Why you need to know about...4G INTERNETMOBILE

Next time you try to watch a YouTube video on the bus and it stutters to a halt after a few blocky seconds, close your eyes and imagine it’s 2013. By then we’ll be surfing the lightning-fast waves of 4G, or ‘LTE’, internet – a standard that combines the go-anywhere freedom of mobile broadband with the kind of speed our current net connections can only dream of. Some US networks support 4G already, and several US-only gadgets are equipped to take advantage of the tech. HTC’s Evo has it, a version of BB’s PlayBook will come with it and Motorola’s Atrix will get a similarly skilled incarnation. So why the wait for us then? Well, before the airwaves can be opened up for 4G they have to be auctioned off to the mobile phone operators. We’re hoping this will happen in early 2012, with the network up and running the following year. After that our gadgets could be experiencing 
download speeds of up to 1Gb per second – over 100 times faster than what we’re used to, and more than sufficient for 1080p video. Thanks to the switch from analogue to digital TV, the long-range 800MHz band has been freed up for 4G signals, making it even better suited to on-the-move use, too. That should mean an increase in internetconnected cars and trains – and absolutely no escape from the web. Yep, 2013 can’t come soon enough.

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THE TOP 10

Entertainment on-the-go demands quality cans that cut out unwanted sound. Try these for the absolute best audio.

Phonak Audéo PFE 012 3960 It’s not easy creating the perfect headphone. Music is so subjective that one human’s perfect pitch is a little lacking in bass for 
    another, and too bright-sounding for pedant no.3. The PFE 012s do about as good a job of satisfying disparate tastes as any in-ears we’ve tried. Building on the success of the pricier 111s, they dig up bags of detail, deliver sweet vocals and a palpable soundstage, and up the bass to party-worthy levels. They’re also barely-there lightweight and subtly attractive. They could easily sell for twice the price.

Klipsch Image X10i 12,000 Though the X10s were our favourite in-ears for years, the X10i now looks too pricey for the no.1 spot. Built-in iPod/iPhone controls are useful, but it’s the sound and size that really impress – the buds are slim as lolly sticks but sound thrilling and insightful.

Sennheiser CX300-II 2790 Thanks to amazing price reductions, the CX300-IIs represent even better value for money. Replace your bundled headphones with these and you’ll find out what you’ve been missing: deep bass, sparkling detail and dramatic dynamics. You’ll thank us later.

Powerbeats by Dr Dre 15,000 We never had Dr Dre down as a fitness fan, but the headphones he’s designed for sweaty gym sessions are seriously impressive. Expect powerful, weighty and dynamic sound, then be pleasantly surprised by the in-line mic and three-button iPhone remote.

Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi 24,995 Offering audio that’s full-bodied and punchy, with excellent levels of detail, the 10vis will stay firmly nestled in your lugholes thanks to a shapeable over-ear band. With phone controls on-hand, they’re a marvellous choice for affluent iPhone owners.

Bose QuietComfort 15 21,263 Bose’s latest long-haul headphones are its finest yet. Wearing a pair is as comfortable as binding pillows to your head with silken thread, and both sound and noise cancelling are exemplary. For a louder, more rocking listen, try Monster’s Beats Studio.

Shure SE530 35,000 Shure is the pioneer of the sound isolation game, so when it came to designing the best in-ear monitors in the world, it knew what to do. Each earpiece has three separate drivers, delivering a staggering soundstage and insight across the spectrum.

Shure SE535 31,000 Your eyes don’t deceive – that is how much Shure’s flagship threedriver IEMs cost. They look and feel it, though, with a thick, replaceable cable that attaches to the buds via articulated joints. And the sound? Unbelievably detailed, utterly uncompromising.

Klipsch Image S4 4490 The chaps at Klipsch sure know how to make a sound-isolating headphone. Combining the bass attack of the yoof-oriented “street” headphones with the refinement and clarity you’ll find in audiophile IEMs, these are great fun and stonking value for money.

AKG K701 from 19,990 With a swanky headphone amp, these referencequality, open-backed headphones create a sound to rival hi-fi speakers ten times the price. Got more dosh? Try the supremely revealing Sennheiser HD 800s or breathtaking Grado GS1000is.

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5 GREAT ANDROID APPS

Apps such as these are crying out for the big screen tablet experience, and prove Honeycomb is one to watch

Swiftkey Tablet tba This Android keyboard was one of the hits of CES 2011, learning your writing style and offering precise prediction that appears to know what you’re going to write before you do.

