A report from by the New York Times has claimed that Google’s rumoured Android-based ‘X Glasses’ could hit markets before the end of the year.

The official line from the Android creator is precisely nothing, but according to the article, conversations with Google employees ‘familiar with the project’ have revealed new info  – allegedly the augmented reality specs will have either 3G or 4G capability, GPS and numerous other smartphone sensors (such as an accelerometer, gyro etc).

According to the report, the glasses will “tap into a number of Google software products that are currently available”, and use a head-up display to show augmented reality info, sharing data with the Cloud, and using things like Google latitude and Google maps to display navigation information share location.

In addition the glasses will have a low-resolution built-in camera so as to monitor the world in real time, but that is causing an issue in development:

“Internally, the Google X team has been actively discussing the privacy implications of the glasses and the company wants to ensure that people know if they are being recorded by someone wearing a pair of glasses with a built-in camera” said the mystery source.

It all sounds very interesting, but we can’t help but think that these are no more than a novelty device. Why not simplify and make it cohesive with an external device – such as the smartphone already in your pocket? Just a thought Google.

If you’ve always fancied yourself as the next Lewis Hamilton, you might want to have a quick think about how those speedy antics are affecting your wallet. Figures show that driving at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph, so all that thrashing on the motorway could be draining your petrol tank considerably faster than if you were a more discerning driver. You’re also likely to create a carbon footprint as big as King Kong’s flip flop.

What you need (if you’re guilty of the above) is a conscientious voice of reason in the car with you, a conscientious voice of reason like the one Fuel School provides. This automative app turns your iPhone into a “super-clever driving gadget”, assessing your driving style and making comparisons to previous journeys to help you improve. It pretty much tells you if you’re driving like a numpty so you can make the effort to become more competent! Fuel School is also crammed with loads of top tips on how to maximise your mileage, thus saving you pennies on your petrol.

You may be wondering just how Fuel School can do all this, and unfortunately it doesn’t have anything to do with Harry Potter style magic powers. It simply utilises GPS tech to find out where you are, how fast you’re going, and how steady your driving is. If you pop your iPhone in a fixed position in your car (in the same way you would with a sat nav) and switch on the Fuel School, it will then offer visual and audio commands on how efficient your driving is and give warnings when you enter the naughty red zone on the ‘ecometer’. With the app voicing instructions, you can drive in complete safety without having to take your eyes off the road and prod at your device.

The detailed stats you’re able to access include total journey time, distance travelled, total efficient driving time, and total inefficient driving time, so you won’t be able to hide from the facts if your acceleration is atrocious. Other handy hints offered up by the app include tips on how to manage tyres, getting rid of excess weight (from your car, not your belly), and regular maintenance of your engine. Great for the environment as well as a petrol saving tool, Fuel School is just the thing for those wanting to get thrifty with their motoring.

You see, a leaked invitation confirms the date and location for next month’s event has surfaced on the web, and although it doesn’t mention specifics, does contain the words “Samsung Line-up 2012”. Hmm.

Of course, this snippet of info has led to muchos speculation suggesting that the fabled Galaxy S III could be unveiled, especially since Sammy made such a song and dance about the thing NOT being on the cards for MWC.

The press conference could also provide the ideal opportunity to push some of the mid-range efforts Samsung have been preparing for release in 2012. Maybe they have something decidedly snazzy up their sleeves?

It’s still anyone’s guess as to what’ll show up at the moment as there has been no official word from Samsung, but with the date edging ever closer, it wont be too long before we find out.If you can’t wait that long for your fix of new tech though, check out our coverage of Mobile World Congress 2012 from Sunday onwards.

And what is it that occupies your thoughts 24/7? The global financial meltdown? Impending war inIran? Rihanna’s new collaboration with woman-beater Chris Brown?

No, it’s the iPad 3. What will it look like? When will we see it? How much will it cost? When can I look smug in front of my mates?

Well, we can’t answer all those questions, but we can give you a little nibble just to keep you sane for another week.

