Apple : The cheaper, disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital Edition launches in May |
- The cheaper, disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital Edition launches in May
- Apple and Qualcomm agree to stop suing each other
- Fitbit sale at Amazon: save on the Fitbit Alta and Charge 2 activity tracker
- Apple HomePod 2 could provide stereo sound anywhere in the room
- New Mac Pro release date, news and rumors
- Mac Mini 2019: what we want to see
- MacBook Pro 2019: what we want to see
- MacBook 2019 release date, news and rumors
- MacBook Air 2019: what we want to see
- Windows 10 October 2018 Update: release date, news and features
- Windows 10 May 2019 Update release date, news and features
- Surface Studio 3: what we want to see
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: what we want to see
- Surface Book 3: what we want to see
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7: what we want to see
- The cheapest Samsung Galaxy Buds prices, deals and sales in April 2019
- OPPO Reno with unique pop-up camera and 10x zoom launches in the UAE
- Barcelona vs Manchester United live stream: how to watch today's Champions League online from anywhere
- Apple's macOS 10.15 could officially support iPad as a secondary display
- The best printer for students 2019: top picks for printing out coursework
| The cheaper, disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital Edition launches in May Posted: 16 Apr 2019 02:19 PM PDT If the rumors didn’t give it away months ago, Microsoft has officially announced the All-Digital Xbox One S - a new 4K HDR streaming-capable console that doesn’t use discs or physical media of any kind. The All-Digital Xbox One S will be available globally starting on May 7, 2019 for $249 (around £190, AU$349) and joins Microsoft’s Xbox One family of consoles, allowing it to play the same games as the slightly more expensive Xbox One S. In fact, based on the specs shared by Microsoft, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the two when they’re side-by-side. (Specs include a 1TB HDD, 8-cores, Custom Jaguar CPU @ 1.75GHz, Custom GPU @ 914 MHz, 12 CUs, 1.4 TFLOPS, 8 GB DDR3 @ 68 GB/s, 32MB ESRAM @ 218 GB/s.) To complement the system, Microsoft has also unveiled a new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan that combines both an Xbox Live Gold membership plus a membership to Xbox Game Pass for $14.99 per month, and will be available to all Xbox One owners. As before, you can still buy Xbox Game Pass separately for $9.99 and Xbox Live Gold for $9.99 per month, but this deal does save you 25%. The first bundle of the console that comes out on May 7 will include three games including Minecraft, Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 3... er, rather, the digital download codes for those games as, remember, there's no disc drive.
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| Apple and Qualcomm agree to stop suing each other Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:55 PM PDT Apple and Qualcomm’s current legal clashes, including a blockbuster patent argument with literally billions of dollars on the line that just started its opening arguments, are all officially over. Both companies have signed an agreement to dismiss all ongoing litigation, renew licensing and chip supply contracts, and even secured a payment from Apple to Qualcomm, per a press release. Apple and Qualcomm have been fighting in court for years. The aforementioned patent case was the largest of several legal disagreements: Apple brought suit against Qualcomm in 2017 for $1 billion, alleging the latter was overcharging its licensing fees for mobile communication tech – and then Apple would have to pay Qualcomm again for its modem chips to stick in iPhones. In opening remarks, Apple lawyers characterized this by saying Qualcomm “double dips,” making $16.1 billion in chip sales and an additional $7.23 billion in licensing fees from Apple in the years 2010 to 2016, according to CNET. The trial ballooned into a $27 billion, five-week affair with Qualcomm wanting damages of its own for breach of contract. But now, that fight is over. Per the agreement, both companies have reached a “six-year license agreement” starting April 1, 2019, which includes a two-year option to extend, as well as a multiyear chipset supply agreement. End of current litigation...everywherePer the agreement, all global lawsuits between the companies have been dismissed. They had been engaged in legal battles in China, Germany and elsewhere. The companies have been exchanging legal challenges for years. Back in March, a separate trial was resolved in favor of Qualcomm, with a San Diego court slamming Apple with a $31 million fine for infringing on the chipmaker's patents. Until we hear more details, it's unclear which company compromised more to nail down their new agreement. But the way is cleared for Apple to pack iPhones with Qualcomm chips again in every region – and Qualcomm is one of the only producers of a modem chip that connects to 5G networks, a chip used in the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G... Perhaps Apple decided it would be easier to settle rather than depend on Intel's shaky promises or acquiesce to putting a Huawei 5G chip in the company's future phones?
