With O2 Treats you can go to any Omn for just â‚Ź4, Monday to Thursday. Including The Savoy, Screen and Swan cinemas.
Freetext TREAT to 50202 to register or see o2.ie All O2 Treats subject to availability, terms & end dates. Age restrictions may apply. Special treats only available to non business Bill Pay and Prepay customers and are discretionary. For full terms see o2.ie
niplex or IMC cinema
Cert TBC
charged magazine
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/ feature
Falling With Style...
[
The Great Disconnect Between Science and Reality By Jack McGlynn
[
Rumour has it that since time immemorial man has
Or at least I assume it is. Sadly, I cannot fly. At least not
looked to the skies and dreamt of flying. I have
unaided by a 737, sick-bag and the seat back of some
NO IDEA how anyone could go about substantiating
ignorant asshole mashed right into my kneecaps. So
such a claim. Reeks of assumption to me! But
for now I’ll just have to take the word of these steadfast
flying eh? It’s the shizzle.
(if entirely fictitious) members of the community.
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What We Want: Levitation
has never really been nailed down. In Birthright, Lex
Superman: The undisputed sovereign of the Superhero
Luthor theorized some malarkey about anti-gravity
mythos and god-like savoir of man, each of Kal-El’s
organs, but that dude is straight-up bald n’ crazy! Either
Kryptonian Cells stores impossible quantities of solar
way, Superman’s interstellar, warp speed mode of self
energy. From there.... something happens... Probably. In
propulsion wins the twin awards of Most Wanted and
70 years of comic book history, the (fictional) science
Most Outlandishly Unattainable!
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/ feature
What We Got: Falling With Style! Free Falling: Let’s not pretend. We’ve all watched the footage from the Red Bull Stratos project, wherein Felix Baumgartner leapt from a helium balloon 39014m up! Pulling his chute after 4mins and 19secs of free fall, Baumgartner became the first human to break the sound barrier without vehicular assistance. Reaching speeds of 833.9mph, the Stratos project hopes to have broke the record for the fastest speed, highest manned balloon flight and highest skydive. Wing Suits: These things are nuts! Adding surface area to the body, specifically the legs and arms, an increase in lift is achieved. This enables jumpers like Colombian skydiver Jhonathan Florez to do crazy shit like... covering 16.315miles horizontally (17.520 overall), leap from 37,265feet and glide for a total of 9minutes 6 seconds. Not too shabby. Elsewhen, on 23 May 2012, British stuntman and all round nut-job Gary Connery safely landed a wing suit without deploying his parachute. He landed on a crushable landing zone comprised of thousands of cardboard boxes. Known as birdman, flying squirrel or (most appealingly) bat suits, these are a great way to put your heart through its paces! Base Jumping: The act of leaping from a fixed position or object, BASE is actually an acronym, encompassing Building, Antenna, Span (bridge) and Earth. If you want to do it right (i.e. survive) you’ll strap a parachute to your back. By far the most dangerous of the falling-recreations, (mortality rate 43 times higher than plane based skydiving) you get occasional gems like Nasr Al Niyadi and Omar Al Hegelan, who on January 8th 2010 leapt from a crane suspended platform attached to the Burj Khalifa’s 160th floor at 672 metres. This was the world’s highest base jump to date. That was probably obvious... Hang Gliders: You all know the drill. Climb into a harness suspended from a composite aluminium framed fabric wing, foot-launch from an edge and soar for hours on end, climb kilometres via thermal updrafts, whip out the aerobatic stunts and glide for literally hundreds of kilometres. Assuming you’re any good. Like Michael Barber. He flew 437 miles on June 19th 2002 across Zapata Texas. Michael Barber is any good. The aforementioned FAI* monitor and control certain aspects of Hang Gliding as a sport.
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Baumgartner became the first human to break the sound barrier without vehicular assistance.
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Google Nexus 7 Google’s tablet debut is here – has it been worth the wait? €250 www.google.ie/nexus By Kyle White
The Asus crafted Google Nexus 7 is not the most attractive tablet on the market nor does it contain every shiny feature you could possible expect. But, and this is important, it does everything you need and won’t break the bank into the bargain. At just €250 for the 32GB model the Nexus 7 is focussed first on affordability. That’s half the price of the cheapest iPad Mini and hundreds less than competing tablets. It is the ideal entry price point for the tablet-curious and that’s precisely what Google have in mind. With this and the ludicrously cheaply priced Nexus 4 smartphone, Google want their device in every home and every hand.
Stay Connected to What Matters Most The happy news is there’s plenty to like – a quad-core Tegra 3 with a 12-core GPU and 1GB of RAM keep things churning behind the clear and bright 1280x800 screen, while 9 hours of battery life and the latest firmware updates direct from Google mean you’ll always be ahead of the curve. Better still, you can nab a 3G enabled version now
some compromises Compromises have been made along the way, some may bemoan the lack of an SD card slot (though with 32GB on board and the magic of the cloud you might not need it) and there’s just a 1.2MP front facing camera.
charged says... If you’ve ever been curious about a 7 inch tablet, there is literally no reason not to pick up the Nexus 7. our verdict
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JELLYBEAN ON BOARD: As a Google device, you’ll get OS updates as soon as they’re ready
TIP Pick up a combi keyboard and case to create a monster netbook type thing!
NFC The Nexus 7 sports NFC communication, meaning you can touch it to other devices to communicate
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There’s an old saying about books and covers that you should keep in mind the first time you see the Motorola Defy Pro. In a marketplace dominated by smartphones, Motorola has identified the need for a device that not only bridges the gap between basic feature phones and high-tech marvels, but also offers something a little bit different to those of us who are tired of treating our phones with kid gloves. The first time we cast our eyes upon the Defy Pro, our first thought was “that looks familiar”, and it certainly does. Given the fact that it sports a full QWERTY keyboard on its face, it’s not unlike some of RIM’s BlackBerry offerings, but to write it off based on that would be to completely miss the point, and miss out on a great phone.
charged says... Camera aside though, this was a genuinely eye-opening experience for us. our verdict
TECH SPECS RAM-capacity: ROM+capacity: Display Type: Display:Diagonal: Display_Resolution:
512 MiB 1 GiB Supported 2.7 “ 480 x 320
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While “budget” Android devices usually feature Gingerbread (not that that’s a bad thing), HTC has gone out on a limb here to deliver a premium phone experience on a sub-€150 device, and it’s worked out brilliantly. We’re not just going to suggest this to newcomers to the smartphone world; it’s worth a look by all but the most techy of you!
