ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR WINDOWS 8 USERS

September 2013 | Issue 11

FREE UPDATE!
19
PAGES OF
STEP-BY-STEP
TUTORIALS!
NEW VERSION
OF WINDOWS 8
REVEALED
Discover everything you need

50
to know about the imminent
move to Windows 8.1

NEW TH IN GS
TO DO W IT H
WIND OW S 8
to page 6 now
BE INSPIRED! Turn

ORGANISE
YOUR LIFE
BETTER
Top tips to boost
your productivity
and lower stress

DISCOVER IMPROVE
BEST NEW NEW YOUR
KIT RATED MUSIC
Five great apps
to expand your
GAMING
Boost your fun
skills with the
Touchscreen laptops, hybrids, listening pleasure best gaming kit
tablets, desktops & accessories!
WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net
 FROM THE EDITOR
WorldMags.net

Welcome
EDITOR’S
PICK
My favourite
features in
this issue

EXPERT

W
elcome to :LQGRZV7KH2I¿FLDO0DJD]LQH, TUTORIAL
the only magazine approved by Microsoft to Turn your PC
into a media
bring you the very best advice on all things centre p48
Windows 8. This issue, we want to inspire you
to do more with your computer – whether
you’ve got a funky new tablet, a faithful old 50 NEW
laptop or desktop PC. Our cover feature, 50 THINGS
New Things to do with Windows 8, is packed with inspirational TO DO
Expand your
tricks and activities to help you expand your computing horizons. horizons with
That’s not all, of course. We’ve also got 19 pages of practical our guide p6
step-by-step tutorials and in-depth reviews of the best new
devices and accessories. Don’t miss our close-up look at the
imminent update to Windows 8.1, starting on page 84 – it’s got
some exciting features we’re sure you’re going to love.
Enjoy this month’s issue, and do get in touch with us at
www.facebook.com/windowsmag and let us know your thoughts.

WINDOWS
UPDATE
TO 8.1
What are
the best new
features? p84

Subscribe and save!

Adam Ifans Sign up on Windows Store and save a
fortune on a yearly subscription to
Editor-in-Chief :LQGRZV7KH2I¿FLDO0DJD]LQH. Every
issue downloads
quickly and easily
to your device, and
features exclusive
JOIN US
NOW ON The only official Windows mag digital-only
features, including
FACEBOOK This is the only Windows title to be endorsed by Microsoft. galleries, hotlinks
Find us at This means we get the inside track on the latest apps from the and much more.
facebook.com/ Windows Store, and access to the newest kit, making this the Turn to page 34 to
windowsmag best place to choose the right device and get the most from it. ÀQGRXWPRUH
WorldMags.net 3
 WorldMags.net PORTABLE
POWER
The Dell XPS 18
is a Windows 8
PC in tablet form

50 THINGS
TO DO
WITH
WINDOWS
32 Do even more
with Windows 8

Contents

LIVE DESIRE ENJOY

6
36 42
SPORTS
EARBUDS
Tune in while
you work out

PLAY THIS
Put your foot to
WKHÁRRUDQG
savour the raw
speed of Grid 2

QShowcase Reviews
Honda Miimo
Sony Vaio Duo 13
p19
p20
The best new apps
Our pick of the latest and greatest
goodies in the Windows store
p41

New things to do with your PC p6 Nokia Lumia 925 p24

50 ways to learn new things, entertain Toshiba WT310 p28 Play this: Grid 2 p42
the kids and broaden your horizons Dell XPS 18 p32 Experience the thrill of burning rubber
with this perfectly balanced racer
Record a smash hit p15 Sports headphones roundup p36
Gadgets and apps to help you realise Enjoy your tunes while you get in
your dreams of being a pop star

Become a gaming god p16

shape with these hard-working earbuds

Entertainment highlights p39

QExpert
If you love playing games, this kit will What’s new in September? We look at Create a great media centre p48
KHOS\RXÀJKW\RXUZD\WRYLFWRU\ WKHODWHVWERRNVÀOPVPXVLFDQGPRUH Music, movies and TV, all in one place
WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net HOME
MEDIA
CENTRE
Entertainment
on tap, wherever
you want it

Expert
GET STARTED FAST

48
MASTER
THE SUBSCRIBE
DESKTOP TODAY
Make your PC AND NEVER
work for you MISS AN ISSUE
p34
Check out our range of print and
84 digital subs, or go to Facebook
for more information
www.facebook.com/
windowsmag

NEW
WINDOWS
UPDATE
Discover what’s
64 coming in
Windows 8.1

91 DISCOVER
NEW
MUSIC
Five great apps
for your listening
pleasure

BEST 88

Hotlist Life
NEW KIT
REVIEWED
Your essential
RECOMMENDED BUYS Windows 8
buyer’s guide ACHIEVE MORE
6KDUHÀOHVLQ:LQGRZV
6HQGÀOHVEHWZHHQDOO\RXUGHYLFHV
p52
QLife Windows 8.1 revealed
Find out everything you need to
know about the amazing free update
p84

Migrate to Windows Phone p56 Your entertainment centre p70

Making the switch is fast and easy Turn your boring living room into Discover new music p88
the ultimate entertainment hub Five amazing apps to help you
Make a USB install stick p60 ÀQGQHZEDQGVJHQUHVDQGVW\OHV
Reinstalling Windows 8 is super easy Enjoy the great outdoors p78

Master the desktop

Make the desktop work for you
p64
Go outside and do something fun,
exciting or just plain stupid QHotlist
Be more productive p82 The best new kit p91
Gestures explained p66 Have trouble with procrastination? Desktop PCs, laptops, tablets,
Get hands-on with your touchscreen Your Windows 8 PC can help! smartphones and accessories
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9000
 WorldMags.net

LIVE DESIRE ENJOY

6
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 WorldMags.net

new things to do
with Windows 8
Stretch your PC’s capabilities, f all you use your PC for is
learn new things, entertain email and typing the odd

the kids and push back the I letter, it’s time to widen
your horizons. You can
achieve lots of fascinating
things with your Windows 8 PC and its
boundaries of human connection to the internet. There’s an
astonishing number of resources out
understanding there, just waiting to be tapped.
Whether it’s learning a new language,
indulging your passion for craft or
simply seeking out new entertainment,
your PC can help. We’ve gathered
together some of the most exciting
things to do on your home computer.

WorldMags.net 7
 WorldMags.net
Research
and hobbies
JRLQDUHVHDUFKSURJUDPPH¾QGRXWVRPHWKLQJQHZRU
start up a new hobby with the help of your trusty PC
Help cure diseases
1 Contribute your spare
computing power towards
some of the biggest projects on Earth,
OLNHÀQGLQJFXUHVIRU+XQWLQJGRQ·V
Alzeimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. No
single research facility has enough
computing power for the modelling
UHTXLUHGEXWE\YLVLWLQJKWWSIROGLQJ
stanford.edu and downloading the
software, you can donate processing
time and do some good.
Set up a security camera
2 You can set up a simple home
surveillance system using your
PC’s webcam and the free Yawcam
software (www.yawcam.com). See a
real-time view of your home from any
internet-connected device, with both
still images and streaming video. It’s
even possible to use motion detection
to take and save images remotely.
Watch TV and movies
3 With a good internet
connection, your PC provides
you with access to recently broadcast
TV programmes via BBC iPlayer, ITV
Player, 4oD, Demand 5 and – if you
have a Sky subscription – Sky Player.
With movie rental services like
8
/RYH)LOP,QVWDQWDQG1HWÀ[\RXFDQ
also get recently released movies for a
small monthly fee.
Go treasure hunting
4 Real life treasure may be hard
WRÀQGEXWJHRFDFKLQJJLYHV
\RXWKHVDPHWKULOORIÀQGLQJKLGGHQ
objects and secrets while exploring
your local area. Create an account at
www.geocaching.com and enter your
ORFDWLRQWRÀQGQHDUE\JHRFDFKHV8VH
Windows 8’s Maps app to help you
ÀQGWKHQHDUHVWVWDVK
Manage your media
5 Keeping tabs on all your
digital music and videos can
EHYHU\GLIÀFXOWHVSHFLDOO\ZKHQ\RX
need different software to manage
each source. MediaMonkey (www.
mediamonkey.com) scans your PC for
DXGLRDQGYLGHRÀOHVDQGVRUWVWKHP
using a range of different criteria, so
you’ll never get your media in a mess.
Keep an ebook library
6 Now that you can read
ebooks on your phone, on an
ebook reader or on your PC screen it
helps to have a central place to store
your library. Calibre (www.calibre-
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ebook.com) enables you to store your
collection, get online information
DERXW\RXUERRNVDQGÀQGQHZFRYHUV
It supports a wide range of ereaders
and is invaluable if you love reading.
Check out hot trends
7 WDQWWRÀQGWRGD\·VPRVW
popular news stories, videos,
images and jokes? What the Trend
(www.whatthetrend.com) explains the
most popular hashtags on Twitter. You
can check trends by country, and see
related news stories. It’s a great way to
experience what’s being discussed
online right now.
Play retro arcade games
8 Do you remember Pong?
What about Breakout or
Asteroids? You can recapture the magic
of these retro arcade titles by visiting
$WDUL·VRIÀFLDOVLWHDWZZZDWDULFRP
arcade and playing the games online in
your browser. Some have been subtly
updated in places, but the old thrills
are still there.
Print without paper
9 Save paper by ‘printing’ web
SDJHVDV3')ÀOHV*RWR3')
my URL (www.pdfmyurl.com) to
convert any page on the web to a PDF
ÀOHWKDW\RXFDQRSHQRQDQ\3&-XVW
visit the site, enter the URL of the page
you want and click the ‘P’ button to
download it and open it in your default
PDF application.
Learn to draw
10 Have you always wanted to
draw well, but never managed
to learn how? Drawspace (www.
drawspace.com) provides an online
course with dozens of exercises and
lessons that you can follow in the
comfort of your own home, at a pace
that suits you. There are also forums
where you can discuss your work and
ask for feedback.
 WorldMags.net

Get your
11 dream job
Job Spice (www.jobspice.com) offers an
online résumé application that helps you put
together a job-winning CV. Start by typing
LQ\RXUSHUVRQDOLQIRUPDWLRQWKHQFOLFNµ$GG
QHZVHFWLRQ¶DQGHQWHU\RXUTXDOL¾FDWLRQV
and any relevant work experience. Once
you’ve completed all the sections you want
WRLQFOXGHFOLFNµ6W\OHV¶DQGVHOHFWDSDJH
design that you’d like to use (remember to
NHHSLWVLPSOHWKRXJK<RXFDQSULQWRUOLQN
to your CV when you’re done. You can even
download it as a PDF as well.

Keep yourself
12 in the know
Social Mention (www.socialmention.com) is
a great site that tells you how often a certain
topic or person has been mentioned on the
world’s most popular sites and social
networks. You can even run separate search
VWULQJVIRUHDFKVSHFL¾FQHWZRUN7RGRWKLV
simply enter your search term or terms and
then select the sphere that you want to
VHDUFK±VRWKLVFRXOGEHEORJVPLFUREORJV
video or audio-based networks. The results
that Social Mention generates include actual
PHQWLRQVDQGHYHQUDWLQJVWRR

Quick tips
Create wordsearches
13 Make wordsearches for the
kids with the great tool at
KWWSELWO\4QD(QWHUDWLWOHDQGD
list of words, then click ‘Create puzzle’.

Get tech advice

14 For hardware reviews, tips
and recommendations,
there’s nowhere better than TechRadar
(www.techradar.com).

Be a mixologist
15 Do you know how to make a
Rusty Nail or a Horse’s Neck?
Drinks Mixer (www.drinksmixer.com)
provides a mix of top cocktail recipes.

Collect coins
16 *et started with coin
collecting by visiting 2 Clicks
Coins (www.2-clicks-coins.com). It’s a
reference for antique and rare coins,
and offers plenty of advice, too.

Relax with white noise

17 RainyMood (www.rainymood.
com) provides a 15-minute
loop of restful, soothing background
noise to help you relax or meditate.
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 WorldMags.net

Share
and enjoy
Find new ways to help others while keeping secure online.
Discover amazing new tools and share them with friends

Don’t get robbed

18 It’s all too easy to share a little
too much on social networks.
Moodstream will make working
at your home PC much easier

Please Rob Me (www.pleaserobme.

com) is a service designed to raise
awareness of giving away too much
about your movements on social
networks. It uses real examples from
Twitter to show how people
inadvertently tell the world when
they’ve left home.

Find free audiobooks

19 If you like audiobooks,
Books Should Be Free (www.
booksshouldbefree.com) is essential.
It provides a catalogue of free, legally
downloadable audiobooks that have
passed out of copyright and been
recorded for free use. You can
download them in MP3 format.
Join a network of foodies
20 If you’ve ever chatted about
food or cooking on Twitter or
Facebook, why not take it to a new
level and join a food social network?
similar conditions for support. It helps
\RXÀQGWUHDWPHQWVDQGZD\VWR
manage a variety of symptoms and
illnesses. Sometimes it just helps to talk
to people who have similar issues to
know you’re not alone.
Type faster
23 Typing repetitive items like
addresses and names can be
Find local online radio
25 Internet radio stations aren’t
DOZD\VHDV\WRÀQGEXW7XQH,Q
PDNHVLWHDV\*RWRKWWSWXQHLQFRP
and search for local radio stations by
entering a location. Click ‘Listen’ to
stream a chosen station live to your
computer from the net. There are
hundreds to choose from.

Bake Space (www.bakespace.com) WLUHVRPH7H[WHUDYDLODEOHIURPKWWS $QQRWDWHSKRWRV

includes a huge recipe database and
IRUXPVIRUGLVFXVVLRQ%HQHÀWIURPWKH
advice of other members and improve
your own cooking.
Support an entrepreneur
21 Make a real difference to
someone in a developing
nation by investing in their business.
Kiva (www.kiva.org) connects you with
entrepreneurs who need a helping
hand. You can make small donations to
help get new businesses started or join
a team of lenders for bigger loans. If
the business is successful, you’ll get
your money back.
Find support
22 Few people get through life
without a medical problem at
some time. Patients Like Me (www.
patientslikeme.com) links people with
ELWO\Y3:\LVDVLPSOHSURJUDPWKDW
helps speed the process up. Provide a
list of phrases or blocks of text that you
use regularly and enter a short name
or tag for each one. When you enter
the name and press a trigger key like
[Enter] or [Tab], the name is replaced
by the full text.
Create a media centre
24 Turn Windows 8 into a media
centre that records and
manages TV shows and more. All you
need is a TV tuner card and the
Windows Media Center add-on, which
\RXFDQÀQGE\VHDUFKLQJIRU¶$GG
features to Windows 8’. Opt to buy a
product key online and select
‘Windows 8 Media Center Pack’.
Alternatively, there’s MediaPortal,
which is available for free from www.
team-mediaportal.com.
26 Make your pictures more
informative by adding labels.
*RWRZZZIRWRWDJJHUFRPDQG
register to use the site. Now you can
upload one of your pictures and tag it
with simple text annotations. You can
then export the newly edited picture
or share it online. It’s a great way to
explain holiday snaps to your family.
Play music to
27 suit your mood
IW·VQRWDOZD\VHDV\WRÀQG
background music that matches your
mood or, more importantly, helps to
get you in the right frame of mind.
0RRGVWUHDPKWWSPRRGVWUHDP
gettyimages.com) can help. You can
select from eight preset moods or set
the sliders to generate your ambient
stream. If you register you can create
and save mood boards for later.

10
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WorldMags.net

Fly to
33 the moon
Get the next best thing to a real lunar trip
ZLWK0RRQ$URXQGHUKWWSPRRQDURXQGHU
FRP(QMR\DQDPD]LQJYLUWXDOWRXUZLWK
360° panoramic photos. These photographs
ZHUHWDNHQRQDFWXDOOXQDUPLVVLRQV
enabling you to truly experience the surface
RIWKHPRRQDVVHHQE\WKHFUHZVRI$SROOR
$SROORDQG$SROOR<RXFDQ]RRP
LQSDQDQGWLOW\RXUZD\DFURVVWKHVH
stunning images of space exploration.
<RXFDQH[DPLQHPRRQURFNVOXQDUEXJJLHV
DQGODQGLQJPRGXOHVWRR

ENJOY
YOUR PC
More tips and
advice to keep
you amused

28 Check the 32 Watch

weather movies
Before you venture Open your own
RXWFKHFNWKHORFDO YLGHRVRUFRQQHFWWR
weather. On the Start Xbox video or
VFUHHQXVHWKH Spotlight to watch
Weather charm for the latest movies on
an hourly forecast. your Start screen.

