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Techradar |
- Skype video calls for iPhone now available
- Tutorial: How to set up a Windows 7 HomeGroup
- Android crosses the 200,000 apps barrier
- CES 2011: LG to show off Honeycomb tablet at CES
- CES 2011: LG to show off Honeycomb tablet at CES
- Sony Ericsson Hallon appears in spy shots - Anzu too?
- Google Nexus S to be relaunched as Galaxy S2?
- Nokia E7 given January release date and price?
- Android Honeycomb music app gets UI overhaul
- 10 million Brits overpay for mobiles
- Are iPad and iPhone apps leaking personal data?
- Tutorial: How to dual-boot your netbook or laptop
- How to play World of Warcraft with Kinect
- In Depth: AMD Fusion APU explained
- New mock-up images of PSP2 emerge
| Skype video calls for iPhone now available Posted: 30 Dec 2010 01:01 AM PST  Skype has launched its video-calling service for the Apple iPhone, a week earlier than many expected – with more announcements from the VoIP specialist due at CES 2011 in Las Vegas early next month. So if you have an iPhone 4 and want to make Skype-to-Skype video calls with others (either on their iPhones or PCs/Macs) then you can grab the latest version of Skype's iOS app from iTunes today. The video calling app will work over Wi-Fi or 3G, although initial tests show that the video quality and stuttering on 3G video calls are somewhat compromised when compared with the smooth flowing moving images on Wi-Fi. Significantly better video-calls "Video calling significantly enhances the user experience of Skype for iPhone, which is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple," said the company. "Now, users can make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates, and now share more moments together with video on Skype for iPhone," The new Skype for iPhone app will also work with the with the iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with iOS 4.0 or above – although obviously only allowing the caller to send video from the single camera on the back of the phone or iPod in those cases. iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad will both be able to receive video calls, but not send them, due to the lack of video-shooting capabilities on those devices. Skype from phone to PC Most excitingly, for many Skype users, video calls can now be made between your PC or Mac laptop or desktop and your iOS device. Your desktop client will need to be Skype for Windows 4.2 or above (or Skype for Mac 2.8 and above) – plus the app will also work with other desktop clients and devices such as Skype for Linux and the Asus-manufactured standalone Skype Videophone. The Skype for iPhone application is freely available to download from the Apple App Store – for more head to www.skype.com/go/iphone 
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| Tutorial: How to set up a Windows 7 HomeGroup Posted: 30 Dec 2010 12:00 AM PST  HomeGroup is a feature exclusive to Windows 7. It enables you to easily share music, photos, documents and even printers between different switched-on PCs on your home network without having to spend time configuring each system – you set up the HomeGroup using one PC, then join it using other machines on your network. It's a really useful system and is so simple to get going – just follow my step-by-step guide below. The great thing about HomeGroup is that you can share as much or as little as you want, and I'll also show you how to do that later in the tutorial. You can only create a HomeGroup in the Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate Editions of Windows 7, but you can join one with any version. 1. Find the HomeGroup settings
You can get to your HomeGroup settings various ways, including searching for HomeGroup in the Start menu, but I've gone to Control Panel and under Network and Internet I've selected Choose HomeGroup and sharing options. By the way, you can only be connected to one HomeGroup at any one time. 2. Create your HomeGroup
As you can see from the screenshot above, there's currently no HomeGroup set up on our system. This window just gives you a little bit of blurb about what a HomeGroup is, so you can safely click through it by selecting Create HomeGroup at the bottom of the screen. 3. Choose which files
The wizard now asks you which libraries you wish to share. You can be more precise about included files and folders at a later stage, but this is just a general set-up step. Sharing printers means you'll be able to print from one machine using the printer on another computer. 4. Leave it out
If in doubt, feel free to leave a library out – you'll be able to add it easily at a later stage. Here I've decided that I actually don't want to share my music and videos, but that I do want to share my documents so that I can access them from other machines on the network. 5. Start sharing
Click Next and your HomeGroup is created – this may take a while depending on the speed of your PC. If you're worried about sharing your files, remember that only computers you allow (and that are running on your home network) can access your files. Click Next again when the process has finished. 6. Your password
You now see this screen, with an automatically generated password. You need this password for other computers to join your HomeGroup. This is no substitute for password-protecting your wireless network – your router should be secure, too. Write down or print your password using the link. Click Finish. 7. The nerve centre
Now you're presented with this screen, which is the nerve centre of all your HomeGroup settings. As you can see, you can alter the libraries that you're sharing as well as view or print the HomeGroup password, should you have forgotten it. You can access the troubleshooter from here, too. 8. Change settings
I've changed my mind and decided that I want to share my music as well. Check the box next to the library in question, then click Save changes. My HomeGroup is now fully set up on my first machine and so next I'll explain how you can connect up another machine to the HomeGroup. 9. Connecting another machine
Now I'm on a second PC – my laptop downstairs. It's connected to the same wireless network as my first PC. Once again, go to your HomeGroup settings in Control Panel. You can see that the machine has detected there is already a HomeGroup on the network, created by my first machine. Click Join now. 10. Which libraries?
