Press Release

New Cyber-shot™ cameras from Sony with best-ever picture quality, enhanced Optical SteadyShot and Wi-Fi

· Improved Optical SteadyShot, effective even when zooming
· Enhanced Superior Auto for better results with moving subjects
· Built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing and backups
· Instant portrait retouching with new Beauty Effect 
· Advanced Flash brightens shots of distant subjects

Latest additions to the Cyber-shot™ camera range from Sony offer more exciting opportunities to shoot and share those precious memories – from action-packed holidays and parties to personality-filled portraits.

Featured on the slim, stylish Cyber-shot™ WX200, WX80 and WX60, Sony’s acclaimed Exmor R™ CMOS sensor delivers sparkling, detail-packed still images and Full HD video.

Now up to four times more effective than last year1, Optical SteadyShot on Exmor R™ CMOS models reduces the effects of camera shake for crisp, blur-free results, even when zooming – a common cause of blurred images. Now you’ll see smoother, more stable results at all zoom settings, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto close-ups.

Newly refined on all three Exmor R™ CMOS models, Superior Auto takes the guesswork out of picking the right camera settings. Cyber-shot™ recognises an even wider range of shooting situations, including tricky low-light scenes. Everything is adjusted automatically for best results in daylight or dusk, with improved motion detection for better, blur-free images when your subject is moving.

Built-in Wi-Fi (Cyber-shot™ WX200 and WX80) makes image sharing easier than ever. Send full-resolution photos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet, then upload to your favourite social networks using Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app. View images stored in the camera on your networked TV; or backup photos and videos straight from your camera to a PC with no cables needed.

Wi-Fi even lets you use your smartphone as a handy remote to control your Cyber-shot™. It’s like having a second shutter button in your pocket – great for self-portraits or group shots where you don’t want to be left out of the fun. Other camera functions can also be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi from your mobile, including start movie recording, zoom, select flash mode, self-timer and image review2.

Featured right across this season’s Cyber-shot™ line-up, Beauty Effect brings out the best in your portrait subjects. After shooting, the camera cleverly re-touches photos, removing skin blemishes and wrinkles for more flattering results. It can even widen the appearance of half-closed eyes, whiten teeth and deal with shiny foreheads. Effective with female and male subjects, it's instant, automatic and far easier than using your PC for tricky image editing.

All new models also feature Advanced Flash that boosts the camera's sensitivity, making further-away subjects appear brighter with the same amount of light3. Extending the camera's effective flash range, is a big bonus for party shots, indoors or at dusk where your camera's built-in flash often struggles to reach the action. 

Common to all Exmor R™ CMOS models, compatibility with new TRILUMINOS(TM) Colour4 lets you enjoy those most precious memories, reproduced with rich and natural colours. You’ll experience an expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colours when still images and videos are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for TRILUMINOS(TM) Display.

This season’s new Cyber-shot™ models at a glance
The slim, compact Cyber-shot™ WX200, WX80 and WX60 capture superb still images and Full HD movies in a light, stylish camera that’s ideal for travel or everyday shooting.

Tough enough to keep up the pace, the rugged new Cyber-shot™ TF1 shrugs off snow, sand, dust, freezing temperatures and total immersion at depths up to 10m5. The sporty, shock resistant body is styled for comfortable handling, with easy, fumble-free controls that won't get in the way of having serious fun – from hiking and grime-soaked bike trails to the beach or pool. The camera automatically adjusts LCD brightness for a clear view of shots, whether you’re inside or outdoors.

With its powerful 26x optical zoom range, the Cyber-shot™ H200 helps you shoot like a pro without needing to change lenses. The camera’s ergonomic comfort grip and DSLR-like styling take their cues from Sony’s ‘α’ interchangeable-lens camera range.

The light, compact Cyber-shot™ W730 makes point-and-shoot photography refreshingly simple, while the W710 adds large, fuss-free buttons to reassure photo novices. You’ll enjoy detail-packed stills and HD video clips every time, without the worry of fiddly camera settings or confusing controls. 

