GadgetIssue 8的目錄

Nonstop beats The top speaker on the S7 also has a waterproof lining to keep it safe from being ruined Safety ports Ports are internally sealed, meaning no residue can sneak through the cracks Gone are the days where even the slightest bit of moisture would render your device into nothing more than a paperweight. Waterproofing technology is now commonplace, but it’s only used to its full capacity by a handful of smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is one of the few devices that promises it’s fully-submersible up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes. But does it live up to those claims? Well, yes. When submerged, users still have complete access to all the normal features of their device without any slowdown. Plus, thanks to the incredible camera tech involved,…

01 Don’t boil your phone in Coca Cola What do you get when you mix boiling hot Coca Cola with an iPhone 6S? The congealed, molten remains of a smartphone it seems. See it for yourself: youtu.be/TeFMtmUAFRo 02 Can the S7 survive 16 hours in water? Samsung has some pretty strong claims for its Galaxy S7’s waterproofing, but we’re definitely left in awe as the device survives a staggering 16-hour dunking in this extreme stress test. Watch: youtu.be/4vn3JOnun3Y 03 Taps are a smartphone’s worst enemy Most smartphones falter under the water pressure of a tap, but the LG V10 shows its mettle as it survives the ordeal without any faults. Watch: youtu.be/IDDeITBofO0 04 Snapping 4K images underwater is possible The Sony Xperia Z3 backs up its IP68 rating well, but…

iPHONE SE The smaller shell of the SE did the device’s internals a lot of good, as it helped absorb much of the impact that could render bigger devices useless. LG G5 Performed the worst of the bunch. Internal screen tear rendered large parts of the display unusable and bottom modular fitting became loose. GALAXY 7 While the glass is reinforced, we’re unsure how it would cope with a higher height. Flaking at the edges occurred at this small height. HUAWEI P9 The metal build of the P9 helps takes most of the force, but we do have concerns on how well its sensors would hold up from a higher height. CAT S40 Another strong showing from the S40 here as it holds up against the impact well enough. Several…

Bend tests often split opinion among smartphone users: while they’re the most iconic stress test out there, many argue on how useful they actually are for representing everyday life. There is, however, no simpler way to see how a device holds up to some basic roughing up. Cast your mind back to a year ago and the whole ‘bendgate’ fiasco that essentially allowed users to snap their iPhone 6 nearly in half. If there was ever something to get manufacturers to rethink how they build their smartphones, this was it. Tests carried out by YouTube user SquareTrade showed off that the latest wave of smartphones can all stand up to all matter of stress on their shell, but the metallic shell of the iPhone SE and it’s smaller, thicker shell…

Camera technology has been a tricky subject for smartphone manufacturers to correctly implement on their devices. Countless gimmicks like HTC’s ‘UltraPixel’ fiasco, or even Samsung’s DSLR-shaped K Zoom smartphone have all fallen by the wayside, but the emergence of high-quality lenses and sensors has breathed some new life into the market. At the centre of it all is the Huawei P9, a smartphone looking to make its name off the back of the Leica dual-camera it includes. Dual-sensors enable the P9 to capture more light, with one solely used for RGB and the other for monochrome. The finished product are stunning and in low-light conditions it’s unrivalled. The LG G5 can also boast a dual-sensor arrangement, with attractive photos highlighting the deftest of colours and it’s a treat to use…

The processor is the core component of any smartphone, acting as the hub for any and all tasks performed on it. It controls your apps, your Wi-Fi functions and even manages the phone calls you make on a daily basis. It really is the brain of your smartphone. The advancements in smartphone technology have led to multi-core processors now being included in our devices, providing a near-faultless user experience. Many smartphones are even more powerful that entry-level laptops on the market. The more cores in a processor, the easier it’s to run different tasks – keeping slowdown to an absolute minimum. Testing processors isn’t as difficult as you might think, and the process behind it’s remarkably interesting. Using the Geekbench program, each processor is used to 100 per cent of…

Remote control It’s not possible to adjust the volume on the speaker itself and you have to change songs on your smartphone, tablet or computer Magnetic hold The speaker is held in place with a magnet and it can be easily taken out in order to charge it up Spray away The showerhead has a single spray setting but it can shoot water at either 2 or 2.5 gallons per minute depending on the model There’s a fun playlist on Spotify called ‘Songs To Sing In The Shower’ but it’s fair to say that none of us really need much encouragement. The acoustic environment provided by the tiles and hard surfaces in your bathroom can make you sound (at least to your own ears) like a sure-fire bet for the…

