u>LAPTOPS made by HP and Compaq over the past few years affected warns consumer watchdog.
Certain laptops could be a fire risk due to overheating batteries
Thousands of laptops across the UK could pose a fire risk to users due to unsafe batteries, a leading watchdog has warned.
Which? has revealed that some HP and Compaq laptops pose a danger to consumers due to overheating batteries which could potentially cause a fire.
The watchdog says that the ProBook, Envy, Presario, and Pavilion Notebook brands are among those affected, and is advising users to stop using their laptops immediately.
The HP Pavilion 17 is among the affected models
Laptops bought between March 2013 and August 2015 are at risk, with HP already confirming that some devices sold during this time have 'the potential to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to customers'.
Which? says that users can find out whether their laptop is affected by checking the bar code on the battery itself. This can then be compared to a list of affected models online, with customers then able to contact HP for a replacement battery.
In the meantime, HP says that users can continue to use your laptop without the battery installed, simply by connecting the laptop to the mains instead.
The warning comes as gadget fans were advised the cost of charging their devices could be far less expensive than expected.
A new service from GoCompare.com found that it costs on average 0.3p to fill up a smartphone – that's less than half a pence per charge.
That means keeping your smartphone topped up every day of the week will set you back 2.1p or £10 for the full calendar year.
Meanwhile a tablet costs 0.5p per refill and a laptop costs 1.95p each time it goes from flat to full.
Abolishing European roaming charges was scheduled for next year - but that could be in doubt following the UK's exit from the EU
Mobile phone users elsewhere in Europe are looking forward to the complete removal of roaming charges across the continent in June 2017.
But now Britain has voted to leave the EU , it is unclear whether British people travelling to the continent will enjoy the same benefit.
Speaking to the BBC before the referendum, minister for the digital economy Ed Vaizey said: "roughly a million Brits stay the night in Europe every day, and they spend around £350m a year on roaming charges,"
"So by realising these changes, we're going to save British consumers millions of pounds a year."
Ed Vaizey MP has spoken of the benefits of scrapping European roaming charges
Roaming charges are imposed when a mobile phone connects to an operator based abroad. The roaming fees are paid on top of your existing call charges.
On April 30 this year, existing roaming charges were reduced, with fees for outgoing and incoming calls, data and texts capped.
The tables below shows you the limits that mobile operators currently have to adhere to.
The limits are based on Euro figures excluding VAT, so the cost in Sterling is subject to changes in both exchange rates and VAT rates.
Maximum charges in EU from April 30th, 2016 until June 15th, 2017
Limit in € ex VAT
Limit in £ inc VAT
Call mins sent/received
€0.05/€0.05
£0.05
Texts sent
€0.02
£0.02
MB of data
€0.05
£0.05
The controls imposed by the EU on mobile phone operators were introduced under an EU regulation and are not incorporated into UK law.
Using your phone abroad might become more expensive - or it might not
The existing reduction in roaming charges remains in place following the vote on Thursday, but in the future things may change.
"They might stay, or they might not stay," Mr Vaizey said before the vote.
Now the UK has decided to exit, the European Union's controls on roaming charges will presumably, at some point, cease to apply.
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com said: "Mobile users may be concerned that roaming protections put in place by the European Commission may now be undone but whether roaming rates will rise again is a question for the networks.
"We hope that pricing remains consistent for consumers, so they can continue to use their mobile with confidence wherever they travel to in the EU."
When asked this morning about the future of the fees, a government spokesman said that: "Nothing will change overnight as a result of this decision."
They also sought to reassure travellers, saying that the government was "committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the British people now that decision has been made."
What do the networks say?
Some mobile phone operators we contacted emphasised that the high level of uncertainty prevents them from predicting the future of roaming charges in Europe.
Speaking for Vodafone, Jane Frapwell said: "The political and economic consequences of the UK's withdrawal from the EU are for others to consider now that the UK electorate has reached its decision."
"In terms of the implications for Vodafone, each of our country businesses operates as a standalone entity able to adapt to a wide range of local conditions."
"It’s far too early to comment on specifics but, as we said before the referendum, we remain committed to supporting our UK customers regardless of the outcome, now and in the future."
This was echoed by a spokesperson for O2: "We can’t predict what may happen in the future. We will continue to offer competitive prices to our customers who use their mobile device when they travel overseas."
A BT spokesperson provides some hope for British consumers, they said the EE network has "no plans to change our pricing as a result of the EU referendum , including our roaming charges."
So, for the most part it appears to be a "wait and see" approach as to whether or not it's going to cost you more to use your phone abroad.
OnePlus is giving 30 users the chance to receive its next phone before its June 14 release date
OnePlus
Tech enthusiasts are used to getting their hands on gadgets as soon as they're released. Now, OnePlus is going a step further by giving fans the chance to review its OnePlus 3 a month before it goes on sale.
In a project titled 'The Lab', 30 users will receive the phone before its rumoured June 14 release date to "put the new flagship to the test".
At the time of writing, more than 9,000 people have applied to test the phone.
OnePlus said it is an attempt to "give a voice" to fans who "use OnePlus products on a daily basis".
"We're enlisting the help of the community to provide fair, honest, crowd-sourced feedback on the OnePlus 3", the company wrote.
Specifications for the phone, rumoured to be released in mid-June, have already been revealed, suggesting the OnePlus 3 will weigh 160g, with a 5.5-inch, 1080 x 1920 pixels touchscreen display. The phone is also reported as having a 16MP camera, with geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama and an HD mode.
