Sony PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store Issues

More issues with Sony’s PSN and PlayStation Store causing a delay on getting back online for users.

I’m sad to post that there have been more issues reported with Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) and the PlayStation Store, the problem has resulted in users not being able to update their security details, get their free games or use PSN. This isn’t looking good for Sony!

The screen many of you would have seen appear is the one pictured above pointing out to you that there is currently a maintenance issue causing the server to be down. All of the hype last week with the re-launch of the PSN, the chance to update your security details and manage to get your hands on your free games through the PlayStation Store doesn’t look good at all at the moment.

This is what was said in the PlayStation blog: 

“Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will fully restore all PlayStation Network services in the Americas, Europe/PAL territories and Asia, excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea by the end of this week.”

So, you have a little longer to wait before you can get back online with PSN, update your security details and get your free games whilst Sony fix the security vulnerability. What’s your views on the current issue? Let me know by clicking comments.

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Sony PlayStation Network back online

Sony’s PlayStation (PSN) network is back online for some countries.

Today sees the day of the PSN set to go back online for Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

The PSN attack took place a month ago and since then the PSN has been offline for a month, very frustrating to avid gamers. This week has seen it go back online for some of us. Well now Sony have revealed a a new list of countries in which can expect the return of the PSN. If you live in the above countries you should be able to use your PSN again along with Sony’s Qriocity movie and music streaming service.

Also, as a thank you from Sony for your extreme patience you will be offered  welcome back games from the Japanese company, Sony which you will able to play on your PS3 and PSP consoles.

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Be guided around Tesco by sat nav

An Android-only app will enable people to find items in the store through the use of a sat nav system.
This is great! I recently told somebody wouldn’t it be a useful idea to have an app for your smartphone to guide you around Tesco and now there is one but only available on Android.
The system is currently being trialled in an Essex Extra store, the new app will also allow people to send their shopping lists to another person who also has the app installed.
This is how its going to work.

• When you enter your Tesco store, the app will create a store map with your whole shopping list displayed in front of you.
  
• Then press start and the app will find the quickest route for your specific items.

The good thing about this app is that if you forget an item you can easily add it to your shopping list at anytime which will then get added to your current route.
The app isn’t officially available on the Android marketplace just yet but if you want to give it a go you can join the testing group and visit the one and only store in Romford.
This is what Nick Lansley, head of research and development for Tesco said in the company’s technology blog:

“We now have a comprehensive 'sat-nav' system working INSIDE one of our Tesco stores…The new service is able to show you where all your wanted products are on a store map, show you where you are on that map, and guide you round the store to pick up your products using the shortest route.” 

Also he mentioned:

“We won't be rolling this out to customers in general for a while because we have to think about how useful it's going to be. The system involves a lot of infrastructure installation in the stores so we need to get all kinds of people involved in thinking about the customer experience. It would be awful if we did all this work but few customers really used it.”

Would you find the app beneficial?

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Nokia to launch handsets equipped with Mango

Nokia Mango Windows Phone handsets are expected to ship this Autumn.
Windows Mobile are to launch an update to their current Windows Phone 7 OS entitled Mango; this will supply 500 new updates, one improved web browsing and the inclusion of Internet Explorer 9 as the browser to the Windows smartphone. The new update also promises a change for the better in how the smartphone manages your apps. Microsoft will also partner with Nokia to bring Mango to Nokia handsets. This was announced by Corporate Vice President of Windows Phone 7 marketing, Achim Berg in London at the official unveiling.

“Nokia handset will be coming to market with Mango.”

Figures reveal that Microsoft currently only share 4% of the smartphone share market. Also, according to particular figures taken from analyst firm Gartner, Google Android system currently accounts for 36% which is followed by Apple which stands at 17%. However, with assistance from Nokia this could all change for Microsoft with predications of an increase of the market share to 19.5% by 2015.
This is what Andy Lees, President of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft said:

“With Mango, Windows Phone takes a major step forward in redefining how people communicate and use apps and the Internet, giving you better results with less effort.”

