18:37 Photo booth for the Ipad 2, so powerful you can view 9 video streams at the same time. You can edit photos by touching

15:52  Apple Store has been replaced with a ‘we’ll be back soon’ post it note, obviously to show the new product or indeed service from tonight’s event.

17:45 Growing excitement now, apparently John Lasseter, Genius from Pixar is here. Perhaps showcasing some animated goodies!

17:46 Everyone is making their way to their seats, music playing (Beatles), voices and journos still babbling away.

17:56 No sign of Steve Jobs but Jony Ive is at the event. There is still time though.

17:59 Expect a grand entrance “switch your devices to silent’

18:03 Steve Jobs in the house!

18:03 ‘we’ve been working on this product for a while now and I didn’t want to miss it’ Steve says

18:05 iBooks to start, detailing the cross over between iTunes, iBooks and the app store. Also confirming shipment of 100 millionth iPhone!

18:07 “we started with the iPod, the iPhone and iPad. Each one has been a blockbuster”

18:08 A slide detailing that Apple sold 15 million iPad’s om December 2010, more than every other tablet pc sold in all time

18:10 65,000 iPad apps sold in 2010, Steve says developers are taking advantage of ‘this incredible UI’. Providing fantastic games, apps and utilities.

18:11 Slide showing just 100 Honeycomb apps – Zing

18:11 time for a video

18:12 it just showcased the iPads huge popularity

18:14 a case study shows the positive affects on schools who use the device in Chicago

18:15 Same thing about the advancements Doctors have enjoyed using the iPad, freeing up time and allowing them to focus on patients

18:16 Some infor on how apps and software combined with the iPad can help children with autism learn

 18:18 Introducing the iPad 2

18:19 it will come with a dual core processor, with 2x faster CPU, 9X the graphics  and the same battery life.

18:19 33% thinner with gyroscope and front facing camera (more on that in a min)

18:21 in addition to the thinner frame it will also be lighter. Just 8.8 mm thick and 1.3 pounds

18:22 will come in black and white and will work on AT&T and Verizon!

18:23 10 hours battery life has been tried and tested

18:24 Prices will remain the same, what will 2011 be the year of? The iPad 2 of course (big cheers from the crowd)

18:25 Ship date will be 11th March with 26 countries rolling out the Ipad 2 on 25th March

18:27 users will be able to charge it whilst using it, it comes with 1080p graphics

18:28 introducing smart covers

18:29 They are magnetic roll back covers that switch the iPad 2 on when you roll it back, they look a little crappy if not innoviative

18:30 they actually look like they snap on, this could be a little like marmite

18:32 a nice array of colours though and it folds in portrait/landscape

18:32 Introducing iOS 4.3 – iTunes home sharing and safari performance

18:33 using the nitro javascript engine it allows users to access content over wi-fi via airplay improvements

18:36 iPhone 4 will now come with personal hotspot

18:38 Facetime will work between iPads and iPhones and even iMac

18:40 users will be able to switch between the two cameras whilst using Factime, an example would be a group call. Live Demo

18:41 11th March roll out for iOS 4.3

18:42 another new app – iMovie

18:42 will feature editing, audio recording, new themes, Airplay to Apple TV, share HD videos, Universal app

18:44 Randy does some live photo editing, it looks awesome in HD

18:46 users can utilise 50 sound effects and tracks

18:48 tracks can be looped and themes can be set and automatically change when videos are switched.

18:48 users can share videos easily with YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo

18:49 iMovie will also launch on 11th March and will cost $4.99, possibly £2.99 in UK

18:50 App number 2 – Garage Band with intro from Xander sOREN

18:52 You can turn the iPad 2 into an array on instruments – wicked!

18:53 keys are gesture and pressure controlled, hit it harder and it will be louder

18:54 different equalizers and types of pianos and organs are being showcased, they sound mint and the keys and background even changes to match

18:56 drums – hit the snare on the outside for a different sound, same with the symbols. Very clever stuff

18;57 plug in your guitar for an amp, and plug in your headphones for silent playing (duh). The amp has some built in effects too

18:58 gesture control via strumming of instrument

18:59 We wonder when this one will be released, good money on the 11th March

19:01 8 tracks can be laid down and edited together on the iPad 2, a really cheap way of editing new music

19:03 Steve is back and guess what – $4.99 price tag and out on 11th March

19:03 Summary by Steve Jobs

“so, iPad 2, amazin product. Faster, Lighter, thinner. Cameras and Gyro.”

