Review TechRadar: Phone and communications news 01-07-2014

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Tablets topple computers on Boxing Day in iPlayer views Jan 7th 2014, 12:55, by Patrick Goss Here's some evidence to back up Steve Jobs' claim that we are living in a post PC world: BBC iPlayer views on tablet overtook computers for the first time on Boxing Day 2013. Since its launch, the PC has been the dominant device used to watch iPlayer, although mobile and tablet traffic has climbed steadily. And, with all of those Christmas-gifted tablets being fired up, it was December 26 that finally saw tablets alone move past laptops and desktop PCs. No Slate, Sherlock Computers did reassert themselves at the top of the tree by New Year's Day - which perhaps suggests that Sherlock viewers are more inclined to fire up the laptop than a tablet. As you might expect, the BBC saw record iPlayer views over the Christmas period. Inevitably, the chart was topped by this year's Dr Who's Christmas special, followed by Eastenders and Mrs Brown's Boys. The count of 11 million views in a single day do not even include those from two of UK television's biggest platforms (Sky and Virgin Media), and go towards a whopping 102 million requests for TV and radio over the festive period. Smart TV is going nowhere - here are the six best to splash the cash on Sony Xperia Z2 may make MWC 2014 appearance Jan 7th 2014, 12:53, by James Rogerson We may get our first look at the Sony Xperia Z2 at MWC 2014, which runs from 24 - 27 February in Barcelona. That's according to a sneaky little tweet fired out by @evleaks. The phone is currently known as the Sony Sirius and the tweet goes on to say that it has a 5.2-inch display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8974AB SoC chipset. However the MWC 2014 date isn't set in stone, as the usually confident (and reliable) evleaks uses the word "tipped" in its post - covering itself perhaps if the rumour transpires to be false. Sirius specs That gels with earlier rumours we heard about the handset, which also suggested that it would have a 1080p full HD display with 506ppi, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM, Android 4.4 and a 20.7MP camera with a Xenon flash. That should all make it a moderate upgrade over the Sony Xperia Z1, thanks to a slightly bigger and higher resolution screen, 3GB of RAM rather than 2GB and the latest version of Android. Sony has already made waves at CES with the announcement of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, but a new flagship could be enough to steal the show at MWC. There's no need to wait for MWC for shiny new tech. CES is happening right now. Apple market share down year-on-year, Windows Phone doubles Jan 7th 2014, 11:40, by Alex Hamilton Apple's share of smartphones sales continues to grow month-by-month following the release of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, but its share of most major markets remains lower than this time in 2013. According to the latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, Apple now accounts for 69 per cent of the Japanese market, 43 per cent in the United States, 35 per cent in Australia and 30 per cent in Britain. The strong sales of its new models are linked to high levels of customer satisfaction, despite worries that the lower-end 5c could damage Apple's high-tech appeal. Resurgent performances from competitors LG, Sony and Nokia have made making year-on-year share gains increasingly challenging for Apple. Android still dominates Europe, with at least 69 per cent of the market share. Windows Phone is now the third largest mobile operating system across Europe with 10 per cent (more than double its share in 2013). Europe remains a high point for Nokia and Windows, but progress for both in the U.S and China – the world's two largest markets – is still slow. Go East China is likely to be the easier and more rewarding target for Windows, according to Dominic Sunnebo, strategic insight director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, because Nokia has a huge existing presence in the market, retains strong customer preference and can sell handsets at the right price to capture large numbers of users. "You don't have to conquer China and the US to win in the smartphone market, but you do need success in one of them," said Sunnebo. "At the moment there are few signs of progress in either country for Windows Phone and momentum needs to be made soon before OS loyalty severely limits the available market." Last week, Wells Fargo cut its rating on Apple from "outperform" to "market perform", sending shares down as much as 1.4 per cent in early US trading on Thursday. The bank said there was "limited" opportunity for Apple to improve profits due to squeezed consumer conditions around the world, while the iPhone 6, expected to be introduced later this year, would be less profitable than previous models. Is Apple screwed without Steve? In Depth: Get marathon fit with your smartphone: getting 5K ready Jan 7th 2014, 11:00, by Kieran Alger If the New Year has inspired you to get fighting fit, then you've hit the right page. Technology has the tools to help you get in the shape of your life but it's not easy to know which product is right for your goals. We've enlisted the help of T3.com Editor-in-chief and ultra runner Kieran Alger to put together a four-part guide to help you uncover everything you need to go from couch slouch to marathon finisher. So you've done the hard part. You've successfully taken the first steps on your journey to becoming a fitter, leaner running machine. By now you'll have logged a few runs on your Endomondo app and be able to confidently run for a full thirty minutes. Now it's time to move up a gear and start thinking about your first race. Ahead of yourself? Cheak out part 1 of the series Sign up for a race Giving yourself a target race is the perfect motivation. You'll have something to train for with a definitive deadline. If you're feeling brave enough, it's also a good idea to tell everyone what you're planning to do. Once it's up on Facebook it's official. You'll get plenty of support and have nowhere to hide. Finding a race can be tricky but there are a few great websites to help you pick the right one for you. Runner's World, The Running Bug and Run247 all have good events calendars that let you search for races by date, distance and location. Find something that captures your imagination and gives you about three months to prepare. Next up, it's time to start the training but for that you're going to need a plan. You could sign up to a running club for some organised coaching, but there are plenty of apps that'll guide you just as well. Start a training plan Upgrading your Endomondo run-tracking app is a great place to start. The Endomondo Pro app has a Training Plan feature that lets you select a distance-based goal. You simply enter your target and the app will look at your current weekly mileage and your fitness levels from past workouts and then provides a comprehensive run-by-run training plan to get you to your goal. The app lets you dictated your race