The Next-gen showdown

 

PS4 and Xbox One were always destined to go head-to-head. So, with both consoles fully revealed at E3 2013, which gaming goliath comes out on top?

Microsoft and Sony have finally shown their hands and revealed the next generation games consoles within. As the dust begins to settle, and these two tech heavyweights go head-to-head in the run up to Christmas, we take a look at who's winning the battles, and who might win the war. Looking for a powerful PC to get high-end gaming right away? Check out our feature Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Build Sony PlayStation 4 We do at least know now what the PS4 looks like now, and the answer is... a black box. Much like the PS3 in fact. And the PS2. The new box is aesthetically divided into sections - similar to the Xbox One - but has an italic slant to it. If the PS4 is a Beckham-esque swept-back top, the Xbox One is an angular Guile flat-top. Click here to check out our full Sony PS4 hands-on. Pre-order the Sony Playstation 4 from: Amazon | Zavvi | Tesco | GAME Microsoft Xbox One Xbox One weighs around 3.18kgs – roughly the same weight as the original 360 - but it is around 10% larger size-wise. Like the original Xbox, this one is unapologetically boxy and the heft of the new console will be divisive. The Xbox 360 successor looks thoroughly 2013, from its ‘80’s styled vents and boxy edges to its Samsung-esque glossy black fascia. Out go teen-friendly lights and aggressive curves, in comes a more restrained look that won’t scare off parents. But, be warned - the Xbox One will not stand up vertically. This machine is designed to nestle underneath your telly, rather than scooch up alongside it. So if you're planning a new living room set-up for Christmas, take heed. Click here to check out our full Xbox One hands-on. Pre-order the Microsoft Xbox One from: Amazon | Zavvi | Tesco | GAME Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Specs Sony PlayStation 4 Power-wise, the PS4 packs an 8 core CPU made by AMD and aggressively named "Jaguar" and it’s been paired with a next-generation AMD Radeon GPU and 8GB of GDDR5 memory. Xbox One launch Xbox One Analysis Xbox One revealed Microsoft Xbox One: 10 things you need to know FIFA 14 powered by EA’s Ignite engine Call of Duty: Ghosts exclusive first look The on-board hard-drive is 500GB - big enough to house plenty of digital downloads. The optical drive reads Blu-Rays and DVDs. There are USB 3 and Auxiliary ports - although again, we don’t know exactly how many yet – along with your usual assortment of Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, analog and digital outputs. Microsoft Xbox One A non-specified AMD chip powers the Xbox One, and provides eight times the power of the Xbox 360, and is ably supported by 8GB RAM. There’s also a 500GB hard-drive, Blu-ray drive that supports 4K output, gigabit ethernet and GameDVR, which records your play constantly so you can share video highlights whenever you like. The Xbox One runs three different partitioned operating systems to avoid bogging down developers and their available resources. A Host OS runs the show, while two sub-OS's run apps, TV and system services separately from games, which get the bulk of the power. The console switches GPU and CPU requirements dynamically meaning no time-wasting reboots and quick-smart multi-tasking. Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Controller Sony PlayStation 4 The controller itself is sturdy and definitely weightier than the DualShock 3. It's not bulky though, and its sleekness is married to an almost textured coating on both the base and dual sticks that helps grip. The dual sticks feel stiffer compared to the PS3's, and while this initially jars, we found with more exposure to them we actually preferred it for accuracy, though it takes some getting used to. The triggers are now really very trigger-like indeed (although Killzone, rather bizarrely, still doesn't assign them as aim and fire) and their close placement to the shoulder buttons is a good design move that aids quick changes. The main addition to the controller is the ‘Share’ button, which lets you record, edit and upload gaming footage and share it online with their friends. ‘Second screen’ is a term getting banded about gaming types a lot at the moment. The PS4’s answer: The PS Vita will double as an extra interface for the console, as will your iOS or Android-powered smartphone. Microsoft Xbox One Microsoft has taken the same approach as Sony to their new controller, choosing to tweak the Xbox 360 controller rather than overhauling it completely. However, where Sony has added extra weight to their DualShock, Microsoft's Xbox One controller is noticeably slimmer. The grips are smoother and more spacious, with the old chunky battery pack now integrated into the controller itself (although the demo team was cagey about battery life). The thumbstick apparently now takes 25% less force to operate. In use, the biggest difference is the front triggers. These now vibration motors built in, giving haptic feedback even when you’re not using them. The noticeably flatter front of the controller is a bit OnLive-esque, and the 'Back' and 'Start' are replaced by 'Play/Pause' and what appears to be an 'Apps' button, while the triggers now have isolated rumble for contextual feedback. Thankfully the controller is now charged by micro-USB, and Microsoft has also invented its own wireless protocol to reduce latency.

The Tallest Hotel In West Africa

At 100 metres high, one can see the hotel from anywhere on Victoria Island. The recently opened hotel stands tall above the skyline of the island, and is an architectural wonder on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island. With the influx of global brands like Intercontinental Hotel it is expected that there would be a turnaround for the hospitality business in Lagos and Nigeria at large. The global Intercontinental Hotel brand comes in with the needed difference that will benchmark standard in the industry. Acquiring the coveted title of West Africa’s tallest hotel, the 23-storey property is another addition to the brand’s global luxury portfolio. Known throughout the world for its awe-inspiring architecture, the hotel’s towers have already become an icon on the city’s skyline, on which Milan Group, the owning company, said it spent about $80 million. “Lagos is an important destination for The Intercontinental Hotel as one of the world’s most exciting cities offering world-class facilities and infrastructure, central location in the region and future growth potential,” said Didier Coein, General Manager, Intercontinental, Lagos. “Our expanding collection of world-class Intercontinental hotels offers accomplished travellers a one-of-a-kind luxury experience. The investment in this unique and visually stunning hotel is a testament to the continued opportunities that lie ahead for the brand and company.”