| Updated: Google Glass: what you need to know Aug 8th 2013, 11:26, by James Rivington 
Back in early 2012, before the world had heard of Google Glass, the tech world was ablaze with rumours that the search giant was beavering away on augmented reality goggles. As the days went by, it was clear that not only was this true, but that Google's dream of wearable technology was far, far closer to release than anyone would have guessed. Roll forward just over a year and the first versions are in the hands of developers who went into a lottery to fork out $1,500 for their own pair of spectacles. TechRadar has had time with the Google Glass Explorer so you can find plenty more information right there. But what exactly is Google Glass? Why is it attracting all this attention and what are the implications - both good and bad - of having a Google-eye view of the world? 
What is Google Glass?Google Glass is an attempt to free data from desktop computers and portable devices like phones and tablets, and place it right in front of your eyes. Essentially, Google Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, take pictures, search and translate on the go. The principle is one that has been around for years in science fiction, and more recently it's become a slightly clunky reality. In fact, the "heads-up display" putting data in your field of vision became a reality as early as 1900 when the reflector sight was invented. 
Google Glass uses display technology instead to put data in front (or at least, to the upper right) of your vision courtesy of a prism screen. This is designed to be easily seen without obstructing your view. According to Google the display is "the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away". There's no official word on native resolution, but 640 x 360 has been widely mooted. Overlaying data into your vision has obvious benefits; many of which are already functional in Google Glass. Directions become more intuitive (although it sounds like there is no GPS on board so you will have to pair it with your phone), you can view real-time translations or transcriptions of what is being said, and you can scroll through and reply to messages - all on the fly. 
The embedded camera obviously does not need a viewfinder because it is simply recording your first-person perspective, allowing you to take snaps or footage of what you are actually seeing. Any function that requires you to look at a screen could be put in front of you. Controlling this data is the next neat trick. With a microphone and touchpad on one arm of the frame, you can select what you want to do with a brief gesture or by talking to the device, and Google Glass will interpret your commands. Google Glass can also provide sound, with bone-induction technology confirmed. This vibrates your skull to create sound, which is both more grisly sounding and much less cumbersome than traditional headphones. What can Google Glass do? As well as Google's own list of features, the early apps for Google Glass provide a neat glimpse into the potential of the headset. As well as photos and film - which require no explanation - you can use the Google hangout software to video conference with your friends and show them what you're looking at. You'll also be able to use Google Maps to get directions, although with GPS absent from the spec list, you'll need to tether Glass to your phone. To do that, Google offers the MyGlass app. This pairs your headset with an Android phone. As well as sharing GPS data, this means messages can be received, viewed on the display, and answered using the microphone and Google's voice-to-text functionality. Google has given its Glass project a big boost by snapping up voice specialists DNNresearch. That functionality will also bring the ability to translate the words being spoken to you into your own language on the display. Obviously you'll need a WiFi connection or a hefty data plan if you're in another country, but it's certainly a neat trick if it works. Third parties are also already developing some rather cool/scary apps for Google Glass - including one that allows you to identify your friends in a crowd, and another that allows you to dictate an email. The New York Times app gives an idea how news will be displayed when it's asked for: a headline, byline, appropriate image and number of hours since the article was published are displayed. 
Other cool ideas include a air carrier's suggestion that you could have flight flight details beamed to you while you are waiting at the airport. Basically, the sky's the limit. If you want to know if Google Glass is any good - TechRadar's Alex Roth spent time with the device and said the following: "Is Glass cool and entirely novel? Yes, it certainly is. Is it a device that will change the life of, or even just prove useful to, the average consumer? That's doubtful." YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1uyQZNg2vEWhat are the Google Glass specifications? As well as a mooted 640 x 360 display, the built-in camera is a 5MP snapper that can film at 720p. Battery life is apparently a day, although that's with the usual "typical use" caveat, which probably excludes a lot of videoing. There's 16GB of flash memory built into the device, although only 12GB will be available for user storage. The device will sync to your Google Drive in the cloud Bluetooth and WiFi will be built in, but no GPS chip - so the Glass will probably work best alongside an Android phone, although you can pair with any Bluetooth enabled phone. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpWmGX55a40The frame will come with replacement and adjustable nosepads, and is expected to be both lightweight and extremely robust. It will also have a touchpad along one arm. The sound will be produced through bone conduction transfer - vibrating your skull to transmit to your ears. There is a Micro USB cable and charger for the dev versions, and all of the above specs are expected to be replicated in the consumer versions when they arrive. Lastly, Google Glass will come in five colours: Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, Cotton and Sky. Using Glass's translation ability to turn that list from marketing speak to plain English, that's black, orange, grey, white and blue. 
