Mobile computing

The clock on the Fujifilm website is still counting down to the February 26 launch, but pretty much everything there is to know about the upcoming X-T4 has now been revealed. 

Despite shutting its doors last year, prolific and reliable Japanese camera news leaker Nokishita is still very active on Twitter, where a document listing what appears to be the entire spec sheet of the Fujifilm X-T4 has been shared. 

It seemingly confirms some of the rumors we've already heard, like a faster burst speed and bigger battery, along with in-body image stabilization.

With this new reveal, there are not going to be any surprises left when Fujifilm officially announces the camera later this month – images of the X-T4 have already leaked, as has the US price of the upcoming camera.

• Mirrorless vs DSLR: 10 key differences
• The 10 best cameras for vlogging
• The best cameras you can get in 2020

All things new

While the X-T4 will use the same 26.1MP X Trans 4 APS-C CMOS sensor and fourth-generation X processor as the Fujifilm X-T3, it's getting image stabilization of up to 5 stops of compensation – a feature that its predecessor doesn't possess. When paired with a stabilized lens, that can go up to 6.5 stops of stability.

As reported previously, continuous shooting speed has also been given a boost, if the leaked spec sheet is real. When using the viewfinder (which, it seems, will be inherited from the X-T3 without any upgrades), the upcoming camera will be able to shoot at 15fps – up from the current model's 11fps. That should be plenty for both sports and wildlife photography, although it does have a lower buffer depth of 110 JPEGs as opposed to 145 in the older shooter.

However, the camera is also apparently capable of going up to 30fps when using the electronic shutter (as is the X-T3), but that comes at the cost of a 1.25x crop.

Where the NP-W126S battery currently in use on the X-T3 was rated for up to 390 shots on a single charge, the new NP-W235 battery is apparently rated for 500 shots (or up to 600 when using the camera in economy mode). That's a massive boost to the camera's battery life and should easily keep most trigger fingers happy.

Despite its bigger battery, the X-T4 will only be marginally larger than its predecessor, if the leaked dimensions prove to be correct. The X-T4 measures in at 134.6 (W) x 92.8 (H) x 63.8 (D) mm, compared to the 132.5 x 92.8 x 58.8 mm dimensions of the X-T3, but will weigh 607g with card and battery (68g more than the current camera).

The new specs leak also confirms that the X-T4 is getting a higher 1.62 million-dot resolution as compared to its predecessor's 1.04 million-dot touchscreen. However, no mention of a vari-angle display has been made in the specs sheet that was shown in previously leaked images.

If the leaked specs are correct, then pretty much everything else will be inherited from the 18-month-old X-T3 and, as far as we're concerned, that's no bad thing at all.

• Best mirrorless cameras to buy in 2020

New research from Extreme Networks has revealed that more IoT devices are making their way to the enterprise but organizations still remain highly vulnerable to IoT-based attacks.

The firm surveyed 540 IT professionals across industries in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific to compile its report which found that 84 percent of organizations currently have IoT devices on their corporate networks.

Of those organizations which have deployed IoT devices on their networks, 70 percent are aware of either successful or attempted hacks though more than half do not employ security measures beyond default passwords.

• IoT devices still major target for cyberattacks
• Microsoft looks to secure the IoT with Azure Sphere
• IoT devices could be the asbestos of the future

Extreme Networks' report also found 9 out of 10 IT professionals are not confident that their network is secured against cyberattacks or breaches. IT professionals working in the financial services industry were the most concerned about security with 89 percent saying they are not confident that their networks have proper security followed by those in the healthcare industry (88%) and professional services (86%).

Increased IoT adoption

One of the main reasons that IoT-based attacks have increased is due to increased global IoT adoption which has quickly expanded the attack surface. The survey found that 83 percent of organizations in EMEA are now deploying IoT devices compared to 85 percent in North America.

Director of product marketing at Extreme Networks, David Coleman provided further insight on the report's findings in a press release, saying:

"Enterprise adoption of IoT, coupled with the fast rise of cloud and edge computing, is massively expanding the attack surface. But the single greatest cybersecurity threat today is inertia. This data shows that across sectors, IT professionals are not confident in their own network security. Yet so many organizations still rely on the same legacy security tools they've been using for decades. It's critical for enterprises to demand multi-layered network security solutions purpose-built for the modern, hybrid enterprise."

