Wacom releases new touch-sensitive tablet

Finally, a version of the Cintiq 13HD that responds to your fingers as well as your stylus.

Looking for a new drawing tablet? Then you're spoiled for choice at the moment, with Wacom firing off new models left, right and centre. It's a matter of days since we gave you a first look at the new Companion 2 and Cintiq 27QHD tablets – the latter being touted as Wacom's best design yet. But already there's another device to consider, as the company releases the Cintiq 13HD touch. The original, non-touch version of the Cintiq 13HD was launched in 2013, but this is a new version that works with the fingertips. This means you can both draw and access shortcut commands via touch, through the device’s four customisable and application-specific ExpressKeys and Rocker Ring. The touch-element is essentially the main difference from the 2013 version: it still comes with a Pro Pen, offering 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, an adjustable stand optimised for use in a choice of four settings – flat, 22°, 35° and 50° – and a screen displaying 16.7 million colours. Priced at £799.99, the Cintiq 13HD touch will be available 'early March' at Wacom’s eStore and other selected retailers.

The 3 best watches for designers

These top timepieces, some recommended by pro designers, will help give your wrist a design twist. A watch is a very personal thing. Not only do we choose them on their style (and indeed how they match our overall look) but also because of their features, history, and perhaps even brand. But overall, of course, it's how a watch looks that draws our attention. Whether you're after a simple timepiece, a retro classic, a watch with a difference or one of the new raft of smart devices that enable you to receive notifications on your wrist, here we've picked a top selection – with the help of a few design experts and friends of Creative Bloq. >1. Aark Collective Iconic Graphite

Price: $379 Aark Collective's Iconic Graphite watch is a beauty. We particularly love the face details – the chronograph functions being housed in an acid-etched circle (60 seconds), diamond (60 minutes) and hexagon (24 hours). A rotating bezel is complemented with a 3mm Italian calfskin band. What's more, the 316L Aircraft-grade stainless steel has been PVD ion plated – meaning it's tough and durable as well as stylish and precise. The Iconic is also available in 'Monochrome' and 'Inox', but it's the Graphite we love (as does Empire magazine designer Olly Gibbs. The Timless Karat by the same company is another of Gibbs' favourites >2. Braun BN0171

Price: £275 What designer doesn't appreciate the simplicity and subtleties of a Braun timepiece? The BN0171 is probably the exemplary case in point, with a full ceramic case and bracelet and the iconic yellow second hand – and pretty much nothing else. Still, this doesn't stop it from being a stunning watch – it looks fantastic in both stone beige and black. In terms of features, well, like the design, it's pretty sparse (plus it's only water resistant to 3ATM). But that doesn't stop it from being a truly desirable 'physical interpretation of Braun's less is better philosophy'. T3 magazine art editor Luke O'Neill wants one on his wrist. >3. Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Watch

Price: Varies (Evo Big Date pictured: £159) The Mondaine Swiss Railways Watch, based on the 1944 Official Swiss Railways Clock by Hans Hilfiger, was first released in 1986 and today looks as stylish as it ever did. There are three collections available: the Stop2go, the Classic and the Simply Elegant. Whilst all three are utterly charming, we particularly like the Stop2go, which runs a little fast for 58 seconds, and then stops for 2 seconds at the full minute. Dave Greasly of branding agency sidebyside loves his Mondaine, even though "the date is always wrong and it's seven minutes slow!". Mondaine also makes the Mondaine Helvetica – a simple, stylish collection of watches echoing the form of the quintessential Swiss typeface.

Galaxy Tab 3: Tips & Tricks

Enjoy apps, movies, books and more on your Samsung Galaxy Tab® 3. Available in three sizes—7”, 8” and 10.1”—this powerful tablet is packed with features designed to give you a chance to relax, connect and be entertained.

Download Apps

Easily access all the apps you already bought or download more on your Galaxy Tab 3. Simply click on the Play Store icon within the apps menu to download new apps to your Galaxy Tab 3. We recommend checking out top apps like Skype, Pinterest, Facebook, and fun games like Candy Crush Saga. If you already bought apps on your Galaxy S phone, simply open the Play Store > click on the left soft key on the Galaxy Tab 3 (to the left of the home button) > click My Apps from the menu > tab over to the ALL option, and download all your existing apps from other devices.

Share Apps

Easily share your apps with other Galaxy owners right from the Galaxy Tab 3. Recommend your apps to friends via Bluetooth®, email, messaging or Wi-Fi Direct™. Go to Applications and touch the Menu key > Share App. Select the app from the list and touch Done. Follow the prompts to send a link to download the app.

