Vodafone launches New Customer Hub on Oxford Street

Chris Hare
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Vodafone launches New Customer Hub on Oxford Street

Vodafone UK has opened a new three storey store on Oxford Street in London. The store goes beyond the traditional retail environment and offers everything from experiential zones and hospitality to work spaces for business customers and ‘click and collect’ zones – ensuring customers a quick service even during busy periods.

Nick Jeffery (CEO of Vodafone UK), Anne Sheehan (UK Enterprise Director), Kate Wright (Head of Consumer Services & Innovation), Jon Shaw (Head of Consumer Sales) at the Oxford Street store opening this morning.

The new revamped store includes:

Repairhub – a space in-store to meet our ‘Tech Experts’ who are able to fix your phone. They’re able to assist with everything from screen repairs and battery replacements to software updates. The new store offers same day repairs, which can be fixed within the hour. Customers will even receive a free phone loan whilst they wait. This service is available to both Vodafone customers and people on other networks. All Repairhub fixes come with a 12-month warranty.

Workhub – the new store offers business and enterprise customers an area to use for meetings or a flexible working space. Business customers can benefit from free Wi-Fi, as well as coffee and a quiet space to work in London.

Techteam – a team of specialists will be on hand to provide support to customers who need help and advice. You can also book a tutorial with one of the in-store team to learn things you never knew about your device. Prices start from £20 for 35 minutes.

VOXI – VOXI by Vodafone, the UK’s first mobile offering dedicated to customers aged 29 and under has its own youth area where customers can enjoy ‘Endless Social Media’, and put their thumbs to the test with interactive games.

IoT – our connected living space helps demonstrate how customers can bring the ‘Internet of Things’ into their everyday lives. Including live demos of our V-Home smart security system and other smart home products such as the Google Home and Philips Hue lightbulbs. The new store also showcases V by Vodafone products – including the V-Pet, V-Bag and V-Camera.

Product Experience Zones – with all of the latest flagship devices on display, this area gives manufacturers the opportunity to showcase new launches in a truly unique way. Bringing to life everything from top-of-the-range cameras and HD displays to the latest accessories.

Howtohub – a space specifically for group booking or events, including seminars/talks on mobile safety and security.

Xbox Most Anticipated Games of 2019

Chris Hare
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0
Xbox Most Anticipated Games of 2019

2019 is shaping up to be a great year for gamers on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC!, here is a quick look at some of the amazing games coming to Xbox, with all Microsoft Studios titles including “Crackdown 3,” “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” and “Gears 5” launching in Xbox Game Pass the same date as their global release.

“CRACKDOWN 3” (MICROSOFT STUDIOS): Time to step up your boom and stop crime as a super-powered Agent in “Crackdown 3’s” sandbox of cooperative mayhem and destruction, plus an all-new multiplayer mode where destruction is your ultimate weapon. “Crackdown 3” is available at launch on February 15th with Xbox Game Pass and globally on Xbox One and Windows 10.

“GEARS 5” (MICROSOFT STUDIOS). As Kait, journey across the biggest, most beautiful Gears world ever created. Play solo or with a friend in local split-screen co-op, or online co-op and experience every mode in 4K Ultra HD resolution with stunning HDR at a smooth 60 frames per second. “Gears 5” is coming to Xbox One and Windows 10 in 2019 and will be available day and date to Xbox Game Pass members.

“GEARS POP!” (MICROSOFT STUDIOS): “Gears Pop!” is a new Arena Brawler mobile game that brings together iconic Gears characters in the distinctive Funko Pop! style. The game is being developed in partnership with Funko and inspired by the “Gears of War” vinyl collectable figures. It’s the perfect slice of mobile mayhem, available on iOS and Android in 2019.

“MINECRAFT: DUNGEONS” (MICROSOFT STUDIOS). “Minecraft: Dungeons” is an action adventure game in the classic dungeon crawler style, where up to four players can fight together to defeat a relentless swarm of new mobs in a quest to save the villagers and take down the evil Arch-Illager. As an all-new passion project for PC from a small, dedicated team at Mojang, “Minecraft: Dungeons” will be the first new title in the Minecraft universe when it releases in 2019.