As with my first computer, my laptop is now asked which libraries I want it to share with other machines. This time I've asked it to share all the media on this computer but none of the documents – I don't really store too many files on my laptop. Now click Next. 11. Enter the password
Now you're asked for the password that you saw on your first computer. Remember that if you've forgotten it, you can return to your first computer to view it or to print it out. The password is case-sensitive, so you have to type it carefully. Once that's done, click Next. 12. You're connected!
This screen means you're connected to the HomeGroup – it really is that simple to share your media and documents, and you'll be connected to the HomeGroup every time you start your Windows 7 PC. I'll just click Finish and I'm done. Now repeat the process on any other Windows 7 PCs you want to connect up. 13. Indexing libraries
This screen means Windows 7 is still indexing your libraries ahead of sharing them – I just leave it alone for a few minutes. If you connect to a different network using your HomeGroup machine, this same screen displays "The HomeGroup is not available because you're not connected to the home network." 14. Leaving a HomeGroup
If you really want to leave a HomeGroup, it's just as easy as joining one. In your HomeGroup settings (under Control Panel > Network and Internet), click Leave the HomeGroup. You then see this screen of options, which is basically checking that you do want to leave. Click Leave the HomeGroup again. 15. Share or exclude files and folders
I want to exclude some folders from being shared. Navigate to the file or folder you want to exclude, and select it. In the toolbar, click Share with, then click Nobody. Should you want to include other folders, select them and choose either HomeGroup (Read) or HomeGroup (Read/Write) from this menu. 16. And that's it!
You now have a fully-functioning HomeGroup. If you encounter any problems, there's a HomeGroup troubleshooter to ease your pain, available on the main HomeGroup settings page within Control Panel > Network and Internet. Click Start the HomeGroup troubleshooter. 
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| Android crosses the 200,000 apps barrier Posted: 29 Dec 2010 07:27 AM PST  These app-filled days we live in just got, well, more filled as Android and Windows Phone 7 both crossed significant milestones. Android's relentless pursuit of Apple's App total continues unabated as it has now got (albeit unofficially) 200,000 apps locked into the vaults of the App Market. The stats come from AndroLib, which documents the number of applications and games downloaded from the portal - although this number sometimes comes into conflict with Google's reported totals. Windows' pain receding? It's good news for Microsoft too - Windows Phone 7 now has more than 5,000 apps on its books in less than three months, and the rate of development appears to be increasing. The better news for the Redmond bunch - the total is already closing in RIM's BlackBerry World, and nearly 75% of the apps downloaded are paid for, meaning a siginificant wad of cash for Ballmer's Brigade.
However, it should be noted that WP7 offers a comprehensive trial service, so while a lot of 'paid' applications are being requested, it's likely a lot are only on trial and won't be upgraded to the full price version. It's interesting to note the shift in user behaviour too: Microsoft's mobile experience has been built on business and productivity, yet only 7% of all apps downloaded are from this category - gaming is the big winner with 22% at the moment, so has the consumer experience taken the lead? 
