How to get the BBC iPlayer 4K Ultra HD Planet Earth 2 trial on your TV

The BBC has started its first ever consumer trial of 4K content, offering a four-minute clip of Planet Earth 2 in Ultra HD through its free streaming platform, BBC iPlayer.

What’s more, it also uses Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) picture tech, a form of HDR, to present greater contrast on compatible televisions.

In short, even though it is just a four-minute research and development test, this is the best format offered by BBC iPlayer to date and could signal the future for the corporation.

So, how do you watch it? When is it available until? And what do you need?

BBC iPlayer Planet Earth 2 4K Ultra HD trial: When and where is it available?

The Ultra HD trial started on Thursday 8 December and runs until early 2017. It is available on BBC iPlayer on compatible Smart TV sets – ones that can play back HLG images. You will get an alert on your version of iPlayer if your TV is already compatible when you first start it up.

BBC iPlayer Planet Earth 2 4K Ultra HD trial: What TVs are compatible and can I get it on my TV?

As the BBC tech team has high standards as to how it wants the footage to be seen, it will only work on specific televisions. Some TVs are capable of 4K HDR and/or 4K HLG video playback, but they need slight tweaks by the manufacturers to play the Planet Earth 2 content correctly. Therefore, the list of compatible TVs is currently limited to recent Panasonic 4K sets

Here is the complete list of compatible TVs so far:

• Panasonic CX680 Series
• Panasonic CX700 series
• Panasonic CR730 series
• Panasonic CX800 series – reviewed here
• Panasonic CR852 series
• Panasonic CZ950 Series
• Panasonic DX902 Series (Screen Sizes: 65, 58,50) – reviewed here
• Panasonic DR852 series (Screen Sizes: 65, 55)
• Panasonic DX802 series (Screen Sizes: 58, 50) – reviewed here
• Panasonic DX750 series (Screen Sizes: 65, 58, 50)
• Panasonic Dx720 series (Screen Sizes: 58, 50)
• Panasonic DX700 Series (Screen Sizes: 58, 50)
• Panasonic DX680 Series (Screen Sizes: 55, 49, 40)
• Panasonic DX650 series (Screen Sizes: 55, 49, 40)

If you have one of the above televisions, woo-hoo, you’re set. If you don’t but you’re sure your television can receive 4K HLG video, such as the 2016 LG OLED series of TVs, don’t fret. The BBC has told Pocket-lint that more televisions will be added to the list during the trial.

The broadcaster is working with manufacturers to make sufficient software changes in order to present the trial footage in the correct manner. We’ll update the list above as more compatible sets are added.

BBC iPlayer Planet Earth 2 4K Ultra HD trial: How do I play it on my TV?

If you do have one of the Panasonic TVs (or a television that has subsequently been made compatible), you should load up the BBC iPlayer app on your Smart set and you will be presented with an opening screen asking whether you want to try “better quality video” or go straight to the normal iPlayer homescreen. Choose “Try it”.

• How to watch 4K Ultra HD content on TV and online

BBC iPlayer Planet Earth 2 4K Ultra HD trial: What is HLG?

We all know what a 4K resolution is (3840 x 2160) for Ultra HD video, but what is Hybrid Log Gamma? Well, we’ve got a handy guide explaining exactly that here: What is Hybrid Log Gamma and why should you care?

It is basically a high contrast picture format, a bit like high dynamic range (HDR), but easier to broadcast. The feature above goes into much more depth.

Can I watch Planet Earth 2 in 4K Ultra HD elsewhere?

Strangely, although Planet Earth 2 (or Planet Earth II, as it is written in the show credits) was entirely shot in Ultra HD, the BBC is only broadcasting it in Full HD. And, at present, the only disc versions soon to be available are DVD and Blu-ray.

A 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray version is listed on Amazon.com, with a price of $59.99, but there’s no release date nor UK equivalent.

The four-minute tech test is the best you can get for now.

Audi Q5 (2017) review: Technical brilliance in a slightly vanilla design

The Audi Q5 is arguably Audi’s most important SUV. Sitting in the mid-sized segment, it occupies a space where it’s a little more useful than the cutsey Audi Q3 and a little easier to live with in suburban tight spots than the Audi Q7.

