TechRadar: Digital home news

In Depth: 10 best quiet gadgets: low-noise gadgets for your home

Jamie Carter — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:00 GMT

There's a reason for the explosion in popularity of headphones, and it's got nothing to do with Dr Dre. Our offices, homes and city streets are getting louder as we fill-up our lives with more and more machinery, electronics, traffic and constantly beeping gadgets.

Forced to don headphones, we're quickly retreating into world of our own, but there could be light at the end of the, err, ear canal. Silent-running gadgets are beginning to emerge that are as functional as before, only better designed.

Until recently 'low-noise' has been a claim found only on expensive products, but now it's a characteristic starting to filter to all areas of the market. With a new awards scheme from Quiet Mark to help, we unveil some of the new generation of gadgets, domestic appliances and vehicles that make the world a more relaxing place to live.

1. Lexus CT 200h hybrid luxury compact car, £22,000

Ah, the car; the bane of all city dwellers forced to endure their incessant noise. Most drivers probably don't care if they offend the ears of pedestrians, but Lexus clearly does - its high-end, sporty CT 200h is one of the quietest around.

It does 'quiet' using the magic of electricity, of course - the CT 200h is one of the first full hybrid luxury compact cars - but the interior is designed to create an environment that's also totally sealed-off from other drivers.

A Mark Levinson audio system fills the car with enveloping 'concert hall' sound while its climate control system filters-out pollen and diesel fumes and dirt from the surround melee. Put it into Electric Vehicle mode, however, and the CT 200h earns its status and runs almost completely silently.

2. Yamaha Silent Guitar SLG130NW, £600

Great for both practice and home recording and easy to travel with, this futuristic-looking guitar from Yamaha puts an end to complaints or cringing from neighbours, flatmates and siblings.

If you're into funk/disco/jazz-style percussive body slaps, forget it - there's zero acoustic amplification here - but the SLG130NW will suit most guitar players happy with the electric sound.

Featuring a good, low, classical string height and wide bridge spacing, the SLG130NW sounds great plugged-in, and although there's a more electric-like sustain, especially from the lower strings, you can see why numerous players actually use these guitars live.

The EQ is basic but effective, and the effects are usable, especially the two reverbs and echo. Read our full review of the Yamaha Silent Guitar SLG130NW.

3. Nofan CR-95C Copper IcePipe Fanless CPU Cooler

Noisy CPU fans are pretty annoying, especially if you've sat down at your desk to do some work. The whole idea of a fan is a bit 19th century, if you ask us, so it was about time someone invented the… thermal heatpipe.

Used here as part of Nofan's IcePipe tech, the CR-95C cools the computer's processor using sealed-in liquid convection cooling, and it works as well with Intel or AMD CPUs, remaining both dust-free and utterly silent.

The CR-95C comes as a single part for DIYers happy to upgrade their own motherboard, or as a key component of Nofan's configurable Quiet PC IcePipe Silent Workstation.

4. Sennheiser PXC310 BT £200

Sennheiser's NoiseGuard 2.0 tech is a thing of wonder, cleverly cancelling out 90% of ambient noise, and it's our choice when about and about.

However, though Sennheiser's compact and multitalented PXC310 BTs are great for frequent flyers, too, their key other feature - Bluetooth - is less useful at 40,000ft where wireless tech is illegal. Still, the detachable phono cable makes is an easy choice, and for sheer sound quality there are few better options.

One of the more comfortable options around and far smaller than most noise-cancelling headphones, the only slightly painful characteristic for travellers is the need to recharge using a miniUSB cable when batteries would have sufficed.

5. Intimus Pro Silentec 26 SC2 CC3 shredder, £275

Those who listen to speech radio - or even familiar music - while working are just dragging-put the process by drastically reducing their concentration, and the din of computers, printers and shredders doesn't help much, either.

A cross-cut shredder with a 26-litre capacity, the 26 CC3 can cut through paper, staples, paper clips, plastic cards and even CDs and DVDs, but it's the sound dampening Silentec - which absorbs vibrations and massively cuts down on noise - that makes it a cut above for a desktop.

6. Philips Wake-Up Light Sunrise Simulation HF3510/01, £100

OK, so light bulbs don't exactly let out a roar each time they're switched-on, but lights that wake you up with bird-song and waves are a great way to make your home restful instead of stressful.

Philips' Wake-Up Light increases the light over 30 minutes to mimic a sunrise, from soft morning red, to orange, to yellow. The same happens at the other end of the day, too, though both timings and exact light levels are entirely customisable.

The light comes with a slowly rising soundtrack of either bird song, birds in a forest, or 'zen garden', but there's also an FM radio if you find Chris Evans shouting a relaxing way to begin the day.

7. Samsung WF0804X8E washing machine, £530

If your washing machine's spin cycle is loud enough to clear the room, it's not broken, it's just badly designed. Those with small flats and open-plan kitchen-diners will thus adore the Samsung WF0804X8E, a washing machine that ditches the usual loud spin for a quiet drive motor that uses no belts or gears, and adds anti-vibration tech.

Such an extensive spin isn't needed because of the WF0804X8E's 'Ecobubble' approach - a bubble generator dissolves the detergent in water before injecting air. Using less hot water, its Super Eco Wash programme washes at just 15°C while promising the results of a 40°C wash.

8. Magimix Cuisine Système 5200 XL, £340

Food processors are routinely the loudest thing in the kitchen, but baking a cake or making a spice mix needn't mean alienating the cat and interrupting the radio.

Using an ultra-quiet induction motor that boasts a stunning 20-year guarantee, the three-in-one Magimix Cuisine Système 5200 XL's Sabatier stainless steel blades are as sharp and powerful as on any mixer, but adjusts power according to what you're mixing to stay as quiet as possible.

9. Russell Hobbs Serenity kettle, £40

A constant pain in the ear, the loud rattle of the kettle can momentarily drive people out of their kitchen, but making a cuppa needn't make your blood boil too.

A great value option to help lessen the noise in one of the loudest rooms in the house is the Serenity kettle from Russell Hobbs. This 1.7-litre capacity, stainless steel kettle features an easy-lift push-button lid, and its 3kW concealed element means a quick, but oh-so-quiet boil.

In Depth: 10 gadgets for the ultimate connected home

John Brandon — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

The dream of having the ultimate connected home can sometimes turn into a nightmare. A complicated set-up process, professional installers who charge exorbitant rates and a disconnected infrastructure can mean spending hours just to get a light switch connected to your router.

As with many tech advancements, the true innovations are often 'one-offs' that work better collectively.

These gadgets are easy to install and connect to your phone or computer. Light switches, appliances, and even your garden are just a click away.

1. Harvest Geek HarvestBot SensorStation

Now a Kickstarter project, this garden sensor points to the future of the connected home with a small waterproof gadget you place in the soil. It measures water, air temp, humidity, light intensity, and soil moisture to help you make decisions about watering and care.

Sensors connect to a BaseStation that feeds information to the web and mobile apps. Like any worthwhile connected home gadget, the Harvest Geek system can also send you alerts about weather conditions, such as an overly sunny day when your garden might require extra watering.

2. Ford MyEnergi Lifestyle

One important trend: the car is now becoming an integral part of the connected home. In the US, Ford has started an innovative 'proof of concept' with Georgia Tech called MyEnergi Lifestyle.

It all started with a computer model, of course: engineers found that using a Ford C-MAX Energi electric car, along with products from Eaton, Whirlpool and Nest, a homeowner could save as much as 60% in energy costs and about 9,000 kg in CO2 (a 55 percent reduction).

Participants, to be selected soon, use a mobile app that recognises your locale and can automatically use a Value Charge mode for the best utility rates.

3. Vivint Whole-home System

A powerful whole-home automation system, Vivint has one main control system for home security and temp, but the web and iPad apps give you unprecedented control. You can use a template like 'aggressive energy saver' to lower the heat automatically at midday and at night.

There are presets for quickly moving a pan-tilt cam in your living room to look out of the window with one click. And a unique door lock system means you can lock one door in your home and have Vivint lock every other door automatically.

One interesting feature is that Vivint uses gear from Alarm.com and D-Link for more unified automation. For now it's available only in the US and Canada but we hope they plan for worldwide domination soon.

4. Whirlpool Smart Dishwasher

This fully automated and connected Whirlpool WDL785SAAM dishwasher uses a technology called 6th Sense Live. You can activate wash cycles remotely using the web or a mobile app.

The Energy Adviser system shows exactly how much energy the appliance is using so you can adjust usage time for a better rate. You can also check the total time you've used the appliance and check on maintenance schedules.

The app even lets you know when the dishes are clean. Remote control features use Wi-Fi, but the energy consumption features require a smart grid in your home.

5. Nexia Home Intelligence

One of the best features of this smarthome system is that you can install the components yourself. The Nexia Home Bridge connects to your existing router.

You enrol devices like door sensors, thermostats, front door deadbolts, appliance modules, and security cameras by pressing one 'plus' button on the bridge.

All components are available for control in a web app or using an iOS or Android app (phones and tablets). To install a sensor, you can use an adhesive material to place it on a door or window, which means no complex measurements.

6. Belkin WeMo Light Switch

Many home automation systems like those from Vivint use the Z-Wave protocol, which maintains a steady connection when you install multiple devices. (They link to each other to create a stronger bond.) The Belkin WeMo Light Switch connects to your existing Wi-Fi router and lets you turn the lights on and off with an app.

Unlike many home automation kits that do not tap into the electrical current of your home directly, this switch replaces an existing light switch. (The install is easy, just make sure you cut the power first.) You can then schedule lights off and on and set triggers using other WeMo motion detectors in the same room.

7. Netatmo Connected Weather Station

This home weather kit includes two sensors (one for indoor and one for outdoor) that monitor temperature and air quality.

You can pull up an iOS or Android app (designed for smartphones and for tablets) to see a quick report on current indoor and outdoor temp, air quality, carbon monoxide level, humidity, barometric pressure and several other readings to help you monitor your home.