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Microsoft Surface RT microsoft surface is here – has it been worth the wait? By Kyle White
The Microsoft Surface boasts a distinctive design, helped by those unmistakable keyboard covers, and features a 10.6-inch widescreen display. The HD display delivers a 1366×768 resolution, 5-point multitouch, and shows off amazing colour depth with minimal glare. The Surface’s 16:9 screen is suited to Windows, as it enables users to multitask apps and ‘snap’ them literally side by side, thus lending itself to a hybrid laptop experience. Inside the Surface is a 1.3GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU, and 2GB of RAM. The Surface is quick and responsive for the most part, but there are instances when lag can kick in and apps take a little while longer to open. The tablet is available in both 32GB and 64GB varieties, but features a microSD card slot, which supports supports up to 128GB cards. It also has Wi-Fi support.
charged says... A superb all-round Windows tablet which can double as a work machine our verdict
A kickstand is attached and it’s not just a gimmicky prop. The kickstand is practical as it props up your tablet at an angle of 22 degrees; perfect for when you want to use the rear camera as it is level when the tablet is on a flat surface with the kickstand extended. The stand itself is also very durable and feels quite sturdy. The Surface has two 720p cameras, one rear and one front. The front-facing camera is great for Skype and similar programs, while the rear camera.
The Microsoft Surface may not be designed to replace a desktop PC or a full-strength notebook, but it is an excellent companion to a desktop PC and provides mobility to boot. It certainly comes close to hitting that perfect combination of work and play with its USB and SD ports, and compatibility with apps geared at productivity and playtime.
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samsung galaxy note your New Gaming Phone? www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote By Kyle White
A new type of smartphone, borne of insight and innovation. It is the ultimate on-the-go device which consolidates core benefits of diverse mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability. It empowers you with everything you can ever desire so that you can simply, feel free. It is truly smart. The GALAXY Note was created to reflect your desires. The Galaxy Note is a primary device that will minimize the need to switch to other devices while on the go and open up the potential of your mobile experience.
Soonr Soonr Scribble transforms the Samsung Galaxy Note into a state-of-the-art productivity tool for annotating any file, not just the PDF format and automatically stores it in the cloud. Soonr, the secure cloud service for business, lets you securely share, access, search, edit and sync files from any device, online or offline. ZigZag ZigZag Board is a collaborative whiteboard app. Great for brainstorming, block diagrams, timelines, & process maps, ZigZag for the Note lets you jot down quick notes and sketches while you’re on the go, and watch as your coworkers collaborate in real time on the same screen.
charged says... It empowers you with everything you can ever desire so that you can simply, feel free. It is truly smart. our verdict
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screen Immersive screen with smartphone portability. Easy tasking on the full screen
PERFORMANCE Free capturing and creation with [owerful performance
UPGRADES Upgraded with the Premium Suite
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each month Our super agents are here to discuss, debunk and defeat all tech troubles. We will boldly fix what has never been fixed before!
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> We began in Minnesota, USA
> We put you first
In 1994 a guy called Robert Stephens set out to solve the world’s technology problems, armed with a bicycle, a laptop bag and $200. 18 years later, 23,000 suited and booted Agents are stationed in Carphone Warehouse stores across the world.
Without our customers we’re just super smart people who dress alike. That’s why we listen super hard to your technology troubles with our extra-empathy ears. And no matter how long the job takes, we won’t stop fixing until you’re back up and running.
> We love blips, glitches & bleeps
> We speak in sensible sentences
Geek Squad Agents are fearless warriors, specially trained to take on the trickiest of technical issues. We aren’t afraid of computer viruses, malfunctions or mishaps. Come to us with all your technology troubles - we’ll do our best to put things right.
Technology is already complex, so why complicate it further with tricky language? We tame jargon and turn it into sensible sentences that are clear, concise and perfectly logical. There’s no need to watch re-runs of Star Trek in order to understand us, although we’re always super excited to find fellow fans.
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Introduction to Windows 8 Agent Daniel brings us through Windows latest offering to the PC market...
>START SCREEN A NEW WAY TO ACCESS YOUR FAVORITE APPLICATIONS Windows 8 may have been built for touch based devices, but that doesn’t mean it won’t deliver an amazing experience with a mouse and a keyboard as well. The first thing you’ll notice when you power up your device running Microsoft’s latest Operating System is the new start screen. Replacing the start menu, this new screen not only gives you shortcuts to your
favourite applications, but now also allows for new live tiles which will show you important information at a glance.
Mouse: If you’re using your mouse, just click on the bottom left corner of the screen, where the old start menu icon used to be.
ACCESSING THE START SCREEN The new start screen is accessible a few ways:
Keyboard: If you’re using a keyboard, you can access the start menu with your familiar Windows key.
Touch: If you’re using a touch based device, you can swipe from the right edge of the device towards the centre. This will open up the charms menu on the right, one of which is your start button. Select the start button to return to the start screen.
Once you’ve opened the start screen, you’ll now have quick access to all kinds of information at your fingertips. You can pin shortcuts to your favourite applications, or create a live tile from within your favourite app to gain information about everything important to you with just a glance.
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Windows 8 may have been built for touch based devices, but that doesn’t mean it won’t deliver an amazing experience with a mouse and a keyboard as well.
>CHARMS
A NEW WAY TO NAVIGATE WINDOWS New for Windows 8, Microsoft is introducing a new capability for quickly navigating the things that matter most to you. The Charms will offer the capability to search, share things that are important to you, and access settings important to your device.
ACCESSING THE CHARMS You can access the charms menu several ways: Touch: If you’re using a touch-based device, swipe in from the right edge of the screen to the center. This will open the charms menu. Mouse: If you’re using a mouse, move the pointer to the top right, or bottom right side of the screen. You won’t need to hold the mouse in the corner, you can immediately move to the location of the charm you want, in one fluid motion. Keyboard: If you’re using your keyboard, simply press the Windows key, and the C key.
THE CHARMS There are several charms, each with a different function designed to help you efficiently interact with your computer. Starting with the top right, we have: SEARCH This charm will allow you to quickly search your installed applications, files, or settings on your PC. Windows and the F key pressed together from any application will automatically open this charm. SHARE This charm will allow you to quickly share files, documents, and various other types of information. This can include backing up to your sky-drive account, or attaching a document to an email. START The third charm, start, will allow you to return to the start-screen where you can see your live tiles and shortcuts to launch applications. DEVICES This charm is a quick way to access settings for any device connected to your computer. Here you can find configuration settings for external monitors, bluetooth, or a printer. SETTINGS The final charm, settings, is used to control the various aspects of your current application or the PC. Here you can shutdown and adjust common settings like WiFi. The Charms bar is a great way to quickly access everything you need in Windows 8. Get to know it and you’ll see increased efficiency across the board!
