This week we see the world’s first Iron Man display, reveal the new ‘Hudl’ Tesco Tablet and explore the magic that is Disney Infinity!

CUTTING EDGE: Elon Musk Creates Iron Man Holographic Display

The infamous entrepreneur Elon Musk has recently revealed a new way of designing engine parts in his Space X company. Having been compared to Tony Stark himself; he has appropriately developed an Iron Man like 3D display using Leap Motion technology. Objects can be manipulated in front of the user’s eyes through a variety of displays, some using 3D glasses or virtual reality equipment. It uses technology that already exists but has just never been put together in quite this way before. Potentially, a more developed system like this could be a huge advantage to all in the design industry. Another Russian firm called Nettle have developed a similar holographic interface but special glasses must be worn, they aim to hit the commercial markets. I’m sure what we’re all wondering though is when can we say an actual Iron Man suit?!

APPLE: iOS 7 and iPhone 5S Security Concerns

Following the massive release of iOS 7, Apple has apparently seen over 30% of its user base move onto the new platform but alas some security issues have emerged as well. It turns out that there are several work-around’s to the lock screen security in order to make phone calls or access user data. One way to help prevent this is to disable the lock screen access under ‘Control Centre’ options and hopefully Apple will fix the remaining concerns. Furthermore, a German hacker group has managed to bypass the iPhone 5S’ fingerprint technology by creating a ‘fake finger’. They simply lifted a print and imposed this onto the model, highlighting the fact that fingerprints should not be used for security. The group comments that even though many average consumers couldn’t use this method it simply displays how unsafe fingerprints can be. They are left everywhere and a determined individual could use them if they wanted. Apple stated that they never said the technology would be fool proof but we will have to wait and see what happens next.

ANDROID: Rollout of BBM for Android on Hold

Previously leaked versions of the new BBM Android app have caused issues with its final release. It saw a whopping 1.1 million users on the service, which goes to show how popular this chat platform is. Still, this surge of activity has created problems for Blackberry and as a result, the launch date for BBM has been put back. Interestingly, the iPhone version is still running while the Android one has been disabled. Users are encouraged to register for updates on the Blackberry home page. Existing BBM users on Blackberry are not affected at all and the service is running as normal. In the meantime, I would suggest all you Android users out there keep using what is in my opinion a far superior chat app, WhatsApp messenger. This also offers free messaging over the web so you don’t have to go without.

GADGETS: Tesco Unveils Their ‘Hudl’ Android Tablet

Rather surprisingly, supermarket chain Tesco have just unveiled a new Android tablet dubbed the ‘Hudl’ (pronounced Huddle), which will act as a cheaper alternative to the Google Nexus 7. It is slated to cost just £119 and sports a 1440x900 resolution screen, 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of on-board storage. There is even a Micro HDMI port for connecting it to your TV. The Huddl will be running Android 4.2.2 so not the latest release but still good, featuring lock screen widgets and the like. Tesco have also included a ‘T’ launcher icon in the bottom left to give instant access to their services such as Blinkbox. It comes in a choice of glaring colours: black, blue, purple and red and will be available both online and in-store from September 30th. Tesco Clubcard holders can even get it for cheaper through the ‘Clubcard Boost’ program.

GAMING: The Magic of ‘Disney Infinity’

The lovely people at Game High Wycombe recently presented me with something rather special: Disney Infinity. Similar to the popular kids game Skylanders, Infinity uses real-world toy characters in its magical virtual world. It comes with a set piece giving you access to three stories: Monsters University, The Incredibles and Pirates of the Caribbean. Each one has its own unique feel and style of play and it’s quite fun to place a toy character on the ‘Infinity Pad’ then see it appear magically on-screen. The opening segment alone fills you with childish wonder as your spark makes it way forward, creating the Disney world around it. It really took me back. Plus once you’ve completed the included games, you can go out and buy more stories and characters. So beware all you mums and dads out there, this could be one your children pester you for!

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.