Sony PS4 sold over 1 million in 24 hrs of launch

Sony Corp sold 1 million units of its new playstation 4  in the first 24 hours that it was available in the United States and Canada.

The PlayStation 4 console, which Sony is counting on to kick-start a revival of its consumer electronics business, went on sale on November 15.

Andrew House, the head of Sony Computer Entertainment, the unit of Sony that oversees PlayStation, said in a statement that "sales remain very strong in North America."

"We expect continued enthusiasm as we launch the PlayStation 4 in Europe and Latin America on November 29," House said.

Sony Corp had previously announced it had received more than 1 million advance orders for the PlayStation 4 console. Still, the initial sales figures are Sony's first salvo in a battle brewing with Microsoft Corp's Xbox One console, which goes on sale Nov 22. Sony is also hoping its console can help build a platform for recovery at the Japanese company's money-losing consumer electronics operations.

Sony is aiming to sell 5 million PlayStation 4 (PS4) units by the end of its fiscal year that ends on March 31. Robert W. Baird & Co analyst Colin Sebastian has said he expects 2.5 million to 3 million PS4 shipments in the fourth quarter in North America.

Both the PlayStation 4, priced at $399 in the United States, and the Xbox One, with a price tag of $499, offer improved graphics for realistic effects, processors that allow faster game play and a slew of exclusive video games.

Angry Birds Go! Gameplay Trailer, game out December 11

Angry Birds Go! will be available in app stores worldwide 11th December onward. The new gaming app features downhill racing on a 3D Piggy Island, upgradable karts, and your favorite characters with unique special powers.

 

In Angry Birds Go! you take a plunge at the onset and fling down the track and race frantically to the finish line. You can go from homemade soapbox car to a super-fly car by upgrading. The game will be out on iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10.

 Hasbro’s TELEPODS will appear in Angry Birds Go! too, so, similar to Angry Birds Star Wars II, gamers can teleport your favorite karts into the game. A special countdown app at the end of October for those who have Angry Birds Go! TELEPODS will enable players to scan them in to see what you’ll get in the game

HP Envy x2 convertible Windows 8 device gets priced at $850

Let the onslaught of Windows 8 devices begin/continue. HP has released pricing and availability information for their Envy x2 convertible device. the Envy x2, like many other Win8 devices, is that doubles as a laptop. The 11.6″ display can be unlocked from the keyboard to be used as a rather large tablet. The Envy x2 also features Beats Audio, of course, which will make some people happy and other people roll their eyes.

The price for the Envy x2 is a steep $849.99, and it will be available November 14th. The problem with the Envy x2 pricing, and a lot of other convertible devices, is that you’re paying laptop prices for a tablet. It does come with a keyboard, but the selling point here is that it can be used as a tablet. Do you think Windows 8 devices are being priced too high?

Apple’s updated apps are now ‘optimized for iPhone 6′

Wait a second…say what?  The internet is a wildfire, especially when it comes to rumors that go against the grain.  The latest juicy piece of gossip is that the iPhone 5S, as we have come to know it by, is really going to be called the iPhone 6!  Calm down, calm down.  I call foul.  It looks as though after the initial excitement over that nugget, others have found this documentation to be nothing more than an honest mistake.

Twitter is overflowing with reports that different pages in different regions of the US are showing different messages.  Web links from the Canadian iTunes stores include the iPhone 6 text, while in the US, the link still indicates it is ”optimized for iPhone 5.”  Down under they always seem to get everything first, their App store link reads ”optimized for iPhone 7.”  That’s a lot of errors at once!  Perhaps the folks over at Apple are blowing off some steam, and having a little fun before the big event next Tuesday–who could blame them?

LG G Pad 8.3 official with full HD display

Just a few days ago we were teased with an official video about the unannounced LG G Pad 8.3. Now, we’ve got the official announcement to go along. LG has issued a press release about the 8.3 inch tablet which will debut at IFA in Germany next month.

LG is touting the G Pad 8.3 as tablet small enough for one-handed operation but with premium features usually reserved for larger tablets, like an HD screen with 1920 x 1200 WUXGA resolution and 1.7GHz quad core processor.

The “G Pad” name fits in nicely with LG’s other premium “G” offerings, including the LG G2 and LG G Pro smartphones. And don’t forget about the upcoming LG G TV that, while unannounced, could possibly find it’s way to shelves later this year.

