Android 4.2 updates, the PlayStation 4, Xbox Surface and much more

 

It’s been another epic week in gadgetry and gaming, and we wouldn’t blame you for struggling to keep up with it all. It’s just as well we’re here to do that for you: read on for our round-up of all the hottest stories of the week, here in the Gadget Digest.

Souped up smartphones

It’s been a busy week in all things Android. Google’s new version of its smartphone operating system, 4.2, is barely a week old, but it appears it’s already heading to the Samsung Galaxy S3 super phone. Not to be outdone, we started seeing the first signs that HTC’s incredible full HD phone, the HTC J Butterfly, is making the leap from Japan to the West.

Next-gen consoles

Microsoft’s got a new Xbox on the way, but it’s not what you think. It’s actually a tablet, according to sources, and it’ll run touchscreen games much like an iPad – but as we revealed in our feature, Microsoft’s no stranger to this form of handheld gaming. Meanwhile, we pulled together our wishlist of must-have features inside the Sony PS4: is there anything else you’d like to see?

Smart TV

Over on the smart TV front meanwhile, Google turned up the heat on Apple TV a little with the addition of movie and TV streaming on Google TV boxes in the UK. Virgin meanwhile took on its arch-rival Sky by releasing its TV Anywhere service for laptops, computers and iPhone and iPad. But as we found out, it has a few catches.

Games galore

While all the big tech for Christmas has already been announced, things are only just getting started on the gaming side of things. On mobile, Angry Birds Star Wars touched down and we checked out the bizarre Curiosity cube, which holds a life-changing prize for someone within. Over in console land, we also took a gander at Need For Speed: Most Wanted, and set loose our full review of Halo 4. Has it been worth the wait?

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Gadget Digest: iPad 4G, the world’s smartest smart TV and the Sony PS3 returns

It’s been another busy week in gadget gossip. We’ve seen all sorts of new gizmos roll off the factory line and onto our wishlists – so many, we wouldn’t blame you if you struggled to keep count. Luckily, we’re here to break them down for you into easy to swallow tech titbits: read on for this week’s Gadget Digest.

Android happenings

The iPhone 5 is out and clearing house, but the Google Android-powered rivals keep coming through thick and fast still. The rumours of an LG Nexus 4 super phone are reaching a crescendo, and there’s even talk of a release date this month. Meanwhile, Samsung outed the Galaxy S3 Mini, a smaller version of its Android phone, while HTC’s mid-range rival, the Desire X, hit shops shelves.

Smart TVs get smarter

Smart TVs got a few more IQ points this week courtesy of a couple of new launches. Spotify’s unlimited music streaming service arrived on Samsung TVs, complete with a free month’s trial worth a tenner, while Bang & Olufsen hit back once more with the world’s slickest, and perhaps also priciest, internet telly.

Tablet attack

Lots of tasty tablet gossip hit this week too. While the iPad Mini failed to show, we did get word that the next iPad will work on UK 4G super speed networks, while on the Android side of things, a new report suggested a £60 Google Nexus tablet is on the way.

Sony strikes back

We’re still waiting on that elusive PlayStation 4, but in the meantime, Sony’s seen fit to bless us with a newer, slimmer PS3, and this week, we set loose our full review of the console. Be sure to check it out if you’re still sitting on the console fence: while the software is ace, it’s not quite the cost cutting exercise we were hoping for.

Behind the scenes with Prometheus

Last but not least, the biggest film of the year for gadget fiends, Prometheus, hit Blu-ray. We went behind the scenes to find out more about the making of it: does the plot make any more sense now?

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Viewsonic's massive tablet, Doom 3 coming to PS3, Xbox 360, LOVEFiLM gets HD streaming, and more

 

It’s that time again. In Gadget Digest we pick out a handful of stories we didn’t get the chance to share with you from earlier in the week. This week’s tech roundup is a nice little mix of entertainment news, gaming, music and tablets.

That sounds like a fun weekend, right? .

LOVEFiLM launches HD service secures exclusive NBCUniversal deal in battle with Netflix

In the battle for on-demand film and entertainment supremacy, LOVEFiLM has signed a multi-year agreement with NBCUniversal that will let customers exclusively watch films such as ‘Kick-Ass’, ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Bourne Legacy’. LOVEFiLM also launched its HD service, giving customers the gift of full 1080p HD viewing where available. That’s as good a reason as any to get out the popcorn, we say.

