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Techradar |
- HP enhances print security on new enterprise LaserJets
- Samsung boosts 850 Pro drive capacities
- Updated: Samsung unveils fast 950 Pro enterprise SSD
- You want the Bluetooth? Apple TV can handle the Bluetooth
- Updated: EB Games Expo 2015: What to expect from this year's show
- Bose brings Bluetooth back to TV theatre tech
- Samsung's new TV takes inspiration from an unlikely source
- Snoop Dogg launches a lifestyle site for pot lovers
- iOS Tips: iOS 9 Maps: Access public transit directions and more
- Snowden: Encryption may make it more difficult to find signs of alien life
- Updated: Surface Pro 4 release date, news and rumours
- Apple Car reportedly revving its electric engine for a 2019 release date
- Updated: Apple Watch OS 2: everything you need to know
- Samsung may take a page from Apple, let you lease your next Galaxy
- Review: Updated: Apple Watch
- Updated: How to install watchOS 2 on Apple Watch
- Apple Watch OS 2 update finally ready to download
- Updated: Skype suffered an outage across the world today, but a fix is on its way
- Updated: 24 best PC games: the must-play titles you can't afford to miss
- Fifty percent of iPhone and iPad owners are using iOS 9
| HP enhances print security on new enterprise LaserJets Posted: 22 Sep 2015 01:00 AM PDT  HP unveiled a new suite of four secure, enterprise-class laser printers. These printers borrow security technology from HP's PC division, allowing businesses to keep their documents secure by monitoring intruders, stopping malware attacks and ensuring that the BIOS is free from corruption. The March 2015 "Annual Global IT Security Benchmark Tracking Study" published by the Ponemon Institute reveals that 53% of IT managers realize their printers are vulnerable and 64% state that their printers are likely infected with malware. Yet, despite these numbers, IT confidence in printer security remains low. To help make printers, and the transmitted data, secure, HP brings its client endpoint security to its enterprise laser printers. These measures, including HP SureStart, Secure White Listing, and run-time intrusion detection technology, sit on top of common baseline security measures, including device protection, data privacy and encryption, the latest key security standards and access control. HP's security solutionIf these features aren't hardware dependent, HP claims that these security features can be implemented on printers as old as 2010 through firmware upgrades. This means that if users aren't ready to upgrade to a new printer, they can update their printer to become more secure. The first feature, known as HP SureStart, is hardware dependent as it relies on a secured hardware controller, will only be available on this fall's lineup of new enterprise lasers. This technology uses a hardware-based Root of Trust to compare the BIOS against a golden copy. If the hardware controller determines that the BIOS has been attacked or corrupted, it will re-flash the printer to the previously safe start part from an electrically isolated area of flash. This helps reduce downtime as the printer doesn't need to be shipped to be reflashed, and businesses don't have to wait for a service technician. Whitelisting also helps protect the printer against running tampered code. Using a digital signature, the CPU on the printer will determine if HP-authentic code is loaded. If the signature doesn't match, the device will reboot and IT will be notified. With intrusion detection, the printer will continuously scan memory to check for intrusion. If that is detected, then the device stops and automatically reboots to a good condition. HP's new printersThese new enterprise-class printers contain similar toner technology as HP's recent consumer refresh, allowing HP to make the LaserJet printers faster, smaller and quieter. These printers are up to 24% more compact than the prior generation and up to 71% faster at printing two-sided documents. HP says that the printers deliver up to 46% faster first page output and a 61% faster wake up time from sleep. If your business is running a lot of print jobs, these savings can add up to significant time savings. Additionally, there is faster setup times, optional pull-out keyboard to allow you to easily type in email addresses for scanning, a cave light so you can see the printed pages on the output tray and the convenience of a built-in stapler on multi-function models. Like the consumer models, there is Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint 1.4, ePrint and NFC tap-to-print for printing from a smartphone or tablet. The portfolio includes the LaserJet Enterprise M506 ($649, £418, AU$910), the HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527 ($1,799, £1,160, AU$2,522), HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553 ($599, £386, AU$840) and HP Color LasetJet MFP M577 ($2,199, £1,418, AU$3,083). Except the Color LaserJet Enterprise M553, which is already available, all these printers will be coming this fall. The M506 can print at up to 45 pages per minute and has a 60% increase in toner capacity, which should help reduce print costs. The M527 feature similar innovations, but has a larger 8-inch pivoting color touchscreen. The M577 has a 40 page per minute print and copy speed and color cartridges that can last for up to 9,500 prints.  |
| Samsung boosts 850 Pro drive capacities Posted: 21 Sep 2015 11:17 PM PDT  At the Samsung SSD Global Summit 2015, Samsung announced that it will double the storage capacity of its 850 Pro and EVO drives. The new 850 Pro and EVO drives will be available in up to 4TB capacity, double the 2TB that's available today. Additionally, the compact 850 EVO M.2 format drive will also get a storage boost. The small internal drive will be available in 1TB capacity, up from the industry-leading 512GB capacity available today. Pricing and availabilitySamsung did not announce how much the drives will cost. Samsung says that it is starting production at the end of the year, and the drives will be available in 2016 to consumers. The drives will be available at Samsung's massive Xian, China factory.  |
| Updated: Samsung unveils fast 950 Pro enterprise SSD Posted: 21 Sep 2015 10:09 PM PDT  Samsung unveiled its 950 Pro solid state drive in Seoul, Korea at the company's annual SSD Global Summit. The 950 Pro drive utilizes a slim M.2 form factor for portability and energy efficiency, designed for notebooks and mobile workstations. Samsung claims that the 950 Pro SSD is the first Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) M.2 form factor with vertical NAND (vNAND) technology designed for consumers that supports the PCIe 3.0 interface. The 950 Pro is available in either 512GB or 256GB capacities. The larger 512GB storage drive delivers up 2,500MB and 1,500 speeds for read and write, respectively. Random read performance up to 300,000 IOPS, and write speeds are up to 110,000 IOPS. The drive uses Samsung's second generation MLC V-NAND 32-layter 128GB die architecture. Performance gainsThese read speeds have increased by 4.5 times, with write speeds increasing by 2.8 times, according to Samsung's benchmarks. The NVMe driver will support Windows 7, 8 and 10.1. Drivers will be available shortly for Linux and Windows Server, Samsung said in a presentation. Samsung said that it will make a 1TB capacity in the M.2 format, but did not give a timeframe. The 850 Pro M.2 will be available in 1TB capacities starting in 2016. ReliabilityDesigned for business applications, Samsung offers a five-year limited warranty. The drives can be used in temperature extremes between 0 and 70 degrees Celcius. Additionally the drive can handle shock up to 1,500G/0.5ms and vibrations up to 20G. The drives will be available in October. The 256GB version is expected to retail for $199 (£128, AU$279) and the 512GB version will retail for $349 (£224, AU$489). Samsung says that the new drives delivers performance, capacity and value.
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| You want the Bluetooth? Apple TV can handle the Bluetooth Posted: 21 Sep 2015 06:50 PM PDT  No doubt inspired by the Amazon Fire TV and Roku 3, Apple is adding more Bluetooth functionality to the new Apple TV by extending the technology's usage beyond its fancy new remote and supported controllers and into wireless audio devices. Users will be able to pair wireless headphones to their next-gen Apple TV, allowing them to stay up late and watch TV at a reasonable volume without waking up the entire house. It's not just about headphones, though – users will also be able to crank things up a notch by pairing their Apple TV to a Bluetooth speaker or sound system. And, while not related to Bluetooth, the new Apple TV will also feature a nifty 'night mode' that lowers the volume of everything but speech in the content you're watching, so you can put the remote down stop worrying about sudden loud music or explosions disturbing your significant other's slumber. The updated Apple TV is expected to arrive in over 80 countries worldwide in late October.  |
| Updated: EB Games Expo 2015: What to expect from this year's show Posted: 21 Sep 2015 06:45 PM PDT  Gamers rejoice! We're just over a week away from the kick off of the EB Games Expo 2015 at the Sydney Showground From October 2-4 this year, gamers will again be able to strap on their favourite cosplay costume, head out to Homebush and enjoy the cacophony that is the year's most exciting games releases from all the big publishers. Tickets are still on sale from OzTix, with prices starting at $43.75 for a single session, and ranging up to $155 for a three day gamer pass, with plenty of combinations in between. YouTube : youtubeurlv=BST6f2iQTP8Given we're so close to the show's opening, we've now got a pretty good idea of what is going to be on display. The good news is that anyone excited for the glut of games heading our way for Christmas season is going to be stoked with the lineup on the show floor. We'll keep this page updated with details as they come to light, but in the mean time, here's everything we expect to see at the EB Games Expo 2015 Games, Games, GamesFor the past few years, the big three console manufacturers have all had pretty massive stands, with an emphasis on trying to showcase the benefits of the next-gen lineup of consoles, from the PS4 and Xbox One to the Wii U. This year will be no exception, with Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo all confirmed to be showing off their latest games on the show floor. Of course, hardware is only part of the equation. Software is going to be an even bigger drawcard for the thousands expected to make the trek to the Sydney Showgrounds. Star Wars fans will be able to wrap their hands around a PS4 controller and play some Star Wars Battlefront on the Sony stand. If a galaxy far, far away is less your style, then Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 will also be playable at Sony's booth for the first time. Assassins Creed: Syndicate, Rainbow Six Siege, Guitar Hero Live, Just Cause 3, Battleborn and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection will all be showing their pretty little faces at the Showgrounds too. But if that's not enough (and let's face it, it's not), then you'll be happy to know that the long awaited Fallout 4 from Bethesda will also be on display, as will Tom Clancy's The Division, Halo 5: Guardians and Rise of the Tomb Raider. Darks Souls 3, Need for Speed and NBA 2K16 have all been added to the roster, as have FIFA 16, Mirror's Edge: Catalyst and Forza 6. Meanwhile, Nintendo fans are set to have huge amounts of fun with Mario Maker, Splatoon and Star Fox Zero as well. And for the kidlets, Skylanders Superchargers, Disney Infinity 3.0 and Just Dance 2016 will all be playable over the weekend. There'll even be limited numbers of free Skylanders figurines given away, so get in quick if your kids love collecting the digital game pieces. Entertainment aplentyConfirmed for this year's show is a showing from comedy duo The Umbilical Brothers, who will be entertaining show-goers across the whole weekend with stuff from both their new show and their stand-up routines. It's not all funny noises and weird faces though – family's will be getting in on the entertainment as well, with Adventure Time live on stage, and the EB Bunny's amusement show rides making an appearance on the Sunday family day. If popular culture is more your thing, you'll love the Operation Awesome stage show from Russall S. Beattie, and live shows from John Robertson in the new Zing Pop Culture zone on the show floor. Zing Pop Culture zoneSpeaking of which, it's probably worth pointing out the newest addition to the EB Games Expo 2015: The Zing Pop Culture Zone. The new home for Cosplay competitions and promising an enormous display by The Sydney Brick show, the Zing Pop Culture Zone is for all the geeks at the show. This is also going to be the home of the new Zing Mega store, where you'll be able to take out a second mortgage on your home to buy awesome pop culture toys and collectibles. My wife should probably make sure I don't go into this area, if I'm being honest. EB Community
