Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 05 May 2012 08:00:00 +0100

There's a reason why Apple is suing Samsung in just about every major world territory - it feels threatened, and so it might.

Samsung is now the top-selling phone manufacturer on the planet, and that's entirely thanks to the wildly popular Galaxy range of Android smartphones. The latest such handset, the Galaxy S3, has enjoyed the kind of build-up and reception normally reserved for iDevices and that's no mean feat.

The stats don't lie, either - over half a million people read our hands-on in just 12 hours! read more »

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0100

HTC's 'One' range of Android smartphones represents the company's great hope of a 2012 financial comeback, and we've now reviewed all three models.

The HTC One V is the most affordable of the three, and you should check out our review if you're looking for a premium handset for a reasonable price.

Elsewhere it's been another exciting week in the world of cameras so do check out our cameras channel.

HTC One V review read more »

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Easter is a time for holy contemplation. It's a time for celebrating Jesus' return from the dead by feasting on chocolate eggs and reading in-depth tech reviews on TechRadar! Obviously.

The week's most exciting review has to be the HTC One X. The company that led Android's hardware revolution lost its way of late, but in the One X, HTC has started its 2012 comeback. It's a really brilliant phone, let down only by a disappointing battery.

Meanwhile we've also been marvelling at some brilliant LED TVs and cameras from the likes of LG and Panasonic, and Nikon.

Check it... read more »

Sky News owns up to email hacking

TechRadar — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:39:00 +0100

Sky News has admitting hacking the email accounts of members of the public to research stories, following allegations made by a Guardian report.

The satellite news channel, part owned by News Corp, says the hacks were authorised by senior editorial staff during the infamous "canoe man" case of 2008.

In a blog post on Thursday, Sky defended the decision, claiming the invasion of private accounts was 'editorially justified' and 'in the public interest' and that the information was passed on to the police. read more »

James Murdoch to step down as chairman of BSkyB

TechRadar — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:13:00 +0100

It's all change at the top for BSkyB, which has announced that its chairman James Murdoch is to stop heading up the company.

The news comes after what has been a tumultuous few months for the entire Murdoch media empire.

The move, which has been seen by many as inevitable, is the second time Murdoch has had to resign from a high-ranking position within one of his father's companies. Back in February, he resigned as executive chairman of News International after the closure of the News Of The World in light of hacking allegations. read more »

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It's been another exciting week for the TechRadar reviews team.

For a start, we've been testing Nvidia's newest range-topping GeForce graphics card, which offers industry-leading performance and fantastic power efficiency.

We've also had our first extended play with the new Nikon D800, possibly the most exciting DSLR of the year so far.

And it's also been a week full of interesting TV and AV reviews with more of Panasonic's 2012 LED TVs and Blu-ray players breaking cover for the first time. read more »

Review: B&O BeoVision 7-40

TechRadar — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Overview

Notwithstanding some prototypes and product showcases from the likes of Sony, Toshiba and Sharp, the flatscreen TV with built-in Blu-ray player has yet to really emerge as a genre. Until now, that is.

Trust Bang & Olufsen. With a money-no-object approach that's almost unique in the world of flatscreen televisions, the latest incarnation of its BeoVision 7-40 has a built-in Blu-ray player that, naturally, can also handle 3D discs. read more »

In Depth: Do we need higher frame rates?

TechRadar — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Do we need higher frame rates?

What does 'cinematic' mean? Is softness, film grain or the occasional blur or judder on a cinema screen 'filmic' or just plain old-fashioned, out-dated and inherently weak, technically speaking?

There's a movement in Hollywood to start shooting in high frame rates, and it could change the way we look at films forever.

At present, the argument goes, we're used to seeing films in the cinema look a certain way, and equating that experience with how all films should look. read more »

Google adds fancier 3D landmarks to Maps

TechRadar — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:21:00 +0000

Google has updated its Google Maps application with more detailed 3D models of major landmarks across the world.

Many 3D models of landmarks already existed on Google Maps, but the revision sees many of the blocky models of old replaced with more detailed ones that make use of curves.

We can only assume that the Google team has been busy practising making models on its own SketchUp software.

The changes make for more attractive maps, but could also prove useful when navigating by making landmarks easier to recognise. read more »

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

As well as the new iPad review, we've also got a whole host of other reviews awaiting your perusal on TechRadar.

