Apple Rumoured to use Fingerprint Tech!

Home button fingerprint sensor in 'iPhone 5S' would give Apple a new leg up on the competition

Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone this year with a fingerprint sensor hidden beneath the home button — an intuitive design that could be difficult for competing Android and Windows Phone devices to copy.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities expects Apple's acquisition of AuthenTec to pay off this year with the so-called "iPhone 5S," the company's anticipated next-generation handset. He believes Apple will find a way to integrate the fingerprint sensor into the home button, allowing Apple to keep its "minimalist design."

In contrast, many Android and Windows Phone devices have more than one button below the display, and those buttons frequently lack the mechanical push of Apple's home button. As a result, attempts to integrate fingerprint scanning on competing devices would be less intuitive, and could frustrate users, Kuo said.

He believes that with the addition of a fingerprint sensor below the iPhone's home button, Apple will be able to replace the use of usernames and passwords, allowing users to authenticate in a more efficient manner. He also expects that the fingerprint scanner will integrate with applications such as Passbook to enhance their functionality.

Kuo has a particularly strong track record in predicting Apple's future product pipeline. Last year, the analyst accurately forecast the company's entire fall lineup, including the taller design of the iPhone 5 and iPod touch, thinner iMacs, the iPad mini, and the fourth-generation iPad with Lightning connector.

Beyond the "iPhone 5S," Kuo expects a new handset based on the iPhone 5 design will also launch this year. Kuo's comments are in line with recent rumors, that have pegged Apple as planning to release a more affordable iPhone model this year targeted at emerging markets.

Kuo believes the less expensive iPhone 5 will feature a new design, including a plastic casing, to cut costs and expand Apple's iPhone lineup.

The analyst has also predicted that the iPad mini will gain a Retina display in 2013, while the full-size iPad will sport a lighter and thinner design with a smaller bezel. He also expects new Retina MacBook Pros with cheaper prices, the discontinuation of the legacy MacBook Pros, and a refresh to the Apple TV set-top box — but no full-fledged television set this year.

Water Powered USB Charger

A revolutionary piece of tech, the Powertrekk. A portable fuel cell charger used by outdoor enthusiasts, powered by a small capsule of water this ingenious product can provide up to 10 hours of charging capacity from one small "puck"

With its new simple sleek design, unlike many other similar products on the market, it does not require a recharging from a socket, or solar power so this can be used anywhere without the need for sunshine! Oddly it's splashproof, which is strange in itself seeing as though it needs water to be placed inside the vessel to actually work (Hehe)

It's a green energy solution, which in today's market is apparently what consumers want especially big businesses as everyone's jumping onto the Global Warming band wagon.  Although this product can use electricity to power items which can be charged, its other unique design feature the "Puck" is an alternative for use when not near a power source, so users can switch between the two depending on where they are at the time.

Unlike many other sources such as the above mentioned solar power, the MyFC Powertrekk can be used instantly, just adding water to the enclosed Puck, will instantly provide power. This unique one of a kind device converts hydrogen into power instantly when the mixtures combine, as tested by Jason on The Gadget Show - You see him charging his Iphone instantly upon closing the clasps.

Unfortunately this item is not yet available within the UK, other areas have this product available to them, this is understandable as the UK does not really have the outback or outdoor space other areas like Australia or the USA have. 

Here's the website link for a list of the distributors that will have these items in stock and ready to purchase, the website does state that the device itself will cost around 199 Euros and each puck costing 4 Euros however Jason on The Gadget Show does mention that each Puck costs as little as £1.50 for 10 hours charge, which is actually considerably cheaper then buying Duracell Batteries and using one of those similar chargers.

http://www.powertrekk.com/distributors/

We have contacted the company for more details as to when this item will become available to the public within the UK without shipping charges from other countries, more details to follow if information is received.

http://www.powertrekk.com/powertrekk/

HMV Goes into Administration

HMV is the latest in many of the UK's well known high street retailers to go into administration, over the last few years. Following suite from Curry's - an electrical retailer who recently went bussed after failing to encroach onto the global and online markets.

Although HMV have an online retail store, which is very popular these two companies are not actually one in the same. Recently trying to return a product to the HMV store I was informed by a cashier and manager that as this item was not bought from a store in the UK but from the online store, that they could not issue any form of refund or exchange as the stock and finances are totally seperate! What does this mean? Can we expect to see HMV disapear from our high streets, and continue to shop on their online stores freely?

On another point, what can HMV shoppers expect regarding their returns and their refunds, especially on Pre-Order games like the long awaited GTA V?

Well, these worries now come after HMV requested a lifeline bailout of £300 Million. With the almost certain closing of stores HMV are set to lose a whopping 4,000 staff, long with Jessops who recently went under also having to cut jobs making 1,400 people jobless. This is certainly not what people need to be hearing or seeing in this current economic climate.

