5FWD

Episode 3 - Human Car

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:54:00 +0100

Polly is behind the wheel of The Human Car – a 4 seater vehicle that uses hand cranks to move. It can take on hills at 30mph, has a top speed of 60mph and is expected to go on sale next year. But is it a realistic proposition for personal transport? Polly gets behind the wheel to find out.

Read Episode 3 – Human Car on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Phone charging trousers

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:07:00 +0100

Jason and Rachel build a pair of trousers that can charge your tech while you walk. A genius idea, but how practical are they really? They both head out to the streets of Birmingham with their phone charging trousers to test them on the failing batteries of the general public.

Phone charging trousers

With Thanks to

Clarke CWB1700P 5 Drawer Workbench from Machine Mart

Alpha 18k Light

Seamstress

Sony TV’s

Unicol.com

Logitech

Zaor Studio Furniture

Read Episode 3 – Phone charging trousers on 5FWD

Episode 3 - E-readers

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:36:00 +0100

Rachel and Jason are busy testing backlit Ereaders. They start in the studio, where they set up their own bedroom environment and see how the devices perform in low lightsettings. Then they head to the beach, well a pretend beach, complete with giant deck chairs and an 18k movie light providing that tropical sunshine feeling. They see how each Ereader performs in sunlight before deciding on their favourite and the one we should all be taking on holiday.

E-readers

Kobo Aura HD
Best Price: £139.99

Kindle Paperwhite
Best Price: £169.00 (Wi-Fi and 3G)

NOOK Simple Touch Glowlight
Best price: £69.00

With Thanks to
Aldo Kane

Heart Park

Alpha 18k Light

Oak Furniture Land

Tokyo Contemporary Solid Oak Bed

Tokyo Contemporary Solid Oak Dressing Table & Stool

Tokyo Contemporary Solid Oak Bedside

Read Episode 3 – E-readers on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Sound Bars with Al Murray

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:10:00 +0100

Pub Landlord and comedy favourite Al Murray joins us to test out the latest in soundbar technology. Al sets up 3 soundbars in his living room and listens to his own live stand up DVD through each of them in turn, before devising his as live listening test. Al is a keen drummer, and so he records himself playing his beloved drum kit and then plays it back through the soundbars. Which one is best at creating that “as live” sound?

Jon Bentley teams up with ex royal marine commando Aldo Kane and heads to the glorious mountains of the Lake District to test the latest crop of walking boots. They tackle various terrains on their hike and find out which pair is best.

Sound Bars with Al Murray

Orbitsound M12
Best price : £399.95

Samsung HW-F750
Best price : £529.95

Sonos Playbar
Best Price : £599.00

ROLAND V-Pro TD-30KV Electronic Drum Kit/a>
Best price £3,349.00

With Thanks to
Aldo Kane
Honister Slate Mine

Cumbria Tourism

George Fishers Outdoors
Read Episode 3 – Sound Bars with Al Murray on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Aerial Photography

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:34:00 +0100

Rachel and Jason test out the “Balloon Mapping Kit.” This is a helium balloon that works like a kite. You attach your mobile phone to it and send it up into the sky, where it will take photos and give you your very own birds eye view of the world around you.

Aerial Photography

Balloon Mapping Kit (Price correct as of 06/06/2013)
Best Price: £83.09 (US Import)

Canon PowerShot A3500 IS
Best Price: £83.94

Read Episode 3 - Aerial Photography on 5FWD

Huawei Ascend P6: Meet the world's slimmest Android smartphone!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:30:00 +0100

Forget giant phablets, thin is back in and Chinese phone maker Huawei has just unleashed its latest and slimmest phone yet. Say hello to the Huawei Ascend P6, a handset that’s not only the skinniest Android blower out there, but one comes packing a huge five-megapixel front-facing camera. Is this your next Android blower?

Huawei took the wraps off its all-new handset today during its London press event, and it comes armed with some super slim figures and hot hardware. The Ascend P6’s all-metallic body sizes up at just 6.18mm thick, but inside you’ll still find a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, joined by 2GB of RAM. Storage fiends might not be impressed with the 8GB of internal space on offer, but the Ascend P6 comes with a microSD slot that lets you boost up the storage space a further 32GB – more than enough for all your media and apps.

Huawei Ascend Y300: Incredible £60 Android phone hits the UK!

Up on top, there’s a 4.7-inch 720p HD display which is joined by a whopping five-megapixel front-facing camera that’s touted as “industry leading”, but it just sounds perfect for Snapchat. On the rear, there’s a decent eight-megapixel snapper that’s capable of capturing 1080p full HD video and is armed with a 4cm macro, while on the software-side of things the phone is running the latest version of Android, version 4.2.2, with Huawei’s custom Emotion user interface dolloped on top.

If you’re wanting to get your hands on Huawei’s latest device, you won’t have to wait long: it’s set to hit shelves from next month, and you’ll be able to pick it up from Vodafone, O2, Orange and the Carphone Warehouse in either black, white or hot pink variants.

Is Huawei’s slimmest phone yet enough to entice you away from the likes of the Galaxy S4, or are you waiting to see what Samsung has on offer during its event on Thursday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Nokia promises to “Reinvent Zoom” next month: Is the ultimate camera phone coming?
Read Huawei Ascend P6: Meet the world’s slimmest Android smartphone! on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Walking Boots

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:18:00 +0100

Jon Bentley teams up with ex royal marine commando Aldo Kane and heads to the glorious mountains of the Lake District to test the latest crop of walking boots. They tackle various terrains on their hike and find out which pair is best.

Walking Boots

Karrimor KSB Alpiniste Event Mens Walking Boots
Best Price: £100

La Sportiva Trango S Evo GTX
Best Price: £199

Mammut Mens Merlon GTX
Best Price: £180

With Thanks to
Aldo Kane

Honister Slate Mine

Cumbria Tourism

George Fishers Outdoors
Read Episode 3 – Walking Boots on 5FWD

Episode 3 - The Razer Edge

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:04:00 +0100

Jason takes a look at one of the most hotly anticipated pieces of gaming tech this year – The Razer Edge. This is the world’s most powerful gaming tablet and Jason has managed to get his hands on one to play in the studio.

The Razer Edge

Razor Edge Pro (Price correct as of 06/06/2013)
RRP: £970.94 (US Import)

Read Episode 3 – The Razer Edge on 5FWD

Tronity Root 101: Open source tablet arrives to take on Apple and Asus

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:45:00 +0100

Google’s Android operating system may be open-source, but the tablets that run it are not – except for this one. Meet the Root 101, an open-source tablet designed with hackers in mind, and it’s looking for your backing on a crowdfunding site right now.