Aside from the presumably stunning screen, the LG G Pad 8.3 comes with 16GB of memory, 2GB RAM, 5MP camera, and 1.3MP front-facing camera. The 4600 mAh battery should hold up nicely running Android Jellybean 4.2.2, and all that is jammed into a frame that ways only 338g. LG compared that to being “lighter than a newspaper”, but we were unable to find someone who has recently read a newspaper to confirm this claim.

Here are the full specs provided by LG:

• Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm? Snapdragon™ 600 Processor
• Display: 8.3-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels / 273 ppi)
• Memory: 16GB eMMC
• RAM: 2GB LPDDR2
• Camera: Rear 5.0MP / Front 1.3MP
• Battery: 4,600mAh
• Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2
• Size: 216.8 x 126.5 x 8.3mm
• Weight: 338g
• Colors: Black / White

The G Pad will also come with QPair, that with an app, will allow you to view phone calls and messages on your tablet when properly paired with your Android Phone. This will work with other Android Phones besides those made from LG.

Another feature, called “KnockON” will allow users to turn the device on and off by simply tapping the screen twice. This sounds dangerous to me, in terms of accidentally turning the device on and off accidentally.

We’ll have to wait until IFA in Berlin to test out the G Pad and see if the hardware and software align with LG’s premium positioning. But from a quick glance at the specs, does the LG G Pad seem like a device worth your dollars?

Moto X vs HTC One vs Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5

Officially unveiled only moments ago, the upcoming Motorola Moto X definitely faces some stiff competition. In a smartphone market that’s being dominated by Samsung and Apple, does the Moto X have what it takes to capture the hearts — and wallets — of consumers the world over? There’s no question both Motorola and Google have a lot riding on the X. Not only is the X Motorola’s first Google influenced smartphone, but one their first devices to launch across all major US carriers. That being said, you’re no doubt wondering how the X stacks up to current heavyweights like the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, and even (heandaven help you) the Apple iPhone 5. Let’s take a look.

Motorola Moto X

Strengths

Believe it or not, the Motorola Moto X is the first smartphone built here in the US. While that may not sound like a big deal to those living overseas, this is pretty huge for those in the US and typically, smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and even US-based Apple outsource all their device manufacturing to other countries. More like brownie points, we’re can’t be sure how much this will influence the buying decisions of Americans, but it’s definitely something to consider.

The Moto X also features Motorola’s new X8 “mobile computing system” that, while only technically a dual-core processor, features a powerful GPU for gaming, and 2 separate co-processors for handling a variety of X’s sensors. This means the X can handle Facebook and gaming, while also operating in a super low-power state when sleeping for optimal battery life.

Bored with all these Android devices that all look the same? Want to express your individuality? Well, the Moto X is the first Android smartphone to make that happen. Motorola has built a special online customizing center dubbed “Moto Maker” that allows customers to jump in, and design a smartphone in a variety of color options to fit their individual style. Killer feature? Not really. Cool? Most definitely.

Weaknesses

The Motorola X’s biggest weakness is one that most consumers will most likely never notice. Under the hood, the X doesn’t feature the ridiculously high-end specs of rivals, coming equipped with only a 720p display, dual-core processor, and adequate storage options. While this is easily trumped by other high-end devices like the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4, the X should have little trouble mopping the floor with upcoming Mini variants of these devices, with the X being nearly the same size.

HTC One

Strengths

The HTC One is still regarded by many as the best Android device to date. With a plethora of smartphones on the market and the uber popular Galaxy-line taking up a good portion of that, really, that’s saying a lot. Widely seen as the underdog in the smartphone world, HTC pulled a Hail Mary with the One, equipping the device with every high-end spec imaginable. Aluminum body, full 1080p HD display, all new version of Sense, great low-light camera, and front facing stereo speakers. There’s little here not to love.

Weaknesses

While the HTC One offers a lot, it doesn’t feature the flexibility that some Android users have come to expect from their devices. No micro SD slot means you’re confined to the One’s 32GB/64GB of internal storage, and non-removable battery means bulky portable chargers are the only option for keeping the device juiced up on-the-go. Don’t forget that, at the time of this writing, the One is still running on an older version of Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and while 4.2.2 is promised in the future, 4.3 has already been released.