The apps can be configured to send alerts when the Netatmo senses a dangerous level of air quality or carbon monoxide. You can also view a report on fluctuations over a set period, and share reports on social networks.

8. Netgear VueZone

This smart video surveillance system is incredibly easy to set up. There's an included Wi-Fi bridge for your router. You place the cameras near the bridge and turn them on.

They sync automatically, and the replaceable battery lasts six months. The cameras, about the size of two thumb-widths, pop into a round holder that sticks to any surface.

You can network up to 15 cameras, see the video feed from Android or iOS devices, and even get an email when the camera detects motion. (At that point, you can view a 10 or 40 second video clip.)

9. Detroit Electric SP:01

Available in the fall, this amazingly curvy EV sports car (now being engineered in the UK) has an interesting perk for homeowners. The car itself will run for about 280 kilometers on a charge, which helps reduce carbon emissions on your way to work.

But at home, the car can act as an emergency back-up generator. In a power outage in your area, the car automatically senses a change on the smart grid and can provide power for appliances, heating and lights for about 24-48 hours.

The car will also be highly connected, offering apps you can use to monitor charge levels and even adjust charge time based on the lowest rates.

10. Kohler Moxie Showerhead + Wireless Speaker

We've covered the garage, the living room, and even the garden. But what about the shower? This Bluetooth showerhead connects to your smartphone or tablet to stream music.

The speaker snaps into the showerhead using a magnet, so it's easy to install and remove for charging. Any Bluetooth device can stream music, including Android and iOS phones and tablets. You can also remove the speaker and use it in any room of the house.

Sony announces exciting prices for 4K TVs in the UK

James Rivington — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Sony has finally announced UK prices for its Bravia X9 range of 4K TVs and it's good news. The 55-inch X9000A Ultra HD telly is set to cost just £4,000, while the 65-inch model is 50 per cent more expensive at £6,000.

While these prices are clearly not cheap, they are still the first full-blown 4K TVs to hit the UK market in sizes under 84-inches and at prices below £20,000. The prices compare relatively favourably to the US prices which were announced last month - $5,000 and $7,000.

While Sony is calling these TVs 4K, they're actually Ultra HD which has a resolution just under the 4K res of 4096 x 2160. This is to allow for the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio of livingroom screens.

Ultra HD TVs have a resolution of 3840 x 2160, four times higher than full HD 1080p, allowing you to sit closer to the TV and gawp at the super-detailed picture. While there's no 4K content currently available, the TVs upscale HD beautifully, streaming services are literally in the pipeline, 4K broadcasts are on the way and a Blu-ray disc ratification is imminent.

Pre-order today

The X9 TVs will hit UK shops from mid-June, but if you're committed to getting one of these things in your house as soon as possible, you can pre-order from today.

The X9 TVs are exciting for more than just the ultra high definition, too. Firstly, both models come with Sony's fantastic magnetic fluid speakers which means that not only does the picture look stunning, the sound is brilliant too.

The speakers use magnetic fluid instead of traditional dampers, which improves sound quality by eliminating distortion, cuts energy consumption by 35 per cent and also allows the speakers to be squeezed into much tighter spaces. We've tested them out and can confirm they're probably the best flatscreen TV speakers we've ever encountered.

The TVs also come with Sony's Triluminos colour tech which we've already seen in the impressive new W9 range. And the remote control is NFC-enabled too, which makes it easier than ever to pair your TV with a mobile device and use that as your remote.

Right then, get saving and stay tuned for a review on TechRadar because these TVs have us very excited indeed.

In depth: 8 reasons why you should be excited about Ultra HD

James Rivington — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Like it or not, 2013 is the year of 4K and Ultra HD. The movies are already here, the TVs are coming and the disc format is on its way.

There's more reason to be excited about all this than most advances in display tech, too, even if you were unimpressed by the so-called 3D revolution.

This year, the sizes and the prices of 4K TVs are entering the realms of us mere mortals, and we reckon that Ultra HD will sooner or later persuade you to buy a new TV. Here's why...

1. It looks amazing

Believe us - 4K is not the new 3D. 3D didn't take off for many reasons: the glasses are uncomfortable, it's headache-tastic, the experience just isn't relaxing for the majority. It's also just an extra feature which you either do or (mostly) don't use depending on the content. But 4K is different - the step from HD to Ultra HD is just like the step was from SD to HD.

It's a permanent feature of the screen that gets used every time you watch it. Sharper images, more detail. Amazing eye candy, essentially, offering a more pleasant watching experience. Upscaling on some (but not all) of the Ultra HD TVs we've seen so far has been very impressive, with HD movies looking amazing on big 4K TVs from trusted brands. Native 4K movies are simply mesmerising.

2. You can sit closer to the screen

With a full HD picture, conventional wisdom says that you need to sit three screen heights (3H) away from the display in order to enjoy optimum picture quality: any closer and you'll be able to see the individual pixels, you'll get a headache, and your eyeballs will dissolve.

However, with a far sharper picture, 4K videos can be enjoyed optimally from just 1.5H. This makes large screen sizes far more sensible than they were in the past, you can sit a lot closer which doubles your field of view from just 30 degrees to 60 – giving you a far more cinematic, immersive experience.

3. It makes passive 3D more tolerable

In many ways, passive 3D offers a more comfortable way of watching a 3D picture compared to active 3D. But because the light is split, 3D Blu-rays effectively have their resolution halved. It's much worse when watching a boradcasted 720p sports match - the picture ends up not even being HD.

But with a 4K TV, the resolution is four times higher than full HD which means passive 3D still looks nice and sharp. It's not as sharp as native 4K pictures (just wait, 4K 3D is the next feature on the production line), but still far better than what we've become used to. Of course, you might still hate 3D. But for anyone who really wants to like it but has yet to be convinced, this might be a reason to get involved.

4. 4K OLED is coming

One exciting thing for consumers thinking about upgrading is that 4K and OLED tech is arriving at roughly the same time. LG predicts OLED prices will be at current high-end LED prices in the next two years. What's more, Panasonic and Sony are both completely ignoring HD OLED tech and going straight to 4K OLED.

So for many people, waiting for a 4K OLED 3D TV might be a good option - they're not far away. If you can't wait, of course, Sony's 55 and 65-inch 4K LED TVs are already around here somewhere (reviews coming soon!) and there'll be lots more from other brands launching at IFA in August/September.

5. There are already hundreds of movies out there

If you think there will only be a few 4K movies available to watch at home, you're mistaken. There isn't yet an agreed format or standard for 4K movies on disc, but it's not far off. And when the players start coming out, there will be literally hundreds of movies and TV shows available from the off. Many have been filmed natively in 4K (or above) over the last few years, but even films shot on 35mm film 50 years ago can be rescanned and remastered in 4K.

Sony Pictures alone has already remastered over 100 movies in this way. It's worthwhile, too - the 4K remaster of classics such as Laurence of Arabia will be the first versions of the movie to use and display all of the picture information captured on the original film. So in some respect, 4K remasters will be the definitive editions.

6. TV shows are now shot in 4K by default

It's not just movies that are getting the 4K love, either. If you want to make a new TV show at Sony Pictures, 4K is now the default format. It's the same elsewhere. It's a little more expensive to make shows this way, but the increased value when it comes to syndication later down the line makes it a no brainer for many of the leading US studios. And of course, older shows shot on film can be remastered in 4K just like older movies. Below you can see Breaking Bad being remastered in 4K, one painstaking frame at a time.

7. 4K TV broadcasts aren't far away

A compressed 4K movie stored on a server at a cinema takes up around 200GB of storage space. Sony's market-leading F65 8K camera (Sony shoots in 8K and downsamples to 4K or 2K) can squeeze only around 1 hour of footage onto a 1TB Sony SR memory card. So you'd be forgiven for assuming that 4K TV broadcasts are a long way off, but that's not actually true thanks to advances in compression technology.

The newly ratified HEVC compression format for 4K can deliver a brilliant Ultra HD broadcast picture with a bitrate of just 20Mbit/s. When compared to the 12Mbit/s currently employed for HD, that's not such a huge leap. FIFA will be filming the World Cup in 4K in 2016, and as we found out recently, the BBC is planning to trial 4K broadcasting at Wimbledon this very year. As an aside, YouTube is already serving up 4K video, and Netflix says it's not far behind.

8. Glasses-free 3D is coming

The final reason to be enthusiastic about higher resolution TVs is that they are opening the door for the definitive form of 3D - glasses free - to become a reality. Current glasses-free tech, which is already impressive but not quite ready yet, uses a lenticular-style lens over the screen to separate the light from the panel into two channels - one for each eye. This division of the light effectively halves the resolution which is why glasses free 3D requires at least a 4K panel to be effective.

Updated: Mother's Day: 12 tech gifts for mom

Michael Rougeau — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:06:00 GMT

Mother's Day is the the time to show your mom how grateful you are that she's put up with all your crap for so long, but it's not easy to find a good Mother's Day gift.

Everyone's mom is different, and while some might be satisfied with a card and brunch, others will want more. After all, she carried you for nine whole months - the least you can do is spend a couple hundred bucks on a thoughtful gift.

And while some moms are tech-savvy, some may have no clue. But that doesn't mean you can't make her day with the right gadget. You've just got to discover the perfect Mother's Day tech for her.

No matter what tech your mom is already into, there's bound to be a technologically advanced Mother's Day gift here that she'll appreciate. And even if she doesn't, at least it's the thought that counts.

1. Fitbit Flex wristband and Aria smart scale

Get it at: Fitbit.com (scale $129.99)

Taglines: "Outsmart your weight with Aria" / "Never stop moving with Fitbit Flex"

If your mom doesn't already have a Nike FuelBand, you might want to clue her in to this fitness gift combo from Fitbit. The scale will track her weight, body fat, and BMI, all the while connecting to her computer via Wi-Fi and uploading her stats and progress.

Whether your mom's obsessed with fitness or she's been trying to get into it, the Aria smart scale could be a great Mother Day tech gift.