• Also check out our roundup of the best antivirus software

We're still waiting for an official annoucnement of Intel Comet Lake processors for desktop PCs, but a new leak may indicate more of what's in store. 

There could be a whole new slew of F-series CPUs to round the product stack based on details in a leaked presentation slide reported on by Informática Cero and shared by Videocardz. The slide shows off six new CPUs split in half between unlocked and locked models. Here's a breakdown of the products listed:

• See how to build a PC
• These are the best processors
• Get to know all the PC components

• Intel Core i9 10900KF – 10-core/20-thread at 3.7GHz/4.8GHz all-core turbo
• Intel Core i7 10700KF – 6-core/16-thread at 3.8GHz/4.7GHz all-core turbo
• Intel Core i5 10600KF – 6-core/12-thread at 4.1GHz/4.5GHz all-core turbo
• Intel Core i9 10900F – 10-core/20-thread at 2.8GHz/4.5GHz all-core turbo
• Intel Core i7 10700F – 6-core/16-thread at 2.9GHz/4.6GHz all-core turbo
• Intel Core i5 10600F – 6-core/12-thread at 2.9GHz/4.0GHz all-core turbo

As you can see, all six chips listed include the "F" in their name that typically indicates the omission of Intel's integrated graphics. This has generally resulted in a small price cut compared to the non-F versions without otherwise making significant changes to what the CPU itself could offer.

The product stack lines up well enough with what we might expect from Intel, and even some recent leaks. An Intel Core i7-10700K benchmark leaked about a week ago and showed an 8-core/16-thread chip with a 3.8GHz base clock and 5.3GHz turbo boost. 

The base clock of the 10700K even lines up with the base clock of the 10700KF. The difference in the turbo boost clocks could be a result of an actual difference between the two chips aside from the disabled iGPU on the 10700KF.

Good news for gamers

Not everyone needs an integrated GPU like those found on many of Intel's processors. Gamers generally use dedicated GPUS anyways, as they're needed to run their favorite games, and that leaves the CPU's integrated graphics sitting mostly idle. It becomes wasted space while adding to the initial cost of the processor.

If Intel is preparing a stack of Comet Lake-S desktop processors that include these F-series chips, gamers will have an easier time choosing what they want to get.

The extra bit of price reduction Intel can offer on these chips will also help it compete against AMD, which has been an a winning streak with its Ryzen 3rd generation processors. Most of the Ryzen processors offer excellent value with incredible multi-core performance thanks to their high core counts – and most of these don't include integrated graphics, either.

Of course, the Ryzen processors are already on sale. We still don't know when Intel will come out with desktop Comet Lake-S chips. It's already starting to feel like Intel may be running behind schedule since AMD's Ryzen 3rd generation has gone mostly unanswered for the better part of a year. 

It may just be the case the Intel is running late, as a product listing was recently posted for a CPU cooler compatible with the unannounced LGA 1200 socket that is expected for Comet Lake-S, PCGamesN reports. That could suggest the manufacturer was anticipating a launch date that Intel couldn't make.

It certainly seems like Intel Comet Lake-S chips are on the way. The question is just whether Intel will launch them in time to compete with Ryzen 3000 or if it will have to face up against Ryzen 4000.

• No iGPU? That calls for the best graphics card

The Canon EOS R5 may still be at its early 'development announcement' stage, but a leaked image has now given us our first look at the pro mirrorless camera in the wild (Canon has released a couple of official images, one of which you can see above).

The image from Japanese site Newswitch (below) is a hands-on shot that gives us a sense of the Canon EOS R5's body size, which is considerably smaller than the similarly pro-friendly Canon 1DX Mark III DSLR.

The image suggests it'll balance nicely with lenses like the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, and the EOS R5 doesn't look noticeably bigger than the existing Canon EOS R, which is impressive considering it's the first Canon camera to have in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

• Best cameras you can get in 2020: the top 10 models to choose from
• The 10 best mirrorless cameras available right now
• Canon EOS R5: everything we know so far about the mirrorless marvel

What's less clear is exactly who the Canon EOS R5 will be aimed at, but Newswitch claims that Canon is planning to launch the camera "as early as possible before the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics", which start on 24 July.