Oddly enough, Trever Moore, who is the chief exectuive of HMV at this time, was also a former chief executive of Jessops odd how both companies would go bust so close to one another isnt it? Non executive director of HMV David Adams is also the former chairman of Jessops.

The collapse of HMV would deal a further blow to the high street. Last year saw the failure of JJB Sports, Clinton Cards, Game Group, Peacocks and Blacks Leisure, although most were subsequently acquired in a slimmed-down form

Two Highly Anticipated Games of 2013.

Any of the avid gamers among the fans, will all have their favorite titles which they are waiting for in 2013, but which are they and why? Here's a quick peak at just some of the top titles which will keep us glued to our TV's this year.

#1 Call of Duty - Name TBA

This is a sure fire winner, for all FPS fans, everyone knows of the COD franchise, and just how engrossing their games can be. not much is know about the next release, speculation always starts at the begining of each year, wondering who will be the company behgind the game, which era the game will be set in and most importantly, will the multiplayer be anything like Modern Warfare 1?

In recent years, the COD franchise has released many titles, none in my opinion ever mounting up to the sheer brilliance of MW1 and the old school style behind COD:WAW (My favorite). It's anyone's guess at this stage, hopefully we'll see something very different and a new drastic approach on multiplayer to shake up the market, with other game titles now trying for the no #1 spot in the market, COD will have it's work cut out for it this year.

Many avid fans will hope they stick with the generic current era war fighter simulations, others, who are the veteran COD buyers, will prefer it to revert back to it's WWII days, there isn't much more satisfying then pumping rounds from a Thompson or an M1 Garand into some opposing teams limp bodies.

Any newcomes to the series, may be wishing for a new age fighter, more along the likes of the Crysis models, with super human powers, laser guns and photon torpedo blaster thingies! I wouldn't rule this out, but who's going to even speculate that they'll do this instead of just making Modern Warfare 4...

#2 Grand Theft Auto

Anyone who loves a good old fashioned shoot em up style game, where you can also run around stealing cars, robbing people blind, paying for the privileged of sexual favors for health regenerations, and eating junk food to the point of sickness and obesity, will have loved the confirmation and release date of the new GTA Title. Game, a video games seller in the UK recently posted a tweet detailing a release date of Spring 2013, urging customer to pre-order their copy now to avoid disapointment, this was swiftly removed from Twitter.

Other sellers and magazines have published information and release dates as early as March 1st, with this title heading back towards San Andreas territories, and the reintroduction of flyable planes and rid able bicycles and a three possible playable characters, this is definatly one title that I wont be missing out on.

In other GTA related news, and providing more speculation on the release date of this title, Steam recently had its Winter Sale, meaning most game titles and software was available through the Winter and Xmas periods on a reduced rate, some titles selling for as much as 75% off.

All the time, this sale was on, Steam also introduced 48hour sale changes, where all titles were further reduced from their original reduction, and Flash sales, yes just like flash mobs, every 3-6 hours new sets of sales would appear for even further reductions!!! Crazy sales if you ask me, at which point, I and many others would have noticed the GTA Franchise collection was up on sale for a little under £9 - Surely this would mean, the new game would be coming fairly early in the year? Especially selling GTA IV and it's two accompanying expansions and every other GTA since GTA 1 for that low price.

 

Nvidia Handheld Android and PC Stream device

Nvidia showcased there latest toys at the CES Show in Vegas last week, the device itself seen below, looks other worldy, a mashup of an Xbox controller with a screen glued on. Asthetically, not that pleasing to the eye, gadget wise, impressive wouldn't cover it.

The device, primarily for Android based gaming, can also stream games directly from a home computer, yes, that's right, you could be playing World of Warcraft or Call of Duty on a handheld device directly streamed from you're home computer!

Although the device only pulls out a 5" screen, fairly small for PC gaming really, they've managed to solve this with a direct port over to your home television, along with the releases and showcases at CES we saw new TV sets approaching the 110" mark. Imagine the joy on your child's face, as he or she uses their new handheld gaming device to play Call of Duty on a 110" LED HD Whooper!

Compatibility, you'll have the options to login to many games portals such as Steam, then the ability to play all of your top titles, paid for or free. Especially with steams latest sales now over, many of their customers would have bought some top well known titles for as cheap as just £5. Lookout for any new sales on the steam store, they'll be announcing new releases soon.

With the luxury of having access to Android games, the end user could happily get away with just buying the console, and never having to buy another game again, as Androids app market has thousands of free apps that are very addictive and extremely good fun for the price of, well nothing!