And the Flex wristband, much like the popular Nike FuelBand, is much more than a pedometer that will count your mom's footsteps. In addition to steps taken, it tracks calories burned, distance traveled, active minutes, and - get this - both hours slept and quality of sleep. It even acts as a silent alarm clock so she won't wake up your dad when she gets up early to go running. And naturally the two gadgets will work together.

Unfortunately, the Flex isn't out yet, though Fitbit is currently promising a Spring 2013 release date that should arrive any day.

2. BabyPing video baby monitor

Get it at: BabyPing ($199.99)

Tagline: "Whether home or away BabyPing keeps you connected to your baby"

New moms have always relied on baby monitors in this modern age, but the technology has come a long way. Static-filled walkie-talkies are a thing of the past, and now it's all about the video.

There are plenty of different choices when it comes to video baby monitors, but the BabyPing is one of the best - and more importantly, it's one of the easiest to set up, so even non-techy moms should be able to get into it.

It's full of features, too, including night vision, audio filtering to keep background hiss down, two-way audio, built-in nursery rhymes and Wi-Fi connectivity to PCs and iOS devices (no Android, unfortunately, though there are plenty of alternative baby monitors for non-iOS-using moms).

3. Kindle Paperwhite

Get it at: Amazon ($119)

Tagline: "The world's most advanced e-reader"

Plenty of moms out there already have an e-reader, but there are plenty more who probably don't yet know what they've been missing.

There are several reasons a Kindle Paperwhite will make a perfect Mother's Day tech gift: it's affordable and it's easy on the eyes, and since it's the newest Kindle model, your mom will be able to brag to all her friends about it.

The best part? She won't have to deal with all the book clutter she has lying around, since they'll all be digital.

4. Moxie showerhead and bluetooth speaker

Get it at: Amazon ($149.25)

Tagline: "It takes Moxie to shower out loud"

Moms have it hard. Whether their kids are 2, 12 or 40, it seems their job never ends. The shower may be one of the only places your mom gets to relax. And with the Moxie showerhead and built-in bluetooth speaker, she can do it while listening to her favorite Celine Dion or Phil Collins songs.

The showerhead speaker connects to a smartphone or other bluetooth devices at up to 32 feet, and one of the best parts is that the speaker isn't limited to the shower - it detaches and can travel with your mom all over the house or wherever she wants to go, with seven hours of battery life.

An alternative for moms who appreciate some ambiance but don't care as much about music is an LED showerhead that can simulate rainfall while projecting various soothing colors. Browse LightintheBox.com and take your pick.

5. Slingbox

Get it at: Slingbox.com ($179.99 - $299.99)

Tagline: "Watch your TV anywhere"

The Slingbox is a great Mother's Day tech gift - whether your mom is down with all the memes or still thinks that her browser is called "Google," she'll appreciate the ability to take her television shows and newscasts with her on the go.

The latest models are the Slingbox 350 and the Slingbox 500, and although the 500 comes with some extra features, let's be honest - your mom probably isn't going to use them anyway. You might as well go with the cheaper version (we won't tell).

Plus, your dad will likely show some appreciation for this one as well.

6. Flower Power by Parrot

Get it at: Parrot.com (not yet available)

Tagline: "The most advanced plant sensor"

Parrot's Flower Power is a device the likes of which we've never seen before, and it's sure to tickle your mom's green thumb - or better yet, lack thereof - on Mother's Day.

It's a plant sensor that sits in the soil of a planter or pot, monitoring sunlight, moisture, temperature, and fertilizer, then sending the data wirelessly via bluetooth to your mother's gadgets. It will even remind her when to water them.

It was only introduced at CES this year, so unfortunately it's not on the market yet, but a 2013 release is promised and you can sign up to be notified at parrot.com. Maybe it will make a good birthday present, or you can remember it for next year's Mother's Day.

7. LogMeIn

Get it at: LogMeIn.com ($69.95 per year)

Tagline: "Simply connect from anywhere"

This one's for the working moms, though even the retirees and stay-at-homes out there could no doubt find some use for it. LogMeIn is a subscription service that will allow her to access her home PC from anywhere.

Moms at soccer practice or dance recitals won't have to duck out to email their bosses that important file, and when she's with her friends she'll be able to pull up all those cute baby pictures and home videos without having to worry about what's synced with her tablet or phone.

Trying to juggle files between multiple devices can be a hassle even for the tech-savvy, so your mom will definitely appreciate not having to do it.

Getting her a year's subscription to LogMeIn Pro will ensure that she remembers what a good son or daughter you are all year long.

8. Canon PowerShot Elph 110 HS

Get it at: Amazon ($194.98)

Tagline: "Style, Sophistication and Power"

If your mother is sick of being disappointed by blurry smartphone photos (or if she - gasp! - doesn't use a smartphone at all) you might want to consider getting her an affordable point-and-shoot.

There are many to choose from, but Canon's name carries some weight in the world of photography and the Elph line of point-and-shoots has always proved reliable in our experience.

The Canon PowerShot Elph 110 HS is the latest model, and it has plenty of features that will keep your mom entertained. In case she isn't too tech-savvy, though, the charming name ("Elph") and the rainbow of colors that the 110 comes in should allay most of her fears.

And she might be amazed when you tell her that it takes full HD 1080p video, even though that's become a standard feature for point-and-shoots. You don't have to tell her that part.

9. Nook HD

Get it at: Barnes & Noble ($149)

Tagline: "The best in reading"

If the Kindle Paperwhite is too light on features for your media-hungry mother, the Nook HD may be the ideal alternative.

Barnes & Noble's Kindle competitor has improved dramatically with the Nook HD, which, with the very recent addition of Google Play store access, has become a desirable little tablet in its own right. The standard Nook HD comes in a handy 7-inch size, while the upgraded Nook HD+ adds an extra two inches and an improved resolution.

The best part? Barnes & Noble has got your back with a Mother's Day sale that's knocked $50 off the price of the Nook HD and a full $90 off the price of the plus-sized version.

10. Epson Perfection V500 photo scanner

Get it at: Epson.com ($149.99)

Tagline: "Extraordinary quality and versatility"

If your mom's a scrapbooker or dedicated family archivist, she may balk at the idea of turning her old-fashioned photos into a sleek digital collection. But with Epson's easy-to-use photo scanners, she won't have any more excuses to remain in the realm of physical photos.

The optical resolution of 6,400ppi means that all her photos will make the transition with nary a pixel lost, and she'll be thrilled with the quality once they make it to the other side.

Everything will be preserved for future generations, just like she wants, and she'll be kept busy for a while, too - perfect for newly retired mothers wondering what to do with their time. The Perfection V500 isn't even limited to photos, so it will fulfill all your mother's scanning needs, whatever they may be.

11. ION Pure LP USB conversion turntable

Get it at: ionaudio.com ($99.99)

Tagline: "Convert your records in style"

Here's another one for the mom who spends her days reminiscing about the past - not that that's a bad thing.

A vinyl-to-digital converter like ION's Pure LP may seem like a gadget only an audiophile will appreciate, but your mom may very well enjoy combing through her dusty collection of LPs and cataloging them digitally. It's easy to set up and comes with custom software that will guide her through the process.

Once they're on her computer, she'll be able to transfer them to her smartphone or MP3 player and listen to all her favorite tunes from the days of yore wherever she goes.

For Apple-loving moms there's also ION's iLP digital conversion turntable, which can skip the PC altogether and transfer songs from vinyl directly to an iPhone 5, 4th-gen iPad or iPad mini.

12. Belkin Chef Stand and Stylus

Get it at: Amazon.com ($23.99)

Tagline: "Use your tablet while you cook"

Belkin's Chef Stand and Stylus is a niche gift, for sure, but foodie moms who love to use recipes on their tablets will definitely appreciate the convenience afforded by this gadget.

The Chef Stand will do little more than prop up her tablet, while the stylus, which rests on its own little stand, will allow her to navigate on the device without touching the screen and potentially messing it up with food.

It boasts compatibility with most iPads, including the iPad mini plus the stylus reportedly works with any touchscreen. She could probably even use it with her smartphone if tablets aren't your mother's thing.

And all components, including the magnetic stylus, are hand-washable.

In Depth: 8 surprising gadgets that run Android

Jamie Carter — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

From Froyo and Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich and the latest Jelly Bean, Google's Linux-based Android operating system is most often thought of as smartphone and tablet-fodder.

Completely open source and free from licensing royalties and proprietary software, app developers and product designers from all genres have been quick to embrace Android - and it's a trend that's continuing.

It might come under pressure from rival operating systems in the near future, but for now Android is a mobile operating system that's surprisingly flexible - as proved by its use here in anything from cars and fridges to games consoles and the next generation of wearable smart watches and smart glass headsets.

1. Android fridges

If you're the type of person who likes to note down your shopping list throughout the week using the Evernote app on your smartphone, you truly are the most organised person in Britain. Well done you. Your prize is the upcoming Samsung T9000 (£2,400) four-door fridge.

Equipped with Evernote as a native app within an Android OS (exact version TBC), the T9000's 10-inch touchscreen can also host photos and video apps, calendar schedules and recipes, though downloading apps straight from Google Play gets the cold shoulder.

Will the T9000 sport the latest Android OS or a mod of an ageing version? We know not, but Ice Cream Sandwich, at least, would be, err, cool.

2. Android televisions

If your smartphone and tablet runs Android, a TV that uses the same system is a no-brainer, but such a thing is relatively rare. You could investigate something like LG's Google TVs, but for a pure Android add-on, the Archos TV Connect (£99) is a simple entry-level retrofit idea.

A clip-on device for a TV that pairs over Bluetooth with a joystick-style QWERTY keyboard-cum-gamepad, the TV Connect is fully certified by Google and enables the downloading of any Google Play app within a completely open Android experience akin to that on any smartphone or tablet.

It's largely about getting smartphone games onto a TV, though the accelerometer-equipped gamepad it ships with uses slightly odd analogue joysticks in place of a touchscreen. How quaint.

3. Android cars

An Android-powered retrofit device, the Parrot Asteroid is a first stop on the road to Android-powered in-car entertainment.

