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Tuesday 9 April 2013

Microsoft Xbox In May 2013: It Is Remarkably Similar To The PS4


The original Xbox (REX)

The wait to learn what Microsoft has in store for the next generation now has a countdown.
The Verge reports that the company will hold an event on May 21 to reveal the new console, with a more complete look to follow a few weeks later at E3 2013.
Industry watchers had initially expected Microsoft to unveil the successor to the Xbox 360 later this month, but sources tell The Verge that the event was pushed back. Windows blogger Paul Thurrot corroborated that during a recent episode of 'What the Tech', pointing out that indeed the date was pushed from April 24 to May 21. Yahoo! Games has independently confirmed the pushback of the event from April to May, but we’ve been unable to verify the exact date.
If the May 21 date is indeed correct, it will come almost two months to the day after Sony took the wraps off the PlayStation 4. It would also follow a precedent Microsoft set with the introduction of the Xbox 360, which was first unveiled during a televised event just a few weeks shy of E3 2005.
Like the PlayStation 4, the next Xbox (currently codenamed 'Durango') is expected to be on store shelves before the end of the year. People familiar with Microsoft's plans say the system's features are, in fact, remarkably similar to what Sony has already unveiled.
Microsoft has always had an advantage with the non-gaming components of its consoles, though, and recently hired the former president of CBS Television Studios to lead its efforts to form an Xbox studio. The company is also expected to unveil an integrated (and vastly updated) version of the Kinect motion sensor as a component of the new Xbox.
What many are wondering about most are rampant rumors that the system will require users to always be connected to the Internet, and fear that was boosted after last week's Twitter incident involving a creative director at the company.
We may not get the answer to that particular question at the May event. Like Sony, Microsoft is likely to leave several features unannounced, and considering the outcry over the concept of an ‘always on’ system, Microsoft could well avoid the topic altogether for now. May's introduction is likely meant to whet the appetite of gamers and keep them talking about it until a more complete unveiling takes place during the company’s annual press conference during E3 in June.

Friday 5 April 2013

Best UK Mobile Network Deal For You

Free cinema tickets, unlimited data, short-term contracts - not all mobile deals are created equal. 
Mobile networks are most definitely NOT "all the same" - with different deals, handsets and extras meaning that choice of network is more important than ever.

Mobile phone shops (PA)
Mobile networks are most definitely NOT "all the same" - with different deals, handsets and extras meaning that choice of network is more important than ever.

If you've stuck with one network out of loyalty, you may well be missing out.

With newer networks like Tesco Mobile and giffgaff vying with more established players like Vodafone and O2 for your custom, there’s more choice than ever.

But it can be confusing, so here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of each of the UK’s major mobile phone network operators, so you can help decide which network is best for you.

The list isn’t exhaustive - deals change all the time and each network has exclusive offers on different phones at different times, so do your research first - why not try Yahoo’s comparison tool?
EE
Best for: Ultra-fast 4G
EE is the UK’s newest mobile brand, formed by the merger of Orange and T-Mobile. Confusingly although Orange and T-Mobile shops have gone from the high-street (to be replaced by EE stores) T-Mobile, Orange and EE brands co-exist, with individual online shops and varying prices. Whether you buy a phone from T-Mobile, Orange or EE, you’ll be able to take advantage of the UK’s biggest 3G network, with the most coverage.
Pros: EE runs the UK’s first 4G network, offering ultrafast mobile broadband when you pair a compatible phone (like the iPhone 5, HTC One (above) or Samsung Galaxy S4), with a 4G SIM. 
All EE tariffs include unlimited calls, texts and free WiFi via BT WiFi hotspots and on the London Underground. EE Film offers 2 for 1 cinema tickets every Wednesday.
Cons: At the moment EE is the only network offering 4G, thus controlling the price of 4G in the UK. However if you can wait until June/July when Vodafone, O2 and Three launch rival 4G services, more competition should lead to cheaper 4G prices.
Verdict: EE is currently the network for accessing ultra-fast 4G on a range of high-end mobile phones.

giffgaff
Best for: Value deals if you already own a phone
giffgaff (like Virgin Mobile and Tesco Mobile) uses airwaves belonging to another network, in this case O2. giffgaff is in fact owned by Telefonica, O2’s parent company.
Pros: Instead of long-term contracts giffgaff offers SIM-only ‘goodybags’ lasting 30 days, offering unlimited internet for £12 a month. giffgaff focuses heavily on its community, giving £5 payback per member for every new member recruited. Instead of call centres, questions are dealt with by the community, the immediate benefit being there’s no waiting on hold to speak to someone in a call centre.
Cons: giffgaff’s set-up may may not suit people with limited internet access or those who feel more comfortable talking to someone about phone issues. It doesn’t sell phones either - so to use giffgaff you’ll need to buy a handset upfront or on PAYG and unlock it.
Verdict: giffgaff is a great choice if you’ve already got a phone, want value for money and don’t want to be tied into a long-term phone contract 

