Crytek releases free-to-play FPS Warface for Xbox 360

Today Crytek and Microsoft Studios released their online, class-based first-person shooter Warface for Xbox 360. Originally released in October 2013 on PC after a lengthy beta period, the game is available today on the Xbox 360 Game Store. It's actually been out since March 2014 on Xbox 360 in beta form, but the final version is out now.

The free-to-play shooter features a five-player co-op mode and a competitive mode for up to 16. Players can choose from four classes – Rifleman, Sniper, Medic, and Engineer – which operate about as you would expect them to, allowing for exploration of different tactics, gameplay styles, and customizable weapon sets. The game will also be regularly updated with a steady stream of new co-op missions, maps, weapons, and more.
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Tragedy: Three children found dead in New Malden

One person has been arrested after three children were found dead at an address in south London.

A police spokesman said officers had been called to an address in New Malden on Tuesday night where the bodies of the children were found.

The person being held remains in custody at a south London police station.

Police have launched an investigation but are currently not giving any details on the cause of the deaths.

More to follow.
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Russia risks further US sanctions over Ukraine, says Kerry

Moscow denies being behind the protests and seizures of buildings by pro-Russia militants.

The US Secretary of State has warned of further sanctions on Russia if it does not de-escalate tensions in Ukraine.

In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, John Kerry expressed "deep concern over the lack of positive Russian steps".

Russia blames Kiev's leaders for the collapse of last week's Geneva accord.

Ukraine's acting president earlier ordered the relaunch of military operations against pro-Russian militants in the east of the country.

It came as President Oleksandr Turchynov said two men - including local politician Vladimir Rybak - had been found dead after being "brutally tortured".

"The terrorists who effectively took the whole Donetsk region hostage have now gone too far," he said.

Politician Vladimir Rybak disappeared after being filmed trying to gain access to a building seized by pro-Russian activists, as Daniel Sandford reports from Donetsk
The US and the West accuse Russia of using undercover military to back separatists in eastern Ukraine, where public buildings are occupied in at least nine cities and towns. Russia denies involvement.

In other developments:

Some 150 American troops arrive in Poland, the first part of a 600-strong deployment that Washington says is a show of force for its Nato allies in the region
Pro-Russian militants in Sloviansk are reportedly holding American journalist Simon Ostrovsky, who works for Vice News.
'Absence of progress'

In his conversation with Mr Lavrov on Tuesday, Mr Kerry "urged Russia to tone down escalatory rhetoric, engage diplomatically in the east... and issue public statements calling for those occupying buildings to disarm," according to a senior State Department official.

"Secretary Kerry also reiterated that the absence of measurable progress on implementing the Geneva agreement will result in increased sanctions on Russia," the official said.

The warning came after US Vice-President Joe Biden met Ukraine's new leaders in Kiev, and called on Russia to "stop talking and start acting" to defuse the Ukraine crisis.

Visiting Kiev, Mr Biden warned Russia that further "provocative behaviour" would lead to "greater isolation"

Masked gunmen fired a salvo at the burial for one of three pro-Russia militants killed at a checkpoint on Sunday
The US is to provide an additional $50m (£30m) for political and economic reforms in Ukraine, including $11m to help run the presidential election due on 25 May.

In another US move, Washington is sending 600 troops to take part in Nato exercises in the three Baltic states and Poland.

A defence department spokesman said the decision was designed to show a strong commitment to the alliance as events unfolded in Ukraine.

Open coffins

Meanwhile the funerals have taken place of three men shot on Sunday during a raid on a checkpoint manned by pro-Russian separatists near Sloviansk.

The local separatists said the attack was carried out by ultra-nationalist Right Sector militants but Kiev called it a "provocation" staged by Russian special forces.

The bodies of those killed lay in open coffins at the funeral ceremony at the Church of the Holy Spirit in the centre of Sloviansk.

The BBC's Daniel Sandford reports on the "uncontrolled sorrow" at the funerals of pro-Russian activists in Sloviansk
Announcing the decision to reactivate the military operation in eastern Ukraine, Mr Turchynov said in a statement: "I call on the security bodies to resume and carry out successful anti-terrorist measures aimed at defending Ukrainian citizens living in the east of Ukraine against terrorists."

Kiev's military operation to end the occupation of buildings began on 16 April but was suspended over the Easter period.

Mr Rybak, whose body was found near Sloviansk on Tuesday, was described as a local councillor for the Fatherland party in the nearby town of Horlivka. The other man killed has not yet been publicly identified.

Mr Rybak had gone missing recently and, according to police, his body was found in a river.

"These crimes are being committed with the full support and connivance of the Russian Federation," Mr Turchynov said.

Official buildings in at least nine cities and towns remain occupied
In another incident, a Ukrainian military surveillance plane was hit by small arms fire over eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, the defence ministry said.

The aircraft, an Antonov AN-30, suffered minor damage over Sloviansk when it was targeted by automatic gunfire, according to the ministry. No-one was hurt and the plane returned safely to Kiev.

The US has previous said it plans to impose further sanctions should Russia fail to fulfil its Geneva commitments.

The 17 April Geneva accord stipulated an immediate end to violence in eastern Ukraine and called on illegal armed groups to surrender their weapons and leave official buildings.

But Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told the Russian parliament on Tuesday that Russia would be able to "minimise the consequences" of any further sanctions.

Ukraine has been in turmoil since last November, when Kiev was gripped by protests over whether the country should lean more towards Russia or Europe.
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The 8 contenders to replace Moyes

Sir Alex Ferguson had the first and last word on Manchester United's line of succession when he made David Moyes "The Chosen One" after ending 26 years in charge at Old Trafford.

The folly of allowing Ferguson to wield his power one final time has been exposed with Moyes found to be out of his depth and sacked less than a year into the six-year contract he was awarded last summer.

Now the search starts again and, with even the manner in which United handled the Scot's departure coming under intense scrutiny, they simply cannot afford to make another managerial mistake.

The pressure will be on executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to deliver as the reliance on Ferguson prevented United spreading the net wider last summer when names such as Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti could have been taken into consideration.

There may be no Champions League football but Manchester United remain one of the biggest clubs in world football. So who are the names in the frame?