The rise of the electric bike is probably the single most significant development in the cycling world since Thomas Humber shunned the big-wheeled penny-farthings and developed the safety bicycle (a design that has lived on to this day) in the late 19th Century. For nearly a hundred years, the main factor limiting your cycling performance hasn’t been the machinery but rather, the person in the saddle. Without the legs of Sir Chris Hoy or the physique of Sir Bradley Wiggins, cycling can be an especially arduous task. That’s why millions of us get on our bikes every weekend. But, if you want to use a bike as a means of transport rather than an instrument of exercise, e-bikes have started to enjoy a massive boost in popularity, from the cheap…

The battery bottle No, that’s not a bottle on the bike’s down tube. That’s a lithium-ion battery with an LED display to show how much juice you’ve got left High torque motor Mounted inside the rear hub, the eBike’s 36V electric motor can provide assistance up to 15mph, though you can still pedal beyond that, should your legs be up to it You wouldn’t expect a company that makes vacuum cleaners, powered floor sweepers and garden tools to be one of the most interesting new entrants to the electric cycling world, but that is exactly what Gtech has done with its unimaginatively named eBike. Offered in two frame designs – ‘Sports’, a 20-inch frame with a more aggressive riding position and ‘City’, a 17-inch step-through perfect for comfortable commuting –…

Alerts contacts in an emergency The Edge can sense when you’ve had a crash using its accelerometer and can be set up to automatically notify your chosen emergency contact via your paired phone Pairing to other peripherals On top of the performance sensors, the Edge Explore 1000 is compatible with Garmin’s Varia Rearview radar and the Virb action camera, which can both be displayed on the colour touchscreen Live tracking anywhere If you pair the Explore 1000 with your smartphone, you can switch on a live tracking function that allows others to follow your ride in realtime via the Garmin Connect website GPS and GLONASS Early Garmin Edge units could take minutes to find your location when first switched on. Now, thanks to both GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking (the…

We’ve all been there. You’ve arrived at the airport with minutes to spare, only to find that boarding for your flight is about to close at Terminal 37B. Most normal people would adopt the age-old airport scurry, dragging their luggage behind in a tourist-trampling frenzy. There is another way, though. If you’re brave enough to purchase Micro Scooter’s unusual airline case/scooter hybrid, you can proudly skate past the hoi polloi and straight onto your flight, complete with enough baggage for a weekend away. Alternatively, you may end up face-first on the terminal floor, a victim of the scooter’s slightly suspect weight balance. The Luggage Scooter comes in two types. One is fashionably black, designed to appeal to the high-powered jet-setter who just can’t afford to miss their flight. The other…

There’s nothing that quite sums up summertime more than the glorious smell of charcoal rising in the air, the scent of meat sizzling away under the beating sun and the promise of a delectable char-grilled steak rewarding you for all your hot, sweaty labour. We all like to think of ourselves as first-class chefs when we’re stood in front of a barbecue – and why wouldn’t we? Because we’re all amazing cooks when all that we need to serve up some top-quality burgers and bacon is a bit of fire. But a good chef is only as good as his tools, and with so many Barbecues out there, ranging in price from £50 to £5,000, it’s important to know what you need, and what you can expect to get for…

Stay on course A single laser at the front of iMow helps keep it on the designated path that you’ve set out. If you change the mowing path during a session, iMow will automatically change its route Self-cleaning wheels The traction thread on each set of wheels helps the iMow traverse gradients and denser grass, even cleaning themselves as it mows Nourish your soil As iMow cuts grass, it leaves the clippings on the ground. These clippings are so fine that they end up being absorbed back into the soil We personally can’t think of a more exasperating chore than mowing the lawn. It’s tedious, tiring and there are just countless better ways to spend our time. If we’ve just described your thoughts on the matter too, then a robot…

No Android support The corresponding Eve Thermo app currently only works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 9.1 or later. There are no plans to offer Android functionality as of yet Save power The primary benefit of using Bluetooth is that it has minimal impact on battery life and maintains a strong connection between your iPhone and the Eve Thermo Autonomous schedules There’s a range of presets that can be implemented to set different heating schedules. Alternatively, users can create their own from scratch Gain insights Discover your heating patterns via graphs and charts through the app and see the areas in your house that require some extra warmth Locking system A mechanical click will alert you to when you’ve successfully fastened the Eve Thermo to your radiator. It’ll make…