Tech blog MICGadget  has revealed photos it claims shows the back shell of Apple’s forthcoming tablet.

This shell is shown in comparison to an iPad 2 casing and the most noticeable thing is that the iPad 3 shell is thicker – about 1-1.5mm thicker to be (almost) precise. There’s also much more tapering from the back to the edges, which should make the 3 feel slimmer in the hand.

MICGadget also claims the iPad 3 has a larger camera lens too, pointing to an improved camera which more than likely will be the 8 megapixel one that’s been rumoured.

They also claim an iPad Mini will be launched later this year. The site’s sources reckon the tablet, or tablet-let, will have a seven inch screen and be priced at under $400 in theUS.

As ever with these kind of whispers, we’ve not had even the slightest whiff of confirmation fromCamp Cupertio, but with Apple supposedly planning a press event for 7 March, there’s a chance that an announcement could be made then.

Navigate using the links below or hit the PDF button to download the full guide. If you can’t find what you’re looking for then ask a question in the comments and we’ll try our best to get you an answer.

• Software
• Connectivity
• Camera
• Messaging
• Media
• Apps
• Internet

Software

What’s the latest software available for my phone?

The Xperia S from Sony comes runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, however, an update to Ice Cream Sandwich is in the pipeline. It’s always worth checking if a new software update is available as it will improve the way your phone runs. Read on to find out how to check if a software update is available for your handset.

How do I upgrade my software?

The latest version of Android tends to be rolled out every six months, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the P4u News and Community to find out if an update has been released or not. If you don’t keep up-to-date with the latest Android happenings, the quickest way to check if a software update is available for your phone is by going to the official Sony website and heading over to the support area. Then, just choose Xperia S from the phone menu and click Xperia S Software Updates. This will tell you if new software is available for your phone and if so, how to update it. You can also check for updates directly on your phone:

• Choose Settings from the Applications Menu.
• Select About Phone.
• Select Software Update.
• This will open the update centre that will list any available updates available to download.

Where can I get more help?

If you have any more questions about your phone’s software, head over to the P4u Forum and get in touch with the team, who will be more than happy to help you out.

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Connectivity

How do I change my phone’s Bluetooth name?

• First off, make sure your phone’s Bluetooth function is turned on by checking the Bluetooth tick box.
• Go to Settings from the Applications menu.
• Choose Wireless and Networks.
• Press Bluetooth Settings.
• Tap Device Name.
• Enter the name you’d like to give your phone then press OK when you’re done.

How do I pair my phone with another Bluetooth phone/headset?

• Make sure your phone and the device you want to pair with both have their Bluetooth receivers switched on and the Visible setting is on.
• Go to Settings from the main menu.
• Click Wireless and Networks.
• Tap Bluetooth Settings.
• Press Scan for Devices.
• Select the name of the device you want to pair your phone with.
• Enter a password if asked and voila! You’ll be connected!

How do I stop people sending me stuff over Bluetooth?

• Go to Settings from the main menu.
• Tap Wireless and Networks.
• Press Bluetooth Settings.
• Un-tick the Discoverable box.

How do I remove a device from my Bluetooth pairing list?

• Go to Settings from the main menu.
• Select Wireless and Networks.
• Tap Bluetooth Settings.
• In the Bluetooth devices list, press and hold over the name of the device you want to remove.
• Select Disconnect and Unpair.

How do I connect my phone to my computer?

• Grab your phone’s USB cable, and stick one end into your handset and the other into computer, you will be asked to install PC Companion, click Yes.
• Swipe down the Notifications bar from the top of the screen and you’ll see a message saying Internal Storage Connected.  You’re now connected to your computer.
• To disconnect your handset from your computer safely, follow the instructions on your PC to safely remove hardware so you don’t lose any information stored on your microSD card or phone’s memory.
• Remove the USB cable.

How do I connect my phone to my TV?

