Friday, July 18, 2014

Eyes for Umoove: The tech that could change motion control forever

Eyes for Umoove: The tech that could change motion control forever

Imagine swooping and nodding your head to play a game or scrolling down a page and dialing mom with a subtle eye gesture. Movement-tracking technology isn't new, but it's certainly gaining traction.

There's Samsung Galaxy phone Smart Scroll, Xbox Kinect motion camera, Leap Motion Controller and now Umoove, a lesser known Jerusalem-based start-up. Umoove has been developing a unique algorithm that can detect facial and eye movements in real time since 2010.

Umoove was founded by three engineers - Yitzi Kempinski, Tuvia Elbaum and Nir Blushtein - and first came on the scene with an iOS game called Flying Experience. The game is a simple app that uses your PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+aVBob25lIDwvYT4=or iPad's front-facing camera to track your head movements as you fly around and gather potions in a Prince of Persia-style desert. The game also incorporates touch gestures for an all-encompassing gaming experience, with the touches used to control flight speed.

In another application, you follow a map by focusing on a red dot on the screen and guide it just by looking where you want to go.

"You are constantly looking at the screen, so why shouldn't it become the interface?" Kempinski posed to TechRadar when we visited Umoove in Jerusalem.

A camera and your peepers

It's quite an experience to have your gadget understand you without telling it anything verbally or with touch commands, and it certainly adds a whole new dimension to the gaming landscape.

Umoove's technology not only works better than just about any similar consumer offerings out there but also requires no additional hardware. And though it's only available on iOS for now, it is coming soon to Android and is essentially compatible with any device that has a front-facing snapper.

Umoove

The tech calibrates the position of a user's eyes and remembers where they are for future use.

Umoove's system is sensitive enough to operate even in a dark room with only the light coming from the iPad screen. Coincidentally, that's where Umoove's next bit of technology comes in. The company built its tracking technology to facilitate the challenges in mobile environments such as shakiness, lighting and limited hardware resources.

"The Umoove technology runs at a CPU as low as 5% in real-time and needs nothing but the raw frames of the front-facing camera for input," Kempinski said.

"It adds another layer of interaction on top of the touch interface you already have on your mobile devices," he continued.

The technology was initially developed to assist disabled persons and was actually formed around one of the start-up's founders who has a relative with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that eventually causes paralysis, making it impossible to use today's mobile devices.

Umoove uses an analysis of eye movement to help get a better understanding of your attention, interest and engagement based on the behavior of your pupils. The technology opens up a slew of possibilities, such as activating different parts of the screen based on where you're looking. Imagine using just your gaze to select characters for a game or to toggle options in an app.

"Eye tracking is mainly about understanding the user without him even actively interacting," Kempinski said.

Eye power

The Umoove tracking tool is applicable to numerous facets of our modern world, including gaming, advertising, analytics, eye wear, security and medicine.

Kempinski noted there are a many neurological diagnoses that can be done using eye movement as well as other conditions that can be diagnosed through the eye.

For example, Umoove could be used to help diagnose autism. Autistic children avoid looking at faces in an image or video when compared with children without the condition, Kempinski said. Though details have yet to be established, he also said that Umoove is currently working on implementing its technologies with a big eye wear company as well as a medical school.

Additionally, an advertising company could use the Umoove technology to determine how long a user's eyes lingered on a particular ad.

Umoove plans to unveil new eye-tracking technology in the next few months that will use the existing camera in your phone or tablet.

Several companies are already requesting the SDK, ranging from large corporations to small indie developers targeting diverse products, such as games, advertising, mobile OEMs and children's apps. Umoove's EyeSDK is in beta stage and is currently open to select strategic partners, Kempinski said.

Umoove has raised around $3 million (about £1.7m, AU$3.19m) in total funding thus far and plans to launch a mobile healthcare product in the next few months.

Last year, Samsung introduced some basic head and eye tracking capabilities on the Galaxy S4, but it's nothing like what Umoove has cooked up. The firm's take takes mobile device tracking to the next level with far more extensive capabilities, and opens it to the creativity of developers.

  • The Xbox One has motion controls, but how does the rest of the console fair?

Jessica Naziri is a tech expert, online media personality and accomplished journalist covering the intersection between technology and culture. She is a self-proclaimed "chic geek," who turned her passion into a career, working as an technology reporter. You can follow her on Twitter @jessicanaziri or email her: iamjessicanaziri@gmail.com.

Microsoft to cut 18,000 jobs

Microsoft to cut 18,000 jobs

Microsoft will cut approximately 18,000 jobs within the next eleven months, CEO Satya Nadella wrote in an announcement to staff.

This round of layoffs will be the largest in the company's history and the largest since former CEO Steve Ballmer cut 5,800 employees in 2009.

Roughly 12,500 employees brought on as a result of the Nokia acquisition, which occurred in April, will be let go. The deal added 25,000 employees to Microsoft's payroll. At the time of the acquisition, Microsoft said it would cut $600 million (about £350.8 million, AU$640 million) per year in costs.

How will this affect Xbox and Nokia products?

Although most of the cuts will be made within the Nokia division, approximately 5,500 jobs will also be cut across other lines of business, including marketing jobs in the Xbox unit, as well as marketing jobs in other divisions, according to Bloomberg sources.

The layoffs are unlikely to impact how consumers experience Xbox and Xbox products. Nadella has insisted Xbox will be a top priority for Microsoft under his tenure. Additionally, Microsoft devices head and former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said "there will be limited change" for the Xbox and Surface divisions.

The company-wide changes will dramatically affect Nokia products. In his July 17 memo announcing the cutbacks, Nadella said he is focused on integrating Nokia into the Microsoft business. As a result, select future Nokia X devices will be migrated from Android to the Windows Phone operating system.

This tactic allows Microsoft to continue to compete in the budget smartphone market and ensures that budget smartphones users are running on Microsoft's platform of choice.

Big changes to the enterprise

Nadella is also expected to make changes to the engineering organization, which will likely consolidate the roles of software testers and developers, as cloud building has made it easier for developers to test and fix issues autonomously.

Microsoft has more than 127,000 employees globally. The majority of employees who will be let go are expected to hear from Microsoft within the next six months, Nadella said in his memo.