Size is irrelevant A headphone’s drivers are the mechanisms that produce sound. Each of the K10U’s monitors contain ten drivers, powering every frequency you can imagine to create a beautifully balanced sound profile Low impedance rating Although the impedance rating is often largely ignored by consumers, it could actually be the most important consideration. The K10U’s 35-ohm low impedance value suits home and on-the-go listening Balanced setup As with many high-end monitors, Noble uses a balanced armature driver configuration often found in hearing aids. This setup helps to produce clear and transparent sound. No expense has been spared Detachable cables The K10U’s cable is detachable. Serious audiophiles will have their own cables, and a universal two-pin connector makes it easy to swap the stock silver-plated copper cable if you want…

Budding photographer Buddy’s face can not only display photos and videos, but he has a built-in camera to take photos at birthdays and other family occasions Human recognition The front-facing camera on top of Buddy can distinguish between objects and humans. In turn, this enables him to track your movements throughout your home Personal assistant Buddy can act like a PA, allowing you to add reminders into your agenda, or find practical information such as the weather forecast and traffic updates Easy voice control While users can control Buddy via manual controls, it also has built it voice recognition technology. Ask Buddy to perform a task and he’ll do it for you Autonomous collision avoidance There are a series of motion sensors built in to the rear of Buddy to…

Coding made easy The SPRK app has its own OVAL coding language that uses a step-by-step system for users to add new features to the robot. It’s a lot easier than you might think We’ve already talked about how complex coding a robot can be, but if you’re a Sphero user, its Lightning Lab app can help you program your SPRK, Ollie or even BB-8 with new and exciting features. It uses block-based programming, giving users the step-by-step tools needed to build a new feature from scratch or edit existing ones. Orbotix has built its own design language called OVAL, and it’s been stripped back to make it as accessible as possible. You won’t find any complex algorithms to figure out here, just a drag-and-drop system that can help you…

Quadcopters are really cool, but being able to program your own is even cooler. The CoDrone is one of the pioneering products in this field, enabling users to program different driving functions and other elements into its on-board memory. Using various sensors and the built-in camera, CoDrone can be programmed to fly in a set pattern, follow people or even battle other CoDrones using IR sensors as lasers. There’s a bustling community behind CoDrone, so much so that the current breadth of features that can be implemented are staggering. All it takes is a computer and a hooked up CoDrone to see where your imagination takes you. Don’t worry if you aren’t too familiar with the inner workings of a drone just yet, it’s possible to tinker with just the…

High-resolution scanning Scanning images are a particular highlight of the PocketScan. The minimum DPI of all scanned images is 400, which is comparable to most entry-level scanners on the market Illumination inside To help pick up the deftest of colours on your documents, a light sensor sits just above the scanning panel. It comes in especially useful if you’re scanning something in low-light conditions Sensor fusion technology A 1600cpi laser sits at the front of the PocketScan that has a built-in RGB identifier to help pick up the exact shade and gradients of the colours it scans File output PocketScan uses a wide range of file outputs, depending on the type of file you scan. Once a file has been scanned, users can manually change the output if needed Work…

Slick exterior While the Smart Bottle looks very high-tech, its the aluminium cartridges that you insert inside it that keep the wine fresh for longer Eject button The eject button is the way you swap between bottles: new ones slide in with a click so everyone can have a glass of something different at dinner if they wish Touchscreen smart label The touch display gives you information on your wine, including where it’s from and how many glasses you have left Battery power The makers say the bottle’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is good for about six hours of activity with the screen switched on Once you pop the cork on a bottle of wine, it can spoil within a few days. To make it last, you either have to put…

01 AirDog This copter flies independently and follows you, tracking a Bluetooth wristband accessory. It’s great for getting those shots of you in action without having to bother with manual controls. £1,135 | $1,600 | airdog.com 02 Hexo+ This six-propeller drone also has the ability to follow you and film you automatically, but it links to your phone’s GPS rather than a wristband. £710 | $1,000 | hexoplus.com 03 Micro Drone 3.0 If you find most drones a little too bulky for your tastes, give the Micro Drone 3.0 a look: despite its small size (145mm across) it’s capable of streaming HD video to your phone. £150 | $215 | microdrone.co.uk 04 Fleye This promises “a whole new kind of drone”, and it certainly does look different: it’s designed to…