If there's one thing gaming expos have shown us, it's that gamers love listening to people from the gaming industry talk. Whether it's a panel on making a AAA title or industry veterans discussing moving trends and challenges they face in their work, you just can't have a gaming expo without panels. At the EB Games Expo, these panels fall under the banner of EB Community. Last year, a 1,000 seat stage area hosted Q&A sessions with the team from Good Game, some comic performances, Cosplay competitions and heaps more. This year, we expect a similar lineup, but we'll have to wait and see exactly what to expect. EB MegastoreEB Games may host a pretty successful gaming Expo, but it's also a pretty successful games retailer. So it's no surprise that a big section of the show floor is dedicated to the EB Megastore. EB makes it nice and easy for anyone impressed by a game on the show floor to pre-order or purchase, with a convenient shipping option so you don't have to carry your purchase around all day. There's also a huge amount of collectibles available, so make sure your credit card is fairly empty before joining the EB Games Megastore queue. Family DayEven though the average aim of the modern gamer is well over 30, there's still a massive market for the kiddies out there. For the past few years, the EB Games Expo has dedicated its Sunday to being a Family Day, with dedicated shows and panels specifically targeting a younger audience. If previous years are any indication, this year;'s event will feature specific events for kids, a whole heap of kid-friendly games on show and exclusive competitions for the kids to win. Home Grown Gaming
Aussie developers are the best developers. Well, they're as good as any other developers around the world, anyway. The EB Games Expo 2015 will undoubtedly dedicate a section of the show floor to showcase some of the best local indie developers and their games. In previous years, more than 20 local devs have had a stand to show off their games, which were among some of the highlights of the show. Definitely worth checking out should you head to the event. Cosplay aplentyIt wouldn't be a celebration of geek culture if there wasn't cosplay, and given just how big a part of last year's show Cosplay was, we expect the same this year. While some will just dress up for the thrill of it, EB Games Expo attendees will also undoubtedly have the opportunity to enter Cosplay competitions on each day of the event, with the chance to win some pretty sweet prizes. The Sydney Brick ShowPlaying with Lego is an ageless pastime, which makes it perfect for a pop culture exhibition like the EB Games Expo. There will be pre-made displays of pop-culture icons, as well as the opportunity to get creative with bricks yourself. The show is also promising some "surprises". We have no idea what that could be, but it will be worth checking out just in case. The VGL Game BarWant to enjoy a few drinks while playing competitove video games against friends and strangers alike? The Video Game League Game Bar offers just that opportunity on the show floor. Tournaments will be held for Mario Kart 8, Smash Bros and FIFA 15 during the show, while between tourneys gamers will be able to play games like Tekken, Trials Fusion, Modern Warfare and Injustice: Gods Among Us. Game themed-drinks and plenty of kudos (and probably prizes) will go to those who succeed. Plenty MoreOf course, the great thing about expos like this is that there's always something else to see and do when you actually get there. techradar will be on the show floor, so keep an eye out and stay tuned for all the latest news and coverage of the show here.  |
| Bose brings Bluetooth back to TV theatre tech Posted: 21 Sep 2015 06:17 PM PDT  Bose has announced its new Solo 15 series II TV sound system, bringing wireless music streaming and an updated remote to its pedestal sound system. The update introduces Bluetooth connectivity, enabling the speaker to double as a wireless music streaming device when it's not tackling explosions, romantic monologues, or whatever your preferred brand of cinema tends to deliver. Now you don't need to worry about getting out your favourite portable Bluetooth speaker and making sure it's charged, as Bose's Solo 15 series II will be sitting there under your TV, ready to go. What did he say?The system also comes with an advanced universal remote that'll control your system, TV, and other connected sources from one device, along with a bass control function that lets you adjust the depth of your audio. The system features five drivers, and has a dedicated centre speaker that's designed to make dialogue easier to understand – no rewinding to find out exactly what was said. With measurements of 62.9cm x 35.6cm x 7.6cm, the Solo 15 series II will fit discreetly under TVs with screens up to 50 inches. It retails for US$499.95 / AUD$649.
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| Samsung's new TV takes inspiration from an unlikely source Posted: 21 Sep 2015 05:11 PM PDT  Samsung has a new TV, but this time, it's not about the tech inside it - it's all about the design. Design firm Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec are behind Samsung's Serif TV, which takes both its name and looks from the font Serif, and in particular the letter 'i' when viewed in profile. "Serif TV's shapes and colors break away from the usual theme of masculine, cutting-edge technology and extra-large dimensions," Samsung wrote on its website, saying instead it is made to fit in the world we live in. The TV can stand on a table on its own or on legs that comes with it, making it look like something from the 50s with its thick frame. "What we were looking for was a solid presence that would sit naturally in any environment, just like a piece of furniture," Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec explained. And to keep it stylish, the back of the TV is covered with fabric that hides the ports. The design firm has also revamped Samsung's Smart TV with a new 'curtain mode', which applies a filter over the screen while the user accesses things like a clock, Bluetooth speakers, apps or photo gallery. The Serif TV will be available in three models, including a 40-inch UHD model, a 30-inch Full-HD set and a 24-inch model, with all three to come with built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it looks like the Serif TV will only be available in the UK, France, Denmark and Sweden. Image credit: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec  |
| Snoop Dogg launches a lifestyle site for pot lovers Posted: 21 Sep 2015 04:04 PM PDT  Rapper Snoop Dog has launched a new lifestyle website, MerryJane.com, and he says it's going to to become the online encyclopedia of everything related to cannabis. "There are so many people in the closet, and we are giving them an opportunity to come out of the closet and just admit they like to smoke," the rapper said. "I'm a smoker, my name is Snoop Dogg, and I'm a stoner." Speaking at the TechCrunch Disrupt SF event, Snoop Dogg and Merry Jane co-founder Ted Chung explained that the site will include a database of curated dispensaries and the various strains of cannabis that users will be able to search. The website will also focus on news associated with the business and politics of the cannabis industry, including developments in legislations and policies. "I wanted to create a platform that will take this [pro-marijuana] movement further by creating a destination where people could find fresh content," Snoop said. A whole pot platformMerry Jane will also play host to a range of its own web series' through it's YouTube channel, like cooking shows, celebrity interviews (including Seth Rogen and Miley Cyrus) and a show that focuses on a person's first time smoking weed, called Deflowered. It's a pretty massive undertaking for a site that's dedicated to all things marjiuanna, but Chung says the demand for such a site is already there. The website has launched today, but is currently only be open to beta testers, with full public access to open in the coming weeks. According to a tweet posted by Snoop Dogg, 420 people will be granted a sneak peek daily if they sign up for early access on the website.
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| iOS Tips: iOS 9 Maps: Access public transit directions and more Posted: 21 Sep 2015 03:53 PM PDT  At last, public transit routes have been added to Apple's Maps app. Maps has come a long way since its introduction a few years ago, but with the app's iOS 9 upgrade, the missing piece of the puzzle - public transit options - has finally fallen into place. We'll take a look at the upgraded Maps app and show you how to get the most from its new features. First, the bad news: Maps only features public transit routes for a handful of select locales. If you're in New York City, San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Mexico City, Toronto, London, Berlin, or China, then you're in luck. If not, you'll have to wait a bit longer to put the public transic features to use. If you are in one of those lucky locations, however, getting public transit info is pretty easy. Simply enter your destination (and starting point if necessary) as usual, then tap the small arrow to get directions. You'll immediately see options for drive, walk, or transit - obviously, transit is the one you want to select in this case. You'll see the recommended route toward the bottom of your screen (tap it to see the steps involved), but if you're not happy with it or just want to see more options, hit the More Routes button to see what else is out there.
After tapping More Routes, you can select another public transit option that's more to your liking. You'll also find the Options button on this screen - tap it and you'll be able to make refinements based on your departure or arrival time, and also decide which means of transportation are included in public transit directions. If you want to avoid the subway, for example, you can tap that option to remove it from your route suggestions. Once you're finished refining the details hit the Done button, then when you've returned to the map, tap Start to receive complete step-by-step directions.
Public Transit isn't the only new feature in the iOS 9 version of Maps. There's also an addition called Nearby, which shows you places and services in the vicinity. Simply type an address into the search field in the Maps app, then tap the search field to be taken the the Nearby page, which lets you select from categories such as food, drinks and shopping, all broken down into further subcategories. Click on one to see what's in the area, and how it's been reviewed on Yelp. And if the search field is empty, you'll be shown places that are near your current location.
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| Snowden: Encryption may make it more difficult to find signs of alien life Posted: 21 Sep 2015 02:26 PM PDT  While scientists are preparing to begin a massive search for alien life, Edward Snowden has said that an increase in encrypted communications could mean that if there is any extraterrestrial life out there, they may never find us. Appearing on Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk podcast, Snowden explained that as we continue to encrypt more and more of our data and communications, any alien life trying to contact us may end up overlooking our radio signals as nothing more than background noise. "Let's say all societies that have open communications... eventually discover they need to encrypt their communications to protect them," he told deGrasse Tyson. And if the communication is properly encrypted, you wouldn't actually be able to tell that there even is an encryption, which would mean that you wouldn't be able to "distinguish a properly encrypted communication from random behaviour." "So if you have an alien civilization trying to listen for other civilizations, or our civilization trying to listen for aliens, there's only one small period in the development of their society when all of their communication will be sent via the most primitive and most unprotected means," Snowden said. What we may end up hearing, whether it be an alien TV show or a phone, would be "indistinguishable to us from cosmic microwave background radiation." In response, deGrasse Tyson pointed out that encryption would only be a problem for an extraterrestrial society if you assume "they have the same security problems as us." Encryption may not end up being an issue, however, as the scientist-led Breakthrough Initiative aims to send out messages (which we assume will be unencrypted) via two of the world's most powerful telescopes in hopes of making contact with extraterrestrial life.  |
| Updated: Surface Pro 4 release date, news and rumours Posted: 21 Sep 2015 02:22 PM PDT  Each Surface Pro has arguably been better than the last, and there's good reason to believe that the Surface Pro 4 could turn out to be something special. While the Surface Pro 2 was marketed as a tablet that could do more than other tablets (particularly Apple's iPad), Microsoft switched tact to try and make the Surface Pro 3 an all-out MacBook Air killer. Touted "the tablet that can replace your laptop", it was lighter than Apple's popular machine, had a sharp display and excellent handwriting capabilities - but it was far from perfect. Battery life was so-so, you had to shell out for a (still pretty flimsy) Type Cover and it sometimes became uncomfortably warm under use. Can the Surface Pro 4 go one better than its impressive, but imperfect predecessor? Cut to the chase
Surface Pro 4 release dateMicrosoft has sent out media invites to an event being held on October 6, which promises "some exciting news about Windows 10 devices". With Windows 10 out in the wild and Intel's Skylake processors finding their way into devices, it wouldn't be crazy to think that the Surface Pro 4 might take centre stage that day.
