XBOX vs PS4

The game consoles have landed. Millions of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners are getting their first taste of what to expect from this new generation of high-powered video games.

Perhaps you weren't one of those eager fans who waited in line at midnight to get first crack at the new consoles. Perhaps there's a gamer in your family who would love to unwrap shiny new machine on Christmas morning. So you're wondering: Which console to buy?

Both are first-rate game players that bring cutting-edge computer graphics to your living room. Both come with plenty of games to choose from. Both hold the promise of delivering state-of-the-art entertainment for years.

But there are differences. The obvious distinction is price: Sony's PlayStation 4 retails for $400, $100 less than Microsoft's Xbox One.

The primary reason for that price difference is the Kinect camera and microphone that comes with every Xbox One. Microsoft wants it to be the center of everything you do in your media room, not just games where you wave your arms around a lot. The device, an update of the Kinect that was sold separately for the Xbox 360, now understands a wide range of verbal commands, so you can change cable channels, launch Skype calls and find movies and music without ever touching a controller.

It's a nifty chunk of technology, but it's not for everyone. In this age of surveillance, people might be uncomfortable with having a camera pointed at them all the time - though Microsoft assures us that it won't be snooping.

The PlayStation 4 is less ambitious. First and foremost, it's a game player, and you operate it the old-fashioned way: by pressing buttons on a controller you hold in your hands.

The PS4 doesn't skimp on non-gaming activities. You can also use it to watch movies from services as Netflix and Hulu Plus or to listen to tunes from Sony's Music Unlimited.

Although both can do much more, the PS4 and the Xbox One are ultimately video-game consoles, with the emphasis on games. The current Xbox One line-up is slightly more impressive, thanks to the presence of the stellar racing game "Forza Motorsport 5." But many games, including the latest entries in the popular ‘Call of Duty,’ ‘Madden NFL’ and ‘Assassin's Creed’ franchises are available for both systems.

In a way, choosing a console now is like placing a bet on the future, especially as neither device can play software created for older systems - namely, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

                                Forza Motorsport on Xbox One

Sony has already announced new ‘Uncharted’ and ‘InFamous’ games for the PS4. Microsoft is expected to continue the "Halo" epic on the Xbox One. Microsoft also has a potential blockbuster exclusive with "Titanfall," a robot battle game from the creators of the landmark "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare."

But most games from outside publishers, including Activision, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft, will be available on both systems. Whatever "Grand Theft Auto V" publisher Rockstar Games comes up with next, you can be sure it will want to make it available to as wide an audience as possible. So you'll be fine with either the PS4 or the Xbox One.

What about the Wii U, you ask? Nintendo's console beat both PS4 and Xbox One to the market, but it has stumbled through its first year. It's not a bad machine, but it doesn't deliver the visual razzle-dazzle of the PS4 or Xbox One. Its graphics are closer to what the PS3 and Xbox 360 delivered several years ago.

The Wii U's biggest drawback is its relatively scrawny software line-up, with most of 2013's best games available only on Sony or Microsoft consoles.

In the past, Nintendo has made up the difference with its roster of home grown icons - the likes of Mario, Zelda and Metroid. But in 2013, the company delivered just two marquee-worthy Wii U games, "Super Mario 3D World" and "Pikmin 3."

At $300, the Wii U is the cheapest of the three major consoles. But don't be tempted. Sure, there's a chance that Nintendo will turn around its momentum and get back to publishing good games on a regular schedule. Until then, an awful lot of Wii U’s is going to be gathering dust.

If you or someone on your holiday shopping list just wants to play state-of-the-art games, the PS4 is a fine choice. If you buy into Microsoft's vision of controlling your entire entertainment system with just the sound of your voice, the Xbox One is worth the extra $100. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

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How to hide your Gmail ID from ‘Google+ strangers’

Google controversially brought Gmail and Google+ closer together this week by introducing a new feature that gives anyone using Gmail the ability to send you an email without knowing your email address. The change is turned on by default.

Since Google way back when converted its generic user accounts into Google+ accounts, anyone using Gmail also has a Google+ account. 

As of right now, you can’t sign up for Gmail without creating a Google+ account or vice versa.

If you are added to someone’s Google+ “circle” of contacts on the social network, that person will be able to send you a Gmail message by simply entering your name — regardless of whether you follow them on the service. Your email address is hidden until you respond to the message. Google says the change should make it easier for people to reach those they already know.

Google is automatically opting all Gmail customers into the system — but there is a way to opt yourself out. Here’s how to do it:

The Gmail change is rolling out over several couple days. You’ll get an email message like the one below from the Gmail team. The subject will be “Gmail Update: Reach more people you know.”

After you get this message, you’ll be able to opt out by going into your Gmail settings menu, which can be accessed by clicking on the sprocket icon in the upper right corner. Click the sprocket, and then select “settings.” (The bottom of the email, in an area talking about how to control the change, includes a shortcut into settings.)

Once in the settings menu, you’ll want to scroll down to a section called “Email via Google+.”

