, but now the combination of the Sony Xperia Z and Tablet Z show that the Japanese brand is bringing us devices that the public can finally really lust after.
And that's one of the things we liked about the Tablet Z: it's light, really light, yet looks premium too. Sony has surpassed expectation with this and delivered a tablet that wouldn't look out of place in a business class lounge or at the centre of a home entertainment network.
It's waterproof too - sure, you might not use that feature a whole lot, but it gives it an air of ruggedness that puts your mind at ease when manhandling something that costs so much.
YouTube : youtubeurlv=wfV5b4nGcPA
Quick verdict
With a super slim chassis, impressive screen and whole glut of Sony extras on board, the Xperia Tablet Z is one of the finest pieces of kit we've seen in 2013.
Its quality abounds the moment you take it out your bag, and the speedy internals and impressive weight are enough for us to recommend it wholeheartedly.
Number 1: Apple iPad Air
1. Apple iPad Air
We have a new player at number one! If you've already read our iPad Air review this will come as no surprise, as Apple's latest slate is the first tablet ever to gain a five star rating on TechRadar.
People scoffed when Apple launched the first iPad, but the sector has grown exponentially since the first generation device landed and with the Air the Cupertino firm has finally nailed the formula.
Impressive design coupled with a thinner, lighter chassis makes for a premium and quite frankly beautiful tablet, and Apple's powerful A7 and M7 chips under the hood means it chews through even the toughest tasks in next to no time.
Of course the price tag is still high, but it's comparable to the likes of the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, making it more than reasonable in a competitive marketplace.
Quick verdict
"It's not just Apple's best tablet, it's the only tablet you should be considering if you're keen on a larger screen." That's what we said in the verdict of our in-depth iPad Air review. While the Xperia Tablet Z is a brilliant tablet, the Air just takes things to the next level.
If you want the best tablet on the market then look no further. The iPad Air has reclaimed top spot for Apple and it's going to take some beating.
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Tamron announces development of new 'ultra-telephoto' zoom lens
Tamron has announced the development of a new super zoom lens designed for use on full-frame or APS-C format cameras.
The 4x "ultra" telephoto zoom offers a focal length range of 150mm - 600mm and is designed to appeal to wildlife and sports photographers. Mounted on an APS-C camera, the focal length range effectively increases to 233-930mm.
Featuring a maximum aperture at the wide end of f/5, this shrinks to f/6.3 at the full telephoto end.
The lens features 20 elements in 13 groups for superior optical design. The front group contains three LD (low dispersion) glass elements for enhanced optical correction effectiveness, which should enable the lens to compensate for on-axis aberrations at the telephoto end of the optic.
Beautiful bokeh
Featuring a nine-blade circular diaphragm, beautiful background blur (bokeh) should be possible. The circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even at two stops down from its maximum aperture.
The lens uses Tamron's proprietary VC (vibration compensation) image stabilization system, which promises to produce sharper images. It also features an ultrasonic motor drive for swift and accurate autofocusing.
Silkypix Developer Studio for Tamron, a raw format image development processing software will come bundled with the lens to correct aberrations (chromatic aberrations of magnification, distortion, peripheral light fall-off), based on the optical data.
As this is just a development announcement, pricing and availability is not yet known. It is likely to be available in mounts for all of the major manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon and Sony.
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Updated: 20 best mobile phones in the world today
Best mobile phone: Overview
What's the best mobile phone? Our verdict on the best smartphone/best phones - constantly updated
The last few months have been phenomenal for smartphone lovers. There have been so many great phones released that deciding which one is best for you can be even more exhausting than running the Tough Mudder.
Well, this is where we here at TechRadar make it easy. Because here, we have our continually updated comparison of the top 20 best smartphones you can get in Australia.
The last update saw the HTC One shoot to the top of the pack like a bullet, with the Galaxy S4 coming in second. But now the competition has really started to heat up.
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Apple launched two new iPhones, with the beast 5S coming in very close to the top. The 5C, an iPhone 5 replacement, also made its way onto our list, but it isn't nearly as enticing as some other devices.
Speaking of other devices, the LG G2 looks like an impressive option, though it seems to be a little late to the race in Australia.
Samsung on the other hand has a strong contender in its Galaxy Note 3, but the S4 remains a wonderful option.
Sony also has its Xperia Z1 hanging about on the list, while Nokia has its Windows 8 option sitting in there as well. Make sure you make your way through the whole list to find the best phone for you
If that still doesn't help, well, there's always our extensive mobile phone reviews pages as well - or check out our personally crafted smartphone buyer's guides:
By OS:
- Best Android phone - which should you buy?
- Best Windows Phone - which should you buy?
- Best BlackBerry phone - which should you buy?
Here are our rankings for the best mobile phones around, currently available in Australia.
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Number 20: iPhone 4S
20. iPhone 4S
When Apple announced this phone, it was testament to the power of the rumour mill that people were angry it wasn't called the iPhone 5, but it has given birth to the trend of semi-phone updates being given the "S" addition.
Predictably the iPhone 4S is no longer the iOS handset we recommend, but it's still a very worthy choice in the smartphone game thanks to some decent upgrades through iOS 6 (although the newer iOS 7 may struggle on it a little bit).
But, if you want to stick to iOS 6 or upgrade to iOS 7, things will still run perfectly fine.
When the phone came out, though, we were hoping for a larger display (which finally appeared on the iPhone 5), and things such as a lack of Bluetooth transfer, no Flash integration with the internet browser and an uninspiring contacts app still grate.
Quick verdict
Two 2 generations on, however, and it's still a great phone that you can pick up on a cheap plan. It's also a nice entry level iPhone for those who want the Apple experience without the Apple price tag.