As well as toting Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice-controlled track select from an iPhone and an FM radio with web access, it can take a plethora of maps and apps in its Android OS, though an add-on USB wireless 3G dongle is needed to get online.

It's an interesting take on how the connected car future translates to a cheap retrofit device since we expect both built-in on-board communications units, smartphone-linked devices and standalone gadgets like this to have a place.

Other Android-based in-car systems include Ca-fi and Renault's R-Link. The latter is an Android mod that swerves Google Play to offer only a handful of paid apps - though Renault promise to pay the 3G bill forever.

Either way, some think Google - probably via Android - will dominate the connected car landscape for years to come.

4. Android cameras

It was only a matter of time before someone made photo sharing and back-up possible from a proper camera, and it's no surprise that the Samsung Galaxy Camera (£335), a semi-serious compact, sports Android 4.1.

This compact boasts an enormous 4.8-inch touchscreen on its back that hosts any Google Play app, but adds a 21x optical zoom lens with 23mm aperture, a 16.3-megapixel sensor, and GPS location-tagged uploads to Facebook and Twitter.

Expect to see other attempts in super-zoom and D-SLR cameras in the near future; for now, the only challenger is Nikon's Coolpix S800c (£380), which also runs Android and was actually first to the prize.

As well as accessing Google Play, the S800c has a 10x optical zoom, 1.7GB internal memory, and works in an almost identical manner to any Android-based smartphone. Non-Wi-Fi photo sharing is done via tethering with a 'proper' smartphone.

5. Android games consoles

An Android-based games console, anyone? Ouya has been getting a lot of attention of late, but this crowd-funded project - due out this summer - already has OnLive, TuneIn and XBMC integrated into its Android-based OS, so it's not just about games. There are suggestions that its Android OS could also host streaming video apps like Netflix and YouTube on its Android-based OS.

Another wannabe in this realm is the portable palm-sized GameStick from PlayJam, an Android-based console that promises media centre features as well as gaming.

6. Android smartwatches

Poised for greatness in the coming years is wearable tech, with smartwatches predicted to take over from fitness gadgets. This prototype, the Si14 WearIT Sports Watch, marries the two genres within an Android 4.1 user interface that although primarily aimed at athletes, can also host regular smartphone/tablet apps.

As well as alerting the wearer to Facebook updates and playing both music and video, Si14 offers lap timers and GPS mapping, but, crucially, also features ANT+ connectivity for data transfer that lets it connect to blood glucose meters and heart monitors.

The Si14 isn't alone. I'm Watch is also Android based, though this Italian-made smartwatch has its own app shop and runs a completely customised version of Android called i'm Droid 2. If smartwatches do take-off, it could really be a shot in the arm for the Android OS.

7. Android smartglass

Bye-bye smartphone. Out later this year, Google's debut attempt to tempt us with its 'smartglass' concept is Android all over, but it won't be the only one.

Google's Glass Explorer Edition, which will use Bluetooth to link up to Android and iOS devices, features a transparent screen hosting an Android OS to create an augmented reality, while Vuzix will unleash its effort, the M100, which is also Android based.

With HD camera, GPS and accelerometers, the M100 superimposes computer-generated images and information on a tiny screen held just above the left eye, though it's not transparent.

The M100 can connect to the web and has all the usual Android OS facilities, such as apps. It can also link to an Android smartphone and act as a hands-free kit, but can just as easily be used on its own.

8. Android smart home automation

With Google's Android@home department, home automation based around an Android OS should, by rights, already be with us. However, in the two years since we've been aware of Android@home, nothing has happened.

Meanwhile, we've seen the likes of the Nest home thermostat from iPod 'godfather' Tony Fadell, Belkin's WeMo light switches and Lowe's cloud-based Iris smart home automation system for Android and iOS smartphones.

However, Pocket-Lint reports that the system configuration files within the latest 4.2.2 Android update mention Android@home. As the age of the Internet of Things begins, could we soon be asking Google to make itself useful around the house?

Explained: 802.11ac: what you need to know

Gary Marshall — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:42:00 GMT

802.11ac: next-gen Wi-Fi

If you thought Wi-Fi couldn't get much faster than 802.11n, think again.

802.11ac, dubbed 5G Wi-Fi, promises ridiculously fast wireless connections, better range, improved reliability, improved power consumption and a free horse. (OK, we're lying about the horse.)

802.11ac is the latest evolution of Wi-Fi, and it should be particularly good for gaming and HD video streaming.

So how does it work, does it live up to the hype, and how long will you have to wait before you can get your hands on it? Let's find out.

Your 802.11ac speed could break the gigabit barrier

The fastest current 802.11n Wi-Fi connections max out at around 150Mbps with one antenna, 300Mbps with two and 450Mbps with three antennas. 802.11ac connections will be roughly three times faster - so that's 450Mbps, 900Mbps and 1.3Gbps respectively. Netgear, brilliantly, illustrates this with two pictures of motorways: the first picture, showing "Today's Wi-Fi", is normal, but the one labelled "3x speed with 802.11ac" is really blurry.

Your 802.11ac speed won't break the gigabit barrier

As with previous Wi-Fi standards, the speeds quoted on the box and in the promotional materials are theoretical maximums, not the speeds you'll actually get: so far devices with potential top speeds of 1.3Gbps have topped out at around 800Mbps. That's still blisteringly fast, of course, but there's still a gap between advertised speeds and real world ones. 802.11ac connection speeds will be reduced by numerous factors: network overhead, which is the chatter your hardware needs to keep the connection going; interference, congestion and physical obstacles; distance; the number of simultaneous connections; and whether the router is running in compatibility mode so that older wireless kit can still connect.

802.11ac video and gaming

Because 802.11ac has bandwidth to spare, it should be great for HD video streaming and for gaming. According to Netgear [PDF], you can say bye-bye to buffering: "802.11ac will significantly enhance the user experience by improving the playback quality to any point throughout the house. With 802.11ac, for the first time wireless will provide similar performance as wired Gigabit connections."

802.11ac routers use more antennas

To improve range and reliability, 802.11ac routers can use more antennas than existing 802.11n kit: your next router may have as many as eight antennas inside it.

802.11ac routers will use "beamforming" technology

Wi-Fi is omnidirectional, but 802.11ac routers will be able to use directional transmission and reception technology dubbed "beamforming". The router will be able to identify the rough location of the device it's talking to and strengthen the appropriate antenna(s) accordingly. The idea is to reduce interference.

802.11ac Wi-Fi uses the 5GHz frequency band

Older wireless kit uses the 2.4GHz frequency band, which is fairly crowded: your kit is potentially sharing radio frequency with next door's baby monitor, your cordless phone and even your microwave. Like high performance 802.11n kit, 802.11ac routers will use the less cluttered 5GHz band where there's considerably more room for data transmission. 802.11ac hardware will use two kinds of channels in that range: 80GHz ones and 160GHz ones.

802.11ac routers will be backwards compatible

You won't need to throw out all your old wireless-capable kit as 802.11ac routers will be backwards compatible with your existing Wi-Fi kit. For example, at last year's CES Buffalo demonstrated an 802.11ac router that operated on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands and that promised to play nice with 802.11a, b, g and n hardware.

The 802.11ac release date is now, sort of

As with 802.11n, hardware is coming out before the 802.11ac standard is actually finalised. That's going to happen later this year, but manufacturers are readying their products now and they'll be everywhere by the summer, with minor software updates addressing any changes that might happen to the standard before it's finalised. We'd expect 802.11ac prices to be steep initially, as they were with the first 802.11n kit, but those prices should start to fall almost immediately.

802.11ac hasn't skipped lots of letters

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the body in charge of the 802.11 standard, isn't skipping lots of letters: while major WiFi standards have jumped from 802.11n to 802.11ac, the IEEE didn't just skip 802.11o, p, q and so on. Successive versions of the 802.11 standard can also denote amendments to existing standards, so for example 802.11i introduced improved security and 802.11j introduced extensions for Japanese networks.

In Depth: Six marvels of the 4K revolution at Sony Pictures Studios in LA

James Rivington — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:20:00 GMT

To say Sony is serious about 4K is a bit like saying Canon seems to kinda like making cameras.

4K is at the heart of Sony's entire operation, and that's not surprising given the fact that it's the only company that can tell an on-brand end-to-end 4K story. It makes the movies and TV shows, it produces the cameras to shoot the content, it makes the projectors to display it in cinemas, it publishes the movies on disc, and it delivers 4K it to the home in the form of TVs, games consoles and media servers. Sony has already shipped over 15,000 4K projectors worldwide.

To mark the forthcoming launch of Sony's new 4K TV range, Sony invited us to Sony Pictures Studios in LA to take a closer look at its 4K ecosystem. We've seen 4K movie sets, we've seen Breaking Bad being remastered in 4K and we've compared Sony's 4K TVs against every other brand.

Here are the six coolest techno-marvels we've seen this week...

1. Sony F65 8K camera

The F65 is the pride and joy of Sony's 4K operation. Worth upwards of US$50,000 (about AU$48,500, £32,650), this is the Ultra HD camera that Sony Pictures is using to shoot all its movies and TV shows. It actually shoots at a native resolution of 7680 × 4320. That's 8K, or 33.2 megapixels - four times the resolution of 4K, which in turn is four times the resolution of Full HD. So take the number of pixels in a Blu-ray picture and multiply by 16. What's more, it can do it at any framerate up to 120fps. This allows film crews to downsample after shooting so they can be sure they're working with the very best pictures.

2. 4K film scanners

Even Laurence Olivier classics from 60 years ago can be watched in 4K. But first the original film must be rescanned. This isn't such a bad idea, either - film typically captures a lot more data than ever makes it onto the screen, and our Sony guides tell us that 4K is finally the right resolution to capture and present all that picture information on screen for the first time. These machines scan original film in 4K resolution at around 1.5fps, but that's just the start of the process…

3. Colorworks remastering suite

The big problem with film is that it degrades over time, so the older it is, the more work is needed to get it into shape - a task made ever more complicated by the sheer amount of detail and data captured by 4K images. Sony's Colorworks remastering suite is where movie directors come to master their movies, frame by painstaking frame. Some artefacts like noise and white spots can be removed by an algorithm but most defects require an engineer to polish up every frame individually.

