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6 Coding Foundations 34 Coding with C++
8 Being a Programmer 36 Your First C++ Program
10 A Brief History of Coding 38 Compile and Execute
12 Choosing a Programming Language 40 Using Comments
14 Creating a Coding Platform 42 Variables
44 Data Types
16 Introducing C++ 46 Strings
48 C++ Maths
18 Why C++?
50 User Interaction
20 C++ Facts & Figures
22 Equipment You Will Need
24 Structure of C++ Code 52 Introducing Python
26 How to Set Up C++ in Windows
54 Why Python?
28 How to Set Up C++ on a Mac
56 What Can You Do with Python?
30 How to Set Up C++ in Linux
58 Python in Numbers
32 Other C++ IDEs to Install
60 Equipment You Will Need
62 Getting to Know Python
64 How to Set Up Python in Windows
66 How to Set Up Python in Linux
68 Python on the Pi

70 Coding with Python

72 Starting Python for the First Time
74 Your First Code
76 Saving and Executing Your Code
78 Executing Code from the Command Line
80 Numbers and Expressions
82 Using Comments

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 FREE CODE Contents

DOWNLOAD!
50 Complete Programs
Over 20,000 lines of code!
Visit: www.pclpublications.com/exclusives
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fundamentals for Python and C++, two of the most
powerful languages in the world that are used by
the likes of NASA, Microsoft, Apple and throughout
the Internet. These languages are used in Big Data,
Encryption, AI, gaming, science, engineering and
advanced mathematics. From visualising black holes
millions of light-years away to using technology to
help solve the environmental crisis, Python and C++
are at the forefront of code.”

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 Welcome, Future Coder

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 Welcome, Future Coder

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 Welcome, Future Coder

Being a Programmer
Programmer, developer, coder, they’re all titles for the same occupation, someone who
creates code. What they’re creating the code for can be anything from a video game
to a critical element on board the International Space Station. How do you become a
programmer though?

8 ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP
 Being a Programmer

MORE THAN CODE

For those of you old enough to remember the ‘80s, the golden era of home
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today. 8-bit computers that you could purchase as a whole, as opposed to
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of dreams; and getting your hands on one was sheer bliss contained within
a large plastic box. However, it wasn’t so much the new technology that
FRPSXWHUVWKHQRƪHUHGPRUHRYHULWZDVWKHIDFWWKDWIRUWKHƬUVWWLPH
ever, you could control what was being viewed on the ‘television’.

Instead of simply playing one of the thousands of games available at the

Times have changed since programming in the ‘80s, time, many users decided they wanted to create their own content, their
but the core values still remain. own games; or simply something that could help them with their homework
RUKRPHƬQDQFHV7KHVLPSOLFLW\RIWKHELWKRPHFRPSXWHUPHDQWWKDW

“It’s up to you
creating something from a few lines of BASIC code was achievable and so
WKHƬUVWJHQHUDWLRQRIKRPHEUHGSURJUDPPHUZDVERUQ

how far to take

From that point on, programming expanded exponentially. It wasn’t long
before the bedroom coder was a thing of the past and huge teams of
designers, coders, artists and musicians were involved in making a single

your coding
JDPH7KLVRIFRXUVHOHGWRWKHSURJUDPPHUEHFRPLQJPRUHWKDQVLPSO\
someone who could fashion a sprite on the screen and make it move at the
press of a key.

adventure!” Naturally, time has moved on and with it the technology that we use.
However, the fundamentals of programming remain the same; but what
exactly does it take to be a programmer?

7KHVLQJOHPRVWFRPPRQWUDLWRIDQ\SURJUDPPHUUHJDUGOHVVRIZKDW
they’re doing, is the ability to see a logical pattern. By this we mean
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envisage the intended outcome. While you may not feel you’re such a
person, it is possible to train your brain into this way of thinking. Yes, it
takes time but once you start to think in this particular way you will be able
to construct and follow code.

Second to logic is an understanding of mathematics. You don’t have to be

at a genius level but you do need to understand the rudiments of maths.
Maths is all about being able to solve a problem and code mostly falls under
the umbrella of mathematics.

%HLQJDEOHWRVHHWKHELJSLFWXUHLVFHUWDLQO\EHQHƬFLDOIRUWKHPRGHUQ
programmer. Undoubtedly, as a programmer, you will be part of a team
of other programmers, and more than likely part of an even bigger team
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EHH[SHFWHGWRFUHDWHDVPDOOHOHPHQWRIWKDWƬQDOSURGXFWEHLQJDEOHWR
understand what everyone else is doing will help you create something
that’s ultimately better than simply being locked in your own coding cubicle.

Finally, there’s also a level of creativity needed to be a good programmer.

Again though, you don’t need to be a creative genius, just have the
imagination to be able to see the end product and how the user will interact
with it.

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learning the actual code itself. However, with time, patience and the
determination to learn, anyone can become a programmer. Whether
Being able to follow a logical pattern and you want to be part of a triple-A video game team or simply create an
see an end result is one of the most valued automated routine to make your computing life easier, it’s up to you how
skills of a programmer. far to take your coding adventure!

ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP 9
 Welcome, Future Coder

A Brief History of Coding

It’s easy to think that programming a machine to automate a process or calculate a value
LVDPRGHUQFRQFHSWWKDWoVRQO\UHDOO\KDSSHQHGLQWKHODVWƬIW\\HDUVRUVR+RZHYHU
that assumption is quite wrong, coding has actually been around for quite some time.

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and even the oldest known computational device.

~87 BC a$' 1800 Ǖ Ǖ

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start of when humans began to
‘program’ a device. However,
it’s widely accepted that the
Antikythera Mechanism is possibly
Joseph Marie Jacquard invents a
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programmable loom, which used cards with
dated to about 87 BC and is an
punched holes to create the textile design.
ancient Greek analogue computer
However, it is thought that he based his
and orrery used to predict
design on a previous automated weaving
astronomical positions.
process from 1725, by Basile Bouchon.

Ada Lovelace translated

the memoirs of the Italian
mathematician, Francis
Maneclang, regarding
Charles Babbage’s
Analytical Engine. She
made copious notes
within her writing,
detailing a method of
7KH%DQŅ0ŅVÜEURWKHUVWKUHH3HUVLDQ calculating Bernoulli
scholars who worked in the House of Numbers using the
Wisdom in Baghdad, published the HQJLQH7KLVLVUHFRJQLVHG
Book of Ingenious Devices in around DVWKHƬUVWFRPSXWHU
850 AD. Among the inventions listed program. Not bad,
was a mechanical musical instrument, considering there were
a hydro-powered organ that played no computers available at
interchangeable cylinders automatically. the time.

10 ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP
 A Brief History of Coding

During the Second World War, From the 1970s, the development of the likes of C, SQL, C with
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were made in programmable IRUH7KHnVZDVXQGRXEWHGO\WKHJROGHQDJHRIWKHKRPH
machines. Most notably, the computer, a time when silicon processors were cheap enough
cryptographic machines used IRURUGLQDU\IRONWREX\7KLVOHGWRDERRPLQKRPHEHGURRP
to decipher military codes coders with the rise of 8-bit machines.
XVHGE\WKH1D]LV7KH(QLJPD
was invented by the German
engineer Arthur Scherbius
but was made famous by Alan
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codebreaking centre.

Ǖ  Ǖ Ǖ 1990s-Present Day

Computer programming was

mainly utilised by universities,
the military and big
corporations during the ‘60s
and the ‘70s. A notable step
toward a more user-friendly,
or home user language, was
the development of BASIC
(Beginners All-purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code) in
the mid-sixties.

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of new programming languages and
allowed people access to the tools and
knowledge needed to learn coding in a
better way. Not only could a user learn
how to code but they could freely share
their code and source other code to
improve their own.

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Assembly Language (ASM) or
Regional Assembly Language. Admiral Grace Hopper was part of
$60ZDVVSHFLƬFWRWKH the team that developed the UNIVAC
architecture of the machine I computer and she eventually
it was being used on. In 1951 developed a compiler for it. In time,
programming languages fell under the compiler she developed became
the generic term Autocode. Soon COBOL (Common Business-oriented
ODQJXDJHVVXFKDV,3/)2575$1 Language), a computer language that’s
and ALGOL 58 were developed. still in use today.

ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP 11
 Welcome, Future Coder

Choosing a
Programming
Language
It would be impossible to properly
explain every programming language in
a single book of this size. New languages
and ways in which to ‘talk’ to a computer
or device and set it instructions are being
invented almost daily; and with the
onset of quantum computing, even more
complex methods are being born. Here
is a list of the more common languages
along with their key features.

12 ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP
 Choosing a Programming Language

SQL SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SQL is a standard language
for accessing and manipulating databases. Although SQL is an ANSI
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the SQL language. However, to be compliant, they all support at least the major
commands such as Select, Update and Delete in a similar manner.

JAVASCRIPT JavaScript (often shortened to JS) is a lightweight,

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functions. JavaScript runs on the client side of the web, that can be used to design
or program how the web pages behave on the occurrence of an event. JavaScript is
an easy to learn and also powerful scripting language, widely used for controlling
web page behaviour.

JAVA Java is the foundation for virtually every type of networked

application and is the global standard for developing enterprise
VRIWZDUHZHEEDVHGFRQWHQWJDPHVDQGPRELOHDSSV7KHWZRPDLQFRPSRQHQWV
of the Java platform are the Java Application Programming Interface (API) and the
Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that translates Java code into machine language.

C# C# is an elegant object-oriented language that enables developers to

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Framework. You can use C# to create Windows client applications, XML Web services,
FOLHQWVHUYHUDSSOLFDWLRQVGDWDEDVHDSSOLFDWLRQVDQGPXFKPRUH7KHFXUO\EUDFH
syntax of C# will be instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with C, C++ or Java.

PYTHON Python is a widely used high level programming language used

for general purpose programming, created by Guido van
5RVVXPDQGƬUVWUHOHDVHGLQ$QLQWHUSUHWHGODQJXDJH3\WKRQKDVDGHVLJQ
philosophy that emphasises code readability and a syntax that allows programmers
WRH[SUHVVFRQFHSWVLQIHZHUOLQHVRIFRGH7KLVFDQPDNHLWHDVLHUIRUQHZ
programmers to learn.

C++ C++ (pronounced cee plus plus) is a general purpose programming

language. It has imperative, object-oriented and generic programming
features. It was designed with a bias toward system programming and embedded,
UHVRXUFHFRQVWUDLQHGDQGODUJHV\VWHPVZLWKSHUIRUPDQFHHƯFLHQF\DQGƮH[LELOLW\
of use as its design highlights.

RUBY Ruby is a language of careful balance. Its creator, Yukihiro “Matz”

Matsumoto, blended parts of his favourite languages (Perl, Smalltalk,
(LƪHO$GDDQG/LVS WRIRUPDQHZODQJXDJH)URPLWVUHOHDVHLQ5XE\KDV
GUDZQGHYRWHGFRGHUVZRUOGZLGH5XE\LVVHHQDVDƮH[LEOHODQJXDJHHVVHQWLDO
SDUWVRI5XE\FDQEHUHPRYHGRUUHGHƬQHGDWZLOO([LVWLQJSDUWVFDQEHDGGHGWR

PERL Perl is a general purpose programming language, used for a wide

range of tasks including system administration, web development,
network programming, GUI development and more. Its major features are that it’s
easy to use, supports both procedural and object-oriented (OO) programming, has
powerful built-in support for text processing and has one of the most impressive
collections of third-party modules.

SWIFT Swift is a powerful and intuitive programming language for macOS,

iOS, watchOS and tvOS. Writing Swift code is interactive and fun;
the syntax is concise yet expressive and Swift includes modern features that
developers love. Swift code is safe by design, yet also produces software that runs
lightning fast. A coding tutorial app, Swift Playgrounds, is available for the iPad.

ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP 
 Welcome, Future Coder

Creating a Coding
Platform
7KHWHUPn&RGLQJ3ODWIRUPoFDQVLJQLI\DW\SHRIKDUGZDUHRQZKLFK\RXFDQFRGH
a particular operating system, or even a custom environment that’s pre-built and
designed for easy game creation. In truth it’s quite a loose term, as a Coding Platform
can be a mixture of all of these ingredients, it’s simply down to which programming
language you intend to code in and what your end goals are.

Coding can be one of those experiences that sounds fantastic,

but is often confusing to tackle. After all, there’s a plethora
of languages to choose from, countless apps that will enable
\RXWRFRGHLQDVSHFLƬFRUUDQJHRIODQJXDJHVDQGDQHTXDOO\
huge amount of third-party software to consider. In addition, by
accessing the Internet, you will discover that there are countless
coding tutorials available for the language in which you’ve decided
you want to program, alongside even more examples of code. It’s
DOODOLWWOHWRRPXFKDWƬUVW

7KHWULFNLVWRVORZGRZQDQGWREHJLQZLWKQRWORRNWRRGHHSO\
into coding. Like all good projects, you need a solid foundation
on which to build your skillset and to have all the necessary tools
DYDLODEOHWRHQDEOH\RXWRFRPSOHWHWKHEDVLFVWHSV7KLVLVZKHUH
creating a coding platform comes in, as it will be your learning
IRXQGDWLRQZKLOH\RXEHJLQWRWDNH\RXUƬUVWWHQWDWLYHVWHSVLQWR
the wider world of coding.

HARDWARE SOFTWARE
Thankfully, coding at the In terms of software,
foundation level doesn’t most of the development
require specialist equipment, environments have the
or a top of the range, liquid tools that allow you to
hydrogen-cooled PC. If code, compile the code
you own a computer, no matter how basic, you can begin to and execute it, freely
learn how to code. Naturally, if the computer in question is a available to download and install. There are some specialist
&RPPRGRUHWKHQ\RXPD\KDYHVRPHGLƯFXOW\IROORZLQJD tools available that will cost, but at this level they’re not
modern language tutorial, but some of the best programmers necessary, so don’t be fooled into thinking you need to purchase
around today started on an 8-bit machine, so there’s hope yet. any extra software in order to start learning how to code.

You will need access to the Internet to download, install and 2YHUWLPH\RXPD\ƬQG\RXUVHOISURJUHVVLQJIURPWKH
update the coding development environment, alongside a mainstream development environment and using a collection
computer with Windows 10, macOS, or Linux, installed. You of your own, discovered, tools to write your code. It’s all
can use other operating systems, but these are the ‘big three’ personal preference in the end and as you become more
DQG\RXZLOOƬQGWKDWPRVWFRGHUHVRXUFHVDUHZULWWHQZLWK H[SHULHQFHG\RXZLOOVWDUWWRXVHGLƪHUHQWWRROVWRJHWWKH
one, or all, of these in mind. job done.

14 ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP
 Creating a Coding Platform

OPERATING SYSTEMS VIRTUAL MACHINES

Windows 10 is the most widely used operating system in the A virtual machine is a piece of software that allows you to install a
world, so it’s natural that the vast majority of coding tools are IXOO\ZRUNLQJRSHUDWLQJV\VWHPZLWKLQWKHFRQƬQHVRIWKHVRIWZDUH
written for Microsoft’s leading operating system. However, LWVHOI7KHLQVWDOOHG26ZLOODOORFDWHXVHUGHƬQHGUHVRXUFHVIURPWKH
don’t discount macOS and especially Linux. host computer, providing memory, hard drive space etc., as well as
sharing the host computer’s Internet connection.
macOS users enjoy an equal number of coding tools to their
:LQGRZVFRXQWHUSDUWV,QIDFW\RXZLOOSUREDEO\ƬQGWKDWD The advantage of a virtual machine is that you can work with
lot of professional coders use a Mac over a PC, simply because /LQX[IRUH[DPSOHZLWKRXWLWDƪHFWLQJ\RXUFXUUHQWO\LQVWDOOHG
of the fact that the Mac operating system is built on top of host OS. This means that you can have Windows 10 running and
Unix (the command-line OS that powers much of the world’s launch your virtual machine client, boot into Linux and use all
ƬOHV\VWHPVDQGVHUYHUV 7KLV8QL[OD\HUOHWV\RXWHVWSURJUDPV the functionality of Linux, while still being able to use Windows.
in almost any language without using a specialised IDE.

This, of course, makes it a fantastic coding platform, as you can

However, Linux is, by far and away, one of the most popular KDYHGLƪHUHQWLQVWDOODWLRQVRIRSHUDWLQJV\VWHPVUXQQLQJIURP
and important coding operating systems available. Not only WKHKRVWFRPSXWHUZKLOHXVLQJGLƪHUHQWFRGLQJODQJXDJHV
does it have a Unix-like backbone, it’s also free to download, You can test your code without fear of breaking your host OS
install and use and comes with most of the tools necessary to DQGLWoVHDV\WRUHWXUQWRDSUHYLRXVFRQƬJXUDWLRQZLWKRXWWKH
start learning how to code. Linux powers most of the servers need to reinstall everything again.
that make up the Internet. It’s used on nearly all of the top
VXSHUFRPSXWHUVDVZHOODVVSHFLƬFDOO\LQRUJDQLVDWLRQVVXFK Virtualisation is the key to most big companies now. You
as NASA, CERN and the military, it also forms the base of ZLOOSUREDEO\ƬQGUDWKHUWKDQKDYLQJDVLQJOHVHUYHUZLWKDQ
Android-powered devices, smart TVs and in-car systems. Linux, installation of Windows Server, for example, the IT team have
as a coding platform, is an excellent idea and it can be installed instead opted for a virtualised environment whereby each
LQVLGHDYLUWXDOPDFKLQHZLWKRXWHYHUDƪHFWLQJWKHLQVWDOODWLRQ Windows Server instance is a virtual machine running from
of Windows or macOS. several powerful machines. This cuts down on the number
of physical machines, allows the team to better manage
resources and enables them to deploy an entire server
dedicated to a particular task in a fraction of the time.

THE RASPBERRY PI
If you haven’t already heard of the Raspberry Pi, then we
YOUR OWN CODING PLATFORM
suggest you head over to www.raspberrypi.org and check Whichever method you choose, remember that your coding
it out. In short, the Raspberry Pi is a small, fully functional platform will probably change, as you gain experience
computer. It comes with its own customised, Linux- and favour one language over another. Don’t be
based operating system that’s pre-installed with afraid to experiment along the way, as
everything you need to start learning how to you will eventually create your
code in Python, C++, Scratch and more. own unique platform that
can handle all the code
Costing around £35, it’s incredibly you enter into it.
cheap and allows you to utilise
GLƪHUHQWKDUGZDUHLQ
the form of robotics and
electronics projects, as well
DVRƪHULQJDFRPSOHWHGHVNWRS
experience. Although not the most
powerful computing device in the world, the
Raspberry Pi has a lot going for it, especially in terms
of being one of the best coding platforms available.

ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP 
 Introducing C++

16
 Introducing C++

C++ is an amazing programming language. Most

of what you see in front of you when you power
up your computer, regardless of whether you’re
using Windows, macOS or Linux, is created
using C++. Being able to code in C++ will open a
whole new world for you, in terms of desirable
professional skills and the ability to code
amazing apps and games.

&LVDQHƯFLHQWDQGSRZHUIXOODQJXDJH
that’s used to develop operating systems,
applications, games and much more. It’s used in
science, engineering, banking, education, the
space industry, and much more.

17
 Introducing C++

Why C++?
C++ is one of the most popular programming languages available today. Originally
called C with Classes, the language was renamed to C++ in 1983. It’s an extension of
the original C language, and is a general purpose object-oriented (OOP) environment.

C EVERYTHING
Due to both the complexity of the language and its power and performance, C++ is often used to develop games, programs,
device drivers, and even entire operating systems.

Dating back to 1979, the start of the golden era of home using C++. For example, all of Adobe’s major applications, such as
computing, C++, or rather C with Classes, was the brainchild of 3KRWRVKRS,Q'HVLJQDQGVRRQDUHGHYHORSHGLQ&<RXZLOOƬQG
Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup, while working on that the browser you use to surf the Internet is written in C++, as
his Ph.D. thesis. Stroustrup’s plan was to further the original C ZHOODV:LQGRZV0LFURVRIW2ƯFHDQGWKHEDFNERQHWR*RRJOHoV
language, which had been widely used since the early seventies. search engine. Apple’s macOS is written largely in C++ (with some
other languages mixed in depending on the function), and the likes
C++ proved to be popular among the developers of the 80s, since of NASA, SpaceX, and even CERN use C++ for various applications,
it was a much easier environment with which to get to grips, programs, controls, and umpteen other computing tasks.
and, more importantly, it was 99% compatible with the original C
language. This meant that, beyond the mainstream computing labs, As well as being an easier addition to the core C language, C++ is
regular people who didn’t have access to the mainframes and large DOVRH[WUHPHO\HƯFLHQWDQGSHUIRUPVZHOODFURVVWKHERDUG7KLV
computing data centres could use it. higher level of performance over other languages, such as Python,
BASIC and such, makes it an ideal development environment for
C++’s impact in the digital world is immense. Many of the programs, modern computing; hence the aforementioned companies using it
applications, games, and even operating systems are coded so widely.

C++ code is much faster than other

programming languages.

18
 Why C++?

Microsoft’s Visual Studio is a great, free

environment in which to learn C++.

C++ puts the developer in a much wider world of coding. By improvements to the engine, or when creating a new game, if
PDVWHULQJ&\RXZLOOƬQG\RXUVHOIEHLQJDEOHWRGHYHORSFRGHIRU the developers want to add something that the engine can’t do,
WKHOLNHVRI0LFURVRIW$SSOHDQGVRRQ*HQHUDOO\&GHYHORSHUV they will use C++ to create the new content or link between two
enjoy a higher salary than programmers of some other languages, GLƪHUHQWHQJLQHV7KHHQGUHVXOWRIFRXUVHLVDJDPHWKDWFRQWDLQV
and, due to its versatility, the C++ programmer can move between the latest graphical technology, while being seamlessly bound
MREVDQGFRPSDQLHVZLWKRXWWKHQHHGWRUHOHDUQDQ\WKLQJVSHFLƬF together with some pretty clever C++ coding.

You will discover, as you become a more advanced coder, that many *HWWLQJWRXVH&LVTXLWHHDV\DOO\RXQHHGLVWKHULJKWVHWRIWRROV
of the developers in various coding jobs around the world tend to in which to communicate with the computer in C++, and you can
use pre-designed development engines. For example, when creating start your journey. A C++ IDE is free of charge, even the immensely
games, the likes of Bethesda, the team behind Oblivion and Skyrim, powerful Visual Studio from Microsoft is freely available to
utilise a 3D game engine called The Creation Engine. This enables download and use. You can get into C++ from any operating system,
the team to quickly create animations, characters, items, terrains, be it macOS, Linux, Windows, or even mobile platforms.
rooms, and just about everything else you’d see in the game. The
HQJLQHLWVHOIKDVEHHQPRGLƬHGWRPDNHWKHPRVWRIWKHFXUUHQW So, to answer the question of Why C++, the answer is because it’s fast,
graphics card hardware, and computer or console processing HƯFLHQWDQGGHYHORSHGE\PRVWRIWKHDSSOLFDWLRQV\RXUHJXODUO\
power. These engines are mostly written in C++, and when making use. It’s cutting edge, and a fantastic language to have mastered.

Indeed, the operating system

you’re using is written in C++.

19
 Introducing C++
C++ Facts & Figures
C++ is one of the top
programming languages
in the industry. It’s quick,
powerful, and used by
nearly every major tech
and gaming company in
the world. Here’s some
interesting facts about
the rather wonderful C++.
C++ is
one of the
predominant
programming
languages for the
development of all
kinds of technical
NASA, CERN, and commercial
MICROSOFT, software.
ORACLE, PAYPAL,
LINKEDIN, AMAZON AND
THE MILITARY USE C++.

C++ IS USED FREQUENTLY C++ has

IN ANIMATION PROCESSES. LQƮXHQFHGRWKHU
programming
3D ANIMATION, languages, such as
MODELLING, C# and Java.
AND
SIMULATIONS
ALL UTILISE C++.

A lot of the
Linux operating
system is coded
using C++, therefore
you could say that most
of the world’s Internet
hosting servers are
available thanks to C++.

SUPERCOMPUTING USES C++ CODE More than 70% of all

TO CALCULATE VAST AMOUNTS OF trading is known as
High Frequency Trading
'$7$,1&/8',1*7+(1$6$Ǖ%$6(' (HFT), and the software
SUPERCOMPUTING FARM THAT RUNS responsible is written in
C++ to make use of its
SIMULATIONS OF THE UNIVERSE.
high speed.

20
Sources: ITJobsWatch,
Google, Quora, Stack C++ Facts & Figures
Exchange, eduCBA,
6WDFN2YHUƮRZ
stackShare, The Xbox
AppDynamics operating system
uses C++ as its
backbone.

Gaming is one of the

biggest users of C++.
It handles the
Many database applications complexities of 3D games,
are built using C++, such supports multiplayer Google Chrome, Mozilla’s
as MySQL, it’s also used options, and enables Firefox, and even Microsoft’s
by Wikipedia, Yahoo and intensive CPU and Edge web browsers are
YouTube. GPU hardware coded in C++.
functions.

90
THE
C++ is
used in computer
networking as the
main code behind the
th
Programmable Logic Most of Adobe’s
PERCENTILE SALARY stable of products
Controller, connecting )25$8.Ǖ%$6('& are developed
servers, processors, other DEVELOPER IS using C++.

£120,000
hardware, and
even robotics.

MRI scanning
machines and
Windows 95, 98, 2000, Computer Aided Design The Unreal 4 Engine,
XP, 7, 8.1 and 10, as well as all use C++ to help with which is coded in C++,
0LFURVRIW2ƯFHXVH& the enhanced imagery is used for hundreds
as the backbone programming produced by these of games, including
language of choice.
systems. Fortnite.

RADAR
PROCESSING
TECHNOLOGIES
USE C++, AS
WELL AS
ADVANCED
MISSILE
DETECTION
SYSTEMS.
FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS IN
MODERN AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING
MILITARY AIRCRAFT, USE C++.

21
 Introducing C++

Equipment You
Will Need
You don’t need to invest a huge amount of money in order to learn C++, and you
don’t need an entire computing lab at your disposal either. Providing you have a fairly
modern computer, everything else is freely available.

C++ SETUPS
As most, if not all, operating systems have C++ at their code, it stands to reason that you can learn to program in C++ no
matter what OS you’re currently using.

COMPUTER
Unless you fancy writing out your C++ code by hand on a sheet of paper (which is
something many older coders used to do), then a computer is an absolute must have
component. PC users can have any recent Linux distro or Windows OS, Mac users the
latest macOS.

AN IDE
An IDE is used to enter and execute your C++ code. Many IDEs come with extensions
and plugins that help make it work better, or add an extra level of functionality.
Often, an IDE will provide enhancements depending on the core OS being used,
such as enhancements for Windows 10.

COMPILER
A compiler is a program that converts the C++ language into binary that the
computer can understand. While some IDEs come with a compiler built in, others
don’t. Code::Blocks is our favourite IDE that comes with a C++ compiler as part of the
package. More on this later.

TEXT EDITOR
Some programmers much prefer to use a text editor to assemble their C++ code
before running it through a compiler. Essentially, you can use any text editor to write
code, just save it with a .cpp extension. However, Notepad++ is one of the best code
text editors available.

INTERNET ACCESS
While it’s entirely possible to learn how to code on a computer that’s not attached
WRWKH,QWHUQHWLWoVH[WUDRUGLQDULO\GLƯFXOW<RXZLOOQHHGWRLQVWDOOWKHUHOHYDQW
software, keep it up to date, install any extras or extensions, and look for help when
coding. All of which require access to the Internet.

TIME AND PATIENCE

<RXoUHJRLQJWRQHHGWRVHWDVLGHVLJQLƬFDQWWLPHWRVSHQGRQOHDUQLQJKRZWRFRGH
in C++. Sadly, unless you’re a genius, it’s not going to happen overnight, or even in a
week. A good C++ coder has spent many years honing their craft, so be patient, start
small and keep learning.

22
 Equipment You Will Need

OS SPECIFIC NEEDS
C++ will work in any operating system; however, getting all the necessary pieces together can be confusing to a newcomer. Here’s
VRPH26VSHFLƬFVIRU&

LINUX WINDOWS
Linux users are lucky in that they already have a compiler and As we’ve mentioned previously, one good IDE is Microsoft’s
text editor built into their operating system. Any text editor Visual Studio. However, a better IDE and compiler is
will allow you to type out your C++ code, when it’s saved with Code::Blocks, which is kept regularly up to date with a new
a .cpp extension, use g++ to compile it. release twice yearly, or so. Otherwise, Windows users can
HQWHUWKHLUFRGHLQ1RWHSDGWKHQFRPSLOHLWZLWK0LQ*:s
which Code::Blocks uses.

RASPBERRY PI MAC
The Raspberry Pi’s operating Mac owners will need to
system is Raspbian, which is download and install Xcode,
Linux based. Therefore, you’re in order to compile their
able to write your code out C++ code natively. Other
using a text editor and then options for the macOS
compile it with g++, as you include Netbeans, Eclipse or
would in any other Linux distro. Code::Blocks. Note: the
latest Code::Blocks isn’t
available for Mac, due to a
lack of Mac developers.

23
 Introducing C++

Structure of C++ Code

C++ is an amazing programming language to learn. If your dream is to become a games
designer, or work at the cutting edge of science or engineering technology, then being
able to code in C++ is a must. Remember, you’re never too old to learn how to code.

#INCLUDE <C++ IS ACE!>

As you learn the basics of programming, you will begin to understand the structure of a program. The commands may be
GLƪHUHQWEXW\RXZLOOVWDUWWRVHHKRZWKHFRGHZRUNV

C++ #INCLUDE
The structure of a C++ program
Danish student Bjarne can look complex, but once you
Stroustrup invented C++ in get familiar with it you’ll begin to
1979, as a part of his Ph.D. VHHKRZLWƮRZV(YHU\&FRGH
thesis. Initially C++ was called begins with a directive, #include
C with Classes, which added <>. The directive instructs the
features to the already popular pre-processor to include a
C programming language section of the standard C++
while making it a more code. For example: #include
user-friendly environment. <iostream> includes the
iostream header to support
Bjarne Stroustrup, inventor input/output operations.
of C++.

,170$,1Ǔǔ
int main() initiates the
declaration of a function, which
is a group of code statements
under the name ‘main’. All
C++ code begins at the main
function, regardless of where
it lies within the main body of
the code.

BRACES
The open brace is
something that you may
not have come across
before, especially if
you’re used to other
coding languages. The
open brace indicates the
beginning of the main
function, and contains
all the code belonging to
that function.

24
 Structure of C++ Code

COMMENTS <<
Lines that begin with a double slash are comments. This means they The two chevrons used here are insertion operators. This means
won’t be executed in the code and are ignored by the compiler. Why that, whatever follows, the chevrons are to be inserted into the
are they there? Comments are designed to help you, or another std::cout statement. In this case, they are the words ‘Hello World’,
programmer looking at your code, explain what’s going on. There which are to be displayed on the screen when you compile and
are two types of comment: /* covers multiple line comments, // a execute the code.
single line.

STD OUTPUTS
In C++, STD means Standard. It’s a part of the Standard Namespace Leading on, (“Hello World!”) is the part that we want to appear on
LQ&ZKLFKFRYHUVDQXPEHURIGLƪHUHQWVWDWHPHQWVDQG the screen when the code is executed. You can enter whatever you
commands. You can leave the std part out of a code, but it must be like, as long as it’s inside the quotation marks. The brackets aren’t
declared at the start with: using namespace std. needed, but some compilers insist on them. The \n part indicates a
new line is to be inserted.

COUT $1'ǜ
In this example we’re using cout, which is a part of the Standard Finally you will notice that lines within a function code block
1DPHVSDFHsKHQFHZK\LWoVWKHUHDV\RXoUHDVNLQJ&WRXVHLWIURP (except comments) end with a semicolon. This marks the end of
that particular namespace. Cout means Character OUTput, which the statement, and all statements in C++ must have one at the end
displays, or prints, something to the screen. If we leave std:: out we or the compiler will fail to build the code. The very last line has the
have to declare it at the start of the code; as mentioned previously. closing brace to indicate the end of the main function.

25
 Introducing C++

How to Set Up
C++ in Windows
Windows users have a wealth of choice when it comes to programming in C++. There
are loads of IDEs and compilers available, including Visual Studio from Microsoft.
However, in our opinion, the best C++ IDE to begin with is Code::Blocks.

CODE::BLOCKS
Code::Blocks is a free C++, C and Fortran IDE that is feature rich and easily extendible with plugins. It’s easy to use, comes with
a compiler and has a vibrant community behind it too.

STEP 1 Start by visiting the Code::Blocks download site, at STEP 3 :KHQ\RXoYHORFDWHGWKHƬOHFOLFNRQWKH

www.codeblocks.org/downloads. From there, click Sourceforge.net link at the end of the line and a
on the ‘Download the binary releases’ link to be taken to the latest GRZQORDGQRWLƬFDWLRQZLQGRZDSSHDUVFOLFNRQ6DYH)LOHWRVWDUW
downloadable version for Windows. the download and save the executable to your PC. Locate the
downloaded Code::Blocks installer and double-click to start. Follow
the on-screen instructions to begin the installation.

STEP 2 There you can see, there are several Windows STEP 4 Once you agree to the licencing terms, a choice of
versions available. The one you want to download installation options becomes available. You can opt
has mingw-setup.exe at the end of the current version number. At for a smaller install, missing out on some of the components but we
the time of writing this is: codeblocks-17.12mingw-setup.exe. The recommend that you opt for the Full option, as default.
GLƪHUHQFHLVWKDWWKHPLQJZVHWXSYHUVLRQLQFOXGHVD&FRPSLOHU
DQGGHEXJJHUIURP7'0*&& DFRPSLOHUVXLWH 

26
 How to Set Up C++ in Windows

STEP 5 Next choose an install location for the Code::Blocks STEP 8 There’s a lot you can do in Code::Blocks, so you need
ƬOHV,WoV\RXUFKRLFHEXWWKHGHIDXOWLVJHQHUDOO\ WRGLJLQDQGƬQGDJRRG&WXWRULDOWRKHOS\RX
VXƯFLHQW XQOHVV\RXKDYHDQ\VSHFLDOUHTXLUHPHQWVRIFRXUVH  get the most from it. However, to begin with, click on File > New >
:KHQ\RXFOLFN1H[WWKHLQVWDOOEHJLQVZKHQLWoVƬQLVKHGD Empty File. This creates a new, blank window for you to type in.
QRWLƬFDWLRQSRSVXSDVNLQJ\RXLI\RXZDQWVWDUW&RGH%ORFNVQRZ
so click Yes.

STEP 6 7KHƬUVWWLPH&RGH%ORFNVORDGVLWUXQVDQ STEP 9 In the new window, enter the following:

autodetect for any C++ compilers you may already
have installed on your system. If you don’t have any, click on the #include <iostream>
ƬUVWGHWHFWHGRSWLRQ*18*&&&RPSLOHUDQGFOLFNWKH'HIDXOW
Int main()
button to set it as the system’s C++ compiler. Click OK when you’re
{
ready to continue.
0\¿UVW&SURJUDP
Std::cout << “Hello World!\n”;
}
Notice how Code::Blocks auto-inserts the braces and speech quotes.

STEP 7 The program starts and another message appears STEP 10 Click File > Save as and save the code with a
informing you that Code::Blocks is currently not .cpp extension (helloworld.cpp, for example).
WKHGHIDXOWDSSOLFDWLRQIRU&ƬOHV<RXKDYHWZRRSWLRQVWROHDYH Code::Blocks changes the view to colour code according to C++
HYHU\WKLQJDVLWLVRUDOORZ&RGH%ORFNVWRDVVRFLDWHDOO&ƬOH standards. To execute the code, click on the Build and Run icon
types. Again, we would recommend you opt for the last choice, to along the top of the screen. It’s a green play icon together with a
DVVRFLDWH&RGH%ORFNVZLWKHYHU\VXSSRUWHGƬOHW\SH yellow cog.

27
 Introducing C++

How to Set Up C++

on a Mac
To begin C++ coding on a Mac you can use Apple’s own developer platform: Xcode. This
is a free, full featured IDE that’s designed to create native Apple apps. However, it’s
also able to be used to create C++ code relatively easily.

XCODE
Apple’s Xcode is primarily designed for users to develop apps for macOS, iOS, tvOS and watchOS applications in Swift or
Objective-C, but we can use it for C++ too.

STEP 1 Start by opening the App Store on your Mac, Apple STEP 3 :KHQ\RXoUHUHDG\FOLFNRQWKH*HWRUFORXGLFRQ
Menu > App Store. In the Search box enter Xcode, button which will install the Xcode app. Enter your
DQGSUHVV5HWXUQ7KHUHZLOOEHPDQ\VXJJHVWLRQVƬOOLQJWKH$SS Apple ID, and Xcode will begin to download and install. It may take
6WRUHZLQGRZEXWLWoVƬUVWRSWLRQ;FRGHWKDW\RXQHHGWRFOLFNRQ some time depending on the speed of your Internet connection, as
;FRGHLVLQH[FHVVRI*%

STEP 2 Take a moment to browse through the app’s STEP 4 When the installation is complete, click on the Open
information, including the compatibility to ensure button to launch Xcode. Click Agree to the licence
you have the correct version of macOS. Xcode requires macOS terms, and enter your password to allow Xcode to make changes
10.12.6 or later to install and work. to the system. When you’ve done that, Xcode will begin to install
additional components.

28
 How to Set Up C++ on a Mac

STEP 5 With everything now installed, including the STEP 8 7KHQH[WVWHSDVNVZKHUHWRFUHDWHD*LW5HSRVLWRU\

additional components, Xcode will launch displaying for all your future code. Choose a location on your
the version number along with three choices and any recent projects Mac, or a network location, and click the Create button. When
WKDW\RXoYHZRUNHGRQsDOWKRXJKIRUDIUHVKLQVWDOOWKLVZLOOEHEODQN you’ve done all that, you can start to code. The left-hand pane
GHWDLOVWKHƬOHVXVHGLQWKH&SURJUDP\RXoUHFRGLQJ&OLFNRQWKH
PDLQFSSƬOHLQWKHOLVW

STEP 6 Start by clicking on Create New Xcode Project, this STEP 9 You will notice that Xcode has automatically
opens a template window to choose which platform completed a basic Hello World program for you.
you’re developing code for. Click the macOS tab, then click the 7KHGLƪHUHQFHVKHUHDUHWKDWWKHLQWPDLQ IXQFWLRQQRZFRQWDLQV
Command Line Tool option. Click Next to continue. PXOWLSOHIXQFWLRQVDQGWKHOD\RXWLVVOLJKWO\GLƪHUHQW7KLVLVMXVW
Xcode utilising the content that’s available to your Mac.

STEP 7 )LOOLQDOOWKHƬHOGVEXWHQVXUHWKDWWKH/DQJXDJH STEP 10 When you want to run the code, click on Product >
option at the bottom is set to C++. Simply choose Run. You may be asked to enable Developer Mode
LWIURPWKHGURSGRZQOLVW:KHQ\RXoYHƬOOHGLQWKHƬHOGVDQG on the Mac, this is to authorise Xcode to perform functions without
made sure that C++ is the chosen language, click on the Next needing your password every session. When the program executes,
button to continue. the output will be displayed at the bottom of the Xcode window.

29
 Introducing C++

How to Set Up C++

in Linux
Linux is a great C++ coding environment. Most Linux distros already have the essential
components preinstalled, such as a compiler and the text editors are excellent for
entering code into, including colour coding; there’s also tons of extra software
available to help you out.

LINUX++
7KHUHDUHPDQ\GLƪHUHQWYHUVLRQVRI/LQX[DYDLODEOHIRUWKLVH[DPSOHZHoUHXVLQJRQHRIWKHPRUHSRSXODUGLVWULEXWLRQV/LQX[
Mint. However, these steps will work in any Debian-based Linux.

STEP 1 7KHƬUVWVWHSZLWKHQVXULQJ/LQX[LVUHDG\IRU\RXU STEP 3 Amazingly, that’s it. Everything is all ready for you
C++ code is check the system and software are WRVWDUWFRGLQJ+HUHoVKRZWRJHW\RXUƬUVW&
up to date. Open a Terminal and enter: sudo apt-get update program up and running. In Linux Mint the main text editor is Xed
&& sudo apt-get upgrade. Press Return and enter your can be launched by clicking on the Menu and typing Xed into the
password. These commands updates the entire system and any search bar. Click on the Text Editor button in the right-hand pane to
installed software. open Xed.

STEP 2 Most Linux distros come preinstalled with all the STEP 4 In Xed, or any other text editor you may be using,
necessary components to start coding in C++. enter the lines of code that make up your C++ Hello
However, it’s always worth checking to see if everything is present, World program. To remind you, it’s:
so still within the Terminal, enter: sudo apt-get install
#include <iostream>
build-essential and press Return. If you have the right
components, nothing is installed but if you’re missing some then int main()
they are installed by the command.
{
0\¿UVW&SURJUDP
std::cout << “Hello World!\n”;

30
 How to Set Up C++ in Linux

STEP 5 When you’ve entered your code, click File > Save As STEP 8 %HIRUH\RXFDQH[HFXWHWKH&ƬOH\RXQHHGWR
and choose a folder where you want to save your compile it. In Linux it’s common to use g++, an open
SURJUDP1DPHWKHƬOHDVKHOORZRUOGFSSRUDQ\RWKHUQDPHMXVWDV source C++ compiler and as you’re now in the same folder as the
long as it has .cpp as the extension. Click Save to continue. &ƬOHJRWRWKH7HUPLQDOHQWHUJKHOORZRUOGFSS and
press return.

STEP 6 7KHƬUVWWKLQJ\RXFDQVHHLVWKDW;HGKDV STEP 9 There will be a brief pause as the code is compiled
DXWRPDWLFDOO\UHFRJQLVHGWKLVDVD&ƬOHVLQFHWKH by g++ and providing there are no mistakes or
ƬOHH[WHQVLRQLVQRZVHWWRFSS7KHFRORXUFRGLQJLVSUHVHQWLQWKH errors in the code you are returned to the command prompt. The
FRGHDQGLI\RXRSHQXSWKHƬOHPDQDJHU\RXFDQDOVRVHHWKDWWKH FRPSLOLQJRIWKHFRGHKDVFUHDWHGDQHZƬOH,I\RXHQWHUls into the
ƬOHoVLFRQKDV&VWDPSHGRQLW 7HUPLQDO\RXFDQVHHWKDWDORQJVLGH\RXU&ƬOHLVDRXW

STEP 7 With your code now saved, drop into the Terminal STEP 10 7KHDRXWƬOHLVWKHFRPSLOHG&FRGH7RUXQWKH
again. You need to navigate to the location of code enter: DRXW and press Return. The words
WKH&ƬOH\RXoYHMXVWVDYHG2XUH[DPSOHLVLQWKH'RFXPHQWV ‘Hello World!’ appears on the screen. However, a.out isn’t very friendly.
folder, so we can navigate to it by entering: cd Documents. To name it something else post-compiling, you can recompile with:
Remember, the Linux Terminal is case sensitive, so any capitals must JKHOORZRUOGFSSRKHOORZRUOG. This creates an output
be entered correctly. ƬOHFDOOHGKHOORZRUOGZKLFKFDQEHUXQZLWKKHOORZRUOG.

31
 Introducing C++

Other C++ IDEs to Install

,I\RXZDQWWRWU\DGLƪHUHQWDSSURDFKWRZRUNLQJZLWK\RXU&FRGHWKHQWKHUHDUH
SOHQW\RIRSWLRQVDYDLODEOHWR\RX:LQGRZVLVWKHPRVWSUROLƬFSODWIRUPIRU&,'(V
but there are plenty for Mac and Linux users too.

DEVELOPING C++
+HUHDUHWHQJUHDW&,'(VWKDWDUHZRUWKORRNLQJLQWR<RXFDQLQVWDOORQHRUDOORIWKHPLI\RXOLNHEXWƬQGWKHRQHWKDW
works best for you.

ECLIPSE (FOLSVHLVDKXJHO\SRSXODU&,'(WKDWRƪHUV CODELITE CodeLite is a free and open source IDE that’s
the programmer a wealth of features. It has a regularly updated and available for Windows,
great, clean interface, is easy to use and available for Windows, Linux and macOS. It’s lightweight, uncomplicated and extremely
Linux and Mac. Head over to www.eclipse.org/downloads/ to SRZHUIXO<RXFDQƬQGRXWPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDVZHOODVKRZWR
download the latest version. If you’re stuck, click the Need Help link download and install it at www.codelite.org/.
for more information.

GNAT 7KH*1$73URJUDPPLQJ6WXGLR *36 LVDSRZHUIXO NETBEANS Another popular choice is NetBeans. This
and intuitive IDE that supports testing, debugging is another excellent IDE that’s packed with
and code analysis. The Community Edition is free, whereas the features and a pleasure to use. NetBeans IDE includes project based
Pro version costs; however, the Community Edition is available for templates for C++ that give you the ability to build applications with
:LQGRZV0DF/LQX[DQGHYHQWKH5DVSEHUU\3L<RXFDQƬQGLWDW dynamic and static libraries. Find out more at www.netbeans.org/
www.adacore.com/download. features/cpp/index.html.

32
 Other C++ IDEs to Install

VISUAL STUDIO Microsoft’s Visual Studio is a ANJUTA The Anjuta DevStudio is a Linux-only IDE that
mammoth C++ IDE that allows you features some of the more advanced features you
to create applications for Windows, Android, iOS and the web. The ZRXOGQRUPDOO\ƬQGLQDSDLGVRIWZDUHGHYHORSPHQWVWXGLR7KHUHoV
Community version is free to download and install but the other D*8,GHVLJQHUVRXUFHHGLWRUDSSZL]DUGLQWHUDFWLYHGHEXJJHUDQG
YHUVLRQVDOORZDIUHHWULDOSHULRG*RWRwww.visualstudio.com/ to PXFKPRUH*RWRwww.anjuta.org/ for more information.
see what it can do for you.

QT CREATOR This cross-platform IDE is designed to MONODEVELOP This excellent IDE allows developers
create C++ applications for desktop and to write C++ code for desktop and
mobile environments. It comes with a code editor and integrated web applications across all the major platforms. There’s an advanced
tools for testing and debugging, as well as deploying to you chosen WH[WHGLWRULQWHJUDWHGGHEXJJHUDQGDFRQƬJXUDEOHZRUNEHQFKWR
SODWIRUP,WoVQRWIUHHEXWWKHUHLVDWULDOSHULRGRQRƪHUEHIRUH help you create your code. It’s available for Windows, Mac and Linux
requiring purchasing: www.qt.io/qt-features-libraries-apis-tools- and is free to download and use: www.monodevelop.com/.
and-ide/.