Number 19: Huawei Ascend P6
19. Huawei Ascend P6
Huawei is something of a dark horse in the mobile phone world at the moment, thanks to the fact that it's one of the largest manufacturers but nowhere near the minds of most consumers when thinking about their next smartphone.
That changed slightly with the launch of the Huawei Ascend P6, a super-super-slim Android device priced toward the low end, comes with a quad core processor and generally looks the business in smartphone terms.
Huawei has taken an alternative approach to its Android overlay by scrapping the menu section, leading to a dump of widgets and apps all in one easy set of screens.
It's got a rather nice display and lightning quick operation, and has certainly turned some heads in the smartphone world.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZHUDdOaHpU
Quick verdict
The Huawei P6 isn't the kind of phone that's going to challenge at the sharp end of our ranking, but it is a phone worth considering if you want top-end features at a reasonable price.
It's got a lot going for it, and the customisable themes are impressive too - we suggest you hold it in your hand before dismissing it as the design is just almost inexplicably thin.
Number 18: Nokia Lumia 820
18. Nokia Lumia 820
The Nokia Lumia 820 sits nicely at the crossroads between value and power. While it doesn't have the processor, camera or larger screen of its big brother the Lumia 920, it does have microSD storage, removable covers and a more attractive price tag - multiple reasons why you should like it.
New to Windows Phone? This is an affordable option for you. Don't want a Full HD screen? The Super AMOLED option on this is battery-friendly but still rather good. Want a fun camera? Multiple lenses are your friend here.
This is a well constructed, colourful handset with some excellent technological features, and it's got a really palatable price point to boot. It's been overshadowed by others in the range, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a class act.
FutTv : 3FP854f3jXv0s
Quick verdict
OK, it's not the best Windows Phone device out there. Many have better specs, and others have lower price points.
But the Lumia 820 can take a knock, has a decent battery and more importantly: doesn't cost the earth each month on contract. A perfect device for those thinking about getting a mid-term smartphone before upgrading to something with a little more grunt in the future.
Number 17: BlackBerry Z10
17. BlackBerry Z10
The Z10 was meant to be the phone that brought BlackBerry back from the brink of annihilation and made the Canadian smartphone company relevant in a world of iPhone 5s and Galaxy S3s
Running the brand new BlackBerry 10 operating system, the Z10 is a lovely piece of hardware that offers plenty of fresh and exciting features to the BlackBerry stable. The peek and flow UI is intuitive, although a fundamental shift from both iOS and Android, so expect a learning curve.
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It's not the only BlackBerry 10 handset due out this year - the company also brought the QWERTY keypad Q10 to market, although it went back on its promise of an update to the Playbook tablet to BB10.
The biggest challenge the company faces is the availability of apps. While there has been plenty of pushing for developers to jump over to the platform, at this early stage there is still a lack of truly premium, must have applications available to purchase.
Quick verdict
BlackBerry is definitely in a race for third with Microsoft at this stage of the platform's release, but it has certainly delivered a well-featured functioning product in the Z10.
The problem is that after five years, Android devices are finally reaching a comfortable level of maturity in both performance and usability, which BlackBerry doesn't have.
And given the Z10 costs around the same as the Sony Xperia Z, iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, it's hard to recommend over those rivals.
Number 16: Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
16. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Want the Samsung Galaxy S4 but are too worried about dropping it in the bath or flinging it into a sand dune? Well, you can either not do either of those things, or buy the Samsung Galaxy S4.
With a powerful IP67 water and dust proof case the Active is far more hardy than a lot of the top end devices currently on the market.
The only other handset which can match the rugged credentials of the S4 Active is the Sony Xperia Z, (and Z1 successor, of course) although those being covered in glass front and back makes them feel far more fragile.
While the 5-inch display may not sport the Super AMOLED technology of the S4, the full HD resolution still makes for an excellent visual experience which is only really bettered by its namesake and the HTC One.
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Quick verdict
If you're in the market for a super powerful smartphone which you can take on extreme activities, swimming and in the bath then sure the Galaxy S4 Active is the best around, although that's a pretty limited market.
And hey, chuck it in a bucket of water and your mates will be seriously impressed (honest).
We've only got this phone so far down on the list as we don't think huge amounts of users will be desperate to add the heft to an S4 to make it a bit more life proof, and that isn't going to be something most people will worry about.
But if you want the security of a phone that can withstand a few knocks but doesn't scrimp on the specs or usability, then you could do a lot worse than checking out the S4 Active.
Number 15: Samsung Galaxy S3
15. Samsung Galaxy S3
With the Samsung Galaxy S4 now launched, the S3 has predictably fallen down the rankings thanks to there being a better phone to recommend.
But don't worry: the S3 is still a wondrous phone: it's got every kind of feature we could ask for and more, and raised the bar once again in terms of what consumers should be expecting in terms of battery life, processor speed and media management.
Would we recommend you buy one if you're hankering for a spot of Samsung? Yes, but only if you're trying to save a lot of money, as the S4 is a much better version of this phone indeed, and not too expensive itself any more.
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Price isn't the only reason the Samsung Galaxy S3 is worthy of consideration though. Smart Stay, Super AMOLED HD screen, up to 128GB storage, Music Hub, removable battery, quick camera... we're getting tired listing all the great things it does.
The design didn't impress us as much as when we first laid eyes on the S2, but that's the only big issue we could find - and it's proven popular enough for MILLIONS of you to have bought it thus far, showing that it's still a cutting edge smartphone for some.
With Android 4.2 on the way as well, there's still life in this once-leading phone - just make sure you check out the S4 first.
Quick verdict
If you waited feverishly for the Samsung Galaxy S3, you won't be disappointed. It's fast, it's sleek and it packs the latest technology that will get your pulse racing.
Samsung faced an almost impossible task in trying to create a worthy sequel to the Galaxy S2, and while it's not longer top dog, it's at least getting more palatable in terms of price - plus is nimble enough to take down a number of newer phones too.
