Soon Windows Phone 8.1 users may get the chance Master Chief, in their head at least, when the Cortana voice assistant arrives to Nokia Lumia devices this April.

Infamous MS insider, MSFT reports that Microsoft's rival Siri voice companion, Cortana will launch into beta this April on Lumia for US developers. What's more, Jen Talyor, the voice of Cortana in the Halo videogame series, will lend her vocals as the smartphone assistant.

We don't know if Cortana will be her sassy self on phones, but this April release lines up with the expected Windows Phone 8.1 update. Soon after it's supposedly going to come wrapped into the iPhone Bing app this fall in the US.

Xbox One and Windows 8.1 PC users will get Cortana next in 2015 with Threshold. After that it seems the voice assistant will reach other English speaking shores for the remainder of 2015 year and into 2016.

In the interim, MSFTnerd says speech recognition improvements have already shipped out in the Bing Translator app for Windows.

Kinect intelligence

The Cortana voice assistant made her first appearance last September as a rumored app, but this is the first time we've heard it was coming to anything other than Windows phones.

On mobiles Cortana is reported to be a faster way of changing settings. The assistant could also be smart enough to anticipate appointments and automatically map out the route for users.

These features could be easily replicated and useful on Windows 8.1 computers, but who knows what sort of smarter Kinect integration Microsoft has cooking up for Xbox One.

Even with insider information, were going to take these rumors with a grain of salt until we can hear Cortana on our Windows phones.

• The first workstation ultrabook is here, we go hands-on with the HP ZBook 14!

Source : techradar[dot]com

Vodafone has confirmed to TechRadar that some users may be experiencing problems with their service this afternoon.

There's definitive reason as yet for this outage, nor a timescale for a fix, but when asked we were given the following statement from a spokesperson:

"We know that some customers may be experiencing intermittent issues when using their phone this afternoon. The issue will not affect all customers and we're working hard to resolve this. We apologise for any inconvenience."

All a-Twitter

NCGNetworks, a B2B telecoms provider tweeted: "Vodafone have a nationwide issue sporadically causing problems with voice, data and SMS services. Engineers are working on it."

Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest these issues can range from not being able to send to a text to not being able to pick up any signal at all.

Vodafone has promised us an update soon, and we'll bring you any changes as they happen.

Here's hoping that the problems aren't as severe as in 2011, when some little blighter broke into the Basingstoke site and stole the important bits needed to broadcast a signal...

Source : techradar[dot]com

The UK's Vodafone network appears to be suffering from nationwide service problems, which have impacted customers' ability to make calls, send and receive texts and use data services.

Users have taken to Twitter in droves to complain about the issues while the down detector website currently displays 738 reports of service problems at 1pm UK time on Thursday.

Vodafone is yet to officially comment on the reports, but NCGNetworks, a B2B telecoms provider tweeted: "Vodafone have a nationwide issue sporadically causing problems with voice, data and SMS services. Engineers are working on it."

We've reached out to Vodafone for an update and will update this story when a response is forthcoming.

Ironically, the outage comes on the same date Vodafone demanded the right to publish government security requests in order to provide the public with a greater sense of transparency.

More to follow on this breaking story...

Source : techradar[dot]com

It's beginning to seem a lot like Nokia's Android-based smartphone will launch at MWC 2014.

Currently going by the moniker Normandy, the handset is expected to land with a heavily Nokia-ified version of Android just as the Amazon Kindle Fire range come with a Amazon-heavy version of the software.

The latest shots of the interface come from @evleaks, the scourge of mobile secret keepers everywhere.

The images show two different ways to have your homescreen set up - one is very Windows Phone-ish with tiles laid out in a grid formation, the other is more like a traditional Android layout.

The icons are very similar to (although not exactly the same as) some leaked screens we saw earlier in January, and some of the imagery is along the same lines of Evleaks' own recent leak too. That doesn't mean they're legit - it's just as likely that an internet prankster is as up to date on the rumours as we are.