DEV C++ Bloodshed Dev C++, despite its colourful name, U++ Ultimate++ is a cross-platform C++ IDE that boats a rapid
is an older IDE that is for Windows systems only. development of code through the smart and aggressive
However, many users praise its clean interface and uncomplicated use of C++. For the novice, it’s a beast of an IDE but behind its
way of coding and compiling. Although there’s not been much complexity is a beauty that would make a developer’s knees go
updating for some time, it’s certainly one to consider if you want wobbly. Find out more at www.ultimatepp.org/index.html.
VRPHWKLQJGLƪHUHQWwww.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html.

33
 Coding with C++

34
 Coding with C++

This section contains the building block

of C++, from learning how to compile and
H[HFXWH\RXUƬUVW&FRGHWKURXJKWR
developing user interaction. There’s a lot to
learn with C++, but these tutorials, tips and
tricks will lead you in the right direction.

&LVGLƪHUHQWWRWKHRWKHUSURJUDPPLQJ
languages in this book, and it’s continually
evolving as the applications that require it
are forever improving. If you know C++, then
you’re well on your way to becoming a much
sought-after coder and a vital member of the
coding community.

35
 Coding with C++

Your First C++ Program

You may have followed the Mac and Linux examples previously but you’re going to be
working exclusively in Windows and Code::Blocks from here on. Let’s begin by writing
\RXUƬUVW&SURJUDPDQGWDNLQJWKHƬUVWVPDOOVWHSLQWRDODUJHUFRGLQJZRUOG

+(//2:25/'
,WoVWUDGLWLRQDOLQSURJUDPPLQJIRUWKHƬUVWFRGHWREHHQWHUHGWRRXWSXWWKHZRUGVn+HOOR:RUOGoWRWKHVFUHHQ,QWHUHVWLQJO\
this dates back to 1968 using a language called BCPL.

67(3 We’re going to use Windows 10 and the excellent 67(3 At the moment it doesn’t look like much, and
IDE Code::Blocks for the rest of the C++ code and it makes even less sense, but we’ll get to that
tutorials in this book. Begin by launching Code::Blocks. When open, LQGXHFRXUVH1RZFOLFNRQ)LOH!6DYH)LOH$V&UHDWHRUƬQGD
click on File > New > Empty File or press Ctrl+Shift+N on the keyboard. suitable location on your hard drive and in the File Name box, call
LWKHOORZRUOGFSS&OLFNWKH6DYHDVW\SHER[DQGVHOHFW&&ƬOHV
Click the Save button.

67(3 Now you can see a blank screen, with the tab 67(3 You can see that Code::Blocks has now changed
labelled *Untitled1, and the number one in the top WKHFRORXUFRGLQJUHFRJQLVLQJWKDWWKHƬOHLVQRZ
left of the main Code::Blocks window. Begin by clicking in the main C++ code. This means that code can be auto-selected from the
window, so the cursor is next to the number one, and entering: Code::Blocks repository. Delete the #include <iostream> line and
re-enter it. You can see the auto-select boxes appearing.
#include <iostream>

36
 Your First C++ Program

67(3 Auto-selection of commands is extremely handy and 67(3 Note again the colour coding change. Press Return at
cuts out potential mistyping. Press Return to get to the end of the previous step’s line, and then enter:
line 3, then enter:
std::cout << “Hello, world!\n”;
int main()
Note: there’s no space between the brackets.

67(3 On the next line below int main(), enter a curly bracket: 67(3 Just as before, Code::Blocks auto-completes the
code you’re entering, including placing a closing
{
VSHHFKPDUNDVVRRQDV\RXHQWHUWKHƬUVW'RQoWIRUJHWWKH
This can be done by pressing Shift and the key to the right of P on an VHPLFRORQDWWKHHQGRIWKHOLQHWKLVLVRQHRIWKHPRVWLPSRUWDQW
English UK keyboard layout. elements to a C++ program and we’ll tell you why in the next
section. For now, move the cursor down to the closing curly bracket
and press Return.

67(3 Notice that Code::Blocks has automatically created 67(3 That’s all you need to do for the moment. It may
a corresponding closing curly bracket a couple of not look terribly amazing but C++ is best absorbed
lines below, linking the pair, as well as a slight indent. This is due to in small chunks. Don’t execute the code at the moment as you need
the structure of C++ and it’s where the meat of the code is entered. WRORRNDWKRZD&SURJUDPLVVWUXFWXUHGƬUVWWKHQ\RXFDQEXLOG
Now enter: DQGUXQWKHFRGH)RUQRZFOLFNRQ6DYHWKHVLQJOHƮRSS\GLVFLFRQ
0\¿UVW&SURJUDP


 Coding with C++

Compile and Execute

<RXoYHFUHDWHG\RXUƬUVW&SURJUDPDQG\RXQRZXQGHUVWDQGWKHEDVLFVEHKLQGWKH
structure of one. Let’s actually get things moving and compile and execute, or run if
you prefer, the program and see how it looks.

*5((7,1*6)520&
Compiling and executing C++ code from Code::Blocks is extraordinarily easy; it’s just a matter of clicking an icon and seeing
WKHUHVXOW+HUHoVKRZLWoVGRQH

67(3 Open Code::Blocks, if you haven’t already, and 67(3 Start by clicking on the Build icon, the yellow cog.
load up the previously saved Hello World code you At this point, your code has now been run through
created. Ensure that there are no visible errors, such as missing the Code::Blocks compiler and checked for any errors. You can see
semicolons at the end of the std::cout line. the results of the Build by looking to the bottom window pane. Any
messages regarding the quality of the code are displayed here.

67(3 If your code is looking similar to the one in our 67(3 Now click on the Run icon, the green play button.
screenshot, then look to the menu bar along the top A command line box appears on your screen
of the screen. Under the Fortran entry in the topmost menu you can displaying the words: Hello, world!, followed by the time it’s taken
see a group of icons: a yellow cog, green play button and a cog/play to execute the code, and asking you press a key to continue. Well
button together. These are Build, Run, Build and Run functions. GRQH\RXMXVWFRPSLOHGDQGH[HFXWHG\RXUƬUVW&SURJUDP

38
 Compile and Execute

67(3 Pressing any key in the command line box closes it, 67(3 Create a deliberate error in the code. Remove the
returning you to Code::Blocks. Let’s alter the code semicolon from the cout line, so it reads:
slightly. Under the #include line, enter:
cout << “Hello, world!\n”
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
7KHQGHOHWHWKHVWGSDUWRIWKH&RXWOLQHOLNHVR
cout << “Hello, world\n”;

67(3 In order to apply the new changes to the code, you 67(3 Now click the Build and Run icon again to apply the
need to re-compile, build, and run it again. This time, changes to the code. This time Code::Blocks refuses
however, you can simply click the Build/Run icon, the combined to execute the code, due to the error you put in. In the Log pane at
yellow cog and green play button. the bottom of the screen you are informed of the error, in this case:
([SHFWHGnoEHIRUHn`oWRNHQLQGLFDWLQJWKHPLVVLQJVHPLFRORQ

67(3 Just as we mentioned in the previous pages, you 67(3 Replace the semicolon and under the cout line,
don’t need to have std::cout if you already declare enter a new line to your code:
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWGDWWKHEHJLQQLQJRIWKHFRGH:HFRXOGKDYH
FRXW³$QGJUHHWLQJVIURP&?Q´
easily clicked the Build/Run icon to begin with but it’s worth going
through the available options. You can also see that by building and The \n simply adds a new line under the last line of outputted text.
UXQQLQJWKHƬOHKDVEHHQVDYHG Build and Run the code, to display your handiwork.

39
 Coding with C++

Using Comments
While comments may seem like a minor element to the many lines of code that
combine to make a game, application or even an entire operating system, in actual fact
they’re probably one of the most important factors.

7+(,03257$1&(2)&200(17,1*
Comments inside code are basically human readable descriptions equalling zero is something that drastically changes the program for
that detail what the code is doing at that particular point. They don’t the user, such as, they’ve run out of lives, then it certainly needs to
sound especially important but code without comments is one of commented on.
the many frustrating areas of programming, regardless of whether
you’re a professional or just starting out. Even if the code is your own, you should write comments as if you
were going to publicly share it with others. This way you can return
In short, all code should be commented in such a manner as to to that code and always understand what it was you did or where it
HƪHFWLYHO\GHVFULEHWKHSXUSRVHRIDOLQHVHFWLRQRULQGLYLGXDO was you went wrong or what worked brilliantly.
elements. You should get in to the habit of commenting as much as
possible, by imagining that someone who doesn’t know anything Comments are good practise and once you understand how to add a
about programming can pick up your code and understand what it’s comment where needed, you soon do it as if it’s second nature.
going to do simply by reading your comments.

In a professional environment, comments are vital to the success

of the code and ultimately, the company. In an organisation, many
programmers work in teams alongside engineers, other developers,
hardware analysts and so on. If you’re a part of the team that’s
writing a bespoke piece of software for the company, then your
comments help save a lot of time should something go wrong, and
another team member has to pick up and follow the trail to pinpoint
the issue.

3ODFH\RXUVHOILQWKHVKRHVRIVRPHRQHZKRVHMRELWLVWRƬQGRXW
what’s wrong with a program. The program has in excess of 800,000
OLQHVRIFRGHVSUHDGDFURVVVHYHUDOGLƪHUHQWPRGXOHV<RXFDQVRRQ
appreciate the need for a little help from the original programmers
in the form of a good comment.

The best comments are always concise

and link the code logically, detailing what
happens when the program hits this line
or section. You don’t need to comment on
every line. Something along the lines of: if
x==0 doesn’t require you to comment that if x
HTXDOV]HURWKHQGRVRPHWKLQJWKDWoVJRLQJ
to be obvious to the reader. However, if x


 Using Comments

&&200(176
&RPPHQWLQJLQ&LQYROYHVXVLQJDGRXEOHIRUZDUGVODVKnoRUDIRUZDUGVODVKDQGDQDVWHULVNn o<RXoYHDOUHDG\VHHQVRPH
brief examples but this is how they work.

67(3 Using the Hello World code as an example, you can 67(3 Be careful when commenting, especially with block
HDVLO\FRPPHQWRQGLƪHUHQWVHFWLRQVRIWKHFRGH comments. It’s very easy to forget to add the closing
using the double forward slash: asterisk and forward slash and thus negate any code that falls inside
the comment block.
0\¿UVW&SURJUDP
cout << “Hello, world!\n”;

67(3 However, you can also add comments to the end 67(3 Obviously if you try and build and execute the
of a line of code, to describe in a better way what’s code it errors out, complaining of a missing curly
going on: EUDFNHWn`oWRƬQLVKRƪWKHEORFNRIFRGH,I\RXoYHPDGHWKH
error a few times, then it can be time consuming to go back and
FRXW³+HOORZRUOG?Q´7KLVOLQHRXWSXWVWKH
rectify. Thankfully, the colour coding in Code::Blocks helps identify
words ‘Hello, world!’. The \n denotes a new line.
comments from code.
Note, you don’t have to put a semicolon at the end of a comment.
This is because it’s a line in the code that’s ignored by the compiler.

67(3 You can comment out several lines by using the 67(3 If you’re using block comments, it’s good practise
forward slash and asterisk: in C++ to add an asterisk to each new line of the
comment block. This also helps you to remember to close the
/* This comment can
FRPPHQWEORFNRƪEHIRUHFRQWLQXLQJZLWKWKHFRGH
cover several lines
without the need to add more slashes */ /* This comment can
* cover several lines
-XVWUHPHPEHUWRƬQLVKWKHEORFNFRPPHQWZLWKWKHRSSRVLWH
* without the need to add more slashes */
asterisk and forward slash.

41
 Coding with C++

Variables
9DULDEOHVGLƪHUVOLJKWO\ZKHQXVLQJ&DVRSSRVHGWR3\WKRQ,Q3\WKRQ\RXFDQ
simply state that ‘a’ equals 10 and a variable is assigned. However, in C++ a variable has
to be declared with its type before it can be used.

7+('(&/$5$7,212)9$5,$%/(6
<RXFDQGHFODUHD&YDULDEOHE\XVLQJVWDWHPHQWVZLWKLQWKHFRGH7KHUHDUHVHYHUDOGLVWLQFWW\SHVRIYDULDEOHV\RXFDQ
GHFODUH+HUHoVKRZLWZRUNV

67(3 2SHQXSDQHZEODQN&ƬOHDQGHQWHUWKHXVXDO 67(3 You can build and run the code but it won’t do
code headers: much, other than store the values 10 and 5 to the
integers a and b. To output the contents of the variables, add:
#include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG cout << a;
cout << ”\n”;
int main()
cout << b;
{
7KHFRXWp?QqSDUW
}
simply places a new line
between the output of
10 and 5.

67(3 Start simple by creating two variables, a and b, with 67(3 Naturally you can declare a new variable, call it
one having a value of 10 and the other 5. You can result and output some simple arithmetic:
use the data type int to declare these variables. Within the curly
int result;
brackets, enter:
UHVXOW DE
int a;
cout << result;
int b;
Insert the above into the code as per the screenshot.
a = 10;
b = 5;


 Variables

67(3 You can assign a value to a variable as soon as you 67(3 The previous step creates the variable StartLives,
declare it. The code you’ve typed in could look like which is a global variable. In a game, for example,
this, instead: a player’s lives go up or down depending on how well or how bad
they’re doing. When the player restarts the game, the StartLives
int a = 10;
returns to its default state: 3. Here we’ve assigned 3 lives, then
int b = 5;
subtracted 1, leaving 2 lives left.
LQWUHVXOW DE
cout << result;

67(3 The modern C++ compiler is far more intelligent

than most programmers give it credit. While there
are numerous data types you can declare for variables, you can in
fact use the auto feature:
#include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
DXWRSL 

67(3 6SHFLƬFWR&\RXFDQDOVRXVHWKHIROORZLQJ int main()

to assign values to a variable as soon as you
{
declare them:
double area, radius = 1.5;
int a (10);
DUHD SL UDGLXV UDGLXV
int b (5);
cout << area;
Then, from the C++ 2011 standard, using curly brackets:
}
LQWUHVXOW^DE`

67(3 You can create global variables, which are variables

that are declared outside any function and used in
67(3 $FRXSOHRIQHZHOHPHQWVKHUHƬUVWDXWRZRQoW
any function within the entire code. What you’ve used so far are
work unless you go to Settings > Compiler and
local variables: variables used inside the function. For example:
tick the box labelled ‘Have G++ follow the C++11 ISO C++ Language
#include <iostream> Standard [-std=c++1]’. Then, the new data type, double, which
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG PHDQVGRXEOHSUHFLVLRQƮRDWLQJSRLQWYDOXH(QDEOH&WKHQ
int StartLives = 3; build and run the code. The result should be 7.06858.
int main ()
{
startLives = StartLives – 1;
cout << StartLives;
}

43
 Coding with C++

Data Types
Variables, as we’ve seen, store information that the programmer can then later call up,
and manipulate if required. Variables are simply reserved memory locations that store
the values the programmer assigns, depending on the data type used.

7+(9$/8(2)'$7$
7KHUHDUHPDQ\GLƪHUHQWGDWDW\SHVDYDLODEOHIRUWKHSURJUDPPHU incredibly accurate numbers but those numbers are only accurate
LQ&VXFKDVDQLQWHJHUƮRDWLQJSRLQW%RROHDQFKDUDFWHUDQGVR XSWRWKHƬIWHHQWKGHFLPDOSODFH7KHUHoVDOVRWKHSUREOHPZKHQ
on. It’s widely accepted that there are seven basic data types, often displaying such numbers in C++ using the cout function, in that cout
FDOOHG3ULPLWLYH%XLOWLQ7\SHVKRZHYHU\RXFDQFUHDWH\RXURZQ E\GHIDXOWRQO\RXWSXWVWKHƬUVWƬYHGHFLPDOSODFHV<RXFDQFRPEDW
data types should the need ever arise within your code. that by adding a cout.precision () function and adding a value inside
the brackets, but even then you’re still limited by the accuracy of the
The seven basic data types are:
double data type. For example, try this code:
#include <iostream>
7<3( &200$1' XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
Integer ,QWHJHU GRXEOH3, 
int main()
)ORDWLQJ3RLQW ÀRDW {
cout << PI;
Character char }

Boolean bool

'RXEOH)ORDWLQJ3RLQW double

:LGH&KDUDFWHU wchar_t

1R9DOXH void

7KHVHEDVLFW\SHVFDQDOVREHH[WHQGHGXVLQJWKHIROORZLQJPRGLƬHUV
/RQJ6KRUW6LJQHGDQG8QVLJQHG%DVLFDOO\WKLVPHDQVWKHPRGLƬHUV
can expand the minimum and maximum range values for each data
type. For example, the int data type has a default value range of
-2147483648 to 2147483647, a fair value, you would agree.
1RZLI\RXZHUHWRXVHRQHRIWKHPRGLƬHUVWKHUDQJHDOWHUV
Unsigned int = 0 to 4294967295
Signed int = -2147483648 to 2147483647
Short int = -32768 to 32767
Unsigned Short int = 0 to 65,535 Build and run the code and as you can see the output is only
Signed Short int = -32768 to 32767 3.14159, representing cout’s limitations in this example.
Long int = -2147483647 to 2147483647
You can alter the code including the aforementioned cout.precision
Signed Long int = -2147483647 to 2147483647
function, for greater accuracy. Take precision all the way up to 22
Unsigned Long int = 0 to 4294967295
decimal places, with the following code:
Naturally you can get away with using the basic type without the
#include <iostream>
PRGLƬHUDVWKHUHoVSOHQW\RIUDQJHSURYLGHGZLWKHDFKGDWDW\SH
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
However, it’s considered good C++ programming practise to use the
GRXEOH3, 
PRGLƬHUVZKHQSRVVLEOH
int main()
7KHUHDUHLVVXHVZKHQXVLQJWKHPRGLƬHUVWKRXJK'RXEOH
{
UHSUHVHQWVDGRXEOHƮRDWLQJSRLQWYDOXHZKLFK\RXFDQXVHIRU

44
 Data Types

FRXWSUHFLVLRQ  
This is mainly due to the conversion from binary in the compiler
cout << PI;
and that the IEEE 754 double precision standard occupies 64-bits
} RIGDWDRIZKLFKELWVDUHGHGLFDWHGWRWKHVLJQLƬFDQW WKH
VLJQLƬFDQWGLJLWVLQDƮRDWLQJSRLQWQXPEHU DQGURXJKO\ELWV
are taken holding the values 0 to 9. If you divide 53 by 3.5, then you
arrive at 15.142857 recurring, which is 15-digits of precision.
To be honest, if you’re creating code that needs to be accurate to
PRUHWKDQƬIWHHQGHFLPDOSODFHVWKHQ\RXZRXOGQoWEHXVLQJ&
\RXZRXOGXVHVRPHVFLHQWLƬFVSHFLƬFODQJXDJHZLWK&DVWKH
connective tissue between the two languages.
You can create your own data types, using an alias-like system called
typedef. For example:

$JDLQEXLOGDQGUXQWKHFRGHDV\RXFDQVHHIURPWKHFRPPDQG
OLQHZLQGRZWKHQXPEHUUHSUHVHQWHGE\WKHYDULDEOH3,LVGLƪHUHQW
to the number you’ve told C++ to use in the variable. The output
reads the value of PI as 3.141592653589793115998, with the
QXPEHUVJRLQJDZU\IURPWKHƬIWHHQWKGHFLPDOSODFH

#include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
W\SHGHILQWPHWUHV
int main()
{
metres distance;
distance = 15;
cout << “distance in metres is: “ << distance;
}

This code when executed creates a new int data type called metres.
Then, in the main code block, there’s a new variable called distance,
ZKLFKLVDQLQWHJHUVR\RXoUHEDVLFDOO\WHOOLQJWKHFRPSLOHUWKDW
there’s another name for int. We assigned the value 15 to distance
and displayed the output: distance in metres is 15.
It might sound a little confusing to begin with but the more you use
C++ and create your own code, the easier it becomes.

45
 Coding with C++

Strings
Strings are objects that represent and hold sequences of characters. For example, you
could have a universal greeting in your code ‘Welcome’ and assign that as a string to be
called up wherever you like in the program.

675,1*7+(25<
7KHUHDUHGLƪHUHQWZD\VLQZKLFK\RXFDQFUHDWHDVWULQJRIFKDUDFWHUVZKLFKKLVWRULFDOO\DUHDOOFDUULHGRYHUIURPWKHRULJLQDO
C language, and are still supported by C++.

67(3 To create a string you use the char function. Open a 67(3 Build and run the code, and ‘Welcome’ appears
QHZ&ƬOHDQGEHJLQZLWKWKHXVXDOKHDGHU RQWKHVFUHHQ:KLOHWKLVLVSHUIHFWO\ƬQHLWoV
QRWDVWULQJ$VWULQJLVDFODVVZKLFKGHƬQHVREMHFWVWKDWFDQEH
#include <iostream>
represented as a stream of characters and doesn’t need to be
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
terminated like an array. The code can therefore be represented as:
int main ()
#include <iostream>
{ XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
} int main ()
{
FKDUJUHHW>@ ³:HOFRPH´
FRXWJUHHW³?Q´
}

67(3 It’s easy to confuse a string with an array. Here’s an 67(3 In C++ there’s also a string function, which works in
array, which can be terminated with a null character: much the same way. Using the greeting code again,
you can enter:
#include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG #include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
int main ()
int main ()
{
FKDUJUHHW>@ ^µ:¶µH¶µO¶µF¶µR¶µP¶ {
‘e’, ‘\0’}; VWULQJJUHHW ³:HOFRPH´
FRXWJUHHW³?Q´ FRXWJUHHW³?Q´
} }

46
 Strings

67(3 7KHUHDUHDOVRPDQ\GLƪHUHQWRSHUDWLRQVWKDW\RX 67(3 Just as you might expect, you can mix in an integer
can apply with the string function. For instance, to and store something to do with the string. In this
get the length of a string you can use: example, we created int length, which stores the result of string.
size() and outputs it to the user:
#include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG #include <iostream>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
int main ()
int main ()
{
VWULQJJUHHW ³:HOFRPH´ {
FRXW³7KHOHQJWKRIWKHVWULQJLV³ LQWOHQJWK
FRXWJUHHWVL]H ³?Q´ VWULQJJUHHW ³+HOOR´
VWULQJJUHHW ³ZRUOG´
}
VWULQJJUHHW JUHHWJUHHW
OHQJWK JUHHWVL]H 
FRXW³7KHOHQJWKRIWKHFRPELQHGVWULQJV
LV³OHQJWK³?Q´
}

67(3 Using the available operations that come with the

string function, you can manipulate the contents of a
string. For example, to remove characters from a string you could use:
67(3 You can see that we used greet.size() to output the
#include <iostream>
length, the number of characters there are, of the
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
contents of the string. Naturally, if you call your string something
RWKHUWKDQJUHHWWKHQ\RXQHHGWRFKDQJHWKHFRPPDQGWRUHƮHFW int main ()
this. It’s always stringname.operation. Build and run the code to see
{
the results.
VWULQJVWUJ ³+HUHLVDORQJVHQWHQFHLQD
VWULQJ´ 
FRXWVWUJµ?Q¶
VWUJHUDVH  
FRXWVWUJµ?Q¶
VWUJHUDVH VWUJEHJLQ  
FRXWVWUJµ?Q¶
67(3 You can of course add strings together, or rather
VWUJHUDVH VWUJEHJLQ VWUJHQG  
combine them to form longer strings:
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}
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int main ()
67(3 It’s worth spending some time playing around with
{
the numbers, which are the character positions
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right, so practice makes perfect. Take a look at the screenshot to see
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the result of the code.
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}


 Coding with C++

C++ Maths
Programming is mathematical in nature and as you might expect, there’s plenty of
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relatively simple.

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67(3 C++’s mathematical operations follow the 67(3 Multiplication and division can be applied as such:
same patterns as those taught in school, in that
#include <iostream>
multiplication and division take precedence over addition and
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and enter: int main ()
{
#include <iostream>
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int main ()
by 10
{
ÀRDWQXPEHUV  cout << numbers << “\n”;
QXPEHUV QXPEHUV7KLVDGGVWRWKH numbers = numbers / 10; // And this divides
initial 100 1000 by 10
cout << numbers << “\n”; cout << numbers << “\n”;
QXPEHUV QXPEHUV7KLVVXEWUDFWV }
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cout << numbers << “\n”;
}

67(3 While simple, it does get the old maths muscle

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numbers variable. While you can happily use an integer, if you 67(3 Again, execute the simple code and see the results.
suddenly started to use decimals, you would need to change to a While not particularly interesting, it’s a start into C++
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and see the results. and multiply by decimal places, as well as divide, add and subtract.

48
 C++ Maths

67(3 The interesting maths content comes when you call 67(3 Calculating powers of numbers can be done with:
upon the C++ Math Library. Within this header are
dozens of mathematical functions along with further operations. #include <iostream>
Everything from computing cosine to arc tangent with two #include <cmath>
parameters, to the value of PI. You can call the header with: XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
#include <iostream> int main ()
#include <cmath> {
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int main () FRXWQXPEHU³WRWKHSRZHURILV³
{ SRZ QXPEHU ³?Q´
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}

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value of 12, and the pow(variable, power) is where
the calculation happens. Of course, you can calculate powers and
#include <iostream>
square roots without using variables. For example, pow (12, 2)
#include <cmath>
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int main ()
{
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is: “ << sqrt(number) << “\n”;
}

67(3 The value of Pi is also stored in the cmath header

library. It can be called up with the M_PI function.
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use it to calculate:
#include <iostream>
#include <cmath>
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
int main ()
{
double area, radius = 1.5;
area = M_PI * radius * radius;
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used the sqrt(number) function to display the cout << area << “\n”;
square root of 134, the value of the variable, number. Build and run
}
the code, and your answer reads 11.5758.

49
 Coding with C++

User Interaction
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as creating a program that responds to you. This
basic user interaction is one of the most taught aspects of any language and with it
you’re able to do much more than simply greet the user by name.

+(//2'$9(
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input stream, to prompt a user response.

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program needs to be stored somewhere in the WKHFRXWFRPPDQG:LWKWKHƬUVWFRXWOLQH\RXoUH
system memory, so it can be retrieved and used. Therefore, any outputting ‘What is your age’ to the screen, as indicated with the
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command. Build and run the code.

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would use:
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67(3 The data type of the variable must also match the XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG
type of input you want from the user. For example,
int main ()
to ask a user their age, you would use an integer like this:
{
#include <iostream> VWULQJQDPH
XVLQJQDPHVSDFHVWG cout << “what is your name: “;
cin >> name;
int main ()
{ FRXW³?Q+HOOR³QDPH³,KRSH\RX¶UH
LQWDJH well today?\n”;
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}
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}


 8VHU,QWHUDFWLRQ

67(3 The principal works the same as the previous code. 67(3 While cin works well for most input tasks, it does
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because it contains multiple characters, and retrieved in the second terminator, so it’s designed for just single words not multiple words.
cout line. As long as the variable ‘name’ doesn’t change, then you +RZHYHUJHWOLQHWDNHVFLQDVWKHƬUVWDUJXPHQWDQGWKHYDULDEOHDV
can recall it wherever you like in your code. the second:
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int main ()
{
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cout << “Enter a sentence: \n”;
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input to begin with. Let’s assume you want the user to enter two FRXW³<RXUVHQWHQFHLV³P\VWUVL]H 
whole numbers: ³FKDUDFWHUVORQJ?Q´
#include <iostream> }
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int main ()
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cout << “Enter two whole numbers: “;
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}
number of characters. If you remove the getline line and replace it
with cin >> mystr and try again, the result displays the number of
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67(3 Likewise, inputted data can be manipulated once

you have it stored in a variable. For instance, ask the 67(3 Getline is usually a command that new C++
user for two numbers and do some maths on them: programmers forget to include. The terminating
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#include <iostream>
isn’t working. In short, it’s best to use getline(cin, variable) in future:
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#include <iostream>
int main ()
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{
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{
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cout << “\nHello, “ << name << “\n”;
}
}

51
 Introducing Python

52
 Index

Python is one of the most respected

and used programming languages
in the world. It’s designed to help
beginners get into code, but also has
some amazingly powerful features
that are utilised by data scientists and
engineers around the world.

You don’t need to look too far to

Python at work. It’s used throughout
the Internet, and helps drive some of
the biggest projects and companies in
a multitude of industries.

In this section, we will look at what

you will need to get started with
Python. First steps into a new learning
experience are always the hardest, but
we’re here to help.

53
 Introducing Python

Why Python?
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DQGVRPHVWLOODYDLODEOHIRUROGHUDQGELWFRPSXWHUVWRR6RPHRIWKHVHODQJXDJHV
DUHGHVLJQHGIRUVFLHQWLƬFZRUNRWKHUVIRUPRELOHSODWIRUPVDQGVXFK6RZK\FKRRVH
3\WKRQRXWRIDOOWKHUHVW"

PYTHON POWER
Ever since the earliest home computers were available, enthusiasts, users and professionals have toiled away until the wee
hours, slaving over an overheating heap of circuitry to create something akin to magic.

These pioneers of programming carved their way into a new Regardless of whether you use an Android device, iOS device, PC,
frontier, forging small routines that enabled the letter ‘A’ to scroll Mac, Linux, Smart TV, games console, MP3 player, GPS device built-in
across the screen. It may not sound terribly exciting to a generation to a car, set-top box or a thousand other connected and ‘smart’
WKDWoVXVHGWRXOWUDKLJKGHƬQLWLRQJUDSKLFVDQGRSHQZRUOGPXOWL appliances, behind them all is programming.
player online gaming. However, forty-something years ago it was
blindingly brilliant. All those aforementioned digital devices need instructions to tell
them what to do, and allow them to be interacted with. These
Naturally these bedroom coders helped form the foundations for instructions form the programming core of the device and that core
every piece of digital technology we use today. Some went on to can be built using a variety of programming languages.
become chief developers for top software companies, whereas
others pushed the available hardware to its limits and founded the 7KHODQJXDJHVLQXVHWRGD\GLƪHUGHSHQGLQJRQWKHVLWXDWLRQWKH
billion pound gaming empire that continually amazes us. platform, the device’s use and how the device will interact with its

54
 :K\3\WKRQ"

environment or users. Operating systems, such as Windows, macOS Python was created over twenty six years ago and has evolved to
and such are usually a combination of C++, C#, assembly and some become an ideal beginner’s language for learning how to program a
form of visual-based language. Games generally use C++ whilst web computer. It’s perfect for the hobbyist, enthusiast, student, teacher
pages can use a plethora of available languages such as HTML, Java, and those who simply need to create their own unique interaction
Python and so on. between either themselves or a piece of external hardware and the
computer itself.
More general-purpose programming is used to create programs,
apps, software or whatever else you want to call them. They’re Python is free to download, install and use and is available for Linux,
widely used across all hardware platforms and suit virtually every Windows, macOS, MS-DOS, OS/2, BeOS, IBM i-series machines, and
conceivable application. Some operate faster than others and some HYHQ5,6&26,WKDVEHHQYRWHGRQHRIWKHWRSƬYHSURJUDPPLQJ
are easier to learn and use than others. Python is one such general- languages in the world and is continually evolving ahead of the
purpose language. hardware and Internet development curve.

Python is what’s known as a High-Level Language, in that it ‘talks’ So to answer the question: why Python? Simply put, it’s free, easy to
to the hardware and operating system using a variety of arrays, OHDUQH[FHSWLRQDOO\SRZHUIXOXQLYHUVDOO\DFFHSWHGHƪHFWLYHDQGD
variables, objects, arithmetic, subroutines, loops and countless superb learning and educational tool.
more interactions. Whilst it’s not as streamlined as a Low-Level
Language, which can deal directly with memory addresses, call
VWDFNVDQGUHJLVWHUVLWVEHQHƬWLVWKDWLWoVXQLYHUVDOO\DFFHVVLEOH
and easy to learn.

BASIC was once the starter language that early

8-bit home computer users learned.

Java is a powerful
language that’s used in
web pages, set-top boxes,
TVs and even cars.

Python is a more modern take on BASIC, it’s easy to learn

and makes for an ideal beginner’s programming language.

55
 Introducing Python

What Can You Do

with Python?
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XQGHUVWDQGDQGZULWHZLWK\HWDOVRSRZHUIXODQGH[WUHPHO\PDOOHDEOH,WoVWKHVH
FKDUDFWHULVWLFVWKDWKHOSPDNHLWVXFKDQLPSRUWDQWODQJXDJHWROHDUQ

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EHLQJDEOHWRFUHDWHLQWHUDFWLYHVWRULHVDQGJDPHVIURPVFLHQWLƬF
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DSSOLFDWLRQVWKHRQO\OLPLWWR3\WKRQLVWKHLPDJLQDWLRQRIWKH
person coding in it.

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PDQ\GLƪHUHQWVLWXDWLRQVDQGUROHV(YHQFHUWDLQDVSHFWVRIWKH
FRGLQJZRUOGWKDWUHTXLUHPRUHHƯFLHQWFRGHVWLOOXVH3\WKRQ)RU
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DQGDVDEULGJHEHWZHHQRWKHUSURJUDPPLQJODQJXDJHV7KLVZD\
1$6$VFLHQWLVWVDQGHQJLQHHUVDUHDEOHWRJHWWRWKHGDWDWKH\
QHHGZLWKRXWKDYLQJWRFURVVPXOWLSOHODQJXDJHEDUULHUV3\WKRQ
ƬOOVWKHJDSVDQGSURYLGHVWKHPHDQVWRJHWWKHMREGRQH

BIG DATA
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LQGXVWULHVIURPVRFLDOPHGLDWRKHDOWKDQGZHOIDUHHQJLQHHULQJWRVSDFHH[SORUDWLRQ
and beyond.

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XVHDEOHIRUKXPDQV

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FRQWHQWWKH\ZDQWZLWKRXWWKHQHHGWROHDUQDIDUPRUHFRPSOH[SURJUDPPLQJODQJXDJH

56
 :KDW&DQ<RX'RZLWK3\WKRQ"

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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PRVWJURXQGEUHDNLQJDVSHFWVRIPRGHUQFRPSXWLQJ$,LVWKH
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LQVLPLODUZD\VWRKXPDQV0DFKLQH/HDUQLQJLVDVXEVHWRI$,
DQGSURYLGHVWKHRYHUDOO$,V\VWHPZLWKWKHDELOLW\WROHDUQ
IURPLWVH[SHULHQFHV

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IRXQGLQDYDULHW\RIGD\WRGD\FRPSXWLQJDSSOLFDWLRQVZKHUH
WKHnPDFKLQHoRUPRUHDFFXUDWHO\WKHFRGHQHHGVWROHDUQ
IURPWKHDFWLRQVRIVRPHIRUPRILQSXWDQGDQWLFLSDWHZKDW
WKHLQSXWLVOLNHO\WRUHTXLUHRUGRQH[W

7KLVPRGHOFDQEHDSSOLHGWR)DFHERRN*RRJOH7ZLWWHU
,QVWDJUDPDQGVRRQ+DYH\RXHYHUORRNHGXSDFHOHEULW\
RQ,QVWDJUDPDQGWKHQGLVFRYHUHGWKDW\RXUVHDUFKHVZLWKLQ
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WRZDUGVLPLODUFHOHEULWLHV"7KLVLVDSULPHH[DPSOHRIXVLQJ$,
LQWDUJHWHGDGYHUWLVLQJDQGEHKLQGWKHFRGHDQGDOJRULWKPV GAMING
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$OWKRXJK\RXZRQoWƬQGWRRPDQ\WULSOH$UDWHGJDPHVFRGHG
6SRWLI\IRUH[DPSOHXVHV3\WKRQEDVHGFRGH
using Python, you may be surprised to learn that Python is used as
DPRQJRWKHUWKLQJVWRDQDO\VH\RXUPXVLFDO
an extra on many of the high-ranking modern games.
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OLVWHQHGWRLQWKHSDVW,WoVDOOFOHYHUVWXƪDQG
The main use of Python in gaming comes in the form of scripting,
PRYLQJIRUZDUG3\WKRQLVDWWKHIRUHIURQWRI
where a Python script can add customisations to the core game
WKHZD\WKH,QWHUQHWZLOOZRUNLQWKHIXWXUH
engine. Many map editors are Python compatible and you will also
come across it if you build any mods for games, such as The Sims.

A lot of the online, MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-

Playing Game) games available utilise Python as a companion
WEB DEVELOPMENT language for the server-side elements. These include: code to
search for potential cheating, load balancing across the game’s
:HEGHYHORSPHQWKDVPRYHGRQFRQVLGHUDEO\VLQFHWKHHDUO\ servers, player skill matchmaking and to check whether the player’s
GD\VRI+70/VFULSWLQJLQDOLPLWHGWH[WHGLWRU7KHPDQ\ client-side game matches the server’s versions. There’s also a
IUDPHZRUNVDQGZHEPDQDJHPHQWVHUYLFHVDYDLODEOHQRZ Python module that can be included in a Minecraft server, enabling
means that building a page has become increasingly complex. the server admin to add blocks, send messages and automate a lot
of the background complexities of the game.
:LWK3\WKRQWKHZHEGHYHORSHUKDVWKHDELOLW\WRFUHDWH
G\QDPLFDQGKLJKO\VHFXUHZHEDSSVHQDEOLQJLQWHUDFWLRQZLWK
RWKHUZHEVHUYLFHVDQGDSSVVXFKDV,QVWDJUDPDQG3LQWHUHVW
3\WKRQDOVRDOORZVWKHFROOHFWLRQRIGDWDIURPRWKHUZHEVLWHV
DQGHYHQDSSVEXLOWZLWKLQRWKHUZHEVLWHV PYTHON EVERYWHERE
As you can see, Python is quite a versatile
programming language. By learning Python,
you are creating a well-rounded skillset that’s
able to take you into the next generation of
computing, either professionally or simply
as a hobbyist.

Whatever route you decide to take on your

coding journey, you will do well to have
Python in your corner.

57
 Introducing Python
Pytho
n cre
Ross ator G
um n uido
amed V
There’s a readi
ng sc P ython an
Pyth ripts afte
lot to like about on’s F from Mon r
lying t
Python, but don’t just Circu y
s.
take our word for it. Here are
VRPHDPD]LQJIDFWVDQGƬJXUHV
surrounding one of the most popular
programming languages of recent years.

Alexa, Amazon’s Virtual Data analysis and

Personal Assistant, uses Machine Learning are the
Python to help with two most used Python
speech recognition. examples.

in PYTHON AND
LINUX SKILLS
N UMBERS

As of the end of 20,

ARE THE THIRD Disney Pixar uses Python
Python was the most MOST POPULAR in its Renderman software
discussed language on I.T. SKILLS IN to operate between other
the Internet. graphics packages.
THE UK.

OVER 75% OF 90% OF ALL IT’S ESTIMATED

RECOMMENDED FACEBOOK POSTS THAT OVER 75% OF
CONTENT FROM NETFLIX ARE FILTERED NASA’S WORKFLOW
IS GENERATED FROM 7+528*+3<7+21Ǖ AUTOMATION
0$&+,1(/($51,1*ǟ CODED MACHINE SYSTEMS ON BOARD
CODED BY PYTHON. LEARNING. THE I.S.S. USE PYTHON.

58
 3\WKRQLQ1XPEHUV

16,000 3<7+216.,//Ǖ%$6('
POSITIONS ARE THE

th
0267628*+7Ǖ$)7(5
There are over 16,000 Python jobs
posted every six months in the UK. JOBS IN THE UK.

Python Data Science is Google is the top Data Science, Blockchain New York and San
thought to become the company for hiring Python and Machine Learning Francisco are the top
most sought-after job in developers, closely are the fastest growing Python developer cities
the coming years. followed by Microsoft. Python coding skills. in the world.

Python developers enjoy an average salary of

£60,000

95% OF ALL BEGINNER 75% OF ALL PYTHON 79% OF ALL 49% OF WINDOWS
CODERS START WITH DEVELOPERS USE PROGRAMMERS 10 DEVELOPERS
AND STILL USE, PYTHON 3, WHEREAS USE PYTHON USE PYTHON 3
PYTHON AS THEIR 25% STILL USE THE REGULARLY, 21% USE AS THEIR MAIN
PRIMARY OR OUTDATED PYTHON 2 IT AS A SECONDARY PROGRAMMING
SECONDARY LANGUAGE. VERSION. LANGUAGE. LANGUAGE.

59
 Introducing Python

Equipment You
Will Need
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WHAT WE’RE USING

Thankfully, Python is a multi-platform programming language available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi and more. If
you have one of those systems, then you can easily start using Python.

COMPUTER
Obviously you’re going to need a computer in order to learn how to program in
Python and to test your code. You can use Windows (from XP onward) on either a 32
or 64-bit processor, an Apple Mac or Linux installed PC.

AN IDE
An IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) is used to enter and execute Python
code. It enables you to inspect your program code and the values within the code, as
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the one that works for you and gives the best results.

PYTHON SOFTWARE
macOS and Linux already come with Python preinstalled as part of the operating
system, as does the Raspberry Pi. However, you need to ensure that you’re running
the latest version of Python. Windows users need to download and install Python,
which we’ll cover shortly.

TEXT EDITOR
Whilst a text editor is an ideal environment to enter code into, it’s not an absolute
necessity. You can enter and execute code directly from the IDLE but a text editor,
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when entering code.

INTERNET ACCESS
Python is an ever evolving environment and as such new versions often introduce
new concepts or change existing commands and code structure to make it a more
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out when you get stuck and give access to Python’s immense number of modules.

TIME AND PATIENCE

Despite what other books may lead you to believe, you won’t become a programmer
in 24-hours. Learning to code in Python takes time, and patience. You may become
VWXFNDWWLPHVDQGRWKHUWLPHVWKHFRGHZLOOƮRZOLNHZDWHU8QGHUVWDQG\RXoUHOHDUQLQJ
something entirely new, and you will get there.

60
 (TXLSPHQW<RX:LOO1HHG

THE RASPBERRY PI
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platform. Its main operating system, Raspbian, comes preinstalled with the latest Python along with many modules and extras.

RASPBERRY PI
The Raspberry Pi  Model is the latest version,
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2GB or 4GB memory versions and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
support. You can pick up a Pi from around £34, increasing
up to £54 for the 4GB memory version, or as a part of kit
for £50+, depending on the kit you’re interested in.

FUZE PROJECT
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of the Raspberry Pi. You can purchase the workstations that
come with an electronics kit and even a robot arm for you
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)8=(DWwww.fuze.co.uk.

BOOKS
We have several great Raspberry Pi titles available via www.
SFOpublications.com. Our Pi books cover how to buy your
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RASPBIAN set it up and use
it; there are some great step-
by-step project examples and
The Raspberry Pi’s main operating system is a Debian-based
guides to get the most from
Linux distribution that comes with everything you need in
the Raspberry Pi too.
a simple to use package. It’s streamlined for the Pi and is an
ideal platform for hardware and software projects, Python
programming and even as a desktop computer.

61
 Introducing Python

Getting to Know Python

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ODQJXDJHRQZKLFKWROHDUQKRZWRFRGHEXWLWoVDOVRSRZHUIXOHQRXJKWREHXVHGE\
FRPSDQLHVZKHQWUDZOLQJWKURXJKSHWDE\WHVRIUDZGDWD

PYTHON POWER
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that was designed by Guido van Rossum in the late ‘80s, as a
successor to the ABC Programming Language, and became available to use in 1990.

Guido van Rossum, the

designer of Python.

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62
 Getting to Know Python

PYTHON 3 VS PYTHON 2
In a typical computing scenario, Python is complicated somewhat by the existence of two active versions of the language:
Python 2 and Python 3.

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Python 3 is the best option to
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WKHVHWDUJHWHGVQLSSHWVLV3\WKRQDQGLWoVXVLQJDIRUPRI$,WR
KHOSGHWHUPLQHZKDWLWLV\RXZRXOGOLNHO\VHDUFKIRU ZEN OF PYTHON
'HVSLWHWKHIDFWWKDWPDQ\SHRSOHƬQGWKHWDUJHWLQJRI Python lets you access
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WKHFDVHRIQHXUDOQHWZRUNVLQ$,WKH3\WKRQFRGHLVGHVLJQHG the language. Principles The Zen of Python, as
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WKH$,SRUWLRQZLOOEHJLQWROHDUQKRZWRREWDLQDPRUHDFFXUDWH better than ugly” and import this, into the
UHVXOWRUGRWKHPDWKVEHKLQGWKHFRGHTXLFNHU,WDOOGHSHQGVRQ “Simple is better than Python IDLE.
ZKDWWKHGHYHORSHUZDQWVIURPWKHLU$,3\WKRQFRGH complex.” Type: import
this into Python and it will display all the principles.
An example of Python AI code, using a
As you will discover over the coming pages, Python is a
feedforward neural network.
fantastic language to learn. Get to grips with the basics, and
before long, you’ll be creating your own Python code for
games, tools, and maybe even something in AI. The only limit
with Python is your own imagination.

63
 Introducing Python

+RZWR6HW8S
Python in Windows
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INSTALLING PYTHON 3.X

Microsoft Windows doesn’t come with Python pre-installed as standard, so you’re going to have to install it yourself manually.
Thankfully, it’s an easy process to follow.

STEP 1 Start by opening your web browser to www.python. STEP 3 Choosing the Customise option allows you to
org/downloads/. Look for the button detailing the specify certain parameters, and while you may
Download link for Python 3.x. Python is regularly updated, changing stay with the defaults it’s a good habit to adopt as sometimes (not
WKHODVWGLJLWIRUHDFKEXJƬ[DQGXSGDWH7KHUHIRUHGRQoWZRUU\LI with Python, thankfully) installers can include unwanted additional
you see Python 3.7.0, or more, as long as it’s Python 3, the code in IHDWXUHV2QWKHƬUVWVFUHHQDYDLODEOHHQVXUHDOOER[HVDUHWLFNHG
WKLVERRNZLOOZRUNƬQH and click the Next button.

STEP 2 Click the download button for version 3.x, and save STEP 4 The next page of options include some interesting
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downloaded, double-click the executable and the Python installation Python, Create Shortcuts, Add Python to Environment Variables,
wizard will launch. From here you’ll have two choices: Install Now and 3UHFRPSLOH6WDQGDUG/LEUDU\DQG,QVWDOOIRU$OO8VHUVRSWLRQVDUH
Customise Installation. We recommend opting for the Customise ticked – these make using Python later much easier. Click Install
Installation link, and that the Add Python 3.x to PATH option is ticked. when you’re ready to continue.

64
 +RZWR6HW8S3\WKRQLQ:LQGRZV

STEP 5 <RXPD\QHHGWRFRQƬUPWKHLQVWDOODWLRQZLWKWKH STEP 8 If you now click on the Windows Start button again,
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Yes and Python will begin to install. Once the installation is complete the Command Prompt link. Click it and you’ll be at the Windows
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notes, and follow some online tutorials. line, you need to type: python and press Enter.

STEP 6 :LQGRZVXVHUVZLOOQRZƬQGWKHLQVWDOOHG STEP 9 The command line version of Python works in much the
Python 3.x within the Start button Recently Added same way as the Shell you opened in Step 7; note the
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in a moment) - will launch the command line version of Python it’s not too user-friendly, so we’ll leave the command line for now. Enter
when clicked (more on that in a moment). To open the IDLE, type exit() to leave, and close the Command Prompt window.
IDLE into Windows start.