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[
On a budget... Sub â‚Ź150 cameras By Peter Nelis
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charged magazine
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Now that the sunshine has finally arrived many of us are planning on taking a break in order to make the most of the good weather before winter hits us again. Whether you’re visiting the cottage, are hitting Europe or fancy a trip down south for a weekend, you’ll undoubtedly want to take some photographs of you and your loved ones in order to preserve the memories forever. The good news is that it’s now cheaper than ever to find yourself a great quality digital camera that’ll be more than up to the job of capturing those special moments – and most are able to take some pretty nifty video recordings too! Before we start recommending makes and models however, you might actually have a more than capable digital camera already. Since the arrival of the first camera phones just under a decade ago, the quality of handset photography has come on leaps and bounds. It’s now easier than ever to get genuinely impressive results armed with nothing more than your trusty cell phone and a keen eye. Those of you who own Sony Ericsson handsets (now rebranded simply to Sony) may just have a hidden gem in your possession. Even though many people don’t realise it, Sony Ericsson phones have always been streets ahead of the opposition when it comes to optical clarity, with many models offering as much as 12 megapixel resolution – that’s more than many dedicated digital cameras! If you don’t have a Sony device though, you needn’t worry, even some lower megapixel cell phones are fine for taking photographs suitable for sharing online – it’s only when it comes to low light situations or when it’s time to print your handiwork out that you’ll really notice the difference. If that’s a deal
breaker for you then we have some recommendations that you may find surprisingly easy on the pocket... The Nikon COOLPOX S3100 14MP Digital Camera is the ideal solution for those who are on a tight budget, costing just €79.97. This snappy little point and shoot camera features 5x optical zoom, a 2.7” LCD screen for previewing your shots, 19 scene modes, on-board image retouching, numerous filter effects for those of you who like to get creative, image stabilization, motion detection and the ability to record 720p HD video. It is found wanting in low light scenarios, but it’s a perfectly adequate camera for sunshine holidays! Alternatively, the Canon PowerShot SD1400IS 14.1MP Digital Camera for just €99.97 is well worth checking out. It fares much better in low light conditions and utilizes a Smart Flash Exposure system to ensure that you’re getting just the right amount of light at any given time to really make your handiwork stand out. It’s also got a particularly clever system that automatically triggers the shutter when the camera detects smiling faces, ensuring you never miss a great photo op.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////// The good news is that it’s now cheaper than ever to find yourself a great quality digital camera
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the new Xperia T smartphone from Sony ™
Watch TV and movies in razor-sharp quality on the stunning 4.6" HD Reality Display. Catch unforgettable moments with the 13MP fast capture camera, or listen to your favourite tracks in soul-shaking clarity through the Sony WALKMAN ® application. Embedded NFC technology enables One-touch sharing of pictures and music. Discover more at sonymobile.com
Sony, “make.believe”, Xperia are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Mobile Communications AB. Android and the Play Store logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc. One-touch sharing capability requires use of NFC enabled devices. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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25 apps
CHARGED MAGAZINE
CHARGED MAGAZINES APP S ROUND UP
025
Adobe Photoshop Express Adobe Photoshop Express software lets you use simple gestures to quickly edit and share photos from
Sky Go
Star Wars Angry Birds
Sky Go Extra lets Sky TV customers download popular TV shows and movies via Wi-Fi to watch on up to
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... a group of desperate rebel birds faced off against a
Quark DesignPad Using an entirely new approach to design, you can quickly experiment with different layouts and create
By William Andrews We take a look at what’s hot in the world of mobile apps this month...
Instant Heart Rate
AVAIL ABLE FOR (KEY)
Instant Heart Rate uses your iPhone’s camera to detect the pulse from your fingertip - leveraging similar
TweetL ist Pro
RoadPal
TweetList is a full-featured Twitter client that highlights Twitter lists. But even if you don’t use lists, you’ll love
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... a group of desperate rebel birds faced off against a
Commuter A must-have for anyone who commutes or travels by Rail, Tube, Overground or DLR in the UK.
Comixology
Available on android
Available on ipad
Available on iphone & ipod touch
1001 Wonders of the World HD Whether you are looking for a wild adventure, a secluded spot for a vacation, a romantic setting for your honeymoon.
OmniFocus for iPad OmniFocus for iPad combines the in-depth task management features of a desktop app with the advanced mobile experience of the iPad.
Life 75 In the landscape view, LIFE 75 lets you pore over hundreds of the best photos ever to appear in LIFE.
ComiXology turns reading graphic novels and comics into a revolutionary experience with their patent pending Guided View technology.
Easymute Drop the volume of your music maker by waving your hand vigorously over your phone.
Rayman Jungle Run
Spotify Spotify gives you instant access to millions of songs on your iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch.
WhatsApp Messenger WhatsApp Messenger is a crossplatform smartphone messenger currently available for iPhone
SugarSync SugarSync puts ALL of your data right at your fingertips…anytime, anywhere from your iPhone, iPad, or
BBC iPlayer Keep up with BBC TV and Radio on the go.
The legendary platforming hero is making the jump to your favorite iOS device!
Plague Inc.
Clear
Plague Inc. is a unique mix of high strategy and terrifyingly realistic simulation. Can you infect the world?
GAIN Fitness
Life is messy. Keep it together with Clear, an amazing new app for listkeeping that is satisfying to use.
Flud News
The free version builds personalized workout programs from 350+ exercises and a variety of popular
Set up secure company news feeds, share stories with co-workers, and Flud stories from all across
Pocket When you find an interesting article, video or web page that you want to read, watch or view later, put it
Endless Road Put your foot down and drive along a unique landscape that builds itself right before your eyes and falls away
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Industry news
McGarvey Receives Oscar Nomination Armagh-born Seamus McGarvey has received an Oscar nomination for his cinematography work on Anna Karenina. McGarvey faces stiff competition in the category of Cinematography from Robert Richardson (Django Unchained), Claudio Miranda (Life of Pi), Janusz Kaminski (Lincoln), and Roger Deakins (Skyfall). Anna Karenina is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s celebrated novel and stars Keira Knightley and Jude Law. The film is set in late-19thcentury Russia’s high-society and focuses on the aristocrat Anna Karenina who has an affair with Count Vronsky. Anna Karenina marks the second time that McGarvey worked with both Wright and Knightley. They previously teamed up on Atonement, for which McGarvey also received an Oscar nomination. Many will be hoping that McGarvey manages to replicate the success of Terry and Oorlagh George who won an Oscar last year for their short film, The Shore. Among them is Northern Ireland’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Culture Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, who praised McGarvey’s accomplishments. Ní Chuilín hailed him as “one of our leading cinematic exports,” and added that he “continues to be an inspirational figure for all those who want to work in moviemaking.” She said that his second Oscar nomination for cinematography “underlines how highly regarded he is in the industry.” McGarvey’s nomination is one of four Oscar nominations for Anna Karenina, which is in the running for an Oscar for Costume Design, Production Design and Music. The 85th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on February 24th.
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For mor e exc news v lusive isit carphon ewareh charged ouse.ie/
Vodafone unveils new plan Vodafone’s latest mobile plan for €30 is available to both pre-pay and bill pay customers. The MyWay Plus package for bill pay customers includes free calls and texts to Vodafone numbers, along with 500MB of data. Additional minutes, texts or data can be added to the plan as required. Customers can also adjust the duration of their plan, though the longer the contract chosen, the cheaper the phone is. The pay as you go option gives customers free calls and texts to Vodafone mobiles, and also provides a choice between two options. Customers can choose to get 500MB of internet usage or 250MB data and 100 free international minutes, or free texts to any network and 500MB internet. For more information, contact your local Carphone Warehouse or Vodafone store.
3 ¤3
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The best box sets for free AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON Nobody Does TV Like UPC
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For details, call 1890 940 270
or visit upc.ie
Terms and conditions apply. Service subject to availability. See upc.ie for details. © 2012 CBS Studios Inc.
