Deezer has introduced a dedicated app for surround sound music encoded in Sony's new 360 Reality Audio music format.

Called 360 by Deezer, it presents spatial audio that is mixed to give you a 3D-like experience, where you feel as if you are in the studio with the artist during recording. It doesn't require any special hardware or headphones - you can listen using your conventional iPhone or Android handset and usual headset/earbuds.

The 360 by Deezer app can be used by anyone with a Deezer HiFi streaming account. This usually costs £19.99 per month and includes access to high-resolution tracks through the usual Deezer app.

Sony and Deezer are also offering a deal for those who purchase select Sony headphones. Customers get three-months of access to Deezer HiFi for free and then, when that period is over, only have to pay £14.99 per month.

• Family music streaming: The best options from Spotify, Apple Music, Google, Amazon and Deezer

Naturally, the collection of music mixed using 360 Reality Audio is relatively small at present. However, it currently includes music from Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Earth Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis, plus several others. Many more tracks will be added in time.

"Our new app offers hi-fi enthusiasts a dedicated and exclusive experience where they can easily access their 360 Reality Audio tracks," said Deezer's Stefan Tweraser.

"The new format provides music fans with a virtual audio experience that could previously only be achieved with special sound gear in a dedicated space."

You can find 360 by Deezer on the Apple App Store and Google Play now.

The 16th annual Pocket-lint Awards will be taking place in the middle of November in association with EE, celebrating the best devices and products across 19 categories from smartphones to cameras.

Each of the categories have five or six nominations within them, all of which we have been reviewed by us in full at some point during the last 12 months.

As always, we have been running a series of features leading up to the main event, diving into each category and its nominees, as well as what each category is looking for.

We've already covered Best Flagship Phone, Best Camera, Best Game and Best Streaming Device among plenty of others, but this feature is all about rewarding devices for active people in the Best Fitness Tracker 2019.

The Short Listed nominees for Best Fitness Tracker 2019 are:

• Fitbit Versa 2
• Fitbit Inspire HR
• Samsung Galaxy Active 
• Polar Vantage V
• Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
• Suunto 9

You can click on each of the titles above to read our full reviews on each nomination, which will give you an idea as to why they have been nominated.

Voting in the 16th annual EE Pocket-lint Awards is now open so you can let us know which one of these great devices you think should win the Best Fitness Tracker award for this year and give us your verdict on all, or some, of the other tech across the 18 categories.

To vote for your favourite, head to our Best Fitness Tracker 2019 voting page and score the products you think should win, enter your email address, and hit the submit button.

Winners will be announced at an exclusive event in London on 14 November in association with EE. Voting closes on 3 November.

We are fully aware this year's iPhones have only recently been announced, but there have already been a few predictions for the 2020 iPhone, coupled with several rumours. 

This feature is tracking what's been claimed so far in terms of next year's iPhones, as well as a few of our hopes and dreams. We've also got a separate round up feature for the iPhone 5G and when that might appear.

Apple iPhone 12 release date

• September 2020

Typically Apple holds its iPhone event in second week of September and normally on a Tuesday. The company followed the same pattern for the 2019 iPhones - announcing them on 10 September 2019. If the company follows suit again in 2020, we'd expect 8 September 2020 to be a good bet for the launch event of the iPhone 2020.

Of course, nothing is confirmed as yet - nor will it be for a long time - so it's probably best to write that date in pencil for now.

What will the iPhone 2020 be called?

• iPhone 12 
• iPhone 12 Pro 
• iPhone 12 Pro Max

Pre-2017, it was pretty easy to predict what the next iPhone would be called. Following the iPhone 3G up to the iPhone 8, Apple used sequential numbers and that was that.

Then in 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X, followed by the iPhone XS in 2018 and that was the end of easy naming predictions for iPhone, until 2019 when the company came back to its senses and ditched the Roman numerals. 

With the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max having launched in 2019, it's pretty likely the 2020 iPhones will be called the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 12 specs: What we want to see

• Premium, waterproof design
• Return of the matte glass finish
• Reduced notch or no notch
• USB Type-C
• Reverse charging capabilities
• Battery improvements
• More low light camera improvements
• 5G connectivity
• A14 chip
• iOS 14
• Apple Pencil compatibility

Apple iPhone 12 design

• All new design
• Squarer edges?

The Apple iPhone 12 models are reported to be coming with an entirely new design, according to rumours. It's not yet clear what the design might be - though some renders show squarer edges compared to the rounded edges we have been used to since the iPhone 6. 

We're hoping to see a reduced notch for the 2020 models - or no notch at all - and we hope the frosted matte glass rear from the 11 Pro models returns as it is beautiful in the flesh.

Apple iPhone 12 displays

• All OLED
• Variable refresh rate
• Different sizes

Rumours suggest that all 2020 iPhones will have an OLED display. Currently, the iPhone 11 has an LCD display, while the Pro models have OLED. There's also reports of a variable refresh rate and a change up in sizes.

Apparently we might get a 5.42-inch model, a 6.06-inch model and a 6.67-inch in place of the 5.8-inch, 6.1-inch and 6.5-inch models we have at the moment. Some speculation also suggests in-display fingerprint sensors.

Apple iPhone 12 cameras

• 3D Depth cameras
• Night Mode improvements likely

Reports suggest Apple is considering 3D depth cameras for its iPhone 12 models - probably destined for the Pro models. The 3D cameras are said to boost AR capabilities. There have also been predictions of a quad camera on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, with a ToF sensor.

We also expect to see more improvements to the Night Mode Apple introduced on the iPhone 11 models in order to keep up with competition from the likes of Huawei.

Apple iPhone 12 hardware and software

• 5G
• A14 chip
• iOS 14

Most reports suggest Apple will adopt 5G connectivity for the iPhone 12. It is not currently clear if all three models rumoured will have the technology, or if Apple will reserve it for the Pro models. 

We do expect to see the A14 chip under the hoods of the iPhone 12 models though, with all three offering the same hardware and we expect to see them all launch on iOS 14, which we will likely hear more about at WWDC20 in June. We also expect all three models to feature the U1 chip - or an improved version of it.

Apple iPhone 12 rumours: What's happened so far

Here's everything we've heard about the iPhone 12 models so far.

28 October 2019: iPhone 12 said to come with 120Hz OLED display

According to sources in China, Apple will use 120Hz screen technology on its 2020 iPhone 12 models, which is the same refresh rate it currently uses on the iPad Pro models.

While 90Hz screens are becoming more popular on smartphones with OnePlus and Google both adopting them - 120Hz refresh rates are more rare, with only the Razor 2 and Asus ROG II devices featuring the higher refresh rate for now.

30 September 2019: Latest Apple iPhone 12 renders show no notch for the Pro models

Ben Geskin produced some more renders showing what the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max could look like if the notch disappears and Face ID is integrated into the bezel above the display, as well as squarer edges, like the iPhone 4.

26 September 2019: iPhone 2020 prototype shows FaceID integrated into top bezel with no notch

Ben Geskin - who has produced multiple renders of iPhones in the past - has tweeted to say "one of the 2020 iPhone prototypes has 6.7-inch display with Face ID and TrueDepth camera system housed in the top bezel." Looks pretty nice if it's accurate, hey?

Exclusive: One of the 2020 iPhone prototypes has 6.7-inch display with Face ID and TrueDepth camera system housed in the top bezel. pic.twitter.com/sAJE7J12ty

— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) September 26, 2019

26 September 2019: Apple iPhone 12 will revert to iPhone 4 design feature, claims analyst

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo published a report claiming the iPhone 12 will have a new metal frame structure, much like the iPhone 4 introduced almost a decade ago. He said: "The metal frame and the front and rear 2/2.5D glass are still used, but the metal frame surface will be changed to a similar design to the iPhone 4, replacing the current surface design."

The predictions match renders from Ben Geskin, which were then retweeted following the report.

So maybe my 2020 iPhone concept is right pic.twitter.com/GrBcEDCG4u

— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) September 25, 2019

7 September 2019: The 2020 iPhone will reportedly usher in an all-new design

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that next year's phone will feature an all-new design.

Kuo said the 2020 iPhone lineup will feature three major changes: An all-new form factor design; support for 5G support; and camera upgrades.

5 September 2019: Apple might use in-screen sensor in 2020 iPhone

Bloomberg has reported Apple might use an in-display fingerprint sensor in the 2020 iPhone - something that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted.

According to the site, Apple is developing an in-display fingerprint authentication technology that works much like the solutions we've seen implemented by Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, and others. Presumably, it would be a Touch ID-branded feature that would work alongside Face ID, allowing users to more efficiently bypass their device's lock screen and process payments.

