Football Manager 2014
Wednesday 25 December 2013
Football Manager 2014 release date announced as October 31
The Football Manager 2014 release date has been confirmed, with publisher Sega revealing the latest instalment to the much loved franchise will land on October 31.
Letting you take to the touchline as the manager of your own football team, the Football Manager 2014 release date will see the game hit retailers a full month after the two leading football sims, FIFA 14 and PES 2014 are made publically available.
Confirming the new October 31 Football Manager 2014 release date, Sega has pegged the game as “the most feature-packed and technically advanced release in the series’ history.”
Said to benefit from more than 1,000 enhancements over last year’s title, the Football Manager 2014 release date will see the game become more accessible, with developer Sports Interactive introducing cloud saves to let you access in-game progress from any computer.
“The integration of Steam's 'cloud save' functionality means that managers will now be able to continue a single career across a variety of computers, as long as they are logged into their Steam account,” a Sports Interactive spokesperson said. “What's more, the cross-compatibility between the Windows PC, Mac and Linux versions means that a single career can be continued across any and all of these platforms.”
With the October 31 Football Manager 2014 release date covering PC, Mac and Linux versions of the game, Sega has revealed the title will benefit from full Retina display support, as well as the option of creating and exporting YouTube highlight packages from within the game.
As well as bringing a raft of improvements to the computer based platforms, the Football Manager 2014 PS Vita edition will be the first mobile version of the game to support a 3D match engine.
Discussing the mobile title Sports Interactive stated: “The PS Vita game will also be the first handheld version of Football Manager to feature the 3D match engine.”
The developers added: “Football Manager Classic players will not only be able to continue a single career across the three computer platforms, they will also be able to continue that same career while mobile on their PS Vita (the PS Vita version of FM 2014 is also required).”
Read More: Best Games 2013
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Apple launches iOS 7-inspired iCloud Web client
Apple on Tuesday brought the revamped iCloud.com webpage, which is designed to match the style of iOS 7, out of beta, offering users a taste of what to expect when the next-generation mobile platform is released on Wednesday.
One day before iOS 7 will become available to download, Apple has revamped the iCloud Web portal to reflect user interface changes seen in the company's mobile platform. Previously in beta testing, the update brings congruity to the two UIs, offering users a seamless experience when moving from one to the other.
Most apparent is a dynamic background borrowed from iOS 7 that shows a pastel blue gradient with constantly moving blurred orbs. Other features introduced include app icons that match iOS 7 counterparts, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Reminders and Find My iPhone. Icons for beta versions of Pages, Keynote and Numbers are carried over from iOS 6.
It appears that Apple has rolled out the updated website to all users.
One day before iOS 7 will become available to download, Apple has revamped the iCloud Web portal to reflect user interface changes seen in the company's mobile platform. Previously in beta testing, the update brings congruity to the two UIs, offering users a seamless experience when moving from one to the other.
Most apparent is a dynamic background borrowed from iOS 7 that shows a pastel blue gradient with constantly moving blurred orbs. Other features introduced include app icons that match iOS 7 counterparts, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Reminders and Find My iPhone. Icons for beta versions of Pages, Keynote and Numbers are carried over from iOS 6.
It appears that Apple has rolled out the updated website to all users.
Thursday 12 December 2013
Google Nexus 7 2.0 set for Google I O launch with Android Key Lime Pie
The second generation Google Nexus 7 is rumoured to be set for a reveal at Google I/O, and it will lead the charge with Android Key Lime Pie.
It's being rumoured that the Google Nexus 7 2.0 will make an appearance at Google's showcase event on May 15, as reported by IntoMobile. Not only that, but the new tablet will beat the Motorola X Phone and the next Nexus smartphone to the punch by offering the new version of Android OS.
As well as Android Key Lime Pie, the follow-up to the original Google Nexus 7 - which will again be manufactured by Asus - will apparently boast a new Full HD 1080p display.
It's also being rumoured that the new compact tablet will drop the Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU for a more capable quad-core replacement. This is likely to be Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro processor.
According to reports, the Google Nexus 7 2.0 could well come with a slimmer, lighter form factor - possibly with a thinner bezel in line with the iPad mini.