Multi Window

With Multi Window on the 8” Galaxy Tab 3, you can use two applications at the same time so you can actually do two things at once. Multi Window’s dual view lets you open two different applications side-by-side, to perform two tasks at once, such as browsing the web while you watch a YouTube video. Or, look up the restaurant’s menu while you schedule your dinner party. Launch the Multi Window tray by touching and holding the Back key. The tray will appear on the side of the screen. An icon (>) will alert you that Multi Window Tray is activated. If it is blocking content, you can change the location of the icon by touching and holding the icon, and sliding it to the desired location. You can also change the position of the Multi Window Tray by holding down the < icon and moving it to the desired location on the sides of the screen. To customize the tray by adding or deleting apps, touch Edit when the tray is launched. You can then drag apps into or out of the tray as desired. To use Dual View and view two apps at once, select the first app that you would like to use. It will open in full screen. To view the second app in Dual View, select the app from the Multi Window tray and drag it to the screen. To turn off the Multi Window feature, navigate to Settings and deselect Multi Window.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Search, explore and buy online with fast web-browsing. Stay connected with friends wherever you are. Download apps, catch up on email and more. And now, when you buy and register your Galaxy Tab 3 at samsung.com/us/galaxyperks you get access to 12 months of premium Boingo™ Mobile Wi-Fi at 35,000 hotspots in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. To turn Wi-Fi on or off, go to Applications > Settings > Wireless & Networks > Wi-Fi settings. Next to Wi-Fi is a box. Touch the box to place a green checkmark in it and Wi-Fi will turn on. A second way to turn Wi-Fi on is through the Quick Panel. On the Home screen, touch the top of the screen and swipe down with a finger. The Quick Panel will appear. Press the Wi-Fi button to turn the feature on.

Widgets

With resizable widgets, you can determine which widgets are most important to you. Widgets are self-contained applications that you can place on the Home screens to access your favorite features. Widgets come in all shapes and sizes, are customizable, and reside on any available home screen for quick access. When you first turn on your tablet, there are various widgets on the center Home screen. To add widgets: • Touch and hold on any home screen and then touch Widgets. • Touch and swipe to browse to the desired widget and then touch it to apply it to the currently viewed home screen. • Touch the home screen or the Back button to exit.

Technology in 2015 - the new gadgets coming your way

Smarter appliances, cars, watches and virtual reality. All paid for with a swipe of your smartphone? 2015 may make it a reality

 

The smart-home

The Internet of Things (IoT) has, for some time, suggested the interconnectivity of otherwise separate devices and ecosystems; connected devices improving the practicality of our day to day lives. 2015 will see the IoT come to a domestic setting in a big way – with connected devices pulling the idea of the smart home sharply into focus. Thanks to prospective pushes from the likes of LG and Samsung, the smart home market looks set for sudden growth. The industry drive may mean surges in home sensor and security products (accessed and controlled via a smartphone). But it will also mean more smart devices aimed at monitoring utilities and home systems, aiding productivity and delivering entertainment.  

Smart appliances

A smart home needs smart gadgets and appliances. Entertainment, security and utilities are areas offering ample room for market development next year, but appliances and in-home gadgets offer even more. Bosch is one of the names which could kick-start a year filled with smart appliances. The company is the main sponsor of the smart-home section of January's CES show too. Nest Labs, Philips, Belkin, Electrolux and others will be attending Las Vegas' annual technology show in January, as products such as the Vessyl smart cup launch to market. With almost every area of our lives destined to become smarter this year, be prepared for appliances to get the technology treatment and be smarter as a result.

Mobile payments

It's pretty much inevitable that smartphone mobile payments will become widespread, though they have yet to take off in the UK. But such services should be grabbing headlines throughout 2015. Apple appears ever-so-close to the UK roll-out of its Apple Pay service. And, in spite of the advent of Android, the iPhone manufacturer is still highly influential when breaking such ground. The launch of Apple Pay won't be useful for everybody, but mobile payments as a whole will undoubtedly benefit. Services such as Zapp for Android are eyeing 2015 launches, and EE's Cash on Tap service is laying the foundations for a year where every transaction from train journeys to chewing gum could get the mobile treatment.

Super drones

If 2014 was the year of the selfie, and 'dronie' is the likely successor, the coming months will continue to place unmanned aerial vehicles as a fixture in our collective day-to-day consciousness. Drones may seem a trend that has already peaked, but expect to hear less about who has hold of one (the answer may be everybody), and more about what they're being used for. It may be common place to see an owner controlling their own in a local park, but the discussion about practical and real-world uses has only just begun. Drones aren't a one-off fad; particularly with companies like Amazon keen on utilising them. More drones, being more useful, will be larger parts of our lives.

Better 3D printing

NASA recently made it possible for a 3D printed spanner to be created aboard the International Space Station. Serving to highlight how far the technology has come, the feat will help propel 3D printing into a development daze. We'll be seeing controversy, regulation and even more success stories with regards to the industry. Hardware and equipment costs will fall, leading to increased access and applications in industrial, health and commercial areas. Perhaps a 3D printer won't be a realistic buy for the home in the next year, but 3D printing services will become more widespread and more accessible as regulations are ironed out.

4K's advent

The successor to HD, 4K (Ultra HD) will only become widespread with a drop in price, sensible business models and the proliferation of 4K content and services. 2014 was supposed to be the year for 4K, but without a convincing argument for the standard – and the means by which to easily access it – it didn't really happen. 4K is now 2015's to foster and the options are it either falling away or being turned into an attractive proposition. The latter is far more likely.

