Archive

Testing Shell V-Power Nitro+ in a BMW X6 M50d at the Top Gear test track

Andrew Edney

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Jul 20, 2015

Shell recently invited us to the Top Gear test track near Guildford to test drive a BMW X6 M50d running on Shell V-Power Nitro + and drive it through an assault course they had set up and to explain the benefits of running a car on V-Power Nitro+.

Mike Evans is Shell’s Formula One Fuels Project Leader, and has worked for Shell for over 30 years. He explained to us all about engine gunk and corrosion and why Shell V-Power Nitro+ helps deal with both of these things and also helps to make your car perform better.

What is engine gunk?

Engine ‘Gunk’ is carbonaceous deposits (and traces of inorganic residue from the vehicle’s lubricant) that can form in the fuel intake system of your engine. Specifically, gunk can build up on fuel injector nozzle holes (on both diesel and gasoline engines) and on the inlet valves of Port Fuel injection Gasoline engines. Formation of gunk on key components can stop your engine performing at its best.

Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels are formulated with powerful cleaning agents designed to prevent and remove performance-robbing engine deposits that can be left behind by non- premium fuels. Our advanced formulation is designed to work under the extreme conditions of the fuel injection system, breaking down and cleaning-away harmful gunky deposits.

Build-up of gunk on key components such as petrol engine intake valves and fuel injectors can impair combustion, for example by reducing proper mixing of fuel and air. Impaired combustion can result in reduced performance and your engine not delivering to its best.

Non-premium fuels can, over time, cause gunk to build-up on critical fuel system components such as petrol engine inlet valves and diesel engine fuel injectors – which can rob engines of power. Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Unleaded and Diesel are formulated to help recover engine power lost to performance robbing deposits.

What is engine corrosion?

Engine corrosion can take various forms – one of the most well-known is ‘rust’. Shell V- Power Nitro+ Unleaded and Diesel are formulated to help protect metal fuel system components from corrosion (for example precision-engineered fuel injection systems).

Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels are designed to form a protective film on metal surfaces, which decreases the corrosion rate, helping to protect precision fuel system components.

And here is a video showing the BMW X6 M50d running on Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuel on the assault course.

This video isn’t me driving, so you will be able to see a better run though, although I did win the time trial.

Since driving the BMW on the assault course and learning about V-Power Nitro+, I have been using it in my own car, and I can saw that I have noticed the results already, with the amount of miles I can get out of a tank of fuel being that little bit more than I got before with other fuel.

Here is another video showing some other people driving and explaining it in more detail:

Have you tried Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuel? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

World of Tanks coming to Xbox One on the 28th July

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 20, 2015

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World of Tanks coming to Xbox One on the 28th July

Get ready for the World of Tanks which is coming to Xbox One on 28th July.

The Xbox One version will come complete with a graphical overhaul, cross-platform multiplayer between Xbox One and Xbox 360 and shared content and progress across the two consoles for Xbox LIVE Gold users.

There will also be a new ‘Proving Grounds,’ PvE mode and even better, you can download World of Tanks for free on Xbox One as long as you are an Xbox LIVE Gold member.

Get ready for Tembo the Badass Elephant

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 20, 2015

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With TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT which is out tomorrow (21st July) , and Steam users can pre-order now to enjoy a 10% discount on the SRP of £9.99/$14.99/€12.99.

TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT is launching on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC as a digital download on each platform.

Part Commando. All Elephant. TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT is a larger than life, 2D side-scrolling action adventure from the creative geniuses behind the Pokémon games.

PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold members will receive a 10% launch discount.

TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT features 18 action filled levels, packed with charm and cleverly designed platforming action all wrapped in a unique art style with a tongue-in-cheek humour that encapsulates classic

Review : Turtle Beach EAR FORCE Stealth 420X Wireless Headset for Xbox One

Andrew Edney

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Jul 19, 2015

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Turtle Beach have released a brand new wireless headset for the Xbox One called the EAR FORCE Stealth 420X, and here is our review.

Welcome to the Ear Force Stealth 420X, an officially-licensed Xbox One gaming headset with the freedom of 100% fully wireless, crystal-clear game and chat audio. The Stealth 420X comes loaded with a suite of must-have features for every Xbox gamer, including Mic Monitoring, independent game and chat audio controls, four audio presets including Bass Boost, a rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of wireless gaming life and mobile compatibility via mobile cable with in-line mic — all packed into an cutting-edge, affordable, simple-to-set-up fully wireless gaming headset.