By default, Email via Google+ will be set to “Anyone on Google+.”

If you want to opt out of all this, change the setting to “No one.”

Once you’ve done that, don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of this page and select “Save Changes.” If you don’t do this, you’ll remain on the default settings.

That’s it.

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TrackID – Best Music Recognition App

If you hear a song playing around you and are not able to recognize what it is, we now-a-days have lots of Android apps for it which recognize the song along with more details like the Album, Artist etc. While you might have heard of apps like Shazam, SoundCloud etc, TrackID from Sony is one of the best music recognition apps available on the Android platform.

TrackID is from Sony and is pre-installed on all Sony Xperia range of phones. All other Android phones can download TrackID from the Google Play Store.

The TrackID app has a great user interface with a big button in the centre, making it clear and easy for the user to use it for just what the app is designed for. By clicking the record button, the app records the music from the nearby source using the phone’s microphone.

As long as your Android phone is connected to the internet via EDGE/3G or WiFi, the TrackID app will be able to search the internet for the song you had recorded and requested details about it. As soon as the song is found, it displays the song with more information such as the artist, album, track details etc.

Other options in the TrackID app include personalized Artist info and Album Art depending on the song and its availability of extra details. The TrackID app also has download and purchasing options which one can use to purchase or download the song they had just scanned making it quick and easy for them to get that song on their phone.

The TrackID app also has share options which displays the standard Android menu of all the share options that are available on various apps. TrackID is very accurate and displays the exact song and its corresponding details even if there are two songs which are closely related with each other, having a similar tune.

The TrackID app is a must download for those Audiophiles who spend a lot of their time on their Android smartphones listening and exploring music. For the others, the TrackID makes a good app to try and find your favorite songs on the go. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

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Best 10 Games of 2013

A video game store can be daunting if you don't know what you're looking for. It's not easy to tell the winners from the losers, and sales clerks typically make the same salary whether they sell you a gem or a stinker.

So when you head to the mall, take this list. These are some of the best games of 2013.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Consoles: Ubisoft, for the PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Price: $59.99

Jack Sparrow's got nothing on Edward Kenway, the swashbuckling hero of this pirate romp. There are treasures buried everywhere in this version of the 18th century New World, but the real prize is the rousing ship-to-ship combat across a churning Caribbean.

BioShock Infinite

Consoles: 2K Games, for the PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Price: $39.99

A detective explores a city floating high above the clouds in this dark satire of American "exceptionalism," the idea that the United States is inherently superior to other countries. Months after its release, players are still arguing over the meaning of its time-bending, brain-twisting plot -- and marveling over its gorgeous setting and unforgettable monsters.

Need for Speed: Rivals

Consoles: Electronic Arts, for the PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Price: $59.99

The latest edition of EA's street-racing franchise is packed with enough high-octane challenges to satisfy the most demanding speed freak. But the chases really get chaotic once the police get involved. And because even the cops drive Ferraris, they're thrilling no matter which side of the law you're on.

Super Mario 3D World

Console: Nintendo Wii U
Price: $59.99

The beloved plumber and his pals Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad explore a sprawling environment jammed with running and jumping challenges. The major upgrade, a cat suit that lets characters crawl up walls, is essential to finding all the secret goodies hidden in the world's nooks and crannies.

Grand Theft Auto V

Consoles: Rockstar, for the PS3, Xbox 360
Pricing: $59.99

A gangbanger, a former bank robber and a psychopath cross paths in the new chapter of the blockbuster crime series. It's vicious, profane and thoroughly entertaining, as the three hoodlums bounce from one ridiculous situation to another in a stylized, ultraviolent nightmare version of Los Angeles.

Metro

Last Light is the sequel to Metro 2033, taking place a year after the events of the first game. Originally slated for release in 2012, the game has since been delayed to an early 2013 release. The writer of the books, Dmitry Glukovsky has been signed on to work with the developers on the game. 

Like Metro 2033, the game is expected to make full use of the PC's capabilities to offer better visuals than its console counterparts. 

The Last of Us

Console: Sony, for the PS3 

Price: $59.99

Twenty years after an infection decimated American society, a jaded survivor and a teenage girl set out on a cross-country journey. Their battles against mutants and other humans are nerve-racking, but the most memorable element of "The Last of Us" is the growing affection between its protagonists.

Wasteland 2

Wasteland 2 is a tactical turn-based and party-based RPG with an "old school" isometric view in which players take control of a party of up to seven characters (three of which are NPCs), and all of whom are highly customizable.

Wasteland 2 comes from the makers of Fallout and the original Wasteland—precursors to just about every other modern RPG. As one of the first major games to be funded by Kickstarter, Wasteland 2's development is entirely independent from the machinations and meddling of marketing departments and corporate big-wigs. 

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Call of Duty: Ghosts is a 2013 first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward, with assistance from Raven Software and Neversoft, and published by Activision. It is the tenth primary installment in the Call of Duty series, and the sixth developed by Infinity Ward. The video game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U on November 5, 2013, with Treyarch handling the port for the Wii U. 