STEP 7 Clicking on the IDLE (Python 3.x 64-bit) link will STEP 10 There are two versions of the latest Python
launch the Python Shell, where we’ll begin our available, 32-Bit and 64-Bit. Essentially, the 64-Bit
Python programming journey. Don’t worry if your version is version of Python allows you to utilise more than 4GB of memory.
newer, as long as it’s Python 3.x our code will work inside your While this is great for users with a lot of memory, and memory hungry
Python 3 interface. processes, it’s not an essential feature of Python. However, the 32-bit
version may provide more compatibility with existing modules.

65
 Introducing Python

+RZWR6HW8S
Python in Linux
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PYTHON PENGUIN
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First you need to ascertain which version of Python Once the update and upgrade completes, enter:
STEP 1 STEP 4
is currently installed in your Linux system. To begin python3 --version again to see if Python 3.x is
with, drop into a Terminal session from your distro’s menu, or hit the updated, or even installed. As long as you have Python 3.x, you’re
Ctrl+Alt+T keys. running the most recent major version, the numbers after the 3.
indicate patches plus further updates. Often they’re unnecessary,
but they can contain vital new elements.

Next, enter: python --version into the Terminal

STEP 2
screen. You should have the output relating to
version 2.x of Python in the display. Most Linux distro come with
both Python 2 and 3 by default, as there’s plenty of code out there
still available for Python 2. Now enter: python3 --version.

However, if you want the latest, cutting edge

STEP 5
version, you’ll need to build Python from source.
Start by entering these commands into the Terminal:
sudo apt-get install build-essential checkinstall
sudo apt-get install libreadline-gplv2-dev
libncursesw5-dev libssl-dev libsqlite3-dev tk-dev
In our case we have both Python 2 and 3 installed. libgdbm-dev libc6-dev libbz2-dev
STEP 3
As long as Python 3.x.x is installed, then the code in
our tutorials will work. It’s always worth checking to see if the distro
has been updated with the latest versions, enter: sudo apt-get
update && sudo apt-get upgrade to update the system.

66
 +RZWR6HW8S3\WKRQLQ/LQX[

Open up your Linux web browser and go to the

STEP 6 STEP 9 )RUWKH*8,,'/(\RXoOOQHHGWRHQWHUWKHIROORZLQJ
Python download page: https://www.python.org/ command into the Terminal:
downloads. Click on the Downloads, followed by the button under
sudo apt-get install idle3
the Python Source window. This opens a download dialogue box,
choose a location, then start the download process. The IDLE can then be started with the command: idle3. Note, that
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In the Terminal, go to the Downloads folder

STEP 7
by entering: cd Downloads/. Then unzip the
contents of the downloaded Python source code with: tar -xvf
Python-3.Y.Y.tar.xz (replace the Y’s with the version numbers
you’ve downloaded). Now enter the newly unzipped folder with: cd
Python-3.Y.Y/. You’ll also need PIP (Pip Installs Packages), which is
STEP 10
a tool to help you install more modules and extras.
Enter: sudo apt-get install python3-pip
Once PIP is installed, check for the latest update with:
pip3 install --upgrade pip
When complete, close the Terminal and Python 3.x will be available
via the Programming section in your distro’s menu.

Within the Python folder, enter:

STEP 8
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sudo make altinstall
This could take a while, depending on the speed of your computer.
2QFHƬQLVKHGHQWHUpython3.7 --version to check the latest
installed version. You now have Python 3.7 installed, alongside older
Python 3.x.x and Python 2.

PYTHON ON macOS
Installation of Python on macOS can be done in much the
same way as the Windows installation. Simply go to the Python
webpage, hover your mouse pointer over the Downloads
link and select Mac OS X from the options. You will then be
guided to the Python releases for Mac versions, along with the
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67
 Introducing Python

Python on the Pi
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THE POWER OF PI
While having a far more powerful coding platform on which to write and test your code is ideal, it’s not often feasible. Most of
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help out.

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LWVUHFRPPHQGHGGHIDXOWRSHUDWLQJV\VWHP5DVSELDQLVD/LQX[ FRGHZLWK6FUDWFK DQ2EMHFW2ULHQWHGSURJUDPPLQJODQJXDJH
26RUWREHPRUHDFFXUDWHLWoVD'HELDQEDVHGGLVWULEXWLRQRI GHYHORSHGE\0,7IRUFKLOGUHQWRXQGHUVWDQGKRZFRGLQJZRUNV DQG
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SURJUDPPLQJDVRSSRVHGWRDIUHVKLQVWDOODWLRQRI:LQGRZV DQ\DWWDFKHGURERWLFVRUHOHFWURQLFVSURMHFWV5DVSELDQDOVRLQFOXGHV
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)RXQGDWLRQKDVJRQHWKHH[WUDPLOHWRLQFOXGHDYDVWUDQJHRI FLUFXLWU\WKDWRƪHUVGLƪHUHQWHOHFWURQLFVURERWLFVDQGPRWRULVDWLRQ
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5DVSEHUU\3LJXLGHVIRXQGDWwww.bdmpublications.com DQG\RX DVDVXSHUESURMHFWIRXQGDWLRQ,WLVIRUWKHVHDQGPDQ\RWKHU
FDQVWDUWFRGLQJZLWK3\WKRQDVVRRQDVWKHGHVNWRSKDVORDGHG UHDVRQVZHoYHXVHGWKH5DVSEHUU\3LDVRXUPDLQ3\WKRQFRGHEDVH
WKURXJKRXWWKLVWLWOH:KLOHWKHFRGHLVZULWWHQDQGSHUIRUPHGRQD
6LJQLƬFDQWO\WKHUHoVDORWPRUHWRWKH5DVSEHUU\3LZKLFKPDNHV 3L\RXoUHDOVRDEOHWRXVHLWLQ:LQGRZVRWKHUYHUVLRQVRI/LQX[DQG
LWDQH[FHOOHQWFKRLFHIRUVRPHRQHZKRLVVWDUWLQJWROHDUQKRZWR PDF26,IWKHFRGHUHTXLUHVDVSHFLƬFRSHUDWLQJV\VWHPWKHQGRQoW
FRGHLQ3\WKRQ7KH3LLVUHPDUNDEO\HDV\WRVHWXSDVDKHDGOHVV ZRUU\ZHZLOOOHW\RXNQRZLQWKHWH[W
QRGH7KLVPHDQVWKDWZLWKDIHZWZHDNVKHUHDQGWKHUH\RXoUHDEOH
WRUHPRWHO\FRQQHFWWRWKH5DVSEHUU\3LIURPDQ\RWKHUFRPSXWHU
Everything you need to learn to code with Python is
RUGHYLFHRQ\RXUKRPHQHWZRUN)RUH[DPSOHRQFH\RXoYHVHWXS
included with the OS!
WKHUHPRWHFRQQHFWLYLW\RSWLRQV\RXFDQVLPSO\SOXJWKH3LLQWRWKH
SRZHUVRFNHWDQ\ZKHUHLQ\RXUKRXVHZLWKLQUDQJHRI\RXUZLUHOHVV
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DFFHVVWKHGHVNWRSIURP:LQGRZVRUPDF26DVHDVLO\DVLI\RXZHUH
VLWWLQJLQIURQWRIWKH3LZLWKDNH\ERDUGDQGPRXVH

8VLQJWKLVPHWKRGVDYHVDORWRIPRQH\DV\RXGRQoWQHHGDQRWKHU
NH\ERDUGPRXVHDQGPRQLWRUSOXV\RXZRQoWQHHGWRDOORFDWH
VXƯFLHQWVSDFHWRDFFRPPRGDWHWKRVHH[WUDVHLWKHU,I\RXoUHSXVKHG
IRUVSDFHDQGPRQH\WKHQIRUDURXQG~EX\LQJRQHRIWKHPDQ\

68
 Python on the Pi

There’s no such
thing as too
much Pi!

3,Ǖ(9(5
Introduced on 24th June 2019, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is
DVLJQLƬFDQWOHDSLQWHUPVRI3LSHUIRUPDQFHDQGKDUGZDUH
VSHFLƬFDWLRQV,WZDVDOVRRQHRIWKHTXLFNHVWPRGHOVDVLGHIURPWKH
RULJLQDO3LWRVHOORXW <RXoOODOVRƬQGDSDLURI86%SRUWV%OXHWRRWKDQGD*38
WKDWoVFDSDEOHRIKDQGLQJ.UHVROXWLRQVDQG2SHQ*/(6JUDSKLFV
:LWKDQHZ*+]ELWTXDGFRUH$50&RUWH[$SURFHVVRU ,QVKRUWWKH3LLVWKHPRVWSRZHUIXORIWKHFXUUHQW5DVSEHUU\3L
DQGDFKRLFHRI*%*%RU*%PHPRU\YHUVLRQVWKH3LLV PRGHOV+RZHYHUWKHGLƪHUHQWPHPRU\YHUVLRQVKDYHDQLQFUHDVHG
RQHVWHSFORVHUWREHFRPLQJDWUXHGHVNWRSFRPSXWHU,QDGGLWLRQ FRVW7KH*%YHUVLRQFRVWV~*%LV~DQGWKH*%3LZLOOVHW
WKH3LZDVODXQFKHGZLWKWKHVWDUWOLQJGHFLVLRQWRLQFOXGHGXDO \RXEDFN~5HPHPEHUWRDOVRIDFWRULQRQHRUWZRPLFUR+'0,
PRQLWRUVXSSRUWLQWKHIRUPRIDSDLURIWZRPLFUR+'0,SRUWV FDEOHVZLWK\RXURUGHU

RASPBIAN BUSTER
In addition to releasing the Pi 4, the Raspberry Pi team also compiled
a new version of the Raspbian operating system, codenamed Buster.

In conjunction with the new hardware the Pi 4 boasts, Buster does

RƪHUDIHZXSGDWHV$OWKRXJKRQWKHZKROHLWoVYHU\VLPLODULQ
appearance and operation to the previous version of Raspbian. The
XSGDWHVDUHPDLQO\LQOLQHZLWKWKH.oVGLVSOD\DQGSOD\EDFNJLYLQJWKH
Pi 4 a new set of graphical drivers and performance enhancements.

,QVKRUWZKDW\RXVHHLQWKLVERRNZLOOZRUNZLWKWKH5DVSEHUU\3L
4 and Raspbian Buster!

Once set up, you can remotely connect to the Pi’s desktop You can even test connected hardware with Python
from any device/PC. remotely, via Windows.

69
 Coding with Python

70
 Coding with Python

,WoVDORQJZD\IURPFUHDWLQJ\RXUƬUVW
Python code to controlling a robot on Mars,
but it’s not impossible. Every advanced and
professional Python coder started with the
EDVHIXQGDPHQWDOVWLSVDQGƬ[HVPHQWLRQHGLQ
this section.

With these foundation Python concepts, you

will be able to advance your skills and branch
out into whatever Python project you have in
mind. From printing Hello World on the screen,
looking into conditions and loops, asking a user
for input and reacting to it, to using variables
to control your code, this is where your Python
skills are forged.

71
 Coding with Python

Starting Python for

the First Time
We’re using Python 3 under Windows 10 for these following examples. Don’t worry if
your version of Python is 3.4.2, or something lesser than the current version, as long as
you’re using Python 3, the code will work.

STARTING PYTHON
$VZKHQOHDUQLQJDQ\WKLQJQHZ\RXQHHGWRVWDUWVORZ<RXFDQSLFNXSWKHSDFHDV\RXUH[SHULHQFHJURZVEXWIRUQRZOHWoV
just get something appearing on the screen. Don’t worry, you’ll soon be coding like a pro!

STEP 1 Click on the Windows Start button, and start typing STEP 3 For example, in the Shell enter: 2+2
‘idle’. The result will be the currently installed After pressing Enter, the next line will display the
version of the Python IDLE on your system. You can Pin it to the answer: 4. Basically, Python has taken the ‘code’ and produced the
Start for convenience, otherwise simply click the icon to launch the relevant output.
Python Shell.

STEP 2 The Shell is where you can enter code and see the STEP 4 The Python Shell acts very much like a calculator,
responses and output of code you’ve programmed since code is basically a series of mathematical
into Python. This is a kind of sandbox, if you will, where you’re able LQWHUDFWLRQVZLWKWKHV\VWHP,QWHJHUVZKLFKDUHWKHLQƬQLWH
to try out some simple code and processes. sequence of whole numbers, can easily be added, subtracted,
multiplied, and so on.

72
 Starting Python for the First Time

STEP 5 While that’s very interesting, it’s not particularly STEP 8 7KH3\WKRQ,'/(LVDFRQƬJXUDEOHHQYLURQPHQW,I
exciting. Instead, try this: you don’t like the way the colours are represented,
then you can always change them via 2SWLRQV!&RQƬJXUH,'/(, and
print(“Hello everyone!”)
clicking on the Highlighting tab. However, we don’t recommend that
Just enter it into the IDLE as you’ve done in the previous steps. as you won’t be seeing the same as our screenshots.

STEP 6 This is a little more like it, since you’ve just produced STEP 9 As with most programs available, regardless of the
\RXUƬUVWELWRIFRGH7KH3ULQWFRPPDQGLVIDLUO\ operating system, there are numerous shortcut
self-explanatory, it prints things. Python 3 requires the parentheses keys. We don’t have room for them all here, but within the Options
as well as quotes in order to output content to the screen, in this !&RQƬJXUH,'/(DQGXQGHUWKHKeys tab, you’ll see a list of the
case the ‘Hello everyone!’ bit. current bindings.

STEP 7 You’ll have noticed the colour coding within the STEP 10 The Python IDLE is a power interface, and one
3\WKRQ,'/(7KHFRORXUVUHSUHVHQWGLƪHUHQW that’s actually been written in Python using one
elements of Python code. They are: of the available GUI toolkits. If you want to know the many ins and
outs for the Shell, we recommend you take a few moments to view
Black – Data and Variables Blue – User Functions
https://docs.python.org/3/library/idle.html, which details many of
Green – Strings Dark Red – Comments
the IDLE’s features.
Purple – Functions Light Red – Error Messages
Orange – Commands

73
 Coding with Python

Your First Code

(VVHQWLDOO\\RXoYHDOUHDG\ZULWWHQ\RXUƬUVWSLHFHRIFRGHZLWKWKHSULQW p+HOOR
HYHU\RQHq IXQFWLRQIURPWKHSUHYLRXVWXWRULDO+RZHYHUOHWoVH[SDQGWKDWDQGORRNDW
entering your code and playing around with some other Python examples.

3/$<,1*:,7+3<7+21
As with most languages, computer or human, it’s all about remembering and applying the right words to the right situation.
You’re not born knowing these words, so you need to learn them.

STEP 1 If you’ve closed Python 3 IDLE, re-open it as you STEP 3 You’ll notice that instead of the number 4, the
did in the previous page. In the Shell, enter the output is the 2+2 you asked to be printed to the
familiar following: VFUHHQ7KHTXRWDWLRQPDUNVDUHGHƬQLQJZKDWoVEHLQJRXWSXWWHG
to the IDLE Shell, to print the total of 2+2 you’ll need to remove
print(“Hello”)
the quotes:
print(2+2)

STEP 2 As predicted, the word Hello appears in the Shell STEP 4 You can continue as such, printing 2+2, 464+2343
as blue text indicating output from a string. It’s and so on to the Shell. An easier way is to use a
fairly straightforward, and doesn’t require too much explanation. variable, which is something we will cover in more depth later. For
Now try: now, enter:
print(“2+2”) a=2
b=2

74
 Your First Code

STEP 5 What you have done here is assign the letters a STEP 8 Now let’s add a surname:
and b two values: 2 and 2. These are now variables,
surname=”Hayward”
which can be called upon by Python to output, add, subtract, divide
print(surname)
and so on, for as long as their numbers stay the same. Try this:
:HQRZKDYHWZRYDULDEOHVFRQWDLQLQJERWKDƬUVWQDPHDQGD
print(a)
surname, and we can print them independently.
print(b)

STEP 6 The output of the last step displays the current STEP 9 If we were to apply the same routine as before,
values of a and b individually, as essentially you’ve using the + symbol, the name wouldn’t appear
asked them to be printed separately. If you want to add them up, correctly in the output in the Shell. Try it:
you can use the following:
print(name+surname)
print(a+b)
:HQHHGDVSDFHEHWZHHQWKHWZRGHƬQLQJWKHPDVWZRVHSDUDWH
This code takes the value of both a and b, adds them together, and values and not something you mathematically play around with.
outputs the result.

STEP 7 <RXFDQSOD\DURXQGZLWKGLƪHUHQWNLQGVRIYDULDEOHV STEP 10 In Python 3 we can separate the two variables

together with the Print function. For example, we with a space by using a comma:
could assign variables for someone’s name:
print(name, surname)
name=”David”
Alternatively, you can add the space yourself:
print(name)
print(name+” “+surname)
As you can see, the use of the comma is much neater.
&RQJUDWXODWLRQV\RXoYHMXVWWDNHQ\RXUƬUVWVWHSVLQWRWKHZLGH
world of Python.

75
 Coding with Python

Saving and Executing

Your Code
:KLOHZRUNLQJLQWKH,'/(6KHOOLVSHUIHFWO\ƬQHIRUVQLSSHWVRIFRGHLWoVQRWGHVLJQHG
for entering longer program listings. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the IDLE
Editor, where most of our code will be entered from now on.

EDITING CODE
You will eventually reach a point where you have to move on from inputting single lines of code into the Shell. Instead, the
,'/((GLWRUZLOODOORZ\RXWRVDYHDQGH[HFXWH\RXU3\WKRQFRGH

STEP 1 First, open the Python IDLE Shell. When it’s up, click STEP 3 As you can see the same colour coding is in place in
on File > New File, this will open a new window with the IDLE Editor as it is in the Shell, enabling you to
Untitled as its name. This is the Python IDLE Editor, and within it, you better understand what’s going on with your code. To execute the
can enter the code you need to create your future programs. FRGHKRZHYHU\RXQHHGWRƬUVWVDYHLW3UHVVF5 and you’ll have a
Save…Check box open.

STEP 2 The IDLE Editor is, for all intents and purposes, a STEP 4 Click on the OK button in the Save box, and select a
simple text editor with Python features, colour destination where you’ll save all your Python code.
coding and so on. You enter code as you would within the Shell, so The destination can be a dedicated folder called Python, or you can
taking an example from the previous tutorial, enter: MXVWGXPSLWZKHUHYHU\RXOLNH5HPHPEHUWRNHHSDWLG\ƬOHV\VWHP
though, it’ll help you out in the future.
print(“Hello everyone!”)

76
 Saving and Executing Your Code

STEP 5 Enter a name for your code, ‘print hello’ for STEP 8 Let’s extend the code and enter a few examples
example, and click on the Save button. As soon from the previous tutorial:
as the Python code is saved, it’s executed and the output will be
a=2
detailed in the IDLE Shell; In this case, the words ‘Hello everyone!’.
b=2
name=”David”
surname=”Hayward”
print(name, surname)
print (a+b)
If you press F5QRZ\RXoOOEHDVNHGWRVDYHWKHƬOHDJDLQDVLWoVEHHQ
PRGLƬHGIURPEHIRUH

STEP 6 This is how the vast majority of your Python code STEP 9 If you click the OKEXWWRQWKHƬOHZLOOEHRYHUZULWWHQ
will be conducted. Enter it into the Editor, hit F5, with the new code entries, and executed; with the
save the code, and look at the output in the Shell. Sometimes things output in the Shell. It’s not a problem with just these few lines, but
ZLOOGLƪHUGHSHQGLQJRQZKHWKHU\RXoYHUHTXHVWHGDVHSDUDWH LI\RXZHUHWRHGLWDODUJHUƬOHRYHUZULWLQJFDQEHFRPHDQLVVXH
window, but essentially that’s the process and, unless otherwise Instead, use File > Save As from within the Editor to create a backup.
stated, this is the method we will use.

STEP 7 ,I\RXRSHQWKHƬOHORFDWLRQRIWKHVDYHG3\WKRQ STEP 10 1RZFUHDWHDQHZƬOH&ORVHWKH(GLWRUDQGRSHQ

code, you’ll notice that it ends in a .py extension. a new instance (File > New File from the Shell).
7KLVLVWKHGHIDXOW3\WKRQƬOHQDPHDQ\FRGH\RXFUHDWHZLOOEH Enter the following, and save it as hello.py:
whatever.py, and any code downloaded from the many Internet
a=”Python”
Python resource sites will be .py. Just ensure that the code is written
b=”is”
for Python 3.
c=”cool!”
print(a, b, c)
We will use this code in the next tutorial.

77
 Coding with Python

Executing Code from

the Command Line
While we’re going to be working from the GUI IDLE, it’s worth taking a moment to look
at Python’s command line handling. Sometimes, depending on the code you write,
executing via the command line is a better solution over the IDLE.

COMMAND THE CODE

Using the code we created in the previous tutorial, the one we named hello.py, let’s see how we can run code that was made in
the GUI at the command line level.

STEP 1 :KHQ\RXƬUVWLQVWDOOHG3\WKRQWKHLQVWDOODWLRQ STEP 3 Now you’re at the command line, we can start
routine automatically included all the necessary Python using the command python and pressing
components to allow the execution of code outside of the GUI the Enter key. This will put you into the command line version of the
IDLE; in other words, the command line. To begin with, click on the Shell, with the familiar, three right-facing arrows as the cursor (>>>).
Windows Start Button, and type: cmd.

STEP 2 As you did when launching the Python IDLE, STEP 4 From here you’re able to enter the code you’ve
click on the returned result from the search, the looked at previously, such as:
Command Prompt App. This will launch a new window, with a black
a=2
background and white text. This is the command line, also called a
print(a)
Terminal in macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi operating systems.
As you can see, it works exactly the same.

78
 Executing Code from the Command Line

STEP 5 Now enter exit() to leave the command line STEP 6 From within the same folder as the code you’re going
Python session, and return back to the command to run, enter the following into the command line:
prompt. Enter the folder where you saved the code from the
python hello.py
SUHYLRXVWXWRULDODQGOLVWWKHDYDLODEOHƬOHVZLWKLQ\RXVKRXOGVHH
the hello.pyƬOH This will execute the code we created, which to remind you is:
a=”Python”
b=”is”
c=”cool!”
print(a, b, c)

DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF PYTHON

If you’ve previously used Python 3 on a Mac or Linux, and This isn’t an issue with Windows, as it doesn’t use any Python
subsequently the Raspberry Pi, you may be a little confused as libraries other than the ones installed by the user themselves
to why the Windows version of Python uses the command line: when actually installing Python. When a Windows user installs
python, instead of python3. Python, the installation wizard will auto-include the command line
instance to the core Windows PATH variable, which you can view by
The reason behind this is that UNIX-like systems, such as macOS entering: path into the command line. This points to the python.
and Linux, already have Python libraries pre-installed. These older H[HƬOHUHTXLUHGWRH[HFXWH3\WKRQFRGHIURPWKHFRPPDQGOLQH
libraries are present because some of the macOS and Linux system
utilities rely on Python 2, and therefore installing a newer version We don’t recommend you install both Python 2 and Python 3
of Python, and thus altering the executable name, could have dire within Windows 10; naturally, you can if you want, but realistically,
consequences to the system. although Python 2 still has a foothold in the coding world, Python
3 is the newest version. However, if you do, then you will need to
As a result, developers decided that the best approach for macOS rename one of the Python versions names; as they will be installed
and Linux systems would be to leave the command line ‘python’ LQGLƪHUHQWIROGHUVDQGERWKXVHS\WKRQH[HDVWKHFRPPDQGOLQH
as exclusive Python 2 use, and newer versions of user-installed executable. It’s a little long-winded, so unless there’s a dire need to
Python would be ‘python3’. have both versions of Python installed, it’s best to stick to Python 3.

79
 Coding with Python

Numbers and Expressions

We’ve seen some basic mathematical expressions with Python, simple addition and the
like. Now let’s expand on that, and see just how powerful Python is as a calculator. You
can work within the IDLE Shell, or in the Editor, whichever you like.

,7o6$//0$7+60$1
You can get some really impressive results from the mathematical powers of Python, as maths is the driving force behind the
code with most, if not all, programming languages.

STEP 1 Open up the GUI version of Python 3, as mentioned STEP 3 You can use all
you can use either the Shell or the Editor. For the the customary
time being, we’re going to use the Shell. If you’ve opted to use a Mathematical operations: divide,
third-party text editor, note that you need to get to the IDLE Shell multiply, brackets and so on.
for this part of the tutorial. Practise with a few, for example:
1/2
6/2
2+2*3
(1+2)+(3*4)

STEP 2 In the Shell enter the following: STEP 4 As you’ve no

doubt noticed,
2+2
division produces a decimal
54356+34553245
number. In Python, these are
99867344*27344484221
FDOOHGƮRDWVRUƮRDWLQJSRLQW
As you can see, Python can handle some quite large numbers. arithmetic. If however, you
need an integer as opposed to a
decimal answer, then you can use
a double slash:
1//2
6//2
and so on.

80
 Numbers and Expressions

STEP 5 You can also use STEP 8 This will be

an operation to displayed as
see the remainder left over from ‘0b11’, converting the integer
division. For example: LQWRELQDU\DQGDGGLQJWKHSUHƬ[
0b to the front. If you want to
10/3
UHPRYHWKHESUHƬ[WKHQ\RX
will display 3.333333333, which can use:
is, of course, 3.3-recurring. If you
format(3, ‘b’)
now enter:
The Format command converts
10%3
a value, the number 3, to a
This will display 1, which is the formatted representation
remainder left over from dividing as controlled by the format
10 by 3. VSHFLƬFDWLRQWKHnEoSDUW

STEP 6 Next up we STEP 9 A Boolean Expression is a logical statement that will

have the power either be true or false. We can use these to compare
operator, or exponentiation data, and test to see if it’s equal to, less than, or greater than. Try
if you want to be technical. this in a New File:
To work out the power of
a = 6
something you can use a
b = 7
double multiplication symbol,
print(1, a == 6)
or double-star on the keyboard:
print(2, a == 7)
2**3 print(3, a == 6 and b == 7)
10**10 print(4, a == 7 and b == 7)
print(5, not a == 7 and b == 7)
Essentially, it’s 2x2x2, but we’re
print(6, a == 7 or b == 7)
sure you already know the
print(7, a == 7 or b == 6)
basics behind maths operators.
print(8, not (a == 7 and b == 6))
This is how you would work it
print(9, not a == 7 and b == 6)
out in Python.

STEP 7 Numbers and STEP 10 Execute the code from Step 9, and you’ll see a
expressions don’t series of True or False statements depending on
stop there. Python has numerous WKHUHVXOWRIWKHWZRGHƬQLQJYDOXHVDQG,WoVDQH[WHQVLRQRI
built-in functions to work out what we’ve looked at, and an important part of programming.
sets of numbers, absolute values,
complex numbers, and a host of
Mathematical expressions and
Pythogarian tongue-twisters. For
example, to convert a number to
binary, use:
bin(3)

81
 Coding with Python

Using Comments
:KHQZULWLQJ\RXUFRGHWKHƮRZZKDWHDFKYDULDEOHGRHVKRZWKHRYHUDOOSURJUDP
will operate and so on, is all inside your head. Another programmer could follow the
code line by line, but when the code starts to hit thousands of lines, things get a little
GLƯFXOWWRUHDG

#COMMENTS!
$PHWKRGXVHGE\PRVWSURJUDPPHUVIRUNHHSLQJWKHLUFRGHUHDGDEOHLVE\FRPPHQWLQJRQFHUWDLQVHFWLRQV)RUH[DPSOHLID
variable is used, the programmer comments on what it’s supposed to do. It’s just good practise.

STEP 1 We’ll start by creating a new instance of the IDLE STEP 3 Re-save the code and execute it. You’ll see that the
Editor (File > New File), and then create a simple output in the IDLE Shell is still the same as before,
variable and print command: despite the extra lines being added. Simply put, the hash symbol (#)
denotes a line of text the programmer can insert, to inform them
a=10
and others of what’s going on, without the user being aware.
print(“The value of A is,”, a)
6DYHWKHƬOHDQGH[HFXWHWKHFRGH

STEP 2 Running the code will return the line: The value of STEP 4 Let’s assume that the variable A we’ve created is
A is, 10 into the IDLE Shell window – which is what the number of lives in a game. Every time the player
we expected. Now let’s add some of the types of comments you’d dies, the value decreases by 1. The programmer could insert a
normally see within code: routine along the lines of:
# Set the start value of A to 10 a=a-1
a=10 print(“You’ve just lost a life!”)
# Print the current value of A print(“You now have”, a, “lives left!”)
print(“The value of A is,”, a)

82
 Using Comments

STEP 5 While we know that the variable A denotes number STEP 8 Inline Comments are comments that follow a
of lives and the player has just lost one, a casual section of code. Take our examples from above,
viewer, or someone checking the code, may not know. Imagine for a instead of inserting the code on a separate line, we could use:
moment that the code is twenty thousand lines long, instead of just
a=10 # Set the start value of A to 10
our seven. You can see how handy comments are.
print(“The value of A is,”, a) # Print the current
value of A
a=a-1 # Player lost a life!
print(“You’ve just lost a life!”)
print(“You now have”, a, “lives left!”) # Inform
player, and display current value of A (lives)

STEP 6 Essentially, the new code together with comments STEP 9 The comment, the hash symbol, can also be used to
could look like: comment out sections of code you don’t want to be
executed in your program. For instance, if you wanted to remove
# Set the start value of A to 10
WKHƬUVWSULQWVWDWHPHQW\RXZRXOGXVH
a=10
# Print the current value of A # print(“The value of A is,”, a)
print(“The value of A is,”, a)
# Player lost a life!
a=a-1
# Inform player, and display current value of A
(lives)
print(“You’ve just lost a life!”)
print(“You now have”, a, “lives left!”)

STEP 7 <RXFDQXVHFRPPHQWVLQGLƪHUHQWZD\V)RU STEP 10 You also use three single quotes to comment
example, Block Comments are a large section of out a Block Comment, or multi-line section of
text that details what’s going on in the code, such as telling the code comments. For them to work, place them before and after the areas
reader which variables you’re planning on using: you want to comment:
# This is the best game ever, and has been ‘’’
developed by a crack squad of Python experts This is the best game ever, and has been developed
# who haven’t slept or washed in weeks. Despite by a crack squad of Python experts
being very smelly, the code at least who haven’t slept or washed in weeks. Despite
# works really well. being very smelly, the code at least
works really well. ’’’

83
 Coding with Python

Working with Variables

We’ve seen some examples of variables in our Python code already, but it’s always
worth going through the way they operate, and how Python creates and assigns
certain values to a variable.

9$5,2869$5,$%/(6
:HoOOEHZRUNLQJZLWKWKH3\WKRQ,'/(6KHOOLQWKLVWXWRULDO,I\RXKDYHQoWDOUHDG\RSHQ3\WKRQRUFORVHGRZQWKHSUHYLRXV
,'/(6KHOOWRFOHDUXSDQ\ROGFRGH

STEP 1 In some programming languages, you’re required STEP 3 As we’ve seen previously, variables can be
to use a dollar sign to denote a string, which is a concatenated using the plus symbol between the
variable made up of multiple characters, such as a name of a person. variable names. In our example, we can use: print (name + “:
In Python this isn’t necessary, so, for example, in the Shell enter: “ + title). The middle part, between the quotations, allows
name=”David Hayward” (use your own name, unless you’re also us to add a colon and a space. As variables are connected without
called David Hayward). spaces, we need to add them manually.

STEP 2 You can check the type of variable in use by issuing STEP 4 We can also
the type () command, placing the name of the combine variables
variable inside the brackets. In our example, this would be: within another variable. For
type (name). Add a new string variable: title=”Descended example, to combine both name
from Celts”. and title variables into a new
variable, we use:
character=name + “: “ +
title
Then output the content of the
new variable as:
print (character)
1XPEHUVDUHVWRUHGDVGLƪHUHQW
variables:
age=44
Type (age)
Which, as we know, are integers.

84
 Working with Variables

STEP 5 However, you can’t combine both strings and STEP 8 This presents a bit of a problem when you want
integer type variables in the same command as you to work with a number that’s been inputted by
would a set of similar variables. You’ll need to turn one into the the user, for example, as age + 10 is both a string variable and an
other, or vice versa. When you do try to combine both, you’ll get an integer, it won’t work. Instead, you need to enter:
error message:
int(age) + 10
print (name + age)
This will TypeCast the age string into an integer that can be
worked with.

STEP 6 This is a process known as TypeCasting. The Python STEP 9 The use of TypeCasting is also important when
code is: GHDOLQJZLWKƮRDWLQJSRLQWDULWKPHWLFUHPHPEHU
numbers that have a decimal point in them. For example, enter:
print (character + “ is “ + str(age) + “ years
old.”) shirt=19.99
Alternatively, you can use: Now enter: type(shirt) and you’ll see that Python has allocated
WKHQXPEHUDVDnƮRDWoEHFDXVHWKHYDOXHFRQWDLQVDGHFLPDOSRLQW
print (character, “is“, age, “years old.”)
Notice again that in the last example, you don’t need the spaces
between the words in quotes, as the commas treat each argument
to print separately.

STEP 7 Another example of TypeCasting is when you ask STEP 10 :KHQFRPELQLQJLQWHJHUVDQGƮRDWV3\WKRQ

for input from the user, such as a number. for XVXDOO\FRQYHUWVWKHLQWHJHUWRDƮRDWEXWVKRXOG
example, enter: the reverse ever be applied, it’s worth remembering that Python
GRHVQoWUHWXUQWKHH[DFWYDOXH:KHQFRQYHUWLQJDƮRDWWRDQ
age= input (“How old are you? “)
integer, Python will always round down to the nearest integer,
All data stored from the Input command is stored as a string variable. called truncating; in our case instead of 19.99, it becomes 19.

85
 Coding with Python

User Input
We’ve seen some basic user interaction with the code from a few of the examples
earlier, so now would be a good time to focus solely on how you get information from
the user, then store and present it.

86(5)5,(1'/<
7KHW\SHRILQSXW\RXZDQWIURPWKHXVHUZLOOGHSHQGJUHDWO\RQWKHW\SHRISURJUDP\RXoUHFRGLQJ$JDPHIRUH[DPSOHPD\
ask for a character’s name, whereas a database can ask for personal details.

STEP 1 If it’s not already, open the Python 3 IDLE Shell, STEP 3 Now that we have the user’s name stored in a
and start a New File in the Editor. Let’s begin with couple of variables, we can call them up whenever
something really simple, enter: we want:
print(“Hello”) SULQW ³:HOFRPH´¿UVWQDPHVXUQDPH³,KRSH
¿UVWQDPH LQSXW ³:KDWLV\RXU¿UVWQDPH"³ you’re well today.”)
print(“Thanks.”)
surname=input(“And what is your surname? “)

STEP 2 Save and execute the code, and, as you no doubt STEP 4 Run the code and you’ll notice a slight issue, the
suspected, in the IDLE Shell the program will ask full stop after the surname follows a blank space.
IRU\RXUƬUVWQDPHVWRULQJLWDVWKHYDULDEOHƬUVWQDPH, followed by To eliminate that, we can add a plus sign instead of the comma in
your surname; also stored in its own variable (surname). the code:
SULQW ³:HOFRPH´¿UVWQDPHVXUQDPH³,KRSH
you’re well today.”)

86
 User Input

STEP 5 You don’t always have to include quoted text within STEP 8 What you’ve created here is a condition, based on
the input command. For example, you can ask the the user’s input. In short, we’re using the input
user their name, and have the input in the line below: from the user and measuring it against a condition. Therefore, if the
user enters David as their name, the guard will allow them to pass
SULQW ³+HOOR:KDW¶V\RXUQDPH"´
unhindered. If, however, they enter a name other than David, the
name=input()
JXDUGFKDOOHQJHVWKHPWRDƬJKW

STEP 6 The code from the previous step is often regarded STEP 9 As you learned previously, any input from a user
as being a little neater than having a lengthy is automatically a string, so you’ll need to apply a
amount of text in the input command, but it’s not a rule that’s set in TypeCast in order to turn it into something else. This creates some
stone, so do as you like in these situations. Expanding on the code, interesting additions to the input command. For example:
try this:
# Code to calculate rate and distance
SULQW ³+DOW:KRJRHVWKHUH"´ print(“Input a rate and a distance”)
name=input() UDWH ÀRDW LQSXW ³5DWH³

STEP 7 It’s a good start to a text adventure game, perhaps? STEP 10 $QGWRƬQDOLVHWKHUDWHDQGGLVWDQFHFRGHZHFDQDGG
Now we can expand on it, and use the raw input
GLVWDQFH ÀRDW LQSXW ³'LVWDQFH³
IURPWKHXVHUWRƮHVKRXWWKHJDPHDOLWWOH
print(“Time:”, (distance / rate))
if name==”David”:
Save and execute the code, and enter some numbers. Using the
SULQW ³:HOFRPHJRRGVLU<RXPD\SDVV´
ƮRDW LQSXW element, we’ve told Python that anything entered is a
else:
ƮRDWLQJSRLQWQXPEHUUDWKHUWKDQDVWULQJ
print(“I know you not. Prepare for battle!”)

87
 Coding with Python

Creating Functions
Now that you’ve mastered the use of variables and user input, the next step is to tackle
functions. You’ve already used a few functions, such as the print command, but Python
HQDEOHV\RXWRGHƬQH\RXURZQIXQFWLRQ

FUNKY FUNCTIONS
A function is a command that you enter into Python in order to do something. It’s a little piece of self-contained code that
takes data, works on it, and then returns the result.

STEP 1 It’s not only data that a function works on. Functions STEP 3 You can pass variables through functions in much
can do all manner of useful things in Python, such as the same manner. Let’s assume you want the
sort data, change items from one format to another, and check the number of letters in a person’s surname, you could use the following
length or type of items. Basically, a function is a short word followed code (enter the text editor for this example):
by brackets. For example, len(), list(), or type().
name=input (“Enter your surname: “)
count=len(name)
print (“Your surname has“, count, “letters in
it.”)
Press F5 and save the code to execute it.

STEP 2 A function takes data, usually a variable, works on STEP 4 Python has tens of functions built into it, far too
it depending on what the function is programmed many to get into in the limited space available here.
to do, and returns the end value. The data being worked on goes However, to view the list of built-in functions available to Python
inside the brackets, so if you wanted to know how many letters 3, navigate to https://docs.python.org/3/library/functions.html.
are in the word antidisestablishmentarianism, then you’d enter: 7KHVHDUHWKHSUHGHƬQHGIXQFWLRQVEXWVLQFHXVHUVKDYHFUHDWHG
len(“antidisestablishmentarianism”), and the number 28 many more, they’re not the only ones available.
would return.

88
 Creating Functions

STEP 5 Additional functions can be added to Python STEP 6 To use a function from a module, enter the name of
through modules. Python has a vast range of the module, followed by a full stop, then the name
modules available that can cover numerous programming duties. of the function. For instance, using the math module, since we’ve
They add functions and can be imported as and when required. For just imported it into Python, we can utilise the square root function.
example, to use advanced Mathematics functions enter: To do so, enter:
import math math.sqrt(16)
Once entered, you’ll have access to all the Math module functions. As you can see, the code is presented as module.function(data).

FORGING FUNCTIONS
7KHUHDUHPDQ\GLƪHUHQWIXQFWLRQVFUHDWHGE\RWKHU3\WKRQSURJUDPPHUVZKLFK\RXFDQLPSRUWDQG\RXoOOXQGRXEWHGO\FRPH
DFURVVVRPHH[FHOOHQWH[DPSOHVLQWKHIXWXUH+RZHYHU\RXFDQDOVRFUHDWH\RXURZQZLWKWKHdef command.

STEP 1 Choose File > New File to enter the editor, let’s STEP 3 To modify it further, delete the Hello(“David”) line,
FUHDWHDIXQFWLRQFDOOHG+HOORWKDWZLOOJUHHWD the last line in the script, and press Ctrl+S to save
user. Enter: WKHQHZVFULSW&ORVHWKH(GLWRUDQGFUHDWHDQHZƬOH File > New
File). Enter the following:
def Hello():
print (“Hello”) from Hello import Hello
Hello() Hello(“David”)
Press F5WRVDYHDQGUXQWKHVFULSW<RXoOOVHH+HOORLQWKH6KHOO Press F5 to save and execute the code.
type in Hello() and it’ll return the new function.

STEP 2 Let’s now expand the function to accept a variable, STEP 4 :KDW\RXoYHMXVWGRQHLVLPSRUWWKH+HOORIXQFWLRQ
the user’s name for example. Edit your script to read: IURPWKHVDYHG+HOORS\SURJUDPDQGWKHQXVHGLW
to say hello to David. This is how modules and functions work, you
def Hello(name):
import the module then use the function. Try this one, and modify
print (“Hello”, name)
it for extra credit:
Hello(“David”)
def add(a, b):
7KLVZLOOQRZDFFHSWWKHYDULDEOHQDPHRWKHUZLVHLWZLOOSULQW+HOOR
result = a + b
David. In the Shell, enter: name=(“Bob”), then, Hello(name).
return result
Your function can now pass variables through it.

89
 Coding with Python

Conditions and Loops

Conditions and loops are what make a program interesting, they can be simple or rather
FRPSOH[+RZ\RXXVHWKHPGHSHQGVJUHDWO\RQZKDWWKHSURJUDPLVWU\LQJWRDFKLHYH
they could be the number of lives left in a game, or just displaying a countdown.

TRUE CONDITIONS
.HHSLQJFRQGLWLRQVVLPSOHWREHJLQZLWKPDNHVOHDUQLQJWRSURJUDPDPRUHHQMR\DEOHH[SHULHQFH/HWoVVWDUWWKHQE\
checking if something is TRUE, then doing something else if it isn’t.

STEP 1 Let’s create a new Python program that will ask the STEP 3 Now we’ll use an if statement to check if the word_
user to input a word, then check it to see if it’s a length variable is equal to four, and print a friendly
four-letter word or not. Start with File > New File, and begin with conformation if it applies to the rule:
the input variable:
word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “)
word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “) word_length=len(word)
if word_length == 4:
SULQW ZRUG³LVDIRXUOHWWHUZRUG:HOOGRQH´
The double equal sign (==) check if something is equal to
something else.

STEP 2 Now we can create a new variable, then use the len STEP 4 The colon at the end of if tells Python that if this
function and pass the word variable through it to statement is true, do everything after the colon
get the total number of letters the user has just entered: that’s indented. Next, move the cursor back to the beginning of
the Editor:
word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “)
word_length=len(word) word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “)
word_length=len(word)
if word_length == 4:
SULQW ZRUG³LVDIRXUOHWWHUZRUG:HOO
done.”)
else:
print (word, “is not a four-letter word.”)

90
 Conditions and Loops

STEP 5 Press F5 and save the code to execute it. Enter STEP 6 Now expand the code to include other conditions.
a four-letter word in the Shell to begin with, you Eventually, it could become quite complex. We’ve
should have the returned message that the word is four letters. added a condition for three-letter words:
Now press F5 again, and re-run the program, but this time, enter a
word=input(“Please enter a four-letter word: “)
ƬYHOHWWHUZRUG7KH6KHOOZLOOGLVSOD\WKDWLWoVQRWDIRXUOHWWHUZRUG
word_length=len(word)
if word_length == 4:
SULQW ZRUG³LVDIRXUOHWWHUZRUG:HOO
done.”)
elif word_length == 3:
print (word, “is a three-letter word. Try again.”)
else:
print (word, “is not a four-letter word.”)

/2236
$OWKRXJKDORRSORRNVTXLWHVLPLODUWRDFRQGLWLRQWKH\DUHVRPHZKDWGLƪHUHQWLQWKHLURSHUDWLRQ$ORRSZLOOUXQWKURXJKWKH
same block of code a number of times, usually with the support of a condition.

STEP 1 Let’s start with a simple while statement. Like if, STEP 3 The for loop, is another example. For is used to
this will check to see if something is TRUE, then run loop over a range of data, usually a list stored as
the indented code: variables inside square brackets. For example:
x = 1 words=[“Cat”, “Dog”, “Unicorn”]
while x < 10:
for word in words:
print (x)
print (word)
x = x + 1

STEP 2 7KHGLƪHUHQFHEHWZHHQif and while is that when STEP 4 The for loop can also be used in the countdown
while gets to the end of the indented code, it goes example by using the range function:
back and checks the statement is still true. In our example x is less
for x in range (1, 10):
than 10. With each loop, it prints the current value of x, then adds
print (x)
one to that value. When x does eventually equal 10 it’ll stop.
The x=x+1 part isn’t needed here, because the range function
FUHDWHVDOLVWEHWZHHQWKHƬUVWDQGODVWQXPEHUVXVHG

91
 Coding with Python

Python Modules
We’ve mentioned modules previously, using the Math module as an example, but since
using modules is such a large part of getting the most from Python it’s worth dedicating
a little more time to them.

0$67(5,1*02'8/(6
7KLQNRIPRGXOHVDVDQH[WHQVLRQWKDWoVLPSRUWHGLQWR\RXU3\WKRQFRGHWRHQKDQFHDQGH[WHQGLWVFDSDELOLWLHV7KHUHDUH
countless modules available, and as we’ve seen, you can even make your own.

STEP 1 Although good, the built-in functions within Python STEP 3 The result is an error in the IDLE Shell, as the
are limited. The use of modules, however, allows us Pygame module isn’t recognised or installed in
to make more sophisticated programs. As you are aware, modules Python. To install a module we can use PIP (Pip Installs Packages).
are Python scripts that are imported, such as import math. Close down the IDLE Shell and drop into a command prompt or
Terminal session. At an elevated admin command prompt, enter:
pip install pygame

STEP 2 Some modules, especially on the Raspberry Pi, are STEP 4 The PIP installation requires an elevated status due
included by default; the Math module is a prime WRLWLQVWDOOLQJFRPSRQHQWVDWGLƪHUHQWORFDWLRQV
example. Sadly, other modules aren’t always available. A good Start with a search for CMD, via the Start button, right-click the
example on non-Pi platforms is the Pygame module, which contains result, and then click Run as Administrator. Linux and Mac users can
many functions to help create games. Try: import pygame. use the Sudo command, with sudo pip install package.