Displays are the most volatile part of any smartphone. They’re notorious for breaking, they’re expensive to repair and too much damage can render your device useless. So it’s strange that it has taken so long for someone to design the world’s first shatterproof display. Where the rigid construction of the Gorilla Glass 4 was considered the best on the market, Motorola’s new ShatterShield used on its X Force device goes above and beyond what we expected. It’s a thinner display when compared to Gorilla Glass, using five distinct layers that absorb and deter impacts in different ways. Working in sync, they’re able to remain intact and usable throughout. We used several differently-sized hammers with an increasing amount of force to test Motorola’s claims, and the X Force passed with flying…

01 The S7 Edge isn’t built to last The glass display of the Edge doesn’t do the device any favours in this bend test, causing shards of glass to actually fall from the display. See for yourself: youtu.be/m1_eGKsoA-U 02 Can a phone survive a hydraulic press? In an epic battle between smartphone and hydraulic press, which one comes out on top? Well, we aren’t gamblers but we know where our money would be going if we were… Watch: youtu.be/OkidhcHDhkc 03 Putting the strain on the Z5 Despite Sony making bold claims that its Xperia Z5 is a fairly tough device, it doesn’t exactly hold up well against a fairly minimal bend test, where the user bends it with their hands, in this video. Watch: youtu.be/gVPa8sNY1Xw 04 The first bendable smartphone…

While the processors in our smartphones are constantly pushing the boundaries of our devices, the same cannot be said about the battery tech behind them. It’s still a struggle to reach a full day of usage with most smartphones, especially those that also pack in a host of frivolous features alongside it. A large portion of the problem for batteries is overbearing operating systems, and it’s largely the reason why Apple’s smartphones consistently come out on top in these tests. On medium usage, the iPhone SE boasts an impressive 19 hours of life, while on high-usage, where we run numerous processor-intensive tasks simultaneously, it still managed around 13 hours. At the bottom of the class was the CAT S40 which, despite including a sizeable 3000mAh battery, suffered from battery problems…

Ultra-narrow bezel The bezel is deliberately narrow so that there’s as small a barrier between the screen and the wall as possible. This allows for a more seamless image 65-inch screen The 65-inch edge-lit LED screen has a 4K Ultra HD resolution – that is 3840 x 2160 pixels – and a peak brightness of 450 nits Android television The screen currently runs Android TV, using the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system that will eventually be upgraded to Marshmallow Colourful surroundings The colours that ooze from the back of the TV beat Ambilight by matching exactly what’s being shown on-screen Pico projectors The nine pico projectors are arranged in a semicircle on the back of the television. They mimic the motion, shape and colours of on-screen objects We know our…

Battery pack Bosch’s power pack range has been bolstered by a 500Wh battery (on top of 300Wh and 400Wh offerings). With a range of 14-180km (8-114 miles) depending on speed, terrain and ground conditions, the power pack can help you out all day if required Modern frame designs These are not just e-bikes built for commuting through town. These are genuine mountain bikes, available in hardtail, 29er and full suspension designs. Built in Germany, they are more than strong enough to be thrown off 20-foot mountain drops Bosch Performance CX motor The heart of Haibike’s XDURO range, the unit is new for 2016 and can provide 75Nm of torque on top of your efforts, assisting up to speeds of 25kph Traditional gearsets On top of the Bosch motor, Haibike has…

Hydraulic disc brakes Traditional brakes’ are dulled by water and dirt on the wheels. Disc brakes (mounted closer to the centre) alleviate this issue Aerodynamic profile wheels While not as aggressively shaped as the wheels in the pro peloton, Boardman’s own rim design is deeper than traditional rims, reducing the spoke length and improving aerodynamics For anyone into road cycling, the Boardman name should ring a bell. Founded by Tour de France stage winner and Olympic gold medalist Chris Boardman, his company has been at the forefront of affordable yet technologically advanced bikes since its launch in 2007. Shunned by some within the community because they are sold through car parts specialist Halfords, Boardman Bikes produce a range of road and mountain bikes for those not worried about badge snobbery.…