&KHFNWUDI¾F
conditions 31 Manage your
Select the Maps
app from the Start appointments
screen. Right-click Take control of your changing schedule with
DQGVHOHFWµ0\ this top app. You need to be signed in to a
location > Show 0LFURVRIWDFFRXQWWRXVHLW:KHQODXQFKHG
WUDI¾F¶IRUPRUHLQIR it shows you the current month and any
upcoming events. Select any day to add an
DSSRLQWPHQW3URYLGHDWLWOHHQWHUWKHVWDUW
29 View photos time and set the length of the appointment.
Gather photos from
8QGHUµ:KHUH¶HQWHUWKHORFDWLRQ±FOLFN
FRQQHFWHGGHYLFHV
µ0RUH¶WRUH¾QHLW+HUH\RXFDQDGGORWVRI
6N\GULYH)OLFNUDQG
LQIRUPDWLRQZKHWKHUWRUHFHLYHDUHPLQGHURU
Facebook into one
who to invite. To keep the appointment
slick interface with
SULYDWHWLFNWKHµ3ULYDWH¶ER[<RXFDQWKHQ
this extremely handy
click the save icon to safely store it away.
Start screen app.
WorldMags.net 11
 WorldMags.net
Unleash your
creativity
Publish photos, make paper models or say hello to a virtual
ZKDOH)LQGQHZZD\VWRVWUHWFKDQG¾UH\RXULPDJLQDWLRQ
Create T-shirts and mugs
34 Produce your own T-shirts for
a party or run off a
customised mug for a friend. CafePress
(www.cafepress.co.uk) enables you to
make and sell clothing, gifts and other
items bearing your own design or
image. You can upload a design or
composition and get them reproduced
on a wide range of merchandise.
Convert tapes
35 and records
Why leave LPs and cassettes
languishing on the shelf when you can
turn them into pristine MP3s?
Download and install Audacity from
KWWSDXGDFLW\VRXUFHIRUJHQHW
connect your old record player or tape
deck to your PC’s line in socket (for
best results use a USB converter) and
record the playback. Audacity enables
you to edit and save the results as a
:$9RU03ÀOH
Print stamps
36 It can be a long way to the
QHDUHVWSRVWRIÀFH6DYH
yourself the walk by printing your own
postage stamps online. Browse over to
www.royalmail.com and click the
button ‘Buy postage online’. You’ll
12
need to register an account and pay by
card – you can then print postage onto
stickers, paper or envelopes.
Create a photo diary
37 Blipfoto (www.blipfoto.com) is
a really useful photo diary
service. You’re restricted to one image
per day and the date stamp on the
SKRWRÀOHKDVWRPDWFKWKHGD\\RX·UH
uploading it for. These restrictions help
you produce a real and meaningful
record of events.
Control a friend’s PC
38 *et around the issue of
understanding a PC problem
described over the phone by seeing
the screen directly. Install TeamViewer
(www.teamviewer.com) on both
computers and get your friend to grant
you access by reading the ID and
password. You can then control their
computer while talking on the phone.
Make paper models
39 This is a great way to keep
kids entertained on rainy days.
Canon’s papercraft site provides a
number of downloadable and
printable models. To get started, go to
KWWSELWO\G$'N4DQGVHOHFWWKH
Preserve your LPs with Audacity
WorldMags.net
model you want to use. Download and
print it, then follow the assembly
instructions to build it.
)LQGDIIRUGDEOH¿LJKWV
40 Kayak’s explore feature
LQFOXGHVPDSVWRKHOS\RXÀQG
out where you can afford to go within
DSDUWLFXODUEXGJHWÁ\LQJLQD
VSHFLÀHGPRQWK*RWRZZZND\DN
FRPH[SORUHDQGHQWHU\RXUORFDO
airport in the box marked ‘Explore
from’. Use the slider to set your budget
and pick the month you want to travel.
Learn and practice
41 a foreign language
Digital Dialects (www.
digitaldialects.com) is an excellent
resource for learning foreign language
vocabulary. It provides a wide range of
languages. Select the one you want to
learn, followed by a particular topic.
You can learn the words, phrases and
pronunciation and then test yourself
with some fun games and tests.
Witness the
42 miracle of birth
Mare Stare (www.marestare.
com) provides a large number of live
webcams that monitor mares and
other animals that are ready to give
birth. It’s not always possible for
owners to keep a eye on their animals,
so this service helps by broadcasting
monitoring cameras online. Anyone
can go and have a look and if you see
a horse in trouble, you can call the
listed number to report it.
Sing karaoke
43 Cantanding (www.cantanding.
com) is a specialised search
engine that looks for karaoke versions
of songs hosted on YouTube and other
video-based websites. Enter the artist
DQGRUVRQJWLWOHDQGFOLFNDUHVXOWWR
get a backing track and even some
handy lyrics, too.
 WorldMags.net

Explore a
44 virtual whale
*RWRKWWSELWO\NGPFTDQG\RX¶OOVHHDQ
DPD]LQJOLIHVL]HPRGHORIDZKDOHZKLFK
you can move around and explore in greater
detail. The little red rectangle that appears
in the preview on the top-right shows the
area that’s currently displayed. To see a
GLIIHUHQWSDUWRIWKHZKDOHVLPSO\FOLFNDQG
drag it to get a closer look. The detail is crisp
and incredibly pleasing and you get a
¿RDWLQJHIIHFWZKHQ\RX¶UHQRWGUDJJLQJ
that makes your view slowly drift as if you
were actually underwater.

Read some
45 world news
9LVLWKWWSQHZVPDSMSWRYLHZPDMRUQHZV
VWRULHVDQGDVVHVVWKHLULPSRUWDQFHEDVHG
on the numbers of related articles on each
VSHFL¾FVWRU\7KLVUHDOO\XVHIXOZHEVLWHXVHV
VHDUFKHQJLQHGDWDWR¾QGQHZVDQGUHODWHG
VWRULHVWKHQSUHVHQWVHYHU\WKLQJLQD
FRORXUIXOµZDOO¶IRU\RXWRSHUXVHDQGHQMR\
The size of each block relates to its number
RIUHODWHGDUWLFOHVJLYLQJ\RXHDV\DFFHVVWR
trending stories. The background colour also
connects articles with similar topics. Just
hover over a headline to see more details.

Quick tips
Learn a new skill
46 Videos are a useful way to
discover new skills. Woopid
(www.woopid.com) provides a
searchable range of training videos.

Write upside down

47 If you want to post on forums
or social networks using
upside down text, go to www.
upsidedowntext.com and get posting!

Detect changes to a site

48 Some sites don’t update
regularly. Change Detection
(www.changedetection.com) sends you
DQHPDLOQRWLÀFDWLRQDVVRRQWKH\GR

Create a scrapbook
49 Computer Scrapbook (www.
computerscrapbook.com)
provides several free kits to get you
started with photo scrapbooking.

Find photos to use

50 MRUJXHÀOHZZZPRUJXHÀOH
com) provides a catalogue of
pictures that are searchable by
keyword. They are cheap to buy and
use however you like. Q
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 WorldMags.net LIVE
BUCKET LIST

Have a
smash hit
Realise your musical
dreams with these top
gadgets and apps

YouTube
FREE
It might be full of
cats playing music,
but YouTube is still
the most popular
place to post a video.
www.youtube.com

W
ith the rise of free
video and music
sharing sites like
SoundCloud and
YouTube, you don’t
have to audition for TV
shows like the The Voice
or The X Factor to have a chance of realising
your pop-tastic potential. All you need is Samson
a few key bits of tech, a decent piece of Meteor USB
recording software and just a splash of that Microphone
all-important talent. £78 | $150
This month, we bring together just some This top mic will
of the gadgets that can transform you from work with most
music software.
a regular Joe to the next big thing. Q
www.samsontech.com

Tascam DR-05 START A

Portable MUSICAL
Recorder
£90 | $180 CAREER
This gadget is great Gadgets and
for recording from a sites to help you
mic or instrument. ÀQG\RXULQQHU
http://tascam.com pop idol

BEST
APP FOR
POP STAR
Capture your
musical talent
with this app

Soundrivin
FREE
With this great app,
you can browse
SoundCloud for tracks
or record and upload
your own creations to
share with friends.
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2

16
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WorldMags.net
3
BE THE BEST
Become a
6
gaming god
If you love playing games,
WKLVNLWZLOOKHOS\RX¾JKWRU
H[SORUH\RXUZD\WRYLFWRU\
Qpad QH-85
Rather than scaring your
1 neighbours with an almighty
surround speaker setup, try these
headphones from Qpad. They include
8 a mic too, so you can scream at your
teammates in multiplayer sessions.
£71 | $150 www.qpad.com
XMG P530
Gaming laptops are quickly
2 catching up with their desktop
counterparts in performance terms,
and this 15.6-inch unit is a perfect
example of what you can get for your
money. It’s fully customisable too, so
you can take your pick from a raft of
upgrades when you place your order.
£1,099 | $na www.mysn.co.uk
Corsair Vengeance M95
If you prefer thinking to
3 shooting, you might appreciate
the M95 mouse, which is designed for
MMO (massively multiplayer online)
and RTS (real time strategy) titles.
You can even create custom button
setups for individual games.
£70 | $80 www.corsair.com
Nvidia 3D Vision
To make your favourite games
4 really immersive, why not try
playing them in 3D? To do this, you’ll
need to upgrade your PC’s graphics
with 3D capability. This stereoscopic
3D Vision kit from Nvidia will do just
that, and it works with over 500 games
and 3D Blu-ray movies.
£110 | $130 www.nvidia.com
WorldMags.net
LIVE
Alienware X51
Gaming laptops are great, but
5 sometimes there’s no substitute
for a big screen and the comfort of
sitting at a desk. This Alienware X51
gaming PC is perfect if that’s your
preferred style of play, and costs a lot
less than an equivalent laptop.
£600 | $700 www.dell.com
Corsair Force GT
Adding an SSD (solid state drive)
6 is an easy way to speed up any
PC, whether it’s for better in-game
performance, or just to get it to boot
faster. It can either supplement your
PC’s mechanical hard drive or replace
it completely. This Corsair Force GT
is perfect for the task and comes in a
range of sizes up to a huge 480GB.
£110 | $130 (120GB) www.corsair.com
BenQ XL2411T
If you decide to upgrade your
7 PC with the Nvidia 3D Vision kit,
you’ll need a 3D monitor, too. This
24-inch display from BenQ should do
the trick. With a Full HD screen, 1ms
response time, and – of course – 3D
compatibility, it’s a great way to get
the most from your games.
£240 | $500 www.benq.com
Corsair Vengeance K70
If you have lightening-fast
8 UH¿H[HV\RX¶OODSSUHFLDWHD
keyboard that can keep up. The Corsair
K70 has [W][A][S][D] keys that feel
different to the rest, ensuring you can
get to the important controls easily,
and the fully mechanical keys means
that presses register faster than ever.
£120 | $130 www.corsair.com
17
WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.netDESIRE
TECH STYLE

Mower droid
The best-looking lawn tamer
to date takes the effort out of
¾JKWLQJVXPPHU¶VWXUIZDU

Honda Miimo
HRM500
The Honda Miimo HRM500 is visibly
²DQGDXGLEO\²LQÁXHQFHGE\LWV$6,02
URERWDQGVKRXOGEHOHWORRVHRQ\RXU
JUHHQVZDUGDFRXSOHRIWLPHVDZHHN
8VLQJDIDQWRVXFNWKHJUDVVWRZDUGVLWV
ÁH[LEOHVWHHOEODGHVLWSURGXFHV
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MXVWOHWWKHPPXOFKEDFNLQWRWKHVRLO
$QGPRUHLPSRUWDQWO\LW·VTXLHWWRR
£2,235 | $tba www.honda.com
WorldMags.net 19
 WorldMags.net
SONY VAIO
DUO 13
£1,300 | $1,400
The Sony Vaio Duo 13 is an
excellent product and probably
the best hybrid Ultrabook/tablet
device we’ve seen, but with such
a hefty price tag it’s still not
enough to convince us to
make the switch.
www.sony.com
RATED

Is this the
ultimate
hybrid?
Has Sony managed to
combine the best of every
device with the Vaio Duo 13?

I
ntel’s brand new
Haswell processors
(also known as
fourth generation
Core processors)
bring little to the
table for desktop
PCs, but include a number of
improvements for mobile devices. To
coincide with Intel’s new chips, Sony
has launched a refreshed lineup of Vaio
Ultrabooks, which includes the new
Duo 13 model.
It’s the immediate successor to the
Sony Vaio Duo 11, which served as a
decent attempt to bring the power and
comfort (especially when typing and
working) of an Ultrabook with the
simplicity and convenience of using a bring the downsides of each platform
tablet device. with them as well – and these
But how much of an improvement downsides can often be more apparent
over the Sony Vaio Duo 11 is the Vaio WKDQWKHEHQHÀWV7KLVPHDQV\RXJHWD
Duo 13, and how does it compete with tablet-like device that’s hobbled with
other convertible hybrids such as the the low battery life of a laptop and the
Dell XPS 10 or the Acer Aspire R7? One high price tag of an Ultrabook, while
of the biggest challenges faced by the having a laptop-like device with the
Sony Duo 13 – along with many of its small and often poor screen of a tablet.
hybrid competitors – is the criticism With the Vaio Due 13, has Sony
that it’s a Jack of all trades, but a managed to construct a device that
master of none. genuinely transcends the faults of its
While hybrids are supposed to competitors (and its own past models)
contain the best features of laptops, and create a hybrid whose whole is
Ultrabooks and tablets, they often greater than the sum of its parts?

20
WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net
The Haswell
processor in the
Sony Vaio Duo 13
helps it maintain a
great battery life
Thankfully, there have been a
number of improvements between the
Sony Duo 13 and the Sony Duo 11. The
most visible difference is the screen,
which has been increased from 11
inches to 13.3. As with the Sony Duo
WKHVFUHHQORRNVJUHDWEHQHÀWWLQJ
from a full 1080p resolution that makes
Windows 8 look superb. The bigger
screen also means that the desktop
side of Windows 8 is easier to use,
especially when using the touchscreen
on non-touchscreen optimised menus
amd windows. Within the Modern UI,
the touchscreen also works great. The
WorldMags.net
DESIRE
increase in screen real estate inevitably
means that the Sony Duo 13 is larger
than the Duo 11, with dimensions of
0.77 x 12.99 x 8.27 inches. With a few
features shifted about it means that
while the screen is a fair amount larger,
the whole size of the Duo 13 isn’t that
much bigger than the Duo 11. It only
weights slightly more, at 2.93 pounds,
but it’s still comfortable to hold.
Battery boost
Another headline improvement is that
battery life has been increased from
the Duo 11’s rather paltry four hours,
to a potential 10 hours of use. A large
part of this increase in battery life is
thanks to Intel’s new Haswell processor,
ZKLFKLVIDUPRUHHIÀFLHQWLQLWVXVHRI
power. With the Duo 11 you could buy
a separate battery pack which would
almost double the battery life, but
would also make the Duo 11 much
heavier and more cumbersome. With
this in mind, the doubling of potential
battery life with just a small increase to
the overall weight of the machine is
GHÀQLWHO\LPSUHVVLYH
The longer battery life has been
much vaunted, and is certainly an
improvement. With a full hi-def movie
playing on a loop, we saw the
battery drain in four hours and 47
21
 WorldMags.net
Fresh Paint
FREE
The Sony Vaio Duo
13’s stylus pen is 3 APPS
perfect for playing TO TRY
around with this Keep yourself
great painting app amused
– so get creative! on the move

Bing Translator Power DVD

FREE Mobile
Overcome the £10.99 | $14.99
language barrier with Get the most out of
this top app. Use the Sony Duo 13’s
your camera, voice or beautiful screen, with
keyboard to have a the essential Power
phrase translated. DVD Mobile app.

Larger screen
The large full 1080p
HD screen looks
fantastic and makes
watching your
favourite movies and
playing games a
real pleasure.

Stylus holder
The Vaio Duo 13 also
includes a stylus
holder (something
that was missing
from the Duo 11). It
keeps the digital pen
safe when not in use.

New Intel
processor
The main driving
force behind this
hardware refresh is
the powerful fourth
generation Haswell
processor from Intel.

Increased
battery life
Even if you’re
watching Full HD
movies or playing
games, the battery
life in the Duo 13 is
more than reliable.

Track pad
The larger size of the
Duo 13 allows a
proper trackpad to
be included in its
design – just like
those normally found
on standard laptops.