92
 Python Modules

STEP 5 Close the command prompt or Terminal, and re- STEP 8 Multiple modules can be imported within your code.
launch the IDLE Shell. When you now enter import To extend our example, use:
pygame, the module will be imported into the code without any
import random
SUREOHPV<RXoOOƬQGWKDWPRVWFRGHGRZQORDGHGRUFRSLHGIURP
import math
the Internet will contain a module, mainstream or unique, and their
absence is commonly the source of errors in execution. for I in range(5):
print(random.randint(1, 25))
print(math.pi)

STEP 6 The modules contain the extra code needed to STEP 9 The result is a string of random numbers followed
achieve a certain result within your own code, with by the value of Pi, as pulled from the math
which we’ve previously experimented. For example: module using the print(math.pi) function. You can also pull in
certain functions from a module by using the from and import
import random
commands, such as:
Brings in the code from the Random number generator module. We
from random import randint
can then use this module to create something like:
for i in range(5):
for i in range(10):
print(randint(1, 25))
print(random.randint(1, 25))

STEP 7 This code, when saved and executed, will display ten STEP 10 This helps create a more streamlined approach to
random numbers from 1 to 25. You can play around programming. You can also use: import module*,
with the code to display more or less, and from a greater or lesser ZKLFKZLOOLPSRUWHYHU\WKLQJGHƬQHGZLWKLQWKHQDPHGPRGXOH
range. For example: However, it’s often regarded as a waste of resources, but it works
nonetheless. Finally, modules can be imported as aliases:
import random
import math as m
for i in range(25):
print(random.randint(1, 100)) print(m.pi)
Of course, adding comments helps to tell others what’s going on.

93
঒ন঻ষ঍শশসন
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fantastic copy from our team of
experienced industry insiders. We will be
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Presidio for AirPods
08 groov-e SportBuds 23 ScanWatch
08 Kanex MultiSync Keyboard 24 Executive Laptop Briefcase
09 Eve Cam 24 Leather Sleeve for MacBook
09 tomtoc Holder Case 24 iVisor For MacBook
09 Evolve 85 Headphones 24 Pluma Laptop Sleeve
10 DJI Magic Mini Drone 25 Codex Notebook Sleeve
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46 devolo Magic 2 LAN Triple 95 StaffPad
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47 Somfy Indoor Camera 97 Luminar 4
48 Groov-e Ultra Headphones 98 Carbon Copy
49 WD My Cloud Home 99 UU Byte ISO Editor
50 Minix NEO P1 Charger 100 Vivd-Pix RESTORE
51 Edifier GM3SE 101 Slowly
51 Shure SE215 Earbuds 102 F-Secure ID PROTECTION
52 Jabra Evolve 65t 103 savvy navvy
53 AirFly Pro 104 DxO PureRAW 2
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54 QDOS UV Sanitizer 108 Radio Garden
55 Netatmo Smart Doorbell 109 Keep It 2.0
56 Envoy Pro Elektron 110 The Best Free Apps Around…
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57 iXpand Wireless Charger
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AOC AG273QX Monitor
SADES SA721 Headset
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60 Ergo M575 Trackball 116 Life is Strange 2
61 MX Anywhere Mouse 117 Unmemory
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64 Hubble for iPad 120 The First Tree
65 Backbone One Controller 121 If Found…
66 SanDisck iXpand Flash Drive 122 The Unfinished Swan
66 Kensington StudioDock 124 FAR: Lone Sails
67 devolo Magic 2 126 Football Manager 2022
68 Pet Bittle Robot Dog 128 Puppoz
70 Kensington Orbit Trackball 129 Minecraft
70 Logitech Lift Mouse 130 Tetris
71 Airpluse P100X Speaker 131 Retro Bowl
72 Edifier TWS330 NB Earbuds 131 Epic Race 3D
72 Manfrotto Street Slim Backpack 132 XCOM 2 Collection
73 Ocean Pro Elite Toothbrush 134 Medieval II Ltd
136 Cut The Rope: BLAST
137 Mokoko X
74 Software Zone 138 Anomaly Warzone Earth
139 Another World - 20th
140 GTA: Chinatown Wars
76 DxO PhotoLab 4 141 Dragons Lair 30th Anniversary
78 GoodLinks 142 Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
80 Things 3 144 Minion Rush
82 Motif Photobook 146 LEGO Star Wars: TCS
83 Airey
83
84
JustStream
Google Translate 148 Do You Need a
84
85
Cleanfox
Run Zombie Run!
Chromebook?
86 OWC Copy That Are you thinking about
87 REC Pro Video Camera investing in one of Google’s
88 Amadine notebooks? How do they
90 Evernote hold up against your laptop?
92 Parallels Desktop

www.pclpublications.com | 5
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6 www.pclpublications.com
ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP %
 groov-e SportBuds
groov-e, www.groov-e.co.uk
Price: £39.99/$49.99/43,99 €
Do you like to watch videos or listen to music on your tablet while using your cross
trainer, exercise bike or other such workout equipment? These sporting true
wireless earbuds from groov-e feature an ear hook design to keep them in place
while you work out and are rated IPX4 sweat resistant. Their carry case is a 1800
mAh Power Bank which lets you charge other mobile equipment as well as your
earbuds. They’re a great price too.

Kanex MultiSync Aluminum Keyboard

Kanex, www.kanex.com
Price: £59.95/$59.95/59.95 €
Like Apple’s own desktop keyboards, this one’s made of
aluminium but unlike Apple keyboards, it can sync with up to
three Bluetooth devices and switch between them at the touch
of a button. Just the thing if you want to type comfortably and
quickly on your tablet, smartphone or desktop. It features a
rechargeable battery, media keys and a full numeric keyboard.
As it’s built with Apple devices in mind, all the familiar keys and
shortcuts are here.

8 www.pclpublications.com
Eve Cam
EVE, www.evehome.com
Price: £136/$149.95/142,00 €

Eve Cam indoor camera is great for keeping an eye on your home
when you’re out. It’s Apple HomeKit compatible, so you can use
it directly from the Home app, and it benefits from new tabletOS
14 features such as face recognition, which identifies specific
individuals in your home, and activity zones, to focus the camera on
defined areas. When triggered it sends an alert to your tablet, and it
has a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication.

tomtoc Holder Case for tablet

Pencil
tomtoc, www.tomtoc.com
Price: £13.99/$16.99

Apple Pencil is a great tool, but it isn’t

cheap. If you have one, you’ll want to keep
it safe and sound. tomtoc’s Holder Case
for tablet Pencil is inexpensive and very
durable. A metal case wrapped in stylish
fabric, its interior is soft and padded to
protect your stylus from knocks and
bumps. It can hold a 1st Generation or 2nd
Generation Apple Pencil and is compact
enough to fit in your tablet bag.

Evolve2 85 Headphones
Jabra GN, www.jabra.com
Price: £398.45/$449/TBA €

Jabra has an enviable reputation for high-quality

office-oriented audio products that are also great
to use at home and the Evolve2 85 is no exception.
Connecting to your tablet through Bluetooth,
they’re ideal for video chat and conference
meetings, as well as listening to your favourite
music and watching videos. There’s a retractable
boom mic for chat, a wireless charging mat to
replenish the battery and a USB dongle for when
you want to use them with your computer.

www.pclpublications.com 9
 DJI Mavic Mini Drone
DJI, www.dji.com
Price: £369.95/$399.95/389,86 €

This one’s exclusively for tablet mini

owners and it’s awesome fun. DJI Mavic
Mini Drone is compact but powerful
and can fly for up to 30 minutes on
a single charge. Its vision sensors
and GPS Precise Hover makes it
straightforward to fly and the DJI Fly
app for your tablet is easy to use too.
Best of all, its stabilised gimbal camera
supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K
Quad HD, for some excellent in-flight
snaps and videos.

HP Tango X Printer
Hewlett Packard, www.hp.com
Price: £219.19/$199.95/194,91 €

HP’s Tango X Printer is perfect for when

you need to print. It’s Apple AirPrint-
compatible for printing from any of your
devices, including your tablet and it’s
easy to set up with the HP Smart app.
Plug it in, download the app and it’s up
and running – no USB connection or
driver downloads required. It’s great
for photos, text and images and as
the wrap-around cover doubles as an
output tray, its space-saving design is
ideal for taking on business trips when
you need to print from the hotel.

10 www.pclpublications.com
 LG UltraFine 4K Display
LG Electronics, www.lg.com
Price: £629.00/$699.95/730,12 €

Plug a USB-C or Lightning Display AV Adapter

or VGA Adapter into the charging port on the
bottom of tablet and you can connect it to an
external display, such as the LG UltraFine 4K
Display. It has a 23.7-inch screen with a 3840-
by-2160 resolution, a P3 wide colour gamut,
and 500 cd/m2 of brightness. And with over 8
million pixels, it has four times more than a
typical 1080p HD display.

Swann Enforcer Security System

Swann, www.swann.com
Price: £279.99/$299.99/394,23 €

The Enforcer home security system features

motion-activated, police-style red and blue
flashing lights, spotlight and siren to deter and
FRITZ!Box 7590
expose intruders. The 4K Ultra HD recordings and
AVM, https://en.avm.de powerful Night2Day colour night vision makes sure
everything’s clear whatever the conditions. It also
Price: £219, 249,99 € (not sold in USA)
includes True Detect Heat and Motion technology,
allowing for improved accuracy and fewer false
alarms. Two cameras are included in this pack and
Routers are not all alike and the one your ISP gave you might not be
you can add two more if you wish (sold separately).
the best way to run your home network. This high-end ADSL router
It works with Alexa and Hey Google and, of course,
is the perfect solution to Wi-Fi woes. The FRITZ!Box 7590 is packed
the Swann Security App for your tablet.
with features and can even act as a base station for up to six wireless
landline telephones. As well as Wi-Fi, it has four LAN ports for cabled
connections and two USB 3.0 ports you can use to network a printer or
hard drive. Using its FRITZ!OS operating system you can set up parental
controls and guest access, set up a media server and more. It’s a
powerful and versatile alternative to your ISP’s router.

www.pclpublications.com 11
 Nudient V3 iPhone Cases
www.nudient.com
Price: £25.90

Nudient partnered with Scandinavian designer Jesper Ståhl to create the V3

iPhone case. Available in a range of colours, the cases boast a smooth grip with
three layers of rubberised material which is both comfortable to hold yet easy
to slide into your pocket. It fits smoothly around the phone, whilst the strong
construction protects the phone and camera and premium fabric prevents
scratches to the phone surface. It has hidden magnets for MagSafe charging too.

Nudient Card
Holder
www.nudient.com
Price: £29.90

If you have a Nudient V3

iPhone case, you can
also buy one of these
understated card holders,
crafted from fine leather.
It can carry up to three
credit-type cards, and
effortlessly attaches to the
case’s its hidden magnets.
It’s available in black
or grey, and is only for
Nudient’s V3 cases.

12 www.pclpublications.com
 Cycling iPhone Wallet
www.sfbags.com
Price: £43.95, $59, 48,90 €

Cycling iPhone Wallet is designed for cyclists to

hold the essentials they take on every ride; an
iPhone, cash, cards, ID, car key, and a multitool.
This compact ballistic nylon and beautiful
full-grain leather wallet is custom-fit to cycling
jersey pockets and is easily accessible from there
with one hand. Available in two sizes, the water-
resistant wallet protects the iPhone with soft
padding in a dedicated compartment and looks
great whether on or off a bike.

QDOS TOUCH
QDOS HYBRID www.qdossound.com
Price: £24.99, $TBA, TBA €
www.qdossound.com
Price: £19.99, $TBA, TBA €
This protective case, available in black or blue, is
available for the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 mini. It’s made
This beautiful iPhone case guards your phone against potential cracks and
with real liquid silicone, allowing a super soft, easy-grip
scratches. The HYBRID Case, which combines coloured frames and a see-
finish. Its three-layer construction with shock absorbent
through back, is available in clear, navy and space grey, to fit the iPhone 12,
polycarbonate inner bumper provides protection from
12 Pro and 12 mini.
everyday knocks and bumps, and microfibre interior
provides gentle protection on the inside.

www.pclpublications.com 13
CLCKR Stand & Grip Case
www.clckr.com
Price: starts at £24.99, $29.99, 29.99 €

CLCKR is a patented universal & multi-functional phone grip enabling a firmer hold and multiple
viewing positions due to its comfy handle. With a CLCKR Stand & Grip Case on your iPhone,
you have a handy holder and a stand that can display your smartphone in both landscape and
portrait mode, as well as offering drop protection.

BookBook vol. 2 for iPhone

www.twelvesouth.com
Price: £54.99, $69.99, 64.99 €

Twelve South’s famous BookBook case is now available for the 14-series
iPhones. It features a magnetic closure for better phone and wallet
protection, a magnetic leather shell for easy separation of wallet and phone
and a safe space for your brand-new Apple Card. Your bank cards, ID and
cash are conveniently held on one side of the BookBook, with your iPhone
on the other side. A camera cutout lets you easily snap photos and video,
and it has a built-in viewing stand to FaceTime or view your favourite shows.

14 www.pclpublications.com
 Gear4 Battersea iPhone Case
URL: www.zagg.com
Price: £34.99, $49.99, 43,53 €

If you prefer to use your iPhone with a case, this one is

definitely worth considering. It has a D3O reinforced
backplate and frame, an anti-bacterial finish and
protects against drops of up to five metres/16 feet.
It’s compatible with wireless chargers too.

Leather Sleeve with MagSafe

for all iPhone Models
www.apple.com
Price: £129, $129, 145,20 €

Made from specially tanned and finished

European leather, the outside of Apple’s own
pouch-type case feels soft to the touch and
develops a natural patina over time. Inside,
StreamLocator there’s a pocket for your credit card or ID, and
URL: https://streamlocator.com/hub
it comes with a matching strap so that you
Price: £77, $83.88, 84,66 €

With StreamLocator on your network, you can use it as an access point for your
Smart TV, or other devices that use online streaming services and you can get
round annoying geo-blocks. If you subscribe to Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime
Video, for example, you can enjoy content from countries other than the one
you’re located in. It’s powered by SmartDNS and IP Tunnelling, so more than one
device in the house can spoof to different locations at once. For example, a British
household might be watching American HULU services in the lounge, while the
kids watch Japanese cartoons in the bedroom. The initial price includes the hub
and 12 months of streaming, and after that it’s £5.50/$6.99 a month.

QDOS OptiGuard CLCKR Stand & Grip

www.qdossound.com www.clckr.com
Price: £19.99, $TBA, TBA € Price: £12.99, $14.99, 14.99 €

The OptiGuard range of screen protectors This phone stand and grip attaches to the back
is now available for 14-series iPhones. of your phone using 3M-adhesive which does
Its ultra-thin, ultra-transparent, fully not leave a residue if you remove it. The Stand &
tempered glass has been treated with Grip gives you something to hold onto when you’re
an Oleophobic coating that repels holding the phone, so you’re less likely to drop it if your
fingerprints and oily residue, keeping your hands are tired or cold, and it also functions as a stand that holds your
screen cleaner for longer, and it comes with smartphone in portrait or landscape mode. It fits all smartphones,
an applicator to ensure the perfect fit. including the new iPhone 14-series models.

www.pclpublications.com 15
 Kanex MultiSync
Magic Keyboard Foldable Travel Keyboard
Website: www.apple.com with Trackpad
Price: From £299, $299, 330,45 € Website: www.kanex.com
Price: £74.99, $95.99, 80.74 €
Apple’s own Magic Keyboard
for tablet Air 4th gen, tablet The Kanex MultiSync Foldable
Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th gen Travel Keyboard is the perfect
andtablet Pro 11-inch (1st and fold-and-go solution when you
2nd gen has a built-in trackpad. need to do some serious typing
You can turn your tablet into a on your smartphone or tablet;
notebook for working on the including the new tablets. It
folds away when not in use and

Apple Pencil
Website: www.apple.com
Price: £129, $129, 131,55 €

The Apple Pencil, 2nd gen is compatible with the

new tablet Air as well as some tablet Pro models. It’s
great for artists and note-takers, and in tabletOS 14,
you can write in almost any text field and have your
words converted to typing.

16 www.pclpublications.com
 SteelSeries Nimbus+
Website: www.steelseries.com
Price: £69.95, $69.95, 77,93 €

Mobile gaming offers improved

support for gaming controllers,
so why not invest in one? The
SteelSeries Nimbus+ Wireless
Gaming Controller offers two
analogue sticks, four shoulder
buttons, a D-pad, face buttons and
a holder for your mobile device.

Compass Pro
Website: www.twelvesouth.com
Price: £45.44, $59.99, 50.18 €

Whatever model of tablet you own, Compass Pro is the perfect

travel stand. It folds down for easy storage, and in use, it can
hold your tablet in portrait or landscape mode, and also at a
shallow angle for comfortable typing.

www.pclpublications.com 17
 Speck Balance Folio Case
Website: www.speckproducts.co.uk
Price: £34.95, $47.71, 37.63 €

If you want a folio case without

a keyboard, this one’s ideal.
Magnets on the back cover of
the case allow you to shield your
camera lens when it’s not in use
and easily retracts for when you
want to snap a photo. It features
Microban technology for cutting
down on stains and bacteria too.

Activbody Activ5 Fitness System

https://activbody.com/fitness-activ5
Price: £124.95, $129.95, 136,43 €

If you’re planning to get fit using Apple’s new fitness

streaming service, why not go that extra yard with this
handy portable gym? It’s compatible with the latest tablets
and it’s great for an impromptu workout.

18 www.pclpublications.com
 HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub
Website: www.hypershop.com
Price: £54.92, $69.99, 60,18 €

There are plenty of USB-C hubs for the newest MacBooks but
did you know you can also get them for tablet models with
USB-C ports? This one gives you six ports; 3.5mm Audio Jack,
USB-A, SD, Micro SD, USB-C and HDMI.

Logitech Crayon for

tablets
Website: www.logitech.com
Price:
£69.95, $69.95, 68,18 €

Logitech Crayon is perfect

for children or anyone
who wants a lower-cost
alternative to Apple Pencil.
Using advanced technology,
Logitech Crayon provides a
writing experience that’s as
natural as pen and paper.

Anker PowerCore 15000 Redux

Website: www.anker.com
Price: £25.99, $35.99, 34,99 €

If you find yourself running out of power

while away from your charger, consider
getting a portable power bank. This one fits
in your pocket and can charge a flat tablet
approximately one and a half times.

www.pclpublications.com 19
 One Touch SSDs
URL: www.seagate.com
Price: From £90.50, $105, 99,99 €
These new external USB 3.0 solid-state drives are available in black, white,
or a range of funky camo colours. The black and white models are available
in 500GB and 1TB capacities, with the camouflage designs only in 500GB.
They’re extremely compact and light – less than three inches long, in fact.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3

Gimbal Combo
URL: www.dji.com TWS5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds
Price: £119, $139, 129 € URL: www.edifier.com
A Gimbal is a useful gadget for Price: £79.99, $79.99, 79,99 €
keeping your camera steady Wireless earbuds aren’t exactly thin on the ground of late, but
while you film action shots. these, from Edifier, have a feature set that sets them apart
This particular gimbal is from the crowd. They feature aptX lossless playback and
designed to fit smartphones, Bluetooth 5.0 for reduced power consumption. You can use
and also serves as a tripod for them for eight hours on a single charge, and there’s another 24
less action-packed moments. hours of power in the charging case.

20 www.pclpublications.com
KODAK SMILE Classic Instant Print Digital Camera
URL: www.kodakphotoplus.com
Price: £148.72, $149.99, 179,99 €
Now here’s a blast from the past. Kodak pioneered instant-print photography back in the
Seventies, and now this latest release brings the concept into the digital age. You can also use it to
print pictures from your smartphone over Bluetooth with the free KODAK Companion app.

iFi ZEN Blue

URL: www.ifi-audio.com
Price: £129, $129, 149 €
Connect this neat little box to your existing stereo setup and you can
stream your music via Bluetooth from your desktop, tablet, iPod touch, or
smartphone. It supports the latest hi-res Bluetooth codecs, and offers great

Visual Ear Cleaning Endoscope

URL: https://zeatag.com
Price: £43.77, $53.11, 48.31 €
Now here’s a gadget you didn’t know you needed;
and you were probably right. The USB HD Visual
Ear Cleaning Endoscope LED Inspection Camera
(to use its full title) lets you stick a camera down
your earhole and watch the results on your
computer screen.

www.pclpublications.com 21
Oral-B iO toothbrush
URL: https://io.oralb.com/en-us/
Price: TBA
Just when you thought
connected gadgets had gone as
far as they could go, here comes
this smartphone-compatible
toothbrush. It uses 3D tracking
to make sure you cover all your
gnashers, has a pressure sensor
to stop you pressing too hard and
smiles at you when you’ve done
the job correctly. It should be on
the shelves in August 2020.

moshi Otto Q Wireless Charging Pad

URL: https://www.moshi.com
Price: £44.95, $39.95, 44,40 €
If you’re looking for a desktop Qi charger for your smartphone, this one’s
definitely worth consideration. It’s stylish, robust and it’s been described as
‘the fastest wireless charger in the world’. It’s compatible with all Qi-enabled
smartphones, including the iPhones.

Mezzo Backpack
URL: www.sfbags.com
Price: Mezzo Laptop Backpack: £229, $299, 269,50 €
Complimentary Tech Pocket: £37.50, $49, 44? €
The Mezzo Laptop Backpack is a sophisticated mid-sized
everyday rucksack built to carry office and leisure gear in
comfort and style. It’s secured by a self-finding, magnetic
Fidlock clasp, or a performance-grade paragliding buckle
(you choose), and there’s an optional tech pouch to hold
your cables and chargers too.

22 www.pclpublications.com
Paperlike tablet Screen
Protector
URL: https://paperlike.com
Price: £29, $38, 34 €
This one does more than protect your tablet's
screen. When drawing on the screen with the Apple
pencil, it makes it feel more natural and erm –
paper-like. Its anti-glare finish makes it easier to use
your tablet in the sunshine too. Just the thing for
watching Netflix in the garden.

Presidio for AirPods ScanWatch

URL: www.speckproducts.eu URL: http://www.withings.com
Price: £19.99, $29.95 Price: 42mm: £279, $299, 299 € 38mm: £229, $249, 249 €
Presidio Pro for AirPods is a one-piece, protective If you want a smartwatch but don't like Apple's creation, this might better suit
case that’s built to house your headphones and keep your needs. According to manufacturer Withings, it's the world's first clinically
them with you at all times. Available for both AirPod validated hybrid smartwatch to detect both risk of arrhythmia and sleep apnea.
and AirPod Pro, it features an aluminium carabiner It looks great and has an impressive 30-day battery life. It will be available later in
for secure attachment to belts, bags or purses and is the year.
compatible with wireless chargers.

www.pclpublications.com 23
 Executive Leather Laptop Briefcase
URL: https://www.sfbags.com
Price: £345, $449, 399,50 €
If you’re looking for a bag for your new 16-inch MacBook Pro, this one from
WaterField Designs blends the look of an old-world briefcase with the
modern functionality professionals need in this digital age. The Executive
Leather Laptop Briefcase is crafted from a single full-grain American
bison or cowhide for a consistent tone within each unique bag.

Leather Sleeve for 16-inch

MacBook Pro
URL: www.apple.com
Price: £199, $199, 219€
After spending a small fortune on your new 16-inch
MacBook Pro, you need a really good laptop case to
keep it in. This beautiful sleeve, crafted from high-
quality French leather with a soft microfibre lining,
costs a small fortune too but it’s the last word in style.

iVisor for MacBook Pro 16

URL: https://www.moshi.com/en Pluma
Price: TBA URL: https://www.moshi.com/en
Moshi’s respected screen protector is now available for the 16-inch Price: £49.95, $54.95, 54.95 €
MacBook Pro. Using a new multi-layer construction, iVisor features Protect your 16-inch MacBook Pro with this custom-fit
incredible clarity while reducing glare to effectively relieve eye strain. laptop sleeve. It’s made from Neoprene, and quad-stitched
It installs in seconds and is guaranteed to be 100% bubble-free. for long-term durability.

24 www.pclpublications.com
 Codex
URL: https://www.moshi.com/en
Price: £79.95, $84.95, 89.95 €
This vegan leather notebook sleeve
provides wraparound protection for
your MacBook, while keeping all ports
easily accessible. The inner shell is
lined with Viscotex memory foam to
cushion it against shocks and bumps.

STOW Sleeve
URL: www.nativeunion.com
Price: £69.99, $79.99, 79.99 €
This fashionable notebook sleeve is part of Native Union’s STOW collection.
Constructed from hard-wearing textile and finished with a waterproof zipper, STOW
keeps your device clean and dust-free.

MYTH Backpack 28L

URL: https://www.stmgoods.com
Price: £119.95, $139.95, 139.95€
If you’ve a lot to carry around, this is for you.
As well as your 16-inch notebook, there’s
plenty of space for your bits and pieces. A
unique CableReady system lets you charge
BookArc your mobile devices in an easy-to-reach top
URL: https://www.twelvesouth.com
pocket, and its SlingTech feature suspends
Price: £49.99, $59.99, 59.99 €
your notebook in its padded protection,
If you plan to use your 16-inch MacBook Pro as a desktop computer while at home, a BookArc is
keeping it away from the corners of the bag.
a real boon. You can simply stand your notebook in the Arc and plug it into your USB-C dock.

www.pclpublications.com 25
 //
ESSENTIAL

AppleUser MAGAZINE

Mac Studio Travel Bag Kensington MagPro Privacy Screen Filters

URL: https://www.sfbags.com URL: https://www.kensington.com
Price: £147, $179, 171 € Price: Various
The Mac Studio is a pro-level computer, but is almost as portable as a Mac mini. Modern monitors have great viewing angles, but this
The Mac Studio Travel Bag is a highly-protective carry case for the Mac Studio, might not always be an advantage. If you’re worried
Magic Keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and other accessories. Available in black about people looking at your screen as you work, these
or brown, it looks great too. privacy filters, available for notebooks and desktop
displays, limit the viewing angle to 30° to keep your
information safe from prying eyes.

Pro-Ject Metallica Turntable

URL: https://www.henleyaudio.co.uk
Price: £1149, $1,599, 1,299 €
For vinyl lovers, Pro-Ject Audio Systems has
released the Metallica Limited Edition Turntable.
A high mass glass platter delivers style and
substance, as does the use of aluminium, a material
that improves tolerances during production. It’s a
striking addition to anyone’s stereo system.

Nudient Y2K Print Collection OWC USB-C to Dual HDMI

URL: https://www.nudient.co.uk Adapter
Price: £24.99, $34.90, 29,90€ URL: www.owcdigital.com
Price: £97.42, $119, 113 €
According to Nudient, these new iPhone cases
are ‘the most precise case ever made’. Stylish
This handy gadget is compatible with
and exciting, they look great and protect your
any Mac, PC, Chromebook, tablet
phone too.
or phone with a native USB-C or
Thunderbolt (USB-C) port. Plug it in,
and you can connect two 4K displays
through HDMI. They’re available for
McFiver PCIe Card DisplayPort screens too.
URL: www.sonnettech.com
Price: £329.99, $399.99,
379,99 €
If you still have a tower Mac Pro and
are trying to make it last as long as
possible, Sonnet Tech’s McFiver PCIe
Card is worth a look. It has two slots
for high-performance M.2 NVMe
SSDs, so you can add up to 16TB of
solid state storage. It also offers two
10Gbps USB-C ports and a 10Gb
Ethernet port.

26 www.pclpublications.com
 Groov-e Roma DAB clock radio with built-in charger
Nudient Bold Case for AirPods Pro
URL: https://www.groov-e.co.uk URL: https://www.nudient.co.uk
Price: £39.99, $48.99, 36,50 € Price: £29.99, $39.90, 34.90 €
Offering a sleek, compact black Accessorise your AirPods with this drop-proof silicone
design and white LED display, the grip case. It’s ideal for the minimalists, and is available in
Roma DAB clock radio blends into eight exciting colours.
the decor of any bedroom. The
buttons on the top easy to use –
especially the snooze button. It
has a USB port for charging your
gadgets too.

Nudient MagSafe Wallet

URL: https://www.nudient.co.uk
Price: £29.99, $39.90, 34,90 €
If you have a MagSafe-compatible iPhone (iPhone 12 or later), you can
snap one of these on the back and keep your credit cards, business cards
or other such trinkets in it. The MagSafe Wallet from Nudient is available
in five different colours.

Atlas S Pro SDXC UHS-II V90 NAD C 389 HybridDigital iFi GO Bar
Media Card DAC Amplifier URL: https://ifi-audio.com
URL: https://www.owcdigital.com URL: https://nadelectronics.com Price: £329, $329, 329 €
Price: £56.46, $69, 65,53 € Price: £1,299, $1,499, 1,499 €
This ultraportable DAC/headphone amp
is designed to improve the quality of your
All memory cards are not the same. If you’re Described as ‘the perfect cornerstone for
music when you’re using headphones or
recording 4k video footage, you need an SD card an audiophile-grade stereo system’, the C
earbuds. It’s available in black or a gold
that can keep up, such as OWC’s Atlas range. 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier combines
anniversary edition. A pocket-sized device,
With 276MB/s write and 290MB/s read speeds, exceptional sound quality with the flexibility
it’s ideal for when you’re out and about.
they’re perfect for intensive video work. 32, 64, and the long-term value offered by NAD’s
128 and 256GB capacities are available. latest Modular Design Construction platform,
MDC2. Just the thing for audiophiles.

www.pclpublications.com 27
/

GripTight ONE
Magnetic Impulse
https://joby.com
£55.95, $59.95, 59,90 €
Is this the most versatile tripod
ever? You can wrap its legs
around a beam or branch, twist
it into all sorts of shapes and
stick it to metal surfaces using
its magnetic feet. A clamp to
hold your iPhone is included
and there’s even a Bluetooth
GripTight ONE Micro Stand trigger to control your shutter
https://joby.com
remotely. It’s one of the best
£37.95, $34.95, 39,90 €
tripods available.
Available in black or white, this tiny mobile phone holder
folds away so small it can fit in that tiny pocket in your jeans
(that no one knows what it’s for). You snap your iPhone
in and out using a spring-loaded mount and a machined
aluminium mini-ball head provides precise angle control.
It’s great for selfies and timer shots.

Canon PIXMA TS705 Inkjet Printer

www.canon.co.uk
£59.99, 79,00 €
When you’ve created some amazing photo images, you might want to print
them out. This Canon printer is low cost, Wi-Fi and Ethernet capable and
has a capacity of 350 sheets. It uses five single ink tanks, so you only have to
replace the one that’s empty and you can print from your iPhone, using the
Canon iOS app.

Compass Pro
www.twelvesouth.com
£49.99, $59.99, 59.99 €
Compass Pro is a very versatile iPad stand. In its vertical mode, it
makes a great way of displaying your photo art on your iPad. The
back leg is adjustable too, so you can set it at the angle you wish.
Alternatively, set it up in Sketch mode while you work, to keep
your tablet at a comfortable angle when editing your photos.

28 www.pclpublications.com
CamKix Wireless Bluetooth Camera
Shutter Remote Control
https://camkix.com
£5.79, $7.99 , 7,29 €
This low-cost device has one job and one job only. To remotely
trigger your iPhone’s camera shutter. You can place your phone
then stand back and take the photo without being near it. This
model can trigger iOS and Android devices and comes with a
handy wrist strap so you don’t lose it.

PowerPic Wireless Charger

www.twelvesouth.com
£79.99, $79.99, 89.99 €
This Qi-charger is more than just a pretty frame. Made from New
Zealand pine, it’s available in black or white, holds any printed 5x7-
inch photo and even charges your Qi-compatible phone when you
place it on the picture. It’s a great way of displaying your favourite
photograph while also providing a useful charging solution.

Zhiyun Smooth 2 Gimbal

www.zhiyun-tech.com
£239, $190, 289 €
There’s nothing worse than wobbly
video footage or shaky photographs.
That’s where a gimbal such as the Zhiyun
Smooth 2 comes in. This three-axis
device keeps your iPhone steady even if
you wobble the stick. There’s a Bluetooth
trigger built into the handle, so you can
take a photo without actually touching
your phone.
PencilSnap
www.twelvesouth.com
£24.99, $29.99, 34.99 €
Available in black, or camel brown genuine cowhide, PencilSnap is a neat caddy for
your iPad pencil. The hidden magnets inside PencilSnap keep it attached to most
iPad cases, so your Apple Pencil is where you need it, when you need it. Just the thing
if you like to use an Apple Pencil when you edit your photographs on your iPad.

www.pclpublications.com 29
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30 www.pclpublications.com
www.pclpublications.com 31
 AOC CQ32G2SE
Gaming Monitor
Because desktops just want to have fun...

Info//
AOC
https://www.aoc.com
£329, $340, 389 €

Games look impressively

rich and detailed on this
31.5-inch screen.

I
t’s amazing how far display prices have fallen, The monitor is Quad HD, with a pixel resolution
while their quality continues to rise. Take this of 2560 x 1440. That’s an impressive pixel density
one, for example. It’s a specialist, quad hi- of 94 pixels per inch. The screen is mildly curved,
definition (QHD) gaming monitor with a giant 31.5- so the sides of the viewing area aren’t further away
inch screen. It runs at 165Hz, has a 1ms response from the viewer than the centre. It has six pre-
time and a 300 nits rating, yet it costs well south of configured game settings, with presets available
400 notes. for first-person shooters, real-time strategy games
The AOC CQ32G2SE Gaming Monitor features a racers and more, though switching between them
tool-free setup. You can get it up and running out using the under-screen buttons is a little fiddly. Its
of the box in five minutes flat, without having to 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time keeps
root around for the right spanner or screwdriver. things smooth and accurate, even when your
Just snap the display onto the stand and fit the foot game’s moving fast; and at 300 nits, the brightness
using a finger-turned screw. It’s no hassle at all. is acceptable if unremarkable.
Around the back of the display are two HDMI Naturally, the display is perfect for gaming. Colours
ports and a DisplayPort. There’s no Thunderbolt are rich and vibrant and there’s not a hint of ghosting
connectivity (though you can use a Thunderbolt or lag, even when things get intense. If you’re used
port with an adapter, of course). There’s no built-in to using a regular display, which might not run your
USB hub either, but at this price, you wouldn’t games as smoothly, upgrading to a CQ32G2SE really
expect one. does add a new dimension to your gaming.

32 www.pclpublications.com
 It’s curved, so the whole
screen is the same distance
from the viewer.

The monitor performed admirably in our

benchmarking tests too. When displaying a series
of gradients ramps, the colours blended smoothly,
with very little banding. Text proved clear and
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
readable even at the smallest point sizes and
+ Easy to put together
photographs are beautifully realised. The speakers
are terrible, but anyone sufficiently into video + Vivid colours
games to buy a gaming monitor really ought to use
+ Fast refresh rate
external speakers too. It’s also great for watching
movies and web videos but the large screen and - Fiddly controls
high resolution are very unforgiving to shoddy
LAST WORD
footage.
A very competent monitor
Overall, the CQ32G2SE is an excellent gaming
at an excellent price.
monitor that also serves you very well as a general
Definitely recommended.
display. If you want to take your gaming to the next
level without hampering your general, day-to-day RATING: 4/5
desktop use, it’s well worth a look. IO

www.pclpublications.com 33
 Mophie 3-in-1
Wireless Charging Stand
Do you use three separate chargers for three different Apple devices? Then this is for you...

Info//
mophie
www.zagg.com
£129.99, $139.95, 59,00 €

T
If you own all three Apple devices, his wireless charger powers three of your Apple devices at once. The vertical stand on
a 3-in-1 charger is a must. the left holds – and charges – your Apple Watch. The charger is built-in. You don’t have
to use the one that came with your watch like you do with some charging stands, so
you can keep that for travel. In front of it is a recessed area where you place your AirPods (2nd
gen or Pro). On the right of the unit is a regular wireless charger for your smartphone, as long
as it’s wireless-charging compatible. Three chargers in one. Unfortunately, there’s no USB port
around the back for cabled charging.
Verdict// The charger is available in both black and white. The black
model has a premium Ultrasuede fabric finish, while
PROS AND CONS: the white one boasts a glass surface. It delivers just the
+ Charges three Apple right amount of power to charge each device, up to 7.5W
devices in total and it supports fast charging. It can charge your
smartphone through cases up to 3mm thick and as it’s an all
+ Fast charging
in one device, it only needs one plug socket. It’s just the thing
+ Great build quality for your bedside table. DA
- Relatively large footprint
LAST WORD
Solid, robust and attractive,
this is a great companion for
your mobile Apple devices.
RATING: 4/5

34 www.pclpublications.com
 FRITZ!Box 4060
Internet router
Tied to your ISP’s hardware? There’s a better router solution.

Info//
AVM
www.avm.de
£TBA, 259 € (not sold in USA)

U
nlike most of AVM’s range of wireless routers, and 1200 Mbit/s on the 2.4GHz band. As well as
the FRITZ!Box 4060 lacks a built-in modem. wireless connectivity, the device has three gigabit
This means regardless of how your network LAN ports for cabled Ethernet connections,
interacts with the Internet, you can use the 4060 by offering rock-solid 1000 Mbit/s speeds, and a 2.5
connecting it to your existing modem, which was gigabit WAN port for connection to wide area
The FRITZ!Box 4060 has three LAN probably supplied by your ISP. Whatever your type networks. There’s a USB 3.0 port, so you can
ports, a WAN port and a USB port for of Internet connection (be it ADSL, fibre, cable or plug in a storage drive or a printer to make that
networking USB peripherals.
mobile data), even if your Internet Service Provider device available over your network. It’s also DECT-
forces you to use their own modem hardware, you capable, so you can connect up to six wireless
Verdict// can switch off the router section of your ISP-supplied
device and connect the FRITZ!Box 4060 instead. But
phones; and it has an integrated answer machine
and fax facility.
PROS AND CONS: what advantages does this bring? So who would benefit from a FRITZ!Box 4060?
+ Wi-Fi 6 compatible As you’d expect, the router’s wireless capabilities Without a doubt, many people would be better
include compatibility with the new Wi-Fi 6 protocol, off with one of AVM’s routers with integrated
+ Tri-band
which gives faster speeds, and is much better at modems, but those who are forced to use their
+ Great DECT features dealing with multiple, simultaneous connections. If ISP-supplied hardware will benefit from this
you’re working on your home office Mac, while the feature-packed, high-performance router. IO
- No modem
kids are on their phones, Netflix is streaming in the
LAST WORD living room and multiple devices are playing Spotify
An excellent option for or Apple Music, Wi-Fi 6 is definitely worth having.
those who have no choice
but to use their ISP’s
equipment. Switch off the
Super speeds
The FRITZ!Box 4060 is tri-band-capable, meaning
router and use a FRITZ!Box
it can operate on the 2.4GHz band and also two
4060 instead.
5GHz bands. This further boosts its capabilities
RATING: 4/5 with multiple connections, as well as allowing
speeds of up to 2400 Mbit/s on the 5GHz channels,

www.pclpublications.com 35
 GameSir G4 Pro
Gaming Controller
Is this the gaming gadget you’ve been waiting for?

Info//
GameSir
www.gamesir.hk
£49.98, $49.99, 49,99 €

The face buttons can be

rearranged to match a
game’s layout.

I
f you’re serious about your gaming, you have not the Xbox or PlayStation). For smartphone users,
to get a decent controller. A joypad that feels there’s an optional fold-out stand so you can let
comfortable in the hands, with all its buttons your phone sit on top of the joypad.
and inputs within easy reach. Something with a The face buttons are held in place magnetically,
full range of controls, including four face buttons, so you can lift them off and swap them around if
a D-pad, two analogue sticks and twin shoulder your game platform uses a different configuration
buttons; a now-standard setup as used by recent to the default one offered. There’s a Turbo button
Xbox and PlayStation consoles. A joypad like the for fast attacks and a Screenshots button if you
GameSir G4 Pro. want to grab a game screen. Make sure you boot it
You can connect your G4 Pro to a Windows PC in the correct mode when you switch it on though; if
using a dongle that fits in the back of the joypad you pair it as a Bluetooth controller instead of using
when not in use or via the USB-C charging cable its MFi mode, for example, you’re likely to get very
supplied. Unfortunately, it’s not Mac-compatible frustrated with MFi-compatible titles.
and nor can it be used with an Apple TV set-top box. The G4 Pro feels just right in the hands. It’s
You can use it with your smartphone or tablet over weighty enough to feel solid but not so heavy it
Bluetooth and even with a Nintendo Switch (but becomes difficult to hold straight after a few hours’

36 www.pclpublications.com
 You can mount your
smartphone in the GameSir
G4 Pro’s in-built stand.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
gaming. There’s no noticeable lag. When battling + Feels great in the hands
through an old-school shooter like R-Type or the
+ Excellent feature set
Raiden titles, your craft follows your inputs precisely
and the fire button keeps up with your attacks + Very responsive
impeccably. Switch to a driver such as Street Kart
- Not Mac or Apple TV
Racer or Asphalt 8 and the extra sensitivity offered
compatible
by the analogue stick and trigger buttons come to
the fore; and are equally responsive and lag-free. LAST WORD
The best game controllers are the ones you An excellent joypad for
forget you’re holding during the game, leaving all smartphones, tablets and
your attention focused on what’s happening on- Apple Arcade. Comfortable,
screen. The GameSir G4 Pro certainly achieves this responsive and robust.
lofty goal. We just wish it worked with the whole of
Apple’s range. IO
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 37
 Kami Indoor 360
Smart-Home Camera
I spy, with my rotating eye...

Info//
YI Technology
https://kamihome.com
£54.99, $59, 59 €

Y
ou can’t fault the price. For less than 60 simply download the Kami Home app and follow
notes, the Kami Indoor 360 Smart-Home the instructions to set up an account and get the
Camera offers 340° rotation and 90° tilt, dual camera onto your wi-fi network. There’s an app for
band wi-fi, two-way audio, night vision and 1080p Macs and PCs too but for the initial setup, you have
high definition recording. It’s not at the expense to use a mobile app. It’s compatible with Amazon
of quality either. It’s robust and stylish, with an Alexa and Google Assistant but unfortunately, not
understated profile that sits discreetly wherever Apple HomeKit.
you wish to position it; and its recordings are sharp When you’re up and running, you can control
and smooth. It has to be used indoors, of course. your camera directly from your smartphone or
The camera is not weatherproof or waterproof, so Mac. It can be rotated, raised or lowered via a
it cannot be set up outside. It has to be reasonably virtual joystick controller. There’s a mic and speaker
close to a plug socket too. A long USB lead is for two-way voice communication and you can
supplied so you can power it from the mains plug record video footage at the tap of a button. Toggle
provided or a computer’s USB port but there’s no between Home and Away settings depending
battery option. on whether or not you’re in. Away Mode lets you
The Kami Indoor 360 Smart-Home Camera is receive alerts when motion is detected. You can
easy enough to set up. Using a mobile phone, you activate motion tracking to keep tabs on a moving

38 www.pclpublications.com
 Its minimalist, discrete
design looks good in
any room.

target, use infra-red light for night vision and set it to ‘auto cruise’, so it scans back and
forth keeping an eye on a wide area of coverage. These are all high-end features you
wouldn’t normally get from a camera of this price.
Unfortunately, cloud storage for recorded footage is a little more expensive than
some of its rivals. You get a year for free and after that there’s a range of paid-for options
available. If you don’t subscribe, you get free six-second clips which are stored for 24
hours, which might be enough if it’s mainly the alerts you’re after. Unfortunately, there’s
no means of recording to local storage like an SD card.
The Kami Indoor 360 Smart-Home Camera is excellent value for money and is
packed with features more usually associated with higher-end security cameras. Just
make sure the cloud-subscription – or lack of one – suits your needs before you buy.
AF
You can operate the camera
from your smartphone.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Excellent features
+ Great value for money
- Not HomeKit compatible
- No SD Card support
LAST WORD
A quality product that’s
excellent value for money
but make sure there’s a
cloud subscription to suit
your needs first.
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 39
 TimePorter
for Apple Watch
A useful carry case or an expensive paperweight?

Info//
Twelve South
http://twelvesouth.com
£44.99, $49.99, 41.62 €

T
welve South has a reputation for making
excellent Apple peripherals that are both useful
and decorative. Unfortunately, TimePorter is
not such a device.
An accessory travel case and charging stand for your
Apple Watch, TimePorter is the same size and shape as
a spectacle case but with a hole on the top for you to fit
your watch’s charging cable. You have to supply your
own – there’s no Apple Watch cable in the box. So what
you’re left with is a metal case with space for your spare
watch bands and a rubber interior frame for wrapping
your charger.
Is this enough to justify the price? Not really. You
could just as easily keep your cable and watch straps in
a real spectacle case (who doesn’t have a spare?) and
The plug, charging cable and stand your charging watch on your bedside table. A rare
watch straps are not included. misfire for Twelve South.
IO

You can use TimePorter

as a watch stand for when
it’s charging.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Well built
- Overpriced
- Cable not included
- A little pointless
LAST WORD
Well constructed but
arguably pointless. There
are better ways to spend
your money.
RATING: 2/5

40 www.pclpublications.com
 Zoom Crossbody
Laptop Bag
The comfortable way to carry your notebook.

Info//
WaterField Designs
www.sfbags.com
Compact: £154, $209, 170.7 €
Tall: £168.79, $229, 187.13 €

The Zoom Crossbody comes in an impressive range of styles.

W
aterField Designs makes deluxe bags for
connoisseurs. They’re not cheap, but the
quality is outstanding. You could use a
WaterField bag every day of your working life, then
give it to your grandchild and it would still be in
good condition.
This particular WaterField Designs product, the
Zoom Crossbody Laptop Bag, is available in two sizes.
The Compact version fits devices up to 11 x 8 inches,
and is ideal for your tablet Pro and a Magic Keyboard.
The Tall version can handle notebooks up to 12.75 x
8.75 inches such as Apple’s 13-inch range, including the
new M1-powered MacBook Pros.
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
It’s available in a range of colours, and sports a
+ Looks great
comfortable shoulder strap that holds your Apple
gear in a portrait position. The main body of the bag is + Very robust
made from waxed canvas, ballistic nylon, or red or blue
+ Good range of styles
forza, with all versions trimmed with black or chocolate
leather. Zips are sturdy and robust, the protected area - Expensive
will keep your gear safe and sound, and the detachable
LAST WORD
strap is solidly padded so it won’t hurt your shoulder.
This is a notebook bag that’s
The usual pockets for various nick-knacks are there,
built to last. Stylish and
including a document pocket on the back for easy
robust, it will appeal to those
access. It also has a through-strap so you can slide it
who appreciate quality.
over your suitcase handle when travelling. All in all, it’s
an excellent notebook bag. AH RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 41
 Razer Kishi
Universal Gaming Controller
A better way to blast the baddies...

Info//
Razer Inc.
www.razer.com
£99.99, $99.99, 109.99€

Y
our brand-new smartphone might well be the pinnacle of Its comprehensive control set will prove familiar to anyone that’s
mobile phone gaming but is your controller up to speed? Do used a modern console such as an Xbox or PlayStation. There’s two
you even have a controller? If not, this amazing, pocket-sized clickable analogue joysticks (left and right), augmented by an eight-way
add-on could be just what you’re looking for. D-pad and four face buttons. Atop the device are four shoulder buttons,
The Kishi folds down when not in use for easy storage and two on each side.
portability. When opened up it stretches out to accommodate Out of the box, the Kishi is a great snug fit for the Max/Plus-sized
smartphones of all sizes. A Lightning connector plugs into your smartphones. If you own a regular-sized model, just swap out the rubber
phone and a through-port lets you plug in your Lightning cable and grips with the other set provided. It holds your smartphone tightly, with the
charge while you play. There’s no need to cut your gaming short phone and the controller feeling like they belong together. If you use your
because your smartphone’s battery is almost drained. There’s a free phone in a case, you’ll probably have to remove it before you fit the Kishi but
app too but this is just for firmware updates and information; there’s this is inevitable.
no heavy setting up to do. When you’re ready to start gaming, the Kishi is plug-and-play for

42 www.pclpublications.com
 It folds neatly away
when not in use.

