Upcoming Xbox One update might let you use external drives

According to Microsoft product director Albert Penello, external drive support for the Xbox One has always been on the company's docket to enable in a future update. That refresh looks to be on the skyline after an unnamed Xbox developer took to Reddit to tease an image showing that very feature in action. Members of the Xbox One preview programme are often privy to early features, which have recently included improved Party Chat and manual checks for system updates, but this leak will likely attract the most attention. Although the Xbox One ships with a 500GB internal hard drive,  blockbuster games can command 50GB (if they're installed locally) without breaking a sweat. That game storage, of course, adds up over time. Attaching an additional drive will not only stop you from running out of space, it'll also stop you from voiding your warranty with a do-it-yourself replacement.

Game format Optical disc, Downloadable

• Online features Multiplayer, Voice chat, Video chat, Store, Browser
• Drive capacity 500 GB
• Controller type Wired, Wireless
• Motion controls Camera / optical
• Video outputs HDMI
• Released 2013-11-22

·         Buy from $466

·         HDMI

  General

• Game format Optical disc, Downloadable
• Disc loading type Slot loading

Controllers / accessories

• Controller type Wired, Wireless
• Wireless type Infrared
• Battery size AA (Rechargeable)
• Charging cable Proprietary
• Direction control D-pad, Thumb stick (2)
• Motion controls Camera / optical
• Rumble support Built-in

Audio / video

• Video outputs HDMI
• Video formats 1080p, 720p

Media

• Audio playback Yes
• Video playback Yes
• Photo viewer Yes

Networking / online service

• Internet connectivity Yes
• WiFi 802.11 n
• Ethernet 10/100/1000 [Gigabit]
• Online features Multiplayer, Voice chat, Video chat, Store, Browser
• Downloadable content Games, Game updates, TV shows, Movies
• Game achievements Yes
• Friends list Yes
• Service fee Yes

Storage

• System storage Hard drive
• Drive form factor Internal (Removable)
• Drive capacity 500 GB

Hardware

• CPU cores 8
• GPU speed 853 MHz
• System RAM 8 GB
• USB 3.0

Power

• Power adapter External

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Google is near buying game video service Twitch

AT&T may not be the only one landing a big achievement this weekend. Variety claims that Google's YouTube division has struck a deal to buy Twitch, the game-focused video streaming service, for more than $1 billion. Neither side is commenting on the rumor, but it's easy to see why YouTube would splurge -- Twitch has more online viewers than some big sports networks, and a takeover would instantly secure a larger presence in the gaming world. Google is apparently expecting a battle with regulators, which might claim that the deal stifles competition with other internet video providers. If the sensation is accurate, though, the company clearly believes that the expanded audience is worth the hassle.

Update: The Wall Street Journal corroborates the rumors, but says that it's still early; Twitch may ultimately raise funding rather than sell itself off. The video-streaming service has told  that it currently has no comment on the report.

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Michael Jackson's holographic return at the Billboard Music Awards

Michael Jackson isn't the first subsequent recording artist to be recreated by light projection -- Tupac got there first -- but it didn't stop the gathered crowds at the Billboard Music Awards thumping themselves into a frenzy during the performance. Naturally, it all coincided with Jackson's Xscape album, launched earlier this month, but the surprise was ruined a few days early by litigation between several holographic companies over the tech being used. We've embedded ABC's coverage after the break although the performance looks a little flat on video. And don't worry: there's moonwalking.

It's unlikely to be the last holographic performance from a music artist that's no longer with us, but the notion of holographic music shows is gaining grip beyond that, whether it's for the fictional computer-generated (and Vocaloid-powered) Hatsune Miku, or even an entire fascination devoted to K-Pop performances in Seoul, which, like the Billboard performance today, attempts to blend holographic video with real-life dance performers.

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AT&T Buy DirecTV for $48.5 billion

AT&T clearly is not taking Comcast's new acquirement efforts lying down; it just declared plans to buy DirecTV in a contract worth about $48.5 billion. The communications giant appreciates a takeover as an opportunity to expand how it delivers video beyond just the bundles it has today. If officials approve the union, AT&T could send conventional and internet-based video to virtually any place you happen to be, whether it's on your phone or in mid-flight. This also represents a content grab -- DirecTV has the exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket and other premium programming, so there's a chance that much of its content could reach U-verse and other AT&T offerings.

The telecom is making a lot of promises to satisfy valves that will no doubt look at the proposed mega-buyout very closely -- AT&T clearly wants to avoid a repeat of its failed attempt to buy T-Mobile in 2011. It hopes to bring high-speed internet access to 15 million additional customers, primarily in rural areas where a mix of fixed wireless and fiber-to-the-home could get people online. It's also guaranteeing internet-only service plans fast enough for online video ("at least" 6Mbps) for the next three years, and it will honor the FCC's 2010 net neutrality rules (which typically prevent blocking or throttling internet services) for that same period of time. DirecTV's stand-alone packages would be available at consistent prices nationwide during this stretch, too.