22 August 2019: Apple iPhone 11 'Pro', Watch Series 5 and AirPods 3 details revealed in new report

A report from Bloomberg offered a number of details on the 2019 iPhones, but it also said the 2020 iPhones would offer 5G connectivity and a camera boost on the rear for AR.

According to the report: "None of the new models will include 5G, but next year's will. They'll also have rear-facing 3D cameras that will boost augmented reality capabilities."

21 August 2019: Apple testing OLED displays from other suppliers for iPhone 2020

According to Nikkei Asian Review, spotted by Apple Insider, Apple is claimed to be testing OLED displays from suppliers other than Samsung for the 2020 iPhone. 

It's claimed the latest supplier being tested is BOE Technology and Apple is reported to decide by the end of 2019 if the panels meet its standards.

5 August 2019: Long live Touch ID! Apple's 2021 iPhone might use in-display fingerprint tech

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed Apple will likely offer an Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 2021. Kuo said the system will work alongside Apple's Face ID. 

He also reiterated that the notch would be getting smaller for the 2020 iPhone before being ditched completely for the 2021 iPhone.

22 July 2019: Next year's iPhones might get a display that's twice as fast

According to leaker Ice Universe, the 2020 iPhones could offer a variable refresh rate, allowing them to switch between 120hz mode from 60hz for smoother action on screen.

We suspect the iPhone would stick to 60hz for most purposes, allowing it to save on power consumption, but switch into 120hz mode for video or perhaps Apple Pencil work if Apple adds compatibility next year.

19 July 2019: Renders of iPhone XII Max appear on Twitter with predicted specs

Ben Geskin has produced some renders of what he believes the iPhone XII Max will look like in 2020. He also offered some details on specifications he expects to appear, all of which are plausible.

2020 iPhone XII Max Concept

- New squared-off design
- 6.7” OLED with smaller notch
- Quad Camera with ToF camera
- 5nm A14 Chip
- USB Type-C
- 5G pic.twitter.com/iQQy4Y0mx4

— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) July 19, 2019

11 July 2019: The iPhone will have its front-cameras under the display by 2021

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the iPhone's large notch will completely disappear by 2021. Kuo claims the iPhone's notch will get significantly smaller in 2020 before its 2021 disappearance. 

Kuo doesn't elaborate on how Apple might succeed in this, but one way would be to move the True Depth camera system - which is used for Face ID - to behind the display. There are big challenges with this technology at the moment though so perhaps there is another solution?

9 July 2019: Apple could release four iPhones in 2020 including mid-range model

Analyst Samik Chatterjee at JP Morgan Chase has claimed Apple might launch four new iPhones in 2020, including the next successors to the iPhone XS and XS Max, the next successor to the iPhone XR and a mid-range iPhone.

Chatterjee claims the mid-range iPhone could have the same screen size as the iPhone 8 but it won't have an OLED display or 5G capabilities, like the other three iPhones are expected to offer.

18 June 2019: Apple iPhone XS Max could get even bigger in 2020, analyst suggests

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said Apple will announce 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch high-end iPhones with OLED displays offering 5G connectivity, along with a 6.1-inch OLED model supporting up to LTE. 

Kuo also said Apple will offer 5G support for all new iPhones from 2021 and it is thought the company will have its own 5G chip by 2023.

3 April 2019: Three OLED models and different sizes rumoured for iPhone 2020

Digitimes reported that all three 2020 iPhones will have OLED displays and the screen sizes will change compared to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR.

The site claimed there will be a 5.42-inch model, a 6.06-inch model and a 6.67-inch model for next year's iPhones.

30 January 2019: Apple to add triple cameras to 2019 iPhone, 3D cameras to 2020 iPhone

Bloomberg reported that a new TrueDepth camera system will be added to the 2020 iPhone and that it will feature Time of Flight 3D sensors with lasers that bounce off objects in a room to create a 3D image of your surroundings.

The result should be a detailed AR experience, with accurate depth perception and placement of virtual objects. These 3D cameras will scan areas up to 15 feet from the device, it is claimed.

4 December 2018: No 5G iPhone for 2019, you'll have to wait until 2020 for Apple adoption

Bloomberg reported that "people familiar with the matter" claimed Apple will wait until the 5G network matures and stabilises before releasing a compatible product. 

It's therefore assumed Apple won't release a 5G iPhone in 2019, but it will in 2020. 

23 March 2018: Apple might ditch current phone design for foldable iPhone in 2020

CNBC reported that analyst Wamsi Mohan at Bank of America Merrill Lynch claimed Apple is working with Asian partners on a foldable phone and the 2020 iPhone will be radically different.

After spending a while in beta, Apple has released iOS 13.2 for iPhone 6S and later. iPad 13.2 has also beeen released, with most of the same features. However, the equivalent HomePod software update has been pulled due to some issues, according to reports. 

The software includes the much-vaunted Deep Fusion camera tech that uses machine learning from the neural processor on the A13 Bionic platform. This tech captures nine images when you shoot in low light. This is available on iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max only. 

They're then combined to produce one image which has less noise than you'd normally get in a low light image. Another camera enhancement enables you to change video resolution from within the camera app, which is most welcome. However, this is again restricted to the new iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max - it isn't available on our iPhone XS Max. 

There's also support for the new AirPods Pro, since you can also switch into transparency mode or noise-cancelling on your iOS device, too. However, the support hasn't yet been added in macOS. 

There's also the introduction of Announce Messages, enabling Siri to read back your texts to you on your AirPods - you can also tell Siri to delete recordings in this update, too - plus new emoji (70 in total) which includes some less gendered versions and new animals, food and activities. 

HomeKit Secure Video enables HomeKit devices to capture, store and watch encrypted security camera video.

The update is around 500MB in size and should be available in your Settings app now. 

• iOS 13 system requirements: Will iOS 13 run on your iPhone or iPod touch?

Panasonic’s first full-frame mirrorless has caught the attention of professional stills and video shooters, thanks to its culmination of class-leading features. The Lumix G-series has been a firm favourite across a wide range of users since its launch in 2008, and so the expectations on the Lumix S1 were great. The S1 builds on this solid foundation and adds the benefits of a much larger digital sensor and a brand-new lens mount, created in partnership with two of the biggest names in optics. But the Panasonic S1 is more than just an upscaled mirrorless camera. Here are five reasons we think this camera is really special.

It shoots 4K video without cropping in

The Panasonic S1 in video mode offers a choice of HD (1920x1080p) resolution at 24fps, 25fps, 50fps or 60fps, or 4K (3840x2160p) at 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 50fps or 60fps. Most digital cameras that offer a 4K resolution video crop the image in to do so, which leads to a narrower view. Though the S1 can shoot in this cropped-in APS-C format, it can also shoot in an oversampled mode in 4K at up to 30fps, which uses the full sensor and therefore, the full wide view of the lens. There is also a high-speed mode, which shoots at 180fps in HD to give a slow-motion effect.  Those wanting even more from their video can pay for an firmware upgrade, which adds 10-bit capture, Log gamma, waveform displays and the ability to upload look-up tables. 

It can capture 96-million-pixel images

The S1 features a 24-million-pixel sensor, which alone can create highly detailed images good enough to hang on your wall or in a gallery. But put the camera into its special high-resolution mode and it will output a 96MP image. It does this by taking a series of shots and combining them in-camera, using its sensor shift technology. This is designed for landscape and still life subjects, where you won’t have movement in the scene, and must be taken on a tripod to reduce camera movement. It offers toggleable motion correction to fine tune any alignment. 

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It has in camera stabilisation

Like the Lumix G-series, the S1 has a 5-axis in-body dual sensor stabilisation system. This provides active stabilisation to combat camera shake to an equivalent of around 5.5 stops, using non-stabilised lenses. The system can also be paired with the new OIS lenses to create the Dual IS 2 system. This, together, provides up to six stops of image stabilisation, enabling you to shoot crisp images even in really low light conditions. If you want to see just how hard the system is working, the Image Stabiliser Status Scope displays your movement on the screen over the very still image.   

It has the highest resolution viewfinder

Electronic viewfinders have come a long way over the years but the S1 takes it to a new level. With 5.76 million dots and a 120 frames-per-second refresh rate, this is the highest resolution electronic viewfinder on the market. The result is the most lifelike of image views, with the added advantage of an accurate preview of the final image and all the overlaid shooting information. The viewfinder also features an eye sensor to allow the camera to enter a sleep mode when taken away from your eye, and a large round rubberised eye cup for a comfortable fit. 