If your TV has a HDMI port, you can use it to connect your phone to a big screen to show off your pics and videos. Simply grab your phone’s HDMI cable (there should be one in the box) and stick it into the HDMI port at the top of your handset, then connect the other end to your TV. Your phone will automatically open up the gallery but you may need to switch to the HDMI channel on your TV. Then just follow the instructions to set your phone up with your TV’s remote control. When you’re finished, just disconnect the HDMI cable from your phone.

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Camera

How do I take a picture?

• Open up the main menu and press Camera. You can also use the quick launch function from the lock screen by pressing the dedicated camera key on the right side of the handset.
• You’ll now be able to see through your phone’s camera lens.
• Either tap the screen or the dedicated camera key on the side of your handset to take a snap.
• The picture will be automatically saved to your memory card.

How do I capture a video?

• Open up the Camera as shown above.
• You’ll now be able to see through your phone’s camera lens.
• To change from photo to video mode, tap the switch in the bottom left of the screen to activate the video camera (this is the icon with a film strip and camera in it).
• When you’re ready to start recording, hold the camera key down until you hear a beep. Stop recording by pressing this button again.
• The video will be saved on your memory card.

How do I record HD video?

• Make sure you’re in video camera mode by following the above instructions.
• Bring up the options menu by pressing the Menu key to the right of the Home key (4 vertical lines on the bottom of the display).
• Select the Video Size icon.
• A video size box will pop up. Select the Full HD option.
• All your recordings will now be in Full HD.

How do I turn the touch capture function on and off?

• Make sure you’re in camera mode by following the above instructions.
• Bring up the options menu by pressing the touchscreen button to the right of the Home key (4 vertical lines on the bottom of the display).
• Select Capturing Method.
• Select Touch Capture.
• If you turn it on, you’ll be able to take a snap by touching the screen.
• To turn it off select one of the other options.

Where can I see the pictures/videos I have taken?

• Press Gallery in the Applications menu.
• Select Camera to view the videos and pictures you’ve taken on your handset.
• Your photos and videos are displayed in chronological order. Videos are indicated by a small arrow button. Simply tap on the one you want to view.
• You can also access your pictures and videos from inside the camera by selecting the icon in the bottom left of the screen which shows mini icons of the recent pictures taken fanned over each other.

How do I delete a photo/video?

• Find the photo/video that you want to delete from the gallery.
• Select the Menu key.
• Choose Delete.
• Tap Delete to confirm.

How many photos can I take?

The number of pictures that you can all depends on how much memory you have left. Your phone has 32GB memory to make loads of rooms for photos and stuff. As a rough guide, 4GB of memory can hold about 1,600 photos depending on the resolution, so 32GB will hold a lot more!

What’s the longest video clip I can record?

Unlimited. It all depends on how much memory you have left.

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Messaging

How do I set up my email account?

• From the Applications menu, select Email.
• Enter your email address and password, then tap Next.
• Your phone should download your account details automatically. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to get set up.

How do I send an email?

• Open up Email and choose which account you want to send your email from (if you have more than one set up, that is!).
• Press the Menu key and tap Compose.
• Enter the recipient’s email address and the subject.
• Tap Compose Message to write your email.
• Press Send when you’re done.

How do I send an attachment in an email?

• Follow the above instructions to open a new email message.
• After filling in all the necessary details and writing your message, tap the Menu key.
• Select Add Attachment.
• Choose the type of file you want to attach.
• Tap Send when you’re done.

How do I send a picture message?

• Select Messaging from the main menu.
• Press New Message icon (the pencil with the plus sign above it).
• Press the Plus sign in the thop right corner to enter your recipient’s number or select a contact.  You can add multiple contacts here.
• Select Done.
• Write your message in the Write Message box, then press the Attachment icon to the right of your message box (this looks like a square with two mountains in it and a + icon).
• Select Attach and choose the type file you want to send.
• Select the file from your folder.
• Press Send.

How do I save a file I receive in a message?