ANOVA HD 218 Gameloft’s futuristic sci-fi shooter owes a lot to Halo, and it’s better for it. At the moment, like many Android apps, it’s only compatible with 7 inch tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Sketcher free A bare-bones drawing app featuring some amazing brush effects, which can turn the lamest doodle into a work of stunning penmanship. Works best with a stylus.

Amazon Kindle free Apple’s iBooks app looks neat, but the catalogue of books doesn’t come close to the Kindle Store. And because Kindle is cross-platform, you can get your library on any tablet.

VPlayer 145 Like format-straddling PC media player VLC, this plays a huge variety of movie formats – including WMV and DivX – without dropping frames. Works with HD videos, too.

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5 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT ANDROID 3.0

Better graphics Android 3.0’s Renderscript engine exploits the power of the GeForce graphics accelerators found in the new hardware, providing a more PC-like experience than any phone is currently capable of.

Updated apps Camera and Gallery have been redesigned for big screens and Contacts and Email have a new, dualpane UI. Books looks better than iBooks and Youtube’s new 3D video wall is just stunning .

Better web browser Based on Google’s superb Chrome, the new browser uses the same approach to tabs. Users can choose to automatically sign in to Google sites and sync bookmarks with their desktop Chrome account.

Customisable homescreens New widgets allow homescreens to display 3D-flippable grids and lists, and the interface has been redesigned from the ground up to support new gestural controls.

Multitasking The system bar has a list of recent apps to make toggling programs a cinch, and uses visual cues to display a snapshot status of each app. This makes them identifiable as they run in the background.

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ANDROID'S ATTACK ON THE IPAD

iPad might have a huge headstart but the competition is catching up and how! Android's latest weapon is the Motorola Xoom, being launched in the US of A as you read this. It looks better on paper and packs in a powerful punch when it comes to pipping the iPad to the post. But does it have the aspirational quality of the famed Apple?

Motorola Xoom tba | motorola.com The Xoom is the lightning bolt that reanimated Moto. It’s the first tablet to run Honeycomb, and the hardware feels fantastic. Under the hood roars a dual-core, 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 system-on-chip, 1GB RAM (that’s four times what the iPad has) and more connections than a stopping service to Sydney. On paper, it’s almost beyond reproach. But wow, it’s expensive. 
The Xoom’s case is a beguiling mix of soft-touch plastics and sculpted aluminium. It weighs 730g and comes in at 249x168x12.9mm – that makes it almost identical in weight to the iPad 3G, but with more of its fascia dedicated to screen than bezel. Moto clearly thinks Apple already got the size and weight just about right. The Xoom has a 10.1 inch, 1280x800 screen to the iPad’s 1024x768 9.7 inch display, and both use power-saving IPS tech. They’re about the same in area, but the Xoom’s is longer, thinner, and has a pixel density of 160dpi to the iPad’s 132dpi, with a greater-than-720p HD resolution. It’ll play 1080p vids for up to 10 hours, and can do so externally via HDMI 1.4. With a fixed-focus 2MP camera at the front for video calls, a 5MP autofocus snapper at the back and 720p video capture, it’s a decent shooter, but no match for the LG Optimus Pad’s 3D 1080p skills. More fun is ensured by a gyroscope (which the iPad lacks), accelerometers and a digital compass. This should make a fine gaming machine.Moto’s jumped on the accessories bandwagon with a pair of docks for the Xoom and an Android-centric Bluetooth keyboard. The Standard Dock both charges it and props it up for watching movies on that lovely screen, while the Speaker Dock extends the HDMI-out and has, you guessed it, built-in speakers.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANDROID OS

Your mum may think that the iPhone is lovely, but it’s set in its ways: no freedom to change. With Android on the other hand, you can do what you want. Play Flash videos, change its keyboad style, turn it into a bad-boy PlayStation emulator or just let it play in its natural element, which is pretty darn good anyway. The iPhone abides by Apple’s strict laws; Android is limited only by your imagination.