Louis van Gaal - Netherlands boss
The 62-year-old Dutchman has all the pedigree and a past that suggests he could handle the job at Manchester United.

He has been strongly linked with Tottenham but that has been overtaken by talk he will be the man to succeed Moyes at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal is currently in his second spell in charge of the Netherlands but is stepping down after the World Cup - which in itself might present a problem for United.

If Van Gaal is the man they want he will not be able to cut away from his work with the national side until July, which some saw as one of the origins of the problem with Moyes last summer.

A man who would fulfil the principles of attacking football Old Trafford demands, Van Gaal has had a stellar career at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and led Bayern to the 2010 final, where they lost to Inter Milan, after knocking United out along the way.

He is known for his dictatorial approach and fierce discipline but his record of success over the years has made him one of the most respected coaches in world football. And, in the mould of Ferguson, he can be an abrasive figure with the media.

One big plus in his favour would be a close relationship with United striker Robin van Persie after constant rumours that the striker was unimpressed with Moyes.

Van Gaal and Van Persie have been seen watching games together in the Netherlands recently and he has trusted him enough to hand him the captain's armband of the national side.
He is, however, much nearer the end of his career than the beginning. Has he got the time and the patience to carry out the major rebuilding required at Old Trafford?

Lowest available odds: Evens
Jurgen Klopp - Borussia Dortmund
In an ideal world, the charismatic Borussia Dortmund coach would probably be United's first choice as the replacement for David Moyes.

The 46-year-old has challenged the supremacy of Bayern Munich in winning the Bundesliga twice and taking Dortmund to the Champions League final last season, when they lost to their great rivals at Wembley.

United's problem is that Klopp is fiercely loyal and only signed a new five-year contract last October. It is believed he has already made it clear he has no interest in taking the job.

Whether United are deflected permanently by this remains to be seen but he would be a hugely popular appointment.

Klopp's teams play fast, aggressive, attacking football in a pressing style he advocates. He would also bring colour, humour and personality to the Premier League.

For now, though, he seems out of reach.

Lowest available odds: 8-1

Carlo Ancelotti - Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti's laconic humour and calm demeanour has seen him cope admirably with some of the most fevered atmospheres in European football by enjoying success at AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris St-Germain and now at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti, 54, is a humble figure who was well-liked during his time in the Premier League at Chelsea. He won the league and FA Cup double in his first season and was the victim of a desperately harsh second place when he came up empty-handed in the next season.

He won the Champions League twice at AC Milan, Ligue 1 in France and has now taken Real to the Champions League semi-final.

Coaches have a short shelf life at the Bernabeu, so might the famously relaxed Ancelotti think life may be just a little less intense and pressurised at Old Trafford? He has the track record and reputation that would make him a comfortable fit.

Lowest available odds: 16-1

Ryan Giggs - Man Utd caretaker manager

Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in Manchester United's history and has the reins, albeit briefly, after being handed control for the final three games of the season after the sacking of David Moyes.

The 40-year-old has been put in place until a permanent appointment could be made - but might he make enough of an impression to be given the job permanently?

Giggs was appointed to United's coaching staff when Moyes arrived but has escaped with his reputation untarnished as this grew to be seen as simply a marriage of convenience. The Welshman often seemed at a distance from the decision-making process at Old Trafford.

It is unlikely his turn will come this time because United are sure to seek a new manager with a track record of trophies - another credibility gap Moyes failed to bridge.

Giggs has the benefit of being adored by Manchester United fans and may even call on his former team-mates Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt to help out in these interim weeks.

He might be the romantic choice for many fans but his inexperience surely makes him an unrealistic one.

Lowest available odds: 7-1

Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid

The current hot property in world coaching after leading Atletico Madrid to the Champions League semi-finals and the top of La Liga ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The 43-year-old Argentine, best remembered for being involved in the incident that saw David Beckham sent off in the France 98 World Cup, has built a team that reflects its coach's character.

Atletico are as intense as Simeone. They steamrollered Barcelona at stages in the Champions League quarter-final with a direct style that also carries great fluency and creativity.

Simeone is another who would be welcomed by Manchester United's fans but a drawback is his lack of English and his growing reputation may attract other clubs - although he shows no signs of wanting to leave what he is building at Atletico.

Lowest available odds: 14-1

Laurent Blanc - Paris St-Germain

Best remembered at Old Trafford for a short spell at Manchester United at the end of his career, when it was fair to say some of the old majesty and authority of his defending had gone.
Blanc is currently in charge at Paris St-Germain and is on course to win Ligue 1 - but their hopes of winning the Champions League were ended by Demba Ba's late goal for Chelsea in the quarter-final.

The former manager of France and Bordeaux, where he also won the title, is a low-key figure but very well respected in the world game.

He would, however, be an outside choice for the United job.

Lowest available odds: 12-1
Carlos Queiroz - Iran

In his book, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the Portuguese was the only one of his assistants who could have been Manchester United manager. He had two spells at United, interrupted by an unsuccessful stay at Real Madrid.
Given the failure of Ferguson's last piece of managerial head-hunting with Moyes, it may well be that his advice is given a wider berth this time around.
Lowest available odds: 12-1

And finally... Sir Alex Ferguson?
Sir Matt Busby returned for a second spell in charge when his succession plan went wrong with the appointment of Wilf McGuinness went badly wrong.
Will Ferguson, now a director but still a constant presence at Old Trafford on match-day, be tempted to do the same?
No he wouldn't.
Lowest available odds: 14-1
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Lytro gets serious with the $1,599 Illum light-field camera

Well, here it is: Lytro has been promising that something awesome is on its way, and today it finally delivered – two years after introducing its first product. The company has revealed the Illum, a high-powered, pro-level camera that combines performance with its revolutionary light-field technology that lets you refocus an image after it has been shot (and more). Lytro says the Illum has a sensor that's four times the size of the previous Lytro Camera, with tablet-level computational power. In fact, if the original Lytro Camera was a basic introduction to light-field photography, the Illum is the next, huge step.

"In capturing the color, intensity and direction of every light ray flowing into the camera, Lytro Illum provides a massive amount of visual information that allows photographers to recreate sights and scenes on a truly experiential canvas," the company says. The camera gives "serious" photographers a new way to express their creativity, in an interactive manner that goes beyond 2D.

