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Sony has revealed the first proper look at what the PlayStation 5 will actually be like to use.A new official video shows the user interface that will greet players when they sign in, and how they will get to games and navigate around.Some important parts of the menus are left off, including the PlayStation Store that players will use to buy games. For the first time, that will represent the only way that some consoles can actually get new titles, since Sony is releasing its first digital-only version of the console, without a disc.But otherwise the video represents a deep-dive into the menus that have remained entirely secret until now.Sony has held more back about its next-generation console than Microsoft, which has revealed in-depth information about its Xbox Series X and Series X, including the menus that will be used to navigate them.And now the new video – titled “First Look at the PlayStation 5 User Experience” – finally gives a look at the software that will power that console.Sony had previously only referenced the design, showing indications during its hardware reveal event but never actually giving a look at the menu.Read moreWhile it borrows some parts from the design of the PS4 – including a flowing design, and menus based around rectangular boxes for each game – it also introduces an entirely new design, including a black and gold colour scheme.The PS5 arrives on 12 November in limited countries including the US, before being released more widely on 19 November in geographies including the UK.

Elon Musk has announced that Tesla is cutting the price of its flagship Model S to $69,420.Musk’s price change is in reference to two things: the first is that American electric car maker Lucid Motors said that its new electric car, the Lucid Air, would cost $77,400 minus a $7,500 tax credit.As Techcrunch reports, most buyers qualify for this tax credit, thereby lowering the car’s price to $69,900 and taking it below the price of the Model S.“The gauntlet has been thrown down! The prophecy will be fulfilled,” Musk tweeted.The Model S price’s second reference is a joke; the number “69” is a reference to a sexual position, while “420” is a reference to cannabis culture.Watch moreMusk has made similar jokes with Tesla products, and stock, before.The price had no basis, according to regulators, and caused market fluctuations – raising shares in the company by 11 per cent, but also resulting in a $20m (£15.5m) fine by the US Securities and Exchange Commissions, which Musk said was “worth it”.This year, Tesla also launched a pair of expensive shorts as a means for CEO Elon Musk to taunt short-sellers, priced at $69.420. The Lucid Air poses strong competition to the Model S. It has 480 horsepower and the potential to travel 653 kilometers (406 miles) on a single charge – approximately six kilometres (four miles) longer than the Model S Long Range Plus, according to the Verge.However, that vehicle will not be available until 2022.Musk had criticised the Lucid Air on Twitter, saying that former lead engineer on the Model S and current Lucid Motors CEO Peter Rawlinson “didn’t design Model S.”“Prototype was done before he joined & he left us in the lurch just as things got tough, which was not cool. He did make some contributions to body/chassis engineering, but not to powertrain, battery, electronics or software”, Musk tweeted.Tesla’s Model S cars have been reduced in price for some time, as well as experiencing lower sales.Electrek reports  that the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus decreased in price from $79,990 to $74,990 in May, and was decreased again more recently to its current price of $71,990.Similarly, the Tesla Model S Performance’s price dropped from $94,990 to $91,990.

A US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts have reached the International Space Station (ISS) in record time. Expedition 64 saw Kate Rubins, Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 10.45am local time on Wednesday.Three hours and three minutes later, their Soyuz MS-17 capsule docked with the ISS after just two orbits of the Earth.Russian space agency Roscosmos said it was the “first time in history” that so few orbits were needed to reach the space station.Before 2013, journeys to the ISS typically took around two days but improvements since then mean they now take around six hours.Read moreSpacecraft need to match the velocity and altitude of the space station before they can use small boosters to safely navigate the final few metres and attach to it.Unfavourable conditions meant that the last crewed launch to the ISS, Demo-2, took an entire day to dock with the ISS after launch.The latest trip was not just quicker than any crewed mission before it, but also any cargo mission.