Built in Mexico in Audi’s new facility, the new Q5 is aiming to continue its run at the top spot of SUVs. But to look at, you might wonder what has changed in the second-gen model. 

The answer, says Audi, is everything: the Audi Q5 is entirely new, redesigned from the ground up to be better in every way. We spent a couple of days driving one to see whether that rings true.

Audi Q5 review: Design may divide

It’s perhaps unfair to start on a downer, but the Q5’s exterior design might be its biggest drawback. It’s impossible to say the new Q5 is ugly, but it also isn’t particularly eye-catching either. Especially when considering the quirky pressed panels of the dinky Audi Q2.

If the Q5 is an exercise in understatement, then Audi has achieved its aims. The Q5 isn’t an exercise in seeking attention, it’s an exercise in practicality. With cars like the Kia Sportage and Ford Edge working hard to turn heads, the Q5 could be perceived as rather more confident in its way.

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While that confidence might attract some buyers who don’t want to flaunt those SUV lines, others might see that the Discovery Sport as more interesting, or the Jaguar F-Pace as more original. Such is the competition, from affordable to luxury, that there are lot more SUV choices on the road than when the original Audi Q5 launched back in 2008.

From the outside the Audi Q5 looks a little like a pumped-up Audi A3, but in getting larger it loses some of the sharp lines that look a little more defined on the smaller cars.

The front grille, which was a little soft on the previous model, could be seen as a little too plasticky with the silver surround that leads in to the lights on the second-gen model. With the smaller Mexican plates you’re exposed to a little more front plastic than you will be in Europe though.

One of the bigger surprises comes around the back: there’s no exhaust in the rear bodywork. Instead the idea of an exhaust outlet is incorporated into the body design. We suspect that the inevitable, higher-performance (but yet-to-be-confirmed) SQ5 will plonk four chrome tailpipes in this rear bodywork and look all the better for it.

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Perhaps the biggest trick that the second-gen Q5 pulls off is looking smaller than it is. Softer lines makes for a car that doesn’t look overly-large, yet it’s still pretty big inside and there’s something positive to be said for that. 

When pumped up to top settings on the (optional) air suspension, the new Q5 does look a little sportier and fun, but you might have to choose your colour and wheels carefully to make the Q5 into a true head-turner. 

Audi Q5 review: Interior mastery

Once you’re sat inside, however, any qualms about the exterior will likely vanish. The new interior might be a fresh design, but it’s familiar and instantly feels like an Audi. That’s a good thing, because there’s a dependable quality to everything.

There are a number of choices for interior finishes. It’s a fairly spacious cabin, giving the rear passengers more headroom and legroom than the previous model, but there’s a more obvious transmission tunnel than in something like the Honda CR-V, which feels more open.

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If you’ve been in an Audi then you’ll find it’s a familiar layout when sat in the driver’s seat. Perhaps the only surprise is that the central infotainment display can’t fold away as it has done on some (but not all) other Audi vehicles.

With the option for the Virtual Cockpit – the driver’s side all-encompassing screen display that sits beyond the wheel (an optional extra, but well worth the £975 price for the Light and Vision Pack if you’re buying S line trim) – you’re well positioned to get plenty of information at a glance. Virtual Cockpit is one of our favourite in-car developments of the past few years, we think it’s great for mapping in particular.

As you’d expect, there’s a quality feel to the switch gear, to the leather of the seats and the fit and finish throughout the cabin, which is where the Q5 will challenge just about any SUV on the road.

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It’s also quiet in the cabin, escaping the roaring and boxy diesel noises that give some SUVs the sound of a white van. The new Q5 is a smooth and quiet ride, even in the 3-litre diesel, the biggest engine option that the new Q5 offers.

As with all Audis there are options galore, like interior coloured lighting, rear sun blinds, even a panoramic sunroof. Some things are standard (irrelevant of SE, Sport and S Line trim choice), including heated leather seats, paddles for the automatic gearbox, autodimming rear mirror, a powered tailgate, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, parking sensors, emergency braking and cruise control. 

Audi Q5 review: Positive drive with Quattro benefits

It’s easy to get a slightly skewed perspective of Audi cars. With so many S and RS models in the line-up, slipping behind the wheel of the stalwart 2-litre diesel can feel a little ordinary. But this is the where Audi will sell the vast majority of the new Q5 – and all of its cars.

