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| Posted: 10 Oct 2010 05:00 AM PDT 
From thoughts on photography to gaming, to the latest word from us on the new Sky 3D service. We’ve rounded up the opinions on the tech we’ve had hands on this week. Check them out below: Ricoh CX4 camera impresses, but it might be worth waiting for the CX5 Reviewed by Martin Clayden, the Ricoh CX4 was loved for its creative shorting effects and “pin-sharp” display. Unfortunately little seems to have changed since previous model – the CX3. “Both are 10 megapixel cameras with a back-illuminated sensor (thus allowing much better quality photos in low light) and a 10.7x, 28-300mm zoom lens. When you look at the display, the same quick menu options pop up when you press in the joystick and at the bottom of the screen is the same electronic level which was such a welcome novelty in the CX3 when lining up horizons.” He goes on to say that you can still shoot no higher than 720p HD videos. So is there anything new, sure. “…the main changes are an improvement to the image stabilisation system which substantially reduces blur on action shots and zooms together with an expanded auto-focus range which now includes subject-tracking to let you keep the camera still while moving objects remain sharp.” Another upgrade is a new Creative Shooting scene mode, which includes a range of “funky effects”. But is it worth the upgrade? “If you don't already own the CX3, this is an excellent value compact digital camera for keen amateurs. If you do own it, it's not worth all the replication”, Martin closed. Duke Nukem Forever: Worth the wait? I was lucky enough to be one of the first people in the UK to play Duke Nukem Forever. It’s been 12 years in the making, and at one time didn’t even look like it would materialise. But it has, and not even Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford can quite believe it, likening it to spotting Bigfoot, or the Lochness Monster. Letting people play Duke Nukem Forever was a massive step for the developer, there must have been a lot of pressure riding on the developers anxious at what reaction it would get. Thankfully there’s great news. Duke’s well and truly back in an all action offering that I thoroughly enjoyed. It looks wonderful, and really well polished for a title that according to its developer, needs more spit shine before we get to see more. Duke fans have nothing to worry about. I can’t wait to play some more. Sky 3D arrives! Is it worth donning specs for? Better wait. Sky is understandably excited about its Sky 3D service. It wasn’t long ago that its excellent HD service was launched, but how does its third dimension service fare at the moment. We got Sam Kieldsen to check it out. “There's a real sense of depth and distance with the majority of the 3D programming, although the pre-recorded material tended to be more "impactful" than the live Ryder Cup golf we watched, because it has been edited or shot to fully show off the 3D effect.” But is it worth subscribing to, or indeed getting a 3D TV for? “… the leap from standard definition to high definition was immense, while 3D doesn't seem to deliver the same punch to the eyeballs. In much of the content Sky 3D offer, it comes off as little more than a gimmick – although we do like what it adds to sport and, in some cases, movies. “If it [the service] can increase the quality of 3D content in the same way as it has done with HD, it will have something truly special on its hands. But for now, it feels like a niche service for early adopters.” Ben runs the rule over the Skype Android app An official Android app has arrived. Any good? It sounds great over Wi-Fi and can run in the background without any niggles, but it isn’t quite the Android app experience Ben Sillis would have liked to see. “Ultimately, the Skype Android app delivers the experience you'd expect, on another platform. For making international calls, it's a no-brainer, but we do think that the app needs a few bug tweaks. Hopefully Skype should deliver them promptly, then begin tighter integration with the Android dialler.” Slingbox Pro-HD: Worth a punt? Reviews editor, Ben Sillis reviewed the Slingbox Pro-HD earlier in the week. It delivers an improved streaming picture, but was a bit temperamental. Ben wasn’t too pleased with its lack of HDMI and Wi-Fi either. So is it worth spending the cheese on? “If you're a Slingbox user already, we can't really see any use for the Slingbox Pro-HD if you rely primarily on the SlingPlayer Mobile app, and the same applies if you don't have a set top box capable of connecting to stacks of HD content – namely, a Sky HD box.” But, there’s always a but: “But if you find yourself away from home on hotel WiFi regularly, and really would rather watch streaming Champions League than a movie you can buy on iTunes, it's certainly a tempting option still. Just be prepared to trade it in if it doesn't play nice with your AV setup.” Agree or disagree with any of the expressed opinions? Have you got Sky 3D? What do you think so far? Looking forward to getting your hands on Duke Nukem Forever, or any of the gadgets mentioned? Let us know in the comments section below. Related posts:
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| Video of the week: Google Goggles for iPhone augmented reality magic Posted: 10 Oct 2010 01:00 AM PDT 
As the video below demonstrates, Google Goggles works just by pointing your iPhone at a landmark and taking a photo. A Wikipedia entry then pops up with all you need to know about it there and then. You can even find out more about books by pointing the app at them, or even search for restaurants by voice. For the moment it only works on logos, books, DVDs and landmarks, but look out for more uses in future. Check it out in the excellent video demonstration below: Google Goggles iPhone app out now: video Related posts:
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