“ORI AND THE WILL OF THE WISPS” (MICROSOFT STUDIOS): From the creators of “Ori and the Blind Forest,” winner of over 50 awards and nominations, comes the highly anticipated sequel, “Ori and the Will of the Wisps.” Embark on an adventure with all-new combat and customization options while exploring a vast and exotic world, encountering larger-than-life enemies and challenging puzzles on your path to unravel Ori’s true destiny. “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” will be launching exclusively on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs in 2019 and will be available day and date to Xbox Game Pass members.

“SEA OF THIEVES” (MICROSOFT STUDIOS). “Sea of Thieves” is changing in a big way with its fifth free content update since launch, ‘The Arena.’ Releasing in early 2019, ‘The Arena’ is an all-new competitive game mode that allows players to test their pirating skills in fast-paced matches against rival crews. Each match is a fun, frenetic and action-packed race to find treasure that brings together all the most exciting elements of “Sea of Thieves” – on demand. “Sea of Thieves” is available with Xbox Game Pass and globally on Xbox One and Windows 10 as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.

“THE ARTFUL ESCAPE OF FRANCIS VENDETTI” (ANNAPURNA INTERACTIVE). “The Artful Escape of Francis Vendetti” is a video game about great expectations, famous folk singers, lingering shadows, space Gods, hallucinogens, individuality, reptile shops, and wild imaginations. It’s an action, adventure, exploration, narrative-driven, musical-laser-light-battle kind of game and is the debut release from BEETHOVEN & DINOSAUR.

“TUNIC” (FINJI). “Tunic” is an isometric action adventure about a tiny fox in a big world. Embark on an adventuresome quest about set in that place just beyond the farthest you’ve ever been! Explore ancient ruins, fight monsters and uncover mysterious secrets. The world is big and scary — so be brave, little one!

UK first 4G enabled drone delivers Christmas goodies to deserving volunteers

Chris Hare
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0
UK first 4G enabled drone delivers Christmas goodies to deserving volunteers

Vodafone has completed the first ever UK drone delivery over a 4G mobile network.  Drones are traditionally flown using a radio link, with the drone in sight of the operator.  However, controlling drones using the 4G network means they can be monitored in real time, reducing the need for drones to be flown in line of sight.  Vodafone was able to complete the delivery due to the strength of its 4G network, which covers 99% of the UK population.

The drone is the first of its kind to be built and flown in the UK and harnesses the power of Vodafone’s network via a portable 4G router.  In the future, drone delivery over a mobile network could be used to drop vital supplies into hard to reach places.   The low latency of 5G will also open up new opportunities for using drones in more densely populated areas.  5G technology will make the drones more responsive, which is essential for avoiding buildings and other obstructions in built-up areas. 

The specially adapted drone was made to look like a twinkling Santa sleigh and carried festive treats.    It brought Christmas cheer to Portland Bill Coastwatch, which sits on one of the most southerly points of the UK and operates 365 days a year.  It is manned by 75 volunteers, known as Watch Keepers, who are the eyes and the ears of the coast.    The Watch Keepers complete over 9,500 hours of service each year and work closely with the emergency services to help save lives. Entirely exposed to the UK coast, the site can be hard to reach in winter months.  However, using Vodafone’s best ever 4G network, a delivery of much-needed mince pies, chocolate and gingerbread men was delivered to the hardworking volunteers.

Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK said: “Technology plays an increasingly important role in connecting people over Christmas.  Flying a drone over 4G for the first time gives us a glimpse of what Christmas deliveries of the future might look like.  We have been   working hard to build a network that now covers 99% of the UK population, and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to use it to support our rural communities this festive season.”

VOXI Partners with YouTube Phenomenon Chicken Shop date for the Hot Sauce Tour

Chris Hare
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0
VOXI Partners with YouTube Phenomenon Chicken Shop date for the Hot Sauce Tour
  • VOXI, the UK’s first mobile offering dedicated to customers aged 29 and under, has collaborated with Amelia Dimoldenberg and her hit YouTube phenomenon Chicken Shop Date.VOXI, the UK’s first mobile offering dedicated to customers aged 29 and under, has collaborated with Amelia Dimoldenberg and her hit YouTube phenomenon Chicken Shop Date. VOXI and Amelia will take the show on the road for the first time with The Hot Sauce Tour, a unique YouTube series supported by three live music gigs across the UK.

The Hot Sauce Tour follows Chicken Shop Date CEO Amelia on a journey across the country as she uses VOXI’s Endless Social Media to finally find love, whilst recruiting some of the UKs hottest artists for a series of special high-octane gigs. The tour will see events take place in London, Manchester and Birmingham in early 2019, showcasing the incredible music talent the UK has to offer. It will also include some unexpected surprise cameos along the way.