What's the Google Glass price?The Google Glass Explorer (the developer version being sent out now) costs $1,500 - around £985 or AU$1,449. The consumer versions, which are expected to arrive by the end of 2013, are expected to be a little cheaper, although any actual prices remain speculative. They are unlikely to be super-cheap - but Google's success with the Nexus 7 tablet may prompt the company to subsidise some of the cost. 
When is the Google Glass release date? A final release date has not been announced, but sources tell us that the original suggestion of 2014 was actually overly pessimistic and we could see Google Glass arrive in time for the end of 2013. So start readying your letter to Santa. 
I already wear glasses. Will Google Glasses work for me?Yes - Google is already working on designer versions which will include prescription lenses. 
Who is providing the competition?Of course, with something as high profile as Google Glass, every major company has been linked with building a competitor. Apple and Microsoft are Google's most obvious rivals - and both are rumoured to be working on their own equivalents. Sony has gone so far as to patent a Glass-alike offering. Vuzix, Oakley and Baidu are other numbered among the potential Glass rivals, and they won't be the last. Indeed, one Taiwanese manufacturer Oculon are readying a cheaper, higher spec'ed (ahem) version. 
Interestingly, Google might already be considering its own successor to Glass if this patent is to be believed. The patented design looks more like regular glasses, following the style of Google's potential competitors. Another project that is attracting attention for mixing screens and glasses is the Oculus Rift, which is currently very much about gaming, but could feasibly - using a camera - show you live video of reality and enable some awesome real time overlays because it's a complete screen. Cool. Is Project Glass evil?Obviously with any new technology there is the potential for misuse - and Google Glass is, of course, a little problematic when it comes to privacy. Of course, Google would say that it is merely taking the functionality that we already have in our portable devices and making it more readily accessible. 
A lot will come down to personal preference. For many, the prospect of being filmed by someone from their glasses will make them uneasy, having conversations logged and transcribed will be divisive, and the inclusion of facial recognition would clearly be problematic. Google has released some information regarding how you know when people are filming through the device, which should quash some people's fears that the device will be used as a perving mechanism. Essentially, if there is a light on then Google Glass is filming you or taking your picture. It's important to note that there will be restrictions on when you use Glass, and proving it's not on might not be enough. Driving a car, for instance, might well end up pushing you on the wrong side of the law - and filming as you are asked politely to leave the car probably won't endear you to the police either. A strip club and a bar have already earned cheap publicity by pre-emptively banning Glass, and TechRadar columnist Gary Marshall has had his say, he's also looked at just who fears Google Glass and why.     |  | Buying Guide: Splash out! 8 brilliant poolside gadgets Aug 8th 2013, 10:00, by John Brandon 
Mid-summer poolside activities just got a bit more fun. These hi-tech gadgets help you record the kids playing in the water, protect your precious equipment, and even provide a waterproof two-way communication between you (in a lawn chair) and the main house. 1. Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera TX30Some digital cameras (and smartphones) are pool-friendly and water-resistant, but it's not like you can swim with them. The TX30, however, is submersible up to about 10 metres. In case of contact with the hard concrete around the pool, this 18.2MP cam is also shock resistant, dustproof and freezeproof (handy, depending on the pool - though you may not be so keen to jump in). The camera also shoots video in 1920x1080/60i, has post-photo editing options, and comes in four colours. 
2. iRobot Mirra 530This improved robotic pool cleaner is is designed for two main functions. First, it can handle automatic clean-ups involving leaves, debris, and other common particles that fall into the pool. Second, it purifies the water itself, removing algae and other elements down to two microns in size. Like iRobot's Roomba, it works autonomously without human intervention. 
3. Cobra CXT545 two-way radioSitting at the pool whiling away the hours is a blast. But you probably want to leave your phone in the house. This rugged, waterproof two-way radio is a good replacement option. There's a large rubber grip for use in the pool. With one quick button press you can check out a quick weather report. And there's even a bright LED flashlight for night outings. 
4. LifeProof nüüd CaseFor people who insist on taking their phones into the danger zone, look no further. Available for both the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3, the LifeProof nüüd is unique in that the case forms securely around your handset to make it waterproof. Yet the case seals in so tightly that there's no need for a plastic screen cover - you type directly onto the actual screen. That means better accuracy, clarity, and a lighter overall design. 
5. MeCamThe MeCam is one of those inventions we've been expecting for some time. An initial entry in the quantified society and life-blogging category, the cam attaches to your shirt or swim trunks. (A fully waterproof version is expected in a few months.) There are dedicated buttons for snapping a quick 5MP photo or recording a 720p HD video. And, you don't have to carry any recording gear, which is helpful at the pool. 