Doom 3 to relaunch on PS3, Xbox 360, PC this autumn

Forget Call of Duty for a moment and cast your eyes and memories back to Doom – the series that made first-person shooters so popular many years back. A Doom 3: BFG Edition will be launching this autumn on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, with 3D support. As if that wasn’t enough, a single player story mode will bring seven new missions to Doom 3. Watch out for that, soon.

Pure Contour 200i Air: Pure’s first Apple AirPlay radio

Radio experts Pure has launched what could be the first of many Apple Airplay products. The Pure Contour 200i Air connects to a home Wi-Fi network to support wireless streaming from Apple devices such as an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad tablet. Naturally the Pure Contour 200i Air also works with Pure Music – Pure’s music streaming service giving users access to thousands of extra tracks and radio stations. The Pure Contour 200i Air is available now for £199.99.

Viewsonic launches massive tablet

When is a tablet not a tablet? When it measures nearly 22-inches. That’s when, but that hasn’t stopped Viewsonic calling its Viewsonic VCD22 tablet that. the exact measurements come in at 21.5-inches. The display is full HD. Other features include a 1GHz dual-core Texas Instruments processor, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, 1.2-megapixel camera micro HDMI port, and three handy USB ports. Pricing and release date details have yet to be revealed.

Seen anything else in the tech world you want to point out? Drop us a mention in the comments below. Have a great weekend, gadget fans

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Top 5 accessories for PS3 this Christmas

Looking to get the most from your PS3 this Christmas? A 2011 full of great game releases has ensured there are plenty of titles to play.
To get even more from the console we’ve picked out five of the best PS3 accessories for all budgets. From game controller accessories to headsets. In no particular order, here are our top 5 PS3 accessories this Christmas.

PlayStation Move


The PlayStation Move may have been overshadowed by the Xbox 360’s Microsoft Kinect, but for those looking for PS3 accessory for having fun at Christmas, the PlayStation Move is compatible with lots of games. Launch game Sports Champions costs just £15 from most online retailers. Other fun titles to play at Christmas include Just Dance 3 and zombie blaster House of the Dead: Overkill. 



Street Fighter IV Arcade Fightstick


To get the most out of any fighting game you’re going to need an authentic arcade stick – because no fighting game aficionado can ever be seen twiddling a joypad. The Street Fighter IV Arcade Fightstick (pictured above) is made by trusted accessory experts Mad Catz. It features an eight-button and premium build quality and looks the business. This is the fightstick to be seen playing your favourite fighters.

Tritton AX Pro Dolby 5.1 True Surround sound headset


A top quality HD TV is an essential purchase for those wanting to get the most from their gaming, but if you want to step it up a bit, what you really need is an awesome gaming headset. The Tritton AX Pro is one of the most highly-rated around. It Sound is played out in Dolby 5.1 Surround using eight independent speakers housed in the headset. A detachable microphone lets you engage in multiplayer chat for use when playing games with friends over the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live or on PC and Mac. At around £140 they may be pricey, but these are among the very best. 



Sony Blu-Ray Disc Remote


The PS3 isn’t just a games console. It doubles up as a Blu-ray player to play the latest films in full 1080p high definition. To get the most of this you can purchase Sony’s Blu—Ray Disc Remote for PS3. It makes it easier for non-gamers to navigate menus and makes scrolling through those DVD extras a doddle.

PS3 Wireless Keypad


One of the nice features about the PS3 is being able to send messages to friends for free over the console. The problem is that typing messages can get fiddly, and take too long. This PS3 Wireless Keypad features a QWERTY keypad that neatly attaches onto the top of a PS3 controller. It may look unnatural but you’d be surprised just how much easier and quicker it is to type out long messages.
Are there any other PS3 accessories that you would like to recommend for Christmas? Let us know in the comments section below.

Top 5 party console games for Christmas 2011

The current crop of games consoles have shattered the notion that gaming is anti-social once and for all. Today’s consoles are all about entertainment, movement and fun – in other words, they’re perfect for a party. Join us as we look at five top titles to get the party started this Christmas.
This time of year is party season, but instead of dishing up the same old combo of snacks, tunes and small talk, why not spice the occasion up with some party games to get everyone involved? With all three major consoles now featuring motion control add-ons, gaming is more active and immersive than ever before, so let’s check out the top party games on the shelves right now.