“iOS 4.3 and Facetime, iMovie, Garageband,, 3G and on AT&T and Verizon. Same Price, same battery and availaible in black and white. Samrt covers”

19:05 End video feat. Florance and the machine

19:11 “This will define the category for years to come”

19:12 “it’s in Apple’s DNA that technology is not enough. It’s tech married with liberal arts and the hummanities. Nowhere is that more true than on our post pc products”>

19:13 rounds of applause for the various teams involved in the product.

Well done Apple, a very exciting launch. Read our summary later this evening.

Apple iPad 2 Launch Live Blogging Stream with Comments is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The third instalment continues eighteen months later than the Gears of War 2. The old gang of Marcus, Baird, Dom and co will continue to do battle whilst facing new enemies and threats to try and save civilisation once again.

The game will include a few new multiplayer modes including a five on five experience and a four player co-op campaign mode! So you can get together with other gamers to complete missions along side them against AI foe.

If that’s not for you and you rather blow your buddies to bits then the all new multiplayer ‘Beast Mode’ will be of interest. Basically this allows you to take on the role of the locust hoard and variations.

There will be five new multiplayer maps including trenches (complete with sand storms), overpass, mercy, checkout and Thrashball. Gamers will be able to tackle the new missions and maps with some new hardware too with weapons including The Bayonet Charge, The Retro Lancer, The Sawed-off Shotgun, The OneShot – a heavy sniper rifle that shoots through shields or cover for a surprise one shot kill, The Incendiary Grenade, The Digger Launcher and a few subtle tweaks to old favourites Hammerburst and The Classic Lancer. And each weapon now has its own execution move!

The press release also mentioned an upcoming multiplayer public Beta, so keep an eye out for that too.

Gears of War 3 Release date,5 new Maps and Weapons Announced is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The site has been through a lot and we have decided to update it to make it more user friendly and easier to navigate, you will still get the same gadgety content but it will be presented in better way. Expect an all new layout, colour scheme and many new and exciting features making it easier for you to receive the latest technology news right on your computer screen.

As you know at Gadgets and Gizmos your opinion matters and we would love your input in what should or shouldn’t be included on the new look site. For example you might want to keep the comment section (some gadget sites don’t have these), change the navigation links at the top or you might want more giveaways/competitions – we are open to all suggestions at this point.

We will post an update in a couple of weeks but will periodically post snippets on our Facebook and Twitter profiles. Exciting times ahead.

Gadgets and Gizmos New Look – Suggestions Please is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

There are a few categories to vote on including our ‘Gadget’ category. We would love it if you could vote for us – we would love to win.

Cast your vote here:

http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/10/20/243307/Vote-in-the-Computer-Weekly-IT-Blog-Awards-2010.htm

Vote for us on Computer Weekly is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

A teaser video was shown today on the official YouTube channel of Playstation which basically ousted a new Lovefilm app which will be released next month. The video was quickly pulled, perhaps it was released to soon or perhaps its so people would talk about it, who knows? One thing that was revealed was the app will be able to live stream films through the Playstation’s XrossMediaBar.

Users will be able to access thousands of movies on demand across a whole range of genres. People who already have an account will be able to manage their rental lists through their Playstation as well as update account details.

The announcement will mean that people in the UK will finally have a system that could possibly beat their American cousins who already have Netflix, we have been waiting a long time for this and insiders say the Lovefilm service will be more upmarket and refined than Netflix.

There are plenty of rumours around discussing possible links with YouTube, BBC iPlayer, 4OD and more. The service will first be offered to existing members who have the appropriate package.

The definitive feature list has yet to be announced but apparently Lovefilm could be on a PS3 near you as soon as November 2010. Will you be using it? I know I will.

Lovefilm coming to PS3 in November is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The partnership, which will see the two brands embark on joint marketing as well as consumer awareness, education and demonstration activity, builds on a relationship that has already seen over a million people enjoy 3D TV in pubs and clubs nationwide.  From 1 October Sky will start broadcasting its 3D channel to living rooms across the UK and Ireland, with live coverage of the Ryder Cup from Celtic Manor, and will promote LG’s extensive range of 3D TVs to the 2.9 million customers who already have a Sky+HD box and are therefore 3D-ready.

LG announce an extension and strengthening of their partnership with SKY TV

Stephen Gater, Head of Marketing LG Home Entertainment Company, commented: “Making 3D technology a genuine reality in people’s homes relies on the pairing of great hardware and compelling content. Our partnership with Sky recognises just this. Together we are committed to educating consumers about our full 3D TV range and demonstrating how they can best view the new content that will available to them in the home.”