Google open-sources Android so that manufacturers can use it on their devices for free, and add to it as they see fit, but they don’t then share their work in the same way. Most of them anyway: the team at Tronity are working on a Google tablet with a twist.

The 10.1-inch Root 101 tablet looks much like an Nexus device, and with stock Android 4.2 Jelly Bean software on board too it behaves like one too. But the team of three behind it plan to release all the code for the device as they work on it, and host custom firmware created by hackers for it too, so if you don’t like what it ships with, you can change it.

See our full Google Nexus 7 video review here

It’s no slouch of a device either, with a HD screen, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor and the ability to pump video to your telly via an HDMI cable – not bad for $169 (£108).

Right now, the team are raising funds on Kickstarter rival Indiegogo, but with $2,089 of $185,000 raised so far at the time of writing, it doesn’t look certain whether the Tronity team will meet its goal, but with a planned shipping date of mid-August, it looks like much of the work may already be done. Will you be chipping in? Let us know what you make of their plans in the comments below.

Watch our full iPad mini review now

Read Tronity Root 101: Open source tablet arrives to take on Apple and Asus on 5FWD

Five of the best controllers for your phone

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:58:00 +0100

Games are getting better and better on mobiles, but sometimes, touchscreen controls and twin thumbsticks on glass just don’t cut it when you’re in the heat of the action – especially when your fingers cramp up. Read on for our pick of the best controllers to get gaming done on your phone, and you’ll be blasting your way to a new high score in no time at all.

iCade 8-Bitty

We’re a fan of iCade’s retro-inspired blast from the past, which takes the classic NES Controller design and slaps on an extra set of face buttons and shoulder buttons, and it works perfectly works with your iPhone, iPad or Android device. The 8-Bitty falls short when you need a pair of analog sticks for more accuracy when you’re gunning down bad guys, but it’s absolutely ideal for side-scrolling retro games and emulators – although you might be limited to those that actually support it.

iControlPad

The iControlPad was one of the first big name controllers available for mobiles, which you can use with many games or emulators on Android, plus it includes iCade compatibility right out of the box for iOS devices. You’ll find the iControlPad solidly made thanks to its sturdy build quality, plus there are analog sliders on top that perform better than the PSP – but they fall short of the benchmark set by the Nintendo 3DS or PlayStation Vita. You can hook up your phone right to the controller itself by either attaching it with side clamps or via a ‘L’ shaped bracket that can adapt to a variety of different phones, and you can start to get your gaming done on the go.

Moga game controller hits the UK: Make your own Nvidia Shield!

Gametel

The Gametel Bluetooth controller goes ahead and actually couples up with your phone thanks to its own retractable clip that holds your blower snugly against the gamepad itself. Much like the 8-Bitty, it only has digital controls, meaning you’re out of luck if you need to look around a 3D world, but its solid performance is perfect for retro titles. Out of the box it works with iCade-compatible games on iOS devices, and Android 4.0 phones, as well as older Android devices thanks to a keyboard mode to get you blasting the bad guys sooner, rather than later.

SteelSeries Free

Pro gaming goods maker SteelSeries has a compact mobile controller called the Free that works with iOS and Android mobiles, and it features fully realised analog sticks rather than the slide-pads seen on many other controllers. You’ll find a solid build quality that would match up with any first-party console controller, plus a long-lasting battery life, and it can even double up for use on your PC or Mac for when you want to hook up your computer to the big screen and get your gaming done on the couch.

Sony DualShock 3

Got a spare PlayStation 3 controller rolling around? Pair it up with your Android phone for an instant gamepad, so you can rock up with your favourite games without having to splash out for a dedicated controller. The only catch is that unless you have a supported Sony Android phone, you’ll need to get your device rooted, but you can find out how to pair up the couple here to get your handheld gaming on.

Wikipad gaming tablet coming to the UK!
Read Five of the best controllers for your phone on 5FWD

Ouya

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:28:05 +0100

Ouya. No, that’s not an exclamation of alarm – it’s the name of a new kind of open-source gaming system which runs Android and connects to your TV, offering the value of mobile gaming on a large screen. For just £99, it’s priced well below modern consoles, but can it really be considered a challenger? Ahead of its high street release in just a few weeks’ time, we plugged on in to find out. Has this Kickstarter sensation been worth the wait?

Five amazing retro consoles revamped for 2013!

Five ways to stream your games on the go now!

Read the full Ouya review on 5FWD

Sony wind-up charger powers your iPhone by hand!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:50:00 +0100

Festival season is upon us once again, and with it comes the inevitable conundrum: how do you keep your phone charged for an entire weekend while you’re living it large in a tent? While Vodafone’s USB sleeping bag could prove the trick in years to come, it isn’t a mass market product just yet, but Sony’s got you covered with its new wind-up charger that can even juice up a smartphone!

Sony’s new ICF-B88 wind-up radio, due out next month, does more than just play hand cranked tunes from FM radio stations. It can charge your gadgets via a USB outlet and double up as a torch, and if you get some glorious weather on your weekend away it can even juice up your phone via its built-in solar panel too. The whole thing is drip proof as well, so it should stand a washout, which let’s face it, is far more likely at a British festival.

Ten essential gadgets for the festival season!

Want one? The portable 329g charger goes on sale in Japan on 20 July, though the company hasn’t revealed a price just yet.

Would you try and charge your iPhone by hand? Tell us how you stay online away from the mains in the comments below.

Top six tents for the festival season!
Read Sony wind-up charger powers your iPhone by hand! on 5FWD

Geak Watch: Is this the world's first true smartwatch?

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:04:00 +0100

If you can’t wait for the smartwatches from Apple, Google and Samsung to roll out, and if you don’t fancy tinkering with a Sony SmartWatch, Shanghai-based company Geak has you covered. It’s beaten the big names in tech to the punch with its simply named Geak Watch – and it’s packing full-fat Android and a whole host of powerful smartphone components under the hood. Say hello to what its makers are calling the world’s first true smartwatch!

With its 1.55-inch touchscreen and 8mm-thin iPhone-esque appearance, the Geak Watch could be the smartwatch of your dreams, as it runs Android 4.1, it can download apps and receive updates thanks to its Wi-Fi module crammed in, and can even send messages and emails through it thanks to its voice-to-text capabilities. There’s also Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC for pairing it up with your device of choice, a whole host of different watch faces to choose from as well as GPS and FM radio, which you can listen to through the headphone jack if you fancy.

Motorola: Forget the smartwatch, we’re making the smart tattoo!