Get Google’s Pixel phones out of their box and there’s nothing much new you can do. The new phones have no spicy new features, no novelty that marks them out, and even the 5G connection that gives them their name is largely useless given the infrastructure is not yet ready to take full advantage of it.But turn them on, live with them for a while, and you realise that these phones might be humble but they are far from humdrum. Google’s Pixel phones have occasionally felt like an experiment, which has made them both exciting and sometimes alienating; the new phones, despite being the first with 5G, feel like the end of that experimenting.Everything else that’s true of the Pixel line-up is true here. They remain the best way to experience Android, since Google installs a clean version of the operating system without the cruft that is often added to other manufacturers phones. The camera is still astonishing, and is improved this time.But Google is not just leaning on those perennial facts, but introducing a phone that is a great all-rounder, with everything you might want out of a handset. It’s not just the best way to experience Android, but a great Android phone, too; it’s still got a great camera, but it’s no longer quite so built around that technology, meaning that it doesn’t feel quite so much like a bunch of lenses with a phone attached.What’s more, Android 11 is more quietly smart than other recent updates. It’s very clever – it includes improvements to the Recorder app which has the astonishing ability to transcribe in real time, for instance – but it’s not quite so clever-clever.Read moreIt’s a tame phone, rather than the thrillingly wild beast that some other Pixels have been, and which some of its competitors aim for. That may be somewhat boring, but it’s no bad thing: this phone is a workhorse.In keeping with the feel of the phone, the new Pixel’s change from their predecessor in all the ways you’d expect, and not really any others: vastly improved battery life, a more symmetrical design, the adoption of a wider camera lens. They are, in short, a fix for everything wrong with the Pixel 4, which had a battery that ran out worryingly quickly and left out the wide-angle camera that Apple had adopted at the same time.It also looks different on the outside, thanks to an aluminium back. The Pixel 4 had a smooth glass black, which looked classy but left it open to smudges and scratches. The glass was thought to be required for wireless charging – as it turns out, however, Google has found a way to send that wireless charging through the phone’s aluminium back, which is something of a surprise.But the miracle is actually the feel of the thing: it doesn’t feel like metal at all, with all the cold and smooth texture that evokes, but rather rough and comfortable. It’s something like a pebble, lightly hewn and sitting neatly in the hand. Gone is the heft of the Pixel 4, and the 5 feels both lighter and more comfortable. (The 4A does not have this feeling: the back is made of plastic, and you can tell.)That’s helped out by both phones having received the same design improvements. They’re now symmetrical, top to bottom, with the notch in the top that stored a range of different hardware swapped out for a holepunched camera lens in the corner of the screen. That might sound like it would get in the way, but it is neatly integrated with the software, and very quickly blends into the phone in the same way as the first notches did.The lack of “forehead” means that much of the technology that was stored in there has gone, with only the camera lens remaining. The Pixel 4 had been the first to incorporate Google’s “Project Soli” technology, which allows it to precisely monitor the movements of people in front of the phone – and had been one of those exciting new upgrades introduced with last year’s phones that the Pixel 5 and 4A with 5G have avoided.The lack of the more extravagant features that the Project Soli technology had enabled can’t really be missed: the phone was launched with much discussion about how you could make gestures in front of it to skip tracks, for instance, but it’s hard to imagine that anyone did that for very long, not least because it made you feel a little ridiculous.But it also means that the more useful, simple features are gone, too – the phone’s ability to sense that you were coming near and wake up the screen made it feel very smart, and crucially there’s no longer a facial recognition scanner to allow you to unlock the phone just by unlocking it. There’s nothing wrong with this – the fingerprint sensor on the back is both nice placed and neatly disguised, and works quickly enough that you won’t resent it – but it does feel odd to be taking such a clear step bacIn  the fingerprint sensor on the back is both nice placed and neatly disguised, and works quickly enough that you won’t resent itThe Pixel 4A and 5G are actually generally far more similar than they are different, and the cheaper version still gets almost all of the new hardware that Googel has added. It’s easier to list the differences than the similarities: for the reduced price, you get a slightly slower refresh rate, a larger display but one with bigger bezels, a plastic rather than aluminium body, 6GB of RAM rather than 8GB, and no wireless charging or water resistance.They’re not minor differences, but they are subtle enough that the 4A does not feel like a cheap phone, or just a budget version of the 5. Instead, it feels like a good phone in its own right – with the potential exception of the plastic back, Google could probably have got away with introducing the 4A as its premium phone.In fact, the names are a little misleading because the 4A with 5G is far more like the 5 than it is the standard version of the 4A. The Pixel 4A only arrived in the UK earlier this month, but already looks out of date compared with the 5G: it has a smaller display, a much smaller battery, and none of the new camera hardware or features. The price difference is not insubstantial – it costs $150 to upgrade to the 5G version – but it’s worth noting that you’re getting far more than just a better internet connection.In fact, the usefulness of that network connection is just about the least interesting thing about the phone, despite the fact that its nominally what marks out the new 4A from the slightly older version. 5G networks still remain few and far between and using them means having the right data plan; the best case for having it is that its future-proofing, which is true, but also another way of saying that you can’t really take advantage of it yet.It’s an indication of what’s going on with the Pixel 5 and 4A with 5G that their most exciting feature is actually their least charming. They are quotidian phones – and that’s surely good for something we use every day, and rely on now maybe more than ever.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking system that uses the sun’s energy to harvest drinkable water from the air, even in dry regions.A team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) demonstrated how the device uses solar energy to extract moisture from the air before condensing it on a collection plate.They said the system could be a practical water source for remote regions with limited access to water and electricity.A similar device was developed by the same team a few years ago, however it had some significant flaws.Professor Evelyn Wang, the lead researcher and head of MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, said the earlier system was not practical for real-world use on a largescale because it required specialised materials and did not produce a high enough water output.Professor Wang said: “It’s great to have a small prototype, but how can we get it into a more scalable form?”Read moreThe system works by harnessing the temperature difference between the air and the device, allowing an adsorbent material to collect liquid on its surface.By using readily available materials and greatly improving the efficiency, the researchers were able to produce a “potentially widespread product”.The device also overcomes limitations of other fog harvesting and dew harvesting systems, which typically only work in a few coastal deserts, where there is 100 per cent relative humidity.Those that work in other desert areas require energy-intensive refrigeration to provide cold surfaces for the moisture to condense on, as well as humidity of at least 50 per cent.The latest device is able to operate at relative humidity levels as low as 20 per cent and requires no external energy input beyond the solar energy it receives.A paper detailing the device was published in the scientific journal Joule on Wednesday.