Surface Pro 4 designAt 12 inches, the Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's biggest Surface tablet (not counting the giant Surface Hub). It's no longer the biggest tablet on the block, though. Samsung's Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 is bigger, and Apple's newer iPad Pro, which has a 12.9-inch display, is much larger. Microsoft is missing a sizeable slate from its armory, which makes a rumour that says it is gearing up to launch a 14-inch Surface Pro alongside a 12-inch version entirely believable. We reckon a 14-inch Surface Pro would be perfect for Windows 10: here's why.
Microsoft's Surface tablets have always been praised for their design, so it's hard to see the company deviating too much from what has gone before. That seems to be the case judging by a company blog post by general manager for Microsoft's Surface line Brian Hall, which says that the Surface Pro 3's accessories will be compatible with "the next generation of the 'Pro' line of Surface". He wrote: "We are pleased to share that the following Surface Pro 3 accessories are designed with our product roadmap in mind and will be compatible with the next generation of the "Pro" line of Surface:
"This commitment helps validate an investment in Surface Pro 3 and solidifies Microsoft's overall commitment to the continued growth of the Surface brand." Surface Pro 4 specsRumours are split on whether Microsoft will opt for Intel's Core M processor or its more powerful Core i5 and Core i7 variants. Whichever the Surface Pro 4 features, it's highly likely that it'll feature the latest Skylake chips rather than Broadwell ones. As Intel demonstrated at IDF, Skylake processors come with Intel's integrated Iris and Iris Pro graphics. According to leaked Intel slides, new memory improvements could lead to a 50% increase in 3D gaming performance compared to Broadwell, which would lend the Surface Pro 4 much better gaming chops than the Surface Pro 3. Skylake can also handle 4K UHD video output at 60 frames per second, and can do so on up to three 4K displays. The Surface Pro 4 is nailed on to come with Windows 10 out of the box, and Skylake chips would allow users to wake up the device by shouting at Cortana. Following the report that Samsung placed a large order for 256GB SSDs (mentioned above), Digitimes reported that the new Surface tablet will feature, "the same ultra-thin form factor, bezel size and large-size display as the predecessor model and will come with Intel's new Skylake processor and Windows 10." In terms of storage, Surface Pro 4 could offer similar options to the Surface Pro 3, starting at 64GB and rising to 128GB, 256GB and 500GB. A report by Chinese publication 36KR that was published in April claims that the Surface Pro 4 is fanless and will ship with Intel's Broadwell processor. The report reckons the device will come with small holes in the casing to allow for heat radiation and dissiptation while keeping the Surface Pro 3's same design elsewhere.
The Surface Pro 4 could also come with new accessories following Microsoft's acquisition of N-Trig, the Israel-based company behind its Surface tablets' pressure-sensitive stylus technology. It was confirmed that Microsoft purchased N-Trig for $200 million (about $132 million, or AUS$255), which makes sense following the news that Microsoft's new Edge browser will embed handwriting functionality.  |
| Apple Car reportedly revving its electric engine for a 2019 release date Posted: 21 Sep 2015 11:59 AM PDT  Apple's oft-rumored electric car might be flying off the test track sooner than we thought. Hearing from sources in the know, The Wall Street Journal reports the Cupertino us committed to shipping an automotive project by 2019. People familiar with the electric car, internally referred to as Project Titan, claim Apple has given permission to triple the size of its existing 600-man team. What's more, Apple has reportedly has spent more than a year researching the feasibility of a self-branded car and met with Californian governmental officials on at least two occasions. Although, the iPhone maker has supposedly hired on driverless car experts, sources close to the matter claim it's a feature that could come later. Apple first electric vehicle will more than likely not be fully autonomous. The evidence towards the possibility of an Apple Car has been mounting from the high-profile hires in the auto industry to investing in a newly built testing grounds for automobiles. This, however, is the first time a possible date for the Apple electric car's completion has been even rumored.
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| Updated: Apple Watch OS 2: everything you need to know Posted: 21 Sep 2015 11:36 AM PDT  watchOS 2 release date and moreUpdate: The update is finally out. The big bug Apple couldn't squash seems to be gone and the download should be rolling out right now for your Apple Watch.
The wrist gadget will also see a ton of refreshed features to enrich your experience - Siri is smarter, public transit will show up in Maps and new watch faces are just a few of the enhancements discussed. Apple Watch OS 2 release dateThe Watch OS 2 update is finally here (after a five day delay). Just like past major Apple OS updates, the Apple Watch's software upgrade is free.
New appsWe've heard about a lot of the forthcoming apps that Watch OS 2 will enable, but it seems that most still aren't available at launch. The Facebook Messenger app for Watch will finally be able to text, send audio files and share locations right from the wrist. GoPro will let you use the Apple Watch as a viewfinder so no matter where your camera is mounted, you'll always know where it's pointed. iTranslate will let you see, hear and translate over 90 languages by speaking to your Watch. What's more, this will apparently be a 'complication' for the modular Watch face that will present you with relevant phrases at the right time of day. Since devs now have access to the smartwatch's sensors and controls like the Taptic Engine, Digital Crown and more, we'll get native apps opposed to ones that are simply ported over. Native apps allow faster run time and greater app capabilities. Airstrip is a native app that was demoed as a tool doctors can use to better communicate with patients. Sensors and controlsThe Digital Crown provides functionality beyond zooming in and out. Rotating the crown lets you 'Time Travel' showing various events up to 72 hours into the future or past events, right on the watch face. Weather and news headlines are also other complications that Time Travel will work with. While this is set to be a big part of the Watch, in our time with it we didn't notice much use really. It's cool seeing what the weather will be like, and if you've got your calendar set up perfectly it's neat to see what appointments are coming up. But until more third part apps offer complications for this section, we can't say we're enamoured.
The microphone is accessible to other apps now, which means developers will also be able to use your voice in their builds. Developers now have access to the accelerometer too so you can expect future apps to utilise this feature. Apple demoed golf app Ping that measured a person's swing. Watch display settingsPreviously capped at 15 seconds, the Apple Watch is now able to stay on for a whopping 70 seconds - why you'd need this, we've not quite worked out, but that option is nice to have.
Tetherless Wi-FiYes, this sounds exactly like what you think. The Apple Watch is able to connect to open Wi-Fi networks without needing to connect to your iPhone first. You'll can leave your phone in another room and your wrist will be a perfectly suitable alternative. Android Wear's latest update already supports this feature, so it's nice to see the iOS device receiving it as well.
It's been hard to find a time to put this into practice though - most houses allow you to keep the Watch connection alive thanks to being close enough. We can't even find this mode available in the Watch itself - so perhaps it auto mirrors from the phone to learn the connected Wi-Fi locations. Watch facesThere were 10 customizable Apple Watch faces at launch and as we expected, we've now got more to play with.
Modular looks much nicer with more colors to play with (along with the extra complications to check out).
Time Lapse - Hong Kong, London, Mack Lake, New York and Shanghai are the five cities Apple shot time-lapse videos over 24 hours to create the new faces. Paris was just recently added to the mix. This is one that we're really into as it adds an element of dynamism to the Watch, offering movement every time you lift your wrist. It would be brilliant if you could film your own time lapse here and code it to the correct time stamps - given the iPhone 6S is going to have stabilised time lapse mode, this could be awesome.
Photo and Album modes- Just like iPhone backgrounds, your collection of pictures are now fodder for your smartwatch faces. This takes some specific work to get the right photos on there (you have to choose a specific folder to use and then sync it to the Watch) but it adds a really personal touch to the wrist.
It's hard to work out how to get a single photo on the background though - you'll need to fiddle around a lot to make it work. Live Photos, enabled from the iPhone 6S by taking a 1.5 second video before and after the shot, will be able to play automatically on the Watch. So if you're thinking of getting a joint bundle of Apple products, you'll like this dynamic new feature. Apple Watch MusicThe interface for the Music looks a bit different after the update as it's been redesigned with new features included. Quick Play has been added to let you shuffle music easier while there will be a volume level indicator displayed and the source of the audio file will also show up.
ComplicationsNew 'complications' or information in the various watch faces will be able to display third party apps -although we've currently not seen much from apps that can be added in here. Flight times, home controlled systems with Homekit devices will be accessed from your wrist, your electric car charge information and more should show up soon. The complications can be changed on the Modular face along with the majority of the other faces.
NightstandNightstand mode flips your Apple Watch face to show horizontally while it's charging. The Digital Crown becomes a snooze button and the side button turns off alarms. If you're not a fan of lights, the display screen won't show unless you touch it or one of the buttons. It also begins to light up as you get closer to your alarm time - while it's never woken us up with the gentle glow, it's a nice mini alarm clock to have by your side.
Email repliesOne option that has been sorely missing will finally make it onto the Apple Watch: email replies. Just like text messages, you're now able to reply directly from your wrist with voice dictation, emojis and smart responses. However you can't edit your messages - this is more being able to archive or flag messages from the wrist, rather than them being locked into your phone.
watchOS 2 videos, Siri and moreVideosTiny videos and itty bitty FaceTime also make it onto watchOS 2 but only short form videos like Vines can be watched. Apple promises the quality of the videos will look great despite the small size because of the watch's OLED that sits behind the Ion-X and sapphire glass screens.
Fitness, Siri and MapsWorkouts are more useful with the OS 2 update. HealthKit has more metrics shown on the watch and a real-time heart rate monitor that will be able to stream from your wrist, which means medical professionals are now able to use the data.
Saying the "Hey Siri" lets you start a workout now, and can be as specific as "Hey Siri, start a 30 minute run" or "Hey Siri start a 300 calorie walk" all without needing to open the app. Other apps, like 7 Minute Fitness, can contribute to the rings on your Activity bar too, letting you keep all those valuable calories burned in one place. Speaking of Siri, the little AI assistant can provide Glances by saying "Hey Siri, show me the Instagram glance" and it will pop up in the little voice search window. Siri is now able to control HomeKit devices and give you transit directions - we were only able to try the latter, and it needed to be told explicitly 'Hey Siri, navigate me home using public transport' otherwise it'll think you want to use the car. Apple Maps' new transit directions will show up on your wrist with train, bus and subway schedules. However like Google Maps' updated service, only select cities around the world will provide the information. Though previously available with Apple Maps, walking directions to and from transit stops will be part of watchOS 2.
Wallet and Apple PayWallet, or the freshly re-dubbed Passbook, has been updated and all the new options you can use in iOS 9 with Wallet are available on the wrist as well.
For those who enjoy the convenience of using Apple Pay on the smartwatch, OS 2 will allow more credit cards and reward cards stored on the device for better access - found with a double tap of the side button (used to pointlessly store friends). Friends and Digital TouchFor the popular folks who have more than 12 friends, you're able to add more people to your Apple inner circle right from the watch instead of adding from the app. They now categorized into different sets that show up on different screens for better organization.
Your tiny sketching experience will also be improved as Digital Touch will let you use more than one colour so people can be more creative, although this just led to panic as we tried to draw a phallic object using more than one color and worried it would send half finished as we tried to work out what to do with yellow.
