Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom official with 10x zoom, Android 4.2

Samsung officially announced its latest cameraphone running Android and it's called the Galaxy S4 Zoom. It's basically a hybrid between the Galaxy S4 mini and the Galaxy Camera, combining solid smartphone functionality with the versatility of a zoom lens and a proper flash.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom built around a 4.3" Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 960x540 pixels and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection. Under the hood the smartphone sports a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM. The hybrid has a footprint similar to the Galaxy S4 mini, but is notably thicker at 125.5x63.5x15.4 mm.

It's also notably heavier at 208g, but that was to be expected given the much larger camera module and the proper grip.

The key selling point of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom though, is its camera, which has 16MP sensor, a 10x zoom and a xenon flash. It's capable of 10x optical zoom, which is less than the 21x zoom of the Galaxy Camera, but has nicely sounding 24mm wide lens, which we believe is more important.

   Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom official photos

The Galaxy S4 Zoom is capable of 1080p video recording @ 30fps (and 720p@60fps) and on paper sounds to be a promising snapper. The smartphone runs Android 4.2.2 with Samsung's TouchWiz coating on top.

   
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom official photos

The battery has 2330mAh, so it should be able to take you through a day of smartphone usage and calls even if you do more than the occasional photo.

Since we had the chance to play with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom, we bring you a few live photos of the device.

 
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

The internal memory is 8GB, expandable by up to 64GB via the hot-swappable microSD card slot. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and A-GPS. The Samsung S4 Zoom will be able to make phone calls and supports 3G with HSPA and even LTE connectivity.

Official HTC Tiara photo leaks ahead of announcement

The official image of the upcoming Windows Phone 8 smartphone, the HTC Tiara has leaked. The design of the HTC Tiara is quite similar to the HTC One SV and the specifications of the device lies between that of HTC Windows Phone 8S and the HTC Windows Phone 8X.

The HTC Tiara is rumored to sport a 4.3-inch Super LCD2 display of WVGA resolution and will be powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor along with 1 GB of RAM. HTC Tiara also features an 8 megapixel rear camera, 1.6 megapixel front shooter and 8GB internal memory.

HTC Tiara will run on Windows Phone 8 OS and the juice for the smartphone will be provided by a 1,800mAh battery. Unfortunately, there is no official word on the release date of the HTC Taira, but the smartphone is rumored to be launched by the end of the month.

Not all iOS 7 features will be coming to older iDevices

iOS 7 brings a plethora of new upgrades and improvements, and is by Apple's own admission the largest update since the introduction of the operating system. It introduced many features like camera filters, AirDrop cloud sharing, as well as updates to Siri and the new iTunes Radio.

Unfortunately, not all Apple devices will be getting the latest and greatest from Apple, and many of the older iDevices that are getting it, won't be getting the full set of features.

To help you quickly identify what you'll be getting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod, we've got a handy table that lets you see everything at a glance.

		Updated Siri	iTunes Radio	AirDrop	Panorama	Square photos	Camera filters	Photo filters
	iPhone 4		•			•		•
	iPhone 4S	•	•		•	•		•
	iPhone 5	•	•	•	•	•	•	•
	iPod touch 5G	•	•	•	•	•	•	•
	iPad 2		•
	iPad 3	•	•			•		•
	iPad 4	•	•	•		•	•	•
	iPad mini	•	•	•		•		•

As you can see, the iPad 2 has the fewest supported features, only getting iTunes Radio, while the iPhone 4 gets that plus square photos and filters. It seems that 4S owners will have to do without AirDrop and camera filters, and none of the iPads will be supporting Panorama shooting modes.

For a comprehensive look at what else is updated in iOS 7, check out this post.

iOS 7 announced: new look, Siri, multitasking, toggles and more

Apple just updated both its platforms – we already saw the new Mac OS X, now it's time for iOS 7. It brings a ton of usability improvements, many of which we've found missing in iOS for quite a while now.

New look and more capable multitasking

iOS 7 brings a brand new look for the operating system with flatter icons and UI elements. All system icons are redesigned around a standardized grid to unify the look. It also brings animated wallpapers (not quite live wallpapers) and there's a dynamic parallax effect between the icons and the wallpaper as you turn and tilt your phone.

  
New lockscreen and app drawer

A much bigger change is a revamped multitasking system that allows apps to update much more often, while not wasting battery. To do that, iOS 7 keeps track when you use a specific app (all day, just in the morning and the evening) and lets the app update during that period. It also uses "opportunistic updates" – when you wake the device, it's going to use power anyway so iOS lets any available app update run in the background. It also keeps track of signal quality and if it's good, it updates multiple apps at once (since the radio is powered on anyway).