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[
[
blog Spot... WITH DAVID JOHNSON SENIOR EXECUTIVE, CPW
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CHARGED MAGAZINE
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Each month one of our expert staff will share their blogging knowledge on the latest and greatest technology... This month: 4G in a nutshell Mobile operators have been offering 3G services for nearly a decade and have continued to refine the technology, squeezing extra speed out of the existing infrastructure and standards. However, it’s starting to show its age, and that’s why there is so much interest in the next wave of wireless — known collectively as 4G — which hold the promise of even faster downloads.
is unlikely to ever get close to these speeds, it is an indication that it is significantly quicker than 3G.
What is 4G?
How do I get 4G?
The term 4G doesn’t actually refer to a particular technology — rather it’s a catch-all term that is generally used on this side of the Atlantic to refer to Long Term Evolution (LTE). This is one form of 4G-speed connectivity. LTE is based on the same underlying technology that currently underpins every big UK mobile operator’s 3G network.
Phones that have 4G versions include the Samsung Galaxy S3, iPhone 5, Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Lumia 820, HTC One XL, HTC One SV LTE and Huawei Ascend P1 LTE.
4G is the next generation of mobile communication standards, picking up where 3G drops off and delivering higher download and upload speeds.
However, some other countries, including the United States, use technology based on Wi-Fi and operate in different frequencies. As a result, a 4G device purchased elsewhere may not be compatible with 4G networks this side of the world.
Why should I care about 4G?
Have you ever been out and about trying to watch a video on YouTube or stream some music and have it steadfastly refuse to playback without constant buffering? Yes? Well, that will be a thing of the past with 4G. Of course, that was the promise of 3G but it never quite seemed to be the case. 4G promises to deliver twice the download speed of 3G for users on the move.
4G could also play a role in bridging the rural broadband divide. If it’s used a replacement for fixed-line broadband, even higher speeds are possible, depending on reception and how many people are using the service.
To get 4G, you need to have a 4G-capable phone, tablet or dongle and sign up for a 4G mobile internet contract. There are just a few 4G phones available at present, and you’ll need to make sure the specific model you buy has the necessary 4G chip.
Tablets that use the standard include the “Cellular” versions of the iPad 4 and iPad mini, and the LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.
What Should I Bear In Mind?
The device you own may not be compatible with 4G networks in other parts of the world; if you are travelling be sure to contact your carrier before you go to see if your device will work at your destination. Competition among carriers will be scarce initially, so service prices could be high. Make sure you keep on top of your data usage; at real-life speeds, you could use up 500MB of data in minutes.
The aim is to provide a download speed of 100Mbps and a blistering 50Mbps for upload. While the average user
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our best buy handsetS/ Time for a new top of the range phone? Let us give you the best technology and the best offers...
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HTC Desire C The HTC Desire C is an all-round device offering a compact design, easy access to content and fast connectivity. The phone has a durable metal frame and a vibrant 3.5 inch HVGA screen. - Smart Phone - Bluetooth
CPW rating
genius
SPECIFICATIONS > No Official time listed > No Official time listed > Size 107.2x 60.6 x 12.3mm > Weight 100g > Screen Size (up to)3.5”” > External memory card typemicro SD up to 32GB > Email Capability > Operating System Android 4.0 > Camera: 5 megapixels
> Video capture > Music player > FM radio > Data Connectivity Band type EDGE 850/ 900 / 1800 / 1900 UMTS 2100 / 1700 / 900 HSDPA 7.2 / HSUPA 5.76 > Stereo Bluetooth > Wi-Fi
top phone of the month . visit carphonewa rehouse .ie for mor e info
Nokia C5-03
Nokia Asha 300
The Nokia C5-03 makes it easy and fun to connect with the important people in your life. Poke them on facebook, and show them where you are, with integrated A-GPS and free navigation
Touch, type or swype on this smart looking Nokia 300 and have all your favourite apps at your fingertips. Customise your home screen so everything you want is just a touch away.
> Smart Phone > Bluetooth > 5MP Camera
> Bluetooth > 5MP Camera > Email > Touchscreen
Price plan from €00.00
Price plan from €00.00
CPW rating
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Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100 The Galaxy Note 2 features a 5.5 inch Super Amoled HD screen so your movies and photos are guaranteed to look absolutely superb. Behind the screen is a 1.6 Ghz quad-core processor along with the very latest Android Jelly Bean software from Google
Nokia Asha 300 Samsung Galaxy S III Mini brings high performance and ease-of-use to an elegant, compact smartphone. > Compact but powerful > 4.0” Super AMOLED screen > Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system > 5 Megapixel camera Price plan from €00.00 CPW rating
> Andriod OS > Bluetooth
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Apple iPhone 5 64GB
Sony Xperia ST21i Tipo
iPhone 5 is the thinnest, lightest iPhone ever. It features a more vibrant, 4-inch display and a beautiful aluminium enclosure. Even the EarPods have been completely re-imagined.
At O2 we like to say we’re better, connected. Well the Sony Xperia Tipo is the phone that’s built to keep you connected, to your world, for longer. Featuring a nice and easy set-up which allows you to start syncing your
> Bluetooth > Touchscreen > GPS/Maps > 8MP Camera
> Bluetooth > Touchscreen > GPS/Maps > Andriod OS > 3MP Camera
Price plan from €00.00 CPW rating
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Nokia C2-01
Samsung E1200
The C2-01 is the first entry-level Nokia phone with a fast 3G Internet connection.
The Samsung E1200 gives you the freedom of a mobile phone in a small, easy to use design that won’t break the bank. The Samung E1200 helps you stay in touch, even if you are out and about.
> Connect online with 3G and Wi-Fi > 3.2MP camera with video > Easy to use email and messaging Price plan from €00.00 CPW rating
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> GSM Dualband 900/1800 >MP3 Ringtones Price plan from €00.00 CPW rating
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Taming the TechnologyImage Editing By Peter Nelis
The increasing quality of home computers, coupled with their decreasing cost, has made professional grade image manipulation, creation and editing available to most people these days – in theory at least. In practice, there are some things that you really need to know if you’re planning on jumping head first into the world of Photoshop, particularly when it comes to the hardware that will ultimately keep everything going for you.