OnePlus is no stranger to exclusivity – a previous model, the OnePlus 2, was met with a huge waiting list and a pre-reserve list of more than 1.6 million people.
"The reason we created an invite-only system is because we want to control the risks the best we can, to control production, quality, quantity," CEO Pete Lau told WIRED in August 2015.
"It's not like normal marketing - if you have a good product, you'll want to introduce it to a friend. So the OnePlus 2 is like a product based on friends saying, 'Come on, that's good, go buy it.' This approach throws tradition away."
Anyone can apply to test the phone, with an application process involving a 500-word essay on "why you believe you should review the phone".
With such a close release date, the experiment is likely to be a PR effort rather than a genuine attempt to crowdsource opinion and improve the product, although OnePlus said all reviews will be published in full.
If you want a chance to review the phone, you can apply here
Microsoft needs to fix battery life, screen and app issues if Windows 10 tablets are to successfully compete on the same footing as Android or the iPad
Tablets like the Samsung TabPro S have the potential to be solid iPad rivals, but Windows 10’s lack of apps, control and poor handling of great screens are holding them back
If you’re after a tablet in 2016 you broadly speaking have three choices: Android, Apple’s iPad or Microsoft’s Windows 10 tablets.
While the first two are mobile born and bred, spawned from smartphone operating systems, Windows 10 comes from the other side of computing - the traditional desktop.
So-called two-in-one PCs, which are half tablet, half laptop, with the ability to transform in some fashion between the two, are about the only sector of PCs and tablets that’s growing. They seem like the perfect combination between a tablet and a computer without having to buy two devices.
Manufacturers such as Microsoft, Samsung and Huawei have are starting to make hardware that’s up to scratch with the best of Google and Apple. The Samsung TabPro S , which triggered this article, is a well built, snappy and attractive tablet. As a PC it is a great thin and light laptop replacement, but while Microsoft has made huge leaps with Windows 10’s look and feel there are still some big things holding its tablets back.
Some problems Microsoft can and should do something about, others aren’t that easy to fix.
The app gap
The Windows Store appears to be a second-class citizen in the eyes of developers. What third-party apps are there aren’t updated.
People talk about the “app gap” between Android and iOS – there are more tablet-specific apps for Apple’s iPad than there are for Android tablets – but Windows 10 is miles behind both of them.
I’m not talking about the sheer number of apps. Having the right apps available is much better than having many shoddy ones. I’m also not talking about the availability of Windows desktop apps, which is Microsoft’s ace in the hole compared to machines running Android or iOS.
It is the third-party apps that make using a tablet fun and enjoyable that Windows 10 lacks. The classic example is video consumption apps. Netflix is available in the Windows Store, as is All 4 and Demand 5, which is good, but the BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub and Amazon Prime video are not. To access those services you’re forced back into the browser and a desktop-like experience.
The same hit-and-miss selection extends to almost all other app areas. There’s a Facebook app, but no Instagram one, a Kindle app, but no ComiXology or Marvel Unlimited. When it comes to music apps you’re forced to use Windows desktop apps from Spotify, iTunes and others in the browser.
When there are apps they aren’t updated in line with apps on other platforms - for example the Twitter app still hasn’t gotten built-in Giphy support.
And while desktop apps are great when using a Windows device as a laptop, they’re just not a good experience on a touchscreen tablet.
Blurry mess
The desktop app situation is made worse by Microsoft’s poor handling of high-resolution screens. Five years ago a high resolution display provided increased screen real estate by making everything tiny. Today the density of screens has increased so that text, images and icons look pin-sharp, not microscopic in size.
Windows Store apps scale fine with crisp text on the good-looking screens tablets such as the Samsung TabPro S have. But Windows desktop apps often look like blurry mess, simply magnified without increasing the pixel density. It’s a very poor experience, particularly on a tablet. It makes me actively avoid using desktop Windows apps, but it’s almost impossible to exclude them all in favour of Windows Store apps because of the app gap.
Battery death
A day’s working battery from the TabPro S is great, but standby battery life can be woeful. You end up seeing this screen a lot, even with Windows 10’s ‘battery saver’ feature enabled.
Apps and resolutions aside, the real big flaw for Windows 10 tablets is battery life. I’m not talking about active use battery life - I got a full day of work without plugging in the TabPro S - but standby time.
When you hit the power button to put an iPad or Android tablet running Marshmallow to sleep you can be sure when you come back a day later that it’ll still have charge. Time and time again I’ve put Windows 10 tablets to sleep over night only to find them dead by the morning.
Microsoft’s built-in battery saver mode helps, but Windows 10 needs much tighter control over the power state of the device when asleep, particularly when users expect an instant-on response when coming back to their tablets.
Both Android and iOS excel here. The iPad Pro lasts a week on standby, as does Google’s Pixel C. I’m lucky if I managed to get a day of standby out of the TabPro S , which has one of the longest battery lives of any Windows 10 tablet I have tested.
The tablet market is waning, 2-in-1s are rising and with them the use of Windows 10 on tablets. Microsoft has an excellent opportunity to claim back some share of the mobile market, but it needs to work hard to crush the problems and narrow the app gap. Windows 10 tablets could be amazing, and while the hardware is getting there, the software isn’t right now.
There is speculation that the Taiwanese company that makes much of Apple’s metal casing would lose out
Imagination supplies the graphics technology for the iPhone
Apple is gearing up to make an iPhone made almost entirely out of glass, according to one of its biggest suppliers.
The company will look to differentiate itself by dropping the metal that it is currently constructed out of, according to the firm that makes much of that same metal.