 
The new face of multitasking

Smarter Siri, better notifications, toggles

Yet another big update is the new Siri. It got a polished new interface and it goes after Google Now with card-based UI and new services to provide answers to your questions (Twitter, Wikipedia and Bing, take that Google). It can also control your iDevice (increase brightness, turn on Bluetooth) and it offers a new, more life-like voice (both female and male) for English, French and German.

   
Siri has a new voice, can answer more questions and do more things

There's more! The notification center has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide info about today's goings on (birthdays, weather, upcoming events from the calendar, stocks and even some info for tomorrow). Notification center also show up on the lockscreen. Also, once you dismiss a notification, it goes away on the other devices too so you don't have to see the same notification multiple times.

  
New notification area

There are toggles too! You get to those by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. This launches something called Control center. You get controls for the screen brightness and the music player, the new AirDrop feature, and AirPlay along with some app shortcuts, including a flashlight toggle.

 
Toggles, brightness and music player controls, app shortcuts

New camera and gallery with automatic tagging

The camera got revamped too, it now features four modes – regular stills and video, square photos with color effects (hi, Instagram) and panorama.

   
The new camera has four modes - stills, video, squares and panoramas

The Photos app has been redesigned and now sort your photos based on where and when you took them - automatically putting a meaningful title to the collections. Zooming out shows new auto-generated albums for multi-day trips and zooming out even further groups the photos in years.

 
Photos automatically get tagged with location info like street name

Updates to Safari and App Store

The Safari browser for iOS was updated with a new 3D UI for switching tabs (looks kinda like the one Chrome for Android has) and you're no longer limited to only 8 tabs. The browser now features a single smart search filed rather than having two fields - one for URL typing and another one for initiating Google searches.

   
Safari with unlimited tabs, reading list, share links and Keychain

Safari will also show what tabs are open on your other devices and features the just announced iCloud Keychain integration, meaning it would be sync your passwords and credit card info with your Mac. The Reading list and Shared links features of the desktop Safari are available here too.

A cool new feature lets you swipe from the sides of the screen to go back and forth through your browsing history.

The App Store got tweaked too – it now automatically updates apps (hi, Play Store) and suggest apps based on your location (just like Windows Phone).

 
Location-based app recommendations

There's more: audio-only Facetime, AirDrop, iTunes Radio, Weather

Phew, we're already out of breath here but the Apple team isn’t done yet – Facetime got an audio only option, which is basically VoIP calling.

There's AirDrop, which is Apple's answer to NFC (they even made a joke about not having to bump your phones together). It's a streamlined and centralized interface for sharing stuff with other people, who our close by. It uses a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection for that.

Finally, the Music player has been revamped as well and now it offers a new service, called iTunes Radio – an ad-supported streaming music service for free (launching in the US). This one is also available on Macs, PCs and even Apple TV.

   
The new iTunes Radio

There's also a cool new weather app that shows the weather in multiple cities with beautiful animations, a detailed forecast for today and tomorrow and the weather for the next five days. You can check the weather of one location or all of them at once.

 
The weather app is based on Yahoo!

iOS 7 is available for the iPhone in beta today. In the Fall, iOS 7 will be available on iPhone 4 and later, iPod touch 5th gen, iPad mini and iPad 2 and later.

Get your hands on the beta version of iOS 7 now

The latest build of Apples popular mobile operating system, iOS 7, is now available for download throughApple's developer portal. Naturally, you need a developer's account to get access to it.

In case you missed it, Apple announced iOS 7 yesterday at WWDC 2013. The new build includes a complete UI overhaul, a new control center, updated multitasking and Siri personal assistant capabilities, and more.

Announced also is the latest build of Apple's Macintosh operating system, v10.9 - codenamed Mavericks, which you can also find in beta form at the developer portal.

The beta builds of iOS 7 and OS X 10.9 Mavericks should hopefully keep you busy until fall, when both are expected to get full releases.

Microsoft at E3 2013: all the latest news

Microsoft kept good on its promise to deliver games and more games during its E3 2013 keynote June 10.

While we got a glimpse of the next Halo coming out in 2014 and titles like Forza 5, Microsoft was in a generous mood as it bestowed pricing for the Xbox One in both the U.S. and U.K., plus a release month of November. We, as most consumers do, definitely appreciate the details.

There's more to come from Microsoft and the Xbox One as the week progresses, but read on to find out what's going on with the company so far:

Xbox One gamepad vs Xbox 360 gamepad

To the untrained eye, the Xbox One gamepad doesn't seem like a vast improvement over its predecessor. However, that's not the case.

In fact, there are more than 40 enhancements to the new gamepad, including updated buttons, tweaks and dimensions. But don't let us spoil the surprise for you.

Read on to see our side-by-side comparison of the two gamepads.

Accessories, anyone?

After the Xbox One press conference wrapped, Microsoft announced a few special packages and accessories destined for to make the next-gen console a pleasure to play.