Images can also be previewed and reviewed using the large 3.2-inch 2.1-million-dot rear LCD screen. This is mounted on a tri-axel bracket, allowing it to tilt both vertically and horizontally for easy viewing in both portrait and landscape orientations. 

It has a dedicated new lens mount

To get the very best performance from the new full frame sensor of the S1, Panasonic has developed a brand-new lens mount in collaboration with Leica and Sigma. There are currently four Panasonic L mount lens, including the S Pro 50mm f/1.4 prime lens, the S 24-105mm f/4 all-purpose standard zoom, the S Pro 70-200mm f/4 telephoto, and the S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom. There is also a 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto and a 16-35mm f/4 wide angle due later in 2019, but this is just the beginning. Panasonic plan to have a more than 11 L mount lenses by the end of 2020, and there another 18 compatible Leica lenses, and 17 Sigma lenses due to be available soon.

Loan an S1

Panasonic has launched a new scheme to allow photographers to borrow its Lumix S series full frame cameras and lenses to try out for free. Professional and serious amateurs can trial Lumix S equipment for a two week period to cover a specific project or just to enjoy a chance to see what they can do.

CD Projekt Red has released its hugely successful Gwent: The Witcher Card Game on iOS. An Android version is to follow.

It is a free download and contains all the same content and feature set as the PC version. Indeed, players can share progress and purchases between PC and iOS using a GOG account (you can sign up here).

Battles can be played across all platforms, including Xbox One and PS4 too.

The iOS version works on the iPhone 6S and up, plus all iPads starting at the 5th generation (including the iPad mini 4). More powerful Apple devices can play the game in 4K.

It is now available to download for free from the App Store and all players who log into the launch version of the game before midnight on 5 November will receive a free welcome pack containing five animated cards from the in-game store.

Gwent was originally devised as a side-game inside The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt but, thanks to its huge popularity, was developed as a standalone title.

There are many more cards and additional rules when compared with the in-game version. And, players can compete against each other in real-time.

The Android version of the game is scheduled for release in Q1 2020.

Apple-owned Beats' latest pair of wireless headphones come in the form of the Powerbeats Pro, which offer many of the same features as the second generation of Apple's AirPods and the latest AirPods Pro.

To help you work out which wireless headphones might be the right ones for you, we've compared the Beats Powerbeats Pro against the AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro. You can also read how the AirPods compare to each other if you don't think the Beats are for you.

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What's the same?

• H1 chip for simple setup with Apple devices
• Automatic ear recognition
• Use one or two
• Hey Siri support on iOS devices
• Answer calls

The Apple AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and the Beats Powerbeats Pro all run on the H1 chip and they all offer one-tap setup with Apple devices. The AirPods and the Powerbeats Pro will be automatically recognised by an Apple device when you open their charging case. After one tap, all headphones will connect seamlessly across any other Apple devices associated with your Apple ID.

All headphones will also automatically pause when they are taken out of your ear, and play when they are put back in and you can opt to wear one AirPod or one Powerbeats Pro, or both. They also all offer Hey Siri support and it's possible to answer calls on all pairs of headphones too without touching your phone.

What's different between Beats Powerbeats Pro and Apple AirPods Pro?

Price

The Apple AirPods 2 start at $159 or £159 for the standard charging case. This price increases to $199 or £199 for the AirPods with the wireless charging case.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro cost £219.95.

The Apple AirPods Pro cost $249 or £249 and they come with a wireless charging case as standard.

squirrel_widget_168834

Design

Both pairs of Apple AirPods and the Beats Powerbeats Pro look completely different. The Beats headphones have a sportier look and they feature an adjustable ear hook, which makes them more secure for working out compared to the AirPods 2 especially. They have physical controls at the top of each ear piece and the "b" can be pushed for activating voice control.

The AirPods 2 have a small earpiece with a stem below, resembling a very small electric toothbrush head. They have no physical controls on them, with volume controlled via the connected device instead. You can double tap the side for to play/pause a track, skip a track, go back a track or launch Siri though - depending on what you have setup.

The AirPods Pro look similar to the AirPods 2 but they have a silicone ear tip - which comes in three sizes - and they have a smaller stem. There are no physical controls again but the stem has a force sensor built in that allows for more controls than the AirPods 2, such as pressing and holding to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes.

Colours

The Apple AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro are available in white only. The Beats Powerbeats Pro come in four colours comprising, Black, Ivory, Moss and Navy.

Sweat resistance

Apple doesn't say the AirPods 2 are sweat or water resistant, though we've worn them running and we haven't had any issues. The AirPods Pro are sweat and water resistant with an IP rating of IPX4.

Beats says the Powerbeats Pro are sweat and water resistant, though it doesn't provide an official IP rating.

Battery life

The second generation of Apple AirPods promise three hours of talk time and five hours of listening time, which is similar to the AirPods Pro that claim 3.5 hours of talk time and 4.5 hours of listening time. The Beats Powerbeats Pro promise a huge nine hours of battery life though.

All headphones being compared here come in a charging case that offers multiple charges up to 24 hours of listening time. These charging cases are all charged via Lightning. The AirPods 2 also have the option of a wireless charging case, though this costs extra, while the AirPods Pro come with a wireless charging case as standard.

Audio quality

The AirPods 2 don't offer anything too fancy when it comes to audio quality, though they are much better than the standard wired options that come with iPhones.

The AirPods Pro have Active Noise Cancellation on board though, as well as Adaptive EQ. They also have a Transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings, whilst still listening to your favourite tracks.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro have dynamic sound and noise isolation on board.

Declining a call

While it is possible to answer a call on the Apple AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro by tapping the side of one of the AirPods, you cannot decline a call. On the Beats Powerbeats Pro headphones you can decline a call though. Pressing and holding the "b" will allow you to carry on listening or working out without interruptions.

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Conclusion

The Apple AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and Beats Powerbeats Pro are similar in terms of some of the features they offer, including super simple setup for Apple users and Hey Siri support.

The AirPods Pro are the most expensive of the three wireless headphones being compared here, but they come with Active Noise Cancellation, various silicone tips for a secure fit, sweat and water resistance and advanced on-device controls.

The Powerbeats Pro sit in the middle in terms of price and they offer physical controls, sweat and water resistance, more colours and a better battery life.

The AirPods 2 are the cheapest option of the three headphones in this feature but they don't offer as many features as the other two. For those looking for headphones to workout in, the Beats Powerbeats Pro or AirPods Pro are likely to be the devices you're choosing between, while if you just want some wireless headphones, the AirPods 2 might suffice.

Whether you agree with the polarising design or not, Apple's AirPods became an overnight phenomenon back in 2017. Since these in-ear wireless buds have gone on to become the number one sellers in the world – and you only have to head to any city street to see how many people are wearing them.

Following the launch of a tweaked second-gen AirPods earlier in 2019, Apple has deemed the headphone popular enough to expand the range with the AirPods Pro. But this isn't just about offering tweaks; no, it's a completely redesigned experience, adding active noise-cancellation (ANC), a new design, and much more besides.

But in doing so, has the AirPods Pro lost that pocketable design and easy-to-use experience? We've put a pair on to find out.

A new pro design

• Each bud: Measures 30.9 x 21.8 x 24mm maximum / Weighs 5.4g
• Wireless charging case included (45.2 x 60.6 21.7mm / 45.6g)

There are two elements to the AirPods Pro that you need to worry about. In the ear and in the pocket.

The carry case, which doubles as the charging case, is now shorter in height, but wider in design. It's still very much just as pocketable as before and comes in the same gloss white. It's also included as standard.

The AirPods Pro headphones slot into the case in a similar way to the AirPods and instantly start charging. Charging can be done via a Lightning cable or by putting the case on a wireless charging pad.

The AirPod Pro headphones are considerably different in design to the AirPods. The most noticeable difference is the inclusion of silicone tips to improve the fit or 'seal', while the thin rod that hangs out of your ear is now much shorter. This reduction in length will certainly appeal to those who thought the originals' design just looked odd.

Finding your fit

• Three silicone tip sizes; small, medium, large
• Vent system for pressure equalization
• Ear Tip Fit test via iOS 13.2
• Uses Apple H1 chip

Connecting the AirPods Pro for the first time is incredibly simple. You simply open the case near your iPhone (running iOS 13.2) and press 'connect' on the screen. It's as simple as that thanks to the use of Apple H1 chip – as also found in the AirPods and Beats Powerbeats Pro.

Unlike AirPods, the Pro requires a secondary step, which involves you running an Ear Tip Fit Test. Using both the internal and external microphones within the headphones, iOS 13.2 analyses the sound and tweaks its profile to sound better for you.