CES Gadget Show - The Future?

With the CES Gadget show of 2013 now over, what does the future hold for technology and electricals?

In the five days, of which 20,000 products were showcased to over 150,000 gadget enthusiasts and business entrepreneurs alike, each and everyone looking for the next big invention or idea which could change the technology world as we know it!

Just 1 item for example, Samsung, of course all the rage with its technology breaking into several markets including televisions with there all new Smart TV ranges, and there brilliantly designed smartphones, taking away Apples thunder and blowing it away with some lightning.

Now they are going one step further? What could they possibly do next?

Everyones had that one idea they'd love to see happen, rumours speculated many years ago, with the expected release of the PSP 2 around the corner, pictures and leaked images arose of a bendable screened device which you could fold into your pocket? No? This couldnt have been true, surely not, it was a fake... Darn you internet trolls!

Samsung's display utilizing Youm's bendy e-paper/

Youm's Bendable Paper screens! 10 points for naming the film?

But now, Samsung have unveiled a new prototype handset, this device will use a new waffer thin plastic screen, replacing the more traditional breakable and hard glass. This plastic, called Youm, is bendable and can be programmed for bending use, such as, with e-readers simply bend the top corner to turn a page.

The manufactures have stated that in years to come, these pieces of e-paper will eventually replace your common laptop tablets and computers in your homes and workplace, each piece of e-paper can be used as a workspace or blank document sheet, when being placed down onto the table will revert the document into an icon, just like your desktop!

Leap Motion's exciting new technology!

In other news, a California based company called Leap Motion, are set to revolutionize the gadget and home computer market, with their stunning 3D and minority report styled technology. In essence this USB sized device, shrouds you're home computing space in a portal of light, and instead of you're generic mouse and keyboard or even your touch input device or tablet, you'll now be pointing the way (Pun intended) with your fingers, yes your fingers, simply pointing at what you want, like a child before they've learnt to speak, and yes, you'll get it too.

Top 5 Smartphones

Buying a new phone in today's technology filled market can be a chore, but with our top five smartphone guide, it should be a doddle!

Generally when buying a product, especially a phone, you look at it's main features, such as it's design and aesthetic appeal, its ability to take high quality photo's or the usability and quality of sound playback for the music buffs among us.

Samsung Galaxy SIII 

We'll start with the infamous Samsung Galaxy SIII (Widely viewed as the best phone on the market)

The Galaxy SIII In All It's Glory!

If you're solely into gadgets and tech, then the SIII is you're choice, it has an unprecedented amount of cool tricks that place it among the best out there, things as simple as swiping your hand across the screen to take a screenshot. With the added availability of an upgradable memory card slot, which most users will find very helpful to store all of those 500,000 apps available on its Google Play store, or one of the others downloadable to the handset.

Most notable about this handset however, its is impressive screen size, with a staggering 4.8" screen size, accompanied by a 1280x720 display resolution, making for crystal clear quality images and video playback. Along with its 1.4Ghz Quad core processor and 2GB Ram, this makes the SIII extremely nippy.

HTC One X+

Now onto the HTC One X+, similar in size to the Samsung, with a 4.7" screen, this phone isn't small by any means. The HTC Boasts a resolution display the same as the Samsung (1280x720) and a built in 32GB Storage and 1GB Ram at it's disposal, it's certainly a forerunner for the best phone around.

The White HTC

One of the main features with the One X+ is it's camera, boasting a whopping 8MP back camera, also featured on The Gadget Show, receiving a 5G Rating for its camera use, as well as recording in Full HD and the ability to take photo's simultaneously, this is one cool feature which impressed upon reveal.

The HTC's other main features, include, Beats Audio, anyone who's anyone knows what Beats Audio is, these Fashion icon's/musical genius's stylish over ear headphones took the music industry by storm, offering an extremely impressive sound quality similar to those of the high end music industry's toys, although these do come at a cost, but you pay for quality in this day and age!

Each HTC One X+ Handset has built in Beats Audio, no matter what headphones you use, you'll have the ability to use the built in Beats Equalizer settings, thus improving the sound quality even with cheaper headphones, we of course recommend that you purchase Beats for the best sound quality when listening to music however!

Another added bonus with the purchase of a HTC, you'll receive a 25GB Allowance to Dropbox - www.DropBox.com DropBox essentially is a cloud based piece of software that will upload your stored data to a server remotely, instantly after taking and saving a photo you'll have it stored in another location for safe keeping. As well as the feature of uploading, you can download this stored data at any other location you wish, and not just with you're HTC! Oh no, you can download it via PC or even another phone handset!