Most notable among the offerings is a pair of headsets specifically designed for the Xbox One, vital as only Turtle Beach and Polk have signed on to offer head gear so far.

• Read more about the accessories coming to the Xbox One

Xbox One release date and price

It doesn't get much simpler than that: The Xbox One will be $499 in the United States, £429 in the United Kingdom. No word yet on pricing in the rest of world. The system will be released in November of this year.

This is a bit of a change from the Xbox 360's pricing. That system had a core version that was $299 and £209.99, while the premium model was $399 and £279.99. There was no indication that Microsoft plans to have multiple versions of this new Xbox One system.

New Xbox One Smartglass and Smart Match

Well ... not really, but it this new feature introduced during Microsoft's press conference will exert more control the Xbox One.

With Smartglass, you can play an Xbox One game on your tablet, view leaderboards, and stack achievements.

What's more, Smart Match lets you set up multiplayer games with other gamers, while you continue to play your single player game.

Learn more about Xbox's the new Smartglass feature.

Hail to the chief once more with Halo for Xbox One

The Master Chief will return in another Halo game for the Xbox One. We knew Microsoft wouldn't be able to resist trotting out its flagship sci-fi shooter franchise at its E3 press conference.

It took its time, showing a video of a lone figure moving through a desert landscape. Once his tattered cloak blew back, that signature green helmet elicited cheers from the crowd. Interestingly, only the name Halo was presented, not Halo 5. Are Microsoft and game developer 343 Industries going with that stripped moniker for this new entry? Or is it all just part of a long tease? We'll just have to wait to find out.

He couldn't stay out of the spotlight for long

Microsoft piles on the Xbox One exclusives

Microsoft knows that games sell systems, so its been going back to back with new titles for the upcoming Xbox One. Metal Gear Solid V, Sunset Overdrive, Minecraft: Xbox One Edition, Forza 5 and more have all been revealed here at E3 2013.

And that's not all. The PC smash World of Tanks is on its way, and Microsoft promised as many as 13 exclusive new titles for the Xbox One.

Redesigned Xbox 360 is already here

The Xbox One isn't the only one getting lots of love at Microsoft's E3 2013 press conference, today it revealed an updated version of the Xbox 360. This redesigned version of its hit console sports a sleek look reminiscent of the upcoming Xbox One.

That's not all, Microsoft also announced that Xbox Live Gold subscribers would get free game downloads each month. The Softies made sure to remind the crowd that lots of great titles are still on the way before the next generation begins. We've got GTA V, a new Splinter Cell and more to look forward to.

The company later revealed estimated retail pricing for the new 'tude console: $199.99 (about UK£129, AU$211) for 4GB, $299.99 (about UK£192, AU$316) for 250GB and $299.99 (about UK£192, AU$316) for the 4GB Kinect bundle.

This generation isn't done yet

The calm before the storm

We're in line for the Microsoft conference, waiting to see what's in store for the Xbox One. We've heard a lot about its media features, online connectivity, Kinect voice recognition software and Call of Duty: Ghosts, bit surely Microsoft has saved the best for its show here at E3 2013.

The anticipation in the crowd is palpable as we shuffle into the theater. Stick with TechRadar as the presantation gets underway. We'll bring you all the latest and greatest from this year's industry shaking E3.

Here we are, on the cusp of Microsoft's second act in it's multi-part Xbox One unveiling extravaganza.

The crowd waits for the Xbox One show to begin

Before Microsoft's press conference, we came up with the top 10 things we wanted to see from Redmond at E3 2013. Read our list below.

Microsoft promised long before its May 21 reveal that E3 2013 would be a continuation of the conversation on the next-gen console, specifically a place where we'd see a showcase of its "full line-up of blockbuster games."

This news is surely welcomed by gamers the world over - many were miffed the Xbox One's unveiling paid so little attention to its role as a gamingdevice and so much time on entertainment. That's all well and good, of course, but we're talking about a console here, right guys?

The Xbox One already has a one-up on its main competitor - Sony's PS4 - because we've actually seen it, along with its redesigned Gamepadcontroller and all-new Kinect.

While there won't be any surprises in the looks department, there's still plenty of unanswered questions about Microsoft's console and its overall presence at E3. We've whipped out our magnifying glasses and sharpened our gaze on just what you can expect out of Microsoft between June 10 -13, laying it all right here.

The star of Microsoft's E3 show

1. Games galore

Microsoft has left no question that games are the main ponies it's trotting out at this show, much to the delight of a concerned gaming community.

"I can confirm that we will have TVs (or similar) on stage to show the games. That should be the extend [sic] of TV talk in your #E3," tweeted Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live, on May 31.

Forza Motorsport 5, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Quantum Break, FIFA 14,Madden NFL 25, NBA Live and UFC were the only titles talked about during the Xbox One's unveiling, while an E3 teaser trailer (viewable below) gave some YouTube time to Gears of War, Halo and Splinter Cell, too.