Google Nexus 7 2.0 Storage and Release Date
Google will again restrict the storage capacity to 16 or 32GB, and there will once again be no room for a microSD slot. It's said that Google wants to push people towards its Google Drive cloud storage solution instead.
To help access this online storage, the second generation Nexus 7 will come with network connectivity on top of the usual Wi-Fi as standard. It could even be LTE (4G) ready.
Despite these boosted hardware specs, it's believed that the Google Nexus 7 version 2.0 (or whatever they end up calling it) will keep the same ultra-low price, which means you'll be able to get all this 7-inch tablet goodness and the very latest Android OS for just £159.
As we reported earlier in the month, it's believed that the Google Nexus 7 2.0 will be released in July - a rumour that's been repeated recently by the International Business Times.
Would this spec boost convince you to buy a second generation Google Nexus 7? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sunday 8 December 2013
Apple's iOS 7 to give iPhone users easy access to WiFi controls, common actions
It took more than five years, but Apple said Monday that iOS 7 will finally provide iPhone owners with access to toggle WiFi on and off, adjust screen brightness, and execute other common tasks without having to tediously drill-down into their device's settings panel.
Those seemingly trivial, but long-absent, capabilities form the basis of Control Center, a new feature in iOS 7 due for release later this fall. It promises to give iOS users quick access to the controls and apps they use most, letting them swipe up from the bottom of their device at any time — even from the Lock screen.
With existing versions of iOS, something as simple and common as shutting off WiFi typically requires around 4 clicks — first unlocking the phone, finding the Settings application, and then navigating to the WiFi controls. But iOS 7 promises to cut this number in half.
From the same panel, iPhone (iPad, and iPod touch) users will also be able to toggle Airplane mode settings, Bluetooth, and Do Not Disturb. Additionally, it will offer one click access to lock an iOS device's screen orientation or adjust its brightness.
Music playback controls, access to AirPlay-enabled devices, screen brightness controls, and screen orientation lock are among some of the other controls Apple says will come built into Control Center. The base of the panel also links to the Camera, Timer, and Calculator in addition to the first official Apple Flashlight — apps the company says users frequently need the most.
Based on the beta of iOS 7.0 shown off on Monday, Apple also appears to building a new feature into Control Center called AirDrop. Originally making its debut a couple of years ago in Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, the WiFi service lets nearby Apple devices automatically discover one another and share files remotely without the need of a WiFi network, network configuration, or USB storage devices.
Sky+HD box with integrated Wi-Fi lands, now standard with new subscriptions
Sky+ HD Box with Wi-Fi
Sky has launched its new Sky HD box with integrated Wi-Fi, making the new connected TV service provider available as standard with new Sky HD subscriptions.
The first time the company has offered its Sky HD boxes with integrated wireless internet access, the new Sky HD Wi-Fi box is partnered by a 2TB version for those with demanding recording and storage needs. Previously Sky HD users required a separate dongle to enjoy wire-free web access.
"Record levels of On Demand viewing show that Sky customers love the flexibility the service offers,” Luke Bradley-Jones, Sky’s Brand Director of TV Products, said. “When people connect their Sky HD box to broadband they get instant access to the UK’s biggest Catch Up TV service and an extensive On Demand library of TV Box Sets and exclusive movies – and we’re seeing a growing demand.”
He added: “We want even more people to enjoy these benefits, so we’re making it easier to get connected by launching our best ever Sky HD box with built-in Wi-Fi and offering existing customers a free On Demand connector.”
Allowing for easier access to the company’s online outlets, the new Wi-Fi enabled Sky HD boxes will enable users to get instant access to a raft of on-demand and catch-up services, including the likes of BBC iPlayer, 4OD and Sky’s own On Demand service.
For those existing customers without the Wi-Fi enabled Sky HD box, Sky has confirmed that it will be offering out free additional Sky On Demand Connector units until October 13. The Wi-Fi enabled connector usually costs £21.95.
With the new 2TB Sky HD box providing enough storage space for up to 350 hours of HD recordings, Sky has confirmed that it will bolster its array of on-demand content in the coming weeks.