VOXI gives customers who want unlimited data for social media and the latest smartphones the freedom to buy a phone without being tied into a long mobile contract. Customers also have unlimited calls and texts along with free roaming in 48 European destinations at no extra cost. VOXI SIM only plans work on a flexible monthly subscription with no contract; you’re free to change, pause or cancel your plan whenever you like.

Chicken Shop Date, which has now amassed over 150,000 subscribers and 18 million views, awkwardly combines romance, grime and rap artists and fried chicken. The series, which has become a cultural sensation attracting an avid youth audience, sees Amelia in the hot seat with a range of dates from across the music scene, from Kurupt FM and AJ Tracey to Ghetts and Maya Jama, all in a chicken shop.

Watch out for more information on special cameos and find out more about The Hot Sauce Tour, including performing artists, on VOXI’s social media channels in the coming weeks. For further details please visit www.voxi.co.uk.

Two Minute Review: Wireless Phone Charger from The Present Finder

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review: Wireless Phone Charger from The Present Finder

With Christmas just around the corner, here is a two minute review of the Wireless Phone Charger from The Present Finder.

This is the latest hi tech super cool charging gadget for this Christmas! Just place your smartphone on the inductive charging pad and it will charge charge charge! No wires and no plugs needed for your phone. Easy peasy.

With an anti slip design and the ability to charge through most non metallic phone cases, you will wonder how you ever managed without this gadget. The LED will glow blue when charging and glow red when charging is complete or on standby. An extra long 1.5 m cable is included. Output is 5 Watt.

Compatible with Apple iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X. Samsung Galaxy:  S9, S9+, Note 8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, Note 5, S6, S6 Edge. LG: V30, G6, G4, G3. Microsoft Lumia: 1520, 1020, 930, 929, 928, 920.  Google Nexus: 4, 5, 6, 7 (2013).

Qi is a wireless charging technology used to power electronic devices. Did you know that Qi is pronounced “chee” and is taken from the Chinese word for “natural energy”.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the charger, a USB cable and instructions.

A Closer Look

Using the Charger

Final Thoughts

If you have a phone with wireless charging capabilities, like an iPhone X then not having to plug a cable in every single time you want to charge it, especially at night, is a really good thing.

The Wireless Phone Charger from The Present Finder is fairly small and lightweight, you just have to plug in the base to the supplied cable and then connect the cable to either a USB plug (which isn’t supplied) or to a computer with a USB port. Then you just place your phone on the charging pad and wait for it to charge. That’s it, literally!

There are two glowing LEDs on the device – Blue to show its charging and Red to show it’s in standby.

If you are looking for an inexpensive present this Christmas for someone with a wireless charging capable phone, or maybe you want to treat yourself, then look no further than Wireless Phone Charger from The Present Finder, it does exactly what it says on the tin!

The Wireless Phone Charger from The Present Finder is available now priced £14.99.

You can learn more and order one from the Present Finder website.

Two Minute Review : Tough:Kit for Nintendo Switch from Snakebyte

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review : Tough:Kit for Nintendo Switch from Snakebyte

Here is our two minute review of the Tough:Kit for Nintendo Switch from Snakebyte.

Do you take your Nintendo switch everywhere you go? Then the Tough Kit is something you definitely need. Included is a Tough Case made with a rugged and stylish design that can withstand even the toughest abuse and a Game Case that can store and protect up to 4 games cartridges anywhere you go. Also included, is a set of controller caps that enhances your grip and protects your joysticks from the normal wear and tear and a scratch resistant Screen Shield Pro made of tempered glass.

Who are Snakebyte?

Established in Germany 1997, the snakebyte group is a leading global provider of consumer electronics. The Company has offices in Germany, Shenzhen, the US and Hong Kong and develops and distributes a wide selection of products specializing in connected media devices, gaming, simulation, drones & RC products. In addition, the Company provides its services in the OEM/ODM sector, working with partners to realise their goals and stay ahead of the competition. The snakebyte group have high levels of expertise in hardware engineering and software development, experts at creating an ecosystem in which technology and media can co-exist and provide state-of-the-art experiences for the consumer.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the following:

  • Tough Case black
  • Game Case
  • Screen Shield Pro + black cleaning cloth
  • Control Caps (1x grey cap, 1x red cap)

Using the Tough:Kit

Final Thoughts

Everything you need to keep your prized Nintendo Switch safe and in one piece is included in the Tough:Kit from Snakebyte.