Number 14: Nokia Lumia 1020
14. Nokia Lumia 1020
The Nokia Lumia 1020 is basically a compact camera that happens to have some phone features tacked onto it.
Essentially, you would only buy this thing for its 41MP PureView camera with Xenon flash, as its camera is the best there is on any smartphone in the market.
It's a shame then that the Windows 8 operating system seems to get in the way of all the shooting features than enhance them.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIj5SIkHGMc
But at the same time, the spec sheet isn't sparse, touting a Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB on-board storage and a 2,000 mAh battery.
Thankfully, with these decent specs, you also get a body that looks good as well - even if bumblebee yellow isn't your favourite choice.
Coupled with the PureView camera with Xenon flash, it's great for someone who spends more time on Instagram than using a multitude of other apps.
Quick Verdict
Despite Windows 8 being a let down, the Lumia 1020 is a worthy Windows alternative for a camera-focused smartphone, as the iPhone 5S and Sony Xperia Z1 still have decent shooters
But if the camera isn't your main priority in a phone, then you might want to look to the better built Nokia 925, which comes in next on our top 20.
Number 13: Nokia Lumia 925
13. Nokia Lumia 925
What's better than a top Windows Phone 7 handset? A Windows Phone 8 one, and we've got no qualms about telling you this is the best high-end Windows Phone out there.
Simplicity is the key here, the Lumia 925 does the basics well, from contact integration and calling, to web browsing and messaging. The camera is market-leading, and offers excellent performance from low-light to jumpy videos.
The 8.7MP PureView camera on the back of the Lumia 925 is actually one of the best we've used, and for anyone looking to get a top end cameraphone: you need to seriously consider this Nokia, although the recent glut of handsets (Nokia 1020, Sony Xperia Z1, HTC One, LG G2 and iPhone 5S) have all stepped up their game significantly to offer strong camera experiences too.
The 4.5-inch display is also a good'un, crisp and clear it makes watching movies, surfing the web or Facebook stalking an enjoyable experience, thanks to the PureMotion HD technology on offer.
And you can even use it with gloves on... what more could you want? You're right: hologram messages. But they don't exist yet.
YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzSPAaYCh_w
Quick verdict
The Nokia Lumia 925 is a worthy ambassador for Windows Phone 8 and probably a strong part of the reason Microsoft decided to acquire the Finnish handset division.
It's not got the clout to take on the likes of the HTC One and Galaxy S4 just yet, but it's still a great choice if you're not sold on Android or iOS but don't want to give up a powerful phone.
Number 12: Samsung Galaxy Note 2
12. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
When the original Samsung Galaxy Note launched, many (including us, we admit) were not convinced. Who on earth would want something so big to make their calls and surf the internet, even with a glorified stylus? Cue awkward silence.
Millions of you, it would appear. The Galaxy Note sold by the bucketload, so how do you follow that up? With something better, of course - the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
Samsung has achieved something special here, because it has made the Galaxy Note 2 bigger than the original, but pulls it off so that you don't notice it too much and the fact that it launches running Android Jelly Bean and has such grunt with that quad-core processor makes this a class-leading phone.
YouTube : youtubeurlv=HRA9EsH9-Co
Faster, stronger, better looking, and more functional, the Galaxy Note 2 is better connected than ever, and thanks to that increased screen size (up to an eye-bulging 5.5-inches), now takes the crown in our eyes as the perfect media player.
Quick verdict
As a phone, it's big, but once you get over that, if you can, it's great. As a media player, it really does excel, and as a web communicator, it is almost second to none (though we can't fully get the taste of Flash absence out of our mouth).
Ultimately, there's no getting away from the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a niche device. But it does almost everything it sets out to do perfectly, with grace, class and maximum functionality. And if you're in the market for a larger smartphone or a small tablet, this will be going much cheaper than the newly released Galaxy Note 3.
Number 11: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
11. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
Samsung has created a mid-range handset, putting itself right against the 4G-toting Nokia Lumia 820 - but most importantly, now in a war with the HTC One Mini too.
The Galaxy S4 Mini takes the design language of the full-fat S4, and does well to shrink it down without losing the same 'atmosphere'.
A vibrant screen, bright and clear enough, added to the fact it's only 4.3-inches large, mean the S4 Mini is a lot easier to hold in the hand, and the camera is as powerful as we'd expect on a phone of this size and price point.
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Quick verdict
What you get with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is a far better trade off of price and features than you got with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, and a phone that sits very comfortably within the S4 range.
It's got a lot of the S4 power at a lower price point, and while the S3 to S3 Mini divide was just too great in our eyes, the S4 Mini is a lot closer to its bigger brother.
It lacks the power of the main version, but strips out the right amount of stuff to still be desirable.
Number 10: Nokia Lumia 520
9. Nokia Lumia 520
The Nokia Lumia 520, much like its big brother the Nokia Lumia 620, is a jack of all trades and a master of none - although it really manages to make a good fist of everything it tries, for the price.
It looks good, it's got a decent screen both in terms of size and resolution, it rarely stutters or slows down, it's great for calls and messaging, reasonable for media and okay for photos.
To achieve a lower price point the 520 has had to strip away a few things - there's no NFC, compass, camera flash or front facing camera here.
But on the other hand it's also got a bigger screen, a larger battery, a sleeker, slimmer, lighter build and the same processor and RAM as the Nokia Lumia 620, so in many ways it's actually better.
Combine that with a lower price tag and we reckon that this just might be the best entry level Windows Phone 8 handset that you can buy and certainly the best value.
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Quick verdict
The Nokia Lumia 520 certainly isn't an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy beater - but it's a superb Windows Phone device that you can pick up cheaply. If you're a fan of a simple interface with some quality add-ons, then you should definitely look at Nokia's latest attempt to win over the smartphone naysayers.
