With the massive amount of email checking, texting, mobile gaming and internet surfing everyone does, a reliable, portable charger has become essential to avoid that inevitable dead battery.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, going camping or simply out of the house all day, you'll probably need something that isn't too cumbersome and has enough juice to power your mobile devices.

Based on amount of usage we were able to get, weight, size and overall functionality, we tested a variety of chargers by mixing around charge times with an iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPad 4 in different situations to create a list of the best portable chargers - though most of the external batteries are compatible with an assortment of phones, tablets, cameras and handheld gaming devices.

Generally, the portable chargers are on the pricey side but you'll definitely get your money's worth for large mAh capacities and moderate to heavy form factor, or decent capacities and lightweight portables.

We've also added a few chargers towards the end of the list that are more suitable for a day out rather than a long trip away, just in case you're just looking for a super light, quick backup charge.

1. IOGEAR GearPower Ultra Capacity Mobile Power Station

Price: $79.95 (about £51.61, AUD$89.35)

IOGEAR's GearPower Ultra Capacity charger is a great portable battery. Two USB ports at 1A and 2.1A allow for multi-device charging and at 11,000mAh, you can easily charge a phone and tablet respectively.

Though it's not very pocket friendly at 10.4 oz and a tad bulkier than an iPhone and Galaxy S4, this is still an adept portable and great for traveling long distances in the car or plane.

In fact, we took the battery to a two-day music festival and it had no issues charging two iPhone 5's that were around 10 percent each, during the 48-hour span of Instagramming, phone calls, etc. After a 55-minute charge at the end of the first day, each phone was fully charged with the GearPower lights at three bars indicating that it was still able to keep going for a few more days - depending on what needed to be charged next of course.

The price point may seem high but the GearPower can be bought at much cheaper prices making it a fantastic deal for long trips away from outlets.

2. Juno Power Hue Plus

Price: $99.99 (about £60.85, AU$112.54)

The 9900 mAH Hue Plus from Juno Power is a bit on the heavier side at 9 oz like the other larger capacity chargers but it's well worth shouldering the weight.

The Plus has a nice little LCD screen that tells you the declining charge amount which comes in handy if the usual indicator lights just won't do it for you.

There are also two USB ports (with one being 2.1A) that allow for dual device charging. On a road trip to LA, the Plus was more than capable of charging two iPhone 5's - where one phone was used heavily and one used minimally. The charger ended out the nine hour trip with 19 percent left and took the night to recharge, which brings us to the next point.

Oddly, the Hue Plus makes whirring noises when charging - though it's best to keep in mind that it may be specific to the test product. Another note about recharging the portable: you may want to keep it away from your bedside table as the LCD screen stays lit up. The Hue Plus also appropriately comes in five different hues.

3. ZAGGsparq 6000

Price: $99.99 (about £64.55, AUD$111.75)

Easily one of the priciest chargers, the ZAGGsparq 6000 charger is still a decent backup, despite a few caveats.

Its 2.1A USB outlets got the job done efficiently with two smartphones and it was able to hold a charge the next two days.

Unfortunately, the 6000mAh isn't too great with tablets and was only able to charge an iPad from 25 percent up to 60 percent before dying down to one LED light of juice left.

Not only is the ZAGGsparq small and light, but it's also wide, making it awkward to carry if using a purse or small bag - though if in a backpack, you'll hardly feel it.

The built-in prongs make it easy to charge and means there's one less cord to lose, which is actually really quite nice, and its on/off switch is accident-proof, meaning you won't randomly turn it on and waste your charge.

4. Jackery Giant

Price: $44.95 (about £29.02, AUD$50.23)

The bright orange (or silver option) Jackery Giant lives up to its name as a hefty charger weighing in at 10.4 oz (the same as the IOGEAR GearPower) but also because it's a heavyweight champ in other ways as well.

For the large 10,400mAh capacity, it's one of the cheapest chargers you can get. The Giant also travels well and can be taken on outdoor adventures thanks to its ability to hold a charge for a long time, though you'll need to charge the battery itself a whole night (about 10 hours) for a full charge beforehand.

The battery also packs a little LED flashlight which can be activated by pressing the power button twice (to avoid accidental usage), and is pretty handy if you're camping or need to find something in a flash.