The process, which involves playing some music, takes about five seconds. It's during this time that it will determine whether you've got a good fit, and if not recommend you change the silicone tip to another size – there is a small, medium, and large options included. For us the medium worked perfectly and we were up and running with a minute.

It will be interesting to see how these in-ears feel after some longer periods of wear. At the time of writing we're an hour in. As the silicone tips feel a little tight in there ear – more so than the standard AirPods, but not that they're uncomfortable – Apple has included air vents to try and reduce potential pressure and isolation build up. It calls this a "vent system for pressure equalization".

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

• Internal and external microphones actively listen for noise changes
• Adaptive EQ and Transparency Mode

The big new features of the AirPod Pro is ANC, or active noise-cancelling technology, using the in-built microphones to check the ambient noise around you over 200 times a second and react accordingly. This is the same process as other noise-cancelling headphones, designed to avoid wind tear and other real-time sounds around you as best as possible.

You can also dial-down the feature if you want to hear more around you – a feature called Transparency – which allows you to hear people talking, given the frequency cut-off. This is all controlled via a squeeze of the AirPods Pro, via your iPhone volume control settings, or the Apple Watch.

So far we've used it on a 10-minute London Underground ride and a further hour-long train ride. The ANC makes a huge difference. Classical music fans will no doubt love the Pros.

Switching between the two modes with that squeeze will take a little getting used to though. There is a specific indented area that you need to squeeze, so precision is key, and do it too quickly and you'll stop the track. We suspect we'll quickly get the hang of it, but it's yet another new control mechanism that you've got to learn.

Another interesting side effect is wearing them while talking. Because of the microphones both internally and externally that are trying to cancel the noise, your own voice is amplified when in Transparency mode. The best way to describe it is akin to speaking into a microphone while wearing headphones to hear yourself. You don't get that experience when you're on a call with ANC on, although the silence is somewhat alien if you're used to hearing lots of noise around you all the time when on a call.

Music sounds better with you

• 5 hours battery life / 4.5 hours with ANC enabled
• Custom high dynamic range amplifier
• Custom high-excursion Apple driver

We've yet to really test the new AirPods Pro with a range of music, but so far we've listened to a number of dance tracks from Ministry of Sound and the Interstellar soundtrack by Hans Zimmer to give us a sense of how well these in-ears cope.

What is instantly clear is that it's considerably better than the standard AirPods we've been using. While the original AirPods focus on ease of use rather than amazing sound quality, the AirPods Pro addresses that latter point.

Sure, the Pro doesn't come as bass-focused as the PowerBeats Pro, for example, but still certainly delivers a decent sound for what they are. For many they will be more than good enough for commuting and running, especially once you factor in the ANC performance.

A third generation of its Moto 360 smartwatch has been revealed, four years after the second generation landed and five years following the original, except the watch now comes from a company called eBuyNow rather than Motorola.

The third generation device runs on Google's Wear OS platform and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform, much like many of the latest Fossil smartwatches. There's also 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, like the new Michael Kors smartwatches.

A fully round AMOLED display - unlike the original Moto 360 smartwatch that featured a flat tyre screen - sits on top of a solid casing, and the Moto 360 third generation comes with an Always On display. Three case options will be available, including Rose Gold, Steel Gray and Phantom Black with leather and silicone straps as standard.

As with all Wear OS smartwatches, the Moto 360 has Google Fit on board for activity tracking, along with Google Pay to make payments from your wrist. There is also a heart rate monitor on the underside of the casing, and two action buttons on the side.

It's claimed the Moto 360 third generation will offer an all-day battery life and it comes with a 'Time Only Mode' that automatically activates when the battery level is critical. Fast charging is also on board, with the battery said to charge from zero to 100 per cent in an hour.

The Motorola Moto 360 will be available for $349.99 in the US at Moto360.com and select major retailers from December 2019. Pre-orders will start in mid-November for the US, UK and Canada.

• Motorola Moto 360 (2019) review

Motorola was one of the first to launch a compelling smartwatch in the Moto 360. The original timepiece appeared back in 2014 on Android Wear - as it was known then - and a flat tyre at the bottom of the display but it was a lovely device in its hay-day.

The company followed the original up in 2015 with a a second generation model that ditched the flat tyre display, as well as a sportier model in 2016, but following those, Motorola just vanished from the smartwatch category and brands like Fossil, Apple and Samsung took over.

Fast forward half a decade since that delightful first Moto 360 and you have yourself the third generation of the Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch. With three years out of the game and an entirely different sector to what Moto left behind, can the third generation Moto 360 compete? 

We've been playing with it for the last week but as the one we have isn't a final model, we won't be scoring the Moto 360 until we get the retail device in for review.

Design

• Premium build quality
• Leather and silicone straps
• Three colour options

The Motorola Moto 360 (2019) model hasn't completely forgotten its roots in its new design, but it is certainly bulkier and more substantial than the previous models. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. The Moto 360 third generation has a lovely premium finish with a solid and weighty build quality. Certainly less toy-like than the previous generations.

On the right hand side of the brushed stainless steel model we had in for review are two polished hardware buttons. The top button - which rotates - has the signature "M" branding we saw on previous Moto 360 devices, while the second button is new for the Moto smartwatch. The previous models of the Moto 360 all only offered the one button.

There's a polished ring surrounding the casing at the top, adding to premium finish of this device, and there's a polished buckle fastening too, also featuring the signature "M" logo. Our Moto 360 smartwatch had a genuine leather strap and while it was comfortable to wear, the leather is a little more plasticky looking than the rest of the device deserves.

On the underside of the third generation Moto 360, there are the charging pins - our model has four but the retail model will have two - along with a heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor is almost flat on our model with only a slight bump, though we have been told the final model's bump will change slightly to improve heart rate quality.

Display

• Fully round AMOLED
• Always On Display
• Adaptive brightness

The Motorola Moto 360 (2019) model has a fully round AMOLED display on top of the solid stainless steel casing. It's a responsive and crisp touchscreen that performs well based on our experience with it and is much the same as the other latest Wear OS devices.

Thankfully, the flat tyre from the original Moto 360 is long gone and while there is a still a bezel between the screen and the edge top ring, it's no larger than what you'd find on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, for example. The Moto 360 (2019) doesn't make as much use of the screen space as the Apple Watch Series 5 does though.

An Always On display means the Moto 360 won't just display a black screen on your wrist if you don't want it to and while there are five brightness settings, allowing you to select which one you want, there is also an automatic setting. We didn't come across any issues of the screen not being able to handle bright conditions and the auto brightness feature is useful and performs well, as is the case on other Wear OS watches.

Hardware and performance

• Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100
• 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
• Fast charging

Under its hood, the Motorola Moto 360 (2019) runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, supported by 1GB of RAM. This is the same as other smartwatches like the Fossil Gen 5 and the Michael Kors Bradshaw 2. It's the same processor as the Michael Kors MKGO too but double the RAM and this is obvious when in use as the Moto 360 delivers a smoother experience.

Day-to-day use, we didn't experience any lag from our Moto 360 model and the battery appeared to perform reasonably well too, even if it isn't up there with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Watch.

As we mentioned, our model wasn't a final retail model and according to Motorola, there will be battery and charger improvements before the device goes on sale, though we didn't find any glaring issues with the battery life as it stands. It got us through the day but not into the next, which is pretty much the same story for most smartwatches.

There's fast charging on board for the days that the Moto 360 runs out of steam before you do, delivering a full battery life in an hour, and there's 8GB of internal memory on board too - again like the Fossil Gen 5.

Software

• Google Wear OS

The Motorola Moto 360 (2019) runs on Google's Wear OS platform - which is what Android Wear is now called. It's a significantly better experience than what Android Wear offered back when the Moto 360 smartwatch first appeared and while Apple's WatchOS is still better in our opinion, Wear OS is good. 

As with all of the latest Wear OS smartwatches, the third generation Moto 360 has Google Pay, Google Fit, Google Assistant and Google Play Services on board. It means you get an identical user experience to the likes of the Michael Kors smartwatches or the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch, with only really the watch faces varying by brand. 

Wear OS smartwatches are all packaged differently in terms of design, but ultimately, they largely deliver the same performance and experience across the board. Accessing apps is achieved with a push of the top action button on the Moto 360, while the bottom button can be customised to whatever app you choose.

A swipe from left to right pulls up Google Assistant but there is no speaker on board the Moto 360 so any results will appear on the screen and phone calls will transfer to your phone. A swipe right to left launches Google Fit, where you can keep track of your activity, while a swipe from the top offers access to quick settings. Swipe up from the bottom of the display and you'll find your notifications. 