Weighing 2 pounds, the Illum has a more familiar camera shape, due to the custom, large fixed 8x optical zoom lens (30mm-250mm equivalent, with a constant f/2.0 aperture throughout the entire focal range), but the sleek, wedge-shaped body suggests it's anything but traditional (it has a design that's reminiscent of Blackmagic's 4K camera). It uses a proprietary 40-megaray light-field sensor that allows for "extreme close-focus macro." Shutter speed is up to a high 1/4000th of a second (letting users capture action scenes), and there are a few physical buttons and an articulating 4-inch touchscreen with a smartphone-like interface. There's also a hot-shoe, shutter-release port, tripod mount, and SD card slot.

Lytro describes the Illum as a camera that "creates 'living pictures' by bringing the power of 3D computer graphics to photography and enabling new avenues for visual storytelling." It's kinda mumbo jumbo, but it's obvious that the Illum blends the best aspects of a high-end camera, smartphone ease-of-use, and Lytro's unique hardware and software technologies, to create something different.

Discover
As for the software, users can readjust a photo's aperture focus, perspective, and tilt control in post-processing – that Lytro "trick" of letting you change the focus after it's been shot, and much more. While Lytro's refocusing ability has always been the star feature in the original camera – one that we loved using, and picked as our 2012 Camera of the Year – image quality has been so-so. While it's early to say, it's clear the Illum aims to deliver greater image quality (Lytro even says it could one day rival current digital and film photography). Lytro's light-field technology has the ability to shoot in 3D, and it's able to output 3D photos to compatible devices. Lytro photo workflows are also compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and Apple Aperture photo-editing software. Other features include integration with popular social media networks, interactive depth-of-field assist (a Lytro button that shows the relative focus of all objects, shown on the display, letting you compose in 3D; it also shows what objects can be refocused later), and drag-and-drop cinematic animations that can be added, in-camera, to photos (pan, zoom, focus, and perspective shift).

Some things that aren't mentioned include Wi-Fi or video capture. With social media integration via the likes of Facebook and Twitter, and that the original Lytro Camera has Wi-Fi, we assume that the Illum also has it built-in. For now, it looks like the Illum is purely a tool for photography, but Lytro has the ability to turn on new features via firmware updates (as it did with the Lytro Camera), so it's possible that, down the road, more could be added. 

Discover
Lytro will ship the Illum in July, and will cost $1,599. That's high-end DSLR territory, close to entry-level full-frame. But it shows what Lytro is thinking, that this is a high-caliber camera. There's no way for consumers to try one out yet (no retail partners have been announced, but don't be surprised if it shows up at Apple Stores, where the Lytro Camera is sold), but early adopters can pre-order one at $1,499, with a $250 deposit; pre-order customers will get a limited edition camera engraving and strap, premium customer support plus two-year warranty, an extra 20-percent discount if you own an original Lytro Camera, and chance to win something called "The Ultimate Lytro Photo Experience," an exclusive photo-shoot with a prominent photographer.

We've been looking forward to seeing what Lytro will come out with next, but we've also had our doubts, wondering if the company was a one-trick pony. (Also, many new smartphones are incorporating the refocusing technique into their cameras, through software manipulation, which somewhat steals the thunder from Lytro.) CEO Jason Rosenthal said last year that Lytro will ship products akin to a Tesla S automobile. Like a Tesla, the Illum looks and sounds impressive (and pricey, to boot), but could it really change photography or is it another pricey gimmick? We're hoping for the former, and from the trailer we've seen so far, there's lots of potential. Rosenthal also said there'd be more than one product, so the Illum may just be the beginning.
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GT-R-powered Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge may be headed for production

Infiniti doesn't normally garner much buzz from performance-car enthusiasts, but that changed when it unveiled the Q50 Eau Rouge concept at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Shoving the powertrain of a Nissan GT-R into a luxury sedan is a great way to get attention, and it begs the obvious question: Will Infiniti build it?

Infiniti says the car is still under evaluation, but a source close to the project said the Q50 Eau Rouge has been confirmed for production.

The source told Auto Express that the project has gained enough inertia that "it would take more to stop the car getting made than to start things."

That's good news for car buyers, who might enjoy the option of a GT-R with usable back seats. The Eau Rouge uses the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 as Godzilla, with 560 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

Channeling that power through Infiniti's own all-wheel drive system, the Eau Rouge can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds, and reach a  top speed of 180 mph.

Those numbers aren't wild guesses, either. Formula 1 champion – and Infiniti Director of Performance – Sebastian Vettel has already taken the Eau Rouge for a spin at the Millbrook Proving Ground in England.

Infiniti is heavily promoting its sponsorship of the Red Bull Racing F1 team – Eau Rouge is actually the name of a corner on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit – and a production version of this super Q50 would put that relationship to good use.

Because when it comes to high-performance luxury sedans, why should the Germans have all of the fun?
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Rappers delight: Mercedes-Benz may bring back Maybach

Mercedes-Benz's revival of Maybach in 2003 wasn't exactly successful; the bloated S-Class limos it sold were only bought by Jay Z and a handful of Bond villains.

Yet almost as soon as Mercedes pulled the plug on Maybach in 2012, rumors of its return as a proper Rolls-Royce and Bentley competitor began to circulate.

The latest news on that story comes from Reuters, which reports that a new Maybach model could appear as early as the 2014 Los Angeles and Guangzhou auto shows in November.

The car will reportedly be a more-exclusive version of the recently-redesigned S-Class, with a wheelbase that is over 7.0 inches longer than the longest S-Class' and will cost twice as much as the current S600.

It seems logical that the new Maybach will use the S600′s 6.0-liter twin-trubocharged V12, which produces 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque in that land yacht.

What else Mercedes will do to justify the price premium is unclear. The company leaned heavily on exclusivity with the last Maybach, but that wasn't enough to cover up its shortcomings when compared to the less-expensive S-Class, let alone models from Rolls and Bentley.

The Maybach won't even be the most exclusive S-Class model.

Mercedes will apparently also unveil an S-Class Pullman limousine, with a wheelbase even longer than that of the new Maybach.