The update will be free to all users of Windows Phone 7 this Autumn.

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Launch date for new iPhone

7th June is the expected launch date for the new updated iPhone from Apple.

The new popular smartphone is set to be called the Apple iPhone 4S and we expect to see more of an internal update than a universal update. This means that we can expect the same design than the previous model, the iPhone 4 but an update to the techy side.

The new phone will feature an 8Mp camera so with this exciting update to the camera from 5Mp to 8Mp this could put the iPhone 4S in a league of its own. Also, the update will feature a new dual-mode Qualcomm chip.

So will you be upgrading to the new phone or sticking with your current iPhone?

If you liked this post, ‘like’ it, leave a comment, follow me on Twitter for daily updates and more. Also, don’t forget to take part in this week’s poll by circling the top circle for ‘yes’ and the second circle for ‘no’! Finally, tell your friends and family about my blog.

Dell take on Apple with their new XPS 15z series

Dell have released new loaded XPS 15z laptop series which looks very like Apple’s MacBook Pro.

Take a look at the photos below from Dell’s official website.

 

 

So impressive or what? The brand new 15.6-inch laptop from Dell is out on the UK website and its appearance is much like Apple’s MacBook Pro, hmmm interesting.

However, it is cheaper but not a bargain, the laptop is priced at £899 which is practically £900 so its still quite a lot of money to pay however judging by the specs it should be worth it.

The Apple lookalike will feature new off the market, Sandy Bridge Intel processor, a core i5 chip running at 2.3GHz, a spacious 500GB hard drive and a nVdia GeForce GT525M graphics card.

Will you be buying it? Let me know.

If you liked this post, ‘like’ it, leave a comment, follow me on Twitter for daily updates and more. Also, don’t forget to take part in this week’s poll by circling the top circle for ‘yes’ and the second circle for ‘no’! Finally, tell your friends and family about my blog.

No glasses with this new 3D TV

New 52 inch 3DTV hits Japan and the best thing is you don’t need to wear glasses.

Later than usual is yesterday’s blog.

Dimenco, a company who were once associated with Phillips have created the word’s biggest 3DTV with no glasses. Hurrah!

The new TV will measure 52 inches and come with a 60GHz refresh rate, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, 700cd/sqm brightness and an 8ms response time.

Bad news is that I’m pretty that the UK won’t be getting hold of this this new beauty.

If you liked this post, ‘like’ it, leave a comment, follow me on Twitter for daily updates and more. Also, don’t forget to take part in this week’s poll by circling the top circle for ‘yes’ and the second circle for ‘no’! Finally, tell your friends and family about my blog.

Buy a Nintendo Wii for less than £100!

Nintendo have dropped their prices on their motion-controlled console.

Great news in today that Nintendo have dropped the prices of their popular console, the Wii to less than £100! A bargain, compared to the prices of fellow competitors, Xbox and PS3.

Motion controlled games have become increasingly popular since the launch of the Wii. We’ve seen Microsoft bring out the Kinect and Sony launch their equivalent, Move. Also, the fact that motion controlled game consoles can keep you fit will make the Wii a very good buy compared to the price of your gym membership!

This is now the cheapest console out there on the market so the question is, are you going to be buying it now prices have dropped?

If you liked this post, ‘like’ it, leave a comment, follow me on Twitter for daily updates and more. Also, don’t forget to take part in this week’s poll by circling the top circle for ‘yes’ and the second circle for ‘no’! Finally, tell your friends and family about my blog.

Would you like us to have our own Facebook page?

Hello,

I’ve popped a poll onto the blog today to ask you if you would like to see our own Facebook page for The Daily Tech Review. We already have our own official Twitter page  for the latest updates and your problems/questions mentioned in earlier post. However, not everyone is necessarily on Twitter or just prefer Facebook so I’m putting the question to you.