6. UE BoomPoolside specs are important, but so is the overall design. Logitech's UE Boom looks like it belongs on a clear-glass patio table. There's a hook on top you can use for attaching to a backpack, and the speaker is water- and stain-resistant. The sound is quite stunning: full bass, clear highs, and surround audio that works well for everyone in the area. The Boom weighs only 538 grams, lasts 15 hours on a charge, and streams over Bluetooth. 
7. Garmin SwimThe Garmin Swim was released last year, but the software is now more pool ready. Improvements include the ability to track your specific strokes when you swim laps, more swim session drills to time races and keep your pace, and more pool sizes. You set the watch to record your exact swim (like a FitBit tracker). You can then share details like your cadence and overall distance on the Garmin swim tracking site. 
8. Pentax K-50 DSLRWhile a pocket camera is great for casual use, serious photogs might want to consider this full water-resistant DSLR. While you can't use it in the water, it is safe to use around the pool with 81 weather seals around the camera body and lens. As a DSLR, the K-50 can snap six photos per second, and has a high 51200 ISO rating and 16.2 megapixel sensor. 
    | | LG G2 won't come in a pure Android Google Play edition Aug 8th 2013, 09:25, by Kate Solomon 
LG has confirmed that it has no plans to launch a Google edition of its new flagship, the LG G2. The Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One both come in a Google-flavour sold through Google Play - both handsets were among the first to get the Android 4.3 update because there's no pesky Sense or Touchwiz overlay to worry about. "As of right now, LG doesn't have any plans for a Google Play Edition," Ken Hong, LG PR, told Android Community. Google Play it off, keyboard catThe reason being that LG is focusing on getting the G2 out there through networks rather than by selling the handset direct. However, Hong did add, "That... could change down the road." So all hope is not lost, vanilla Android fans. The LG G2 launches with Android 4.2 rather than the more modern but fairly iterative Android 4.3.     | | iPhone 5S camera upgrade looks even more likely Aug 8th 2013, 09:23, by Hugh Langley 
Apple seems likely to give the iPhone camera an upgrade on the iPhone 5S, following more shreds of Apple-flavoured evidence leaking onto the web. An online electronics part supplier Luna Commerce is selling a camera component that it says belongs to the iPhone 5S. The pictures do suggest that we might be in store for some dual-flash action - and those of you with a keen memory will not that isn't the first time we've heard of this new feature either. Snapping the snappersFrench website NowhereElse, which has a reasonably decent track record when it comes to this stuff, leaked the pictures while also putting the old and new cameras side by side for comparison. It all comes down to the connection with the flash, which on the iPhone 5 is directly linked to the camera unit. However, on the 5S component, this is nowhere to be seen, suggesting it will be housed separately from the lens. This makes sense, of course, as a dual flash would require its own casing. The iPhone 5S is expected to touch down next month, alongside the much-whispered-about budget iPhone. Don't worry, we'll probably drop in a mention somewhere when it does. - See what else we're expecting to feature in the iPhone 5S
  | | Virgin Mobile's new $140 plan includes a free return flight Aug 8th 2013, 07:44, by Farrha Khan 
Virgin Mobile Australia's new phone plan for $140 a month could be considered excessive, until you remember that it includes a return flight to either Vanuatu, New Zealand or Fiji from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. The telco today launched its "Irresistible Plan", which also includes unlimited calls and SMS across Australia, 6GB of data and $200 worth of international calls per month on a 24 month contract ($3365 total minimum spend). On this plan, you can also upgrade your handset every 12 months, as long as you sign on for another 24 months. You'll also be given another return flight to the above listed destinations. Keeping it in the familyAlong with this high-end plan, Virgin Mobile also overhauled its other plans, increasing prices by $1, but also decreasing data allowances by 500MB to 1GB on comparable plans. But for Virgin Mobile Australia's head, David Scribner, it's no longer just about price points. "We want to be more than mobile. We want Virgin Mobile to be a window to the Virgin world," he said. With a refocus on customers, Virgin Mobile users will have access to rewards and tie-ins with other properties, such as Virgin Australia airline and Virgin Money. "We're excited to up the ante and give Virgin Mobile customers a true 'Virgin' experience, plus so much more value," said Nicole Bardsley, director of Brand and Communication. Similar to Optus rebranding a couple of months ago, these changes are part of a larger Virgin Mobile brand refresh. Better usage controlVirgin Mobile has also overhauled its My Account system for customers to be able to better track usage. Its usage alert system will also go online, automatically notifying customers when they reach 50, 85 and 100 per cent of their monthly allowance, as required by the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) code. Customers will also be able to set their own usage alerts, as well. International roaming alerts will also be available from 27 September, as per the Australian Communications and Media Authority's new international roaming standard. - Looking for a new phone and a holiday, but also want to get something 4G? Why not check out Australia's 4G scene before making up your mind.