Sony is constantly remastering classic movie and TV titles, and currently has over 100 4K movies in its library, new and old. While some movies can take just a few months to remaster, Lawrence of Arabia has taken nearly three years to get into a condition where the studio was happy with it. We can tell you it looks absolutely stunning.

4. Remastering facility with 11PB local storage

Of course, with hundreds of movies being scanned and edited digitally in 4K, that data needs to be stored somewhere. Sony Pictures Studios has networked servers with 11PB - that's 11 petabytes, or 11,000 terabytes - of local storage. All of this is also backed up locally and elsewhere on tape. Every green light in the image below represents a separate drive, and contained on these drives are forthcoming native 4K movies like The Amazing Spiderman 2 and After Earth, so in a way, you can now say you've seen those titles before your friends. In a way. Sort of.

5. High quality sets

With every generation of picture improvements comes higher production values. Long gone are the days of the Fawlty Towers sets that nearly fall down whenever a door slams shut, or Dallas window backdrops that were clearly painted by school children.

Check out the window on a 4K TV set. Even standing on the set, the window is convincing.

Looking up close, only the set furniture gives the game away.

To pull off this look requires extremely high resolution photography.

It also takes superpowered backlighting which can be dimmed and coloured to give the illusion of daylight or dusk.

We had a walk around one of the sets for the forthcoming Showtime cable drama Masters of Sex starring Michael Sheen. It was the nicest house we've ever been in, yet it's built on the same soundstage where Wizard of Oz was filmed in back in 1939. Sadly, we weren't allowed to take pictures on that set, so you'll just have to watch the show.

6. Sony's professional OLED monitor

Sony's 4K sets make use of the company's super-awesome professional grade OLED monitors for displaying footage in all its natural splendour. The F86 camera can output several different video channels so that different members of the crew can tune into different feeds. The cinematographer needs to be able to see the natural lighting, whereas the camera operators might want to view the footage with different contrast setting so they can see exactly how much detail is being captured in the dark areas of the picture.

And a few other cool thing we spotted at Sony Pictures...

Amazon eager to ape Apple with set-top box of its own?

Lbrown — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:13:00 GMT

First, there was the race to capitalize on the growing tablet market with devices like the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD.

Then there were rumblings Amazon may soon be entering the rapidly expanding smartphone arena with a branded device all its own.

Now, reports indicate Amazon is about to make a foray into the living room, right beneath your HD television.

According to sources close to the project speaking with Business Week, Amazon is no longer content to just have its instant video service appear as an app on other products, and is developing a proprietary set-top box.

It's a jungle out there

Supposedly on track to arrive this fall, Amazon's streaming media box will provide access to the online retail giant's library of instant video and video on-demand options.

Amazon Instant Video is already available on a wide variety of similar devices, including gaming consoles like the PlayStation 3.

With this new set-top box though, Amazon hopes to differentiate itself from competitors like Apple TV and Roku with the easy instant access having an Amazon Prime membership would provide.

The device is purportedly being developed by Amazon's Lab126 in Cupertino, Calif., which has apparently worked on similar devices before, though those never saw the light of day.

It will be interesting to see if Amazon allows other services like Netflix and Hulu to appear on its streaming system, as those apps are readily available on the Kindle devices.

Competitive devices like Apple TV do allow for secondary apps like Netflix to exist in the same ecosystem, so it may not be to Amazon's advantage to shut out those services.

TechRadar has reached out to Amazon for comment, though we're not holding our breath for a response with any concrete details about the company's plans.

In depth: LG vs Samsung: the story behind the biggest rivalry in tech

James Rivington — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:11:00 GMT

The rivalry between Korean tech giants LG and Samsung is well known, but it took a visit to LG's headquarters in South Korea this week for the true nature of the conflict to become clear to us.

Both Seoul-based, the two companies have been in competition for nearly 50 years, and they're somewhat obsessed with one another. We've all read the stories about the skullduggery between them: secrets have allegedly been stolen, accusations have been made, court cases have dragged on. Even in the last few weeks, the companies have re-locked horns in patent disputes over their OLED technologies.

Police recently raided some Samsung facilities in order to secure evidence after LG accused its neighbour of spying. It's a familiar story in these parts.

The upshot of the situation is that passing through buildings owned by these companies is like getting through security at an airport. Bags are scanned. Cameras are confiscated. Lenses on phones are taped over. USB storage devices are not allowed. Security cameras are everywhere.

The entrance lobbies are full of metal detectors and bag scanners just like departure lounges, but unlike an airport, you don't have to worry about this on the way in - it's on the way back out again that the stringent security measures are deployed. They want to make sure you're not trying to steal any secrets. As a visitor, it's a fascinating curiosity. For the people who work here, it's just everyday routine.

We're currently travelling on a bus heading north towards the border with North Korea. This is where LG's enormous LCD plant is based. We're due to take a tour and we've already been told to expect even more stringent security measures when we get there.

It's not hugely surprising - both companies are leading innovation in display technology and seem to be zigging and zagging in unison. Both are bringing out similar products at the same time. Which Korean brand brought the "world's first curved OLED TV" to CES this year? Both of them, naturally.

Why you'd want one is up for debate, especially given that only 200 standard OLED TVs have been sold by LG total in Korea - but LG says the curved version will hit the shelves later this year regardless.

They'll be available first at the LG Best Shop megastore in downtown Seoul, which appropriately looms ominously right across the road from the equally sized Samsung superstore

More than tech

But LG or Samsung is far more than a technology choice for many people in South Korea. It's a lifestyle - a way of life. And for many of the 200,000 or so people employed by these companies, it's an allegiance that will last their entire working life.

Unlike many conglomerates in Europe or America, big businesses in South Korea feel a responsibility to the viability of the nation's economy. As part of that, they take on many graduates every year as a matter of course and the vast majority of these young men and women will then never work for another company from that day until the day they retire. Careers are made and broken within. People simply don't leave.

This hiring process is fierce in itself: both LG and Samsung want to hire the best people, but there's a talent shortage in Korea, so there aren't enough skills to go around. If you're a gifted software engineer and you speak Korean, there's a well-paid job waiting for you in Seoul.

Surf and turf wars

The relationship between these brands goes deeper than mere rivalry, too. The companies are both obsessed and repulsed by each other in equal measure. Samsung has been mentioned a lot by our LG guides this week, and not disparagingly - LG clearly has huge amount of respect for what Samsung has achieved in the last few years. But at the same time, there is no love lost when it comes to the workforce.

Both brands have their own social territories locally and internationally. Restaurants, hotels and bars are divied up between them. Samsung employees know not to go to certain places and it's the same the other way around - they don't like to mix socially.

It's very similar to the way sports fans in the West know which pubs they should go to for a match, and which they should avoid.

This even plays out at the big tech shows around the world - there are unwritten rules about which Korean restaurants it's OK to go to during CES in Las Vegas or IFA in Berlin, depending on which company you work for. Both look over at the other's turf with envious eyes.

Appropriately, both LG and Samsung own their own self-titled Baseball and Soccer teams in Korea – sports clubs run at a loss to promote the brands and fly the flags. Employees of both companies can apply for tickets to watch the games - the local derbies being the hottest ticket in town.

Next time you're in Seoul, perhaps you'd like to head down to the Jamsil Baseball Stadium to watch the LG Twins hit all the homeruns, or to the Suwon World Cup Stadium to see the Samsung Bluewings play soccer.

Of course, the majority of Koreans have no affiliation to either brand - this is a nation of over 50 million people, while LG employs 80,000 people total. But most people still seem to have a preference. We asked random Seoul citizens the question: LG or Samsung? Most people smiled. Some laughed. But they all still gave an answer.

Xbox 720 may take over your TV, be joined by Xbox Mini

Matt Swider — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:20:00 GMT

A rumored new Xbox feature that would allow Microsoft's next-generation console to take over a TV signal could position it to be the ultimate set-top box for gamers.

It's described as a passthrough device between a cable or satellite box and a television, which is along the lines of current Google TV set-top boxes, multiple sources told The Verge.

The Xbox 720, like the Sony NSZ-GS7 or Netgear NeoTV Prime, would feature two HDMI ports and overlay a new user interface on top of TV channels.

This may be the source of the always-online Xbox 720 rumors, as these specific entertainment services may require a constant internet connection.

The Xbox 720 advantage

Microsoft's new Xbox would have an advantage over Google TV devices, as it can play next-generation video games with a real controller.

The company may also have a leg up when it comes to making deals with content providers simply because it's not Google, which has been spurned by major TV networks in the past.

Finally, Microsoft has 12 years of experience in the DVR overlay field, having launched Windows Media Center during its Windows XP days, and maturing it into an add-on for Windows 8.

Although some cable services would be rolled out gradually, according to The Verge, the basic set-top box functionality will be ready for the Xbox 720 launch.

Xbox Mini rumor

The same report alludes to a low-cost Xbox TV set-top box, which echos an Xbox Mini rumor that popped up today from another source, VG Leaks.

Described as a standalone product with Xbox 360 functionality, the Xbox Mini is said to be Microsoft's way of competing with budget-friendly living room devices like Apple TV.

It doesn't have a disc drive, according to the rumor, but it would be able to play games bought via Games On Demand on Xbox Live. The same goes for downloaded music and movies.

All of this information lines up with the budget-priced Xbox 360 - codenamed "Stingray" - that's said to be on its way.

Xbox Mini price and release date

Although Xbox Mini is not necessarily an add-on, it's said to be able to connect with an Xbox 720 to provide backwards compatibility.

"It's no more different than what Sony will be doing with Gaikai for playing PS3 games on PS4," according to the report. "Only with Xbox it will be done locally and not through the cloud."

This two-box solution is reminiscent of the ill-fated Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on, but Microsoft is probably hoping that this new device catches on right away and doesn't get bogged down in a format war.