All answers are anonymous and all you do is click the top circle for ‘yes’ and the second and final circle for ‘no.’

Poll closes next Thursday so get involved and let me know.

Thank you and have a good day,

The Daily Tech Review

T: http://twitter.com/TDTReview

B:http://thedailytechreview.blogspot.com/

Angry Birds on Windows Phone Delayed

Bad news, the popular Rovio game has been delayed until June 29th.

Angry Birds has officially changed the gaming experience on your smartphone for good. You have to admit that we all like to  fling those fluffy bundles of joy on the iPhone, Android, Symbian and now soon to be Windows but we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer for the release of the game on the Windows Phone since Microsoft have put back the release date from  May 25th to June 29th. This is what Microsoft put out in a statement:

“…ensure we provide the best possible gaming experience on Windows Phone.”

Judging from the quote then it could be a good thing that they are are delaying the release of the popular smartphone game, Angry Birds because at least we can hopefully expect an impressive gaming experience from the delayed must-have game for the Windows Phone when its eventually released on June 29th.

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Rumours of new iPhone 5

No re-design for the new iPhone.

It hasn’t been long since the release of the Apple iPhone 4 and now we can expect the iPhone 5 to be released in supposedly September of this year says various sources.

I personally like the appearance of the iPhone 4, I think it looks attractive and stylish. The sort of phone you’re not afraid to get out in public. Apple have taken this into consideration and my thoughts and others are that we will not see a re-design but more of an upgrade to the internal side of the phone. We’ve previously seen this with the Apple 3G, then the 3GS. Both have the same design but tweaks to the internal side of the smartphone.

Your camera will be getting an upgrade too, rumour has it that Sony will be supplying the camera for the new iPhone 5 and it could feature 8Mp and the capability of shooting in full HD.

Other news suggests that the iPhone’s storage capacity will be boosted up to 64GB, which is up from the previous storage space of 32GB. Also rumours show that iOS5 will come loaded with a new cloud-based service will enable you to say documents to the cloud. This will save your storage space says Gadgets and Gizmos.

You will also be able to find NFC technology included on your new iPhone 5 which I mentioned in a previous blog post. Its basically an alternative payment solution that will enable you to purchase various items up to the price of £15 with an easy swipe of your smartphone states Gadgets and Gizmos.

Tell me what you think by leaving a message below.

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Keyboard for your iPhone 4

NUU have developed a physical keyboard for Apple’s iPhone 4.

Apple iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones available on the market, if not the most popular. This is thanks to the incredible App Store and one of the best screens on the market. Having said that, some of us aren’t fans of touchscreen keyboards. I for one find them a little bit fiddly hence the reason  for my phone, a BlackBerry. With this new add-on could this change how people type on their iPhone 4 forever?

Here are some benefits of the NUU MiniKey:

• Speedy Typing, enjoy typing your emails at a speedy but accurate rate.
• The fact that will no longer need your on-screen keyboard will give you more screen space on your iPhone.
• Backlight, if you’ve got bad light don’t worry the NUU MiniKey backlight will come to the rescue.

Don’t panic about your battery life because NUU claim you should still have enough to get through the day.  Its simple to put away, all you do is slide it up to hide it then slide it back down when you want to re-use it.

The bad is, it looks a bit bulky.

I think that this could be a pretty popular add-on for the Apple iPhone 4 but the fact that it will make the iPhone look ugly due to bulk will be a downside for the NUU MiniKey.

If you want it buy it for £59.

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Chrome, get it on Samsung’s netbook

Samsung are first to ship their new Series 5 netbooks with Chrome OS.

If you are the sort of person who uses your laptop to check out YouTube, browse through your emails, surf the web, if so you will then want to get your hands on the new Samsung Series 5 netbooks running Chrome OS.

We all love our devices to be thin and attractive, come on be honest so Samsung have achieved through a thin casing and white lid. The weight is just over 2kg so its light enough to take around with you wherever you ago.