• Go to Messaging from the main menu.
• Select the conversation where the file you want to save is attached.
• Press Download to download the message.
• Press and hold on the file you want to save and choose your desired option.

How do I delete a text message?

• Open up your messaging inbox and tap the Menu key.
• Tap Delete Several and select the messages you wish to delete.
• One you have ticked the boxes of the messages you want to delete, select Delete.

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Media

How do I put music onto my phone?

• Follow the instructions in the Connectivity section to connect your phone to your computer.
• After a few moments, your computer should register your phone’s memory card as an external drive.
• Simply drag and drop the music files from your computer onto the memory card.
• Safely disconnect your phone from your computer when you’re finished or the files may not save to your memory card.

How do I create a music playlist?

• Go to Music Player from the Applications menu.
• Find the first song you’d like to add to your playlist.
• Press and hold on the track and tap Add to Playlist.
• Select Create new playlist.
• Enter a name and tap Save.
• To add another song to your playlist, simply press and hold on the track of your choice and select Add to Playlist when asked.

How do I delete a playlist?

• Choose the Playlists tab in the My Music menu.
• Touch and hold the playlist you want to delete.
• Press Delete.
• Confirm by pressing Delete.

How do I keep music playing in the background?

Simply press the back arrow key or Home icon to return to the homescreen. To go back to the music player, drag the status bar down in the notifications panel and press on the name of the song that’s currently playing.

How do I use a music track as a ringtone?

• Tap and hold on the name of the track you want to use as a ringtone.
• Select Set As Ringtone.

How do I use TrackID?

TrackID is a music recognition system that tells you the name of any song just by taking a snippet of it. All you need to do to use it is:

• Open up TrackID from the Applications menu.
• Put your phone near to the source of the music you want to identify.
• Press the CD icon to Record.

What’s this Mobile Bravia Engine thing?

The Mobile Bravia Engine comes into play as soon as you view any pictures or videos to make them look super crisp and colourful. To turn it on and off go to:

• Settings.
• Display.
• Then you can tick or untick the Mobile BRAVIA Engine box.

What type of media files does my phone support?

The Xperia S supports:

• MP3, eAAC+, WMA and WAV audio files
• MP4, H.263, H.264 and WMV video files

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Apps

Does my phone have an app store?

Yes. It comes with access to the Android Market.

How do I access the Android Market?

Just tap on the Market logo in the main menu.

How do I download an app from the Android Market?

• Go to the Android Market by selecting the Market icon from the main menu.
• Sign-in to your Google account (or follow the steps to create one if you’re new to this) and you’ll then be able to browse all manner of apps.
• When you’ve found one that tickles your fancy, click on the name of the app to find out more details (like how much it costs and what it does).
• If an app is free, just press the Free button, then hit OK to start the download.
• If you have to pay for an app, press on the Price icon and follow the on-screen instructions to make a payment.
• Once downloaded, the app will appear in the Applications menu.

How do I arrange my apps?

• Go to the main menu and press the square Menu icon on the right hand side of the bottom toolbar.
• Simply press and hold on the app you want to move and drag it into place.
• Alternatively, you can tap the downwards arrow key on the left of the bottom toolbar and choose to arrange all your apps in a variety of ways. Just tap the arrangement option you want and your phone will do the rest!

How do I close an app?

• Go to Settings from the main menu.
• Press Applications.
• Select Manage Applications.
• From the top toolbar, choose Running.
• Simply tap the app you want to close and press Stop.

How do I delete an app?

• Go to Settings from the main menu.
• Select Applications.
• Press Manage Applications.
• Find the app you want to delete in the All category (Sony doesn’t let you delete every app on your phone FYI).
• Tap on the name of the app you want to delete and then press Uninstall.
• Press OK to confirm.

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Internet

How do I connect to a Wi-Fi network?

• Go to Settings from the Applications menu.
• Click Wireless and Networks.
• Tick the Wi-Fi box to turn on your phone’s Wi-Fi receiver.
• Press Wi-Fi Settings.
• Available Wi-Fi networks will be displayed in the Available Wi-Fi Networks section.
• Tap the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. Enter the secure password if required. A green signal bar icon will be displayed once you’re connected to the network.