You don’t need to know a single thing about the theory underpinning image manipulation to have some fun with it
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>>The Basics You don’t need to know a single thing about the theory underpinning image manipulation to have some fun with it. There are plenty of great programs available for little or no money that offer you a range of editing options, as well as some creative filters to put an interesting spin on your work. Often you’ll find that printers even come with some form of image manipulation suite in order to encourage you to print your images, and in the process use as much ink as you like, ensuring a nice profit for the printer company. Sure, it’s a cunning ruse to get your money, but it’s also something that’s responsible for getting people into image manipulation, and that’s no bad thing. For the most part, you should be able to run the majority of image manipulation programs on a moderately specced computer. There’s nothing extravagant or expensive that’s essential to their smooth operation, but if you’re really looking to go in-depth with them, and make the most of their capabilities, then you might want to spend a little bit extra >>Computer As usual, the computer proves to be the most important part of any digital image manipulation, creation or editing hub. Without it, the process is incredibly painstaking and, quite frankly, not really worth the time investment no matter how oldschool you are. Unlike with some of the other topics we’ve covered in our Taming the Technology series to date, there aren’t really any hard and fast rules when it comes to building a machine for image editing – the whole thing boils down to a couple of factors; 1) how heavy a Photoshop user you are, 2) how complicated the process you’re asking your system to undertake are, 3) how big the files you’ll be using are, and 4) whether or not you’re going to be using the machine for other applications. Your answers to these variables have the potential to swing your recommended purchase from one costing a couple of hundred quid, through to one costing well over a couple of thousand, but there are some guidelines you can follow to ensure that you’re getting the best value for money, and the most out of the machine you can afford. Because Adobe Photoshop is a relatively CPU intensive program, particularly when pushed beyond basic cropping and resizing, the quality of your processor will play a big part in dictating how much you can do. We recommend looking at one of Intel’s Core i5 processors as a starting point. They’re not hugely expensive, they’re readily available and, if you’re so inclined, there are variants available which allow for Overclocking. Of course, if you have the money then splash out on a Core i7 processor, but with the cash you save from opting for an i5 instead, you should be able to make up the difference in performance elsewhere, and still come out with some change.
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If you’re building the machine yourself, rather than buying off the shop shelf, then your choice of motherboard is very important. There are a huge number of choices out there, but the key to making the correct motherboard selection is knowing your upgrade paths. There’s no point buying a motherboard that’s limited to 8GB of RAM, for example, as right off the bat you’re giving it a maximum lifecycle of a couple of years, maybe three at best, before you’re getting the itch to upgrade again. Instead, look at something that supports 32GB of RAM. Additionally, you want to ensure that it’s not too cramped to accommodate a modern, dual-space graphics card. That’s a mistake we’ve made before, and it’s not a nice feeling seeing all that money you ploughed into your shiny new computer essentially hamstrung by a lack of physical space on the motherboard. You’ll also want to ensure USB 3.0 compatibility if you’re planning on using external media to transfer or back up your files. There’s nothing wrong with USB 2.0, but given the speed that the newer variant offers, you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to add its functionality to your system. And similarly to the point about the RAM and graphics card above, always give yourself enough USB ports! Give your best estimate for the amount of USB devices you have, then add four just to be safe! If you get this a bit wrong it’s not the end of the world though, you can buy external USB hubs for very little these days, but they’re a needless expense if you go about things the right way to begin with. On the hard drive front, you’ll almost certainly want to go for at least one solid state drive in your new machine. We recommend splashing out for the biggest SSD you can and using it as your main system volume (the place where the operating system and programs are installed) to ensure lightning fast boot and software launch times. If you’re really looking to up performance, you could pick up another, smaller, SSD and use it exclusively as a scratch drive for Photoshop. The scratch drive is a physical disc location used by the software when no more RAM is available, so utilising the speed of an SSD device will dramatically improve performance. For your day-to-day drives, the ones where you’ll store your files, any internal 7200RPM drive will do. It’s difficult to recommend a single brand or type, because no matter how reliable a name in the storage game, you’ll always find someone who has had one of their products suffer a catastrophic failure. Sticking to bigger brand names may give you a bit more reliability, so if you can afford to spend an extra ten or twenty quid to go for the name, we recommend it. >>Software Photoshop is the industry standard, we all know that, but what about options for beginners and those who simply want to goof around with images before deciding if they can really justify the price of Photoshop? For our money, or lack of it in this case, free software GiMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the best of the open source options. In fact, if you’re willing to put in the time to learn it, it’s actually better than pretty much anything out there apart from Photoshop, and some people would even argue that they prefer it to Adobe’s software, but we wouldn’t quite go that far!
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Assassin’s Creed III Release Date: November 18th Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Publisher: Ubisoft Genre: Action Adventure Rating: M
We’re huge Assassin’s Creed fans – let’s face it, who isn’t? But we must admit to a touch of trepidation when the third title in the series was announced as a Wii U launch title at E3 back in June, not because we were worried about the power of the console, nor the talent of the developers, but more because new systems are notoriously finicky until developers have had enough time to figure out their intricacies. Of course these worries were wholly unfounded, as Ubisoft Montreal looks very much like it has knocked ACIII out of the park on the Wii U. If you’ve managed to hold off picking up the game on the other systems to date, then there’s a fair chance you’ll want to pick it up along with your launch console. Those of you who have been following the epic saga through its previous iterations will have an idea what to expect, but even veterans are going to be impressed with the level of depth that Ubisoft has managed to squeeze in here. From enormous game maps to vastly increased amounts of NPCs on screen at any given time through to some seriously impressive water effects, this is going to blow your socks clean off. Our only real concern here is the fact that many fans will already have picked the game up for their other systems – if you’re planning on getting a Wii U at launch, we recommend waiting the extra 18 days and checking it out on a Nintendo system for a change!
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Release Date: November 18th Developer: Nintendo EAD Publisher: Nintendo Genre: Platform Rating: E A Nintendo console launch just wouldn’t be the same without an all new adventure from everyone’s favourite Italian plumber, as the 3DS found out last year. Thankfully that’s not something that early Wii U adopters are going to need to worry about, as New Super Mario Bros. U has plenty of old fashioned 2D side-scrolling goodness to look forward to. As the fourth game in the New Super Mario Bros. series it was always going to be important for Nintendo to give us something that really builds upon the previous titles. With the Wii U, that has
probably been an easier task than usual thanks to the GamePad offering a brand new way to play, as well as the system’s increased power allowing for absolutely gorgeous high definition visuals. Challenge Mode adds a range of new challenges and objectives to existing levels in order to add even more longevity to the experience. There’ll also be quite a bit of integration with the Miiverse feature to look forward to, making New Super Mario Bros. 2 an absolutely must have on launch day!
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> Nintendo Land Release Date: November 18th Developer: Nintendo Publisher: Nintendo Genre: Party Rating: E10+ Those of you who opt for the Premium bundle will be lucky to get your mitts on Nintendo Land as part of the deal. If you’re not familiar with the idea behind it, think of it as a collection of games, each with its own unique way of showing off the different functionality of the Wii U and the new GamePad. With a total of twelve different attractions on offer, each sporting influences from existing Nintendo franchises, there’s a surprising amount of depth to be found within Nintendo Land. While the initial reaction may be to write Nintendo Land off as a simple bundle of novelty mini games, we assure you that you’re going to be impressed with what it has to offer gamers. Whether you’re playing in single player mode or cooperatively or competitively with friends, it presents a genuinely fantastic way to see just how much potential both the system and its swanky new controller have to offer.