Features

The full list of features for the EAR FORCE Stealth 420X includes:

100% Fully Wireless – No wires anywhere. Experience crystal clear game and chat audio using the latest, intelligent channel-hopping technology for interference-free wireless gaming.
Simple Setup – One simple-to-set-up USB connection to the Xbox One and players’ wireless gaming dreams come true.
STOP SHOUTING! – Mic Monitoring lets players hear their own voice in the headset to avoid shouting.
Game & Chat Volume Control – Independent game audio and chat audio controls allow players to tune the mix to their preference.
Lightweight & Comfortable Headset Design – An updated over-ear headset design with supple, perforated synthetic leather-wrapped ear-cups provides superior comfort and improved bass response.
Mic Check – A high-sensitivity, adjustable boom mic picks-up voice audio loud and clear. Remove the mic to enjoy mobile/tablet gaming, as well as listening to music and watching movies.
15 Hour Rechargeable Battery – A built-in rechargeable battery delivers up to 15 hours of wireless gaming.
Audio Presets & Voice Prompts – Four Turtle Beach audio presets and audible voice prompts from the headset tell gamers what setting they’ve selected.

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the Stealth 420X, a USB wireless transmitter, some documentation, a detachable mic and some cables.

A Closer Look

The USB transmitter fits into one of the two USB ports on the Xbox One. There is a very small pinhole button on the side of the transmitter that is used to pair it with the headset.

The mic is completely detachable and can be positioned however you need it to be for comfort. There is a mic mute button on the headset but if you don’t need the mic during a game it’s just as easy to remove it as it is to mute it.

And here is a closer look at the headset itself.

Using the Headset

The removable mic fits into a small hole on the left hand side.

The right side has the power button, battery LED, volume controls for both the game and chat, the EQ Preset button, a USB charging port, mobile connection and a mic mute button.

Charging the Headset

Charging the headset is as easy as plugging it into your Xbox One – the moment you do you hear an electronic voice telling you the headset is charging and the Turtle Beach logo on each side of the headset glows red.

Final Thoughts

Once the headset is fully charged, its time to connected the wireless transmitter to your Xbox One and to pair it with the headset. Out of the box the headset and the transmitter should already be paired, however if this is not the case it’s a very straightforward task and just requires you to press the pinhole button (you will need a paperclip) and then press and hold the power button on the headset – and that’s it. When you first plug in the transmitter your Xbox One should pop up a “toast” message saying Headset Assigned. Now you are ready to use it.

All of the controls on the headset are easy to use when you are wearing it so there’s no need to take off the headset to make changes.

One of the nice things on the headset is that you are told via an electronic voice various things, such as the charging starting or powering on the headset, and also which EQ Preset you have enabled. This makes is very easy to know what is being used at any particular time.

The headset itself is very comfortable to wear – even for extended periods of time, with the ear cups and the headband having breathable fabric.

The sound quality from the headset was very good – with the four different EQ settings (Natural, Bass Boost, Bass + Treble Boost and Vocal Boost) making a difference depending on what type of game you are playing. And changing the EQ Preset is just a case of pressing the button, and you can do that mid game if you want to.

The Mic Monitoring function is pretty useful – you can hear yourself so that you don’t end up shouting, which can be a very common problem!

The headset can also be used with a mobile device – to do this use just need to connect up the mobile device with the headset using the supplied cable. The cable also has a set of controls on it as well to make life easier for you.

Turtle Beach advertise up to 15 hours of battery from a single charge and they are not wrong – so even with a very heavy gaming session the batteries should last. They are not removable though so make sure you plug the headset in to recharge when you are not using it.

If you are looking for a comfortable, great quality wireless headset for use with your Xbox One then you should take a long look at the EAR FORCE Stealth 420X – it may just be the one for you.

The Turtle Beach EAR FORCE Stealth 420X wireless headset retails for £149.99 and is available now.

You can learn more from the Turtle Beach website.

Watch the Inside Out UK Press Conference with Amy Poehler

Andrew Edney

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Jul 18, 2015

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Watch the Inside Out UK Press Conference with Amy Poehler

In this video shot at the UK press conference for Inside Out, Jonas Rivera, Pete Docter and Amy Poehler talk about the movie and answer questions.

Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Cast Reunion – Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd & Lea Thompson

Andrew Edney

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Jul 18, 2015

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Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Cast Reunion – Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd & Lea Thompson

In this video shot at a press conference at London Film and Comic Con on July 17th 2015, the cast of Back to the Future celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the trilogy. Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson stay around for questions.

There was a fault with Michael’s mic throughout the press conference so occasionally the audio drops or pops – apologies!

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 – teaser trailer

Chris Hare

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Jul 17, 2015

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 – teaser trailer

Watch the new teaser trailer for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, with the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is released in UK cinemas on 19th November 2015.

Star Wars: Commander launches ‘Worlds in Conflict’

Chris Hare

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Jul 17, 2015

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Star Wars: Commander launches ‘Worlds in Conflict’

Disney Interactive and Lucasfilm Ltd. has launched “Worlds in Conflict,” the largest update for Star Wars: Commander since the launch of the game. For nearly a year, Star Wars: Commander has brought storylines, characters and battles to mobile with this strategy game, nearing almost 18 million downloads from fans and gamers across the globe.

Now, with a brand new design and Galactic Map, Star Wars: Commander has released the #1 most requested feature to the game, allowing players to relocate to, and battle across several iconic worlds in the Star Wars universe, spanning Hoth, Yavin IV, Dandoran and Er’kit in addition to the current planet of Tatooine. Fans will engage in new Planetary Conflicts for PVP victory bonuses and new planetary missions that will be introduced over time.

Important new features of the “Worlds in Conflict” update include:

World Relocation – The Planetary Command building, which unlocks at HQ5, allows players to choose from up to four additional worlds to scout out and move to – Yavin 4, Hoth Er’Kit, and Dandoran.

Galaxy Map – Part of the Planetary Command building, this map of the greater galaxy provides tactical intel on each planet and allows players to circle through and decide which planet to engage battles on.

Updated Play Menu – This updated menu will surface information relevant to each world, such as friends and squadmates on the planet, conflicts and events, as well as chapter progress.

Planetary Conflicts – Players compete in PVP tournament-style planetary conflicts on a rotating schedule between the added worlds. Victory bonuses are given to the faction that wins each Conflict.

PvP Victory Loot Bonus – Placement in a medal tier at the end of a Planetary Conflict rewards loot bonuses. For a number of days after the conflict, earn bonus loot for victories against in PVP.

Planetary Leaderboards – PVP leaderboards will now allow a player to see their own rank as well as the top 50 Commanders. There will also be Planetary specific leaderboards so players will know their standing on their planet. Players will also now know when they’ve received donated troops, and from whom they were donated.

Players can join the battle for control of the galaxy by downloading the game from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

‘A Nest of Vipers’ Ep 5 Game of Thrones out next week

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 16, 2015

1

‘A Nest of Vipers’ Ep 5 Game of Thrones out next week

The fifth episode of Game of Thrones, ‘A Nest of Vipers’ will be available starting Tuesday, 21st July on PC/Mac from the Telltale Online Store, Steam and the PlayStation Store for PS4 and PS3.

The episode will be available on Wednesday, 22nd July on the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One and Xbox 360 and will be coming to compatible iOS devices via the App Store and to Android-based devices on Thursday, 23rd July.

Review – One for All Ultra Slim SV6620 Wall Mount

Andrew Edney

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Jul 16, 2015

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If you have a TV or monitor that you want to mount on the wall you might want to consider the One for All Ultra Slim SV6620 – and here is our review.

Specifications

Product code    SV 6620
Screen size        40-84″/ 102-214cm
Max weight      50 KG
VESA 200×200    ✓
VESA 300×300    ✓
VESA 400×400    ✓
VESA 600×400    ✓
Safety-lock         ✓
Wall distance D min (mm)    20 mm
Wall distance D max (mm)   20 mm
Tilt (degrees)    15º
Turn (degrees)   0º
Mounting materials included    Yes

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the wall mount, a quick installation guide and a pack of screws and wall plugs.

A Closer Look

Installation

The installation looked relatively straightforward but I decided to use a professional installer to do the job (so as it was done right the first time). The installation itself was fairly simple and easy to do, although the final stage of mounting the TV itself onto the bracket was a little fiddly, but then with most TV mounts this is the fiddly stage of trying to make sure everything fits together and is secure whilst not having a lot of room to manoeuvre because the TV is flat against the wall!

Final Thoughts

The TV I used for mounting for this review was a 55” Samsung SmartTV – the mount itself can handle a TV from 40-84” so I knew the mount was going to be able to handle this one.