We've checked out several new Intel Ultrabooks including Dell's XPS 13 and the Samsung Series 5 as well as the thin-and-light but officially not an Ultrabook Samsung Series 9.

And then there's the Panasonic DMP-BDT220 Blu-ray player among plenty of other cool kit. Check out the full list below. read more »

Review: Panasonic TX-L42ET5B

TechRadar — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Overview

As arguably the biggest driving force behind full HD, 'active' 3D technology, you can understand why Panasonic has been so vocal with its attacks on LG's passive 3D alternative.

Why on earth, has argued Panasonic, would anyone want to buy a full HD TV only to then watch 3D on it at a reduced resolution?

So it's fair to say Panasonic's TX-L42ET5 comes as something of a shock. For the fact that it ships with no less than four pairs of cheapo, unpowered 3D glasses immediately alerts us to the fact that it's a passive 3D TV rather than the expected active one. read more »

7 Days in Mobile: New iPad 3: The rumour mill examined

TechRadar — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:05:00 +0000

7 days in mobile - the future is here

YESWEKNOWWEDIDN'T DO7DAYSINMOBILELASTWEEK – what you want from us, money? Well, we have none. Onto the new week…

You've seen the new iPad / iPad 3 / iPad 2S / iPad HD / iPhone Big, but in that excitement you've probably forgotten about all the 'facts' that were written about the impending device a fortnight ago. read more »

News in Brief: One More Thing: CIA to tap into smart homes

TechRadar — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:46:00 +0000

One More Thing: CIA to tap into smart homes

Stop worrying gadget fans, the wait is over and what you have been looking forward to for like forever has arrived.

No, not the new iPad silly – One More Thing is here to not only brighten up your Friday and get you ready for the freakin' weekend but also to prove that good things don't have to come in a 2048x1536 resolution. read more »

Review: Exclusive: Panasonic TX-L32ET5B

TechRadar — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:15:00 +0000

Overview

The Panasonic TX-L32ET5B is the first model off the 2012 Viera production line, ushering in what Panasonic hopes will be a golden year for its TV portfolio.

Significantly, the Panasonic TX-L32ET5B is also the company's first television to feature passive 3D technology. Passive 3D is the lower-cost, more convenient alternative to the active shutter system, albeit at lower resolution.

Panasonic has also lowered the power consumption of its 2012 screens and marginally improved its Viera Connect smart TV service. read more »

Review: New iPad 3

TechRadar — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Overview, design and feel

The new iPad, the iPad 3, the new iPad 3… call it what you want, but it's a device that from the outside looks remarkably like the iPad 2 but with an overhaul on the innards.

The question most people ask us when it comes to the new iPad is: what's different from the old one?

Well, in this case it's pretty easy: there's a Retina Display that makes everything looks superbly crisp, an updated A5X processor bringing quad-core graphics and a 5MP camera on the rear with a VGA sensor on the front. read more »

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

The beginning of March traditionally marks the start of new products season in the world of tech.

It's the time when all the exciting kit that was announced at IFA at the end of last year and at CES in January starts making its way onto the shelves and into our testing labs.

We probably won't have to tell you that Apple's new iPad is one of these products. It was only announced on Tuesday but it'll go on sale at the end of next week. read more »

News in Brief: One More Thing: The iPad is not the Messiah

TechRadar — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Twas the moment before an Apple launch and all through the web, not a troll was stirring, not even a pleb… yes it's today's One More Thing which has been cunningly posted just before the internet goes crazy about Apple's new shiny thing.

Hopefully you will agree that it has been filled with 10 remarkable stories which will help you pass the time before Tim Cook enters stage left with a gadget that'll change everything… again. read more »

In pictures: Toshiba VL9 passive 3D TV series

TechRadar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:33:00 +0000

Toshiba has announced the update to its VL series of passive 3D TVs, unveiling its new VL9 TVs at its Partner Summit 2012 conference.

The VL9 series is at the top of its Smart 3D LED TV line-up and offers polarised 3D viewing to consumers - and comes without the company's Regza branding, which has been dropped in the UK.