Samsung Galaxy S4

Strengths

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is arguably the best device the Korean manufacturer has ever built. Featuring a 1080p full HD display, SD card slot, removable battery, and more software features than you can shake a stick at, the Galaxy S4 is the Swiss Army Knife of smartphones. The fact that Samsung is pouring countless dollars into advertising the Galaxy S4 means more people will have one, and greater app compatibility. Combine all of this with Samsung’s dedication of supporting new and older devices with timely Android updates and you have the makings of a real winner.

Weaknesses

Of course, while Samsung’s countless software features may sound great, the OS has become bogged down by many features you likely wont ever use. And while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Touch Wiz has become stale and the Galaxy S4′s glossy plastic build materials make for a device that feels cheap, no matter how many tricks it has up its sleeve.

Apple iPhone 5

Strengths

Alright, so I think we all know this is an Android focused blog — there’s no denying that. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to automatically bash the Apple iPhone 5, which admittedly, has a lot going for it. It’s currently one of the most popular smartphones on the planet, and because of this, is likely option for anyone considering a new smartphone.

Apple recently overhauled the software with iOS7 and while its not quite ready for prime time, they did a good job at finally updating the OS to the 21st century. The best part? Both the older iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 will get the update at the same time. Because of a very tight knit and close ecosystem, you can find more quality apps and games on iOS than any other platform. For wanna-be photogs, the iPhone 5 still has one of the best smartphone cameras on the market, though it remains to be seen if it can outperform the Moto X’s new “Clear Pixel” 10MP camera.

Weaknesses

Keep in mind the iPhone 5 isn’t smartphone perfection (as some would have you believe). The tiny, low resolution display is best suited for teens and young people with still perfect vision. If you want a smartphone you don’t have to hold to your nose, the Moto X or other options remain the best choice. Apple’s closed OS means iOS is always one step behind Android devices, which get better with multiple updates and enhanced features throughout the year.

Vodafone launches high speed 14.4 mbps 3G dongle -K3800 with live webchat support at Rs 1750

In line with its promise to drive 3G usage in the country, the telecom giant Vodafone Indiaon Thursday launched high speed 14.4 mbps 3G dongle - K3800 with live webchat support.The 3G USB Dongle with data transfer speed up to 14.4 Mbps has a price tag of Rs INR 1750.  The company is betting on the demand for high speed data services. According to a recent report India is at 144th spot globally in terms of internet speed. Vivek Mathur, Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone India said, “The launch of Vodafone K3800 3G dongle is well timed to meet the demand for high speed mobile data services. High speed of up to 14.4Mbps, affordable price and live webchat for support, will make high speed mobile internet accessible to a wider audience base.” The K3800 3G provides direct access to Live Web Chat support for the users which the company claims is a first of its kind feature for any dongle. Vodafone K3800 3G dongle provides a choice of multiple customised data plans to suit individual needs.  It is available at key Vodafone retail stores and comes in three colours, viz Black, Red and Dual Tone White & Red. Other features include high Speed up to 14.4 Mbps data transfer which is  ideal for viewing videos and expandable storage up to 32GB and phone Book functionality Last week, to give a fillip to  3G adoption on increasing number of smartphones in the country,  Vodafone  launched 3G internet initiative Be Smart’ Mobile for its Mumbai subscribers.

Sony xpera Z ultra now in india

 Sony India on Tuesday launched its latest premium large-screen Android smartphone – Sony Xperia Z Ultra - in India, priced at Rs 46,990 and will hit the stores on August 2.

The online retailers are taking pre-orders for the device at Rs 44,990. Sony has partnered with Vodafone India to offer 8GB of free data download for a period of two months with this device.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet has display resolution of 1920x1080p and 344ppi pixel density. Under the hood runs the quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, Qualcomm's latest and powerful processor, clocked at 2.2GHz, backed by 2GB RAM. This device has the same design language as Xperia Z smartphone and features on-screen keys as well as scratch-resistant and shatterproof glass.

Powered by a 3,050mAh battery, Xperia Z Ultra packs 16GB internal storage and supports microSD card expansion up to 64GB. Connectivity suite of Sony's latest gadget consists of 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and microUSB 2.0. On the back is an 8MP camera, while a 2MP unit is placed in the front.

It is the biggest full HD phone in the world and is resistant to water as well as dust.

Sony India marketing head said the Xperia Z Ultra will come preinstalled in Sony TV and Sony Music apps, along with free Bigflix subscription for a month. The company also launched accessories like stereo Bluetooth headset and magnetic charging dock.

The smartphone is available in three colours – black, white and purple.