As it uses a Lightning
connection instead
of Bluetooth, latency
is negligible.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Sturdy and well built
+ No latency; lag-free
action
+ Apple Arcade compatible
games that benefit from buttons and joysticks, placed. Many devices have claimed to turn your - Have to remove your
though you might have to tap the screen to choose smartphone into a handheld console but the Kishi smartphone’s case
options. It’s fully compatible with Apple Arcade too, actually achieves it. After a minute or two on the Kishi,
LAST WORD
so subscribers can really take their smartphone you’re forgetting you’re playing iOS games; it’s like
Sturdy, comfortable and
gaming to the next level. you’re using the handheld Xbox Microsoft never made.
almost latency-free, this
Using a Lightning connection rather than relying If you’re serious about smartphone gaming, a
takes smartphone gaming
on wireless Bluetooth connectivity means there’s no decent controller is a must and this one puts in
to the next level.
noticeable lag. Button response is instant, giving your a top-drawer performance. With cross-platform
games a fluid, natural feel. It feels good in the hands gaming on the rise, the Kishi lets you pick up RATING: 5/5
too, with all the controls easy to reach and intuitively your smartphone and battle it out with computer
users without being at a massive disadvantage.

www.pclpublications.com 43
 FRITZ!Fon C6
Phone system
Wireless landline telephony for the 21st Century.

Info//
AVM Computersysteme
Vertriebs GmbH
https://en.avm.de
£81.07, 79 € (not sold in USA)

I
f you’re lucky enough to have a FRITZ!Box router
with DECT compatibility, you can connect up to six
wireless phones and position them anywhere in
the house. They connect to the phone line through
your router, so they don’t need to be plugged into a
telephone socket. FRITZ!Fon C6 is such a phone and
it’s had an impressive makeover.
The body of the phone is pleasingly ergonomic
and although it’s pretty minimalist in design, a
clever interface makes it easy to access its unique
features such as Internet radio, answer machine,
FRITZ!Fon C6 has some great features;
it’s not just a pretty screen. email, podcasts, RSS feeds and even a baby monitor.
If you have more than one FRITZ!Fon in the house,
you can make internal calls between them. The new
Verdict// C6 model has an excellent hi-res colour screen and
you can customise the display for when it’s not in
PROS AND CONS: use too. It has a long battery life, though as it sits in
+ Ergonomic design its charging cradle when idle, this is rarely an issue
anyway. High-definition sound makes for crystal
+ Great colour screen
clear calls and there’s a headphones socket for when
+ Feature packed you want to listen to your podcasts or online radio.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what the
+ High-definition sound
FRITZ!Fon C6 can do here. Advanced users might
LAST WORD want to configure it through the router to only react
A great phone that’s packed to certain numbers, for example, or use different
with features. Top banana! telephone books stored within the router. It’s an
excellent device and a must for DECT-compatible
RATING: 5/5 FRITZ!Box users. IO

44 www.pclpublications.com
 Twelve South Curve Riser
Mac or Screen Riser
Is your computer screen giving you neck ache? This could be just what you need.

Info//
Twelve South
www.twelvesouth.com
£79.99, $79.99, 89.99 €

Give your iMac

a lift and bring
it to a more
comfortable
height.

The Curve Riser’s

shelf is the perfect
Verdict//
size for a Mac mini. PROS AND CONS:
+ Well made
+ Attractive

R
isers for your computer or monitor aren’t Alternatively, use it for a USB optical drive,
exactly thin on the ground but as you’d Thunderbolt hub, audio interface or just about anything + Good fit for Mac mini
expect, this model from Twelve South goes else you can think of. The space underneath the riser
- Not cheap
that extra yard with careful planning and design. is a good fit for the smaller Apple keyboard, when you
As well as raising your iMac or external display to a want to push it out of the way and use your desk for LAST WORD
more comfortable height, it features a handy space something else; although if you have a keyboard with a A neat way to save space on
underneath for all your bits and pieces. The shelf, numerical keypad, it’s too long. your desk and reduce neck
which is perforated for airflow, is the perfect size and Well made and strong., at 25.5cm wide and 24.5cm ache when looking at your
shape for a Mac mini too. If you use Apple’s small form deep, it’s the perfect size to seat most monitors (and of screen.
factor Mac with a monitor, Curve Riser is the ideal way course the iMac), and its shelf capacity is 25.5 x 24.5 x
to keep them tidy on your desk; saving space. 4.45cm. It’s the ideal desktop space saver. AF
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 45
 devolo Magic 2
LAN Triple
Superpower your home network.

Info//
devolo AG
https://www.devolo.co.uk
£139,99, 139.90 € (not
available in the USA)

I
f you remember the review we did of the devolo twice as fast as was possible with the older HomePlug
Magic 2 Wi-Fi Starter Kit back in Issue 2, you AV standard. It’s an excellent option for 4K video
know that powerline adapters are a great way streaming or lag-free online gaming. It’s secure too,
of extending the reach of your cabled and wireless with 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), and
network using your house's electrical wiring. A the latest WPA3 protocols. There’s no chance of your
powerline setup consists of at least two plugs, neighbours jumping onto your network through your
which fit in your household mains sockets. By powerline adapters. You can add more adapters to your
connecting one of them to your router using a powerline setup if you wish too. So, if you need one in

Verdict// supplied Ethernet cable and plugging the other into

any mains socket in the house, you create a cabled
connection between your router and the second
the kid’s bedroom, one in the attic and one in the living
room, buy individual units to go with the starter-kit
setup you already have. You can also add a Wi-Fi access
PROS AND CONS:
adapter. This unit can offer a wireless access point powerline adapter in this way.
+ Three Ethernet ports
point for your network, Ethernet ports for cabled But the best thing about using powerline adapters
+ Fast data speeds connectivity, or both. to extend your network is it's easy, very easy. While all
devolo’s Magic 2 LAN Triple powerline adapter this information might sound very techie (and indeed
+ Through-ports for plugs
starter set doesn’t offer Wi-Fi access, but it does have it is), devolo powerline adapters are really simple to set
- No Wi-Fi access point three Ethernet ports built into the second plug. Meaning up and use. Just follow the instructions, and you're up
you can connect your desktop computer, games and running in five minutes or so, and once installed,
LAST WORD
console, networked printer, NAS drive or any device they just work.
An excellent solution to
with Ethernet connectivity, giving you a fast, reliable If you’re having trouble getting your home network
home network problems.
data connection with your router. The Magic 2 adapters to reach distant parts of your house, powerline adapters
RATING: 4/5 are super-speedy. Based on the latest G.hn protocol, are a great solution and there’s none better than
they can reach speeds of up to 2,400mbps, which is devolo’s Magic 2. Highly recommended. IO

46 www.pclpublications.com
 SWANN Alert
Indoor Security Camera Info//
What price peace of mind?
Swann
www.swann.com

A
lert Indoor Security Camera is an affordable way £79.99, $89.99, TBC €
to keep an eye on your home, but it doesn't lack
in smart features. After connecting the camera to
your Wi-Fi network and pairing it with the SWANN Security
app on your smartphone or tablet, you can view and
capture high-quality video in 1080p full HD. It has a passive
infrared sensor that can detect movement at up to 32
feet, and it can also detect loud noises and heat too. The
camera then sends a push notification to your phone and
Verdict//
starts video recording. You get free cloud storage, which PROS AND CONS:
saves clips for seven days, and they're also stored locally + 1080p full HD video
for two days. A full 110-degree viewing angle decreases
+ Movement, noise and
blind spots, and there's a mic and speaker built-in for two-
heat sensors
way talk between your camera and your mobile device.
It's compatible with various smart devices, but not Apple + Two-way talk
Home.
- Not HomeKit-compatible
Its small size and extreme versatility means the Alert
Indoor Security Camera is capable of far more than LAST WORD
guarding your home against break-ins. Its heat detector A very versatile home
lets you know if there's a fire, and with sound detection and protection device at a very
two-way chat, it's an excellent baby monitor. Unassuming good price.
in appearance, it assimilates well in any room. It's a great
all-round camera for all-round protection. IO
RATING: 4/5

Somfy Indoor Camera

Keep an eye on things when you’re out. Info//
Somfy

T
his home security camera is a different beast from the
https://www.somfy.com
SWANN model covered elsewhere on the page. It lacks
£139, 169 €
heat and noise detection, but it can detect motion
at up to 16 feet. When it does so, it records 30 seconds of
footage and uploads them to the cloud or your Dropbox
account. It has a 130-degree angle-view and a fixed focus
Verdict//
from between just under two feet to infinity. You can watch PROS AND CONS:
live too, of course, and, unusually for a security monitor, + HomeKit compatible
there's a privacy shutter you can activate when you don't
+ Privacy shutter
want the camera to record you. Video quality is excellent and
it works well both night and day. It's designed to stand on a - Expensive
flat surface. If you want to wall-mount it, you have to buy a
- No wall-mounting options
separate bracket.
It's easy to set up, using the Somfy Protect app. You can ring an LAST WORD
emergency number directly from the app, but for some reason, Great video quality, but
it doesn't think the UK's 999 is valid. It works with several smart there are better security
home hubs, and unlike the SWANN, is HomeKit-compatible. camera options for the
Overall, Somfy Indoor Camera puts in a solid performance, money
but if you’re looking for a quality security option, there are more
versatile cameras around at this price point. BC
RATING: 3/5

www.pclpublications.com 47
 Groov-e Ultra
Headphones
Budget headphones for when money’s too tight to mention.

Info//
Groov-e
https://www.groov-e.
co.uk
£34.99, $45.99, 38.99 €

They fold down well but

there’s no carry case.
Charge through USB or with a wireless Qi charger.

Verdict// I
f you prefer traditional cans to in-the-ear audio, As you’d expect at this price, the headset is mostly
you might well have had your head turned by made of plastic. It’s comfortable to wear, with an
Apple’s own AirPods Max. When you saw the adjustable fit and cushions on the earpieces and
PROS AND CONS:
ridiculous £549/$549/612,70 € price point, you headband and it’s fairly robust, if a little cheap. Onboard
+ Great price
probably looked away just as quickly. Groov-e’s controls consist of a volume rocker which also lets you
+ Decent feature set new Ultra headphones are at the other end of the skip to the next or previous track and a multi-function
price scale, so should you look this way instead? button that covers power, play/pause, accept/reject
- No frills
Out of the box, the Ultra Headphones are light on calls and voice assistant.
- Mediocre sound quality frills. You get the headphones themselves (of course), In terms of sound quality, they’re not great. The
an optional 3.5mm jack cable for a wired connection sound stage is very narrow, giving the audio a muted
LAST WORD
to your audio player and a USB charging cable. feel. It’s well balanced, with a good mix of bass,
A decent feature set for the
Surprisingly at this price point, you can also use a Qi midrange and high-end sounds but your favourite
price but the sound quality
charger (not supplied). The headphones fold down tracks will lack the punch they might enjoy with more
is adequate rather than
when not in use but there’s no carry case to put them expensive set. Groov-e Ultra Headphones are far from
outstanding.
in. A full charge gives you up to 30 hours of wireless poor but the more demanding listener might prefer to
RATING: 3/5 playback and up to 300 hours stand-by, and there’s a spend a little more and get a little more. AH
built-in mic for hands-free calls.

48 www.pclpublications.com
 WD My Cloud Home 6TB
Network drive
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W
estern Digital’s My Cloud series of network your NAS drive from your web browser, or the
attached storage (NAS), drives are highly desktop app for Apple’s mobile devices. When you’re
respected. With support ending for older all set up, you can back up your data to the NAS drive
versions of the My Cloud operating system, and (including using Time Machine), use it as a personal
therefore My Cloud NAS drives that cannot be cloud storage device and more. You can also store
updated beyond them, it might be time to update music, photos and videos, and enjoy them from any  ..
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single-drive device. It’s available in capacities from There are a few drawbacks. You can’t remove
2TB to 8TB, or 4TB to 20TB if you opt for the dual and replace the hard drive in this model, though
drive version. Here we’re reviewing the 6TB model
with a single hard drive.
you can in the dual-drive release. Some of the more
sophisticated features enjoyed by, say, a Synology  -$/ȟȟ
The idea behind a NAS drive means instead of NAS drive have been sacrificed for ease of use too, 

ǽ
connecting it directly to your computer, you attach though this is both a blessing and a curse. If all you’re + Ideal for beginners
it to your network. As is typical for such a drive, you looking for is online and networked access to your
+ Access over the Internet
connect it to your router using the bundled Ethernet files and media, the Western Digital model is more
cable, after which you can access it from any device than good enough. AH + Compact, attractive
connected to your home network, and also over the design
Internet regardless of whether your computer is on
- Apps need a little polish
or not. Around the back of the drive is a single USB
3 port, which you can use to expand the storage 

by plugging in an external drive.This port isn’t A straightforward NAS drive
designed for you to connect the My Cloud directly to that can be set up and used
a computer. without difficulty, but might
be too unsophisticated for
some.
.4
"*$)"
It’s easy to set up too. Plug it in, switch it on and RATING: 4/5
create a free My Cloud account. You can then access

ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP "'
 MINIX NEO P1
3-Port GaN Charger
Smaller, more portable but still with plenty of power to offer.

Info//
E
arlier in the year we saw the release of the NEO The NEO P1 is constructed from fire-resistant
P2 4-Port GaN Charger. This is a remarkable polycarbonate, with high-density heatsinks and a
MINIX Technology Limited
and extremely useful multi-port charger that’s low operating temperature. Both sides display the
www.minix.com.hk
bristling with features and comes in at a fantastic MINIX logo and on the front you’ll find the three ports
£34.90, $46.18, 39.06 €
price. However, MINX has since upped its game and an LED power indicator. On the opposite side of
yet again and released the P2’s smaller but just as the ports is the dual-prong US plug type, where you
capable brother, the NEO P1. attach whatever plug you need depending on the
The MINIX NEO P1 is a three-port charging station, country you’re charging your devices in.
with a pair of USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 ports offering There’s auto-sensing power distribution
65W, 5~15V/3A, 20V/3.25A and a single USB-A1 36W technology on-board, which protects the devices
Quick Charge 3.0 port at 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A and from over-voltage, input and output over-current,
20V/1.8A. While it may lack an extra port over its short circuit and overheating. The auto-sensing
sibling, it certainly makes up for that in portability. plugs also adapts to the international voltages of
The NEO P2 wasn’t a huge charging station by any the plug socket you’re charging from and each port
stretch of the imagination but the P1 is significantly automatically adjusts the power output depending
smaller. Measuring just 50 x 50 x 25mm and weighing on the device that’s being charged from it, as well
a minute 114g, this palm-sized charger does an as activating any quick charge technologies that are
extraordinary job. compatible with the device.
In the box you’ll get the NEO P1 itself, together The NEO P1 is a fantastic addition to the MINIX
with three different types of detachable plugs: Type stable. This tiny, capable and feature-packed charger
I (AU), Type C (EU), and Type G (UK). Without any is the ideal present for those who need to charge on
plugs attached, the P1 features a pull-out Type A (US) the go, while still protecting their devices from the
two-pronged plug. To add a different plug type, you whims of hotel, college, school, university and work
simply slide one of the accompanying plugs over the based plug sockets around the world. Great value
US type prongs when they’re in the retracted position. for money and a must have addition for those who
There’s also a small felt drawstring bag to put travel for work. DH
the P1 inside when transporting it – incidentally, we
had two bags in our review sample, whether that’s
one for the P1 and another for the plugs or simply a
packaging mistake we’re not sure but we appreciate
the extra bag to contain everything.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Great for travellers
+ Safety features
+ Small and light
+ Includes carry case
LAST WORD
Full of great technology
and features. Remarkably
small and lightweight.
RATING: 5/5

50 www.pclpublications.com
 EDIFIER GM3SE
Cabled earbuds for gamers and music lovers alike.

Info//
Edifier Ltd
https://www.edifier.com

T
hese cabled earbuds are made with mobile £34.99, $39.99, 39.99 €
gaming in mind. They feature vibration effects, a
removable mic that plugs into the left earbud and
an optional extension with two 3.5mm jacks so you can
use them with devices that require dual inputs. Although
primarily intended for mobile games with voice chat
facilities, you can use them with your computer or home
console too.Despite the size of the earbud units, they
feel very comfortable in the ears.
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
They look good too. There’s onboard controls for
+ Comfortable to wear
volume, pause, taking calls, skipping tracks and Siri,
and a second mic in the control unit is used for phone + Lively sound
calls when the main boom mic is not connected.
+ Clear voice chat
When listening to music, the sound stage is
crisp and lively, but not quite as expansive as we’d - Sound stage a little
like. Bass is solid and intense, and vocals are sharp. narrow
They could use a little more volume too. One or two
LAST WORD
niggles, but overall, their performance belies the
A very capable headset
price. Where they really come into their own is in
that’s excellent value for
voice chat. Using the boom mic, your voice is carried
money. Mobile gamers take
with awesome clarity; it’s like you were chatting to
note.
someone in the same room. And that’s what gaming
headsets are all about. IO
RATING: 4/5

Shure SE215 Earbuds

A decent set of earbuds? They Shure are!

Verdict//
I
nstead of fitting directly into your ear while the cables dangle
underneath, Shure’s SE215 earbuds loop the cable over the ear and PROS AND CONS:
let the body of the buds rest in it. The body of the device clips neatly + Good sound isolation
onto your shirt, and it has controls on the right-hand cable. It’s a little
+ Decent bass reproduction
awkward at first, but when in place, it makes for a comfortable fit and
a decent degree of sound isolation. + Excellent sound overall
The sound quality is excellent, as you’d expect from Shure. The
- Can be awkward to get
balance is just right, with a rich bass underpinning a detailed mid-section
into place
and well realised vocals. A common criticism of Shure audio devices is
they can be a little clinical and lacking in warmth. This is certainly not the LAST WORD
case here. Your music loses none of its drive and passion as it makes the
leap from your Mac or mobile device to the earbuds.
Info// Definitely worth
considering if you’re
Shure Incorporated
An interesting feature is that you can remove the buds from the looking for new Bluetooth
https://www.shure.com
Bluetooth unit and connect them to a 3.5mm cable (sold separately), earbuds. Feature-packed
£149, $149, 169 €
though as the supplied BT2 cable has its on in-built headphone and fun.
amplifier instead of relying on the integrated amp that forms part of
the Bluetooth chipset, why would you want to? BC
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 51
 Jabra Evolve 65t
Audiophile business travellers with deep pockets take note.

Info//
Jabra
www.jabra.co.uk
£318, $329, 304,20 €

W
hat an awesome set of earbuds. They’re
for far more than just music. In fact the
Jabra Evolve 65t is aimed at business
professionals who spend most of their time on the
go, taking phone calls and teleconferencing as well
as listening to their tunes on the train or in their hotel
room. With its four-microphone technology, phone

Verdict// calls are crystal clear. It sounds like the other person
is sitting right next to you. They’re great for video
chat with Skype or FaceTime too. They’re good for
PROS AND CONS:
five hours on a single charge, with two full charges in
+ Great sound
the case.
+ Perfect for calls Naturally, these true wireless earbuds are Bluetooth-
paired, but they also come with a USB dongle for your
+ Versatile
Mac or PC, so all you have to do to switch from your
- Very expensive smartphone to your Mac is plug it in. This means it can
simultaneously connect to both. It comes with free
LAST WORD
apps that also let you customise your experience, with
For the commuter
an equaliser: HearThrough, so you can (optionally) hear
who wants music and
what’s going on around you, as well as what’s coming
communication in the same
out of your buds, and various soundscapes that you
set of earbuds, they’re
can play to help you concentrate. They sound great
perfect, if expensive.
for music too, but if you only want them for playing
RATING: 4/5 your tunes, the cheaper Jabra Elite 65t might be more
appropriate. IO

52 www.pclpublications.com
 AirFly Pro
Your Bluetooth headphones just got even more useful.

Info//
Twelve South
https://www.twelvesouth.
com
£54.95, $54.99, 54.99 €

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Small and portable

B
luetooth headphones and earbuds are fabulous. You can listen to your
+ Adds functionality to BT
music anywhere, without being hampered by annoying cables. But
headphones
not every audio player has Bluetooth; this is where AirFly comes in. A
small dongle that comfortably fits in the palm of your hand, it connects to the + Stream music to non-BT
headphone socket of a non-Bluetooth device, from where it acts as a wireless speakers
transmitter. Just pair your headphones or earbuds with AirFly, and you can use
+ Good battery life
them with anything that plays audio. Its onboard battery gives up to 16 hours of
life on a single charge. LAST WORD
The new AirFly Pro brings several new features. For the first time, you An excellent addition to
can pair two sets of headphones so that you can listen in with a friend; Just your kit bag, AirFly Pro
the thing for watching TV, for example. It can act as a receiver as well as a brings wireless functionality
transmitter, so you can pair your smartphone and stream your sounds to to non-Bluetooth audio
anything with an AUX-IN socket. This is ideal for in-car entertainment – just players and receivers.
plug AirPlay Pro into your car stereo. Definitely recommended.
We liked the AirFly when it first came out, and we love the new AirFly Pro.
It really takes your AirPods and other Bluetooth speakers to the next level. IO RATING: 5/5

Macally Nightstand
Short of USB power plugs? Let Macally lead the charge.

Verdict//
T
hese days, you can never have too many USB device
chargers. Macally’s Nightstand LED Light gives you
four of them, set into the base of this handy lamp. A PROS AND CONS:
useful addition to your bedside table, the light has three + Four charging ports
levels of brightness; simply tap the metal ring atop the
+ Night-light with three
device to turn it on and advance through dim, medium
levels of brightness
and bright light, then again to turn it off. Much easier than
feeling around in the dark for a physical switch. The lamp is + Good power output
white, with a false wood design at the base. It plugs into the
- Looks a little cheap
mains to power both the lamp and the chargers.
It's well designed, if a little cheap looking, and its four USB LAST WORD
ports will undoubtedly come in handy when you need to charge
several devices at once. It has a shared total output of 4.8A too,
Info// A useful device. Definitely
worth a try if you need
Macally Europe
with each port capable of charging at 2.4A. Unless you use all four more chargers in your
https://macally-europe.com
ports at once that’s plenty enough to recharge your tablet. house and a night-light by
£42.95, $44.99, 49,95 €
Nightstand LED Light with USB Charger is a welcome your bed.
asset in the home, but we wish it looked a little more
elegant. Ian Osborne RATING: 3/5

www.pclpublications.com 53
 QDOS UV
Gadget Sanitizer & Wireless Charger
Worried about bugs on your phone? This wireless charger also sanitises your gear.

Info//
QDOS
www.qdossound.com
£59.99, $69.99, 69.99 €

You can sanitise your earbuds, cables and more, as well as

your phone. The top of the sanitising bath is a Qi charger.

'W
ash your hands,’ screams a dozen sanitisation. Your gadgets are bathed in dual

Verdict// posters and TV adverts, all trying to keep

us safe from the coronavirus. ‘Sanitise
before entering the store,’ says the hand-written note
wavelength UV light which kills 99.99% of bacteria.
The UV Gadget Sanitizer & Wireless Charger also
serves as a Qi charging pad. To charge your phone,
PROS AND CONS:
next to the bottle of sanitiser in every shop doorway. which needs to be Qi-charging compatible, place
+ Keep your phone clean
Keeping clean is certainly the order of the day but it on top of the unit while it’s closed. It then serves
+ In-built Qi charger what’s the point in washing and sanitising your as a regular wireless charger. A USB through-port
hands every hour if they only get mucky again next means you can also charge gadgets that aren’t
+ Spacious cleaning bath
time you pick up your phone? Qi-compatible.
- A little bulky That’s where QDOS’ UV Gadget Sanitizer & It’s a great way to keep your personal tech clean
Wireless Charger comes in. It’s a closed box big and bacteria-free, though it’s a little on the large
LAST WORD
enough to take a phone of up to 6.7 inches in side. This isn’t exactly a bad thing – if it was more
Make your tech as clean as
screen size or you could drop in your keys, earbuds, sylph-like, it wouldn’t be big enough to bathe your
your hands and keep the
cables or other such items. Plug it into a USB bulkier items but it might not be a good fit for your
germs at bay.
charger (not supplied) with the USB-A to USB-C bedside table if you’re pushed for space. Overall,
RATING: 4/5 cable (supplied) and choose between a quick though, it’s an excellent means of sanitising your
three-minute clean or a more in-depth ten-minute tech, just like you do for your hands. IO

54 www.pclpublications.com
 Netatmo Smart
Video Doorbell
Can you see who’s come to visit?

Info//
Netatmo
www.netatmo.com
£269.99, $299.99, 299,99 €

N
etatmo’s Smart Video Doorbell has been and again send an alert, recording footage to a
around for a couple of years now, but thanks local microSD card. You can also use it with FTP or
to two new transformers, designed and built Dropbox for off-site storage, in case an intruder steals
to accompany it, the doorbell can now be installed the doorbell. Either way, there’s no subscription to
in a wider variety of situations. These transformers, pay. As it’s HomeKit compatible, you can also set up
sold as separate items or in a pack with the doorbell, scenes involving other HomeKit devices. The 2MP
come in two varieties: a plug-in transformer camera records at 1080p with HDR, and has infra-red
A video doorbell might save the day if
that simply needs a wall socket, and an in-wall for night vision and IP67 waterproofing. It connects your house is burgled.
transformer that’s a little more demanding regarding to your local network over Wi-Fi.
installation. If you’re not a talented DIYer, you’ll need While the Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is pricier
a professional electrician for the latter.
Whichever transformer you use, the video
than some of its rivals, as you’ve no subscription
to pay, it will likely work out cheaper in the end. Verdict//
doorbell can be used with or without a chime. When It has a great feature range, and produces crystal PROS AND CONS:
someone rings the bell, you get an alert on your clear images. If you’re after a smart video doorbell, + Protect your home
phone. If you wish, you can also have it ring on your Netatmo’s is definitely worth consideration. DA
+ No subscription required
smart speaker. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa,
Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant. It’s HomeKit- + HomeKit compatible
compatible, so you can operate it directly from the
- Expensive initial outlay
Home app too.
LAST WORD
An excellent smart
Ding dong! video doorbell that does
As you’d expect from a video doorbell, when
everything you want it to,
someone rings it you can see them on your phone.
and does it well.
You can then chat with the person on your doorstep
using the device’s two-way communication feature. RATING: 4/5
It can detect someone loitering in your doorway

www.pclpublications.com 55
 Envoy Pro Elektron
480GB
Is that a 480GB in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?

Info//
Other World Computing, Inc.
https://eshop.macsales.com
£TBA, $149, TBA €

Verdict// The Envoy Pro Elektron is a great match for your Mac It’s small, light and always handy.

PROS AND CONS:

H
ow small can a portable storage drive get? the box has a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter so it can be
+ Small and compact
Back in the day they got thinner and thinner plugged into any Mac or PC using a regular USB
+ Crushproof, dustproof, but their other dimensions were restricted by port. It’s crushproof, dustproof and waterproof too.
waterproof the 2.5-inch drives they contained. With the advent The advantages of such a handy-sized storage
of SSD drives, which use solid state storage chips drive are clear. You can carry around a huge
+ Very fast
instead of hard disks, the size of portable storage amount of data between say, home and school
- No carry bag included drives fell once more. At 75 x 52 x 14mm (480GB or the office. You could use the external drive for
version reviewed), the Envoy Elektron is small your media and take it away with you on holiday
LAST WORD
enough to fit into the palm of your hand. to watch your movies and shows on your tablet or
Solid, reliable and damage
As well as being small and easy to carry around, notebook. You could use it as a boot drive too; why
proof, it’s a great way to
it’s also stylish, attractive and robust. Built from take work files home when you can take your entire
store and transport your
lightweight silver aluminium, it keeps its cool even machine on a drive that fits in your pocket?
files and media.
when transferring files at its full 10Gb/s speed. It’s We reviewed the 480GB version here, but 240GB,
RATING: 4/5 USB-C for the latest Macs and also compatible with 1TB and 2TB models are also available.
tablet Pros that have this connector. The cable in BC

56 www.pclpublications.com
 YubiKey 5Ci
A dongle a day keeps the hackers at bay... Info//
Yubico
www.yubico.com

Y
ubiKey 5Ci is an encrypted dongle that
£55, $70, 63 €
provides two-factor authentication for
web services. In a nutshell, this means
you have to plug it into your desktop or mobile
device in order to log on. Even if a hacker
breaks or steals your password, they still can’t
get in without also connecting your dongle.
It has a Lightning connector on one end for
iPhones and tablets, and a USB-C plug on
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
the other for desktops that have this facility.
+ Added security
It’s not yet compatible with tablets that use
USB-C and it’s not compatible with all sites and + Simple to use
apps. For example, you can’t use it with the
- Price is steep
mobile version of Safari; you need to switch to
a browser such as Brave. It’s compatible with - Limited compatibility
several password management apps, such as
LAST WORD
1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane and LastPass.
A useful, if limited, security
If you’re someone who’s especially
device that some will
vulnerable to hackers, like a celebrity or a
consider essential, but
politician, it might make sense to invest in a
others find unnecessary.
little extra security. For most people, though, it’s
probably unnecessary. BC
RATING: 3/5

Info//
iXpand Wireless Charger
Back up your memories as you boost your batteries.
Western Digital Corporation
www.westerndigital.com
From £89.99, $89.99, 98,99 €

H
ere's a wireless charger with a difference. Install the
iXpand Charger App and as well as charging your
smartphone it also backs up your photos, videos and
contacts. It's available in 128GB and 256GB capacities, so there's
plenty of space for your snaps, and it isn't much more expensive
than a regular QI charger. Obviously, it only works with iPhones Verdict//
that can charge wirelessly, but as it's QI certified, you can charge PROS AND CONS:
your AirPods or other QI-compatible devices too. + Charges quickly
After Bluetooth pairing the charger with your phone and
+ Great user interface
connecting it to your local network, it’s simple to use; just place
your phone on the pad and, as long as the battery is at 20% or + Never lose a pic again
more, it backs up your data. If you want to share the charger
+ Convenient and simple
with more than one user, you can set this up too. At 10W it
charges at a decent speed, and you can leave your case on as LAST WORD
long as it’s no more than about 3mm thick. A great way to back up
When your device is backed up, you can free up space on your snaps while charging
your phone by deleting data, or restore photos and videos your phone; as it’s all
you've previously deleted. You can review your contacts saved automatic, you never
onto the charger too. It's a safe and convenient way to make forget either.
sure you never lose a snap. AF
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 57
 AOC AG273QX Info//
AOC

QHD Gaming Monitor www.aoc.com

£491, $499, 489 €

Take your gaming to the next level.

Verdict// I
t's amazing how much prices of top-quality or ghosting when your on-screen character is charging
displays have fallen over the last few years. at full speed across the screen. Colour reproduction is
This QHD (Quad High Definition) monitor offers good, with smooth gradient ramps and solid greyscale
PROS AND CONS:
2560x1440 resolution and a 27-inch screen for under reproduction. Maybe it's not quite there for graphic
+Solid and robust
five hundred notes. Its low price certainly isn't at the designers or video editors, but it's incredible for gamers.
+ Excellent value expense of build quality. Solid and robust, its metal Text rendering is also high quality, though it can't match
base has a very sturdy feel. You certainly won't knock that found on a MacBook's or iMac's Retina screen. Its
+ Great response time
it over by accidentally bumping your desk. It's very built-in speakers are acceptable but unremarkable. As
- Not quite 4K configurable too. You can adjust the height of the always, it's best to get a set of external speakers or a
screen to suit, swivel it right and left without turning headset, especially for high-intensity gaming.
LAST WORD
the stand and even rotate it 90 degrees into a portrait In a nutshell, the AOC AG273QX QHD Gaming
Well built, packed with
view. You can connect it to your desktop through Monitor is an ideal display for its intended
features and very good
HDMI or DisplayPort, and if you also connect a USB aficionados. It's not a perfect design display (though
value, this is an excellent
cable, there's a four-port USB 3.2 hub. even then, it's far from mediocre), but it really excels
monitor for gamers.
It's a gaming monitor, so as you'd expect, it has when the bullets and bombs are flying and you're
RATING: 4/5 a great response time – just one millisecond. It has a bearing down on the enemy all guns blazing. A great
refresh rate of 165 Hz too, so you won't see shadows gaming screen. IO

58 www.pclpublications.com
 SADES SA721 Spirits
Stereo Gaming Headset
He’s behind you. And you can hear him... Info//
SADES
www.sades.gg

I
f you need a gaming headset but can’t justify £21.97, $22.99, 29.95 €
splashing out on the latest Bluetooth model,
these are a decent option. 50mm speakers
deliver stereo sound and there’s a mic on a flexible
arm that folds away when you don’t need it. The
Spirits headset is cabled, with a 3.5mm jack and a
bundled extension for connecting to USB dongles or
aeroplane seats. It can be used on home consoles
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
as well as desktops and mobile devices.
+ Comfortable to wear
At this price, you wouldn't expect them to
replace your favourite music earbuds, and they + Good for gaming
won't. Bass is lively and intense, but the vocals and
- Muted top end
treble sound muted. The ear pads are comfortable
and do a decent job of blocking out external noises, - Cable connection
though, after wearing them for a while they make
LAST WORD
your ears warm.
A cheap-and-cheerful
As a gaming headset, it's solid, if unspectacular.
headset that won't set the
It gives a reasonable impression of from where
world alight, but puts in a
gunshots or footsteps are coming, for example, but
competent, if workman-
not with the same precision you'd expect from a top
like, performance.
gaming headset. They certainly deliver given the
price, though. IO
RATING: 3/5

Mixcder E10 Active Noise

Cancelling Headphones
At last, headphones that don’t look like bad sci-fi props.

Verdict//
M
ixcder is noted for decent headphones at an affordable
price, and these E10 noise-cancelling cans are no
exception. They've certainly done a decent job on the PROS AND CONS:
build quality. Its all-metal skeleton is finished with comfortable + Good audio reproduction
padding, and its understated design is perfect for those who
+ Excellent battery life
prefer gadgets with a minimalistic look. The latest tech is
incorporated too, with Bluetooth v5.0 for faster transmission and - Narrow sound stage
Advanced Apt-X Low Latency Technology. Battery life is 30 hours
- Imperfect noise
on a full charge, and if you're in a rush, five to eight minutes of
cancellingd to get into
charging can give you two or three hours of music time.
place
In our tests, the ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) proved adequate
rather than remarkable. It wasn't bad; just not perfect. The overall LAST WORD
sound is impressive. Although activating the ANC reduces the
Info//
quality, with it switched off the vocals and midsections are very
Not without their
drawbacks, but overall, the
warm and bright. You can hear the plectrum scraping over the Mixcder Mixcder E10 headphones
guitar strings. The bass is lively, if understated, though the sound https://mixcder.com are well built and good
stage is very narrow. Stereo separation effects aren't always £89.99, $112.99, 99,99 € value for money.
realised as well as they might be. BC
RATING: 3/5

www.pclpublications.com 59
 Ergo M575
Wireless Trackball
A wireless ‘mouse’ with a difference...

Info//
Logitech
www.logitech.com
£44.99, $49.99, 49.99 €

I
t looks like a mouse, it does the same job as a
mouse but it isn’t a mouse. Logitech’s Ergo M575
is, in fact, a thumb-operated trackball with mouse-
like controller buttons. Pop in a AA battery (supplied)
and plug the USB dongle into your desktop, then use
the M575’s thumb-operated trackball to move your
pointer around the screen. The device stays in one
place on your desk – you don’t drag it around like

Verdict// a regular mouse controller. There are twin left and

right buttons and a scroll wheel, just like a traditional
mouse, and back/forward buttons within easy reach
PROS AND CONS:
of your forefinger. Assuming you’re right-handed, of
+ Comfortable and
course. This is not a device for southpaws.
ergonomic
As well as a USB dongle, the M575 is also
+ Performs well Bluetooth-compatible; switch between connectivity
methods using a button on the base of the
+ Great price
controller. Using Bluetooth, you can use it with your
- Won’t suit everyone tablet as well as your desktop.
Using a trackball instead of a mouse or trackpad
LAST WORD
takes a little getting used to but when you’ve
An unusual and innovative
mastered it, it’s comfortable and intuitive. Although
controller that might be
we can’t see trackballs taking over from more
more comfortable for those
common controller devices any time soon, if you
with RSI.
suffer from RSI or find some other complaint that
RATING: 4/5 makes a mouse or trackpad difficult or painful to use, It takes up a lot less room on your desk too.
it’s a revelation. Great price too. AF

60 www.pclpublications.com
 MX Anywhere 3
for Mac
Logitech’s new mobile mouse is awesome, and you can use it on an tablet too.

Info//
I
f you prefer a traditional mouse to your Mac through selections or websites. These might not
notebook’s built-in trackpad, Logitech’s mobile be well placed for left-handers, but they’re within
Logitech
take on its MX Master 3 is for you. MX Anywhere 3 easy reach if you’re right-handed. A mode shift
www.logitech.com/en-gb
for Mac is a pocket-sized controller that’s small and button toggles the scroll wheel between its ratchet
£79.99, $79.99, 87.72 €
light enough to take wherever you need it. and free spin modes and it’s here the mouse really
The mouse offers Bluetooth connectivity and can shines. Made of machined steel and close to silent in
switch between three different connected devices at operation, it can scroll through your document with
the touch of a button found under the mouse. Just pixel precision and is fast enough to scroll through
the thing if you want to use the mouse with your tablet 1,000 lines in a second when needs demand.
as well as your Mac, which is entirely possible when MX Anywhere 3 for Mac feels great under the
you’re using tabletOS 14. It charges through USB-C and hand. Its low profile and soft silicon bodywork
as the charging port is at the front of the mouse, you makes it really comfortable to use and it tracks
can carry on using it while charging. It lasts up to 70 precisely on any surface, even glass. If you
days on a full charge and three hours after one minute. download the free app you can customise it to your
As well as the usual right and left buttons, it has requirements too. Our only complaint is the lack of
two side buttons for moving forward and backward a carry bag in the box. DA

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Excellent tracking
+ Lovely scroll wheel
+ Great battery life
- No carry bag
LAST WORD
A front-mounted USB-C port means you An excellent option for
can charge the mouse while you’re using it. those who like a mouse
on the move. It’s compact,
portable and puts in a great
performance.
The mouse is compatible
with tabletOS 14 too. RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 61
 AOC AGON Pro
AG324UX Monitor
Can this premium monitor stay ahead of the game?

Info//
AOC
http://www.aoc.com
£899, 1,139 € (not sold in
USA)

A
s you’d expect from a monitor in AOC’s ideal for a connection to a modern Mac notebook;
respected AGON range, the Pro AG324UX as well as carrying the video and sound, it also
is built for gaming. That’s not to say it isn’t delivers up to 90 watts of power to charge the
a capable screen for creative design or general notebook’s battery. There’s also a four-port USB-A
computing, but the focus is on keeping the joypad hub, featuring USB 3.1 speeds. .
jugglers happy with fast, smooth updates at a very
high resolution.
The IPS screen is 31.5 inches corner to corner, Try Your Puck...
and has a pixel resolution of 3840 x 2160; that’s It’s packed with customisation options. There are,
over eight million pixels in total. It has a refresh rate for example, six game modes set up for first-person
of 144Hz and a response time of 1ms. These are shooters, real-time strategy games and driving games;
excellent figures, but if the screen rate drops, a little and also ‘blank’ set-ups you can customise to your own
ghosting is evident; make sure you have a Mac that needs. Switching between them is easy, even in the
has the power to keep things snappy. middle of a game. Just use the KeyPad, which looks like
The display can connect to your Mac through a cross between an ice hockey puck and a soap-on-a-
its DisplayPort 1.4 port which, can of course, also rope. This circular controller plugs into your monitor
be linked to a USB-C or Thunderbolt port with the and lets you switch between setups, quickly and easily.
correct cable or adapter. Alternatively, there’s two Using the menus with the puck controller is easy
HDMI 2.1 ports available, which you can also use for enough, but the AOC G-Menu app, which gives even
consoles or media players, should you wish to use deeper customisation options, is PC-only. Come on,
the display with more than your Mac. A USB-C port is guys. This isn’t the Nineties; let’s get it on the Mac too.

62 www.pclpublications.com
 Its big feet make finding a riser
difficult, but at least the display’s
screen is height-adjustable.

The screen can be used in both landscape and portrait mode.

Aesthetically the monitor holds its own well. Amazing colours

There’s very little bezel here to get in the way, aside In our tests, the AGON Pro AG324UX performed
from a small chin just under an inch wide at the admirably. Its anti-glare finish and 178 degree viewing
foot of the device. Its matt-black finish is calm and angles mean you can locate it almost anywhere and
understated, keeping distractions to a minimum, still view it comfortably. Connect it to an Apple TV or
and the LED that lights up when it’s switched on is similar streamer, with the whole family watching TV on
subdued and mild, which is great. LEDs that shine it, and you’ll soon see the benefits of the IPS screen.
with the intensity of the Edison Lighthouse are a You can view it from almost anywhere in the room
pet hate of mine. Less appealing is the LED in the without the colours shifting.
stand, which projects the ‘AGON’ logo onto your Talking of colours, this is where the monitor
desktop, and a lighting strip along the bottom of really shines. Everything looks bright and vibrant,
the monitor. Neither are particularly distracting, but even when moving at a pace. In our tests, colour
they serve little function. Thankfully, they’re both ramps were reproduced with a high degree of
easily switched off. accuracy, with smooth blends and solid colours.
As you’d expect from a 32-inch gaming monitor of The screen does an excellent job of distinguishing
this quality, it’s a little on the heavy side. Its stand is a
little awkward, with two legs facing forward at about
between white and almost-white, and a fair job
when comparing black and almost-black. Our photo
Verdict//
45 degrees, and a small toe to the rear. The space disc image looked great, with impressive colour PROS AND CONS:
taken up by these legs means it takes a lot of room reproduction and spot-on skin tones, and text was + Fantastic colour
on your desk, and it’s difficult to find a riser to fit its smooth and readable even at very low point sizes. reproduction
footprint. The screen is height-adjustable so this is When looking at moving images, everything is
+ Fast screen update
less of an issue than it might have been, but I prefer crisp and smooth. Even the fastest action scenes are
my iMac’s dainty foot with a riser that lets me tuck reproduced impressively, with little-to no ghosting + Great viewing angles
my USB hubs underneath it. and no lag. The sound quality is merely adequate;
- One or two minor niggles
The stand also lets you swivel the screen fine for general computing and video calling. If you
between landscape and portrait mode. This can want audio excellence with your games or movies, LAST WORD
prove extremely useful when writing, designing a it’s worth getting a set of external speakers. Pricey, but you definitely get
leaflet or flyer or playing retro arcade games where The AGON Pro AG324UX monitor is expensive, your money’s worth.
the screen was taller than it was wide; which was but standards are high. Only a few minor niggles
quite common back in the day. It’s really easy to keep it from winning the coveted AppleUser RATING: 4/5
do – you just turn it. Recommends award. IO

www.pclpublications.com 63
 Hubble for iPad
Port expansion hub
You’ll be amazed what your iPad can do...

Info//
Fledging
https://fledging.tech/products/hubble
£130.00, $90.00, 125,00 €
Compatibility: iPad Pro or iPad Air
with USB-C data/charging port

T
he iPad has really come on as a go-to machine back on itself. You can charge your Apple Pencil
for both business and leisure. Today’s iPad with the Hubble in place, and you can detach the
is so versatile it can replace your notebook ‘hub’ section and use it separately. Ideal if you use
when you’re out and about. It’s with this in mind that a keyboard case with your iPad.
Birmingham, Alabama startup Fledgeling built the The advantages of the Hubble case are
Hubble for iPad. Available for the iPad Pro 12.9” and obvious. Photographers can slot their camera’s
11”, and the fourth-gen iPad Air, the Hubble connects SD card into the hub, and review their pictures
to your tablet’s USB-C port. It’s not available for any and videos on a big screen; connected using the
iPad with a Lightning port or 30-pin dock. It greatly Hubble’s HDMI port. Gamers and movie viewers
Verdict// expands the iPad’s connectivity options, offering
(from left to right): a headphone socket, HDMI port,
can also enjoy what their iPads have to offer on a
TV or monitor; and if you want to plug in a storage
PROS AND CONS: SD and microSD card readers, a USB-A port, two drive for extra capacity, the option is there. All in
+ Great connectivity USB-C ports (one for charging and one for data), and all, it’s a great piece of kit. IO
options a travel switch for saving energy when you’re not
using the iPad.
+ Solid build quality
+ Useful magnetic screen
cover
The whole truth...
The Hubble is built from solid aluminium, with a
- USB-C iPads only hole for the camera and another in the centre of
the housing, so you don’t hide the iPad’s Apple
LAST WORD
logo (not our favourite aesthetic, but it has its
A great solution for
supporters). It’s a snug fit; maybe a little too snug.
those who need more
We found it a little tricky to slip in the iPad, but
connectivity than the
when in place, it holds your tablet securely. Also
USB-C iPads allow.
included is a folding screen cover reminiscent The Hubble offers a handy cover and
RATING: 4/5 of Apple’s own, which attaches to the case a useful dock for your iPad.
magnetically and doubles as a stand if you fold it

64 www.pclpublications.com
 Backbone One
iPhone Controller
Can you turn your iPhone into a games console?

Info//
Backbone
https://playbackbone.com
£99.99, $99.99, 119.99 €
Compatibility: All iPhones
running iOS 13 or later

W
e’ve all seen these devices before – gaming Watch your back...
controllers that sandwich your iPhone Before you start, you download the Backbone app,
between two sets of controls, effectively along with any service apps you might need (Xbox,
turning it into a mobile console. But the Backbone PS Remote Play, Steam Link and so on). You can then Bring your PC or console games to
One is a controller with a difference. As well as being insert your iPhone and play, though chances are your iPhone with this controller.
compatible with your iPhone games, including you’ll have to remove your iPhone case. Backbone
those downloaded with Apple Arcade, it also One has the same button configuration as an Xbox
supports Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Google Stadia One controller; four face buttons, a D-pad, two
and GeForce Now. Subscribers to these services
can stream games directly to their iPhone without
needing their console or PC to be on. It also supports
shoulder buttons on each side of the device and twin
analogue sticks, arranged in an Xbox offset position,
as opposed to the PS side-by-side configuration.
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
Xbox Remote Play, PS Remote Play and Steam Link, We have a few niggles. The Backbone+ features
+ Comfortable to use
so you can stream your purchased games from your are subscription-based, which seems a little tight
console or PC too. when you’ve already bought the device. You get a + Excellent feature set
Backbone One is compatible with all iPhones year free with the purchase, though. We also had
- Some problems setting up
running iOS 13 or later, and you can even connect trouble streaming from the Xbox One console using
a cable to any USB-C screen (cable not included), Backbone’s own software, but managed it perfectly - Have to remove case
including the iPad, and enjoy the action on a bigger with the third-party OneCast app. But complaints
LAST WORD
screen. Using the Backbone+ app you can stream aside, it’s a fine controller that feels comfortable in
A decent device that brings
your gameplay to Twitch, record clips and chat with the hand and is a pleasure to use. IO
modern PC and console
other gamers. That’s quite a feature set. There’s a
gaming to the iPhone, but it
headphone socket in case you prefer to use cabled
isn’t without its drawbacks.
earbuds while gaming. Instead of connecting to your
phone with Bluetooth, it uses a Lightning connection RATING: 4/5
for power and data, so it never needs charging.

www.pclpublications.com 65
//

SanDisk iXpand
Flash Drive Luxe 256GB
Transfer your files and back up your photos in a flash.