O2 
Best for: Good selection of handsets - deals such as concert tickets
Owned by Telefonica, O2 is one of the UK’s biggest networks, introducing 4G later this year.
Pros: O2 has a huge selection of PAY and Pay Monthly phones, with exclusives, early upgrades, free WiFi and discounts on home broadband. O2 customers get access to gig and event tickets 48-hours before they go on sale. O2 Priority Moments offers freebies and discounts on nearby brands, while Priority Sports gives access to apps like Nike Training Club App and exclusive events. 
Cons: O2 doesn’t offer unlimited data on its Pay Monthly tariffs
Verdict: Along with a huge selection of phones, O2 is a good choice for music fans and includes some groundbreaking app incentives

Orange
Best for: Freebies such as Orange Wednesdays
Orange now comes under the EE umbrella, meaning Orange (now EE) customers benefit from the largest 3G network in the UK.  
Pros: All Orange customers benefit from 2 for 1 cinema tickets with Orange Wednesdays and discounts on Orange broadband. Pay Monthly tariffs include free BT and London Underground WiFi, while Swappables offer free premium content such as Sky Sports Mobile TV. 
Cons: Orange doesn’t offer unlimited data on any of its Pay Monthly deals, so heavy data users (including those looking for a SIM-only tariff) will find more competitive tariffs elsewhere. 
Verdict: Orange is a good choice for customers who want a call, text, and do some moderate browsing, with some cool extras.

T-Mobile
Best for: Good value deals
As part of EE, T-Mobile customers get access to the UK’s largest 3G network.
Pros: T-Mobile offers a wide selection of tariffs to suit all types of user, with boosters offering free texts, calls or landline calls. Its Full Monty plan is one of the few tariffs to offer truly unlimited data, making it great value for smartphone users. You Fix plans cap your  monthly spend to prevent bill shock and customers get free WiFi on the London Underground.
Cons: T-Mobile doesn’t offer extras like Swappables
Verdict: Great for the cash conscious, particularly anyone requiring unlimited internet

Three 
Best for: Good value deals for mobile internet
Three is the UK’s fastest growing mobile network, focusing on mobile internet, with 4G coming later this year.
Pros: If you want a plan with data Three’s tariffs are among the cheapest, with the benefit of truly unlimited data via The One Plan and new Unlimited Internet tariffs. SIM-only tariffs are very competitive too.
Cons: Three doesn’t offer as comprehensive a selection of phones as rivals like Vodafone or O2, particularly if you’re looking for a PAYG phone.
Verdict: If you want competitive high-end handsets with the freedom to browse and stream movies on-the-go without bill shock, Three is the network for you.

Tesco Mobile

Best for: Cheap PAYG deals
Tesco runs on O2’s network and offers some great value tariffs.
Pros: With Triple Your Credit top up £15 on PAYG and Tesco will triple it to £45, Tesco Clubcard customers also get 3 points per pound they top up. ‘Family Perks’ offers extra minutes or data to families with multiple Pay Monthly accounts, while Capped Tariffs ensure you don’t go over your monthly bill, avoiding bill shock. Tesco Mobile is also the only network provider that has pledged to stop mid-contract price rises 
Cons: Tesco Mobile’s phone selection isn’t the most up to date, so can’t compete with the bigger networks on choice. There are no Pay Monthly tariffs with unlimited data either.
Verdict: Tesco Mobile offers amazing value on PAYG and SIM-only tariffs, with great offers for  families and Tesco shoppers.

Virgin Media
Best for: Good deals for Virgin Media users
Virgin Media runs on EE’s network, which means customers benefit from 99 per cent 3G coverage in the UK.
Pros: Virgin Mobile (along with Three and T-Mobile) is one of the few networks to offer unlimited data with its Premiere tariff.  Customers also get the flexibility to move up and down between tariffs. Virgin Media broadband and TV customers benefit from monthly £5 discounts on PAY Monthly tariffs, free Spotify, free phone insurance and free calls and texts to other Virgin Mobile users. SIM-only plans competitive too.
Cons:  Virgin Media doesn’t offer as exhaustive a phone selection and doesn’t always get the latest smartphones on launch.
Verdict: Amazing value for existing Virgin Media customers - particularly families and those who don’t want to be tied into a long-term contract.


Vodafone
Best for: Great extras for Pay Monthly customers
Vodafone offers an exhaustive selection of tariffs and sells all the major smartphones, with 4G connectivity coming soon.
Pros: Pay Monthly customers can take Data Test Drive offering unlimited internet for three months, upgrade 75 days early, get free WiFi and access Vodafone VIP for exclusive events and discounts. PAYG customers can earn Free Rewardz winning prizes with every top-up and Red Box helps transfer information between phones.
Cons: Although Vodafone tariffs include unlimited calls and text, they don’t offer unlimited data, so for hardcore internet users there are more competitive tariffs.
Verdict: Vodafone offers an exhaustive selection of the latest phones from a range of manufacturers, with some great Pay Monthly incentives.

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Why Is Road Pricing Such A Tricky Sell?


Are road tolls highway robbery?

With the Government reportedly hoping to build a new M4 toll motorway - why is road pricing such a tricky sell in Britain?

