Gears of War 4 playthrough video shows the first 20 minutes of the game, watch it here

Microsoft has released a video that shows the first 20 minutes of Gears of War 4, taking you through the opening prologue and its initial mission.

Rod Ferguson and Matt Searcy from developer The Coalition play through the game’s beginning, so you can see exactly how it’ll look and feel. Of course, they are experts at it, and should be, so your experience may differ a little, but there are some spectacular scenes even at this early stage in the game.

We do warn you that there are obviously massive spoilers – it’s the entire first 20 minutes of the game, after all – so stop right now if you want to experience it afresh when you play for the first time. However, we feel that this only serves to make us want to play the game more.

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The video is only in 1080p although Gears of War 4 will run in 4K on PCs capable of running high resolutions. And it will have high dynamic range (HDR) picture tech on Xbox One S to add a wider colour gamut and more depth of contrast.

Gears of War 4 will be available for Windows 10 and Xbox One on 11 October. It’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title, so if you purchase the digital version on one of the formats, you’ll get the other for free. Save games will also sync between them.

Spotify could be looking to buy SoundCloud

Swedish music streaming service giant Spotify is in “advanced talks” to take over SoundCloud according to the Financial Times, although neither company has commented on the rumours.

While the price Spotify could pay for the service hasn’t been disclosed, it won’t be cheap. Spotify has around 120 million users in total, with around 40 million of those being paying subscribers. Big numbers indeed, but the streaming service isn’t making a profit, which means a buyout of SoundCloud would affect its finances even more.

• Which is the best music streaming service in the UK?

However, the deal would add a large amount of music, including some exclusive content, which is what streaming services are after at the moment to gain new users.

Apple Music for example has exclusive deals with Drake and Frank Ocean.

SoundCloud’s catalogue would add a predominantly DJ sets and dance music to Spotify, which is what its tried to sell to potential subscribers with a SoundCloud Go service.

SoundCloud Go hasn’t seen a great number of sign ups though, so with interest from streaming giant Spotify and a potentially large sum of money on the table, SoundCloud may find it hard to refuse.

Roku Express vs Google Chromecast 2: What’s the difference?

There are a few choices out there if you are looking for a compact and affordable streaming device, but if you want something that’s capable of streaming content from a few different providers (Netflix, Google Play, Hulu, etc), two of the current best choices are the Roku Express and Google Chromecast 2.

These are both great entry level streamers at prices that don’t break the bank, with the Roku Express (part of the new line up from Roku) currently priced at $29.99 and the Google Chromecast 2 marginally more expensive at $35 (£30).

We have compared the two devices to help you see what the differences and similarities are to work out which might be the right one for you. Read on to find out.

Roku Express v Google Chromecast 2: Design

Design is probably one of the main differences between the Roku Express and Google Chromecast 2. The Chromecast 2 is a small device bundled in a round package measuring 51.9 x 51.9 x 13.49mm and weighing just 39.1g. The Roku Express on the other hand, is a little larger than the Chromecast measuring 35.6 x 83.8 x 17.8mm and it comes in the shape of a rectangular box weighing 36.9g.

Both the Google Chromecast 2 and Roku Express connect to your TV via HDMI and they are powered via Micro-USB. The main difference here is, in most cases, the Chromecast will sit hidden behind your TV (if you use a rear HDMI port), while the Express will need to sit somewhere in line of sight as it comes with a IR blaster-equipped remote control – more on this in a minute.

Roku has taken on the Henry Ford model of colouring (“let them have any colour they want, as long as it’s black”), while Google offers the Chromecast 2 in three colour choices black, lemonade and coral. As it is going to be tucked out of view anyway though, it won’t make much difference which colour you choose.

Roku Express v Google Chromecast 2: Hardware

Both the Google Chromecast 2 and the Roku Express pack some pretty smart technology into a small package. They are capable of streaming 1080p on a HD TV and the Roku Express includes Dolby Audio pass through, while the Chromecast 2 supports Dolby Digital+, if you have the appropriate A/V equipment.

When it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity, both streamers offer 802.11 b/g/n/ac with WEP and WPA/WPA2 security so providing you’re getting good speeds, you should be fine. Netflix recommends 5mb/s for streaming HD content, so if you’re able to get those speeds or better, you should have a clean streaming experience without any nasty buffering.

Roku Express v Google Chromecast 2: Control

Both the Chromecast and Express are controllable via their respective mobile apps. The Roku Mobile App offers voice control functionality for searching content, while the Chromecast supports a wide range of apps and has the ability to cast tabs from Google Chrome. Both devices have plenty of flexibility and give you access to a wide range of content straight from your mobile or tablet, or PC or laptop in the case of the Chromecast.