Info//
Y
ou can use this double-ended flash drive
to transfer files between devices, and back
SanDisk
up your photos and videos from your iPad
www.westerndigital.com
or iPhone. Available in 64GB, 128GB or 256GB
£88, $89.99, 82,75 €
capacities, it has a USB-C 3.1 plug on one end, and a
Lightning connector at the other. You can only copy
media and contacts from an iPhone or iPad, using

Verdict// the iXpand app, but plug it into a Mac and you can
copy any file.
PROS AND CONS: Transferring files to the flash drive is super
+ Excellent build quality speedy; it’s certainly faster than its predecessor, the
iXpand Flash Drive Go. The iXpand app is easy to use
+ Very fast file transfer
too. It’s a great way of getting more from your mobile
+ Available in a range of device’s internal storage, without clogging it up with
capacities things that could be stored elsewhere. DA
- Limitations on transferring
from mobile devices
LAST WORD
A useful device that’s great
for a variety of sources.
RATING: 4/5 You can automatically back up your photos to the flash drive.

Kensington StudioDock
Charging Stand Info//
Kensington Computer Products
The last word in iPad docks? Group
www.kensington.com
From £321.90, $373.47, €305,64 €

Verdict//
T
his handy, mains-powered device is more than just
an iPad stand. Sure, it can hold your iPad Pro (2018 or
PROS AND CONS:
later, either size), or iPad Air (2020), in Landscape or
+ Very versatile
portrait mode, so you can watch media, draw with your Apple
+ Add numerous Pencil or type comfortably by connecting a keyboard and
peripherals mouse. But it’s also a wireless charger for your iPhone and/or
AirPods. Just place them on the pad at the foot of the stand.
- Can’t adjust height
You can also buy an optional Apple Watch charger that fits on
- Expensive the side of the device.
The stand connects to your iPad’s USB-C socket, and you
LAST WORD
can plug in peripherals using the ports at the back. There’s
A capable – if expensive
three USB 3 ports, a HDMI port and an Ethernet port. There’s
– dock that unlocks the
an SD Card reader and headphone socket on the side of the
potential of your USB-C iPad.
stand too. With these, you can add hard drives, a monitor, Use your iPad in portrait or landscape mode, and add a
RATING: 4/5 input devices and more. It’s ideal if you want to turn your iPad second screen.
into a home-and-away computer to use for work and play. AH

66 www.pclpublications.com
devolo Magic 2
WiFi 6 Multiroom Kit
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A
t AppleUser, we’ve long championed devolo’s wireless connectivity. Just switch off your router’s Wi-Fi
excellent range of powerline adapters. By and rely on devolo’s instead. This is especially useful
 1*'*
 connecting an adapter plug to your router, if the wireless signal from your router is poor and not
222ǻ 1*'*ǻ*ǻ0& and positioning the others around the house, you worth preserving. Because the powerline adapters
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can extend your cabled and wireless network using form a wireless mesh, you can wander around the
your home’s electrical cabling to transfer data. house with your notebook or mobile device without
The powerline adapters plug into your regular having to disconnect from one access point and log
electrical sockets and offer Ethernet ports for cabled on to another. It’s all automatic, giving you a single
connections, wireless access points for Wi-Fi or both. Wi-Fi network all around the house.
What plugs you get, and how many, depends on the £350 might seem a lot to pay for improving your
pack in question, but whichever you buy, you can household Wi-Fi, but look at how much you spend on
always purchase and add individual adapters later. your Mac, iPhone and iPad. If your home network is
This particular pack is devolo’s Magic 2 WiFi 6 letting you down, a Magic 2 WiFi 6 Multiroom Kit could
Multiroom Kit, which gives you three powerline prove a sound investment. IO
adapters, all of which offer two gigabit Ethernet
ports and a Wi-Fi 6 access point. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest
wireless standard, and offers faster connectivity
(these plugs give up to 2400 Mbps), and is much
better at handling the multiple connections that
are typical now we all use streaming TV and music,
home Internet, smart mobile devices and connected
home gadgets.

.
$!
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 Petoi Bittle
Robot Dog
Who says you can’t teach a robot dog new tricks?

Info//
Petoi LLC
https://www.petoi.com
In Kit Form:
£299.99, $329
Ready Assembled:
£309.99, $339

E
veryone loves robots. Whether it’s Metal and wireless connections. You can configure and
Mickey, C-3PO or the Terminator, we just can’t control it through a dedicated iOS app. It’s great for
get enough of them. We all love dogs too. learning about STEM and robotics..
They’re cute, cuddly and playful. So you can’t go far
wrong with a robot dog, right? Petoi certainly thinks
so. That’s why they created Bittle the open-source Build a Buddy
bionic robot dog, an amazing mechanical mutt that Bittle is available in two versions. You can buy it in kit
can do tricks just like a real hound. form and assemble it yourself, or pay a little more and
Designed for coding and fun, Bittle operates get the pre-assembled version. We recommend the kit
on OpenCat, an open-source platform that version. It’s made up of 3D interlocking components,
offers amazing programming and customisation with minimal need for screws, and isn’t horrendously
possibilities. It’s based on an Arduino-compatible difficult to build. As well as saving you a little money,
board which you can connect to a Raspberry Pi or putting it together yourself is all part of the fun of
purpose-made modules and add-ons through wired owning a robot. There’s instructions, including a video,

68 www.pclpublications.com
You can control the Petoi Bittle Robot Dog with a free iOS app.

You can teach it some great tricks. You might almost think it’s alive.

available online and it shouldn’t take you more than also connect dedicated sensors and devices, which
half an hour.
Bittle is built on Petoi’s OpenCat open-source
are sold separately and add functionality to the robot.
These include a Sound Sensor, Light Sensor, Touch
Verdict//
platform, designed by Petoi’s founder Dr. Rongzhong Sensor, PIR Sensor, an OLED Display and a camera. PROS AND CONS:
Li. It’s specifically built for quadrupled robots, and also And, of course, you can modify and reprogram + Fun to use
underpins the company’s other robot pet, Nybble the the code. When you’ve assembled the droid, you
+ Educational
cat. This custom-designed platform gives Bittle moves can download demo codes from GitHub and even
you’d find in a much more expensive robot pet, and write your own in Scratch, C++ or Python. You can + Very configurable
being open source means you can modify, customise create tricks, walks and more. You don’t need to
- Can be taxin
and explore it yourself. be a professional programmer to do it, but you do
need to be willing to learn. And that’s what Bittle is LAST WORD
all about. Learning about programming, robotics, An excellent way to teach
A Mutt with Personality sensor operation, mechanics and more. It’s perfect your kids – or yourself – STEM
Something else you can customise and explore is the for kids aged around 14 or over who want to expand subjects, and have fun too.
Arduino board, a circuit board that fits on the dog’s their technical skills, though if they’re only interested
back. This connects to the servos (small motors that in making it sit up and beg without any tinkering, it will RATING: 4/5
control the dog’s limbs) using supplied cables. You can probably be too much for them. AH

www.pclpublications.com 69
 Kensington Orbit
Trackball with Scroll Ring
Let the good times roll...

Info//
T
here are several reasons why you might prefer
a trackball over a mouse. Those with RSI
Kensington Computer
might find them more ergonomic. As the unit
Products Group
doesn’t physically move, they take up less room on
https://www.kensington.com
your desk. Or you might just want a decent game of
£42.99, $49.99, 44,99 €
Missile Command. Whatever the reason, if you want a
trackball, this Kensington model might fit the bill.
It’s USB only, so make sure you have a spare port
Verdict// and aren’t too bothered about trailing cables. There’s a
button on either side of the ball standing in as left and
PROS AND CONS:
right mouse buttons, but you can’t press the ball itself
+ Accurate and responsive
for a third click. There is a scroll wheel surrounding
+ Useful for those with RSI the trackball, though. Download Kensington’s
TrackballWorks app and you can configure the buttons,
+ Companion software
adjust the pointer speed and more. For comfort, it’s
- Can’t use gestures bundled with an optional rubber wrist rest that looks
like Jimmy Hill’s chin.
LAST WORD
In use, the Orbit Trackball performs well. The
A useful trackball for your
controls are within easy reach, and are light and
Mac, but it’s not without its
responsive to the touch. The tracker is responsive
drawbacks.
and accurate too. Obviously, you won’t be able to use
RATING: 3/5 gestures like you can on a trackpad or Magic Mouse,
but for regular mouse work, it’s fine. AH

Logitech Lift
for Business Mouse Info//
Logitech
A business mouse that’s built for comfort. https://www.logitech.com
£69.99, $69.99, 79.99 €

L
ogitech Lift for Business is an ergonomic mouse for smaller hands.
Verdict// Instead of sitting flat on the table, it’s set at a 57-degree angle. It has a
soft rubber grip and a thumb rest so you can use it for hours without
PROS AND CONS:
triggering your RSI. You can connect it through Bluetooth to three devices
+ Easy on the wrist
at a time, switching between them with a button on the base of the
+ Good software support mouse, or use a USB dongle offering Logi Bolt, Logitech’s secure wireless
connectivity protocol that’s ideal for congested office environments.
+ Comfortable and
Available in white or black and in right- or left-hand versions, the
responsive
mouse takes one AA battery which should last around 24 months. Atop
- Takes some getting used to the device are two mouse buttons and a scroll wheel, along with a smaller
button that can be configured. There are also two thumb buttons which
LAST WORD
take you back and forward through web pages by default, but are also
A great device for those who
configurable with the Logi Options+ software.
can’t use a regular mouse,
It takes a little getting used to. At first, it’s far too easy to press the
but a little awkward at first.
thumb buttons when you’re trying to press the regular mouse buttons
RATING: 3/5 and vice versa, but you learn to move your fingers to avoid this problem. In
operation, it keeps your wrist straight, which is great for RSI sufferers.. AH

70 www.pclpublications.com
 Airpulse P100X
Stereo Speaker
When it comes to sound, this beauty is a beast!

Info//
Platinum Audio Systems
Company
http://www.airpulseaudio.com
£499.99, $629, 599 €

A
irpulse’s latest offering, the P100X stereo the front, as well as a volume control and a nice,
Bluetooth speaker, should appeal to those clicky on-off dial. With a little tuning you have a fine
who like their tech to be beautiful as well as reproduction of rock and hip-hop by boosting the
practical. Inspired by traditional FM radios of old, it bass, or add extra treble for classical or pop sounds.
has a gorgeous mesh finish at the front and back, The volume is pretty good for a speaker set of this
and an elegant cherry wood speaker casing at the size too. It will definitely fill a room, though it might
top and sides. not be enough for a party in a warehouse.
Sound-wise, it features a pair of custom-designed Overall, its warm, rich sound should satisfy even
10w tweeters and a 4.5-inch 40w mid-woofer, for the most discerning audiophile, and its elegant good
60w in total. The tweeters use an oval-shaped looks will certainly please the decor-conscious. DA
diaphragm to deliver a better high frequency
response, accurately reproducing even the highest
audio frequencies. The mid woofer is a 4.5-inch unit,
featuring a hard anodised aluminium alloy cone
suspended in a heavy, rigid cast magnesium alloy
frame. The device connects to your audio source via
Bluetooth v5.1, supporting the aptX HD codec, or
using the twin RCA Stereo ports at the back. RCA-to-
RCA and RCA-to-3.5mm leads are supplied.
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
Superb Sound + Warm, rich sound
The stereo speaker unit is a meaty 30x18x20cm and
weighs 5.1kg, so it’s not designed to be portable. + Beautiful looks
Position it wherever you like in the house and plug
+ Bass and treble controls
it into the mains. If your room is traditional and cosy
rather than modern and stylish, it should fit right in. It - A little under-powered?
comes supplied with a hand controller, so you don’t
LAST WORD
even need to get out of your seat to operate it.
A high-end speaker that
It has a neutral sound that doesn’t over-
should satisfy even the most
emphasise one sonic area over another. It won’t,
fussy listener.
for example, drown the mid-tones in bass, or mush
together the treble and vocals. If you want to tune The P100X has a beautiful, and slightly retro, appearance. RATING: 5/5
the sound, there’s a bass and a treble knob around

www.pclpublications.com 71
 Edifier TWS330
NB Earbuds
To Ear is Human...

Info//
T
he days when you had to spend a lot to get decent
Bluetooth earbuds are long gone. These days, most
Edifier
mid-priced sets give excellent sonic reproduction,
https://www.edifier.com
and are often packed with features that were previously
£69.99, $79.99, 69,80 €
only found in high-end models too. Take these TWS330 NB
earbuds from Edifier. They offer active noise cancellation
up to -38dB, deep neural network call noise cancellation
for an excellent telephone experience, AAC HD audio
decoding for higher-quality sounds and a companion app,
Verdict// all from a relatively affordable set of earbuds.
The pellet-shaped carry case is comfortable in the
PROS AND CONS:
pocket, and the earbuds are comfortable in the ears,
+ Lively sound stage
though they’re a little difficult to get out of the case. They’re
+ Comfortable fit good for five hours on a full charge, and 20 hours when you
throw in the case.
+ Good feature set
They’re good for audio quality too, with a lively sound
- No EQ on app stage that’s perfect for detailed audio like classical and
opera. For those who like their music more intense, rock
LAST WORD
and metal are well realised, though we wish there was an
Great sound in a compact
equaliser on the app for those who like extra bass. They
and affordable package.
sound better with the noise reduction on too; they’re a
RATING: 4/5 little tinny without it. Overall, though, they’re a great set of Great looking earbuds and charging dock that
sound like they should cost a lot more!
earbuds for the price. AF

Manfrotto Street Slim

Camera Backpack Info//
Videndum PLC
Is this bag a digital photographer’s dream? https://www.manfrotto.com
£94.95, $104.99, 107,09 €

I
f you enjoy going out and about with your digital SLR and

Verdict// your Mac notebook, take a look at this ruck sack. Manfrotto
Street Slim Camera Backpack has a space for a laptop
of up to 14 inches, as well as two separate compartments
PROS AND CONS:
for your bits and pieces. The lower compartment, accessed
+ Adaptable
by opening the zipped flap around the front, conceals a
+ Well designed padded chamber with dividers that velcro into position and
make neat safe areas for your camera and peripherals. The
+ Safe and sturdy
upper compartment is an open space for your extra gadgets.
- A little small? Of course, if you want to use the bag for a weekend away,
perhaps, you can remove the velcro dividers and pack it with
LAST WORD
your clothes and overnight bag.
A versatile bag with a space
There are other pockets too, such as a document carrier
for everything. Strong and
on the back of the bag, carry slots for a small tripod, your
sturdy too.
iPhone and more. It fits neatly on the handle of a suitcase for
RATING: 4/5 when travelling, and feels comfortable on your back. In other
words, it’s a real boon for travelling photographers. AF

72 www.pclpublications.com
 Oclean X Pro Elite
Smart Electric Toothbrush
Brush away the hi-tech way...

Info//
O
clean’s new X Pro Elite Smart Electric your birthday, and then information about your
Toothbrush connects to your iPhone through teeth such as whether you wear a brace, if you’re
Oclean
Bluetooth. A downloadable app keeps a a smoker, and your tea and coffee drinking habits.
https://www.oclean.com
record of your brushing, and offers tips to help you You set your tooth colour too. This information
£74.99, $99.99, TBA €
brush better. It’s stylish looking and feels very tactile is used to improve your brushing using the 12
in the hand, and is very quiet in operation. It even plans on offer. These include Standard, Whitening,
has a ‘Quiet Mark’, a symbol of approval from the Strong Cleaning, Sensitive and more. Each plan
Noise Abatement Society. shows a duration, which varies between two and
The brush’s textured surface makes it easy to three minutes, broken down into steps such as 30
hold on to, and the conventional oval brush head seconds on the left, then 30 seconds on the right,
(as opposed to a rotating circular head found on and so on. The screen on the brush then gives you
most electric toothbrushes) makes it very easy to a countdown timer with a vibration alert when it’s
use, especially if you have a small mouth or irregular time to move to the next step.
teeth. It’s lightweight too, and well balanced. A You can get a daily report on the plan used,
rechargeable device, it comes with a charging cradle efficiency of brushing, cleanliness and intensity
which connects to the mains through a USB adapter. on the app. It doesn’t give you real-time feedback
on where you’re brushing like the Oral B iO Series
9 reviewed in an earlier issue, but to be fair, it’s
Tailor to Your Teeth around a third of the price. DA
Setting up on the app is easy enough. You’re asked
for your gender (only male or female offered) and

The Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric

Toothbrush feels great in the hand.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Light and tactile
+ Comprehensive brushing
plans
+ Tailored to personal needs
- No real-time feedback
LAST WORD
AA decent connected
toothbrush that gives good
value for money.
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 73
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www.pclpublications.com 75
 DxO PhotoLab 4
Dig our your tired old photos, they’re about to get better!

Info//
H
ere at AppleUser, we’re big fans of DxO older camera with fewer megapixels than modern
Labs’ PhotoLab image editing software. devices. Dig out your old family snaps from the
DxO Labs
A high-end image editing suite, it’s aimed late Nineties and early 21st Century and DxO
www.dxo.com
firmly at the high-needs user; photography PhotoLab 4 can really bring them to life.
Essential Edition: £112,
professionals and very keen amateurs. It’s not Another new feature is Smart Workspace,
$129, 129 €
for the casual snapper but those who are serious which lets you personalise your working area
Elite Edition: £169, $199,
about photography will find it a comprehensive and to best suit your needs. You can display or
199, €
feature-packed suite that really brings out the best hide tools, so you only see the ones you want
in your photographic art. to use. If the need arises, you can quickly and
This, the fourth version, introduces some great easily access a hidden tool; just look it up and it
new features. The most significant is DeepPRIME, reappears instantly.
an artificial intelligence technology that learns There are some minor additional features and
from the millions of photos DxO’s laboratories improvements too. A batch renaming function
have analysed over the last 15 years. This learning has been added, so you can change the titles of
is used to better process photographs taken in the a series of photos with one click. Another new
RAW format with regards to digital noise reduction feature, DxO Advanced History, lets you group
and demosaicing (yes, that is a word). As a result, edits and adjustments made to your photo and
images look more natural. It’s especially useful show or hide them as needed. It’s an excellent
when using digital zoom, snapping in low light means of getting the most from a picture you’re
conditions or when the photo was taken on an editing heavily. If you’re working on more than one

The new DxO Advanced History feature lets you group

adjustments and display or hide corrections as required.

76 www.pclpublications.com
Add a watermark to your image, and check the results immediately using DxO Instant Watermarking.

picture at a time, edits made to one photograph BEFORE AFTER

can be synced to others, which is great if you took
several snaps in similar conditions. You can add a
watermark to your pics and check how it will look
in preview too.
DxO PhotoLab 4 is as straightforward to use as it
can be. The interface is intuitive and well set out and
it’s customisable to suit your specific needs. That’s
not to say it’s easy. A pro-level app like this is bound
to have a learning curve. The less demanding user
can set the app to use automatic enhancements
and then tweak them manually, with the more
demanding opting for optical corrections only; or if
you’re really expert, no automatic adjustments at all.
Naturally, features from earlier versions of DxO
PhotoLabs are carried over, such as automatic
image repair, local adjustments and the excellent
colour wheel introduced with PhotoLabs 3.
Overall, it’s an amazing application but definitely
for serious photo editors only.
If you already own a previous release of DxO
PhotoLab, upgrade discounts are available. IO The DxO ClearView Plus feature lets you bring out the beauty in your nature shots. with a single click.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Great new features
+ Pro-level performance
+ Good upgrade path
- Takes time to master
LAST WORD
A powerful and capable
application that gets
better with every release.
RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 77
 GoodLinks
for Mac, tablet and iPhone
Read-later applications as they’re meant to be done.

Info//
U
niversal Purchases are awesome. Rolled out Reading your saved pages is equally
earlier this year, the feature lets developers straightforward. Launch the app, and tap/click it to
Ngoc Luu
bundle iOS, tabletOS and macOS versions open it within the GoodLinks app. Here it’s displayed
https://goodlinks.app
of an app into a single purchase. Instead of having in a reader view, with unnecessary graphics and
£4.99, $4.99, 5,49 €
to pay once on the Mac App Store and again on the typography removed for easy reading; though you
(Universal Purchase,
Mobile App Store, a single payment unlocks the can open it in your default browser instead if you
unlocks Mac and
software on all your Apple devices. GoodLinks is a wish. The reader view doesn’t play media files such
mobile versions)
read-later app that syncs your links across all your as videos or sound, so you need to open these in
Apple gear and being a Universal Purchase isn’t the your browser. If your link is from a popular media site
only thing it gets right. like YouTube or Vimeo, this is automatic.
Using GoodLinks is very straightforward. When As a reader, GoodLinks is very configurable. You
surfing the web in Safari or a third-party browser, can use the app in Light or Dark Mode, or match
you might come across an article you’d like to the system’s theme. On the mobile versions of the
save for later perusal. Sure, you can bookmark it app, a sepia background is available for those who
or add it to Safari’s Read Later list but GoodLinks find it more comfortable than a white screen. For
gives a more comprehensive and flexible option. the reader, you can change the font, the text size
By tapping the browser’s Share icon and choosing and more. Saved links can be starred as favourites,
GoodLinks, you save it in the GoodLinks app. manually marked as read or unread and tagged
Articles you’ve saved in this way are synced to group articles of a similar nature. Naturally, you
between your Macs and mobile devices using can edit the URL or title before you save. Best of
iCloud, so you can save a link on one device and all, thanks to a clever and very Apple-like interface,
pick it up on another. all these functions are at your fingertips.

You can share

saved links
directly from
the app.

78 www.pclpublications.com
 There’s a couple of things we’d like to see in Customise the reader view by changing the font or adjusting
text size, borders, tracking and more.
future releases. We wish you could manually add
folders and drag-and-drop saved links into them
and as the Mac app only syncs on launch, it could
use a manual refresh button too. But as folders are
likely to be added at a future date and a refresh
button is already planned, we’re not going to
deduct marks from this excellent app. IO

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Clear, intuitive interface
+ Syncs between devices
+ Great reader view
- A couple of missing
features
LAST WORD
A comprehensive,
configurable and easy to
use app that’s excellent
value for money. Highly
recommended.
GoodLinks’ reader view is very comfortable on the eyes. RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 79
 Things 3
Is this the best getting-things-done app for Apple devices?

Info//
Cultured Code GmbH
& Co. KG
https://culturedcode.com

Mac: £48.99, $49.99, 54,99 €
ablet: £19.99, $19.99, 21,99 €
iPhone: £9.99, $9.99, 10,99 €

Things 3 keeps your life in order and puts everything at your fingertips.

M
ultiple award-winning Things is widely those used in macOS, so you can display your to-dos
regarded as the best task management app according to how you’ve tagged them.
for Apple devices. Those with power-user Clever interface design is apparent throughout.
needs might prefer OmniFocus but for the vast For example, on the iPhone and tablet, you add
majority of us, ease of use and a clear, Apple-like projects and to-dos by tapping a big button marked
interface make Things the ‘getting things done’ ‘+’. So far, so obvious. But instead of simply tapping
(GTD) app of choice. But what makes it so good? it, you can drag it to where it’s needed, dropping it on
Things is designed to help you organise every the Inbox icon for a quick note or into your Projects
aspect of your life, from daily routines to long-term list to open a new one in a place of your choosing.
goals. When you first launch Things, there’s a tutorial If you have a project open, you can similarly drag
project you can keep or delete. If you’re new to the and place a new to-do and when looking at the
app, it’s best to work your way through it; in ten Upcoming calendar list, drop it on the day you want
minutes, you’ll have a decent understanding of how to set as its deadline.
it all works and how to get the most from the app. The Things application is very well integrated
You can then delete it when you’re done and add with macOS, iOS and tabletOS. You can link Things
some projects and tasks of your own. These can 3 with Calendar and have your events show up in
include projects, which can have their own individual the Things app. You can also sync the Reminders
to-dos and checklists. A project can be divided into app with your Things Inbox. It’s great for keeping
sections using headers and your projects list can be everything in one place. If you have Things 3 on more
similarly organised in the sidebar. You can add due than one device, you can keep your data in sync
dates and deadlines, so entries appear in your Today using the free Things Cloud service. Even if you only
section and there’s an Inbox section for items you use the app on one device, it’s still a good idea to set
want to keep to hand. You can also add tags, like up a Things Cloud account as a useful backup.

80 www.pclpublications.com
You can organise your projects into areas, such as Work and Family, as shown here.

Although it has been criticised in the past for

infrequent updates, Things 3 does not similarly
suffer. It’s done a great job of keeping up with the
latest macOS, iOS and tabletOS have to offer. For
example, you can set a Things widget on your
mobile screen or Mac Today screen, giving quick
and easy access to your inbox, a project of your
choice or a tag. There’s a Dark Mode for those who
prefer a darker screen and also a Black option
if you like things very dark. If you’ve an Apple
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
Pencil, the tablet’s brand new Scribble feature
+ Fantastic interface
is catered for and the Apple Watch app has new
complications; Today lets you see your next three + Integrates with OS
to-dos and with New To-Do you can add a new
+ Sync across devices
one directly from your watch.
When it comes to task management software - Expensive
Apple fans are spoiled for choice but we reckon
LAST WORD
Things 3 is the best. Great integration with OS
A great app for organising
apps, comprehensive features and an easy-to-use
your life and getting things
interface make it a joy to use. Our only concern is
done.
the price, which is a little steep if you want to use it
on all three Apple devices. IO Organise your to-dos by date and import Calendar events too. RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 81
 Motif Photobook
& Album Maker Info//
Worth a thousand words? RR Donnelley
www.motifphotos.com
App is free, prints are paid for

B
ack in the day, you could gather your snaps it curates your pictures from Photos, starting with your
in the Photos app, design a calendar, a book, favourites and recent memories.
greetings cards and more; and order them in The design process is straightforward, with some
print directly from Apple. You can’t do this any more decent pre-built templates, though the layout and
but several third-party services have stepped in to fill customisation tools aren’t as comprehensive as
the gap. Motif is one such service. Apple’s. You can’t rotate a picture box, for example,
Using the free Motif app for your Mac, iPhone or or have photos overlap on the page. I became fed up
tablet, you can use your photos to create exciting of having a toolset appear right on top of my pointer
books and calendars directly from your Apple device. when I clicked on the page too.
On a Mac you can also create and order greetings That said, the service and print quality is excellent.
cards but this feature has yet to make it to the mobile If Motif can polish the desktop publishing side if
apps. Your pictures are curated automatically so your things a little more, it will be a must-
favourite memories and pictures are easily to hand; have app. AF
and it’s easy to make impressive, professional-looking
designs. There are ready-made templates and themes
to help you along too. When you’ve finished, you can
order a book or calendar directly from the app.
When these services and goods could be obtained
directly from Apple, it was Motif’s parent company, RR
Donnelley, that handled the printing and fulfilment.
Motif uses the same facilities, presses, materials,
and processes today; as you’d expect, the quality
is very high. The apps for Mac and mobile devices
are high quality too. On the Mac, it functions as a
native extension to the photos app, so no exports,
transfers or uploads are required. On mobile devices,

You can add special effects to your

photos if you wish.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Easy to use
+ Curates your photos
+ Quality products
- Greetings cards are Mac-
only
LAST WORD
A great print service but the
desktop publishing side of
things needs improvement.
Motif calendars look amazing. You can even get birthdays and You can add events and photos to your calendar. It’s great
events printed. for birthdays. RATING: 3/5

82 www.pclpublications.com
 Info//
Eltima Software
Download YouTube videos the easy way. https://www.airy-youtube-
downloader.com

E
ver come across a video on YouTube and wished
(One Mac) £15.20, $19.95,
you could download it for offline viewing, or cut
17,95 €
it to DVD and watch it on your living-room TV?
Of course you have. Everybody has. With Airy, you can
do just that. It's easy to use. Simply navigate to the
YouTube video you want to download, then copy and
paste the URL into the field in the Airy app, choose
a resolution and click Download. You can download Verdict//
videos as MP4, FLV, and 3GP, with HD, 4K and 8K Ultra PROS AND CONS:
HD resolutions supported, or go for MP3 to download + Straightforward to use
only the audio. Airy can also be integrated into most
+ Versatile downloads
popular web browsers, such as Safari, Chrome,
Firefox, Opera and Explorer too, to download directly + Browser integration
from your bookmarks bar. If you've a lot to download,
- A little expensive?
you can queue them by adding one link after another
without waiting for the first download to finish, and LAST WORD
you can even download entire playlists in one click. A versatile and competent
There are other YouTube downloaders available, tool that does exactly what
but sheer versatility and ease of use makes Airy one it sets out to do.
of the best. Definitely recommended for online video
fans. IO
RATING: 4/5

Info//
Stream video from your Mac to any TV in the house. Eltima Software
https://www.eltima.com

J
ustStream is an excellent alternative to AirPlay. five-minute holiday movie. Subtitles are supported, £18.23, $23.94, 17,99 €
It can stream video from your Mac to any and the entire app runs from a menu bar icon and is
AirPlay or Chromecast compatible device, as never in the way while you're streaming.
well as smart TVs from Samsung and LG, Roku boxes,
Apple TV and Sony devices. It's great for viewing
It's very straightforward to use. Click on the
JustStream menulet, and compatible destinations
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
slideshows of photos with the family, for example, are automatically detected and listed. Choose the
+ Stream to a variety of
and as it can mirror your Mac's screen to the one you want, add some video files and you're off.
destinations
television, it's good for presentations and demos too, Non-native video formats are transcoded on the
as well as playing movies and videos. You can queue fly, which can take a minute or two if they're large. + Good for demos and
videos and play them in sequence, no need to keep Our only complaint is that the maximum output training
running to your computer room to load the next resolution is 1080p HD; no 4K option here. AF
+ Queue a series of flicks
- Can’t do 4K
LAST WORD
An excellent streaming
solution, especially if your
main TV is in a different
room to your Mac.
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 83
 Können Sie dies lesen? Que dis-tu de ça? Get translating! Info//
Google LLC
https://get.google.com

N
ow here's a useful app to have on your
Free
phone. It can translate typed text into and
out of 103 languages, as long as you've got
an Internet connection. If you're offline, it can still
translate 59 languages. If your typing finger is getting
tired, you can simply point your smartphone's
Verdict//
camera at a piece of text and translate it between PROS AND CONS:
90 languages, or 50 languages at a higher quality if + Massive range of
you use a photo. It can handle 95 languages using languages
handwriting recognition and translate conversations
+ Easy to use
in 43 languages. You can save translated words and
phrases for future reference too. Naturally, it caters + It’s free!
for all widely spoken European languages.
- Some services online only
It's a real boon for travellers. Not only can it
make communication easier, if you're confused LAST WORD
by signage or instructions, just point your camera A versatile and
at it and read it in your own language. It's easy to comprehensive app that
use, and to keep the app a decent size, it works won't cost you a bean.
online but allows you to download language Excellent for travellers and
packs for offline use. It's completely free too, with holidaymakers.
no in-app purchases. BC
RATING: 5/5

Spam email? Let the fox at it... Info//

FOXINTEL
https://www.cleanfox.io

S
pam emails are the bane of everyone’s life. You Free
know the sort of thing. Get rich quick schemes,
we-know-your-password blackmail threats and
some we won’t even describe. If you use email, you get
spam. It’s as simple as that.
Cleanfox is a free tool that helps you clean up your
Verdict//
inbox and unsubscribe from mailing lists you no longer PROS AND CONS:
wish to receive. Pick out a rogue email, and with one + Helps reduce spam
click, you can get rid of it and all those like it. You no
+ Easy to use
longer have to trawl through your mailboxes and delete
the messages one at a time. It's easy to use. Just swipe + It’s free
an email right to keep it, up to delete it and left to delete
- Doesn’t cover all email
and unsubscribe. It covers all the popular web-based
services
email services such as iCloud, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo,
Orange and so on, but some ISPs aren't covered. LAST WORD
The Cleanfox team claim that each stored email It doesn't cover every email
you delete saves 10g of CO2 per year, and for each service, but if you use one of
friend who installs and uses the app based on your the many that are included,
recommendation, they plant a tree in Zambia. You can it's well worth a look.
clean up the planet as well as your inbox. AF
RATING: 4/5

84 www.pclpublications.com
 Run off that lockdown weight and become the new special on the zombie menu!

Info//
I
t’s always nice to come across an app that does During your run you’re regularly updated with
something a little bit differently, or takes an news of a zombie outbreak. You need to follow a
existing idea and puts its own unique spin on it. certain route to collect items. Every so often you’re Six to Start
Especially considering that everyone is talking about alerted that the zombie horde is after you. That’s zombiesrungame.com
Netflix’s new undead action romp, Army of the Dead. when you have to break into a sprint; a bit like in a Free
Zombies, Run! does exactly that, and it helps you to spinning class when you do bursts at top speed. If Compatibility: iOS 13.0 or Later
get fit as well. It’s part adventure game, part fitness you don’t go fast enough, the zombies catch you
app and part interactive story. The concept might up and take some of the virtual ‘stuff’ that you’ve
sound a little strange at first but it makes perfect collected. This is important as it’s used when
sense when you start using it, so you just have to you complete your run to build a virtual zombie-
trust us that it works. sanctuary in the app. The ultimate goal is to build up
Zombies, Run! is an app designed to help people your sanctuary and get as many people as possible
who want to run, but lack the motivation to actually to join it. Each run is a different ‘mission’ with slightly
get out there and do it. The incentive in this case is to different goals that need to be accomplished.
turn the whole thing into a kind of interactive game. It’s a really cool and original way to make running a
Based on GPS data, the app sets a run route for you. bit more interesting. The subscription price is very high
All you need to do is plug in your headphones, hit for an app of this type, but if you’re willing to shell out
Start and off you go. the necessary cash, you’ll have a blast with it. JG

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Inventive way to get
outside
+ Professional production
values
+ Easy to engage with
- Rather expensive
LAST WORD
What better motivation could
you have to keep moving,
than to avoid a plague of the
marauding undead?
RATING: 4/5

ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP &#
 OWC Copy That
Take the pain out of tablet and smartphone back-ups.

Info//
O
WC Copy That simplifies the process of When you’ve decided what to copy, you choose
saving photos and videos to an external whether to copy them to elsewhere on your
Other World Computing, Inc
hard drive. You can download the app for smartphone or your iCloud Drive. To copy to an
www.owcdigital.com
free, with a one-off IAP of £2.99/$2.99/3,49 € to external drive you have to connect it to your tablet
Free, IAP
unlock features such as verified and secure copying or smartphone; you can’t plug your mobile device
and deleting files from your mobile device after into your Mac and save directly to a connected
backing them up. drive. If you have a new tablet Pro with a USB-C
It’s not very versatile though. You can choose port you can plug a USB-C drive straight in but
whether to copy photos, videos, selfies and/or devices with Lightning ports need an adapter. It
screenshots and (with the paid-for version) restrict works with all brands, not just OWC’s own external
it to certain dates but you can’t choose specific drives but your device might not put out enough
photos from a range of thumbnails or back up files power to save to a portable HDD. Thumb drives,
other than snaps and flicks. There’s no backing SSDs and powered hard drives are ideal. You can
up your music library, for example. Backups are save to a network drive too.
incremental – you can choose to ignore or update As a low-cost, straightforward backup option,
files that are already backed up. OWC Copy That is promising, especially for serious
photographers but it needs a few more features
before it really shines. IO

Connect an external
storage device to
your iPhone or tablet
Verdict//
and it appears in the PROS AND CONS:
‘save to’ browser.
+ Good value
+ Great backup option
- Needs more features
- Only backs up photo
library
LAST WORD
A promising but not
outstanding first release.
We hope this app grows
and expands over time.
RATING: 4/5

86 www.pclpublications.com
 REC Pro Video Camera
Channel your inner 'Spielberg'!

Info//
F
rom the people that brought us Camera+ as you move through 360 degrees around it. An
comes REC – Pro Video Camera, a new omni setting records in the same way throughout,
LateNiteSoft SL
app that promises pro-quality videos and while subcardoid is most sensitive to what’s going
https://recvideo.app
simple, intuitive controls. While the smartphone on in front of it, while still picking up sounds from
£7.99, $7.99, 8,99 €
and tablet’s own Camera apps do a great job of other directions. A cardoid pattern ignores sounds
general snapping and filming, they’re designed coming from behind the mic. See what we mean
with simplicity rather than versatility in mind. If you about pro-level settings here?
plan to take your photography more seriously, you Yet for all the control REC gives, it’s far from
need a third-party app and that’s where REC comes complicated to use. The advanced features are
in. Unlike Camera, REC gives you full control over there but if you just want to film a quick sequence,
settings such as focus and exposure; and you can they don’t get in the way. You can pick up and
set your own white balance, bitrate and more. record with REC in seconds and delve as deeply
For the audio side of things, you can record in into the pro-level settings as you wish, when you
regular stereo or choose a polar pattern, omni, wish. It’s this solid user experience, coupled with
subcardoid or cardiod. What does this mean? A some great high-end features, that makes REC –
polar pattern sets the sensitivity of a microphone Pro Video Camera a joy to use. IO

Despite the high-end,

pro-level controls,
REC is easy to pick up
and use.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Up to 4k resolution and
240FPS
+ Packed with high-end
features
+ Good value for money
+ Great user interface
LAST WORD
Pro-level results at a good
price and without being too
complex for its own good.
RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 87
 Amadine
A Mac favourite comes to Apple’s mobile devices.

Info//
BeLight Software Ltd
https://amadine.com
Free download, £9.99,
$9.99, 10,99 € for
full version

Amadine artwork can be built up in layers.

'P
rosumer’ is a dreadful word. It reeks find the Apple Pencil makes the tablet version of
of men in suits talking rubbish in Amadine nicer to use than the Mac app.
management meetings, before going to Amadine boasts a gentle skills curve but don’t
the local wine bar for a liquid lunch and leaving expect to master it in minutes. There’s a lot to
the actual work to the marketing department. Yet learn here. Thankfully, a Gestures Guide and Video
however terrible the term, some of the software Tutorials are available to get you started. There are
apps it’s applied to are genuinely awesome. Take also some extremely useful samples included, so
Amadine. On the desktop, it was a revelation; a low- instead of starting a piece of work from scratch right
cost, high-powered vector graphics drawing app away, you can play around with these pre-made files,
that’s a fraction of the cost of Adobe Illustrator and making edits, getting used to the excellent interface
a lot easier to use. A year and a half later it’s been and seeing how everything fits together before you
ported to the tablet and smartphone, and it retains tackle a creation of your own.
all the features and only costs around a tenner for Despite the low price, Amadine is a powerful
the full app; no subscription required. app. Accomplished designers can put together print
As well as offering the full range of features projects such as posters, flyers and brochures and
enjoyed by Mac Amadine users, on mobile devices make illustrations – including complex lettering – for
it also makes excellent use of touchscreen gestures. books or websites. If you’re a programmer, it’s great
You can pinch and spread to zoom in and out of your for mocking up your user interface or making icons
work, move it around the screen with a two-fingered and professionals can use it to keep a company’s
drag and make adjustments and edits with a high branding consistent across products. You can work
degree of precision. Naturally, it supports the Apple in layers, use masks, draw with vector curves and
Pencil, so if you prefer to use a stylus for your art, more. Files can be output in SVG, PDF, PNG and JPEG
you’re well catered for. Indeed, some people might formats, at a range of DPI settings.

88 www.pclpublications.com
It has some great text tools for lettering, logos and more.

Your tools are within easy reach, even

on the smartphone.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Comprehensive features
+ Very versatile
+ Superb UI
- Takes time to learn
LAST WORD
An excellent adaptation
As with all art applications, you shouldn’t
of an excellent Mac app.
expect Amadine to do your work for you. There’s
Designers and digital
no substitute for talent. But if you’re a digital artist
artists take note.
looking for a credible alternative to Illustrator, or
are keen to try out something new on your mobile RATING: 5/5
devices, it’s definitely worth a download. IO

www.pclpublications.com 89
 Evernote
Is this the ideal digital Filofax for 21st-Century Apple fans?

Info//
E
vernote has long been one of the most An upgraded interface gives the Apple mobile
popular note-taking apps available for Apple versions of Evernote a cleaner, more intuitive feel and
Evernote Corporation
gear, though its relatively high price and very a better document scanner automatically picks up
https://evernote.com
restricted free version could put off newcomers. on things like documents, Post-it notes, whiteboards
Basic: Free
Neither of these two criticisms were addressed in and business cards, scanning them for readable text.
Premium (monthly): £4.99,
the latest update but the iOS version of this popular Under-the-hood improvements make the search
$7.99, 6,99 €
app did get a range of new features, with updates function faster and more powerful, and improve the
per month
for the Mac, Windows and Android on the way. stability of the app when using very large notebooks.
Premium (annual): £44.99,
The Evernote notes editor has been streamlined. The free version of Evernote is little more than a
$69.99, 59,99 € per year
It’s now much easier to strip the formatting out of demo. You can only sync your information between
Business £10.99, $14.99,
notes and also to add formatting features such as two devices, which isn’t much use if you’ve a Mac,
13,99 €
headers, tables, highlights and more. The formatting smartphone and an tablet and there’s no means
per month
toolbar has been redesigned to keep popular edits of downloading your notes for offline access. The
Business (annual):
to the fore and a new multi-function Insert button 60MB monthly upload limit and 25MB restriction on
£109.99, $149.99, 139,99 €
makes it easier to add content such as audio, photos, individual notes aren’t very generous, either. If you
per year
checkboxes, attachments and sketches to your don’t intend to subscribe, there are better free note-
notes. Checklists are more intuitive too, allowing you taking apps available. But with a Premium or Business
to add items and indents and cross them off with a account, Evernote is a great notepad, list maker and
single tap. all-round personal organiser. DA

You can sync your notes between devices but only two on the free version.

90 www.pclpublications.com
An under-the-hood overhaul has given Evernote a much-improved Search feature.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Better search function
+ Sleeker interface
+ Scanner improvements
- Free version very limited
LAST WORD
The overhaul for Apple
mobile devices makes an
already-excellent app even
better provided you pay for it.
RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 91
 Parallels Desktop 16
Run Windows or Linux apps on your Mac as well as Mac software

Info//
B
ig Sur brought big problems for the Parallels This 16th version of Parallels is compatible with
Parallels International team. For security reasons, the latest version macOS Big Sur and Windows 10 and is also compatible
GmbH of the Mac’s operating system banned third- with the very newest Macs that use Apple Silicon
www.parallels.com party kernel extensions, or kexts, something needed processors. OpenGL 3 support is improved and if
From £69.99, $79.99, 79.99 for performance by all virtualisation apps. Instead, you’re running low on disk space due to Windows
€ a year Apple added its own hypervisor kext to Big Sur and taking but not returning it, reclamation can be carried
Parallels had to move every kernel extension it used out automatically in this new release. The number
to Apple’s own system extensions, something that of windows apps it can run is up from the already-
took over 25 man-years. But they managed it and impressive 200,000 available in Parallels 15 and now
as a result, Parallels is even faster and more secure includes Samson Connect and ProPresenter 6. If you’re
than ever before. running a Linux operating system, its Git performance
As you probably know, Parallels Desktop is (a distributed version-control system used to track
a virtualisation app that lets you run alternative changes in files) is improved by up to 75 percent.
operating systems on your Mac from within macOS, Parallels 16 can run a Big Sur virtual machine
so you can (say) switch to using Windows or Linux using Big Sur itself and can of course also run older
in a virtual machine without having to reboot your versions of macOS as virtual machines. This is great
computer. Using Coherence Mode, you can even for developers and programmers who want to see if
launch an application written for one of your virtual their work functions as well in El Capitan, Mojave and
machine’s operating systems without leaving macOS more as it does in the latest OS. It also supports 3D, a
at all, using it as if it were a native Mac app. world’s first for virtualisation software.

92 www.pclpublications.com
 Parallels’ Control Center, from where
you launch your virtual machines.

Windows 10 and macOS Lion virtual machines running in Parallels 16, on a Mac that has macOS Catalina installed.

Parallels 16 is compatible with

Parallels’ excellent wizard for creating a new VM makes it easy to get up and running. Windows 10.

There’s more, of course. Shared Printer means allowed to do, it lacks the excellent Coherence
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
you can print from Windows without setting up your Mode. IO
+ Great for gamers
printer on that system; it simply uses your Mac’s
printer settings. It’s great to see support for zoom and + Performance
rotate on trackpads in Windows apps carries over too. improvements
And if you have the Pro version of Parallels Desktop 16,
+ Comes with Toolbox and
you can bundle up a virtual machine, zip it and copy it
Access
onto another Mac or archive it to save space too.
Parallels Desktop is sold as an annual - Sold as a subscription
subscription, so if you invest in a copy, you only
LAST WORD
have it for a year. It does, however, include a
The latest release of
year’s subscription to two of Parallels’ other Mac
Parallels Desktop is another
apps; Toolbox, which gives a wide variety of tools
significant step forward for
and controls accessible from the Menu Bar, and
the Mac’s best virtualisation
Access, which lets you control your Mac over the
app. Definitely worth an
Internet from another Apple device.
upgrade if you already have
A note of caution. If you intend to buy Parallels
an older version.
Desktop 16, get it from the Parallels website. It’s Windows 10 and High Sierra virtual machines, running on a
available on the Mac App Store but due to Apple’s Mac that natively uses macOS Catalina. RATING: 5/5
restrictions on what App Store programs are

www.pclpublications.com 93
 FotoMagico for tablet
Slideshow maker for those who want a little more.