As a result of the layoffs, Microsoft will have to pay $1.1 billion (about £640 million, AU$1.17 billion) to $1.6 billion (about £940 million, AU$1.71 billion) in severance and related benefits costs and related charges over the next four quarters.

Rumors of the impending layoffs began circulating earlier this week, shortly after Nadella outlined Microsoft's trajectory in an email to staff.

In the email, Nadella said he is focused on driving Internet of Things, mobility and cloud innovation.

  • What does TechRadar think of the Nokia X?

TechRadar Phone Awards shortlist announced

TechRadar Phone Awards shortlist announced

We're just hours away from the first TechRadar Phone Awards, where a host of winners will be crowned on July 17 at an exclusive event in London, and to get you ready for the glitz and glamour we've announced the shortlist for the six categories.

Tonight we'll be celebrating the best budget phone, best budget tablet, best app, best innovation and of course the two big prizes: the best tablet and the best phone of the past 12 months.

Our expert panel of judges deliberated extensively on all six categories, narrowing contenders down to a series of shortlists and then performing the tricky business of actually deciding the winners.

The good news is that - after much discussion, tears, laughter and hard graft - we have picked our winners and all will be revealed on July 17.

Best phone

It's the award they all want to win - the prestigious TechRadar Best Phone Award. This award highlights the pinnacle of smartphone achievement from design and innovation to performance and usability.

Over the past 12 months we've seen manufacturers push the boundaries of our smartphones once again, producing some stunning devices and any one in our shortlist is a worthy winner.

Best tablet

Tablets huh. Just a few years ago tablet computers were nothing more than an extravagant slice of seriously geeky tech, but now they fill every home, boardroom and backpack from here to Hong Kong and back.

There are some many to choose from in terms of prize, screen size, operating system, brand and build - but there are a few which rise above the rest as truly standout slates and it's these select few which are honoured here.

  • Amazon Kindle Fire HDX
  • 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Maps
  • Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
  • Real Racing 3
  • Sky Go/Sky+
  • Spotify
  • Swiftkey
  • Uber

Best innovation

Best innovation is where we looked at the best the industry created, celebrating the achievements that make our phones, tablets and mobile life amazing.

  • Android Wear by Google
  • Boomsound by HTC
  • Chromecast by Google
  • Pureview by Nokia
  • Snapdragon 801 by Qualcomm
  • Touch ID by Apple

HTC One M8 wins TechRadar's Phone of the Year

HTC One M8 wins TechRadar's Phone of the Year

The first TechRadar Phone Awards took place in the awesome Ticketmaster Offices in London tonight – complete with slide – and a packed room saw some of the biggest names being rewarded for their impressive efforts.

Poor attempts at humour from Phones and Tablets Editor Gareth Beavis and Editor in Chief Patrick Goss aside, a great time was had by all – especially the winners.

Innovation of the year

Snapdragon 801

The first award went to Qualcomm for its excellent Snapdragon 801 System on a Chip. Here's what the judges had to say:

"The Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 System on a chip has changed the game in the mobile phone space, be it through power upgrades, better graphics or most importantly, more battery life for our phones."

Best app

Spotify

This category speaks for itself: the app that either brought the best innovation, design, user experience or game-changing element to the mobile landscape - and it was Spotify which won the judge's hearts on the night.

Our judges said: "Spotify is fast becoming the de facto music service for any smartphone or tablet user, and the recent UI update has made things even cleaner and easier to use."

  • Read our Spotify review

Best budget tablet

Google Nexus 7

With so many affordable tablets available today this category looks beyond the spec and works out which slate offers the best value for money under £200 and our judges agreed that the Google Nexus 7 (2013) tops the bill.

"Pound for pound, the Nexus 7 brings stunning specs and follows on brilliantly from the original disruptive tablet that changed the budget market."

  • Read our Google Nexus 7 review

Best budget phone

Motorola Moto G

This category was really tough as the budget mobile market has exploded over the past 12 months with a vast array of excellent smartphones available for under £200.

After much deliberation our judges selected the Motorola Moto G as the worthy winner. Here's what they had to say:

"People are still wondering how the Moto G packs in so many great specs at a low price. The judges liked the fact it now comes in 4G and with a memory card slot, giving the users choice to get what they want."

  • Read out Motorola Moto G review

Best tablet

iPad Air

Quite obviously this category celebrates the tablet that impressed the judges the most, taking into account style, power, price and build quality and this year it was the iPad Air from Apple which stole the show.

"The most unanimous award among the judges, the iPad Air is still streets ahead of its rivals, with an amazing design, slick functionality – and backed by one of the best app collections out there."

  • Read our iPad Air review

Best phone

HTC One M8

And finally, the big prize of the night went to the excellent HTC One M8, which fought off a fantastic array of handsets to be crowned as the best phone.

The judges looked for the handset they thought was most powerful, well-designed, impressive, and most importantly, offering a brilliant experience for the user.

The judges lauded it for having the 'best build quality', 'great design', 'packed with simple innovation', and just being a really, really good phone to have in your pocket.

  • Read our HTC One M8 review

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Have a peep at the alleged Nvidia Shield tablet

Have a peep at the alleged Nvidia Shield tablet

Nvidia already confirmed it's hard at work on a brand new gaming device, so it's no surprise that the rumor mill is spinning up.

The latest development in the saga of the alleged Nvidia Shield tablet - a slate-shaped successor to the Nvidia Shield gaming handheld - is the PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+cGhvdG8gPC9hPg==you see below.

The image comes by way of Evleaks, which at this point requires no introduction as the source of countless legitimate leaks.

The alleged snapshot of the rumored tablet was accompanied by a brief caption that leaves no room for ambiguity: "NVIDIA Shield Tablet, 2014."

nvidia shield tablet evleaks
The alleged Nvidia Shield tablet, folks (credit: Evleaks)

One-stop slate

The Nvidia Shield tablet is thought to be an Android tablet running Nvidia's powerful Tegra K1 chip, with a focus on gaming and the ability to stream PC games from computers with recent Nvidia GPUs.

The original leak from May came in the form of a benchmark that pegged an unknown Nvidia tablet with a 7.9-inch 2048 x 1536 display and the 2.1GHz quad-core Tegra K1.

More recently, Nvidia confirmed it has a new gaming device in the works, and sources said it would take on Valve's Steam Machines, like the Alienware Alpha, directly. That report may or may not have referred to the Shield tablet, but let's assume for the sake of speculation that it did.