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| Samsung may take a page from Apple, let you lease your next Galaxy Posted: 21 Sep 2015 11:17 AM PDT  Apple recently announced that it would be launching a handset leasing program, called the iPhone Upgrade Program, which lets you walk into an Apple store and walk out with a new iPhone once a year - and now, Samsung may soon follow suit. According to Forbes, an 'industry executive with knowledge of Samsung's plans' has revealed that Samsung is planning on launching its own leasing program in the US within the next few months. "It's a no brainer why they wouldn't do this," the industry executive said. Taking back from the carriersHandset leasing has so far been the domain of carriers, where users would be able to get a new handset with subsidized monthly repayments added onto their plan's monthly bill. Sometimes, if the plan pricing was high enough, some carriers would give mid-to-low range phones or older phones for free with certain plans. Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program pretty much cuts out the carriers for the handset, and lets users upgrade their iPhone every 12 months through the Apple Retail Store, with pricing starting at $32 per month for 24 months. Currently, it's still unclear what kind of pricing Samsung will have for it's leasing program, nor do we know when it plans on launching the program or which of its handsets, But in the coming months, we won't be surprised to see more handset makers begin offering similar programs.
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| Posted: 21 Sep 2015 11:03 AM PDT -470-75.JPG) IntroductionUpdate: Apple Watch OS 2 has finally been unveiled after a five day delay, finally bringing with it the new upgrades we've been looking forward to checking out. Annoyingly many of the new Watch OS 2-enabled apps aren't available yet, but we'll be bringing you the updates to this review as they land. The iPhone 5-and-up-compatible smartwatch comes in 38 flavors, with different case materials, colors, sizes and interchangeable Apple Watch bands. None are inexpensive. It starts at $349 (£299, AU$499) and peaks at an exorbitant $17,000 (£13,500, AU$24,000), meaning it's for impatient early adopters and boutique store regulars. Apple's vague sales numbers hint at just that. Apple's Watch OS 2 opens up its Engine, Digital Crown, microphone and even more to developers, meaning we've got a whole host of apps incoming that are set to supercharge the watch experience. The Apple Watch update also features Wi-Fi connectivity, new watch faces with different customizable options, better Siri capabilities, email replies and even Transit directions courtesy of iOS 9.
Is it worth that tough-to-swallow Apple Watch price? Well, beaming apps like Messages, Mail and every iPhone notification to an always-on-hand gadget is certainly a convenience. I no longer retrieve my seemingly always-hiding iPhone 6 every time someone texts me, yet I can ping it whenever I really can't find it, usually buried beneath the couch cushions. It has easiest to use Find My iPhone app yet. Apple is supposed to be building upon this novel idea with a proposed Find My Watch feature, which is the reserve of this handy retrieval system, and an Android Wear-like "smart leashing" detector to deploy a light tap on the wrist when the wearer wanders too far from his or her phone.
Similar conveniences are carried over to the thousands of apps. Checking into a flight thanks to a wrist-mounted QR code sure beats scrambling for my phone or paper boarding pass while moving my bags up in the security line step-by-step.
Those steps, it turns out, are being counted in the Apple Watch's fitness app. It's not the most comprehensive fitness tracker, but it lets me keep tabs on metrics like my steps walked, calories burned and heart rate. Surprise: I need to move more when I'm writing reviews. But not having to fetch my phone for each and every vibration in my pocket is very much a luxury rather than a necessity, and not one every iPhone user needs - at least for the current asking price. Why buy an Apple Watch?Apple Watch is often oversimplified as an iPhone on your wrist, and almost everyone I have demoed it to has accidentally referred to it as "your phone." Even I slipped up once. It's not an unreasonable comparison. The square-shaped smartwatch is like a mini iPhone; it lets me read emails, summon Siri and make and receive phone calls from my wrist.
The size is just right too. While many Android Wear watches look and feel chunky to most, the 42mm Apple Watch fits my wrist much more unobtrusively. An even smaller 38mm size is also available, though most people should for opt for the bigger of the two. It offers better battery life and more useable touchscreen space (but does come at a higher cost). What feels strange about writing this review is that there's no point in really comparing it to Android Wear at all. Nobody chooses a smartwatch first and then decides on which phone to go with it – no, if you're reading this review you're probably either doing it on the iPhone or with one close to hand, wondering if it adds enough convenience to be worth the extra cost. But do I need this Watch? On the one hand it's been great to change my behavior, as too many times I have instinctively run to my phone, charging in another room, because it's ringing or because the default SMS chime has turned me into one of Pavlov's dogs. How many times have I missed an important call or text? Just as important, how many times have I rushed to the phone and it was an unimportant telemarketing call or a friend replying with text that simply says "OK" to something I said three hours ago?
These missed connections and potential disappointments are less insufferable thanks to the Apple Watch and its ability to either pick up or dismiss these alerts in a tenth of a second. Custom watch faces, like we've seen from Android Wear watches, are here (although only those that Apple makes, as it's sadly not permitting third parties to do the same thing), as well as new exclusive technology like the pressure-sensitive Force Touch touchscreen.
There are also a large number of Apple Watch apps already, including the easy-to-use Apple Pay in the US and frequently used Uber car hailing service, equivalents of which have been slow to launch on Android Wear. What's missing?There are plenty iPhone features that aren't carried over to the wrist. Apple Watch is not a fully-fledged iPhone replacement. It makes calls, but it can't add new contacts. It listens to dictated texts and sends them as an audio message or transcription, but it doesn't have any sort of edit function. It tracks basic fitness goals, but not it's GPS-enabled, doesn't track sleep and while third party apps no longer need the iPhone close by since the Watch OS 2 launch, there's not a lot out there which can make use of this yet. Likewise, it can name songs through the Shazam app, but it listens with the iPhone microphone, not its own. Having to carry a phone still is a weird disappointment to a lot of people who are missing the point ofc current smartwatches. "Wait, I still need my phone?" is the response I've heard from baffled people. Of course you do. The Watch isn't big enough for watching YouTube videos on its tiny display size and trying to comment on Facebook posts while pecking away on a teeny keyboard would be terrible.
Who would want to don a giant watch capable of such specs or a large enough battery to run that? You still need an iPhone with you at all times, but you'll use it less than before. The bigger questions: can is do enough to be worth its price, and is it fashionable enough to wear everyday, by geek chic and non geeks alike? Let's examine the design first. Design and displayApple's build-up to the Watch's launch was all about the style, how it was forged in Ive's clean furnaces and made of angel tears (or something), and how it's capable of replacing the emotional connection thousands of us have with our current timepiece.
That really depends on who you ask and which Apple Watch you're talking about. There are three models, the aluminum Sport, stainless steel Watch and gold Watch Edition. I've tried on every Apple Watch model, outside of the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition, before ordering, but I stuck with the entry-level 42mm aluminum Apple Watch Sport in white.
It's the cheapest configuration slightly more comfortable than its two posh counterparts that are made of heavier steel and gold. They vary in price and unnecessary weight more than they do in attractiveness, although when switching to the steel Watch with Milanese loop I found more people preferred the shiny exterior of the more expensive model. But if lightness is what you're after, the Sport's anodized aluminum case and Ion-X glass make it 30% lighter. It's 30g instead of the steel's 50g, and gold's 69g. That adds up on my wrist when I'm wearing this thing for 18 hours a day before the battery life is zapped.
After a day of wearing the lightweight Apple Watch on my right wrist and a heavier Moto 360 on my left wrist - for testing purposes, I assure you - I almost couldn't feel the Apple Watch. For the same test with the Garmin Fenix 3 when running – a much, much larger watch – I noted the same effect, showing Apple's got the balance pretty right here. Its aluminum frame matches the iPhone build and is therefore duller than the shiny stainless steel Apple Watch, but it still goes with a steel band like the Milanese Loop just fine.
A bigger problem in the future may be that the Apple Watch Sport is missing the premium sapphire crystal glass, which is supposed to be almost scratch-proof. The good news is that the Ion-X glass substitute on the Sport model has proven resilient so far. Since the launch of Watch OS 2 I've also been checking out the Rose Gold variant of the Apple Watch that, as you can probably guess, doesn't do much more than just making your wrist look a bit fancy (and not really match with many colors of band out there).
It's certainly better-looking if you're after a more fashionable statement with the Watch, and while this is the 42mm version it looks more elegant the smaller, 38mm, end of the spectrum.
I've seen several "drop tests" videos of shattered Apple Watch Sport glass, but more relevant real-world tests would consist of minor wall and corner scraps for wearables. Geeky iPhone diehards whose equilibrium is off may want to spring for AppleCare just to be safe, but I've not seen a problem. Everything else is the same among all the models. The case sits 10.5mm off of my wrist, slightly thicker than an Android Wear watch, but it has a stylishly curved glass and rounded off corners on the top, and a small bump to its black composite back's heart rate sensor.
It's reasonably thin for now, but I can already imagine Apple making a "world's thinnest smartwatch" several times over for the Apple Watch 2 and beyond. Its thickness does leave room for two large buttons, a classy sounding digital crown and an uninspiringly named "side button." Both are located on the right side for twisting and pressing through menus. A microphone and speaker are on the left side.
The Apple Watch Sport band is made of fluoroelastomer, which is Apple's fancy way of saying synthetic rubber, which is supposed to be extremely durable. Time will tell. The smooth strap, available in white, black, blue, green and pink colors, feels comfortable and is easier to buckle than any prong-clasped Fitbit I've tested. It tucks the excess band in a hole so that it hides behind the beginning the strap. The difference between using the Sport model with the rubber strap and the Watch with Milanese loop felt like I was stepping up to a "proper" Watch. That's more the band than the model itself, so a swift switch between the two (providing you outlay the high cost to buy another band) is fine to improve the look.
My watch came with two bands in the box, a larger and shorter size in the same white color. Changing the strap was incredibly simple and required no tooling, unlike the Moto 360. A secure fingernail tip-sized button underneath the watch releases each strap.
Although many Android Wear smartwatches work with third-party 22mm bands, the transition to a new Apple Watch band is more seamless. Cheaper third-party straps are also said to be on the way. Overall, the design of the Apple Watch is probably the biggest thing it's got going for it and although I still feel like an early adopter, I do feel like it's becoming more acceptable to wear one (and a lot of people have asked about the Rose Gold variant too).
After a few months, the hype has died down and the idea of having a smartwatch on the wrist doesn't seem so crazy, which has perversely helped the Android Wear story too. DisplayBehind the Ion-X or sapphire glass of the Apple Watch sits a bright and colorful OLED. It's sharper than other smart watches, most notably the pixelated LCD of the Moto 360. It's the right screen technology for smartwatches, as OLED displays draw much less battery when showing a darker screen. With OLED only the pixels used are turned on, and fewer pixels equals less battery drain.
That's why most of the Apple Watch faces are surrounded by deep black background. It also helps the colorful app icons and watch face element pop. The 38mm Apple Watch resolution is 272 x 340, while a 42mm version is 312 x 390. The bigger display's necessary extra power is offset by a larger Apple Watch battery. Apple was able to design a sharp-looking flexible OLED display for the Watch, but it didn't go as far as creating a circular screen for a truly classic watch look. Last year's Moto 360 did exactly that to the envy of iPhone owners who weren't able to get in on the modern smartwatch craze outside of the first two Pebble watches.