FLAGSHIP HANDSET GOOGLE NEXUS S 
    30,400 (est) 
This Samsung-made phone is a thing of minimalist beauty, and the buttonless case and subtly curved 4 inch screen are the perfect stage for Android 2.3 (‘Gingerbread’). The new OS isn’t packed with new features, save for a better keyboard and enhanced copy-and-paste, but it looks classier and has major underthe-bonnet improvements that make it a lot faster. It’s lag-free, too, thanks to the graphics chip built into Samsung’s 1GHz Hummingbird processor. There are still a few frustrations, such as the way the 16GB storage is split to give you just 1GB for apps, or that while the 5MP camera is great in low light, video shooting is at a less-than-HD 720x480 pixels. Still, the 4 inch Super AMOLED display is bigger and brighter than the iPhone 4’s, although it can’t match Apple’s razor-sharp resolution. It’s also the first smartphone to feature near-field communication, meaning it can read RFID tags and could be used as a cashless wallet or travelcard once NFC apps become available. 
JULY 2005 Google buys Android, Inc, a startup developing a Linuxbased mobile operating system.NOVEMBER 2007 HTC, LG, Samsung, Intel and others throw their weight behind Android as part of the Open Handset Alliance. SEPTEMBER 2008 Android 1.0 is released into the wild on the T-Mobile G1 - and is described as “a dream to use” by Stuff. OCTOBER 2009 Android 2.0 (‘Eclair’) is a true rival for iPhone, with Microsoft Exchange support and an improved UI. THE FUTURE... 
PlayStation phone arrives. Android 2.4 (‘Ice Cream’) revamps built-in media player. Android 3.0 (‘Honeycomb’) for tablets keeps iPad on its toes.

DOWNLOAD THESE

• Dolphin HD free Currently the best browser for Android, it offers fast multi-tab browsing, gesture controls and powerful third-party plugins to block ads, download videos and more.

• Swype free Swype takes the pain out of using a virtual keyboard; instead of tapping letters, you slide to make an approximation of the word and let the app do the work. Uncannily accurate.

• Gensoid 183 Find yourself some classic Sega Megadrive ROMs and this emulator will play them – from Sonic to Speedball – at full speed. You won’t find anything similar on the App Store.

ALTERNATIVES

• LG Optimus One 13,500 | lg.com/in A remarkably good value Android phone. The 600MHz processor won’t win any races, but it still performs well and runs Android 2.2, which means it offers free sat-nav and Flash.

• HTC Desire HD 27,499 | htc.com/in With a vast 4.3 inch screen, 1GHz processor and Android 2.2, there’s little to choose between this and the Nexus – though some will favour HTC’s weighty build and slick Sense UI.

• Motorola Atrix tba (due mid-2011) | motorola.com The ‘superphone’ packs a dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and the crispest screen of any Android. Attach it to its netbook or desktop docks and it becomes a computer.

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Music Streaming hi-fi systems