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| CES 2011: LG to show off Honeycomb tablet at CES Posted: 29 Dec 2010 07:20 AM PST  LG will launch a new Android tablet at CES 2011 according to Korean sources, as it attempts to keep up with neighbours Samsung. The Korea Times is reporting that the new tablet will be a 8.9-inch offering and will be running Honeycomb/Android 3.0. The paper is citing 'industry sources' for the leak, which would be impressive given we've heard very little of the new tablet for a while now. The time is now LG announced it would bring an Android 2.2 tablet in time for Christmas back in July, but it seems the company is waiting for a more tablet-friendly OS to drop before it releases its first tablet. The company is apparently also going to show off auto-stereoscopic 3D mobile displays as well at the show which would allow even those moving at fast pace to watch 3D video - namely drivers looking at 3D-enabled billboards. We've already seen the Motorola Everest running the next-gen Android interface, and that looks set to be debuted at CES 2011 too - so if LG and possibly Samsung step up as well, it could be a slate-filled Vegas trip for TechRadar this year. 
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| CES 2011: LG to show off Honeycomb tablet at CES Posted: 29 Dec 2010 07:20 AM PST LG will launch a new Android tablet at CES 2011 according to Korean sources, as it attempts to keep up with neighbours Samsung. The Korea Times is reporting that the new tablet will be a 8.9-inch offering and will b running Honeycomb/Android 3.0. The paper is citing 'industry sources' for the leak, which would be impressive given we've heard very little of the new tablet for a while now. The time is now LG announced it would bring an Android 2.2 tablet in time for Christmas back in July, but it seems the company is waiting for a more tablet-friendly OS to drop before it releases its first tablet. The company is apparently also going to show off auto-stereoscopic 3D mobile displays as well at the show which would allow even those moving at fast pace to watch 3D video - namely drivers looking at 3D-enabled billboards. We've already seen the Motorola Everest running the next-gen Android interface, and that looks set to be debuted at CES 2011 too - so if LG and possibly Samsung step up as well, it could be a slate-filled Vegas trip for TechRadar this year. 
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| Sony Ericsson Hallon appears in spy shots - Anzu too? Posted: 29 Dec 2010 07:14 AM PST  You remember a few days ago when TechRadar told you that Sony Ericsson was planning two new devices - the Hallon and the Anzu? Well, spy shots have emerged of phones that looks surprisingly like at least one of them. The first is the Hallon, and fits perfectly with the information our well-placed source gave us - it's a Sony Ericsson Vivaz rebooted with improved hardware (ie a capacitive screen) and Android 2.3. The top of the phone houses the microUSB slot as well as a curved exterior, mimicking the 'human curvature' design of the Vivaz, so it's almost certain we'll be seeing this at Mobile World Congress. Is that you, Anzu? The next phone was snapped in China, and while we're waiting for the Anzu to rear its head, it's unlikely that this is the one given the smaller screen. The mystery phone has been tipped to come with a 3-inch screen - much smaller than the Anzu's reported 4-inch effort, and also comes with a superb graphic processing and benchmark score - is this a PSP Phone sidekick? Given Sony Ericsson looks likely to be opening an Android gaming portal called Xperia Play that seems a real possibility - roll on MWC when all these mysteries should be uncovered. 
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| Google Nexus S to be relaunched as Galaxy S2? Posted: 29 Dec 2010 06:19 AM PST  The Google Nexus S looks set for a Samsung overhaul and a re-launch as the Samsung Galaxy S2. The new phone has been tipped for a Mobile World Congress launch by Korean newspaper Chosunilbo (what do you mean, you don't subscribe?) and will come with almost identical tech to the newly-launched Google Nexus S. This means Android 2.3, NFC technology and a gyroscope - but intriguingly a dual-core processor as Samsung tries to set it apart from the original and popular Galaxy S. If One=Desire, does S=S2? There's not much more information than that, but given after the Google Nexus One launched the HTC Desire was hot on its heels with similar hardware, the Galaxy S2 seems a nailed-on certainty. With the original Galaxy S and the Galaxy Tab Samsung has popped its custom TouchWiz 3.0 skin on top, so that would likely be a key differentiator between the Nexus S and Galaxy S2 should it emerge at MWC. TechRadar will be patrolling the floors in Barcelona next year, so keep an eye out for our in depth Galaxy S2 review if it ever rears its head. 