With 20 new On Demand channels to be introduced in the coming months, the TV service provider has revealed than catch-up services for the Discovery Channel, Dave, Gold and the Cartoon Network will all touch down before the year’s end.
Read More: NOW TV box review
Wednesday 4 December 2013
BlackBerry admits it is open to private sale
BlackBerry Z10
BlackBerry has released an official press statement admitting it is looking at “strategic alternatives” for the company.
Confirming previous tips that BlackBerry is considering going private to fix problems behind closed doors, the Canadian smartphone manufacturer has confirmed it is looking deeply into the financial future of the company.
These “strategic alternatives” could lead to the sale of the company or joint ventures or partnerships as the future for BlackBerry and its BB10 smartphones.
BlackBerry has set up a Special Committee to explore these alternative options, hoping to increasing BlackBerry 10 adoption for its BlackBerry Q10, BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q5 as well as upcoming handsets such as the rumoured BlackBerry Z30.
“Given the importance and strength of our technology, and the evolving industry and competitive landscape, we believe that now is the right time to explore strategic alternatives”, said Timothy Dattels, Chairman of BlackBerry’s Special Committee of the Board.
“During the past year, management and the Board have been focused on launching the BlackBerry 10 platform and BES 10, establishing a strong financial position, and evaluating the best approach to delivering long term value for customers and shareholders,” added Dattels.
In the most recent financial quarter, BlackBerry lost $84 million (£54 million), with that figure only expect to grow before the next financial report at the end of September.
“We continue to see compelling long-term opportunities for BlackBerry 10, we have exceptional technology that customers are embracing, we have a strong balance sheet and we are pleased with the progress that has been made in our transition,” commented BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins.
BlackBerry’s latest range of BB10 handsets are still struggling to gain any traction in the smartphone market against the tirade of Google’s Android OS and Apple’s iOS devices.
“As the Special Committee focuses on exploring alternatives, we will be continuing with our strategy of reducing cost, driving efficiency and accelerating the deployment of BES 10, as well as driving adoption of BlackBerry 10 smartphones, launching the multi-platform BBM social messaging service, and pursuing mobile computing opportunities by leveraging the secure and reliable BlackBerry Global Data Network.”
Next, read our pick of the best mobile phones of 2013.
Sunday 1 December 2013
Microsoft should have ignored Xbox One policy moans, says game developer
Xbox One
Gaming giant Microsoft could live to regret its decision to backtrack on its DRM and online check-in policies for the Xbox One, according to one developer.
The company has performed a series of humbling 'Xbox 180s' since the console was announced earlier this year, negating the need for users to check in online once a day, ending the prospect of restrictions on used games, while making the console region free.
Although this climbdown was greeted joyously as a victory by some in the gaming community, Jesse Schell, professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center, said the Microsoft should have stood by its innovations, despite the risk of a public backlash.
He told GamesIndustry International: "Your customers want you to stay the same, even if it drives you into the ground. The reality is that companies can't do what the customers want."
The respected developer said Microsoft wasted an opportunity to define the next generation of gaming in its own terms, but has now resigned itself to giving into customers who want more of the same from the new console.
Schell claimed companies end up failing because they listen to their customers too much, something that Microsoft risks now it has caved on the new features it had planned for Xbox One.
He added: "So now Microsoft has had to say they won't do all that stuff, but someone will. That's how it always goes. This is the lesson of the innovator's dilemma. Why is it that big companies fail when the technology changes? It happens in every industry, so what's the pattern? What are they all doing wrong?
"Everyone says, 'Oh, it's because they're stupid. Big companies are stupid.' They can't be stupid. How did they get that big and stay that big if they're stupid? Microsoft isn't stupid.
"There's one mistake that they all make, and that mistake is listening to their customers.
"The problem is that the hardcore folks always want the same thing: 'We want exactly what you gave us before, but it has to be completely different.' When you want to do something really different - the solution to the innovator's dilemma - you can't take your big brand and say it's going to be completely different."
Do you agree with Schell? Will Microsoft come to regret its decision to play to the masses, or was it right to backtrack before too much damage was done in the forthcoming battle with the Sony PS4? Let us know in the comments section below.
Via CVG
Wednesday 27 November 2013
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Pros
Improved controls. Comfortable to hold and type on.