Making a beeline The USP of the BeeLine is the company’s ‘fuzzy navigation’ concept. Rather than a map, you are guided to your destination (selected via smartphone app) by a compass arrow pointing at your finish point rather than due north Satellite beaming While the screen is bereft of most ride data, the BeeLine can still record your ride via GPS, allowing you to upload to popular training websites, such as Strava, when you arrive at your destination Lightweight but powerful battery Despite its small size, the BeeLine can run for around 40 hours on a single charge thanks to its 400mAh battery, which is chargeable via USB When something that looks simple attracts three times its required funding via Kickstarter, you know it’s something worth looking at. The BeeLine…

Polycarbonate build Both the Waterman’s frame and lens combination are protected by a thin polycarbonate layer for added scratch and impact resistant Colour-infused lenses Each lens are protected against 99 per of all glare, thanks to the colour infusion that lines the fascia of them. It can also help protect against UV rays Sunglasses are essential when cycling to avoid blinding glare and stopping stones hitting you in the eye. This stylish pair from Maui Jim have interchangeable lens, enabling you to adapt to different climates and situations at the touch of a button. Lenses slide out of their holdings and can be exchanged for any of Maui’s library of alternatives, depending on the time of day you’re looking to ride. It takes a few seconds of your time, but…

Airline compatible If you really must use this at an airport, you’ll be glad to know that the front luggage case measures 56 x 35.5 x 25.5, meaning it falls inside the guidelines for most airlines overhead storage compartments Weight limit A scooter-cum-luggage case isn’t for everyone, and it’s definitely not for people with a slightly larger-than-average build. The Micro Luggage Scooter comes with a recommended ride weight limit of 95kg Pumping tunes Steve Aoki hasn’t exactly revolutionised the (small) world of luggage scooters, but he has added the ability to blast out your music via this Bluetooth speaker. Lean on me Unlike most vehicles with two front wheels, you don’t steer the Micro Luggage Scooter. Instead, you have to gently lean in your intended direction of travel, meaning no…

Temperature gauge The thermometer is an integral part of the Egg because most cooking is done lid-down. You really have to keep an eye on it: it’s not your standard Barbecue device Don’t be alarmed – we know this thing may look a little bizarre, but there’s actually 2,000 years of history behind this top grill. The Big Green Egg (yep, that is literally what it’s called) is a modern interpretation of the old-style Japanese cooking pot, the ‘kamado’. It’s used by professional chefs in Michelin-starred restaurants to cook delicacies from crab and lobster to premium steak, slow-roast vegetables and braised lamb shanks – not exactly your standard summer grill-ups! The charcoal-fired barbecue can be heated up to a searing 400°C, which is guaranteed to get the crackling just right…

01 Never water your plants again - leave it up to this smart system instead! Regular watering is one of the most important factors in ensuring your garden is greener than everyone else’s. But what happens if you’re away from home? That’s where an automatic watering system like the Auto AquaPod comes in. Attached to your outside tap, its timer device controls the flow of water to two plastic pods, sending water to nearby container plants via five mini hoses with pressure-compensating drip-feeders. No more returning from holiday to a patio full of dead plants! Hozelock Auto AquaPod 10 £45 | $65 | hozelock.com 2 Listen to your plants and get phone alerts All right, flower? While there are some folks who do like to talk to their plants (we’re…

It’s practical It may be analogue but the Explorer 01’s glow in the dark hands let you check what time it is at any time of day It looks amazing The Explorer 01 is Swiss-made and of the highest quality. The leather strap and stylish design make it something of a luxury security system for your wrist It’s durable With a super strong stainless steel casing you can always be sure your watch will stay safe too, whether you’re rock climbing, mountain biking or wearing it around the house It uses GPS The fact that the watch uses satellite signals to make calls means you can contact people from your living room, the countryside, the Grand Canyon… pretty much anywhere, really It’s high-tech The two-way speaker system built into the…

Stand and wave While we don’t know that you can make CHiP heel with a hand signal, he is able to recognise gestures such as hand-waving and clapping Paws for thought One thing CHiP is lacking is cute little paws. Instead he rolls around on Meccanum wheels, which allows him to have omnidirectional movement across different floor surfaces at various speed settings Dogs can be messy, require feeding and leave hair all over the place. So save yourself the bother and get a robot puppy instead. Yes, we know, Sony already tried and failed to do this with the Aibo, but Wowee’s CHiP is the next evolution in robotic pet. As well as being programmed with a range of canine noises and gestures to entice you, CHiP has infrared eyes…

