New TVs driven by software and streaming, not pixels

Televisions are getting wider and thinner, their edges shrinking to make room for displays that pack in more and more pixels.

But the real evolution of the TV set isn't taking place with the glossy hardware. It's happening inside.

Major TV manufacturers, including Sharp, Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, announced their latest television sets this week at the Consumer Electronics Show here. They all had variations on the same splashy hardware features that were previewed last year -- Ultra HD and OLED screens, more inches (60, 85, 110) -- but now they're closer to being available on consumer products.

Mars Sample Return: Bringing the Red Planet to Earth

A space probe crashes in the desert. Something deadly on board wipes out almost the entire population of a small town. The government instigates an emergency protocol and top scientists gather at a secret underground quarantine facility to contain this killer germ from outer space.

Will they be able to save the planet from disaster?

To find out, read Michael Crichton’s Andromeda Strain – an adventure with heroic scientists. This terrifying tale of alien microbes, bringing instantaneous death to (almost) every living creature they come into contact with, was published weeks before the first Apollo lunar landing. But Nasa had already predicted this worst-case scenario of bringing back material from another world.

Unveiled - the mobile phone with a battery that lasts 15 years

In a world of battery-hungry phones such as iPhones and Androids, the SpareOne Plus sticks out - its makers claim it lasts for 15 years.

The affordable mobile that runs on a single, AA battery and is built as a 'spare' phone for emergencies - it can even call emergency services without a SIM card.

Designed as a back-up phone you can carry without worrying if it’s charged or not, the SpareOne is built to leave in the car for emergencies, or to pack in travel luggage – especially if you or your loved ones plan to go off the beaten track (or off-piste).

Sony unveils waterproof phone you can use in the shower

Great news for everyone - except perhaps mobile phone insurance companies - Sony has unveiled a waterproof smartphone.
The Xperia Z can be submerged in three feet of water for up to half an hour without damage.

Its makers say it can be dropped in the bath, in puddles - or even taken into the shower.

Other phones such as iPhone are easily damaged by water and impacts. Sony's Xperia Z is covered in tempered glass and anti-shatter film to prevent breakages, but is just 7.9mm thick.

Thirteen of the biggest games for 2013

From Grand Theft Auto V to the rebirth of Sim City, 2013 is set to be a big year for gamers.

When the world looks back at gaming's finest years, it's fair to say 2012 won't be topping the list. 

Despite the release of Nintendo's WiiU, and a few big-name sequels such as Halo 4, Assassin's Creed 3 and Hitman Absolution, the past 12 months have seen dwindling sales of consoles.

But with 2013 expected to see the unveiling of the PlayStation 4 and a successor to the Xbox 360, things could be hotting up.

There are also a wealth of exciting big name titles already in the works for existing machines, all ready to ship in the year ahead. Here's a quick look at 13 of the best games coming up in the first part of 2013.

Best apps and gadgets to get you fit this Spring

Can a smartphone really get you fit? A new range of apps, gadgets and 'appcessories' - gadgets that work with a smartphone - could help shake off the pounds this spring, offering easy-to-use fitness plans, graphs and electronic nags to keep you in the gym.

As well as the huge number of fitness and dietary apps available, there are numerous accessories that sync and work seamlessly with your smartphone to maximise your athletic efforts.

We’ve picked our favourites to make sure you start 2013 with your best foot forward - and your spare tyre behind you!

LG 55-inch OLED TV (55EM9700) finally goes on sale in Korea

LG has opened pre-orders for the world's first commercially available large screen OLED TV. However, only in its home land of South Korea at present.

The 55-inch 55EM9700 is essentially the same as the 55EM9600 Pocket-lint saw back at CES last year - although that model never made it to market in the end. It features a WRGB panel, which adds an extra white pixel to the normal red, green and blue ones in order to make images brighter and more vibrant, and the whole TV is just 4mm thick.

At just 10kg, the set is also one of the lightest 55-inch televisions known to man, and as it is an OLED display, it's viewing angle is wider than those capable of other technologies.

10 services you should be using in 2013

Each year brings with it a host of start-ups and services for the tech savvy and web friendly to have a play with, and 2012 has been no different. Some have been sitting around for years and have only just gained popularity, others are hot off the press.Ultimately, the when and the where of these things matter not. The point is, what are the services that you should be using in 2013? Whether brand new or something you really ought to be signed up to by now, here's 10 from Pocket-lint that we suggest you become familiar with in the coming 12 months.

What to look out for in tech in 2013

If you love technology then here are 13 reasons to get excited about 2013.

Early in the year, we’ll see the much-anticipated ‘comeback’ of Blackberry, with its make-or-break new BB10. Can it scale the heights again?

Expect new consoles from Sony and Microsoft, a lot of new Apple gear - and some unexpected tech surprises.

Here's our quick rundown of 13 key technology launches and evolutions that will be taking place in the coming 12 months.