> Call of Duty: Black Ops II Release Date: November 18th Developer: Treyarch Publisher: Activision Genre: First Person Shooter Rating: M It’s no secret that Activision’s Wii ports of their Call of Duty franchise were historically less than stellar, but with an all-new system to play with, that’s firmly in the past. The Wii U’s version of the eagerly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops II brings a huge amount to the table in order to leverage the functionality of the GamePad. Early concerns from players surrounded whether or not the Wii U would be able to deliver the same quality graphical experience as the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, but they needn’t have worried – everything
hurtles along here in full HD at 60FPS and it looks absolutely gorgeous. But there’s more to it than simply that – the GamePad screen can be used to call up your map, activate perks or control drone weapons. And those of you who are concerned that the GamePad’s design may not be ideally suited to FPS games can simply switch over to the Pro Controller – arguably the best controller we’ve ever used. There’s also control options there for those who want to use the Nunchuk too, making it one of the most versatile versions of Call of Duty to date! w w w . c a r p h o n e w a r e h o u s e . i e / c h a r g e d / 037
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Arguably the biggest show in the teach world since its inception way back in 1967, CES has become synonymous with the latest and greatest in gadgets, gizmos and high end technology down through the years. With such a storied history it’s perhaps only fitting that it has found its home in the desert of Nevada, a shining beacon surpassed only by the dazzling lights of its host city Las Vegas. BY PETER NELIS We all know the history of Sin City - a haven for gamblers, boozers and thrill seekers - but the modern day Vegas is markedly different to the one we’re used to seeing on big screen in movies like The Hangover or Ocean’s Eleven. The economic downturn hasn’t done the area any favours and dispute the overwhelming aesthetics, indescribable opulence and sheer scope of many of the larger hotels, Vegas seems a little lost in its way. The perfect mirror, then, to a tech industry struggling to come to terms with its own fast-paced development. It’s not that there weren’t things worth checking out - in fact there were far more than the show’s four day run would allow - but it’s more that we seem to be in the midst of a creative lull within the tech space right now. As predicted, 4K TVs were the big highlight on the show floor. Companies like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and LG happily paraded director next generation TV technology to the throngs of buyers, analysts and media in attendance. It’s certainly tough to say that these sets weren’t impressive, because they definitely were - boasting four times as many pixels per inch as the now-standard HD format, the difference really is impressive
(even when viewing natively upscaled Blurays) - but there’s a lingering cloud of doubt on the horizon in the shape of the next next generation... 8K. While it’s definitely a touch over the top to suggest that the 4K format could be dead before it launches, there’s certainly an air of concern here at Click that Sharp’s decision to showcase its own 8K technology, albeit in a conceptual form that’s not going to hit the consumer market for many years to come, could irreparably stunt the 4K revolution before it has any chance of taking hold. A top of the range 4K TV will set you back well into five figures right now, but we can expect to see that price drop dramatically in the months and years ahead, and within the next five years or so it certainly won’t be uncommon to find the technology retailing for the same price as current day HDTVs. But who is the audience for these products? Wile the tech savvy first mover has traditionally been loath to let technology slip by them within its first year on the market, it’s now the case that they know what’s coming next. There’s definitely going to be a level of reluctance to fork over big money for a TV
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Thankfully, it wasn’t all about TVs at CES. After wading through more phone covers, chargers, screen protectors and peripherals than we care to remember, there were some real gems on show.
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you know is going to be antiquated within the decade, particularly when there’s a dearth of native 4K content at the moment. We can’t speak for everyone, but, for our money, the clued-in techie is far more likely to wait until 8K hits the consumer market place. This leaves the regular consumer. That same consumer who has likely spent a grand or two replacing their old tube technology in the last five or ten years with the latest and greatest HDTVs. There’s an old saying, “once bitten, twice shy” that rings true here, and it’s something that the industry at large seems to be spending a whole lot of effort ignoring. Now, we’re not for a moment saying that 4K technology will be a flop, nor that it’s not worth investing in if you’re looking for the best available picture quality, but, really, where the hell is the logic in showing of your 8K technology at the same time as debuting your first range of consumer 4K devices? Thankfully, it wasn’t all about TVs at CES. After wading through more phone covers, chargers, screen protectors and peripherals than we care to remember, there were some real gems on show. Sony’s Xperia Z showed that there’s plenty
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of life in the company’s smartphone division yet. A clever mix of stunning aesthetics and ingenious software left us more than impressed. There’s a real vitality to the company right now, and the Z and ZL are a testament to that. Smartphone buyers can be excused for feeling a touch jaded at the never ending onslaught of “best in class” claims from manufacturers, but Sony happily shied away from such claims, instead letting the devices speak for themselves. Sleek and striking, both handsets feature much the same technology, including 5” displays and some stunning new video processing tools that allow users to get the absolute top quality from the likes of YouTube without sacrificing bandwidth. On top of that you can add in some great advances in the field of mobile photography and the potentially huge battery saving technology employed by the handsets. If the Xperia T was the Bond phone in name, the Z is the Bond phone in nature. Taking a slightly different approach with their big announcement were Huawei, a company that many might not be familiar with, but that is going quietly about its business and impressing many along the way. Boasting a simply luscious 6.1” screen, the Ascend Mate takes the adage that bigger is better and runs with it.