Designed to take on the old 600 Pullman's role as the preferred transportation of heads of state, the new Pullman will reportedly cost over $1 million in fully-armored form. Kim Jong-un has probably put a deposit down already.
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Runtastic adds ultimate fitness playlist, with more music coming soon

The sound of your feet hitting the pavement over and over again can drive you mad over the course of a run, but a soundtrack designed to get you pumped could push you that extra mile. With that in mind, Runtastic announced today that it's partnering with Universal Music Group to create the best fitness playlists in an attempt to drive their users to push through the runner's wall and come out the other side in a sprint.

The first collaboration of Runtastic and Universal Music Group will be a downloadable mix aptly named Runtastic Music – Running Vol. 1. The companies are promising it will be the first in a line of playlists that will be released over the coming months. The music mixes will feature hand-picked songs designed to motivate and get users to their ideal heart beats per minute. Running Vol. 1 features artists like Swedish House Mafia, Bastille and Will.i.am.

Users of Runtastic's flagship app, just recently updated to version 5.0, will be able to grab the new music in app to listen while burning calories. Purchases of Running Vol. 1 will also include a 5k Power Mix and 10k Power Mix, compilations of songs that should get you through a lengthy run.

Runtastic 5.0 is available for free for iOS and Android devices.
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AT&T gathers $500 million to launch a new online video service

AT&T today announced a $500 million joint commitment with The Chernin Group to invest in a new online video endeavor. The Texas-based telecommunications giant hopes to stretch its services beyond its central phone and cable business by jumping into the very hot online video market (Netflix recently announced Q1 financial results that saw an increase in both profit and customers). AT&T is the latest player to try its hand at online video – Disney, Dish Network, and a number of other companies have recently joined the fray.

The Chernin Group is a good choice for AT&T – the media holding company is led by Peter Chernin, who formerly spent two decades as chief operating officer and president of News Corporation, heading up Twentieth Century Fox Filmed Entertainment and the Fox Broadcasting Company. Titanic and Avatar – two of the highest grossing movies in history – were both produced under Chernin's leadership. The Chernin Group is no stranger to the online video realm, either, having acquired the anime-streaming site Crunchyroll (the majority stake of which Chernin is contributing to the joint venture with AT&T) in December 2013.

This move is a logical one for AT&T. The company understandably wants a piece of the profits that companies like Netflix are generating via content delivered over AT&T's networks. AT&T is a middle-man of sorts right now, but it wants to nix that role and compete with video-streamers by delivering content itself.

Aside from the $500 million commitment, AT&T hasn't released any other details concerning the move.
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Titanfall discounted to $37 in Amazon’s Gold Box Deal of the Day

Respawn Entertainment's mech-enhanced multiplayer shooter Titanfall is down to a very reasonabe $37 in Amazon's daily Gold Box deal. That's more than $20 off the regular $60 retail price and – in this writer's opinion – the pricing sweet spot that publisher Electronic Arts ought to have hit when the game was first released in March.

We had lots of praise to direct at Titanfall's gameplay and design in our review, but we ultimately felt that there just wasn't enough content in the game to justify a premium price. For those that have been teetering on the edge of the fence, waiting for a more reasonable deal, this is the moment you've been waiting for. The Gold Box deal on Titanfall runs all day, but gaming will be in the Lightning Deal mix today as well, with discounts pegged for Batman: Arkham Origins, Beyond: Two Souls, some Skylanders swag, and a Turtle Beach gaming headset.
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Morgan Plus 8 Speedster strips away frivolous luxuries … like a windshield

For sports car fans who think today's offerings have been diluted by technology, there's an anachronistic oasis in Britain's Malvern Hills.

Morgan may not show much interest in developing new models (aside from the retro-futuristic Aero 8 and wacky 3 Wheeler), but it's been refining its "Plus" sports cars for decades in a manner that makes Porsche's development of the 911 seem frivolously quick.

The latest Morgan is the Plus 8 Speedster, which celebrates the company's 100th anniversary. Set to go on sale in June, it makes even the most spartan modern cars look luxurious by comparison.

Morgan says the Plus 8 Speedster recalls "a bygone era of stripped back, road-going race cars." That's a romantic way of saying that it doesn't come with a windshield.

With everything possible removed to save weight and reduce drag, speedsters were in fact a common sight on the roads of yesterday, when turning a sports car into race car often required little more than painting a number on the door.

Safety standards and creature comforts have made this practice obsolete, making the Plus 8 Speedster a very unusual sight indeed.

However, while the hood is held down with a leather strap, underneath it is a modern 4.8-liter V8 from BMW. It produces 367 horsepower, and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Morgan says the Speedster will do 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 148 mph. That's probably as fast as you want to go without a windshield.

Despite its lack of luxuries, the Morgan Plus 8 Speedster will still command a base price of around $117,800 when it goes on sale later this year. Buyers should also factor in the price of a helmet and goggles.
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Electrifying MTV Awards Show to take place at Durban ICC in June 2014!

VIMN Africa's flagship channel MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) is bringing the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) KwaZulu-Natal, its spectacular awards show and music celebration to South Africa for the first time in 2014. 

The MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal 2014, brought to you by KwaZulu-Natal Province, supported by Absolut, will be held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), on Saturday 7 June 2014.

Celebrating musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year, MAMA 2014 will feature dazzling performances from African and international artists, including the awards'signature collaborations between artists of different genres and cultures – a high point of every show.

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Conor McQuaid, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard South Africa and Tim Horwood, Channel Director, MTV Base made the announcement today at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel, Durban in the stunning multi-purpose venue on the 31st floor.

The 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards will premiere on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322), MTV (DStv Channel 130) and other partner channels around the continent in June 2014.

Artists will be recognised in thirteen different award categories including Best Male, Best Female and Best New Act.   This year, three new "lifestyle" awards will be added to the music categories, including the "MAMA Leadership Award" and "Personality of the Year".A special award,"Transform Today by Absolut" willcelebrate the power of young individuals to transform the image of Africa through their creativity and vision.  The nominations for the awards will be revealed on 16 April 2014. 