Number 9: Google Nexus 4
9. Google Nexus 4
Though the Nexus 5 is out, we haven't yet finished rating it, and Google and LG's Nexus 4 is still worth talking about.
The fact of the matter is that this is a handset with solid specs – yet it's at a price you'd expect to get a budget phone for. Sure, there are a few things that could have been done better, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.
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The Nexus 4 is beautifully designed with a stunning display and rocking the latest version of Android. It has more connectivity than a Telstra phone exchange and even excels in the simple matter of making telephone calls.
We're not fans of the lower memory allowance, and it's not got the best screen on the market.
But that doesn't mean it's not a fantastic handset - it would have competed even without the stupidly low price tag, and it will be getting an AndroidKit Kat update.
Quick verdict
With the Nexus 5 just released, the Nexus 4 is even cheaper, and with specs that should still be considered world class, this has become a very good offer at just $299.
Number 8: iPhone 5C
8. iPhone 5C
Though it's pretty much a dressed up, slightly nicer version of the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5C at least has decent improvements and a slightly low price tag - thought you maybe able to find the iPhone 5 for much cheaper now.
The bright colors make the iPhone 5C look a bit childish, but look beyond that and the 5C does feel structurally sound in the hand, no doubt helped by the steel frame hidden under the polycarbonate exterior, which makes us less concerned about it smashing.
While the screen size might not be anything special, the 1136 x 640 Retina display is present and correct on the 5C, meaning it has the same offering as both the iPhone 5 (and 5S).
You'll even find the same A6 processor, 8MP rear camera, 1.9 MP front camera, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.
Verdict
Well, the iPhone 5C is a slightly overweight iPhone 5 with a plastic body, larger battery and a slightly lower price tag than the 5S - meaning it's a great mobile device, but don't expect it to be the 5S.
Number 7: Sony Xperia Z1
7. Sony Xperia Z1
The Sony Xperia Z1 is another powerhouse of a phone. With a 20.7MP camera with G Lens technology, the ability to withstand rain, snow and sand and a superfast Snapdragon 800 processor running the show, it's clearly a great handset to have around.
It also comes in a variety of funky colours, has a pleasing build quality that helps justify the higher price to a degree and basically offers the best of the Sony brand in a smartphone.
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX6MNT3Tb-c
We do have a few reservations insofar as the Z1 doesn't really carry the mantle the Xperia Z created; it's got a massively uprated camera and screen technology, but neither particularly wow.
Quick verdict
But don't think that this is anything less than a leading phone from Sony. It's just that the added thickness to accommodate the camera doesn't impress enough to plop it into the top five, and after the really great showing from the Xperia Z, we were a little disappointed.
However, the slick interface that make Android feel more simple, the fun Walkman and Movies app and the overall power and battery life make this a really nice phone that once again shows Sony knows how to make a smartphone.
Number 6: HTC One Mini
6. HTC One Mini
We're excited about the HTC One Mini, as it's a handset with all the best bits of the HTC One without as much of the cost. That's got to be hitting a new segment of the market, right?
We love that the functionality of the One Mini isn't compromised from its larger relative, with the likes of UltraPixels and BoomSound all involved without being watered down.
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZnSCqjg-aU
HTC has been very clever in the design of this phone by bringing nearly every great element of the One to the smaller version, and packaging it in a way that still makes it very attractive.
Speaking of attractive, it also keep's the larger One's good looks, without the bulk.
Quick verdict
The issues with the battery and storage do rankle somewhat, and do detract from an otherwise flawless performance from one of HTC's best phones out there.
But they're more caveats on an otherwise top-end phone rather than reasons not to buy it, and placing it two price tiers below the HTC One is a great move indeed.
Number 5: Samsung Galaxy S4
5. Samsung Galaxy S4
All change at the top! Samsung managed to hold off HTC at the top in 2012, but this year the supreme stylings of the HTC One proved too strong against a phone that's a slightly-better-version of its predecessor.
Well, that's not really fair - it's only in looks that it's too similar, and sadly that was one of the biggest issues most users had with the S3. It's not the world's biggest smartphone crime, but it's enough to keep it from the top spot.
FutTv : m6h0uCeL8z0kO
There's a lot, a lot, to love with the Samsung Galaxy S4 though: whether it's a powerful camera, a brilliant screen, a long-lasting battery or just a fluid experience, there's everything you could want in a smartphone right here.
The cost is a tad higher than on other smartphones, but thankfully still cheaper than iPhone level. If only it was made out of something a little more premium...
Quick verdict
There's no doubt that this is one of the best smartphone ever made - it's clear, powerful and does everything we'd expect a flagship phone from Samsung to do.
It's just a shame that the perceived 'innovation' doesn't really add anything: motion gestures, smart scroll and it's other non-contact bedfellows didn't take smartphones to the next level, which is what we needed in the face of Ultrapixels and BoomSound.
Make no mistake though: you'll love the Samsung Galaxy S4 if you choose to go for it, as it's an amazing phone with some really cutting-edge features.
Number 4: LG G2
4. LG G2
Believe it people; LG has made a phone that not only impressed us but found itself in the top 5 spot.
We don't know where to start in terms of extolling the virtues of this new handset from the South Korean firm: it's got an insanely good screen and a quality camera
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xOSgYUGoR0
It also has the best audio pumping out from its speakers and headphone jack, as well as a large battery, powerful chipset... the list goes on.
We even came to tolerate, then love, the power and volume buttons being placed on the rear. These aren't ideal, but the ability to knock on the screen makes it really easy to interact with this impressive device.
Quick verdict
There's so much on offer here that we can't help but recommend it to anyone looking for the best smartphone powerhouse.
The only things that we dislike are the cluttered UI (pull down the notifications bar and you'll see why) and the plastic casing, which drops the premium feel of the phone.