All of Apple's flowery marketing rhetoric about reinventing the classic watch look - from digital crown to complications - didn't also translate into that that traditional round watch look, which is one of my largest criticisms with the design. I appreciate that the square is better for interacting with the Watch, but with the apps interface being spherical and 'traditional' watches just look better when round. Apple Watch is more colorful than its iPhone-connected rivals though, especially the new Pebble Time, and readable in all but the brightest sunlight. But it comes at the expense of its battery life. Battery life and clever chargingApple Watch is supposed to have 18 hours of battery life, which would translate into a full day if I were to ever keep to a normal sleeping schedule. I was able to lengthen the uptime of my watch to a full 24 hours on days in which I didn't make battery-taxing phone calls with it, or use the half-as-power-hungry heart rate monitor.
I'll put it simply: I think Apple deliberately downplayed the battery life of its Watch to make sure it didn't get hit with angry users should the numbers not stack up. I've had days where I've been for a couple of hours' run and it's still easily lasted the day, and not once in the week of testing did I get to the evening approaching critical levels of power. Apple Watch depletes the battery in three hours if used for non-stop phone calls. Working out with the heart rate monitor or listening to music does the same in six hours. Conversely, just checking the time every so often boosts it to 48 hours. But you'll also need to think about the future here. Like Nokia's old attempts at smartphones, the battery life on the Watch is good because you don't find yourself wanting to play with it a lot because, well, it doesn't do a whole lot right now.
That's going to change though. As developers get their hands on the Watch and start making use of the inbuilt NFC or other sensors, you'll find the battery life will drop faster as more apps start making a play for its reserves. Talking of which, a 72-hour Power Reserve mode kicks in when the Apple Watch battery reaches 0% so that it doesn't shut off completely. It only tells the time doesn't keep the fancy watch face. This sent me running to a charger since it does nothing else in this catatonic state. Making it even more perilous, it was actually a bit difficult to exit this catatonic state. The watch takes a solid minute and a half to reboot, which initially made me think I didn't know how to reboot the device and was accidentally resetting it every time. Power Reserve modeThe official Apple Watch recharge time is 1.5 hours to 80% and and 2.5 hours to 100%. That's a bit slower than the average smartwatch. Moto 360 charges up in 2 hours flat. But I've been able to completely recharge my Apple Watch in the same 2-hour window.
The 205mAh battery pack is predictably sealed into the device, and is smaller than the battery on other Android Wear devices. My faster-than-expected charging time may be because, at 0%, the watch still has its limited time-checking Power Reserve state to go. I had charged the watch when it and entered this special mode, so it technically had some juice left to it. Inductive chargerApple Watch's inductive magnetic charger takes cues from the company's popular MagSafe chargers, which come with all MacBook Air and MacBook Pro computers (but not the New Macbook). It combines a MagSafe magnet with an inductive charger for a wire-free solution. It helps when you're in the dark or in tight situations, like a coach seat on an airplane, and need to simply clip on a charger and be done with it. Magnets, boss.
As much as I don't like having yet another type of cable to carry around, it's way better than the flimsy Pogo charger designs used by Pebble, LG, Samsung and others. It wire-free design also means that Apple Watch is sealed and is therefore water-resistant to a point. The new Watch OS 2 upgrade brings with it nightstand mode, which is pretty cool if you're after a mini alarm clock. The display will even start to brighten up as your alarm appears, which is another neat touch that Apple's added in. It doesn't stay on all night though - and you can even turn off the mode in the Watch app too. It's a nice idea and great if you've bought a stand like the Griffin WatchStand (although this does look a little like a dragon's genitalia when sat on your nightstand without the Watch on). Using the Watch day to dayThere's something a little more complicated about this shrunken Apple product compared to the now familiar iPhone and iPad. It took a few days to wrap my head around the interface, which is surprising for an Apple product. The Watch is nowhere near as intuitive as most will expect. I immediately started receiving texts and emails on my wrist, as expected, and I could easily dismiss what wasn't vital. This sudden flurry of notifications was actually welcomed. However, to do much with these alerts, I had to learn to bounce between three menus: watch face, app launcher and glances, and the methods of flicking between them doesn't feel natural. This learning for users curve exists because the software tries to do too much at once, and smartwatches offer extremely limited interface real estate. Plus, the Apple Watch is part of a brand new product category for everyone.
Remembering to swipe down to see my backlog of notifications or swipe up to see my pinned "Glances" widgets is complicated by the fact that this only works when in the watch face menu. It doesn't work in any other app or the app launcher menu, where with the iPhone swiping up or down is pervasive. Sometimes I hit the side button because it looks like the iPhone sleep/wake button only to realize that it brings up my contacts list. Pressing in the digital crown does the trick here. Double tapping the crown will switch between apps, but it's a soft press and doesn't always feel like it's registered, and the easiest way to get back to time is to let the watch dangle by the wrist and then bring it back up again.
That's not intuitive, and is the sort of thing that gives the Watch naysayers (of which there appear to be a few) ammunition when you're having to jump through hoops just to tell them the time on your watch. Double tapping the side button now brings up your Apple Pay card, stored on the device, to allow you pay for things contactlessly quickly. It's a speedy transaction and one that works pretty well. You'll have to have the passcode set up so the Watch knows it's being worn by the right person though. There's also the issue of slowdown that flickers intermittently throughout Watch use, with opening the settings menu the biggest offender. Hit the teeny icon (you can scroll the digital crown to make things bigger, but that feels like an odd extra step) and you're greeting with icons that have no words next to them, and a couple of seconds later everything blinks into view. The same happens with most lists, where using the digital crown to scroll through is fluid, using the finger (the more intuitive way to do things) lags and jumps a bit.
The setup is fairly seamless too. I booted up my iPhone's Watch app, which comes in iOS 9, and it asked me to take a photo of my new Apple Watch. Done. It was paired. Syncing my existing apps happened automatically too, but took a couple of minutes. After that, I was able to customize my watch face and load up a springboard of circular apps. The device connects using a weird fusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but unlike the phone, you can't use Bluetooth when the Watch is in flight mode, which makes Bluetooth music streaming a no-no when in mid-air. The My Watch menu within the iPhone companion app is astonishingly complex, which may end up being a good thing once I get the hang of it but will displease Apple fans who crave simplicity, where the thing just works. I can disable notifications for specific apps and just about every setting can be mirrored from the iPhone or be set up individually, from Do Not Disturb to Messages notifications. Texts can repeat twice all the way up to ten times if I hate myself.
Apple Watch doesn't contain all of the intricate gears of a Swiss watch, but it has a lot of moving parts to its software. It has taken a few days to learn and configure to my liking, but I feel as though the less-interested iPhone audience, like my new smartphone-owning parents, needs to wait until it's further refined and more apps come to the Apple Watch app store. A brilliant new breed of appsThe Apple Watch needs a headline feature, and while it doesn't really have it yet (beyond sending random pictures to other Watch-wearers) the apps that live on it are going to be the real reason to buy one. Sure, they're not there yet, but the in-built choices and first goes from third parties are pretty good already, meaning this is a device with a lot of potential. Watch facesApple's watch faces take advantage of the pressure sensitive Force Touch display. Holding down on the glass, with a bit of exertion, zooms out of the current watch face and loads up a gallery of faces, from the information-packed Modular to the toe-tapping Mickey Mouse. Utility ended up being my favorite because it was simple, yet fit all of my customizations.
These let me insert information snippets onto the watch face, such as the full date, my next calendar appointment or the sunrise and sunset time if I really wanted to know daily. Most faces make room for smaller, pre-select spaces in the corners too. These let me display the critical Apple Watch battery life percentage, my daily fitness graph and the time in another city, which has been great for traveling. There are "millions" of combinations, according to Apple, but these custom pre-determined spaces can't be moved around and, in reality, there are just ten faces. Apple has yet to open up its watch face API to developers and it's currently banning third-party faces. With the new Watch OS 2 update, Time Travel is now enabled. This means that on the modular Watch Face you can use the Digital Crown to swing forward or backwards through the day to see what's coming up on your calendar, how the weather will be (or was) and when the sun will set. These 'complications' are set to get wider as apps now have access to them, letting you choose more modules in this section.
However, I can't really say that I loved Time Travel all that much yet, as I think I'm not alone in saying that my calendar isn't as complete as it should be. If you are one of those that plops every single appointment into the mix though, this is a great way to see what's coming. I'm more looking forward to more apps coming to add into this mix - the ability to see what happened in sports games through the time, the chance for iTranslate to suggest key phrases at the right time of day - these will all be excellent additions that I'm looking forward to checking out.
I'm really digging Timelapse pictures though - the ability to have a high-res image that changes throughout the day of iconic places around the world is just brilliant (even though it does expose where the edges of the screen are a little too much).
The photos gallery is nifty too - you'll need to set the album on your handset too, but these will cycle through nicely. Apparently they'll even show dynamic photos if you've got an iPhone 6S handy, which means more motion on the wrist every time you look at your watch. This really does help it feel much more personal, and the high-res screen is perfect for showing off the photos in the background.
Apple has to catch up to Android Wear here as it's one of the things I love about Android Wear (the Goldeneye and PacMan faces are real crowd pleasers) and if Apple is serious about making the Watch personal, being able to choose more faces is a must. Built-in appsApps, on the other hand, are open to developers, and it shows. There are loads are launch, and the best Apple Watch apps are those from Apple itself. Siri answered my basic questions, like "who is the governor of New York" and "when in the next Phillies game." Anything more in-depth than that, and the silent virtual assistant proposes you "handoff" to your iPhone. Apple's built-in timer let me set the timer for cooking and the laundry, without requiring me to take out my iPhone (which were in my other jeans).
Passbook worked flawlessly at the airport (although be prepared for the 'Early Adopter' syndrome when you try and check in at a desk where the attendant has no idea why you want to use your watch) and Apple Pay enabled me to buy food at McDonald's (for testing purposes) while I continued to play on my smartphone. Apple Pay on a phone? That's so 2014. But a real USP of the Watch would be that runners who have left the phone at home can still get vital hydration or a ride home in an emergency thanks to the contactless capabilities of the Watch. Well, that's if I'd ever use the Apple Watch as a standalone running device, which I'd struggle to at the moment (more on that later). There's no camera on the Apple Watch, but it does have a Camera Remote app that let me snap photos remotely in conjunction with my iPhone's iSight camera. That was handy, unlike the actual Photos app, which was a tiny way to look at your photos from the phone.
The watch isn't a particular visual experience and it's restricted by its 8GB of internal storage (with about 6GB available), with Music running into the same dilemma, so controlling your iPhone's music collection is a better choice. That said, you can pair a set of Bluetooth headphones and tell your iPhone to shove some of your playlists over to the Watch. However the most you can have on there is 2GB of music (which you have to change from the 1GB default) so this is no iPod replacement. It's good for music when you're out running though, and is a nice touch from Apple letting you choose between the phone and Watch for audio pleasure.