22
WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net DESIRE

minutes, a far cry from the 10 hours Toshiba

advertised, but still pretty good TRY IT Stor.E Canvio
considering the stress the benchmark VERDICT WITH £68.42 | $124.99
This light and
puts the Sony Duo 13 through. For
THESE super-fast USB 3.0
lighter use, you should see battery life
closer to the one advertised. A highly-priced Great tech for
your new Sony
external drive is a
perfect companion
Elsewhere, the Sony Duo 13 comes
hybrid that works
Vaio Duo 13 when using the Sony
with a full HD web camera, using Vaio Duo 13. It’s easy
Exmor RS technology, built-in Wireless to carry when you’re

brilliantly with
N, Bluetooth, a MS/SD card reader, two out and about, and
it’ll save you from
USB 3.0 ports, headphone and ¾OOLQJXSWKH'XR

Windows 8
microphone jacks and an HDMI out 13’s hard drive too
port. The Duo 13 drops the VGA port quickly, thanks to the
of the Duo 11, but comes with a HDMI extra storage space
WR9*$DGDSWHU,WDOVRVDFULÀFHVWKH this device offers.
Ethernet port – although a handy www.toshiba.com
Ethernet to Wi-Fi adapter is included.
Sony MDR-1R
Improved performance and Ultrabook modes (known as Surf Prestige
So do the improvements in Slider design) has been improved and headphones
VSHFLÀFDWLRQVWUDQVODWHWRDQLQFUHDVH is much easier to use than the Duo 11. £183.58 | $381.55
in performance? Simply put, yes – the It can even be done one-handed, The Sony Vaio Duo
Sony Duo 13 is a superb two-in-one which is very impressive. When you’re 13 comes with
tablet. From hibernation, the Duo 13 working in Ultrabook mode the larger built-in NFC tech
(otherwise known as
wakes up and loads Windows 8 in a body really comes into its own, and the
Near Field
matter of seconds. This speedy comfortably-sized keyboard is very Communication).
wakeup can be attributed to both responsive. Another good sign is that These headphones Sony VGP-CK2
Windows 8 and Intel’s powerful new WKHÀGGO\WUDFNEXWWRQRIWKH'XR connect to the Duo Slipcover for
Haswell mobile processor, but it’s still has been ditched in favour of a proper 13 by simply VAIO Duo 13
impressive and implemented well by laptop trackpad, which makes using touching the device PRICE TBA
Sony. Even when booting from cold, the Duo 13 far easier. However, while – you don’t even Keep your new Duo
need to plug them in 13 protected with
Windows 8 only takes around eight using the device in Ultrabook mode,
to enjoy your music! Sony’s new slipcover
seconds to load up. we felt that the screen tilted slightly www.sony.com design. It’s been
The increased screen size is perfect too far back for comfort, and there’s specially designed
IRUZDWFKLQJÀOPVDQGHGLWLQJSKRWRV no easy way to adjust it. for this new hybrid,
with particularly impressive colours Thanks to the new processor, plenty VRLW¶VDSHUIHFW¾WIRU
and contrast thanks to Sony’s clear of RAM (in the model we tested it was your new device.
experience in visual technology. The 4GB of DDR3) and a solid state drive, Sony hasn’t released
size of the Duo 13, however, makes it Windows 8 and its various apps ran a price for this
RI¾FLDOSURGXFWMXVW
far less portable than other tablets. smoothly and quickly, with barely a yet, but check Sony’s
The unique sliding mechanism for pause or hiccup. However, there’s no website for updates.
switching between the Duo 13’s tablet avoiding that huge price tag. Q www.sony.com
WorldMags.net 23
 WorldMags.net
NOKIA LUMIA
925
…_
A great looking smartphone
with an excellent camera and
pre-installed apps, but it’s not
different enough from last year’s
Lumia 920 to appeal to us.
www.nokia.com
RATED

The best
snapper
around
The Nokia Lumia 925 is a
brilliant cameraphone, but still
leaves something to be desired
oNLDKDVEHHQ

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LQWHUQDOVWRUDJHERWKVXIIHULQJDVD SHUVSHFWLYH1RNLD·V6PDUW&DPHUD

24
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25
 WorldMags.net
Smart Camera
Use the Smart
Camera app to take
10 pictures in a row,
then choose from a
number of stunning Swapchat
effects to really bring TRY IT 99p | $1.29
them to life.
WITH $QXQRI¾FLDODSS
that brings the fun
THESE of Swapchat’s unique
*HWWKHPRVW photo conversations
IURP\RXUQHZ to your Windows
VPDUWSKRQH Phone handset.

YouTube HD
Free
Windows Phone
VWLOOODFNVDQRI¾FLDO
YouTube app, but
this is the next best
thing, with full access
to the site’s videos.

Weather Flow
£1.49 | $1.99
At a glance The best weather
The Nokia Lumia 925 app on Windows
features a semi- Phone. Not only does
permanent clock that it bring accurate and
allows you to glance relevant info, it looks
for the time without stunning too.
having to turn the
phone on.

Anodised body
Nokia has brought a
touch of aluminium
to its Lumia range,
but only around the
edges – the rest of
the chassis is made
of polycarbonate.

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Apart from its
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&DPHUDWRROZLOOVRRQEHFRPLQJWR excellent camera,
the 925 feels like a
WKH/XPLDZKLFKLVDURXQG…
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phone from 2012
ODXQFKLQJDQHZKDQGVHW Q

26
WorldMags.net
 I N T E R A C T I V E D I G I TA L E D I T I O N
WorldMags.net
Subscribe on
Windows Store and
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WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net
TOSHIBA
WT310
£1,090 | $1,457
The Toshiba WT310 does
have many redeeming qualities,
EXWVRPHVHULRXV¿DZVDQGD
KHIW\SULFHWDJSODFHVLWZHOO
behind competitors like the
Microsoft Surface Pro.
RATED www.toshiba.com

A true
business
tablet?
The Toshiba WT310
– the Windows 8 tablet
with identity issues
he WT310 is

T
Toshiba’s answer to
the Microsoft
Surface Pro, but to
even try and
compare the two
devices would be
foolish. Where the Surface Pro is the
GHÀQLWLRQRIXWLOLWDULDQHIÀFLHQF\ZLWK
LWVÀ[HGVSHFVDQGFOHDQFXW
magnesium body, the WT310 has been
designed from the start to be one of
WKHPRVWÁH[LEOH:LQGRZV3UR
tablets you can buy.
Designed for the business and
education market, the WT310 can be
customised with any conceivable form
of storage – including the Intel i5
Haswell series – which makes it a very because it has been built for work, it
serious contender to not only the should also look about as interesting as
Surface Pro, but to many of the a doorstop. The tablet is almost
premium Windows 8 tablets out there. exclusively made from plastic, useful
But simply offering a specs list is rarely considering it already weighs in at
enough and many Windows 8 tablets J²DQGZKLOHWKDW·VGHÀQLWHO\OHVV
in the past have followed a trend of than the Surface Pro, we would have
being impractically underpowered/ accepted the weight gain for an
overpowered and frustrating to carry. increase in build quality.
In some respects the WT310 addresses While the overall feel has been built
these concerns, but in others it to clearly withstand the daily commute,
becomes a frustratingly old story. it makes for an unpleasant holding
Lets get one thing out of the way H[SHULHQFHZLWKWKHEDFNSODWHÁH[LQJ
right now, the WT310 is no looker, inwards to an alarming degree. Large
continuing the illusion that just vented ports on the top, side and

28
WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net
bottom help pump air around, keeping
WKDWVWDWHRIWKHDUWIRXUWKJHQHUDWLRQ
Intel i5 processor cool. The home
button is large and easily accessible
and while it doesn’t feel great, it does
certainly look like it’ll last.
Plenty of power
One of the reasons there is such a large
air vent at the top is the specs, and in
this area the WT310 really comes into
LWVRZQ:HWHVWHGWKH:7
which is the highest specced version
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With a 3MP camera on the back and a
1MP camera on the front, this is
surprisingly low, considering the
competition and in use it really shows.
Underneath the ocean of plastic,
there’s an extremely capable i5
processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of
SSD putting it up against not only the
Surface Pro but also some of the better
WorldMags.net
DESIRE
Ultrabooks out there (as well as the
Apple MacBook Air). Of course, what’s
important to remember is that these
specs come at a price, making the
:7DVHULRXVLQYHVWPHQW
All is not lost however, as adorning
WKHIURQWWKHUH·VDLQFK)XOO+'
LED display. Colours are impressively
recreated with extremely dark blacks,
but what it can boast in quality it lacks
in true brightness, making it extremely
GLIÀFXOWWRXVHLQDQ\VRUWRIVXQOLJKW
News isn’t any rosier when it comes to
audio either; despite having two
speakers on the bottom, the WT310
sounds awful with volume levels being
extremely low. It’s as if more of the
sound is directed into the device,
causing a tinny distortion to occur
whenever they’re pushed even slightly.
In truth, the WT310 hasn’t been
created as the ultimate entertainment
centre; instead, it’s about having a truly
SRUWDEOHRIÀFHVROXWLRQDQGLQWKHVH
respects it certainly ticks many of the
boxes. Pen support is present, but to
JHWDEXLOWLQKROGHUZLOOFRVW\RXH[WUD
Windows 8 Pro means you’ll be able to
UXQIXOOYHUVLRQVRI2IÀFHZLWKRXWLW
breaking a sweat, and Intel AppUp
provides you with an app store for
apps that’ll run optimised on their
processor. Connectivity is also
excellent, with a mini HDMI, USB 3.0,
SD Card and Bluetooth 4.0 all present
and correct. One thing to note is the
sound of the fan; even when
SHUIRUPLQJDSSDUHQWO\ORZOHYHOWDVNV
the WT310 is by no means a quiet
tablet with the fan making
considerably more noise than your
29
 WorldMags.net
3RUWDEOHSRZHU
$SRZHUIXOIRXUWK

3 APPS generation Intel Core

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Turbo Boost means TO TRY
you’ll get 2.0GHz of Get even more
processing grunt to from your
KDYHIXQZLWK Toshiba WT310

6N\1HZV
FREE
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and opinion via Sky’s
H[FHOOHQW:LQGRZV
DSSZLWKKLJK
quality video and
large images.

Full HD Display Great

Toshiba have packed British Chefs
in their TruBrite FREE
11.6-inch Full HD, Over 300 recipes
/('GLVSOD\ZLWKDQ from some of
DQWLUH¿HFWLYHDQG Britain’s best chefs,
DQWL¾QJHUSULQW WRJHWKHUZLWKVRPH
FRDWLQJDVZHOO beautiful photos.

1HW¿L[
£6 | $8 per month
Make the most of the
WT310’s Full-HD
GLVSOD\ZLWK1HW¿L[
ZKLFKRIIHUV+'
streaming for a
monthly fee.

0RELOHRI¾FH
Connectivity is vital
for any user so
there’s a micro HMDI
port on hand along
ZLWK%OXHWRRWK
and a USB 3.0 port
for peripherals.

average Ultrabook. Place it somewhere

between an Xbox 360 and a MacBook
Air in terms of noise.
VERDICT
,VWKLVDFRPSOHWHWUDLQZUHFNWKHQ"
In all honesty, we can see the WT310
being a faithful companion to any
The WT310 can’t
travelling businessman or woman, and
the impressive specs sheet and a sturdy be faulted for
versatility, but it
– but uninspiring – shell means it Featherlight
should certainly last. Our argument, Weighing in at only
however, is why pay this much money 825g, the WT310
for what appears to be increased
portability at the cost of a loud fan,
features an
ultra-light plastic
shell and for better
lacks usability
poor sound and a screen that could do RUIRUZRUVHLWPDNHV
with being a great deal brighter. Q it incredibly portable.

30
WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net
Discover Britain’s
biggest and best
photo magazine…

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 WorldMags.net
DELL XPS 18
RATED
The ultimate
tablet for
the home
The Dell XPS 18 isn’t your
average tablet – it’s really
an all-in-one PC in disguise
he XPS 18’s main
T
problem is one of
perception. We
think of desktop
PCs and we think of
tablets. The two can
sometimes meet,
but we don’t tend to think of them
possibly being the same device.
The XPS 18, then, will come as an
alien concept to many. It’s a complete
PC in the form of a tablet with a huge
Full HD 1080p 18-inch screen, but
when you start using it you’ll realise –
as we did – that it’s actually a great
home PC. Why? Because it’s a machine
that you can use as both a traditional
desktop computer (a wireless mouse
and keyboard are supplied in the box),
and a portable device you can take
round the house wherever you like.
Want to browse the web on the
coffee table? You can do that. In the
kitchen and want to watch a cookery
show on TV or follow a recipe online?
No problem, there are two fold-out
legs on the rear of the device that prop
it up when you’re not near the main
stand, and can also tilt it at an angle
LI\RX·UHXVLQJLW¶ÁDW·RQDVXUIDFH
The weighty desk stand acts as a
charging base station but offers no
extra connectivity; everything is on the
32
£920 | $1,319
Nothing is perfect, but the spec
of this touchscreen Ultrabook
is impressive with its extra
graphics, generous storage
and optional HD screen – and
it’s still not too pricey.
www.dell.com
side of the XPS 18, including USB
ports and a memory card reader.
Serious performance
Dell clearly sees the XPS 18 as a PC
that will suit anyone – there are three
versions of it available, ranging from
the £899/$900 4GB Intel Core i3
version to the £999/$1,000 Core i5
YDULDQWDQGÀQDOO\D…&RUHL
version in the UK. Both of the latter
models come with 8GB of memory
and, as is the Dell way, all can be
customised when you order from
the Dell website.
We were sent the most
SRZHUIXO&RUHLYHUVLRQ
for our review, and found it
to be extremely snappy and
responsive. The integrated Intel
HD 4000 graphics chip isn’t the
best – especially if you’re paying
this kind of money – but we could
play older or mainstream games
WorldMags.net
 DESIRE
WorldMags.net

Adobe
Photoshop
Express
FREE
Edit your photos to
perfection with this
replacement for the
Photos app.

FlipToast
TRY IT FREE

WITH &RPSUHVV¾OHVRQ
your PC or from
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Make the most Drive and SkyDrive,
of your Windows then share them
PC at home with anyone!

without issue. We found that the
new SimCity played smoothly at full
resolution provided we had the effects
WXUQHGGRZQZKLFKZDVÀQH
The 1080p screen itself is wonderful,
DQG:LQGRZVDSSVORRNWHUULÀFRQLW
If you’re looking for a device for casual
browsing – checking the news, looking
up the weather – it’s hard to beat the
experience you get here.
Battery-drainer
As it’s a portable device, we should
also talk about battery life. There was
still plenty of charge left after watching
Great British
DÀOPLQ)XOO+'EXWRXULQWHQVLYH Chefs
battery benchmark test yielded a poor FREE
result of just over two hours. Still, it Excellent recipes
VKRXOGEHÀQHIRUKRPHXVH²ZH ideal for the XPS 18
reckon you’ll get four hours or so of – just take it to the
fairly standard use between charges. kitchen and follow
along!
The XPS 18 is a very solid device, but
the price will be a problem for many
potential buyers. We don’t think it’s
obscene, but at over twice the cost of
a tablet (or the cost of a tablet plus a
budget Windows 8 laptop), it really is
VERDICT
pushing what people are prepared to
spend on a home PC.
We don’t think buying the lower end
A surprisingly
Core i3 version of the XPS 18 makes
sense, but if you wanted a higher end versatile all-in-one
that’s tremendous
machine that you can use for a spot
of gaming as well then it’s worth
considering. Your friends might not
understand, but we know that you’ll
have a great time. Just make sure you
for entertainment
wash your hands before using the
touchscreen while cooking. Q
WorldMags.net 33
 WorldMags.net

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 WorldMags.net

Summer’s
hottest
sounds
SZHDWÀJKWLQJVSRUWV
friendly earphones to 1

keep you motivated

in mid-summer

F
or months you’ve
been packed into
a gym, but now
it’s time to liberate
yourself from this
musk-soaked arena
and take your
workout outdoors. You won’t miss the 2
company of your workout buddies,
though. These sporty headphones will
keep you company on the long road to
ÀWQHVVRIIHULQJGHFHQWVRXQGDÀWWKDW
stands up to the vibration and bumps
of running, and resistance to your
rugged, manly ear-sweat.