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| Nokia E7 given January release date and price? Posted: 29 Dec 2010 06:05 AM PST  The Nokia E7 has been given a possible release date, and more importantly, an early price point. The new Symbian^3 handset from the Finnish firm will cost around $679 according to Amazon US, which means it will probably be around £500 when it makes the transition over to the UK. When you consider it's a 4-inch OLED-toting QWERTY device, it's not the worst price in the world, especially when you consider the additional tech on board (HDMI connector, 8MP camera and inbuilt storage). Stepping up However, that price point is still going to put it squarely in competition with the iPhone 4, the Nexus S and Desire HD - something the Nokia N8 managed to pseudo-avoid with a much lower price tag. But if you're still hankering after the new Nokia E7, then at least TheNokiaBlog has good news for you: it seems US retailers are taking delivery of stock around 13 January, so we can imagine a UK release date isn't too far behind. Nokia has already delayed the release of the new E7 from last year, citing quality control for the user, but given we saw it back in September, the Finns need to get releasing before Mobile World Congress hits and we get a whole slew of new exciting phones to wish we had. 
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| Android Honeycomb music app gets UI overhaul Posted: 29 Dec 2010 05:59 AM PST  The next level of Android's music player has been leaked onto the internet for all to see, complete with a big UI overhaul. Like the new(ish) gallery app from Google's mobile OS, Honeycomb's new music player is a big improvement on the original. Instead of large and blocky graphics that have been present pretty much since the first release, Android 3.0 will come with sliding tabs, the much-vaunted wireless streaming from your PC/Google account and improved landscape viewing. Early days TalkAndroid and AndroidPolice are hosting the leaked file from XDA Developers Forum member johnnie93, and after TechRadar had a little play around, the next level of Android's music player does seem a cut above the previous iteration (and man, did it need it). It does lack a few things the stock Gingerbread offering gives us (namely things like being able to drag your 'Now Playing' playlist around) and the wireless syncing isn't working yet, but it's enough to get that little bit closer to the iPhone's iPod interface. Of course, most power Android users have picked their favourite independent third party application already (we're big fans of MixZing over here) but for a stock option on both smartphones and tablets, this is a nice move in the right direction for Google. 
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| 10 million Brits overpay for mobiles Posted: 29 Dec 2010 05:03 AM PST  Over ten million Brits are paying more than necessary for their mobile phones, according to a new survey by consumer watchdog Which? The new Which? study claims that millions of Brits are paying over the odds for extra texts, call-time and data on top of their agreed monthly line rental with their network provider. Millions of Brits over-spending The survey's findings were described by Which? as "not surprising." Over six million Brits did not know what their monthly limit was for voice call minutes and over five million were unsure of text or data allowances from their mobile contracts. Which? also claims that over 18 million Brits had actually never switched their mobile phone provider. Tom McLennan, head of Which? Mobile, said of the findings: "You could be spending hundreds of pounds more than you need to on your mobile every year if you're not on the right tariff. "If you regularly spend more than your line rental, check your bill to see where you're incurring the extra charges as you may be able to save money by moving to a tariff with more minutes, texts or data. "If you never go over your agreed line rental, it's because you're not using up your allowance so you may be able to save money by finding a cheaper tariff that reflects your usage." The Which? survey was based on results from 1,271 adults aged 16 or more. 