Specifications

---

* 6.4-inch TFT Triluminos display with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels and Shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant glass

Weight:* 212 grams

* 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor

* 2GB RAM

* 8-megapixel rear camera with Exmor RS sensor

* 2-megapixel front facing camera

* 16GB internal storage expandable up to 64GB via microSD card

Google Nexus 7

Google has beat Apple at its own Retina-display-thumping game. Meet the Nexus 7, the eye-popping 323-pixels-per-inch wonder.

It is, in a way, the (rumored) iPad Mini Retina wrapped in Android 4.3.

Here's the deal: If you can find most of the apps you need on Google's Play Store and would like a small tablet with the highest resolution display on any tablet to date (i.e., higher than the 9.7-inch Retina iPad and way higher than the iPad Mini), then the second-generation Nexus 7 may be a good choice.

How did this happen? Well, Google, Asus (the device manufacturer), and Japan Display Inc. (the display maker) have managed, for the first time, to slap a smartphone-density display on a small tablet.

Without getting too technical, the second-gen Nexus 7 uses a display technology (called low-temperature poly silicon  for those keeping score) from Japan Display that has been used, to date, only on phones like, ironically, Apple's iPhone 5 (which has a pixel density of 326, just slightly more than the new Nexus 7).

Maybe more ironically, Apple is considering the same technology for a future Mini Retina, according to Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch. When that Mini would appear ranges from sometime in October (optimistic) to early next year (pessimistic).

Analysts have told me that the 7-inch 1,920x1,200 display on the Nexus 7 may be the upper size limit for Japan Display's ultra-high-resolution technology -- at the moment. In other words, JDI's tech is not quite ready to scale up to the larger 7.9-inch screen on the Mini.

Whatever the case, you can pick up the new Nexus 7 for $230 at some Best Buy stores as of Friday. That's about $100 less than Apple's cheapest Mini (which I also own) but with a much better screen and a faster (quad-core) processor.

That's a really tough hardware/price proposition for Apple to beat, in my opinion.

I like the Mini a lot. I'm not sure yet but I may like the second-gen Nexus 7 better. (I have to be careful, though. I've only had it for about 18 hours so the out-of-box wowness may be impairing my judgment.)

I will say this, though. Apple has its work cut out for it.

prince of persia comes to ios and android

Any number of video games can trace their roots to Prince of Persia: Assassin's Creed, Tomb Raider, even endless runners like Mirror's Edge.

For those too young to remember the series, Prince of Persia combines run-and-jump platforming action with puzzle solving and occasional bouts of combat.Originally known as Prince of Persia 2, the game was released by Broderbund (remember them?) way back in 1993 (remember when?). Twenty years later, it looks significantly better, with 14 gorgeously rendered levels spanning five different environments.

But there's a plot, too; one that picks up soon after the original game: The Prince, arriving at the castle to claim his princess, is deceived by the evil Jaffar and must flee the city. Adventures ensue.

The mobile game promises touch-screen-optimized controls and a brand new combat system. At press time, I wasn't able to give it a proper test, but the user reviews on both Google Play and the App Store average around 4.5 stars.

By the way, while we're looking back at game history, the original Prince of Persia was created by Jordan Mechner, whose earlier classicr. If PoP2 is anywhere near as good, you're in for a treat.

Prince of Persia The Shadow and the Flame is available now for $2.99. If you've tried the game already, hit the comments and share your opinion.

Google officially unveils Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Google took to San Francisco this morning to announce Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, the latest major revision for the super popular mobile operating system. Coming pre-installed on the new Nexus 7, Android 4.3 will bring many new features. One such feature is the ability to control access to apps at the profile level. Restricted profiles can be used for parental controls, limiting access to apps for retail kiosk demos and point-of-sale systems.

Google also introduced support for Bluetooth Smart / LE (low energy), the latest standard for connecting to devices such as smart watches or vitality sensors. Bluetooth LE allows the device to stay connected to these wireless peripherals using negligible amounts of power, while still providing fast and reliable connectivity.

Other features include built-in OpenGL ES 3.0 support, DRM APIs for providing hardware-based encryption for protecting content, and more. That last one is already being put to use by Netflix in the latest upgrade to the its Android app.

Android 4.3 will be on the new Nexus 7, which was just announced, out of the box, and will also be coming to all the latest Nexus devices starting today. As for Google Experience devices, those’ll be coming along shortly.