date, the number of times you'd like to run and the days you prefer to train on. Each session on your plan comes with detailed description to help you focus on the right areas. A great alternative is Adidas miCoach. It has similar build-your-own training plans functionality with the added bonus of audio feedback through your headphones while you're on the road. It'll also pair with a heart rate monitor so you can make sure you're running with the right intensity during your runs. Train with others: Parkrun - organised runs all over the UK If community is something that fires you up, then the Nike+ Running app is a good option. You can connect with friends and other runners, tracking each other's progress and posting messages of support. All of these apps will also let you benchmark your progress against other runners for a quick confidence boost, or a swift kick up the backside, depending on which is most needed. If being told exactly what to do at all times feels like more your style then the official Couch-to-5K (iOS, Android) app should be your weapon of choice. This fun app is based on a popular training programme started in 1996 by Josh Clark. It guides you through a nine-week programme, combing running and walking, taking you from 90 second runs all the way up to your target 5k. During each run, audio feedback tells you when to run and when to walk and after your run you'll get feedback on your pace and distance. All you have to do is follow the instructions and in just over two months you'll be ready to take on your official race. Invest in a GPS running watch Now that you're getting a little more serious, it might also be time to invest in a GPS running watch. The benefits of a watch over an app are having your pace, distance and vital stats where you can see them at all times. It's much easier to make sure you're not starting too fast or pushing yourself beyond your training plan. You can spend over £300 for the most advanced trackers but there are some great cheaper options that'll do an ample job at this stage in the game. The Garmin Forerunner 10 is a great entry-level option at £99. It'll track your runs with built-in GPS, it's waterproof and lightweight. If you want something future-proofed in case your running needs become more serious and demanding, then the Polar RCSGPS is a solid all rounder. At £199.50, it's a step up in price but you do get a whole lot more spec for your spend. If you decide to turn marathon runner, this will be all the watch you need. It's very easy to set up and to use but has the option to be brilliantly customisable, if you feel the need. It can be paired with a heart rate monitor for feedback on your training intensity and has an array of web-based training tools that will help you reach you goals. The battery life is also impressive with more than five days without needing more juice. Other options worth considering are the TomTom Runner and Nike+ Sportswatch. Part 3 of our "Get marathon fit with your smartphone" series will be online soon and will take you from 5K to 10K. In the meantime, good luck! Apps to download Official Couch to 5k, £1.49 on iOS, £1.30 on Android Adidas miCoach, Free on iOS and Android Nike+ Training, Free on iOS and Android Endomondo Pro, £2.99 on iOS, £1.99 on Android Updated: Alcatel One Touch Idol X+ arrives with eight cores of power Jan 7th 2014, 10:41, by John McCann Alcatel may not be the biggest name in mobile, but with the One Touch Idol X+ it may have one of the undercover hits of CES 2014. Building on the One Touch Idol X, which garnered a respectable 4-star rating in our in-depth review, the Idol X+ looks to kick things up a notch. Take a look at the Idol X+ spec sheet and it certainly appears to be an impressive offering on paper with a 5-inch full HD display - on par with the Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z1 - 2GHz octo-core (yes, eight cores) processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage and 13.1MP camera wrapped up in a body which is thinner than the HTC One and Nokia Lumia 925 at 7.9mm. Not all good news There isn't a microSD slot so you won't be able to build on the 16GB (or 32GB) of internal storage, 4G connectivity is sadly absent and the One Touch Idol X+ comes running Android 4.2 which isn't the latest version of Jelly Bean (that's 4.3), let alone the latest version of Google's platform - Android 4.4 KitKat. Historically Alcatel's handsets have been a bit of a let down in the interface and performance areas, with sluggish navigation and childish icons detracting from the overall experience. We hope the One Touch Idol X+ is able to overcome these software flaws and provide a truly fluid experience which makes the most of the powerful innards. Update: We've now been given a price for the One Touch Idol X+, with Alcatel confirming a RRP of $250 for the handset - that's around £150, which would make it a bit of a steal. In terms of an Alcatel One Touch Idol X+ release date the phone will start shipping in February, with Russia its first port of call. Check out the hottest new tech, live from the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show Updated: Alcatel One Touch Idol X+ arrives with eight cores of power Jan 7th 2014, 10:40, by John McCann Alcatel may not be the biggest name in mobile, but with the One Touch Idol X+ it may have one of the undercover hits of CES 2014. Building on the One Touch Idol X, which garnered a respectable 4-star rating in our in-depth review, the Idol X+ looks to kick things up a notch. Take a look at the Idol X+ spec sheet and it certainly appears to be an impressive offering on paper with a 5-inch full HD display - on par with the Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z1 - 2GHz octo-core (yes, eight cores) processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage and 13.1MP camera wrapped up in a body which is thinner than the HTC One and Nokia Lumia 925 at 7.9mm. Not all good news There isn't a microSD slot so you won't be able to build on the 16GB (or 32GB) of internal storage, 4G connectivity is sadly absent and the One Touch Idol X+ comes running Android 4.2 which isn't the latest version of Jelly Bean (that's 4.3), let alone the latest version of Google's platform - Android 4.4 KitKat. Historically Alcatel's handsets have been a bit of a let down in the interface and performance areas, with sluggish navigation and childish icons detracting from the overall experience. We hope the One Touch Idol X+ is able to overcome these software flaws and provide a truly fluid experience which makes the most of the powerful innards. Update: We've now been given a price for the One Touch Idol X+, with Alcatel confirming a RRP of $250 for the handset - that's around £150, which would make it a bit of a steal. In terms of an Alcatel One Touch Idol X+ release date the phone will start shipping in February, with Russia its first port of call. Check out the hottest new tech, live from the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show Early view: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C Jan 7th 2014, 10:00, by Thomas Thorn Sony has finally joined the ranks of manufacturers with smaller versions of their flagships following the announcement of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact at CES 2014. Those with a keen eye will notice that Sony has avoided calling the Z1's baby brother the Z1 Mini (and there's no sign of the rumoured Z1S name), as the smaller stature of its new handset is almost merely a shrink in size, rather than adopting a raft of less powerful innards like the HTC One Mini and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. In essence, the Sony Xperia Z1 compact may have more in common with the iPhone 5C then. Sony has kept on what made the Xperia Z1 its flagship handset, including the 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and that 20.7MP camera. So how does the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact stand up against its cut-down rivals? Let's find out. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: OS All bar the iPhone 5C come rocking a skinned version of Android Jelly Bean, with the Sony beating its rivals on 4.2 as it comes with Android 4.3. Each manufacturer has added its own skin, with Sony putting on the latest version of its UI. Unsurprisingly, HTC has kept the same Sense 5.0 Blinkfeed UI that first graced the HTC One, with Samsung overlaying Android with its TouchWiz UI. Obviously, the iPhone 5C isn't Android, coming instead with Apple's new, redesigned and proprietary iOS 7 software. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Processor and RAM One of the biggest advantages of being a 'Compact' rather than a 'Mini' is that the Sony keeps the same 2GB RAM and 2.2GHz quad-core combination that was found in the larger Xperia Z1. This puts it leagues ahead of the other three, with their dual-cores seeming diminutive in comparison. The other Android handsets both come equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 400 CPU, with the HTC clocked at 1.4GHz and the Samsung at 1.7Ghz. Each also comes with less RAM than the Sony, with 1GB and 1.5GB respectively. Apple has fitted the iPhone 5C with its A6 chip (the same as in the iPhone 5), which has been clocked at 1.3GHz and comes with 1GB RAM. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Camera Another area that Sony has focussed on keeping with the Z1 Compact is the impressive 20.7MP Exmor RS sensor that is found on the Z1. A 2MP sensor is found on the front, and both are able to record full HD, 1080p video. We were really impressed with the camera in our full Sony Xperia Z1 review, with its ability to take 61 images in 2 seconds leading to "some of the finest photos we've seen come off a phone camera." You'll have to keep your eyes peeled to see what we think of the camera in our upcoming Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review. As for the other OEMs, HTC also managed to keep in the same camera that graced the 5 star HTC One. Although measured at only 4MP, each of the pixels on the HTC One Mini is larger, allowing more light in. A 1.6MP sensor is fitted to the front, able to record 720p images with the rear sensor managing 1080p. Samsung fitted the Galaxy S4 Mini with a standard 8MP camera, able to record at 1080p, and the front of the phone houses a 1.9MP sensor. Apple has also fitted an 8MP iSight sensor to its iPhone 5C, with a 1.2MP sensor adorning the front for FaceTime calls. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Screen The name Z1 Compact is a massive clue that Sony's newest handset does not match the 5-inch Full HD screen that adorns the Sony Xperia Z1. That isn't to say it's not impressive. Both the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and HTC One Mini storm ahead of the Galaxy S4 Mini and iPhone 5C with 4.3-inches of HD goodness and 720 x 1280 resolutions giving around 342ppi. The Galaxy S4 Mini comes with a qHD screen, also measuring 4.3 inches, but its 540 x 960 screen gives only 256ppi. Apple's iPhone 5C comes with the smallest screen of the lot, measuring in at only 4 inches. Its Retina display does come with a 640 x 1136 resolution, giving it a still decent 326ppi. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Dimensions and Weight The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is ever so slightly larger than its rivals, being both the widest and deepest handset at 127 x 64.9 x 9.5mm, as well as being the heaviest at 137g. This puts the Z1 Compact at 15g heavier than the 122g HTC One Mini, which in turn is 15g heavier than the 107g Galaxy S4 Mini. It is only marginally heavier than the iPhone 5C however, with the Apple handset weighing 132g. HTC's One Mini measures 5mm taller than the Sony at 132 x 63.2 x 9.3mm, but the Galaxy S4 Mini and iPhone 5C are both smaller all round at 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9mm and 124.4 x 59.2 x 8.97mm respectively. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Battery Battery life of all handsets will be heavily scrutinised, so those looking at the Xperia Z1 Compact will be pleased to know that the Japanese firm has included a 2300mAh power pack. This is the largest of the four on offer, although the added cores and high resolution screen will help the Xperia Z1 Compact get through that added size a little faster. The HTC and Samsung have 1800mAh and 1900mAh packs respectively, although the Korean manufacturer does allow for the battery to be swapped out for another with its removable back. The smallest of the four is the iPhone 5C, although remains competitive at 1510mAh. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Storage and Connectivity In terms of storage, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini come out ahead with expandable storage via microSD (up to 64GB), although the Sony comes with double the internal space - 16GB rather than 8GB. This means that the Xperia Z1 Compact comes with up to 80GB of storage, and the Galaxy S4 Mini with a not so paltry 72GB. This leaves the 16GB HTC One Mini and the 16 or 32GB iPhone 5C standing. The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, like the HTC, Samsung and iPhone all come 4G LTE enabled. All handsets also come with Bluetooth 4.0, although NFC is reserved for the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and Galaxy S4 Mini only. All four handsets also come with GPS and GLONASS to help you if you get lost. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Colours and Extras For those looking for a new phone, colour can often play an important part. Sony has chosen to offer the Xperia Z1 Compact in four colours, the obligatory black and white, as well as pink, and lime. The HTC One Mini also comes in four colours, available in silver, black, blue, and red. Samsung offers the Galaxy S4 Mini in both black and white, with orange, pink, and purple variants available. Famed for its coloured plastic casing, the iPhone 5C comes in green, blue, yellow, pink, and white variants. Just like its bigger brother, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is the only one with the ability to swim. That is to say it is IP55 and IP58 certified rather than grows arms and does laps of your sink. It also works seamlessly with the Sony Smartwatch 2, as do both the HTC and Samsung. The latter of these also works with the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch following a recent update. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Early Verdict The Sony Xperia Z1 is a handset that we were really impressed with, so it is nice to see the Japanese manufacturer follow it up with a smaller version of the 5-inch beast that we were treated to in 2013. Although there is no word on price, we would expect it to come in slightly more expensive than the current baby flagships and about the same price as the iPhone 5C, and rightly so. Where the HTC One Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini both took some drastic spec cuts, the Xperia Z1 Compact beats them with the same heart as the Z1. Quite what effect that will have on sales is unknown, but Sony looks to have put together a pretty decent device, carrying the same technology as the Z1 but in much more finger friendly frame. Why not check out the HTC One Mini, Galaxy S4 Mini or iPhone 5C too? Sony Xperia Z1 Compact release date and price: where can I get it? Jan 7th 2014, 09:30, by John McCann The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact may be the smartphone the Android world has been waiting for as it delivers a premium experience in a smaller package. Taking the quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 20.7MP camera from its big brother, the Xperia Z1, the Z1 Compact is certainly well equipped. With a mooted SIM-free price of under £450 it could well give the pricier iPhone 5C a run for its money as well as challenging the slightly cheaper Galaxy S4 Mini and HTC One Mini. We've been on the hunt for information on where you can get the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and we'll be constantly updating this page with more information as we get it. For the moment set your focus on early February for the Z1 Compact to hit stores. Read our hands on: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review O2 The bubbly network has confirmed on Twitter that the Xperia Z1 Compact will be "coming to us soon", although there's no word on tariffs or a firm release date. And the rest We're yet to hear from the likes of EE, Vodafone, Three, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U, but when we do we'll update this page. Online retailers Our first hint of a price has come via Unlocked Mobiles which already has the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact up for pre-order at £438.98, with the choice of black, white, pink and lime. In terms of an Xperia Z1 release date, the retailer has pegged if for February 7 - although these dates can be a little fluid. CES 2014: Sony takes fitness technology to scary new levels with Core Jan 7th 2014, 02:14, by Gareth Beavis Sony's finally getting on board with the wave of fitness technology – but taking it to an all new level. The Core is a small chip, able to be worn in a variety of ways, that is tiny enough to slip into the Smartband that Sony is launching to carry it around initially. Update: Sony has confirmed to TechRadar that the Core won't be available to iOS users at launch, and that it's 'focused' on Android for the time being. Instead of just tracking your daily steps, this new technology will be able to tell you how long you were walking, running, sleeping and travelling. But on top of that, the new LifeLog application will give information on when you took pictures, where you took them, what music you were listening to and all the other entertainment you consume, meaning you can "watch your lifestyle played back to you on screen," according to Sony Mobile CEO Kuni Suzuki. This is your future If you think that's awesome / creepy, get ready for more: the app will use this information to "help inspire your future with ideas and recommendations". This could be as simple as 'listen to this artist that's like that one you listen to all the time', but could get as freaky as 'hey, it's Tuesday at 4PM. I've detected multiple felines in the area – you like taking pictures of them right?' Sony is working with developers to create 'new innovation' for an open partnership to spread out the data, as well as launching new hardware that will complement the SmartBand. Sony clearly has some development to do on this little device, but wants to get it out in the open to show it's active in the area, with Suzuki claiming the brand will give more information in the near future – it probably already knows where you will be. Early view: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C Jan 7th 2014, 01:10, by Thomas Thorn Sony has finally joined the ranks of manufacturers with smaller versions of their flagships following the announcement of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact at CES 2014. Those with a keen eye will notice that Sony has avoided calling the Z1's baby brother the Z1 Mini (and there's no sign of the rumored Z1S name), as the smaller stature of its new handset is almost merely a shrink in size, rather than adopting a raft of less powerful innards like the HTC One Mini and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. In essence, the Sony Xperia Z1 compact may have more in common with the iPhone 5C then. Sony has kept on what made the Xperia Z1 its flagship handset, including the 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and that 20.7MP camera. So how does the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact stand up against its cut-down rivals? Let's find out. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: OS All bar the iPhone 5C come rocking a skinned version of Android Jelly Bean, with the Sony beating its rivals on 4.2 as it comes with Android 4.3. Each manufacturer has added its own skin, with Sony putting on the latest version of its UI. Unsurprisingly, HTC has kept the same Sense 5.0 Blinkfeed UI that first graced the HTC One, with Samsung overlaying Android with its TouchWiz UI. Obviously, the iPhone 5C isn't Android, coming instead with Apple's new, redesigned and proprietary iOS 7 software. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Processor and RAM One of the biggest advantages of being a 'Compact' rather than a 'Mini' is that the Sony keeps the same 2GB RAM and 2.2GHz quad-core combination that was found in the larger Xperia Z1. This puts it leagues ahead of the other three, with their dual-cores seeming diminutive in comparison. The other Android handsets both come equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 400 CPU, with the HTC clocked at 1.4GHz and the Samsung at 1.7Ghz. Each also comes with less RAM than the Sony, with 1GB and 1.5GB respectively. Apple has fitted the iPhone 5C with its A6 chip (the same as in the iPhone 5), which has been clocked at 1.3GHz and comes with 1GB RAM. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Camera Another area that Sony has focused on keeping with the Z1 Compact is the impressive 20.7MP Exmor RS sensor that is found on the Z1. A 2MP sensor is found on the front, and both are able to record full HD, 1080p video. We were really impressed with the camera in our full Sony Xperia Z1 review, with its ability to take 61 images in 2 seconds leading to "some of the finest photos we've seen come off a phone camera." You'll have to keep your eyes peeled to see what we think of the camera in our upcoming Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review. As for the other OEMs, HTC also managed to keep in the same camera that graced the 5 star HTC One. Although measured at only 4MP, each of the pixels on the HTC One Mini is larger, allowing more light in. A 1.6MP sensor is fitted to the front, able to record 720p images with the rear sensor managing 1080p. Samsung fitted the Galaxy S4 Mini with a standard 8MP camera, able to record at 1080p, and the front of the phone houses a 1.9MP sensor. Apple has also fitted an 8MP iSight sensor to its iPhone 5C, with a 1.2MP sensor adorning the front for FaceTime calls. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Screen The name Z1 Compact is a massive clue that Sony's newest handset does not match the 5-inch Full HD screen that adorns the Sony Xperia Z1. That isn't to say it's not impressive. Both the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and HTC One Mini storm ahead of the Galaxy S4 Mini and iPhone 5C with 4.3-inches of HD goodness and 720 x 1280 resolutions giving around 342ppi. The Galaxy S4 Mini comes with a qHD screen, also measuring 4.3 inches, but its 540 x 960 screen gives only 256ppi. Apple's iPhone 5C comes with the smallest screen of the lot, measuring in at only 4 inches. Its Retina display does come with a 640 x 1136 resolution, giving it a still decent 326ppi. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Dimensions and Weight The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is ever so slightly larger than its rivals, being both the widest and deepest handset at 127 x 64.9 x 9.5mm, as well as being the heaviest at 137g. This puts the Z1 Compact at 15g heavier than the 122g HTC One Mini, which in turn is 15g heavier than the 107g Galaxy S4 Mini. It is only marginally heavier than the iPhone 5C however, with the Apple handset weighing 132g. HTC's One Mini measures 5mm taller than the Sony at 132 x 63.2 x 9.3mm, but the Galaxy S4 Mini and iPhone 5C are both smaller all round at 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9mm and 124.4 x 59.2 x 8.97mm respectively. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Battery Battery life of all handsets will be heavily scrutinized, so those looking at the Xperia Z1 Compact will be pleased to know that the Japanese firm has included a 2300mAh power pack. This is the largest of the four on offer, although the added cores and high resolution screen will help the Xperia Z1 Compact get through that added size a little faster. The HTC and Samsung have 1800mAh and 1900mAh packs respectively, although the Korean manufacturer does allow for the battery to be swapped out for another with its removable back. The smallest of the four is the iPhone 5C, although remains competitive at 1510mAh. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Storage and Connectivity In terms of storage, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini come out ahead with expandable storage via microSD (up to 64GB), although the Sony comes with double the internal space - 16GB rather than 8GB. This means that the Xperia Z1 Compact comes with up to 80GB of storage, and the Galaxy S4 Mini with a not so paltry 72GB. This leaves the 16GB HTC One Mini and the 16 or 32GB iPhone 5C standing. The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, like the HTC, Samsung and iPhone all come 4G LTE enabled. All handsets also come with Bluetooth 4.0, although NFC is reserved for the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and Galaxy S4 Mini only. All four handsets also come with GPS and GLONASS to help you if you get lost. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Colors and Extras For those looking for a new phone, color can often play an important part. Sony has chosen to offer the Xperia Z1 Compact in four colors, the obligatory black and white, as well as pink, and lime. The HTC One Mini also comes in four colors, available in silver, black, blue, and red. Samsung offers the Galaxy S4 Mini in both black and white, with orange, pink, and purple variants available. Famed for its colored plastic casing, the iPhone 5C comes in green, blue, yellow, pink, and white variants. Just like its bigger brother, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is the only one with the ability to swim. That is to say it is IP55 and IP58 certified rather than grows arms and does laps of your sink. It also works seamlessly with the Sony Smartwatch 2, as do both the HTC and Samsung. The latter of these also works with the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch following a recent update. Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs HTC One Mini vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vs iPhone 5C: Early Verdict The Sony Xperia Z1 is a handset that we were really impressed with, so it is nice to see the Japanese manufacturer follow it up with a smaller version of the 5-inch beast that we were treated to in 2013. Although there is no word on price, we would expect it to come in slightly more expensive than the current baby flagships and about the same price as the iPhone 5C, and rightly so. Where the HTC One Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini both took some drastic spec cuts, the Xperia Z1 Compact beats them with the same heart as the Z1. Quite what effect that will have on sales is unknown, but Sony looks to have put together a pretty decent device, carrying the same technology as the Z1 but in much more finger friendly frame. Why not check out the HTC One Mini, Galaxy S4 Mini or iPhone 5C too? CES 2014: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact crams in flagship power with a lower price Jan 7th 2014, 01:00, by John McCann Step aside HTC One Mini and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is here... and it's got a spec sheet which will blow your tiny circuit boards. Following in the footsteps of other cut-down flagships, Sony has mustered up the Xperia Z1 Compact, but as well as borrowing the name from the Japanese firm's high-end handset it also sports several other key elements. For starters there's the same 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 4G support and microSD slot that'll you find in the Sony Xperia Z1. Read our hands on: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review The screen is, unsurprisingly, smaller at 4.3 inches and the full HD resolution of the Z1 has been downgraded to 1280 x 720 on the Xperia Z1 Compact. Camera credentials There's more good news round the back of the handset, as nestled into the rear cover of the Xperia Z1 Compact is Sony's impressive 20.7MP camera with G Lens - consider its Samsung and HTC rivals don't get over 8MP (plus they're both dual-core), and you can see the spec-gulf widening.. As seems to be tradition with Sony's smartphone these days the Xperia Z1 Compact is also dust-resistant and waterproof, plus there's a dedicated shutter button on the side