This means a focus on gaming in the living room, and the Shield tablet's rumored specs seem to support that. Like the original Shield, the new tablet is rumored to be packing HDMI-out capabilities. However unlike the first Shield, the Shield tablet's controller will supposedly be sold separately.

Could the Nvidia Shield tablet be a one-stop slate for Android touch screen gaming, portable PC gaming, and living-room gaming with a controller in hand? Hopefully Nvidia breaks the silence soon and lets us know.

  • Valve Steam Machines delayed till 2015

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Kindle Unlimited looks a lot like Netflix for ebooks

Kindle Unlimited looks a lot like Netflix for ebooks

Read a lot of ebooks? Amazon customers may soon have access to more than 600,000 titles for a monthly subscription fee, a deal that could be right up your alley.

GigaOM reported that Amazon may be planning to become the Netflix of ebooks as revealed by mistakenly leaked product pages advertising a new subscription service called Kindle Unlimited.

The pages in question were first spotted by publishers and readers on the Kindle Boards early Wednesday, although most of that evidence vanished from Amazon's website as quickly as it first appeared.

Thankfully, Google has come to the rescue, allowing those cached pages to be called up from the great beyond for further scrutiny ahead of Amazon officially launching the all-you-can-eat ebook subscription service.

Freedom to explore

One such screenshot touts "unlimited access to over 600,000 titles and thousands of audiobooks on any device for just $9.99 a month," which sounds a lot like what competing ebook subscription services Scribd and Oyster already offer. The price in straight conversions comes out to about £6 and AU$11.

For the moment, available Kindle Unlimited content appears to be flush with titles already available through the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, which allows Amazon Prime subscribers who also own one of the company's tablets to "borrow" one ebook free each month.

Conspicuously absent from the test pages, however, are major publishers like Simon & Schuster or HarperCollins, both of whom already offer titles to Amazon's subscription-based competitors.

One web page entitled "KU Test," which is still live at the time of this writing, displays a total of 638,416 available ebook titles, plus another 7,351 Whispersync for Voice-enabled audiobooks, which could offer Amazon a competitive edge over rivals.

  • Check out our review of Amazon's Fire TV while you're here!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Argos to take another stab at tablets with 10.1-inch offering

Argos to take another stab at tablets with 10.1-inch offering

High street retailer, and peddler of the laminated book of dreams, Argos, will make a second attempt on the tablet market this year with a 10.1-inch slate.

Like the ill-fated MyTablet which arrived towards the end of 2013, the new slate will be built by Bush although we were told by an Argos spokesperson at its Christmas in July event that various improvements have been made.

Those improvements include a tougher chassis and updated software - the 10.1-inch MyTablet runs Android 4.4 KitKat.

Two slates incoming

We were told the larger slate will come in around the £130 mark, while a smaller slate is also on the cards and is expected to set you back around £70-£80.

Argos launches its new catalogue on July 25, when more information on the new slates will be available.

Google Project Zero aims to stop the Heartbleed Bug from happening again

Google Project Zero aims to stop the Heartbleed Bug from happening again

Google has a number of ongoing pet projects; from hot air balloons providing internet to driverless cars, the next thing on its agenda seems to be net security.

The search company announced it has put together a crack team of security engineers to help secure the web in a mission it has called Project Zero.

On the company's online security blog, Google explained the team will crackdown on "zero day" vulnerabilities, otherwise known as security loopholes inside services and software that hackers can easily exploit.

One the of the world's most famous and relatively recent zero day vulnerabilities was the Heartbleed bug. Ultimately Google does not want another leave another widespread vulnerability unchecked to affect the entire web world.

Worldwide web watchdogs

Project Zero won't just look out for flaws in Google's websites, services, or Android but the entire web. If the Project Zero crew discovers a vulnerability it promises to contact outside companies and organizations to quickly work with them to fix the issues for users.

"We're not placing any particular bounds on this project and will work to improve the security of any software depended upon by large numbers of people," Chris Evans, head of Chrome security at Google, said in a release.

For an extra element of transparency, Google also plans to document every bug it discovers in a public database once it's fixed. Concerned web browsers can view this bug report to see how long it took programmers to correct the exploit, discussions on the problem and other information making it essentially the Wikipedia of web vulnerabilities.

Google is also looking to hire security researchers who want to join the fight.

It's a headstrong effort by Google to take on the role of web security watchdog that should benefit everyone in the end. Now the question is how many companies will be comfortable working with the internet giant prodding around with their security protocols.

  • The hacking utopia of Watch Dogs is real

Apple and IBM join forces to take over the workplace

Apple and IBM join forces to take over the workplace

Apple and IBM have partnered for a major initiative to bring more iOS devices and solutions to the workplace. And by more, we mean a lot.

The exclusive partnership centers around a new class of business apps that will infuse IBM's data and analytics prowess into the iPhone and iPad, turning Apple's consumer-centric tech into more enterprise-friendly tools, though that's not all.

As part of the deal, IBM will develop more than 100 industry-specific apps developed exclusively for Apple's mobile devices, including native applications.

Furthermore, IBM will provide cloud services optimized for iOS that includes device management, security, analytics and mobile integration, a new AppleCare for Enterprise service and support tailored specifically to enterprise.

IBM also plans to launch new packaged offerings for device activation, supply and management. It will sell iPhones and iPads equipped with industry-specific solutions to its global corporate customers.

Better together

IBM and Apple are historic rivals, but the two are ready to put aside the past and focus on building mobile solutions for big business.

"For the first time ever we're putting IBM's renowned big data analytics at iOS users' fingertips, which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release. "This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver."

In an interview with Re/code, Cook noted that to provide the solutions Apple and IBM can come up with together on its own, Apple would have to start a new division.

"We're good at building a simple experience and in building devices," Cook told the site. "The kind of deep industry expertise you would need to really transform the enterprise isn't in our DNA. But it is in IBM's."

The partnership broadens IBM's MobileFirst initiative into MobileFirst for iOS Solutions. These "made-for-business apps" will focus on retail, healthcare, banking, travel and transportation, telecomm, insurance and more, and are due out beginning this year and into 2015.

The new AppleCare for Enterprise will provide IT departments and end users 24/7 support, while IBM will provide on-site service.