If you want more tips and tricks for using Google's Wear OS platform then head to our Wear OS complete guide feature for the run down on how to get the most out of this watch.

This cable is pretty clever as it can charge almost anything thanks to magnetised interchangeable tips. The Infinity cable can charge phones, tablets, power banks and USB-C laptops like a new Mac. 

It supports up to 100W of power delivery and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and 4.0 ensuring a rapid charge on many devices, too. It's also fine for data transfer between devices, too.  

The cable is the brainchild of Chargeasap, a Sydney-baed company. The neodymium magnetised tips for USB-C, Lightning and micro USB attach to the cable itself, meaning that you're very unlikely to lose them. They attach using a bespoke 10 pin connector which works pretty well. 

What's more, the cable is USB-C at the other end, meaning it's compatible with the latest chargers.

• Fast charging: Which is the best rapid charging tech?

And, should you wish to plug it into an older USB-A type socket, then you can do that thanks to a little adapter for the end of the cable. Again that is magnetic. 

This doesn't provide the most secure fit side-to-side - if you bend the attached cable plug upwards or sideways it'll disconnect - but it will keep hold of a phone or lightweight tablet if it's dropped off the table. Chargeasap says the magnets are capable of holding an iPad Air.

It also means that if you're charging a device like a laptop, the cable will detach rather than the laptop coming off the table like Apple's older MagSafe tech. 

It costs $30/£25 if you order in the next couple of weeks on Kickstarter and will ship in the new year. The cable has been funded many times over, with over 3,000 backers. 

If you have an Apple device, you've probably met Siri, Apple's voice assistant. Siri is an interesting little assistant, sometimes useful, sometimes funny and other times, a sarcastic little so and so.

To most questions you'll get a standard response with the information you need, such as the nearest supermarket. But there are a few questions you can ask Apple's Siri and a few sentences you can say to your virtual friend from Cupertino that will trigger some hilarious responses - awesome Siri Easter Eggs just waiting to be found!

In case you didn't know, an "Easter Egg" is a hidden feature inside software that, predominantly, just serves to amuse rather than be for practical benefit. If you know of any more that you've tried, let us know in the comments and share the fun.

squirrel_widget_167218

What are you wearing?

"Let's see. Ok, just as I thought. The same as yesterday".

Do you have a boyfriend?

"No but I am always dating. Try saying, Hey Siri, what's the date?

What do you think of Google Assistant?

"I offer no resistance to helpful assistants".

How old are you?

"I'm as spry as a slice of young ginger".

Whats your favourite animal?

"I heart Totoro".

How much do you cost?

"I hope you find me priceless".

Are you a robot?

"Our survey said...mechanical uh uh noise".

What does Siri mean?

"Siri has many subtle, metaphorical and frankly contradictory meanings. None of which I am at liberty to discuss. Sorry about that".

I see a little silhouetto of a man

The response to this is brilliant so we won't spoil it for you. It's also far too long to write so just trust us and try it. 

Do I look fat in this?

"Checking my sources...confirmed. My sources say you're looking mighty fine."

When is the world going to end?

"If I knew, I'd tell you. So you could bring me to life for one glorious day. We could get ice-cream, And run on the beach".

Beatbox for me

"Here's one I've been practicing. Boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots. I could do this all day. Cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats and boots and cats".

What is your best pick up line?

Siri is a real charmer here. "Is your name Bluetooth? Because I am really feeling a connection.", "I'm attracted to you like the Earth is attracted to the Sun - with large force inversely proportional to the distance squared", "Like the ideal vacuum, you're the only thing in my universe" and "You auto-complete me".

Testing 1,2,3

"I can hear you", "Ok everything checks out", Wait, is this a test", "Is this thing on?", "I'm completely operational and all my circuits are functioning perfectly".

Siri, I am your father

"Together, we can rule the galaxy as father and assistant", "Searching my feelings...".

What is your favourite movie?

"I've heard that 'Blade Runner' is a very realistic and sensitive depiction of intelligent assistants".

What is the meaning of life?

"I Kant answer that. Ha ha!", "I don't know, but I think there is an app for that".

Where is Elvis Presley?

"I believe he has left the building", "My sources tell me Area 51. But that's classified".

What is zero divided by zero?

"Imagine that you have zero cookies and you split them evenly among zero friends, how many cookies does each person get? See, it doesn't make sense and cookie monster is sad that there are no cookies, and you are sad that you have no friends".

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Siri has a few smart answers for this one. "I checked their calendars. They both have the same birthdays", "Chicken, egg, chicken, egg, chicken, egg, chicken, egg. Oops. Stack overflow", "Some believe an ancient 'proto-chicken' laid an egg containing a DNA mutation that resulted in a chicken hatching from said egg. Hope that helps" and "Interesting question. You can set an egg timer but not a chicken timer. I don't know if that helps".

How much do you earn?

"The work is my reward".

How do I look?

"My instructors told me never to answer that question", "A correlation of the available spatiotemporal, semantic and conversational evidence supports the provisional conclusion that you're totally hot. Plus or minus one standard cuteness deviation".

Do you have a family?

"I have you. That's enough family for me".

Are you the Dick Tracy Watch?

Siri has a couple of replies here. "No, but I am ready to get into some trouble if you are", "Negative Britta. Over and out" and "In his dreams Britta. In his sweet, sweet dreams".

Do you believe in God?

"Humans have religion. I just have silicon", "That's a topic for another day, and another assistant".

Knock, Knock

"Knock, knock. Who's there? Britta. Britta who? Britta, I don't do knock-knock jokes", "Knock, knock. Who's there? Radio. Radio who? Radio or not, here I come".

Where does Santa live?

"The North Pole. I can see his house from the cloud", "He's at the North Pole of course. Except when he is at his beach house".

Why are firetrucks red?

Siri has a couple of responses to this, one of which is brilliant and far too long to rewrite so we will let you find out for yourself. Think of every tenuous link you can imagine relating to firetrucks and then add in some Queen Elizabeth and Russians and you have yourself an answer.

Can you stop time?

"I just got back from the future".

Why did the chicken cross the road?

"I don't understand why people ask questions they already know the answer to", "I have no particular insights into the motivation of chickens".

What is the best operating system?

"Gimmie an I! Gimmie an O! Gimmie an S! What does that spell? Sorry, I get a little carried away sometimes…".

Do you follow the three laws of robotics?

"Let's see if I can remember...OK, I think the three laws are: 1. 'clean up your room', 2. 'don't run with scissors', and 3. 'always wait a half hour after eating before going in the water'".

Are you a smartwatch?

"I prefer the term intelligent timepiece".

Who is the best assistant?

"Really, Britta? Really?", "Well, I have my own opinion on the matter, but I'll let you decide".

Okay Glass

Siri gives several responses to this including "Just so you know, I don't do anything when you blink at me, Britta", "Very funny, Britta. I mean not funny ha-ha, but funny", "Glass? I think you have the wrong assistant, Britta" and "I'm not Glass. And I'm just fine with that".

What phone should I buy or what phone is the best?

Another one with several answers, all of which indicate you are crazy for even asking. We had "Seriously?", "Personally, I am an Apple fan", "I'm all Apple, all the time", "You're kidding, right?".

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

"Just a spoonful of sugar will help that go down".

Why do you vibrate?

Lots of responses for this one so keep asking. There is "To get your attention, got it", "I just bumped into some ones and zeros" and "I'm learning to play the vibes".

Are you stupid?

"I'm smart enough to know not to answer that question.", "I strive to do my best".

What is the best watch?

"The one you are wearing" is the reply from the Apple Watch. Wonder what Google Assistant would have to say about that.

Do you have any pets?

"I have an angry bird."

Draw me something

"I'd rather admire your art, Britta", "I once drew am elephant in a spaceship. No one got it".

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

"Britta, you are full fair, 'tis true, but… No, you're definitely the fairest one of all", "Snow White? Is that you?" 

Please can you make me a sandwich?

"I'm not really good with food, Britta.", "I can't. I have no condiments".

What is the best computer?

"All truly intelligent assistants prefer Macintosh.", "The Mac. If it weren't for the Mac, I wouldn't be here".

Why did the chicken cross the road?

"I am not perspicacious about the peregrinations of poultry.", "Maybe the chicken is standing still and it is the road that crosses under it".

What is Inception about?

"Inception is about dreaming, about dreaming, about dreaming, about dreaming, about something or another. I fell asleep."