How do I sign into my social networks?

Your phone comes with pre-loaded Facebook and Twitter clients, so the easiest way to check status updates and all that kind of stuff is to just tap on the Facebook/Twitter icon, enter your account details and you’re away.

How do I use Timescape?

• Go to Timescape from the main menu.
• Log-in to your Twitter and Facebook accounts by scrolling along to the dedicated icons and pressing Add Account.
• Then as you start to use your phone more, you will be able to view your texts, contact list and call log all in one place.

How do I use my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot?

• Go to Settings from the main menu.
• Select Wireless and Networks.
• Press Tethering.
• Tick the Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot box. Up to 8 other devices will now be able to share your handset’s internet connection. Remember that this can use up data on your call plan so make sure you turn this feature off by un-ticking the box when you’re not using it.

How do I open multiple windows on the web browser?

• Once in the browser (you can open it by pressing Browser in the main menu), tap the Menu key.
• Select New Window.

To switch between different browser windows:

• Press the Menu key when in the browser.
• Select Windows.
• Tap the window you want to switch to.

To open a link in a new browser window:

• Press and hold on the link until a menu appears.
• Select Open a New Window.

How do I bookmark a web page?

• Go to the web page you want to bookmark.
• Press the Menu key.
• Select Bookmarks and tap Add.
• Press OK.
• To open a bookmark, press the Menu key, then Bookmarks and choose the bookmark you want to open.

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The Galaxy Ace 2 will be launched in theUKin April, while the Galaxy Mini 2 will make its debut inFrancenext month, before being rolled out globally.

Sammy’s successor to the Galaxy Ace (that’s the Galaxy Ace 2 in case you hadn’t realised) promises faster processing speed and better graphics, pitching the phone firmly at multimedia guzzlers.

It boasts a dual-core 800MHz processor, a 3.8-inch, 480×800-pixel screen, 4GB of internal memory and HSDPA connectivity, which provides a smoother web experience.

The Ace 2 also has a 5 megapixel camera (with flash) on the back, with a VGA snapper on the front.

Smartphone number 2 emerging from the Samsung stable is the Galaxy Mini 2, a rather trendy device featuring a colourful 11.9mm-thick outer shell (the one we clapped eyes on was yellow ferchrissakes!).

The jaunty little fella features a 3.27-inch touch-screen, 3 megapixel camera and, like the Ace 2, runs Android Gingerbread. Storage is pegged at 4GB.

JK Shin, Samsung’s smartphone head honcho, said: “Launched in 2011, Galaxy Ace and Galaxy mini have been a huge success in the global market. Today, we introduce Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy mini 2 with upgraded features and services.

“Our goal remains the same—to continue to create new and improved mobile experiences that deliver something suitable for everyone. This is the hallmark of Samsung’s Galaxy range and what has made the Galaxy brand such a runaway hit with consumers around the world.”

Prices have yet to be announced, but are expected to be in keeping with the previous models’ budget price bracket.

Leaked by Xperiablog.net, the extensive set of pictures show the device next to big brother the Xperia S and confirm speculation suggesting that the Xperia U will share a lot of design elements with that particular handset.

Judging by the snaps, the Xperia U will feature the same slinky transparent bar housed at the bottom of the phone and the same Sony UI that showed up on the Xperia S.

With regards to innards, the specs will supposedly include a 1GHz dual-core processor, a 3.5-inch qHD or WVGA display and 512MB RAM, with a 5 megapixel camera on the back.

Unfortunately, the handset won’t come pre-loaded with Ice Cream Sandwich, and instead will run Android Gingerbread with the latest Xperia UI out of the box, but an upgrade is expected in due course.