    | | Telstra added 1.3 million customers on the back of its 4G focus Aug 8th 2013, 05:50, by Farrha Khan 
Losing out on the purchase of Adam Internet has seemingly not deterred Telstra's growth, reporting today that in the year ending June 2013, the telco had added 1.3 million new mobile customers, including 452,000 mobile broadband customers and 423,000 postpaid handheld customers. Its total retail mobile customer base now sits at 15.1 million, with Telstra CEO David Thodey attributing the growth to a renewed focus on customer service and extensively updating its 4G network. "We know our customers value extensive coverage, fewer drop outs on calls and reliable mobile data speeds, and we invested $1.2 billion in our mobile network during the year to deliver on this," Thodey said. 4G powerTelstra said that there have been more than 2.8 million 4G Telstra devices activated since the launch of its 4G network. According to Telstra, its 4G network currently covers 66 per cent of the Australian population and is on target to reach 85 per cent coverage by the end of the year. Thodey also noted that though customer growth has continued, complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman had fallen for a third consecutive year. "We are continuing to make it easier and quicker for people to interact with us, with 40 per cent of our customers now doing business with us online," he said. - If you're in the market for a new handset, here are some of our best 4G phone picks.
    | | Rumored budget iPhone shows up in high-quality photos and two colors Aug 8th 2013, 01:02, by Matt Swider 
Does the "C" in the rumored iPhone 5C stand for iPhone color? Maybe cheap iPhone? Perhaps, given today's leaked high-resolution photos of the alleged Apple smartphone, the "C" in iPhone 5C stands for "candid." That's how the cheap iPhone appears in a whopping 58 photos uploaded today by teenage Apple product leaker Sonny Dickson. The plethora of photos explore every angle of the back half of the iPhone 5C. Best of all, none of them appear blurry like the factory photos we're used to when pictures of gadgets leak. 
Like a lot of previously leaked photos we've seen, this white iPhone 5C model is missing the internals as well as the all-important screen and digitizer. Nevertheless, you can see every last nut and bolt in the back of the supposed iPhone 5C - literally. 
'I see a red phone and I want to paint it black'The iPhone 5C colors are expected to be blue, red, yellow and green in addition to the aforementioned white iPhone. The red version of the phone is adding to today's overexposed collection of iPhone 5C pics courtsey of China's C Technology by way of SlashGear. These colors are a little more gaudy than white and black scheme of full-priced models like the current iPhone 5. The iPhone 5S is expected to continue the trend of more muted colors. Of course, many consumers are likely to put a case on their smartphone, even if it's the louder cheap iPhone 5C and is made of plastic instead of aluminum.     | | Android scores strong shipment growth, but Windows Phone scorches Aug 7th 2013, 20:10, by Lbrown 
Android and iOS are still the two mobile operating systems to beat, but Microsoft has finally earned some bragging rights of its own when it comes to Windows Phone 8. According to market research firm IDC, over the past quarter, no other smartphone OS showed as much growth in shipments year-over-year as Windows Phone, giving Microsoft an even better grasp on third place in the market. During the second quarter of 2012, Microsoft moved a respectable 4.9 million devices, but really made waves these past three months by pushing 8.7 million phones. That 77.6 percent increase generated enough momentum to more than triple Apple's growth and surpass Android by a narrow margin. It also provided Windows Phone 8 even more distance between fourth place BlackBerry. Android's robot-like consistencyOnly Android was able to keep pace with the yearly growth Windows Phone 8 posted this past quarter, earning a 73.5 percent increase in shipments. More phones shipped clearly translated to an increased market presence, as both Android (79.3 percent) and Windows Phone (3.7 percent) outpaced numbers from earlier this year (75 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively). With Android and Windows Phone posting better numbers, somebody had to take the hit, and like the quarter before, Apple saw its stake in the overall marketplace dip from 17.3 percent to 13.2 percent in just a few months. Apple was already feeling the sting of diminishing returns, as during the second quarter last year, it held strong to a 16.6 percent share, and was only able to improve its shipments by 20 percent over 2012's numbers. "The iOS decline in the second quarter aligns with the cyclicality of iPhone," said Ramon Llamas, research manager with IDC's Mobile Phone team, in a statement. "Without a new product launch since the debut of the iPhone 5 nearly a year ago, Apple's market share was vulnerable to product launches from the competition. But with a new iPhone and revamped iOS coming out later this year, Apple is well-positioned to re-capture market share." 