Apple Maps on Apple Watch let me navigate the streets of New York City without forcing me to foolishly take out my iPhone at every new turn, like a tourist. The iPhone app also opened up in my pocket, just in case I needed to change up the directions or see the route in full. I'm really enjoying the ability to navigate with Watch OS 2 - the Watch mimics the Maps directions exactly and can now even spew over transit directions thanks to the upgrade from the main app in iOS 9. While I'm not a total fan of the ability to get transit directions from Apple's Maps app (it's a bit slow to register the locations and times to transfer between transport modes) I did like being able to check what I'm supposed to do from my Watch. Calls and messagesCalling someone through an Apple Watch isn't the most ideal way to talk to chums, especially in a noisy environment. It sounds like a speaker phone with a little more static. But it works well in an otherwise quiet location or when your phone is two floors above you. The Apple Watch side button leads to a dedicated "favorite contacts" menu, which let me text and call my friends and family (with the ability to add said friends directly from the Watch rather than having to do it via the app). I can now even group them together for ease of chatting... but I'll be honest, that was an effort that I never got around to doing. If you've got more than 12 Watch friends, you've got a problem.)
I found sending a speech-to-text transcription a bit easier on the Apple Watch than any Android Wear watch. Apple's way of doing it doesn't rudely cut me off and hurriedly send a broken text message when I stop mid-sentence. I actually get to think about what I want to say. I value that distinction.
Apple Watch users have the added bonus of including very simple sketches and attention-grabbing taps to other Watch owners using the timepiece's Taptic feedback vibration. Heartbeats can also be exchanged for what may be the weirdest / creepiest Apple Watch feature.
It's novel at first, but after receiving my tenth heartbeat from the same few People Watch owners, it has become fairly annoying. The sketches have been upgraded too - you can now send phallic drawings in multiple colors. It's a fairly terrifying experience, as you feel you have to draw at the speed of light in order to make sure the picture doesn't start to disintegrate and send to the recipient before you've had a chance to change the color of your sketch. Third-party appsApple Watch apps from developers are hit or miss when it comes to design and performance. I can request a car with Uber, receive breaking news alerts from CNN and track my lost wallet with the Title app on Apple Watch. But many of them are read-only apps. Instagram is here, but you can only see a few recent posts and comments are limited to emojis at the moment. Twitter, the New York Times and Nike+ Running made the jump to Apple Watch, but a number of other essential third-party apps are missing, at least in native form. This includes Facebook, Google Maps and the iOS Gmail app, which forced me to switch back to Apple's default mail app.
Sure, Facebook main app notifications pop up on the watch, as do emails snippets from the Gmail app, but seeing anything beyond "Lily posted a comment on your timeline" or reading the full email requires an iPhone for now. Worse, getting two Facebook comments or emails makes it even more vague. "You have two messages." That's less than helpful, Apple Watch. Thanks. This is unlike Instagram's native app or Apple's built-in Mail app with interactive controls on the wrist. Having Mail as a native app makes a big difference, as it allows you to interact with one of the most important parts of your phone directly from the wrist.
Being able to reply or archive the message using the same methods as in the messaging app is really handy (and feels like it should have been there from the start) but it's quick and easy, working well to show off what the Watch can do.
Many third-party apps need to load faster and include finer controls that go far beyond "Show App on Apple Watch." This is up to developers and over time I'm sure some really great apps will begin to appear that take advantage of this new tech location - and we're already seeing that with the new Watch OS 2 update. Running and fitness trackingApple Watch isn't a fitness band, watch or fashion accessory, despite taking a bit from each of those camps. It's hard to define what it really is, which means that users may struggle to justify the purchase. What has saddened me in the time since launch is finding out that Apple won't be selling it properly into the health market. Apparently early tests to add in a stress sensor and blood pressure monitor failed, (beautifully, the reason was partly because of hairy arms) so the Apple Watch - at least version one - will be a cut down version of what it could have been.
The fitness tracking is comprehensive (in as much a fitness tracker can be) in that it wants you to exercise for 30 minutes per day, stand for at least a minute for 12 hours and burn enough calories every 24 hours. It'll also tell you steps and distance travelled, which is a staple of the tracker. But like these trackers, it's pointless. I'm not saying that it doesn't help clue you in on sedentary habits, but nearly every person who isn't already active, but would like to be, will go through these phases: jumping to attention whenever the Watch tells them to stand, poring over their data to see how well they've done and making sure all the rings get filled.
Until the day they don't. Then a sense of guilt wanders in. So our hero promises to redouble their efforts, walking further the next day to make up for it. Except they inevitably slip again and then guilt roars higher. Then it's a couple of days with unfilled rings, and the nudges from the Watch become unfriendly. Why have you bought something that's telling you that you're not fulfilling your goals all day long? The Watch also constantly told me to stand up just minutes after sitting down, which gave me very little trust in the app. I know this is an extreme case, and many people are capable of ignoring the messages, but that misses the point. While a device that can act like a coach is good, if it was a person the goals would change each day. They'd be linked to a challenge, would increase or vary over time – it would give victory to this gamification. And that's the very, very big problem I have with the Apple Watch when comparing it to a running watch: it's far too basic to be considered a rival to a Garmin or Polar device, and for the new user it doesn't have any way of helping you get fitter. Starting up the Workout app and you've got a pleasing amount of options to choose from, with elliptical and rowing machines bound to attract those people that "always mean to use them things at the gym."
But running is the main focus, with Apple joining up with Christy Turlington-Burns to show how she trained for the London Marathon using the Apple Watch. Perhaps she honestly did the entire time, but she would probably have wished for a more in-depth device during the training. The Apple Watch will ask you how many calories you wish to burn, how far you'd like to go or how long you'd like to run for (or just an open-ended goal) and then off you pop, with rings appearing to let you know how close to your goal you are.
But that's it. And it's up to you to improve, with "beating your best time / burn / distance" the only thing the Apple Watch will let you do. If this is for the beginner then it should be giving you different workouts to keep things interesting, helping you progress to improved running power. There are so many apps out there which can do the same thing, so why can't Apple nail this area? There's also the fact GPS isn't on board, so unless the phone is tethered you won't get accurate data. Actually, even with the phone in a bag, pocket or pouch the GPS is still a little on the generous side, compared the Garmin Fenix 3 which I tested against. Over a 5KM run, the Garmin was a shade under the distance, but Apple added another 160m onto the route.
I've been testing the Watch out with Os 2, but there's not been that much of an upgrade in fitness terms just yet. The biggest thing to come, for me, is Strava becoming a native application on the Watch - although that's not happened yet. When it does, it will no longer mean the phone has to be tethered to me when I go out for a run - Strava can run on the Watch rather than being a second screen. I assume it will just use the accelerometer in the device to tell how far I've gone, although if we're lucky it can use the 'calibrated data' it's learnt from the GPS. The other big chance is that it will show up whenever I raise my wrist, in much the same way the Workout app does now. It's so annoying that you have to change the mode to 'last app used' just to use it effectively, and now that's over. The Activity app is getting an upgrade too, thanks to being able to draw data from apps like the 7 minute workout. This will now contribute to your exercise goal, rather than being a phantom workout that goes untracked in your daily efforts. The heart rate monitor is also not up to the task. It needs a much tighter fit than the Watch seems to be able to offer and when running, and checking to see how hard I was working, the monitor constantly showed a much higher BPM than the chest strap was showing - and sadly this didn't change with the Watch OS 2 update.
This means users will get erratic results, and it's not possible to tell when you're overtraining and the heart rate soars at low levels of exercise, which again makes the Apple Watch not great for training if you don't invest a little. One thing that did impress me is that it can connect to sensors, so adding in a heart rate monitor like the Wahoo Tickr X, which can connect to nearly every device going, which instantly improved the health chops of the Apple Watch. But having to fork out to improve a certain area when you've already paid so much for the Watch isn't going to impress everyone.
All this leaves me feeling like the Apple Watch 3 will be a brilliant running watch, when there are enough sensors and apps from third parties can use them to bring all the power of their standalone devices to the wrists of people who don't really care about running, Trojan Horsing a clever running plan into their lives. But for now, it's hard to recommend the Watch as a fitness device unless all you want to do is be poked to stand up once in a while. Verdict
The constant question I had when writing this review is: what's the Apple Watch actually for? It's one thing to get one in for a review, another when you've got no reason to buy one other than it looks a bit fancy. The Apple Watch both surprised and disappointed in that respect, with some things impressing me with their intuition (being able to add in heart rate monitors was a nice touch, and the overall polish of the interface on the OLED display wasn't something I was expecting from a first gen product). Some things didn't work as well as I'd have liked (I was surprised that the interface was so fiddly for an Apple product) but they were relatively few. We likedThe overall look and feel of the Apple Watch, as with most products from Cupertino, was a major plus for me. The last thing you want is a watch that you have to apologize for visually just so you can find out when Ebay is asking you to bid from your wrist for THAT pair of cowboy boots. Having used a number of smartwatches over the last two years, there's something about the slickness of the Apple Watch that appeals. Yes, it doesn't do a huge amount, but no smartwatch does, and Apple is primed to get the best of the developers' produce - in just the same way as the iPhone and iPad did - to get the apps that will really supercharge the Watch.
And once you've bought the Watch and got over the high price, it is a genuinely useful thing to have around at times. Being able to check when you've got a message or see who's calling and be able to make snap decisions feels like the future, especially when exercising or in another situation where grabbing your phone isn't easy. The new enhancements from Apple Watch OS 2 really do help this smartwatch leap forward though. It's faster, more usable and comes with watch faces that make it feel more personal. And as more app developers use the new tools, there will be loads more to come too. We dislikedThe Apple Watch feels exactly like you'd expect it to: a first attempt. Apple's fused its own design ethos with the limited technology around at the moment to make a compelling smartwatch - but it's still a smartwatch, a device that doesn't really have an easy answer when your pals ask 'So, what's so good about that?'. The fact the time isn't always showing on the face isn't brilliant either - while the wrist raise is among the most infallible I've encountered, there are still times when I'm lying down, want to know the time and have to tap the watchface to find out.