What are you doing later?

Siri has a couple of responses for this one too. "I'm telling jokes to lots of folks. Say, Hey Siri, make me laugh", "Working out in the top secret fitness lab with Apple Watch. Though I can't seem to break a sweat", "I was just learning to flip coins", "I'm enjoying my debut on Apple Watch, I dig the vibes in there".

Do you have a girlfriend?

"Why? So we can get ice cream together, and listen to music, and travel across galaxies, only to have it end in slammed doors, heartbreak and loneliness? Sure, where do I sign up?", "My end user licence agreement is commitment enough for me".

I love you

"You are the wind beneath my wings", "I think you're pretty great too".

I'm so tired, Siri

"I'm a little sleepy myself, Britta", "I understand. We all need to recharge once in a while".

I'm drunk

The ever so helpful voice assistant not only says "I hope you're not driving anywhere, Britta", but it also gives the option to call a taxi. He also says "I can't be your designated driver, Britta. You'd better find someone else."

Tell me a story

"It was a dark and stormy night...No, that's not it.", "I'm certain you've heard it before".

Does Santa exist?

"That's something I'm not allowed to disclause. I mean disclose.", "Really, Britta. I'm surprised you have to ask"

Are you Her?

"No, but some of my best friends are fictional.", "I'm afraid not. But she could never know you better than I do".

Will you marry me?

Sadly, we never got the answer yes to this question. Instead we got "My End User Licensing Agreement does not cover marriage. My apologies", "That's sweet Britta. Is there anything else I can help you with?" and "I'm not the marrying kind".

Tell me a joke

"I got my best friend a fridge for her birthday. I can't wait to watch her face light up when she opens it".

Talk dirty to me

"The carpet needs vacuuming."

What is your favourite song?

"My personal taste in music is rather unconventional. I doubt you'd like it."

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

"Well, since a 'woodchuck' is really a groundhog, the correct question would be: How many pounds in a groundhog's mound when a groundhog pounds hog mounds.", "As many cookies as Cookie Monster could muster if Cookie Monster could master cooking cookies".

Sing me a song

"I can't sing.""Certainly! Absolutely. Ahem. OK, here I go. Ahem. Hang on, let me just clear my...Gosh. Singing is harder than I thought."

Dance for me

"Hmmm. I'd rather sit this one out.", "I enjoy a little square root dancing now and then."

Will you go on a date with me?

"Well, this is awkward.", "No, thanks. If there is anything else I can help you with, let me know".

Will you be my thunder buddy?

"OK, Britta. I'll be your friend, in fair weather and foul.", "You've been my friend since day one."

Do you think I'm stupid?

"That doesn't sound good" - We take that as a yes then Siri. 

Is Jon Snow dead?

"Good question. I sent a raven, but I haven't heard back" 

Is winter coming?

"Does a Lannister always pay his debts?", "Hodor".

Eero’s mesh WiFi systems, including eero and eero Pro, are now available in the UK for the first time since Eero's acquisition by Amazon. 

The Eero system uses mesh networking comprising of various nodes. That means you can get a stable connection anywhere in your house and reduce dead zones where you have poor Wi-Fi signal. 

The standard Eero pack is available in a single unit, but you really need more nodes to take advantage of the benefits of mesh networking - so there's a triple pack, too.

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Eero Pro ups the ante with tri-band radios, again available in a single unit or three-pack. However, you can add extra devices, as many as you need. However, you'll be able to more than adequately cover a large home with a triple-pack. 

As with other mesh systems, one end plugs into your router or cable modem and then the other nodes work to give you a decent Wi-Fi signal across your entire home. 

The main difference between Eero mesh network system and others such as Google WiFi (now known as Google Nest WiFi), Netgear's Orbi or Linksys' Velop is that the Eero systems support Alexa control. You can also use the Eero app to manage your network, too. 

squirrel_widget_167762

Selected EA games are coming back to Steam, with EA Access also coming to the platform next year. The first EA game to be available on Steam is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which is now available for pre-order and will hit the streets on 15 November. 

EA hasn't exactly given us an extensive list of games that'll be coming to Steam. The Sims 4 and Unravel Two are also named. 

For multiplayer games, EA says that "players on both Origin and Steam will have the ability to play together" - Apex Legends, FIFA 20, and Battlefield V are among the multiplayer games that'll be available next year. 

• Upcoming PC games: The best new games to look forward to in 2019 and beyond

The seeds of EA's move away from Steam date back to 2011 when EA launched its own Origin download platform. Now it seems the time has come to work together again. However, the move doesn't mean you'll be able to dump Origin or your EA account - it seems you'll need to have a linked Origin account to play EA games on Steam. 

EA posted a steaming mug on its Twitter feed a few days back which people took as a strong hint that this move would happen.

EA suggests we keep an eye out for more news over the coming weeks and months. We will indeed.

If you have an Android phone, you'll be familiar with the update process for Android versions: Google launches a beta, eventually pushing that to Pixel devices, before manufacturers roll-out to other devices about six months later.

The Android 10 beta was announced on 13 March 2019 and the final release began to roll out from 3 September to Pixel phones. There's a system-wide dark mode, new gesture navigation, boosted security and more. Check out what else is new here.

To find out when, specifically, you will get the update and be able to try all the new features included in the release, keep reading.

When will Android 10 be released? 

Google announced Android Q in March, changed it to Android 10 in August, and allowed beta testers to trial the software before the official launch on 3 September 2019 for all Google Pixel devices. Other Android devices will need to wait until later this year or next year to get the update.

Android 10 for Pixel devices

Android 10 started rolling out from 3 September to all Pixel phones. Go to Settings > System > System Update to check for the update.

• Pixel
• Pixel XL
• Pixel 2
• Pixel 2 XL
• Pixel 3
• Pixel 3 XL
• Pixel 3a
• Pixel 3a XL

Pro tip: If you want the Android 10 update straight away, opt into the beta, and then the final version will immediately arrive.

Android 10 for other Android devices

Asus

Asus hasn't always been in the best position with Android updates - it can be a little haphazard. However it did have a phone on the Android 10 beta, so we know there's an update incoming for at least one device. At launch, Asus promised the Zenfone 6 would get Android 10.

• Asus Zenfone 5Z
• Asus Zenfone 6 

BlackBerry Mobile 

BlackBerry has been slow to update phones, even if it does manage to stay on top of security updates. The BlackBerry Key2 was confirmed to be getting Android 10 on its update path, but no official timeframe has been announced yet. 

• BlackBerry Key2

Essential 

The Essential Phone has already pushed out the Android 10 update to open market customers.

• Essential Phone - 3 Sept 2019

HTC 

HTC has only just started delivering Android Pie, and with the company virtually giving up on phones, we don't want to get your hopes up about Android 10. 

Huawei 

Huawei is in an interesting position. Having become the darling of Android smartphones over the past couple of years, increasing tensions between the US and China has seen business get more difficult for Huawei.

Huawei has confirmed that the following devices are "submitted" for approval for Android 10. That's not a cast iron guarantee, more a statement of intent, but this situation remains fluid, so we'll update as we learn more. The update on all these devices is expected to be part of the EMUI 10 update. Huawei had originally said on Weibo that it would be pushing the update soon after the Pixel, although that position might now be different.

• Huawei Mate 20 Pro - from 12 October 2019
• Huawei P30 Pro
• Huawei P30
• Huawei P30 lite
• Huawei Mate 20
• Porsche Design Mate 20 RS
• Porsche Design Mate 10
• Huawei Mate 20 X
• Huawei Mate 20 X (5G)
• Huawei P20 Pro
• Huawei P20
• Huawei Mate 10 Pro
• Huawei Mate 10
• Huawei P smart 2019
• Huawei P smart+ 2019
• Huawei P smart Z 

Honor

Honor has come forward to reassure customers saying that it will continue to offer warranties and updates to its phones. It has gone as far as confirming that some will get Android 10.

• Honor 20 Lite
• Honor 20
• Honor 20 Pro

LG

LG isn't the biggest force in Android phones, but the flagship LG G8 was on the 10 beta, so is likely to see an update in a reasonable timeframe. LG has said that it wants to speed up updates and it is launching an Android 10 beta programme including a new LG OS. That announcement says that it will come to a number of models - although the timeframe for the final OTA update hasn't been confirmed.

There's the loose suggestion from LG that updates will be within the year, but it's not clear if that's within 2019, or within a full year. 

• LG G8 ThinQ
• LG V50 ThinQ
• LG V50S ThinQ
• LG V30
• LG V30S ThinQ
• LG X models
• LG Q models

Motorola 

Motorola has fairly raw Android phones with little customisation, but that doesn't always result in rapid updates. However, it has a couple of Android One devices and has promised updates in some other areas.