Following Microsoft's event, we also learned that Ryse by Crytek would be an exclusive offering.

OK, so those are the games you can expect Microsoft to chat up during E3, particularly during its 9:30 a.m. PT/12:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. BST press conference on Monday, June 10, but the company is sure to lift the lid on a number of unannounced titles as well.

Look for more, unannounced IP and third-party titles to race, climb, grind and shoot along the company's press conference stage. In fact, we may have an idea of some of those titles already thanks to a leaked Microsoft E3 slate posted by a NeoGAF forum user and published by Digital Spy.

Titles suggested include Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty Land, Halo 5, Killer Instinct,Dead Rising 3 and Fable 4. Any one of these bad boys would make for a solid E3 presentation, though we expect Microsoft to throw more games at us than there are balls in MLB 2K13. OK, maybe not that many.

Microsoft won't completely ignore the console's entertainment features, especially on ways users can get the most out of the Kinect that comes with it, but as Microsoft has said some umpteen times, get ready for game overload.

The console of a generation

2. Xbox 360 gets its day

Despite being eight years old, the Xbox 360 doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, we're due for some 360 lovin' during E3.

"We have a huge, I think it's huge, [Xbox 360] announcement for E3 that I keep wanting to talk about, but I can't," said Microsoft Game Studios Corporate Vice President Phil Spencer in May.

While Microsoft is obviously ready, willing and able to support the Xbox 360 for years to come, what could this surprise be?

Don Mattrick, president of interactive entertainment business at Microsoft, said during the Xbox One reveal that news and games for the older console would be discussed at E3, so there's one clue. Games would certainly fit with the overall theme Microsoft is going for.

Diablo 3 is already confirmed for the 360 and PS3 on Sept. 3, meaning you can mark that title off your list.

Beyond that, we wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft follows Sony's footsteps and brings downloadable games to its older console, and throws in a price drop for good measure.

Don't shoot the messenger

3. Xbox One questions answered

Well, some of them, anyway.

Word on the gaming streets is that Microsoft won't offer any details on pricing for the Xbox One itself.

When it comes to pricing, it's doubtful we'll hear anything until the console is ready for release around the holidays. While different numbers have been floated about, the general opinion among observers seems to be that the Xbox One, as well as the PS4, will retail for cheaper than their predecessors.

Interestingly, a June 5 tweet from Steve Tilley, who covers entertainment, video games and tech for Sun Media publications, reported that Microsoft cancelled its post-press conference executive roundtable with media, scuttling any chance reporters would have to pin the gathered suits down for questions all at once.

However, perhaps anticipating fall out from this, Microsoft outed two big revelations for its console on June 6.

The first was that while the console doesn't require an always-on connection, the Xbox One does require that gamers check-in every 24 hours.

"With Xbox One you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library," wrote Microsoft on its new Xbox Wired blog. Gamers won't be able to play offline until they check-in with the interwebs once again.

The second one that will surely tickle gamers' fancy is a clarification on its used game sales policy. From the same Wired blog, Microsoft said that no fees will be charged as part of game sales or giveaways.

"There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once," the company wrote.

What to wear?

4. Headset cases

One thing Microsoft didn't talk about during its Xbox One reveal was the fact that it doesn't support current gaming headsets, news that might be a big bummer to those who wear them while they play.

Soon after it came to light that the console's controller has a proprietary port that isn't compatible with on-the-market ear warmers, Turtle Beach piped up with news that it procured a licensing agreement to design headsets for the Xbox One.

Now, with companies like Mad Catz, Razer, Logitech, Plantronics, Sennheiser, SteelSeries and Astro prepared to pepper E3, we can only imagine that they'll have a set of headsets primed for the new console. If not, then it's up to Microsoft to explain what the hold up is.

Obviously we'll search Turtle Beach's wearables as well as other companies, but we're more than ready to question Microsoft on the situation, especially if Sony's PS4 has an all inclusive headset policy.

Kinect the dots to a console

5. Something to put our hands on

While we were primed to play with the Xbox One up in Redmond, Wash. on May 21, sadly Microsoft wasn't ready to let its box out of the bag for hands on time.

We know the specs, we know what it looks like, but how does the darn thing play a game? How does it respond to voice commands and gestures when a regular person who hasn't rehearsed for days tells it what to do? How does it respond to the controller, for crying out loud?

We have many burning questions about how the Xbox One performs, and we anticipate finding it lurking somewhere inside the Los Angeles Convention Center. We're think it will be more Phantom of the Opera thanHairspray because Microsoft knows full well that given the chance, everyone at E3 would go hands on with the console.

However, we've got our ducks in a row and anticipate getting down and dirty with the new machine. Stay tuned.