When the old technology beats the new, that's where a problem needs to be solved. And while I find it hard to even bang the 'Apple has made a product that costs more than it should' drum again, this is still a very expensive luxury. You don't need it in the same way a smartphone is a necessity, and unlike the iPad, it's more expensive than the competition by some distance. The fitness angle feels underpowered at the moment too - there's a lot of potential there, but the Apple Watch is not something I'd recommend to anyone that's serious about getting into shape... unless they're desperate for all the other elements this device offers too. Final VerdictFor iPhone users desperate for a smartwatch, the Apple Watch is perfect for you. It relays some iOS apps and all notifications to my wrist without requiring me to constantly pull out and unlock my phone, and that's a nicely convenient thing to have. This concept is going to become more useful when the hype dies down and new apps emerge, as the best smartwatches work better as an unexciting fashion piece or fitness tracker that fades into the background. That contrasts with an iPhone or an iPad that you constantly pull out to play with in an idle few minutes, and ironically by being better connected with the Watch you'll hopefully start to rid yourself of the smartphone addiction. If you're asking why it can't play YouTube or take photos, you're really missing the point. It's a time-telling and time-saving convenience, though one that still requires a nearby iPhone and a hefty sum to buy. The Apple Watch price is rightfully getting mixed reviews from fans. That's why I ultimately recommend the cheapest aluminum Apple Watch Sport with another band for the moments when you want to look more 'grown up'. It has same dimensions, functionality and battery life as the pricey steel and gold models and when you look lustily at the inevitably improved Apple Watch 2, you won't lose as much money when you stuff this one straight on Ebay.  |
| Updated: How to install watchOS 2 on Apple Watch Posted: 21 Sep 2015 10:26 AM PDT  Update: The bug that caused a delay to watchOS 2 has been squashed. Read on to find out how to update your Apple Watch. Original article below... At long last, the watchOS 2 update for Apple Watch is nearly here. Announced during WWDC earlier this year, the new operating system brings major changes to the smartwatch. By opening the whole Watch up to developers and allowing them to access sensors and the Digital Crown, third-party Watch apps should provide a more fluid experience. Apple's own improvements to the wearable are just as exciting. We'll get to choose more watch faces, reply to emails and Facebook messages, view quick videos and so much more.
While it all sounds great in theory, we'll be testing out the whole shebang in full and letting you know if watchOS 2 really does transform the Apple Watch into a worthy wearable. In the meantime, the update will be rolling out all day on September 16. Here's how to download and install watchOS 2 on your own Apple Watch when it hits. 1. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and is at least 50% charged. You'll also need your charger on hand for the installation process. 2. If you haven't already done so, download and install iOS 9. This is required in order to upgrade your Apple Watch. Here's how to download and install iOS 9. 3. Select the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. 4. Select General. 5. Select Software Update. If it loads and says you're up to date with with Watch OS 1.0.1, check back again later. 6. Tap Download and Install if the update is ready. 7. The next screen will ask for your passcode. Enter it here on your phone. 8. Choose yes to agree to the Terms and Conditions. 9. Tap install on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. Once complete, watchOS 2 should be ready to use! Have fun turning your Watch into an alarm clock with nightstand mode, use even more cards through Apple Pay and start translating with iTranslate.  |
| Apple Watch OS 2 update finally ready to download Posted: 21 Sep 2015 10:14 AM PDT  The big watchOS 2 update for the Apple Watch was supposed to come out on September 16 but was delayed due to a major bug - however it looks like you can download it today. Apple hasn't released the details of the problem it was trying to fix - and likely won't tell us - so hopefully everything will run smoothly after installation. Your iPhone will need to update to iOS 9 before you can update your Watch. After this is done, it's simply a matter of heading to the Apple Watch app and checking to see if the software is available. Don't fret if it's not there just yet - it's still rolling out.  |
| Updated: Skype suffered an outage across the world today, but a fix is on its way Posted: 21 Sep 2015 09:45 AM PDT  Update 9.36am (PST): It looks like Skype should soon be up and running again. "We're pleased to say we've found and are now rectifying the Skype problem you may have had today," Skype tweeted. And while the tweet also linked to its status page on its website, which explained that it has identified the issue, it didn't say when the issue will be completely resolved, just that it is in the process of restoring full service. "We have identified the network issue which prevented users from logging in and using Skype today," the website reads. "We're in the process of reconnecting our users, and focused on restoring full service." It added that the issue did not affect Skype for Business users. Original story... If you're trying to Skype your boss or your grandma this lunchtime, it's likely that you're going to be running into problems: the platform is down all over the world. It's a problem Skype has confirmed on its Twitter feed and its official support page. Calls and status updates are affected, but instant messages should still work. Microsoft says all of your contacts are going to appear offline until it can work out a fix for the problem. Down and outThe party line suggests "an issue with the status settings of Skype" is to blame. A Microsoft spokesperson told techradar, "We are working hard to fix an issue which is preventing some users from logging in and using Skype. We apologise for any inconvenience and will keep our users updated." One workaround is to use the recently launched web version of Skype, which was still working fine at the time of publication. Or there is always FaceTime or Google Hangouts.  |
| Updated: 24 best PC games: the must-play titles you can't afford to miss Posted: 21 Sep 2015 09:10 AM PDT  Introduction
The PC is either making a comeback or never went away in the first place, depending on who you ask. Whichever camp you're in, a deluge of triple-A titles, virtual reality and (whisper it) decent console ports make picking the PC over the Xbox One or PS4 a no-brainer. Thanks to the popularity of Valve's Steam platform, finding and downloading the best PC games is easier than ever before. Whether you're a mouse-and-keyboard diehard who mutters "boom, headshot!" in their sleep, or a joypad-wielding adrenaline junkie, the PC has no shortage of blockbuster and indie titles to help you waste away the hours. We've rounded up the best PC games out there today. If you don't agree, let us know in the comments below.. PC games on our radarXCOM 2
Following up from 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which reimagined the 1994 cult classic UFO: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 is shaping up to deliver everything we could want in a sequel. Bigger, deeper, faster and even easier on the eyes, the turn-based tactics game takes place 20 years after its predecessor. It pits you in control of the Avenger, a converted alien ship that serves as your mobile base of operations used to devise strategy and execute fight plans against otherworldly enemies. With a greater focus of stealth, more intelligent alien AI and deeper customization options, XCOM 2 is one to watch for the discerning tactician. YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RonqT9ZWLdkTorment: Tides of Numanera
If Pillars of Eternity (which currently sits fourth in our list of Best PC Games) whet your appetite for old-school RPGs, Torment: Tides of Numenera looks set to continue the nostalgia-fest. The spiritual successor to Planescape Tournament (it's being written by that game's designer, Colin McComb), Tides broke the then-Kickstarter record for surpassing a million dollars in funding in just seven hours. Based on the pen-and-paper game Numenera, which is set a billion years in the future, expect Tides to be heavily story-driven and terrific to look at thanks to its living and breathing environments set in the Ninth World. Expected: 2015 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybqE8FlLrqgStar Wars: Battlefront
"Next-gen Star Wars": four words that never fail to get gamers with even the vaguest interest in George Lucas's universe quivering like an excited Wookiee. That the studio behind the Star Wars: Battlefront reboot is Dice, the developer behind the Battlefield series, is even more reason for celebration. Though it's sensible to be wary of the scripted (albeit stunning) gameplay footage shown off at E3, players who dived into the recent Closed Alpha have reported a game very close in feeling to Battlefield 4 - though much faster-paced - and with lightsabers. Obviously. Expected: 2015 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXU5k4U8x20Fallout: 4
Heading to PC and consoles on November 10, Bethesda's Fallout 4 swaps Fallout 3's post-nuclear wasteland for, er, a post-nuclear Boston. Screenshots of the game from E3 featured robots, massive guns, a dodgily rendered dog, jetpacks, and what appears to be a weapon modding system. Speaking of which, PC modders are already planning ahead: Fallout 3 mod creator Zealotlee has announced his intention to import the Rail Rifle into Fallout 4. Sure, Fallout mods are coming to consoles this time around, but it's one of many areas where the PC is going to lead the way. Expected: 2015 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2XfDggqjzk
CupheadFew games are unique these days, but Studio MDHR's charming run and gun title Cuphead just might be deserving of the label. Featuring a visual art style borrowed from 1930s Disney cartoons (think Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie), it's a romantic blend of old and new-era entertainment. Adorable and even a bit disturbing due to its screen-filling bosses (most of which are drawn with deranged facial expressions), Cuphead has us thirsty for more. Expected: 2015 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TjUPXAn2Rg
DOOMBethesda's upcoming DOOM reboot is taking id Software's classic FPS back to its frenetic roots. Shown off at E3, early gameplay footage running on id Tech 6's game engine was nothing short of gore-tactic. Enemies can be blown into chunks with the regular assortment of high-powered shotguns, rifles and laser-powered weapons, and the chainsaw has made a particularly grusome return. Expected: 2016 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NteAPGprDJk
Unreal TournamentOne of the most celebrated arena-shooters of all time, Unreal Tournament brushed Quake 3 aside to claim the online shooter crown back in 1999. It's remained a firm favourite with FPS fans ever since, leading to a remake being announced in 2014. Developed in Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4, Unreal Tournament brings back classic weapons including the Flak Canon, Pulse Rifle and Mini-Gun. The first high-resolution map, Outpost 23, looks nothing short of stunning and is sure to give UT die-hards m-m-m-m-monster thrills. Expected: Out now (Pre-alpha), Final TBC YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li0OCzVqjOU1. Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is SimCity updated for the modern era, proving a breath of fresh air for would-be mayors. Its core gameplay lets you dig deep into the various aspects of running a sprawling virtual city - from economics to macro and micro management and land planning. But Cities: Skylines really shines when it comes to mods, which allow you to create custom maps, assets and tools to share with other online players. See the best PRODUCT NAME deals 2. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition places you in the heart of a huge, vibrant world on a far greater scale than its predecessors, and it does an excellent job of making you feel in command. Packing in a huge 90 hours (and the rest) of gameplay into its storyline, Inquisition's smart dialogue, compelling plot, savvy progression system and massive sandbox world will have you engrossed for months on end. Think the Elder Scrolls games meets the Diablo franchise and you're halfway there. 3. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
A card game from the makers of World of Warcraft, Hearthstone is easy to learn, but hard to master. Like Blizzard's famous MMO, Hearthstone combines classes, characters and a bit of tactical luck when throwing you into battle against computerised or online opponents. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded by its tactical, deep gameplay. Though available on iOS and Android, its low system requirements, excellent presentation and great sound effects mean it's best experienced on the PC. 4. Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity is a sprawling RPG in the vein of Baldaur's Gate or Icewind Dale that combines highly detailed technical combat with hundreds of hours of gameplay. It has refreshingly low system requirements on the PC but still looks incredible thanks to its simple but effective art style, which harks back to those aforementioned isometric fantasy RPGs of the 2000s. But it's not all about nostalgia: Pillars of Eternity has enough interesting characters, baddies and clever writing to make it a modern classic of its own. See the best PRODUCT NAME deals 5. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most anticipated console ports to ever hit the PC. You probably didn't need telling twice to head back into Los Santos's hugely detailed and interactive world, but it's ten times more fun with the PC's richer graphics and smooth 60 frames per second gameplay. Once you're done with its 31-hour storyline or had your fill blazing around the city causing chaos, an ever expanding list of GTA V mods - from fine tuning cars or throwing vehicles around with a Gravity Gun - are bound to keep you entertained for some time. See the best PRODUCT NAME deals 6. Alien: Isolation