This includes a screen protector and cloth, caps for you thumbsticks, a case for four games and not forgetting the protective case itself.

The case is lightweight and it’s easy to fit your Switch into it. The screen protector is just as easy to fit and is scratch resistant.

There’s not really much else that needs saying – if you have a Switch and you want to keep it safe, then you really should consider the Tough:Kit – it’s a good investment!

The Tough:Kit for Nintendo Switch from Snakebyte is available now priced around £24.99 and is available in both black and strawberry pink.

For more information, please visit mysnakebyte.com and follow snakebyte on Facebook, and Twitter.

Win M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones

Andrew Edney
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0
Win M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones

We just review the M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones from PSB Speakers and we loved them. Now we are giving you the chance to win them!

Created to deliver the clear, natural sound of a live performance, PSB’s exclusive RoomFeel technology adds layers of lush realism to all your favourite recordings. Carefully developed to produce ‘Room Gain’ – the energy and clarity that a room adds when listening to high-quality loudspeakers. RoomFeel places the music seemingly around the listener, resulting in a truly stunning musical experience. Designed to go wherever you and your music go, RoomFeel brings the most accurate sound directly to your headphones.

How to enter to win

We have M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones to give away.

For your chance to win simply enter below:

Win M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones

The closing date is 11.59mm on 31st December 2018.

This contest is only open to those in the UK – sorry!

You can learn more from the PSB Speakers website.

Review: M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones

Andrew Edney
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1
Review: M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones

Here we take a look, and listen, to the M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones from PSB Speakers.

Created to deliver the clear, natural sound of a live performance, PSB’s exclusive RoomFeel technology adds layers of lush realism to all your favourite recordings. Carefully developed to produce ‘Room Gain’ – the energy and clarity that a room adds when listening to high-quality loudspeakers. RoomFeel places the music seemingly around the listener, resulting in a truly stunning musical experience. Designed to go wherever you and your music go, RoomFeel brings the most accurate sound directly to your headphones.

The M4U 8 model allows you to listen to music wirelessly with Bluetooth aptX HD – the latest 24-bit high definition version of the most universal wireless technology – the high fidelity version of Bluetooth. There are also two different wired modes of operation; 3.5mm wired connection, or via USB from the computer, which recharges the batteries for wireless operation. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is remarkably sophisticated and effective, utilizing 4 microphones (others use only 2) which offer ‘Transparency Mode’ allowing you to momentarily listen to the outside world as well as the ability to answer your connected phone. There is also an Active Mode, and Passive Mode (without batteries). Listen all day and all night with up to 15 hours of run time in Bluetooth or Active modes. When you’re out of batteries, switch to Passive Mode without missing a beat.

Features

  • Wireless amplified, tri-mode, closed back design
  • Bluetooth HD wireless connection with aptX and NFC (automatic connection)
  • Active Noise Cancelling Mode with RoomFeel
  • Active Mode with RoomFeel
  • Passive Mode (batteries not required)
  • One tangle-free cord for wired connection
  • One tangle-free micro USB cable
  • 1/4” stereo and dual input flight adaptors
  • Unique dual input connections (left or right)
  • Runs on included rechargeable battery power
  • Gyro-suspended ear pads (extra set supplied)
  • Easy folding for travel and storage
  • Semi-hard travel case

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The M4U 8’s can be folded up and placed in the travel case that comes in the box giving them a great deal of protection – you’ve spent a lot of money on them so you will want to keep them protected.

The M4U 8’s are very comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time, such as a long journey on an aeroplane. They ear cups fully enclose your ears which not only makes it more comfortable but also reduces the outside sounds.

The active monitor function gives an instant reduction in audio so that you can hear what’s going on around you at the touch of a button, very useful and saves you having to remove the headphones.

The sound quality is amazing, no matter what you are listening to it sounds great! The RoomFeel function on the M4U 8’s really make a difference!

There are four separate mics on the headset that aids the Active Noise Cancelling, and they all do very good job to make your listening experience everything it can be.

There are jacks on either side of the headset – which is a very welcome feature – so that no matter which side you want, or need to connect your M4U 8’s to you can with no effort and maximum comfort. After all, you don’t want to have to sit on that aeroplane we mentioned and have to have the cable going across you!