Google also unveiled a new app for Google Play Games. It isn’t specific to Android 4.3, but it’s nice to see they are finally bringing what I’ve been asking for since the service launched. You can find that particular app in the Google Play Store starting today.

There wasn’t much more to discuss right away, but we’ll be taking a look at the release notes to see what else Google brought in this update that wasn’t quite exciting enough to talk about on-stage. We’ll bring all of those details, and more, to you in further updates. What do you think? Lackluster or exactly what you thought?

GTA V

As we inch closer to the GTA V release date (September 17, for the fresh-from-the-coma fans) we're going to see an uptick in the GTA V spoilers being given to fans. There are currently a TON of new GTA V spoilers floating around the world wide web, including GTA V spoilers about the map reveal, the soundtrack and radio stations, dogs and other animals and, of course, the tantalizing mystery shed we saw in the gameplay trailer that came out on July 9. For a refresher, let's take a look at that GTA V gameplay trailer and feel that warm, fuzzy feeling from seeing a game that looks EPIC:

Mmmm ... delicious open world mayhem. Sept 17 can't get here fast enough. But, in the meantime, let's devour the GTA V spoilers feast that has been laid before us from the info in the gameplay trailer, interviews, screenshots and more.

GTA V Spoilers: The Mystery Shed

This isn't really THAT much of a spoiler, but it's enough of a GTA V spoiler for me to want to talk about it here. The Shed. I'm capitalizing the "S" in shed because The Shed is becoming important. Over on Reddit, where basically the whole internet happens, gamers have been going cray-cray over The Shed. In case you missed it, here's a pic of The Shed resting atop the enormous mountain in the above trailer

Uproxx put together a nice piece on The Shed and followed the Reddit frenzy rather nicely. Redditors speculated that The Shed is either full of parachutes, a ski lift stop or the storage unit for a jetpack. Among the funnier theories: The Shed is offering Edward Snowden asylum, it's the location of Half-Life 3 and it's the destination for the blimp.

The great thing about The Shed isn't what IS inside, it's what COULD be inside. GTA V is looking to be a MASSIVE game (more on its massive giganticness below) and The Shed has given thousands of gamers a Day One destination. I plan on trekking Skyrim-style to the tip of the mountain and trying to find out what's inside. No matter what it is I'll turn around, enjoy the breathtaking view, and then hurtle myself into a massive freefall that hopefully ends with me crushing a hooker. (the way every great freefall ends, right Eliot Spitzer? #greatreference)

So, why am I considering this a spoiler? Because it basically ruined (i.e. spoiled) any chance I have of organically enjoying my first few hours with the game. Flimsy definition of a GTA V spoiler? Sure. But it was a fun little detour, wasn't it?

Moving on!

GTA V Spoilers: Newest Map Reveal Shows Massive Giganticness

GTA V will be the biggest game Rockstar has ever produced. How big? Last year, Kotaku reported on how Rockstar was bragging that GTA V will be bigger than Red Dead Redemption, GTA IV and San Andreas COMBINED. They even ran an article with a helpful math book style graphic to give you a sense of what that scale means. But the helpful graphic from Kotaku has been outdone by the GTA V spoiler map reveals created by dedicated fans. The first map I came across in my months of following GTA V spoilers was this fan-made one that attempted to recreate the map by using screenshots and locations found in real life Los Angeles (the city Los Santos is based on).

Pretty nifty. Especially when you take a look at all the work that went into creating that early GTA V spoiler. But then fans stepped up their cartography game and decided to work on a map that showed the topographical layout of the GTA V world:

And NOW, another intrepid GTA V fan on Reddit has taken an updated version of the fan-made GTA V map and placed the GTA: San Andreas map over top of it to give gamers yet another visual representation for what's become common knowledge: GTA V IS F-KING HUUUUUGE!!!

Nokia Lumia 925 available at T-Mobile for $49.99

We’ve been waiting to hear when the Lumia 925 would finally be available in the U.S. on T-Mobile. If you live in other countries it has been available unlocked for a while, but until T-Mobile gets it we are out of luck in the States. The Verge is reporting that the Nokia Lumia 925 will be available on T-Mobile for $49.99 on July 17th.

With T-Mobile’s no contract prices you pay 24 monthly payments of $20 along with the upfront cost. The benefit is you can leave whenever you want. The Lumia 925 is the best Windows Phone available right now. It can best be described as a Lumia 920 with thinner aluminum body. $50 for the Lumia 925 is an absolutely awesome deal for a great phone. Who is grabbing one on July 17th?