and the almost obligatory ability to use the touchscreen whilst wearing gloves. The sticking point for the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact could be its price, as it's unlikely to be as cheap as the One Mini or S4 Mini - but we'll have to wait and see on that one. Sony has confirmed that the Xperia Z1 Compact release date is set for February and the handset will be available globally. CES 2014: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact crams in flagship power with a lower price Jan 7th 2014, 01:00, by John McCann Step aside HTC One Mini and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is here... and it's got a spec sheet which will blow your tiny circuit boards. Following in the footsteps of other cut-down flagships, Sony has mustered up the Xperia Z1 Compact, but as well as borrowing the name from the Japanese firm's high-end handset it also sports several other key elements. For starters there's the same 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 4G support and microSD slot that'll you find in the Sony Xperia Z1. Read our hands on: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review The screen is, unsurprisingly, smaller at 4.3 inches and the full HD resolution of the Z1 has been downgraded to 1280 x 720 on the Xperia Z1 Compact. Camera credentials There's more good news round the back of the handset, as nestled into the rear cover of the Xperia Z1 Compact is Sony's impressive 20.7MP camera with G Lens - consider its Samsung and HTC rivals don't get over 8MP (plus they're both dual-core), and you can see the spec-gulf widening.. As seems to be tradition with Sony's smartphone these days the Xperia Z1 Compact is also dust-resistant and waterproof, plus there's a dedicated shutter button on the side and the almost obligatory ability to use the touchscreen whilst wearing gloves. The sticking point for the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact could be its price, as it's unlikely to be as cheap as the One Mini or S4 Mini - but we'll have to wait and see on that one. Sony has confirmed that the Xperia Z1 Compact release date is set for February and the handset will be available globally. CES 2014: Asus feels the 'Om,' unveiles Zenfone line of smartphones Jan 6th 2014, 22:03, by Michelle Fitzsimmons Asus is out with a trio of new mobiles, all part of the company's ZenFone line. Yes, we're in for more products that phonetically spell "phone" with an "F." The ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 are a family of smartphones coming in - you guessed it - 4-, 5- and 6-inch display sizes. All machines run Android 4.3, though an upgrade to Android 4.4 should arrive later on. Each will be available in a variety of shades, and all store 1GB of RAM. The similarities continue on with microSD (all have it) and Intel processors. ZenFone home The smallest of the lot, the ZenFone 4 will retail for $99. It has a 800 x 480 resolution in its display, seemingly sufficient for its 5MP rear and 0.3MP front cameras. A 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor sits inside, along with a 1,170mAh battery. It will be available in black, white, red, blue and yellow. The ZenFone 5 is a $149 offering featuring an Atom Z2580 processor clocked at 2GHz. There's an 8MP snapper on the back, which includes a backside-illumination sensor with a wide-aperture f/2.0 lens. A 2MP camera occupies the front real estate. It will be sold in black, white, red and gold. Finally, the ZenFone 6 will retail for $199, and the 6-inch display is backed by a 13MP camera and 2MP front-facer. It's been stocked with a 2GHz Atom Z5280 as well. Look for it in black, white, red and gold. None were given release dates, but we'll have our hands on reviews soon enough. CES 2014: Asus Padfone mini is a 4-inch phone and 7-inch tablet in one Jan 6th 2014, 20:30, by Joe Osborne ASUS sure does love its detachable hybrids, doesn't it? This time, for CES 2014, the vendor has pulled the curtain back on the Padfone mini. Is it a hybrid tablet or a hybrid smartphone? It's both. More specifically, the Padfone mini is a 0.44-inch thin, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (with KitKat on the way) handset with a 4-inch, 800 x 480 IPS+ LED touch screen. If you're in the mood for an Android tablet, then you can place the phone into the back of a tablet station rocking a 1280 x 800 IPS+ LED touch panel. A 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2650 chip powers the 4.09-ounce Padfone mini – and by extension its tablet dock – with some help from 1GB of RAM. As for storage, the phone is limited to a mere 8GB onboard, but that's expandable by up to 64GB via microSD card. Powering all this, plus the phone's 8MP (with f/2.0 aperture and backside illumination) and 2MP shooters, is an 1170mAh battery. The tablet dock gets its very own juice to the tune of 2100mAh – both are non-removable polymer batteries. Bummer alert: While the Padfone mini supports dual SIMs (ideally one for data and the other for phone), there's no LTE to be found – just 4G HSPA+. But ASUS hopes to make up for that with its brand new ZenUI for Android. That's so Zen, man Exclusive to ASUS Android devices, ZenUI is a custom Android skin that is said to offer simplified icons and menus. Also on offer are special color themes to match the shell of your PadFone (which comes in black, white, red, blue and yellow). More important are features like What's Next and enhancements ASUS has made to existing Android apps and tools. What's Next presents users with event data and more to help keep busy users on track. As for improvements, ASUS focused on email, web browsing and image sharing. First up is email: Now, users can read messages by thread to keep better track of conversations. For the web browser, ASUS added a Smart Reader Mode that adjusts background tone make it easier on the eyes. Finally, ASUS Collage is said to allow users to create photo stories to share with friends. (Instagram, anyone?) The PadFone mini will cost $249 (about £151, AU$277), but ASUS has yet to mention availability. We'll try to clear that up once we get our hands on this weird little bugger on the CES 2014 show floor. Here's your one stop shop for all CES 2014 news and features CES 2014: What does the Firefox say? Mozilla-based tablets and dual-core phones incoming Jan 6th 2014, 20:14, by Chris Smith Chinese mobile manufacturer ZTE has pledged to up the Firefox OS ante with the first dual-core handsets to run Mozilla's open source OS, arriving sometime in 2014. The ZTE Open, the first ever Firefox OS phone which launched in some European and Latin American markets, will be superseded by the faster and more powerful Open C and Open II. ZTE launched the first Firefox OS phone via Telefonica in Spain, which was well-­received and is exceeding expectations in the European and Latin America markets," Mozilla wrote in its CES news release. "In 2014, ZTE will develop a new Firefox OS line to give their users more choice. New Firefox OS phones from ZTE will include higher-­end and dual core options like the Open C and Open II." Tablets on the table While the firm didn't