The Jackery Giant did a good job charging our S4 and iPad 4 simultaneously - 10 percent to 95 percent and 47 percent to 96 percent in about two and a half hours, respectively. What's more, it even had enough juice to charge up the iPhone 5 up, with two light bars remaining.

If you're only planning to get the Giant as an occasional backup, it will hold a charge for up to six months.

5. Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo

Price: $99.95 (about £64.52 AUD$111.70)

The Juice Pack Powerstation Duo from Mophie is a nice little 6000mAh portable. At 11.99 oz it actually feels lighter than its battery counterparts despite weighing the most. Because of this, it makes for a great travel companion as you can hardly feel it in your bag.

Two 2.1A USB ports allow for quick dual charging of tablets and phones, which it was quite capable of during our trips to and from the office; 0 percent battery on the iPhone and Galaxy S4 were raised to around 88 percent - 95 percent each after an hour, and it still had two lights left.

The Mophie also stayed light as a feather in our backpack though its smooth exterior did collect a lot of lint meaning it's probably a good idea to use the little pouch the battery comes with.

The biggest downside to the Mophie Powerstation Duo is its price. If you can afford the Duo, it'll serve you well, but if you want to go cheaper, Mophie has a nice little selection and from our experience with the high cost charger, it seems like the low cost options aren't too bad either.

6. Anker Astro 3E 10000mAh

Price: $39.99 (£25.99, about AUD$25.09)

It seems like it's go big or go home for the Anker Astro 3E. Like the Jackery Giant, the Anker Astro 3E is a beast of a charger and won't easily fit into your coat pocket.

Though it is a bit thinner than the other batteries on this list, it's still longer than the length of your average smartphone.

The Astro boasts the ability to hold over six charges for most smartphones - we were able to get about four with two smartphones simultaneously thanks to its two USB ports, and a third of a charge for our tablet by itself over four days before the Astro died, which isn't too shabby for 10000mAh.

Keep in mind, since it's a bit larger, it's not really a small bag type of portable - but a long trip will definitely benefit from the Astro, and it still won't take up too much room inside your bag with all your other tech devices.

7. Eton BoostBloc 6600

Price: $99.99 (about £64.55, AUD$111.75)

The high-priced Eton BoostBloc 6600 is a modest charger that surprisingly holds 6600mAh for how small it is.

Its lightweight 6.5 oz means its purse friendly and maybe even pocket friendly (for jackets at least) if you don't mind carrying something else besides your phone around, that has a bulky form factor.

It has two USB ports, 2.1A and 1A, and no on/off button, and you can shake the device for the indicator lights to pop on and tell you how much juice is left.

The BoostBloc 6600 holds charges for quite awhile and was able to charge up our iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 from around 20 percent - 25 percent to 100 percent twice on one charge, and iPad 4 about halfway before giving out.

You'll probably have to charge the BoostBloc often if you plan on using it on tablets and phones simultaneously, but the portable charges up quickly (and gets pretty hot) - this shouldn't be too much of an issue especially if you plan on taking it with you everywhere.

8. Powerocks Rose Stone

Price: $69.99 (about £45.18, AUD$78.22)

With 6000mAh, the Powerocks Rose Stone charges up around the same as the BoostBloc 6600 and boasts the same lightweight portability. However, it's longer than the BoostBloc, so it will probably be best off in a bag.

Going along with the geological theme, the indicator lights are little rock-like formations next to a camouflaged power button, making this charger quite different and fun (as much as a battery can be?)

There are also two USB ports but each only gives off 1A, so charging will be a bit slower.

But that doesn't mean the Rose Stone will leave you hanging out to dry - the battery was able to give us great juice charges on our smartphones three times on one charge. The iPad 4 wasn't as lucky though and had to charge on the next round and only from 15 percent to 65 percent, probably due to the output volume.

So as a portable, the Rose Stone is best for smartphones and does quite well, but you're better off with a Powerocks charger with a larger capacity if you're interested in this brand and design.

Source : techradar[dot]com

Windows Phone 8 has been out on the market for roughly more than a year and now Microsoft is finally rolling out its official Xbox Video and Music apps.

