GADGETS

It is almost a must to look for a remote control before you even start your favourite games, movies and television sets on the Xbox One. Fortunately, Xbox one fans can utilise their consoles to control their TV automatically, provided that they have the Kinect 2 sensor plugged.

Check out the highlights that happened over at VGX 2013, and learn about what’s coming up for gaming for 2014.

The home theatre is one area Google has failed to make some strides in. The company has released a few failed products in the past like the Nexus Q, among others. However, these failures have not stopped the tech giant from trying to penetrate the living room market once again. New rumours started recently about a Nexus TV already cooking for launch in 2014.

Sunshine Coast Daily, a newspaper for Maroochydore, Queensland (QLD) in Australia is giving away six prizes from Nov. 9 to Dec. 23, 2013 as part of its Countdown to Christmas contest. Giveaways include an iPhone 5s, a $1,000 Flight Centre travel voucher, a GoPro Hero3+, a system 12 lotto ticket, five $100 vouchers at Bunnings, Kmart or Boating Camping Fishing (BCF) and five $100 Coles Group vouchers.

Gaming updates includes the move from Minecraft 1.7.2 to Minecraft 1.7.3, Telltale Games’ announcements of two more games that you can expect during the holiday season and over the New Year, as well as a survey that can pertain to another Assassin’s Creed game.

Following the release of Google Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 KitKat, the internet giant has just released the Android 4.4.1 update. The released update aims to address a range of camera issues on the Nexus 5. Expected improvements include better capture speeds and improved autofocus. Users can find more improvements on their device with the update on a deeper look.

When the first iPad Mini was released in late 2012, it romped its way to the top and dislodged the original iPad as the world’s preferred tablet. Many wondered: Will the 9.7-inch tablet form-factor remain relevant?

Verizon is reportedly getting ready to offer another Nokia device, the Nokia Lumia 929. Notable mobile device source @evleaks posted on Twitter that the codename for the upcoming Windows Phone handset is “Icon” as more leaked images surface online.

No official word yet from Team Evad3rs on when exactly is the iOS 7 Evasi0n jailbreak is coming out. The latest points to a January or February 2014 release date.

A recent sighting of a Samsung SM-G900S smartphone model shows that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 may feature a 2.5 Ghz Snapdragon 800 chip and 2560 × 1440 display. Reports say that there are strong indications that it will be the next Galaxy S5. Samsung’s next flagship phone is expected to hit around April 2014. Can the newly spotted device be the much awaited handset?

Asus has been a proven computer manufacturer, being successful in releasing a series of tablets including the first and second generations of Google's famous Nexus 7 line. Recently, the company has released the Transformer Book Trio, which runs both Android and Windows OS. This makes Asus no stranger to producing computers that operate on two operating systems. And it seems the device was just the start of a slew dual OS devices coming from the manufacturer. A recent FCC filing suggests that ...

Short of three weeks and its Christmas 2013 but the Nexus 10 2 remains out of sight, leading some to speculate that release date of the supposed iPad Air rival is not happening this year’s holiday season.

Samsung Galaxy S5 is yet to come to the market, but interest over its refreshed line started surfacing. Recently, there have been reports about the Samsung Galaxy S6 concept. The newest concept reports indicate that Samsung’s Galaxy S6 may feature a 20MP camera, curved body plus new sensors for more groundbreaking features.

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is one of the thinnest phablets in the market today but it's mediocre camera and poor battery life may leave the user a bit disappointed. While thin is certainly the in gadget design and other Android manufacturers claim to have the thinnest device, Sony really wins with its huge phone that's actually thin. The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is one of the biggest and is actually the thinnest.

Apple has been working with chords for the longest time. Nonetheless, reports of a newly won patent indicates the tech giant is ready to go wireless. From its iMacs to iPhones and MacBooks, it seems Apple will be pushing for wireless charging in the near future.

Google fans waiting for the Nexus 10 2 have grown tired and now decided to buy Apple’s iPad line.

Samsung fans have given overwhelming positive response to the Samsung Galaxy S4 back on its launch in March. Time does not stand still and the Korean company must keep abreast with Apple for smartphone superiority.

The Android 4.4.1 KitKat was discovered in server logs running on Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 5. The software that appears in analytics running a new version on Android 4.4 KitKat could mean a release in the near future. The testing seemed to come from Santa Clara, Calif. and continued shortly after Nov. 15 at an increased rate.

For users who are hesitant in making the transition to Android 4.4 KitKat for their Samsung Galaxy S3, they can stick to the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update.

The PS4 Phase 3 is starting in the UK GAME stores. Sony has also announced scheduled gams and apps coming out before the year ends. Also, those who want a new PS3 can join Sony’s new "The Smurfs" Christmas PS3 contest.

"Pokemon X and Y" 2DS bundle is finally coming to the U.S. Also, another chart has been created by a fan, this time ranking the strength of the gym leaders from the first generation of the game up to "Pokemon X and Y."

Some new tips and tricks, as well as announcements and cool features for the Xbox One. These include a warning for those downloading the COD: Ghosts update, using the SmartGlass to potentially replace another device, and some worrisome news to potty mouths.

Scoring the Nexus 7 this Christmas season, any of the two versions, is a rewarding experience by itself as it means owning one of the best Android slates without having to pay too much.

These are the clues that point to why Rocksteady will be making the "Batman: Arkham Origins" sequel. In addition, more characters and skins are now available with "Injustice: Gods Among Us" iOS game.

Call of Duty: Ghosts get an Xbox One update, plus a quick look on what Clan Wars is like. Battlefield 4 also gets the much-awaited PS4 update, with mention of the following patches for other platforms.

In search for the quick completion of an open iOS 7 jailbreak, a bounty was dangled to developers but Team Evad3rs is not biting with one source claiming that work on the Evasi0n jailbreak is almost finished.

The Galaxy Note 3 is rumoured to have optical image stabilisation incorporated in its camera. Rumours say that it was because of inadequate supply of stabilised modules at that time. Now, the talked about technology is set to be on the Samsung Galaxy S5, however, ETNews say that the next generation Galaxy S smartphone will not have the OIS due to a myriad of issues.

It’s been more than 12 months since the first Nexus 10 was issued by Google yet release date of its successor, the Nexus 10 2, seems a remote a possibility until now.

The market has enough supply for laptop products that people can choose from these holidays. It all boils down to what they are looking for and how much they are willing to spend. There are laptops above the $1000-mark and there are also those very affordable for as little as $200. Google Chromebooks are the perfect examples for budget-friendly laptop-like devices. The list cites some of the best laptops buys for the holidays below $1000.