Many rumours have suggested that the phone set to be released later this year – likely the iPhone 7 – will appear mostly similar to the existing 6 and 6s. But in 2017, the company is expected to completely re-design the phone, bringing in new screen technologies and an entirely new look.
That rumour had led to some speculation among local suppliers that the Taiwanese company that makes much of Apple’s metal casing would lose business to the ones that make its glass screen covers. But Allen Horng, CEO of Catcher Technology, said that the company will still be able to supply products to some of the phones – while apparently confirming that Apple will bring in the glass design.
“As far as I know, only one [iPhone] model will adopt glass casing next year,” Mr Horng said after the annual shareholder meeting on Thursday. “I don't think this move will have an impact on Catcher's revenue as glass casing still needs a durable metal frame which requires advanced processing technology and would not be cheaper than the current model.”
Google Chrome to stop backspace being a ‘back’ button
Google Chrome is finally going to stop people from accidentally deleting everything they’ve been doing.
A future version of the app will stop the backspace button from also functioning as a “back” button, helping avoid people accidentally pressing it and so destroying everything they’ve done on that site.
The feature has already been rolled out in some experimental versions of the app, and has upset some users. Developers have said that the feature is only being partly enabled for now, in case there is “sufficient outcry” and it needs to be rolled back.
Future Macs to be unlocked with fingerprint sensor
People will very soon be able to unlock their computer remotely.
Upcoming versions of Mac OS X will be able to tell when a person’s phone is near the computer and then use its TouchID fingerprint sensor to unlock it, according to MacRumors.
That update could be announced in June, at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. It’s likely to be a part of the new version of Mac OS X, called 10.12, which will be made available to the public in the autumn.
Facebook home page could be split apart
Facebook is testing potentially the biggest change to its news feed since it launched.
The site is planning to split the feeds up into separate topics, according to screenshots that seem to show versions of the new look being tested.
Some users are already seeing their news feed divided up into categories. Those can include topics like TV and movies, music or travel.
People who have the new feeds are instructed to add different subtopics into those particular feeds. So if a person has a “TV & Movies” feed, for instance, they’ll be given the option to tick all of the films they like and Facebook will show stories and posts that are about those topics.
FLAGSHIP MacBook Pro laptop looks set to feature better screen, fingerprint sensor and new touch technology.
REFRESH: Apple's MacBook Pro looks set to get a major upgrade
Apple’s MacBook Pro range hasn’t had a refresh in over a year, but that looks set to change.
Rumours are suggesting Apple’s flagship laptop is going to get an exciting overhaul in the coming months with a new design and plenty of bonus features.
According to a report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, Apple fans will see a number of new additions on the next MacBook Pro.
These include a thinner, lighter design and a Touch ID fingerprint scanner for better security.
NEW: Apple recently updated its MacBook range of laptops
But that’s not all as the new MacBook Pro may also feature an OLED display touch bar which will replace the function keys at the top of the keyboard.
Like the current range the Pro will land on laps with a 13 and 15-inch display and could also feature USB-C ports similar to those found on the new MacBook.
Kuo says these are the "most significant upgrade ever undertaken by Apple" and are planned for the fourth quarter of 2016.
Apple is also likely to unveil its new software features at its yearly developers conference next month.
WWDC opens its doors on June 13th with a big announcement for its mobile platform also expected.
Do tablets and smartphones make us dumber rather than smarter?
Smartphones and iPads really do shorten attention spans, a new study warned.
The multi-media devices are changing how the human brain works - making it harder for us to fully understand information.
Reading screens on tablets and phones makes users focus on a few concrete details rather than the big picture.
Seeing the bigger picture is important because it involves flexible reasoning, creativity, judgement and logical problem solving.
The findings presented at a conference for human-computer interaction serve as a wake-up call to how digital media is harming our ability to use abstract thought.
Classrooms are increasingly becoming digital as work is done on computers rather than in notebooks.
The study found more than 300 participants recruited for four tests performed better at comprehension and problem solving when they read information on print-outs rather than digital platforms.
Professor Geoff Kaufman, of Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, said: "There has been a great deal of research on how digital platforms might be affecting attention, distractibility and mindfulness and these studies build on this work by focusing on a relatively understudied construct.
"Given psychologists have shown construal levels can vastly impact outcomes such as self-esteem and goal pursuit it's crucial to recognise the role digitisation of information might be having on this important aspect of cognition."
Scientists said the human brain processes written information better than that on a screen
Construal levels are the fundamental amount of concreteness versus abstractness people use in perceiving and interpreting behaviours, events and other informational stimuli.
The researchers wanted to know if processing the same information on a digital versus non-digital platform would affect this.
Reading material and other content was published using the same print size and format in both versions with volunteers aged 20 to 24 years.
Participants were asked to do a series of tasks including filling in a form, reading a short story and comparing different car models - either on paper or on a computer screen.
Those given print-outs paper were much better at understanding the whole material while those using computers remembered particular details.
In a comprehension test about a short story those who had read it in print fared far better in questions about the story's inferences and broader narrative while those who had read the digital document retained more information about minor details.
When evaluating the specifications of four fictional cars, 66% of those who had read the comparison on paper could correctly say which was the best model, against 43% of those who had read it on a computer.
For the abstract questions participants using the non-digital platform scored higher on average with 66% correct as compared to those using the digital platform - 48%
On the concrete questions participants using the digital platform scored better with 73 per cent correct as compared to 58 per cent correct.
The study on digital versus non-digital platforms was prompted by earlier research which revealed players of the digital version of the public health strategy game "POX: Save the People" were more inclined to respond with localised solutions rather than looking at the big picture.