Number 3: Samsung Galaxy Note 3
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is quite similar to its predecessors, the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2; you're going to get something that looks like a giant phone and a small tablet meaning it's definitely not a device a lot of people will be clamoring for. But that doesn't mean it's a bad phone - in fact, it's a really great phablet.
The Galaxy Note 3 has grown again since the 5.5-inch offering on the Note 2 to a palm busting 5.7 inches complete with a full HD, 1080 x 1920 Super AMOLED display.
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S92tzpCMh80
The Note 3 has also retained the metal frame from the Galaxy S4, which runs around the edge of the device providing a rigid body and a more premium look.
The leathery texture adds to the idea of high quality, though it could look a bit tacky to some. But it actually does give the phone a nice grip and solid feel.
Quick verdict
The Note 3 is the best and most powerful Galaxy Note smartphone to date, and if you're a fan of the range then you'll love it - but it isn't quite the best smartphone in the world.
But in saying that, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is still a great phone and if you were to own one, you wouldn't be disappointed.
It provides a great onscreen experience - as long as your hands are big enough to reach across it - and all the tech its stuffed with almost warrants its lofty price tag.
Number 2: iPhone 5S
2. iPhone 5S
The iPhone 5S is a phone that takes everything Apple has learned over the last six and a half years and put it together in an incredibly cohesive manner.
There's always an apathy with any kind of "S" device from Apple, as it's historically just the same thing made a little bit better, and it's true the advances on the iPhone 5S are few - but the ones that are there are very impressive indeed.
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irlB81LwAQM
Below the surface, Apple has put together one of the most cutting-edge smartphones around, imbued with a top-end camera and a really innovative feature with TouchID.
There's only so much that smartphone manufacturers can do to differentiate these days, and while Apple can't expect consumers to be wowed by the same shell, it can expect to get some interest in the sharp camera and gives a sense of relief with the new A7 chip.
Quick verdict
To say this is the best iPhone yet is relatively pointless, as of course it was going to be, being the latest. But the combination of iOS 7 to freshen things up with a powerful core and great camera mean that this phone should be considered on its own merits.
The high price will put many off, especially considering the now comparatively very cheap HTC One, but for any one who can afford it will find very little to fault the newest iPhone.
Number 1: HTC One
1. HTC One
With a less than stellar past couple of years, HTC has pulled out all the stops with this flagship device, though the name seems a little confusing given it has dropped a letter from last year's One X
And while One is a little old now having come out earlier this year, inside it is still a phone packed full of awesome features designed and hardware.
From Zoe, the camera function that creates video highlight reels, and BoomSound, for better speaker performance. Sense has been given a complete overhaul as well.
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It's not perfect - battery life is still rather lacking, as is the lack of expandable memory. Given these things were issues in the One X last year, we really hoped HTC would learn from its mistakes.
But the strength of the HTC One is that it still manages to overcome those obstacles to still be the best phone currently on the market.
Quick verdict
The iPhone 5S may be a little more Apple-friendly and the Galaxy Note 3 may be a little more powerful, but ultimately, the HTC One combines its strengths into a package that stands above all the others, earning it 5 stars.
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Vodafone's new promo will give you double the mobile data
While you may have been getting used to hearing news that your telco has slashed your mobile data allowance, Vodafone is bucking the trend with its new promo that doubles your data allowance.
This has mainly been in the realm of MVNO's like Aldi and TPG, but earlier this year, Optus had also cut data allowances for its new plans, though they did introduce $10 automatic top up payments for increased data use.
"There is an unfortunate industry trend to cut data allowances as a way of exploiting greater consumption, but we're not going to run with the pack," said Vodafone's Chief Marketing Officer Kim Clarke.
"We have increased our data allowances this year while the others have sat on their hands or gone backwards."
With Voda's new promo, if you sign up for a month-to-month voice plan of $45 and above, or a 12-month or 24-month plan at $60 or above (including Red plans), you'll be eligible for double the data allowance that the plans initially give.
"We know our customers are using 61 percent more data than they did a year ago and that's 50 percent more than the national average," Clarke said.
"Our customers have a huge appetite for social media, photo sharing, watching videos and streaming music and we want to give them the freedom to do that."
Voda doubled up
This means that its Red plans, which offers $5 caps for Roam Like Home use in the US, UK, NZ and Europe will now give you 3GB of data on the AU$65 per month plan, 5GBs on the $80 plan, and a whopping 10GB on the $100 plan.
Those on a 24- or 12-month plan will have double the data for the life of the plan, while month-to-month plans will be eligible for the doubled data for 24 months.
The offer is not only for new customers, as existing customers who upgrade to this plan starting from today will also be eligible for double the data.
"We are super keen for new customers to try out our brand-new 4G network and take advantage of the amazing data speeds on offer, and give our existing customers the freedom to surf the web to their heart's content – without worrying about receiving a massive bill," said Clarke.
The promo starts from today and runs until January 3, so you'll have to sign up within the next 2 months to make the most of this.
Of course, if you're stuck in a contract with another telco until after January 3, or have just recently upgraded your Voda plan, you'd have just missed out on the promo and will not get double the data allowance.
- The telco sure has had a lot of announcements this year, and it looks like it isn't done yet with Vodafone revealing that it has data sharing on the horizon too.
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In Depth: NBA Live 14 evolves daily thanks to Xbox One and PS4's online capabilities
It's been a while since an NBA Live game hit store shelves, but NBA Live 14, a next-gen game coming to PS4 and Xbox One, might make up for that.
The troubled EA Sports series was hit with delays and cancellations over the last few years. But fans have missed the series, and the new game is looking better than ever.
TechRadar got a chance to sit down with two of NBA Live 14's producers last week at an Xbox One Games Preview Showcase in San Francisco, and we asked them how the game takes advantage of the new next-gen hardware.