It all started with a Thermos. The intelligent people over at Mighty Mug didn’t quite realise what they were onto when they invented their first product, but now they have applied their ingenious ‘Smartgrip technology’ to a wider range of products including wine glasses, whiskey tumblers and the trusty pint. Whether you’re out at a bar or enjoying a sophisticated glass of wine with your friends, nothing quite ruins your fun more than accidentally knocking over your drink and having to spend the rest of the evening with an embarrassing spillage stain conspicuously cloaking your best outfit. But don’t worry, there now exists a solution to avoid such humiliation. These ordinary-looking plastic glasses actually sit atop suction cups that ensure your drinks will stay upright, whether they are knocked, pushed…

Frames per second The number of frames of video the camera can capture every second – not so difficult with one lens, but trickier when you have eight different cameras to think about and keep in sync with each other Software The program that stitches everything together, which may run on the desktop, in the cloud or on your phone: fortunately for budding amateur VR movie-makers, the software tools are now much more accessible than they used to be Resolution As with a standard video camera (or digital stills camera), the resolution of each frame is of key importance, with higher values usually leading to better quality video. In VR, two identical resolutions are often quoted, one for each of the viewer’s eyes Inputs and outputs Remote control is available…

BUBLCAM Suitable for the VR movie-maker on a budget, the Bublcam is light, easy-to-use and a great place to start. It offers a maximum of 30fps video at a resolution of 1,440 x 1,440 pixels, and it comes with an intuitive smartphone app. £560 | $800 | bublcam.com SPHERICAM 2 Significantly more expensive than the Bublcam but capable of a whopping 4K, 60fps video resolution, the Sphericam 2 also offers wireless streaming and one-touch recording capabilities while remaining compact and lightweight. £1,750 | $2,500 | sphericam.com RICOH THETA S One of the first 360-degree video cameras to go on sale to consumers, the Theta S gives you 30fps videos at a high-definition resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Everything is managed via the smartphone app and you can livestream footage…

Four-wheel drive The entry-level Model 3 will be rear-wheel drive, but you will have the option to pay extra for a dual-motor, four-wheel drive configuration if you prefer 215 mile range You don’t want to run out of battery in the middle of a motorway, and the Tesla 3 can go a respectable 215 miles between charges Extra storage space There are storage compartments in the front and the back of the Model›3, as well as enough room to seat five people comfortably inside Supercharging support Tesla has Supercharger stations dotted around the US, Europe and Asia. They’re ultra-fast at charging your car and free for Tesla owners to use Spaceship steering Elon Musk says the final Model›3 design will include steering controls that “feel like a spaceship” – so…

Projector lamp The DLP (Digital Light Processing) lamp is a winner for brightness and low motion blur, and is rated at a decent 700 ANSI lumens (though there are certainly brighter models out there) Image resolution The 720p output resolution is beaten by some other similar projectors, but the 300-inch (7.62-metre) maximum image size certainly makes the Z4 Aurora stand out Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Wi-Fi can be used to connect directly to the internet, while Bluetooth lets you set up speakers, keyboards and various other bits of hardware to handle the device’s inputs or outputs Desktop projectors have been with us for years, but they haven’t changed too much in that time. The makers of the Z4 Aurora think a major upgrade is due. The smart device that’s being crowdfunded…

There’s no worse feeling than forking out £600 or more for the latest phone for it to break straight away. But whether it falls out of your pocket or you drop it down the toilet – trust us, these things happen. Promising that things can be different, the latest generation of smartphones make some bold claims. Some say they can be submerged in water, others say they can withstand the impact of a hammer and a few boast about being unbendable. To find out if this is true, we’ve put new releases the Samsung Galaxy S7, LG G5, iPhone SE, Huawei P9, Moto X Force and CAT S40 through their paces. Read on to find out which ones survive.... 1. LG G5 While it still packs a powerful punch, the…

Exterior protective lens The hard layer at the top of the display is designed to take the brunt of any impact or abrasion that hits it Interior lens A highly transparent layer that adds the shatterproof element to the display. Its main aim is to protect the more delicate sections underneath Dual-touch layer This layer is pivotal in maintaining complete touchscreen control, with dual layers helping maintain precise control even if one layer is damaged AMOLED display The main crux of the display for providing superb picture quality. Small tweaks have been made to improve how it absorb shocks Aluminium chassis A rigid chassis helps provide durability and keeps all the above layers centrally aligned for maximum performance…