The move won't affect AT&T's plans to bid in the FCC's upcoming wireless spectrum auction, and it estimates that the purchase will start adding value within about a year of closing. Whether or not it closes is another matter. The US government already has concerns about the possible anti-competitive effects of Comcast's proposed buyout of Time Warner Cable; it's likely that the feds will take a similar approach to AT&T and DirecTV. If Comcast runs into regulatory trouble, it won't be surprising if AT&T ends up in the same boat.

Update: Not surprisingly, consumer groups aren't big fans. Free Press contends that AT&T has "clearly run out of ideas," and that the move is solely about eliminating competition. Consumer Reports' advocacy wing, Consumers Union, also believes that Americans are getting a raw deal. You'll find its full statement below.

On the heels of Comcast's bid for Time Warner Cable, AT&T is going to try to pull off a mega-merger of its own. These could be the start of a wave of mergers that should put federal regulators on high alert. AT&T's takeover of DirecTV is just the latest attempt at consolidation in a marketplace where consumers are already saddled with lousy service and price hikes. The rush is on for some of the biggest industry players to get even bigger, with consumers left on the losing end. You can't justify AT&T buying DirecTV by pointing at Comcast's grab for Time Warner, because neither one is a good deal for consumers.

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How to Solve These Nagging Windows 8.1 Problems

Under the leadership of Steve Ballmer it missed big opportunities in mobile and the Web. Apple has effectively swapped into its position as richest and most powerful tech company with Google snapping at its heals - and so on.

One area where Microsoft hasn't lost its dominance is the PC. Over 95% of the world's consumer and enterprise PCs run Windows in one form or another.

The trouble for Microsoft, however, is that the influence this bought them in the early 2000s has dwindled as more and more consumers and businesses move towards handheld devices.

To combat this, Microsoft decided to introduce Windows 8, an operating system that can offer a unified experience across all devices from smartphones to tablets to laptops to desktop PCs.

Unfortunately, Windows 8 was not a massive success. Microsoft then released Windows 8.1 (and subsequently Windows 8.1 Update 1) which combated some of the issues faced by users, reintroducing a 'boot-to-desktop' option and bringing back the Start menu.

While these tweaks are obvious, some of them are less so. Here's what we're doing to all our new Windows 8.1 systems to get them running smoothly.

Windows 8.1 coverage

1. Fix OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive)

One of the most annoying issues with Windows 8.1 is when the newly integrated OneDrive won't sync files. Often, that's because you have a lot of files trying to sync and your PC is hibernating or going to sleep before it's done.

When you turn your PC back on, OneDrive sync spends so long rebuilding the sync list that it doesn't get through all the files before you're turning off your PC again — with all the new files you created only making the backlog worse.

Open the OneDrive app, wait a couple of minutes and you should see the total numbers of files that need to upload and download. Tap the numbers to see a list of files with sync progress bars.

Create a power profile that doesn't turn your PC off after a set time, switch to that and leave your PC plugged in overnight and OneDrive should plough through all the files. If there are files causing problems, they'll be listed here as well so you can find and fix them.

2. Get compatibility view back in Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer (IE) 11 includes a lot more Web standards than before (universal rules across the Web which help display pages), but many sites still relegate all versions of IE to specially written pages designed for older, less standard versions.

If a page didn't look right in IE 10, you could click the blue Compatibility icon in the address bar to load it in as if you were using one of those old browsers. You don't see that icon for most sites in IE 11 because it now only appears if a site is listed by Microsoft as having compatibility problems.

Fortunately, you can add individual sites to the list yourself. Click the Settings cog next to the tabs and choose 'Compatibility View' settings. The current site will be highlighted.

Click Add to put it on the list and you'll see the button again. Alternatively, press F12 and use the Document mode drop down to make IE pretend to be a range of different browsers, which can fix sites 'Compatibility View' doesn't.

3. Trust this PC

Until your PC is marked in your Microsoft account as 'trusted' it won't sync Wi-Fi passwords, website logins and other useful but sensitive information.
Usually it's entrusted during setup (or when you add a new user account) by typing in a code Microsoft emails or texts to you. If you skip that step you can still use your PC, but secure details won't sync.
Microsoft will also stop trusting any devices you don't use for two months. To prevent his, go to Accounts in PC Settings. Under Your account, choose 'More account settings online'.
This loads the browser and asks you to sign in to your Microsoft account. Select the check box that says 'I sign in frequently on this device. Don't ask me for a code.'
You'll get a code by email, text message or whichever method you've chosen for authentication. Once you type that in, your PC will be trusted and will sync secure information. If you haven't already set up any trusted devices, look on the Password and Security information page and choose Edit security info to pick how to authenticate new devices first.