Sennheiser Adidas
PMX 685i
Despite its streamlined look, this
1 light headset feels very durable.
The remote is connected to the
left-hand side, so you might notice
a bit of a pull if you thread them
underneath a jacket, but the buds
stay put. On the sound front there’s
a decent 120dB of power, with an
improved frequency response for a
richer, more detailed sound. The bass
is somewhat lacking, though.
£60 | $80 www.sennheiser.com
36
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net

Yurbuds
Inspire Duro
3 Yurbud claims that its ‘TwistLock’
2 technology ensures these buds
will stay put, and after testing, we can’t
argue with that. They don’t always feel
very secure though, which can be
off-putting. Unlike many of their rivals,
the Yurbuds let in ambient noise, which
is good if you like to know what’s
going on around you, but means that
the audio lacks some vibrancy.
£50 | $50 www.yurbuds.com

Sony XBA-S65
Sony’s sporty earbuds feature
3 lasso-style hangers that adjust
around your ears to provide a secure
ÀWGXULQJUXQQLQJ:HLJKLQJMXVWJ
4 they’re barely noticeable in your lugs,
although part of the reason they’re so
light is that there’s no remote control.
The narrow earpieces use armature
drivers instead of dynamic drivers,
producing a crisp, clear sound with
strong vocals and bass that doesn’t
distort even at higher volume levels.
£79 | $88 www.sony.com

Monster iSport
Victory
Yes, these are pricey, but in our
4 view you get enough features
to warrant the extra investment. The
5 tangle-free cord actually lives up to
its billing and sound is excellent,with
great noise isolation and deep, intense
bass. Last but by no means least, with
a hygienic, anti-microbial coating and
sealed housing, they’re easy to keep
clean and sweat-free.
£130 | $170 www.monsterisport.com

Pioneer SE-E721
PLRQHHU·V¶VNXOOÀW·GHVLJQOLYHVXS
5 to its billing: these earhooked
’phones clamp around your ears with
no intention of letting go until you’re
ready to take them off, but are
comfortable at the same time.
The 9mm speaker units produce a
supremely bassy sound, making them
ideal for up-tempo workout music.
They’ve been designed with extreme
sports enthusiasts in mind, but they’re
also suitable for a jog around the park.
£40 | $67 www.pioneerelectronics.com
WorldMags.net 37
 WorldMags.net

Now fully interactive on your iPad

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£1.99!

2!&F'12#,F ,2#0!2

4'* *#-,#5112,"$-0'"
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WorldMags.net
 ENJOY
WorldMags.net

The Gift of Rain

SEPTEMBER BOOK £0.99 | $1.53
Set in Penang in 1939, The

ENTERTAINMENT Gift of Rain follows the

unexpected friendship that

HIGHLIGHTS
forms between a young loner
and a Japanese diplomat.
Download for Kindle app now

The White Queen Kanye West:

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Recently made into a hit BBC MUSIC
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historical novel charts the rise This sixth studio
album from hip-hop

The metal
of Lady Elizabeth Grey to the
Queen of England. star Kanye West may
Download for Kindle app now be his most critically

masters return
acclaimed release to
date. It features
Wreck-It Ralph styles such as acid Sigur Rós:
FILM £3.49 | $4.49 house and industrial. Kveikur
Disney’s latest Music Black Sabbath: 13 Download from the MUSIC FREE
computer animated £6.99 | $9.99 Xbox Music store Stream the Icelandic

I
adventure imagines ambient band’s latest
a world where f you’re into heavy metal, then Black studio album for free
computer game Sabbath need no introduction – they are with Xbox Music.
characters come to considered one of the founding fathers of With a more
life. Can Ralph save aggressive sound,
the genre, with classic albums such as
the arcade from a Kveikur is a return to
terrible disaster? 3OH!3: Omens Master of Reality and Paranoid proving to form for Sigur Rós.
Rent from the Xbox MUSIC EHELJLQ¿XHQFHVRQFRXQWOHVVEDQGVWKDW Download from the
Video store now £7.99 | £9.99 have come afterwards. Since the formation Xbox Music Store
3OH!3 (pronounced of the band in 1968, there have been a
“three oh three”) is number of line-up changes, but the new
an American electro album, 13, contains almost the entire Cautionary Tales
pop duo from original band, with Ozzy Osbourne taking BOOK £1.49 | $2.26
Colorado. Their latest Actor Stephen Tobolowsky
OHDGYRFDOVRQDQDOEXPIRUWKH¾UVWWLPHLQ has appeared in over 200
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great hip-hop sound. mind, rest assured – with this latest release, He shares some homespun
Download from the the decidedly black magic of Sabbath is still philosophy on his career.
Xbox Music store now very much alive and kicking. Download for Kindle app now

HISTORICAL BIOPIC

One man’s
epic struggle
FILM Lincoln £3.49 | $4.49

T
his epic historical drama, directed by
Steven Spielberg, has been a huge hit
both commercially and critically when
it arrived last year. Nominated for seven
Golden Globe Awards and a mind-blowing
12 Oscars, it saw lead actor Daniel
Day-Lewis win his third Academy Award for
Best Actor, following his amazing portrayal
of the titular American president.
TKH¾OPUHFRXQWV/LQFROQ¶VHIIRUWVWRSDVV
the Thirteenth Amendment to the United
States Constitution, formally abolishing
Lincoln was slavery in January 1865. With a top notch
nominated cast, gripping story and director Steven
Spielberg at the top of his game, make sure
for a total of you rent this brilliant historical epic on your
12 Oscars Windows 8 device today.
Rent from the Xbox Movie Store
WorldMags.net 39
 S U B S C RI B E A N D S AV E
WorldMags.net
Take out a digital
subscription and
save a fortune
Get two
FREE
issues
when you subscribe
on Google Play or
iPad/iPhone

Subscribe from just £1.99 | $2.99 per month

Start your no-obligation FREE trial today!

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 WorldMags.net
Envvied
FREE
You can browse and
shop directly from
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fantastic photos that
showcase the latest
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WINDOWS STORE
THE BEST
NEW APPS
23snaps Turn Off the
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This app for new FREE
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capture your child’s videos in busy
precious moments. websites can be
You can then upload

A taste
distracting, but this
and share them, too. handy app can help.
It dims everything in
the background
wordBrush

of Britain
ALSee except the video
FREE FREE that’s playing, almost
ALSee makes The wordBrush app like a mini cinema!
photo-editing easy. allows you to draw
Either import photos text on your device’s
you’ve already got Great British Chefs FREE touchscreen, with

W
saved on your each letter following
Windows 8 device, or ith 320 recipes from Britain’s the movement of
take a photo using greatest chefs – along with some \RXU¾QJHU,WKDV
beautiful photography to get you over 200 fonts, 20
its built-in camera. Daily Workouts freeform brushes
There are loads of FREE inspired, handy hints and great videos
tools to try, including – this app will get you cooking like a pro in and the ability to
Daily Workouts import images, too.
basic colour controls. provides 5-10 minute no time. The app includes top recipes
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can import data
home. Great for a perfect app if you’re planning a special from Excel, SQL
busy lifestyle! meal or a dinner party. Servers and more.

TRANSLATION

Overcome
the barrier
of language
BING TRANSLATOR FREE

T
he Bing Translator App for Windows is
This app can your companion when you need to
quickly translate what you’re looking
also detect a at. If there’s a sign, menu or other text you
language you need to translate, simply point your
Windows 8 device at the text and Bing
haven’t seen Translator will quickly display a translation
before, too on top of the image. You can also type in
the text you want to translate, with support
for more than 40 different languages. The
text-to-speech feature lets you hear the
translations spoken with a native speaker’s
accent, and you can also download
language packs so you can use Bing
Translator wherever you go – even if you
don’t have access to the internet.

WorldMags.net 41
 WorldMags.net
GAME OF
THE MONTH
GRID 2
T
here’s a long corner
arching through a part
of Grid 2’s sun-
drenched Californian
track where a squirrel
dashes across the
road. It’s always at precisely the same
point, and always just as your car
lurches into the basin of a gentle drop
and rise. The squirrel is symbolically
VLJQLÀFDQWLWVSHDNVWRGrid 2’s great
presentation, which is glistening and
iridescent and other things your car
would be if it was that awesome.
Can you handle it?
Grid 2 is chock-full of good things.
Central among them is the superb
KDQGOLQJZKLFKIURPWKHÀUVWIHZFDUV
earned in your modest garage to the
driveable fortunes won after a few
successful seasons is punchy, weighty
and growling. Can the handling of a
car actually growl? In Grid 2 is does.
42
It’s sophisticated enough to require
an adjustment to the precise balance
and purchase of each new vehicle, and
to enable you to feel rather than
simply see when you slide across
different surfaces, whether it’s inching
a tyre into grass sidings, bumping over
a raised curb or rumbling across a
gravel patch. But it’s a long shot from
simulation, too – there’s no cockpit
view, no driving aids and whichever car
you’re racing, the back-end is always
straining to kick out around each
corner you manoeuvre.
In other words, Grid 2 is more fun
than a sim, and it’s spectacular to look
at into the bargain. The cars are
approaching photorealism in a way
WKDWPDNHVLWGLIÀFXOWWRGHVFULEHWKHP
without coming over all amateur Top
Gear, and the tracks – including
bleached Miami, crackling Chicago and
atmospherically-muted Paris – give a
highly textured depth to each event.
WorldMags.net
The game runs smoothly at 1,920 x
1080 with all the graphics options
turned up, never dropping below
60fps. For such a good looking game
you will need a decent PC, with the
UHFRPPHQGHGVSHFLÀFDWLRQVEHLQJD
Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM
and a Radeon 4870 or better graphics
card under the hood.
Event variety
There’s decent variety to Grid 2’s
grab-bag of events too, mixing up
point-to-point races with closed road
and track competitions and a handful
of other one-off promo events (like
racing pickup trucks against the clock).
What really keeps the experience fresh
is the admirably aggressive AI, which
will happily shunt and nudge you
cliffwards, even on some of the lower
GLIÀFXOW\VHWWLQJV$QGDVDZHOFRPH
counterweight, the AI will also make
realistic mistakes during a heated race.
It’s no true replacement for the game’s
12-player online match-ups, but it does
ensure that the singleplayer career is
always a challenge and never a grind.
To help keep things feeling fresh
WKHUHDUHÀYHGLVWLQFWUDFHPRGHVWR
keep you coming back for more.
Alongside the traditional Race mode,
 WorldMags.net ENJOY

HOW TO
OWN THE
TRACK
Our tips
IRUEHLQJÀUVW
every time

Use rewinds Drive angry

there's Elimination, which forces you to A handy new feature As we mentioned,
keep ahead of the pack. Every 20 or Grid 2 is the the AI controlled cars
seconds the car in last place is Rewind tool, which will do anything to
HOLPLQDWHGXQWLORQO\ÀUVWSODFH lets you quickly beat you in a race. To
remains. The Drift mode sees you rewind a few seconds ensure victory, you’re
before any crucial going to need to be
sliding around the track in a bid to
mistakes you made. just as aggressive.
build up points. The longer you drift,
the more you get, whilst collisions and
mistakes will cost you. In Checkpoint Get to grips
races, you need to up the ante in a race with drifting
against the clock. Driving through Drifting around
checkpoints gives you a few extra corners takes time to
seconds, in classic arcade style. Finally properly master, but
once you do, you’ll
Faceoff sees you racing against a single be a formidable
opponent at break-neck speeds. Q opponent in a race.

Grid 2 is more fun

than simulation,
and it’s also truly
Explore the
game modes
There are loads of
different game
modes, including
Race, Elimination,
amazing to look
Drift, Checkpoint and
the addictive Faceoff. at into the bargain
WorldMags.net 43
 Take your pick
WorldMags.net
from over 80
vehicles, from
sports cars
to lorries

DRIVING GAMES

Pay and display

Parking Mania
FREE

T
KLVDGGLFWLYHOLWWOHJDPHWHVWV\RXU
parking skills to the limit as you Speed Rovers Super Slot Cars
combine precision, style and skill FREE £0.99 | $1.49
to successfully position your motor in This addictive bike Relive your
DYDULHW\RIWULFN\VSDFHV3RLQWVDUH game pits you childhood love of
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DZDUGHGIRUVNLOIXOPDQRHXYULQJDQG
to race through with this fun racing
DYRLGLQJFROOLVLRQV7KHJDPHSOD\DSSHDU checkpoints and win game. As with real
VLPSOHDQGHDV\WRJUDVSDWÀUVWEXW gold coins. Local slot cars, it’s not
WKHUH·VDGHSWKWRWKHOHYHOVWKDWUHTXLUHV leader boards let you simply about tearing
a lot of practise to master – so it’s just compete with other around the track, but
as well Parking Mania is a lot of fun! No Brakes Rally nearby players, and 0RWR;0D\KHP carefully accelerating
7DNH\RXUSLFNIURPRYHUYHKLFOHV FREE you can share your £1.39 | $1.99 and slowing down to
No Brakes Rally uses score on Facebook. 7UDYHUVHGLI¾FXOW survive the corners.
from nimble sports cars to enormous
aerial photographs OHYHOVZKLOH¾JKWLQJ
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UDQGRPFRPSXWHUFRQWUROOHGWUDIÀF ¾QGLQ%LQJ0DSV 0DNHFDUHIXOXVH
Parking ManiaDOZD\VRIIHUVDXQLTXH as tracks, with of the brakes and
challenge no matter how many times lifelike physics and accelerator, and
\RX·YHplayed it.7KHUHDUHHYHQVHFUHW upgradeable cars. move your rider
DUHDVWRGLVFRYHUDQGDFKRLFHRIFRQWURO Compete against around to keep him
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race to the top of faster your time, the
feel most comfortable with. the world rankings! higher your score!

PERFECT FOR KIDS

A Disney
adventure
Where’s my Mickey? XL
£3.49 | $4.99

D
isney’s excellent Mickey Mouse
app is perfect for keeping the
kids entertained. The game
IHDWXUHVÀYHRULJLQDOHSLVRGHVIRUWKHP
WRZDWFKDQGRYHUOHYHOVÀOOHGZLWK
challenges. Tap, swipe and swirl your
ÀQJHURQWKHWRXFKVFUHHQWRKHOS
Mickey collect water and complete each
chapter. With cameos from some of
'LVQH\·VPRVWEHORYHGFKDUDFWHUVLW·V
great fun for fans of any age.
44
WorldMags.net
 ENJOY
WorldMags.net
WINDOWS
STORE
GAMES Rocket Thrust
Our pick of FREE
Rocket Thrust uses
the latest titles lovely retro pixel
art and great music.
0RYHDURXQGWKH
levels, picking up
fuel cells to progress.

Celebrity Noses
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HOT GAME
FREE test with the daft but

Get your
With a new Monsters fun Celebrity Noses.
University pack to
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new movie, this fun
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got even better!
Zoomed In!
FREE
Can you guess the
Trick Shot
Bowling
FREE
skates on
picture from a Fancy a spot of Endless Skater
FORVHXSRIDVSHFL¾F 10-pin bowling? This FREE

F
part? This game tests 3D game features 24
how good you are unlockable balls with lip, grab, and grind your way to the
at seeing the bigger different weights, longest runs and highest scores in
picture. With 110 speeds and hooks Endless Skater. Play as one of the
levels, and more to perfect your world’s top boarders and jump into
coming soon, it’ll Sunday Lawn game. There’s also
keep you occupied HQGOHVVOHYHOVWKDWFKDOOHQJH\RXWRJHWDV
£0.99 | $1.49 a multiplayer mode
for hours. and touch controls. far as you can, or score as many points as
Join Charlie as
he cleans up his SRVVLEOH'LVFRYHUGR]HQVRIVWXQWVDQG
neighbourhood on combos, including secret signature tricks.
Zulu Star a Sunday afternoon, *RIRUKXJHDLUORQJJULQGVDQGELJÁLSV
FREE one garden at a Beautifully stylised graphics will pull
Zulu Star is an exciting time. Avoid dogs, \RXLQWRWKHDFWLRQDV\RXZHDYHWKURXJK
bubble-shooting hedgehogs and the halls of the school, or jump across
game, with 45 fun other dangers, with
enormous roof gaps. Look for hidden
OHYHOV0DWFKWKUHH three different
balls of the same modes and ways
ERQXVHVDQGSLFNXSVLQOHYHOVWRERRVW
colour to pop them. to play. \RXUVFRUHVDQG;ER[DFKLHYHPHQWV

FREE GAME OF THE MONTH

Off with
their heads
Royal Revolt!
FREE

T
his excellent twist on the traditional
tower defence genre combines
touchscreen controls and beautiful
graphics, along with a cheeky sense of
humour. You play a prince, sent off at a
Have you got
young age to learn magic at a boarding what it takes
school for spoilt and untalented children.
After two years you return home,
to defeat your
ZRUWKOHVVTXDOLÀFDWLRQLQKDQGWRÀQG scheming
that the king has died and your greedy
DXQWVDQGXQFOHVKDYHFDUYHGXSWKHODQG
relatives?
EHWZHHQWKHPVHOYHV
Now you must ÀJKWWR claim the
kingdom that is rightfully yours. You need
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using magic to heal your armies and
GHVWUR\\RXUHQHPLHV+DYH\RXJRWZKDW
it takes toGHIHDW\RXUVFKHPLQJUHODWLYHV
and reclaim the throne?
WorldMags.net 45
 WorldMags.net

TAILORED FOR TABLET.

Experienceadditionalmultimediacontent
inourfullyinteractiveiPadedition

TRY IT
FOR FREE
TODAY!