- Cons Cheesy styling. Poor voice quality. Non-standard headphone jack. Awful camera. No 3G.
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Bottom Line
The Pantech Jest 2 on Verizon Wireless is no longer a bad joke like the first model, but it's still not appealing unless your needs are very modest.
The original Pantech Jest (2 stars) wasn't all that funny, and unfortunately the new Jest 2 isn't much of an improvement. It swaps the first version's fatally flawed touchpad for a proper five-way control pad, and it's now a true world phone as well. If you want something small for voice calls and frequent texting, it's only a decent, middling choice now. Aside from its odd shape, this cell phone still doesn't stand out in any way.
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Design, Controls, and Voice Quality
The Jest 2 looks a lot like the original version, which isn't a great thing at all, but at least it's comfortable to use. It measures a squat 3.7 by 2.6 by 0.6 inches (HWD) and weighs 4.1 ounces. The smooth, glossy plastic and rounded edges make it especially easy to slip the Jest into a pants pocket or purse, while the rubberized back panel adds comfort during long phone calls. The 2.4-inch, 320-by-240-pixel LCD looks bright and colorful.
View all 6 photos in gallery
The controls are a vast improvement over the last model, with a regular five-way control pad front and center and two hardware function keys in lieu of finicky capacitive buttons. Pantech also moved the four main function keys down a bit, and blended them into a single button bar with a textured surface that's easy to use one-handed. Pantech left the original keyboard largely intact, although the new one has more attractive, metallic red accents and brighter backlighting, which looks sharp.
Unlike the first model, the Pantech Jest 2 is a real globetrotter, with dual-band 1xRTT (850/1900 MHz) and quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) support for calls made overseas. But despite the 3G/CDMA sticker on the side, the Jest 2 is squarely a 2G-only device. There's no Wi-Fi either, but feature phones usually don't have Wi-Fi.
Voice quality was pretty poor, with a honking, midrangey sound in the earpiece that was uncomfortable to listen to. Transmissions through the microphone sounded thin and brittle, with plenty of street noise filtering through. Reception was average. Calls sounded fine through an Aliph Jawbone Era Bluetooth headset ($129, 4 stars) and the Nuance-powered voice dialing worked well over Bluetooth. The speakerphone sounded a bit harsh but had decent gain, if not quite enough for use outdoors. Compared with the first version, battery life fell almost an hour to 5 hours and 57 minutes of talk time, but this is still pretty good.
User Interface, Apps, and Multimedia
This is really just a voice call and texting phone, but we'll dive in and talk about its other features just for completion's sake. The home screen's animated wallpaper is cute. The main menu consists of nine icons arranged in a grid pattern. Verizon finally dropped its ridiculous $5-per-month charge for e-mail, and now gives you free access as part of the $10 data plan (which also lets you browse the Web). One nice bonus: You get Opera Mini as the default browser. Opera's server side compression helps with delivering Web pages more quickly, though there's only so much you can do on 2G; stick with WAP sites and it works well enough. You also get voice-enabled, turn-by-turn GPS directions with VZ Navigator for an additional $10 per month.
The Jest 2 still isn't much of a multimedia phone, though. The non-standard 2.5mm headphone jack makes finding decent sounding earbuds virtually impossible. There's just 44MB of free internal memory—bizarre, since the original version had almost a gigabyte free. At least the Jest 2 recognized all tracks on my 32GB SanDisk microSD card, not just the ones in a specific folder. Music tracks sounded clear and bright through Plantronics BackBeat Go Bluetooth headphones ($79, 4 stars), and I heard none of the dropouts that plagued the first Pantech Jest. Standalone video playback is out, though.
Camera and Conclusions
The 2-megapixel camera has no flash or auto-focus, and is, to put it bluntly, a total disaster. There's about a second of delay between when you hear the shutter sound and when the photo is actually taken, meaning you'll have to sit perfectly still or risk blurring the result. Even when I did sit still, photos had plenty of color noise and were never completely sharp. The video recorder is also completely useless, thanks to its maximum 176-by-144-pixel video size, which is barely larger than the resolution of an iPhone app icon. There's no excuse for this on a phone today, even a free one, especially since plenty of low-end devices with 1.3-megapixel cameras snap usable photos.