If that’s not already too much crammed into a device that sits on your wrist, the Geak watch can also monitor your sleeping pattern, mood, pulse, blood pressure and it also has a pedometer stuffed in to count your steps. You’ll find it powered by a speedy 1GHz processor which is paired up with a decent 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, making it even more powerful than some phones out there. There’s no word on how it performs on its battery, but we’d be disappointed if you couldn’t get at least a whole day out of it.

You’ll find it priced up at around £210, but it’s only able to be pre-ordered in China from 3 July – but we’ll let you know as soon a proper British price and date is announced, as it certainly sounds like a dream watch.

Are you interested in the superpowered Geak Watch or would you rather keep your wrist wear analogue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Agent: Meet the wireless charging smartwatch!
Read Geak Watch: Is this the world’s first true smartwatch? on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Walking Boots

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:03:00 +0100

Jon Bentley teams up with ex royal marine commando Aldo Kane and heads to the glorious mountains of the Lake District to test the latest crop of walking boots. They tackle various terrains on their hike and find out which pair is best.
Watch Episode 3 – Walking Boots on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Human Car

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Polly is behind the wheel of The Human Car – a 4 seater vehicle that uses hand cranks to move. It can take on hills at 30mph, has a top speed of 60mph and is expected to go on sale next year. But is it a realistic proposition for personal transport? Polly gets behind the wheel to find out.

  Watch Episode 3 - Human Car on 5FWD

 

Mammut Merlon GTX

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Got broader feet than average? The Mammut Merlon GTX boots might just be the hiking solution for you. While they’re not quite as comfortable as La Sportiva’s Trango S, they’re hard wearing and sturdy, thanks to a clever free-floating system. See what we mean in the group test video above.
Read the full Mammut Merlon GTX review on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Phone Charging Trousers

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Jason and Rachel build a pair of trousers that can charge your tech while you walk. A genius idea, but how practical are they really? They both head out to the streets of Birmingham with their phone charging trousers to test them on the failing batteries of the general public.
Watch Episode 3 – Phone Charging Trousers on 5FWD

Episode 3 - The Razer Edge

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Jason takes a look at one of the most hotly anticipated pieces of gaming tech this year – The Razer Edge. This is the world’s most powerful gaming tablet and Jason has managed to get his hands on one to play in the studio.
Watch Episode 3 – The Razer Edge on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Aerial Photography

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Rachel and Jason test out the “Balloon Mapping Kit.” This is a helium balloon that works like a kite. You attach your mobile phone to it and send it up into the sky, where it will take photos and give you your very own birds eye view of the world around you.
Watch Episode 3 – Aerial Photography on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Sound Bars with Al Murray

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Pub Landlord and comedy favourite Al Murray joins us to test out the latest in soundbar technology. Al sets up 3 soundbars in his living room and listens to his own live stand up DVD through each of them in turn, before devising his as live listening test. Al is a keen drummer, and so he records himself playing his beloved drum kit and then plays it back through the soundbars. Which one is best at creating that “as live” sound?
Watch Episode 3 – Sound Bars with Al Murray on 5FWD

Karrimor KSB Alpiniste Events

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

At £100, the Karrimor KSB Alpiniste Events walking boots are significantly cheaper than our rivals on test, but you’ll feel it – they’re heavier too. Still, they’re tough, and that might be all that matters to you when you’re struggling up the side of a mountain in the British rain. Check out how they fared in Jon Bentley’s rigorous group test in the clip above.
Read the full Karrimor KSB Alpiniste Events review on 5FWD

Episode 3 - E-Readers

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Rachel and Jason are busy testing backlit Ereaders. They start in the studio, where they set up their own bedroom environment and see how the devices perform in low light settings. Then they head to the beach, well a pretend beach, complete with giant deck chairs and an 18k movie light providing that tropical sunshine feeling. They see how each Ereader performs in sunlight before deciding on their favourite and the one we should all be taking on holiday.
Watch Episode 3 – E-Readers on 5FWD

La Sportiva Trango S Evo

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

Comfortable and light, yet still sturdy and thoroughly waterproof, these are the big daddies of walking boots – but then, what else should you expect for an eye-watering £235? Hit the video above to see Jon put them through their paces on Scafell Pike, and see for yourself if they’re worth the moolah.
Read the full La Sportiva Trango S Evo review on 5FWD

Episode 3 - Competition

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0100

This week we have a huge prize bundle worth £28,000 to give away to one lucky winner!

  Watch Episode 3 - Competition on 5FWD

To be in with a chance of winning, correctly answer the question below.

 

Phil Collins was in which famous band?

a) Genesis 

b) Abba 

c) One Direction 

TEXT A, B or C to 63555

CALL 0906 500 5000

 

Or post answer, name & contact phone number to 

THE GADGET SHOW 3, PO Box 7557, Derby, DE1 0NP

 

Texts cost £2.00 + 1 message at standard network rate. Calls cost no more than £2.00 from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary and from mobiles will cost considerably more.  To decline marketing texts end SMS with NO INFO.  Lines close midday 24th June 2013 and 3 days later for postal entries. Entries received after the competition closes will not count but may be charged. Value of the items is based on RRP on 1st May 2013. Rules and winners: channel5.com/win

The Gadget Show competition – 17.6.2013

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0100

This week we have a huge prize bundle worth £28,000 to give away to one lucky winner!

To be in with a chance of winning, correctly answer the question below.

Phil Collins was in which famous band?

a) Genesis
b) Abba
c) One Direction

TEXT A, B or C to 63555

CALL 0906 500 5000

Or post answer, name & contact phone number to THE GADGET SHOW 3, PO Box 7557, Derby, DE1 0NP

Texts cost £2.00 + 1 message at standard network rate. Calls cost no more than £2.00 from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary and from mobiles will cost considerably more. To decline marketing texts end SMS with NO INFO. Lines close midday 24th June 2013 and 3 days later for postal entries. Entries received after the competition closes will not count but may be charged. Value of the items is based on RRP on 1st May 2013. Rules and winners: channel5.com/win

Read The Gadget Show competition – 17.6.2013 on 5FWD

Huawei Ascend Y300

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:54:28 +0100

The Huawei Ascend Y300 is the latest weapon in the company’s arsenal: it’s locked in an epic battle with the likes of ZTE, Samsung and Nokia to craft the perfect low-price smartphone. Its latest effort is a strong contender too, packing a in a four-inch display and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, all for just £60 when bought through Carphone Warehouse. Is it a bargain, or just plain cheap for a reason? We took one for a test drive to find out.

Vodafone Smart Mini: Android Jelly Bean for just £50

White Google Nexus 4 gets official!