The new Xbox Video app, which is already available in the Windows Phone Store, brings back the ability to purchase and stream movies and TV shows from the Xbox Network. Rented or bought media can also be downloaded to a handset for offline viewing.

Users that have already bought into Microsoft's video service will instantly have access to their library even if they purchased it on another device. Thus far, Xbox-ers and Windows 8 users have been able to access the Microsoft video channel on Desktops, the Xbox One, and Xbox 360, as well as a recently launched Xbox Video website.

Similar to the Xbox Video website, the new phone app comes missing HD playback, which is only available on consoles and Windows 8 computers. The Windows 8 Phone app also comes just a month after the OS maker announced it was killing video support for Windows Phone 7 devices.

There's music too

In another long delayed software released, the Xbox Music app also slid its way into the Windows Phone Store.

Although Windows Phone 8 already comes with a built-in app, this separate version includes more features including editable playlists and sync support for radio stations.

According to The Verge, Microsoft promises more updates will come down the line, and the current Xbox Music app release is only a preview.

In a similar note, yesterday we reported on the expected changes that the inevitable Windows 8.1 update will bring next year. Although mentions of the Xbox Music and Video apps were included, it seems Microsoft has decided to roll these out as separate updates for now

• Before you try your hand at installing SteamOS, check out our hands on review.

Source : techradar[dot]com

BlackBerry Messenger is a success, which means it's time to start installing it on phones whether or not their users actually want it.

LG and BlackBerry announced today that the BBM app will come pre-loaded onto LG phones out of the box, starting with the LG G Pro Lite.

BlackBerry Messenger launched in full for iOS and Android in October, and BlackBerry said it was downloaded more than 10 million times in the first 24 hours.

Apparently people like the messenger app; this announcement with LG also noted that it's extremely popular in the Middle East, Africa and Indonesia.

Global messaging

"People across the globe are using BBM to connect with each other and the enthusiasm has been phenomenal," BlackBerry Executive Vice President for BBM Andrew Bocking said in the announcement.

BlackBerry announced in November that BBM would begin to come pre-loaded onto smartphones in Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East, though only on regional OEMs initially.

LG is the first major OEM to give BBM the same treatment, and it's likely more will follow.

BBM voice and video are coming

BBM arrives pre-loaded first on the LG G Pro Lite, though other LG phones will definitely follow.

The 5.5-inch, dual SIM LG phone provides "an optimized BBM experience," this announcement said, thanks to its high-quality display and included stylus.

The existing BBM app features one-on-one and group messaging, plus photo, file and voice note sharing.

BlackBerry promised that its Messenger app will "continue to evolve for Android and iPhone users" and re-iterated that BBM voice and video calling will arrive "in the coming months."

The same goes for BBM Channels, a new service that "intimately" connects BBM users to communities with shared interests. BBM Channels is already available on BlackBerry 10 devices, and should arrive on Android and iOS soon.

• Guess which OS's users love BBM the most?

Source : techradar[dot]com

It's safe to say that Apple's given the gaming industry a square kick in the tender regions.

Despite their bluster, dismissing Apple in every way possible, Sony and Nintendo are both clearly concerned by the meteoric rise of iPod touch and iPhone as handheld gaming devices.

Although great games are the driving force behind the success of Apple gaming, low prices have also helped. Most 'premium' titles cost six quid or less, and many developers end up in a race to 69p, thereby providing games that'd cost 20 quid on a rival platform for the price of a Kit-Kat.

But what if you've spent the last of your cash on your shiny Apple object of desire? Can you get great games for nothing at all, or is the 'free' section of the App Store best ignored?

The answer is, of course, both, and the trick is finding the gems amongst the dross. What follows is our pick of the bunch - our top 70 free iPod touch and iPhone games.

1. Asphalt 8: Airborne

At some point, a total buffoon decreed that racing games should be dull and grey, on grey tracks, with grey controls. Gameloft's Asphalt 8: Airborne dispenses with such foolish notions, along with quite a bit of reality. Here, then, you zoom along at ludicrous speeds, drifting for miles through exciting city courses, occasionally being hurled into the air to perform stunts that absolutely aren't acceptable according to the car manufacturer's warrantee.