Display:

• 4.5-inch capacitive touchscreen
• 1280 by 768 pixel resolution
• PureMotion HD+

Camera:

• 8.7MP camera rear,  front camera
• Dual LED flash
• PureView tech with floating lens
• 1080p video recording

Hardware:

• 32GB mass memory
• 1000MB internal memory
• 2000 mAh battery
• Snapdragon S4 1.5 GHz dual-core processor

Nokia Lumia 1020

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Nokia has just officially announced the Lumia 1020 with 41MP PureView camera. The game has been changed. We’ve heard about this phone in every way possible, and seen it in every angle possible. Unfortunately there isn’t much surprise left unless you were abstaining from the rumors.

The big deal with the Lumia 1020 is obviously the camera. There is a prominent hump on the back that holds the 41MP PureView camera. This camera is made up of 6 lenses, which allows for insane zoom for a smartphone. The camera also has optical image stabilization, backside-illuminated image sensor, autofocus, xenon Flash, 1080p video at 30 fps, and comes with Nokia Pro Camera mode. There is not a smartphone on the market that can compete with this camera.

Now for the non-camera specs. Everything else in the Lumia 1020 is very similar to the Lumia 920 and 925. It has a 4.5-inch PureMotion HD+ display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, 2,000 mAh battery with optional wireless charging cover, and 1.2MP front camera. Including the camera bump the 1020 is a respectable 10.4 mm thick.

So, what about price? The Lumia 1020 will be available on AT&T on July 26th for $299. It will come in white, black, and yellow. If that seems a little expensive go re-read all the things this phone can do. You’re not just buying a smartphone, you are buying a smartphone with a DSLR stuffed inside it. Spend $300 on this phone and you won’t need to spend anything on a separate camera. Who is picking one of these up?

The Kickstand – a portable HD projector on Kickstarter

In my world of traveling and presenting, a traditional LCD projector is a mainstay. Unfortunately those buggers are both fragile and heavy for portability. It’s also a nuisance to ask a client to provide one because frequently upon arrival at a site, I find they are antiquated behemoths with a dim bulb. While I’ve considered several mini-projectors as an alternative, most of them distort beyond 6 feet (diagonally measured) and are limited in lumens or brightness.

bem Wireless (pronounced “beam”) has recently announced a cool looking Kickstarter project called the Kickstand that looks to tackle some of the issues: in particular both portability and brightness.

This unified construction appears to have a lot going for it – a built-in handle and stand; a remote that acts as a lens cover; HDMI input; and an LED DLP light source at a whopping 400 ANSI lumens (overcoming the biggest drawback to pico- and micro- projectors). The anodized aluminum complements the Apple lineup of MacBooks, and with the right adapter, even an iPad might be hooked up to it.

Yes, the Kickstand has loads of potential… but it has a long way to go in fundraising in just a few weeks.

Assassin's Creed 4 black flag preview

Call of Duty and FIFA aren’t the only annual franchise. Ubisoft has their own, and it’s called Assassin’s Creed. You may have heard of it.

Unlike the home console based Assassin’s Creeds we’ve seen so far, Ubi’s latest entry, titled Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, is doing things a little differently. It’s a cross generation game, which means not only will be available on the usual suspects, but a souped up fancy pants version will launch alongside the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 later this year. Only happy with showing the best their game can offer, Ubisoft sat us down to demonstrate the PlayStation 4 build of Black Flag, a game boasting open waters, desert islands, jungle hijinx, and the biggest map the series has seen thus far.

Our live demo opened with one of the game’s writers playing as Edward Kenway, protagonist of , and father of Haytham Kenway, a major character in Assassin’s Creed III. Starting in a fishing village, Kenway is on the hunt for an assassination contract, targets secondary to the main mission. Unlike core missions, which usually follow a set structure and must be triggered, contracts are persistent and stay open for as long as you like. You can, for example, continue playing the game with an open contract and spot your target further down the road, taking the time to divert from your course and kill them.