Read the full Huawei Ascend Y300 review on 5FWD

The five best e-readers of every type!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:43:00 +0100

Let’s face it, paperbacks have had their day: e-readers are taking over, but it’s not just e-books that they excel at. There are different e-readers for different needs, and with plenty of the devices packing in web browsers and other assorted goodies, who needs a regular book you read from start to finish? Whether you’re into comics, need a light for some bedtime reading or a large screen for digital textbooks, we’ve got you covered: read on for the five best e-readers to suit every type.

Backlit – Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon’s range of Kindle e-readers are seen as the de-facto devices in the business, and for good reason – slick hardware combined with easy access to the Amazon library make for enticing gadgets at hard to beat prices. For the times when you want some reading done in the dark, the Kindle Paperwhite is king, and there are not many other backlit e-readers out there that match Amazon’s offering in terms of price and specs. It packs in a sharp eInk screen which is made even better thanks to its clean backlight that’s easy on the eyes and quick to adjust too.

Pocket – Energy Sistem E4 Mini

Not taking a bag and need to get your reading on? Stick Energy Sistem’s E4 Mini in your pocket and you’ll be reading anywhere you want. It packs in a 4.3-inch screen, and it even has some music playing abilities to keep it in fighting form against some of the bigger e-readers on the market.

Comics – Kobo Aura HD

If comic books are more up your street than a book from the New York Times bestseller list, then look no further than the Kobo Aura HD. Right now, there’s zero competition for its super crisp 6.8-inch, 1440×1080, 265dpi resolution eInk screen that renders pages in full detail, making it a dream reader for comic books. Sure, you might not get colour pages through it, but when you’ve got a battery life rated up to a month of juice, Kobo’s Aura HD will give you all the time in the world to whip through your cosmic, super-powered comic book collection.

Watch out Nintendo: Amazon Kindle 3D phone on the way!

Textbooks – Kindle DX

Amazon’s previously discontinued e-reader, the giant 9.7” Kindle DX, has made a reappearance on the American Amazon site, which hopefully points to a UK re-release as well. The massive device lends itself perfectly to textbooks, as it’s armed with a physical keyboard and free 3G letting you get some research done no matter where you are. If you need an eInk device to hold all your textbooks and to get your research done, then the DX is the perfect e-reader to fit the bill.

Audio – Kindle Touch

While Amazon has taken its audio capabilities out of its recent eInk Kindle devices, last generation’s Kindle Touch is still the best option for audiobook fans. It also has text-to-speech support meaning you can simply listen to your e-books that you’ve downloaded, letting the Kindle read it out loud to you, and there’s also an MP3 player built in – perfect for podcasts or for listening to music while you read.

Nook HD and HD+ get Google Play: The best Android tablets ever?
Read The five best e-readers of every type! on 5FWD

Wikipad gaming tablet coming to the UK!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:18:00 +0100

The Wikipad gaming tablet’s been in production limbo for what seems like years now, but at last, it looks like the wait is almost over. A UK distributor has picked up the rights to the Android tablet with gamepad controls bolted on the sides, meaning you’ll finally be able to get your hands on one this summer.

UK distributor MSE Group has announced this week that it’s nabbed exclusive rights to the Wikipad in the UK, and plans to bring the D-pad packing tablet to market here in August.

Five amazing retro consoles revamped for 2013

MSE isn’t saying which shops will stock the Wikipad as a result, or what the UK retail price will be, but the seven-inch slate, which went on sale this week across the pond, has a US retail price of $250 (£160) – which should make it competitive with the likes of the Google Nexus 7.

The company behind Wikipad could have its work cut out however: Archos’ cleverly made, Android-powered GamePad has been on sale for months already, while a wave of Google-powered home consoles are set to hit the market soon to, including the Ouya, GameStick and GamePopM.

Will you be holding out for one of these, or would you rather save for an Xbox One? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

GameStick delayed: Two month wait for the tiny portable Android console!
Read Wikipad gaming tablet coming to the UK! on 5FWD

Marvel: Avengers Alliance storms onto iOS and Android!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:24:00 +0100

Disney’s hit Facebook game, Marvel: Avengers Alliance, is heading away from the big blue social network and assembling on your iPhone, iPad or Android device of choice, bringing with it all the super-powered action you could ask for. Get ready to take the Marvel universe with you right in your pocket!

While we’ve seen the Avengers on mobile before, the addictive role-playing, turn-based combat game is launching today on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad for the first time, and is due shortly on Android – all for the low price of free.

Nintendo free to play game on the way!

You’ll be able to assemble an all-star team made up of over 40 Marvel superheroes as you take on the role as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., in which you’ll be training your teams, arming them with new abilities and taking them to battle against over 180 super villains. The episodes from the Facebook version are all able to play right away on your mobile, with over 60 missions already available for you to take on, with even more content to come in the future.

Will you be taking the Avengers with you on your phone, or will you be sticking with the Facebook version? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Read our review of The Last Of Us
Read Marvel: Avengers Alliance storms onto iOS and Android! on 5FWD

Episode 3

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:22:00 +0100

Rachel Riley and Jason Bradbury test backlit e-readers.
Watch Episode 3 on 5FWD

Sony SmartWatch opened for hackers: Is this the ultimate iWatch rival?

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:18:00 +0100

The Sony SmartWatch, the company’s Android-powered timepiece accessory that shows you notifications from your smartphone, just got a major new lease of life this weekend. As rivals including Apple and Samsung hurry to release their own internet-powered watches, Sony’s given hackers the keys to its own device so they can start making their own software for it.

While developers have always been able to make apps for the Sony SmartWatch, tying in new services to deliver notifications from them on the tiny touchscreen, Sony’s now served up all the technical details to let hackers create their own custom firmware for it, in the same way that they create custom versions of Android to run on phones, in what it’s calling the Open SmartWatch Project.

Samsung smartwatch is real, mobile boss says

That’s good news for Android fans, as there’s nothing like the power of the crowd to get round the SmartWatch’s limitations. With any luck, you could soon be doing everything from getting Instagram updates on your wrist to playing Angry Birds on the go without your phone even leaving your pocket!

Now, if you’ve got a Sony SmartWatch but you’re not familiar with Android’s innards, we wouldn’t go downloading anything just yet – Sony says that installing new firmware will still void the warranty. But it’s good news nonetheless, and we can’t wait to see what smart developers will come up with down the line.

Would you pick a turbo-charged Sony SmartWatch over an Apple iWatch? Tell us where you stand in the comments below.