The awards will be preceded by three stunning "Road to MAMA" events in Durban, South Africa, Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya, building up to the main show, featuring MAMA nominees alongside the most current local artists and DJs.   The events will take place during April and May 2014.

Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, "We are thrilled that the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal will be taking place in South Africa for the first time in its new evolution. KwaZulu-Natal Province is rich in both infrastructure and amazing sights, and we are excited that Durban will be the backdrop for showcasing Africa's best talent to the world."

Commented Desmond Golding, Head of Department of Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Province, "After the major success of the MTV Africa All Stars event in Durban last year we are delighted to welcome MTV Base and the MAMA awards to KwaZulu-Natal this June. KwaZulu-Natal including Durban is the premier home for major events in South Africa. Our success and reputation in staging these ground-breaking events has ensured that the contribution to economic growth and tourism stimulation continues to be ever on the rise."

Conor McQuaid, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard South Africa, commented: "Each generation there are a handful of artists who leave a transformative mark, and the MTV Africa Music Awards most certainly celebrates those artists who are at the cutting-edge of the thriving music industry here on the African continent. As a brand Absolut has continuously pushed the boundaries of contemporary culture through creative collaborations with artists such as Andy Warhol, Spike Jonze and Swedish House Mafia. So we are thrilled to be associated with these awards that celebrate artists who define and transform the musical zeitgeist of Africa."

First staged in 2008, the MTV Africa Music Awards has recognised the talent of musicians from across sub-Saharan Africa, rewarding iconic artists such as 2Face Idibia, Big Nuz, HHP, P-Square, Liquideep, D'Banj, Lira, Nameless, Wahu, Fally Ipupa, Cabo Snoop, Zebra & Giraffe, and many more.  The 2014 awards are open to all artists whose music videos have been accepted for airplay on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) or MTV (DStv Channel 130) during the qualifying period 20 March 2013 to 19 March 2014.

For more information on the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MTVBaseVerified, follow us on Twitter @MTVBaseAfrica or join us on Tumblr at mtvmama.tumblr.com.  To join the conversation about the awards please use the hashtag #MTVMAMA.

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Exclusive: Leaked LG G3 screens show fresh UI, confirm ‘concierge’ service, and more

A new, modern UI for LG's upcoming G3 has been revealed in three new screenshots, obtained by Digital Trends from a trusted industry source. The screens show flatter and brighter icons, a revamped weather widget with built-in suggestions, a much cleaner looking notifications screen, and circular icons (a new trend).

Notably, the screenshots came to us with a 2,560 x 1,440 pixel resolution, which is near confirmation that the G3 will have a stunning 1440p resolution screen. LG will be the first major smartphone vendor to push a higher screen resolution in more than a year.

(Be sure to check out our extensive LG G3 Rumor Roundup if you'd like to learn everything else we know about the G3.)

Say hello to LG's "concierge"

The new AccuWeather widget has a built-in "concierge" that will give you tips. Here it tells you to carry an umbrella.
Check out the AccuWeather weather and time widget and you'll notice the squared-off edges, and subtle shading. Underneath, you'll see the phone advising you: "You may want to take an umbrella, since rain is expected during this afternoon."

We've heard rumors about the G3 coming with some form of advanced personalization tool. According to our sources, it will be part of a new "concierge" service, though that's not its final name. The "concierge" will collect information from various sources and observe how you use the phone, then provide recommendations based on all that data. It sounds like Google Now, but we've been told it will go beyond Google's system.

Recommending an umbrella when it's going to rain isn't a crazy hard suggestion to make, but the "concierge" will supposedly have deeper insights to share as it learns your habits. We do not know if LG is working with Google on this feature or not.

A revamped notification drawer, and favorite contacts

The other screens show a Favorite Contacts panel, plus the pull-down notification drawer. Here, shortcuts to activate NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the 3G or 4G data connection are all visible, along with a Q Remote button. LG has used Q Remote on various devices over the years, including the LG G2, and it uses an infrared blaster to control other appliances around the home.

The G3 and G Pro 2 side-by-side

Next to the LG G Pro 2′s home screen, the G3′s look is striking.
These images give you a look at exactly how much LG is changing the design of its UI. After looking at the new interface, the G Pro 2 (most LG phones have an identical interface) looks old and outdated, much like iOS 6 looks after you've used iOS 7 on the iPhone.

This comparison shows how much cleaner and simpler the Notifications screen is on the new G3 compared to the G Pro 2.
On the notification screen, the big, blocky buttons have been replaced by smaller, round ones, and the QSlide shortcuts are no longer overly complicated. It's clear LG has been inspired by the alterations Apple made to iOS 7, but it's an attractive trend to follow. Google is supposedly considering a flatter look for its Android icons as well.

You can check out all the other news and rumors regarding the LG G3 in our extensive roundup here, and look forward to the device's launch over the coming months.
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Sony wants Danny Boyle for its Steve Jobs biopic

Following the collapse of negotiations with David Fincher, Sony Pictures is reportedly in talks with director Danny Boyle to take over its Steve Jobs biopic, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Boyle is said to be interested, and has reportedly already spoken to Leonardo DiCaprio about starring.

The film is based on Walter Isaacson's best-selling autobiography about Apple's charismatic co-founder. Sony had initially hoped to reunite Fincher with his Social Network cohorts, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and producer Scott Rudin, both of whom are already attached. Negotiations recently fell apart when the director reportedly sought full control over the film's marketing and $10 million up front, a sum one Sony insider is said to have called "ridiculous." Fincher was also believed to be looking at Christian Bale for the lead, but the actor was never officially offered the role.

After writing and producing 2013's Trance, the Academy Award-winning Boyle recently directed the pilot for the British comedy-drama Babylon. Prior to that, in 2012, the director was tasked with creating the opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. If DiCaprio is interested in the role and accepts, it would reteam the director and actor for the first time 2000's The Beach. 
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Apple takes a not-so-subtle swipe at Samsung in latest newspaper ad

It's not a secret that Apple and Samsung don't like each other. The two companies have been embroiled in several runs of litigation that's been taking place in courtrooms around the world in the last three years, with the current dispute focused on software patents (surprise!). Even so, Apple took some time off on Earth Day, which is today, to take a less-than-gentle swipe at its main rival.