The Roku Express also includes a functional and easy-to-use remote, offering more choice when it comes to control as if you misplace the remote, you can still use your smart device. With the Chromecast, if your device runs out of battery, you’ll be stuck unless you can find another device in the house or a plug close enough to the sofa to keep it charged.

The Roku remote does require line of sight in order to use it though, so if you’d rather keep the area around your television clean and tidy, the Chromecast might be the better option. The Google Chromecast also offers a functionality called ‘guest mode’, which allows nearby friends and family in your home to cast content to the TV via compatible apps, without the need to connect to your Wi-Fi network once they have input a pin.

Roku Express v Google Chromecast 2: Content

Both of these streaming devices offer access to a wide range of content. Google offers ‘over 200,000 TV shows & films, 30 million songs, plus radio, sport, games and more’, while Roku boasts over 350,000 with content from big providers including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Sling, Google Play Movies, FX Now, Lifetime, History and more.

It’s worth noting that owning a Google Chromecast gives you access to a range of special Chromecast offers, which change on a regular basis and include things like free trials of NOW TV, Google Play Music and Disney Life.

The Google Chromecast also offers the ability to add a backdrop to your TV where you can choose from a range of content to display as a wallpaper on your TV when you’re not using it to watch films or TV shows. This includes access to your own personal photos via the Google Photos app and via Facebook.

Roku Express v Google Chromecast 2: Which should you buy?

There are a few differences between the two streaming devices being compared here, with the main advantage being in favour of the Roku Express in terms of price and practicality. The inclusion of the remote control and on-screen interface, which is lacking on the Chromecast, makes the Roku Express more accessible and easier to use for those who may not be as well versed in the world of streaming technology.

Having said that, the Chromecast is neater and possibly more flexible in terms of the devices, apps and casting it supports. Ultimately, both devices are very good and offer the same, or similar, quality in terms of HD streaming, audio and available content.

Google is rumoured to launch a 4K capable version of its Chromecast in the form of the Google 4K Chromecast Ultra at its 4 October event however, so you might want to consider waiting. The Roku also doesn’t have a UK availability date as yet.

Bose’s first sound system for small cars will go in the Nissan Micra

Bose has used the Paris Motor Show to announce the Personal Sound System, designed specifically for small cars and the first recipient will be the Nissan Micra.

The system for the Micra comprises six speakers, the placement for which required Bose to work closely with Nissan, as well as keep it in line with the Micra’s styling. And it’s the driver that will get the best audio experience in the car thanks to the speakers being places close to their ears, coupled with Bose’s digital sound processing (DSP).

• Ford will offer a B&O Play in-car sound system in 2017

Some of the speakers really are close to the driver’s ears, as they’re placed in the headrest, two 2.5in Bose UltraNearfield speakers to be precise. Bose says you won’t realise sound is coming from the headrest as they provide a wide, open soundstage around the car.

You can adjust sound settings through the built-in infotainment system and Bose’s PersonalSpace Control feature, which claims to make sound appear as though it’s coming from “places in the car where there aren’t any speakers”.

Bose has placed 6.5in ‘Super65’ speakers in both of the doors and 1in tweeters in each of the A-pillars. Martin Boutard, chief product specialist for the new Micra said: “The Bose Personal sound system is an important part of our fully re-designed Nissan Micra”

“Bose has been a trusted Nissan partner for nearly three decades, sharing our passion and commitment to delivering high-quality offerings to our customers, and this first-of-its-kind sound system further reinforces that spirit”.

“The new Bose Personal system rewards owners of the all-new Nissan Micra with unexpectedly big sound from a small package”.

The Bose Personal system will be available to specify on the new Nissan Micra in Europe from March 2017.

Huawei could ditch Android Wear for Samsung’s Tizen smartwatch OS

Huawei has rapidly become one of the top manufacturers of smartwatches over the last year or so and its always used Android Wear to run them.

However, that could change with its next device. It is tipped to be switching to the Tizen OS that Samsung uses in its Gear S2 and Gear S3 watches.

A report published in South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo stated that Huawei is working closely with Samsung to adopt Tizen. The two companies are also said to be collaborating on the hardware of the watch too.

• Huawei Watch review: Android Wear gets glitzy
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Huawei has been a member of the Tizen Association from the beginning, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it would look at integrating the operating system into some of its devices. The paper also claimed that the Chinese manufacturer was on the hunt for a new watch OS as it was looking for a tighter relationship with the software development side.

“Huawei was looking for an operating system other than Google’s Android as the US firm had not been very collaborative,” the newspaper revealed.

Not being able to customise Android Wear in any significant fashion has been an issue for Huawei, it is said.

When the next watch might be announced is unknown at present.