Nokia benefitsThough 187.4 million Android phones were shipped during the last quarter, that success was spread out through multiple manufacturers. Samsung moved the lion's share with 73.3 million (39.9 percent), largely on the success of the Galaxy S4, but LG (12.1 million), Lenovo (11.4 million), Huawei (10.2 million), and ZTE (10.2 million) also posted double-digit shipments. By contrast, Nokia's 7.1 million Windows Phone 8 devices accounted for 81.6 percent of all shipments, giving the Finnish company's Lumia line a much needed boost of confidence at retail. "Nokia has clearly been the driving force behind the Windows Phone platform and we expect that to continue," Ryan Reith, program manager with IDC's Mobility Tracker programs, said in a statement. "However, as more and more vendors enter the smartphone market using the Android platform, we expect Windows Phone to become a more attractive differentiator in this very competitive market segment." Worst of the restIf you were wondering just how rapidly BlackBerry was fading, the dip from 4.9 percent marketshare to a 2.9 percent stake should give you some indication. Oddly enough, BlackBerry's 2.9 percent is identical to where it was just last quarter, even though year-over-year, the Canadian manufacturer moved 11.7 percent less devices. Linux (0.8 percent) and Symbian (0.2 percent) have become virtual non-factors at this point in the game, and it's not all that shocking to see the shipments dwindling for either platform. Given Nokia's proclivity for Windows Phone 8, it's a wonder there are even more Symbian devices still out there to be sold. Together, the three fledgling operating systems managed to account for just 9.1 million of the 236.4 million devices shipped last quarter. Even with BlackBerry continuing to scratch and claw its way to fourth place, the market is extremely top heavy, and the bottom is bound to give out at some point. It's just a matter of when.     | | Early View: LG G2 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs HTC One vs iPhone 5 Aug 7th 2013, 17:25, by James Rogerson 
Today saw the unveiling of the LG G2 in New York and if you think we missed an 'Optimus' in there, we didn't. LG has decided to drop the Optimus branding and keep things simple with just a letter and a number. The LG G2 is the South Korean company's latest and hopefully greatest phone. With a 2.26GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, it's got enough power under the hood to give the competition pause, but the real focus seems to be on making a device that learns from the user and one that's intuitive and easy to use, even with just one hand. DesignThe LG G2 isn't likely to win any design awards. It has a plastic body rather reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and, well, it doesn't look amazing for it. Its 2.7-inch wide body is at least quite sleek, due in large part to the placement of the buttons on the back, leaving nothing to break the lines when viewed front or side on. 
Ultimately the LG G2 can probably give the Samsung Galaxy S4 a run for its money in the design stakes, but that's not saying much and in comparison to the premium metal builds of the HTC One or the iPhone 5 it just can't compete. ScreenThe LG G2 has an impressively large Full HD 5.2-inch IPS edge-to-edge screen, which LG claims is the largest size the average person can comfortably hold with one hand. Not only is it big but based on our time with the phone, it provides clear images. LG has some competition on the screen front though as the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One and iPhone 5 all also provide top-flight displays. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a 5-inch Super AMOLED display, the HTC One has a 4.7-inch Super LCD3 display and the iPhone 5 has a 4-inch IPS display. They're all tremendous quality but the LG G2 scores points for squeezing such a big screen in without making the handset unwieldy, thanks in no small part to its ultra-slim 0.1-inch bezel. Headline featureOne of the biggest and most noticeable features of the LG G2 is that the volume rocker and power button are both on the back. That arguably makes the back a little cluttered and ugly, but it frees up the sides of the phone, as those are the only buttons on the LG G2. So nothing breaks the lines when viewed front or side on, which is how most people will view the phone most of the time. 
The button placement isn't just about aesthetics though; it's also about ease of use and comfort. LG have concluded that people naturally hold their phones in such a way that their index finger is resting on the back - right about where LG has placed the buttons. Which means that by having the buttons on the back you can comfortably press them without adjusting your grip, both making it more comfortable and hopefully making you less likely to drop the phone when fiddling with the volume. The headline feature of the HTC One on the other hand is probably its 4 Ultrapixel camera. However, the fact that it's crafted from a single piece of aluminium and that it has high quality front-facing speakers are both major selling points too. The iPhone 5's headline feature is arguably its widescreen design and the bump in screen size over previous models. While the Samsung Galaxy S4 really doesn't have one stand out feature, instead aiming to be a jack-of-all-trades packed with many different ones. We're not sure the button placement on the LG G2 is really that exciting though or that it was even really a problem that needed solving. Perhaps we'll be converted once we've spent more time with the phone, but right now it doesn't seem that much more convenient having the buttons on the back than on the sides, so we can't help but feel that it's a feature that falls a little flat, particularly in comparison to its rivals. OS/UIThe LG G2 ships with Android 4.2.2, which is a bit of a shame since we're up to 4.3 now. On the interface front it puts a lot of focus on ease of use and has a bunch of features to support that, such as 'Answer Me' mode, which allows users to answer the phone simply by putting it to their ear, or 'Plug & Pop' which appears whenever you plug headphones in, making it easier to access the apps and features that you're likely to want to use. Alone some of these features would be quite intuitive, but with so many different ones built in it could take a while to get used to. The Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One both also have Android 4.2.2 and like LG the companies have skinned the interface in individual ways. The Galaxy S4 is fairly easy to navigate, but like the LG G2 it has a bunch of supplementary features such as 'Air Gesture' which lets you swipe the air in front of the screen rather than the screen itself in order to interact with the phone, or eye-tracking features which ensure the screen never turns off while you're looking at it. 