Info//
F
otomagico 5 is the desktop's premiere getting a preset length of time on the screen, and
slideshow maker, combining ease of use with default animations used to switch between them.
Boinx Software
in-depth features for those who need more You can then rearrange the slides with drag-and-
https://boinx.com
than iMovie can offer. It's now arrived on the tablet drop simplicity. You can reposition and zoom
Free (IAP)
and retains its versatility and flexibility, but at a high slides individually, customise their duration on
price. the screen, add effects and filters and more. Add
FotoMagico for tablet lets you compile music and the slides automatically sync to its
slideshows with photos, videos, music and text. rhythm, which is a nice touch. You can also add
It's AirPlay-compatible, so you can stream your intros, credits and captions too.
shows to AirPlay devices, or you can export them FotoMagico for tablet is a powerful and
as high-definition stand-alone videos. The quality versatile creativity tool that produces excellent
of your images and footage is preserved, so they results. Our only real problem with it is the pricing.
look just as good in your slideshows as they do on It's free for 14 days, after which it still works as
your tablet. There are, of course, plenty of special a slideshow viewer, but if you want to carry on
effects to apply as you switch from one slide to the making shows, you have to pay a subscription.
next, including Ken Burns-style pan-and-zoom, These start at £4.99/$4.99/5,49 € a month, all the
Creating your first slideshow is as simple as way up to £38.99/$39.99/43,99 € a year. As there
dragging your photos and videos from the media are no ongoing costs for the publisher involved
viewer onto the storyboard. You can then play after you've bought the software, maybe a once-
the slideshow straight away, with each image only purchase price would be more appropriate?

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Powerful and versatile
+ Easy to use
+ Achieves excellent results
- Was the subscription
model necessary?
LAST WORD
We can't fault it for quality,
but you might baulk at the
price.
RATING: 4/5

94 www.pclpublications.com
 StaffPad
Composing tools Beethoven would have killed for...

Info//
Staffpad
www.staffpad.co
£79.99, $89.99, 89,99 €

M
usicians rejoice! StaffPad is built for Our only quibble with the app is its price.
composers, and it’s an amazing piece of Instead of giving the reader away free and charging
software. With StaffPad, you can write and for the in-app purchases as was previously the
edit musical notation in your own handwriting, case, StaffPad is now a significantly expensive
using your finger or better still, with an Apple Pencil. outlay, with further costs involved if you want to
Handwriting is converted into a typeset score, and download and use further instruments and families
it even makes corrections where necessary and lets of instruments, some of which cost as much as the
you know if you put too many or two few beats in a app itself. Given the nature and quality of the app
Verdict// bar. After putting together a composition, you can
have the app play it back to you.
this isn’t a damning indictment, but it could use a
free demo version. IO
PROS AND CONS: You can play, import, record and edit audio too.
+ Handwriting recognition The core library, bundled with the app, includes
over 55 instruments. If you need more, StaffPad has
+ Amazingly powerful
partnered with sample library producers such as
+ Lots of instruments Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, Spitfire Audio and
others to compile extra sounds available as in-app
- High outlay
purchases. The quality is amazing; press Play and your
LAST WORD new symphony is played at near-production quality.
An amazing app that
brings composing within
the grasp of any musician
Wired for Sound
There’s so much more to the app than we can
with an iPad. We just wish
squeeze into such a short review, but look out too for
there was a try-before-
Sound Presets that let you switch between playing
you-buy option.
styles, Divisi Staffs which you can add for individual
RATING: 4/5 instruments, Mixer Effects to further customise your Handwriting recognition is at the heart of StaffPad.
sound and Tempo Mapping to keep things in time.

www.pclpublications.com 95
 Slidepad
The easy way to keep web apps out of the way but accessible.

Info//
S
lidepad is basically a web browser that sits off the desktop until you drag your mouse pointer to a user-
defined edge of the screen. It can be as large or as small as you like, and when you’re done with it, you
Slidepad Ltd
click an icon to hide it again. You can add as many ‘spaces’ as you like to the Slidepad window, either
https://slidepad.xyz
from the app’s list of popular web apps or by entering a URL.
£8.85, $9.99, 8.85 €
The advantages are clear. If you use services such as Gmail, Microsoft OneNote or One Drive, Google
Calendar, Evernote and more, you can have them at your fingertips in a single mouse click. Or you could keep
your social media and entertainment apps, such as Facebook, Netflix, Messenger and Readly on Slidepad, out
of the way while you’re working but at hand when you need them.
A few omissions keep it from perfection. Google Player Movies doesn’t currently work, and we wish the
Slidepad window had a toolbar for functions such as refreshing a page. Even so, it’s a great app that’s really
going places. IO

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Convenient access to sites
+ Configurable and versatile
+ Excellent value for money
- One or two features needed
LAST WORD
Tantalisingly close to that
elusive five out of five,
luckily its developer is
already working on most
of the improvements that
will carry it over the line.
An excellent app.
RATING: 4/5

96 www.pclpublications.com
 A major overhaul for Skylum’s popular photo editor.

Info//
W
hat a radical overhaul. If you already have bits around tree branches, under bridges and suchlike,
Luminar 3, you’ll find the fourth iteration of which you would previously have to pick out by hand,
this popular photo-editor a very different and then lets you select a new sky, either from your Skylum
beast, but thanks to a user-friendly interface and own pictures or from Luminar’s own library. It gives https://skylum.com
useful video tutorials it won’t take you long to get excellent results, and can greatly enhance a picture £81, $89, 89 €
up to speed. Luminar 4 can be used as a stand- that suffers from a dull or boring skyline.
alone app or a plug-in for existing editors such as You can also use Luminar 4 for traditional
Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Apple image-editing tasks, with layered editing, advanced
Photos or Apple Aperture. New features include Sky masking, cropping, colour manipulation and more
Replacement, Skin and Portrait Enhancers, Smart all catered for. Again, these are straightforward to
Contrast and a Structure feature that boosts detail use, thanks to a well constructed user interface. A
without damaging the rest of the photo. collection of presets, known as Luminar Looks, is
The most important new additions are Skylum’s available to get you straight in.
artificial intelligence-based tools, built on its Luminar 4 is an excellent photo editing tool. It’s
machine learning technology. One such tool is fun to use, very powerful and produces impressive
Sky Replacement. It’s simple to use. The software results. You need never have a dull photo in your
identifies the sky in your photo, including all the fiddly collection again. AF

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Great new AI features
+ Easy to use
+ Gives great results
- Some will miss old UI
LAST WORD
Whether you’re using it as
a stand-alone app or as
a plug-in, Luminar 4 is an
amazing tool for getting the
very best from your photos.
Before After RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 97
 Carbon Copy Cloner 5.1
When disaster strikes, it can save the day!

Info//
B
acking up isn't all about Time Machine. To be adequately backed up, it's best to back up twice. That's
where Carbon Copy Cloner comes in. It's excellent for making bootable backups of your main drive,
Bombich Software, Inc.
so if there's a problem, you can boot from your backup as if nothing had happened. You can also back
https://bombich.com
up specific files, documents and drives, and schedule your backups to take place at a specific time and day.
£31.70, $39.99, 37,30 €
These scheduled back-ups kick in even if your desktop is in sleep mode at the time. Naturally, it can back up
only new and modified files to save time, and you can choose to where you back up, such as external drives
or another desktop on your network.
With the latest version, Task Scheduling is
improved. You can now group tasks to activate
them with a single click instead of having to
switch them on one by one, and restoring your
main hard drive from a Carbon Copy Cloner
backup is guided by the app when you boot
from your clone.
Another useful feature, especially for the
less techie desktop user, is the bubble tips
that can be switched on and off at will. These
explain what each button, menu and drop
zone do and how they're used. It's a great
way for newcomers to get into the app, and
for experienced users to try out new features.
If all you want to do is clone a drive, that is,
copy everything on it to another device, so the
destination drive contains exactly the same
files and data as the original, you can switch
to a simpler interface and carry out the task in
three clicks.
This new update cements Carbon Copy
Cloner’s position as the best
third-party backup tool on the
desktop. It’s flexible, reliable and
feature-packed. IO

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Extremely versatile
+ Bootable drive clones
+ Packed with features
- A little techie?
LAST WORD
A comprehensive, versatile
and reliable app that can
do much to enhance your
backup plan. Definitely
highly recommended.
RATING: 5/5

98 www.pclpublications.com
 UUByte ISO Editor
Your one-stop solution for all things ISO.

Info//
UUByte
www.uubyte.com
£35.50, $29.95, 28,30 €

A
n ISO file, or image if you prefer, is a computer We’ve one or two gripes about the user interface.
file that recreates the contents of an optical It’s strange that the Home button takes you to the
disk. It’s ideal for backing up CDs and DVDs, developer’s website instead of the first screen in the
and also for downloading a disk image and burning app. You can’t drag and drop files onto one of the
it to a disk or onto a flash drive as bootable media. home screen options, though browsing for them
These are the tasks UUByte ISO Editor is built to do, instead is hardly a chore, and when you try to burn to
as well as managing and organising files on an ISO, a flash drive it mounts as something like ‘/dev/disk4’,
or even creating one from scratch. instead of just giving you the name of the drive. Even
It’s easy to use. From the Home page, you can so, ISO Editor is definitely recommended for those
opt to Burn (make a bootable disk or USB flash drive who need to burn, create and manage ISOs. IO
from an ISO), Extract (access the contents of an
Verdict// ISO), Create (make a new ISO), Edit (add, delete and
rename an ISO’s content), or Copy Disc (make an ISO
PROS AND CONS: from an optical disk). You then browse for the ISO
+ Easy to use or files in question, and carry out the task. Simple.
If you’re burning to a USB drive, it’s formatted
+ Competitively priced
automatically according to the parameters needed
+ Feature-packed for the bootable disk; so you don’t have to mess
around formatting beforehand.
- Some UI niggles
LAST WORD
An excellent set of ISO
At your fingertips...
ISO Editor is excellently put together. Everything
tools that’s definitely
is at your fingertips and easily accessible. It’s
recommended for those
purchased through a reasonable one-off fee,
who use a lot of ISOs.
so there’s no subscriptions to pay, and its
We downloaded a Windows 11 ISO and used ISO Editor to
RATING: 4/5 comprehensive feature set is enough to satisfy even create a bootable disk with it.
the most demanding IT manager.

www.pclpublications.com 99
 Vivid-Pix RESTORE
Bring your ageing snaps up to scratch.

Info//
O
ne-click restoration is the proud boast of Vivid-Pix have a decent corrections algorithm
nearly all photo-editing suites these days, in RESTORE, but the app as a whole is let down by
Vivid-Pix
and RESTORE gets pretty close to this some significant omissions and interface quirks. You
www.vivid-pix.com
elusive holy grail. To get started, you can browse for can’t choose an output folder, for example, and the
£36.55, $49.99, 40.45 €
or drag-and-drop a picture onto the app. Using the Buy/Activate option is still there when it’s bought/
Restore Options pull-down, you select the image’s activated, leaving you to wonder whether your
major problem, such as bad fading or a weak digital registration actually succeeded. When you save a
photo. You’re then offered nine correction options; photo you’re working on, it’s automatically closed,
choose the one that looks best, then make any giving you no chance to carry on adjusting it, and
manual adjustments you see fit, such as contrast, you can’t move back and forward through your
lightness, colour corrections and vividness. corrections with undo/redo buttons. The interface
as a whole is ugly and not very Mac-like, though
happily, you can use the app from within Photos
if you wish. Most damningly, there’s no options to
despeckle a picture, or erase damaged areas.
Vivid-Pix RESTORE is useful if you’ve got a lot
of faded or badly coloured prints, but there are
plenty of better, more comprehensive image editors
available at the price. DA

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Decent colour correction
+ Straightforward to use
- Ugly interface
- Features missing
LAST WORD
It has its good points, but
it’s not the best photo
editor available for the Mac.
RATING: 2/5 If too many of your family snaps look like this, Vivid-Pix RESTORE can greatly enhance their colours.

100 www.pclpublications.com
 Slowly
A whole new concept in digital messaging.

Info//
W
hen it comes to communication, the age ranges and more. When you're ready, send
faster your merry missives are delivered, your first letter and wait for a reply.
Slowly Communications Ltd
the better, right? Not according to this An interesting feature is the stamp collections.
www.getslowly.com/en
highly original social media app. The idea behind You can gain seasonal stamps by logging on during
Free (IAP)
Slowly is to encourage more extended writing by a holiday period, and location-based stamps by
introducing a delay into the conversation. Your receiving letters from that part of the world. There
messages take time to be delivered; the further are also premium stamps, which are bought using
they travel, the longer they take to get there. virtual coins available as an in-app purchase.
As a result, instead of the more conversational Slowly is an interesting take on social
interactions made possible by Twitter, Messages messaging. Delaying delivery of a letter to
and Facebook Messenger, a Slowly message is encourage long-form writing is a masterstroke.
more like an electronic letter to a pen friend. As Breaking the immediate gratification afforded by
you know you're not getting an instant reply, you instant messaging really does encourage the writer
set down everything you want to say in one go to express themselves more clearly and verbosely.
instead of as a series of soundbites. This makes the lack of a landscape mode on the
After entering your birthdate, sex and tablet all the more bewildering. tablet typing is far
nickname, you make an avatar (options for this more comfortable in landscape, especially if you
are somewhat limited). You then choose topics have a Bluetooth keyboard with its own tablet
and subjects of interest, which are used to match stand. If virtual typing isn't your thing, then after
you with other Slowly users from all over the setting up your account you can use your Mac's
world. You can then write your letter and save it browser to access the Slowly web portal for your
as a draft, so you can use it again if you wish. This writing.
is especially useful for initial introduction letters. Naturally, social media platforms are only ever as
When ready, send it to a prospective pen pal. You good as the people on them, and thankfully, Slowly
can have the app automatically match you with seems to be attracting a decent range of netizens.
people from all over the world, or you can explore Over time, you're likely to build up a smaller group
potential matches manually. If you're choosy, you of friends than on Facebook or Instagram but enjoy
can restrict matches to specific regions, genders, more meaningful discourses with them. It brings the
pen pal concept to the digital age. AF

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Correspond worldwide
+ Long-form messaging
+ Interesting concept
- No landscape mode
LAST WORD
A fascinating idea that
will appeal to people
who crave more eloquent
interactions than 'How R
U? LOL'.
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 101
 F-Secure ID PROTECTION
What price peace of mind?

Info//
F
-Secure ID PROTECTION helps stop hackers monitors both the regular Internet and the dark web
from using your personal information to take for evidence of password breaches, credit card abuse
F-Secure
over your accounts and commit identity theft and more. If it finds a password you use or your
https://my.f-secure.com
online. It protects your personal information such personal financial information in a breach, you get
Per Month, Five Devices
as usernames, passwords and credit card numbers an email telling you what’s been compromised and
£3.99, $4.99, 3.99 €
by alerting you if your online services are breached giving you expert advice on what to do about it. It
Per Month, Ten Devices
and by giving you specific instructions on how to also includes a handy password manager, where you
£4.99, $5.99, 4.99 €
recover from the incident with minimum damage. can create strong passwords and store them in the
Per Year, Five Devices
It also protects your identity by offering a secure app so there’s no danger of your forgetting them.
£26.90, $26.90, 29.90 €
storage for all your passwords and by acting as an If you want to cover your computers as well as
Per Year, Ten Devices
easy-to-use password manager. mobile devices, you might be better off with a more
£34.90, $35.90, 39.90 €
It’s not difficult to use. Sign up online for an comprehensive package that includes virus protection.
account and then add your devices, whether they’re But if it’s just your mobile gear you want to keep safe,
computers, tablets or smartphones. F-Secure the prices offered here are excellent. DA

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Good value for money
+ Straightforward to use
+ Stay safe online
- No virus protection
LAST WORD
Online safety at a very good
price. You’re warned if your Add sensitive information
passwords have turned up such as credit cards, online
RATING: 4/5 in a data breach. accounts and more.

102 www.pclpublications.com
 savvy navvy
Google Maps for mariners?

Info//
savvy navvy ltd
www.savvy-navvy.com
Essential:
£39.99, $39.99, 44,99 €
Explore:
£64.99, $64.99, 69,99 €
Elite:
£69.99, $69.99, 74,99 €

W
ith Google Maps and Apple Maps covering it’s not cheap, whichever level of annual subscription
almost the entire world, it seems there’s you go for. The Essential package gives you charts,
next to nowhere they don’t work. North GPS tracking, marina and anchorage information,
Korea? True, but there’s also places you’re actually weather and tidal routing, distance measurements
likely to go where the aforementioned cartography and more. The Explore tier adds tidal heights graph,
apps fall short. In the sea. That’s where savvy navvy offline charts and weather, the departure schedule
comes in. planner and the ability to export routes to a chart
Licensing UKHO, NOAA and other official plotter. The Elite tier adds a tidal streams atlas,
hydrographic office charts from around the globe, satellite mode, night mode and anchor alarm. It’s an
Wind and weather information at
savvy navvy offers essential marine information for impressive feature set, but hardly cheap, especially
your fingertips. costal waters, mostly in North America/Canada, when you pay for it every year. Also, the app hasn’t yet
Europe and Australia. You can view tidal information achieved global coverage, though its developers are
from over 8,000 stations around the world, check working on it. To be fair, it covers everywhere most
Verdict// tidal streams with the apps visual chart overlay and
check on high and low tides. GPS tracking shows
people are likely to sail, though Africa, South America
and Asia are poorly served.
PROS AND CONS: exactly where you are in the water, and for sailing savvy navvy is a good app that’s growing all the
+ Great feature set boats, a wind map show wind directions too. time. It’s expensive, but if you’re a regular sailor, it
might well prove worth it. Anchors aweigh!. DA
+ Easy to use
- Expensive
A Life on the Ocean Waves...
Regular Maps features are available too, with that
- Not yet global ocean-going slant every sailor needs. You can plan
a route, with the app offering the best way forward
LAST WORD
based on departure time, chart, weather and more.
A good app that’s getting
It can estimate your time of arrival, schedule the best
better over time. Worth
time to depart based on your route, tidal and weather
a look if it’s worth the
conditions and if you set up customisations based on
money to you.
your own boat, it can estimate fuel usage too.
RATING: 3/5 Although impressive, savvy navvy has some
significant drawbacks. Firstly, after your two-week trial

www.pclpublications.com 103
 DxO PureRAW 2
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P
ureRAW 2 is designed for serious As well as on-the-fly DeepPRIME learning, the app
photographers. Harnessing the power of has been trained using millions of example images.
DeepPRIME learning, the app corrects errors It produces Linear DNG files that have all of the
and blemishes that can reduce the quality of a flexibility of the original Raw file, but with the best
photograph taken as a Raw file; the photo format possible image quality in terms of colour, noise, and
favoured by pro snappers with quality cameras. fine detail. ‘DNG’ is short for Digital Negative and
According to developer DxO, over ten million is Adobe’s own lossless photo format. Linear DNG
photographers use the Raw format, and 90% of offers the same information as Raw and DNG, but is
them also use Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. DxO’s partly processed. Unfortunately, PureRAW 2 doesn’t
PureRAW 2 is designed to work hand in hand with support DNG images taken on your iPhone, and
Adobe’s apps, and can be used as a stand-alone app nor does it support Apple’s Photos app as a plug-in.
or as a plug-in for Photoshop or Lightroom. Perhaps this will come with Version 3.
As professional photographers know, Raw is a
lossless photo format with the absolute minimum
of processing, as produced by the camera’s image
+/$.
*0' .

As well as being trained on sample photos, PureRAW
 -$/ȟȟ sensor. PureRAW 2 analyses a Raw photograph and
removes distortions such as mosaicking and noise.
2 utilises DxO’s Optics Modules database. This
compiles information from over 70,000 camera


ǽ
lens and body combinations, from all sorts of
+ Easy to use
manufacturers; so the app can adapt to, and
+ Produces excellent results accommodate, their individual idiosyncrasies. The
new release adds support for cameras with Fuji’s
+ Available as plug-ins
X-Trans sensor, adding 26 X-Trans camera bodies to
- iPhone DNG files not the database. Bayer support is extended too, with
supported over 1600 new modules and 14 new camera bodies.
Also new is direct processing through Finder.


When you first install the app, one of the options is
An excellent app for serious
(along with installing as a stand-alone app and/or an
photographers, but for iPhone
extension for Lightroom or Photoshop), you can add
snappers, not so much.
a Finder extension. If you do, you can right-click on
a Raw photo in Finder and choose from the various
RATING: 4/5 PureRAW 2 options, and it’s processed automatically,
with no further user interaction required.

" ZZZSFOSXEOLFDWLRQVFRP
Take this wildlife photograph of an owl sitting in a tree.

This lovely picture

of a lighthouse can
be improved with
PureRAW 2.

Here’s what the zoom-in looks like without PureRAW 2.

Zooming in on the
lamp, we see it’s a
little fuzzy at the
moment.

But with the app, the detail looks sharper and clearer.

Processing power
In our tests, DxO PureRAW 2 gave excellent results. The new app’s
DeepPRIME learning is up to four times faster than the original, and
this speed gain was definitely noticeable when processing individual
snaps and batches of photographs. The end results were terrific, with
fine detail significantly boosted, without destroying the overall balance
of the picture. Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts will
certainly get a lot from the app.
If it better supported the iPhone and its lossless formats, it would But apply PureRAW
2, and everything
almost certainly have scored the full five out of five. Even as it stands, becomes much
it’s a great app for those who take photos in Raw format, using a decent clearer.
quality DSLR. IO

www.pclpublications.com 105
 DxO Nik Collection 5
Get more from your photography than you ever thought possible.

Info//
DxO
https://www.dxo.com

New Licence: £135, $149,
149 €
Upgrade: £69, $79, 79 €

N
ik Collection 5, by photo processing experts Plug it in!
DxO Labs, is a suite of eight plug-ins that The most popular plug-in from the collection is Nik
can be used within apps like Photoshop, Color Efex, a creative tool for colour adjustments.
Photoshop Elements and Adobe Lightroom. If you It now boasts 55 separate filters, and 39 ‘recipes’,
don’t use any of those programs you can open each that is, combinations of filters available as presets.
individual item in the suite as a stand-alone app, but It’s been built from the ground up with a new user
according to DxO, almost 90% of its users launch interface, and upgraded U Point technology for
them from Photoshop or Lightroom. It’s not yet 100% local adjustments.
Apple Silicon native, but it works fine in Rosetta 2 and Nik Analog Efex, a powerful tool that lets you
total compatibility is coming. recreate vintage photographic effects, also has a new
There are four creativity-oriented plug-ins, UI. If you’ve used the Nik Collection before, you’ll be
namely Nik Color Efex, Nik Silver Efex, Nik Analog Efex instantly familiar with the new interfaces. This fifth
and Nik Viveza. The other four plug-ins are designed edition brings Nik Color Efex and Nik Analog Efex
to help the photographer to perfect their pictures on up to speed with the Nik Silver Efex and Nik Viveza
a technical level. These are Nik Dfine, Nik Perspective plug-ins, which had benefitted from an upgrade in a
Efex, Nik HDR Efex and Nik Sharpener. previous release. Analog Efex has 29 brand new film
grains to choose from. Want to see what your latest
snap would look like if it was taken on (for example)
an old photographic plate? Now you can. The plug-in
can simulate film renderings, photo plates, light
leaks and more.

In Control...
U Point technology has had a boost, and is
available in all the plug-ins except Perspective
Efex. This powerful tool lets you create a mask
in real time, which you can use to adjust specific
areas of a photograph without affecting the entire
picture. Different plug-ins use the tool in different
Buy Nik Collection 5 and
you get DxO’s PhotoLab 5
ways. For example, Nik Dfine uses control points
ESSENTIAL for free. that let you selectively reduce noise, while in
Viveza 2 they correct the picture’s tone and colour.

106 www.pclpublications.com
 Processing images as black and white
pictures with Nik Silver Efex Pro 3.

Control points can now be renamed, and also

Add control points in real time and
saved as part of a preset, two UI improvements edit the photo’s luminance and
that helps speed your workflows. chrominance.
There are other upgrades too. The Nik Perspective
Efex plug-in, which gives you specialised geometric
image correction, supports 20 new cameras and
40 new lenses. Several of the plug-ins benefit from
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
two En Vogue preset packs, and the Nik Color Efex
+ Great new features
and Nik Silver Efex (for black and white images) get
PhotoLab 5’s ClearView feature, which removes + Eight excellent plug-ins
atmospheric haze, fog and mist. Talking of DxO
+ PhotoLab 5 ESSENTIAL
PhotoLab 5, when you buy DxO Nik Collection 5 you
for free
get PhotoLab 5 ESSENTIAL for free. Seriously; the full
app, which costs £129/$139/139 € if you buy it from - Can feel a little daunting
the DxO online store.
LAST WORD
DxO’s photography applications are intended
Significant improvements to
for professionals and talented amateurs. As such,
the plug-ins and a bundled
there’s a lot to learn before you get the most from
free application make this
them. Even so, the newly polished user interface
a serious consideration for
and intelligent layout make the learning curve
serious photographers.
as gentle as possible. If you’re a high-needs
photography enthusiast, changes to Nik Collection
5 and the free PhotoLab 5 ESSENTIAL, make this
RATING: 4/5
package a bargain. AF

www.pclpublications.com 107
 Radio Garden
I’d like to teach the world to sing...

Info//
S
ites that collate Internet radio stations more stations from the country of the station that’s
aren’t exactly thin on the ground, but Radio currently playing and more.
Radio Garden BV
Garden does it differently. Instead of listing
http://radio.garden
broadcasters by genre or country, it locates them
Un-wired for sound
Free (IAP for mobile devices)
Radio Garden offers an alternative way to explore
on a globe which you can rotate on the screen, and
Internet radio. It’s great fun to find an obscure,
zoom in and out of for a better view. Every shining
distant part of the world which you’ll never see in
dot on the map is a radio station (or for pedants, an
real life, and listen to a local station while taking
Internet streaming broadcast). Click on a dot, or drag
a ‘drive’ around town using Google Maps’ street
the globe until it’s in the centre of the circle in the
view. It’s like going on a virtual holiday. There
middle of the screen, and that station plays.
are services found all over the world, in every
Using the controls at the foot of an iPhone screen
language imaginable. In our tests, we had no
and in the bottom-left on an iPad or Mac, you can
problems with buffering or poor reception either.
play and pause the stream, or move to the next or
If you’re a fan of Internet radio, we definitely
previous local station. Tap the heart to add it to
suggest you give Radio Garden a try; you’ve
your list of favourites, and the three-dots icon lets
nothing to lose. It’s available through a free,
you share a station or visit its website. This window
ad-supported app for mobile devices (an in-app
also shows the name and location of the station.
purchase removes the ads), and on the Mac,
The collapsible window above these controls gives
simply open the service in your web browser;
more options, such as: browsing and search options,
http://radio.garden. AH
access to your favourites, the chance to explore

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Tens of thousands of
stations to explore
+ Great for virtual holidays
+ Free, with optional
payment to remove ads
- Can be tricky to find a
station you like
LAST WORD
A great way to tour the
world via its Internet radio
stations. Definitely worth a
blast.
If you know of a station that isn’t on Radio Garden, tell them
RATING: 4/5 about it.

108 www.pclpublications.com
 Keep It 2.0
A Filofax for the digital generation?

K Info//
eep It is a cross-platform notebook, window. All sorts of editing options are added, such
scrapbook and organiser for Apple devices, as manually reordering folders, nested bundles and
and it’s been getting better with every saved searches in the sidebar, editing paragraph Reinvented Software
release. This current version, available on Mac, settings for all note styles and stronger PDF editing www.reinventedsoftware.com

iPad and iPhone, and lets you make notes to which features. Free (IAP)
you can add highlights, checklists, bulleted and Keep It 2 is an awesome app that helps you
numbered lists, links, dividers and more. You can organise your content in ways you never thought
add any sort of file to a note, such as images, text possible. The more you use it, the more you’ll get
files, music files and so on. Text written directly from it, until it eventually becomes indispensable.
onto the note can be formatted in all sorts of ways, Definitely recommended. IO
far more so than those in the Notes app, and any
note can be encrypted and password protected.
If you install the app on more than one device,
perhaps multiple Macs and/or your mobile gear,
anything you’ve saved is shared between all
your Apple devices. It’s paid for with an annual
subscription after a free trial. Unfortunately,
you have to buy the Mac and mobile versions
separately – there’s no combined sub available.

Staying Organised
The thing that really makes Keep It 2 stand out is the
amount of organisation options it offers. You can
arrange your content into folders, and mark it with
labels and tags. You can group items into bundles,
which can then be added to folders if you wish, and
a search function puts it all at your fingertips.
This new version, Keep It 2, offers several
advances over previous versions. It offers better
Finder integration, appearing as a side-bar location
so you can access individual notes through a Finder

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Very versatile
+ Feature packed
+ Syncs with iCloud
- No cross-platform
subscription offer
LAST WORD
If you need to get your digital
life in order, you need Keep It
Media and text you’ve 2. It’s a great organiser for all
saved on one Apple device your Apple gear.
is shared with your others
through iCloud. RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 109
The Best
Free Apps Not all the apps on your choice of
store cost money. Some of them
cost nothing at all. Here we round

Around...
up some of the best applications
you can download and use on your
device(s) without having to pay
anything at all.

BBC News
Developer:
BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/news/

Get the latest news on your tablet, directly from the BBC. Stories are arranged in
topics including top stories, UK news, world news, politics, business, technology and sport; and
you can even play videos directly from the app. It’s regularly updated and benefits from the BBC’s
huge army of journalists reporting from all over the globe. You can watch the BBC’s 24-hour news
TV channel through the app too.

Catchup Apps
Developer: Various
Website: Various

If you like to watch TV on the go, why not use your tablet? There are many apps available
for watching live or catchup TV right there on your mobile device. There’s the BBC iPlayer,
ITV Hub, My5 for Channel 5, apps for satellite services such as Sky and more. They’re all free,
though in-app purchases might be available for extra features for a few of them. If you watch
live TV in the UK, make sure you have a licence.

Netflix
Developer: Netflix, Inc.
Website: www.netflix.com

Netflix is the most popular subscription service for TV shows and movies on the Internet and there’s
an tablet app that lets you watch on your tablet. Binge-watch your favourite TV, enjoy a film and
because your account details are stored in the cloud, you can pick up where you left off if you leave
a movie or series part-watched. The app is completely free, though you need the subscription.

Facebook and Messenger

Developer: Facebook, Inc.
Website: www.facebook.com

If you have a Facebook social media account , you can keep up with your contacts, update your news
feed, upload a story, add new people to your friends list, accept friend requests from others and more
all from your tablet. You can also send Facebook messages to your friends using the Messenger app,
which is a separate download but just as free as the Facebook app.

110 www.pclpublications.com
 Twitter
Developer: Twitter, Inc.
Website: http://twitter.com

Another social media application, Twitter is for micro blogging; that is, writing short (280
character) updates which your followers can read. You can also follow other people, reading
their own updates. There are some great people to follow here, including pop stars and
celebrities as well as your friends. Keep up with what’s trending in the world.

Google Translate
Developer: Google LLC
Website: https://translate.google.com

Whether you’re learning a new language, trying to make yourself understood abroad or just want
a translation of a short piece of text, the Google Translate app is for you. It can translate between
108 languages; just type what you want to translate and select the language you want to read it in.
You can translate speech using the tablet’s mic or point the camera at text to translate it too.

eBay
Developer: eBay Inc.
Website: www.ebay.com

eBay is a great way of making money from things you want to sell; just upload pictures to the and
let the auction run. You can buy things for sale, and run a business on the site. The eBay app for
tablet lets you upload auctions, bid and buy things that are for sale and even point your camera at
a product’s barcode and – where possible – have your auction filled in automatically.

Shopping Apps
Developer: Various
Website: Various

There’s a wide range of shopping apps available for your tablet. Apple’s own app, lets you order
any of Apple’s products online and use Apple Pay. It’s then delivered directly to your door. There
are also apps for Domino’s pizzas, supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco, tech dealer CeX
and apps for online shops like Etsy. Search the App Store to see if your favourite store has an app.

IMdB
Developer: IMDb
Website: www.imdb.com

The Internet Movie Database – or IMDb for short – is the largest online website about films.
Look up a movie and you can read reviews, see its cast list, take a peek at trivia and goofs,
and more. You can also look up individual actors and see what shows and films they’ve
been in; and watch trailers too. But what’s really impressive about IMDb is its sheer scope.
Name a movie and it’s almost certainly on it.

Wikipedia
Developer: Wikimedia Foundation
Website: www.wikipedia.com

Wikipedia is a new kind of encyclopaedia. Anyone can upload articles and make edits to
existing entries. If you think an article is incorrect or missing information, just change it or add it
yourself. There’s a huge wealth of information on there but because of the way it’s put together,
it’s best not to rely on it for serious research. It’s great for looking up almost anything, though.

www.pclpublications.com 111
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www.pclpublications.com 113
 BioShock 2 Remastered
Big Daddy is back and has never looked better.

Info//
A
lthough Apple has constantly pushed There’s no doubt that BioShock 2 is still great.
and developed the Mac’s ability to deliver The future-noir setting and the art style impress,
Feral Interactive
a gaming experience akin to their PC and the game offers everything you would expect
feralinteractive.com
counterparts, when held in direct comparison, the from the franchise. A cinematic single-player mode,
£19.99, $19.99, 19.99 €
software differences are crushing to all those that numerous multiplayer modes and all the expected
have chosen the Microsoft gaming route. At the DLC. BioShock 2 retains everything fans would
FPS genre’s inception, PC gamers could immerse want, and for those readers, there will be no further
themselves in the depths of hell with Doom while motivation needed to hit the Buy button.
we Mac owners tried to convince ourselves that
Marathon was just as good. It wasn’t! The Mac has
never been considered a gamer's machine, yet over
the years the blurring of the internal specs and the
sheer horsepower of Apple’s machines has made
bigger, better games possible. Why haven’t we seen
a balance between big-name Mac and PC games?
Take, for example, Feral Interactive’s Mac release of
the fantastic 2016 game, BioShock 2 Remastered.
Mac gamers shouldn’t really be heralding the
positives of a re-issue, we should be sharing the
same soapbox as PC gamers moaning how broken
Cyberpunk 2077 is!

Who’s the daddy? BioShock’s Big Daddy is one of the most awesome FPS villains ever.

114 www.pclpublications.com
Save them or rob them? Watch out for the Little Sisters.

BioShock fandom aside, this is a polished port

of a dated but still enjoyable game that delivers
the expected thrills and lifespan those familiar with
the series would expect. Despite this, if you remove
the nostalgia by placing this game in the hands
of a first-time desktop gamer, BioShock 2 quickly
shows its increasing age; new coat of paint or not.
Worse still, when placed alongside contemporaries
on Windows-based hardware, for those taking
their first swim in the BioShock waters, the overall
feeling will be that sinking sensation of being
short-changed. How much longer will we have to
wait until games developers treat the Mac with the
respect it is so richly deserves? I for one am getting
very bored with dining off the scraps! JG

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Intense Single Player
+ The cyberpunk stylings
endure
- Feels very dated
- The genre has moved on
LAST WORD
When a ten-year-old game
with reworked visions and
some additional DLC sits
at the pinnacle of the first-
person shooter genre on
the Mac, questions need to
be asked.
RATING: 3/5

www.pclpublications.com 115
 Life is Strange 2
The line between video games and movies is further blurred.

Info//
I
f you've played the original Life is Strange, The small-town setting of the original is scrapped
you'll be instantly at home with this sequel. in favour of a forced road trip as the brothers make
Feral Interactive
The game mechanic hasn't changed; it's still a their escape, and Max's ability to reverse time
www.feralinteractive.com
narrative-driven graphic adventure with the story gives way to Daniel's telekinetic powers - moving
£32.45, $39,95, 39,95 €
interrupted – and guided – by regular multiple- objects with his mind. This comes in very useful
choice options. These choices define the path the as you make your way south and is frequently
storyline takes and directly affect how it plays out. essential as you tackle the puzzles and pitfalls that
Like the first game, it's episodic, with the story split abound in this well realised graphic adventure.
into five, self-contained chapters. However, this But one thing that stands out in the new game
Mac version bundles all five together; we don't have as well as being the key strength of the first, and
to keep waiting for the next one to be released, its prequel, Beyond the Storm, is the superb
as did console and PC gamers when it came out characterisation and settings; you really get to
on those formats. It features a protagonist with a know the Diaz brothers and become genuinely
supernatural ability too. invested in their fates. Set against the backdrop
But for all its similarities, there's plenty that's of the 2016 American election, it covers issues
new here too. The title no longer centres on such as racism and morality with sensitivity and
college girl Max(ine) Caulfield. Instead, you control intelligence and, though the overall storyline is
the brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz, as they deal more complex than the previous games, it loses
with a personal tragedy when their father is killed, none of its depth. IO
and they're forced to go on the run from the law.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Great characterisation
and plot
+ Easy to get into
+ Looks amazing
- We miss Max Caulfield
LAST WORD
A beautifully realised
game wherein the twin
protagonists do more
than provide an avatar
for the player. Definitely
recommended.
RATING: 5/5

116 www.pclpublications.com
 A game you can read or a novel you can play?

Info//
W
hat a lousy start to the day. You wake up Naturally, there are puzzles to solve. How do you
in a strange apartment, stark naked and get into the briefcase with the combination lock?
Plug In Digital
covered in blood with a wound to your How do you open the safe? What’s the significance
https://unmemory.info
ribs and a dead body in the bathtub. You have no of the painting on the wall or the copy of Alice in
£5.99, $5.99, 6,99 €
idea where you are or how you got there. What are Wonderland with certain letters circled? And that’s
you to do? just the first chapter. Listen out for audio cues too,
Unmemory, the first game from a small team in like the TV in the next room, someone knocking
Barcelona, offers a great new take on the text and on the door or the telephone ringing. Because of
graphic adventure. There’s a lot of reading to do but the importance of these audio cues and the need
don’t let that put you off. The story is well written for spotting clues, the game is best played with
and engaging; and really draws you into the strange headphones on and a notebook in your hand but
world of the protagonist. Every few paragraphs, the the choice is yours.
text is interrupted by a graphic of something nearby. Maybe the puzzles are just a little contrived, in
You can frequently interact with these graphics, that they’re clearly deliberately set up to be solved
sometimes immediately, sometimes later in the rather than happened upon in the real world. As
story after another clue is revealed. Scroll back up a result, the game feels more like a digital escape
and try again. The game is arranged in eight bite- room than a real-life detective case. Not that this is
sized but substantial chapters, so you never have to a problem; it doesn’t make the game any less fun.
scroll too far to find the object you passed earlier but It’s exciting, original and a great way to spend a few
need now. hours on your tablet or smartphone. IO

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Very original
+ Engaging plot
+ Exciting and fun
- Puzzles just a little
contrived
LAST WORD
A great new take on the
adventure genre that will
appeal to those who like
their gaming cerebral.
An early puzzle involves finding the
Well written text is interrupted by interactive graphics. Can you find a clue? combination to a locked briefcase. RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 117
 Street Kart Racing
Race at 80mph, just an inch above the asphalt.

Info//
T
his is more than just a racing game. It’s an Battle your opponents in week-long tournaments,
entire online community. Three years in the earning promotion or suffering relegation
Fat Cigar Productions Ltd
making, the multiplayer-focused Street Kart depending on your performance.
www.streetkart.me
Racing lets you race with other kart drivers from To get the most from your kart you can set it up
$1.99, £1.99, 2.29 €,
60 different countries and keep up with the latest to suit your driving style, as well as optimising its
with IAP
goings-on in a very well populated Facebook group performance for twisty or straight tracks, wet or dry
dedicated to the game. Just the thing if you’re conditions and hot or cold weather. Apart from this
a competitive racer who likes going up against setup, the karts are identical; same engines, same
human beings rather than AI drivers. That’s not to equipment, same chances of winning. You won’t
say you can’t race computer-controlled opponents, get lapped by a mediocre driver who’s spent a real-
though. You build your career by racing them in world fortune on buying the best bits and pieces for
Cadet Karts. his vehicle, like you do in some games.
It’s not for the faint-hearted. Street Kart Racing That’s not to say there are no in-app purchases.
is a serious simulation game designed with the You can buy ‘Aces’, an in-game currency which can
help of professional kart racers to be as realistic also be won in tournaments or earned by watching
as possible. Don’t expect to drop bananas on the advertising videos. You can use it to unlock items
track or fling turtle shells at your opponents here. and generally speed up the game but they’re far
Instead, you’re in for no-assists, no-excuses real- from essential and can’t be used to give you an
time tournaments on recreations of genuine tracks. unfair advantage in races.

On the starting
grid. Ready,
steady, GO!

118 www.pclpublications.com
Race against opponents from all over the world.

In-game weather conditions are real-time,

based on the weather at the real-world course. If
it’s raining at Adria, for example, it’s also raining at
Adria in the game. Do you wait for the rain to stop
or set a time now in case the rain gets worse?
Regarding the game as its played, as long as
you use a recent tablet or smartphone the graphics
are pretty good but not on a par with Forza or Gran
Turismo. At this price, you wouldn’t expect them to
be. Where the game really shines is in the driving
physics. Pair up a decent joypad as a controller and
you really feel you’re in control of an 80mph kart;
and sitting just an inch above the track.
Our only real complaint is it’s impossible to use
the same account on more than one device, so you
can’t (for example) play at home on your tablet
and use your smartphone on the train. Apart from
that, the game’s a must-buy for fans of real-world
multiplayer racing. AH

PROS AND CONS:

+ Excellent driving physics
+ A very social game
+ True to life
- Confusing price structure
LAST WORD
Seat-of-your-pants driving
on mobile devices doesn’t
get any better than this.
Ideal for those who like
realism in their racing.
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 119
 The First Tree
Can you out-fox this curious walking sim?

Info//
T
he First Tree had an unusual inspiration. from the estranged son’s childhood. Dig them
Its developer, David Wehle, used it as a up for wistful commentary from the boy himself,
David Wehle
‘creative outlet’ to deal with his becoming now grown up and conversing with his wife as he
http://www.thefirsttree.com
a father for the first time; and also losing his own recalls his early life with his father and how they
£4.99, $4.99, 5,49 €
dad. So naturally, family ties play a large part grew increasingly apart.
in this third-party exploration game. It centres Unfortunately, the game’s excellent
around two parallel stories; a fox (the playable atmosphere isn’t matched by the gameplay.
character) trying to find her missing family, and There’s simply too much traipsing around looking
through narration, a son reconnecting with his for something to do and not enough to engage
estranged father in Alaska. Along the way, you the player. There are no enemies to fight, no
uncover artefacts and stories from the son's life environment hazards, no puzzles to solve and no
as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey secrets to uncover (the digging sites are clearly
towards The First Tree. signposted). There’s a little platforming to be done
Graphics are simple but enchanting, giving a but it’s very basic and unimaginative.
real sense of being there when combined with the The First Tree is short (a couple of hours, a little
melancholy music. As you run through the snow- more if you want to grab every star) but that’s a
kissed plains of Alaska, a beautiful fern forest and blessing rather than a limitation. It has a lot of
more, you gather stars liberally scattered through heart and soul but not much gameplay and so is
each level. You must also keep an eye out for unfortunaltely boring. AH
patches of freshly dug earth that conceal items

Switch to Commentary Mode for

Dig, fox. You might find something regular observations from the author.
belonging to the boy.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Atmospheric
+ Good music
- Too little to do
- Clunky mechanics
LAST WORD
Atmospheric aesthetics do
not make up for the lack of
gameplay. It just isn’t fun. Controls are a virtual joystick and
a jump button. They work well.
RATING: 2/5

120 www.pclpublications.com
 When is a game not a game?

Info//
W
hen attached to a game, the phrase for the next scene or tapping it for the next line of
‘interactive visual novel’ often rings alarm dialogue. There’s nothing that challenges your
Annapurna Interactive
bells. Too many titles of this ilk boast great dexterity or problem-solving skills. Aside from a
https://annapurnainteractive.com
storylines but no gameplay. Unfortunately, this is all few multiple choice options at the very end, there’s
£4.99, $4.99, 5,49 €
too true here. nothing approaching a game here at all. I’m sure
If Found... gets off to a bad start. After a sequence the developers would argue this is a design feature
involving a space ship flying past Jupiter and finding rather than a design fault and that If Found... was
a black hole, there’s a barely-interactive trawl never meant to be a game; but it didn’t work for
through the diary of the protagonist, Kasio, covering me. There are much better executed examples of
the whole month of December. You just read an interactive fiction out there.
entry, wipe it away by dragging your finger over The storyline is engaging enough to keep you
the screen and then do the same on the next page, reading (‘playing’ would be an exaggeration) for
stopping just long enough to turn the volume down; the two or three hours it takes to get to the end
the background music at this point sounds like a bad but if you took the developers’ promise of ‘brand
feedback loop. new gameplay mechanics’ at face value, you’ll
While the aesthetics soon improve, with hand- be disappointed. It’s simply a character story and
drawn pictures and relaxingly soft music, the one that would be better realised as an illustrated
‘game’ itself doesn’t. It’s all just wiping the screen novella. DA

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Passable storyline
+ Nice artwork
- No gameplay
- No replay value
LAST WORD
An interactive story
that’s very light on the
‘interactive’. There’s better
out there.
RATING: 2/5
You spend a lot of time wiping away one scene to reveal the next.

www.pclpublications.com 121
 The Unfinished Swan
Can you paint a world to life?

Info//
R
emember the mazes in those old fashioned But why? You play Monroe, a ten-year-old
text adventures, where every location had orphan whose recently deceased mother painted a
Annapurna Interactive/
the same text? Remember how you found lot of pictures but rarely finished them. His favourite
Giant Sparrow
your way around by dropping objects to mark your painting was an unfinished swan. When the swan
www.giantsparrow.com
way, so you could map the maze and find your way stepped out of the picture, Monroe follows its
£4.99, $4.99, 5,49 €
out? The Unfinished Swan starts a little like this but footprints into a surreal storybook kingdom.
with graphics. The first thing you see is a plain white It’s a colourless journey at first but you soon
screen. After experimenting with the controls for a find the swan has left yellow footprints. Where do
while, you find you can fling black paintballs which they lead? Along the way, you might find letters,
spatter over the 3D environment, highlighting picked out in red. These give you a piece of the
walls and openings. Soon you’re walking around storyline, so make sure you collect them. The
first-person shooter-style as more and more of your heart of the game is finding your way around using
surroundings are so marked. your paintballs but this involves some significant

The introduction of
shadows later in the game
makes it easier to find
your way around, but the
puzzles continue.

122 www.pclpublications.com
Find out more about the kingdom by gathering letters, through which the story unfolds.

puzzles too. How do you get onto the ledge which couple of hours to complete, which is about right
is too high for your jump button? Can you find for a quirky indie game such as this but if you
your way around the lake, which swallows thrown haven’t had your fill, there’s plenty of reason to
paintballs without showing your way? How do play it again. There are easter eggs to be found,
I get out of the watchtower? I seem to be going along with balloons that can be collected and
around in circles. Later in the game, shadows are used to buy in-game items.
introduced to solid objects, helping you find your The Unfinished Swan is a beautiful, laid-back
way, but the puzzles continue aplenty. experience. A gentle, yet challenging alternative to
The game as a whole won’t take more than a racers and blasters that won’t break the bank. AF

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Very original
+ Perplexing puzzles
+ Beautiful aesthetics
- A little short?
LAST WORD
Serene music, lovely
minimalistic visuals and
challenging gameplay
make this a great
for smartphone and
(especially) tablet gamers.
RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 123
 FAR: Lone Sails
Embark on an epic journey to; where?