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| Fitbit sale at Amazon: save on the Fitbit Alta and Charge 2 activity tracker Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:45 PM PDT Summer is just around the corner, and if you're looking to get in shape, a fitness tracker can be the perfect companion to help you. Lucky for you, Amazon has the best-selling Fitbit Alta on sale for only $84.99. That's the best price we've found for the top-rated activity tracker. The Fitbit Alta is made for everyday wear, with an ultra-slim and lightweight design. The Alta tracks activities such as steps, distance, and other exercises, and will even give you friendly reminders to stretch your legs and start moving. The water-resistant Fitbit also tracks calories burned and records your sleep to provide you with helpful insights. Once you download the Fitbit app, you can track all of your activity on your smartphone or computer and follow progress you've made. You can also get personalized workout videos, and log your exercises to help you meet your fitness goals. The Alta has an impressive battery life of up to five days, and offers basic smartwatch features such as call, text and calendar notifications. If you want a fitness tracker that also offers heart rate monitoring, you might be interested in the Fitbit Alta HR. The Alta HR has all the features of the Fitbit Alta, but continuously tracks your heart rate, and has a slightly longer battery life. The Fitbit Charge 2 is more advanced than the Alta HR and not only monitors heart rate but also includes GPS technology and features a larger display screen. Both activity trackers are on sale at Amazon. Fitbit deals:If you're interested in other Fitbit discounts you can find the best cheap Fitbit sale prices and deals that are currently available. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Apple HomePod 2 could provide stereo sound anywhere in the room Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:06 PM PDT Apple's long-awaited HomePod 2 smart speaker could sound even better than the original, if new patents granted to the tech company are anything to go by. Apple's patent for a 'Multi-listener stereo image array' describes a system where "multiple people can experience a stereo audio effect, regardless of where they are seated," according to Apple Insider. In layman's terms, the patent describes a system that uses multiple drivers and advanced sonic processing to send an audio signal to each person in the room – and each of them will hear the appropriate left and right channel, no matter where they are.
Now, you might wonder how the HomePod will know where you're standing in the room. For that, Apple has a second patent that it calls "System and method for dynamic control of audio playback based on the position of a listener." Again, sparing you the technical jargon, the patent describes a system that uses an imaging device (i.e. a camera or sensor of some sort) to see where people are located in the room as well as how they're sitting or standing. The idea, more or less, is that the next HomePod will be able to tell what you're doing – if you're lying down, walking closer to the speaker or walking out of the room completely – and change the sound by amplifying or reducing volume, or completely pausing the audio until you come back. Psycho-acoustics are really something, huh?If you're coming from the world of two-channel sound, this might all sound a bit... implausible. Or at least unlikely to ever be developed. But as crazy as this all sounds, there really are a number of companies working on 3D sound at the moment. Creative has its solution called Super XFI, and Sony has 360 Reality Audio that made its debut at CES 2019, not to mention Dolby Atmos and DTS:X that have been on the market for years. Now, all of these solutions work differently – Creative uses a software solution, Atmos uses upfiring speakers and 360 Sound is both an audio format and a technology. The main takeaway: not only is this possible for Apple, but other companies are already doing something similar. Will all these technologies finally give Apple's next HomePod the edge on the better-selling Amazon Echo and Google Home? We'll just have to wait to find out.