ComputerArtsreadersknowdesignmaersThat’swhywe’vecompletely
reinventedourdigitaleditionasafullyinteractiveiPadexperiencewith
impeccableusabilityThere’salsoadditionalinteractivecontent
suchasimagegalleriesandbonusvideoswhichbringthe
motioncontentfeaturedinShowcasetolife

TRYITFORFREETODAYWITH
OURNO-OBLIGATION-DAYTRIALAT
hp //googl/sMcPj

WorldMags.net
Digital replicas available for other platforms – seehp//bitly/ZuMcvCformore…
WorldMags.net

TRY
THIS!
Learn how to
VKDUHÀOHVZLWK
:LQGRZV
Expert
GET STARTED FAST
p52

+RWSLFNV
Create a media centre
7XUQ\RXU:LQGRZVPDFKLQHLQWRD
PHGLDIRFXVHGKXEp48

Migrate to Windows Phone

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Make a USB install stick

2XUWLSVDQGWULFNVIRUUHLQVWDOOLQJ
:LQGRZVZLWKRXWWKHIXVVp60

WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net
Expert

CREATE A GREAT
MEDIA CENTRE
Music, movies and live TV, all in one place

Download and
1 install XBMC
Go to www.xbmc.org and select
‘Downloads’. Click ‘Get XBMC’ and then
choose ‘Windows’. When prompted to
run or save the program, select ‘Run’. The
XBMC setup wizard begins. Click ‘Next’,
agree to the terms, and then de-select
anything you might not need on the next
screen. Click ‘Next’ twice more, then
select ‘Install’.
48
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 WorldMags.net

Getting started
2 and navigation
Once the installation process is complete,
select ‘Finish’ and XBMC should start
automatically. You may be prompted
to unblock Windows Firewall – click
¶$OORZDFFHVV·LIQHFHVVDU\<RX·OOWKHQ
be presented with XBMC’s homepage.
You can navigate using your mouse
wheel, keyboard cursor keys, or arrow
keys on a Windows media remote.

Adding pictures,
3 videos and music
Click on each section to add relevant
media. To add photos, select ‘Pictures’,
then choose ‘Add source’. From here,
FOLFN¶%URZVH·WKHQÀQGWKHIROGHUWKDW
FRQWDLQV\RXUSLFWXUHV²0\3KRWRVIRU
example. Select ‘OK’ when you’re ready.
Now you can browse through your
photos, using the cursor keys or mouse
WRPRYHIRUZDUGVDQGEDFNZDUGV

Installing add-ons
4 $GGRQVDUHWKHOLIHEORRGRI
;%0&JLYLQJ\RXDFFHVVWRORWVRIH[WUD
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choose ‘Add-ons’. Select ‘Get more’
DQG\RX·OOVHHDQDUUD\RIVHUYLFHV)LQG
one you like and select ‘Install’. Once it’s
installed, return to the homepage, select
‘Add-ons’ again and click on the new
add-on to see the content.
WorldMags.net 49
 WorldMags.net

Get live TV
5 The one thing that Windows
Media Center does really well is enable
\RXWRZDWFKDQGUHFRUGOLYH79DQG\RX
can do the same in XBMC. You must have
D79WXQHULQVWDOOHGLQ\RXU3&HLWKHUYLD
PCI or attached externally via USB). Then
MXVWFRQQHFWD79DHULDODQG\RX·UHUHDG\
WREHJLQZDWFKLQJDQGUHFRUGLQJOLYH79

Install NextPVR
6 <RXQHHGWRLQVWDOO1H[W395
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OLYH79<RXFDQGRZQORDGLWIURPZZZ
nextpvr.com/downloads. Once it’s
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6FDQ·WRÀQGDYDLODEOHFKDQQHOV

Enable TV
7 Back in XBMC, go to the main
PHQXFOLFNRQWKH¶+RPH·EXWWRQLI
you’re not sure where this is) and select
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XBMC, so hit the ‘Enabled’ setting.

50
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 WorldMags.net

Find a PVR client

8 2QFH\RX·YHHQDEOHGWKH79
IDFLOLW\;%0&ZLOOLQIRUP\RXWKDWWKH
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JRQHIRU1H[W395395&OLHQWVRVHOHFW
this to get started.

Install it
9 A new window appears, giving
\RXPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDERXWWKHFOLHQW
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EXWWRQLQWKHPHQXRIRSWLRQVWRWKHOHIW
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to make any major changes to the
standard setup.

10 TV time!
That’s it – when you go back to
the main menu in XBMC, a new option
KDVDSSHDUHGFDOOHG¶/LYH79·:KHQ\RX
hover your mouse over this, another
menu appears, giving you the option
WRZDWFK79FKDQQHOVORRNDW\RXU(3*
(episode guide) and even record at
VSHFLÀFWLPHV7KHUH·VQRQHHGIRU
:LQGRZV0HGLD&HQWHUDIWHUDOOQ
WorldMags.net 51
 WorldMags.net
Expert

SHARE FILES
IN WINDOWS 8
You can share your files between any
device that uses the Windows 8 OS

Introducing
1 HomeGroups
+RPH*URXSVZHUHÀUVWLQWURGXFHGLQ
:LQGRZVDQGKDYHSURYHGYHU\
SRSXODUZLWKSHRSOHORRNLQJIRUDQHDV\
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FRPSXWHUV7RVHWXSD+RPH*URXS
RSHQXSWKH&KDUPVEDUDQGVHOHFWWKH
¶6HWWLQJV·FKDUPWKHQVHOHFW¶&KDQJH3&
VHWWLQJV·WREHJLQ
52
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 WorldMags.net

Create a
2 HomeGroup
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WDNHDIHZPLQXWHVWRJHWHYHU\WKLQJ
VRUWHGKRZHYHUVRMXVWVLWWLJKWZKLOH
:LQGRZVJHWVWRZRUN

Add a PC to your
3 HomeGroup
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View your
4 HomeGroup
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VHOHFW¶+RPH*URXS·RQWKHOHIW&OLFNWKH
XVHUQDPHRIWKHRWKHUFRPSXWHUWRVHH
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WorldMags.net 53
 WorldMags.net
Change
Expert 5 the settings
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ULEERQEDU&OLFN¶&KDQJHKRPHJURXS
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Troubleshoot
6 problems
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Quickly share
7 files and folders
:KLOH\RXFDQVHWZKLFKIROGHUV
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Get the most

8 out of sharing files
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\RXUVKDUHGPHGLDIURPDQ\RIWKH
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54
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 Join Windows:
WorldMags.net

7KH2I¾FLDOMDJD]LQH
RQ)DFHERRN
PRIZE
WORTH
£450!

GREAT
COMPOS
Win amazing
prizes like this
stylish Asus
touchscreen
laptop!

-RLQXVRQ)DFHERRNWRGD\ HANDS
ON TECH
ZZZIDFHERRNFRPZLQGRZVPDJ Exclusive looks
at apps, gadgets
and more

STRAIGHT LATEST
FROM THE WINDOWS
TEAM 8 DEVICES
Fresh news and Everything you
opinion posted need to know
every day about great kit

GET
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Safely chat
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WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net
Expert

MIGRATE TO
WINDOWS PHONE
Whatever your old smartphone, moving to
Windows Phone 8 is quick and painless

Just sign in
1 Microsoft looks after a lot of
your data as part of your Microsoft
account, so start by going to ‘Settings >
Email and Accounts’. Select the option to
add a new Microsoft account, and log in
with the same username and password
you used on your old phone. If you use a
Microsoft email service, this should mean
that your mail set up automatically.
56
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 WorldMags.net

Add email
2 If you use a non-Microsoft email
address, you’ll need to add it manually.
Head to ‘Settings > Email and Accounts’,
select the right account type for your
provider and enter your details. If you
use Gmail, for example, select ‘Google’. If
your email provider isn’t listed, select
‘Other account’. In some cases you’ll
need the server information – ask your
ISP if you don’t know it.

Copy contacts
3 Your contacts from your old
phone should all be linked to your
Microsoft account so, all being well,
they’ll have transferred over already. On
the off chance they haven’t, you can use
Microsoft’s dedicated Sync Wizard tool
(download it from http://bit.ly/ZCMcMf)
to get them across. Just sync them from
your old phone, then connect the new
one and copy them over.

Calendar sync
4 Your calendars will follow you –
trust us. If they’re tied to your Microsoft
account, they’ll migrate automatically. If
you use Google Calendar, just add your
Google account as described in step two
and your calendars will appear. Even
Facebook calendars will import nicely;
just add your Facebook account in the
usual place and they’ll appear in the
easy-to-use Calendar app.
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Document
5 crossover
It’s easy to transfer your documents from
both your old phone and your main
computer using Skydrive. Make sure you
sign into the same Microsoft account
on all your machines, then drop
any documents you want on your phone
in your Skydrive folder and they’ll appear
on your Windows Phone 8 handset in the
same place.

Moving music
6 If you’ve picked up tracks on the
Zune Marketplace, you’ll be able to
re-download them on your new device
without any trouble. If you have a
collection of non-Zune purchased tunes
on your old phone that you’d like to carry
over, you’ll need to install Zune on your
computer (http://bit.ly/Vw4oSe), transfer
your collection to that, then send it back
to your new phone.

Shifting photos
7 Any photos you’ve already
synced with Skydrive will move across to
your new phone instantly, and any you
take with it will go straight to your
Skydrive photos hub. You can also get
photos from your old phone by plugging
it into your computer with a cable and
browsing its contents – or by using the
Windows Phone app for Windows 8,
Windows desktop or Mac.

58
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 WorldMags.net

Get your apps

8 On your computer, go to www.
windowsphone.com and navigate to
‘Purchase History’. Log in with your
Microsoft account and you’ll see a
catalogue of all the purchases you’ve
made on Windows Phone 7. Just click
‘Reinstall’ next to any app, and it’ll
automatically download wirelessly to
your new handset. Easy as that.

Google details
9 Android phones are centred
around Google accounts, which are fully
supported by Windows Phone. Just go to
‘Settings > Email and Accounts’, add a
Google account and enter your usual
Google login details to get your emails,
contacts, calendars and more in one
swift move. It couldn’t be easier!

10 Sync your iPhone

with Google
Support for Google accounts is extra
useful if you want to get your contacts
and other info from your iPhone. You’ll
need to use a service called CardDAV to
sync your phone with your Google
account; once this is done, just add the
account to your Windows Phone and
your information will make its way over
automatically. Find out how by visiting
http://bit.ly/Y83Eon. Q
WorldMags.net 59
 WorldMags.net
Expert

INSTALL STICK
Make reinstalling Windows 8 super easy!

Prepare your ISO

1 First, make sure you’ve got your
:LQGRZV,62DQDUFKLYHÀOHFRQWDLQLQJ
DOOWKHGDWDIURPDQRSWLFDOGLVFKDQG\
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60
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 WorldMags.net

Get the USB maker

2 Once your ISO is ready and
waiting on your PC, you can go ahead
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86%VWLFN)LUVWRIDOO\RXQHHGWRJUDE
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OLQNVDYHLWDQGRSHQWKHLQVWDOOHU

Open the
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ISO hunt
4 +LWWKH¶%URZVH·EXWWRQ
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WorldMags.net 61
 WorldMags.net
Format and install
5 1RZVLPSO\VHOHFWWKH86%
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ERRWLQJIURPLW

Boot order priority

6 5HVWDUW\RXU3&DQGORRN
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you to get into your BIOS to change the
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you’ve accessed the BIOS, move across to
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hit [Enter] and change the boot order to
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Windows 8
7 installation
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order, hit [Esc] to get back to the main
menu, then use the arrow keys to move
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Easy reinstall
8 &RQJUDWXODWLRQV,I\RXHYHU
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starting your Windows 8 machine,
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62
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International readers
can subscribe too!
Don’t wait for the latest issue to reach your local store – become a subscriber
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print and subject to change. For full terms and conditions please visit www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/terms. Offer ends 30th September 2013.
 WorldMags.net
Expert

10 TOP TIPS:
DESKTOP POWER
Master your own desktop with Windows 8

Right-click the Taskbar and open the

Properties menu. Check the box next to
the sentence that begins ‘Use Peek…’
and click ‘Apply’, From now on you get a
quick glance at the contents of your
desktop whenever you hover your
mouse in the bottom-right corner.

Need to get your hands on

the touch keyboard, the
Internet Explorer address
bar, and more? Right-click
Task Manager is a super-useful the Taskbar and simply add
program that enables you to keep the appropriate toolbar.
tabs on exactly what’s going on
with your PC. There are two quick
ways to access it: press the keys
[Ctrl]+[Shift]+[Esc] together; or
right-click the Taskbar and choose
the appropriate option. While it’s
open, you see a new icon in your
QRWLÀFDWLRQDUHDWKDWJLYHV\RXD
glimpse of your PCs performance.

Right-click the Taskbar,

highlight ‘Toolbars’ and
select ‘New Toolbar’.
Choose a folder on your
computer and you get a
new icon on the Taskbar
that links to its contents.
64
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WorldMags.net

The desktop tends to be a dumping

JURXQGIRUÀOHV²ÀOHV\RX·UHMXVW
WHPSRUDULO\VWRULQJÀOHV\RXZDQWWR
DFFHVVTXLFNO\ÀOHV\RX·YHMXVW
downloaded – which means it can quickly
get cluttered. Right-click the desktop and
select ‘View > Small Icons’ to shrink them
GRZQDELWHQDEOLQJ\RXWRÀWPRUHRQ

Checking the option that

says ‘Auto Arrange Icons’
under the Desktop View
menu forces your icons to
a grid. You can still move
them, but they will snap
into place afterwards.
The standard grid for icons keeps
everything neat and tidy, but you
might want to arrange your icons
with more precision. Right-click the
desktop, select ‘View’ and uncheck
‘Align icons to grid’; you can then
click and drag to drop them
wherever you like.

Right-click the
desktop, go to the
‘View’ menu, and
uncheck the
option that says
‘Show Desktop
Icons’. All the icons
on your desktop
disappear. To
access them again, Your desktop is essentially just a folder, and as
open an Explorer such you can treat it the same as any other folder
window and visit on your computer. That means you can create
the Desktop folder new documents, shortcuts and folders by
to see all of your right-clicking, hovering over ‘New’, and choosing
KLGGHQÀOHV the appropriate option.

Check out the menu that appears if you

right-click the desktop and hover over
‘Sort by’ – it automatically swishes your
icons around, based on whatever option
you choose. This isn’t a permanent
change, but bear in mind that it does
mess up any nifty arrangements you’ve
previously made. Q
WorldMags.net 65
 WorldMags.net
Expert

GESTURES
EXPLAINED
Enjoy getting hands-on with Windows 8

Select or perform an action App-specific commands

Tapping something causes an action, such as launching an app or App commands are revealed by swiping from the bottom or top
IROORZLQJDOLQN7DS\RXUDSSVWRÀUHWKHPLQWROLIH edge of the screen.
Using a mouse? Click an item in the Start screen to perform an Using a mouse? Right-click anywhere to see commands, which
action such as opening an app. ZLOOGHSHQGRQWKHVSHFLÀFDSS

Get more options Drag and move items

You can see details when you press and hold. In some cases, This is mostly used to pan or scroll through lists and pages, but
pressing and holding opens a menu with more options. you can use it for other interactions, too.
Using a mouse? Point to an item and hover the mouse for a Using a mouse? Click, hold and drag to pan or scroll and you’ll
couple of seconds to see more options. be able to move items, releasing the button to drop it.

66
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 WorldMags.net
Find recently used apps Close an application

Swiping in and back out on the left brings up the most recently Unused apps don’t affect your performance, but if you want to
used apps and you can select an app from that list. FORVHRQHDQ\ZD\MXVWGUDJWKHDSSWRWKHERWWRPRIWKHVFUHHQ
Using a mouse? Place the mouse in the top left and slide down Using a mouse? Click the top of the app and drag it to the
the left side of the screen to see recently used apps. bottom of the screen.

Zoom in and out Settings commands and search

<RXFDQVWDUW]RRPLQJE\SLQFKLQJRUVWUHWFKLQJWZRÀQJHUVRQ Swipe from the right side to reveal the Charms with system
the screen to enlarge or reduce the size. commands such as search, settings and sharing options.
Using a mouse? Hold down the [Ctrl] key while using the mouse Using a mouse? Place the mouse in the upper or lower right
wheel. Alternatively, click the minus symbol in the bottom right. corner of the screen and move your mouse up the right edge.