offer any indication of when and where the devices would be available, it did announced plans to entice developers to create apps and help optimise the experience for a tablet-friendly Firefox OS. The company is giving away free Foxconn-built developer units to those interested before the software is made available to the public "We are working on a Firefox OS contribution program aimed at accelerating the development of Firefox OS for tablets and the supporting ecosystem," the company wrote. "To do this, we will provide dedicated contributors with access to resources and reference hardware, initially with tablets from Foxconn. We have to make the hardware available before the software is final to make it possible for contributors around the world to help us complete the build of Firefox OS for tablets. We will be working with partners like Foxconn to expand this program for developers soon." Couple all that with the news Panasonic is working with Mozilla to bring the open source software to smart TVs and it appears 2014 may be the year Mozilla picks up the pace in the battle to become the next Android. In depth: Can the Firefox OS really follow Google's open source example and become the new Android? CES 2014: Microsoft claims Windows Phone dominance over iPhone in 24 countries Jan 6th 2014, 19:56, by Gareth Beavis The budget market seems to be helping Nokia's new overlords in the smartphone wars. Microsoft has told TechRadar that it's seeing real penetration for its Windows Phone platform, claiming some impressive stats for its OS. Christopher Flores, director of communications for Microsoft, told us that the brand was attacking 'both ends' of the smartphone market and would continue to do so should, as expected, the deal to purchase Nokia go through. He showed statistics claiming that Windows Phone devices now have second place in 14 markets around the world, and are outselling Apple's iPhone in 24 markets too, making it the fastest selling smartphone platform globally. Flores declined to give specific regions for these stats, although did intimate that they were in emerging nations, where the cost of the iPhone is prohibitively high for a lot of consumers. Bella Lumia It's also got a strong movement in Italy, where Windows Phone-powered devices are outselling iPhones, with heavy carrier subsidies making the Microsoft platform an attractive proposition, a situation mirrored in Spain where WP handsets are close to usurping Apple's second place in that market too. However, Android's stranglehold in these areas remains untouched, despite the growth of Windows Phone, with handsets undercutting the cheap Lumia 520 providing stiff competition. Flores also refused to admit that Microsoft would channel more time and funds into the budget handset range, despite this being the firm's main growth driver for Windows Phone, stating that the Redmond brand wanted to continue to offer consumer choice. Microsoft has promised to elaborate on these statistics in the near future, so we'll be updating this story with more information as we get it. CES 2014: Huawei Ascend Mate 2 4G keeps the size, ups the speed at CES Jan 6th 2014, 19:12, by Hugh Langley Huawei has gone official with its Ascend Mate 2 4G at CES 2014, giving last year's model a lesson in LTE speed. The new phone comes with 4G LTE built in and the refreshed model has been given a number of more visible upgrades too, including a slimmer design that comes in at 9.5mm thick and – 0.4mm thinner than its predecessor. That 720p IPS display is still the familiar 6.1 inches though, keeping this still very much in "phablet" territory. Yes mate! The new 1.6GHz quad-core processor should also make things a bit more zippy. We were pretty let down with the performance of the first Ascend Mate. On the back is a 13-megapixel camera for 1080p video while a 5-megapixel camera can be found on the front. It'll be Android Jelly Bean 4.3 on this one, no KitKat love for now. Finally, there's now double the storage with 16GB to play with and a microSD slot for when you use all of that up. All in all, not too shabby. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but you'll be the first to know when we hear more. CES 2014: it's all going on CES 2014: Asus's PadFone X announced at CES, exclusive for the US Jan 6th 2014, 18:30, by Farrha Khan US carrier AT&T announced at CES 2014 that it will be ranging the new Asus PadFone X exclusively in the US. Though Asus itself hasn't unveiled the PadFone X yet, AT&T confirmed that it will follow a similar smartphone-and-tablet-in-one design of the PadFone Infinity released globally last year with a 5-inch smartphone and 9-inch tablet. No prices or availability has been announced, but it will sport LTE-Advanced technology, with Android KitKat 4.4 running the show. It will also support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and HD Voice. Xclusively Stateside? While AT&T will be offering the PadFone X in the US, nothing has been said about a global release, nor does it sound like there will be. An AT&T spokesperson confirmed that the PadFone X will be offered exclusively Stateside, as the PadFone Infinity – which was released globally last year – was not released in the US. The spokesperson also said that the PadFone X will have a number of different features to the PadFone Infinity beyond the slightly smaller tablet size and updated OS. Want to know more about the PadFone hybrids? Try our PadFone Infinity review. CES 2014: First wireless controller for iPad and iPhone unveiled, on sale now Jan 6th 2014, 17:08, by Patrick Goss It's fair to say that the iOS 7 controllers for various Apple devices have failed to set the world alight so far, but Steelseries is hoping that its Stratus Wireless Gaming controller will change all that. The first wireless controller for iOS 7, the Stratus will be familiar to anyone who has picked up a console controller - and offers the requisite set of buttons, sticks, pads and triggers. As you would expect from an Apple-friendly device, it's AirPlay enabled and will play (probably) nicely with iPad, iPhone and iPods capable of running the latest OS. Gaming landscape The company insists that this changes the gaming landscape, but you'll obviously first have to find a stand or handy part of your anatomy that enables you to keep both mitts on a controller and keep the screen of your device visible. if you can cross that particular bridge then you can see if the controller really does solve the old 'gaming's better with buttons' quandry that has plagued mobile phone and tablet gaming from the off. There's a dedicated pairing button, a quoted battery life of ten hours and you can connect up to four devices. Price-wise, it's set at $99 - which equates to around £60 or AU$110 with a release date of right this instant. This is a peripheral best suited to a tablet in a dock - so how about checking out the iPad Air review? CES 2014: Alcatel goes Pop with new phablet and tablets Jan 6th 2014, 15:14, by John McCann Every self-respecting phone company needs a phablet in its ranks, not to mention a few tablets, and that's exactly what Alcatel has launched at CES 