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| New Mac Pro release date, news and rumors Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:06 PM PDT Beyond Apple declaring support of the new Mac Pro through a press release for the iMac Pro sale date nearly two years ago, we don’t know much about it. However, Apple has recognized the public outcry for a Mac Pro 2019 by hinting that it’s working on a ‘modular’ and ‘upgradeable’ Mac Pro – whatever that means. We do know that a new Mac Pro 2019 is incoming, but we’re still trying to figure out when we’ll see it. Apple could potentially release it whenever, much like the iMac 2019, but we’re betting on a WWDC 2019 appearance, as rumors have previously suggested. However, because Apple is unpredictable, we could see it launch whenever the Cupertino giant feels like launching it. If the new Mac Pro 2019 is going to be modular like Apple suggests, what will that look like? What will be upgradeable? Will it look like a juiced up HomePod? Before we dive into all the boundless speculation, let’s lay out some basics. Cut to the chase
Mac Pro 2019 release dateNow, while the new Mac Pro used to be the one Apple product we actually knew with absolute certainty could have been released in 2018, we were mistaken. It turns out the new Mac Pro has been confirmed for a 2019 release date. The current Mac Pro computer debuted at the June 2013 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), with a December 2013 final release date. Of course, many purchasers didn’t get their computers until April 2014 on account of backorders.
Before that, the original Mac Pro was revealed to the world during the August 2006 WWDC, getting into the public’s hands within the same month. Rumors point to a WWDC 2019 announcement, and that would make sense given its status as a professional device, but we’re not exactly sure what to expect. Rumors or no rumors, Apple’s strategy throughout 2018 was basically ‘hold it back until it’s ready, then just release it’, which is what it did with the new MacBook Pro and iMac. So, while we’re putting our money on a WWDC 2019 appearance, it’s just as possible that Apple may just release it. If the Mac Pro 2019 isn’t at WWDC 2019, we could see Apple holding a special Mac Pro event, much like its October 2018 event. Or, we could see Apple release the new Mac Pro under the radar, especially considering that it is a professional product with a limited audience.
Mac Pro 2019 priceWe have absolutely no Mac Pro 2019 pricing information from neither leaks nor Apple’s own remarks on the device. So, once again we’re left to speculate based on the pricing of previous Mac Pro models. The current Mac Pro, largely unchanged since its 2013 release, calls for a whopping $2,999, £2,999 or AU$4,899 to start. The only other model available hikes the price up by $1,000, £900 and AU$1,600, respectively, for some beefy component upgrades.
Given how long its been since the previous update to the Mac Pro, it would be unwise for Apple to drive the asking price any higher. However, if the new Mac Pro’s ‘modular, upgradeable’ nature turns out to be true, that could lead the firm to price the device accordingly, knowing that end users would no longer have to turn to it for upgrades.
Mac Pro 2019 specsWhat will be inside the computer is, sadly, another unknown regarding the Mac Pro for 2019, save for a scant few details. For starters, we know that Apple is focused on issuing a Mac Pro with a modular and upgradeable design. “In addition to the new iMac Pro, Apple is working on a completely redesigned, next-generation Mac Pro architected for pro customers who need the highest performance, high-throughput system in a modular, upgradeable design,” Apple wrote in a December 2017 press release announcing the new iMac Pro, “as well as a new high-end pro display.” So, we know that Apple is intending to make at least some of the Mac Pro design easy to manage, upgrade and set up in different configurations. If true, the Mac Pro 2019 will have to work with a large variety of off-the-shelf parts – at least ‘off the shelf’ for business pros or IT managers.
Simply put, there wasn’t enough room in the last Mac Pro for storage expansion, and that needs to change in the 2019 model. We also know that Apple has a display in the works, presumably one that was designed with the performance of the Mac Pro in mind. As of last September, reports circulated that an 8K (7,680 x 4,320) resolution display was in development at Apple, and that it would compete with the 32-inch Dell UltraSharp monitor. It would come with either 10-bit dithering or native 10-bit colors as well. But, it reportedly won’t be a touchscreen, which isn’t surprising given Apple’s aversion to adding touch to the Mac. The other sliver of information that we have is that the Mac Pro 2019 may launch with a co-processor. We could see Apple going with something like the T1 (which manages the MacBook Pro Touch Bar and Touch ID) and T2 (which manages the iMac Pro hardware security and allows for the automatic ‘Hey Siri’ command). Whichever role it fills, it will offload critical tasks from the Intel processors that will likely be inside the Mac Pro 2019. How will this manifest inside the Mac Pro for 2019? The most likely scenario is the latter one: implementing the very same T2 chip inside the iMac Pro into this device. That would bring pro-grade security and on-demand Siri to the Mac Pro, the former of which is crucial for getting traction in office environments. However, the inclusion of the T2 chip might go against the Mac Pro’s ability to be serviced by users. It’s recently come out that Apple has locked out the iMac Pro and 2018 MacBook Pro, which both use the T2 chip, from being serviced by anyone other than Apple and its authorized service providers. AMD’s new Radeon VII graphics card, although marketed to gamers, is out now. We doubt this specific card will make its way into the new Mac Pro, but it is now officially supported on Apple devices. So, we could see AMD supporting the new Mac Pro with a 7nm Vega II graphics card.