The HTC One feels rather bare-bones in comparison but that's not necessarily a criticism. It's highly intuitive and easy to setup, with only BlinkFeed (an aggregated news feed which you can't turn off) serving as a potential annoyance. The iPhone 5 is the odd one out here as it's the only handset in this comparison not running Android, but being an iPhone it's all about intuitiveness and while some may lament the lack of flexibility in Apple's OS, it makes it very easy to learn and for the most part it's very slick to use. CameraAs increases in processor speeds and screen resolutions become increasingly meaningless the camera seems to be the new smartphone battleground, with competitors vying to out-megapixel each other, provide the best low light shots or just include a bunch of different shooting modes. The LG G2 doesn't cower from this battle, packing a 13-megapixel camera complete with optical image stabilisation. That optical image stabilisation should minimise camera shake and in so doing also allow for good low light shots as the shutter can stay open for longer without blurring the image. LG tells us it's the first time that optical image stabilisation has been implemented into a 13-megapixel smartphone camera and they've achieved it without adding much bulk. 
The Samsung Galaxy S4 also boasts a 13-megapixel sensor but it doesn't have optical image stabilisation, so the LG G2 will almost certainly out-perform it in low light. The HTC One is all about low light shots, but with just a 4-megapixel sensor its pictures are unlikely to offer the same quality as the LG G2. Finally the iPhone 5 has an 8-megapixel camera which is starting to look a bit old hat. We'll reserve final judgement till we've had a chance to properly put the LG G2 through its paces, but based on just the specs the camera should easily be able to hold its own. Media playbackThe LG G2 should be a brilliant little device for media. Not only does it have a large 5.2-inch screen but the actual quality of the picture is above-average, so it should work well for videos. It also promises top-flight sound quality, so music should be good too. With up to 32GB of built in storage coupled with a microSD card slot, there should be no shortage of space. Then there's the battery which at 3000mAh should allow the LG G2 to keep you entertained for an extended period. 
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is similarly equipped to serve media fans, thanks to an almost-as-big 5-inch screen, up to 64GB of built in storage, a microSD card slot and solid battery life provided by a 2600mAh battery. The HTC One has a great screen too, though with no microSD card slot your storage is limited to the 32GB that comes with the phone. It has brilliant speakers and reasonable battery life provided by a 2300mAh battery. The iPhone 5 has a smaller 4-inch screen, so it's not as ideal for movies, but it's still a high quality picture and it provides true 16:9 widescreen. It has up to 64GB of storage, but like the HTC One there's no microSD card slot. In other words all of these phones are great for media, but going on first impressions the LG G2 looks like it might actually be able to trump the competition as it promises the complete package of a great screen, great sound, long battery life and loads of storage. Price For many people the choice of phone will in large part come down to the price and while we'd hoped we'd be able to do a comparison on that, we unfortunately don't know what the LG G2 will retail for. However being a flagship device with specs to match we'd hazard a guess that it will be in the £450-£500 range at launch. That amounts to $620-$775 in the U.S. (off contract, of course) and AU$690-AU$863. That would put it roughly on a par with the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One and iPhone 5. ConclusionSo far we have mixed feelings about the LG G2. The screen was good in the less-than-ideal conditions where we toyed around with the phone, the camera promises a lot and it's an enormously powerful handset. But LG seems to have placed a lot of focus on the user experience by putting the buttons on the back and adding a bunch of software features aimed at making life easier. There's nothing wrong with that, but we're not convinced by how successful those will end up becoming. If anything, LG seems to be trying to solve a button problem that was never really there. The plastic build is also a little disappointing, particularly in comparison to the HTC One and iPhone 5. Right now as an overall device we're not sure it's any better than the iPhone 5, HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4 and LG is likely to have a hard time convincing consumers on these shores that they should buy it over any of the aforementioned devices.     | | Reaction: TechRadar Reacts: LG G2 Aug 7th 2013, 15:43, by TechRadar team 
It wasn't exactly a secret that LG would launch its Optimus-less LG G2 today - so were there any surprises in store? We're not all sold on the idea of having buttons on the back of our phones, but the souped-up Qualcomm processor and dishy 5.2-inch screen is certainly getting a few of us hot under the collar... - For a more in-depth look at the handset, check out our hands on LG G2 review