Sleuthin'

As PocketNow points out, the images look a bit like they could be press shots. If they are, then the calendar reading Tuesday 25 could be something of a launch date clue.

Know when the next Tuesday 25 is? February 2014. Know what's on that week? Oh, just a little show known as Mobile World Congress. Convenient.

• Let's talk about what else we're expecting from MWC 2014

Source : techradar[dot]com

Samsung's first commercial Tizen handset is getting closer. In fact, it's just been certified in Japan under the name SC-03F.

However, according to Japanese media outlet SankeiBiz, the phone's announcement has been postponed by mobile carrier NTT docomo.

SankeiBiz says the announcement of a Samsung-built Tizen OS phone was originally meant to happen on January 16 but that's now been pushed back, with no reason given.

En-tizing

Rumours are rife that Tizen isn't ready to be shown off to the public just yet, although Phonearena speculates that another reason might be that Samsung is unhappy with NTT docomo after the carrier launched the iPhone 5S.

Samsung is rumoured to be showcasing a Tizen phone just before MWC 2014 and there's a chance this could be that very handset.

For now, Samsung isn't looking to launch its Tizen phones in the West - or at least not in the US. But who knows if that will change down the line. It just needs to get the OS off the ground for now.

And with word that Samsung has a Windows Phone 8 handset in the pipeline - and of course a bunch of other Android phones - 2014 could be a year of juggling multiple operating systems.

• Is this Samsung's first 1080p Windows Phone?

Source : techradar[dot]com

If the New Year has inspired you to get fighting fit, then you've hit the right page. Technology has the tools to help you get in the shape of your life but it's not easy to know which product is right for your goals.

We've enlisted the help of T3.com Editor-in-chief and ultra runner Kieran Alger to put together a four-part guide to help you uncover everything you need to go from couch slouch to marathon finisher.

You're now officially a runner. Not a jogger, a fully fledge race-experienced runner. With you 5km medal hanging on the back door it's time to take on the 10km. So, how can your phone help you step up?

Preparing to run a 10km is going to mean one thing for sure, more running. You'll be out there pounding the pavements more often, going further and experiencing different types of training run for the first time.

It can be a daunting gear change and this is where some people can find it tough to stay motivated and boredom free.

• Missed a bit? Part 1 | Part 2

Apps like Endomondo Pro and Adidas MiCoach are perfect for setting up training plans, taking the guesswork out of preparing to run 10km, but motivation and enjoyment are also vital as you strive to get race ready.

Luckily there are a whole host of other apps that can help keep the hunger alive.

Best motivational running apps

Runnit - Free, iOS

What if we told you there was an app that let you earn rewards for each mile run? From coffee to clothing, Runnit rewards your efforts out there on the streets. You simply select a challenge, do the miles and pick up your goodies.

Polar Beat - Free, Android and iOS

Polar Beat is an easy way to unlock the power of Polar's running and fitness tracking without the need for a watch. Pair it with the Polar H6 or H7 heart rate sensor and you get real-time graphical and voice guidance to keep you running at the right intensity.

Keeping your effort levels right means you can avoid the negative effects of over training, one of which is that horrible feeling that you're not enjoying the run. It can also tell you how to run to help your body recover from tougher sessions earlier in the week.

iMapmyrun - Free, Android and iOS

This hugely popular running app has all the usual GPS run tracking tricks up it's iOS and Android sleeves but it has one very useful function on top of that, it lets you search exsiting routes near you. There are well over 36,000 routes logged, offering a great way to keep your training runs fresh.

Strava Run - Free, Android and iOS

If competition is what keeps you motivated, then Strava Run is a great app for you. Just like the cult cycling version of the app, Strava Run lets you find and compete for the fastest times on routes near you. It's the ultimate way to add a competitive edge to those otherwise potentially dull training runs.