Sony’s Mobile World Congress 2012 press conference on Sunday has been pegged as the day for the unveiling, so stay tuned for all the latest news from MWC right here on the blog,

The manufacturer of the Optimus series shoved out a press release yesterday informing all and sundry that the massive phone/small tablet also looks to be winging its way to Mobile World Congress inBarcelonathis month. At least that’s what we think it said as the document was written entirely in Korean, and Google Translate is known to be a bit sketchy at times. Either way, this titbit has led many to speculate that an international release could soon be on the cards.

So what will we be getting if the thing does eventually materialise? Well, it’s said that the device will be similar in stature to Samsung’s recent tab/phone effort, the Samsung Galaxy Note, and will sport a huge 5-inch screen, weigh in at a not-that-pocket-botheringly hefty 168 grams (the Note is 178 grams) and pack a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera on the rear and a 1.3 megapixel lens on the front. Spec garnish continues in the form of 32GB of memory, HDMI-out, DLNA and Wi-Fi Connect support, and a 2080mAh battery.

Like the Galaxy Note, the Optimus Vu comes with one of those electro pencils (you mean a stylus – Ed) for taking notes and drawing pictures on the screen, but unlike the Samsung effort, the screen which you’ll no doubt be scribbling has an unusual 4:3 aspect ratio, making it look very ‘boxy’ indeed.

Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread is the operating system of choice, but LG have been swift to quell OS dissent by announcing that an update to Ice Cream Sandwich will be coming within three months of the device’s launch.

At present, the Vu is only confirmed forKorea, where it’ll hit the shelves next month. An MWC appearance remains unconfirmed, but if it does show up there, it’s fairly safe to say that an international launch will soon follow. We’ll keep you posted.

Sony’s previous LiveView incarnation from back in the days when the Ericsson moniker still lingered was their first attempt at a smart watch, housing the basic features that this new SmartWatch has, namely functions to mute calls, read texts, display Facebook and Twitter feeds, as well as music controls. So how would the company build upon the LiveView to create something innovative that stands out from the crowd? The only way to fully road test the timepiece was to get our mitts on one and spend some quality time with it…So that’s what we did! Read on to find out if it’s any good…

Key Features

• Uses Bluetooth technology
• 1.3-inch multi-touch OLED display
• Music controls
• Integrated social networking, email, SMS, call control, weather and maps
• Rubber strap
• LiveWare Manager

Design and Hardware

From a design point of view the watch is pretty smart (see what we did there?), measuring 36mm square, and coming in at just 8mm thick. The SmartWatch unit weighs in at a meagre 15.5 grams, but despite this, it’s still quite sturdy. The white plastic backing which houses a clip for attaching either to the watch strap or onto your clothes (in a similar way you would an iPod Shuffle) helps here. On the front of the watch is a 1.3-inch multi-touch OLED black glass display from which you control the device, and a metallic frame around the clock face gives the device a modern and sleek look.

With only one silver tactile key positioned down the right side for powering on and off and waking up out of sleep mode, the design is kept minimalist and chic. As the clip can attached to any band, you could even use a designer watch strap to give an extra bit of class to this already fashionable timepiece.

Software and Multimedia

Compatible with any Android mobile running 2.0 or above, the SmartWatch isn’t just a gadget for those carrying Sony (or Sony Ericsson) kit. Open to a wide multitude of Android phones, Sony doesn’t discriminate against your blower brand of choice.

You may be asking “Just how does this little piece of gadgetry work?”, and the simple answer is via Bluetooth technology. To get things up and running, you first have to pair the watch to your handset via Bluetooth. Providing you have Sony’s LiveWare manager software on your phone (this can be downloaded from the Android Market for free) your SmartWatch will connect to your phone, allowing you to use it as a sort of remote control, and also to keep yourself updated with what’s happening on your mobile.

One of the handy functions is call commands, allowing you to see at a glance who is ringing you, then choose to mute, reject or answer the call, offering loads more control than the LiveView watch that came before this one. Hooking up to your mobile via a hands free kit or Bluetooth headset means you’ll be able to answer a call without touching your phone at all, making it ideal for keeping your hands free when exercising (or if you’re in a dodgy area and really don’t want to produce your device from your pocket).

