Remembering… Durell Software Ltd

This week, David Hayward looks at a classic 80s games company

I was recently on a Facebook page for fans of the ZX Spectrum, and I got into a conversation regarding the many wonderful games that came from the Durell Software Ltd stable.

Games such as Galaxy 5, Starfighter, Scuba Dive, Harrier Attack, Saboteur and many others – Fat Worm Blows a Sparky, anyone? As a software company, you could be sure that after spending your hard-earned paper round money, the Durell game that was clutched in your sweaty mitts was going to be worth every penny.

Magix Fastcut 2016

Make more of your action video clips with the new Magix Fastcut

Just over a year ago Magix introduced Fastcut, a video editor designed specifically for editing footage from the fast expanding range of action cameras like the GoPro. It was basically an editor for people who didn’t want to get too involved in the editing process, yet nonetheless wanted to produce something more than a string of raw clips downloaded from the camera. The idea was sound, although in practice the templates and format support were a little limiting; which I must say is unusual for Magix products.

Asus VivoWatch

Is a smartwatch or a fitness tracker?

So far, I’m yet to be convinced I need a smartwatch. The main reason I’d want one is for the notifications, because I often miss phone calls and messages when my phone is in my pocket. Having something that vibrates on my wrist to get my attention would be most welcome.

But that’s not something I’m willing to pay hundreds of pounds for. Get yourself an Apple Watch, and you get all kinds of extras, but you also pay at least £300 for the privilege.

The Asus VivoWatch is less than half the price, though, so is it a more appealing prospect?

ShieldX2 Phone Case

Lightweight protection for when you drop your expensive phone

When it comes to choosing a case for your smartphone, you're normally spoilt for choice. But they're not always of the highest quality. We’ve seen some examples in the past that follow the original design of the phone but are next to useless when dropped or exposed to liquids. On the other hand, we’ve also seen phone cases that shroud the device in military grade combat gear, with extra toughened and rubberised areas.

Gear4 Soundwave

Cheap portable sound that resonates with our reviewer

I recall the first Bluetooth speaker I reviewed and it cost north of £100.

These days, you can find them much cheaper, like Gear4’s new Soundwave. It's one of many Bluetooth speakers Gear4 makes, but it’s at the most affordable end of its extensive range.

While not exactly feature rich, the Soundwave contains the critical functionality that most people need in a highly transportable package. At just 22.5cm long, it’s small enough to travel in a bag with a beach towel. And at less than 600g, it’s light enough for prolonged summer treks.

Corsair Carbide 400C Case

Corsair delivers elegant styling and desirable features in the highly affordable Carbide 400c

Corsair’s Carbide 600C case that I reviewed recently suffered from being rather big and having a slightly weird inverted layout. Neither of those points are an issue with the 400 Series design. It's more modestly scaled and also presents a conventional internal ATX organisation.

Like the 600 series before, this Carbide case design comes in two flavours; the audio supressed 400Q ‘Quiet’ and the ‘Clear’ side panel 400C covered here.