2. Letterpress

What mad fool welds Boggle to tug o' war Risk-style land-grabbing? The kind who doesn't want anyone to get any work done again, ever, that's who. Letterpress is, simply, the best word game on the App Store.

You make words to win points and temporarily 'lock' letters from your opponent by surrounding them. The result is a tense asynchronous two-player game with plenty of last-move wins and general gnashing of teeth when you realise 'qin' is in fact an acceptable word.

3. Jetpack Joyride

We're pretty certain if there's one thing you shouldn't be using for a joyride, it's a jetpack that's kept aloft by firing bullets at the floor. But that's the score in this endless survival game with decidedly tongue-in-cheek humour, not least the profit bird power-up, a rather unsubtle dig at certain App Store chart-toppers.

4. Super Monsters Ate My Condo

Logic? Pah! Sanity? Pfft! We care not for such things, yells Super Monsters Ate My Condo. It then gets on with turning the match-three genre and Jenga-style tower-building into a relentless time-attack cartoon fest of apartment-munching, explosions, giant tantrums and opera. No, really.

5. Hero Academy

Most developers create games from code, but we're pretty sure Hero Academy's composed of the most addictive substances known to man all smushed together and shoved on to the App Store.

The game's sort-of chess with fantasy characters, but the flexibility within the rule-set provides limitless scope for asynchronous one-on-one encounters. For free, you have to put up with ads and only get the 'human' team, but that'll be more than enough to get you hooked.

6. Trainyard Express

Developer Matt Rix is bonkers. That's the only explanation for Trainyard Express, which isn't so much a demo version of the wonderful Trainyard as an entirely separate edition.

The mechanics are great: draw tracks to lead trains to like-coloured stations, combining or crossing them on the way, as necessary. It starts out easy, but soon hurts your brain, and the 60 puzzles aren't repeated in the paid-for version. Bargain.

7. Triple Town

Three bushes make a tree! Three gravestones make a church! OK, so logic might not be Triple Town's strong suit, but the match-three gameplay is addictive. Match to build things and trap bears, rapidly run out of space, gaze in wonder at your town and start all over again. The free-to-play version has limited moves that are gradually replenished, but you can unlock unlimited moves via IAP.

8. Real Racing 3

While Asphalt 8 aims squarely at arcade racers, Real Racing 3 goes for the simulation jugular. Its stunning visuals drop you deep into high-quality racing action that sets new standards on mobile devices. Plenty of cars and tracks add longevity, although do be aware the game is a bit grindy and quick to hint you should buy some in-app cash with some of your real hard-earned.

9. Pitfall!

Fans of the ancient Pitfall series on the Atari might feel a bit short-changed, given that this comeback in the shape of a Temple Run clone diverges wildly from the platforming action of the originals. However, it's one of the best-looking endless runners on iOS, and if you persevere there are exciting mine-cart and motorbike sections to master.

10. MazeFinger Plus

Again, the forced Plus+ account sign-up is hateful, but it's worth persevering to get to this addictive game, where you "unleash the awesome power of your finger," according to the App Store blurb.

The aim is to drag your finger from the start to the finish of each simple maze. The problem is you're against the clock and obstacles litter your path. Great graphics and 200 levels of compelling gameplay ensure you'll be glued to your screen.

11. Dactyl

Almost entirely lacking in depth, Dactyl is nonetheless one of the most furiously addictive games on the App Store. A gloriously demented Whack-A-Mole-style effort, Dactyl merely tasks you with tapping red bombs to stop them exploding.

Almost immediately, though, red bombs arrive thick and fast, forcing you to keep track and tap them in order, to avoid the inevitable 'game over'.

12. Trace

Trace is a sweet, inventive platform game which has you navigating hand-drawn obstacles to reach the star-shaped exit. The twist is that you can draw and erase your own platforms, to assist your progress.

With an emphasis on time-based scores rather than lives and the ability to skip levels, Trace is very much a 'casual' platform game, but it's none the worse because of it.

13. Solomon's Keep

Reminiscent of a twin-stick shooter mashed into an RPG with a really big wand, Solomon's Keep has your wizard battle endless hordes of supernatural foes, with the help of your thumbs and some in-game spells. It's a bit like an overhead Diablo, or, if you're getting on a bit, a powered-up Gauntlet.