Turn and pivot items Switch between apps

+ROGWZRRUPRUHÀQJHUVRQDQREMHFWDQGURWDWH<RXFDQWXUQ Swiping from the left reveals thumbnails of your open apps so you
the whole screen 90 degrees when you rotate your device. can switch to them quickly.
Using a mouse? 6XSSRUWIRUURWDWLQJDQREMHFWGHSHQGVRQWKH Using a mouse? Place the mouse pointer in the upper-left and
VSHFLÀFDSS click to cycle through apps.
WorldMags.net 67
 S U B S C RI B E A N D S AV E

Take out a digital

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subscription and
save a fortune
The only
RIÀFLDO
:LQGRZV
PDJD]LQH

Subscribe from just £19.99 | $28.99

for 13 issues over one year
Available on Zinio.com!

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 WorldMags.net

TRY
THIS!
Create artistic
wonders with
your PC or tablet
p74

Hot picks
Create a home theatre
Revolutionise your living room with two

Life
of the best TVs on the market p70

Enjoy the great outdoors

A selection of apps and websites to help
you embrace the wild p78

Windows 8.1 revealed

ACHIEVE MORE We bring you everything you need to
know on the new Win8 update p84
WorldMags.net 69
 WorldMags.net
Life

70
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net
HOME MEDIA CENTRES

Entertainment
centre Upgrading your TV or home
theatre can turn your boring
old living room into the
ultimate entertainment hub

W
hen it comes to things
like living room
setups, once we get
used to them, we tend
to feel pretty happy
with what we have
– it’s not often we feel the need to
upgrade, unless something breaks. But,
like everything else, there are always
new and better televisions being
released, and you might be surprised
at just how big a difference upgrading
your screen can make.
It’s not just about new and better
video technology making movies
either; TV and games look amazing –
and though that is a massive part of it,
it’s all about the extra features that
come with it. DVRs for recording
shows, HD television tuners for
watching everything in high-quality,
smart features for watching on-
demand and even 3D support.
We’re looking at ways to upgrade
your living room, turning it into the
ultimate entertainment centre. The
screens here are some of the best you
can buy, meaning that they’re not just
excellent for receiving broadcast TV:
hook your laptop or an HTPC to them
you can use them to view photos,
watch videos online, play games
and much, much more.

A VISION BEST FOR

OF THE 4K FILMS
FUTURE AND TV
5HGHÀQH\RXU SONY KD-
living room with 65X9005A
these top TVs
£5,999 | $6,999

BEST FOR
EXTRA
FEATURES
LOEWE
CONNECT ID
£1,600 | $tba
WorldMags.net 71
 WorldMags.net
SONY
KD-65X9005A
£5,999 | $6,999
Life A 4K TV for the home, straight
from the minds at Sony – the
KD-65X9005A offers simply
phenomenal picture quality
and a host of great features.
www.sony.com

Loewe Connect ID
When we’re buying something like a
new TV, we want something that’s
JRLQJWRÀWLQWRRXUOLYHVERWKLQWHUPV
of matching the personality of our
homes and offering all the features we
want. Maybe we want something that
looks minimalist or maybe we want
something that makes a statement in a
funky colour. We might want
something with all the bells and
whistles or perhaps we’ve already got
lots of set-top boxes and we just want
something simple. German electronics
A 4K TV, like the Sony KD-65X9005A, is the
manufacturer Loewe doesn’t want to
perfect way to bring your living room to life

Razer Blade Pro
If you want a low-impact way to bring
serious PC gaming into your living room,
this is the laptop for you. Despite being less
than an inch thick, it’s ludicrously powerful,
matching one of the latest Intel processors
with a 2GB Nvidia GTX 765M graphics card
and 8GB of RAM. Basically, you’re talking
about being able to have 1080p gaming
anywhere, either by hooking it up to your
home TV or on its own 17-inch screen. It’s
also one of the coolest-looking laptops on
the planet, with a trackpad that doubles as a
touchscreen – perfect for extra control
options or used in-game as a mini-map, etc.
72
leave anyone out, so with its Connect
ID range of customisable TVs it claims
there are well over 4,000 different
FRQÀJXUDWLRQVDYDLODEOH²GHSHQGLQJ
on what you want to go for. There are
four screen sizes, a range of colours,
different frame options, an optional
DVR and a huge choice of stands and
mounting options.
And that’s before you get to the
standard features: an LED-lit Full HD
1080p display, Freeview HD or Freesat
HD tuner built-in (or dual tuners if you
get the DVR model), active 3D (though
no glasses are supplied) and smart
functions, too – including catch-up
WorldMags.net
services like BBC iPlayer and the ability
to play stored videos over your local
network connection. Actually, the
Connect ID is rather limited in its
on-demand option by default, but
plug in a PC and you can watch just
about anything you want.
And as you’d expect for the asking
price, picture quality is truly excellent,
offering a fantastic natural look, with
plenty of rich colours and deep black
levels – even its speakers are great. It’s
GHÀQLWHO\DOLWWOHH[SHQVLYH for an
HDTV, but for your hard-earned cash,
you get something that’s truly tailored
to you and your home theatre.
 WorldMags.net

LOEWE
CONNECT ID
£1,600 | tba
A ‘bespoke’ line of TVs –
customise the colour, features
stand and more with this
excellent HDTV from Loewe.
www.loewe.com

Western Digital
My Book Live
£111 | $129
With the My Book
Live 2TB, you can
stream media direct
to your Smart TV.
www.wdc.com

gives Blu-rays a new lease of life, even

Sony KD-65X9005A
The snappy name of Sony’s latest
ÁDJVKLS79GRHVQ·WJLYHPXFKDZD\VR
let’s cut to the really important part:
WKLVLVWKHÀUVW.79WKDW·VDUHDOLVWLF
buy for the average living room. 4K is
the next standard over Full HD,
offering a quadruple increase in
resolution from Full HD’s 1,920 x 1080
to a whopping 3,840 x 2,160. This TV is
65 inches, so when we said “average
living room”, it would need to be one
with a fair amount of space. It’s also
£6,000/$7,000, so again when we said
“realistic buy” we were being rather
hopeful – but that price is hugely
reduced from earlier 4K offerings, and
that’s the sort of price that HDTVs cost
ZKHQWKH\ÀUVWDUULYHGVRZH·UHVXUHLW
will eventually reduce in price.
And the thing is, for the jump in
picture quality that 4K gives you, the
price really doesn’t seem that wild. It’s
the best 3D TV on the planet and it
over what the best normal HDTVs can TUNE UP
manage. Detail, depth and colours are
all astounding – and that’s just for
YOUR TV
Take your media
current HD movie content. Adding in hub further with
real 4K footage produces quality unlike
these gadgets
anything you’v ever seen in the living and apps
room before. There’s still a question
mark over where 4K footage will come
from, but your computer is the best 1HW¿L[ Logitech Z906
£6/$8 PER MONTH 5.1 Surround
option right now: YouTube already 1HW¿L[¶V79DQG Sound speakers
VXSSRUWV.YLGHRDQG1HWÁL[SODQVWR movie streaming £249 | $338
support it in the future, too. There will service is available on A set of speakers can
be a 4K Blu-ray standard (but that’s still loads of Smart TVs, give new life to your
some way off) and the PlayStation 4 PCs, consoles, etc. favourite movies.
and Xbox One will also support 4K. ZZZQHWÀL[FRP www.logitech.com
It’s not just about movies, though
– games will look amazing on the
KD-65X9005A, even running at a lower
resolution than the full 4K (because
getting pretty games to run at full 4K
would be ambitious, to say the least).
And at that resolution, this screen
could also appeal to video and
graphics professionals, too. Q
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 WorldMags.net
Life

KILLER APP

Photoshop
Express
Edit your photos with ease (and for
free) with the Adobe Photoshop
Express app for Windows 8

A
dobe Photoshop is one
of the go-to photo
editing suites
professional
photographers and
artists use to make
their photographs look
amazing. Because it’s software made for
professionals, it’s also quite expensive, so
it’s nice to see Photoshop Express –
Adobe’s photo editing app for Windows 8
– available for free.
While the free Adobe Photoshop
Express isn’t going to have all the features
of the far more expensive Adobe
Photoshop, it still brings a host of

Remove red eyes
1 2
An often-annoying side
effect of taking photos
with a flash is that some
people appear with red eyes.
Luckily, Adobe Photoshop
Express comes with a red eye
removal tool that will eliminate
any red eye effects with one tap.
Tints and temps
You can make some cool
effects with the
‘Temperature’ and ‘Tint’
controls. By carefully tweaking
these you can make blue skies
look even more blue or turn a
sunny day into a beautiful sunset
by subtly changing the colours.
8VH$XWRÀ[
3 4
If you haven’t got the
time or patience to
adjust a photo you can
use the handy Autofix tool. Just
tap the button with your finger
and Adobe Photoshop Express
will analyse your photo and give
it a good tweak.
Use your camera
If you have a webcam
or a built-in camera for
your Windows 8 device
then you can use Adobe
Photoshop Express to take
photos, then edit them straight
away. You can even set a timer to
make sure you get a great shot.

74
WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.netQ KILLER APP

Saving and
sharing photos
Once you’re happy
with your photo, you
CHECK can quickly share it
THIS OUT on Facebook – or
Don’t miss this save it to Revel or
hidden feature onto your device.

Protect the original Adding features

5 6
With Adobe Photoshop While the main Adobe
Express you can Photoshop Express app
experiment on your is completely free with
photos without worrying about plenty of tools, you can also
affecting the original. When you purchase new tools such as
save, Adobe Photoshop Express ‘Reduce Noise’ and other effects
saves it as a new image, to build the perfect photo-
preserving the original snap. editing app for your needs.

WorldMags.net 75
 WorldMags.net
Life

excellent photo editing tools that will

help you tweak any of your photos. If
your Windows 8 device comes with a
built-in camera, you can take a photo
and begin editing it straight away with
Adobe Photoshop Express. The Adobe
Revel service is tightly integrated into
Adobe Photoshop Express, and lets
you store and edit your photos directly
from the cloud. It means you could be TRY IT
editing a photo on your Windows 8 WITH
tablet, then move over to your laptop THESE
and all your changes will be there, Edit your photos
waiting for you to carry on editing. with these great
editing apps
Edit your photographs
YRXFDQÁLSURWDWHDQGFURSDSKRWRLI
\RXZDQWWRIRFXVRQDVSHFLÀFSDUWRI
striking look by tweaking the contrast, Clever Photo
the image. A slider at the bottom of £1.79/$2.49
the screen lets you straighten and clarity and vibrancy settings, again by This simple yet highly
adjust the photo – a handy tool that’s just using sliders that help you get the effective photo-
great for when you’ve accidently taken perfect look. The ‘View Diff’ button editing app lets you
lets you quickly compare the changes apply quick and easy
the photograph at a slight angle. You effects to your
can also give your photos a more you’ve made to the original photo,
captured images. If
which is great for seeing just how good you’re an old hand at
you’re making the photo. If the editing your photos to
changes you make have a detrimental Fhotoroom make them look as
effect, you can easily reset the changes FREE fantastic as possible,
you made, reverting the photo to its With 18 editing tools, then you’ll really enjoy
original state. 24 artistic styles and the array of advanced
28 classic camera tools to use on your
Exposure, white and colour balance
You can apply can be adjusted, and with careful
tweaks you can make a photo you’ve
effects, the stylish
Fhotoroom app offers
you a whole host of
beloved photos. This
app is great for pros
and novices alike.

Instagram and taken with the built-in webcam of your

Windows 8 device look like it was
options to help you
make your photos

retro-style effects
taken on an expensive digital camera! stand out from the
If you want to quickly apply a cool crowd. An editing
brush tool lets you
effect you can choose from a number
to make a great
ÀQHWXQH\RXULPDJHV
RIUHDG\PDGHÀOWHUV7KHVHFDQDSSO\ to look just the way
Instagram and retro-like artistic effects, you want them to. It’s

looking photo too. Just tap on the one you want and
you’ll have a great looking photo. Q
also completely free
to use as well!

76
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net
Life

Soar like
an eagle

1
Paragliding is pretty
much the closest to
ELUGOLNHÁLJKWDKXPDQ
being can experience.
Whether your intention
is to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of
nature while sailing over lush green
ÀHOGVIURPWKHVHUHQLW\RIWKHVN\RU
just pretend to be Batman for a few
MR\IXOPLQXWHVWKH%ULWLVK+DQGJOLGLQJ
and Paragliding Association can have
you ready to make your maiden
voyage in just 10 days. When you’re
UHDG\DVHFRQGKDQGFDQRS\FRXOG
VHW\RXEDFNDURXQG…
and you’ll be ready to leap off a cliff
at a moment’s notice.
www.bhpa.co.uk/sport/paraglider

78
WorldMags.net
 WorldMags.net
10 WAYS TO...

Enjoy the great

outdoors
Get up off your chair, go
outside and do something fun,
exciting or just plain stupid

Go for a Survive against

gentle roll the odds

2 3
1H[WWRZDONLQJ Avoid potential death
UXQQLQJF\FOLQJ in the scary outdoors
GULYLQJÁ\LQJDQG with the SAS Survival
UDLOWKHUHLVWUXO\QR *XLGHDYDLODEOHIURP
better way to enjoy the the Windows Store. It’s
beauty of nature than by rolling down DGLJLWDOYHUVLRQRIWKHZRUOGIDPRXV
a massive hill while trapped inside a book of the same name by former
JLJDQWLFWUDQVSDUHQWEDOO7R¶]RUE·LV special forces super soldier John ‘Lofty’
H[DFWO\WKDWZLWKDQDGGLWLRQDOLQQHU :LVHPDQDQGFRQWDLQVWKHERRN·V
ball surrounded by an air cushion HQWLUHWH[WSOXVEUDQGQHZFRQWHQW
to protect you during your descent. LQFOXGLQJYLGHRVHTXLSPHQWFKHFNOLVWV
3ODFHGLQZKDWLVHVVHQWLDOO\DKXPDQ DQGHYHQTXL]]HV3LFNWKLVXSDQG
VL]HGKDPVWHUEDOO\RXZLOOEHUROOHG VWLFNDVKDUSNQLIHLQ\RXUSRFNHWDQG
GRZQDKLOO8SRQVWRSSLQJ\RXZLOO you’ll either be ready to survive in the
EHGL]]\PRVWOLNHO\YRPLWWKHQVD\ wilderness or have a bleeding leg.
“I want to do that again”. But only £2.59 | $3.49
after cleaning the inside of the ball. Download the SAS Survival Guide
www.zorbingsouth.co.uk app from the Windows Store now
WorldMags.net 79
 WorldMags.net

Have lunch
al fresco

4
Picnics are almost
always retrospectively
described as ‘a great
idea at the time’. It’s
inevitably either too hot
RUWRRFROGWRRZLQG\DQGWRRGXVW\
WRRVXQQ\RUWRRUDLQ\DQGDQWVDUH
JXDUDQWHHGWRFUDZORYHUXQGHUDQG
into your sweet treats. It’s a tough
Picnics are always
GHFLVLRQEXWLIWKHUH·VRQHFRPSDQ\
you want to tell you where the best
retrospectively
SLFQLFORFDWLRQVDUHLW·VRQHWKDWPDNHV
EXWWHU,I\RXIDQF\OXQFKRXWVLGH described as
Country Life has put together a list of
WKHEHVW%ULWLVKSLFQLFVSRWV$QWIUHH ‘a great idea at
the time’
]RQHVQRWJXDUDQWHHG
www.countrylifegreatbritishpicnic.co.uk