Feature phones are a tough sell to begin with these days, thanks to steadily dropping smartphone prices. The Jest 2 acquits itself better than the first model, but just barely. It's a decent buy if you want a free phone for lots of texting and voice calls, and you have a separate point-and-shoot camera and iPod. Another good texting alternative is the LG Cosmos 2 (Free, 3 stars), with its better voice quality, more traditional dimensions, roomier horizontal QWERTY keyboard, and second numeric keypad. Our favorite feature phone on Verizon Wireless remains the admittedly expensive Casio G'zOne Ravine 2 ($199.99, 4 stars), which offers stellar voice quality and stands up to plenty of abuse, although it's not a texting phone like the Jest 2.
Benchmarks
Continuous talk time: 5 hours 57 minutes
More Cell Phone Reviews:
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Friday 22 November 2013
Apple seeds seventh OS X Mountain Lion beta to developers
Continuing with its one-week beta release cycle, Apple on Wednesday seeded the latest version of its forthcoming OS X 10.8.5 Mountain Lion maintenance update, the seventh such release since the first beta was pushed out in June.
The most recent build, dubbed 12F30, contains no known issues and Apple asks developers to concentrate on the same areas as the previous beta version, people familiar with the release said. As with past versions, the latest build requests developers test Wi-Fi and graphics specifically.
Alongside the upcoming Mountain Lion update, Apple is currently testing OS X 10.9 Mavericks and iOS 7 ahead of expected launches this fall. While the releases haven't revealed much in the way of new features, a line of code discovered in the latest iOS seed pointed to a "Biometric Kit," the first substantial evidence that the next-generation iPhone will include a fingerprint sensor.
Developers can download Wednesday's build via Software Update or Apple's developer portal.
The most recent build, dubbed 12F30, contains no known issues and Apple asks developers to concentrate on the same areas as the previous beta version, people familiar with the release said. As with past versions, the latest build requests developers test Wi-Fi and graphics specifically.
Alongside the upcoming Mountain Lion update, Apple is currently testing OS X 10.9 Mavericks and iOS 7 ahead of expected launches this fall. While the releases haven't revealed much in the way of new features, a line of code discovered in the latest iOS seed pointed to a "Biometric Kit," the first substantial evidence that the next-generation iPhone will include a fingerprint sensor.
Developers can download Wednesday's build via Software Update or Apple's developer portal.
Wednesday 20 November 2013
iPad 5 fascia picture appears online
iPad 5 fascia leak
A picture of what appear to be an iPad Air fascia have emerged online, revealing the upcoming Apple slate will greatly resemble the iPad mini.
If the fascia is accurate, the fifth generation of the Apple’s 9.7-inch slate could feature the same design touches as the iPad mini and iPhone 5 with greatly reduced bezel.
Such a bezel reduction could even mean that the iPad 5 could use a larger screen size, perhaps upping the current 9.7-inch display to the full 10-inches or larger, akin to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.
The photo has appeared via French blog Nowhereelse, which has been a fairly reliable rumour monger thus far, so we could be looking at the new iPad 5 design.
iPad 5 Rumours
Online rumours have often suggested that the iPad 5 will come sporting a revamped design and form factor, with most suggesting the tablet will mimic the design features of the iPad mini, including the aforementioned narrower bezel, redesigned speakers and relocated microphone.
Following in the design footsteps of the iPad mini and iPhone 5, the iPad 5 should wield the same brushed metal finish on the rear of the device.
Along with the iPhone 5S and iPad mini 2, the iPad 5 could be one of the first Apple devices to come pre-installed with iOS 7. The fifth-generation Apple tablet could also pack an IGZO screen panel for employing a lower-capacity battery unit without loss of stamina.
Apple’s A6X chip processor currently used in the iPad 4 should also get a performance boost, along with a higher-resolution camera and sharper graphics than its predecessors.
The rumour mill has tipped an iPad 5 release date to lie somewhere in September, which would be exactly a year after the iPad 4 release, tying in with Apple’s usual annual launch schedule.
Via: Pocket-Lint