Upbeat Workouts for Runners

Making the perfect running playlist can be tricky, particularly if you want to do clever things like match the music to your training intensity. Upbeat Workouts for Runners takes the pain out of that process, calculating your stride-per-minute (SPM) rate and finds a song on your iPhone with corresponding beats-per-minute. If you pick up the pace or slow down, the song selection changes.

Perfect for motivation during for interval runs and for runners working at holding a steady pace over distance.

Helpful running sites

Training runs explained

Now that your ambitions are more serious, you'll start to hear words like fartlet, tempo and interval. These are all different types of training runs you should look to build into your plan in order to get the full all-round package of building strength, endurance and speed.

The running experts at Competitor.com have put together a great guide to help explain.

Run your fastest 10km

Great tips from running experts over at Men's Health that'll help you not just complete the 10km, but do it in a double-quick time.

How to run when you don't really want to

Getting out there running is easier than you think but if you're finding it hard to make that first step, here are a few handy running tips to help you banish those pre-run doubts.

Essential Reading: E-books to help you run better

The Art of Running Faster

Julian Goater and Don Melvin

This is a nitty-gritty book that aims to make you a faster runner. It delivers detailed training advice, hints on how to avoid injury and tonnes of inspirational advice to help you hit that PB.

Run Fat Bitch Run

Ruth Field

This is a great read for anyone who's ever tried to run and failed to 'get into it'. It offers up a no-nonsense, nowhere-to-hide approach to becoming a runner and losing weight as a result.

It comes with a complete six week plan for absolute beginners and a whole load of straight forward wisdom to help break down the barriers to success. There's a definite female focus but the "eat clean, run more" philosophy for leading a healthy life is well made.

Part 4 of our "Get marathon fit with your smartphone" series will be online soon and will help you in the last step of begging a fully fledged marathon runner. In the meantime, good luck!

Source : techradar[dot]com

The Sony Xperia M props up the budget end of the Japense firm's smartphone range with a compact design, low price point and a smattering of mediocre features.

You can pick up the Xperia M now for around £175, $200 (around AU$230) SIM-free, or (if you're in the UK) from £110 on a PAYG deal, firmly placing it at the bottom end of the smartphone market.

This is a sector which has become increasingly competitive recently and the Xperia M has some seriously tough competition in the likes of the HTC Desire 500, Nokia Lumia 520, Samsung Galaxy Fame and the excellent Moto G.

A quick breeze through the spec sheet for the Sony Xperia M and that budget price tag is completely reinforced - a 4-inch 480 x 854 display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB internal storage and 5MP rear camera is hardly going to set the world alight.

The Moto G has made things even trickier at the bottom with it's mid-range spec list besting its rivals, so the Xperia M definitely has its work cut out.

In terms of design the Xperia M has borrowed style from both the Xperia Z1 in terms of its side profile, while on the rear the curved back is reminiscent of the Xperia SP and the original Xperia Arc.

While the Sony Xperia M sports an all-plastic construction, it feels solid and well built, and at 115g it's well balanced in the hand.

The slightly rubberised, removable rear cover provides some additional grip (and access to the battery, SIM card and microSD slot), while the curve of the handset means it fits comfortably into the palm and hides its 9.3mm depth.

On the right you have an easy to hit power/lock key as well as a volume rocker switch, while below them resides a physical shutter key providing quick access to the camera app and a more natural action for snapping pictures.

Flick the screen on and you'll notice this isn't a 720p HD display (WVGA, remember), and while it's not awful the low resolution of the Xperia M is very noticeable on text heavy pages.

Running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the Sony Xperia M is rather behind the times, what with Android 4.2, 4.3 and now 4.4 all arriving since - and there's no sign of a software update on the horizon at the moment.

Sony has stuck its own overlay on top of Android, although it's not quite as commanding as HTC's Sense, adding useful quick settings in the pull down notification bar and Sony's fleet of media applications.

The dual-core processor does pretty well to keep Jelly Bean running smoothly, although it's not as fluid as the Moto G.