Kenway eventually spots his target, and so a chase begins. Unlike Assassin’s Creed III, which had a lot of ground and tree branch traversal, Black Flag will give players more opportunities to do good old fashioned rooftop parkour, something the development team feels is something fans love about the series, especially in Assassin’s Creed II. Catching up to his target, Kenway realises he’s lagged behind for too long, as the target has boarded his ship and is now setting sail for the ocean. Being a pirate with his own battalion of scum and villainy, Kenway naturally boards his own ship to pursue his contract across the waves, culminating in a ship-vs-ship battle. The entire sequence so far all happens in real time, dynamically, with no loading screens or breaks in the action, another big focus for the latest iteration.

Anybody familiar with Assassin’s Creed III‘s ship battles will feel right at home in Black Flag, as they play much the same, tasking the player with lining up cannons and letting loose volleys of steel death. Keeping with the pirate theme, Black Flag introduces ship boarding to the naval battles, which lets Kenway and co jump to neighbouring vessels for hand-to-hand battles. After conquering your opponent’s vessel the fate of its crew is in you hands, allowing you to execute or assimilate them into your own crew, or even send them on assignments as part of a larger meta-game.

In our demo, Kenway stumbles across a treasure map, a catalyst to show off some of the open world (open ocean?) exploration. The map shows the location of a treasure hidden deep inside some old temple ruins, of which the team would not elaborate on, leaving our questioning of whether or not these temples have anything to do with The Ones That Came Before unanswered. From what we saw this didn’t seem to be the case, but we were told Black Flag would continue plot threads and dwell in mythology from the past games, so we won’t know until we play the full game for ourselves.

Arriving at the treasure’s location Kenway discovers the ruins are packed with British soldiers, requiring Kenway stealth his way in to steal the goods. We’re told that Black Flag has an increased emphasis on stealth, though the combat and countering system from the latest entries remains largely the same. Finding the treasure nets Kenway a reward in the form of a blueprint part, the culmination of many leading unlockable equipment to better Kenway’s arsenal and we’re guessing his ship. Lastly, Kenway’s exploration of the ruin leads him to a sync viewpoint. Similar to the rest of the series, these locations grant greater map visibility, though in Black Flag also act as a fast travel point. We’re guessing this is a necessity given the far bigger map compared to its predecessors.

At first glance Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag might seem like yet another Assassin’s Creed game, but it doesn’t take long to see that Ubisoft does seem to be mixing up the formula quite a bit, if just for the game world. The latter point is probably the one big thing Black Flag is doing to breath life into the series, stripping away the loading screens and compartmentalised challenges and instead offering a far bigger, open, and dynamic game world. For some gamers out there, this could be the pirate simulator they’ve long been waiting for.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag hits Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U in October of this year, while an Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC release will follow shortly after.

 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag will be released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U on October 29 in the U.S., October 31 in Australia, and November 1 in Europe. It was announced on March 1, 2013 that the game will also come to the PlayStation 4, and on May 21 that it will release on the Xbox One. Ubisoft will once again partner with  to bring exclusive content to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 versions of the game.Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag will be released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U on October 29 in the U.S., October 31 in Australia, and November 1 in Europe It was announced on March 1, 2013 that the game will also come to the PlayStation 4, and on May 21 that it will release on the Xbox One Ubisoft will once again partner with Sony to bring exclusive content to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 versions of the game. On June 21, 2013 it was announced that the Microsoft Windows version had been delayed "a few weeks"

Micromax Canvas 4 Up for Preorder!

       

The well ‘leaked’ Micromax Canvas 4 is up for pre-order already! Micromax Canvas 4, the Indian competitor to Samsung Galaxy S4 was revealed in a video by the maker on YouTube. Right after launch, the video created a buzz and an overload of excitement with leaks over the specifications and features doing rounds.

While Micromax recently put the Canvas 4 device up for pre-order, the features and specs are still tightly kept under wraps. How do we order a phone without knowing the features and specs you ask?

Well, a couple of features have been revealed by Micromax while others have been “hinted” at. The phone will come with a 13 MP camera. Samsung Galaxy S4 also comes with the same camera resolution and by revealing the camera resolution; Micromax gave away the fact of the phone being a direct competitor to Samsung’s current flagship.

Apart from knowing that Micromax Canvas 4 comes with a 13 MP camera with single LED flash, it is rumoured to come with an 8-core processor to match that of Samsung Galaxy S4. Also, as the leaked video showed the phone in black while images on the Micromax website show images of a white device, we can safely say that the phone will come in two colour variants: Black and White.