Both VG Leaks and The Verge report that this low-cost Xbox machine will debut next year as opposed to releasing along the Xbox 720 console, which is expected to be released this fall.

The Xbox Mini price is suggested to be USD $149 (£97, AUD$141) or lower, putting it in direct competition with the USD $99 (£65, AUD$94) Apple TV.

With an Xbox 720 launch event rumored for May, Microsoft is likely to do two things next month: put some of these rumors to rest, and actually show everyone what its console looks like.

Ex-Windows Phone exec joins Amazon, may be working on smartphone

Matt Swider — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:52:00 GMT

Former Windows Phone General Manager Charlie Kindel revealed that Amazon, the company that sells the Kindle, brought him onboard today, which sounded like yet another April Fools' prank.

However, the only April 1-related joke was that he and the company were making a home server product called the "Amazon Kindle Charlie."

The home server is fictitious, but the experience that Kindel can bring to the online retailer is not.

At Microsoft, he was the driving force behind Windows Home Server and the Windows Phone 7 application platform and developer experience.

"Depending on your perspective you can either blame me or thank me for a large part of ActiveX," Kindel lightheartedly stated on his Google+ profile.

'Something secret' at Amazon

Although Kindel was in the joking mood about his move to Amazon, he was serious about keeping his future plans at the company top-secret.

"I'm building a new team going after a totally new area for Amazon. I'm hiring cloud and mobile developers and testers, program managers, and product managers," he wrote on his LinkedIn profile, according to GeekWire.

He described the role as the director of "something secret."

Amazon Kindle phone in 2013?

That "something secret" could be the long-rumored Amazon smartphone, which has been reportedly delayed until later this year.

This theory is backed up by Kindel's strong Windows Phone experience and the fact that his new job will focus on something new with "ginormous potential."

"Amazon presented an opportunity to build something new that has ginormous potential. I simply couldn't pass the opportunity up," he said.

"As a double bonus, the idea that I can work in such a principled and customer focused company is really exciting to me."

For now, the only other information Kindel is revealing about his day-to-day duties at the company came from a follow-up tweet.

"First task of Amazon new hire training: Remove laptop stickers," he wrote on Twitter, followed by a photo of a half-peeled Windows computer sticker belonging to none other than his former employer.

AT&T announces pricing, preorder date for Samsung Galaxy S4

JR Bookwalter — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:18:00 GMT

The dust has settled on Samsung's wild, wooly Broadway-style launch event, but things are just starting to heat up for AT&T's Galaxy S4 next month.

AT&T's Consumer Blog announced Thursday that the carrier will be first to launch the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S4 in the U.S., with preorders kicking off next month.

Although AT&T has committed to an April 16 start date for potential buyers to preorder the device, the company has yet to nail down actual availability of the handset.

"We are proud to offer this iconic device and continue to offer our customers the best smartphone line-up, with a variety of devices for every lifestyle and budget," the brief blog post said.

Preorder pricing

One thing Samsung Galaxy S4 buyers won't be left wondering about is the price: $249.99 with a two-year commitment.

That's a bargain for a device its manufacturer is touting as a "life companion," although buying a one off-contract will, as usual, cost considerably more.

About a week and a half ago, a U.K. dealer listed an unlocked model of the 16GB Samsung Galaxy S4 for around $800, with stock expected on or around April 26.

Should that date stick, AT&T buyers likely won't have long to wait for preorders to arrive - in the meantime, interested parties can sign up to be notified about the release on the company's website.

LG bakes Spotify into its smart Blu-ray and speaker line-ups

Hugh Langley — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:22:00 GMT

LG is baking Spotify into all its smart media devices launching this year, including its Blu-ray players and speaker systems.

The music service will be available as an app for smart platforms from April, letting premium users browse Spotify's extensive library or listen to Spotify Radio - so you will need to sign up to Spotify's £10/$10 per month service to access your tunes on the LG kit.

With Netflix, Lovefilm, and social media services such as YouTube and Facebook already available through LG's Smart platform, Spotify will be a welcome addition for music lovers who want to get their fix.

But it does make us wonder - does the Blu-ray inclusion further suggest that Spotify is eyeing up property for a video-streaming service down the line?

Smarter than we think?

After all, the news does come just as we're hearing that Spotify might be setting its sights on its own Netflix-like video service. There's no suggestion from LG or Spotify that this is the case, but it would certainly be a clever way for Spotify to sneak its way into the home cinema.

"Spotify wants to be at the heart of the home entertainment experience, so it's a natural fit to make our music service available on Blu-ray players and home cinema systems," said Kate Opekar, director of hardware business development at Spotify.

Samsung announced a similar partnership with Spotify in 2012 to let users stream music through their Smart TVs.

Explained: DLNA: what it is and what you need to know

Dan Grabham — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

DLNA: what it is and what you need to know

Digital home entertainment has come a long way in a fairly short time, and it's now easy to stream music, video and other media around the house without any hassle.

Technologies such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) are a big part of that - so what is it, and where can you get it? Let's find out.

DLNA is an organisation

The Digital Living Network Alliance is a non-profit trade organisation, and it was started by Sony way back in 2003. The DLNA defines standards that enable devices to share stuff - photos, video, music - with each other, and it has more than 200 members responsible for more than 9,000 different DLNA devices.

DLNA brings all your tech together

DLNA is designed to act as a bridge between your various bits of kit, so you can watch a film from your PC on your big-screen TV, play an MP3 from your smartphone on your stereo, or send shots from the family photo album to your wireless printer via your tablet. Think of it as a kind of home cloud: it shouldn't matter where your media is or what device you're currently holding; with DLNA, whatever you want should come to wherever you are and whatever you're using.

DLNA needs a network

As you might expect, DLNA hardware is designed to work on a home network. It doesn't matter whether that network is wired or wireless, although with Wi-Fi you'll need to ensure that your network has sufficient bandwidth for what you want to do. We'd recommend 802.11n Wi-Fi for serious home sharing.

You've probably got DLNA kit in your home already

There are a lot of DLNA devices out there, and by "a lot" we mean "440 million": that's the installed base of DLNA as of January 2012. DLNA devices include PS3s and home media servers, Windows PCs, Android phones (like the Sony Xperia U) Blu-Ray disc players, tablets, wireless printers, camcorders, flat-screen TVs and routers, and odds are that at least some of the kit in your home is DLNA Certified. You'll find DLNA in stacks of Android devices, and Nokia's bringing it to Windows phone too.

DLNA is based on Universal Plug and Play

DLNA-compatible devices use UPnP to communicate, and there are three classes of DLNA devices: Home Network Devices, Mobile Handheld Devices and Home Infrastructure Devices. The first category encompasses media servers, AV receivers, TVs, consoles and tablets; the second category includes smartphones and media tablets; and the third category covers routers and hubs.

DLNA Certification means it'll work

DLNA Certified devices have been tested to ensure that they'll play nicely with other DLNA devices. Non-certified devices can be made DLNA compatible with software, so for example PCs can be DLNA servers if they're running version 11 or later of Windows Media Player.

DLNA Premium Video should make streaming simple

In January, the DLNA added a new standard: DLNA Premium Video, or the not very short DLNAPV for short. The idea is to make it easier to share copy-protected content around the house by enabling a single device to act as a hub for all your other ones. For example, your set-top box might be a DLNAPV device, and it could then stream copy-protected content such as movies or TV programmes to your other, non-DLNAPV devices. The technology has been developed by partners including Microsoft, Sony and Broadcom, although as yet no DLNAPV-certified devices have been announced.

DLNA is everyone but Apple

That's how it looks, anyway: the current DLNA membership reads like a Who's Who of the tech world, with big hitters including Intel, HP, Motorola, HTC, Microsoft, Samsung, LG and Panasonic making products that will happily communicate with each other. Apple has decided not to join that particular party.

DLNA and AirPlay won't talk to each other

Choosing a home entertainment platform is a bit like picking sides in a battle: there are two rival standards, DLNA and AirPlay. Where DLNA works across thousands of different devices, AirPlay (and AirPrint) is more selective and only works on Apple or Apple-approved products. That's the official line, anyway, but there are ways around it: apps such as AirSync bring AirPlay streaming to Android phones, while apps such as media:connect offer DLNA on iOS.

In Depth: LoveFilm vs Netflix: which is best for you?

Gary Marshall — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:40:00 GMT

LoveFilm vs Netflix

Whether you're using an Apple TV or an Android tablet, a Mac, PC or a Smart TV, streaming video on demand is better than ever, and you can watch stacks of stuff for very little cash.

If you don't fancy a Sky box or a Virgin TiVo - or you don't fancy paying for the movie channels - services such as Netflix and LoveFilm are just the ticket. But which one's better? We tested the kings of UK streaming to see which one deserves your dough.

Netflix vs Lovefilm: price

Netflix is a streaming-only service, with a flat fee of £5.99 per month. LoveFilm's offer is a bit more complicated: if you just want streaming that's £4.99 per month, but you can also add unlimited DVD, Blu-ray and/or Xbox/PS3/Wii/DS games rental too.

The monthly price for those services depends on how many simultaneous rentals you want: if you want unlimited streaming plus Blu-ray/DVD rental, you'll pay £7.99 for one disc, £9.99 for two and £13.27 for three; if you want to rent games as well as Blu-ray/DVD discs, that's £11.22 for two discs or £14.99 for three.

Both services offer free 1-month trials: you can get a 1-month free trial of Netflix here, and you can get a 1-month free trial for LoveFilm here.

Netflix vs Lovefilm: devices

In addition to running on PCs and Macs (but not Linux boxes: PC streaming is via Microsoft's Silverlight), you can get both services on a wide range of devices.

Netflix runs on Apple TV, the Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3, Android phones and tablets, Windows Phones, iOS devices, internet-enabled TVs and Blu-ray players, and streaming players from Philips, Roku and Western Digital. The most recent addition to the list is the Kindle Fire HD.