Opening up the more demanding applications takes a good second or two, and while the Xperia M doesn't leave you waiting long, the delay is noticeable.

I'm so used to seeing phones with screens upwards of 4.5 inches these days (the iPhone range being the major exception), going back to using a 4-inch display feels very cramped.

Everything is still usable, and I'm sure you'll get used to the keyboard size and general space (or lack of it) on screen, but don't downgrade your screensize - you'll only end up regretting the decision.

Early verdict

The Sony Xperia M is a tidy, well built handset offering up a reasonable Android experience at an equally reasonable price tag, but the issue it has is with its competition.

With the Moto G disrupting the budget end of the market with its mid-range spec, and the Lumia 520 providing a fuss-free and cheap smartphone experience, the Xperia M is going to have to work its socks off to stand out.

Source : techradar[dot]com

Despite Nokia's device and services division now being owned by Microsoft, Nokia's Android handset, the 'Normandy' as it's currently known, just won't go away.

Today we've got a photo that's purportedly of the back of the handset, posted to Twitter by Vizileaks, along with the caption 'and the waiting game begins...'

The picture looks a lot like some earlier images we've seen of the phone, though in fairness it could just as easily be a new Lumia, with its bright red, curved plastic shell.

This comes just days after getting a glimpse of the Normandy's screen, complete with what could be a modified version of Android 4.4.

The phone that wouldn't die

It seems a little odd for Nokia to still be working on the phone now that it's owned by Microsoft, yet far from dying the rumour just keeps on growing and an Android phone could help the Finnish firm snaffle some more market share.

If somehow the Normandy does make it into shops it might not be something to get too excited about though, as rather than going toe to toe with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 it's thought to be a rather low end handset with a 5MP camera and 854 x 540 display.

• If you're looking for a Nokia phone that you can actually buy you could do worse than the Lumia 1520

Source : techradar[dot]com

As if there weren't already enough reasons to be excited about the Samsung Galaxy S5 it now looks like it will have improved hovering recognition range.

According to ETNews, industry sources claimed that Synaptics, the company behind the hovering technology on the Samsung Galaxy S4, are working on a "touch solution", which will allow your finger to be further from the screen when using Air Gestures and Air View.

On the S4 these features allow you to perform simple actions on screen by waving your hand across the device, or hovering a finger over something like an image to see a larger preview.

Fine print

The improvements should also benefit the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, as they allow the screen to recognise a finer pen point, allowing for more intricate writing and drawing with a stylus.

The source additionally claimed that the manufacturing cost of the technology will be lowered, so hopefully we won't see too much of a price hike in the next wave of flagship handsets.

Samsung has long been a pioneer in the development of alternate ways to interact with your phone, be it Air Gestures or eye scanners, so this news isn't particularly surprising, but anyone interested in the next generation of finger-hover technology should be able to get their hands on (or off) it soon.

• Check out all the latest news and rumours about the Samsung Galaxy S5

Source : techradar[dot]com

The LG G Flex is designed to be flexible, as highlighted by its curved display. But it seems that excessively bending the device can lead to small bumps developing on the screen.

It could be a common issue too, as according to an electronics salesclerk who spoke to the Korea Times, all of the LG G Flex handsets that he'd seen had come with small bumps. Thankfully it doesn't look like the problem has any impact on the handset's performance.

LG is aware of the issue and released a statement to the Korea Times saying that "because key components inside the G Flex such as the glass cover, OLED display, battery and frame are elastic, excessive or frequent force that flattens the device may produce bumps. The issue has no relation to the performance and quality of the device."

Flattening out

The good news is that the bumps are temporary and should disappear over time, or if you'd rather not wait you can even just push down on them and that should solve the problem.

If the thought of a bumpy screen hasn't put you off the LG G Flex, you can now pre-order it for a hefty sum.

• The future's bright, the future's flexible.

Source : techradar[dot]com