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Top Tech #004

From high-tech to low-tech, we have a round-up of cool gadgets from around the world to inspire and tantalise. From the new Google Nexus 5 to a remote control orb, check this lot out...

From high-tech to low-tech, we have a round-up of cool gadgets from around the world to inspire and tantalise. From the new Google Nexus 5 to a remote control orb, check this lot out...

Introduction

Were old enough to remember the Megadrive and SNES console wars, and it looks like history is repeating: Microsofts Xbox One is going head-to-head with Sonys PlayStation 4. Both are released in the coming weeks, but the Xbox One is out sooner, so weve included it here. Theyre also a little more powerful than Sega and Nintendos consoles...

Also debuting in this weeks round-up are a few nice cameras, some of which can fly; a couple of 3D-based apps; a music machine and a special mystery surprise at the end! (Yes, its a lamp.)


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1. Xbox One

© Microsoft

Experience the future of gaming right now (well, on 22 November) with the Xbox One (£429), Microsofts latest super-duper games console. It packs an AMD Jaguar Accelerated Processing Unit, 8GB of RAM and a Blu-Ray drive, which basically means it makes new games look nice and spangly. Among those spangly games are Assassins Creed IV, Forza Motorsport 5 and Ryse: Son of Rome.

2. 3D Builder

© Microsoft

Microsoft isnt just about the Xbox: its keen to keep Windows 8 ahead of the game, and its just released a free 3D printing app for PCs running the operating system. It takes models in a variety of popular formats and does all the necessary tech gubbins to get them to your 3D printer.

3. Sony Alpha 7

© Sony

Theres an argument that you dont need ludicrous megapixels to take amazing snaps, but the Sony Alpha 7 (£1,299) completely rubbishes that idea. It packs a whopping 24.3 megapixel sensor, which jumps to 36.3 megapixels on its bigger brother, the Alpha 7R (£1,699). Theyre rather pricey, but for your cash you also get a magnesium alloy body and one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras on the market.

4. 123D Catch

© Autodesk

Autodesks free 123D Catch app has been available for a while, but its just had an update so its a good time to take a look. It uses your iOS devices camera to capture objects in 3D, which can then be imported to your modelling software of choice. Among the updates highlights are enhanced processing tech and a compass to help you navigate around your objects.

5. Panono

© Panono

Panoramas appear to be the new instagram, with every man and his dog releasing some sort of app or product capable of ultra-side shots. Panono looks pretty cool, though: its a throwable ball covered in lenses, which are then stitched together to create amazing 360-degree images. Its currently seeking funds via Indiegogo.

6. Phantom 2 Vision

© DJI

Another flying camera - but this ones a bit more technologically-augmented. The Phantom 2 Vision is essentially a personal drone with a built-in video camera, so you can get swooping aerial shots without the expense of hiring a helicopter. You will still have to spend £849.95 on it, though.

7. Coburns

© Finegrain

Not to be confused with the cigars, these Coburns are nifty little stands for your iPad - and probably a bit better for your health. The makers reckon you can use them in a variety of ways to prop up your techslab, and they come in two flavours of wood: light and dark. Its only $19 for a pair via the makers Kickstarter page.

8. Littlebits Korg Synth Kit

© Littlebits

We love making wacky sounds in our spare time, and the Littlebits Korg Synth Kit ($159) looks like itll help us with our hobbies, even if the neighbours will hate us forever. It consists of lots of little modular bits which can be arranged in different ways to produce unique sounds.

9. Nimbus Smart Dashboard

© Quirky

The Nimbus Smart Dashboards ($129.95) programmable dials link to your Smartphone so you can keep up-to-date on stocks, emails, the weather and even - gasp - the time. We know you could just get that information from looking at your phone, but we rather like the way it looks and works, and its great for totalitarian social media bosses.

10. Star Wars Mood Lights

© Firebox

We had to put a lamp in. This ones a Darth Vader one. It lights up, just like Darth Vaders head in one of the Star Wars movies. No, hang on, that never happened. Its battery-powered, just like Darth Vader. No, hang on, thats not true either. Well maybe a bit. Anyway, its £15 for a small one and £50 for a big one.

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