That seems to be backed up by the fact that the camera will be making its public debut at The Photography Show, which starts on March 14. 

With the Canon 1DX Mark III launch very much drumming home the idea that most professional sports photographers still prefer optical viewfinders to EVFs, it seems the EOS R5 could be used at the Olympics as a smaller, second camera for shooting 8K video as much as stills.

Mirrorless Olympian

Despite the leaked image and Canon's development announcement, there's still quite a bit we don't know about the EOS R5.

Chief among these details are what image sensor it'll use. We know the EOS R5 will have a "newly designed CMOS sensor" and that it'll be at least 40MP, because it's been confirmed that the camera will shoot 8K video.

The rumors so far suggest it'll likely be a 45MP camera, and the fact that it shoots at an impressive 12fps (when using the mechanical shutter) or 20fps (if you switch to the electronic shutter), suggests it's unlikely to be significantly higher than that.

The EOS R5's size and performance, then, suggest it's very much going to be in the mould of the Sony A7R IV (albeit closer in resolution to the A7R III), so a megapixel monster that has the power to pull off all kinds of photography, including sport and action. 

The key difference, of course, is that the EOS R5 will also be able to shoot 8K video, and more special skills are likely announced in the run-up to its official launch. We'll bring you all the news when it breaks, but in the meantime you can read our in-depth Canon EOS R5: everything we know so far about the mirrorless marvel.

• The Photography Show 2020: everything you need to know about this year's show

Looking for the best mirrorless camera you can buy right now? Good news: our list below features all of the top models to suit every budget and style of shooting, based on the results of our comprehensive testing.

DSLR might remain the format of choice for traditionalists, but it’s hard to beat mirrorless if you want a combination of cutting-edge features, versatility, portability and photographic performance.

Ready to join the mirrorless revolution? From entry-level models for APS-C newbies to full-frame cameras that cost more than your monthly salary, this buying guide covers the very best mirrorless equipment you can buy right now – whatever your expectation. It also details the benefits and limitations of the mirrorless format, as explaining why you might want to make the switch from DSLR.

Our top overall pick right now is the Nikon Z6. Small and light, it also handles well and features a full-frame sensor. Image quality is excellent, as is the electronic viewfinder, and falling prices mean it’s more accessible than ever. For most people, it’s the perfect mirrorless camera.

Then again, depending on your budget, your style and your preferences for size, weight and handling, there might be another mirrorless model that’s better suited to your shooting needs – so read on to discover the best mirrorless cameras on the market.

Best mirrorless cameras 2020 at a glance:

1. Nikon Z6
2. Sony Alpha A7 III
3. Fujifilm X-T30
4. Sony A6100
5. Nikon Z50
6. Sony Alpha A7R IV
7. Panasonic Lumix S1R
8. Canon EOS RP
9. Panasonic Lumix G9
10. Canon EOS M6 Mark II

The best mirrorless cameras 2020:

Sony may have got to the full-frame mirrorless market before the likes of Canon, Nikon and Panasonic, but now that all four are active in the sector, the playing field is starting to level a little. And our nod right now goes to Nikon's Z6, which combines a sound 24.5MP sensor with a super-sharp 3.69 million dot EVF and lovely 4K video into a compact shell. The beefy grip makes for great handling while the FTZ adapter that's either bundled with the camera or available separately means you can carry on using hundreds of F-mount lenses, with autofocus and auto-exposure maintained. It's not perfect, but a recent firmware update gave it a nice boost – and now that its price has fallen some way it's even more accessible than ever. We love it.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z6 review

The Alpha A7 III may sit on the bottom rung of Sony's full-frame mirrorless camera range, its siblings being the pricier A7S II and A7R III, but it should no longer be seen as the poor relation to its pricier siblings. This is a brilliant choice for the enthusiast photographer or pro, and when you look at the specification, it's easy to see why. Sony has taken some of the best bits from its flagship Alpha A9 and A7R III cameras, and distilled them into a single camera that offers a fantastic mix of performance and image quality. The full-frame 24.2MP sensor is excellent in a range of lighting conditions, while the advanced 693-point AF looks set to get even better with a firmware upgrade in April. This is one advanced camera that's at a great price considering the features and performance on offer.

• Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A7 III review

Looking for a small, powerful mirrorless camera with a great design and lens system? The Fujifilm X-T30 is our favorite right now. While we love its bigger brother, the X-T3 (position number 8), this model's combination of size and all-round performance makes it one of our favorite cameras of 2020. You get more than you might expect from the X-T3, including the same 26.1MP APS-C sensor and processing engine, making it suitable for everything from sports snapping to landscape photography. This is helped by a phase-detect AF system that covers almost the entire frame, plus the usual range of Fujifilm's excellent Film Simulation modes, which subtly ape the company's old film looks. Throw in the option of recording 4K video and you have a fantastic all-rounder that actively encourages you to get out and shoot.  

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T30 review

The Sony A6000 remains a popular mirrorless camera for beginners, but five years after its launch the A6100 brings its skills up to date in a familiar but more capable package. Borrowing an APS-C sensor from Sony’s premium mirrorless cameras, the A6100 also deploys the flagship A6600’s autofocus system to deliver outstanding continuous tracking capability that’s rapid and reliable for both stills and video. Image quality is as expected, with good detail and decent colors (though a neutral profile would be welcome), while battery life is solid and the tilting screen is now touch-sensitive – albeit with limited functionality. Not everything has changed, mind: the LCD and EVF both remain relatively low-res and maximum burst is still 11fps, while buffering performance can sometimes stumble. So it’s not perfect and unlocking its full potential can take time, but the A6100 is certainly a superb all-rounder that should follow in the footsteps of its best-selling forebear.

• Read our in-depth Sony A6100 review

Nikon’s first foray into the mid-range mirrorless market, the Z50 proves a strong debut. Despite the smaller APS-C sensor, Nikon hasn’t tried to shrink the Z50 too much, instead paying great attention to form and handling. The result is a mirrorless camera that, though still more compact than a DSLR, packs a generous grip which is lovely to hold. Its high-resolution viewfinder and tilting touchscreen are impressive, while 4K video and reliable autofocus (using the same hybrid system as the Nikon Z6) complete a great value package. The Z50 uses SD cards rather than the more expensive XQD format, though the single slot is only compatible with slower UHS-I cards, which limits its continuous shooting speeds. Perhaps the biggest challenge the Z50 faces is the limited native lens range, but this will surely grow – and the twin-lens kit is a versatile buy. For those looking to move from a Nikon DSLR to mirrorless, the Z50 is a great choice.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Z50 review

Sony's A7R line of cameras has been all about resolution, and the A7R IV delivers a lot more of it than ever before. Its class-leading 61MP delivers an excellent level of detail, augmented by the impressive Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode. An update to the autofocus system has made it faster and smarter, with face- and eye-detect AF working amazingly well – but with Sony at the helm, there was no doubt about that. The camera body is now even more sturdy and better equipped to handle the worst of the elements while out on field, while the deeper grip makes it comfortable to use over long periods of time. Although the addition of top plate command dial makes the mode dial a little harder to access. And while the A7R series wasn't designed with videographers in mind, video quality here is excellent, even though the rolling shutter effect is an issue.

• Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A7R IV review

The S1R is the first of two camera's in Panasonic's S series, and it arrives with some mightily impressive technology. That 5.76million-dot viewfinder is streets ahead of the 3.69million-dot alternatives in rival bodies, while the rugged build, effective sensor-based stabilization and cracking 4K video show it to be a camera that excels in a wealth of areas. The 47.3MP full-frame sensor also manages to perform brilliantly in good light and bad, and the further option to output images at 187MP may seem a little crazy, but it opens up new possibilities for cropping and for macro work. We're very impressed.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic S1R review

Canon's first full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R, delighted in some ways and frustrated in others, but the EOS RP made a much more positive impression. While technically a more junior model and not as fully featured, its much smaller and lighter body, together with a far nicer price, means that it's far more accessible for those who were hoping to make the jump to mirrorless but didn't want to stretch all the way to the EOS R. Without only around 4MP difference between the two you're not really sacrificing much in terms of sensor resolution, while the responsive touchscreen, fast autofocus and deep buffer makes it a pleasure to use in all kinds of situations. And while the native lens range for the R mount are still limited, a lens mount adapter allows users already invested in Canon's ecosystem to use their existing EF lenses.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS RP review