2014. First up is the 5.5-inch Alcatel One Touch Pop C9, a phablet which offers up a qHD display, 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front snapper, Android 4.2, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storages. Looking at those specs the Pop C9 won't be challenging the likes of the Galaxy Note 3 or Xperia Z Ultra at the high-end of the phablet market, rather it'll be playing ball with the likes of the Nokia Lumia 625 and Samsung Galaxy Grand 2. Pop goes the tablet The Pop C9 smartphone has been joined by two tablets which also bear the playful "Pop" branding - the Pop 7 and Pop 8. For those of you who are a little slow off the mark these are 7-inch and 8-inch tablets respectively, with the former packing a 1.3GHz dual-core processor, 2MP rear camera and VGA front facing lens. The larger 8-inch model features a 1280 x 800 IPS display, 1.3GHz quad-core processor and the same camera set up as the Pop 7. There's no news on release dates or prices for any of these products, but going by their mediocre spec lists and range of kid-friendly colours we expect all three to carry affordable price tags. Check out the hottest new tech, live from the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show CES 2014: Alcatel goes Pop with new phablet and tablets Jan 6th 2014, 15:14, by John McCann Every self-respecting phone company needs a phablet in its ranks, not to mention a few tablets, and that's exactly what Alcatel has launched at CES 2014. First up is the 5.5-inch Alcatel One Touch Pop C9, a phablet which offers up a qHD display, 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front snapper, Android 4.2, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storages. Looking at those specs the Pop C9 won't be challenging the likes of the Galaxy Note 3 or Xperia Z Ultra at the high-end of the phablet market, rather it'll be playing ball with the likes of the Nokia Lumia 625 and Samsung Galaxy Grand 2. Pop goes the tablet The Pop C9 smartphone has been joined by two tablets which also bear the playful "Pop" branding - the Pop 7 and Pop 8. For those of you who are a little slow off the mark these are 7-inch and 8-inch tablets respectively, with the former packing a 1.3GHz dual-core processor, 2MP rear camera and VGA front facing lens. The larger 8-inch model features a 1280 x 800 IPS display, 1.3GHz quad-core processor and the same camera set up as the Pop 7. There's no news on release dates or prices for any of these products, but going by their mediocre spec lists and range of kid-friendly colors we expect all three to carry affordable price tags. Check out the hottest new tech, live from the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show Qualcomm unveils flashy new camera tech before CES Jan 6th 2014, 12:37, by Thomas Thorn Qualcomm will undoubtedly show off its latest and greatest advancements in its Snapdragon technology this week, but it has jumped the CES gun by releasing videos highlighting the camera capabilities of the Snapdragon 805. There are three technologies to speak of helping to make the most of the quad-core 2.5GHz CPU; Chroma Flash, Touch to track and OptiZoom. Chroma Flash allows the camera to take two images almost simultaneously before combining them. The aim is to reduce the glare from flash photography, producing a more natural looking image. The technology seems familiar, as it is similar to the way that HDR photography works, capturing an image at different exposures. Its time for 3D again... again! Touch to track works as you might expect. First the user selects an object for the camera to focus on, and the Snapdragon 805 allows the camera to keep it in focus no matter where the object moves to. It also doubles up in video recording mode, allowing you to set a line on screen for the object to cross. Once the object has crossed that line, video recording is engaged. Finally, OptiZoom works using the 'Touch to track' technology. Selecting an object allows you to control the level of zoom, with the Snapdragon 805 zooming in and out as the object moves further away or closer to the lens. We already knew that the 805 supports up to four cameras, including the ability to have stereoscopic 3D, so keep your eyes peeled here to find out what else Qualcomm has to offer at CES 2014. Here's what else we know about the Snapdragon 805. CES 2014: LG promises innovation as it pushes a flood of new electronics Jan 6th 2014, 00:52, by Kevin Lee From smart refrigerators and WebOS Smart TVs to flexible phones, LG has announced a bevy of new products for its 2014 line at CES 2014. But amidst all the new additions, the main message of today's LG Press Conference was innovation. "LG gained market share in all our key markets from plasma TVs to refrigerators to smartphones," William Cho, President of LG Electronics USA." The statement from the Korean electronics maker was a far cry from its past. Once regarded as just another appliance maker, LG made a show of strength from a wide variety of products from every sector. "At LG we embrace change," Wayne Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics North America expounded at the beginning of the press conference. "It's all possible." Looking towards the future The latest innovations the company shared were the bendy LG G Flex, WebOS powered Smart TVs and the Lifeband Touch fitness tracker that lets users text to command their washing machines. The latter item has been a technological dream since the 60s space age and the Jetsons. But of all the electronics companies, LG claims it can be one of the few that can actually pull it off as it makes everything - including the smartphones to control them. Taking each of LG's touted "innovations" on their own, the electronic maker can easily be criticized as doing nothing novel between using a licensed OS from HP to power its TVs, catching up with the fitness tracker crowd, and chasing the same dream of home automation since eternity. But we can't dissuade LG's recent victories, where it has made headway in the phone space since creating the Optimus G and brokering a deal with Google to develop the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5. In an endless race to build better and more powerful phones, an ecosystem of controllable appliances could give LG an edge in both the phone and personal electronics spaces. Building on success At the event LG, also celebrated its previous innovations by inviting Netflix CEO Reed Hastings to the stage. "The heritage of innovation is not shared by everyone but at LG we want to say how impressed we are," Hastings said. Hastings credited the Korean electronics maker as the first to put streaming applications into its Blu-Ray player and its unique Magic Remote - a trackball and motion sensor equipped control device. "People who invest in LG TVs will be able to stream in 4K and navigate with WebOS," Hastings said. It might be a simple partnership, but it's clear LG is making a big push at this years CES to differentiate itself as an innovator. A Dish introduces the SuperJoey DVR satiate everyone's prime time recording needs.

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