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The 2-litre diesel gives you 190bhp, which is enough to give the Q5 some get up and go. It might take you 7.9-seconds to hit 62mph, but as a “common” engine it doesn’t feel underpowered, because it’s smooth and refined – no doubt thanks to such wide use across so many vehicles with the VW group. 

It’s paired with the 7-speed S tronic gearbox, the same as you’ll get on the slightly pacier 2-litre petrol engine that will see you to 62mph in 6.3-seconds thanks to its higher 282bhp.

There will be other engine choices (although it varies by region and not all are currently available). The 3-litre diesel we drive will be top-of-range in terms of power with 286bhp, and paired with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox.

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Although the 3-litre engine is the biggest available, it misses out on one of the Audi Q5’s biggest offerings: Quattro Ultra, the company’s latest and most efficient all-wheel drive setup which monitors driving conditions, switches from front to all-wheel drive as needed and, for the first time, can completely disable the rear wheels if needed.

However, Quattro Ultra is standard on the Audi Q5 in its other engine forms, the 3-litre just has the older four-wheel system that Audi has been offering for many years. Audi did say you’ll be able to opt for a front-wheel-drive manual version too at some point too (in some markets).

The aim of Quattro Ultra is to reduce the energy consumption by switching off the back wheels. On the road it is mostly needed when setting off, accelerating hard, or in changing conditions when the road surface is a uneven or you’re changing direction. Basically, when you think that the car could potentially slip or lose traction, Quattro will engage the all-wheel drive system in a flash and keep the power delivery at an optimum. Consistent motorway driving, once at speed, will mostly be front-wheel drive, with little need for Quattro.

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Offroad there’s greater demand, naturally, with increased probability of slippage on any of the wheels. But, again, if you’re on a straight dirt track at consistent speed, then the back wheels will stop driving, until there’s a demand such as a change of speed or you hit a patch of sand. In reality, it all works without your intervention, with the automatic switch being almost instantaneous – you probably won’t even notice as a driver.

What you will notice is that you’ll get better fuel consumption, as Quattro Ultra is just one of a number of changes made to make the Q5 more efficient, reporting around 55mpg according to Audi’s figures. That’ll be a little on the optimistic side, but nevertheless a reasonable figure for an SUV. 

The new Audi Q5 offers adaptive air suspension for those who really want to get more clearance for offroad driving. We’ve seen this previously in models like the A6 Allroad and if you are serious about taking the car off the road, then it offers a great range of ride height variation. This is used in conjunction with Audi’s driving modes, to change the behaviour of the throttle, steering and traction control systems to to best suit the conditions you’re in.

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The Audi Q5 is a smooth and easy drive. The body roll is well handled, but this is a taller vehicle than many so don’t expect it to turn quite like a saloon. For many, however, the performance on the road, combined with the quality interior will be all that you need to convince you this is the SUV for you.

Verdict

Technically, the Audi Q5 is better in every way than the model it replaces. In terms of interior finish and the technology options, it’s also one of the most compelling mid-sized SUVs on the road. If you want all your comforts and connectivity then the Audi Q5 won’t leave you wanting. 

For the starting price of around £37,000 you’re getting a lot of car with a reasonable spec without having to resort to lots of extras, but to get something a little more special the price will quickly creep over the £40k mark. There’s a lot of competition as we’ve said, but there’s a reassuring quality and confidence in the Audi Q5.

The barrier may simply be the external design. From the exterior the new Q5 isn’t a hugely exciting on the eyes. There are better-looking cars coming from all angles that can turn your head, like the BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace and Discovery Sport.

Audi may have ruled the roost with the old Q5, but the SUV game is now a lot more competitive.

Uber explains how you can lose access to its service

Uber already has publicly posted guidelines telling drivers what they’re not allowed to do, and why they might get the boot. However, the same hasn’t been true for passengers — just what qualifies as crossing the line? You probably have a good idea, but Uber wants to erase whatever doubt is left. It’s publishing a set of Community Guidelines that not only explain driver and passenger expectations in plain language, but publicly outline US policies for rider behavior for the first time. While they’re largely logical rules that you’d expect, it’s helpful to see them all the same.