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| Are iPad and iPhone apps leaking personal data? Posted: 29 Dec 2010 04:39 AM PST  Apple is facing two class actions lawsuit in the US from complainants that claim that app developers have been leaking personally identifiable data from their iPads and iPhones. The aggrieved iPad and iPhone users say that Apple needs to do more to enforce its privacy policies. Mobile web browsing history Complainants in the latest lawsuits against Apple claim that the data harvested by some app developers represent "personal, identifying information" that very easily allows advertisers to track an individual's app use, web browsing history and other personal information. The lawyers behind one of the class action lawsuits are also considering legal action against Google over similar personal data leaks from Android phone apps. Backflip Studios (the makers of the popular Paper Toss game), the Weather Channel, Dictionary.com and a number of other mobile apps others have been named as potential data-leaking culprits in the lawsuits. Non-anonymised data Researchers from Bucknell University recently proved that so-called "anonymized" demographic information from app developers can be pieced together using an iPhone's unique UDID number to effectively identify individual users. "Researchers have known for more than a decade that gender plus ZIP code plus birthdate uniquely identifies a significant percentage of Americans," adds law professor Paul Ohm. However, some analysts are dismissive of the latest class action lawsuits against Apple. Trip Chowdhry, Global Equities research analyst, told Reuters:"If this were a major issue, all web browsers would have to shut down and there would not be any advertising on the internet." 
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| Tutorial: How to dual-boot your netbook or laptop Posted: 29 Dec 2010 04:00 AM PST  Windows isn't the best operating system for a netbook. It can be slow to start and it's somewhat inefficient, but most of us are familiar with it and have programs that need Windows to work. The best scenario would be to have Windows available for times when you need to do general work, and a different, faster operating system for the times when you just want to go online. You can achieve this by setting up a dual boot system with a speedy Linux distribution, such as Lubuntu. Download the Lubuntu ISO file from here. Once the file has downloaded, use UNetbootin to copy it to a bootable USB drive. Launch it, connect your thumb drive, choose 'Disk Image' and browse to your Lubuntu ISO file. Click 'OK' and wait for the image to be written to the USB drive. You can use this to start your netbook. Connect it and press [Esc], or any button that gives you access to the boot menu. Check your documentation if unsure. If you want to install Windows afresh, you need to do so before installing Lubuntu, because it handles partitioning your drive and adds the GRUB boot manager for you at startup. Once set up, you should be able to access your Lubuntu desktop and launch the Chrome browser in a matter of seconds. 1. Install Windows
Start by installing Windows. If you already have it you can skip this step, although it's a good idea to clear your hard drive and start with a completely clean system. First, use a USB-connected disk drive or create a bootable USB flash drive using UNetbootin. Now install Windows to the full hard drive, then restart your netbook with the Lubuntu USB drive connected. 2. Try Lubuntu
Select the USB drive again from the boot menu and opt to try Lubuntu without making any changes to your PC. This launches the LiveCD version, giving you a chance to try the interface. Once you're happy with how it works, double-click the 'Install Lubuntu' link on the desktop. The installation asks for your preferred language, location and keyboard layout. 3. Partition disks
You need to make space on your drive for Lubuntu. You'll see two diagrams showing the distribution of space on your hard drive. The first shows its current state, the second is a suggested layout the installer can sort out for you. Select 'Install them side-by-side, choosing between them each startup' to accept this configuration. Click 'Forward' to begin partitioning. 4. Install Lubuntu
You need to provide a username and password for your user account. Once you've supplied these, you're shown a summary of the installation options that you've chosen. If you're happy, opt to install. Otherwise, go back and change the settings. You can leave the installation to run. It will take 10-20 minutes, depending on the speed of your netbook. 5. Dual booting
Once the installation has completed, opt to restart your computer and disconnect the USB drive including Lubuntu. You'll see the GRUB boot screen. Lubuntu will be your default start option, or you can use the arrow keys to select Windows. Press [Enter] to accept the current option without waiting for the countdown. Log into Lubuntu with your username and password. 6. Autologin
Lubuntu can log you in automatically. Click the bottom-left button and choose 'Accessories | LXTerminal'. At the prompt, enter sudo leafpad / etc/lxdm/default.conf and press [Enter]. Add your password. Scroll to the 'Base' section in the opened file and add autologin= yourusername below the entries. Save and restart Lubuntu. You should boot to the desktop in 10-15 seconds. 