  • Is the MacBook Pro right for your business?

Apple and IBM join forces to take over the workplace

Apple and IBM join forces to take over the workplace

Apple and IBM have partnered for a major initiative to bring more iOS devices and solutions to the workplace. And by more, we mean a lot.

The exclusive partnership centers around a new class of business apps that will infuse IBM's data and analytics prowess into the iPhone and iPad, turning Apple's consumer-centric tech into more enterprise-friendly tools, though that's not all.

As part of the deal, IBM will develop more than 100 industry-specific apps developed exclusively for Apple's mobile devices, including native applications.

Furthermore, IBM will provide cloud services optimized for iOS that includes device management, security, analytics and mobile integration, a new AppleCare for Enterprise service and support tailored specifically to enterprise.

IBM also plans to launch new packaged offerings for device activation, supply and management. It will sell iPhones and iPads equipped with industry-specific solutions to its global corporate customers.

Better together

IBM and Apple are historic rivals, but the two are ready to put aside the past and focus on building mobile solutions for big business.

"For the first time ever we're putting IBM's renowned big data analytics at iOS users' fingertips, which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release. "This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver."

In an interview with Re/code, Cook noted that to provide the solutions Apple and IBM can come up with together on its own, Apple would have to start a new division.

"We're good at building a simple experience and in building devices," Cook told the site. "The kind of deep industry expertise you would need to really transform the enterprise isn't in our DNA. But it is in IBM's."

The partnership broadens IBM's MobileFirst initiative into MobileFirst for iOS Solutions. These "made-for-business apps" will focus on retail, healthcare, banking, travel and transportation, telecomm, insurance and more, and are due out beginning this year and into 2015.

The new AppleCare for Enterprise will provide IT departments and end users 24/7 support, while IBM will provide on-site service.

  • Is the MacBook Pro right for your business?

Surface Mini release date, news and rumors

Surface Mini release date, news and rumors

Does Microsoft have a Surface Mini in the works? If so, it's certainly living up to its name as after all the hype, rumors and guesswork, the company's elusive smaller slate is still nowhere to be found.

That said, we wouldn't bet against one rearing its head soon. According to Microsoft's latest financial report, the company's Surface revenue increased more than 50 per cent during the first quarter of 2014, and it would make sense to build on the Surface Pro 3's momentum with a smaller companion model soon.

But no new Surface is guaranteed success: Microsoft is still sore from writing off $900 million of unmoved Surface RT stock back in 2012, and new CEO Satya Nadella will be keen to avoid repeating Ballmer's missteps.

One area where a Surface Mini could excel that's been central to the product line's appeal is productivity. From the start, all Surface tablets have come with excellent keyboard accessories, a chunk of free OneDrive cloud storage and a free copy of Office Home & 2013, giving any new product a solid base to build on.

Surface Mini
Is the Surface about to get shrunk?

No small task

But let's not get carried away: even with the Surface Pro 3 let loose into the wild, Microsoft still has its work cut out - and then some. A need to diversify the Surface product line to include devices smaller than the 10.6-inch category is still important for the company to remain competitive.

Apple has enjoyed a lengthy head start with its iPad Mini and iPad Mini 2 with Retina tablets, which now run Microsoft's capable Office for iPad suite. Even Microsoft's own hardware partners including Acer, Toshiba and Dell and Lenovo have been putting out 8-inch devices running full-fat Windows 8 for almost a year at a price that by far undercut even the cheapest Surface on the market.

The question is: what areas will Microsoft focus the Surface Mini's strengths? Will it go down the predicted productivity route, or could it throw a curveball by outing a miniature rottweiler of a gaming and entertainment machine?

Surface Mini release date

Microsoft invited guests to a "small gathering" back in May, prompting many to think that the Surface Mini was about to land. It was, in fact, something of a curveball, as the event was used to unveil the Surface Pro 3.

So what happened to it? According to a source that spoke to Neowin, Microsoft pulled the plug at the last minute out of fears that it would not sell, despite having produced between 15,000 and 20,000 units.

Rhoda Alexander, director of IHS Technology's monitor and tablet research, told CNET that she had seen orders of smaller displays (pegged at 7.5 inches) spike in the fall of last year and between March and April this year, totaling well over 100,000.

According to a report by DigiTimes published on June 30, Microsoft called off a plan to mass produce the device because of "fierce competition in the small-size segment, as well as negative responses from its brand vendor clients". That's according to sources from the supply chain side, who told the site that plans to start mass production in May were scrapped, and that the device may not make it to market at all.

Other rumours paint a brighter future for the Surface Mini. A source that spoke to Neowin claims that Microsoft is waiting for a touch-based version of Office (codenamed Gemini) to arrive, which some say is expected to launch later this year. That (sort of) falls in line with a claim by tech tipster @evleaks, which reckons that the device has rolled back onto the production line and will see a summer release.

ZDNet columnist Mary Jo Foley isn't quite so optimistic. Foley predicts that Microsoft's Gemini apps will in fact appear later in Spring 2015, pushing the Surface Mini's release date into next year - should it appear at all.

Suface Mini
A case of mistaken identity?

Update pending?

By the time we see the Surface Mini launch, it may even arrive with Windows 8.2.1, also known as Windows 8.1 Update 2, which would also pitch the device as due to arrive in the fall.

Previously, reports had pegged a suggested date of May 18 for the Surface Mini reveal after an Amazon product listing for a case appeared online. Posted by electronics wholesale Vostrostone (VSTN), the listing, which is still online, says that the case as "Specifically designed cutouts for Microsoft Surface Mini tablet". Whether it's the real deal is yet to be seen, but it certainly sounds convincing.

The Surface Mini was widely expected to land by the end of the 2013 to launch in tandem with the Surface 2, but was pushed back to 2014 due to a combination of business strategy and supply chain issues, according to Neowin.

As picked up by GeekWire, Microsoft has already launched a 7-inch tablet running Windows 8.1. Sort of. As revealed at Computex 2014, Redmond worked hand-in-hand with Intel and Toshiba to co-develop the Encore 7 slate. Toshiba is an early adopter of the new Windows 8.1 with Bing OS, and GeekWire sees the device's release as Microsoft getting a small slate out of its system until the Surface Mini is ready to land.