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Read Sony SmartWatch opened for hackers: Is this the ultimate iWatch rival? on 5FWD

Google unleashes free balloon-powered internet!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:01:00 +0100

And you thought Google Glass was loony. Google’s upped its game even more with its latest out-there tech project: a whole fleet of free-flying balloons high above the Earth’s surface that are set to blanket rural areas with free Wi-Fi. Say hello to Google Loon.

Dubbed the balloon-powered internet for everyone, Google’s going to be flying a whole network of balloons on the edge of space designed to help fill coverage gaps, connect people in rural and remote areas, and even help bring people back online after disasters.

The Project Loon balloons will fly around 20km above the Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, and with software determining where each balloons need to go, each one moves into the wind blowing in the right direction to arrange the balloons into one large communication network with maximum coverage at all times.

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Each helium-filled balloon inflates up to around 15 metres in diameter and carry transmitters that could beam 3G-speed internet to those who are not yet online. Google’s already launched 30 of the massive balloons up into the stratosphere above New Zealand to help bring internet access to the area and to test its plans. The whole project sounds perfect for getting those without internet access online.

Think you’d be interested in balloon-powered internet, or do you think Google’s gone a bit too loony? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Read Google unleashes free balloon-powered internet! on 5FWD

Nokia Lumia 925

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:01:33 +0100

Meet the Nokia Lumia 925, Nokia’s latest and greatest Windows Phone. While the company’s impressed with a few low price Lumia efforts recently, this one is the new flagship, designed to take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z. With a 4.5-inch HD screen, slimmer frame that ditches the plastic and full fat Windows Phone 8, it goes toe to toe with them, at least on paper. The big news though is the 8MP camera around the back, which Nokia’s paired with clever new Smart Camera tech to let you take fast motion shots and edit them how you like. Is this what you need to switch to Windows Phone? Let’s take a look.

Read our full Nokia Lumia 520 review now

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Read the full Nokia Lumia 925 review on 5FWD

Microsoft Office for iPhone arrives: That didn’t take long!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:20:00 +0100

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally, finally here: Microsoft Office for iPhone. Well, sort of – though you can now edit your Word documents and PowerPoint presentations on the go without the need for a Windows Phone, there are still quite a few catches.

While Windows Phone users have been treated to the official Microsoft Office mobile experience for a few years now, this marks the software giant’s first foray onto iOS with its flagship office suite. Install it, and you can edit and create documents and spreadsheets, and edit PowerPoint slideshows you’ve already knocked up. All your work is stored safely for you in the cloud via Microsoft’s SkyDrive.

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So what are the catches? Well, for starters, while it’s free to download, you’ll need to be an Office 365 subscriber to log in and use it (That’ll be £7.99 per month, please). This is also an iPhone-only app, so iPad users will have to make do with Microsoft’s web Office offerings, or rival services like Google Drive – ditto Android users.

If you’re OK with the fine print, you’ll be able to give Microsoft Office on your iPhone a go very soon: it’s on the iTunes App Store for US users right now, while us Brits should see it land within the next few days.

Is this the future for Office, or way too late? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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Read Microsoft Office for iPhone arrives: That didn’t take long! on 5FWD

Meet the £30 RC chopper made from your iPhone!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:12:00 +0100

Sure, you might be able to control the Parrot AR Drone using your iPhone, but how about a tiny RC chopper made from smartphone parts? Say hello to the Nano-Falcon, a £30 tiny-helicopter that packs the same parts as your mobile!

Unleashed at the International Tokyo Toy Show today, toy maker CCP has created a tiny little contraption that is powered by the same tech that’s actually inside your phone. The motor that makes the rotor blades spin is the same motor that powers your vibrate function in your phone, and thanks to that, its makers are calling it the smallest RC helicopter in the world. It’s fairly cheap too, ringing up at around £30: the makers say they were able to set the price low as they used key parts from the smartphone world that are widely available in factories now.

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The mini-machine weighs just a mere 11g, measures up at 6.5cm and can fly within a five metre radius for five minutes on a charge, but it’s just paving the way for even smaller RC contraptions in the future. Could you imagine a tiny plane powered by the same tiny parts?

We’re not sure if the Nano Falcon will be making its way over to the UK, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated on this micro marvel if it makes the jump over here as we’d love to get our hands on it!

Do you fancy taking the world’s smallest RC helicopter for a spin, or would be afraid of losing it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Read Meet the £30 RC chopper made from your iPhone! on 5FWD

Nokia promises to "Reinvent Zoom" next month: Is the ultimate camera phone coming?

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:30:00 +0100

Mark your calendars for 11 July, as Nokia is storming New York City and bringing in the magnifying glasses for a special event where we could be seeing the previously leaked Lumia PureView super shooter officially announced. Get ready to see “zoom reinvented” Nokia-style!

The world’s tech press has been invited to NYC, and the invitation promises that we’ll be able to “see more from Nokia”. We hope we’ll be able to spot a Samsung Galaxy NX-crushing super shooter, and if the previous leaks are anything to go by, we should be in for a treat.

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Nokia’s recent phones have packed in excellent camera specs, but none have compared to the incredible 41 megapixel sensor on the back of last year’s 808 PureView camera, which was unfortunately crippled by Symbian, an archaic operating system Nokia has now thankfully abandoned. We spied a massive PureView shooter attached to the back of a Lumia Windows Phone shell in leaked images earlier this week, so it looks like that’s about to change at last – and if the invitation is anything to go by, we’re sure it’ll be set to pack in a massive optical zoom too.

We’ll be set to bring you all the information from Nokia’s event, and we can’t wait to see what the company’s got in store. Do you fancy a Nokia Lumia PureView phone, or are you more interested in Samsung’s latest offerings? Sound off in the comments below.

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Read Nokia promises to “Reinvent Zoom” next month: Is the ultimate camera phone coming? on 5FWD

New iPhone software, Samsung Galaxy gadgets galore, and everything from E3: Gadget Digest

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:54:00 +0100

We knew this week was going to be one of the busiest in tech, but we didn’t expect the sheer amount of news that kept on trickling out! From the wealth of Samsung Galaxy gadgets announced, to Apple’s enormous WWDC conference and iOS 7 and the long awaited reveal of Sony’s PlayStation 4 at E3 – get all the the incredible headlines from this week right here in your gadget digest.

New MacBook Airs, Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks, iOS 7 and iTunes Radio!

Apple kicked off the week with its annual WWDC conference, bringing a few surprises along to the show, including a huge refresh to the MacBook Air line, equipping both the 11-inch and the 13-inch with Intel’s all-new fourth generation Core processors and an insane battery. That wasn’t the only hardware on show, as Apple unveiled the brand new Mac Pro with a radical design that packs an insane seven teraflops of performance under the hood.