4. Get the apps on your Start screen to install

When you upgrade to Windows 8.1 you'll see Tiles for all the apps you had installed (and if you pick the Start screen layout from another Windows 8.1 PC you'll see the tiles for all the apps you had installed on that PC).
That doesn't mean you actually have those apps, however. Look carefully and you'll see an arrow in the corner of some tiles, or if they're on the All Apps screen they'll say 'install' under the app name. You have a placeholder for the app, not the app itself. Just tap the tile and Windows 8.1 will install the app from the Store for you.

5. Get rid of the pop-up tips

The first time you start using Windows Store apps you'll see pop-up tips explaining how to open the Charms bar and switch between apps. Annoyingly, you'll keep seeing them unless you follow their instructions at least once. To stop the tips from appearing, simply follow their instructions once and they will disappear.

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Sky Go and Now TV

Sky has announced that Sky Go and Now TV will be available through the PlayStation, after sealing an agreement with Sony.

The streaming services - Sky Go for existing subscribers and Now TV representing pay to play - will be available this year on the next-gen Sony PS4 console and its predecessor the PS3 .

Now TV will be the first to land with Sky announcing a fairly non-specific arrival date of 'the summer' which is at least more solid than Sky Go.

Significant

The deal is a significant one for both players - Sony will be mindful of the noises that rival Microsoft is making over its Xbox television service, whilst Sky's move to broaden out to offer content to people who do not necessarily want monthly subscriptions and/or satellite dishes has been ongoing with Now TV.

The Sky Go app will be welcomed by many households - essentially providing a second sky box that is not tied to a satellite feed.

We look forward to seeing the service when it arrives at some time soon-ish.

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Apple CarPlay

Imagine you're already running late and suddenly realize you forgot how to get there. Thankfully, you have Apple CarPlay running, so you can simply ask Siri to pull up directions. 

The set-tup as it was left much to be desired and was rudimentary at best. Siri was way off base when it responded to voice commands, and the app offering is limited. A few more apps are due down the road, including Spotify and Podcasts, but for now CarPlay is stuck with Maps, Phone, Messages and Music - the barest infotainment essentials.

It's cool to ask your car to pull up directions to some unfamiliar destination, but CarPlay neither felt absolutely necessary or the best option I could have turned to for my navigation, music or communicating needs.

Too Simple plugins

CarPlay requires users to plug their iPhones into the car. It's as simple as that; you're basically tethering your iPhone and accessing a few of its (very basic) apps through your car's system.

My demo involved an iPhone 5S standing up in a disc-shaped port near the cup holders, but, a manager of embedded software at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development, said one day users will likely connect their iPhone via a Lightening cable coming from inside the car's center console. That way, you could store your iPhone in the console without worrying about it falling on the car floor or spilling a drink on it.

Once your iPhone is hooked up, CarPlay boots up and is ready to rumble. Sound channels through your car's speakers and its interior microphones relay your voice commands.

Siri is not a good co-pilot

One of CarPlay's selling points is that drivers have a co-pilot(!) in voice-controlled Siri. Let's just say that in my time with the digital companion, I would have kicked it to the curb.
To be fair, tech demos on location can often be hindered by poor connectivity and other environmental factors, so sometimes miscues can be forgiven.
Still, Siri was laughably inept at understanding basic voice commands.
A request to find coffee initiated a response of, "I couldn't find a place called 'Call me.'" This was just one of several potholes Siri found itself stepping in.

Knob improvements to come

The plan is to eventually optimize when voice commands are used and eliminate touch as much as possible. They told me that Mercedes plans to implement touchscreen controls in the main control knob you use to control CarPlay, but that feature isn't available yet.
Mercedes' dashboard CarPlay display doesn't support touch either, and they explained that at least in its case, the company felt it was too distracting to be gazing at and leaning forward to fiddle with a screen at eye-level. Instead, the car maker wants drivers to have a screen they can glance at comfortably while controlling it from a "lean back and drive" position.
The knob itself is sleek and shiny. Twisting and pressing the dial makes selections, and differently timed presses do different things. For example, if you're deep in the Music app, a short press will take you back one step while a long press will take you back to the main menu.

Calls, texts and the Maps

I found CarPlay's call and text capabilities to be fair, but there's a lot of interaction and a little too much lag time to send a text.
Messages can be read aloud, and then you have the option to reply or leave it alone. I suppose CarPlay got the communications job done, but it all felt slightly cumbersome and as though Apple didn't put much effort into optimizing the exchange for the car.
We never hit the road with Maps, but with Siri's inability to decipher vocal commands and Apple Maps' shoddy reputation, I wouldn't trust the system to get me where I needed to go, at least not to start.