Born to roll The spherical LG Rolling Bot has a front-facing camera so it can record footage, and scare your pets, simultaneously Say cheese to this new camera module The camera module adds controls to the default LG camera app, unlocking new shooting modes to try out Boost your audio The DAC module helps bring high-fidelity sound to the G5 at a decent price, with a second 3.5mm audio jack included to help improve sound quality through your headphones All-new VR LG’s portable 360 VR headset hooks up to the G5 and provides an app-centric, immersive virtual reality experience Capture the world around you A mounted lens on the LG 360 Cam has a complete 360-degree field of view, which is perfect for capturing panoramic shots on the go Keep…

There was a time, back in the late 19th century, when something as simple as the humble light switch was at the cutting edge of home technology. Fast forward to the 21st century, where our homes now have the potential to become far smarter, like giant computers that we live in. It seems to have caught your imagination. Tech research boffins Gartner reckon that a typical home is going to contain more than 500 smart devices by 2022. Meanwhile, a survey by Icontrol Networks says half of all consumers plan to buy at least one smart home product this year. But what’s out there? Over the next ten pages, we’re going to take a look at how smart home tech can enhance your life in the living room, kitchen, bedroom…

If you’re anything like us, you don’t want to be spending evenings after dinner with your hands immersed in a washing up bowl. So credit where it’s due: Josephine Cochran pulled a blinder when she invented the first ever dishwasher in 1886. In the 130 years since then, dishwasher tech has moved on apace and LG’s latest looks to be the best yet. Using proprietary TrueSteam technology, it engulfs dishes in a cloud of hot yet gentle steam that melts away those stubborn stains. It then ploughs in with its robot arm – the so-called MultiMotion - to combine a circular sweeping action with a bi-directional spin. Anything placed at the top of the machine’s three tiers is washed with less intensity than those at the bottom, which is great…

Echo Tap Tap is a six-inch portable, battery-powered version of Echo that connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to play music and access Alexa. But you have to press a button to chat, this time around. £95 (est) | $130 | amazon.com Fire TV Alexa first arrived on the second generation of Fire TV but she has since been made available on the first too. Most of Alexa’s functionality is intact when you press and hold the Voice button. £80 | $100 | amazon.co.uk Amazon Echo The original Amazon Echo is a nine-inch high cylindrical speaker that can play music or carry out instructions. It’s a versatile digital personal assistant that picks up your voice via its always-on microphone. £130 (est) | $180 | amazon.com Echo Dot Imagine lopping off the…

If you want to get hands on with futuristic gadgets, John Lewis has just opened a smart home experience at its Oxford Street shop in London. The largest of its kind in the UK, this 1,000-square-foot space features demonstrations of top tech including the Samsung Family Hub Smart Fridge and Philips Hue lighting. To celebrate this, John Lewis has given us £310 worth of smart home tech to give away. This includes the famous Nest Learning Thermostat. As far as monitoring the heating in your home and helping you save money on your bills, no other smart thermostat comes close. It benefits from being simple to set up and the corresponding Nest app enables up to ten users to simultaneously connect to the device. You can also win an S+…

7005 T6 aluminium frame The classic frame is built from 7005 T6 aluminium, with each tube butted for extra strength. The Beinn 29 is available in three different sizes to suit all both adult and child riders SRAM running gear The ten-speed gear set is manufactured by American manufacturer Sram (one of the biggest suppliers in the industry) and comes from its X5 range If you’re looking to get into off-road riding and want a simple steed that you could upgrade over time, Islabikes Beinn 29 is a safe option. For those who remember mountain-biking in the Eighties and Nineties, the Beinn 29 definitely gives off a retro vibe, reminiscent of Gary Fisher and his California crew. It may not be an electric bike and, up front, the Beinn 29…

Integrated power meter The Venge ViAS has a Quarg ANT+ power meter, allowing you to see how much effort your putting through the pedals Zero drag brakes The Venge ViAS’s brake calipers are mounted out the air stream, with the front system hidden behind the front fork. This, Specialized claims, reduces the bike’s drag to zero As one of the only bike manufacturers with its own full-sized wind tunnel for testing, it’s no surprise that Specialized claim to have the fastest road bike in the world. Of course, the Specialized S-Works Venge ViAS Di2 is only as good as the person in the saddle but the American company has gone to every effort to give the Venge’s rider every advantage possible. Thousands of hours of wind tunnel testing have shaped…