Everything you need (apart from a drill and a screwdriver) is including in the box. The mount itself has a built-in spirit-level to ensure that you can perfectly align the mount without any fuss, and it worked very well.

A few drilled wall holes later and the mount was securely fixed to the wall and aligned. Next job was attaching the bracket arms to the back of the TV – again this was very simple and completed in just a few minutes.

The last step was lifting the TV and placing onto the mount on the wall – this was a little fiddly as I mentioned earlier, but then it always is when you are trying to see if things are aligned, whilst not really being able to see much at all, but it all fitted together nicely.

There is a lock and release mechanism on the mount in the form of two pull tabs – if you need to remove the TV you just pull the tabs and lift off. The tabs can be tucked away out of site behind the TV once you are happy with the final position.

This particular mount also has the ability to tilt up to 15 degrees. It’s very easy to tilt the TV to the required angle, but I would say that you should adjust the angle by holding the middle of the TV as when I tried doing it holding the sides the TV felt a little unstable.

All in all this is a great mount that is easy to fit and easy to use and if you are in the market for a wall mount for your TV you would do well to consider this one.

The cost for the SC6620 wall mount is £89.99.

You can learn more from the One for All website.

First screenshots of Rugby World Cup 2015

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 16, 2015

1

First screenshots of Rugby World Cup 2015

Bigben Interactive, a French video game publisher and distributor, unveils today the first screenshots of the official video game Rugby World Cup 2015, available in September 2015 for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Windows PC.

Rugby World Cup 2015 will give players the chance to take control of their favourite national team and win the Webb Ellis Cup!.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 video game will be released in line with the start of the official Tournament and the video game is set to add an extra dimension to the excitement around one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

Is the honor 7 coming to Europe?

Chris Hare

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Jul 16, 2015

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Will the honor 7 smartphone come to Europe, with amazing specs for the new phone from the honor brand, ok I’ll will not spoil the new information about the honor 7 please watch the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S694R7W2Z0g

Huawei Honor 7 specifications

5.2-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) multi-touch In-cell touch display
Octa-Core Huawei Kirin 935 processor (4xA53 2.2GHz + 4xA53 1.5GHz) with Mali-T628 MP4 GPU
3GB RAM, 16GB / 64GB internal memory, expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD
Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with Emotion UI 3.1
Dual SIM (optional)
20MP camera with Sony IMX230 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 6P lenses and dual-tone LED flash
8MP front-facing camera, f/2.0 aperture, BSI Sensor, LED flash
3.5mm audio jack, IR LED
4G LTE / 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 LE, GPS and NFC
3100 mAh battery

The James Bond Collection announced for September

Chris Hare

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Jul 16, 2015

0

The James Bond Collection announced for September

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment have today announced a special edition Blu-rays and Blu-ray & DVD collectible box-sets on 14th September, ahead of the 6th November global release of SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure.

Two new featurettes are included based on interviews with Bond writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. “The Shadow of SPECTRE” concentrates on the history of SPECTRE, the fictional global criminal syndicate and terrorist organisation. The second featurette, “The Story So Far”, recaps and relives the significant moments from the previous three Daniel Craig Bond films.

Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbooks headline the new home entertainment offering for Bond fans, available exclusively from Zavvi. The collectible set includes six films featuring the SPECTRE organisation (From Russia With Love, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diamonds Are Forever, For Your Eyes Only) and the first Daniel Craig title (Casino Royale) featuring packaging inspired by the films’ iconic opening title sequence.

The James Bond Complete Collection on Blu-ray and DVD features all 23 iconic Bond films together in one box-set, including a 24 space for SPECTRE. Available from Amazon.co.uk is The Ultimate James Bond Collection on Blu-ray that also includes a new bonus disc exclusive featuring “Everything or Nothing”, a 90-minute documentary on the untold story of 007 plus a pocket-sized James Bond 50 Years of Movie Posters book and digital copies of each film.

Watch the new trailer for “Pan” out this October

Movies & TV

Chris Hare

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Jul 16, 2015

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Watch the new trailer for “Pan” out this October

Here is the official new trailer for PAN – In UK cinemas 16th October, 2015 – directed by Joe Wright and starring Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Rooney Mara, Garrett Hedlund, Cara Delevingne and Levi Miller.

Offering a new take on the origin of the classic characters created by J.M. Barrie, the action adventure follows the story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny—to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.