One nice feature is that a thumbnail image of your Maps route stays fixed to the upper left-hand corner of the tablet screen if you move into other apps. It's a pleasant reminder CarPlay hasn't forgotten it's directing you where you're steering to.

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Amazon Fire TV

Big hit, Amazon's new Fire TV streaming device has a lot of potential in bringing together the best features from competing devices and with voice search on top of that.
Fire TV, unveiled by Amazon on Wednesday, Amazon has aggressively expanded its video library in recent months, and is now offering its own device to view that content. Fire TV costs $99 which is  same as other full-service streaming devices, namely Roku 3 and Apple TV.
With Fire TV, you can watch videos from Netflix, Hulu Plus and more if you have subscriptions to those services. If you get Showtime and ESPN through a supported cable or satellite TV provider, you can access on-demand video from those channels.
Otherwise, you can use free, ad-supported services such as Crackle, Vevo and YouTube. You can also buy video individually through Amazon Instant Video or get a selection for free through Amazon's $99-a-year Prime program.
You can listen to music too, through Pandora, iHeartRadio and other services or play one of more than 100 games, some of which require a $40 game controller.
Fire TV offers more than 175 video, music and game apps, but that pales compared with the more than 1,000 available through Roku. Still, it beats the few dozen offered by Apple TV.
Notable omissions in Fire TV's app store include HBO Go, PBS and Apple's iTunes. Major League Baseball, ABC and the Disney Channel are coming soon. Apple TV already has all that, but it doesn't offer Amazon Instant Video directly on the device.
Fire TV  lacks the interface consistency that Apple insists on. That means on-screen keyboards, layouts and search tools vary from app to app. With Apple TV, all apps share a common look and feel so you don't waste time figuring out what's where.
Amazon's device trumps Roku in keeping audio and video in sync most of the time. I've found that to be a problem with most streaming devices, with Apple TV being the notable exception.
What sets Fire TV furthest apart from competing devices is its voice search. Just speak the title, actor, director or genre into your remote, and Fire TV shows matching content on the TV. There were a few laughable errors. The device searched for "How I Met Your Brother" and "Holly Met Your Mother" when I asked to see the popular sitcom "How I Met Your Mother." But mostly, voice recognition worked well.

Unfortunately, voice search works only with a handful of apps. I was able to get content from Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus and Vevo, but it missed Netflix and others. Searching "House of Cards" got me season 1 episodes available for purchase through Amazon, even though Netflix had those for free, plus season 2.
Furthermore, the search is rudimentary. Speaking "Sabrina: The Teenage Witch season 4" just got me the entire show, starting with season 1. The voice search recognizes titles of individual episodes, but it'll take me to the show's main page.
If you have Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX tablet, you can start video there and switch the feed to the TV. That frees up the tablet screen for supplementary content from Amazon's IMDb video and celebrity database. You can also check email and Facebook. It's akin to Apple's AirPlay feature for iPhones and iPads.
Fire TV is easy to set up, especially if you buy it through Amazon and have your device pre-registered to your account. Just plug the device into an outlet and connect it to the TV with an HDMI cable, which isn't included. You can get on the Internet through Wi-Fi or connect an Ethernet cable - again, not included.
The device is about the size of a double-album plastic CD case.
 Fire TV is comparable in price to the Roku 3 and the Apple TV. Roku has cheaper options, for as low as $50, though it's worth paying $100 for a faster processor and other benefits. Meanwhile, Google Inc. has a $35 streaming device called the Chromecast.
With Fire TV, you can stream personal photos and video stored on Amazon's Cloud Drive. A software update coming next month will also give you access to personal music files and to parental controls.

And that goes back to the idea of Fire TV being largely about promise. Many features aren't ready yet, and the ones that are don't work yet with every service.
Fire TV is a good investment if you use a lot of Amazon content, but you'll need patience for features to arrive or get better.

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Exclusive:Google Prepares To Launch Android Smart TV

Google is  planning to launch another Android Smart TV , according to a report in The Verge.
Apparently this set top box will be less ambitious and easier to use than one of the company’s previous initiatives, Google TV.  The Verge said it has obtained, “Android TV is an entertainment interface, not a computing hardware platform.”
The basic idea is to give users a simple interface for accessing entertainment content and lightweight apps. The most distinctive and effective feature is that it is a recommendation system that will suggest content to users as soon as they turn the device on.
There are no details about a launch date, but the documents suggest that Google is currently recruiting developers to build apps for Android TV. These plans shouldn’t affect Google Chromecast, another of the company’s efforts to build a TV platform.
The news comes just a few days after Amazon launched its own device, the Fire TV.

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