Keep your kit on A quick running VISLON zip has been added to make easy adjustments as your ride, with a thin zip lock applied to prevent the jersey from opening up by itself Minimise drag impact Drag can be a big burden of those trying to generate speed as they cycle. Offset seams on the back of each jersey help break up airflow impact against your body Keep your cool Each pair of Pro Team shorts are coating in Coldblack dye, which helps reflect the sun’s ray to keep the fabric cool against the skin Just as important as the eyewear you choose to sport when going cycling, the clothes you were can massively affect your ride performance. For those with a furious need for speed, the Rapha’s Pro…

The Rocco Box uses the highest-grade materials available commercially to ensure it’s both robust and food-ready. The burner port is modular, too, meaning it can be easily cooled for on-the-fly transportation – which is ideal for taking camping, to the beach or to a mate’s barbecue. It’s versatile, too – able to roast vegetables, caramelise meat or give that perfect crispy finish to any store-bought items you want to reheat or crisp-up. It cooks at 500°C and provides professional quality food in a pinch.…

Blades There are four spare blades with SKEYE Nano Drone but the ones provided are sturdy enough that you shouldn’t need them. Unless you’re flying the Nano Drone into a warzone, but that’s not recommended Light as a feather Not only is it small, but SKEYE Nano Drone is incredibly light too, to the point where you feel like you could instantly crush its tiny life simply by closing your hand. Ahem, sorry On and off The power switch is so subtle and well-hidden, we actually had to resort to the instruction booklet like cavemen to find it Peek-a-boo The tiny camera is located here; you’ll need to clean it regularly if you’re using the drone outdoors a lot, as it will become covered with dirt and debris Charge time…

Say what you will about Yamaha, but it’s a company that takes pride in simply not rushing products to market. Its latest venture – tapping into the dawn of affordable multi-room audio solutions – certainly has some stiff competition, but that doesn’t mean you should count MusicCast out entirely. If anything, Yamaha’s offering is one of the most robust and future-proofed mainstream multi-room systems on the market; it embraces the convenience and flexibility of streaming to give you full control over your audio experience, regardless of where you are in your home. MusicCast is designed for the modern audio fanatic; those that desire to own a range of new AV equipment for your various rooms and are already in possession of a few wireless speakers, too. With 23 MusicCast-compatible devices…

Dot’s all-seeing eye Dot’s eye is surprisingly powerful, so much so that it can be used as a remote control to guide Dash along on his motorised wheels Dashing around Dash responds to voice commands and can learn a range of new behaviours when paired with his accompanying apps What Dash and Dot have over most of the other robots we’ve featured here is that they are not only highly educational, but work in tandem with each another. A sort of tag-team robot, if you will. They’re designed to be perfect playmates, but perform entirely different tasks. Dash has two motorized wheels, enabling him to move in nearly any direction, with his head on a pivot so that you can instruct where you want him to face. Dot, on the…

If you don’t want to drop several hundreds of pounds on a top-end VR headset then spend the money on a ticket to Berlin or Amsterdam instead: Samhoud Media has opened up the world’s first two permanent VR cinemas to the public, where for €12.50 (about £10) you can strap a Gear VR to your face and enjoy a 30-minute VR short. Each member of the audience sits in a separate swivel (for looking around in 360-degrees, of course) and is then taking through what is apparently a showreel of immersive virtual reality experiences. It’s both a communal and solitary experience at the same time. It’s a tantalising glimpse of where VR cinema might take us, with separate screens in your local Cineworld or Odeon for the latest virtual reality…

01 Fix a frozen phone “If you find your phone keeps freezing when using your touchscreen or camera, it is always worth doing a phone reboot. Press the home key and the power button together for ten seconds and the phone will turn back on and reboot automatically – hopefully with no more issues!” 02 The myth of lost data “We get lots of customers that are concerned that the buttons they have pressed or the rebooting they have tried will have wiped all of their data. Generally your smartphone data isn’t wiped by system reboot attempts (apart from if this is selected through iTunes).” 03 Clean out your speaker “Is your charger not working properly on your iPhone or are you struggling to hear who is calling you? You…