So, wireless charging. Plenty of smartphone makers have taken a stab at killing off the charging cable over the years, with Nokia in particular doing its best to make wireless charging into something that's less of a novelty and more of a real feature. While the likes of Apple have so far refused to bring wireless charging to iPhones and iPads, there's no doubt that there's something inherently cool about charging something just by putting it onto a plate.
With Google having announced the smartwatch-optimized Android Wear OS as short while ago, it's looking increasingly likely that Apple will respond with a device of its own. Even though, as revealed last year, the Cupertino company has apparently assigned a dedicated team to the process of developing the so-called "iWatch," we don't, as yet, have much idea as to its form factor. The various concept designers have regularly offered their takes on what might be in the offing, and Nermin Hasanovic's latest effort presents a very circular, Moto 360-esque approach.
Google Glass is an exciting and developing product, but it does have its fair share of naysayers. One of the common critiques of the Big G's face computer is that it's ugly, and while you may disagree with this assessment, it's fair to say that in a style-conscious society, Google will need to smarten up the current design. Having signed up a deal with Luxottica Group, the company behind Ray-Ban and Oakley, late last month, the search giant has outlined its intention to blend fashion with technology, and the concept below gives a very appealing, albeit idealistic idea of what said specs could look like.
We thought things had gone a little too far when we heard that Apple had introduced an app section within the iOS App Store dedicated to taking selfies. The practice of taking a photo of yourself has - for one reason or another - grown immensely popular in the last six months, leaving Apple with no option but to try and capitalize on it by curating a selection of the finest selfie based apps out there. If, like us, you thought that things couldn't get any crazier, then allow us to introduce you to S.E.L.F.I.E, the world's first magical mirror that can capture your photo (read: selfie) and post it to Twitter.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is just a few days from releasing, but some lucky individuals have managed to get their hands on the device earlier than billed. But while many of those with early access have given us a run-through of the numerous features that Samsung has bundled into the new handset - something we are certainly grateful for - others have used their privileged access to the new hardware to satisfy an appetite for destruction. It's certainly arguable that the videos that invent elaborate ways to destroy gleaming new devices are the most enjoyable of all, and a couple of new clips showing a hammer and a boiling water tests only further emphasize this point.
Retaining a substantial amount of battery is an ongoing challenge for owners of mobile devices, particularly as, with each new release, vendors are packing in more and more great hardware features. But as well as the battle in keeping the juice-o-meter sufficiently nourished, there's also the issue with charging times, with consumers often forced to wait for hours before a device reaches the magical 100% mark. But a new start-up has just showcased a technology that could, in future, charge a dead smartphone to full capacity in just one minute, which would, in no uncertain terms, be a game-changer.
With the serious nature of the current court battle between Samsung and Apple, it's always amusing to witness the many ways in which the on-looking tech community continually trolls both companies. With Samsung having developed a reputation for copying its Cupertino adversary - this being the main reason behind the current court case in California - a funny little graphic has emerged from what looks to be a Thai comic, showing just how Samsung came up with its logo. (Hint: it copied Apple).
You have to jump back to the turn of the century to remember a handset that managed to define a generation: the Nokia 3310. We all loved it. We all had one. We all played Snake on it. And now, thanks to some marketing genius from within Nokia, the 3310 is back with a modern twist ready to take on the big boys of the current age.
Apple is famed across the land for making beautiful products with a premium look and feel. The iPhone and iPad range are beautifully put together and instantly stand head and shoulders above the competition in that respect. Accessories like the Time Machine, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad have clearly had a lot of design research applied to them. Even the Apple TV is beautiful in its own simplistic kind of way. That leads us nicely onto the company's range of Mac computers. The MacBook and iMac are stunning to look at, but what if we had the option to purchase a sleek and mysterious looking black version of the MacBook Air?
We've all got our pet hates. Some people can't abide those who smoke, or perhaps have a particular disdain for anyone that bites their fingernails. With us, it's people who shout when talking on their phones.