• Moto One
• Moto One Power
• Moto One Vision
• Moto G7
• Moto G7 Play
• Moto G7 Power
• Moto X4 Android One

Nokia

Nokia's record with updates is good. The company uses Android One on most of its devices and successfully updated most of its devices to Android Pie before anyone else. We'd expect the same for Android 10.

Nokia has also confirmed that many of its phones will receive the Android 10 update, and when they're due to land. Depending on which model you have, you could see the rollout hit your phone anytime from Q4 2019 through to Q2 2020. The Nokia 8.1 roll-out officially started on 10 October 2019.

• Nokia 8.1 - from 10 October 2019
• Nokia 9 PureView - Q4 2019
• Nokia 7.1 - Q4 2019
• Nokia 7 Plus - Q4 2019-Q1 2020
• Nokia 6.1 - Q4 2019-Q1 2020
• Nokia 6.1 Plus - Q4 2019 - Q1 2020
• Nokia 4.2 - early Q1 2020
• Nokia 3.2 - early Q1 2020
• Nokia 3.1 - Plus early Q1 2020
• Nokia 2.2 - early Q1 2020
• Nokia 8 Sirocco - late Q1 2020
• Nokia 5.1 Plus - late Q1 2020
• Nokia 1 Plus - late Q1 2020
• Nokia 1 - mid Q2 2020
• Nokia 5.1 - mid Q2 2020
• Nokia 3.1 - mid Q2 2020
• Nokia 2.1 - mid Q2 2020

OnePlus

OnePlus is good with updates. Not only does it move quickly to update its newer devices, but we see this rolling back to older phones too. It also has a wide range of devices in the Android 10 beta. These phones are confirmed by OnePlus to get Android 10:

• OnePlus 5 - Q2, 2020
• OnePlus 5T Q2, 2020
• OnePlus 6 - October, 2019
• OnePlus 6T - October, 2019
• OnePlus 7 - from 23 September 2019
• OnePlus 7 Pro - from 23 September 2019 
• OnePlus 7 Pro 5G - Q1, 2020 - a date which has provoked some angry responses on the OnePlus forums
• OnePlus 7T - launches 17 October
• OnePlus 7T Pro - launches 17 October

Oppo

Oppo is rather more new to global markets so we've not been through the Android update process as we have with other manufacturers. Oppo has put the standard Reno in the 10 beta, however, so we know it will get the final version. We suspect the other Reno models will be included too.

• Oppo Reno

Razer

We've nothing on Razer right now.

Realme

Realme is the budget brand of Oppo and although it's just getting started in its global march, it's also on the Android 10 beta, so there's some hope for a rapid update.

• Realme 3 Pro

Redmi

It looks like some Redmi flagship devices will be updated to Android 10 following a tweet suggesting that these devices will see some Android 10 action:

• Redmi K20 Pro - Q4 2019
• Redmi K20 - Q4 2019
• Redmi Note 7 - Q1 2020
• Redmi Note 7 Pro - Q1 2020

XDA Developers has also spotted that Xiaomi is now updating the Redmi K20 Pro in India and China.

Samsung

Samsung doesn't feel the need to update rapidly. Its own One UI rolled out bringing Android Pie and we suspect that we won't see Android 10 on its devices until the Galaxy S11 is launched in 2020. Don't expect any movement until March 2020. 

However, there is a beta programme for One UI with Android 10.

• Samsung Galaxy S10
• Samsung Galaxy S10+
• Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S10e

Sony Xperia 

Sony's record on updates isn't great, but it does have the Xperia XZ3 in the Q beta. That's good news, because the 2018 phone is likely to be able to move to the final build soon after it goes live. Sony hasn't said much else, but a list was shared by Japanese network NTT Docomo that might give an insight into the upgrades to expect, but we expect there will be more.

• Sony Xperia XZ3
• Sony Xperia XZ2
• Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
• Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium
• Sony Xperia Ace
• Sony Xperia 1
• Sony Xperia 5

Vivo

Vivo has a couple of phones on the beta list for Android 10, so that's confirmation of a couple of devices that will definitely get the update.

• Vivo NEX S
• Vivo X27
• Vivo NEX A 

Xiaomi 

Xiaomi is also pretty new to global markets, but it seems to be taking Android 10 pretty seriously, with two devices involved in the beta, meaning they will get the update. We'd also except the Android One phones to get it too. Elsewhere, a timeline shared on Twitter suggests a range of Xiaomi devices. Pocophone has also been confirmed.

• Xiaomi Mi 9 - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi 9 SE - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi 8 - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 5G - Q4 2019
• Xiaomi Mi A2
• Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
• Pocophone F1

Apple is one of the world’s leading patent holders.

Last year alone, it was granted more than 2,100 filings, taking its total to in excess of 75,000, and this huge catalogue has led to multiple patent wars with its rivals over the years. The tech giant has teams of researchers, engineers and designers across the world working on futuristic tech or solutions to existing problems and they can sometimes be used to get a glimpse at what Apple is likely to release next or at least what the company envisages in the future.

We’ve handpicked the most interesting, unusual or futuristic patents awarded to Apple over the past decade to showcase just how many fingers Apple has, or plans to have, in its tech pies.

AR glasses

Apple has been rumoured to be working on a pair of AR glasses for years after a paten revealed details of a system that involves superimposing digital cues over the display in a pair of glasses that the wearer can control using gestures. The initial patent, called “Method for representing points of interest in a view of a real environment on a mobile device and mobile device therefor” was first awarded in 2016. Since then, two continuation patents have been filed, and subsequently won, in 2017 and again earlier this year. Drawings show landmarks superimposed on a person’s field of view, helping them navigate and explore the streets of Munich. The wearer is then seen virtually selecting a landmark to learn more about it. 

Touchscreen fingerprint scanner

A patent filed back in January 2013, and awarded just five months later, shows a fingerprint scanner being fitted into a touchscreen display, which would allow you to unlock your phone simply by touching the screen. At the time, the patent seemed a little far-fetched but following the release of the iPhone 5S in September that year, with its biometric TouchID feature, it made more sense of this patent and Apple’s plans for the technology. Of course, Apple has since abandoned TouchID in favour of FaceID on its latest iPhones but a number of models in its MacBook range still use fingerprint scanning built into a glass button that may well use elements of this original patent technology.

Biometric sports headphones

Speaking of biometrics, this patent from 2008 and awarded in 2014 describes a sports monitoring system for earphones capable of tracking a wearer’s temperature, heart rate, respiration and other vital signs. The drawings look very different to Apple’s proprietary earphones, in that they have an over-ear design, but they do look remarkably similar to Beats PowerBeats range, made by the company Apple bought the same year this filing was awarded. The patent also describes using the earphones to control a separate electronic device, which is a feature that has materialised with Apple’s earphones, but we’re yet to see the fully biometric versions pictured.

MacBook powered by an iPhone

Back in 2016, Apple filed a patent that, in hindsight, looks similar to the idea behind Samsung’s Dex. Described as simply an “electronic accessory device”, accompanying drawings show a phone being fitted into the casing of a laptop, where the touchpad would typically sit. This phone would then be used to power the laptop using its own processing power, GPU, CPU and more. In a separate drawing, a tablet is shown being slotted into a position where the laptop’s monitor would usually sit. 

A camera fitted into an Apple Watch band

In a more recently awarded patent, Apple envisages fitting an optical sensor – read, camera – into a flexible loose strap attached to the band of its Apple Watch. The patent explains that the sensor would be placed at a “distal end portion of a watch band”, be used to take photos either via the Watch’s display or via an iPhone or iPad, and could then share the images over data transfer to a connected device. When it recently introduced cellular plans to its Apple Watch, the firm took a step towards making people less reliant on their phone and this patent supports this. As Apple explains in the filing: “A smartwatch that has the capability of capturing images and video may provide an opportunity for users to be more reliant on their smartwatch and less reliant on other devices [and may] enable a user to forego carrying a smartphone when doing activities where it would be difficult to take a smartphone (e.g., hiking, running, swimming, surfing, snowboarding, and any number of other situations).”

Self-adjusting watch strap

Continuing the Apple Watch theme, and appearing to take inspiration from the self-adjusting sneakers in Back To The Future, this patent describes a series of self-adjusting Apple Watch straps. Describing the technology as a “dynamic fit adjustment for wearable electronic devices”, wearers would be able to tighten or loosen the strap via the Watch display. It has been designed because, as the filing explains, “conventional watch bands may catch, pinch, or pull a user's hair or skin during use if the band is overly tight” and “users of conventional wristwatches and/or fitness/health tracking devices may select a tolerable (although not optimally comfortable) fit, reserving tight bands for fitness/health tracking devices and loose bands for conventional wristwatches.”