It might not be as great for video as the Lumix GH5, but the G9 prioritizes stills. Like Olympus OM-D E-M1X listed above, the smaller MFT sensor size is made up for by a camera that is packed full of features. Its high resolution combines eight images into a single 80MP photograph, while its amazing image stabilization allows you to shoot handheld for about a second with sharp results. Throw in 60fps shooting, polished handling and a wealth of advanced features and the Lumix G9 is a brilliant all-round mirrorless camera.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix G9 review

Just because this little snapper doesn't have a built-in viewfinder, doesn't mean you can dismiss it out of hand. It more than makes up for it in its specifications list. It compact size and light weight makes it one of the best traveling companions you can get, and its 32.5MP sensor captures excellent images at 14fps. Color reproduction has always been Canon's strong suit and you won't hear us complain here. You won't find built-in image stablilization, but as long as you're aware of that you can compensate for it. You will, however, need to contend with the idea that there are limited lenses for the M-series of snappers but you can use EF and EF-S lenses via an adapter. Just steer clear of the bigger lenses as they will unbalance this tiny package.

• Read our in-depth Canon EOS M6 Mark II review

Also consider:

The GFX 100 outguns every other model in the list for native resolution, and while it has a lofty price tag to match its beefy body, it's arguably in a league of its own right now. While it's not the only camera capable of outputting images this detailed, it's the fact that it does it as standard rather than through any trickery or need to use a tripod like many others that makes it special. Throw in a very competent autofocus system, sensor-based image stabilization, strong 4K video and the best EVF we've seen so far, and you have one supremely versatile camera. Sure, none of us can afford one, but Fujifilm deserves high praise for delivering this kind of performance at a price well below that of other high-resolution medium format cameras.

Sony quietly announced the launch of the second generation Alpha A9, but until we can test it, the original A9 remains one of the best sports and press cameras around. We can't think of another pro-level snapper that can match the A9's absolutely blistering performance and incredibly quick AF tracking. While the lack of an XQD card slot and limited touchscreen functionality can be disappointing, the camera's rapid 20fps burst speed and EVF with no blackout is more than enough to convince most experts to reach for this one, if they have the money to spare. Although, with the arrival of the A9 II, the price of the original has dropped considerably.

• Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A9 review

Mirrorless vs DSLR: what's the difference?

Mirrorless cameras allow you to swap and change lenses like on a DSLR, but because the mirror that you normally find inside a DSLR has been removed, the camera can be made much more compact. 

No mirror means that instead of optical viewfinders to frame your subject, mirrorless cameras rely on electronic viewfinders. Be aware, though, that most cheaper mirrorless cameras don't come with viewfinders at all – instead, you compose the photo on the rear screen, just as you do with most compact cameras or smartphones.

This is a boon in terms of keeping size and cost down, but if you're looking to start taking your photography seriously then a viewfinder is nigh-on essential. This is because it lets you compose photos in all conditions, even sunny ones that can render a rear screen useless.

You'll find that mirrorless cameras are also known as compact system cameras (or CSCs for short), with models ranging from the simple to use beginner models to sophisticated full-frame monsters that rival the very best DSLRs out there.

• Best Sony cameras 2020: 10 top models
• Best Nikon camera 2020: 10 great options
• Best Canon camera 2020: 10 brilliant buys

Why are mirrorless cameras better?

Is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR then? There are still quite a few pros and cons to both designs, so if you want to find out more, read this: Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences. 

Mirrorless cameras certainly offer more choice. If you're looking to buy a DSLR, there's only really two main players in the shape of Canon and Nikon. If you opt for a mirrorless camera, the choice is much broader, with the likes of Canon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus and Leica all offering a wide range of cameras to suit most budgets. 

Right now, every major camera manufacturer has something to shout about, and their latest models are different enough from their rivals to stand out in some way.

While it would be very easy to select 10 high-end models to make up our pick of the best mirrorless camera, we've tried to pick out some more affordable options as well. These models might not be dripping with features, but they represent great options for new users and those on a budget. That said, if you're looking specifically for a budget mirrorless camera, take a look at our best mirrorless camera for beginners buying guide. 