Connecting the M4U 8’s to an audio source is simple, you can use the supplied cable, or connect via Bluetooth – it’s all very quick and easy!

The controls for the M4U 8’s are on the ear cups – so it’s just a case of reaching up and doing whatever you need to. It takes a little while to get used to the placement of the buttons but once you do it’s very easy to use.

The M4U 8’s even work very well when used with a phone to take phone calls!

In terms of battery life, the supplied rechargeable batteries last for around 15 hours, so even the longest flight should have you mostly covered! It takes around 3 hours to recharge them but they are also replaceable so you could always carry a spare set. The M4U 8’s work when the batteries are drained, but you won’t have the noice cancelling features. So, if you are going on a very long journey you might want to carry a spare set of batteries with you, just in case!

The M4U 8’s really are a fantastic set of headphones delivering amazing sound quality and comfort. If you are on the look out for a new set of headphones then look, and listen no further. Take the M4U 8’s out for a spin, you won’t be disappointed.

The M4U 8 Wireless Active Noice Cancelling HD Headphones from PSB Speakers are available now priced around £249, but as usual look around for the best deal.

You can learn more from the PSB Speakers website.

Amazon Launches SEGA Classics on Fire TV

Andrew Edney
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0
Amazon Launches SEGA Classics on Fire TV

Amazon have launched SEGA Classics, a bundle of 25 of the most popular SEGA Mega Drive games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage.

Amazon teamed up with SEGA to launch the bundle, the most extensive SEGA collection on any streaming media player, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of SEGA Mega Drive.

With SEGA Classics, Fire TV customers can access a catalogue of classic games without having to purchase a pricey console, buy a controller, or switch HDMI outlets. To play, customers only need their Fire TV remote – or they can pair a compatible Bluetooth controller to their device.

SEGA Classics includes 15 multiplayer games, so you can play with your friends and family this holiday season. 

The total list of games are as follows:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • Sonic CD 
  • The Revenge of Shinobi 
  • Ristar 
  • Golden Axe 
  • Beyond Oasis 
  • Decap Attack 
  • ESWAT: City Under Siege 
  • Street of Rage 
  • Street of Rage II 
  • Street of Rage III 
  • Gunstar Heroes 
  • Dynamite Headdy 
  • Dr Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
  • Columns
  • Bio-Hazard Battle 
  • Comix Zone
  • Alien Storm 
  • Bonanza Bros 
  • Golden Axe II 
  • Golden Axe III 
  • Gain Ground 
  • Altered Beast 
  • Sonic Spinball

With Christmas just around the corner, you really can’t go wrong with either reliving your childhood or introducing someone to those awesome classics you used to play. The games are just as fun now as they were all those years ago – yes, they really were out that long ago!!!

SEGA Classics is available now on Fire TV for £11.99, and for that price it’s a steal. 

Warner Bros Movies for Christmas

Andrew Edney
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0
Warner Bros Movies for Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, if you have a movie lover to buy for, you might want to consider some of these movies from Warner Bros.

The Meg 

Jason Statham versions a giant shark – who wouldn’t want to watch that!

Nolan 4K Collection

This includes, Dunkirk, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Interstellar and The Prestige.

2001: A Space Odyssey 4K

 The classic that every movie fan should own!

Harry Potter 4K Boxset

The Harry Potter collection in 4K is an amazing addition!

DC 5 Film Collection

This set contains Justice League, Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel.

All of these titles are available to buy now, and with the 4K versions you are certainly in for a treat!

ID@Xbox Releases for December 10th – 14th 2018

Andrew Edney
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0
ID@Xbox Releases for December 10th – 14th 2018

Each week a number of new ID@Xbox titles are released. Here is the roundup of the releases for this week.

Kingdom Two Crowns

Build your kingdom and secure it from the threat of the Greed in the next evolution of the award-winning micro strategy franchise! Experience new technology, units, enemies, mounts, and secrets in the brand-new solo or co-op campaign mode.

Doom and Destiny

Be ready for the nerdiest adventure of your life! Journey with four everyday friends into this turn based hilarious JRPG filled with parodies and cameos! Nerds are storming fantasy and it’s awesome!

Desert Child

You are a hungry, young hoverbike racer who needs to get off Earth before it E-X-P-L-O-D-E-S. Hunt bounties, throw races, and do whatever you can to get to Mars and win the Grand Prix.