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| How to play World of Warcraft with Kinect Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:50 AM PST  Microsoft Kinect has already been hacked a number of times, with the latest unofficial use of the motion control tech being used as a controller for Blizzard's massively popular MMO World of Warcraft. That's right. This latest MS Kinect hack allows WoW players to control their on-screen characters using gesture control. This innovative use of Kinect comes courtesy of the University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies. FAAST movers The university's group of enterprising techies and MMO gamers have developed a toolkit called the Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit (FAAST), to allow users to map Kinect's image sensing technology to PC games and "VR applications" – with immense potential for future PC gaming and medical rehabilitation applications. FAAST allows keen Kinect hackers to access "integration of full-body control with games and VR applications," with the Xbox 360 camera mapping the user's skeleton pattern, body position and gestures onto PC keyboard controls. The code is free and available for non-commercial use, with the Institute planning to create games for rehabilitation of motor-skills after a stroke. 
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| In Depth: AMD Fusion APU explained Posted: 29 Dec 2010 02:00 AM PST  Zacate is a Spanish noun that means grasses, generally those used for grazing animals. It is used chiefly in Mexico. It's also the code name for AMD's new wunderkind. This Zacate is a little low-power number aimed at notebooks, and is more than a straight Intel Atom rival, it's a bit beefier than that. Zacate is the first of AMD's two new cores and reflects its new design philosophy; and shows the direction AMD is going, so take note. Zacate is a twin-core chip (well, one version is), and these cores are the completely new Bobcat design. Sitting next to these on the die are integrated graphics. Zacate is the first of what AMD has dubbed Fusion APUs. APU (Accelerated Processor Unit) is AMD's term for bunging graphics onto the die and Fusion is AMD's name for its new approach at doing this. Fusion is the coming together of processor and graphics in a single chip in co-operative manner, hence the name 'fusion' [I think everyone gets it now, move on – Ed]. Integrated and okay? The basic block diagram of a Fusion APU puts a graphics engine on one side, a processor, or processors, on the other and between them a bus and memory controller. Both sides share the system resources depending on the job in hand.
Instead of thinking of two discrete data processors doing two jobs, we have a single unit programmed as one, with operations piped down the most suitable route. GPUs are only specialised CPUs after all. It was the Fusion programme that drove AMD to buy ATI in 2006, as it needed the company's GPU expertise. PCs boasting integrated graphics have only really been tolerable in laptops out of necessity. Any desktop listing such a feature is rightly shunned by any right-thinking person. Fusion should bring us on-board graphics that we might actually be pleased about. Okay, that might be going a bit far, we may not run away in horror though. The concept is due to creep up the form factors, from netbooks and thin laptops through to mini-PCs and onwards. Refreshing re-think The blurb from AMD talks big. Fusion is "a new approach to processor design", and is "ushering in a new era of visual computing experiences". It takes on an epic biblical air in places, but all cynicism aside, Fusion is a refreshing re-think, especially if the SDKs get a good airing and code is written with them in mind. The aim is a decent graphical punch in a small system – what's not to like? Along with the nice new Bobcat cores the new GPU is DX11 capable and has 80 stream processors. If this were a new desktop graphics card we might pause and cogitate here as that's not a lot of stream processors, but putting it into context of a tiny low-power chip that's not half bad. Do you want high definition video? Of course you do and there is a unified video decoder specifically for the job. Zacate's processor cores and GPU are clocked differently, the later being a fair bit slower (current estimates reckon on 500MHz maximum). The whole package comes in with a TDP of 18W. Low, but not ultra low enough for really small packages where Atom has been pitching its tent. Zacate comes on a tiny 40nm die and is a BGA package (that means soldered directly on to boards). Memory consists of a single channel of DDR3-1333. There will be two initial flavours: the twin core E350 and the single core E240, which will be the same, but one core is zapped. To go with the new chip, we have a new hub chip, the Hudson DI. This connects to Zacate via a PCI-e 2.0 x4 bus (fast enough for now). Hudson will carry SATA 300 and USB 2.0, but no Ethernet (huh?). First public run At the unveiling of Zacate (held at the same time as Intel's IDF – just for kicks) AMD pitted a Zacate development rig against a mainstream laptop running an Intel i5 520, which also boasted integrated graphics, of course.