So whether you're after a better camera than the one featured on your smartphone or are looking for an advanced, high-end model to push your creativity even further, read on to find out what are the best mirrorless cameras you can buy right now. 

• Best camera
• Best beginner DSLR
• Best DSLR
• Best 4K camera
• Best full-frame camera
• Best compact camera
• What camera should I buy?
• Mirrorless vs DSLR: 10 key differences
• Camera rumors

Bored of driving the same old four-wheeler on your commute every morning and night? Nissan hears you – and is responding with a car subscription service that lets you change up what you're driving as much as every single day.

Called Nissan Switch, the service will cater to those wanting to shake up their driving routine, even if learning to handle a different car each day – with its own weight, interface, and general feel to get used to – sounds like something of a hassle.

• Tesla games, software and updates
• Tesla Model Y: what you need to know
• Best Netflix shows: 20 series to watch

Nissan describes its service as "on demand driving", making a clear parallel to the rise of all-you-can-eat content services like Netflix, Disney Plus, or Hulu, that let subscribers access a huge variety of films and TV shows for a regular monthly fee.

There are similar services offered by the likes of Audi and Mercedes-Benz, so it's clear that there's a market for this variety: if you're hoping to start switching your car up that often, though, you may be disappointed.

For the few, not the many

The pricing of Nissan Switch will put it out of reach of most motorists, starting at $699 a month (around £540 / AU$1,050) for the basic Select service (featuring Nissan's Altima, Rogue, Pathfinder, and Frontier models) and $899 a month (around £700 / AU$1,350) for the premium service (Leaf Plus, Maxima, Murano, Armada, Titan, and 370Z).

Nissan Switch is also only launching in Houston, Texas at first – and it's likely to be a difficult service to scale. But counted alongside Tesla's plans to convert its fleet of electric cars into taxis when not in use, and more people getting used to the idea of renting near-enough everything in their lives, it's clear that owning your own car is going to be more and more of a rarity in the coming years.

• The new Honda e electric car is tech central for drivers and passengers

Via Pocket-Lint

Microsoft's new all-in-one Office app, which arrived for Android a few days ago, is now available for iPhone users to download and get productive with.

Until now, Word, PowerPoint and Excel have only been available as separate downloads, but this new app brings them together in one convenient place. You can also access files stored in OneDrive through the app, and edit them with the appropriate tool.

• We've rounded up the best iPhone apps of 2020
• On a budget? Here are the best free iPhone apps
• The best iPhone games will keep you occupied anywhere

The Microsoft Office app for iOS also features several built-in Actions, allowing you to transfer files between devices, use Sticky Notes, scan QR codes, and create and sign PDFs (though there's no fully-fledged PDF editor).

As ZDNet explains, the basic Office app is free, but some tasks require an Office 365 subscription. These include advanced formatting in Microsoft Word, editing WordArt and customizing pivot tables.

Not sure whether the extras will justify the cost? You can unlock everything  by signing up for a free one-month trial before making your mind up.

More features on the way…

There are lots more features on the way too, including Word Dictation, which will allow you to control your word processor using simple voice commands, and turn your speech into written text. Ideal for jotting down memos and getting things done hands-free. 

Microsoft is also working on a 'cards' feature for Excel, which will let you view and edit data in a table without having to navigate tiny cells. Each 'card' presents the data from a row or column as a large, clear form that can be easily edited.

PowerPoint isn't being left out either, and will soon get an 'Outline to PowerPoint' feature that allows you to jot down a series of bulletpoints, then transforms them into a fully formatted presentation. It looks very handy, and should making working on a small screen much more practical.

• Have fun on the cheap with the best free iPhone games

The Google Pixel 4 had annoying battery life issues, so much so that we had to mark it down for such in our review. It seems that the company is looking for even more ways to drain power in the Pixel 5, though, as a new leak sheds light on a charging feature we could see in the device.

This news comes from XDAdevelopers, off the back of an Android 11 developer beta opening up on Pixel devices. Apparently, hidden deep in the Android 11 menus there's a reference to a 'Battery share' mode, and the likelihood is this is Google's name for a reverse power sharing feature.

Reverse power sharing, or reverse wireless charging, or bilateral charging, is a way of using a smartphone as a wireless charging pad to power up other devices like earbuds, watches, and even other phones.