Hardware wasn’t the only thing on offer, as the latest version of OS X was on show too. Dubbed OS X Mavericks, the latest edition packs in a whole suite of new features that will save you on your battery life and can even support full on multiple displays.

The star of the show was clearly the latest version of iOS, which brings an all-new user interface and lick of paint. Along with the new iOS 7 update, Apple’s free ad-supported streaming music platform was also announced: iTunes Radio. Missing from the conference was talk of a new iPhone, but there’s word that Apple has a giant iPhone phablet contender in the works that will go toe-to-toe against Samsung’s Galaxy Note. We look forward to the super-sized super-phone showdown!

The Galaxy train don’t stop!

It’s clear Samsung is very proud of its flagship Galaxy S4, so much that the South Korean giant is dishing out a whole range of phones under the Galaxy S4 banner, with each version taking on a different role. We first spotted the downsized Galaxy S4 Mini last week, but this week saw the Galaxy S4 Active, a toughened up version that can handle the great outdoors, while there’s also the Galaxy S4 Zoom, which features a huge 10x optical zoom and packs a 16-megapixel camera on the back.

Samsung also had the Galaxy Ace 3 on show, which crams in S4 skills into a smaller body, while we spotted the Android-based Galaxy NX super snapper today that looks like it’ll give even your DSLR a run for its money.

All things E3!

During this week’s E3, Sony finally revealed to the world the PlayStation 4, and even beat Microsoft at the pricing game by announcing it would be £80 cheaper than the Xbox One. Sony’s next-gen console won’t have to deal with the same game restrictions as the Xbox One and won’t require constant internet connection check-ins to play offline, either.

Of course, there were also games galore during the expo, with many big franchises returning and a few brand new titles too. Metal Gear Solid is back for its fifth outing on both next-gen consoles and current ones, and is set to go even bigger than ever before. Respawn Entertainment wowed Xbox fans with the futuristic, sci-fi shooter Titanfall, while Dead Rising returns as an open world survival game that’s set to release alongside the Xbox One. We’re sure the next-generation of gaming is going to be amazing, and we can’t wait.

Nintendo fans were also treated to a bevy of new games, including an all-new Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros., as well as a new look at the The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.

Mad Catz unleashes its Ouya rival

Yet another Android-based gaming system has emerged, but gaming accessory maker Mad Catz is taking a slightly different approach with its Project Mojo console. The company is insisting that while it provides the hardware, you take care of the software side, as the Project Mojo micro-console will be shipping with a barebones Android installation, letting you take on any of the Android stores to fill it up with games.

Get Kinect skills on any screen!

While Microsoft has been hard at work on its next-gen Kinect, the tech geniuses at eyeSight have come up with a way to turn your webcam that’s built into your laptop, tablet or phone into a motion sensing pro, letting you swipe through your device with a simple wave in the air. Kinect who?

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From the creators of Uncharted comes one of the PlayStation 3’s final big-name exclusives, and it’s a real treat. We put the game through its paces to find out if it can hold up against the rush of next-gen hardware and if it can be praised as a PlayStation classic.
Read New iPhone software, Samsung Galaxy gadgets galore, and everything from E3: Gadget Digest on 5FWD

Android-based Samsung Galaxy NX super snapper on the way!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:10:00 +0100

We’re less than a week away from Samsung’s London event on 20 June, and it seems phones are not the only items on the agenda. Samsung’s Co-CEO Shin Jong-Kyun has said that Android-based mirrorless cameras are on the way, and mere hours after that was confirmed, we’re already seeing leaked images of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy NX. Who needs the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom?

The leak gurus at Tinhte.vn spotted the new Galaxy NX, and it looks like Samsung is going all out with its brand-new mirrorless camera. The Galaxy NX is set to come with interchangeable lenses, a viewfinder, a big body and a huge 4.3-inch rear display, along with a whopping 20.3-megapixel sensor and a quad-core processor, making the Galaxy Camera look absolutely trivial by comparison.

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It seems Samsung is pushing Android as the operating system for its professional-grade super snapper, and this camera is set to ship with version 4.2, meaning you can browse the web, check out YouTube or even play Angry Birds on your new camera in between shoots. And with its beefy specs and range of lenses, it could just be the ultimate Instagram camera. There’s no word whether or not the Galaxy NX will ship with a 3G connection like the original Galaxy Camera, which would be a killer feature for the new super snapper, but we expect to go hands on with the Galaxy NX during Samsung’s upcoming event to find out more details about Samsung’s new super shooter.

Would you want a Android-powered, mirrorless camera, or would you rather stick to a traditional camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Read Android-based Samsung Galaxy NX super snapper on the way! on 5FWD

Nintendo free to play game on the way!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:08:00 +0100

Nintendo’s new Wii U console has struggled to make a dent since launch late last year, and the company came out guns blazing during E3 this week with announcements galore, including plenty of new Mario and Zelda games, to try and solve the problem. But the gaming giant appears to have left out one juicy nugget of information: according to one expert, it’s getting into the business of free to play games, starting next year.

David Gibson, an industry analyst, says that at a briefing during the LA games expo this week, Nintendo told him that it would launch a free to play game in, 2014.

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The company dropped few details otherwise, save that it would not be a Mario or Zelda game, and it’s not clear which platform it would be for, but it’s big news nonetheless. Nintendo has avoided the big new trends in gaming, like smartphone apps and free to play games that charge for optional shortcuts or extra features, but it seems it’s started to come round to the idea in both cases.

Whether it’s a freemium Pikmin or Donkey Kong without the pricetag though, it won’t be alone. Microsoft is also getting into free to play, announcing a new version of Killer Instinct for Xbox One that costs nothing to download – but you’ll have to fork out for extra characters.

Would a free to play puzzle or adventure game save the Wii U, or is it already too late? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

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Read Nintendo free to play game on the way! on 5FWD

Sony Xperia Tablet Z

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:25:02 +0100

Sony’s strived to make the perfect slate with its latest 10.1-inch number, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, and it’s an impressive effort. The Xperia Tablet Z is an almost impossibly thin, waterproof and powerful device with a full HD screen tucked inside its 6.9mm chassis, and it’s also super light too. Is this the best Android offering that can go toe to toe against Apple’s mighty iPad, or is it just all looks and no function? We took the 32GB version for a test drive to find out just how well it stacks up against the competition.

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Read the full Sony Xperia Tablet Z review on 5FWD

Vodafone Smart Mini gives you Android Jelly Bean for just £50!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:36:00 +0100

Outside the excitement of E3 and Apple’s WWDC conference, Vodafone has had its busy worker bees hard at work, and this week, the company is launching a low-priced mini-marvel that’s packing a lot of software goodies under its pint-sized hood, all at a similarly small price too. Say hello to the Vodafone Smart Mini, a £50 handset that’s armed with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Is this your next budget phone?