Running City of Heroes at 1,024 x 769 pixels, the Intel-powered notebook managed around 16 to 17fps. The Zacate board trotted along at a more acceptable 30fps. That's nearly twice as fast, folks. Some questions were raised about drivers and whether or not it was a level playing field, but honestly can't you lot be impressed for a change? No, suspect everyone, it's the only way to be sure. Some fiddling about with drivers and the use of other games and benchmarks followed. It transpires that while some results are only on a par with the 520 (the IE9 benchmark is as near as makes no odds), it is still a highly impressive games chip. Reportedly Batman Arkham Asylum ran at 16.5 fps as against 11.3fps and City of Heroes 39.6fps against 25.5fps. That's still half as fast again – tasty. The killer is that Zacate is doing this with a TDP of 18W, while the Intel i5 520 takes a more substantial 35W, which translates into mucho battery life. This means they won't be direct rivals as such, which is all the more impressive. All in all, Zacate looks to be a very good thing. Obviously AMD has spent a small fortune developing it and so it jolly well better had be. What we will get is faster portables with better gaming – no complaints there. Does this mean we can live in a world where real high-power gaming is properly portable and we can finally do what we always dreamed of? Playing proper butt-clenching 3D games while sat anywhere we like. No. Desktops will remain gaming kings and always will. There is just no getting around the fact that your desktop PC can put 300W through a graphics card. Are we nearly there yet? We should see Zacate-powered hardware early next year. Initially, it'll be machines in the lower half of the portable market. Mini-ATX boards will follow, so we can expect other formats. There are Atom-powered servers around, so perhaps we will see Zacate or something very similar. Bang per watt is attractive in all form factors. What have we missed? Oh yeah, clock speeds. Nothing official on this at the time of writing, although 1.6GHz has been touted. The days when it was all about frequencies are over (unless it makes you look especially good, of course). Also, don't expect to see the names Zacate and Bobcat splashed about when the hardware arrives. These are just code names and branding will be under a different banner. AMD has the Vision brand all ready and waiting as well as the Fusion name. The world of netbooks and laptops is going to get a lot more competitive and capable. Zacate is just AMD's vanguard too, there's a lot more to come. 
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| New mock-up images of PSP2 emerge Posted: 29 Dec 2010 01:50 AM PST  PlayStation fans are keen (read: desperate) to know what the forthcoming Sony PSP 2 handheld will look like, with the latest mock-up images of the handheld from PSM3 magazine sparking debate this week. The British PlayStation mag has taken everything that it knows about the PSP 2 from developers, analysts, publishers and others and created these images of what its illustrators think Sony's final PSP2 will look like. Sony will not comment on rumour or speculation surrounding the PSP 2, though we expect to start hearing a lot more from Sony Computer Entertainment about its plans for the forthcoming handheld early in 2011. PSP 2 imagineered PSM3's mock-ups of what it imagines the PSP 2 will look like are also based on the real-life 'blurrycam' shots of an early prototype from developers, which originally surfaced earlier this year on VG247.com You can see a full scan of the magazine article over on Gametrailers' forums. Or you might even want to venture out to your local newsagent or WHSmiths to buy yourself a copy of the mag to pore over the images in their full glossy glory. Sony will not comment on rumour or speculation surrounding the PSP 2, though we expect to start hearing a lot more from Sony Computer Entertainment about its plans for the forthcoming handheld early in 2011. However, should PSM3's predictions prove to be on the money, it looks like the PSP2 may well have two thumbsticks, Here's hoping… 
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