• Check out our Google Pixel 4XL review
• These are the best smartphones
• What do we know about the Google Pixel 5?

A few smartphones have the feature so far, including the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S20 series, Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro, and Huawei P30 Pro, and the iPhone 11 was rumored to have it though the feature never materialized.

When we've tested the feature on these handsets, we've found it to be a huge power drain, and if the Google Pixel 5 is as much of a battery hog as the Pixel 4, this could be bad news for the device. We expect the company is working on lots of fixes for its phone's battery life, though.

The Pixel 'Battery share' menu states 'Your phone's battery will run out faster when using battery share. Battery share works with compatible ear buds, watches, phones and more.' so it certainly seems like this is reference to power sharing. Could this also suggest the Google Pixel Watch is coming? Well, not really, but we'd hope so anyway.

Just because this feature was found in Android 11 code, doesn't mean it's necessarily going to come to all Android phones, as apparently the menu has a 'com.google.android' tag, whereas most features don't have the 'google' in there, suggesting the feature could only come to Pixel devices.

So it seems very likely that the Google Pixel 5 will be able to charge your other devices wirelessly, although the phone is still quite a while away so we can't say anything for definite. Before that the Google Pixel 4a is expected, which may also pose solutions to lots of the Pixel 4's problems.

• This is the big problem with reverse wireless charging

Spotify might be about to inject some karaoke chaos into its app, if a new feature in testing eventually rolls out to the masses.

Users with the Spotify beta Android version 8.5.46.848 have told Android Police that they are now seeing lyrics appear in real-time alongside songs they are playing.

• Pick the best streaming music service
• New features coming to Google Chrome

However, with the feature not currently visible to all users, it appears to be a new trick that Spotify is merely testing for the time being.

Musixmatch returns

In fact, to call it a new feature would be only a half truth – this is more like an encore for the app. It appears that Spotify has revitalised its partnership with lyric-serving service Musixmatch, which Spotify had previously teamed up with to deliver lyrics until 2016.

In a statement, Spotify said:

"At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience. Some of those tests end up paving the way for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning. We don't have any further news to share at this time."

If the feature is to roll out wider, not only would it restore a much-missed option to Spotify, but would put it on a par with Apple Music, which has been offering lyrics alongside songs to its listeners since September 2019.

• Check out our comprehensive list of Spotify tips and tricks

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has detailed how it will allocate £65 million of the £200 million it has pledged to the development of 5G networks and applications.

Nine projects have been awarded a share of £35 million after their proposals were selected as winners of an open competition to see how 5G could help rural communities and manufacturing.

Previous competitions have awarded funding to see how 5G can aid individual industries, public services, and emerging fields such as connected cars.

• UK 5G speeds slower than rest of world
• 5G in the UK: everything you need to know
• Operators reach £1bn shared rural network deal

Government 5G funding

Seven of the projects are rural based, with most looking at how 5G can improve the local economy and connectivity in areas with poor mobile coverage. Some will test small cell technologies, while others will see how recent Ofcom regulations governing shared spectrum can be used in practice.

One of the projects, 5G New Thinking, will see Cisco and others apply learnings from the 5GRural First initiative in Orkney, Somerset and Shropshire.

Another one of the initiatives will see 5G power Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR) applications for tourists in Sherwood Forest, while other use cases include air and sea rescue services and environmental monitoring. A total of £5 million has been awarded to two industrial projects to see how 5G can boost productivity in the manufacturing sector.

The government has also launched a new £30 million competition for the creative industries. Applications are being urged from the film, television, video game and tourism sectors.

“We're determined to make the UK a world-leader in 5G and deliver on our promise to improve connections for people and businesses across the country,” said newly-appointed digital secretary Oliver Dowden.

“Today we’re announcing new funding to seize the new opportunities this technology will offer us. This includes seeing how it could create new jobs in the countryside, make businesses more productive and unleash even more ideas in our cutting-edge creative industries.”

The UK had hoped its startup ecosystem would ensure it played a key leadership role in the development of 5G and these ambitions have been strengthened by the commercial launch of four 5G networks. Three became the final mobile operator to switch its on 5G mobile services last week.

• Here are the best 5G phone deals for February 2020