The Vodafone Smart Mini won’t cost you much, but that doesn’t mean the phone’s potential is as small as its price tag. Far from it: it might just be the perfect phone for the younger ones in the family, or if you need a temporary, yet capable smartphone, as the Smart Mini is an extremely effective mini handset that comes complete with a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a two megapixel camera and a 1GHz processor that’ll keep things humming along nicely.

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There’s also 4GB of internal memory to get you started, but you can upgrade your storage options up to 32GB with a microSD card, and you’ve also got access to all of the hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play store. It also comes with the usual 3G, Wi-Fi and GPS connections to keep you connected, and while it might not be a HTC One superphone, you can’t go wrong for £50 on Pay as you go if you need a solid, cheap handset right now.

Is the Smart Mini the budget smartphone you’ve been looking for, or would you rather shell out for an expensive phone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Read Vodafone Smart Mini gives you Android Jelly Bean for just £50! on 5FWD

Ten essential gadgets for the festival season!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0100

Festival season is nearly here, and while we’ve already checked out the best tents for you to crash in, what about the essential gadgets you need to make your festival even better? Even if you’re not heading to a musical destination, you can be sure these ten gadgets will make your next camping trip a breeze.

Vango Eye Lights

While Vango’s tents might be able to be pitched up in no time at all, they do lack one feature: lighting! That’s where the Eye Light comes in handy: it’s an extremely flexible and bright light that can attach to almost anything, and at £3, it’s a steal. You’ll no longer need to rummage around in the dark to find your phone ever again!

Kathmandu Solar Shower

When you hit a festival, you just know you’ll be going a few days without a shower, especially if you’re heading out to Glastonbury, where things will get muddy. Enter Kathmandu’s Solar Shower, a handy portable shower that’s perfect for your tent. Fill it up with cold water, stick it out in the sun, and hey presto, you’ve got yourself your own portable shower to take with you from festival to festival, and at £5.99, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Outwell Bamboo picnic set

Now this is how you eat in style: Outwell’s bamboo picnic set is made from biodegradable bamboo, which means even if you leave it behind after the music has died down, you won’t be hurting the environment. At £15.99, it’s not the cheapest option, but they’re a lot greener than terrible plastic plates that won’t do the festival grounds any good.

Outwell Duvet Sleep System: Caress Single

You’ll never endure a terrible night’s sleep under the stars again, as Outwell’s Duvet Sleep System is made up of a bed, cover and duvet in a handy all-in-one package, giving you a chance to rest easy in comfort. At £84.99, it isn’t cheap, but what price do you put on some solid shuteye?

Kathmandu Roamer Air Sofa

Need somewhere to sit down and chill out? Kathmandu has got you covered with its two-seater Roamer Air Sofa, and at just £17.99, it’ll keep you seated in comfort while you’re waiting for your next favourite band. Just keep your fingers crossed the sun holds out or you’ve got a massive tent, unless you want a wet sofa.

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Vango self-inflating pillow

Not got much room in your bag to bring your own comfy pillow? Vango’s £7 self-inflating pillow will keep your head well rested and you can stuff it right in your bag when you’re done with it. Easy.

Outwell collapsible kettle

Outwell’s Collaps kettle is the perfect accessory for when you need a brew of tea or coffee in the morning, but you don’t have quick access to your own full sized kettle. Outwell’s outdoor version simply collapses down to a small, flat size that is easy to store away and can spring back up in seconds. It’s a little pricey at £29.99, but who can put a price on your own cup of coffee to start the day?

Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern

Need a light to get you through the festival nights? Take a look at this Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern that can be charged up ready to light your way in a number of ways. Hook it up to the mains right before you set off for the festival, but don’t worry if you forget, you can also charge it up via a 12V car battery. Not taking a car? Put in some elbow grease and wind it up for some added juice or add some solar panels if it’s a sunny day. It also has a USB port on the lantern, so you can charge up your phones or gadgets in a pinch – and at £40, that’s peace of mind sorted for everyone you’re staying with, in one simple gadget.

Gelert Sleeping Pods

If you’re tired of being cramped up in your restricting sleeping bag, Gelert’s Sleeping Pod might be just what you need. It’s a wide-bodied sleeping bag which means you can curl up and turn inside the bag, letting you sleep in any position you find comfortable, and at £34.99, it’s a decent investment to make those restless nights in the tent a thing of the past.

Vodafone Power Pocket Recharge Sleeping Bag>

Vodafone might be taking its Recharge Truck on the road to several events this summer, but there’ll be times when you won’t be able to make your way to the phone charging vehicle, which is where the Power Pocket Recharge sleeping bag comes in. Developed with the University of Southampton, the Recharge lets you charge up your phone in an isolated pocket tucked into your sleeping bag while you sleep. It works by using your body temperature to provide juice to your smartphone, making it the perfect festival companion. They’re not on sale yet, but fingers crossed you’ll be able to nab one next time Glasto rolls around.

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Read Ten essential gadgets for the festival season! on 5FWD

Apple prepping 5.7-inch iPhone Galaxy Note rival!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:38:00 +0100

The times, they are a-changing. Apple founder Steve Jobs once dismissed phones with large screens out of hand, but just days after the launch of Apple’s redesigned – and beautiful – iOS 7, a new report says the company is looking at a giant phablet iPhone running the software. Is this a Galaxy Note contender?

According to Reuters, Apple will be launching new iPhone models with bigger screens and different colours within the next year according to no fewer than four sources. Two screen sizes are currently being floated for release next year – a 4.7-inch iPhone with a screen roughly the same size as HTC’s One and Samsung’s Galaxy S4, and a massive 5.7-inch model that could dwarf even the epic Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

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Apple famously stuck with a 3.5-inch screen on the iPhone for years, even while its rivals ramped theirs up, making them better for watching video, browsing the web and even writing with a stylus, and only bumped the iPhone 5 display up to a modest four-inches diagonally late last year.

But this report suggests that Apple under CEO Tim Cook is having a change of heart after seeing Samsung’s gigantic Galaxy Note phones sell tens of millions, and rival efforts from Asus and Huawei follow in its wake. Clearly, there are enough shoppers out there who want a portable tablet that can act as a phone in worst case scenarios, even if it makes them look like a Dom Joly sketch in the process – and Apple want in.

Would you buy an iPhone phablet? Too much like an iPad mini? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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Read Apple prepping 5.7-inch iPhone Galaxy Note rival! on 5FWD

Google Cube Slam lets you play Pong - via webcam?

