New mobile phones to have swappable parts

When Motorola announced back in October that it was developing a modular phone people stopped, got excited, and then shrugged the idea off as something that was too impractical to ever become a reality.

Project Ara designs

Now however Motorola have announced they have a manufacturer for the parts and are preparing their first prototype, with signs pointing to an actual retail release next year. And it seems more companies are jumping on the modular bandwagon with images of a modular phone design called Magic Cube briefly appearing on the official Weibo page of the Xiaomi's founder, and CEO, Lei Jun, strongly suggesting his company is itself looking into modular phones.

Ok, you may be wondering, but what is a modular phone and why would I want one?

It's actually a rather simple idea - you buy a phone as normal but, when you want to upgrade it, you just swap out the bits you want to replace, for new bits.

Say you want a new 16 megapixel camera and a higher resolution screen, well you simply unplug the current camera and screen - and plug in new ones, it's that simple.

Many of us upgrade our phones for just one or two reasons, not because we don't like our current phones but because we want say that better camera, or more storage space, with Motorolas design the swappable components (modules) simply slide into place and can be removed just as easily, making upgrading your phone as easy as replacing the batteries in a remote control.

It's a simple concept but one that has never been practical, until now. If Motorola can pull this off, and they certainly have the smarts and financial backing to do so, the future of mobile phones could be modular - and upgrading your phone will become easier and a lot more affordable.

Minecraft hits PS3

Fans of the blocky goodness that is Minecraft could have an extra special Christmas this year - if they own a Playstation 3, 4 or Vita.

Microsofts exclusive deal to keep Minecraft on their Xbox 360 console expired recently and now software developer Mojang is bringing the worldwide hit to Sonys console range beginning December 17th in America (December 18th in Europe) with Minecraft PS3 edition, followed in 2014 with PS4 and PS Vita editions.

Games for all three consoles will be the same as on the 360 and will continue to have the same features although the PS4 and Xbox one versions will of course have additional features more in line with the PC edition.

While there is no word yet on pricing the PS3 edition is likely to be the same price as the Xbox 360 version, around £14.

Five free HD tv channels launch in UK

The BBC launch five new high definition tv channels today, placeholder broadcasts are already in place and in a matter of hours the UK will be able to see all their favourite BBC channels in HD.

Available on Freeview, YouView, Sky, FreeSat and Virgin Media from December 10th the new additions arrive just in time for all the good, and bad, festive BBC offerings such as the one off Open All Hours special starring David Jason, the Doctor Who Christmas special and the love it or loathe it Strictly Come Dancing.

Sky users who already subscribe to the HD package should find their Sky boxes automatically replace the current channels with their new high def replacements, as has happened with many existing channels, if not then simply add the channels to your favourites list. The channel details for all viewing platforms can be found below....

BBC Three HD is available on Freeview HD / YouView channel 105, Freesat HD channel 147, Sky HD channels 115 or 210 (depending on your tv package) and Virgin Media channel 163.

BBC Four HD will be available on Freeview HD / YouView channel 106, Freesat HD channel 148, Sky HD channels 116 or 211 (depending on your tv package) and Virgin Media channel 164.

BBC News HD will be available on Freeview HD / YouView channel 107, Freesat HD channel 148, Sky HD channel 570 and Virgin Media channel 604.

CBBC HD will be available on Freeview HD / YouView channel 73, Freesat HD channel 607, Sky HD channels 613 or 633 (depending on your tv package) and Virgin Media channel 710.

CBeebies HD will be available on Freeview HD / YouView channel 74, Freesat HD channel 608, Sky HD channels 614 or 624 (depending on your tv package) and Virgin Media channel 711.