Possible Google Play Store redesign follows Android L's lead

Possible Google Play Store redesign follows Android L's lead

Google promised to reshape the entire look of its OS with the advent of Android L, bringing the flat, almost paper-like Material Design scheme announced at this year's I/O to each of its properties.

Now, it seems the new look will indeed extend to the Google Play Store, if leaked photos from an Android news site are grounded in reality.

Android Police got ahold of some screenshots showing off a flatter and more streamlined Google Play Store. From the leaked shots we can see the interface has been reconfigured for a simpler look, with fewer frames containing images and text.

Rather than splaying out app information across a device's whole screen, the Material Design rehash looks like it will move everything to a centralized pane.

On smaller smartphone screens, it seems Google also plans to bring a greater focus to apps themselves. From the purported preview, we can see the description has been bumped to a higher position on the page, while moving stars and sharing options to a lower section.

Google, Google Play, Material Design, apps, virtual storefronts, redesigned Google Play Store, apps, Newstrack
The current Google Play Store (credit: Android Police)

Google, Google Play, Material Design, apps, virtual storefronts, redesigned Google Play Store, apps, Newstrack
And the potential redesign (credit: Android Police)

Made for media

Media on Google's virtual store, including movies and music, will supposedly get the biggest overhaul. While looking at films, users should be able to play a trailer attached to the top of the page.

Music albums meanwhile will have their artwork blown up to stand in as the background for the entire page.

Overall it's a much cleaner and more attractive look than the busy webpage aesthetic of the current Play Store.

The new look will match the redesigns the search company made to Google Plus and Drive - just keep in mind these are leaked shots from pre-released software. Anything and everything could change before Google actually pulls back the veil on any of these redesigns.

  • Have you met Android Wear, Google's other new OS?

Surface Mini release date, news and rumors

Surface Mini release date, news and rumors

Does Microsoft have a Surface Mini in the works? If so, it's certainly living up to its name as after all the hype, rumors and guesswork, the company's elusive smaller slate is still nowhere to be found.

That said, we wouldn't bet against one rearing its head soon. According to Microsoft's latest financial report, the company's Surface revenue increased more than 50 per cent during the first quarter of 2014, and it would make sense to build on the Surface Pro 3's momentum with a smaller companion model soon.

But no new Surface is guaranteed success: Microsoft is still sore from writing off $900 million of unmoved Surface RT stock back in 2012, and new CEO Satya Nadella will be keen to avoid repeating Ballmer's missteps.

One area where a Surface Mini could excel that's been central to the product line's appeal is productivity. From the start, all Surface tablets have come with excellent keyboard accessories, a chunk of free OneDrive cloud storage and a free copy of Office Home & 2013, giving any new product a solid base to build on.

Surface Mini
Is the Surface about to get shrunk?

No small task

But let's not get carried away: even with the Surface Pro 3 let loose into the wild, Microsoft still has its work cut out - and then some. A need to diversify the Surface product line to include devices smaller than the 10.6-inch category is still important for the company to remain competitive.

Apple has enjoyed a lengthy head start with its iPad Mini and iPad Mini 2 with Retina tablets, which now run Microsoft's capable Office for iPad suite. Even Microsoft's own hardware partners including Acer, Toshiba and Dell and Lenovo have been putting out 8-inch devices running full-fat Windows 8 for almost a year at a price that by far undercut even the cheapest Surface on the market.

The question is: what areas will Microsoft focus the Surface Mini's strengths? Will it go down the predicted productivity route, or could it throw a curveball by outing a miniature rottweiler of a gaming and entertainment machine?

Surface Mini release date

Microsoft invited guests to a "small gathering" back in May, prompting many to think that the Surface Mini was about to land. It was, in fact, something of a curveball, as the event was used to unveil the Surface Pro 3.

So what happened to it? According to a source that spoke to Neowin, Microsoft pulled the plug at the last minute out of fears that it would not sell, despite having produced between 15,000 and 20,000 units.

Rhoda Alexander, director of IHS Technology's monitor and tablet research, told CNET that she had seen orders of smaller displays (pegged at 7.5 inches) spike in the fall of last year and between March and April this year, totaling well over 100,000.

According to a report by DigiTimes published on June 30, Microsoft called off a plan to mass produce the device because of "fierce competition in the small-size segment, as well as negative responses from its brand vendor clients". That's according to sources from the supply chain side, who told the site that plans to start mass production in May were scrapped, and that the device may not make it to market at all.

Other rumours paint a brighter future for the Surface Mini. A source that spoke to Neowin claims that Microsoft is waiting for a touch-based version of Office (codenamed Gemini) to arrive, which some say is expected to launch later this year. That (sort of) falls in line with a claim by tech tipster @evleaks, which reckons that the device has rolled back onto the production line and will see a summer release.

ZDNet columnist Mary Jo Foley isn't quite so optimistic. Foley predicts that Microsoft's Gemini apps will in fact appear later in Spring 2015, pushing the Surface Mini's release date into next year - should it appear at all.

Suface Mini
A case of mistaken identity?

Update pending?

By the time we see the Surface Mini launch, it may even arrive with Windows 8.2.1, also known as Windows 8.1 Update 2, which would also pitch the device as due to arrive in the fall.

Previously, reports had pegged a suggested date of May 18 for the Surface Mini reveal after an Amazon product listing for a case appeared online. Posted by electronics wholesale Vostrostone (VSTN), the listing, which is still online, says that the case as "Specifically designed cutouts for Microsoft Surface Mini tablet". Whether it's the real deal is yet to be seen, but it certainly sounds convincing.

The Surface Mini was widely expected to land by the end of the 2013 to launch in tandem with the Surface 2, but was pushed back to 2014 due to a combination of business strategy and supply chain issues, according to Neowin.

As picked up by GeekWire, Microsoft has already launched a 7-inch tablet running Windows 8.1. Sort of. As revealed at Computex 2014, Redmond worked hand-in-hand with Intel and Toshiba to co-develop the Encore 7 slate. Toshiba is an early adopter of the new Windows 8.1 with Bing OS, and GeekWire sees the device's release as Microsoft getting a small slate out of its system until the Surface Mini is ready to land.

Possible Google Play Store redesign follows Android L's lead

Possible Google Play Store redesign follows Android L's lead

Google promised to reshape the entire look of its OS with the advent of Android L, bringing the flat, almost paper-like Material Design scheme announced at this year's I/O to each of its properties.