Professor Mary Flanagan, of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, said: "Compared to the widespread acceptance of digital devices as evidenced by millions of apps, ubiquitous smartphones and the distribution of iPads in schools, surprisingly few studies exist about how digital tools affect our understanding - our cognition.
"Knowing the affordances of digital technologies can help us design better software.
"Sometimes it's beneficial to foster abstract thinking and as we know more we can design to overcome the tendencies - or deficits - inherent in digital devices."
The research is being presented at the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) CHI (Computer-Human Intyeraction) '16 conference in San Jose in California.
NEW: The Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 is the latest 2-in-1 computer to be unveiled
Microsoft could have a challenger to its Surface Pro range of tablets.
The US tech firm has witnessed huge success in this growing market and now Acer wants a piece of the action.
The Taiwanese company has just unveiled its latest 2-in-1 tablet/laptop called the Switch Alpha 12.
Featuring a 12-inch touch display and detachable keyboard this new device will bring a versatile Windows 10 experience to users.
The new Switch Alpha 12 is also the industry’s first fanless 2-in-1 notebook to use a 6th Generation Intel CoreTM i7, Core i5 or Core i3 processor.
VERSATILE: The new Switch Alpha features a removable keyboard
LAPTOP: The kickstand which can be adjusted to any angle up to 165 degrees
Other features include an anodised aluminium chassis, 8-hour battery life and kickstand which can be adjusted to any angle up to 165 degrees.
Unlike many other tech firms, Acer is throwing in the full-sized qwerty keyboard as part of the main price.
Microsoft and Apple both charge extra if you want to turn their tablets into fully functioning laptops.
The Switch Alpha 12 will arrive in the UK this summer.
Prices in the US and Europe have been revealed with it costing $599 and in €699 respectively.
UK prices are yet to be announced but expect to pay around £550 for this latest gadget.
Acer has also just unveiled its latest gaming PC and it comes with a unique accessory – its very own custom made suitcase.
The Predator G1 is the ultimate PC for gamers and supports a full size NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, 6th Generation Intel Core processors and up to 64GB DDR4 memory for supremely smooth gameplay.
POWER: The new Predator G1 Desktop comes with its own suitcase
Acer has just unveiled its latest gaming PC and it comes with a unique accessory – its very own custom made suitcase.
If you're lucky enough to be one of the first 1,000 people to order this power-packed PC, you'll get the limited edition case thrown in for free.
And the reason why you need a suitcase for a desktop PC?
Acer says it's all down to the fact this mega machine is fully VR ready and you're bound to want to take it on its travels to show off this new form of virtual gaming to friends and family.
To make this PC the ultimate for gamers, the Predator G1 supports a full size NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, 6th Generation Intel Core processors and up to 64GB DDR4 memory for supremely smooth gameplay.
POWER: The Acer Predator G1 is the ultimate gaming PC
The Predator G1 also offers massive storage, including up to a 4TB hard disk drive or a 512GB solid state drive, while a USB 3.1 Type-C Gen. 2 port adds huge expandability and fast data transfer.
And all this power has been squeezed into a compact 16-litre body making this one of the smallest desktops on the market.
Speaking about the new PC Frank Soqui, general manager, Desktop Enthusiast Group, Intel Corp, said: “The growing popularity of eSports coupled with the new compute intensive usage models like 4K gaming, game streaming and Virtual Reality put PCs right at the heart of the gaming revolution.
"The 6th gen Intel Core based Acer Predator gaming systems will provide the enthusiasts and mainstream gamers the compute horsepower for the most immersive gaming experience,”
IN A SHELL: The Predator has its own suitcase
NEW: Aspire Switch Alpha 12 features a detachable keyboard
Acer also announced a host of other products at a major event in New York with the firm showing off a new longer-lasting smartphone, laptops and super-powerful gaming laptop.
Tablet fans will also be pleased to know that a new 2-in-1 device is on its way in the coming months.
The new Aspire Switch Alpha 12 features a detachable keyboard similar to Microsoft's Surface Pro 4.
This Windows 10 powered machine also features fanless design and has a 6th Generation Intel CoreTM i7 processor.
If you've been dreaming of a newly updated MacBook family, all glistening with newly milled metal and amazing new features, then prepare to be slightly crestfallen.
Apple, ever the tease, has given its daintiest laptops – the MacBook and MacBook Air – a minor specification bump.
In a game of spot the difference, you'd need a keen eye to spot what's changed in the new, improved Apple MacBook.
In fact, you'd need X-ray vision as the big difference is that the MacBook's processors have now been upgraded to the latest Skylake generation of Intel's Core M processors.
To round off the upgrade, Apple has bumped up the RAM speeds to 1,866MHz and given the PCI Express flash storage a speed boost, too.
The arrival of a new CPU is more exciting than it sounds.
At the time of their release, Intel was claiming between 10 and 20% performance increases for the Skylake generation of Core M, and around a 40% improvement to graphics performance thanks to the Intel HD Graphics 515 GPU.
Apple Macbook in Pink
Given that Intel announced the updated Skylake Core M family in 2015, however, there's every chance that Apple has gone straight to the refreshed version of Skylake – codenamed Kaby Lake – for its latest MacBook generation.
As Kaby Lake makes various tweaks to the processor architecture, it's likely to provide further performance improvements across the board.
Roses are gold
If all this sounds outrageously dull and boring, then fear not for there is a much, much more exciting development in MacBook world: it is now available in Rose Gold. Yes, finally you can buy a MacBook that matches your iPhone and iPad. Jobs be praised.