Now thanks to Google making nearly everything run from the Internet there is no need for a fast processor so the Samsung Series 5 runs on a dual-core Atom chip. However, it is still more than capable of a fast boot up.

Stay connected through Wi-Fi and a 3G adapter as well for an extra bit of money. Google Chrome will also feature an offline mode and expect a battery life of eight hours or more connected to the Internet or not.

The netbook will cost £349 or if you want 3G, £399.  Get your hands on the Samsung’s Series 5 on June 24th.

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FIFA 12 in 3D

FIFA 12 will be available to play on your Nintendo 3DS.

Later than usual is yesterday’s blog.

Now, we don’t really associate big game titles like FIFA with Nintendo DS’s and have instead accepted titles like Mario and other fun games to play on our portable Nintendo DS’s. Good thing is its all about to change with the release of the new FIFA 12 on your Nintendo 3DS.

The Nintendo 3DS with its fast stability and gorgeous graphics is impressive as it is but the fact that you will be able to play FIFA 12 in 3D on it is utterly amazing! With more power from the new handheld device EA Sports has released the latest version of the football game, FIFA 12, on Nintendo 3DS. You can expect the device to feature touchscreen controls and 3D rendering.

Also, new to the 3DS version you will be able to create, edit and follow your very, own unique football player designed by yourself thanks to the featured “Be a Pro” option.

This looks exciting, let me know what you think.

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Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) available now on HTC Desire HD and Incredible S

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) is now available on your HTC handsets, Desire HD and Incredible S.

If you own a HTC Incredible S or Desire HD you will now be able to download the brand new OS.

New changes that you can expect are better battery life, a new user interface attached with a bundle of new themes, oh I do love a new OS.

Gingerbread also offers other changes to the OS such as NFC support and a brand new touchscreen keyboard.

One tip is download the new Android Gingerbread OS over Wi-Fi because of the fact that its a very time consuming task due to the the size of the file. Also I say this because it avoids having to pay a nasty data-related bill at the end of the month.

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Samsung’s first largest 3D LED TV

Samsung is to hit the market with the first and largest LED 3D HDTV.

Samsung are in The Daily Tech Review again and this time news is that they are going to launch a brand new 75-inch D9500 LED TV. The TV will feature 3D and Internet technology, it will also contain LED backlighting in effort to create a more power efficient device.

The D9500 is guaranteed to contain some of the cutting edge technology and is currently at this time of writing the world’s largest LED 3D HDTV, wow! It will use active 3D technology which unfortunately means that you will need to wear glasses but due to its massive screen you will certainly will not need to worry about wear you sit to get a good viewing angle.

Some nifty features on the Samsung D9500 are internet connectivity which will let you keep up-to-date with what your friend is doing on Facebook and other social networking sites. You will also be given a qwerty keyboard and also the ability to surf the internet from your sofa, yes you won’t even have to move!

Any bad points? Hmm it won’t be cheap!

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Get your hands on the Samsung Infuse 4G shortly

New Android super-slim smartphone from Samsung.

We’ve just recently seen the release of the Samsung Galaxy S 2 in the UK and now we can eagerly await for another new smartphone from Samsung which uses brand new 4G technology. I can you tell now that from the specs this seems a pretty good upgrade.

The phone stands out from the rest with its tiny 8.9mm casing but the largest screen on the market measuring 4.5-inches. Hard to imagine how the screen can be so big but the casing so small and slim.

The Samsung Infuse 4G also gets Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology. The technology has  proved in tests to work well on small handsets so this should make it a pleasure to watch all your movies or show off your photos on your new smartphone to your friends and family.

The phone also comes equipped with a 1.2GHz processor Android 2.2 OS along with a beautiful 8Mp camera and the capability of shooting video in 720p.

This sounds that could be quite a popular phone when it is officially released in the US later this month. Hopefully it won’t be long before the UK can get their hands on it.

Take a look at the photograph above.