We learned that NBA Live 14 will constantly evolve based on what happens in the real NBA.
More importantly, its developers said what they're doing is only possible because of the next-gen Xbox One and PS4 hardware.
From the court to the screen
"Basketball as a sport is something that's constantly changing, and what our feature set allows us to do and what the hardware and the live services allow us to do is stay relevant," NBA Live 14 Executive Producer Sean O'Brien told us.
"Through our Xbox One hardware and the live services we are able to update content on a daily basis. So a guy changes his hairstyle, breaks his nose, wears a mask, new footwear drops - we're able to update that stuff on a daily basis."
Our conversation with O'Brien and fellow producer Ryan Ferwerda focused largely on the Xbox One, given that we were at a Microsoft event, but based on our discussion it seems the game's Xbox One and PS4 versions are largely the same.
Thanks to the new consoles, updating minute content on a daily basis is painless, O'Brien said. And those updates extend past aesthetic changes into deep and detailed stats from the real-life NBA court thanks to EA's partnership with Synergy Sports Technology, a company that tracks objective player data from NBA games.
After every game, EA will collect Synergy's data, which includes details like what players tend to do in certain situations and which side of the court they favor, and implement it into its virtual players' ever-evolving behavior sets.
"So if there's a guy who's really shooting the ball really well in the real world, you can see him evolve throughout the course of your game," O'Brien explained.
"It basically makes the players play as they play in real life," Ferwerda added. "So if one of your favorite players is performing poorly in NBA Live he's got to perform better on the court and that stuff will slowly correct itself."
Staying relevant
It's not just player tendencies that will be updated, though.
"The first thing you notice in NBA Live is right when you go on the main screen, the entire UI is all new, live and dynamic, and it's updated basically every day," Ferwerda said.
"What's really cool is it's basically silent. You turn the game on, you'll have your updated stuff. That's one of the big advantages of these new boxes, especially the Xbox One, is it's always online."
As you may remember from all Microsoft's back-and-forth, the Xbox One doesn't actually require an internet connection, but Ferwerda was suggesting that most players will be connected to the internet most of the time.
EA will constantly check for roster updates and other obvious data, but even more fun are the challenges that will evolve from events that occur in real basketball games. NBA Live 14 has all the modes that fans expect from the series, but it's modes like "Live Season" and "Friday Night Live" that really stand out.
Live Season allows users to play through entire NBA seasons as their favorite teams, with player behavior and rosters locked in for each game just as they were during those real life games.
"I can go through and play every single game that the Knicks played, for example, in this playoff series, all the way down to the statistics, the way the players played that game, everything is accurate to that game. Then once the season starts this year you'll be moving along with them in lockstep," Ferwerda explained.
Friday Night Live is a more multiplayer-focused mode where the developers create events and challenges and people participate and compete together.
"We create challenges that are specific to your team. You can play along with your team this season and replay that actual game, or just big moments that happen in the league," Ferwerda said.
"Let's say I'm a Warriors fan. I go to the game and something happens in the game that's crazy. A few hours after that we actually create a challenge in our game you can go play with the exact player data in that exact moment. And these challenges are created every single day within hours," he continued. "All this stuff's updated every single day. Every time you turn on Live, something new and fresh is happening."
These modes are something that are really only possible on the Xbox One and PS4, thanks to their robust online capabilities and to the new Ignite engine that drives all of EA's upcoming next-gen games, Ferwerda said.
Moving forward
Sports games have been keeping their rosters and player stats updated for a while now, but NBA Live 14 looks like it will take that to a new level, particularly thanks to its partnership with Synergy Sports.
EA is the first company outside the NBA itself to use Synergy's data, so that may give it an edge over the well-entrenched NBA 2K series.
But O'Brien expects nothing less out of his games than the deep and dynamic statistics that they've implemented in NBA Live 14.
"When I'm on ESPN.com or when I'm watching a game during the week, I expect that my software when I play a video game is constantly relevant and updating as well along the way," he said. "We've got a couple features that really showcase that, allow us to stay connected through gen-four hardware, and really build out an experience that stays relevant, connected, social and competitive."
"It's been a rough past couple of years, and [NBA Live] hasn't actually shipped in a couple of years," O'Brien continued. "So what we tried to do a year ago was really restart the engine and get going on gen-four exclusively. It allows us to focus specifically on what that hardware and what that connectivity and what that experience is supposed to look like moving forward."
So far it's looking good. NBA Live 14 launches November 19 for Xbox One and PS4.
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iOS update for Pebble smartwatch brings Notification Center to wrists
Touting over 190,000 Pebble smartwatches sold, the wearable tech start-up of the same name announced that Apple's Notification Center will soon be as easy to check as flicking one's wrist.
This major iOS 7 update brings alerts from any app enabled in Notification Center: Calendar, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Flickr, Dropbox and so forth.
It builds on top of the calls, texts and emails that are displayed on the smartwatch when tied to an iOS device and it means Apple owners have finally caught up to Android users.
All of this is convenient for cutting down on the number of times iPhone owners check their smartphone throughout the day.
Now the handset can stay in a pocket and the iPhone 5S Touch ID home button can get a much-needed break from constantly being pressed.
More Pebble watch apps to come
Pebble said the new iOS functionality is under review by Apple and should be available in the iTunes Store "soon," according to an official blog post.
In the meantime, it's issuing Pebble SDK 2.0 to developers with the hope that they make rich new apps specifically designed for the smartwatch.
The four new APIs include Javascript, Accelerometer, Data Logging and Persistent Storage.
For the end-user, that means future apps will be able to take direct advantage of the web for real-time weather, transit info and location check-in.
The accelerometer access can be used for health and fitness monitoring and gesture-based remote control, while the data logging can store this information even when disconnected from a phone.