Marc F - Editor, Mobile Devices (US)LG's new G2 looks like a Samsung Galaxy S4 clone. Its stand-out feature, at least according to LG's presentation, is the G2's backside. There was a lengthy discussion about placing the power and volume buttons—the only physical buttons on the phone--on the back of the G2. The design was apparently the result of LG's ability to listen to customers and users, though putting all the buttons on the back, right underneath the camera, seems a little awkward to use. The G2 seems like a nice phone with a good battery and decent design, but nothing jumps out at me. Why would I buy the G2 over the Galaxy S4, HTC One or the Moto X? Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Marc on Twitter Patrick - UK Editor in ChiefI'd love to see an LG flagship phone that really catches the mood. You have to applaud LG for trying to do something interesting with the buttons although I'm not convinced it 'shifts the paradigm in smartphone design' as LG suggests. That said - the specs look great; two gigs of RAM, a meaty processor and a chunk of audiophile tech shoved in to boot. I just hope LG can get people excited about this. Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Patrick on Twitter Kate - News Editor (UK)You may not think it fair of me to base my entire reaction on one (relatively minor-in-the-grand-scheme-of-life) feature but look: when Apple moved the headphone jack to the bottom of the iPhone 5, it really upset me. It's a stupid place for a headphone jack and it annoys me every single time I use my phone with headphones on - and reader, that is a lot. So I'm worried about this buttons-on-the-back nonsense. The LG G2 could be the best phone in the world but if this regularly-used bit of hardware is annoying, I'm never going to like using the thing. Knee-jerk score: 3
Follow Kate on Twitter Hugh - Staff Writer (UK)I'm actually really pleased with what LG is offering in the G2, especially in terms of that lovely big screen. Although the big song and dance it's making about putting the volume and power buttons on the back might seem a tad OTT, it's undoubtedly a great way of going big without compromising on functionality. Features like Answer Me also show similar thinking. Shame about not getting Android 4.3 but this is a minor gripe in what seems like an otherwise respectable, nicely spec-d handset. Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Hugh on Twitter Dan - Associate Editor (UK)I must say that having a big button thing on the back is a terrific gimmick. It's no more than a gimmick – although it makes a little sense in terms of where you have your hand - but at least LG has tried to do something genuinely different, probably prompted by some board meeting in Seoul at which somebody slammed their fists on the table and said "we must do something different than Samsung". Shame then, that LG decided to launch this handset in an old music hall in New York. Which is precisely how Samsung launched the S4. Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Dan on Twitter Marc C - Deputy Editor (UK)LG has gone down the Samsung route of offering up a huge screen for those who like a whole lot of glass with their mobile phone. This isn't a bad thing, given the amount of media consumed on portable gadgets nowadays, and LG G2 certainly impresses with its 423 pixels-per-inch image density. I'm not sold on the lack of a physical home button though and the volume rocker on the back looks a little strange – it could be a problem in the pocket too. I can foresee some accidental pressing when you are trying to stuff it into your jeans... which reads a lot ruder than it should. Not having Android 4.3 is annoying as it means that an inevitable update will have to happen soon after you buy it but a decent 3,000mAh battery life is certainly welcome. Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow James on Twitter James - Reviews Editor (UK)If that's where LG thinks I rest my index finger when I hold a smartphone, it's very much mistaken. I just tried it and it feels very uncomfortable indeed, so I'm not at all convinced by this 'rear key' idea. But maybe that's just me. Apart from that, the phone looks quite smart – plenty of cool features, the promise of an excellent screen and camera. Some cool software ideas. But there's no X-factor that I can see – the launch event was dull and uninspiring and I can't see anything in this handset that's going to persuade many people to choose it over the Galaxy S4 or HTC One. Knee-jerk score: 3.5 Follow James on Twitter Paul - Global Editor in ChiefGiven that I'm forever switching the screen off by accident when taking a photo or nearly dropping my phone while trying to change the volume during a call, moving the buttons to the back of the handset seems like a smart idea. Being able to launch the camera with a press of a button would also be welcome and, although a bit gimmicky, I have to admit that the KnockON functionality appeals. Lovely big Galaxy S4-beating screen, too, but with Android 5.0 around the corner I'd be reluctant to get tied into another long contract at this stage. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Paul on Twitter Wil - US Editor in ChiefPutting the buttons on the back is definitely an interesting design decision. I really appreciate how it makes the device basically all screen. Of course, that Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor is really promising, as this handset should be fast while also boasting great battery life. Add to that 16GB and 32GB and availability on all four of the major US carriers, LG could be giving the Galaxy S4 a serious run for their money. Of course, I don't know how I'd feel once Android 5.0 comes out. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Wil on Twitter John - Phones and Tablets Writer (UK)I like the look of the LG G2. It seems to offer a decent package which will be able to rival the likes of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 - it's certainly got a ton of power. The buttons on the back are intriguing and, while I'm not sold on their ergonomics just yet, I'm keen to find out what they're like when I get my hands on it. LG is capable of making quality smartphones - I love my Nexus 4, I was impressed by the Optimus 4X HD last year and the Optimus G Pro I got my mitts on earlier this year did enough to win me over. I have two big issues though - timing and availability. The 4X HD failed to make waves as it arrived months after the Galaxy S3, Xperia S and One X, while the G Pro was only released in a handful of mainly Asia-based countries. Hopefully the G2 will get a worldwide launch which will certainly help, but I worry that it's arriving a little late to the market. Knee-jerk score: 4.5 Follow John on Twitter Michelle - News Editor (US)On paper, this is a really impressive phone. It packs a punch with that 2.26GHz Snapdragon 800 and carries a heavy 2GB in RAM. Throw in a 13MP camera, 5.2-inch display and a 3000mAh battery, and I'm throwing thumbs up at LG. Visually, it won't be the most striking phone on the market (that may go to the Moto X) but I like that LG is taking a chance by putting the only physical button the backside. I'm not convinced that's actually the ideal spot for it, but we'll see if it hits a chord with consumers. Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Michelle on Twitter Lily - Assistant Editor (US)The LG G2 is a bit on the boring side. It seems like a decent device especially with that 13MP camera and tiny bezel but I'm not convinced because there aren't exactly any other features that stand out and give it that wow factor. The most interesting addition is "guest mode" and that isn't exactly groundbreaking. Also, if I hear a children's choir ringtone, that thing is going in the garbage no matter what kind of phone it is. Knee-jerk score: 3.5 Follow Lily on Twitter Alex - Associate Editor, Reviews (US)Another big phone from LG, but undoubtedly the boldest one I've seen yet. Buttons on the back, that's pretty brave, but I'm wondering how that will work day to day. I'm pleased to see LG has ditched a physical home button and gone with Android software controls. Ultimately though, I'm having a hard time getting excited about another massive Android phone. Maybe it's the sensible little Moto X I've got in my pocket for review, but a cell sucking quad-core and a giant display ready to rip my pants pocket just isn't what I'm after. And all that software LG has poured over Android 4.2 just looks like a mess to me. Knee-jerk score: 3.5 Follow Alex on Twitter Nick - Managing Editor (AU)I'm really excited by what LG is trying to do here. After playing in the shallow end of the smartphone pool for so long, the Koreans are really trying to add their own unique take on the high end. Sure, I have concerns about that volume rocker on the back snagging in my pocket, but there's more than enough in the specs to squash any concerns. But my biggest concern is around that global release. Sure, LG has said 130 countries, but if we have to wait six months like we did for the Optimus G, it will be too little too late. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Nick on Twitter Farrha - Online Editor (AU)I'm a fan of big-screen phones, so I'm immediately attracted to this handset. While the 3,000mAh battery worries me when looking at the giant screen, it will be interesting to see how the Snapdragon 800 processor handles to help prolong the handset's life. The major talking point will be the button on the back, and though it may not necessarily be a game changer, LG is at least trying to do something a little different and it should get points for that. At a glance, the G2 has a lot of things I like. That LG has turned up to the party with a serious Sumsung/HTC alternative is only a good thing. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Farrha on Twitter Total knee-jerk score: 3.7See what else the TechRadar team is reacting to:   | | LG G2 arrives with back buttons and super screen Aug 7th 2013, 15:01, by Hugh Langley 
The LG G2 has officially touched down, offering up a new flagship for the South Korean company - and a successor to last year's Optimus G. The handset houses a 2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM and a choice of either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Screen-wise, there's a full HD-boasting 5.2-inch display, which should nicely show off the pictures you take with the rear 13 MP camera. As for the battery, this is packing a 3,000mAh juice box. Altough a large handset, the phone is just 8.9mm thick. However, those of you hoping the phone would arrive with the new Jelly Bean 4.3, the bad news is that this is still running Android 4.2.2. G-forceThere was plenty of emphasis on the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor being used, but perhaps even more so on the design, which moves the volume rocker and power buttons to the back of the handset. Shock horror! This is all part of LG's design "for one-handed operation", something that also comes through on the software side, with features such as Answer Me, which lets you answer the call by pushing the down volume button when the phone is raised to your ear. The phone will come to over 130 carriers around the world, and we'll let you know as soon as we hear more about the release specifics.     | |
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