14. Buganoids

Buganoids resembles a NES game where the author decided to mash together random bits from various arcade classics. You patrol tiny planets, blasting 'across' them to kill nasty bugs. The gameplay's reminiscent of Gyruss and Tempest, and although the controls sometimes feel a little off, the game's always fun for a quick blast.

15. Spider: Hornet Smash

Tiger Style's Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor is an App Store classic, combining arcade adventuring and platforming action, with you playing the role of a roaming arachnid.

Hornet Smash includes a level from that game, but its main draw is the frenetic arcade minigame. Still controlling our eight-legged hero, the aim is to fend off attacks by swarms of angry hornets, while weaving webs and munching tasty lacewings for health boosts. Three environments are included in this compelling and innovative title.

16. Bankshot

One for pool sharks, Bankshot tasks you with sending your orb to a goal by bouncing it off of at least one wall. A few different modes are on offer in this attractive neon-style game, but the best is Blitz, a high-octane time-attack affair.

17. 10 Pin Shuffle (Bowling) Lite

A curious mix of ten-pin bowling, shuffleboard and poker, 10 Pin Shuffle proves surprisingly addictive. You get two cards for each strike and one for each spare, and whoever has the best hand at the end of the tenth frame wins.

18. Lux Touch

Quickfire Risk clone Lux Touch isn't exactly a champion in the smarts department - the AI's pretty easy to outfox - but it's perfect ten-minute fodder for Risk fanatics. The graphics are clear, the board is responsive, and the game's also universal, for if you want to install it on your iPad.

19. iCopter Classic

There are loads of one-thumb copter games on the App Store, and while this isn't the best, iCopter Classic is without doubt the finest free variant. It's also fast and responsive as you go about helping your helicopter (or - in the unlockable themes - bee, submarine, spaceship or football) survive for as long as possible without smashing into something.

20. Cell Splat

So you think you're observant? Cell Splat will test that claim to the limit. The game distills 'match' games to their purest form. You get a target shape or colour, and, against the clock, must tap all matching items in the well. Quite why this frantic, great-looking, fun, addictive game is free, we don't know; we just suggest you download it immediately.

21. InvaderR

Like Cell Splat, InvaderR streamlines and hones a popular game, but this time it's Space Invaders. Like Taito's original, aliens are out to get you, but in InvaderR you have it tough. While the invaders are content to stay out of reach, it's 'game over' the second you're hit by a projectile. This turns InvaderR into a compelling and exciting score-attack game.

22. Whacksy Taxi

Although it looks like a 1980s racer, Whacksy Taxi also has much in common with platform games. You belt along absurdly straight highways, avoiding traffic by dodging or leaping it. Variety's added by power-ups, new background graphics when you reach a stage's end, and several bonus zones that also provide extra challenge.

23. Volkswagen Think Blue Challenge

Most racing games are about tearing round corners at high speed, your only concern being to not smash into things. Think Blue turns the genre on its head, providing you with limited fuel. The game becomes a unique and intriguing survival-based challenge as you try to eke out an extra few metres each go.

24. Hoggy

Hoggy resembles VVVVVV smashed into Nintendo's Kirby, combining platforming and puzzles. The game tasks you with grabbing fruit within jars that are peppered around a maze. Complete a jar and you get a key; with a certain number of keys, new maze areas open up. Although occasionally a mite frustrating, Hoggy's a great-looking, fun and innovative freebie.

25. Bam Bam Dash

Imagine Monster Dash with the cast of The Flintstones and you've got Bam Bam Dash. Your auto-running caveman has to avoid plummeting to his death and being eaten by things with sharp teeth. Nice graphics and helpful dinosaurs you can ride add extra flavour to the game.

26. Alice in the Secret Castle

If brutally difficult old-school games are your thing, Alice in the Secret Castle will appeal. The game boasts 64 rooms of NES-style hell, with a curious game mechanic that hides walls when you hold the 'A' button. Progression therefore becomes a case of mastering taxing and relentless (but rewarding) puzzle-oriented platforming.