Info//
T
his sort of game could only happen in the What caused the apocalypse is only ever hinted at
digital delivery era. Can you imagine such and why you’re driving a beautifully realised land
Mixtvision Games
a quirky and unique title, that takes only yacht along the shattered coast of the old seafront
www.far-game.com
three or four hours to complete, appearing on a isn’t explained. Gamers are driven not by a plot and
tablet and iPhone: £3.99,
Nintendo cartridge? Or even a PlayStation CD? Yet a preferred outcome but by their own curiosity and
$3.99, 4.99 €
as an inexpensive digital download for computers, imagination.
Mac (Steam): £11.39,
consoles and mobile devices, it’s perfectly placed. And the game? You play a small girl wearing
$14.99, 14,99 €
FAR: Lone Sails is described as ‘a zombie-free a bright red coat and hat, presumably to make
post-apocalypse’ game. Civilisation has crumbled you stand out against backdrops of minimalistic
but there are no hordes of undead roaming the colours. The coat also billows out to arrest your
wastelands. Nor indeed hordes of anything else. descent, allowing you to fall any distance. As arcade
Aside from yourself, there are next to no life signs at adventures go, this one’s more ‘adventure’ than
all; just dried-up seas and the ruins of civilisation. ‘arcade’. It’s a side-scrolling, 2D affair realised with
some gorgeous hand-painted graphics. You can
walk right and left, jump and pick up/drop one
object at a time. Very quickly after the opening
scene you find the aforementioned land yacht and
climb aboard. When inside the interior is revealed
through a cut-away perspective but can you work
out how to get it moving?
As you journey through what’s left of the
lands, you must keep your vehicle running with
repairs, fuel and upgrades as you tackle a series of
environment-based puzzles that threaten to halt
your progress. And that’s all we’re telling you. The
rest is for you to find out.

The game starts with a burial. With your

companion gone, it’s time to move on.

When in your land yacht, the interior is

shown as a cut-away drawing.

124 www.pclpublications.com
 One of the many
environment
puzzles. How do you
get your vehicle over
this bridge?

As well as the desktop, tablet and smartphone,

PROS AND CONS:
FAR: Lone Sails is also available on the PC, PS4,
+ Beautifully atmospheric
Xbox One and Switch but you can’t pick up on one
device and then continue on another. As it’s the + Gorgeous art
same game on each except for the control inputs,
+ Keeps you guessing
there’s no advantage in having it on more than
one platform. Given the price difference between - Expensive on Mac
the desktop and mobile version, we recommend
LAST WORD
playing it on the tablet.
Engrossing and beautifully
Perhaps the game’s greatest strength is it
realised but short. It’s an
tantalises for just the right amount of time. It’s
epic ride while it lasts,
hard enough to give a sense of achievement when
though.
you solve a puzzle but not so hard you feel stuck
and frustrated. That’s how an adventure game RATING: 4/5
should be. IO

www.pclpublications.com 125
 Football Manager 2022
There is too much money in the beautiful game, and that’s just in-app purchases!

Info//
T
he football management simulation has SEGA’s Football Manager 2022 is far more than
been a huge part of the sport gaming genre a reality check, in a “I’m somehow even worse
SEGA
since the early days of eight-bit computing; than your current gaffer” way. It’s a complete
www.footballmanager.com
for a really simple reason. Being an armchair immersion into the running of not simply a team
£39.99, 54.99 €
pundit, manager, player or anything really, just as but the entire club. The scope of the options
long as you can work on your sofa’s butt groove and the teams available is frankly stunning; and
at the same time, is the best job in the world. You the depth, though initially overwhelming, feels
answer to no one, you’re paid well in self-worth unparalleled. The processes behind the running
and, most importantly, you’re always right despite of the club are as expansive as they are detailed,
whatever you’re told to the contrary. from the development of the youth squad to
Obviously, as armchair football managers go, delivering a positive press conference to boost
I’m one of the best! Each week, I know better than club morale. The wealth of options is stunning,
the current gaffer of my beloved football team, spanning 50 nations and over 25,000 clubs, from
be it squad, formation, transfers or even the away first team to academy level.
kit. Under my leadership, we wouldn’t be facing This year’s annual tweaks and changes are
relegation we would be looking toward Europe capped with a usable and massively helpful tutorial
next season at the very least. Right? Wrong! option, a basic that has been lacking for a long time.

The crowd scene was obviously digitised before the COVID lockdown.

126 www.pclpublications.com
Also, close to the top of the enhancement league is Sadly, a very unwelcome addition is the Analyse your team’s performance and
see if you can do better next Saturday.
the improved UI, removing a few of the click-through inclusion of DLC really early in the game! I hope this
bottlenecks that make a world of difference. The isn’t the shape of things to come, as ask anyone
in-match and post match stats are wonderfully over the age of 60 and they’ll gladly tell you “money
overwhelming, allowing you to plug holes in your has ruined the game.” SEGA, please listen.
game plan. Your backroom team feels more ‘real”’ Another weaker area, which is exasperating
in this instalment, offering useful feedback and considering the staggering depth of realism
not plucking random cliches from the archives. elsewhere, is the in-game player visuals and faces.
Alas, so do the player’s agents, thus making a good The animations are OK but the faces are so lacking
relationship between you both essential to landing in detail and basic human connection, only a
that big-name signing. Relationships make up such developer’s mother could love them.
a massive part of the team-building experience that Has SEGA done enough to collect your transfer
drives a team to glory. fee for the 2022 update of the Football Manager
SEGA has added a tone-of-voice option for you
to deliver your pre-match speech and interact with
individuals. I can only assume this really is football
series? Perhaps. It’s a significant step up in many
areas, though not essential if you’re still playing
the 2021 game and don’t want to shell out on the
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
at club level and it’s amazing. new one. JG
+ Stats and options deeper
than Man City’s pockets
+ The fantastic tutorials
help you master the
gameplay
- Requires a huge
investment of time
- Match day replays are
underwhelming
LAST WORD
A great trip to the
boardroom, training
ground and beyond of
your choice of the world’s
football teams.
RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 127
 Puppoz
Yap! Yap! Yap! Pop!

Info//
W
hen you’re sick of blasting aliens, open the next one (there are 15 in total) and
dismembering enemy combatants and earn money to buy faster puppies. There’s three
Superstar Games
generally leaving a blood-soaked pathway to unlock. Features include bonus levels, a
www.superstargames.co.uk
in your mobile gaming wake, try Puppoz. It’s free skateboard to improve your speed and ‘mazes’,
Free (ad supported)
and it involves nothing more violent than dogs where you place your dog on one of four paths in
popping balloons. the hope it will find a treasure chest at the end.
The aim of the game is to use the on-screen Time limits are tight – expect a challenge.
virtual joystick to guide your puppy through Puppoz is cute; the kids will love it. It’s not a
a timed course, bursting balloons on the way. game you’ll be playing for months but as it’s free
Complete a level by popping every balloon to with no in-app purchases, it doesn’t have to be. AF

Guide your mutt using the on-screen virtual joystick.

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Completely free
+ Cute
+ Good graphics and sound
- Limited lastability
LAST WORD
A game that’s fun to play
and costs you nothing. Any
questions?
RATING: 3/5 Grab a skateboard for extra speed and a paw print for a bonus round.

128 www.pclpublications.com
 Info//
Mojang
Explore and populate your very own little world. www.minecraft.net
£6.99, $6.99, 6,49 €

B
uilding and world-creation games have always wide world to explore beyond the blocks. Jump into
had a uniquely addictive quality that other the Marketplace to learn new skills, share community
genres can’t quite replicate. Sim City first creations and get access to all-new and evolving
showed gamers it could be fun to build as well as downloads from other creators.
destroy, then the legendary Peter Molyneux came In many ways, Minecraft is the perfect mobile
along and took things a step further with the equally game. The pace is whatever you want it to be. You
legendary Populous. can dip in whenever you like and have a quick play
Minecraft has built up a dedicated following or spend more time roaming around re-modelling
on every platform possible, with its mix of puzzles, your creations and your world until your heart’s
survival and building. Yet it has never felt more content. With a vast community to delve into, the
at home, to this reviewer at least, then on the game constantly feels new and improved. As a
smartphone and tablet. The concept is – at first – detractor for the longest time, this latest generation
very simple. The game throws you into a randomly of Minecraft feels more rounded and expensive than
generated, geometric world made up of cuboid ever, without diluting what attracted millions to the
blocks. There are trees, rocks, grass and water but all game in the first place. In conclusion, give it another
are created from different kinds of blocks. Holding try! JG
your finger on a block for a few moments destroys
it, allowing you to sculpt the world to your liking.
You have access to a wide range of different types
of block which you can place anywhere to create
structures, the simplicity or complexity of which is
only limited by your imagination and creativity.
Minecraft features day and night cycles, a survival
mode and monsters; which all give it more of a
focus. It’s one thing to build a world, it’s another to
live in it. It’s not simply about building. It’s like having
a LEGO set in your pocket, that you can share with
your friends. This might sound boring but it’s actually
a lot of fun just trying to build the most impressive
and imaginative structures you can conceive and
then show them off. That’s just the start. There’s a

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Huge variety of features
+ A vast world in and out of
game
+ No in-app purchases!
- Too much freedom for
some.
LAST WORD
During these uncertain
times this is a very
therapeutic way to pass the
time, even if this concept
hasn't previously turned
your head.

Minecraft pandas to your every need (ouch!) RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 129
 Tetris
Dull! A word one would never associate with the best puzzle game of all time?

Info//
F
or a long time, I ignored the advice: "The app versions of Tetris were being removed from
is best experienced via headphones." And that the App Store, there were high hopes that the
N3TWORK Inc.
was silly of me. Audio hasn't played a huge next developer to pick up this golden goose of
n3twork.com
role in my mobile gaming. Let me explain. The gaming would maintain the high standard of its
Free (IAP)
touchscreen of my tablet, or smartphone, activates predecessor. The simple fact is that Tetris is one
an invisible barrier between myself and my wife's of the most intense games ever to stand front
inane droning, aka telling me about her day. The and centre with EA's titles, with both the visuals
inclusion of sound would break the spell and alert and the sound reflecting this. These games were
her of my utter lack of interest and force me to pay Tetris at its most exciting and overblown and were
attention. Having the realisation that sound – via brilliant. Alas, this version takes the opposite route
headphones of course – plays such an important and attempts to rebrand Tetris as a chill-out game.
role in the immersion into my gaming has done The customisable (at a price) visuals are flat and
little to improve communication with my spouse. uninspired, even down to the trope of offering
Yet it's a small price to pay to experience mobile a Game Boy black-and-white version. As for the
games as they were intended. sonics and the soundtrack, they're more akin to a
Having stressed how audio can enhance a 4 am ambient set on an Ibiza beach, not a thrilling
game, I believe we have a first with the latest puzzle game. Ill-conceived feels generous. With
incarnation of the puzzle-classic Tetris to hit iOS. the audio off, the core gameplay still holds the
This game needs a start-up message stating, "The attention, but if that's the best compliment I can
game is best experienced with the volume off." think to offer a Tetris game, something has gone
After the announcement that EA's various very wrong. JG

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ It’s Tetris
- The art style doesn't
appeal
- The soundtrack is awful
- A massive step down in
quality
LAST WORD
Imagine the shark attack
scenes from Jaws overlaid
with the SpongeBob theme
music, not the classic
score. Distracting, right?
RATING: 2/5

130 www.pclpublications.com
 Info//
When is the NES classic Tecmo Bowl not the NES classic? New Star Games
namestargames.com
When it’s Retro Bowl on the iOS. Free (IAP)

C
learly inspired by the much-loved Nintendo Entertainment
System’s Tecmo Bowl, UK-based developers New Star
Games’ Retro Bowl take on the NFL. - /0-).
/*
 (*Ȅ.
staple of gaming. Much like soccer, with the development and
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
advancement of the hardware on which we play, the pick-up-
+ Solid gameplay and
and-play fun has been diluted by realism. This is certainly not the
options
case here. The casual style is a perfect fit for iOS.
Gameplay is split into two genres; Roster management + Great visuals and
features press duties and maintaining the egos and fitness of soundtrack
your players (try to keep them fit, as an injury lasts forever!) The
+ Bargain purchase price
second is based on the playing field.
Although featuring a full roster of teams, players and tactics, - The injuries system is far
the gameplay and the plays themselves are limited but always too harsh
fun. The retro style of the visuals are also a MVP (Most Valued
LAST WORD
Player) in the appeal to this gamer and those who are familiar
A fun mix of management
with its NES inspiration. The free edition offers a pleasingly
sim and arcade-style
in-depth look at both the semi-manager mode and the core
gameplay that will appeal to
gameplay, which should provide you with enough motivation
the casual fan.
to invest a tiny amount to purchase the full unlimited version.
If you're looking for something new to add to your Sports app RATING: 5/5
collection, this should score a touchdown for most fans. JG

Info//
Good Job Games
goodjobgames.com
Do you have what it takes to call yourself a touchscreen Free
Ninja Warrior? Err, sorry: an Epic 3D Racer?

A Verdict//
s a film bore, I take huge joy in spotting onscreen references
to other flicks or catching the unofficial inspirations for those
'mockbusters' that litter the darker recesses of Netflix. Good Job
PROS AND CONS:
Games' Epic Race 3D doesn't look to the silver screen for its obvious and
+ Smashing by simple
COMPLETELY unlicensed inspiration. Instead, it turns to the TV.
visual style
Epic Race 3D takes its inspiration from Ninja Warrior, or American
Ninja Warrior, or Sasuke in Japan; a gameshow that pits contestants + Large variety of events
against a huge and increasingly tough series of obstacle courses, with to play
more than a dash of parkour and insanity. In any of its guises and
+ Loads of unlockables
locational re-brands, it’s brilliantly fun and unmissably entertaining.
The game follows the basics of the TV show, albeit in smaller, bite-sized - Oh my goodness those
chunks of two or three obstacles per race. Each contest has the player &^%$ing ads
facing CPU-controlled opponents, with the loser eliminated, until
LAST WORD
the last player is declared the winner. Repeat. Your rewards are new
Toilet-break games don't
obstacles, unlockable costumes and victory dances, which also appear
come much more enjoyable
to take unlicensed inspiration from pop culture.
than this one. Just don't
There isn't really much to do here. The single-touch gameplay
expect much more than a
testifies to this, but what's here is great, and fans of the TV show will
quick burst.
undoubtedly find much to enjoy. Alas, the massively obtrusive adverts,
which are unleashed to stomp all over the goodwill the gameplay RATING: 4/5
inspires after each race, grate! JG

www.pclpublications.com 131
 XCOM 2 Collection
The awesome tactical RPG blasts onto iOS devices.

Info//
W
ow. Just... wow. Not only has the back, and that’s where you come in. Piloting the
awesome turn-based tactical game Avenger, a captured supply barge kitted out as
Feral Interactive
XCOM 2 been released for the tablet and XCOM’s mobile base, you must take the fight back
www.feralinteractive.com
smartphone, but it’s a hugely impressive port with to the aliens.
£23.99, $24.99, 27,99 €
very few concessions made for the transition, and a Experience with the original XCOM is useful,
huge amount of additional material included with but far from essential. Newcomers will have no
no further purchases required. Along with the main trouble picking up and playing XCOM 2. There’s
XCOM 2 game, The XCOM 2 Collection gives you four an excellent tutorial that gets you started, and the
DLC packs and the War of the Chosen expansion rest is picked up as you go. Veterans of the alien
pack. At the price, that’s a bargain. war will find this new release offers more of the
Set in 2035, 20 years after XCOM – Enemy same, with some great new additions such as the
Unknown and XCOM – Enemy Within, this sequel Chosen, three types of elite alien/human hybrid
assumes the humans lost the war. Aliens now enemies; and the Lost, unaligned zombie humans
rule the Earth through the puppet ADVENT who attack aliens and resistance fighters alike.
Administration, and most XCOM members Although XCOM 2 Collection can run on both
submitted to their rule. But not all. There’s an tablets and smartphones, as you’d expect, it’s best
underground resistance dedicated to fighting played on a tablet. The more powerful your tablet,

Fire from defensive cover, and make your shots count. Out-flank the aliens if you can.

132 www.pclpublications.com
 Stay hidden as you move around the
map. Fighting from behind cover
the better, of course. With a modern tablet you instinctive. As you progress through the game, makes you harder to hit, and if an alien
can achieve 30fps and virtually no reduction in you get to direct research projects to create new can’t see you, he can’t shoot you.
graphical compromises, an excellent achievement weapons and tools. Your squad gain experience as
on a mobile device. they go too. Be sure to promote them when ready,
Of course, none of this would be worth a spent so they can improve their abilities and gain new
shell case if the game wasn’t fun to play, so you’ll ones. Then when you finish the game, you’ve lots of
be glad to know it is. Lots of fun. Its intense, turn- DLC and an expansion pack to download without
based action keeps you on the edge of your seat, paying anything.
the gripping storyline makes you want to find out With far too many mobile games seemingly geared
what comes next and new elements are introduced around encouraging you to make in-game purchases,
as you go, keeping you on your toes. The user it’s refreshing to see a company like Feral releasing
interface is perfect for a touch-screen tablet; don’t high-quality, pay-once titles like this. It’s an excellent
be fooled by how complex it looks. It soon becomes release, and a bargain at the price. IO

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Great technical
achievement
+ Huge amount of material
+ Great value for money
- A little on the hard side
LAST WORD
An awesome in-depth
strategic shooter that
really gets the brain
working.
RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 133
 Medieval II Ltd
Can you become the Middle Ages’ most feared warlord?

Info//
Feral Interactive
www.feralinteractive.com
£12.99, $14.99, 14,99 €

F
eral Interactive’s Mac and Apple mobile unlocked by defeating them in the main campaign
conversions of SEGA’s Total War strategy games game, or by completing the campaign as one of the
have quite a following. Fans of the franchise have starting factions. As well as the campaign option,
long lauded Medieval II as one of the best, perhaps you can play quick battles, recreate historic conflicts
the best game in the series; and it’s now available on and fine-tune the presets in a custom battle, so
the iPad and iPhone as a universal app. We wouldn’t if you’re only keen on getting your hands dirty in
recommend playing it on a regular-sized iPhone, combat, there’s plenty to see and do. Conversely, if
though. It’s far too fiddly on the small screen. the campaign strategies are all that appeals to you,
Set in the Middle Ages, the action takes place battles can be auto-completed using the game’s AI.
across three continents – Europe, North Africa The iPad/iPhone version of the game offers
and the Middle East – as 17 playable factions vie everything included in the PC release, with the
for supremacy. Six factions are available at the exception of the multiplayer game. There are no
start; England, France, Venice, The Holy Roman plans to add this later, though the PC’s Kingdoms
Empire, Spain and The Moors. The other 11 must be DLC is coming to mobile devices soon.

Fleeing units are especially

vulnerable to cavalry charges.

134 www.pclpublications.com
 The Campaign Map, where
you move your armies, recruit
troops, build cities and more.

Battle stations! way. Unfortunately you can’t switch to an overhead

The game’s battles are executed in real-time. view, which would be graphically less impressive
Instruct your troops where to move, who to attack but more practical at times.
and so on, and they do so, straight away. You It can be tricky to see who’s who on the
can speed up or slow down the action, so you’re battlefield, but that’s the fog of war. You must
not bogged down with boring marches, and also keep a keen eye on what’s going on, like any good
pause the game to give orders, which are executed general should. It’s also sometimes tricky to tap
when you restart. Success depends on using the thing you want, for example, tapping a city on
your units, such as cavalry, archers, spear men the Campaign Map when you have a captain in
and more, to their best advantage and exploiting front of it. You get used to this with time, though.
weaknesses in your AI opponent’s strategies and Total War: Medieval II is more expensive than
positions. most iPad/iPhone games, but in our opinion,
Away from the battlefield, on the Campaign it’s good that Feral is charging a fair price for
Map you build cities, raise armies, manage sieges the entire game as a one-off purchase, instead
and enter into battles. Here the game is turn- of working a lucrative but annoying pay-to-win
based; you move your armies one at a time, then system into it.
click an icon to end your turn. Only the areas you If you liked previous Total War games, you’ll love
occupy are shown in full; the rest of the map is this. If you’ve never played one but are interested in
fogged, becoming clear as you explore. doing so, now’s your chance. If you’ve played one
The user interface is excellent. Everything is before but hated it, Medieval II is unlikely to win you
at your fingertips. Like all good strategy games, it over. It’s a superb strategy game, but not for arcade-
can take some getting used to, but there’s a good orientated button-bashers. IO
tutorial mode available. It does a great job of
introducing you to the game’s workings, though
I did blanch a little at having to help William the
Conquerer defeat Harold at Hastings on the Battle
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
Map, then take London and Nottingham on the
+ Great presentation
Campaign Map.
+ Comfortable interface
+ In-depth action
Quick, march
The game engine performs really well. It’s super- - No multiplayer
speedy, and copes admirably when the battle
LAST WORD
intensifies. You can zoom the camera in for a closer
A truly excellent game that
look or out for a wider field of view, scroll around
won’t appeal to everyone,
the battlefield to keep track of your units and
but is ideal for those who
raise, lower or rotate the viewpoint to get around
prefer a more cerebral title.
something that’s blocking your line of sight. This is
especially useful when the action moves into a town RATING: 5/5
or castle, where walls and structures often get in the

www.pclpublications.com 135
 Cut The Rope: BLAST
How to ruin a franchise in one lazy step!

Info//
D
o you remember a little green monster who Where’s the Rope?
lived at the bottom of your iPhone’s screen? Cut the Rope was a genre favourite thanks to
SKYWALK
He was just about the cutest little monster its finely balanced and highly addictive puzzle
www.skywalkgames.com

ever. Om Nom was his name, and he was rather gameplay, which still keeps you going to the end.
Free (IAP)

hungry; famished, in fact, and if you didn’t feed It’s an ideal game to dip in and out of, and looking
him up pronto he might just waste away. You didn’t at the sales, many still do – me included. So the
want that on your conscience, right? I certainly announcement of a new match-three puzzle game
didn’t, and I wasn’t alone. spin-off was the source of some excitement. How
Om Nom and his Cut the Rope series went from could the classic gameplay style fuse with the sub-
strength to strength, not only on the App Store. genre made popular by Candy Crush Saga and its
Cartoons, toys and the usual merchandise turned many pretenders?
heads for a while until the series’ mainstream For those of you that have never played Candy
appeal waned, returning the series to its gaming Crush Saga, how’s the weather on Mars? Let me
origins. Fortunately, the game itself was brilliant! It bring you up to speed. This massively popular puzzle
was 250 levels of rope-swingy, physics-based puzzle game has you swapping sweets to make lines of
gameplay that kept you well entertained. three or more units, which then disappear. Match
The basic idea was to sweep your finger across four or five sweets for a special candy piece and beat
the screen to cut ropes (hence the title), and drop each level to move on to the next. Sounds simple,
suspended sweets into the hungry Om Nom’s doesn't it? It’s not! Candy Crush Saga is a massively
mouth. However there was more to it than that, entertaining game that appeals to all gamers not
with stars to collect which are required to open up matter of age or tastes. This app still personifies the
new worlds, of which there were four in total. Puzzle genre at its most annoying and addictive.
Now imagine the above, mixed with the
personality and gameplay mechanics of the Cut
the Rope. This is the gaming equivalent of mixing
chocolate and peanut butter! How could this not
be the best puzzle game ever? This union was
seemingly impossible to get wrong, but sadly,
developers SKYWALK have achieved the impossible.
Not only is their game a basic and frankly lazy rehash
A tragic misstep for a popular franchise.
of the Candy Crush clichés with nothing new to
speak of, they’ve implemented absolutely nothing

Verdict// that made Cut the Rope successful or original. This is

shuffleware at its worst, and makes me wish I could
award this insult to Om Nom fans no stars at all! . JG
PROS AND CONS:
+ Om Nom’s there
- Nothing original
- Nothing interesting
- Nothing to do with Cut the
Rope
LAST WORD
This is Cut the Rope in
name only. Underneath
the veneer of a successful
franchise lies an
imagination-free match-
three game.
RATING: 1/5

136 www.pclpublications.com
 The return of an unsung classic.

Info//
R
emember Mokoko, the awesome Mac unlock during the game. Complete the Story Mode to
game that drew its inspiration from arcade unlock Arcade Mode.
NAISU
classics such as Volfied, Qix and Gals Panic?
http://naisugames.com
Remember how you patrolled the perimeter of
£7.19, $9.99, 8.19 €
the gaming area, nibbling away at the central, Girls, girls, girls...
silhouetted area until you’d captured a given Another feature that’s retained from the original title
percentage of the screen? Remember how the is the optional adult patch that removes the clothes
enemies would maraud around, causing you to die if of the girls you reveal and rescue during the game.
they touched or shot your trail while you pressed on This time it’s free too. The gameplay is identical
into enemy territory? If you completed the game but to its predecessor, but if you’ve been reading this
would welcome more of the same, developer NAISU magazine for a while, you know that’s no bad thing.
has released a sequel; Mokoko X. Mokoko was, and is, great fun to play and this
The new game offers 32 levels in total, comprised reimagining is just as entertaining.
of 24 levels with unique bosses and minions, and If you’re a fan of old-school Qix-style games,
eight mega-levels where you fight three bosses from this one’s definitely worth a look. It’s excellent
the previous levels at the same time. There are eight value for the price. If you played the original and
different anime-influenced girls to rescue, Japanese are now bored of it, though, there’s nothing much
and English voice-overs and various power-ups to new here. AF

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Lots of game for your
money
+ Colourful and attractive
+ Fun to play
- A little derivative?
LAST WORD
It makes no real advances
on the original Mokoko
game, but like its
predecessor, it’s a great
blast.
Capture territory to reveal the girl underneath it. Claim it all to rescue her. RATING: 4/5

www.pclpublications.com 137
 Anomaly Warzone
Earth
A Tower Defence game that sets the genre on its head!

Info//
T
he tower defence game is a staple of the App during actual gameplay which adds a frantic level
Store. The real-time weapons placement of excitement to the battles. The inclusion of a basic
11bit studios s.a
and short gameplay bursts seem perfect for resource-gathering mechanic adds another level of
www.anomalythegame.com
a portable touchscreen device. While we’re big fans complexity. You must plot a course to capture items
£3.49, $3.99, 3,99 €
of this genre, we’ve found ourselves getting a little that are used to upgrade your forces.
tired of the predictable gameplay. The setting and The game has three modes of play, with an
plot may change, but the concept of defending engaging Story Mode and two Squad Assault
your base using various static weapons from waves Modes. The visuals and sound are fantastic, and
of approaching enemies has remained the same. the whole thing is wrapped up in an impressive
However, just as fatigue appeared to have set in, presentation shell. The only real downer is the lack
Anomaly Warzone Earth has blasted onto iOS and of a multiplayer mode, but even without it Anomaly
iPadOS and flipped the tower defence genre on its Warzone Earth is a highly recommended game. JG
head. This time you take control of the attacking
craft as they battle through the landscape, avoiding
or destroying the enemy’s defences.

Role reversal
This role reversal is the key to the huge success
of the game. The conventions of the gameplay,
although refreshed, remain familiar. Plot your path
through the stage by consulting the map screen,
and choose your convoy of vehicles with great
care. As before, the wrong choice quickly ends your
game. Unlike its many predecessors, upgrades
and enhancements can be employed in real time

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Refreshing gameplay
+ Deep strategies
+ Top aesthetics
- No multiplayer
LAST WORD
A new look at an old
game style, and a very
successful one too. Highly
recommended.
RATING: 4/5 Tower offence – instead of placing the towers, you play the attackers.

138 www.pclpublications.com
 Keeping it (looking) real, 1990s style!

Info//
P
art game, part interactive movie, when the game its unique atmosphere and it still stands up
Another World was first released for the Amiga even in its original form.
DotEmu
it was more than just another game. It was a The usual control issues are present,
www.dotemu.com
real interactive experience. Rather than falling into unfortunately, but they’re quickly dispatched by
£3.49, $3.99, 3,99 €
one of the established genres of the time, Another using a compatible controller, if you have one.
World was neither a puzzle game, a shoot-’em-up Developers still haven’t figured out a way to
nor a platformer, but it was all of these and more. perfectly recreate micro-switched joystick controls
Playing it now it’s easy to forget how using a touchscreen. This can make sections where
revolutionary it was at the time. The spookily precise positioning and timing are required harder
realistic sprite animation still looks very nice, but it than they ought to be, and you need plenty of do-
was gob-smacking in 1991. The game begins with a overs for this reason.
scientific experiment gone wrong, which transports If you didn’t experience Another World in its
the main character to a strange, dream-like world original format, it’s still a great little game but you
and so begins the adventure where you take on won’t understand quite how fantastic and ground-
challenge after challenge as you try to stay alive breaking it actually was. If you did have the pleasure
and figure out a way to get back home. You even of playing through it back in the day, you’ll relish the
make a friend along the way, and despite the lack opportunity to relive it in all its glory. The slightly
of dialogue, the game manages to conjure a real choppy controls only marginally mar this bona-fide
emotional connection between the two characters. all time classic. JG

Thirty Years On...

The mobile version comes with polished, enhanced
graphics, but with the option to switch back to
the original style. The enhanced version doesn’t
change the overall look, but adds some depth to
the backgrounds, which is a good thing. Although
the highly stylised nature of the visuals has much to
do with the limitations of the original hardware for
which it was designed, this is all part of what gives

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Classic game
+ Excellent animation
+ Outstanding atmosphere
- Control issues
LAST WORD
A genuine classic that
stands up very well
compared to modern
games. A welcome blast
from the past.
Switch between retro and HD graphics. RATING: 5/5

www.pclpublications.com 139
 Grand Theft Auto:
Chinatown Wars
The most underrated handheld title of its generation finds its true home!

Info//
M
ajor franchises tend to have an instalment modified specifically for the iPhone/iPad screen,
that fans consider a misstep. A few (un) visually Chinatown Wars has never looked better
Rockstar Games
popular examples; Star Trek 5: The Final and more unique.
www.rockstargames.com/
Frontier, Super Mario Sunshine, Tomb Raider: Angel
chinatownwars
of Darkness, any Star Wars movies that don’t have
£4.49, $4.99, 4,99 €
Part 4, 5 or 6 in the subtitle... The list is endless Turn On, Tune In...
and, of course, 100% personal. But what about A nice feature added into this version is the ability
those games or movies that were largely ignored or to pick from five different radio stations combining
disdained despite being not bad at all? 100+ minutes of in-game music. Alternatively, you
With that in mind, let’s head back to Liberty can listen to your own music library from within
City, albeit in a way you’ve never seen before, or the game by using iTunes to create a playlist and,
again. Launching with very little fanfare in 2009, calling it “GTA”, then syncing your device to upload
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was the first it. When it’s uploaded, start the game and select
original instalment in the monster franchise the Independence FM radio station to listen to
developed with the handheld market in mind. your own tunes.
Retaining the core of the current 3D console You control Huang Lee and start off with a
counterparts, it played out as action-adventure simple mission; deliver a sword to his Uncle Kenny
game set in an open world environment. as part of a Triad legacy for control. But it doesn’t
The visual presentation – due to hardware go well. It’s time to regain your honour and get
limitations of its host machine, the Nintendo DS revenge for what happened to you by using all
– opted for an isometric top-down camera over the usual methods found in the GTA titles. There’s
of a ground-level view behind the protagonist, some excellent gameplay tweaks I feel should’ve
reminiscent of the early 2D Grand Theft Auto titles. transferred to the main series, such as the ability to
This disappointed many at the time, and resulted remove those pesky wanted levels by destroying
in unjust criticism that has hampered this release the chasing police vehicles, not having to outrace
since. GTA: CTW provides a fantastic reproduction them or hit up a Pay and Spray! A differing
of the familiar gameplay style keeping within the mechanic for ‘borrowing’ a moving vehicle and a
confines of the original development platform. parked one is another nice inclusion.
With this mobile port, those limitations have If you haven't played this wrongly overlooked
been removed but by using some very clever instalment of the GTA franchise before, I would
touchscreen functions, including two custom suggest you try it on the iPhone instead of a retro
control settings depending on your preference, handheld. Chinatown Wars offers a unique view of
this port has taken an already stunning game and the popular series, perfectly bridging a gap between
made it even better. With enhanced graphics, its origins and its more contemporary releases. And

Verdict// lighting and explosion effects that have been is absolutely due for a rediscovery for all gamers. JG

PROS AND CONS:

+ New take on GTA
+ Interesting storyline
+ Good gameplay
mechanics
+ Excellent radio options
LAST WORD
A game that deserves to
be better regarded than it
actually is. Give it a go and
see if you agree.
RATING: 4/5 The top-down perspective is similar to that of the early PSX Grand Theft Auto games.

140 www.pclpublications.com
 Welcome to a world of sword, sorcery and interactive video clips.

Info//
A
s a retro gamer I love the fact that Apple’s to aid you in your journey and it can get tricky and
mobile gear is creating a new platform frustrating as you try to figure out the right move
Dragon’s Lair LLC
for classic games, and Dragon’s Lair 30th and the perfect timing. The game really relies on
www.digitalleisure.com
Anniversary (a subtitle which I will now ignore as it getting just the right timing so you might have the
£4.49, $4.99, 4,99 €
essentially screaming “YOU ARE SO OLD” in my face!) right move but at the wrong second; don’t give up
is one of the best to join this trend. In the arcades, the too quickly.
game used a laser disc at the core of its technology.
You had to press the joystick or the button at the
correct time to cause the disc to skip to the next Cartoon Capers
section. Press the wrong direction or take too long The repetitive scenes might start to get on your
and the disc skipped to one of the many comic-book nerves, and I know I got a little annoyed if I got stuck
death sequences. This version of the game is just on a section and had to replay the same scene over
like the original, but with all the crisp, hand-drawn and over again. The graphics are great and really
animated graphics preloaded on your device. appeal to children because it looks and feels just
As I wasn’t the son of a multi-millionaire or able to like playing a cartoon, though younger children
magic coins from thin air, I never mastered the brutally might get frustrated trying to figure out the game.
hard arcade game, so I was thankful this version I was a little disappointed with the sound, though,
comes with a tutorial to teach you the controls and as it got repetitive and boring but it was not enough
explain the different game versions. For those looking to detract too much from the game. In the end this
for a challenge, I recommend playing around with game plays like a point-and-click adventure on
the options first because the game starts you off with steroids as you have to know just what to click and
the move guide which tells you what moves to make you have only seconds to figure out the right move
using the on-screen D-pad and weapon controls (but before poor Dirk is dead meat.
you have to act quick to get the right timing, so leaving After many attempts to bring this classic game
the guide on might be good for kids). to the attention of a new generation, Dragon’s Lair
The way the game works is that you (Dirk) are on the iOS is the first truly successful conversion that
presented with situations as you try to make your takes all the charm, quality animation, humour and
way through the castle to save your beloved. You hair-pulling fun of the arcade original and puts it in
have the four directional arrows and your sword the palm of your hands. JG

Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
+ Great looking
+ Tutorial included
- Weak sound
- Repetitive
LAST WORD
A great conversion of the
coin-op, but it can be just
as frustrating as its arcade
inspiration at times.
Uncomplicated controls; just ‘up’, ‘down’, ‘left’, ‘right’ and ‘sword’. RATING: 3/5

www.pclpublications.com 141
/

Disco Elysium –
The Final Cut
You’re drunk, you’re hung over, and you’re – who am I again?

Info//
ZA/UM
https://discoelysium.com
£34.99, $39.99, 39,99 €

W
ow, that was some night. Or at least you To begin with, you choose an ‘archetype’ for your
think it was. You’re dirty, (almost) naked booze-impaired detective. At your choice, he can
and your head is pounding, but you can’t be a Thinker, Sensitive or Physical being, each of
remember the drinking session that caused your which assigns the skill points with which you start
predicament. In fact, you can’t remember much of to different qualities your character possesses. As
anything at all. Who are you? What are you doing you progress through the game, you level up and
here? Why is there a dead body hanging from a tree are given more skill points to allocate as you see fit.
around the back of the flea-pit hostel you currently There’s also the option to create your own character
reside in? These are the questions you must answer as from scratch, though we wouldn’t recommend
you solve the murder, and also sort out your personal this on your first play-through. Starting with a new
issues as you go. personality and statistics for your character gives the
Disco Elysium is a fusion of point-and-click game replay value for when you’ve completed its 30+
adventuring and RPG-style character building. hours the first time.

Much of the game takes place in your

head, as you have multiple-choice
conversations with various sectors of
your brain. First sign of madness?

142 www.pclpublications.com
View to a Thrill...
The game is viewed from a 3D isometric view. You
move around by clicking your mouse or trackpad
on a piece of the floor, which your character
then walks to. you can also click nearby objects
and items of interest. Things with which you can
interact are identified by a white spot, and holding
the Tab button highlights everything you can
click on, whether for information or to pick up
and add to your inventory. If you hate adventures
where you have to constantly drag your pointer
over the screen searching for interactive items,
you’ve nothing to fear here. You can zoom in and
out of the action if you want a closer look or a
wider viewing area, but we wish you could also
push-scroll around the current location instead of
having to move the character to see what’s beyond
the screen area.
Being a detective story, much of the gameplay
involves multiple choice conversations, not only also what you’re wearing. A detective’s hat might Objects of interest are identified
by a white dot, and hold Tab to
with non-player characters but also within your make you smarter, for example, and a gang jacket highlight everything with which you
own head. There are 24 sections of your brain could make you more intimidating. Keep collecting can interact.
with which you can chat, communicating as if the clothes and change into something more
they were themselves third-party characters. appropriate if an important roll is coming.
Which parts of your brain have something to say
and what advice they give depends on the type
of character you chose and what skills you’ve
Other stats to keep an eye on are your health
and morale. If they reach zero, you’re in imminent
danger of dying or giving up respectively. You can
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
acquired since. It sounds bizarre, and it is, but it’s a pick up items that restore a few points of either;
+ A very original idea
fantastic and original gameplay mechanic the likes in that respect, the game’s more like an RPG. Just
of which we’ve never seen before. remember to save often and not rely on your Auto + Brilliantly atmospheric
Saves, as it’s entirely possible to die in this game.
+ Good replay value
Aesthetically, Disco Elysium is beyond reproach.
In the Balance It’s wonderfully atmospheric, and gives you a real - We wish you could push-
The game offers a good balance between adventure feeling of being there. The hand-painted graphics scroll
and RPG, though it leans more to the adventure are beautifully realised, and the voice-overs
LAST WORD
side. The odd punch aside, there’s no combat (expanded for this Final Cut release) are almost
An excellent update for an
to speak of. There’s no bruising encounters with impeccable. As your character awakens from his
amazing adventure RPG. If
section bosses, and no tedious grinding out fights booze-induced slumber, you almost ache with him.
you missed Disco Elysium
with lesser foes to build your stats ready for the Even when you frustratingly die or have a meltdown
before, don’t make the
next big baddie. It has more variables than a long after you last saved, you feel compelled to give
same mistake again.
regular adventure, though. Some actions demand a it one more go. It’s exciting, atmospheric, intelligent
successful dice roll to determine success or failure, and above all, original. If you like your RPGs, don’t RATING: 5/5
with your target score influenced by your stats and miss this genuine gem of a game. IO

www.pclpublications.com 143
 Minion Rush:
Running Game
The adorable Minions are back on the big screen, but is their
iOS licensing going to be despicable?

Info//
Gameloft
https://www.gameloft.com

Free (IAP)

It looks great, but mind it doesn’t grate.

I
f you’re a fan of the Despicable Me/Minions Up to jump over obstacles, and swipe Down to slide
movies, and also enjoy endless runners, you’ll love under laser beams and such.
this. You play as one of the cute little minions from The game offers a few surprises that help
the movies, trying to become Employee of the Month distinguish Minion Rush from almost every other
by running as far as you possibly can. It’s not clear endless runner. For starters, the graphics are
what the purpose of the run is, but unlike every other fantastic! Secondly, the game doesn’t offer a
endless runner game, there is a storyline of sorts. straight, simple dash. Instead, the camera angle
Gameplay uses a three-lane system with swipes changes regularly, sometimes forcing you to adjust
in four directions. As your minion charges forward, to a side view of the track in order to succeed.
simply swipe Left or Right to dodge objects and Switching views is seamless and doesn’t interrupt
avoid falling employees, cliffs and more. You swipe your run whatsoever.

144 www.pclpublications.com
Slide it in!
There are also sliding segments in which you
control your minion by tilting your Apple device
from left to right, which is a nice change of pace.
There are even boss battles to contend with. Every
now and then, Gru’s rivals appear and launch
As endless runners go, this one’s top banana.
smaller robots at you, which you must tap quickly
to reflect them back at him. Additionally, there are
bananas scattered all over the place, which act
as the game’s main currency. There are several
types of power-ups that appear too, and each
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
one can be upgraded by spending Bananas. The
+ Great visuals & sonics
second type of currency is Tokens, which appear a
maximum of five times per day. + Who doesn’t love Minions
Just as in Temple Run, the key to success is
+ Nice gameplay variety
building up your multiplier, which is done by
performing Despicable Acts. These usually involve - Grinding vs In-App
running into or otherwise displacing your fellow Purchases
minions, but you can also earn this bonus by
LAST WORD
wrecking things using your power-ups.
Even if you strip away the
You can unlock new bonuses, which actually
trademark visuals and
act like new characters, as each new bonus offers
excellent presentation and
you new abilities, skills and items. Some can be
you still have a way above
purchased using Bananas, but the majority of
average endless runner.
them require the rare Tokens, and a lot of them!
Top Bah-Nan-Ah!
You can speed up the process by buying Token
bundles via IAP, although grinding hard is where RATING: 4/5
you find yourself in most of the game. JG

www.pclpublications.com 145
 LEGO Star Wars: TCS
Does anyone really care about the Star Wars movies or the LEGO games
anymore? Maybe a long time ago they did?

Info//
Warner Bros. Entertainment

https://videogames.lego.com

Free (IAP)

A
long time ago, on a console far, far away a proton torpedo in a thermal exhaust port.
(probably in the attic?), the LEGO Star Wars LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (although
saga was unleashed. Despite having a bad it clearly isn’t complete as it misses the recent
feeling about it due to the child-friendly visuals, trilogy) couples the 2005 prequels with 2006’s
the comedic leanings of the cut scenes and the original trilogy. Both titles are remastered for the
general sense of this being a ‘kid’s game’, it proved iOS platforms, yet while both incarnations of the
to be absolutely fantastic. It reached across age games are superior to their predecessors in every
demographics by delivering an experience that way, somehow as a whole this package is less
was accessible enough for younger players but impressive than a duo of games almost as long in
challenging enough for the more mature gamer. the tooth as our editor.
Plus the seemingly endless self-referential nods to The game spans all six instalments. The
the fan base were whoop-inducingly brilliant. All cutesy LEGO style and humour still hooks, but the
bases were covered. gameplay formula which has remained somewhat
This was not only the Star Wars prequels in Lego unchanged not only over this franchise but the
form, but unlike their big-screen counterparts, it was series as whole just feels uninspiring, overly
fun and a pleasure to immerse yourself in. The games- familiar even bordering on dull. Once again the
buying public agreed, and the Traveler’s Tales/LEGO narrative is themed around the movies, with each
gaming franchise became a monster, pulling in such level covering the key plot points of the source
marquee names as Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana material. On your first time around each episode
Jones, Harry Potter, Batman, Marvel, DC and Lord of is played in order, completing one to unlock the
the Rings. Yet was The Force as strong with this series next. Progression is, as always with the LEGO
as one would expect? franchise, based around completing objectives
such as item collection, block building, puzzle
solving and some basic combat.
Brick by Brick Once you've completed all the games, you can
With this rerelease for iOS, we’re back to the revisit each level randomly to seek out the secrets
franchise that launched a thousand polygon and hidden items which you might have missed
Help Leia escape in this epic bricks; LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga. Sadly, or simply weren't able to collect with your default
scene from 
 2
*+ . from even the briefest of plays, it’s very clear the characters and their abilities. While we are the first
bottom of the barrel is being scraped deeper than to complain when the tactic of back-tracking over

146 www.pclpublications.com
“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

a worn path is employed to extend lifespan, the that these are first instalments in the series. The
second trip through is actually more fun, offering a gameplay, presentation and control have been
greater challenge. honed for this platform, but while we weren’t overly
During your first play-through you’re teased by impressed with this game, we did enjoy moments,
items that are just out of reach with your starting we can't ignore the creeping sensation that the
character, or tiny doors that beg to be opened LEGO games had hit a plateau, a long time ago.
if you were small enough to do so. There lies
the appeal of replaying each stage; by switching
appropriately among the full cast of characters Milking the Cash Cow
unlocked during your first run, no path is blocked, There’s no question these early Star Wars games
no secret cannot be uncovered. It would be a are some of the best of the LEGO series, but that
stretch to say the gameplay is reinvented for your series is simply stale. Therein lies the quandary that
second trip but the motivation is certainly enough gamers face, with not just this release but the series
to pay this game another visit. in general. How often can a franchise be rehashed,
re-worked and tweaked before what was once
clever and original becomes cliché? In our opinion
Taking Control the series has reached its zenith, and should
While a rehashing of the console game could have
been the easy path for the developers to take,
instead this version was built specifically for the iOS
probably be rebooted. We were left feeling that
without additional development and some much-
needed innovation this could be the last golden
Verdict//
PROS AND CONS:
platform. If features a fantastic control method which brick on the LEGO game pile before over-familiarity
+ Great visuals & sonics
uses both virtual sticks and screen taps, and is a causes its inevitable demise.
testament to how much effort has gone into making To sum up the experience of playing LEGO + Captures the Star Wars
this an exclusive iPad or iPhone game not a cheap Star Wars: The Complete Saga, the perfect word is feel
console port. While the control method is inventive, ‘contradiction’. The game is great and still entertains,
+ Nice gameplay variety
the core gameplay and graphics follow the expected it holds the interest and we played until everything
LEGO template and offer few surprises. had been unlocked and collected. Unfortunately, - Missing three movies!
The visual familiarity of both the LEGO and once the game was over, it was almost instantly
LAST WORD
Star Wars franchises is in equal part a blessing forgotten amongst the blur of all the countless other
A package of two old and
and a curse. If you’re a fan of either, you need LEGO games we've played. Unfortunately these
tired games for a non-
no motivation beyond the title to download it. factors make for an experience that is forgettable and
budget price? Buy this, do
However, non-fans will find little motivation to even leaves you with the sense of how far the franchise
not. The developers didn’t
try the game. With the LEGO game franchise taking has fallen. Also, how can it be ‘The Complete Saga’
apparently try!
on every major movie series from Potter to Pirates when there are three (awful) movies and one game
over the past 17 years, it’s starting to look and feel completely missing? Come on, LEGO, do the magic RATING: 2/5
a very tired, even more so when one considers hand thing again. Please!. JG

www.pclpublications.com 147
 Don’t miss out on more great
magazines
on digital platforms now!

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