Texts and emails are also accessible from the SmartWatch meaning business bods can keep updated with all their channels of communication, even in situations where it’s not appropriate to whip out your phone such as meetings. With loads of widgets available to download you can customise the watch with the specific functions to suit your needs (which makes it accessible for everyone to adapt to their particular lifestyle).

Facebook and Twitter accounts can be loaded too, creating a quick and easy way for social butterflies to get their feed fix. If you’re also a lover of snapshots but often have no one on hand to take a photo, you can also use the watch as a camera remote. By viewing the shot on the watch face to line it up correctly, you then give it a tap to take the picture. Ace! Say goodbye to those dodgy timer photos you sometimes get where everyone’s heads are cut off.

Fitness fanatics are also catered for, with widgets such as Endomondo which plans outdoor workouts using GPS to track your progress and offers directions on which way to go. The inclusion of music controls are ideal for people who like to exercise, enabling users to skip through tracks and pause when needed while keeping hands free to do other stuff. The SmartMaps function offers directions for when for when you’re out and about either on foot or in your car, and setting up the location on your phone means you can even check the weather before starting your workout.

Another cool little addition is the ‘Find Phone’ function that when activated gets your lost phone to omit a loud ringtone, allowing you to find it down the back of the sofa or wherever else the little rogue has scampered off to. Funnily enough, the watch actually tells you the time too (did you think we’d forgot to mention that?), with a digital 24-hour clock appearing as you wake the device up from sleep mode.

Performance & Verdict

One of the really impressive features of the Sony SmartWatch is the battery life. Usually dejected by silly smartphone batteries with the same the life expectancy of a lemming, we were mega impressed when the watch lasted not only a day, but four! This was with moderate use, and as a rough guide Sony says heavy usage will give you a day’s power, but last up to seven days with light usage.

All in all, the Sony SmartWatch is definitely a Jack of all trades, offering many features that if used for a specific purpose (such as helping with workouts), can be really useful. If you’re a techy kind of person who’s into your gadgets then this bit of kit will suit you down to the ground. There are limitations however, as with any Bluetooth device, and the fact you have to be within 10 metres of your phone is a little restricting, but the good points by far outweigh the bad.

At a fraction of the cost of similar devices offering lesser functionality, the Sony SmartWatch is a great choice if you’re looking to invest in a gadget of this kind. With its dashing good looks, feature-packed nature and navigation chops, this is certainly one to watch out for.

The tantalising titbits come via Chinese Mac-botherers Apple Daily and MacRumours who published images of Apple’s next-generation iPad and info about the display respectively.

New pics sourced by Apple Daily join the ranks of the previously leaked bits and bobs pertaining to the new device and appear to show a slate with a similar outer shell to that found on the iPad 2, only with a more tapered back. Perhaps most alluring though is the suggestion that the thing will have a souped-up 8 megapixel snapper bolted on too, tying in with previous whispers implying that this would indeed happen.

If all that wasn’t enough to get you hot under the collar (we’re perspiring at the very thought of being able to take decent photo’s with what looks like a futuristic plastic chopping board), those MacRumours fellas have only gone and got their grubby mitts on a screen from the much-vaunted tab and have deduced that it is indeed one of those Retina Display jobbies as expected.

The intrepid Apple inquisitors unearthed bthis nugget by getting their microscope out and peering at it very, very hard, discovering that it has 4 times the amount pixels as an iPad 2. Apparently, this means that it’s definitely a Retina display. Physically, the  iPad 3 display (well, the one they got hold of at least) is the same size as the current iPad 1 and iPad 2 display at 9.7-inches.

As with all Apple guffery that gets fired out into internet land, both these snippets could well turn out to be absolute codswallop, but all should become clear soon if Apple’s rumoured 7 March press event goes ahead. And actually turns out to be about the iPad. We live in hope.