27. Fairway Solitaire

In this game, golf met solitaire and they decided to elope while leaving Mr. Puzzle Game to fill the void. What's left is an entertaining bout of higher-or-lower, draped over a loose framework of golf scores, with a crazed gopher attempting to scupper everything. You get a few courses for free with Fairway Solitaire and can use IAP to buy more.

28. PicoPicoGames

It's clear you'll never see Nintendo games on iOS, but PicoPicoGames is the next best thing: a collection of tiny, addictive NES-like minigames. Frankly, we'd happily pay for scrolling shooter GunDiver and the Denki Blocks-like Puzzle; that they're free and joined by several other great games is astonishing.

29. Escape from NOM

Another entry in the physics game genre, Escape from NOM differentiates itself by lacking a price-tag but nonetheless rolling in nice graphics and gameplay. The aim is to drop 'Alan' and use obstacles and bumpers to get him safely into coloured goo at the bottom of the screen. However, he must be the same colour as said goo when he reaches it and avoid hungry NOMs.

30. Need For Cheese

This tilt-based avoid 'em up has you steering clear of cats (especially red ones that home in on you), munching cheese and grabbing power-ups to smash evil cats off the screen. Need For Cheese is simple, but a first-rate quickfire highscore game that rivals Bit Pilot for best-in-class.

Source : techradar[dot]com

StackMob, a development team that created a platform for companies to easily create mobile applications, has been picked up by PayPal's payments unit.

The StackMob website claims that the San Francisco-based team has been "fundamentally changing the way developers build mobile applications". The developer will join PayPal's core engineering team to help refresh its platforms, ready for future development of apps and services.

Announcing the news on the company's blog, PayPal chief technology officer James Barrese said, "We are thrilled to have the StackMob team put those same skills and expertise toward enhancing PayPal's technology stack."

PayPal did not disclose the terms of the deal between the two. Due to rumours of low asking prices and rejection of the company by other online firms such as Yahoo, however, it may not be a blockbuster fee.

Battle for m-commerce

StackMob CEO Ty Amell said the reason he sold the four-year old startup was because monetisation and payments remained a constant challenge for them. It isn't clear whether PayPal will support StackMob clients, which Amell wrote would be communicated "very soon".

PayPal processed $4 billion ($2.44 billion, AU$4.4 billion) in mobile payments in 2011, nearly $14 billion (£8.5 billion, AU$15.7 billion) in 2012 and predicts it will process over $20 billion (£12 billion, AU$22 billion) in mobile payments in 2013. It has been a cash-machine for parent company eBay, accounting for 42 per cent of its revenue last quarter. A large part of this is down to exponential increases in mobile retailing. Scooping up mobile developers, PayPal is arming itself in the looming battle over who is king of m-commerce.

In 2011 PayPal acquired WHERE, a Boston startup that focused on location technology and data for mobile advertising. In September this year the company picked up mobile payments company Braintree, whose app Venmo enables fast and easy mobile payment, for $800 million (£489 million, AU$898 million).

• PayPal has already launched a mobile app-based payment system

Source : techradar[dot]com

Everything Everywhere (EE) has become the UK's first network operator to offer 4G connectivity to international visitors. The company has announced this week that people visiting from abroad can now take advantage of EE's network.

Due to an agreement with US comms giant AT&T, the carrier has become Britain's first to offer 4G to travellers from abroad. This is the second international deal that AT&T has made, following a similar arrangement earlier this year with Rogers of Canada. EE plans to launch additional partnerships around the world in 2014, which would give visitors from other countries a chance to access the network itself.

Jet-setting

There will be benefits for consumers at home too, as it has also been announced that the company will open free roaming 4G to UK customers travelling abroad in 2014. No specifics were mentioned as to where they may be able to do so, however. EE does already have a variety of roaming packages, but at present all of these top out at HSPA data speeds.

Olaf Swantee, chief executive, argued that tourists "are increasingly looking for fast and reliable mobile experiences" when they travel abroad. "Technology is not just shaping how people book and research holidays, but what they look for when they are choosing a country to visit," he added.

The 4G network released by Everything Everywhere was the first in the UK and has rolled out to more than 60 per cent of the country's population to date. The carrier anticipates that by Christmas more than 160 towns and cities will be covered.

How much the 4G roaming will cost AT&T or EE subscribers has not been detailed. As of December 2013, EE's membership has doubled from last year to more than 1.2 million subscribers.