Apple purchased full-page ads in The Guardian and Metro, two highly-circulated British newspapers, with the ad delivering a subtle jab. The headline reads, "There are some ideas we want every company to copy." The first line of the copy, meanwhile, reads, "There's one area where we actually encourage others to imitate us." The burns, which can be heard if you listened hard enough, were references to Apple's claims that Samsung copied it when it came to the success of the Galaxy smartphone and tablet lines.

The main point of the ad was to highlight Apple's plans for the environment and to ask other companies to follow its lead when it comes to being "green." Even so, it looks like the company still has some Steve Jobs attitude in it, and couldn't help but subtly burn Samsung in the process. It's fun to see these two companies duke it out. Samsung delivered some jabs of its own not too long ago.

Apple ad on back cover of this morning's Metro: 'There are some ideas we want every company to copy'. pic.twitter.com/RNbgBNtjHZ

— David McClelland (@DavidMcClelland) April 22, 2014

(Image via Mashable)
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Lords of the Fallen challenges you to fight, die, and then do it all over again

The world CI Games has created for Lords of the Fallen is detailed, imaginative, and filled with things that are going to kill you repeatedly. The game is designed around the idea that you are going to die a lot, prompting obvious comparisons to the Souls games, Bandai Namco's other punishing action role-playing franchise. Despite a few similarities though, Lords of the Fallen is its own game, brimming with original ideas.

The Poland-based developer describes its new IP as an action game with RPG elements, and it's based around risk and reward. You can cut down the number of deaths you face by playing it conservative, but you'll miss out on a lot of power-ups, extra experience, and more. No matter how you play it though, you'll still need to embrace the strategic benefits earned by dying and learning from your mistakes.

Story

The past is present. Several millennia before the start of the game, the people of Lords of the Fallen's world rose up to overthrow their malevolent god. This victory ushered in a new era, in which the people created their own sense of morality. This also gave birth to the belief that evil could be completely expunged from the human nature. When demons and dark magic suddenly begin to appear in the world thousands of years later, the people are unprepared, and so they seek out an evil they understand to fight one that they don't. This is where the tattooed man Harkyn comes in.

In the world of Lords of the Fallen, the people mark criminals by tattooing the sins they've committed across their face for all to see; Harkyn's face is covered with writing, marking his dark past. This gives him an advantage in the current climate though. While the people see the rise of the demons as pure evil, Harkyn sees more to it. There is a reason for it, and he agrees to help discover what that reason is.

Sin and Sinner. Lords of the Fallen is a linear game for the most part, but it does offer branching choices that lead to multiple endings. CI Games was quiet on exactly during our demo time as to how these choices present themselves, but there will be moments where your earlier actions may come back to haunt you.

The devs claim Lords of the Fallen will take about 30 hours on average to complete, including some backtracking and exploration. Once an area's boss has been defeated, that area is clear, but there are hidden paths and secrets that can only be found by returning to locations you have already visited.

Gameplay

Every threat is deadly. Lords of the Fallen offers third-person action that combines weapon-based melee attacks with magic. When you begin a new game, you are asked to select one of three character types: Cleric, Rogue, or Warrior. This choice locks you into a specific magic path, with pre-determined spells for each character. You are free to equip any armor and weapon you choose though, and you can upgrade your character's skills and abilities however you like.

Throughout the game you'll face demons and creatures known as infected. The infected introduced in our demo are mutated humans, and they can kill you with just a few well-placed strikes – these are the standard enemies you'll encounter everywhere. They are also blind, giving you an advantage, albeit a minor one. Lords of the Fallen is not the type of game where you can wade into a group of enemies and hack and slash your way through. Every encounter requires you to approach your foe (or foes) with caution, blocking or dodging each strike. It's expected that you will die, so much so that CI Games introduced a clever risk-reward system around your mortality.

Die, rinse, repeat. When you die, you will leave behind a glowing orb filled with all the unspent experience you were carrying up to that part. You will then respawn near where you fell, but so will all the enemies in that area. The orb "leaks" experience, and the longer it takes you to retrieve it, the less you regain. If you die en route, you drop a new orb with whatever you collected in that brief life, and lose the original.

There is a way to play it safe though: at each save point you can bank any experience points you don't want to spend. These points can then be accessed at any other save point, but the gamblers out there may want to skip this. The longer you stay alive without banking experience, the more multipliers you earn to increase your haul.

Learn from your defeats. Several areas feature environmental traps you can use to your advantage, but this too requires you to weigh the risk versus the reward. In the demo we saw, a giant demon charged Harkyn. The first time through, the devs driving the game slowly and methodically wore down the beast, dodging its attacks until it fell. During this fight they pointed out several wooden planks on the ground that didn't seem to have any use.

For the second attempt, the devs lured the creature onto the wood when they faced off against it again. The planks collapsed, dropping the creature into a pit filled with spikes. CI Games noted that there will often be "easy ways out" like this, but there is a catch: In letting the enemy drop, it took its loot with it. Whether or not it's worth the sacrifice is a choice you have to make for yourself.

The easy way or the hard way. While there is only one difficulty setting in Lords of the Fallen, there are optional ways to make the game even more challenging. While facing a hulking boss demon, the devs made special note of the enemy's three-tiered health bar. With each new tier depleted, the boss gained a new attack, including the ability to become "enraged." When this happened, the boss gained attack and defense and simply charged.

A cautious player could take their time and wait for their moment, but the daring can run up and attack the boss to disrupt its ability to become enraged. The risk is being hit so hard you may instantly die, but if you manage to defeat the boss without letting it enrage itself, you receive a special reward – in this case a rare weapon. CI Games promised several challenges like this. It will often seem suicidal to complete many of these challenges, but the rewards are designed to make the risk worth it.

Presentation

A new world. Lords of the Fallen is designed for PC and next-gen consoles, and that is reflected in the game's attention to detail. CI Games went so far as to invent an entire, functional language using runes. These runes are used to craft new weapons and armor. It borders on overkill to create an entire language for what amounts to a mechanic that other games have offered for years, but it's a nice touch that speaks to the living world Lords of the Fallen takes place in.