Not to be left out, the 13in MacBook Air also gets a little upgrade – 8GB of RAM is now supplied as standard.
If you're tempted to rush out and buy a new MacBook right now, then you'll just have to wait patiently. Apple's UK site hasn't yet been updated to reflect the latest changes.
Mark 13 June in your calendars. That’s the first day of Apple’s 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, when the company is expected to reveal the latest version of iOS, a bump to the Apple TV, and maybe even a renamed release of OS X – or “MacOS”, as it hinted at last week.
The event was announced, bizarrely, through Siri, which started giving out a more precise answer to the question “when is WWDC?” than previously. Until Monday evening, the digital assistant had answered with “WWDC is not yet announced”, but now it correctly says that “the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be held June 13 through June 17 in San Francisco. I can’t wait!”
Although WWDC is more developer-focused than most other Apple events, it usually involves the first look at major software updates coming later in the year. If past events are any indication, this June will see the launch of iOS 10, as well as updates to WatchOS and tvOS (the software that runs the Apple TV).
It will also be the first chance for developers (and Mac users) to find out information about the next version of OS X. If the naming convention stays the same, it will be OS X 10.12, but rumours abound that Apple will rename the operating system MacOS and launch “MacOS 12” in the autumn.
New hardware occasionally makes a showing as well, with most aspects of the company’s Mac lineup needing a speed-bump or other minor refresh.
MacBook
But one thing that definitely won’t be updated in June is the new MacBook – because the company just released new versions on Tuesday. The device, notorious for having just a headphone jack and one multi-purpose USB-C port for everything else, received a speed bump to its processor, faster memory and a new graphics system.
It also gets a fourth colour: pink. Or “rose gold”, if you speak Apple. The two price-points for the machine stay the same, at £1,049 for the slower version with 256GB storage and £1,399 for the faster version with 512GB storage.
Well they’ve just a little bit fancier – after Apple unveiled its newest MacBook laptop – with new processors, but most importantly a rose-gold finish.
Rose-gold being the technical term of course, because to us it’s a glorious shade of PINK!
And it’s a brilliant first step into a brave, new, colourful world for MacBook’s.
But that’s not all – as the new MacBook also boasts sixth-gen Intel Core M processors, as well as an apparent 10 hour battery and a USB-C port for data transfer and charging.
A thing of dreams (Picture: Apple)
And while we can only expect the beautiful things to sell like hotcakes, they’re currently available – with prices starting at £1,049 for an entry-level model for 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage.
Alternatively, a model with Intel’s 1.2 GHz dual core m5 processor with 8GB of memory will set you back £1,299.
In short, it’s an entirely fabulous benchmark in Apple’s history, and we can’t get our hands on one soon enough.
However, if pink isn’t your colour then there’s an equally great gold option, too.
It's been a year since Apple unleashed their ultra-thin MacBook on the world.
Now the US tech firm has given their thinest and lightest laptop an overhaul with improved specs and added colour.
Apple says their latest MacBook now includes a better Intel Core M processor, improved graphics performance, faster flash storage and an additional hour of battery life.
And for some added bling there's also a new Rose Gold colour scheme to choose from.
UPDATE: The latest MacBook now includes a better Intel Core M processor
The MacBook is Apple's first laptop to include a single USB-C port which can charge the computer and also transfer data and video output.
And the MacBook has no moving parts or vents, which makes it entirely fanless for silent, efficient performance.
Alongside the new MacBook Apple has also refreshed its 13-inch MacBook Air range which now includes 8GB of memory standard.
RANGE: The new MacBook comes in Rose Gold
The new MacBook is available through Apple Stores tomorrow with prices starting at a rather hefty £1,049.
Speaking about the update Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing said: "MacBook is the thinnest and lightest Mac we have ever made and it’s our vision for the future of the notebook.
"Customers are going to love this update to MacBook, with the latest processors, faster graphics, faster flash storage, longer battery life and a beautiful rose gold finish."
Apple has also announced the date of its yearly WWDC developers conference.
The major event kicks off on June 13th and will include major software updates for all of its products.
This is Apple's 27th WWDC which brings the developer community together to learn about the future of Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS.
The company has been gradually making its full colour scheme available across its products – and now the MacBook as well as the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch now comes in the characteristic rose gold finish
Apple has updated its MacBook line to make it faster, more efficient – and pink.
The company has revealed a range of new updates to its 12-inch, super-thin MacBooks.
The new computers come with improved graphics performance, faster flash storage and an extra hour of battery, according to Apple. It keeps the same design, making it still the thinnest and lightest of Apple's laptops.
But perhaps the most notable update to the computer was to give it the rose gold, or pink, finish that has been seen in Apple's iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches before. The computer could already be bought in a normal gold as well as space grey or silver finish – but now Apple has unified the colour options across most of its flagship units.
Apple released the 12-inch MacBook last year, and it sits between the older MacBook Air and the bigger MacBook Pro.
“MacBook is the thinnest and lightest Mac we have ever made and it’s our vision for the future of the notebook,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s marketing head, in a statement. “Customers are going to love this update to MacBook, with the latest processors, faster graphics, faster flash storage, longer battery life and a beautiful rose gold finish.”
Some had thought that Apple could update the laptops at its Worldwide Developers Conference, in June, but it announced the new computer just hours after the date of that event was confirmed. Apple might still update other laptops in its line at the event, however.
Microsoft is no longer just a boring software company.
The US tech giant been producing its own hardware for a while and has had great success with its Surface range of tablets.
Now the firm is adding to its range of hardware with the launch of its very first laptop.