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The Dark Knight Rises Director: Christopher Nolan Release Date: TBC Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Feature Length: 164 Mins Hardy, Anne Hathaway our verdict
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The Dark Knight Rises takes place eight years after the previous entry, showing us a Gotham free of crime and a broken, retired bat who channels Howard Hughes while cooped up in his mansion. But when a new threat arrives, it’s time for the dark night to ride again. Nolan introduces us to a cast of returning characters and new additions, chiefly the slinky Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) and the villainous Bane (Tom Hardy) as the stakes rise ever higher and higher towards the possible
destruction of the entire city as Batman’s resolve falters. Hardy makes for a dull antagonist, with no clear reason for his actions and no apparent personal connection to Batman to make things more interesting. Bale himself is fine, and you’ll be pleased to hear he tones down the Bat-voice a little. Ultimately, it all just feels a little basic. Even the twists are far from shocking and the latter half is rife with contrivance - and don’t get us started on the botched sentiment of the ending. DA
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brave
Directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman Stars: Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly Release Date: November 13th Feature Length: 100 Mins Pixar’s latest outing will likely be remembered more for the creative scuffles during production, and the fact that it marks the CG house’s first princess, than for forging new ground in the field of animation. It’s not that it’s a bad film, we’re not in Cars 2 territory here, and the stylized art and zippy pace will likely earn it plenty of fans but Brave often just doesn’t feel like Pixar. The story is a little too broad and simple, the comedy less refined and the emotional moments a tad too on the nose. Starting with an energetic voice over from an exceedingly Scottish Kelly Macdonald, the film oozes charm from the off – painting a very fictional but cinematic vision of medieval Scotland and furnishing it with a family that is having some domestic trouble. . Brave is a charming, beautiful, humorous and impeccably made animation which falters a little on its deeper moments but remains thoroughly entertaining throughout. DA our verdict
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the watch
men in black iii
Director: Akiva Schaffer Stars: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughan, Jonah Hill Release Date: November 13th Feature Length: 102 Mins
Director: Barry Sonnerfeld Stars: Will Smith, Josh Brolin Release Date: November 30th Feature Length: 105 Mins
Originally conceived as a kid friendly, comic scifi caper starring Will Ferrell, The Watch changed aspect in 2011 with the arrival of new writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Never ones to turn away from a gross out gag, they’ve injected their own style of humour into a film which still contains its fair share of extra-terrestrial goings on and investigation. It leaves the film in a bit of a middle ground – the improvisational comedy is there but the fact that there’s a plot leaves the leads with a little too much inertia to get settled into their verbal sparring. Despite the flaws in concept and execution, there are some likeable elements to The Watch. Unfortunately, it’s all a little dull. Even when Schaffer tries to go big with his action moments and slow motion, it’s frequently neutered by one too many dick jokes. There’s even some drama in the mix but it feels forced and also contributes to bloating the running time way over that optimal 90 minute mark. DA our verdict
Despite a monstrous budget and countless production delays, Men in Black III has one thing going for it – it’s actually rather good. After a dull and disjointed second outing, expectations were hardly high for this second sequel., but there’s an attraction to seeing the improbably charismatic Smith back in on screen and the Men in Black universe remains an interesting one. Much of the film is spent back in the relatively swinging period of 1969 – seeing Josh Brolin take the thankless job of effectively imitating the voice and taciturn manner of Tommy Lee Jones’ K. But Brolin’s not content to be a mere mimic; nailing the delivery but also using the chance to create his own version of the character as more open and positive. It’s a marvellous performance, offering much more than a mere straight man for Smith’s rejoinders. MiB III offers up a decent story and one with an unusual amount of drama that actually earns a few emotional moments, while also steering refreshingly clear of a tacked on hetero romance or galling plot twists. DA
our verdict
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As Skyfall nears its Irish release date, we take a look at the phenomenon of James Bond and look ahead to the latest outing for the character with comments from stars and director Sam Mendes. Bond is back! by Daniel Anderson
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CHARGED MAGAZINE
THE BIRTH OF BOND 2012 could hardly be a more significant year for James Bond. It marks the 50th anniversary of the first movie outing (1962’s Dr. No) and almost six decades since the character was created by Ian Fleming in 1953. After six official incarnations of the world’s most famous spy, his popularity continues to impress – Bond is the longest running film series in history and the second highest grossing of all time, with receipts almost totalling $5 billion. Though it’s not quite enough to beat that boy wizard.
Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, creating a partnership which would define the Bond series and introduce a name which still appears in the credits to this day, as Cubby’s daughter Barbara is a producer on Skyfall. With a budget of $1.2 million dollars, Dr. No had its world premiere in the UK on the 6th of October 1962, with Sean Connery in the lead role and on a mission to introduce the world to one of its most enduring cinematic icons.
HIGHEST GROSSING BONDS> (Adjusted for inflation) 5. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) - $666 million 4. You Only Live Twice (1967) - $720 million 3. Live and Let Die (1973) - $785 million 2. Goldfinger (1964) - $869 million 1. Thunderball (1965) - $966 million
Born in 1908 in Kent, Ian Fleming was a journalist and Naval Intelligence Officer, but will always be remembered as the creator of James Bond. He based the character chiefly on elements of his own personality and habits, placing him as something of an everyman in an exotic world peopled by tantalising femme fatales, vibrant villains and cutthroat espionage.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES... 50 years, 23 movies and six different Bonds later, it’s time to celebrate the latest outing for the character. Skyfall itself was never a sure thing, with the collapse of parent studio MGM in 2010 putting the production on indefinite hold while they scrambled for a buyer. These issues led to a four year delay since 2008’s Quantum of Solace, the longest gap ever seen between Bond movies that didn’t coincide with a transition to a new actor.
Fleming completed just twelve books featuring the spy (as well as two short story collections) before his death in 1964 at the age of 56, partly due to personal habits which rather closely resembled those of his creation. It was in 1961 that Fleming optioned the movie rights of the character to producer Harry Saltzman, and it’s here that the real legacy of Bond truly takes off. Unable to realistically finance a Bond adaptation himself, Saltzman teamed up with American producer
Thankfully, star Daniel Craig is still very much on board and addressed the issues with the production during a press conference for the film: “It’s been a bit of a struggle, as you probably well know, getting this movie made, but we haven’t been idle. We’ve been
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putting the right people together, we’ve been working on the script, we’ve been thinking about this for a long time and it’s been a lot of hard work.”
all be about to change as Skyfall may well be Dench’s last outing, with the possibility of newcomer Ralph Fiennes replacing her long running M.
Skyfall was ready to go into production in 2010 with a script by Frost/Nixon scribe Peter Morgan, who left when the project stalled. But new director Sam Mendes stayed on board in a consulting role (to reduce his fee) throughout the long sale of MGM and is keen to paint the delay in a positive light. “The situation with MGM was very frustrating at the time. But it did give us time to work on the script without the pressure of knowing that the movie was going to be started on a certain date. And that, I think, has led to a much more fully-realized script than even we were anticipating.”
Fiennes is on board as a character called Mallory who has some serious power within MI6. Another significant character making a return to the series is Q – absent since the passing of the indomitable Desmond Llewelyn who played the role for almost 30 years until 1999. His replacement is the considerably more spry Ben Whishaw, who will gift Bond with some as yet unrevealed gadgets in the latest film. He’s perhaps best known as the lead from 2006’s Perfume and has also appeared with Craig before in Layer Cake.
Mendes is the latest director to be handed the reins of the Bond franchise and represents another change for the series as the first helmer to also be an Oscar winner (for 2000’s American Beauty). Together with Quantum of Solace’s Marc Foster, it shows the movies reaching for a more mature, dramatic side; a more well-rounded experience than the lurid adventures of yesteryear.
ALLIES, VILLAINS AND VIXENS Unlike the close ties between 2006’s Casino Royale and 2008’s Quantum of Solace, Skyfall is setting out to be its own self-contained adventure. With that comes a new roster of characters and the possibility of some significant transitions in the universe. Judi Dench makes a return as M, a role which she has inhabited for 17 years since GoldenEye, even surviving the move from Pierce Brosnan to Craig. If rumours are to be believed, that could
The primary villain is played by Oscar winning Spanish actor Javier Bardem, marking the first time a Bond Villain also has a golden statuette. His Raoul Silva is likely involved in the bombing of MI6 which sets up the main plot of the film, but insiders have mentioned that he has a deeper and more personal connection to both M and 007. He also has outrageously blonde hair and seems a more garish villain than in the recent movies – something we’re rather looking forward to. Of course, it’s not a 007 movie without Bond girls, and Skyfall serves up a pair of feisty females who likely have a high mortality rate. The first of the pair is Eve, played by Naomie Harris. She’s a British government agent who wants to work side by side with Bond but finds herself out of her depth. Berenice Marlohe plays a more typical love interest in the slinky form of Severine. It’s not going into spoiler territory to suggest she might not last the running time.