The Iphone 5

Not a personal favorite of mine, but still a top contender, with Apples recent updates, nothing has changed with the only handset model they make, you could say they only make one type because the one they have is good enough. Apple's main feature is it's appealing looks, its more of a fashion statement then a smartphone, not really adding anymore technology or features onto its latest handsets since its Iphone 3 release. They have made small improvements on the screen size whilst still further reducing the width and weight of the phone.

The Iphone 5 - In Black or White

Unfortunately, they've still had trouble making the handset more sturdy and smash proof, this may be because they want more accessory sales from buying a case for the handset, many people in recent times since buying Iphone 4's have dropped there handset from only a small height, to find a smashed front or back screen, still usually being able to use the phone just the same however, which in itself is impressive.

The Iphone 5 has a mere 4" screen size, however it's relatively non exist ant in weight and depth to the others on the market, it's 8MP back camera is it's main feature, boasting some quite high quality images, along with the added use if Icloud and Itunes for syncing, this makes this phone more connective then most especially with the use of a Mac.

With recent updates from Apple to its OS, IOS 6 is now available across the board, enabling the Iphone 5 to be 4G Compatible, boosting its connectivity out and about above and beyond most other handsets of today. Apple do have different storage sized models available, 16/32/64GB options, which unfortunately are not removable storage, meaning customers will need to splash the cash on the higher end models.

The Motorola Droid Razr HD

With a 4.7" Screen and a 8MP Back Camera, this phones certainly following suit, one notable difference is with the connectivity, this handset allows tethering, tethering is a process which allows other devices such as phones computers or tablets etc, to connect to you're device and use your connectivity to gain internet access! This particular handset, actually allows 8 simultaneous devices to connect and use it's 4G service WOW!

The Motorola Droid Razr HD - With it's stylish carbon fiber look

With a mere 12gb usable internal memory, this somewhat lets the phone down, although a Micro SD can bump this up to 44GB usable memory, this is more appealing, but at more of a cost. It's 1.5Ghz Quad Core CPU does however bring it back into the light, making it one of the quickest handsets available.

This new handset from Motorola, does have a stylish side to it, something many car enthusiasts and gadgeteers will find attractive, especially over Apples sheen white or black gloss effects, with its Carbon Fiber look, it not only appears robust, but the adverts would suggest it could stop a lift door closing without damage! 

One thing this handset does have, is a scratch resistant material and screen, as well as a splash proof resistance yes, that's right, splash proof! Waterproofing for a phone! Many people have accidentally spilt liquids onto there handsets and wiped it away frantically, now you'll not have to worry as much, you'll be protected by the latest inventions!

HTC 8X - Windows Phone

Now onto our final member of the Top Five, and by no means the least! This phone is definitely one of the top out there, especially if you're a social media lover! With the revolutionary new Windows 8 platform recently released, this phones connectivity has only one other contender, and that's Apple! In my opinion, time allowed, Windows 8's platform to platform abilities and connectivity will outshine those of Apple's. As the OS can be used in a multitude of different devices, especially within Tablets as well as home PC's and mobile handsets, this allows for infinite connection possibilities.

All of you're social media in one place, this phone does everything you could need, you're emails are synced via Windows Live or any other service you may use, and automatically synced to you're other devices you register with, as well as you're social media accounts, thrusting itself into the social networking scene by allowing notifications and messages/emails to appear in the inbuilt messaging section of the handset, putting all of your messages into one convenient place.

Gaming you may ask? Yes, this phone has it, as many will know, Microsoft, that company behind Windows? They also run Xbox, they have cleverly incorporated Xbox 360 content with their OS, allowing multi platform gaming, something rarely seen today, which James Cordon clearly enjoyed from the advertisement. 

Onto the specs of the handset, not just the software, it's 4G capable, has a 1280X720 resolution, the same as the HTC and Samsung, and a 4.3" screen size, making it's size very user friendly. As with other HTC models, this handset has Beats Audio built in, enabling users to not only enjoy social networking and gaming, but also high quality sound! Obviously you'd expect the camera to be top notch, as with all HTC's, and this is no let down, it's 8MP rear camera with 1080P Recording and autofocus @30fps is certainly impressive for a mobile handset. It also features a spectacular 2.1MP front camera, which is impressive as most other handsets don't feature more then 1.5MP.

Unfortunately this handset only has a 1.5GHz Dual-Core CPU, which may seem a little sluggish upon reading to most viewers, but, with the added bonus of having Windows OS's inbuilt, the power behind this phone is amplified due to the streamlined coding built by Bill Gates's army of geeks, moral of this story, don't be fooled by numbers, its more powerful then it looks. 

Just to top it off, HTC's gone above and beyond with user friendly options, they've only gone and made it available in different colours! Not just you're standard black or white options! Yes, California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow are all available for purchase.