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:05:00 +0100

Who needs Xbox Kinect when Google has made Cube Slam? The latest Chrome Experiment lets you play a face-to-face version of Pong right in your browser, wherever you and your mate are in the world, all thanks to the magic of your webcam.

The premise of Cube Slam is a standard Pong game, but with a 3D twist: your friend’s face is now the target goal. All you have to do to win the game is to hit the cube against your friend’s screen three times to make the screen explode, but it’s not going to be that simple, as Google has added a whole host of additions to shake things up. You’ll find shields, obstacles and gravity fields in each level, and you can even unlock various power-ups including lasers, fireballs, mirrored controls, bulletproof shields and more – this is not your standard game of digital table tennis!

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If you lack a friend to play Cube Slam with, no worries: you can take on the computer in the form of Bob the Bear, and while Google is working on getting a mobile multiplayer version of the game working in Chrome, you can still play against the Bear on your phone or tablet too. Google’s reason for making the game is to demonstrate Chrome’s use of an open source project known as WebRTC (Real-Time Communication) across the web without the use of plug-ins, but to be honest, we just really like the game.

Think you’ll be logging in to play against friends around the world, or will you try to give Bob the Bear a run for his money? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Read Google Cube Slam lets you play Pong – via webcam? on 5FWD

Fitbit Flex

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:42:01 +0100

The Fitbit Flex is the latest in a growing category of wristband fitness computers that aim to keep you healthy, egging you on to walk further, eat well and even sleep better. Fitbit’s no stranger to the market, but this is the first of its gizmos that pops straight on your wrist, fashion accessory style. Will it help you keep in shape? We popped one on to find out.

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Read the full Fitbit Flex review on 5FWD

DIY Kinect: eyeSight lets you add motion sensor skills to any screen!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:48:00 +0100

Keen on Kinect’s motion sensing skills but don’t have an Xbox 360 or Windows PC to lash the Microsoft accessory up to? No problem – there’s an app for that. The tech wizards at eyeSight have come up with a way to turn the webcam built into your laptop, tablet or phone right into one, no hardware required!

Israeli company eyeSight Technologies has announced this week that it’s figured out a way to detect three dimensional depth and tracking, without even the need for a second camera. That means you could simply wave to control your laptop or TV from afar, without needing to splash out on any extra accessories.

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Sure, this solution may not be as powerful as the new Kinect that comes with the Xbox One as standard – and can detect your heartbeat – but as a simple way to rid yourself of extra clutter like remote controls, it sounds like a winner. It’s at the developer stage right now, but if enough coders get involved, soon you could be whizzing around all your favourite Windows apps, or even your telly’s EPG, just with a flick of the wrist.

Check out how eyeSight’s tech works in the video below. Would you have a go at adding this to your own laptop or TV? Shout up in the comments below with your thoughts.

Read DIY Kinect: eyeSight lets you add motion sensor skills to any screen! on 5FWD

New TomTom Go satnav uses your phone to grab live data on the cheap!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:19:00 +0100

Who said satnavs were going away? Sure, you might be able to use your phone or iPod touch as a mapping unit, but TomTom’s latest range of Go units look like they’ll keep up with the best apps out there too. They’ll even jump onto your phone’s connection to grab live data on the cheap, meaning you’ll never hit a traffic jam ever again, all without monthly fees. Is one of these your next satnav?

TomTom’s new Go series of satnavs keep you up to date on the road with its all-new interactive map, which you can navigate around with your fingers: zooming in on locations and simply tapping on the map can give you an instant route to a destination. Lifetime TomTom Traffic lets you know where delays start and end, helping you get right around them, and tethered up with your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can always be updated on what’s going on around you.

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You’ll have the choice of 4.3-inch, 5-inch or 6-inch capacitive touchscreens to plonk down on your dashboard when the new Go range goes on sale later this month, and they all pack the same features too. The TomTom Go 400 is priced at £159.99 and comes complete with maps of 45 European countries, the Go 500 is £189.99 with maps of the UK and Republic of Ireland, and jumps up to £199.99 for the EU version, while the Go 600 is £229.99 for the UK version, and a tenner more for European maps too.

Think you’re in the market for a new satnav, or would you rather stick with your phone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Read New TomTom Go satnav uses your phone to grab live data on the cheap! on 5FWD

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom: The most powerful Android phone gets a massive camera too!

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:14:00 +0100

Samsung has yet another Galaxy S4 model on the way, but this one’s taken a few cues from the Samsung Galaxy Camera and packs a whopping 16-megapixel camera on the back with a 10x optical zoom. Is this your next super smartphone snapper?

While Nokia might be cooking up a Lumia PureView phone, Samsung has stolen its thunder with its Galaxy S4 Zoom, a combo device that is aimed at fulfilling the role of both a super smartphone and a high-end compact camera – sounds perfect for Instagram.

You’ll find the 4G-ready Galaxy Zoom armed with a 10x optical zoom, a massive 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, optical image stabilisation for those unsteady hands and a bright Xenon flash, while under the 4.3-inch qHD screen, the Zoom is equipped with a speedy 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM. There’s 8GB of onboard storage, while there’s also a microSD slot which supports cards up to 64GB – perfect for all your snaps and videos. The Zoom is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and also includes exclusive Samsung apps such as S Translate and S Voice, as well as running the company’s TouchWiz interface just like the rest of the Galaxy S4 range.

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Samsung has also added some brand new photo features thanks to the Zoom Ring, which means you’ll never miss a chance to share photos with friends. Even when you’re in the middle of a phone call, twisting the Zoom Ring will activate the In-Call Photo share feature, which will let you take a photo and quickly send an image right to whoever you’re talking to. The Zoom Ring can also be used to activate shortcut features, letting you quickly access several camera modes with a just a twist.

If you’re interested in Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Zoom, it’s set to release in the UK later this summer, but there’s currently no price tag attached just yet. We’re expecting to get our hands on the device during Samsung’s London press event later this month, and we’ll be sure let you know all the details and just how well its camera performs.

Do you fancy a Galaxy S4 with a massive camera, or are you waiting for Nokia’s next PureView phone? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Read Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom: The most powerful Android phone gets a massive camera too! on 5FWD

Titanfall E3 2013 Trailer

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:18:00 +0100

Watch the trailer for Titanfall from E3 2013.
Watch Titanfall E3 2013 Trailer on 5FWD

Dead Rising 3 E3 2013 Trailer

fwd@five.tv (The Gadget Show) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:17:00 +0100

Check out the announcement trailer for Dead Rising 3.
Watch Dead Rising 3 E3 2013 Trailer on 5FWD