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C H A R G E D maga charged M A G A zZ ine INE
No Mr. Bond, I expect you to recognise me! Javier Bardem is the latest Bond villain but you may remember these other famous folks > Telly Savalas – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service > Christopher Lee – The Man with the Golden Gun > Christopher Walken – A View to a Kill > Sean Bean - GoldenEye > Mads Mikkelsen – Casino Royale
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february’s BEST
ENTERTAINMENT Depressed? In December? Pfftt. Not this year. By Ben Silverman (with Jose Sanchez)
12/4 Far Cry 3
GAMING
(Xbox 360, PS3, PC) / Ubisoft / $59.99
12/4 The Walking Dead: The Game Complete Series (Xbox 360, PS3) / Telltale Games / $29.99
It’s been a big year for first-person shooters— and if size matters, Far Cry 3 might be the best of the bunch. You’ll romp around a massive, open-world island while battling a not-somerry band of maniacal pirates. “It’s probably the most intense shooter due out this year,” says EP’s own Jose Sanchez. With Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Halo 4 on that list, that’s saying something.
12/14 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey New Line Cinema
movies
Already blown your holiday cash? We hope you’ve got a few bucks stashed away, because there are still a handful of hot video games and movies due out in 2012. Circle these December dates on your entertainment calendar:
Itching for a few more preciousssss moments in Middle-Earth? You’ll get that and a lot more in the first of three films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s precursor to The Lord of the Rings. Ringmaster Peter Jackson is again at the helm, this time joined by Sherlock costars Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins) and Benedict Cumberbatch (The Necromancer). With familiar faces like Ian McKellan, Cate Blanchette and Andy Serkis on board as well, you get a film very, very likely to rule them all.
You don’t have to be a fan of the show to dig The Walking Dead video game series—you only need some delicious brains. A legitimate Game of the Year contender, Telltale’s downloadable adventure series shambles to retail in this impressive package containing all five moody episodes. “It’s unlike any video game I’ve ever played,” says Jose, who considers it “an absolutely incredible experience that you shouldn’t miss.” Sold!
12/12 Hawken (PC) Adhesive Games / Free-to-play
What’s better than blasting away pesky foes as a giant mech? Doing it for free, of course. Meet Hawken, a free-to-play mech shooter that’s buzzing like a busted radiator. A blend of MechWarrior and CounterStrike (yes, THAT Counter-Strike), Hawken took home tons of awards from E3 2012. Here’s hoping it becomes our new robot overlord, too.
12/21 This is 40
12/25 Django Unchained
universal pictures
Columbia Pictures
“Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann together again? How will this NOT be a riot?” We agree with Jose on this one. Reprising their memorable turn as a cantankerous couple in 2007’s Knocked Up, Rudd and Mann bicker their way into middle-age in this long-awaited spin-off. Directed by Judd Apatow and featuring appearances by Jason Segal, Melissa McCarthy and Albert Brooks, it’s packing serious heat for a holiday comedy.
An all-star cast headlines this explosive Quentin Tarantino western, which stars Jamie Foxx as a slave trying to free his wife from the machinations of a brutal plantation owner (played by an uncharacteristically evil Leonardo DiCaprio). Expect it to be messy, controversial, and all sorts of bloody fun. “It could be a huge success, or it could fly under the radar,” says Jose. “It really depends on how Tarantino brings all these distinct personalities together.” We’ve got our money on “huge success.”
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046
WIN A NINTENDO Wii U
So you’ve read all about it and you’ve decided that you simply can’t go without a Wii U eh? Well, unless you’ve pre-ordered or are seriously lucky, you might be in for a tough time of finding one in aftermath of the system’s launch. Rather than being left disappointed, why not try your luck and enter our Wii U giveaway? We’ve got one Nintendo Wii U Basic Set to give away to a lucky reader, and all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the following question correctly:
Q: How much storage space comes in the white Nintendo Wii U console? A) 2GB B) 8GB C) 32GB
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If you think you know the answer (hint: you’ll find it on page 10) then all you need to do to enter is scan the QR code below, or send an email with “Wii U Competition” in the heading to competitions@epmagazine.com. The closing date for entries is December 31st at 23.59. The winner will be notified before the close of business on January 2nd 2013 in order to arrange delivery. Good luck!
scan to enter
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THE BEST MOVIES 0f
2012
THE MOVIE: Life of Pi
(20th Century Fox)
This visually stunning film really merits the grandiose presentation of an IMAX experience in three dimensions. It’s that beautiful.
SEE IT: In IMAX 3D
(AND THE BEST WAYS TO WATCH THEM) By Miri Jedeikin & Ben Bolea
The amount of new movies being released is truly mind-boggling. See? In the time it took you to read that sentence no less than eight new movies came out. Amazing, right? With titles literally flooding multiplexes, independent art houses, Best Buy shelves and videoon-demand channels, it’s hard to know what to pick, and—even more importantly—where to watch them. That’s where we come in. We watch films each and every day, all day, so you can trust us when it comes to movie advice. Here’s a quick, easy-to read list of 2012’s best films, and the best places to view them. Dig in.
THE MOVIE: The Dark Knight Rises [Warner Bros]
Given that the film was shot with an IMAX camera, it seems kind of silly to watch it in any other format, right?
SEE IT: In IMAX 3D
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THE MOVIE: Bernie
[Millennium Entertainment] One of our favorite indie films of 2012, Bernie is a wonderful choice for mobile viewing on a tablet or in the comfort of your own home. It’s also a great choice for a laptop airplane movie.
SEE IT: Toss up between home theater or your tablet
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THE MOVIE: The Avengers
THE MOVIE: Looper
[Walt Disney Pictures]
[TriStar Pictures/Alliance Films]
One of the highest grossing films ever, The Avengers works best on the big screen, in 3D. With lots of popcorn.
SEE IT: At your multiplex in 3D
Looper’s mind-twisting plot and relentless action make it the perfect candidate for a big screen experience. Also, it’s a great film that we could watch over and over again, anywhere, anytime.
SEE IT: At your multiplex
THE MOVIE: Cloud Atlas
THE MOVIE: Moonrise Kingdom
What we like to call the messiest masterpiece ever, Cloud Atlas is so larger-than-life that it requires a big screen to really savor all the millennia spanning, genre bending details. A marvel of modern filmmaking.
Moonrise Kingdom really shows off celebrated auteur director Wes Anderson’s style and penchant for highly detailed production design. So it’s a perfect choice for an at-home viewing, so you can rewind and pause at all the most beautiful spots, as often as you like.
SEE IT: At your multiplex
SEE IT: In your home theater
[Warner Bros.]
THE MOVIE: The Master [The Weinstein Company]
[Focus Features]
THE MOVIE: Men In Black 3 [Columbia Pictures]
Going against the idea that blockbusters should be seen in the theater and dramas are better at home, The Master is truly best experienced at the multiplex. Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s choice to shoot this film on 70mm produced a very visually striking film. There is literally too much information in every frame for your home theater to ever do it justice.
MIB3 was a fun movie – we liked it on the big screen, but now that it’s available on Blu-ray (11/30) you can download this nifty app called Movie Touch that lets you have more interactivity with the film while you watch it. Example: you can control the special features and access them all while watching the film. Fun!
SEE IT: At your multiplex
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