         

The phone is up for pre-order at Rs 5000.Micromax hinted that the price of the phone will be revealed on July 8, so we are guessing the phone will be launched on the same day. On unveiling the specifications, if users wish to back out and not purchase the phone, Micromax is offering a complete refund. The phone will begin shipping by 10th July as the website states. However, users get time till 15th July to cancel their pre-bookings.

There are a list of terms and conditions posted by Micromax on their website. While hopes are pinned on Micromax launching the device at a budget price of somewhere around the 20k mark, the idea of pre-ordering might be a wise move. Micromax soon realised after launching the Canvas HD that demand exceeded supply and that they had “under-priced” their phone. So while the phone soon went out of stock, prices were immediately cranked up by Rs 1000/- on re-launch.

This time, by announcing the phone much before the actual launch and also offering it up for pre-order, Micromax is bound to get a fair idea of the demand and price their product according. We only hope the expectations are not set too high and Micromax delivers this time around too!

Sony introduces the SmartWatch 2

Part two of Sony’s announcements at the Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai was the introduction of the Sony SmartWatch 2. Taking a few cues from the original, this SmartWatch has been upgraded with even more of a stylish look, as well as enhanced functionality thanks to the advent of NFC. Folks can pair the SmartWatch with their NFC-enabled phones by simply making the two touch each other. The connection is maintained via Bluetooth, of course, so everything from there is a standard affair.

The SmartWatch will feature many different apps and features, interfacing with your Android phone to do things like answer phone calls, check notifications and messages, change music tracks, GPS-enabled features for runners and bikers, remote presentation control, and even the ability to control your smartphone’s camera. It also features the ability to check email, social networks like Facebook and Twitter, check your calendar and more.

As we’d heard before, Sony’s latest SmartWatch 2 has been built with dust and water in mind, meaning you won’t need to worry about a little rain in the morning or a little sand at the beach. Of course, like with any watch, we wouldn’t take the chance of doing a cannon ball with this thing attached to your wrist, but if you’re just heading into a weathered world there won’t be much to worry about.

The “watch” part of the device remains functional without a connection, so if you can’t get your Bluetooth paired up for some reason or you just don’t want to drain the battery, you’ll have basic time-telling features. You’ll also be able to access previously-delivered notifications and messages, set your alarm, and use the device as a flashlight.

With its 24mm wrist band support, the watch should be able to fit mostly any custom wrist band without fail (meaning fat-wrist people like me should have no reservations). Sony says we can expect this beautiful little thing to launch this September.

Intel’s new Haswell processor now in india

Intel has announced that laptops and desktop PCs powered by its 4th generation Core processor based on Haswell architecture are now available in India.

Haswell, which is successor to Ivy Bridge processors currently found in mainstream laptops and desktops, doesn't offer much advantage in terms of performance over its predecessors.

However, it is more power efficient and offers significantly better battery life, something that should help Intel take on the popularity of tablets in the market. Intel said that Haswell processor in laptops deliver up to 50 per cent increase in battery life in active workloads over the previous generation

The company added that due to its power efficiency Haswell will enable manufacturers like Acer, Lenovo, Dell and HP to create thinner and lighter devices that could also serve as tablets.

Intel South Asia managing director Debjani Ghosh said that Haswell processor are one of the most power-efficient chips the company had created. "The 4th Generation Intel Core processors offer the most significant gain in battery life ever achieved by Intel, up to double the graphics and significant CPU performance improvements that will deliver an exciting user experience," she said.

Leighton Phillips, director of product management & pricing at Intel Asia-Pacific, added, "today's announcement accelerates a new category of 2-in-1 computing devices delivering the best of a notebook and a tablet in amazing new form factors."

Intel said that premium ultrabooks and a few all-in-one systems powered by Haswell chips would be available in India in coming weeks. Mainstream laptops that sell for around Rs 30,000 would get the new chips in couple of months.

Other than the battery life, Intel is promising significantly better graphics performance with Haswell processor. The top end chips, which come with GT3 graphics configuration, can even match dedicated mobile graphics cards. However, most of the mainstream laptops are likely to end up with HD 4600 and HD 5000, which will offer big improvements over HD 4000 but are not likely to match the dedicated AMD or Nvidia graphics cards in a laptop.

For consumers who assemble their own systems, Intel will sell boxed Haswell processor. The top end chips, dubbed Core i7 4770 and Core i7 4770K, are already available in the Indian market with a price of around Rs 20,000. Core i5 4430, which is a mainstream processor, is more affordable with a price of around Rs 12,500.