The all-new Surface Book is Microsoft’s first attempt at a dedicated portable computer and with a super fast processor, long battery life and detachable screen it’s certainly got plenty going for it.
Sadly, like many of Microsoft’s early products the Surface Book has its problems and they might be enough to put you off buying one.
Here’s our full review.
Surface Book review
SCREEN
Hit the on button and the one thing that instantly stands out is the Surface Book's display.
This 13.5 inch PixelSense beauty is one of the best screens we’ve seen on a laptop and is truly sensational.
Microsoft has packed a stunning 3000 x 2000 pixels into the display – that works out at an unbelievable 267pixels-per-inch.
Surface Book Review
For comparison, Apple’s 13 inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display packs 227pixels per inch, and Google’s new ChromeBook Pixel has 239pixels per inch.
The Surface Book’s display looks phenomenal and is bright, pin-sharp with great viewing angles.
It also has a very neat trick up its sleeve which will leave Apple fans weeping into their keyboards.
The Surface Book’s screen detaches at a tap of button turning laptop into a high powered tablet.
It’s a massive bonus and this feature gives the Surface Book an edge of most of its rivals.
Although we love the concept it's worth noting that the tablet only has a three hour battery life once removed from the keyboard.
MIGHTY: Microsoft has packed a stunning 3000 x 2000 pixels into the display
DESIGN
On first impressions the design of the Surface Book is impressive.
Its industrial style oozes class and the laptop feels solid and very well made.
However, there are some niggles with the design and this is where the Surface Book gets irritating.
Unfortunately, the ability to swap between a tablet and a fully-featured laptop does result in a device with a few compromises.
To make this party trick work, the Surface Book includes what the firm calls a Dynamic Fulcrum hinge – and it's not pretty.
Perhaps the worst part of this eye-catching hinge is small gap it leaves between the display and the keyboard when the laptop lid is shut.
This means the Surface Book never completely seals and, although it's not a deal breaker it just looks odd.
Surface Book Review
MIND THE GAP: The Dynamic Fulcrum hinge leaves a little to be desired
The hinge also doesn’t hold the display with quite enough strength and tapping the touchscreen returns a frustrating wobble and bounce from Microsoft’s stellar screen.
There's also another issue with the design and it's all down to what's been packed inside the screen.
Because the display has to function as tablet, it has all sorts of gadgetry inside and that makes it heavy.
Unfortunately this means the device has a habit of toppling over when it’s resting on your lap. And that’s not great for a laptop.
The weight distribution also means you’ll struggle to open the Surface Book one handed and, if you're used to using an Apple MacBook, you'll instantly realise how often you fling open the screen with one finger.
Finally at 1.57kg this thing is heavy and you'll certainly notice it when it's popped inside your bag.
Surface Book review
PERFORMANCE
The Surface Book comes in numerous styles and Daily Star Online was lucky enough to test the top-end machine.
This ships with an Intel Core i7 processor and it will easily cope with everything you throw at it.
Sadly, during our tests the Surface Book crashed on a number occasions with the screen instantly turning darker than a winters night.
Microsoft are fixing these bugs with regular updates but it did make us lose trust in this very expensive machine.
On a more positive note Microsoft has done a stellar job on the chiclet keyboard
The keyboard is quiet when you type, phenomenally accurate and is an absoulte joy to use.
STUNNING:The 13.5 inch PixelSense beauty is one of the best screens we’ve seen on a laptop
TABLET: With the screen removed you've got the ultimate tablet
BATTERY
Microsoft boasts a 13-hour battery life and we certainly found no issues with running low on juice.
This laptop will easily see you through a long-haul flight and still have power left in the tank.
It’s a shame that the screen only has three hours of battery once removed from the keyboard but it’s not a deal breaker.
In all, the Surface Book has impressed us with what it can achieve on a single charge and its battery life is as good as its premium rivals.
EXTRAS: The Surface Book features Microsoft's Pen
EXTRAS
For your cash you not only get a laptop that transforms into a tablet but also a screen that turns into a notepad.
Like the Surface Pro, Microsoft's new tablet comes with a Surface Pen which allows you doodle on the display.
It’s a nice bonus and the pen now sticks firmly to the side of the screen with some very strong magnets.
Other features include a two full-size USB 3.0 ports and there's a 5 megapixel front-facing camera and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and 1080p HD video recording.
As well as taking pictures these cameras are used to recognise your face and log you in, so there’s no need for passwords.
This facial recognition feature is excellent and even works when the lights are low.
Finally, the Surface Book includes front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby audio.
PRICE
If you were hoping to treat yourself to a Surface Book be prepared for an almighty shock.
The starting price for this new laptop is £1,299 and this rises to a staggering £2,249 for the top of the range model.
Even Apple’s MacBook Pro starts at a lower price and we can’t help thinking this is simply too much for a laptop.
VERDICT
Microsoft's new laptop is a mixed bag.
There's plenty to like about this computer and, with its fast processor, long battery life and stunning detachable screen, it should be must-have gadget.
But sadly there's just too many niggles to make this the ultimate laptop.
The Surface Book is too heavy, too unstable on your lap and just way too expensive.
The fact it crashed so many times during our test is also a major worry, although Microsoft says it is sorting the software issues.
However, this is Microsoft’s first attempt at a laptop and it's certain to get better.
And when it does this computer will have the competition very afraid.
If you're desperate to own the Surface Book you will enjoy using it, but we've got a feeling the Surface Book 2 will definitley be worth waiting for.