Below

Test your adventurer mettle against The Isle’s procedural subterranean labyrinths. Explore a large, interconnected underworld crawling with cunning wildlife, deadly traps and stalked by a shadowy presence. Survive the perils of The Depths and unearth what lies below… or die trying..

Plague Road

Rescue survivors, fight monsters and explore a once great city fallen to plague in a dark fantasy game combining turn-based tactical strategy and roguelike elements.

Lazy Galaxy: Rebel Story

Start a Rebellion! Lead your ships to take down the evil O’Xelg base in this squad-based roguelite shoot-em-up!

Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Deluxiest Edition

Prepare to inhabit a world of chivalry, class warfare and off-beat pop references in the sequel for the successful and award winning game Knights of Pen & Paper! 

Knights of Pen & Paper 2 is a turn-based, retro style, pixel-art adventure full of danger, intrigue, death, and saving throws!

Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realm

Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is an official Dungeons & Dragons strategy management game. Assemble a party of champions and master the art of Formation Strategy. Upgrade your heroes, collect unique gear, and unlock new Champions in regular new events.

Kingmaker: Rise to the Throne

Two royal knights, Edmund and Randall Ulmer, are tricked into a conspiracy against the crown. Pursued by the royal guard and ruthless conspirators, the brothers embark on a dangerous journey that will uncover the kingdom’s shameful secrets, restore the honor of the Ulmer family and change their fate forever.

Rally Racers

Wacky cartoon racing at its best, Rally Racers is an action packed family racing game that’s fast and furious fun for all. Cars bash and battle each other to racing glory, picking up special weapons, boosts, recruiting race mates from the opposition team, performing stunts and completing challenges to be first over the finish line.

See you next week for another round-up of the new ID@Xbox releases.

Simon’s Cat Launches Merch Shelf on YouTube

Andrew Edney
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0
Simon’s Cat Launches Merch Shelf on YouTube

Simon’s Cat, adored animated YouTube character, recently announced the launch of its Merch Shelf feature on YouTube. Just as the brand has hit 1 billion views on its channel, for the first time, fans of one of YouTube’s most popular pets can shop while they watch, directly under videos.

YouTube and Teespring recently announced the expansion of their merch shelf feature in Europe, giving content creators the opportunity to sell custom merchandise directly under their videos. The feature was launched in the US in June, which saw click-throughs grow to 30% greater than all other traffic sources, a place where creators can get closer to their viewers by offering them convenient access to products they have made themselves.

Simon’s Cat, features the mischievous and often hilarious antics of a fat white cat and his owner Simon. The YouTube channel has reached 4.8 million subscribers, 1 billion views, 6 million Facebook fans and 1 million Instagram fans, proving him to be one of the most popular cats on the YouTube scene. In an industry where pets become social media stars, earning their owners an income that would make some of the biggest social media stars envious, this beloved cartoon is taking a step further in to the merch industry which is currently worth $263 billion. 

Simon’s Cat will be offering fans a diverse range of t-shirts, hoodies, jumpers and baby grows. There are also Christmas options, including a sweater reading: “All I Want for Christmas is Mew”. 

Simon’s Cat was created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director Simon Tofield. First seen on YouTube in 2008, the series celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. Simon’s Cat is a worldwide phenomenon topping one billion views on YouTube from audiences in over 100 countries.

About Teespring

Teespring was founded by Evan Stites-Clayton and Walker-Williams in 2012. The business idea was sparked while the pair were students at Brown University and wanted to create a t-shirt to remember the a beloved Providence dive bar while it was being shut down. During the process they encountered the logistical challenges associated with the traditional options of t-shirt manufacturing and so decided to create a solution. In the form of Teespring, they launched simple website to take pre-orders and would handle producing and shipping them if enough people purchased the shirt.

About Simon’s Cat

Animated hit Simon’s Cat was created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director Simon Tofield. Born on YouTube in 2008, the series features the mischievous and often hilarious antics of a charming cat and his long-suffering owner, Simon. Endemol Shine UK acquired a controlling share in the company in 2015.

This year Simon’s Cat is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, marking a decade since its launch on YouTube with the first Simon’s Cat animation, Cat Man Do. Simon’s Cat is now a worldwide phenomenon topping one billion views on YouTube from audiences in over 100 countries, and the original video has now been watched over 60 million times.