Apple has just unveiled four new 5G iPhones, while simultaneously slashing the price of its existing lineup.The most expensive iPhone 12 Pro Max is now nearly three-times more expensive than the bottom-of-the-range iPhone SE.Along with the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 11 and iPhone XR, Apple now has phones at nearly every £100 interval between £399 and £1099.With such a broad range, we’ve got a rundown of which one is best for you.iPhone 12 MiniBest for: Steve Jobs purists. The co-founder of Apple famously once said that “no one’s going to buy” a big smartphone. Market trends proved him wrong and fans of small handsets have been overlooked for years. Until now. The iPhone 12 Mini packs the same big features as the iPhone 12 without the big size.Worst for: Screen junkies. People who use their phones to watch shows and films regularly will not appreciate the 5.4-inch display. Anyone used to larger-screened devices may also find the smaller size fiddly.iPhone 12Best for: The all-rounder. Of all the new releases, the iPhone 12 is designed to have the broadest appeal. It is a comprehensive package, complete with upgraded specs packed into a in a familiar form factor.Worst for: iPhone 11 owners. The upgrade to the iPhone 12 is not worth the £1,000 that Apple is asking for, with only slight improvements on the internals and 5G support that has few practical applications at this stage.

Apple has wrapped up its “Hi, Speed” event, showing off a fleet of new iPhones alongside a smart speaker and a range of other advances.This year will see the launch of the first ever 5G iPhones, the biggest display ever found in an iPhone, and the smallest model released in years. And it does of course bring with it “the best iPhones ever”, as Apple seemingly never tires of announcing each year.Here’s everything announced during the live-streamed event from Apple Park.The first 5G iPhonesApple spent the beginning of its iPhone introduction not talking about any particular handset at all, but rather than infrastructure that will power it. The first 5G iPhones will arrive in all four of the models you can read about below, each of which seemingly get the same kinds of connections. Unlike with other manufacturers, all of the new models will have 5G capabilities – there won’t be a specific 5G model.Much of that long introduction was spent trying to counteract the sense that 5G is not ready yet, and that phones are unlikely to make the most of the potential because the network infrastructure is not actually available to connect to.The first of the iPhones was also the stalwart: the iPhone 12, without any modifiers appended on the end.It came with a new design – squared off sides and a shiny back – as well as upgraded exterior materials that make it four times harder to smash when dropping and generally much more durable. It also comes in a new blue colour.Inside is Apple’s new A14 Bionic chip, which it claims represents a significant improvement in the performance of the phone. The cameras are upgraded and so is the display.A smaller iPhone 12: the MiniAfter that – and following a strange James Bond-themed introduction – Apple showed off the Mini. Just as it sounds, it’s very small, but the display is actually the same as the existing iPhone 8, it just has a much smaller body to fit around it.It has all the same capabilities and options as the iPhone 12, otherwise.And two more expensive Pro onesAfter all of that comes the Pro models. They include all of the same upgrades from the iPhone 12 – better durability, 5G, and so on – as well as their own improvements to the cameras and the exterior finish.That finish is very shiny, and comes in a new “pacific blue” colour, as well as also getting the same squared-off design. The cameras are vastly improved, especially for night mode, and it also gets a LiDAR camera for mapping out spaces in 3D.The Pro Max also has the biggest display ever in an iPhone, with an added 0.2-inches. But Apple said it had done that with almost no adjustment to the actual size of the phone, with the extra space made up by having the display going closer to the edge.All on a staggered release scheduleThe normal-sized versions of the iPhone will come out at normal times: pre-orders opening later this week, and orders next week. But the unusually-sized phones will come unusually late, having been pushed back into November.And with plenty of accessoriesAll of the iPhones make use of the new version of MagSafe, which allows accessories to snap on the back of the phones using magnets. That includes a charging puck that can click on, but also new cases and even a wallet to non the back of your iPhone – with Apple promising other third-party manufacturers are working on yet more devices too.Some accessories also go missing. There’ll be no more earphones in the box, and no charger too; the Lighting cable included for charging will also have USB-C on the other end, rather than USB-A.HomePod MiniContinuing the Mini theme, Apple also released a smaller – and cheaper – version of its Siri-powered smart speaker, too. The company insisted that it will have the same high-quality sound associated with the earlier version, but at a vastly reduced price of $99.