Like any other industry, tech has its seasons. There are regular times of year when shiny new things arrive to replace those that have lost their lustre. Apple, for example, pretty much always releases new iPads and iPhones at certain times, and the same is true of Google with its Nexus range, and Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphones. TVs tend to be launched all at the same time, but it's different with laptops.
For the wily shopper, knowing when the latest gear is about to make an appearance can make the difference between paying over the odds for outdated tech, or picking up a bargain on the recently replaced model. Here we'll explain the best time of year to buy a smartphone, tablet, or other tech
Best time of year to buy a smartphone
One of the most eagerly anticipated purchases for most people have is a new phone. Such is the dominion these pocket PCs have over our lives that crowds will line the streets just to be one of the first to lay hands on a newly unveiled creation. We think this is a bit silly, as the internet means we can order (even pre-order) one from the comfort of our own homes without the need to queue up for hours or days.
When to buy an iPhone
Apple is a pretty easy company to predict. Its release schedule is established now, with only the odd variation appearing from time to time. For the past few years the latest iPhone model has made its debut around the third week of September. To see how consistent these release dates are we’ve listed them below.
iPhone 5 - released on Friday 21 September 2012
iPhone 5S - released on Friday 20 September 2013
iPhone 5C - released on Friday 20 September 2013
iPhone 6 - released on Friday 19 September 2014
iPhone 6S - released on Saturday 19 September 2015
It’s no great feat of prognostication then to suggest that the upcoming iPhone 7 could well be flying off the shelves on or aroung Friday 24 September 2016.
Getting a cheap iPhone is a far harder challenge as Apple keeps close control over pricing. Mobile carriers are more likely to offer deals on the previous year’s model after the new one is announced, so if you can hold onto your current model until the autumn then you’ll be in a better position to barter.
One exception to this established pattern is the recent release of the new 4-inch iPhone SE, which was announced on 21 March 2016 and will be available as soon as stocks can be allocated to the stores. It's priced aggresively, in iPhone terms anyway, with a starting point of £359 for the 16GB version and going up to £439 for the 64GB model. As the phone is brand new, and essentially features the internals of an iPhone 6S, we'd say now is the time to buy if you're after a smaller slice of the Apple. Fans of the larger sized models can rest assured that September will hold something for them.
When to buy Samsung Galaxy phones
The main rival to Apple’s phenomenally successful iPhone is most definitely the Galaxy S range. These flagship Android devices feature brilliant cameras, large screens, and top tier components, all of which has resulted in a passionate fan base.
As with most other companies in the tech industry, Samsung has a yearly routine that sees upgrades to previous handsets. The recent pattern sees the flagship devices announced at the Mobile World Congress trade show that takes place in Barcelona each February, with the handsets going on sale a month or so later. To illustrate the frequency we’ve listed the dates of the last few models.
Galaxy S5 released on 11 April 2014
Galaxy S6 released on 10 April 2015
Galaxy S6 Edge released on 10 April 2015
Galaxy S7 released on 11 March 2016
Galaxy S7 Edge released on 11 March 2016
With the latest handset having just been released you can buy one now knowing you’ll have the very latest technology at your disposal. Of course if you want to save a few pounds then we’d advise waiting a couple of months for demand to die down and prices to start reducing. Alternatively you could pick up an S6, which is still an excellent smartphone and bound to be available on some enticing deals.
Google Nexus phones
Another popular range is Google’s Nexus. These handsets feature pure Android straight from Google itself, and often boast very affordable prices when compared with Samsung and Apple alternatives. As a general rule new Nexus devices tend to emerge around October/November, so keep your wallet ready for the pre-Christmas rush.
Other brands
There are now so many manufacturers of mobile phones that it can be hard to keep up with them all. The best marker for release dates though comes down to the aforementioned Mobile World Congress. This trade show tends to be where major announcements are made by a wide range of smartphone companies, and new model releases usually follow in the months afterwards. Be sure to watch the coverage on our site, such as the MWC Round-up, and keep checking our Release date features, such as this one for the LG G5, so you’ll know exactly when the device you’re after is due to arrive.
Best time of year to buy a tablet
When you should buy a tablet is a little less defined than that of a smartphone. As customers are usually on a two year contract with phones, it makes sense that new models are released every year to ensure that those whose contracts are maturing will upgrade to the latest model and stay with the same platform. Tablets are more akin to laptops, in that most people hold onto them longer and only really replace them when they get damaged, become too slow to be useful any more, or simply fancy something new.
With this in mind it makes sense to decide on your budget for a tablet and then look out for any deals that come up. Black Friday is of course one to watch out for, but there are often discounts to be found online if you’re willing to put in the time to search for them. Check manufacturers’ sites as you can sometimes find promotions of older stock being sold off when new models appear. We'd recommend checking Amazon, Currys PC World and eBuyer for tablet deals.
As with phones you’ll want to follow the trade show coverage of CES (January), Mobile World Congress (February) and IFA (September), because these are where the new models are usually announced. Take a look at our round-up of the most anticipated phones of 2016 for more.
Best time of year to buy a TV
Upgrading a television usually isn’t something you’ll do very often. Until recently the average consumer would keep a TV for around five to seven years before replacing it. That figure has come down somewhat, but it’s still a fair gap for most of us. This flaccid nature is reflected in the marketplace, as manufacturers release new models in a sporadic fashion and with names that make them pretty much indistinguishable from their predecessors, or robots in badly written 1970s sci-fi novels.