Review: Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

Sean McCarthy
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Review: Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

When I watched the first trailer for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse my MARVEL fanboy heart skipped a beat because it finally looked to me that Sony Pictures, who if you do not know owns the Spider-Man license from MARVEL, have finally found the right and the best way to tell stories in that world and after just returning home from seeing the film, I am all a buzzing and a tingle because not only have they indeed found the best way to use the Spider-Verse going forward, but they have made the best Spider-Man film yet.

I am not kidding when I say that either, this is the best Spider-Man film both live action and animated I have watched yet, it is actually rather crazy just how good this film turned out to be on so many levels being someone who knows the Spider-Verse well from comic books, graphic novels to animation and films but it works so well to introduce newcomers to the various characters that the film brings to life with one character in particular, Miles Morales. I am so please and have been hoping for years now that Sony focus on using Miles as their Spider-Man whilst they let MARVEL Studios use Peter Parker for the MCU as he is the perfect choice to build a franchise around which is exactly what they managed to achieve with this film.

I must start though by talking about how impressive and amazing the animation is in this film, it is just stunning and leaps out of the screen at the audience by utilising so many different art styles through out that are so cleverly in tune with the story being told and the characters on screen. I love how Mile’s emotions and thoughts are all enhanced by the visuals around him such as his thoughts becoming comic book speech bubbles all around him and the colour pallet is vibrant and street which is at the core of his personality. I loved all the new looks for iconic characters and villains that using a multiverse so brilliantly allows the artists to go to town with. It is easily one of the best animated films you will see and even more so for a comic book adaptation.

Just as the visuals help tell Mile’s story, the soundtrack is just as vibrant and connected to Miles and I loved it so much that even before the credits had finished, I already had the soundtrack playlist bookmarked ready to play on Spotify before I left the cinema. The music is very much part of what makes up Miles’ character and it punctuates everything about him and how he feels as well as complimenting all the action scenes and epic moments through the story. The synergy between every component of the film is as close to flawless as it is meticulous in the attention to detail for every scene all the way through the film. It just makes this new take on all things Spider-Man so much more fresh modern.

The story itself  is truly so well written that it focuses as much on celebrating all things Spider-Man as it does introduce Miles as a new Spider-Man to an audience who may not know him. Miles is just a normal kid at the start of the film who has a clear passion for music and drawing art with graffiti art being his true talent. Miles has all the troubles that a young teenager would have such as going to a school he does not like to struggling to connect with his dad who we saw from the trailer is a straight-shooting Cop which makes Miles’ hobby of tagging streets with his art problematic. Miles is a very popular kid where he lives and watching how he knows everyone and seeing how everyone knows him is quickly contrasted against him at school where he is practically ignored, leaving him feeling isolated as he stays at the school Monday to Friday before going back home. Miles is simply a kid trying to find his way in the world before his life is changed forever.

The story is genius in both using and showing the Multiverse, which thanks to the scheming of King Pin experimenting with a massive Hadron Collider, accidentally breaks through into five parallel dimensions and grabbing the Spider-People from there into Miles’ world. It also brought in a radioactive spider which as you would expect, finds and bites Miles turning him into a Spider-Man of his own. There is just so much fun in having Miles encountering all the different Spider-People from Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman/Gwen to Spider-Man Noir, voiced incredibly by Nicholas Cage, to Peni Parker and her Spider-Powered Robot to Spider-Ham, the talking pig Spider-hero who is fantastically the most cartoonish of all the heroes. But it is with the middle-aged Peter Parker that Miles has the most time and connection with, excellently voiced by Jake Johnson. This Peter Parker has been a hero for 22 years and has beaten every villain and saved New York in every way possible and is feeling more than just a little burned out by superhero life. We also learn that the hero life has taken a toll on his personal life with him both marrying but then being divorced from Mary Jane. He is reluctant to help train Miles in how to become Spider-Man but soon comes around. Seeing all the different Spider-People together brings some really fun light-hearted moments to the film with some lovely set pieces such as Miles trying to help an unconscious Peter Parker web-sling away from the bad guys. The most fascinating thing is how these very experienced heroes take to Miles who has only just gotten his powers, with the threat of Kingpin breaking all of reality with his actions. They know they not only have to stop him but also get home themselves, but are aware that Miles is just not ready to be Spider-Man enough to help them.