Apple has unveiled four new 5G iPhones, together with other new and updated devices.The new iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max come with a complete redesign and a range of new colours. Inside is a new camera system including new photo-editing tools and improved processors.Apple also unveiled a the HomePod Mini, a new $99 smart speaker.Key PointsApple launches new 5G phones, of various sizesModels include iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro MaxCompany also launches new ‘HomePod Mini’Show latest update
1602608049Watch the live stream here.Anthony Cuthbertson13 October 2020 17:541602613990That’s all from us here, thanks for joining us. You can read all about the latest announcements from Apple at the links below. Anthony Cuthbertson13 October 2020 19:331602613604The price and release date of all four new iPhone 12s can be found here.Anthony Cuthbertson13 October 2020 19:261602612599Tim Cook is wrapping stuff up now. “Thank you for joining us, stay safe and have a great day.”Anthony Cuthbertson13 October 2020 19:091602612506The iPhone 12 Pro comes in at $999 and the iPhone 12 Pro Max at $1099 – the same price as last year’s Pro models.Anthony Cuthbertson13 October 2020 19:081602612326Here are the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max specs.

Apple has revealed the iPhone 12 Mini, its smallest phone in years.The company claimed the device is the “smallest, thinnest and lightest 5G phone in the world”, and that it has all the same features as the bigger iPhone.The iPhone 12 Mini will start at $699, while the bigger one will cost $799.The Mini has a 5.4-inch screen. That is much larger than the 4.70-inch one found in the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE – but the device itself is smaller.The extra space is gained because the iPhone 12 includes the same edge-to-edge design of the newer handsets, and so gets rid of the “chin and forehead” at either end of the screen, which previously included the home button and TouchID fingerprint sensor.

Apple has revealed the iPhone 12, a new handset with the first full redesign in years.It will be the first of Apple’s phones to include 5G, which chief executive Tim Cook claimed would represent a step change in the way the phone works.The larger phone starts at $799, while the smaller one costs $699.The iPhone 12 will also be the first hardware to charge with Apple’s new “MagSafe for iPhone” feature, which has a magnet that snaps onto the back and powers up the phone.The phone is also much more durable than ever before, being four times as strong when it is dropped, the company claimed. That was a result of what it called “Ceramic Shield” – a more resilient glass made in partnership with Corning, famous for making Gorilla Glass.But perhaps the most notable change is the new look, which includes square sides of the kind found on the iPhone Pro. As well as bringing a new look, that allows Apple to put antennas down the side to improve its 5G performance, Apple said.Read moreThe new design means that it can keep the same 6.1-inch display size from the iPhone 11 but at a reduced overall size, Apple said. The iPhone 12 is 11 per cent thinner and 16 per cent lighter as a result of the new design, Apple said.The phone also comes in a new blue colour, in addition to the usual red, white and black, Apple said.Inside of the phone is the A14 Bionic chip, the first chip in a smartphone that includes 5nm transistors. That allows the processor to be far more tightly-packed, vastly improving performance.That chip was actually revealed during last month’s “Time Flies” event, as part of the iPad Air, which also features it. But Apple has been cagey about how fast exactly it is, and the iPad Air is not yet available to the public, apparently so that it could stress its power during the iPhone launch.Apple also announced during the event that the game League of Legends would come to the iPhone for the first time. That was a result of the additional power provided by the new chip, the company said.Apple has also updated both of the lenses found in the iPhone 12’s dual-camera system. They will perform better in the dark as well as leading to more precise photos, Apple said.The company also said that new software features – known as computational photography – would improve performance of its HDR and night mode features.