LoveFilm is available for the Kindle Fire HD, iPad, Xbox 360, PS3, internet-enabled TVs and Blu-ray players, Sony's Home Cinema system, Sony's Network Media Player and the Onyx Digital Stream set-top box.

Whatever device you use, you'll need a decent broadband connection: LoveFilm recommends a real speed - not an advertised speed - of 2Mbps for HD streaming and 12Mbps for full HD, while Netflix recommends a 1.5Mbps broadband connection for standard viewing and 3-5Mbps for HD. If you're on a wireless network, you'll need to ensure your Wi-Fi connection achieves those speeds too.

Netflix vs Lovefilm: TV content

But what you really want to know is... do they have Breaking Bad? Well Netflix does, with all five seasons available for your viewing pleasure. LoveFilm doesn't have Breaking Bad in its streaming catalogue, but it does in its DVD section. That's something we often found on LoveFilm, with titles available on DVD but not available for streaming.

Both services have a wide selection of TV programmes, but there are differences between their catalogues: for example, Netflix has Dr Who for streaming and LoveFilm doesn't, while LoveFilm has Absolutely Fabulous and Netflix doesn't.

In both cases you'll find that much of the content is relatively old, so for example Netflix's Doctor Who selection stops when David Tennant regenerates, it doesn't have Top Gear episodes since 2009, Outnumbered is only the first series, the third series of Misfits isn't there yet and some big hits such as Sherlock are absent altogether. It's a similar story with the US selection, with big names such as Desperate Housewives, The Sopranos, Mad Men and Six Feet Under conspicuous by their absence. LoveFilm has Desperate Housewives, but the others are DVD only.

Despite the vintage of some programmes there are some gems, including critically acclaimed programmes such as The Killing (both the original and, on Netflix, the US remake too), Wallander (the original and the Kenneth Branagh version), Nighty Night, and on Netflix, Modern Family and, er, TOWIE.

Netflix also has an interesting selection of stand-up comedy that includes Doug Stanhope, Louis CK, Danny Bhoy and Tommy Tiernan, but if you're looking for John Bishop, Michael McIntyre, Jack Dee, Kevin Bridges or Dylan Moran you'll be disappointed: many big names are absent, and while the latter two comics are in the Netflix catalogue, it's only as a guest on Grumpy Old Men and in the sitcom Black Books respectively. On LoveFilm, the comedians are mainly on DVD.

Netflix vs Lovefilm: movie content

Back in January, we said: "While LoveFilm's movie catalogue contains a better selection of recent films than its rival, neither service is going to delight you if you're after films fresh from the multiplexes: they're more like half-stocked supermarket DVD sections". That's still the case: LoveFilm's movie selection is still better than Netflix's, but it's still worse than our local ASDA.

The reason is release windowing, where studios try to squeeze every last drop of money from one platform before making their films available on another one – so after the cinemas there's pay-per-view, Blu-ray and DVD, with streaming media getting the films a long time after that. If you look at the current UK DVD chart and compare it with the streaming services' offerings, the gaps are obvious: there's no Prometheus, no Taken, no Avengers Assemble... you get the idea.

As a rule of thumb if it's less than a year old it probably isn't available yet, and with some big names you'll have to wait even longer or settle for second best: for example while both services have Disney's The Jungle Book, it's a live-action version (a 1994 one on Netflix and a 1942 one on LoveFilm) rather than the legendary animated classic.

Netflix vs Lovefilm: quality

Both LoveFilm and Netflix promise 1080p full HD streaming, but that depends on three things: the content you want to watch, the device you want to watch it on and the speed of your internet connection.

On LoveFilm, you can stream at 1080p on a PC or Mac; everything else gets 720p, including the PS3. LoveFilm says full HD is coming to the PS3 "very soon".

Netflix's PC/Mac streaming tops out at 720p unless you're on Windows 8, but other devices such as the Apple TV get 1080p. This time around it's the Xbox, not the PS3, that's left out of the full-HD party: Microsoft limits what the Netflix app can do, and for now that means it's 720p only.

Just because a service can deliver 1080p doesn't mean you'll actually get it, of course. You'll need a speedy connection - LoveFilm recommends 12Mbps or better, ideally with an ethernet connection between your PC or Mac and your router - and you'll need to choose content that's actually available in full HD. Older content isn't usually in HD, and kids' cartoons in particular look pretty awful on a big-screen PC or TV. Both services will adjust the streaming on the fly to deliver the best picture possible, but they're only as good as their source material - so don't expect old Inspector Gadget episodes to sparkle like a Pixar Blu-ray.

Netflix vs Lovefilm: verdict

If you've been online long enough to remember the days of RealVideo the fact that Netflix and LoveFilm exist at all seems miraculous, and technically speaking they're superb services. If the source material and your connection are up to the job the streams are great, and even 720p streams are perfectly fine unless you have an enormous TV and like to watch it with your nose against the glass. Both services are easy to browse and to use, and we're particularly impressed by Netflix's Apple TV integration and its Just For Kids section.

Both services have enormous content libraries, but they're also operating in what's known as the post-DVD window: in other words, they don't get the latest movies until well after the DVD release. That'll disappoint anyone who's looking for the very latest blockbusters, and if that's you you'd be better off with iTunes or pay-per-view. For everyone else, you get an enormous amount of content for five or six quid per month.

We think the best way to use the services is as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, pay-per-view services. A Netflix or LoveFilm account plus a few iTunes rentals works out much cheaper than subscribing to a bunch of movie channels, and if TV box sets are your thing then both services will save you a packet.

Which is better? We think Netflix has the better TV selection and device support while LoveFilm has the better film catalogue, but that's purely based on our personal favourites. As both services offer no-strings free trials, we'd recommend trying both.

Heads up, set-top streamers: Roku 3 revealed with new UI, processor boost

Michelle Fitzsimmons — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 02:16:00 GMT

Roku outed its latest set-top box player Tuesday night, the functionally named Roku 3.

It's sort of a two in one deal - users not only get the rounded-edged Roku puck but a new remote packing private listening capabilities. The brick comes complete with headphone jack, so users can listen as loud as they like without fear of familial reprisal.

OK, the whole offering is really more of a three in one as the Roku 3 carries a completely re-imagined user interface that will make its way to all Roku 2 models - the Roku HD (model 2500), Roku LT and Roku Streaming Stick - in April.

Customers hellbent on getting it now can order it for $99.99 through Roku's website, Amazon and a smattering of other leading online retailers. Major retail chains will see system land starting next month.

Ready for change

The idea of drilling a headphone jack into a remote is admittedly clever, though by no means the most jaw-dropping feature we've ever seen.

Roku was thin on hardware details for its third-gen obsidian cube, though it was sure to make the claim that this is the "most powerful, responsive streaming box we've ever built." It has over five times the processing powers of previous players, or so Roku said.

There's also 1080p support, dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB ports and a microSD slot - in other words, the features you would expect.

Though there isn't much to write home about on the hardware front, what really marks the Roku 3's incarnation is the redesigned stripped down interface, featuring a streamlined layout for better viewing and quicker access, crucial for those times you just have to watch your favorite show.

The Channel Store and Search are now fully integrated members of the home screen, with both undergoing a redesign to match the revamped Roku look.

Roku is pretty proud of its work, putting this video together to show it all off:

YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q-8___cT5xI

While the Roku 3 might not blow off your bonnet, it could give Apple TV and it's iOS-inspired UI a run for its money, especially with that headphone jack-packing remote. It's sounding more and more appealing the more we think about how happy our neighbors might be.

Sony confirms 4K movies for PS4, say hello to 100GB downloads

JR Bookwalter — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:31:00 GMT

Is the world ready for movie downloads in excess of 100GB? Sony seems to think so, with super high-resolution 4K movies now confirmed for the PS4.

The Verge reported this week that Sony Electronics President and Chief Operating Officer Phil Molyneux confirmed 4K video will indeed be supported on the company's still-unseen PS4.

"I promise you will not be disappointed," Molyneux teased at a Sony event in New York City (no, not this one), despite lingering questions about the viability of the ultra high-resolution technology.

Sony's COO also confirmed the obvious, stating that an average 4K movie download would pull down 100GB or more worth of data, which is likely to mean overnight downloading and less-than-immediate gratification for viewers.

Read more: PS4 release date

In a separate interview with the PlayStation Blog on Friday, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe President and CEO Jim Ryan also commented on the future of PlayStation Plus and how it will fit into the PS4 experience.

"We definitely see [PlayStation Plus] as a core part of the way forward," Ryan confirmed.

"We're not yet in a position to disclose our plans for the future of PlayStation Plus but there will definitely be a prominent role to play for it in the PlayStation 4 landscape."

Ryan also anticipates the current PlayStation 3 will remain "a very important part of our portfolio" into next year and beyond.

opinion: Should film and TV owners suck up piracy as a marketing cost?

Joe Hanlon — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:13:00 GMT

We all know someone who does it. Multimedia piracy is a modern crime perpetrated by a criminal with many faces. Once the domain of the archetypal geek, TV shows and movies are now downloaded by people of all ages and genders in any place there is an internet connection.

The cost, you would assume, is astronomical. According to TorrentFreak, Game of Thrones was the most downloaded show of 2012, with an estimated 3.9 million stolen files. This next to the approximate US TV audience of 4.2 million.

Surely, this has the creative team behind the show, reportedly the most expensive TV show of all time, quaking in its boots. But, if you thought that, you'd be wrong.

David Petrarca, one of HBO's stable of talented directors responsible for Game of Thrones, as well as True Blood and Hung, spoke about the piracy of Game of Thrones in Australia this week, and shrugged off concerns about its negative impact.

According to The Age, he spoke about torrenting as being part of the "cultural buzz" behind a TV show, saying it was how premium cable content like Game of Thrones manages to survive.

This is an interesting counterpoint to the arguments by content owners that piracy is stealing the food from the mouths of their children and the shirts off their backs. Instead, is piracy fueling the success of new TV shows?