As this is the top of the range TV it's interesting that Toshiba has opted to add passive 3D to the range, but it told TechRadar that it wasn't just about the 3D but the bigger processor inside the TV and the fact it offers 200Hz screen technology. read more »

In pictures: Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop

TechRadar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Toshiba has revealed it is has brought its glasses-free 3D technology to its Satellite range for the first time, with the the arrival of the Toshiba Satellite P855 series laptop.

The laptop was unveiled at Toshiba's 2012 Partner Summit and although Toshiba is being a little coy on some of the specs, we do have a little bit of information about what you will see when the P855 lauches in the UK.

HTC Evo 3D price down to just £207

TechRadar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:19:00 +0000

The HTC Evo 3D release date might have been ages ago, but it has suddenly become attractive again thanks to a mighty price drop.

The phone, which once retailed for over £500, is now a snip at £207 from everybody's favourite bum-spanking retailer, Asda. read more »

Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop announced

TechRadar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:14:00 +0000

Toshiba has announced the arrival of the Toshiba Satellite P855 series laptop, which brings the company's glasses-free 3D technology to its mid-price laptops for the first time.

Announced at Toshiba's 2012 Partner Summit, with TechRadar in attendance, the laptop offers a brushed aluminium finish, with Harrman Kardon speakers, the latest Intel Series CPU, Nvidia 630 GT series graphics and it also comes with a 15.6-inch screen.

Toshiba has also remade its trackpad to free up some space. The trackpad is actually bigger as it does away with buttons and brings click-down technology instead. read more »

Android embraces high-quality 3D apps

TechRadar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:48:00 +0000

No more will Android apps be confined to a mere 50MB as Google allows developers to produce applications up to 4GB in size.

The news broke on the Android Developers blog, which highlighted that the smaller app size "is usually better - every megabyte you add makes it harder for your users to download and get started", but notes that a size increase is necessary for "some types of apps, like high-quality 3D interactive games". read more »

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

There's nothing like a new version of Windows to make you and your PC feel inadequate and out of date.

But don't worry, Windows 8 won't be out for a while yet and if you really want to you can install the Windows 8 Consumer Preview for free just to try it out. Read TechRadar's hands on review to see what all the fuss is about.

Meanwhile, it's been another interesting week in the world of tech, with several products catching our eye in particular. read more »

TechRadar Deal: Today's deal: Sharp 52" 3D TV, 2 pairs of glasses and soundbar system

TechRadar — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Today we are offering a 52" Sharp Quattron 3D TV along with the world's slimmest soundbar system and two pairs of 3D glasses for £1,500 - a saving of 32% off the usual price of £2217.

The Aquos LE831 series uses the very latest Sharp image technology to give you the best viewing experience, no matter what you're watching - 2D or 3D. Thanks to the Quattron 4-colour-pixel technology, the picture, with its natural colours, really comes alive and is rich in contrast and depth. read more »

MWC 2012: MWC 2012: all the latest details

TechRadar — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:20:00 +0000

MWC 2012: Phones and tablets

MWC 2012 is well underway, offering the world the fastest, sleekest and most powerful new mobile devices on the planet.

This year quad-core processors are a big theme from all the top manufacturers, while we've also seen several tablets launch. read more »

Review: BenQ XL2420T

TechRadar — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Ever eager to hit the ground with the latest eye-candy, here's BenQ's excellent XL2420T.

When it comes to PC monitors, there are two things we find particularly tiresome. The first is novelty "gaming" monitors underpinned by cynical marketing tie-ins. The second is finding yet another TN panel under our noses.

Say hello, then, to the new BenQ XL2420T, brought to you by alleged pro-gaming legends HeatoN and SpawN. Yes, we've just barely heard of them, too. And, yup, the BenQ XL2420T has a 24-inch TN panel. Oh dear. read more »

Review: Toshiba 46YL863

TechRadar — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:16:00 +0000

Overview

If you live in the UK, chances are your main impression of Toshiba these days is of a value-driven brand that successfully sells mostly good TVs for less money than you'd expect.

If you live in Japan, though, your impression will be very different. There the brand is at the cutting edge of high-end innovation, thanks to the way it integrates its 'Cell' PC technology into its TVs to deliver extreme feature counts and class-leading picture quality. read more »

Microsoft 3D desktop with Kinect concept revealed

TechRadar — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:06:00 +0000

Microsoft may be currently prepping Windows 8 for the world, but it has still found time to allow all of us a peak at what is to come in the near future, showing off a 3D desktop concept which uses Kinect functionality.