SUPERTEST Denon CEOL RCD-N7 Most would agree that this system has an attractive mix of style and specs. As well as an iPod dock it features a USB input, Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking, and an optional upgrade to AirPlay. Oh, and there’s a CD player and radio tuner, too, along with a 2x65W amplifier. And, like all the systems here, the Denon can stream thousands of internet radio stations. As far as the sound is concerned, it’s gutsy and involving – especially if hooked up to some good budget speakers. There’s even a Party Mode, which allows up to four Denon products to be connected over a network to play the same music at the same time – instant multiroom fun. VerdictWith a great mix of style and features, the CEOL is well worth a place in any living room 
Marantz M-CR603 Also known as the Melody Media, the Marantz draws comparisons with the Denon. Look closely and there are some big differences, though. While it has AirPlay as an upgrade, its network connection is wired only. It trumps the Denon in the radio stakes, however, with FM, AM and internet streaming, and there’s also provision for an add-on Bluetooth receiver. The system can drive two pairs of speakers (as opposed to the Denon’s one pair). There’s a remote control app called the Marantz Wizz App, and despite its horribly twee name it’s well worth having, putting the controls, track information and extras in the palm of your hand. And this is a system you’ll want to use: it sounds superb, wherever you source your music and, apped up, is as slick in operation as it is in looks. Verdict 
The Marantz lacks wireless networking, but its sound quality more than makes up for it 
Naim UnitiQute So, you’ve spent a king’s ransom on a small black box. Oh, and the iOS app to control it costs $37.99. Once you’ve turned it on (the remote has all the buttons you need), you’ll get your answer: sound quality that knocks the others into a cocked hat. The Naim is real-deal, high-end hi-fi equipment, and it delivers accordingly: speed and timing are superb, and bass notes come alive – where the others might lump lows together, the Naim introduces tonal variation, complementing its openness and convincing soundstage. While the N-Stream iOS app might seem a big rip-off, it does offer a superior level of control, allowing every aspect of the Qute to be accessed. If you’re after an uncompromising music streaming experience, it’s a bit of a bargain even at this price. Verdict 
It’s mighty expensive, but the UnitiQute is clever, flexible and sounds sensational 
Rotel RCX-1500 Rotel’s all-in-one streaming system is a hairy-chested, tattooed, old-school biker of a hi-fi. There’s even a touch of grease under the fingernails in the way it streams: rather than an integrated solution, it comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet dongles to plug into a USB port on the back. With a single digital input (a choice of optical or coaxial connection) and a single analogue in, it’s a bit light on resources for other devices, but the Rotel sounds big, impressive and controlled, whether with the B&W speakers we hooked it up to or even bigger boxes. It’ll thunder out top tunes and still seem to have lots of power in reserve; it’s not a subtle sound, but it’s enormous fun. It’s big, yes, but not entirely clever. Verdict 
You get a lot of bang for your buck, but there are smarter streamers in this test 
Teac CR-H500 DNT Conventional. That’s the word that kept crossing our minds when testing this Teac. Networking is via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, there’s a digital iPod input on its front-panel USB, three analogue inputs (including one for a turntable), an FM/AM tuner, a CD player and two 40W outputs. Unfortunately, the sound fits into the ‘ordinary’ category, too. It’s respectable for a small system, but lacks the power, impact and detail of the comparably-priced Denon and Marantz systems. It’s very listenable, but the rivals really make you want to listen more. And for the money, that puts the Teac at a distinct disadvantage. Verdict This Teac is a bit run-of-the-mill next to similarly priced rivals 
Tech Talk DENON CEOL RCD-N7 44,800 
Power 2x65W Connectivity AirPlay (optional), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod dock, USB Formats AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA Audio inputs analogue (x3), optical digital 
MARANTZ M-CR603 TBA 
Power 2x50W Connectivity AirPlay (optional), Bluetooth (optional), Ethernet, iPod, USB Formats AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMAAudio inputs analogue (x3), optical digital NAIM UNITIQUTE 1,55,000 
Power 2x30W Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod, USB Formats AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA Audio inputs analogue (x2), optical digital (x2), coaxial digital (x2) 
ROTEL RCX-1500 1,11,375 
Power 2x40W Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod, USB Formats MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC Audio inputs analogue (x3) Teac CR-H500 DNT 45,600 (est) 
Power 2x40W Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, iPod, USB Formats MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC Audio inputs analogue (x3)

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BMW 6 Series Convertible

95 lakhs (ex-showroom delhi) | www.bmw.in 

By Farhan Kapadia 

It goes from sedate to psychotic in a matter of seconds, and all that while you’re bathed in its luxurious interiors. Petrolheads prepare for an inevitable fling. 
Those flowing contours you see running across the entire body of the 6-Series are no coincidence. Flowing water is what has inspired the fluid design. The flat extended body and the broad rear of the car give it some power and character, adding a bit of thrust to the flow. The car really is an embodiment of its designer’s bold vision. 
With sufficient thermal and acoustic insulation, the roof takes a mere 19 seconds to drop all the way down and another 24 to rise up again and close. The car’s California mode lowers all the windows while keeping the roof closed 
so you continue to revel in an open-air driving experience. 
18-inch star-spoke wheels for your ride add extra sportiness to the 6’s character while the more dynamic 19-inch V-spokes come in a two-colour design for a lighter appearance. The bold wheels are a nice finishing touch. Stationery or speeding, the 6 dominates with its road presence. Peek under the hood and you’re guaranteed to be mesmerised by its insides. The 650i’s petrol direct- injection twin-turbo engine houses 407 furious horses all trained to push you to the exciting side of 250kmph. The 8-speed sports automatic transmission keeps the engine in the optimum revving range and converts boring commutes into a full-fledged sport.

Tech Talk BMW 650I Fuel consumption 9.35 kmpl Tank capacityr 70litres Top speed 250 kmph Acceleration 5 seconds (0-100kmph) Engine output407bhp Maximum torque 600Nm Cylinders/valves 8/4

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