Now, it seems the new look will indeed extend to the Google Play Store, if leaked photos from an Android news site are grounded in reality.

Android Police got ahold of some screenshots showing off a flatter and more streamlined Google Play Store. From the leaked shots we can see the interface has been reconfigured for a simpler look, with fewer frames containing images and text.

Rather than splaying out app information across a device's whole screen, the Material Design rehash looks like it will move everything to a centralized pane.

On smaller smartphone screens, it seems Google also plans to bring a greater focus to apps themselves. From the purported preview, we can see the description has been bumped to a higher position on the page, while moving stars and sharing options to a lower section.

Google, Google Play, Material Design, apps, virtual storefronts, redesigned Google Play Store, apps, Newstrack
The current Google Play Store (credit: Android Police)

Google, Google Play, Material Design, apps, virtual storefronts, redesigned Google Play Store, apps, Newstrack
And the potential redesign (credit: Android Police)

Made for media

Media on Google's virtual store, including movies and music, will supposedly get the biggest overhaul. While looking at films, users should be able to play a trailer attached to the top of the page.

Music albums meanwhile will have their artwork blown up to stand in as the background for the entire page.

Overall it's a much cleaner and more attractive look than the busy webpage aesthetic of the current Play Store.

The new look will match the redesigns the search company made to Google Plus and Drive - just keep in mind these are leaked shots from pre-released software. Anything and everything could change before Google actually pulls back the veil on any of these redesigns.

  • Have you met Android Wear, Google's other new OS?

Nvidia's Shield follow-up may be a serious Steam Machine rival

Nvidia's Shield follow-up may be a serious Steam Machine rival

Nvidia is preparing to launch a new gaming device.

According to the BBC, that device will be an Nvidia Shield follow-up with a different form factor - and it might focus on the living room.

Like the Shield, this new Nvidia device will be able to stream Windows games from a PC (one with a newer Nvidia GPU that can support the Nvidia GeForce Experience, at least) and play PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+QW5kcm9pZCA8L2E+games natively.

But unlike the narrow-marketed Shield, this gadget may focus more on rivaling the upcoming wave of Steam Machines, with a controller sold separately rather than built-in.

Form confusion

The new device is said to have an HDMI outport, though, granted, the original Shield did as well.

At this point, only the BBC knows exactly what form the new Nvidia gaming device might ultimately take.

The report never comes out and says it, but it seems the gadget in question might be one and the same with the rumored Nvidia Shield tablet that keeps popping up.

For one thing the BBC says it the device can "also stream PC games" to a television screen via thanks to the outport, implying it has its own screen. What's more, the report also says that Nvidia may intend the Shield follow-up to serve as an example for other companies making smartphones and tablets.

Tegra K1 in the house

Naturally this mysterious Nvidia gaming device is also said to be packing the company's flagship Tegra K1 chip, another similarity it has with the rumored Shield tablet.

A Nvidia spokesperson declined to confirm with the BBC exactly what the company is working on, but did share that Nvidia has an "awesome new gaming product that is launching soon."

With at least some Steam Machines delayed until 2015, Nvidia might be able to get a head start with whatever this new gaming device turns out to be.

For now, unfortunately, all the rest of us can do is sit back and watch the living room PC wars continue to play out.

  • What makes Steam Machines tick? Why SteamOS, of course

Microsoft outs super-cheap Windows laptops to take on Chromebooks

Microsoft outs super-cheap Windows laptops to take on Chromebooks

Microsoft is looking to take back the affordable laptop market from the clutches of Google's Chromebooks.

Microsoft COO Kevin Turner revealed that HP is planning to release a $199 (about £116, AU$211) Windows laptop at the company's annual Worldwide Partner Conference going on right now in Washington, D.C. Supposedly called the "Stream," the laptop could be released in time for the holidays.

The Microsoft exec also revealed HP's plan to release the Stream in 7- and 8-inch form factors (i.e. tablets) that will run a version of Windows for $99 (about £57, AU$105) around the same time.

Against Chromebooks

Turner didn't detail any further specifications on the budget Windows machines, but he did make some pointed remarks at Chromebooks.

"We are going to participate at the low-end," Turner said. "We've got a great value proposition against Chromebooks, we are not ceding the market to anyone."

At these super affordable price points the Stream would come at a bargain, beating out many of Google's affordable cloud-powered laptops like the Dell Chromebook 11 and Toshiba Chromebook.

Bargains all around

Microsoft, Windows, Acer Aspire ES1, HP Stream, Toshiba 11.6, Chromebooks, laptops, Newstrack
Meet Microsoft's next affordable offerings

On top of outing the existence of the Stream, Turner also detailed two $249 (about £145, AU$265) laptop options from Acer and Toshiba.

First is the 15.6-inch Acer Aspire ES1 equipped with a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor. Storage-wise the affordable notebook will also come with a 500GB HDD and 4G of RAM.

Toshiba, meanwhile, will have a smaller 11.6-inch offering that weighs just 2.4 pounds. The unsurprisingly named Toshiba 11.6 will also hit shelves this holiday season featuring a slightly cramped 32GB SSD - which could be dangerously small considering the amount of space Windows 8.1 takes.

Microsoft also marketed Windows as a better option at the event, noting a few features it does better than Chromebooks. Specifically, the Redmond company stressed Windows is better at running desktop applications, working offline, and sending files directly to a printer.

Microsoft is taking the affordable market fight directly to Chromebooks, and it will be interesting to see if these Celeron-powered, budget machines become popular just as Netbooks did so many years ago.

  • Here are the best Chromebooks on the market

Via The Verge

Monday, July 14, 2014

Microsoft outs super-cheap Windows laptops to take on Chromebooks

Microsoft outs super-cheap Windows laptops to take on Chromebooks

Microsoft is looking to take back the affordable laptop market from the clutches of Google's Chromebooks.

Microsoft COO Kevin Turner revealed that HP is planning to release a $199 (about £116, AU$211) Windows laptop at the company's annual Worldwide Partner Conference going on right now in Washington, D.C. Supposedly called the "Stream," the laptop could be released in time for the holidays.

The Microsoft exec also revealed HP's plan to release the Stream in 7- and 8-inch form factors (i.e. tablets) that will run a version of Windows for $99 (about £57, AU$105) around the same time.