Optimise Get back

your route in the saddle

 6
The great outdoors is Bikesharing schemes have
DPDVVLYHSODFHDQG popped up in most major
it’s very easy to get cities across the world. They’re
lost and confused when a great way to explore a
you’re there. Claiming PHWURSROLVDQGWKH%LNH)LQGHU
to be the “Swiss army knife of GPS DSSDYDLODEOHLQWKH:LQGRZV6WRUHLV
ORFDWLRQPDSSLQJWUDFNLQJDQG indispensable if you’re planning to sweat
URXWLQJDSSVµ:DON5XQ%LNH'ULYHLV through your clothes while dodging buses
DKLJKIXQFWLRQLQJPXOWLIHDWXUHG and blithely oblivious pedestrians. Check
URXWHSODQQHU,WORJVDPRQJRWKHU WKHDSSKHDGWRD
WKLQJVWLPHHODSVHGGLVWDQFHWUDYHOOHG designated location
speed and mileage. It’ll help you DQG\RXVKRXOGÀQG
QDYLJDWHZLWKRSWLPXPHIÀFLHQF\DQG a bike you can use
remember where you’ve been – handy to get around.
if you tend to wander aimlessly. FREE
FREE Download Bikefinder
Download the Walk-Run-Bike-Drive from the Windows
app from www.walk-run-bike-drive.com Store now
WorldMags.net
80
 Q 10 WAYS TO…
WorldMags.net
Hit the road
in an RV
7 8
A road trip across
the good ol’ US of A is
something most of us
have imagined doing at
VRPHSRLQWEXWERULQJ
IDFWRUVOLNHORJLVWLFVDQGÀQDQFHVPDNH
it feel like an impossible pipedream.
$SROOR59LVDQHDWFRQFHSWDOORZLQJ
you to hire a recreational vehicle on an
DIIRUGDEOHSHUQLJKWEDVLVHVVHQWLDOO\
offering you a moveable hotel room
and making the improbable trip that
little bit more probable. You can also
UHQWPRWRUKRPHVLQ&DQDGD1HZ
Zealand and Australia if you prefer.
www.apollorv.com
Improve
your swing
9
Golf. The most
outdoors of all sports.
7KH8.H[SHULHQFHV
approximately 2.8 days
RIDFFHSWDEOHJROÀQJ
ZHDWKHUSHU\HDUVRLW·VLPSHUDWLYHWKDW
you’re as prepared as possible to take
DGYDQWDJH7KH*ROI6ZLQJ9LHZHUDSS
for Windows 8 provides avid players
the ability to view video and analyses
of the swings of the world’s top players
– perfect homework to those of us
who have a long wait ahead of us
before we can whack dimpled balls
around with a metal stick.
FREE
Download the Golf Swing Viewer app
from the Windows Store now.
Keep the
kids quiet
Are we there yet?
No. Are we there yet?
No. Can we stop at
0F'RQDOGV"1R$UHZH
there yet? No. Can I go
for a wee? No. Are we there yet? No.
Can we stop to feed the horse? No. Are
ZHWKHUH\HW"1R&DQ,ZDWFK79"<HV
This handy universal headrest
tablet mount from MountGuys.com
ZLOOÀWSUHWW\PXFKHYHU\WKLQJIURP
D0LFURVRIW6XUIDFHWRDQ$FHU,FRQLD
so you can loop episodes of Peppa
Pig until you resort to deliberately
driving your car off the road just to
make the theme tune stop.
£na | $40
www.mountguys.com
Climb a
mountain
10
6LU(GPXQG+LOODU\
7HQ]LQJ1RUJD\-XQNR
7DEHL&DSWDLQ.LUNLQ
Star Trek V – the list of
great mountaineers is
endless. All of these names exemplify
WKHFRXUDJHGHWHUPLQDWLRQDQG
SLRQHHUVSLULWWKDWGHÀQHVDJUHDW
hero. If you fancy yourself as the next
Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 2...
don’t even bother looking at National
Geographic’s list of the world’s top
FOLPEVEHFDXVHPRXQWDLQFOLPELQJ
LVLQFUHGLEO\GDQJHURXVUHTXLUHV
years of training and you obviously
aren’t taking it seriously.
http://bit.ly/19HD3FE Q
WorldMags.net 81
 WorldMags.net
Life

LIFE HACK

Be more
productive
Do you have trouble with
procrastination? Keep leaving work
until the last minute? Your Windows 8
PC can help rekindle your motivation

Get it sorted
To-do lists are a great way to
keep on top of tasks, but it’s all
too easy to go overboard and
end up with a PC monitor smothered
in Post-it notes. Wunderlist (www.
wunderlist.com) is a simple to-do app
that’s available online, or as a desktop
app for Windows devices. Just register
with your email address and start
organising your tasks. If you need a
hand with a big job, you can invite your
Facebook friends to pitch in. You’ll never
need another sticky note!

Manage your time

Feeling daunted by a big task
that’s hanging over you? The
Pomodoro Technique (www.
pomodorotechnique.com) could help.
This time management method was
created by Francesco Cirillo in the
1980s. You set a timer and work on the
task for 25 minutes – a period known
as a pomodoro. When the timer goes
off, take a short break, then re-set the
timer and begin work again. After four
pomodoros, take a longer break. It’s a
great way to avoid distractions.

82
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WorldMags.net
Stay up to date
RSS readers let you keep track
of the latest news from your
favourite websites without
visiting them individually. Feedly (www.
feedly.com) is one of the best readers
around, and you can use it with any
internet-connected device. Everything
is presented in a clean, simple interface,
and if a headline catches your eye, you
can click on it to read it in full. You can
send stories to Google+, Twitter and
LinkedIn, and add tags and categories
to keep everything organised.
WorldMags.net
LIFE HACK
Give yourself
a reality check
It’s the weekend and you’ve
sat down at your PC to write
that report, but two hours later
you’ve only got one paragraph to show
for it. What happened to the rest of the
time? RescueTime (www.rescuetime.
com) tracks how you’re really spending
your day. It can be a harsh wake-up
call realising you spend your entire
morning on Facebook, but it might be
a necessary kick up the backside!
Start good habits
If you need a hand to get into
good habits, try Lift (www.lift.
do). Whatever you want to do
– lose weight, take up a new sport or
get a new job – Lift will track your
progress and help you stay motivated.
Join groups of people developing
the same daily habits and you’ll get a
hearty pat on the back whenever you
achieve one of your goals. Lift has a
great community atmosphere and the
feedback from other members makes
it surprisingly addictive.
83
 WorldMags.net
Life
Windows 8.1
revealed
Find out everything you need to know
about the most radical Windows update
ever! We’ve gone hands-on with the
free preview release…
I
t’s here! We’ve
ÀQDOO\KDGVRPH
hands-on time with
DQRIÀFLDOEXLOGRI
Windows 8.1. You
may have heard
some things about
the new update already, and yes, many
of the rumours have proved accurate.
The Start button is back, you can now
boot straight to the desktop, and you
can use the same background on your
desktop and Start screen. SkyDrive is
EXLOWLQWRV\QFÀOHVEHWZHHQDOORI\RXU
Windows devices. Best of all, it’s free!
The love being shown to the desktop
doesn’t mean the Start Screen has
been forgotten; key Microsoft apps
like Mail and Xbox Music have been
updated, there are new apps for food
DQGÀWQHVVDQGWKHUH·VDQDSSYHUVLRQ
RI2IÀFHRQWKHZD\
Windows 8 has the monumental
task of working on everything from
an 8-inch tablet all the way up to the
27-inch twin screens on your desk at
work, so Microsoft has made some
changes to the Start screen to help.
There are new ways of laying out
multiple apps side-by-side, and almost
DOOWKHFRQÀJXUDWLRQRSWLRQVIURPWKH
Control Panel are now in PC Settings
84
(expect for the new ‘Boot to desktop’
option, which \RX·OOÀQG on the
desktop if you right-click the Taskbar).
The major tweaks
So how coherent does it all feel?
The Lock screen now works like a
photo gallery, and is powered by the
same Microsoft Research tech as the
screensavers in Windows Media Center
and the Windows 8 Photos app. This
means it should pick related and timely
photos automatically, and display
them for you. You can also unlock the
camera or answer a Skype call quickly
ZLWKRXWÀGGOLQJZLWKDSDVVZRUG
which will be useful for tablet users.
There have been changes on the
Start screen too, with new, larger tile
sizes for select apps such as Weather
and Finance, which let you see more
information at once. This won’t be a
universal thing, though – apps have to
be specially made to use it.
You can now pick from far more
colours to customise the Start
screen’s backgrounds – some of
which feature subtle animations as
you scroll sideways – or you can use
your desktop background, in which
case your tiles will scroll but the
EDFNJURXQGZLOOUHPDLQÀ[HG
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net 85
 WorldMags.net
Life
TKHUH¾QHG
interface feels
more consistent
and easier to use
If you have a touchscreen and are used
to using a small swipe to select a tile on
the Start screen, you’re in for a surprise.
That gesture now takes you down to the
Apps screen instead, although the small
swipe still works in apps like the Windows
Store – at least in the version we tried.
Now to select a tile, you just tap and hold
it. You can still select multiple tiles, and
now you can do useful things with all the
tiles you’ve selected. You can also select
multiple tiles on the Apps screen and pin
them to the Start screen as a group. This
is particularly handy if you’ve just installed
several new apps in one go.
You can now sort the Apps screen by
how often you use each one, which makes
it easier to decide which ones to
pin to your Start screen.
You can now do a lot Once you’ve done
more with your Lock that, you
screen, including
playing a slideshow of
your favourite images

Start is back!
It can take a while to get used to the
differences between Windows 7 and
Windows 8, but one thing many people
didn’t like was the disappearance of the
Start button in the bottom-left corner
of the desktop screen. This used to
be your connection to all parts of the
operating system, and now it makes
its return. It’s not exactly the same as
before, though; the Windows 8 Start
button takes you from the Desktop view
to the Start screen, making it easier to
switch between the two.

Total control
Windows 8 looks great already, but
everyone wants to be unique. Prior to
8.1, there was a decent amount of
customisation possible, but you could
only do so much. The update gives you
much more choice, including the ability
to accurately pick a background colour
from a much wider palette, and you can
even choose an accent colour to
complement it. Best of all you can use
the same background for the Desktop
and Start screen, which makes switching
between the two feel more natural.

86
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 WorldMags.net
Better for apps
can synchronise your Start screen
across all your Windows 8 PCs so you
don’t have to do it again.
Updated interface
Two big new interface changes are
the new Smart Search and the way
Windows 8.1 handles multiple app
windows on screen – especially on
large monitors. The return of the Start
button is the most obvious change to
the Windows desktop, but there are
other subtle differences too.
You can now turn off the trigger in
the top right corner that displays the
charms bar when you use your mouse,
and the one in the top left corner that
shows a thumbnail of the next app
running in the background. When you
use the Search charm on the desktop,
it opens the Search pane on top of
whatever you’re doing rather than
taking you back to the Start screen,
which is a useful touch.
Libraries no longer show up in
Explorer automatically, although
they’re still used to add media to the
Xbox Music and Video apps, and are
WKHÀUVWSODFH0DLOORRNVZKHQ\RX
want to add an attachment. <RX·OOÀQG
them in the File Picker when you use
Windows Store apps, and you can turn
them back on in the navigation pane
of Explorer. You’ll now see This PC
where you’re used to seeing Computer,
and you’ll also see SkyDrive, which is
installed as part of Windows and syncs
VRPHRI\RXUÀOHVDXWRPDWLFDOO\
TRDYRLGÀOOLQJDOOWKHVWRUDJHRQD
tablet, all you get by default are the
Documents and Pictures folders from
your SkyDrive. You can see your other
IROGHUVDQGWKHQDPHVRIDOOWKHÀOHVLQ
them, and when you click or tap on a
ÀOH:LQGRZVSXOOVLWGRZQIURP
SkyDrive automatically, caches it
RIÁLQHDQG syncs changes
to it. You can also
VHOHFWÀOHVLQ
Certain apps now have extra-large tiles
that can display more information
One of the biggest improvements in the
new update is the Store, where you get
all your apps and games. It’s now a lot
HDVLHUWRÀQGWKHQHZDQGLQWHUHVWLQJ
apps, with an area for related apps to
ÀQGVLPLODUDSSV\RXOLNH,QVWHDGRI
having to guess what the Featured apps
at the front of the Store do, you can
QRZVHHDFDURXVHOWKDWÁLSVWKURXJK
large images and descriptions of each
of the six apps in turn. App updates also
install automatically and search is always
available in the top-right corner.
the 6N\'ULYHDSSWRXVHRIÁLQHEXW
there’s no longer a separate desktop
interface for picking folders to sync.
App changes
Xbox Music and Mail have received
an overhaul, and we’ve taken a sneak
peek at later versions of both, which
have even more features than we were
treated to in our preview.
There are some new great new apps,
too. We love the Reading List, which
lets you collect interesting links from
Internet Explorer and Windows Store
apps to come back to later (perhaps
even on another PC, since they sync).
The new Alarms app has a clean, fresh
look that’s quirky and reminiscent of
Windows Phone at its most appealing.
The Camera app now has
Photosynth panoramas built in. Just
tap the ‘Panorama’ button and start
moving your tablet around (this would
be very awkward on a notebook) to
stitch together images into a scene
that can cover up to 360°. The stitching
is good – especially if you don’t move
too fast. This will shine on the smaller
8-inch Windows tablets which should
be hitting the market soon.
With many of the features from the
Photos app moved to the Lock screen,
it’s now a very basic interface for
viewing – but it also has far more
editing options. The vignettes and
ÀOWHUVDUHWKHNLQGRIWKLQJ\RXÀQGRQ
smartphone apps, and the Colour
Enhance options are impressive.
Drag the marker onto a colour in
the image and move the slider around
the circular control to saturate or fade
out that colour throughout the image.
Drag it to another colour and choose a
WorldMags.net
Snap the screen
In Windows 8, the ability to snap apps
next to each other is a much-needed
feature for power-hungry users, but it
only allows you to dedicate a certain
portion of the screen to each app. In 8.1,
you can have a 50:50 split down the
middle of the screen between two apps,
or you can have up to three apps on
each screen if you have multiple displays
connected. You can also have different
Store apps running on each display at
the same time, while keeping the Start
screen open on one monitor!
different level. You can use this to
make an image more vibrant or give it
a muted effect. The Photos app is also
far faster (and for now, at least, you can
still get the Windows 8 version from
the Windows Store).
The verdict
Windows 8.1 isn’t a whole new
operating system – it isn’t the same
leap as from Windows 7 to 8 – but
it’s more than a service pack as well.
Built-in SkyDrive sync is very welcome,
and transforms Windows 8.1 into a
far more powerful system. Internet
Explorer has also received some
VLJQLÀFDQWLPSURYHPHQWVin both the
desktop and app versions.
Performance feels faster generally,
even for simple things like zipping up
ÀOHV,WPLJKWWDNHDOLWWOHJHWWLQJXVHG
to (the interface changes could feel like
too much if you liked the Windows 8
Start screen, and the Start button isn’t
a replica of the old Windows 7 version),
EXWZH·UHFRQÀGHQWWKDWWKLVnew
update will make Windows 8 appealing
to a lot more people.
The interface feels more consistent
and easier to use. We particularly love
the new on-screen keyboard, which
lets you swipe up on the top row of
keys to type numbers, and the new PC
Settings screen, which gives you all the
options you need in a simple interface.
If you use the Windows Store, you’ll
see plenty of prompts and promotions
to try out the Windows 8.1 preview. In
eight months, Microsoft has delivered
a sensible and welcome update to
Windows 8. We’ll have much more
information about Windows 8.1 once
it UHDFKHVLWVRIÀFLDOUHOHDVH Q
87
 WorldMags.net

Discover new music

Fancy broadening your musical Soundtracker
horizons? Use these excellent apps to FREE
6RXQGWUDFNHUPDNHV¾QGLQJQHZPXVLF
easier than ever. You can see trending radio

discover new bands, genres and styles
stations created by other users, and even see
what people nearby to you are listening to
at the moment! Thanks to a huge library
with over 22 million free songs, you’ll be
able to discover loads of exciting new bands.
What’s more, once you’ve discovered new
music you can create your own radio station
and share them with your friends on
Facebook and Twitter! Not only is
6RXQGWUDFNHUDJUHDWZD\RI¾QGLQJQHZ
music, but it also lets you help your friends
¾QGQHZVWXIIDVZHOO

Deezer
FREE
Deezer is one of the most popular music
discovery and sharing apps for Windows 8,
and it’s easy to see why. With over 20 million
tracks and thousands of artist-based and
themed radio channels, you’ll never be
without something to listen to. You can
build your own library and playlist to listen
to wherever you are, and discover the latest
tracks and the trendiest music with Deezer
Picks. Make sure you don’t miss out on any
new releases either with Deezer keeping you
up to date with the latest singles and
albums. New features are being added all
the time, so don’t miss out!

88
WorldMags.net
 5 BEST APPS
WorldMags.net

Shazam
FREE
Shazam is probably the quickest and easiest
way to discover new music. All you need to
do when you hear music you’ve never heard
before is to load up Shazam and let it listen
with you, using your Windows 8 device’s
built-in microphone. No matter if it’s playing
RQDUDGLRIHDWXUHGLQD¾OPRUSOD\LQJLQ
the background of an advert, Shazam will
analyse and recognise the music, letting you
buy, share and listen to the track. You can
even watch the music video and get the
lyrics of the song as well! You can also read
album reviews and artist biographies of any
WUDFN6KD]DPLGHQWL¾HVWRR

Music All
Around You
FREE
Music All Around You connects with ex.fm, a
service that lets you keep track of and share
of your favourite songs. Found a song you
love? Just click the heart icon to share it with
your followers. You can follow others to
listen to what they love, and keep an eye on
the Suggested list to see what artists you
should be listening to, based on any songs
you’ve highlighted. Music All Around You
works perfectly with any Windows 8 device,
making it even easier to use ex.fm on the
move, whenever, wherever.

Eventy
FREE
One of the best ways of discovering new
music is the tried and tested method of
JRLQJWROLYHJLJV,W¶VDJUHDWZD\WR¾QG
new bands and the Eventy app updates you
on any exciting live performances, club
nights and more happening in your area.
You can explore the most popular events
QHDUE\RUVHDUFKIRUVSHFL¾FPXVLFHYHQWV,I
money is tight you can specify it to search
for free events, too. Eventy doesn’t just focus
on music events; it can be used for lots of
other things as well, such as locating local
conferences, charity events and more.