Just Dance 3 (all platforms)There are loads of dance titles out there, but we’ve selected Just Dance 3 because not only is it one of the best of the breed, but it’s also available on all three platforms and is one of the newest titles on the scene. Up to four players can dance together (or eight on the Wii) and you can even create your own dance routine for your fellow players to try and emulate.
We Sing Rock (Wii)We Sing was the first karaoke game to appear on the Wii, and the franchise has now gone on to sell more than a million copies worldwide. The latest release is focused around rock music, but features the same well-designed formula of fun and interactivity that has made the series so successful. Checking out your mates doing their best Alice Cooper or Motorhead impressions should be worth a few laughs this Christmas!

Wii Party (Wii)The Wii’s rival consoles have come a long way since Wii Party first surfaced more than a year ago now, but it remains a great example of what made Nintendo’s console such a favourite in the first place. Just about useless for a solo player, Wii Party cranks up the fun for two to four players with a series of games designed to raise a smile and get everyone involved.

Michael Jackson: The Experience (all platforms)The King of Pop had a style all his own, and now you can showcase your own dancing and singing talents against the backdrop of nearly all of MJ’s best-known hits. Perfect your signature dance moves and you’ll unlock achievements, plus of course you’ll earn the adoration of thousands of fans. A treat for Jackson fans, and good fun for everyone else, The Experience is well worth considering.

Mario & Sonic at the London Olympic Games (Wii)For some unashamedly simple multi-player gaming giggles, surely the Mario and Sonic mashup to mark London’s hosting of the Olympic Games next year delivers a gold medal performance. It’s comprehensive enough that there’s something for everyone, but doesn’t take itself so seriously that things become overly competitive. A solid choice for any party.

Free inFAMOUS 2 content pack available from PSN

Fans of Sucker Punch’s inFAMOUS 2 game are in for a treat, with the introduction of the “first of many” free content packs for inFAMOUS 2. Offering access to a load of different vehicles, the new user generated content pack promises to keep you playing for a long time to come.

Just like the game it followed on from, inFAMOUS 2 has turned out to be a popular and much loved gaming title. It still has the same main character – bike courier Cole MacGrath – but it’s now slicker, more fluid and just as much fun as the original inFamous.

One of the things that differentiated inFAMOUS 2 from lots of other games is the ability to generate your own levels. Even better, if you can’t be bothered to create your own, you’ll also be able to benefit from levels offered by other people – some long, and some short.

Developer Sucker Punch has now started releasing content packs with the latest user generated levels, and you’ll be able to download them for free via the PlayStation Network.

Sucker Punch points out that the new content offers “access to a number of vehicles from the single-player missions of inFAMOUS 2: Bertrand’s Limo, Bertrand’s Semi-Truck, the New Marais Police Car, the Ambulance, and a bike”.

There’s also a new search function, letting you navigate through some 50,000 user generated missions that are already available online.

FIFA 12: Time for some new football games - your thoughts!

As details and screenshots of the latest iteration of the FIFA gaming franchise slip out, it got us thinking about whether the game has outstayed its welcome. Much loved as it evidently is, it’s been around since 1993, with new versions coming out once or twice a year.

We still remember playing FIFA for the first time back in 1993, when it was the only football game to get an official license for teams and players. It looked better than anything else on the market, and was leagues ahead of the likes of Sensible Soccer in terms of graphics (if not necessarily in terms of fun).
EA Sports continued to develop FIFA, with the likes of FIFA 95 proving even better. FIFA 08 was the first of the bunch to appear on the Xbox 360 and Sony PS3, and although the gaming experience lost out slightly to the likes of Pro Evo, it still looked better than anything else on the market.

Overall, we’ve seen a new version of FIFA almost every year, including ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, Road to World Cup 98, ‘99, 2000, 2001, FIFA Football 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, FIFA ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11 and this year’s FIFA 12. We’ve seen World Cup editions for the past three tournaments, and EA has continued to flog its star title for all it’s worth – there’s also a host of Euro titles as well.

Much as we love a new game, for us it’s difficult to get excited about EA Sport’s latest version of FIFA. There are simply too many editions. We’ve been content to stick with older versions – FIFA 09 and 10 still prove to be brilliant when it comes to a kickabout with mates, for instance.

We’d love to know what you think, however. Are you content to play older versions, or do you feel there’s enough of a difference between each iteration to justify upgrading? Leave a comment and let us know