Against Chromebooks

Turner didn't detail any further specifications on the budget Windows machines, but he did make some pointed remarks at Chromebooks.

"We are going to participate at the low-end," Turner said. "We've got a great value proposition against Chromebooks, we are not ceding the market to anyone."

At these super affordable price points the Stream would come at a bargain, beating out many of Google's affordable cloud-powered laptops like the Dell Chromebook 11 and Toshiba Chromebook.

Bargains all around

Microsoft, Windows, Acer Aspire ES1, HP Stream, Toshiba 11.6, Chromebooks, laptops, Newstrack
Meet Microsoft's next affordable offerings

On top of outing the existence of the Stream, Turner also detailed two $249 (about £145, AU$265) laptop options from Acer and Toshiba.

First is the 15.6-inch Acer Aspire ES1 equipped with a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor. Storage-wise the affordable notebook will also come with a 500GB HDD and 4G of RAM.

Toshiba, meanwhile, will have a smaller 11.6-inch offering that weighs just 2.4 pounds. The unsurprisingly named Toshiba 11.6 will also hit shelves this holiday season featuring a slightly cramped 32GB SSD - which could be dangerously small considering the amount of space Windows 8.1 takes.

Microsoft also marketed Windows as a better option at the event, noting a few features it does better than Chromebooks. Specifically, the Redmond company stressed Windows is better at running desktop applications, working offline, and sending files directly to a printer.

Microsoft is taking the affordable market fight directly to Chromebooks, and it will be interesting to see if these Celeron-powered, budget machines become popular just as Netbooks did so many years ago.

  • Here are the best Chromebooks on the market

Via The Verge

Future iPhones, iPads and MacBooks could run for weeks thanks to fuel cells

Future iPhones, iPads and MacBooks could run for weeks thanks to fuel cells

Gadgets of the future might run for weeks without needing to be charged, and Apple might help usher in that future with upcoming iPhones, iPads and laptops.

British company Intelligent Energy announced recently it had acquired a set of patents in partnership with an "international electronics company," and "senior sources in the US" told the Daily Mail that the company is in fact Apple.

The two companies are working together and hope to put fuel cells that can keep electronics charged for days or even weeks at a time in laptops and mobile devices "within in a few years," the report says.

According to the Mail, Intelligent Energy's fuel cells are both green and highly efficient, a welcome combo for users looking for long-lasting and environmentally friendly gadgets.

Friendly neighbors

There's more evidence for this partnership than just the hearsay of some anonymous sources, though.

Apparently Intelligent Energy's Chief Operating Officer Joe O'Sullivan used to be an Apple exec, and the energy company recently opened an office in San Jose, Calif., a short drive from Apple's Cupertino headquarters.

Intelligent Energy already supplies tech to companies including Suzuki and Boeing, but the pipe dream of fuel cell-powered consumer electronics has yet to be realized.

Apple was talking about putting fuel cells in MacBooks as early as 2011, though, so it's about time that idea came to fruition.

  • Read TechRadar's latest MacBook Air review!

Future iPhones, iPads and MacBooks could run for weeks thanks to fuel cells

Future iPhones, iPads and MacBooks could run for weeks thanks to fuel cells

Gadgets of the future might run for weeks without needing to be charged, and Apple might help usher in that future with upcoming iPhones, iPads and laptops.

British company Intelligent Energy announced recently it had acquired a set of patents in partnership with an "international electronics company," and "senior sources in the US" told the Daily Mail that the company is in fact Apple.

The two companies are working together and hope to put fuel cells that can keep electronics charged for days or even weeks at a time in laptops and mobile devices "within in a few years," the report says.

According to the Mail, Intelligent Energy's fuel cells are both green and highly efficient, a welcome combo for users looking for long-lasting and environmentally friendly gadgets.

Friendly neighbors

There's more evidence for this partnership than just the hearsay of some anonymous sources, though.

Apparently Intelligent Energy's Chief Operating Officer Joe O'Sullivan used to be an Apple exec, and the energy company recently opened an office in San Jose, Calif., a short drive from Apple's Cupertino headquarters.

Intelligent Energy already supplies tech to companies including Suzuki and Boeing, but the pipe dream of fuel cell-powered consumer electronics has yet to be realized.

Apple was talking about putting fuel cells in MacBooks as early as 2011, though, so it's about time that idea came to fruition.

  • Read TechRadar's latest MacBook Air review!

Sunday, July 13, 2014

CES 2015: what we want to see

CES 2015: what we want to see

The email came a few days ago.

"Register today for the 2015 International CES," it read. Your first reaction is "not again" as memories of long hours, furious typing, and thousands of people crushing to see the latest and greatest devices flood to the surface.

But the initial wave of dread quickly gives way to a flutter of excitement, a tingling in the fingertips and a pump of adrenaline. This the big dance. The event tech lovers live for. The chance to see what's coming next, even if it's years down the road from reaching consumers.

The ramifications of CES 2014 are still being felt in everything from TVs to processors to wearables. CES 2015 promises to be an even bigger show, full of the innovative, the inspiring and the impossible.

We've put together a list of what we we want to see at CES 2015, so read on for our hopes and best guesses for the show. And don't forget to let us know what you're pining for come January, too.

1. TV innovation beyond the bend and curve

We get it. You can bend and curve (see here and here) a TV. Big whoop. How about revealing some television innovation that truly improves our viewing experience?

CES 2014 was all about the curved TV screen for big guns Samsung and LG - who could make it bigger, thinner and curvier without folding? The problem was, was there even a problem for these concave couch curlers to solve?

As Dan Grabham asked in his CES hands on review of the 105-inch curved Ultra HD TV from LG, "do we really need curved TVs?"

The answer, from looking at the market, is no. Yes, there was an awe factor when unveiling these futurist devices in front of ravenous consumer-tech crowds, but when the lights faded and everyone went home, we weren't buying these sets.

LG Curved TVs
Now what?

Instead of trying to lure us in with more bends and curves, we want Samsung, LG and others to announce more 4K content and a viable system to deliver it to consumers at CES 2015. We know it's not the sexiest subject, especially since we've already seen 4K-and-beyond TVs, but why not give us stuff to actually watch on the growing field of ultra high-res screens?