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Apple tracks your movements

An update supplied by Apple has now stopped tracking your movements.

The problem started when a hidden file was found on devices by security researchers which basically contained a record of your movements and would then generate a map from it when used with the particular software.

On a statement by Apple, they denied that they used the information in any way to track users but they did blame it on the software by saying it must have contained a bug.

However, you will be glad to know what Apple will no longer keep track of your movements with the latest version of the iOS software, 4.3.3. The update reduces the amount of data that is saved on your phone and when you turn off your location services it will also delete the cache for you. Note that your location data is no longer backed up on your computer after installing the update. The new update also decreases the amount of data stored from a year of location data to a week.

As stated above you will still have some data stored on your device which is fine but its not encrypted, that isn’t good. This means anyone who gets hold of your phone can track where you’ve been in the previous week. Good news is that Apple has promised us an update which will be released in the near future, no specific date at the moment but watch this space for more details.

The new OS is available now through iTunes. All you have to do is plug in your iPhone 3GS or 4, iPad, iPad 2, third or fourth-generation iPod touch and download it.

UPDATE: Spotify have denied Movie deal

No Spotify for Movies
I earlier posted about Spotify in talks with US Movie studios and said that I would keep you up-to-date with the latest goings on. So here it is, The Register convincingly say that its not going to happen and is baked up Daniel Ek, chief executive and founder of Spotify who has denied reports.
Here’s what he posted on Twitter:

“No it ain't true. Media these days are funny. Soon I'll be reading that Spotify is launching a space rocket.”

Let me know what you think. Post below or tweet me @TDTReview.

 

Spotify to take on iTunes

Spotify launch a new download service.

Spotify launched in 2008 and since then have become a very popular service to listen to music on, they have had one million subscribers and 10 million registered users, as of March 2011. They’ve noted that and are now ready to take on Apple iTunes. Bit of a challenge hey?

As well as streaming your music you will be able to download tracks and also play them back on your iPod.

Spotify is a great service to listen to the latest music when you’re near a computer or a mobile phone, but when you’re not or got no signal on your device you used to be in trouble but not anymore.  You will now be able to sync the MP3 tracks you download from the Spotify app to your iPod without even having to use iTunes.

Spotify’s new music store will basically allow you to buy your songs either individually or in a playlist for discounted prices.10 tracks will cost you £7.99 or 80p each. Buy a bundle of 100 tracks for £50. The new service have also said goodbye to 7digital which did power all of the tracks which you purchased through Spotify beforehand.

This is what the Daniel Ek, chief executive and founder of Spotify said:

“Our users don’t want to have to switch between music players, but they do want to take their playlists with them wherever they go, on a wider range of devices, more simply and at a price they can afford. Now we’ve made that possible on one of the world’s most popular consumer devices.”

The new service is ready to use now.

New Blackberry Bolds officially announced

BlackBerry Bold 990 and 9930 announced.

Have you been one of those BlackBerry lovers that have been waiting for a brand new look to the well known BlackBerry qwerty keyboard well your dream has come true. The Bold 9900 and 9930 will feature the new stylish fully visible qwerty keyboard from RIM, the company behind the popular BlackBerry smartphone. The new Bold phones will also feature a touchscreen.

The 9900 and 9930 will come equipped with new BlackBerry 7 OS, along with a 2.8 inch touchscreen.

Unlike the Torch the new Bold will feature a 1.2GHz processor, which will mean that all of your apps, games and menus will open much more quicker than we see on the BlackBerry Torch at the moment. Other features that you can look forward to are 8GB of storage, 5Mp camera, 720p HD video recording and a voice-activated search, hmmm interesting.

Also, something to be even more excited about is NFC technology which will feature in the new smartphones, if you don’t know what is it will one day hopefully it will let you pay for items such as tech by swiping your handset across the scanner.

Unfortunately I don’t have a price to tell you just yet but I can say that the two will be released this summer!