Which is where this film really becomes majestic in its story telling, because with all the noise of having five different Spider-heroes around and the huge threat of Kingpin, the story maintains the heart of the film so sensibly and effortlessly in keeping it centred on what it is really all about, the origin story of Miles Morales. The struggles Miles has with adapting to his powers and accepting the responsibility of what those powers means is a very moving tale to tell. From the moment his world’s Peter Parker makes him promise to put an end to Kingpin’s machine, Miles feels the weight of that burden and with each failed attempt to learn how to use his powers making feel even more isolated around the Spider-Heroes as much as he felt at school. When he tries to reach out to his dad who he knows as a cop has a problem with Spider-Man being a vigilante, he feels he cannot tell him the truth and when a family loss happens and he is prevented by the situation from being there for him, it all takes a toll on this young hero to be. Even the other Spider-People know he is not ready and force him to stay behind as they head off to the big fight with Kingpin.

Miles rising to become the hero he is destined to become is a powerful moment and the story gives him this moment without the clutter or distraction of everything else going on. The audience will feel what Miles is feeling because the writing and animation is so good that you instantly connect with him and understand his emotional state and can both empathise with him and cheer him on throughout. The tone can switch on a dime from light to dark but wise enough never to stray too much into either for too long but never dilutes the deep moments when the story needs Miles to take a moment to be serious which is why Jake Johnson was such brilliant casting for the role of Peter Parker because he can certainly do comedy but when Miles’s own situation begins to snap his character from the funk he is trapped in, they share a real moment that only makes Miles even more of a hero and a true Spider-Man.

It is because it manages to deliver on telling a great origin story for Miles, setting up the multiverse and introducing iconic Spider-Heroes with an amazing voice cast behind them, as well as laying the foundation for Miles’ adventures being Spider-Man that when you take in how great the animation is alongside one of the best film soundtracks in a comic book film and you can see why this film is being so celebrated and rightly so. This really is what Sony Pictures should devote their time in doing for their Spider-Verse license and with their plans scuppered a little following the failed Andrew Garfield era of Spider-Man and Venom doing every it can to not mention or use anything Spider-Man just yet, an animated franchise with the whole Multiverse to dive into and Miles as the main Spider-Man going forward is for me, the best and only way forward. Spider-Man does not have to be Peter Parker and if this film does nothing else then get people to accept Miles Morales as a genuine Spider-Man, then it has done its job.

Thankfully it also does everything else so brilliantly that you  should definitely make the time to go see this film this holiday season, you will come out happy and smiling and looking forward to even more animated adventures with Miles. Plus, his suit is legit awesome!

*There are two post credit scenes to stick around for so make sure you stay right to the very end of the credits, it is absolutely worth the wait!*

Micro Revolutions The next generation of electric Micro Scooters – the Falcon and the Condor

Chris Hare
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Micro Revolutions The next generation of electric Micro Scooters – the Falcon and the Condor

Engineered by the awarding winning Swiss innovators at Micro Scooters – the small but mighty Falcon is one of the most efficient ways to cover 10km in less than half an hour. Better still it folds down in seconds to make carrying and storing it a doddle.

Falcon
£999.95

Anyone needing to cruise over a longer range, of up to 20km, should choose the Falcon’s big brother, the Condor. It is a fraction heavier but, thanks to having slightly larger anti slip rubber wheels than the Falcon, it offers a higher level of comfort.

THE FALCON – the ultra-compact sprinter

SPECIFICATIONS:

COMFORT ««««
PORTALBILITY «««««
WEIGHT: 7.9KG
RANGE: 10KM
RECHARGING TIME: 1 HR
UPHILL: 15% INCLINE UP TO 500W
EASY FOLD DESIGNSPEED CONTROL: TWIST THROTTLE & MOTION CONTROL (KICK-ASSISTANCE)

Condor Electric Scooter
£1099.95

Both the new scooters boast 500W of power (enough to conquer even the steepest hills in London) as well as regenerative charging, a 1-hour recharge and a twist grip throttle for instinctive braking and acceleration.

THE CONDOR – the convenient cruiser

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • COMFORT «««««
  • PORTALBILITY ««««
  • WEIGHS: 10.8KG
  • RANGE: 20KM
  • RECHARGING TIME: 1 HR
  • UPHILL: 15% INCLINE UP TO 500W
  • EASY FOLD DESIGN
  • SPEED CONTROL: TWIST THROTTLE & MOTION CONTROL (KICK-ASSISTANCE)

 

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