There's currently no reason for the average person to buy a pricey 4K TV because there simply isn't that much 4K content to watch on them. If Samsung, LG, et al can come up with the content and fast, reliable ways to get it to consumers, we may leave Las Vegas truly impressed and excited for the living room screen's future.

  • The TV that impressed us most at CES 2014 wasn't curved

2. More than just more tablets from Samsung

Director Michael Bay's meltdown was the most memorable moment of Samsung's CES 2014 press conference. Unfortunately for the Galaxy tablets also wheeled out during the presser, they were upstaged. Hard.

Samsung has unveiled even more tablets since CES, leading us to plea, "Enough!" We're heading into the pre-CES months hoping Samsung can cook up a mobile device (yes, just one) that will hold its own next to celebrity implosions and smart laundry machines.

The Korean firm intrigued with its Youm flexible phone screens during CES 2013 - perhaps it will be ready to unveil a consumer-ready foldable phone or tablet during 2015's dance? With LG revealing roll-up displays (destined for TVs, to be sure), Samsung may be feeling the heat to bring a bendy phone/tablet to market.

Youm screen
Will Youm find its 'om' during CES 2015?

3. Steam Machine pricing and availability

No doubt the people's favorite at CES 2014 was Valve and its army of Steam Machine partners, not to mention the Steam Controller.

Valve hasn't kept quiet; since January, the company held a developer conference, showed off its VR headset and, in not so good news, announced Steam Machines won't arrive in consumer homes until 2015. It's the last point we want addressed at CES.

While at least one non-Valve Steam Box - the Alienware Alpha - should be out this year, we want the release date and price questions resolved for everyone else. In other words, we want CES 2015 to be brimming with Steam Machine news, including word of a truly affordable one.

Aside from Alienware, the rest of the pack, led by Valve, should get its act together by CES 2015. Of course, anyone familiar with Gabe Newell's crew knows speed is not their calling card, so while we can hope, we won't hold our breath.

4. LG and Huawei deliver standout smartphones

It's a long shot to think LG will actually unveil a smartphone during CES as it hasn't the last two years and typically saves such unveilings for MWC. Nevertheless, this is a list of what we want to see, right?

Along with Huawei, LG could use CES to gain massive exposure with a knockout smartphone. The LG G3 isn't chopped liver, but perhaps LG could put its foldable display tech to work bending like a Cirque du Soleil performer?

As for Huawei, the Chinese firm is trying mightily to break into the US market. What better way to re-re-introduce itself to US buyers than with a carrier-backed, affordable and better-than-average phone announced in Sin City? Hell, trot out AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega or, better yet, T-Mobile CEO John Legere to say a few words. Even better, bring them both onstage and see what happens.

John Legere
How fun would that be?

We digress, but the point is CES has become stagnant on the smartphone announcement front. We'd love to see LG and Huawei liven up the proceedings with a phone that makes us drool.

Shooting for the future: the hidden challenge of the World Cup final

Shooting for the future: the hidden challenge of the World Cup final

Today one of the most famous stadia in the world – the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – hosts the biggest game in football, the World Cup final.

This significance of this event isn't just about the action that's on the pitch; from the secrecy of past lurking beneath the surface to landmark advances in technology attached, this game has a huge significance that many won't even notice.

From the comfort of your sofa, it seems like any other match, with a few cameras beaming pictures into your lounge in a very similar way to the weekly sporting action.

4K World Cup
Either this is a test or he just got here REALLY early

But in reality it's a huge endeavour which requires hundreds of staff working just to show you 22 sweaty men sprinting around a patch of grass.

"[Broadcasting the World Cup final] is different to a run of the mill football match, because there we're only servicing one customer, maybe two if it's split," said Jeff Coleman, technology manager for Host Broadcast Services (HBS), which provides the TV pictures to the world.

"Here we're servicing the whole planet, and we've got the world's broadcasters here in the compound and at the International Broadcast Centre."

4K World Cup
An innocent-looking server which provides broadcasters worldwide with pictures

Most will take the main feed from HBS, connecting into a huge buzzing server to get pictures from dozens of cameras and a helicopter – 40 cameras in all, which this year will include Ultra HD (4K) recording for the first time too, all to bring the World Cup final from the iconic Maracana to millions of global eyeballs.

The past supporting the future

This historic stadium looks like many others, a cathedral of plastic seating and clean walkways befitting a modern football ground. But underneath this façade live the old terraces, once home the largest attendance for a single football match: the 1950 World Cup final, when Brazil last hosted the tournament.

4K World Cup
The macabre Maracana - cables strewn over the old terraces

These hallowed platforms are being used for this year's final too: they provide the ground over which hundreds of metres of cabling is run below the current stands (stumbled upon by engineers one day who realised the logistical potential of the space), playing a vital role in helping run one of the most complex broadcasting events.

It feels sad to such an historic part of work football reduced to being a cable dumping ground – but at the same time there's a sense of continuity that such an iconic part of the old stadium (which couldn't have been used on health and safety grounds) is still being used in some capacity to entertain millions across the globe.

The Cup in numbers

When walking around the Maracana, even when empty save for a few engineers strolling around, there's an overwhelming sense of the enormous job ahead of this crucial game, one that simply cannot be subject to power outages or other catastrophes.

The commentator you hear will be surrounded by 149 doing the same thing in a special media zone, each with power leads, internet connection, lamps and monitors to allow them to beam across the globe.

4K World Cup
If you're listening to commentary, this is where it will come from

But problems do arise – for instance, there was a fire in one of the centres in a warm up game – so how do broadcasters cope?

"Nobody noticed [that we had a fire]," said Coleman. "We always have a plan B so that if something catastrophic happens I can get pictures to the world.

"For instance, we have an incorruptible power supply; we've got four generators running but even if three fail we've got enough power to service what we need.

"In fact we only need one camera at the minimum. As long as we've got one, with audio and commentary, you wouldn't really know the difference."

The key is in the redundancy, with backup cameras on the main platforms surrounded by backup cables, making sure there's always something being beamed out from the match.

"Seriously, if we lose one camera out of 40 it would be tough to see it's gone," said Coleman.

But there's an extra challenge here: one where the next generation of TV viewing is being experimentedon, and doing so at one of the most critical sporting events in the world presents its own challenges too, so we took a look to see how that can fit into this well-oiled machine.