No new hardware hints yet
Pebble didn't announce a hardware refresh beyond its Kickstarter-funded smartwatch today.
However, as the company climbs to a healthy 200,000 watches sold and two million app and watch face downloads, it seems like new software is only the beginning of what's to come.
- Another free update: Check out our OS X 10.9 Mavericks review.
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Google Maps sees the return of Pegman, real-time traffic info and more
A massive update will find its way to the new Google Maps for desktop soon, bringing a number of features like 3D Earth Tours, Waze traffic info and enhanced Street View imagery along for the ride.
Perhaps most importantly for those who missed him, Pegman is back.
The little geometric guy now wonders the space on the bottom right of your browser, ready to take users on the Street View tour of over 50 countries at a moment's notice.
Give him a click, and roads with Street View support illumiate in blue. Hovering over a highlighted road will give users a thumbnail street-level preview before they dive in.
Users will notice blue circles dotted across their maps. These represent Photo Spheres, or spots that have user-uploaded photos. A 360-degree tour of locales comprised of land, air and sea pics populate the page, while yellow circles take users inside museums, restaurants and airplanes, to name a few.
The road ahead
For those times users are wandering in parts unknown, Google has added a step-by-step preview feature that shows a street-level snapshot of each decision point of a route. Clicking the "preview steps" option pops up these points for pre-trip study.
Maps will also take advantage of real-time traffic info provided courtesy of Waze, a company Google purchased earlier this year.
Finally, and for the most fun, zoom around Planet Earth with Maps' 3D Tours. You may have never seen Fenway Park in its big green flesh, but Google Maps gives you the chance to check it out virtually.
Those who signed up for the new Google Maps preview will see these new features land today, while the rest have a few weeks to wait.
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Pentax outs pair of zoom lenses, including one that can fit in your pocket
Right on the heels of launching a new flagship K-3 DSLR, Pentax is introducing two new lenses today.
One of the fresh additions coming to the company's lens line up is the HD Pentax-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR. The first in Pentax's Limited Lens series, the 20-40mm (or the 35mm equivalent of 30.5-61.5mm) wide zoom lens has a variable f/2.8-4 aperture. It should sit nicely with the 55-300mm f/4-5.8 lens Pentax announced alongside the K-3.
With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at 20mm, the new lens beats out Nikon and Canon, which are stuck at f/4 no matter what. It could be the ideal lens for Pentax photographers who like to shoot in the dark or starry landscapes at night.
Along with the wider maximum aperture, the 20-40mm lens was built with Extra-low Dispersion with a "HD coating," all to reduce chromatic aberration, ghosting, and flare. The lens also features a built-in AF motor and weather resistant construction in case you get caught shooting in the rain.
Puny lens
The other lens Pentax introduced was the 08 Wide Zoom. When thrown on a crop sensor lens camera like the Pentax Q7, it has the equivalent zoom range of 17.5-27mm.
The Japanese camera company touts the 08 Wide Zoom as the smallest, lightest wide-angle zoom lens in the world - and it's certainly a lens you can fit in your pocket as it's just 20mm (or 1.5 inches) tall and 75 grams (or 2.6 ounces). It could be a great small lens for stowing a smaller camera into your bag everyday, or for taking pictures at tightly-packed parties and other confined spaces.
The lens is built with an aluminum barrel body with a Dual Super Aspherical glass element to help cut down on the distortion caused by having a wide lens. It also features a built-in neutral density filter - which blocks out light slightly, so prepare to bump down your shutter speed - and inner-focus mechanism that works fast and quietly with your camera's AF drive.
Pentax has priced the 20-40mm f/2.8 lens at £849.99 (about $1,367/AU$1,435) and the 08 Wide Zoom for £429.99 (about $691/AU/$726).
However, Pentax has yet to say when the lenses will be available in the UK, or if they'll be available elsewhere. Of course we'll update this article if we hear any news.
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Heading back to iWork: Apple plots return of missing productivity app features
In a rare move, Apple has pre-announced the return of some iWork for Mac features that went missing in the suite's most recent iteration.
Apple kept its note cut-and-dry, but this is likely in response to power users who've complained the company stripped or "dumbed down" the offering to bring it more in line with iOS 7. Microsoft even threw in its own criticism last month, calling Apple's iWork apps "watered down" compared to Office.
Apple addresses none of the criticism, instead explaining that it rewrote Pages, Numbers and Keynote for iWork from the bottom up "to be fully 64-bit and to support a unified file format between OS X and iOS 7 versions, as well as iWork for iCloud beta."
In the process, some iWork '09 features didn't make the cut for initial release, however Apple plans to reintroduce some features over the next six months. Interesting Cupertino only mentions "some" features staging a comeback, though it does offer "brand new features" will also make it through in subsequent releases.
Features making a comeback
Apple listed 18 features it will bring back in the coming half-year, a smattering for Pages, Numbers and Keynote each.
Pages will see the return of its customizable toolbar, vertical ruler, a quartet of improved tools, keyword shortcuts for styles and the ability to manage pages and sections in thumbnail view.
Numbers will also see the return of the DIY toolbar, page headers and footers, and improvements to AppleScript support, among other features.
Keynote's toolbar too will show its face again, along with a restoration of old transitions and builds, improvements to presenter display and AppleScript support boosts.
While it's a good start, even with these features returning iWork's apps won't be completely back up to par with older versions. Apple has a remedy for that, albeit a crummy one - just use earlier iWork apps.
The company concluded with a tip on reverting document files to previous versions of iWork apps. Unedited documents can be reverted to the iWork '09 by going to File > Revert To.
Edited docs (with edits you want to save) can be saved as an iWork '09 document by selecting File > Export To and choosing Pages '09, Numbers '09 or Keynote '09.