Features at a glance
Cyber-shot™ WX200 - 18.2 effective megapixels Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom Sony G Lens, enhanced Optical SteadyShot, Full HD video, Superior Auto, high-speed Autofocus, Wi-Fi, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash.

Cyber-shot™ WX80 - 16.2 effective megapixels Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, 8x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, enhanced Optical SteadyShot, Full HD video, Superior Auto, Wi-Fi, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash.

Cyber-shot™ WX60 - 16.2 effective megapixels Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, 8x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, enhanced Optical SteadyShot, Full HD video, Superior Auto, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash.

Cyber-shot™ TF1 – waterproof to 10m, dust-, shock- and freeze-proof5. 16.1 effective megapixels Super HAD CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom lens, Optical SteadyShot, HD video, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash.

Cyber-shot™ H200 – 20.1 effective megapixels Super HAD CCD sensor, 26x optical zoom Sony lens, HD video, Intelligent Auto, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash, compatible with AA dry batteries.

Cyber-shot™ W730 - 16.1 effective megapixels Super HAD CCD sensor, 8x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, Optical SteadyShot, HD video, Intelligent Auto, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash.

Cyber-shot™ W710 - 16.1 effective megapixels Super HAD CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom Sony lens, HD video, Intelligent Auto, Beauty Effect, Advanced Flash.

There’s a wide choice of official Cyber-shot™ accessories by Sony, including colour coordinating carry cases, straps, batteries and chargers. See the full range of Cyber-shot™ accessories here:http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/cyber-shot-digital-cameras/accessories

This season’s new Cyber-shot™ WX200, WX80, WX60, TF1, H200, W730 and W710 digital compact cameras by Sony are available in Europe from February 2013.

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Press Release

This season’s camcorders by Sony with best-ever picture quality, superior sound and easy sharing

• Balanced Optical SteadyShot for smoother movies deployed in increased number of models
• Brighter projector models with external input
• Easy wireless sharing and backups with optional Wi-Fi
• Every sound captured beautifully – from the loudest concert to gentle whispers

Capture those once-in-a-lifetime family memories with the new Handycam® range of Full HD camcorders from Sony.

Enhanced picture quality and wider shooting options are teamed with exciting possibilities to share and enjoy your videos. Your movies look smoother and more professional than ever thanks to Sony’s innovative Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology. Projector brightness is boosted on many models, and a new projector input lets you beam the screen of your smartphone, tablet or PC onto a wall or any nearby surface.

Making its Handycam® debut, an optional Wi-Fi adapter simplifies cable-free transfers of video clips and still photos – and even lets you control the camcorder remotely with your smartphone[1].

Better-quality images and sound

Sony’s unique Exmor R™ CMOS sensor inside every new Full HD Handycam® assures beautifully clear, detailed video footage and sparkling stills. You’ll get results to be proud of – even in tricky low-light conditions where other camcorders and smartphone cameras struggle.

Unique to Sony, Balanced Optical SteadyShot now features across even more Handycam® models. This powerful image stabiliser cuts handheld image wobbles for smoother, steadier footage in virtually any shooting situation. ‘Floating’ optics and sensor inside the camcorder compensate more effectively for hand tremors – providing up to 13x better image stabilisation that’s effective at all zoom settings, from wide angle to dramatic close-ups.

Shooting possibilities are broadened further with enhanced wide angle performance right across the range. All models – including entry-level HD Handycam® now offer a wide angle lens with less than 30mm minimum focal length. Squeeze more into landscapes, parties and big family groups: you’ll have no worries getting everyone – and everything – into the picture.

Common to all models, compatibility with new “TRILUMINOS Colour”[2] lets you enjoy those most precious memories, reproduced with rich and natural colours. You’ll experience an expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colours when videos and still images are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for “TRILUMINOS Display”.

Your camcorder’s audio is also upgraded this season. Sony’s Advanced Sound System (on selected models) offers several quality enhancements to ensure superior soundtracks – whether you’re in a packed arena with your favourite band or capturing a baby’s first gentle gurgles. The high-quality external microphone on select models ensures that audio is captured with pinpoint accuracy.

Wider Dynamic Range ensures great clarity with loud and quiet sounds alike. Audio record levels can be tweaked for best results without distortion – even at extreme volumes where your smartphone or camera’s microphone just can’t cope with the overload. And for the best possible movie soundtracks, there’s a choice of optional microphones by Sony to record sparkling sound in any situation.

More great ways to share and save the memories

Projector power has been boosted for brighter movie shows that everyone in the room can enjoy. Light output of the range-leading Handycam® PJ780V is now upped by over 50%, while resolution has been upgraded for even clearer, sharper projected images. 

In addition, most projector models now offer an HDMI input. Just hook up the output of your smartphone, tablet or PC:[3] then use Handycam® to project movies, slideshows, web pages or games onto a nearby wall or white surface.

In a Handycam® first, all new camcorders now offer the option of recording HD video in either AVCHD or MP4 formats. AVCHD offers the best possible picture quality for enjoying on your Full HD TV or burning to Blu-ray Disc for archiving. Alternatively, shoot crisply-detailed clips using the popular, bandwidth-saving MP4 format: it’s perfect for online sharing and easy uploads to favourite social media web sites from your PC.

New accessories for Handycam®

All new Handycam® models feature the ‘Multi Terminal’ interface that allows intelligent communication between camcorder and shooting accessories.

New camcorders above the HDR-PJ/CX400 series feature the ‘Multi Interface Shoe’ that accommodates accessories including flash and microphones while drawing power from the camera. Developed as a common shoe for imaging products by Sony including digital still cameras, video cameras and interchangeable lens cameras, the Multi Interface Shoe is also compatible with accessories by Sony conforming to the ISO standard.

Compatible with 2013 Multi Interface Shoe Handycam® models, the ADP-WL1M is a compact Wi-Fi adapter module that brings wireless connectivity to Handycam® for the first time. Allowing easy wireless transfers of MP4 movie files and photos directly to a smartphone or tablet, it also enables cable-free backups of movie files and photos to your PC. You can even use your smartphone as a handy wireless remote to control Record Start/Stop, zoom and other functions on Handycam®.

The HVL-LEIR1 is a handy battery-powered video light that’s compatible with all new Multi Interface Shoe camcorder models. Running on AA batteries, it doubles as an infrared source for exciting ‘no-lights’ footage with Handycam® models that support NightShot or Super NightShot.

Also Multi Interface Shoe compatible, the ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone supports high quality sound recording. Its wide frequency response assures crisp dialogue and ambient sounds.

The RDP-CA2 is a portable ‘360 degrees’ speaker that connects directly to compatible camcorder models featuring a Multi Terminal. It’s a great way for everyone in the room to enjoy a clear, rich soundtrack while viewing movies on Handycam® projector models.

There’s also a choice of three new Remote Control Tripods, all compatible with Multi Terminal Handycam® models. The compact VCT-VPR1 is joined by the sturdy VCT-VPR10 and the range-topping VCT-VPR100.

Key features: this season’s new Handycam® models at a glance


Handycam® PJ780VE – Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 25p/50p; Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with 17x extended zoom / 10x optical zoom / 26mm wide angle; Balanced Optical Steady Shot; 35 lumen projector and stereo speakers; HDMI external projector input; Advanced Sound Processor; High-quality external microphone; Electronic Viewfinder; Manual Dial; Multi Interface Shoe; AVCHD/MP4 recording; Wi-Fi compatible

Handycam® PJ650VE - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 25p/50p; Sony G Lens with 20x extended zoom / 12x optical zoom / 26.8mm wide angle; Balanced Optical Steady Shot; 20 lumen projector and stereo speakers; HDMI external projector input; Advanced Sound Processor; Electronic Viewfinder; Manual Dial; Multi Interface Shoe; AVCHD/MP4 recording; Wi-Fi compatible

Handycam® PJ420VE - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 25p/50p; Sony G Lens with 55x extended zoom / 30x optical zoom / 26.8mm wide angle; Balanced Optical Steady Shot; 13 lumen projector and stereo speakers; HDMI external projector input; Advanced Sound Processor; Multi Interface Shoe; AVCHD/MP4 recording; Wi-Fi compatible

Handycam® PJ320E - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 50p; Sony G Lens with 55x extended zoom / 30x optical zoom / 26.8mm wide angle; Optical Steady Shot Active Mode; 13 lumen projector and stereo speakers; HDMI external projector input; Multi Interface Shoe; AVCHD/MP4 recording

Handycam® CX410VE - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 25p/50p; Sony G Lens with 55x extended zoom / 30x optical zoom / 26.8mm wide angle; Balanced Optical Steady Shot; Multi Interface Shoe; AVCHD/MP4 recording; Wi-Fi compatible

Handycam® CX320E - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 50p; Sony G Lens with 55x extended zoom / 30x optical zoom / 26.8mm wide angle; Optical Steady Shot Active Mode; Multi Interface Shoe; AVCHD/MP4 recording; Wi-Fi compatible

Handycam® CX280E - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 50p; Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 50x extended zoom / 27x optical zoom / 29.8mm wide angle; Optical Steady Shot; AVCHD/MP4 recording

Handycam® CX220E - Exmor R™ CMOS; Full HD 50p; Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 32x extended zoom / 27x optical zoom / 29.8mm wide angle; Electronic Steady Shot; AVCHD/MP4 recording

The new range of Handycam® HD camcorders by Sony are available in Europe from February 2013.

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Press Release

Sensational styling plus Wi-Fi, online services and easy control from your mobile

• Cutting-edge new styling inspired by Sense of Quartz to harmonise with your new BRAVIA TV
• Enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with stronger signal reception and extended range
• Internet-enabled with smart access to wide range of streaming music, video and interactive services 
• Browse online content & services with TV SideView mobile app

 

Home entertainment has never looked better with four sensationally styled new Smart Blu-ray Disc™ Players from Sony.

This season’s feature-packed Smart Blu-ray Disc™ Player line-up instantly adds presence to any living space. Confidently sculpted lines echo the Sense of Quartz styling that’s a signature of this season’s BRAVIA TV range.

Whether you’re watching movies in 3D on Blu-ray Disc™ or your favourite DVD upscaled to Full HD, you’ll enjoy supreme picture quality. Connect your Smart Blu-ray Disc™ player to the latest generation of BRAVIA LCD TVs with support for TRILUMINOS Display – you’ll enjoy even more vibrant images with a richer, wider range of lifelike colours.

The new fully-enclosed optical drive maximises playback stability and now features even faster Quick Start Loading. Just slip in a disc and you’re moments away from a more satisfying, immersive entertainment experience.

Connect to even more entertainment experiences with Wi-FiBuilt-in Wi-Fi on selected models connects you with an exciting world of online content and services. Wireless reception is improved compared with previous models for stronger, more stable access to streaming services… even if your Wi-Fi hub is out in the hallway or in another room.

It’s easy to explore a huge choice of content from Sony and other great names. One simple subscription to Sony Entertainment Network lets you enjoy thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows from Video Unlimited, or browse millions of songs and ad-free radio channels from Music Unlimited. Need even more entertainment? Access popular streaming services like LOVEFiLM and Netflix. Browse favourite web sites on the big screen while relaxing on the sofa. You can even join the conversation on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter as you watch TV.

Stay in control with TV SideViewControl your Smart Blu-ray Disc™ Player (*1) from your Xperia Tablet, Xperia smartphone, iPhone or iPad with TV SideView. This free mobile app (Android or iOS) makes it easy to explore online services and discover more great content related to the disc or show you’re watching. It’s a supremely satisfying home entertainment experience… right at your fingertips. Busy doing something else? You can even control your Blu-ray Disc™ Player ‘hands free’ with voice commands.

The new the BDP-S1100, BDP-S3100, BDP-S4100 and BDP-S5100 Smart Blu-ray Disc™ Players by Sony are available from February 2013.

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Press Release

• New range of 4K LED TV will be introduced in 65” and 55”
• See every detail with 4K X-Reality PRO and latest X-Reality PRO
• Discover a rich new world of colour with TRILUMINOS Display
• Thrill to clearer sound with strong, rich bass
• Connect easily with your smartphone or tablet
• Experience the presence and simplicity of Sony’s new Sense of Quartz design

Feel the beauty, emotion, drama and excitement of every moment with this season’s best-ever BRAVIA line-up from Sony. Stunning pictures and soul-stirring sound come together in an immersive TV experience that’s never been more real. Enrich your viewing enjoyment and effortlessly control BRAVIA with your smartphone or tablet. Add a subtly powerful presence to any living space with Sense of Quartz – the dramatic new direction in TV design that enhances your entire entertainment experience.

Go beyond HD with detail that’s never been more realOnce you’ve seen it there’s no going back. Immerse yourself in an incredible world of 4K images by Sony, packed with extraordinary detail that’s just like real life. The powerful 4K X-Reality PRO processing engine lets you enjoy all your favourite content in detail-packed 4K resolution – from Blu-ray Disc™ and TV broadcasts to web videos. With all content upscaled to four times the resolution of Full HD (actual resolution 3840 x 2160 pixels), 4Ktransforms your viewing experience as you’ve never dreamed before.

 

Following the release of its highly acclaimed 4K LED TV in the world’s largest 84” class, Sony expands its line-up through the phased global launch of 65” and 55” X9000A series 4K LED TVs.

Best-ever picture quality, whatever the sourceWhatever you’re watching, the latest X-Reality PRO engine analyses, cleans and refines images, carefully matching pixel patterns against its huge database. You’ll get the best from any picture source – from movies to low-resolution smartphone clips.

A wider world of richer, purer coloursUnique to Sony, new TRILUMINOS Display enriches your viewing with an even wider palette of rich, ultra-real colours, including hard-to-reproduce reds and emerald greens. From shimmering seascapes to flowers and lush, rolling meadows – everything’s more vivid and satisfyingly real. Skies are bluer, and faces look better with subtle, natural skin tones.

By integrating QD Vision’s “Color IQ” (*1) optical component with Sony’s unique display technologies, this television set achieves significantly wider colour gamut, that provides a far more natural and vivid viewing experience with a heightened sense of depth.

Soul-stirring sound you’ll really feelSony’s unique Signal-to-Sound architecture makes every moment more real – from the roar of a packed stadium to the quietest whisper. Advanced processing technology restores, optimises and refines audio signals for sparkling music and dialogue that adds an extra thrill to all your viewing.

Just one touch: make the connection with your phone or tabletThe new BRAVIA Line-up is smarter than ever, coming together with mobile devices to create a seamless entertainment experience. Browse schedules, record shows and explore related content with TV SideView, the intuitive new app for your Android or iOS device. Touch your NFC-compatible Xperia smartphone briefly against One-touch Remote, the NFC embedded simple TV remote to effortlessly establish a wireless connection. Then ‘mirror’ your phone on BRAVIA: it’s a great way to enjoy photos, videos, games and apps on the big screen with fabulous colour and detail.

Sense of Quartz – beauty and intelligence combinedOpen your imagination to Sense of Quartz, the subtly powerful new direction in TV design by Sony. Timeless geometrical forms are fused in harmonious balance, with the monolithic quartz-like rectangular panel floating over a circular base that expresses purity and simplicity. They’re united by an intelligent ‘core’, responding to your commands with a softly coloured glow immediately beneath the Sony logo on the TV’s bezel.

This season’s stunning new BRAVIA range will be available in Europe from April 2013, and the X9000A series from July 2013.

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The Games and Gadgets Geek Guide to a Geeky Xmas

This might be the latest Christmas shopping guide ever, but according to our retail contacts anyway, Christmas is going to be late this year, or didn’t you get the memo, as everyone is holding out for a bargain. So for all you late shoppers we’ve put together a short list of our favourite games and gadgets of the year for your favourite geeks this Christmas.

10 In at number 10 is Sony’s Playstation Vita an absolute powerhouse in handheld gaming; no self-respecting geek should be caught in the daily commute without one. Not only is it an outstanding console in its own right, it’s a brilliant media device and web browser too but don’t take my word for it just check out these specs.

I only wish Sony would speed up the release of new games as the current catalogue is lacking somewhat. However with the introduction of playstation plus for the vita and the numerous free games that will be included over the year, it’s a must have for geeks everywhere, and rumour has it you can head over to your local GAME and grab one for £179.99 with Blackops Declassified and a 4GB memory card so grab it while you can.

 9 At number 9 we have every tech heads Christmas number one Nvidia’s GeForce GTX690 the ultimate graphics card for the best performance in any gaming situation. With 3072 CUDA cores and a texture fill rate of 234 billion/second coupled with 4GB of GDDR5 RAM this card produces such realism you’ll be bleeding all over the keyboard with every virtual wound you sustain.

For the geekier of you check out the full tech specs below and if you really love the geek you’re with this Christmas then this is a definite contender for no-brainer of the year. Prices for this model start from around £750 but you can pick up a GTX660 for around £200 with a small loss in performance but still great bang for your buck.

8 An old classic making a comeback at number 8 it’s the Furby. This classic childhood toy has been revamped and given a few new tricks, LCD eyes are a great addition as are the new personalities. This is a great present for young and nostalgic geeks alike with much fun to be had, just be careful not to make Furby go crazy… Seriously, but I guess you can find that out yourselves.

Average retail price is around £59.99 and you’re going to need some batteries to go with it. Although if you want a peaceful boxing day, maybe

use the half dead ones in the TV remote.

7 We’ve gone a little insane at number 7 with my favourite game of the year its Far Cry 3. Although its malaria ridden little brother of a game Far Cry 2 was less than great the third instalment of the series is back to the winning ways of the original. With stunning graphics a completely open environment and a fully independent eco system with predators to watch out for, Far Cry 3 is the best open world game I’ve played.

With an average retail price of £39.99 it’s a great idea for a geeky Christmas gift. Just remember if you do get this for your geek this Christmas you may well not see them again until the new year, and when they do finally emerge from their gaming cave they might not be the same anymore, you have been warned! For a full review of Far Cry 3 Check out the link.

 

6 At number 6 it’s a staple of any gadget reviewers top 10 the iPad 3. With its fantastic HD retina display, a quad core processor, 5-megapixel camera, 1080p video recording capabilities and 4G mobile bandwidth, this is the ultimate in geek luxury on the go. Apple’s stunning design and build quality are easy to see and this has to be on every geeks wish list.

This is a must have for every apple fan boy and girl out there so if you know one that’s gone without so far, its time to make their Christmas. Starting at £369 this is only for those geeks you really love this Christmas but you do have a few options and there is now a 4^thgen version and the mini to choose from as well.

5 We’re soaring high with HD video at number 5 with my favourite gadget of the year the parrot AR drone 2.0. This amazing little device is a quad rotor drone that can be controlled with any android or IOS device and comes with a 720p camera to boot. Beaming the image straight back to your device you can play augmented reality games against friends in real time or simply take photos of amazing views at the touch of a button.

Starting at around the £200 price region this is one expensive boys toy but it is absolutely worth it, and if your geek is a budding film maker then you can always write it off as a tax expense, after all it’s a fairly cheap way to get those sweeping panoramic’s or 360 slow-mo’s.

4 In at number 4 its Apple’s biggest rival Google with the nexus 10. Boasting the highest resolution screen on the market, Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), a 5-megapixel camera, MIMO Wifi and all weighing in at just over 600g this is a beast of a tablet. This sexy little machine is great for any specs. whores out there as it’s absolutely crammed with the latest tech, the screen alone is miles ahead of the competition with outstanding picture quality and amazing clarity.

With a starting price of just £319 that alone puts it above the iPad on this list let alone the fact the tech is spot on as well, and at least you’re never going to get lost with good old Google maps. So if you feel like treating your geek to the best this Christmas its got to be the Nexus 10.

3 Is it a hand held? Could it be a new controller? Or is it a new console? At number 3 it’s the worst marketing job in history with the Wii-U. Despite the confusion on the high street Nintendo’s latest console is an impressive little machine boasting crisp graphics, smooth game play and innovative controls. It’s the first of the next gen consoles and an absolute must have for any die-hard Nintendo fans out there.

With bundles starting at £259 it would seem that the next gen console has come in without a next gen price tag, always nice to see Nintendo keeping the prices down. Just don’t look too closely at the price stickers on the games and you’ll be fine. So if you’re after a geektastic Christmas don’t miss out on your Wii-U, because we all know you won’t be able to find them after Christmas.

2 Nerd poling its way to number 2 is a modern classic, Minecraft. This simple game about survival in an almost Lego like world has evolved into so much more. Whether you pick it up on pc or Xbox the game is so varied and addictive that geeks and non-geeks alike will find themselves losing days or even weeks creating their own minecraft utopia.

At only £13.49 on the Xbox and £17.99 on the pc it’s a great budget gift for any geek out there. Just be on hand to console them when their budding utopian society is brought to its knees by a creeper.

1 Driving straight into pole position but with zero carbon emissions is the Tesla Model S. This amazing electric car is the ultimate gadget equipped with a 17” touch screen display in the centre console and a fully digital dials output this really is the geekmobile. Capable of doing 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and with a range of 300 miles this is an amazing vehicle.

Although not available in time for Christmas you can reserve one for £4000 expect the overall cost to be steep though as this is a luxury sedan. It’s not exactly a Christmas gift option I know but it is still the ultimate geeky gadget and fully deserves the top spot here.

So that’s the geeks Christmas wish list for 2012 hope that it has helped make a few decisions but more importantly I wish you all a merry Christmas and hope you all get your geek on.

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PlayStation^®Vita version 2.00 System Software Update brings PlayStation^®Plus to fans of portable gaming

Current PlayStation^®Plus Subscribers can now enjoy PlayStation^®Plus exclusive benefits on their PlayStation^®Vita at no additional cost

London, 13^th November, Today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced that as part of the version 2.00 System Software Update for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), they will be bringing PlayStation ® Plus (PS Plus), a subscription service package from PlayStation®Network, to PS Vita. Allowing fans to get even more from the world’s most powerful portable system the subscription service will be available on PS Vita from the 21^st November and it will be available to existing PlayStation®3 (PS3)subscribers for no additional cost.

PS Plus offers subscribers even more with the release of PS Plus on PS Vita. As part of the Instant Game Collection, subscribers will be able to enjoy PS Vita titles including Uncharted: Golden Abyss™, Gravity Rush and Chronovolt. Members will have access to four games per month, as well as to a multitude of other perks such as free play, exclusive discounts and online storage.

PS3 fans can rest assured, if they’re already a PS3 owner with an existing PS Plus membership, they will be able to enjoy PS Plus features and services on both PS3 and PS Vita - at no extra cost.

The Instant Game Collection across both platforms means players will have a constant library of 14 games and at least five new games a month, which means over 65 games a year for PS3 and PS Vita. Gamers will also receive automatic updates with the service to ensure they are on top of the latest PS3 and PS Vita game and software updates.

Other cross platform benefits mean players can set their trophies and game saves to synchronise automatically, and access to online storage like never before will give fans up to 2GB of game saves online (1GB on PS3 and 1GB on PS Vita).
Commitment to PS Plus is also convenient with subscriptions ranging from 90 days for £11.99 / €14.99 and 365 days for £39.99 / €49.99. An annual subscription available for just €49.99 will give users access to 65 games and equates to a very reasonable €4 a month.

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After Sony had released it latest info about its upcoming slimmer Slimline Playstation 3 we here at Games and Gadgets Geek got a hold of all the UK retailers we could to find out details and prices.

GAME are offering the up the 12GB model for £184.99 whilst the 250GB model will have an exclusive bundle which will net you a free copy of Fifa 13 and will set you back £249.99. 