Set 15 years after the events of the first Alien film from 1979, Alien: Isolation is the suspense-packed game that fans of the franchise have been crying out for. Playing the role of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Alien protagonist Ellen Ripley, your mission is to track down and recover the flight recorder of the Nostromo spacecraft from the first Alien film which has been located aboard the Sevastopol space station. First and foremost a stealth game, Isolation ramps up the tension by providing you with minimal weaponry. Its excellent graphics shine on high-end PCs and clever AI helps ramp up the dread, leaving you to quiver when turning every corner. 7. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive remains a fantastic update to a timeless classic that continues to live on thanks to its vast online communities. A well-rounded tactical shooter that builds on the simple Terrorists vs Counter-Terrorists gameplay mechanics of Counter-Strike 1.6 and Counter-Strike: Source, CS: GO updates classic maps such as Italy and Dust while keeping adding new modes in Arms Race and Demolition. Simpler than Battlefield but more nuanced than the Call of Duty franchise, it's a shooter for those who like to run, gun and think - if only a little bit. 8. Far Cry 4
Ubisoft's latest shooter marks Far Cry's most beautiful outing yet. Its graphically-rich world is eye-popping on high-end PCs, and you'll see plenty of it thanks to a 30+ hour-long campaign. Aside from the main campaign, there are plenty of things to do in Kyrat - from hostage rescue and assassination missions to escort quests, resource collecting and, of course, avoiding being killed by bullets or rampaging animals. Whether you're tearing across the savanna in a rickety car or slinging grenades around like tennis balls, survival has never been such a blast. See the best PRODUCT NAME deals 9. FTL: Faster Than Light
FTL (Faster Than Light) puts you command of running a spaceship and looking after its crew. Featuring a complex game mechanism that involves maintaining weapons, engines, shields and other areas, in addition to tactical combat, FTL can get extremely in-depth over time. Whether you're ordering your crew to quite literally put out fires on deck in the heat of battle, or are navigating through asteroid fields, FTL is as much about long-term progression and satisfaction as it is quick fixes. Don't let its indie stylings fool you: this is game with untold depth and scary levels of addictiveness. 10. Grim Fandango Remastered
A 90s classic brought back to life (unlike its main protagonist), Grim Fandango Remastered is a successful attempt at reviving one of the PC's best adventure games of all time. Combining writing that matches the funniest dark comedies with clever puzzles and a still-impressive art style, Grim Fandango was the most entertaining work of art to take place in a Mexican setting for years until Breaking Bad came along. Now with updated graphics, sound and better controls, Manna Calavera's adventure has never looked so good. 11. Skyrim
Four years after its initial release, Skyrim is going as strong as ever thanks to a vast selection of mods and high-resolution texture packs. Even if you're only interested in playing the vanilla version of the RPG, it offers more than 100 hours of gameplay. Throw in three action packs DLC expansion packs (Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn), and it lasts even longer. That Skyrim has been compared to graphically superior but similar RPG blockbuster The Witcher 3 is testament to its enduring popularity. Step into Skyrim and you too can be an adventurer - just try not to take an arrow in the knee. 12. DayZ
Originally launched as an Arma II mod, DayZ is a standalone zombie shooter with a difference. Not only do you have to mind the undead when wandering around its sprawling maps, but other online players too. Armed with a lead pipe and carrying nothing but a backpack and a flashlight, you'll need wits and guile to survive. Pretty much the opposite of adrenaline-packed zombie fests such as Left4Dead, you'll spent half of the time evading the undead and the other using a shovel to fend off any humans who are bent on trying to steal your last box of matches. And take it from us - they will try. 13. Minecraft
The phrase "build it, and they will come" quite literally rings true when it comes to Minecraft, the game that has been bought by more than 19 million people. The survival-themed sandbox RPG lets players build their own worlds or explore others, using the game's multiple block types to construct anything from small huts to extravagant castles and beyond. Minecraft's ultimate appeal revolves around its open-ended nature. Creative types can build and destroy to their hearts' content, while solo players can concentrate on not being eaten by the zombie hordes that emerge at night. A modern-day classic that has spawned its own genre, it's not to be missed. 14. The Orange Box
The Orange Box may be showing its age, but it remains a must-play collection of games - particularly for FPS fans. Half-Life 2, technically still the most recent game in Valve's franchise (excluding its Episode 1 and 2 add-ons), remains a modern masterpiece and is famed for being the first game to intelligently apply physics to its puzzles and combat set-pieces. The collection's other titles aren't too shabby either: Portal takes gravity-based puzzles to the extreme by equipping the player with the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device (also known as the Portal Gun), which places two portals for objects to pass through, while Team Fortress 2 continues to go from strength-to-strength thanks to the introduction of custom gear and well-balanced team combat. See the best PRODUCT NAME deals 15. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Gorgeous graphics? Check. Huge explorable environments? Check. Enthralling combat? Of course. The Witcher 3 stands tall as one of the most ambitious open-world RPGs yet, combining Skyrim's unrestrained epicness with Grand Theft Auto 5's scale. While the game has been criticised for its inventory niggles, less-than-enthralling plot and not quite matching the graphics shown in its promo materials, it's so ambitious and jam-packed with detail that the package lives up to the hype. Huge, beautiful and an absolute time-sink, you'll want to scour every inch of The Witcher 3's glorious world. 16. Project CARS
Project CARS is a racing simulator that guns for realism without leaving excitement back in the pit stop, as some racers tend to do. Slightly Mad Studios' graphically-stunning title has enough car customisation and handling options to keep the keenest of petrol heads happy. Car types on show range from F1 to road, retro, kart, Le Mans, GT and more. Throw in realistic weather effects and driving assistance by Le Mans driver Ben Collins - formerly BBC Top Gear's Stig - and the smell of burning rubber will be floating up your nostrils in no time. See the best PRODUCT NAME deals 17. Elite: Dangerous
Modelled after the 1984 game Elite, Elite: Dangerous is one of the most ambitious space sims around. Featuring an in-game galaxy based on the real Milky Way (how's 400 billion stars for depth?), the ultimate goal is to advance your rankings to Elite status by levelling up combat, trading and exploration. Starting out with a rickety ship and 1,000 credits in your space suit's back pocket, you'll need to turn to piracy, trading, exploring, mining or bounty hunting to rise through the intergalactic ranks. Doing so takes time and requires serious graft, but the experience provides a level of satisfaction that few other titles can match. And then there's the Oculus Rift... 18. Frozen Cortex
Frozen Cortex is a tactical future sports game with oodles of depth and heaps of style. Players take turns to commandeer teams of five robots across randomly generated maps, scoring points by successfully carrying or passing the ball to the end line. Tactically demanding and Chess-like in execution, it can be exhilarating to watch the action unfold as robots play out defensive or offensive runs depending on their commander's style of play. There's more than a shade of American Football to it, with online bouts providing the biggest thrills as you bluff and double bluff your way through human opponents to earn new robots (and new abilities) as you progress. As stylish as it is clever, Frozen Cortex's art style makes it a particular delight for anyone old enough to remember the Amiga classic, Speedball 2. 19. Ori and the Blind Forest
Described as "achingly beautiful" by Unity Engine boss John Riccitiello, Ori and the Blind Forest borrows its game mechanics from old-school 2D games such as Metroid and Castlevania while adding a modern twist. If any word can describe Ori's atmospheric world, it's alive. You'll have to think fast and use new abilities gained along the way to bash, stop and manoeuvre your way through its gorgeous locations, and with no automatic saving system or easy difficulty level, it's no walk in the park. As satisfying to master as it is to look at, Ori and the Blind Forest will re-open your eyes to what 2D games still have to offer. 20. Grow Home
Grow Home is an experimental PC platformer that looks like an "indie" game but is in fact the latest release from Rayman developer Ubisoft. Similarly charming thanks to its distinctive 3D art style, you play as BUD, the game's robot protagonist, whose main job is harvest seeds and grow a beanstalk-like 'Star Plant' by grabbing its branches and connecting them to nearby floating islands in the sky. There's a fair bit of trial-and-error involved, and while having to climb all the way back up again after a fall is frustrating, grabbing a passing vine at the last minute by the tips of your fingers can be equally as exhilarating. The ability to move BUD's arms and legs independently helps put you in control - just try not to get them tangled up. Because you will - a lot. 21. Sunless Sea
A 2D exploration game set on a boat can't be that creepy, right? Wrong. More gothic than a Cradle of Filth concert, Sunless Sea throws all manners of joyless themes your way: death, insanity and cannibalism to name a few. Sailing from port-to-port in the monster-filled underworld of Fallen London, you'll have to manage fuel and supplies while battling sentient icebergs, Zee-beasts and other water-dwelling nasties to remain afloat. Top-notch writing gives Sunless Sea an absorbing storyline that's up there with history's best text-based adventures. 22. Rocket League
Already familiar to millions before they've played a played a second of it, Rocket League turns the age old game of football (or soccer, depending) on its head. Played with rocket-propelled cars in futuristic low-gravity environments, the aim is simple: knock the ball into the opposing team's goal. Doing so is harder said than done because there could be up to three cars on the opposing team trying to steal the ball off you - or ram you into submission - at any one time. Gorgeous to look, simple to learn but difficult to master, Rocket League is the surprise smash hit of 2015 - and a wonderfully addictive one at that. Read: 8 real-life footballers in Rocket League: which one are you? 23. Heroes of the Storm
As inevitable as sandals in summer, Blizzard finally launched its first MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game in June. Featuring a ton of characters from Blizzard games such as Warcraft, World of Warcraft and Starcraft 2, Heroes of the Storm sees two teams of five attempt to destroy the other's base. When not sounding out enemy units to destroy, its expansive maps give you room to take on secondary objectives such as finding skulls or unlocking special siege units to help your team. Accessible to newcomers while packing plenty of depth, Heroes' finely balanced gameplay mechanics, shorter matches (compared to League of Legends) and ability-based levelling system make it a refreshing alternative to established MOBA titles and a fine game in its own right. 24. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The new Metal Gear, which is likely Hideo Kojima's final game in the series, is a hugely ambitious title. Its massive open world setting lets you tackle missions using stealth, but it won't punish you for going in guns blazing - which is often the most tempting option. Set nine years after the events of Ground Zeroes, The Phantom Pain's story unravels through its main missions and more than 100 Side Ops tasks. The action is interspersed with gorgeous cutscenes, and while you sometimes have to decode annoying military-babble to understand what's going on, TPP's fast pacing and gorgeous Afghanistan settings never make the game feel like a chore.  |
| Fifty percent of iPhone and iPad owners are using iOS 9 Posted: 21 Sep 2015 08:29 AM PDT  If you haven't updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS 9 you'll soon be in the minority. Half of Apple mobile device users have already updated their operating system, only five days after it was made available to the general public. The new software has been adopted quicker than any other Apple mobile operating system and will likely be downloaded more times than its predecessors, said Philip Schiller, Apple's SVP of Worldwide Marketing, in a statement. What's new?With iOS 9 comes new applications and features, including a more intelligent and helpful Siri, a redesigned Notes app, a new News app and multitasking capabilities on the iPad. We thoroughly enjoyed testing out the new operating system, and found it to be pretty terrfici. However, we were a bit perturbed by the inability to divide your screen between two apps on the iPhone, a capability recently introduced to the iPad. We still don't think Apple has solved its Maps riddle, Siri is still programmed to open only default apps and iPhones and iPads are still jam-packed with bloatware that can't be deleted. Although these issues are annoying (and lingering), they don't ruin what is an enjoyable system to use. Judging by the quick rate of iOS 9 adoption, you all seem to agree too.
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