This means that there isn’t really a best time to buy one, as the rate of change is so slow you’re bound to get something decent whenever you decide to take the plunge. For bargains you could look out for the Black Friday (November), or post Christmas sales as TVs often feature. If you intend to go to brave the physical stores to grab the Black Friday bargain yourself we recommend brushing up on your combat skills, as it can all turn pretty nasty. Old women and their hat pins are fierce opponents when only wounded.
We'd recommend checking Currys and Argos for TV deals, and visit our Best TV deals for more.
best time of year to buy a TV
Best time of year to buy a laptop
Much like tablets, the upgrade cycle for laptops in indistinct. One time of year that they do become a point of interest though is around the end of summer as students heading off to university stock up on new machines to take them through their educational adventures. This means that there are often deals available in August as the back to school promotions kick in. Look to large retailers such as Currys PC World, John Lewis, and Amazon where you’re likely to find price reductions.
It’s also worth keeping abreast of when new models come out, especially for higher end products such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Dell XPS 13, as the older incumbents can often be snapped up on good deals if you’re quick.
Apple will be introducing new products to the public on Monday, and industry followers suggest one of these could be the rumored MacBook Pro 2016. Speculations further hint that the new laptop could have Skylake chips as well as come in a gold variant.
Skylake processors are Intel's sixth-generation chips currently powering products from Apple competitors HP, Dell, and Microsoft. In a sense, Apple can be seen as lagging behind, but this might all change if rumors are true. A report from MacWorld says Intel's Skylake chips are "likely" to be integrated to the new MacBooks. Doing so will not only keep Apple in stride with its rivals but also provide users with a significant boost in performance and graphics.
In addition to making the MacBook a faster machine, Skylake processors, working with Apple's El Capitan OS, can improve the device's efficiency and battery life. The current Retina MacBook Pro models provide up to 8 to 10 hours of battery life, while the MacBook Air provides up to 9 to 12 hours.
The Skylake rumor has been around since early this year. In January, a couple of benchmarks even surfaced but those have been categorized as "likely false." A separate report also claims the MacBook Pro 2016 could likely use Intel's 14-nm Core M chip or possibly the upcoming A10X chip instead of Skylake. Nothing's certain and all of these are considered rumors at this point.
Moving to the MacBook Pro 2016's design, it's not expected to have any major change. However, a new report says the new laptop could release a gold model, possibly days or weeks after the March 21 event. Apple introduced gold color options for the iPhone and iPad in the past years so it's a possibility but still a rumor at the moment.
Apple has already sent invites for its "Let Us Loop You In" event at Cupertino on Monday. The company is expected to remove the wraps off a 4-inch iPhone SE and new bands for its Apple Watch. Pundits say there's a slim chance new MacBooks would be unveiled at the event. Fans and followers will have to find out on March 21.
(Apple)The 15-inch version of the current Apple MacBook Pro Retina, as shown here. The MacBook Pro 2016 is said to come with a detachable keyboard, which would make it as a hybrid tablet/laptop. It is also said that it might either see a March or June release.
Good news!
Apple will be upgrading its two MacBook Pro Models. Details about the update might be revealed at the company's March 21 launch event as new MacBook Pro 2016 models might possibly be released with improved internal features.
There are currently two 2015 models of the device on the market which are the 13-inch and the 15-inch model. According to recent reports, there is a great chance that the tech giant would issue 2016 models of the said devices in their upcoming event. Along with iPad Air 3 and the iPhone SE, users could also expect for new models of MacBook Pro.
However, the company has been very secretive about the details of the event. It has not yet revealed the new devices that will be unveiled. Still, experts are hoping for more surprises from the American company.
In terms of the specifications of the MacBook Pro 2016 models, rumors say that the devices might feature sixth generation Intel Skylake processors which means that they will be faster than the previous versions. The gadgets are also said to include El Capitan operating system in order for the battery life to be more efficient. The company is targeting for longer battery life for the user to do extra tasks, as reported by Macworld.
MacBook Pro 2016 models might have solar powered feature since Apple has been focusing on solar-related equipment. Also, the Retina screens will be upgraded so that the models can support 4K resolution.
Users could expect for touch screen feature and USB-C ports. The 15-inch Retina model can be upgraded to a 2.8 GHz quad-core i7 processor which has 1 TB of storage space. The non-entry level of the device will have a Radeon R9 M370X GPU addition so that the heavy graphics can choose higher-end model for better experience.
YOUR old PC can be brought back to life as fast new Chromebook.
UPGRADE: Here's a simple way to turn your old laptop into something new
If you've got an old PC gathering dust under your stairs there's a neat new way to revive it.
Many older machines begin to show the strain when a new operating system is launched, but this doesn't mean it's the end of the road for your computer.
A US company is aiming to breath new life into these ageing machines by converting them into Chromebooks.
NeverWare has teamed up with Google to offer of a version of CloudReady, an operating system that turns almost any existing PC or Mac into a fully functional Chromebook.
CloudReady is free to download and even allows users to run both Windows and Google's operating systems on one computer.
TRANSFORMED: Old machines can be revived into a Chromebook
Even if your old PC is creaking when running Windows 10 it's probably more powerful than a new Chromebook and should run Google's OS with ease.
The free offering has been certified on nearly 200 computer models and can be used on hundreds of others.
Both versions include automatic updates and simple installation from a USB thumb drive and it offers complete and secure integration with Google Apps and other Google services.
Speaking about the software Neverware CEO Jonathan Hefter said: "We're very excited to be able to offer a free version of CloudReady,
"This will allow users around the world to have free access to the simplicity and speed of Chromebooks, using the computers they already have."
You can check if your old PC is compatible here, now all you have to do is remember where you left the charger.