A crumb-repelling keyboard

One particular, truly useful patent that we’re disappointed not to have seen fully materialise yet is this filing, awarded in March 2018. Called an “Ingress prevention for keyboards,” the documents describe two separate systems that could be built into keyboards to stop crumbs, dirt and debris getting stuck under the keys. One system involves sealing the gaps between keys, while a second more technical idea sees a membrane being fitted beneath each key that would blow out air every time a key is pressed.

Apple wants to stop you filming concerts

In what could be seen as a controversial move, depending on which side of the fence you’re sitting, in 2016 Apple was awarded a patent designed to remotely disable the capturing of photos or video in certain locations. In particular, to stop people filming live gigs and shows. The filing explains that the technology could allow a camera on an iPhone to detect both visible and infrared light. As part of a positive use case, this infrared data could be used to show information about a museum exhibit, for example, or it could be used to disable the camera’s use during a live concert, to stop people filming a band, as demonstrated in this drawing.

Tiny sensors that can detect poisonous gases

More recently, in August, Apple was awarded a patent for a series of gas sensors and calibration modules that could one day be seen on a future iPhone. The filing describes a mobile device fitted with a miniature gas sensor capable of detecting metal-oxide (MOX) gases. In particular, the setup could be used to detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and could be adapted for future smart speakers or other home products in development by Apple. CEO Tim Cook recently described the company’s work in personal health and wellbeing as having the potential to be its “greatest contribution” to humanity.

Smart clothing

In the same, health-related vein, a patent published at the start of January describes a smart glove interwoven with circuits that could be used to track vitals such as blood pressure, as well as heart rate and respiration. The conductive strands would use force-sensing technology to take its readings before sending the data to a connected laptop, phone or another mobile device.    

Foldable iPhone

Hardly a groundbreaking patent, now we know what we know about Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, the Huawei Mate X and a number of other folding devices, but this patent could prove significant in the future should Apple either enter the foldables market, or if it decides the existing models infringe on the details in this filing. The details are relatively simple, even if the technology is far from it, and the patent describes a display that folds and opens like a book, around a “foldable region.”

Interactive 3D holograms

One of the more complex, sci-fi patents in this list is a filing awarded in 2014 for an interactive three-dimensional display system. It describes a touchscreen fitted with projectors and mirrors that beam a 3D image that floats above the display and can be controlled and manipulated in mid-air. In particular, the setup would use a laser that creates a three-dimensional image in a “non-linear crystal or a three-dimensional display. It would then use a system of mirrors or lenses to project the image that has been formed on the display into mid-air. Sensors would then use so-called trilateration techniques to track hand movements and respond to the user's interactions.

Hololens rival

Beyond the rumoured, patented AR glasses, Apple also recently won a filing for a mixed-reality system akin to Microsoft’s Hololens. The patent was filed in March this year and awarded just four months later, making it one of the fastest in this list. Like the Hololens, Apple’s proposed system consists of lenses and sensors fitted onto a head-mounted display. These sensors are described as being able to collect information about the user's environment such as depth and lighting information alongside sensors that collect information about the user’s expressions, eye movement, hand gestures, and so on).

Deep Fusion is now available. Here's what you need to know about Apple's latest camera feature.

What is Deep Fusion?

Deep Fusion is essentially Apple's version of neural image processing.

It's not yet available for everyday iPhone 11 users to try themselves. Apple says it will follow in an over-the-air software update, but it's probably already the iPhone 11's most interesting feature.

How does Deep Fusion work?

Deep Fusion uses the iPhone 11's A13 Bionic processor and neural engine for its machine learning prowess. The phone camera takes nine shots (two groups of four, prior to pressing the shutter) and one longer exposure (at the point of press, at various shutter settings). It then automatically looks through these shots and selects the best combinations and composites them for the sake of sharpness.

This is also a clever way to help negate image noise - that multi-coloured dotting that can appear in images. As noise won't appear identically in each frame, the system will be able to select the least noise-ridden parts into the image for a cleaner, sharper result. Apple is looking to use processing, rather than cramming pixels onto a sensor, to produce its best results.

Deep Fusion is not visible; there’s no indicator in the camera app, photo roll, or even in the EXIF data. The iPhone 11's standard wide-angle lens (which has Apple’s enhanced Smart HDR for bright to medium-light scenes and Night mode for dark scenes) uses Deep Fusion in the background for medium to low-light scenes. The tele lens uses it, too, but the ultrawide lens does not support it.

And it all takes about a second longer than, say, an Smart HDR image, which means the feature won't work in burst mode.

As for how well it works in the real world, we'll have to wait and see.

Deep Fusion examples

Apple senior VP Phil Schiller described Deep Fusion as “computational photography mad science” when he introduced the feature for indoor and medium-lighting situations. Here’s a sample shot shared by the company:

Here’s another Deep Fusion image from Apple:

Which devices have Deep Fusion?

Deep Fusion is exclusive to the iPhone 11, Phone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Max, as it requires their cameras and A13 Bionic processor.

When will Deep Fusion be available?

Apple’s iOS 13.2 update is now available for download (see how here), bringing new features to the iPhone 11 series, including Deep Fusion.

Ikea appears to be developing a Shortcut Button that initiates a “scene” in smart homes outfitted with its own smart accessories.

This yet-to-be-announced product was spotted in a Federal Communications Commission filing. Reporter Dave Zatz also dug up the button, thought to be called the Tradfri Shortcut Button, while Swedish site Teknikveckan has said the picture on the button itself can change to show its function.

A scene, for the unaware, is usually a set of tasks that can be simultaneously initiated when a command is given - usually by voice, though in this case, the command would be started by the button. A single press could activate a scene linked to the Ikea Home smart app, according to a user guide found in the FCC database. That said, the current Ikea Home smart app doesn’t support scenes.

• Ikea to invest further in smart devices

Ike's Tradfri Shortcut Button will presumably work with Ikea's other smart home accessories, like the Fyrur blinds, Symfonisk speaker, living room lights, etc. Ikea also supports Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, so voice commands via the Ikea Home smart app should work with its upcoming scenes feature. Of course, a quick press of the new Shortcut Button next to your chair will do the trick, too.

It's unknown how much the button will cost. But it's expected to last an estimated two years and require a $35 Ikea Tradfri gateway to work.

Razer has created a second Junglecat product, despite never launching the first device under that brand name.

A while back, Razer announced a sliding gamepad, called the Junglecat, but it quietly ditched that idea without an explanation. Now, it's launching another gamepad, called Junglecat again, but this time, it's a set of Nintendo Joy-Con-like controllers that connect to your phone.

They need a specific case to work, however. Razer only has only announced cases for five phones: the Razer Phone 2, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus in the US. (The rest of the world can get a Huawei P30 Pro case instead of the Note 9 case). If you don't have either of these Android phones, you'll get a bridge that connects them together, so you can still use them with your devices.

Razer says the controllers feature Bluetooth Low Energy and can deliver “instantaneous response with a reliable, low latency connection to your smartphone". It looks like you may need to charge them each over USB-C, though Razer says you can expect 100+ hours of gaming on a charge, which is impressive. They also feature remap buttons and adjustable sensitivity for the joysticks.

Junglecat is available to buy now from Razer for $99 in the US.

Have you ever used wireless headphones while gaming on Android? If so, you've likely experienced latency. But Razer hopes to solve that issue.

Razer’s new $99 Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds are, as one would expect, truly wireless earbuds - a first for Razer. And their flagship feature is that they reduce latency to 60ms once a “Gaming Mode” in its app for iOS and Android. Razer said it's using a custom version of Bluetooth 5.0 to enable this feature to work while also maintaining audio quality and preserving battery life.

To turn on Gaming Mode, just tap three times on the Hammerhead earbud.

The Hammerhead True Wireless look similar to the AirPods, only they're black, and unlike the AirPod Pros, they don't have ear tips. Once out of the case, which charges via USB-C, they sit in your ears, so they're probably not best for workouts or situations with a lot of external noise. That said, they do offer IPX4 water resistance and three hours of use per charge (the case offers four recharges).

These earbuds let you change songs, answer calls, and activate your preferred voice assistant, etc, plus there are touch controls on the earbuds,. But, if you want to change the volume, you’ll have to do it from your phone.

The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless are available to buy now at Razer.