The Renault Zoe can now go 250 miles, further than any other electric car

Renault has unveiled a new battery for the Zoe electric car that will let it go 250 miles on a single charge, further than any other mainstream electric car and double the range of the original Zoe. The Tesla Model S by comparison can go 240 miles on a charge.

Renault says real world use and traffic conditions mean the Zoe will actually do around 186 miles on a single charge. But the battery will charge up in the same time as the previous model, so around 30 minutes of charge will provide 50 miles worth of driving range.

• Renault Zoe review: Electrical engineering

The Z.E. 40 has double the amount of useful energy compared to the old model: 41kWH compared to 22kWh, but hasn’t gained any weight. It’s been developed with LG Chem and has a an electronic management system to optimise energy use on the move as well as a new air circulation system to maintain the in-car air temperature at a constant level.

The new Zoe can be identified by a new naming structure to reflect its horsepower rating. A 2016-onwards Zoe with the 22kWh rapid charge battery will be known as the R90, while the 43kWh quick charge battery is the Q90.

To coincide with the launch of the new battery, Renault has developed and launched two free services Z.E. Trip and Z.E. Pass. Trip will show you all public charging points from within Renault’s R-Link navigation system, including whether the point is compatible with the car and if it’s free to use.

The Z.E. Pass app will let you pay to use charging points across Europe and show you the different prices of different points. Both services will be rolled out to the UK in the coming months.

The new Z.E. 40 battery for the Renault Zoe will go on sale in November.

Huawei Mate 9 launch date confirmed, 3 November in Munich

Huawei has announced a press event for what is widely expected to be the much rumoured Huawei Mate 9 smartphone.

It is taking place at 2pm CET on Thursday 3 November in Munich, Germany. There is bound to be a livestream, which we will have details on closer to the time.

Huawei hasn’t confirmed what it plans to unveil during the event, save for fact that it will be a “new flagship device”. We are almost certain it’ll be the Mate 9, especially as the Mate 8 launched in November last year, but an outside bet could be the also rumoured Huawei-made Nexus 7 tablet.

If it is the Mate 9, you can expect it to be a powerhouse and have a 2.8GHz Kirin 960 processor, 6GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage and could sport a 20-megapixel dual-lens camera.

• Huawei Mate 9 renders confirm Leica branded dual camera
• Huawei Mate 9 pics and specs leak
• Huawei Mate 9 all but confirmed for December release

Other specs to have previously leaked include a 5.9-inch Full HD display and Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

Images have been circulating for a while, with the phone originally tipped for an IFA 2016 launch. However, it now looks like the Chinese firm will announce the handset in November, with an on-sale date currently thought to be early December.

We don’t yet know in what territories it will be available, but as an invite to the event was sent to Pocket-lint, it suggests the UK will get the phone at the very least.

Japanese inventor’s typhoon turbines harness storms’ energy

A Japanese engineer named Atsushi Shimizu has designed a new type of wind turbine that can harness energy from something more powerful than a strong breeze. Shimizu’s creation, which looks like a huge, upright egg beater, can withstand typhoons (or hurricanes, depending on where you live) and turn their destructive power into usable energy. Unlike ordinary turbines, it can stay standing even when assaulted by intense winds and rain, thanks to an omnidirectional vertical axis and blades with adjustable speeds. That makes them perfect for their creator’s home country, as well as other places frequently visited by storms, such as China, the Philippines and the US.

Shimizu says the energy from a single typhoon can power Japan for 50 years, and with the help of his turbines, the country could become a “super power of wind.” Even if his creation can capture all that energy, though, it will likely be tough finding a way to store 50 years’ worth of power at this point in time. We might not have the battery tech capable of that just yet. Shimizu’s company installed a prototype earlier this year in Okinawa, and it’s now gunning to build one either on the Tokyo Tower or at Japan’s National Stadium, where the Olympics will be held in 2020.

Source: CNN, Challenergy

Garmin’s Vivofit Jr. rewards kids for being active

Garmin has painted the Vivofit band in lively colors and shrunk it down to create its first activity tracker for kids. Vivofit Jr. can track steps and sleep, as well as how long your kid has been moving, just like the band for adults. And, yes, it can also be worn in the pool. However, since it was still made with children in mind, its companion app comes with some extra features: gaming aspects and the ability to monitor multiple kids’ activities.

It unlocks a fun fact whenever your children achieve their 60-minute daily play goal, for instance. Your kids will also earn coins for every task you assign, which they can then use to redeem (pre-approved!) in-app rewards. In case your offsprings are procrastinators who can barely be motivated by virtual coins, though, you can also set a timer on their bands to make sure they don’t keep putting off their chores till later. If you don’t mind dropping $80 for something that looks much, much better than that free tracker McDonald’s bundled with its Happy Meals, check out your local Target, Best Buy, Toys R Us, Walmart and other electronics retailers.

Source: Garmin