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No free Xbox Music access for Xbox One, Music Pass subscription required
Microsoft will not offer free, ad-supported access to its Spotify-like Xbox Music service on the Xbox One console after all, the company confirmed today.
The company offers free access for users through Windows 8 and at music.xbox.com, but Xbox One users will require a monthly Music Pass subscription ($9.99, £8.99) in order to play anything beyond a 15-song trial.
Despite indications from a senior Xbox employee last weekend, there will be no ad-funded option on the Xbox One, which is in line with the policy on Xbox 360, Android and iOS.
On the Xbox 360 users also need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to even access the app, which will also be retained for the Xbox One.
Dashed
The confirmation from Microsoft dashes the hopes of prospective Xbox One buyers who'd received word they'd be receiving ad-supported access as long as an Xbox Live account was present.
In answer to a Twitter question earlier this week, Albert Penello, head of product planning for Xbox One, told a follower: "You don't have to subscribe, but you will get periodic ads."
After realising his mistake (or be ordered to send out the right info), Penello wrote: "I was wrong about Music on XboxOne: You get 15 free song plays then need Music Pass for ad-free streaming. No ad-supported streaming. Sorry!"
So, disappointment for those wishing to stream free music on their Xbox One. However, at least the console still supports audio CDs, music streaming from a home server and personal music collections, unlike the rival PlayStation 4.
Panello pointed out: "But don't forget, Xbox Music supports Play-To of all your music directly from your PC."
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Xbox One cloud updates might reset console during gameplay
We're learning more and more about the Xbox One every day, but it seems not everything we hear is going to be good.
Case in point: the Xbox One can reportedly reboot automatically when it receives an OS update from the cloud, even if you're in the middle of something - including playing a game.
That's what Microsoft's Xbox Live Lead Program Manager John Bruno said November 5 during a GDC Next presentation called "On Demand Compute: Power For Games," according to the site IGameResponsibly.
The details are fuzzy, but what he reportedly said sounds like it could pose potential problems for players, particularly if the cloud is pushing updates to consoles automatically.
Cloudy with a chance of automatic updates
Bruno's statements, while not exactly ambiguous, nevertheless do not appear to paint the full picture.
"Once in a while, rather frequently actually, the host OS will require an update, meaning the physical machine is going to get rebooted, whether your code is running or not," he said.
"That's a problematic thing for a game, and is oftentimes is in the middle of a multiplayer session, we've worked very hard to overcome that, but that's not to say it's going to be a reality in every case."
But he's not clear on how often that will occur, whether a workaround is available, or how widespread the issue might be.
What if the cloud fails?
The highly anticipated game Titanfall, which relies heavily on the Xbox One's cloud services, uses the cloud for a variety of functions, including offloading processes like AI computations and behaviors to the cloud. That frees up the console hardware to do other things.
Titanfall won't function without the cloud, but what about other games that use the cloud to varying degrees?
Bruno was also reportedly asked what would happen if Microsoft's cloud servers failed altogether.
"I can't answer that," he replied. "I don't know what the guys over at Titanfall have built into their game. It's up to the game developer. If they want to rely more on our XBLC service, we're happy to support that. We do provide a platform for them to persist data, but that's up to the developer to utilize that."
Other tidbits
That all sounds rather ominous, but it's unclear from Bruno's statements just how widespread or common the issue will be. We've asked Microsoft if it can clarify or explain any more about how the Xbox One will handle OS updates, and will provide an update when we can.
Bruno did however divulge some other tidbits about the Xbox One cloud services.
For example, he said that the cloud-based "Xbox Live Compute" system has been in development for 18 months, and that it was a tough sell for some publishers, in particular Ubisoft.
But Respawn Entertainment, the Titanfall studio helmed by former Call of Duty developers, jumped on board immediately, Bruno said.
- The PS3 won the console war - no, wait, the Xbox 360 won the console war. Now we're confused.
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Three customers: No more sales or upgrades from Carphone Warehouse
Three UK customers will no longer be able to do their shopping at Carphone Warehouse, after the network decided to cut ties with the high street retailer.
From earlier December, the UK's smallest major mobile network will no longer sell devices, service plans or upgrades through Carphone's website or brick and mortar stores.
Instead, those wishing to sign up or extend their relationship with Three will need to do so through its own 348 stores and online portals, or from other smaller independent retailers.
The decision to ditch CPW follows the curtailing of Three's relationship with Phones 4U last year. Both decisions are believed to be attributed to the extra costs of selling through third-party retailers.
Impact
A Carphone Warehouse spokesperson informed TechRadar: "From early December we will no longer be selling or upgrading Three propositions through our channels. This will not impact our commitment to provide customers with choice and value: no one else offers customers a wider range of networks and tariffs."
The Times (subscription) reports that Carphone has already shrugged off Three's decision, with an internal memo calling it "a very small part of the business." It is focused on relationships with "major networks," it reportedly said.
Going forward, it will be very interesting to see whether Three's bottom line is affected now users no longer have the option of signing up for tariffs and SIMs at either of the UK's major independent retailers.
Quite often Three's contracts stack up very well against the likes of O2, Vodafone and EE, especially in the unlimited data department.
It seems the other major players will be happy to see Three depart from those arenas given the network's plans to offer 4G LTE data plans at no extra cost.
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Blip: Google says it's exploring making mystery barges spaces to check out new tech
Alright, Sherlocks, put your pipes away.
Google is out with a statement on what the hell is up with the mystery barge (actually, barges) the purpose of which everyone's gone gaga over trying to figure out.
"Google Barge ... A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above. Although it's still early days and things might change, we're exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology," a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch.
So while the party deck is seemingly out, it looks like people will still get the chance to play with Google Glass (now in its second edition) and other Google gizmos on these floating structures.
More blips!
Cast yourself over to more blips.
- Look ma, no thumbs! Facebook redesigns its Like and Share buttons
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