Respect and safety make up the largest part of the policies. Purposefully damaging the car or anything inside is grounds for losing access, to start with. You’re also barred from touching or flirting with anyone in the car. That means no sexual activity “no matter what,” Uber says. You also shouldn’t use “inappropriate and abusive” language or gestures — don’t threaten your driver or ask intensely personal questions. Breaking any local laws (such as asking the driver to break the speed limit) is equally forbidden, as is contacting anyone from the car after the trip if they didn’t grant permission.

The rules also forbid anyone from carrying a gun in a car, regardless of state laws. Also, any discrimination based on factors like race, religion, sex or gender identity will get you kicked out. And if you’re caught committing fraud, such as abusing promotions or colluding with your driver, you’re definitely in hot water.

The passenger policy’s timing is slightly unusual given that most of the attention as of late has centered around driver behavior, not those in the back seat. However, it could go some way toward improving the experience for both sides. While it’s doubtful that most passengers will dutifully review the policies before ordering a ride, they can’t feign ignorance if they’re cut off. The public rules could reduce the number of bad customers (particularly repeat offenders), and increase the chances that drivers will stick around instead of quitting out of frustration. That, in turn, could give you more experienced drivers who’ll treat you with courtesy.

Source: Uber, Uber Newsroom

Pebble Posts Details on Refunds and Existing Device Services Following Fitbit Buyout

Pebble CEO and founder Eric Migicovsky took to the company’s blog yesterday to personally confirm its imminent closure, following media reports earlier on Wednesday that Fitbit has acquired its technology, software assets, and other intellectual property.

Dear Pebblers,

Thank you all for being such loyal supporters and champions of the Pebble community and brand. You helped start something fantastic when you backed our first Kickstarter project (and shout-out to the first inPulse users). Since then, we’ve shipped over 2 million Pebbles around the world!

However — due to various factors — Pebble is no longer able to operate as an independent entity. We have made the tough decision to shut down the company and no longer manufacture Pebble devices.

Migicovsky went on to cover the buyout, earlier confirmed by Fitbit in a press release, and said that many members of his team would be joining the company to continue their work on wearable software platforms. Migicovsky also said that Pebble devices will continue to work as normal, thanks to “close collaboration with the Fitbit team”, but warned that functionality or service quality may be reduced in the future.

The blog post also lists a number of bulleted “need-to-knows” for customers, including further details on refunds for Kickstarter backers awaiting pre-orders of devices including the Pebble 2 and Core wearables. Customers can read the list here.

Tags: Pebble, Fitbit
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Apple Enters Agreement With World’s Largest Wind Turbine Maker for Clean Energy Projects

Apple recently struck a deal with Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology, known as the world’s largest wind turbine maker, which will bring clean energy into the production processes and manufacturing plants of Apple’s partner facilities in China (via South China Morning Post).

Specifically, Goldwind’s wholly-owned subsidiary Beijing Tianrun New Energy Investment will transfer a 30 percent stake each in four project companies to Apple. The subsidiary of Goldwind is focused on the construction and operation of wind power farms and will likely assist Apple in providing clean energy to its many iPhone manufacturing facilities in the region, potentially including well-known assemblers Foxconn and Pegatron.

“Apple is committed to powering all of its facilities around the world with 100 per cent renewable energy, and is now working with its suppliers to power Apple’s product manufacturing with renewable energy,” Goldwind said.

The details of exactly which supplier, and how much money Apple will spend on the project, were left undisclosed. In the filing sent to the Hong Kong stock exchange yesterday by Goldwind, which revealed its partnership with Apple, it was also mentioned that each of the projects will be “cooperative joint ventures” that won’t be consolidated solely in Goldwind’s financial statements. Both Goldwind and Apple will have more of an equal presence, “since important matters will require unanimous approval by their directors.”

Apple has always been a proponent of clean energy and general environmental friendliness, this year joining global renewable energy initiative RE100 and replacing its retail stores’ plastic bags with paper bags made from 80 percent recycled materials. The cooperation with Goldwind is a new step in Apple’s attempts to introduce clean energy into the manufacturing processes of its supplier partners, last year announcing the installation of 200 megawatts of solar projects in the northern, eastern and southern regions of China, as well as encouraging partners like Foxconn to be more energy efficient.

Tags: China, Apple environment
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