The demo amounted to a quick glance at the philosophy of the game, but CI Games has created an entire world, complete with its own legends, morality, and history. We should see more on that leading up to the game's fall release.

Conclusion

Lords of the Fallen is going to kill you, but that's not a bad thing. The game is partially built around how well you handle your deaths, and what you learn from them. It also tempts you with a risk-reward system that allows you to determine in part just how difficult you want to make it. There's a freedom in that, even when it leads to death. Lots and lots of death.

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Dragon Age: Inquisition is out on October 7

BioWare's Dragon Age: Inquisition is officially confirmed for release on October 7, as a new gameplay trailer reveals. The two minutes of footage also shows off snippets of the game in action, and it sure does look pretty with the power of that Frostbite 3 engine behind it (the same one that powers Battlefield 4). There's also a little surprise for longtime fans; we won't spoil it, just watch the trailer.

October 7 is getting pretty crowded with big-ticket console releases. Dragon Age: Inquisition joins Sega's outer space horror adventure Alien: Isolation and WB Games' spin-off return to Tolkien fantasy, Middle-earth: Shadows of Mordor. The center cannot hold. It seems very likely that one of these releases will move at some point. You can probably rule Inquisition right out, because it's a BioWare sequel that's coming to PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as Windows. So which of the other two do you think will blink first?
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Assassin’s Creed: Unity reportedly features 4-player ‘narrative’ co-op [updated]

UPDATE: Ubisoft responded to our comment request with the stock reply for this sort of news. "Ubisoft does not comment on rumors or speculation." No surprises. E3 is just a few short weeks away now, so we'll know more soon enough.

ORIGINAL POST: Assassin's Creed: Unity continues to be the victim of leaked information, with the latest alleged unauthorized info-dump seemingly confirming that the game will feature a "narrative" co-op mode for up to four players. The detail was first revealed in a pair of tweets from a former NeoGAF poster – which also confirms that Ubisoft has two demos set for June's E3 trade show – and later confirmed independently by an unnamed Ubi source speaking to The Escapist.

Here are the two tweets:

It's the Ubi source that shared the fact that this co-op mode is narrative-driven. The suspicion is that Ubi's two E3 demos will appear in separate press conferences preceding the formal opening of the show, with one making an appearance during Ubi's presser and the other showing up at one of the console gatekeepers' presentations. Probably Sony, given the AC-related reveals we've seen during the PlayStation-maker's pressers at past E3 shows.

Bear in mind that none of this is formally confirmed. We've reached out to Ubisoft for comment, but don't expect much of a response.

Then again, Ubi readily addressed rumors of Unity earlier this year head-on with a proper announcement, with more details to be revealed at a later date. We know that the game is set in 18th-century France during the French Revolution, and we know it's coming to PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. There are also rumors of a second AC game for 2014, codenamed (or possibly titled) Assassin's Creed: Comet, but there's been no official word on that one yet.

We've seen cooperative play in Assassin's Creed games before with the time-based murder mode Wolfpack that was introduced in Assassin's Creed III. The alleged narrative focus in Unity's co-op mode marks the first time the series has delved into wrapping a story around that kind of play. Assuming it's all true, of course.
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Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet review

Sony has yet to strike gold with a tablet. Its first Android slate was pie-shaped, and its second was recalled. Last year, Sony finally got itself on track with the Xperia Tablet Z (read our glowing review), but the device hasn't flown off shelves. Stellar sales or not, Sony is doubling down on quality this year. The Xperia Z2 tablet has everything going for it that Sony's last tablet has, and fixes some of its shortcomings. It may be the new Android tablet to beat.

Updated at 10:25 a.m. 4-21-2014 by Jeffrey Van Camp: The Xperia Z2 Tablet is now available for pre-order on Sony's online store for $500. It will be available in retail stores on May 4, 2014. 

Still a "wow" tablet

Last year, we were amazed that everyone who held the Sony Xperia Tablet Z would say "wow," and point out the thinness and lightness of the device. It's been a year, but Sony has done it again. Everyone that held our Z2 Tablet said "wow." There's a good reason, too. At 15.5oz, it's nearly 2oz lighter than its predecessor, and it's 0.5mm thinner, at just 6.4mm thick.

The Xperia Z2 Tablet is thinner and lighter than the iPad Air. That's no easy feat, especially with its added IP58 water resistance. A Z2 Tablet can sit in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes without dying. You won't find a waterproof iPad Air at the store.

Of course, the iPad does have strengths that Sony's tablet lacks. Its rear speaker is a little better than Sony's dual front-facing speakers, which still sound blown out (like most tablet speakers) at high volumes, though they are an improvement from the Tablet Z.

Additionally, because it's so thin, the Z2 will flex a little, which is scary. Bend it a little, and you'll notice pressure waves on the LCD screen. (Press your finger on your laptop screen; that's the kind of marks we're talking about.) The Z2 may be durable, but it's almost too thin for its own good.

The new Xperia Z2 Tablet is thinner and lighter than the iPad Air. That's no easy feat.

Jumping back to the positives, the Z2 tablet has a nice rubberized coating around it, which helps you keep a good grip and doesn't attract fingerprints. It also charges up with a standard Micro USB cable and has a MicroSD card slot so you can expand the 16 or 32GB of embedded file storage.

Finally, the power and volume buttons are both located on the left side of the screen, in the tablet's naturally-held horizontal (landscape) orientation (as oppose to being on the top, in portrait orientation, like other tablets). The positioning works well; it's easier to get to the buttons you need on the Z2 than with many larger tablets.

Overall, the Xperia Z2 Tablet still has that "wow" factor and is a comfortable device to hold. The bezel, or unused space around the 10.1-inch screen, is thicker than the iPad Air and newer tablets, but not annoyingly so.

A clean, fast Android interface

Sony has learned that the best way to create a great Android tablet is to stay out of Google's way. Google's operating system is fast and solid on its own. With the Z2 Tablet, Sony hasn't messed with that magic too much. It has the newest version of Android (4.4 KitKat) installed, which is fantastic. There are a few interfaces with a Sony vibe to them, like the pull-down notification and quick-settings menus, but that mostly means they're just a little more black and white than Google's usual Tron-like blue coloring.