3 Apple Products to Expect in 2015

When it comes to revealing details about its upcoming product plans, there is probably no other tech company in the world today that rivals Apple’s obsession with secrecy. Besides allowing it to develop groundbreaking products like the iPhone without tipping off competitors, Apple’s refusal to discuss its future plans has also helped the company create unprecedented levels of consumer excitement around each new product release. On the other hand, the California-based company’s notorious secrecy has also given rise to a thriving rumor mill that is dedicated to filling the information gap about the company’s products. Due to the dearth of official information from Apple, industry watchers interested in obtaining details about the iPhone maker’s upcoming products must rely on unnamed insider sources and anonymous supply chain leaks. While the information acquired from these sources should always be taken with a grain of salt, many rumors about Apple’s upcoming products have turned out to be accurate, including the long-running rumors about the Apple Watch. Now that Apple has wrapped up its 2014 fall product refresh cycle, the Apple rumor mill has focused its attention on the products that Apple may release in 2015. Here are five products that Apple fans will see or are likely to see in 2015.

>1.

Product: Apple Watch Release date: early 2015

Let’s start by getting the most obvious new product out of the way. The Apple Watch is the only product that Apple has officially confirmed is coming next year, so it’s no secret that the company’s first wearable tech product will make its debut in 2015. On the other hand, there are still many unknown details about the Apple Watch, such as its expected battery life or the prices of all the various Watch models. Apple has only revealed that the Apple Watch will be arriving in “early 2015.” However, according to the latest rumors cited by French Apple news site IGen.fr, the Apple Watch is likely to make its debut on Valentine’s Day. Apple has been similarly vague about the pricing of the various Watch models. Although Apple revealed that the Watch will start at $349, it is still unknown how much the more expensive models will cost. Price estimates for the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition collection models have ranged from around $1,200 to $10,000, according to various sources cited by TechCrunch and Forbes. More recently, Apple’s release of the WatchKit software tools for developers revealed a few additional details about the device’s screen resolution and operational features. According to Apple, the 38 millimeter-size Watch models will feature a 272-by-340-pixel screen and the 42 millimeter versions will feature a 312-by-390-pixel screen. Watch apps will be heavily reliant on the iPhone and will deliver information through basic “Glances” or actionable notifications. While the first generation of Watch apps will require an iPhone in order to function, Apple revealed that native Watch apps will arrive later in 2015.

>2.

Product: Larger-screen iPad Release date: Third quarter of 2015?

While Apple has never confirmed the existence of this product, many industry watchers believe that Apple will unveil a larger-screen iPad model sometime next year. The so-called iPad Pro or iPad Plus is rumored to feature a screen size that is over 12 inches, considerably bigger than the 7.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad models currently offered by Apple. Last year, the Taiwan-based DigiTimes reported that Apple was developing a 12.9-inch tablet aimed at North America’s education market. However, according to rumors from Japanese blog Mac Otakara, the larger-screen iPad will feature a 12.2-inch screen similar to the size of Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3. The iPad Pro is rumored to have an extremely thin profile of only seven millimeters, slightly thinner than the iPhone 6 Plus. According to Mac Otakara’s sources, the larger-screen iPad will be released sometime in the third quarter of 2015. While it is possible that the large-screen iPad is primarily intended for use in educational settings, it is also likely related to Apple’s previously announced partnership with IBM. According to Apple, the partnership with IBM will “transform enterprise mobility through a new class of business apps.” Besides giving enterprise and education users a larger display that is ideal for group presentations, the iPad Pro may also include custom iOS software that allows for split-screen multitasking.

>3.

Product: MacBook Air with Retina display Release date: mid-2015?

Although Apple has used its Retina display technology in its line of MacBook Pro laptops since 2012, the company has yet to debut a lower-cost MacBook Air with a Retina display. Earlier this year, a report from BGR predicted that the MacBook Air with Retina display would launch in time for the 2014 holiday shopping season, based on the release of a new Intel Core M processor that could allow the implementation of a higher resolution screen without sacrificing too much battery life. However, according to sources cited by Macworld, Apple is now waiting for the next generation i5 or i7 chipsets, due to the Core M processors’ supposedly poor performance. This means that Apple’s MacBook Air with Retina Display will likely arrive sometime in 2015. Along with the rumors about an upgraded display for the current 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models, there have also been persistent rumors about a new 12-inch MacBook Air model. As noted by MacRumors, the 12-inch MacBook Air is rumored to feature a Retina display, an ultra-slim clamshell casing, a new type of trackpad without a mechanical button, and a fan-less design. Those predictions aligned with a recent report from 9to5Mac that also suggested that the 12-inch MacBook Air would have no SD card slot or MagSafe connector and would feature the new USB Type-C ports, instead of the standard USB ports. Finally, well-connected Apple blogger Jack March predicted that the new 12-inch MacBook Air would be offered in the same three colors available for the iPhone 6 and would be released around mid-2015.