WorldMags.net 89
 WorldMags.net

VOTE NOW!
CG AWARDS Visit www.3dworldmag.com/cgawards

2013
to choose your favourite CG creative
work and products of the year!
THE BEST OF THE CG INDUSTRY

Last year’s
award winners
ran the gamut
from independent
animators to
Hollywood giants

THE CATEGORIES
Visit the CG Awards website to view
the shortlists and cast your votes
Vote in some or all categories; one vote per person per category

Technology Awards Creative Awards

New Application of the Year CG Animated Feature Film of the Year CG Commercial Campaign of the Year
Software Update of the Year in association with RebusFarm Arch Viz Still of the Year
Plug-in of the Year CG Animation Short of the Year Arch Viz Animation of the Year
Software Innovation of the Year VFX Feature Film of the Year CG Videogames In-Game Award
in association with Escape Technology in association with The Foundry CG Videogame Promotion Award
Hardware Innovation of the Year VFX Film Short of the Year 3D World Hall of Fame Award

Discuss the CG Awards

@3DWorldMag #3dwawards
www.facebook.com/3dworldmagazine
Brought to you by 3D World,
the magazine for CG artists.
www.3dworldmag.com

WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net

Hotlist
RECOMMENDED BUYS
TOP
VALUE Hot picks
Get more for
your money with Power, style and value
the HP Pavillion Get it all and more with Gigabyte’s
TS Sleekbook 15 impressive new ultrabook p92
p95
The Surface tablet reborn
Microsoft rewrite the rules with the
PC-powerful Surface Pro tablet p94

The perfect ereader

Bring your reading into the digital age
with the Kindle Paperwhite p95

WorldMags.net 91
 WorldMags.net
NEW
Hotlist ENTRY

TOP OF THE RANGE

Gigabyte
U2442T
£920 | $1,319 Gigabyte packs
value and style into the 14-inch
touchscreen U2442T notebook
There’s no shortage of slender laptops that run
Screen
14in
Windows 8 well and give you a touchscreen for easy
access to your favourite apps. However, few come
with the gaming-class graphics and massive storage
that Gigabyte (perhaps better known for its range of
Weight motherboards) has packed into the 14-inch U2442T.
1.7kg The Core i5 and 8GB of memory would be speedy
on their own, but you also get an Nvidia GeForce
graphics adapter that kicks in when you’re playing
Battery more demanding games, or running hefty image and
297 video processing tools. This is a lot more power than
mins \RX·OOÀQGLQPRVW8OWUDERRNVDQG\RXJHWLWZLWKRXW
VDFULÀFLQJWRRPXFKEDWWHU\OLIHwHPDQDJHGÀYH
hours on a single charge. If you need more disk space you
can add a 1TB hard drive alongside the speedy 128GB SSD
that has it starting up in under eight seconds.
Along with a smattering of handy ports and a decent
screen, it’s hard to really fault the Gigabyte U2442T.

Connections
There’s a full set of
ports, including
HDMI and an SD
card slot. There are
two fast USB 3.0
connections, plus

Solid case and

two USB 2.0 ports.

solid performance,
plus all the ports
you could want
92
WorldMags.net
 RECOMMENDED BUYS
WorldMags.net
Screen
The standard
resolution is 1,366 x
768, so if you want
more detail go for
the HD+ resolution
version, which is
1,600 x 900.

Hardware
There’s already a lot
of power underneath
the hood, but if you
want a little more
space you can always
add a 1TB hard drive
at a later date.

TOP ALTERNATIVE
Samsung Series 7 Chronos
£1,299 | $1,550
For those of us who want power,
performance and comfort, this is
ideal. There’s an Intel Core i7 3635QM
processor, 8GB of RAM, and an AMD
Radeon HD 8800M graphics chip
for improved gaming performance,
too. The Chronos also has a full-sized
keyboard and a Full HD screen. Battery
life is shorter than average, though,
and it’s heavy at 2.5kg.
www.samsung.com

Screen
15.6in
Weight
2.5kg
Battery
327 mins

Control
The extra large
trackpad supports
Windows 8 gestures,
so you can swipe and
scroll easily without
having to reach up to
the screen.
WorldMags.net 93
 WorldMags.net
Hotlist
The 12.5-inch The digital pen
Gorilla Glass is great for
screen is the taking notes
main draw or sketching
of the Twist ideas out

REVOLUTIONARY WINDOWS 8 PRO

Lenovo Thinkpad Twist Microsoft Surface Pro

£850 | $990 The classic convertible tablet
design is back, and it’s better than ever
It might not be the sexiest hybrid laptop we’ve
Screen
12.5in ever seen, but Lenovo’s Thinkpad Twist is a very
touch versatile machine. The screen can be rotated so it
faces away from the keyboard, making it ideal for
using as a tablet, or giving presentations.
Weight
1.6kg The 12.5-inch Gorilla Glass screen is the main
draw of the Twist, and boasts a native resolution
of 1,366 x 768. It’s good for movies, but what
makes the Twist even better is that it’s ideal
Battery
219 for more practical tasks, thanks to the roomy
mins keyboard and versatile options for mouse
control, including a touchpad and TrackPoint
inputs. And it’s a touchscreen, of course.
A Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a speedy 500GB
hard drive round off the hardware side of things a treat.
www.lenovo.com
TOP ALTERNATIVES
£719 | $899 You can take it all with you if you pick
up the world’s best tablet PC
If you’re familiar with the original Surface RT, the
Screen
10.6in Surface Pro has almost all of its advantages and
more. It has the same sturdy but sleek case and
DQHYHQEHWWHUVFUHHQWKHGHWDLOVDUHFULVSDQG
the 1,920 by 1,080 resolution is ideal for enjoying
Weight
910g movies. The resolution could even be a bit too
high for Windows 8’s desktop view but, cleverly,
software and web pages on the desktop are
PDJQLÀHGDXWRPDWLFDOO\The screen responds
Battery
158 quickly and accurately to touch input, and you
mins can also tap with up to 10ÀQJHUVDWRQFHLQ
games or apps, and write with the digital pen.
The Surface Pro can run Windows Store apps and
normal PC software, as well as any peripherals you
need. It’s also powerful, but battery life suffers a little.
www.microsoft.com

Screen Asus Taichi £1,000 | $1,290 Screen Acer Iconia W510 £549 | $750
11.6in The Asus Taichi is just 3mm thick at its thinnest 10.1in The W510 is a great Windows 8
touch and weighs 1.3kg, but what’s really amazing is tablet that slots neatly in between
that it has two 11.6-inch Full HD Weight the current choices, with an Intel
Weight touchscreens packed into 1.26kg Atom processor, which offers
1.3kg the lid – front and a good amount of power and
back. It also has a Battery battery life. It’s a well built device
Battery brilliant sound 310 mins that’s versatile, too. We wouldn’t
197 mins system from recommend it over a full-
Danish audio size laptop for serious
expert Bang & tasks, but it would make
Olufsen – ideal a great companion to
for music. your main PC in the home.
www.asus.com www.acer.com
94
WorldMags.net
 RECOMMENDED BUYS
WorldMags.net
NEW NEW
ENTRY ENTRY
Ereader
There’s a
vibrant Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
touchscreen £109 | $119
TKH.LQGOH·VHLQNWRXFKVFUHHQLVWKHÀQHVW
display around, though you might miss physical Pixels
featured here buttons for page turning when reading 222ppi
one-handed. This model includes an
adjustable backlight for bedtime reading.
Weight
www.amazon.com
213g

Bridge camera

Nikon 1 J3
£538 | $697
The stylish J3 is nice and slim, but still
packed with features. These include a Slow Pixels
EVERYDAY COMPUTING View mode, which lets you replay a short 14.2MP
scene in slow motion, then capture a still

HP Pavilion TS Sleekbook image at the optimum moment.

www.nikon.com
Weight
244g
£450 | $550 Can the TS Sleekbook 15 really cut it
against its mainstream rivals
The HP Pavilion TS Sleekbook 15 gives you a lot
Screen
15.6in of laptop for you money. Sure, you’d hardly call
it slender (at just over 2cm thick) or portable (it
weighs 2.1kg), and it doesn’t have an optical Wireless speaker
drive, but what the Sleekbook does have is a
Weight
2.1kg vibrant touchscreen display, a decent AMD
dual-core processor with some gaming JBL Flip
capabilities and a whopping 8GB of RAM.
You also get an equally big 1TB hard drive to
£110 | $100
Battery This portable battery-powered speaker
462 VWRUHDOO\RXUÀOHVRQ7KH$OWHF/DQVLQJVSHDNHUV
delivers a ÀQHO\WXQHG, crisp sound that Weight
mins are very impressive for movies and music too.
belies its tiny size. You can even make and 350g
%DWWHU\OLIHLQWKHUHJLRQRIÀYHWRVHYHQKRXUV receive calls via Bluetooth as long as your
is certainly not to be sniffed at, and connectivity is very smartphone remains connected.
well represented too, with two fast USB 3.0 ports, an Battery
www.jbl.com
5 hours
HDMI output and more.
www.hp.com

Screen HP Envy X2 £699 | $649

11.6in The HP Envy X2 isn’t the most
powerful of laptops, and it’s In-ear headphones
Weight better to think of it as an
1.4kg 11.6-inch tablet with an
added keyboard. The 64GB Bose IE2
Battery RIÁDVKVWRUDJHPHDQV £89 | $100
462 mins there’s no moving hard 7KHVHKHDGSKRQHVFDQEHÀGGO\DWWLPHV
drive to add noise and but they won’t drop out during vigorous Weight
weight. Battery life is exercise. As you’d expect from Bose, the 18.5g
excellent and the keyboard VRXQGLVH[TXLVLWHZLWKÀQHO\WXQHGGULYHUV
and trackpad are great, making it directing music into and around your ears.
Length
easy to use on the move. www.bose.com
115cm
www.hp.com
WorldMags.net 95
 WorldMags.net
Hotlist
Multimedia The fantastic
powerhouse design means
that’s much it turns a room
more than a into a slick
gaming PC RI¾FHVSDFH

BIG SCREEN LAPTOP STYLISH DESKTOP

Toshiba Qosmio X870 Acer Aspire 5600U

£1,430 | $1,500 Monster laptop with impressive
gaming credentials and a nifty 3D display to boot
You don’t need to be a serious gamer in order
Screen
17.3in WRIXOO\DSSUHFLDWHWKHLPSUHVVLYHVSHFLÀFDWLRQ
sheet of the latest big-hitting Qosmio. Toshiba
has created a monster laptop that fully lives up
to the tag of desktop replacement.
Weight
3.4kg The 17.3-inch, Full HD 3D display is perfect
not only for high-octane gaming, but also for
watching Blu-ray movies or editing your high-
resolution images. On the media front it also
Battery
41 helps that there’s a stereo speaker setup from
mins audio expert Harman Kardon on board.
Storing your data shouldn’t prove tricky either,
as there’s a whopping 1TB of hard drive space on offer,
along with a 128GB SSD for super-fast boot up times
DQGH[WUDTXLFNDFFHVVWRWKRVHHVVHQWLDOÀOHV
www.toshiba.com
TOP ALTERNATIVES
£849 | $1,497 With a sleek design and a
great display, this is a true family media centre
This is a slim machine that has more in common
Screen
23in with a modern TV than a traditional desktop PC.
The screen measures 23 inches, has an HDMI
input for your DVD player or games console and,
crucially, looks great when playing HD content.
Weight
13kg There’s a DVD drive, 4GB of RAM and 500GB
of storage, which is more typical of an entry-level
laptop than a desktop computer. The i3
processor isn’t suitable for gaming, and it will
Battery
N/A struggle with any demanding creative software.
At this price you’d expect twice as much RAM
and a Blu-ray player – the storage is more than
enough for most needs. The pay-off for the steep price
is the excellent design, and the Acer could easily be
HLWKHUDQRIÀFH3&RUDVPDOO79LQWKHFRUQHURIDURRP
www.acer.com

Screen Samsung 5 550P £670 / $940 Screen Lenovo IdeaCentre A720 £1,399 | $1,750
17.3in Quad-core Intel Core power, a vivid 1080p 27in The A720 is slim, with a frameless 27-inch touchscreen,
display, impressive audio – via the JBL stereo touch an integrated Blu-ray drive
Weight speaker and Max Boost subwoofer setup and a generous 1TB of
3kg – and Nvidia graphics make Weight hard disk space. Power
this one of the best 11.6kg comes courtesy of a meaty
Battery pound for pound quad-core Intel i7 processor,
195 mins laptops we’ve seen. Battery 8GB of RAM and Nvidia
It looks pretty N/A graphics. The A720 is equally
swish as well, and the good whether you need a
isolation style keyboard high-performance workstation
is as good as we’ve seen. IRUWKHRIÀFHRUDJRRGORRNLQJ
A tidy little package. living room media centre.
www.samsung.com www.lenovo.com
96
WorldMags.net
 RECOMMENDED BUYS
WorldMags.net

Action camera
The Carl Zeiss
lens makes Sony HDRAS15
your photos £187 | $268
Sony’s action camera is inexpensive,
look really but doesn’t skimp on features. It uses Length
amazing SteadyShot and an Exmor sensor to ensure 22cm
VPRRWKÀOPLQJDW+'TXDOLW\7KHUH·V:L)L
too, so you can control it via your phone.
Height
www.sony.com
12.8cm

Internet radio

Logitech UE Smart
Radio £150 | $180
Logitech’s radio is stunningly versatile:
it can link to loads of internet music Length
SMARTPHONE services, including last.fm and Spotify, and 22cm
LWVURRPÀOOLQJVRXQGLVHYHU\ELWDVJRRG

Nokia Lumia 920 as radios twice the price.

www.logitech.com
Height
12.8cm
£419 | $450 Great screen and photo performance
combine to make Nokia’s big phone a winner
1RNLD·VÁDJVKLSSKRQHLVRQHKHFNRIDWKLQJWR
Screen
4.5in hold. With a 4.5-inch display and weighing
touch 186g, it won’t sit unnoticed in your pocket.
The screen is an absolute beauty, however, HD streamer
with a bright and colourful display and the ability
Weight
186g to take knocks thanks to its tough Gorilla Glass.
It also has an eight-megapixel camera with a Asus O!Play Mini Plus
Carl Zeiss lens, which makes photographing life
on the move a pleasure – the results are amazing.
£96 | $120
Battery The O!Play Mini Plus from Asus lets you
290 The real win here is the ability to charge
stream HD images and video with Dolby Weight
mins wirelessly with an optional dock, so there’s no
VXUURXQGVRXQGTXDOLW\<RX·OOÀQGDQ 175g
need to attach a cable when the juice is low. e-SATA port for connecting to hard drives,
The 920 comes in red, yellow, white and black, and and it comes with YouTube connectivity.
you can get accessories such as headphones, wireless Power
www.asus.com
10W
charging stations and speakers in matching colours.
www.nokia.com

Screen HTC 8S £229 | $430

4.0in The HTC 8S cuts down on size and
power for people who want a great Workout watch
Weight TXDOLW\SKRQHÀUVWDQGDZHEEURZVHU
113g and digital camera second.
The handset is slim and has a Garmin Forerunner 610
Battery vibrant, edgy design. The four-inch £225 | $400
310 mins screen isn’t the best we’ve seen, This is the perfect timepiece for going on
DQGWKHÀYHPHJDSL[HOFDPHUD runs, working out at the gym or riding your Weight
is a little below par, but it does bike, with a load of features for keeping 72g
come with Beats by Dre audio track of your activities. Its straightforward
technology, which boosts music LQWHUIDFHPDNHVLWDSHUIHFWÀWQHVVEXGG\
Battery
and improves sound clarity. www.garmin.com
8 hours
www.htc.com
WorldMags.net 97
 WorldMags.net
Future Publishing Ltd, 30 Monmouth Street,
Bath BA1 2BW
Tel: 01225 442244 Fax: 01225 732275
Email: windowsmagazine@futurenet.com

Next issue
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EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Adam Ifans
Deputy editors Alex Cox, Nick Odantzis
Section editor Matt Hanson
Contributing editor James Stables

on sale
ART/PRODUCTION
Art editor Fraser McDermott
Deputy art editor Mat Gartside
Managing editor Catherine Emma Ellis
Production assistant Dom Reseigh-Lincoln
CONTRIBUTORS
Editorial Matthew Bolton, Dan Grabham, Shimelle Laine, John

28 August
McCann, Richard Melville, Matthew Skinner, Henry Winchester
A CHANGE Art Cormac Jordan
Production Ian Evenden, Damian Hall
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