Vehicles approaching Britain's first motorway toll (PA)

You may think highway robbery was a thing of the past.

But, if Ukip, the AA, Taxpayers’ Alliance and a host of other groups are to be believed, this crime is now thriving in the form of road tolls.

And few things rile the British public more than these charges, which come on top of already soaring driving costs.

The latest AA polls show that 70 per cent of Britons – more than voted for both the Conservative and Labour parties at the last general election - are opposed to road pricing.
And a staggering 1.8million people bothered to sign a petition against such schemes back in 2007.

So – with the Government reportedly hoping to build a new M4 toll motorway  - why is road pricing such a tricky sell in Britain?

After all, the vast majority of motorways in France are toll roads - and virulent protest in that country is as much part of the national character as soft cheese and sex.

One reason why tolls are unpopular among Britain’s 35million drivers is because they are levied on top of almost £48billion worth of other motoring taxes.

These include £5.4billion from the annual vehicle excise duty – signified by the 'tax disc' all road-using cars must bear – and include £215 from this writer’s own not-exactly-gas-guzzling 1.6-litre family car.

Drivers also pay £31.7billion in VAT and extra duties levied on fuel, which in itself is becoming more expensive.

Yet of these vast sums raised by the Treasury only £9.8billion a year gets spent on our road network.

All motorist groups – whether they support or oppose tolls – agree that more of this revenue should be devoted to our highways.

Furthermore, there is almost unanimous agreement among these bodies that levying tolls on top of these taxes is wrong.

"The majority of road tax revenue subsidises other forms of public spending and we feel this shouldn’t be the case," says a spokesman for the AA.

"Additional tolls, or any form of road pricing, undermines consumer spending and mobility and could further damage our fragile economy."

The RAC Foundation is unique among motorist groups in supporting pay-as-you-go road pricing while demanding an end to “piecemeal” tolls and cuts to road taxing.

Stephen Glaistor, Professor of Transport and Infrastructure at Imperial College London, argues: "Why should someone using the Dartford Crossing or Severn Bridge be charged an additional fee on top of all the other money they already contribute to the Exchequer?"
Even the TaxPayers’ Alliance, which is normally opposed to public spending, takes a dim view of toll roads, despite the reduced cost to the Treasury.

"The Government should be looking at ways to cut the burden already placed on motorists instead of looking for more ways to make them pay," it insists.

Strangest of all, the United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) – usually only known for taking a stance on EU-related issues – is staunchly against road pricing.

The party denies its 'Scrap the Tolls' campaign is just a cynical ploy to attract those voters less bothered about its main objective of Britain exiting the European Union.

"We are not just a single issue party. We have a range of policies and we want drivers to have access to roads they have already paid to use," a spokeswoman insisted.

Another reason why opposition to tolls is so vigorous is that many of the existing road pricing projects have been unusually controversial.

For example, you might as well poke a lion as mention to an habitual M25 motorist the £2 toll for the Dartford Crossing.

Under original plans, levies there were meant to cease nine years ago after the Thames bridge and tunnel had been paid for. Instead charges were increased.

And dinner parties in the West Midlands could quickly sour with a single mention of the £5.50-a-go Birmingham-bypassing M6 Toll Road.
Since it was opened in 2004, there has seen a 26 per cent decline in traffic compared to its peak of 48,214 vehicles today.


The less-than-popular M6 toll

The Road Haulage Association, whose lorry and van-driving members are particularly affected by road charges, predicts an M4 toll road in South Wales would also fail.

But not all current road-pricing schemes have been so unpopular. 

The central London congestion charge, which accounts for half of Britain’s toll revenue - raising £300million a year with its £10-a-day levy – is broadly viewed to have been successful in reducing gridlock in an eight square mile area of the capital.

Businessmen, such as Elliot Jacobs, managing director of office supplies firm UOE, say it has boosted trade by helping firms deliver more easily.

However, despite winning over many doubters in London, proposals for congestion charges in Manchester and Edinburgh were dismissed at recent referendums.

Yet further road pricing initiatives are probably inevitable.

In March last year, Prime Minister David Cameron called for more 'private investment', which experts say is a codeword for toll roads.

After that, a joint Treasury and Department for Transport began conducting a 'feasibility' study, although publication has been repeatedly delayed.

When asked by Yahoo! News, the DfT remained tight-lipped about road pricing plans - only saying it was 'looking at toll schemes to increase capacity'.

Politicians are even more loath to mention pay-by-the-mile road pricing, although there are some merits – especially if other motoring taxes are axed or scrapped.

Professor Glaistor boils things down to a discrepancy between our expectations and what is realistic. "In just about every other area of our lives we are used to paying charges that vary by the level of consumption and time of use, be it gas, electricity, telecoms or even travel by plane and train," he says.

"So why not consider it for roads?

"We would also want to see a set amount of money raised be ring-fenced for spending on roads and also the creation of a watchdog to make sure charges are regulated.

"Ultimately the issue is one of trust. Ministers need to persuade the nation’s drivers that road pricing can be in everyone’s interest not just the Chancellor’s."

And that is probably the biggest sticking point of all. Nobody trusts our politicians.