Hilary Perchard, Sky’s Director of Product Management, adds: “We’re delighted to have entered into this partnership with LG.  We believe in giving customers choice and as the only manufacturer so far committed to both active and passive TVs, we believe LG has the breadth of product to offer a 3D TV experience for all Sky customers.  We will work alongside LG in helping raise interest and awareness of 3D as we build up to and beyond the launch of Sky 3D.”

Throughout the rest of the year both brands will be providing nationwide demonstrations of the new Sky content on LG 3D TVs to help consumers understand the technology available and enjoy the immersive viewing experience it offers.  This will take place through a range of retailers, including Sky’s own nationwide network of retail stores.  In addition, LG and Sky will be providing exclusive offers to new and existing Sky customers, which will in turn encourage people to make 3D a reality in their living room.  Details of exclusive Sky customer deals will be revealed shortly.

LG boasts the widest range of 3D TV products available, as the only manufacturer to be offering both an active and passive 3D technology option for consumers. LG’s recently launched 3D plasma TV (PX990) and ultra slim 3D screens (LEX8 and LEX9) expand the brand’s existing range of 3D products ensuring there really is something to suit everyone. LG’s home entertainment 3D product line-up now extends across LCD, LED, Full LED and plasma technologies, along with compatible Blu-ray and home cinema systems – something which SKY recognises as integral to this partnership.

From October Sky will bring consumer the UK’s first dedicated 3D TV channel, offering content from sports and movies to documentaries and entertainment. 

Would you be interested in upgrading to a 3D tv?

Have you seen one in action for your self?

LG Announce Extended Partnership With Sky 3D At IFA is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

But what exactly are we expecting to see at this year’s event?

The iZone is a specific section that has been set up for Apple lovers and it will feature the latest tech for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Expect plenty of new apps and hopefully some serious tech wizardry for the latest versions of the devices – there may even be a few upgrades to the devices themselves to speak of.

The IFA eLibrary is a new section of the exhibition and it will specifically concentrate on tablet PCs and ebook readers. If nothing else, you’ve got to marvel at the impact that the iPad has had since its launch.

TVs are going to be a massive feature in one way or another – partially because they always have been but also because of the massive impact that 3D TV is having despite still being in its infancy as a technology. Panasonic and Sony, who have both recently announced that they are working on glasses-free 3D TV are certain to have some decent 3D TV related features.

Organic Light Emitting Diode TVs, or OLED if that’s too much of a mouthful, has been threatened a few times and while it may not have taken off with the same kind of popularity as 3D it is building up an albeit small head of steam now. LG is reported to be preparing to show off a 31 inch OLED TV which will make a very pleasant change from the miniscule 15 inch versions so far available.

Internet Protocol Television, IPTV, is also going to be another feature. Manufacturers are getting to grips with the integration of Internet based services and the streaming of content to their latest TV sets so expect a few announcements and a few exhibitions on this.

Tablet PCs are the rage and any competitor to the iPad is good news for all because it may eventually lead to reduecd iPad prices as well as improved features for the Apple device (not that we’re saying it’s featureless but Flash would have been nice). The 7″ Samsung Galaxy Tab is one such device and, guess what? It will include a Flash enabled browser – it looks highly probable that the Galaxy Tab will just be one of several new tablets to be on display this year.

So, plenty to look forward to then.

Will you be at the Messe Berlin exhibtion centre for IFA 2010?

Which tech are you most eagerly awaiting?

Comment below or join us on Facebook and let us know your thoughts.

IFA 2010 Preview – TV, Tablets, More TVs, And More Tablets is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Beforce you start scribbling down ideas and dreaming of the cash prize on offer you might want to check the rather demanding criteria thet have set.  The blow up house has to last a quarter of a century with no maintenance work or resource consumption and a near zero carbon footprint.  However, it is also has to give the hardy astronauts a comfortable and useable living space. Pretty wallpaper and pot plants are optional.

Another NASA snippet (put the kettle on Malcolm, it’s a NASA double bill today) is that on the 29th of July they are going to present the first live Tweet from outer space. One small tweet for man…etc etc…

Design an astronaut’s house is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Google advise that they will now collect just photos, rather than the WiFi info which caused the stir in the first place. The fantastic Street View service is sure to continue attracting browers eager to see different places, unusual sights and a bit of controversy as lets face it, it wouldn’t be Google without a little of that.

Google Street View to continue is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Retaining the first position and still the undisputed UK internet retail champion is, of course, Amazon.co.uk.

A new name to appear on the list is Amazon.com. The American version of Amazon.co.uk comes in at sixth.

Argos, Play, Apple and Tesco occupy the positions 2 to 5 and show they we buy a wide variety of goods online these days. It also proves that not only the most hi-tech, cutting edge companies and sites attract our online custom.

Who are the top UK internet retailers? is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos