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T-Mobile November devices leaked

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<img alt="T-Mobile November roadmap" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90920" height="287" mce_src="http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2892/04tmobilenovemberroadma.jpg" src="http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2892/04tmobilenovemberroadma.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" title="T-Mobile November roadmap" width="384" /></div>
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Looking forward to picking up a new device from T-Mobile this November? Well, for those of you who aren’t sure whether it’s worth waiting for, we’ve got some good news for you. The folks over at TmoNews have managed to get their hands on a picture of a T-Mobile roadmap showing what will be released on that special day. Reminiscent of T-Mobile’s sale back in 2010, there are a number of high-profile devices this time around.</div>
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In November, consumers will be able to head over to T-Mobile retail outlets to get their hands on The Samsung Robin aka the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, the RIM “Duomine” aka BlackBerry Torch 9810, the Huawei “Tallsome” and the Huawei Sonic 4G Mobile Hotspot. For the smartphones, we’ll be seeing the LG myTouch and myTouch Q, the LG Flip II, the HTC Omega aka the HTC Radar 4G and the Samsung Ancora, which should be a replacement for the Exhibit 4G.</div>
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If any of the aforementioned devices on T-Mobile tickle your fancy, November 2nd is the day to mark on your calendars. Which devices are you thinking of picking up?</div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=0JEM_ott3p8:cBhxosC62qY:qj6IDK7rITs" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=0JEM_ott3p8:cBhxosC62qY:qj6IDK7rITs" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3139/23575263.gif" src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3139/23575263.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=0JEM_ott3p8:cBhxosC62qY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=0JEM_ott3p8:cBhxosC62qY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/239/85639274.gif" src="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/239/85639274.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=0JEM_ott3p8:cBhxosC62qY:V_sGLiPBpWU" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=0JEM_ott3p8:cBhxosC62qY:V_sGLiPBpWU" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8581/10889293.gif" src="http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8581/10889293.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a></div>
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T-Mobile November devices leaked

Looking forward to picking up a new device from T-Mobile this November? Well, for those of you who aren’t sure whether it’s worth wait...

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-484-200-200.jpg"> We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that in itself takes an awful lot of getting used to. We won't lie - we've been spoilt with fully-fledged operating systems. Chrome OS does attempt to make up for the limitations of this in many of the ways that phone OSes fail to - there is a (very basic) file browser so you can transfer files between somewhere like Dropbox and Google Docs. Or where you might save an image from the web to upload as your Facebook profile pic. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4818-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Chrome OS also comes with the Scratchpad note-taking tool. Of course, you don't need Chrome OS for this, but it's a handy tool and can sync with Google Docs. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4813-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You sign in using your Google Account, though you'll need to be connected to the internet (or the integral cellular) to sign in – so you can have multiple people signing in on your Chrome OS netbook. Guest access does exist, but you can disable this. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-481-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If you already sync your Chrome browser to the cloud like us, your Extensions and other details download automatically. You're offered to take a webcam pic for your account picture when you first sign in.... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4812-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...while there are also options for logging onto Wi-Fi and cellular networks, even before the point of login should you not already be connected... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4823-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...and there's also the ability to set the time and date. Otherwise, pretty much everything is handled inside the standard Chrome interface including all the settings. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4824-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There are some usability flaws. Our main criticism is that, well, things are a bit slow. We know how fast the Chrome browser is (answer: fast) and strangely that speed just isn't replicated here. Admittedly, we have a fair amount of Extensions installed – could that be a factor? – but it doesn't seem a problem for the versions we've used on Windows or Mac OS X. Also fonts in the browser seem really rather patchy in terms of the way they render - as do some other elements. Despite us having the new Google bar on all our other machines, it isn't replicated on Chrome OS. As we said, it's early days. And then there's the issue of connectivity. The key issue of connectivity. Chrome OS is currently a bit rubbish without the internet. Google Docs will again support offline use in due course but until this happens and becomes reliable, there's at least a little to be desired. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4815-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We mentioned the cellular data support of the CR-48 - the SIM slots in inside the battery compartment. This is essential to the success of Chrome OS as a system. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4825-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Hardware-wise, the CR-48 prototype is surprisingly tidy in appearance and very usable. The keyboard is pleasant, the matt finish smart and the matt screen excellent for usability. There's a webcam, mic and a VGA connector. Here we're using the webcam through Google Talk, which pops up at the base of the browser. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4814-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So what else is there to shout about hardware-wise? Well it seems pretty well-prepared - the sole USB port accepted our Logitech cordless mouse without issue, for example. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-486-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There's also a VGA adapter. Like the decals? They were included in our Chrome OS box. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-485-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The function keys atop the keyboard for maximising and minimising Chrome OS, changing brightness, switching tabs and the like work well. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4817-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Indeed, the marriage between hardware and software isn't too shabby and many Windows netbooks could take a look at the simplicity on show here. Leave it on and it will sleep. Any key will wake it. Close the lid, it will sleep. Resume is instant. <img alt="CR-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-487-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a search key that brings up a new tab for us. If you really want Caps Lock back, you can get it though. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-488-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So although Chrome OS is quite usable for basic web use when you have connectivity, it's those moments offline that Google really needs to think about. Naturally, the real battle will be price. How cheap can Chrome OS netbooks be? They'll have to be sub-£300 to be a serious alternative to Windows netbooks for starters. <img border="0" height="1" src="http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/9809/s/13a3faa6/mf.gif" width="1"> <DIV class=mf-related><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/lnX8IJk4gqY/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A></DIV>

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the ...

Hands on: EchoStar SlingLoaded HDS-600RS review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_007-200-200.jpg"> Freesat and EchoStar have teamed up on a set-top box that allows you to watch live TV and recorded programming on your mobile device as well as providing a traditional PVR service. The box itself has been designed to stand out rather than blend in – EchoStar says it's not one to hide away under the TV. The design won't be to everyone's taste though – it's quite masculine and the abundance of red glowing lights will clash with certain decors. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_008-420-100.jpg"></IMG> Most of those glowing red lights are in fact touch-buttons for channel navigation, recording functions and volume control – the usuals. On the left hand side of the front panel sits the LED display that lets you know what channel you're watching, and nestled next to that is the Sling light which lights up or not depending on how the box is being used; luckily you can switch this off. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_005-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> A quick word, too, on the remote; you can't see it very well in this particular picture (below), but it has been split into three distinct sections for easy use; the top panel is for controlling the PVR function – record, rewind, play etc – the middle band is for navigating around the EPG and the bottom section has the number pad and traditional remote functions. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_009-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Another nifty inclusion is the +/- 30 seconds button, which allows you to skip exactly 30 seconds in either direction; great for those 'who's that guy? What's going on here? Why doesn't she turn around?' moments in which you miss the essential line that will prove important later on in the film because you're explaining simple plot points to inattentive fellow viewers. Anyway, enough remote-porn. Back to the box and on to the screen; when used as a traditional set top box, the FreeSling gives you access to Freesat's range of channels via satellite, including HD channels like BBC HD. Using the Freesat EPG you can skip through the programming guide and build your library of scheduled recording – the box comes with 500GB of memory so room for around 100 hours of HD content and 300 of standard-def. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_004-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> It's not just about PVR functions though, the box comes with a couple of additional apps, including the iPlayer app so you can watch VOD content too. Here's where it gets interesting; we tested the FreeSling with an iPad. Now, it's not exactly free to use; once you've shelled out £350 for the set top box and had your satellite installed, you'll need to pay around £20 for the SlingPlayer Mobile app. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_006-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> But it is pretty darn cool. Using the app, you can remotely turn the STB on or off, watch TV live, pause and rewind the scheduled programme, set things to record or watch recorded programmes on the iPad. Unfortunately, only standard definition playback is available on the mobile device, but the fact that you can watch whatever's on your box from wherever you happen to be in the world is good enough for now. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_002-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The iPad (or whatever device you're using, we tried it with an Apple slate) can be used simply as the TV remote when you're at home if all those pesky buttons are too much for you. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_iPad_001-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Commands have a slight delay between being actioned on the iPad and carried out on the TV; none more so than when you're entering a channel number on the iPad keypad. This, however, is intentional; the box uses adaptive rate technology (patent pending) which reduces the quality of the picture if the network you're using is slow. This means you might wait an extra second or two for the channel to change, but means you won't miss any of your programme due to judders and jolts in the network. One annoyance in the core functionality of the box is that if someone in the household is watching television on the traditional set and someone is elsewhere using the mobile app, they can only watch the same thing. Fine if you live alone, but could prove problematic for anyone sharing a TV. There's no Wi-Fi connection on the SlingBox so it needs to be wired up to Ethernet and therefore placed fairly close to your router. <img alt="Hands on freesling review" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/home-entertainment/images/FreeSling/FreeSling_008-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Anyone who's used a SlingPlayer before will know how brilliantly convenient it can be when you're away from home, and the new Freesat-enabled EchoStar HDS-600RS is no exception despite the dual-use drawbacks. <img height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~4/R1le7bYLTCQ" width="1"> <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/R1le7bYLTCQ/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A>

Hands on: EchoStar SlingLoaded HDS-600RS review

Freesat and EchoStar have teamed up on a set-top box that allows you to watch live TV and recorded programming on your mobile device as well...

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-484-200-200.jpg"> We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that in itself takes an awful lot of getting used to. We won't lie - we've been spoilt with fully-fledged operating systems. Chrome OS does attempt to make up for the limitations of this in many of the ways that phone OSes fail to - there is a (very basic) file browser so you can transfer files between somewhere like Dropbox and Google Docs. Or where you might save an image from the web to upload as your Facebook profile pic. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4818-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Chrome OS also comes with the Scratchpad note-taking tool. Of course, you don't need Chrome OS for this, but it's a handy tool and can sync with Google Docs. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4813-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You sign in using your Google Account, though you'll need to be connected to the internet (or the integral cellular) to sign in – so you can have multiple people signing in on your Chrome OS netbook. Guest access does exist, but you can disable this. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-481-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If you already sync your Chrome browser to the cloud like us, your Extensions and other details download automatically. You're offered to take a webcam pic for your account picture when you first sign in.... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4812-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...while there are also options for logging onto Wi-Fi and cellular networks, even before the point of login should you not already be connected... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4823-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...and there's also the ability to set the time and date. Otherwise, pretty much everything is handled inside the standard Chrome interface including all the settings. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4824-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There are some usability flaws. Our main criticism is that, well, things are a bit slow. We know how fast the Chrome browser is (answer: fast) and strangely that speed just isn't replicated here. Admittedly, we have a fair amount of Extensions installed – could that be a factor? – but it doesn't seem a problem for the versions we've used on Windows or Mac OS X. Also fonts in the browser seem really rather patchy in terms of the way they render - as do some other elements. Despite us having the new Google bar on all our other machines, it isn't replicated on Chrome OS. As we said, it's early days. And then there's the issue of connectivity. The key issue of connectivity. Chrome OS is currently a bit rubbish without the internet. Google Docs will again support offline use in due course but until this happens and becomes reliable, there's at least a little to be desired. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4815-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We mentioned the cellular data support of the CR-48 - the SIM slots in inside the battery compartment. This is essential to the success of Chrome OS as a system. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4825-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Hardware-wise, the CR-48 prototype is surprisingly tidy in appearance and very usable. The keyboard is pleasant, the matt finish smart and the matt screen excellent for usability. There's a webcam, mic and a VGA connector. Here we're using the webcam through Google Talk, which pops up at the base of the browser. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4814-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So what else is there to shout about hardware-wise? Well it seems pretty well-prepared - the sole USB port accepted our Logitech cordless mouse without issue, for example. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-486-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There's also a VGA adapter. Like the decals? They were included in our Chrome OS box. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-485-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The function keys atop the keyboard for maximising and minimising Chrome OS, changing brightness, switching tabs and the like work well. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4817-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Indeed, the marriage between hardware and software isn't too shabby and many Windows netbooks could take a look at the simplicity on show here. Leave it on and it will sleep. Any key will wake it. Close the lid, it will sleep. Resume is instant. <img alt="CR-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-487-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a search key that brings up a new tab for us. If you really want Caps Lock back, you can get it though. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-488-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So although Chrome OS is quite usable for basic web use when you have connectivity, it's those moments offline that Google really needs to think about. Naturally, the real battle will be price. How cheap can Chrome OS netbooks be? They'll have to be sub-£300 to be a serious alternative to Windows netbooks for starters. <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/JFeDqqdE9uo/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A>

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the ...

Hands on: Samsung Smart Hub and TwinView TV remote review

<div align="center"><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/ces2011/samsung-smarthub4-200-200.jpg" /></div>2011 will be known as the year connected TVs came of age. Although web access on television sets isn't a new thing, making a service that works for and not against the consumer is. 
Samsung's Smart TV range has grown rapidly in 2010 and this has brought with it some exciting enhancements in the connected TV space. 
The Samsung Smart Hub has had a massive overhaul and is now an exciting proposition for using the web through a TV. 
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The first main difference is that everything is now much easier to get around. The Smart Hub has separate places for apps, social networking and on-demand TV but this is all interweaved with the use of its universal search function. 
So if you want to watch a movie, it will scour all the places you can find this movie on-demand through the myriad app and web services and come up with a simple thumbnail list of where you can get the content. 
<div align="center"><img alt="Samsung smart hub" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/ces2011/samsung-smarthub2-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
You can also search services by keyword. So if you want information on sport, then use this keyword and you will get Twitter based content, Facebook pages, YouTube videos and the like. 
The search functionality works really well and ties the whole service up nicely - couple this with full web access and the hub is a decent portal to a controlled web experience on a television. 
<div align="center"><img alt="Samsung smart hu" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/ces2011/samsung-smarthub3-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
Other new features include picture-in-picture functionality. This allows you to check Twitter and Facebook while still watching the TV screen. 
This is a massive help for those who want to make their TV watching experience social. Having the live Twitter feed up against the TV content means you can keep track of many things at once on the same screen. 
All of this functionality wouldn't be complete, however, without a device to navigate this content on. 
<div align="center"><img alt="Samsung twintv remote" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/ces2011/samsungTVremote1-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
This is where the TwinView Touch Control TV remote comes in. Complete with a 3-inch screen and bustling with functionality, the remote can access the web and can pipe out one television feed on its three-inch screen while you're watching another on your big screen. 
The remote control has all the functionality of a PMP and looks like a smartphone and it is a great addition to the Samsung TV line-up. 
<div align="center"><img alt="Samsung twintv remote" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/ces2011/samsungTVremote2-420-90.jpg" width="420" /></div> 
Samsung seem to be branching out on its own with Smart TV and its service looks like a decent rival to the upcoming YouView and Google TV. 
Once Samsung offers up paid apps as well as free ones, Smart TV will become quite a dominating force in the on-demand market. 
The Samsung Smart Hub will be available on Samsung's latest range of connected TVs. 
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Hands on: Samsung Smart Hub and TwinView TV remote review

2011 will be known as the year connected TVs came of age. Although web access on television sets isn't a new thing, making a service tha...