We like the small tray of mini apps you can access on the Recent Apps menu, if only because we got some use out of the floating calculator to do some math while we were Web browsing. In addition, if you swipe to the left on the apps list screen, a menu pops up that will let you easily install, uninstall, re-order, or search through your apps. Sony even has its own "Sony Select" app store, which recommends apps, but then skillfully links back to the Google Play Store.

There are 55 apps pre-installed on the Xperia Z2, and a few of them are removable, which is nice. Most of these are the Google apps you want and some Sony apps like Walkman, Video Unlimited, and PlayStation. Sony's apps get updated through a special Update app, which will confuse some users, and annoy others due to its ugliness. Why couldn't Sony apps update through Google Play?

On the whole, the Xperia Z2 Tablet is extremely speedy and slick. We have no deal-breaking issues with the interface. There is still a lack of fantastic tablet apps for Android when compared to the iPad, but things are improving. See our list of Best Android Tablet Apps to get an idea of what's available.

Cutting-edge specs, especially for a tablet

The Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet costs $150 less than the $650 Samsung Galaxy S5, but it matches the hottest new phone's processing power and bests it in RAM. The Z2 Tablet has a best-in-class 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory (or 32GB for an extra $100), a slot for a 64GB MicroSD card, a 6,000mAh battery, a 2.2-megapixel front camera, an 8.1-megapixel rear camera, and it runs Android 4.4 KitKat.

The Z2 Tablet can handle just about anything you can throw at it.

It also has a 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel IPS LCD screen. Most good tablets have IPS screens; they're nice because they can be viewed at extreme angles. (Note: we turned off the X-Reality image enhancer feature in Settings > Display. It made movies and images too crisp and bold looking, so much that they looked unnatural.)

We ran all the usual benchmark tests and the Z2 Tablet, predictably, did very well on them. It scored an 18,100 on Quadrant (the powerful Galaxy S5 got a 23,000) and a 18,900 on 3D Mark's Ice Storm Unlimited test (GS5 got 18,500).

The difference over last year's Tablet Z is clear. This device does not have the lag that Sony's last tablet had. It can handle just about anything you throw at it, and is a great device for high-end 3D games, too.

It does have a camera, but…

The 8.1-megapixel camera on the Z2 Tablet is not great. Sony has included a ton of fun 3D effects that do things like put moving dinosaurs on the screen, and there are some Instagram-like filters and special features built in, but the rear camera of the Z2 Tablet doesn't take great shots. Outdoor shots lacked detail, especially close-ups. In low light, shots from the Z2 Tablet had an almost inexcusable amount of noise.

Like all of the big players this year, Sony has added a "Background defocus" mode, which lets you take pictures, then refocus them like a Lytro. It does this by taking two shots, one after another at different depths of field. We didn't try too hard, but we could not get this feature to work right. Even if it does, you will have to sit pretty still, because it takes a good couple seconds for the camera to take the two consecutive photos.

Video recording has similar problems. The processor on the Z2 Tablet can handle up to 4K video recording, but the camera cannot.

Having said all that, in a pinch, the Z2 Tablet will take a photo. We're not sure a cutting-edge camera is needed on a tablet. We have yet to find one that astounds us with its image quality.

Battery life is OK

There's nothing stellar or bragworthy about the Xperia Z2 Tablet's battery life, but it holds its own. We've gotten about 9-10 hours in our testing so far. Sony has included a 6,000mAh battery, or one about twice as large as a typical phablet phone, and there are a couple battery-saving modes if you run out of juice. Low-Battery mode can kick in when you get down to 20-30 percent battery life and a Stamina mode will shut off background apps when the screen is off, extending life considerably.

Conclusion

The Xperia Z2 Tablet is not perfect, but it's a winner. Its $500 price tag is steep for an Android tablet, but this time around Sony is a step above most devices out there. When your biggest rival is the iPad, you're on the right track. The Z2 matches or bests every Android tablet out there.

Highs

Incredibly thin and light
Vibrant, high-resolution screen
Comfortable to hold
Powerful processor & specs
MicroSD for more storage
Water and dust resistant

Lows
Lacks tablet app selection of iPad
Rear camera does not impress
A few of Sony's UI modifications are clunky
Must remove waterproof cover to access Micro USB
$500 is expensive for an Android tablet
So thin that you can flex it in your hands
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Mellow smartens up sous vide with app control and a sharp design

In the past two years alone, immersion circulators (the devices needed to cook sous vide) have become smaller, cheaper, and easier to use. However, there's a new one in the works that aims to take sous vide to a whole new level.

It's called Mellow, and as far as we can tell, it's the first sous vide cooker to feature so-called "smart" controls. But before we get into all the nifty high-tech features under the hood, let's take a moment to gawk at the stunning exterior.

Creators Zé Pinto Ferreira and Catarina Violante of FNV Labs, the brains behind Mellow, knocked it out of the park in the design department. We're getting some serious Dieter Rams vibes from this thing. The machine looks like an odd hybrid of a Braun SK 4 and a Brita filter pitcher, but instead of playing music or making your tap water taste better, it prepares perfectly-cooked food at the touch of a button.

Additionally, unlike some of the more popular immersion circulators on the market right now, Mellow isn't designed to be clipped, clamped, or otherwise affixed to the side of a pot. Instead, it comes with its own built-in water tank, so it just sits on your countertop, coaxing you in with it's sleek exterior and inviting you to use it more often.

But Mellow's beauty isn't only skin deep. Under the hood it's got some pretty stellar features, including Wi-Fi connectivity. Mellow can connect to your home network, allowing you to control everything from cook time to temperature using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

In addition to an über-precise heating element that allows it to heat the tank and cook your food to perfection, Mellow is also equipped with a cooling unit. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but it's a complete game changer for sous vide. The addition of refrigeration allows you to place your unprepared food inside Mellow during the day, and leave it there until you want to cook it. Since you can control Mellow via Wi-Fi, you can drop food in it before you leave for work, and then use the app and arrange to have your meal finish cooking around the time you get home. This helps to solve the time problem of the sous vide cooking process, which often takes two hours or more.

Starting today, FNV Labs is accepting pre-orders for Mellow ($400) on its website, and expects to ship the first units to consumers in early 2015. Find out more here. 

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