Shown off at its TechForum, the bods at Microsoft Research explained that the 3D-enabled desktop uses a see-through Samsung OLED screen and a Kinect sensor – combined they create a virtual desktop that can be controlled by swipes and gestures. read more »

Exclusive: LG guarantees upgrade to Android Jelly Bean

TechRadar — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:38:00 +0000

LG will guarantee an update to the next full version of Android on all of its 2012 handsets, as long as the phone can support it.

LG's UK Product Manager Shaun Musgrave confirmed this upgrade guarantee which forms part of LG's commitment to "offering the best smartphone experience".

It's expected that the update will be to version 5.0 of Google's operating system which has been nicknamed Android Jelly Bean. read more »

Exclusive: LG working on quad-core LTE solution

TechRadar — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:35:00 +0000

LG has confirmed it is working on a quad-core LTE device which will deliver fantastic speeds without draining battery life. read more »

MWC 2012: Hands on: LG Optimus 3D Max review

TechRadar — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:51:00 +0000

Hands on: LG Optimus 3D Max review

The LG Optimus 3D Max is one of several LG phones to be shown off at MWC 2012 and follows on from the original Optimus 3D delivering a faster, brighter and slimmer handheld 3D experience. read more »

MWC 2012: In Pictures: LG Optimus 3D Max

TechRadar — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:17:00 +0000

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

It's been an exciting week, especially for gamers.

That's because the highly-anticipated Sony PS Vita has finally landed on UK and US shores.

It's an excellent handheld gaming console and we had tons of fun reviewing it. But will the wobbly battery life and lack of polish with some of the software put gamers off? read more »

LG Optimus 4X HD video shows astonishing quad-core speeds

TechRadar — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:23:00 +0000

The first hands-on video with the newly-announced LG Optimus 4X HD has demonstrated the incredible speed of the handset's quad-core processor. read more »

LG Optimus 3D Max announced

TechRadar — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:36:00 +0000

LG will unveil the LG Optimus 3D Max at MWC 2012 in Barcelona, its successor to the world's first glasses free mobile, the Optimus 3D.

We're still not sold on 3D phones, but it looks like LG is banking on the technology as it attempts to stake its claim in the mobile market by pushing the boundaries and offering a unique experience to users. read more »

Panasonic bringing Star Wars 3D to Blu-ray

TechRadar — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:09:00 +0000

Panasonic is set to cement its relationship with LucasFilm and bring Star Wars 3D to Blu-ray in the spring.

Panasonic was the only AV manufacturer in 2011 to bundle the Star Wars Blu-ray with its Blu-ray players and home cinema setups and it seems it has kept this deal and will bring the 3D versions of the movies to homes in the coming months. read more »

In Depth: Future shock: the next decade in computing

TechRadar — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Future computing: The shiny Utopia

Almost nine years ago, I wrote about the next decade of the PC.

I predicted dual-core processors, no more CRT monitors or cables, solid-state drives, plug-and-play networking and the end of the PCI bus. I was right about all those.

We still have cables and spinning hard disks in a lot of computers of course, but it's a fighting retreat, nothing more. read more »

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

TechRadar — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This week we've reviewed Apple's new iBooks creation app for the Mac as well as a cracking pair of cameras and a cracking pair of graphics cards to boot.

There's also a great phone for the US, the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx which takes the existing Razr and adds a huge battery.

Here's our full list of this week's reviews from the site.

Apple iBooks Author read more »

In Depth: 10 bits of tech your kids will laugh at you for owning

TechRadar — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Tech your kids will laugh at

Technology is very like fashion: today's must-have item is often tomorrow's utter embarrassment. read more »

News in Brief: One more thing: Apple makes it in the movies

TechRadar — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:39:00 +0000

It's a big day for the Queen today, as she makes her first appearance in One More Thing having given Samsung the royal nod.

Impressive, but is it as impressive as Apple's appearance in almost half of the box-office topping films of 2011? Or as impressive as 3D printers hitting the catwalk at New York Fashion Week? Yeah, probably actually. Come on, it's the Queen! read more »