The game's release date on next-generation consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One is officially November 15, 2013, and November 22, 2013, respectively, to coincide with the console release dates. However, the game was released earlier for the PlayStation 4 from some retailers.

In Call of Duty: Ghosts, the story is mostly told through the eyes of one single character, Logan Walker. Players assume the role of Logan for most of the game, with several other playable characters, including an astronaut specialist named Baker, and Logan's father, Elias Walker.

Europa Universalis IV

The war game lives on the PC platform and no other, and the upcoming Europa Universalis is bigger and more expansive than any other wargame before it. The entire duration of the game stretches between the mid-15th century to the late 18th century, containing every detail you ever cared to know about generals, politicians, nobles, and royalty of all the European nations during that time. 

Like its predecessors, the game is all about politics and war on a grand scale. 

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Top 10 Gadgets of 2013

The year 2013 witnessed a slew of gadget launches. While some were better versions of existing gadgets, many showcased innovations and new possibilities.

Here's our pick of ten best gadgets of the year 2013.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The third-generation of Samsung’s popular Note range of phablet devices, Galaxy Note 3 offers a brilliant full-HD screen, a powerful Exynos Octa processor and a whopping 3GB of RAM. Its best feature though is its unique S Pen stylus that takes scribbling notes and creating other content to the next level.

The international version of the Note 3 even offers 4K video recording.

Apple iPad mini with Retina display

The first iteration of Apple’s compact 7.9-inch tablet had everything a best-seller could offer barring a low-resolution display. The year 2013 saw the Cupertino giant close the gap by bringing its Retina display (2048 x 1536 pixels) to the second-generation iPad mini, and give it brand new internals.

The iPad mini with Retina display is powered by the same 64-bit A7 chip that drives the iPhone 5S. It still retains the premium aluminium chasis.

HTC One

At a time when most flagship Android smartphones offered flimsy plastic bodies, the HTC One emerged as the answer to the iPhone with its solid aluminium frame and chamfered edges.

Its dual front stereo speakers and the first ultrapixel camera lens was among the phone’s major USPs, along with Blinkfeed that brought news and socialmedia feeds to the home screen.

Sony PlayStation 4

Sony’s much awaited new-generation gaming console got an overwhelming response selling more than 2.1 million units after less than three weeks. The PlayStation 4 is powered by an eight-core AMD Jaguar CPU and features 500GB hard drive, 8GB of unified memory, built-in Blu Ray drive and the new DualShock 4 controller.

The PlayStation 4 also features 802.11 b/g/n WiFi connectivity option, an Ethernet port, Bluetooth 2.1, and two USB 3.0 ports. It also features more entertainment and social features.

Apple iPhone 5S

In 2013 Apple launched iPhone 5S, which the company calls its most forward thinking phone. One of the first phones to be powered by a 64-bit processor, the iPhone 5S comes with a major performance boost, an improved camera, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor for authentication and better battery life. It also comes in a brand new Gold colour variant. 

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9

Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 tablet features an 8.9-inch display with a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels resolution and pixel density of 339ppi leaving behind the iPad Air.

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM, and runs the new Fire OS 3.0 which is based on Android Jelly Bean. It also comes with Mayday, a unique button that offers a 24x7 connection to Amazon’s customer support.

Google Chromecast

One of the major USPs of Google’s new small thumb drive-like media player is its $35 price tag. The other is the ease with which it can be configured and used.

You can just plug it into a TV’s HDMI port and access internet video services such as Netflix and YouTube, and content from Google Play, beaming the content through smartphones, tablets and personal computers connected to it. The content is beamed via the internet and not mirrored unlike the Apple TV.

Google Nexus 7

Google upgraded its popular 7-inch tablet, the Nexus 7, bestowing it with a high-resolution 1920 x 1200 pixels display, and an even more compact form factor. It also got a rear-camera for casual photography. The Nexus 7(2013) is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor running at 1.5GHz and 2GB of RAM and offers great performance.

Google’s latest tablet is a complete package, with relatively good hardware, a brilliant HD screen and the promise of the latest software updates.

Nokia Lumia 1020

After bidding farewell to Symbian, Nokia decided to bring its oversampling technology first seen in the PureView 808 to Windows Phone, putting the 41MP sensor on the Lumia 1020. With lossless zoom, that lets one take a big image and crop it without compromising on the quality, the Lumia 1020’s camera is undoubtedly the best compared to the ones on other phones, available at the moment.

Other hardware specs of the Lumia 1020 include 4.5-inch PureMotion HD+ Amoled display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM, 2,000mAh battery and 32GB internal storage.

Curved TVs

While 4K TVs are still in the process of infiltrating our drawing rooms, electronics giants LG and Samsung have already announced giant 105-inch ultra-HD TVs with curved screens.

The two launched Curved OLED TVs with full-HD resolution, earlier in the year. The companies claim that a curved display panel offers equal distance from all parts of the screen to the eyes resulting in better viewing angles, less colour distortion, consistent contrast and an immersive TV viewing experience.

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