Power in numbers

HBO celebrated another milestone this week, announcing that the second season of Game of Thrones had broken DVD sales records for the company, with 241,000 box-sets flying off the shelves on the first day alone. The subscription TV network also announced that it had sold 355,000 individual episodes of the show via digital transactions.

Whether this number would have been higher with less piracy is up for debate. So, indeed, is the question of whether same figures would have been lower.

Interestingly, 80 per cent of the piracy of Game of Thrones episodes happens outside of the US. Piracy, we can assume, is promoting shows in places where the content is not yet available. As I said earlier, we all know someone who pirates TV shows, and we know they do because these people invariably talk about the shows they watch - a lot. Word-of-mouth promotion is undeniably powerful, and in essence, piracy is generating the kind of advertising that money can't buy.

This is an intriguing conundrum for content owners to mull over. If they stamped out piracy, made popular content cheap and available around the world at the same time, they would have to return to old-fashioned marketing campaigns. They would buy placement on billboards and TV spots, bus shelters. The audience would be different, you'd assume, and the "cultural buzz" that Petrarca refers to, couldn't be relied on.

Any way you look at it, the system is in dire need of a shake-up. Obviously, illegal downloads are not the solution to this complex problem, but they could help inform content owners about user behaviours and they best way forward from here.

Foxtel Go brings streaming TV to iPhone

Joe Hanlon — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:34:00 GMT

Foxtel Go can now be viewed on the iPhone, bringing live TV, sport and movies to the small screen.

The service, which requires a standard residential Foxtel subscription, will soon feature over 50 channels after Foxtel adds 3 news sports channels at the beginning of March. The app itself is free to download and customers use their existing Foxtel credentials to login.

Designed to complement the core TV service, the Foxtel Go app includes only a selection of the channels Foxtel has in its regular packages. Some of these include Fox 8, National Geographic, Lifestyle Food, Disney and a number of movie channels.

There channels are split into live streaming and catch-up versions, with only some channels offering both options.

The app also lets users browse upcoming programs via an integrated EPG, and set recordings that will be activated on their Foxtel set-top boxes.

Data gobbler

Having the service on smartphones will raise concerns about data usage and bill shock for people using Foxtel Go. On its site, Foxtel estimates that viewing streaming content will use between 155- and 300MB per hour on a 3G connection. Over Wi-Fi the stream is better quality and can use up to 910 MB per hour.

This is a first for iPhones, but a first for Foxtel on mobile phones. Telstra has offered a basic streaming Foxtel-branded service for several years, though this service requires a separate subscription and offers far fewer channels.

Gary Marshall: Do we really want gadgets that watch us all the time?

Gary Marshall — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:23:00 GMT

The next Xbox, currently dubbed the Xbox 720, will switch itself on when you say "Xbox on". That sounds good until you realise that for it to work, your Xbox will be listening to you all the time - and potentially watching you too, because apparently it's going to have Kinect as standard.

I'm not sure I like that idea.

Don't get me wrong. Kinect is fun, and it's nice to spend four hours watching my daughter shout "Xbox!" at the top of her voice while the dogs wander past and Xbox signs her out and them in. But the idea of a console or any other gadget paying attention to me all the time makes me uneasy. Not because I'm paranoid, but because I've seen the patents.

Here's one unearthed by GeekWire: Content Distribution Regulation by Viewing User, aka the Xbox nose counter. It details how a Kinect-style system might count or even identify the people in your room and then adjust the price you're paying for a movie based on how many people it sees. Alternatively, it might stop playback until you purchased additional viewing rights, or decide you aren't old enough to view the content.

Who watches the watch things?

Here's another one, unearthed by Public Intelligence: a patent from Verizon for a digital video recorder that watches its users. Methods and Systems For Presenting An Advertisement Associated With An Ambient Action Of A User suggests that your set-top box might look to see if you're "eating, exercising, laughing, reading, sleeping, talking, singing, humming, cleaning, playing a musical instrument, performing any other suitable action, and/or engaging in any other physical activity during the presentation of the media content".

Engaging in any other physical activity? What could they possibly mean?

Better still, if someone else is in the room with you it might watch you "talking to, cuddling with, fighting with, wrestling with, playing a game with, competing with, and/or otherwise interacting with the other user." And if you do any of those things, it'll sound the klaxons and bellow STOP THAT! STOP THAT AT ONCE! WATCH THE SCREEN! WATCH THE SCREEEEEEEEEEN!

I made that last bit up, but you get the idea.

I found that patent via TechDirt, whose Tim Cushing notes: "There's also wording in the application regarding recognizing the tune a viewer is humming and reacting accordingly (presumably by contacting the nearest PRO [Public Record Office] and reporting an unlicensed public performance). It also leaves the option open for detecting other animate and inanimate objects, including pets and branded products."

Just because there's a patent for it doesn't mean it's going to happen, or happen soon - among other things, people have patented time machines and magic shoes - but you can see which way the wind is blowing: as Friedrich Nietzche almost put it, when you stare into the Xbox 720, the Xbox 720 stares back into you.

Dish's Hopper now shipping after CES brouhaha

Luke Brown — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:21:00 GMT

After weeks of controversy surrounding Dish's new Hopper with Sling DVR, the much ballyhooed set top box is now available nationwide.

The HD DVR is capable of a great many things, including recording up to 2,000 hours of video (500 hours for HD), and streaming that content to mobile devices anywhere with an internet connection through the Dish Anywhere app.

Consumers can even download recorded programs to iPads without any internet connectivity necessary, so they can continue watching all their favorite shows on the go.

The Hopper will also include the AutoHop feature, which allows users to skip commercials on select programming and landed the DVR in a bit of a hotseat at CES.

Common ad sense

Originally nominated for the "Best in Show" award at CES 2013 by CNET, the tech site's parent company CBS stepped in, and forced the Hopper to be removed from the running.

CBS and Dish are currently in litigation over the technology which allows the set top box to skip commercials, which led to a bit of a kerfuffle with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET.

The CEA took back control of the CES awards, and gave the "Best in Show" prize to Dish for the Hopper with Sling, and terminated the partnership with CNET for further awards.

Fortunately, Dish was still able to get the Hopper out to the general public, and now new customers have the chance to own one of the most remarkable home DVRs available.

Slingin' in the rain

New Dish subscribers for either the America's Top 200 or DishLATINO Dos programming packages, or above, will be able to get a Hopper with Sling for free, as well as up to three free Joey units.

There will be a $10 rental fee per month attached for the Hopper, and the Joey sets will cost $7 per month each.

The Joey is a smaller box that allows consumers to watch any of the content provided by the Hopper with Sling on another television in the same household.

Provided there's enough room on the Hopper's massive 2TB hard drive, there's no limit to how much content is shared through the Dish Anywhere app, or how much you can download to an iPad.

Apple TV with minor 'component change' turns up at US agency

JR Bookwalter — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:18:00 GMT

It's rare that an Apple product turns up in the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database before the company makes it official, but a filing this week ignited rumors that a new Apple TV was on the way.

The Verge reported Wednesday that the updated Apple TV spotted passing through the FCC earlier this week is indeed real, but it's not an entirely new model as earlier reports claimed.

On Tuesday, an FCC filing seemed to show that Apple was planning to slim down the existing third-generation Apple TV, from 98 millimeter to 93.78 millimeters.

The news prompted speculation the Apple TV in question might be introduced as a new fourth-generation model, but Apple has now confirmed that's not the case.

Nothing to see here

Aside from a new model number and minor internal tweak the company refused to detail further, this updated Apple TV appears to be much ado about nothing.

"We sometimes make component changes which require an updated model number for regulatory approval," an Apple spokesperson confirmed in a statement.

Promising the "same great user experience" with the updated model, the changes reportedly involve an updated A5X processor and/or new single antenna setup, in keeping with other iOS-based devices.

Apple may not be giving us the full story now, but you can bet once the new model hits the streets, we'll see a teardown shortly after spilling all of the gory details.

CES 2013: 3D is dead, long live Ultra HD

James Rivington — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:58:00 GMT

Technology is a fickle business at the best of times but no more so than at CES this year.

The entire TV industry has been banging on about the merits of 3D for years, despite a comprehensive lack of interest from consumers - but at CES 2013 that theme has well and truly been killed off, cremated and scattered in the wind.

A thorough examination of the big booths at the show – Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG – reveals barely a mention of 3D as a technology or even an included feature.

Instead it's all about Ultra HD/4K, and by god are they going mad for it. The biggest stand at the show – Sony's – contains precisely two TVs showing 3D content, and even that was less about 3D and more about the 4K product displaying it.

"We believe you need 3D to have the best experience, but it has become really standardised," Sony's Kentaro Matsumoto told TechRadar at the show. "In our case, most of our TVs now have a 3D function so we're now trying to communicate the newer features."

What that basically means is that with the availability of 50-inch 3D plasmas for £350, in order to maintain the premium price points there need to be new features to talk about. 3D just isn't interesting anymore, and instead we've returned to the same theme of four years ago – higher resolutions.

Stay tuned for CES 2014, then, where it'll be all about 3D again - glasses-free flavoured - and Ultra HD will be just another feature. The technology carousel keeps turning. Rest assured, TechRadar will be there!

YouView users will finally be able to search live TV

Patrick Goss — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:05:00 GMT

YouView is finally adding live TV to the search functionality of its boxes, allowing you to look for programmes that will air in the next seven days. It's a belated improvement to the functions we covered in our YouView review in August.

Given YouView's rivals, you might be surprised that the functionality was not already present - but for owners of Humax YouView boxes that frustration will last only "a couple of weeks" as the update is rolled out.

There's also the promise that the BT and TalkTalk boxes will get the update shortly afterwards, taking the YouView system a step closer to being competitive with its rivals and beyond the "carcass" service that Lord Sugar described at launch.

Search ahead

The new feature will show up on an "On Now and Next" tab, and allows you to set a recording or a reminder. Previously you had to look through the listings manually to set recordings.

The update also brings support for Dolby surround sound over HDMI and an HDMI setting that allows you to set an output preference.

The update is obviously a real boon for YouView users, bringing functionality that is critical to any self-respecting TV service.