According to CVG, HMV are said to be offering the same prices but won't have any bundled games. We have contacted HMV for more information on this. UPDATED: HMV have confirmed these prices.

We are still waiting to hear back from other retailers and soon as we know more we will update you.

So is this the price point you were expecting or did you want to pay less for more? Tell us in the comments below.

Did you miss out on all the details from this morning, then check out our previous post here.

Announced this morning was what all Playstation Vita owners have been waiting for and that is the Playstation Plus service is coming their way.

Set to hit the Vita in November it will give customers access to the latest updates and demos, discounts on the Playstation store and online game saves. The really awesome piece of news from this is that if you are already a Playstation Plus member on the PS3 then it will auto extend on to the Vita when it finally launches.

Full PR breakdown below:

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced thatPlayStation®Plus, the subscription service package on PlayStation®Network, will become available for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) in November 2012.

​By purchasing a PlayStation Plus membership on PlayStation®Store, PS Vita ownerswill be able to play free games, receive discounts for select titles, and enjoy other benefits unique to the service.  A variety of convenient PlayStation Plus subscription options will be available in each country and region, including a 30 day plan (Japan: 500 yen, Asia: HK $38), a 90 day plan(North America: $17.99, Europe: €14.99) and a 365 day plan (Japan: 5,000 yen, Asia: HK$233, North America: $49.99, Europe: €49.99), meeting the different gaming needs of PS Vita owners.

PlayStation®3 (PS3®) owners with existing PlayStation Plus memberships, as well asfirst time members through PS Vita, will be able to enjoy PlayStation Plus features and services on both PS3 and PS Vita systems at no extra cost.

PlayStation Plus features and services for PS Vita include:

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Games

Members will be able to play the full versions of designated content for PS Vit available on PlayStation Store as long as membership is effective, at no extra cost. The lineup of games that will be offered and other details will be announced at a later date.

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Discounts

Members will have access to exclusive discounts on designated content for PS Vita.  

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Online Game Save

Members will automatically or manually be able to upload game save data files for compatible games to Online Game Save Storage with 1GB of space on the PlayStationNetwork.

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Automatic content downloads and updates

PS Vita will automatically download designated game demos and game updates, and alsodownload system software updates.  PS Vita will automatically start up to downloadcontent and will enter standby mode after the download has completed.

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Automatic Trophy sync

PS Vita will automatically start up at a designated time to sync Trophy information withPlayStation Network servers.

SCE will continue to strengthen and expand PS Vita platform to meet the gaming and entertainment needs of PS Vita owners.

This morning Sony held their annual Pre-TGS show and they had a few surprises in store. The most intriguing of which was the unveiling of the 2012 Slimline PS3.

This new model is more than 50% lighter than the initial launch models and and 25% lighter than the current crop of machines. One of the features they have used to achieve this wonderful new svelte and curvy look is a sliding door mechanism for the game discs and blu-rays.

UPDATE

We have had word from Sony that the sliding door mechanism is operated via a button which makes the door slide sideways. To close it you need to push back into position, not too dissimilar to the PS2 Slimline.

In order to tempt existing customers to this redesigned modelSOny are offering up a whopping 500GB model. On the other hand for those who have been looking to get a PS3 but have been put off by the price, well Sony are thinking of you guys too. They are now offering up a 12GB Flash drive model, you wont be able to download much but it's perfect for just your game saves.

They haven't announced any UK pricing for these models yet but I can tell you that the 500GB will coming to Europe on September 28th for a price of €299 which loosley translates to £240. The 12GB model on the other hand is coming out October 12th for €229, again translated to roughly £184.

They also revealed a new 250GB external drive, the first time Sony have done this for the PS3. Sadly though this can only be used by the newer devices, so if you are stuck with a small hard drive from launch then this can't help you out, sorry. Still we are looking at a October 12th launch at €79.99 or roughly £72.

Also announced was the latest accessory for your new PS3, a vertical stand. Coming out at the same time as the 500GB model and all for a measly €14.99 or £12.

So what do you think, do the new curves get you excited, or are you just lusting after the storage bump.? Sound off below.