IN this week’s Tech Round-Up we cover a whole host of exciting announcements including the new smartphone from LG, a pioneering fingerprint reader for iPhone and a preview of the long-awaited PlayStation 4.

CUTTING EDGE:  PayPal App Lets You Pay For Goods With Your Face

For the first time in the UK, the PayPal app for both Android and iOS will allow you to check-in to local businesses and pay with your face! Granted this is only available in parts of London at present, but the new service allows you to simply walk into a store, confirm your location then the participating business can process the payment by confirming your picture. Of course, there are some security concerns but PayPal insists it’s just as secure as its online service. Just need to wait for it to be rolled out in more areas, would be an interesting way to pay for that morning coffee!

APPLE: Working On Advanced Fingerprint Reader for iPhone

Following its acquisition of AuthenTec, Apple is working on a new fingerprint sensor to be used in its new iPhone. Apple has always sought to stand out from the competition and bring its consumers unique features but this one could be controversial due to the failure of commercial fingerprint readers in the past. However, AuthenTec are working on a new sensor that employs both capacitive and radio frequency technology to gain a much sharper image of a print, which won’t wear down over time like its predecessors. This will certainly be hard for the competition to imitate, Motorola tried implementing a print reader a few years back and over time, they simply stopped working. If Apple can fully realise the technology from AuthenTec then this could become an exciting addition for the next iPhone.

ANDROID: Spotify Browse Added To Mobile Apps

Ok so this isn’t just news for Android users, earlier this week Spotify released the new ‘Browse’ feature for both its Android and iOS apps. This gives you recommended playlists based on what you and your friends listen to, it claims to have music for every occasion, with playlists for the gym, going out, you name it. There is no need to update the app; Premium users will begin to see the new feature appear over the coming weeks. If you are not a Premium user, you can try Spotify on a 30 day trial and the subscription is half-priced if you’re a student. ‘Browse’ is following the trend of many music streaming services lately in delivering personalised content and pushing its music discovery features. This latest update even allows you to pick music based on your mood, which is a nice touch. Combine this with its recommended artists feature and you have a nice, comprehensive music experience.

GADGETS: New LG G2 Smartphone Announced
 

A few days ago, LG unveiled its new flagship smartphone the G2.  This ‘G’ classification will now be solely reserved for its premium products so we can expect big things from their latest release.  The G2 has received a comprehensive design overhaul, not just in ergonomics but through the user interface as well.  Following market research, LG have placed all hardware buttons on the rear of the device which is where your index finger naturally rests when using a phone.  There are no buttons on the side of the G2 whatsoever as LG discovered that fiddling to find these buttons led to increased phone drops.  Other unique features include: ‘Answer Me’ which automatically limits the ringer volume and answers the call when the phone is raised to your ear and ‘Plug & Pop’ to suggest commonly used services when headphones or USB cable are attached.  Spec-wise, the G2 is a premium product, shipping with a Quad-Core Snapdragon processor, full HD IPS display and a whopping 13 Megapixel camera.  For a more detailed rundown on this phone powerhouse please visit I Am Geek.

GAMING: PS4 Preview At Cineworld Thursday 15th August

Following last week’s successful Call of Duty gaming event, Game are giving us a PS4 preview at Cineworld in High Wycombe.  On display will be the new Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs, which will be shown on the enormous cinema screen!  Unfortunately you will not be able to play any of these titles, but beforehand the usual gaming shenanigans will be available with some possible Black Ops and Halo action.  This is one we’ve all been waiting for and I cannot wait to see what the PS4 can do.  Just show up around 7pm this Thursday 15th August and get in on the action!


James is a freelance technology and science writer from Bucks.
His interests range from gadgets and apps to movies and gaming, really anything geeky!
Visit his website www.i-am-geek.net for the latest news and reviews.