• 4G and LTE: everything you need to know

Source : techradar[dot]com

The next stage of the Samsung vs Apple rivalry could be taking place right on the high street, with a report that Samsung is looking to up its retail game in the US.

Samsung has swiped ex-Apple Store designer Tim Gudgel, according to The Information, suggesting it might be looking to set up its own full-sized retail stores.

Two people "close to the company" claim that Samsung has hired Gudgel to work on "deeper investment in US retail". Gudgel specialises in store design, so it's pretty obvious what Samsung is up to here, assuming these details are true.

Genius move?

Samsung's retail presence certainly isn't small right now – there are a number of Samsung Experience Shops in shops around the world - but having its own full-sized stores would be a massive step up.

It might be needed too, what with Microsoft pushing out its own retail stores in the last few years.. Whether Samsung will offer up its own version of Apple's in-store "geniuses" remains to be seen. If it does, we'd like them to be called Guardians of the Galaxy.

All well and good, Samsung, but will yours be able to float on water?

• No wonder these are good times for Samsung - that Note 3 ain't doing too badly right now.

Source : techradar[dot]com

Lagging a little behind their current rivals, Sony's Xperia flagships could start getting a pre-Christmas treat in the form of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

The support pages for the Sony Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra both show the latest software as 14.2.A.0.290, with a release date of 16 December 2013.

Sony may have also inadvertently leaked the release date for the Xperia Z update too, with its support page briefly showing the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean being released on 19 December. Sony's Xperia Z is being treated to software version 10.4.B.0.569.

The page has now been reverted back, but thankfully Xperia Blog managed to get a screenshot just in time.

Now you see me...

Sony is currently lagging a little behind with the Android 4.3 update, with the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 already having been upgraded.

Included in the update is support for Bluetooth low energy, OpenGL ES 3.0 and multiple users.

Unfortunately, an update still leaves the Xperia line up a little behind the times; Android 4.4 KitKat has launched on the Nexus 5 and is set to hit the One and Galaxy S4 early next year.

One final reminder: even though the update may have left Japanese soil, when it hits your handset is dependent upon your location and network provider.

• The Sony Xperia Z Ultra - Phone? Tablet? Worth your money?

Source : techradar[dot]com

The Samsung Galaxy S5 could come with a nice new scratch-resistant coat, with word that Samsung wants to introduce a diamond-like material into its future smartphones.

According to Korean site ET News, Samsung is in the process of testing out a "diamond metal surface treatment technology" by blasting carbon with high temperatures in the same way that diamonds are formed.

Don't worry, this doesn't mean you'll be getting a gaudy, glistening handset. However coating a diamond-like material on top of the metal case would make the phone more resistant to scratches and damage.

But even if Samsung is planning to go ahead with its fancy diamond material, there's the problem of timing. Right now we're expecting the Galaxy S5 to arrive as early as February so we may not get to see any of this happen until the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

Diamonds are forever

Meanwhile, those previous rumours of the S5 coming with a metal-alloy chassis may have just been dashed.

Digitimes reports that "Taiwan-based chassis makers" have said that Samsung is still weighing up the pros and cons of metal chassis right now and that there's no sign of mass production taking place.

The same sources reckon that switching the plastic chassis for a metal one would only up the cost for Samsung without bringing any huge benefits.

• Want to know more about the Samsung Galaxy S5? It's your lucky day

Source : techradar[dot]com

It would be all too easy to mock the tourist who walked off a pier because she was too busy checking her phone to realise she'd reached the end of the walkway.

But haven't we all nearly been there now? If it isn't a pier, it's a busy road or a tree or a lamppost or an angry commuter or a confused dog or a bin or a glass door. Honestly, real life doesn't half get in the way of technology sometimes.

Good on the lady in question for managing to keep her phone in hand while foundering in the cold Melbourne waters in the dark without knowing how to swim. Now if she'd had Google Glass...

More blips

You'd be forgiven for walking off a pier while checking blips - they're very diverting.

• Motorola cries Timber! as it launches wood-backed Moto X
• Beyonce's secret album puts other iTunes sales records to shame
• Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul heading to Netflix

Source : techradar[dot]com