What we want to see in Mac Pro 2019All of these rumors swirling around a potential Mac Pro 2019 release puts us in prime position for a well-crafted wishlist. So, here’s what we hope to see Apple upgrade within the Mac Pro for 2019. More internal expansion Dual-processor options A keyboard and mouse included iOS apps on Mac Pro After WWDC 2018, though, we now know exactly how Apple is going to handle this. Instead of just opening the App Store on macOS, we’ll be getting a limited selection of key iOS apps ported over. MacOS 10.14 will have access to News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home, with more eventually coming over in 2019. These apps will be redesigned to feel natural on macOS – so, no touchscreen necessary.
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this report
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| Mac Mini 2019: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:05 PM PDT Just when we thought Apple forgot about the Mac mini, the company swept us off our feet with a stunning return to form late last year, alongside the new MacBook Air. The new Mac mini was so impressive that we’re already eagerly anticipating a Mac mini 2019. Even at its base configuration, the Mac mini 2018 brings high performance, as it features desktop-class 8th-generation Intel Coffee Lake processors, so it’s able to keep up with intense workloads. The miniature Mac also has a ton of ports for connectivity and a decent thermalk architecture to keep temperatures under control. Of course, the new Mac mini is far from a perfect piece of hardware. The integrated graphics leave a lot to be desired, the SSD storage is the bare minimum and it’s not all that affordable – even if it is the cheapest Mac available. Just in case Apple does release a new Mac mini this year, we’ve whipped up a wish list. Check back for more updates as Mac Mini 2019 release date and price information starts to leak, if at all. Cut to the chase
Image Credit: Apple Mac Mini 2019 release dateIt took Apple four years to release the 2018 update, so it’s hard to know if it will actually release a Mac mini 2019. In fact, we may have to wait until a new MacBook Air or Mac Pro refresh. Still, if a new Mac mini does release this year, it probably won’t happen until October, when it typically reveals new Mac releases. At least that’s how it played out last year, when the company broke the news of the Mac Mini 2018 at the Apple Event in late October, with the mini desktop hitting the shelves a few days later in November. Again, whether Apple will release a 2019 Mac Mini model is still speculation at this point, but we’ll update this story once we hear anything more concrete. Keep your eyes peeled.
Image Credit: TechRadar Mac Mini 2019 priceAt the moment, the Mac Mini 2018 has two configurations: the $799 base configuration, which has a Core i3 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, a UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics and a 128GB SSD; and the $1099 “high-end” configuration, which boasts a Core i5 processor a 256GB SSD, and the same integrated graphics and RAM. With its two configurations, the Mac Mini 2018 has been dubbed the “cheapest” Mac on the market, and we definitely want to see the same prices on the 2019 update. Unless Apple has some big, expensive feature it plans to add – e.g. the MacBook Pro and its wonky Touch Bar – we expect the prices to stay in the same ballpark. Although if Apple were to upgrade the storage, something that may not be entirely necessary considering most creatives (its target users) have their own heavy-duty external drives anyway, the price might go up a little.
Image Credit: TechRadar What we want to seeAgain, while the Mac Mini 2018 has been largely well-received due to its superior performance packed in a compact form factor, it does still leave some things to be desired. If Apple’s tiny computer does get its update this year, there are a couple of things we’d like to see improved and added new. A cheaper base model Plus, you still have to shell out for a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse, at the very least, which essentially puts you at almost the same price as an iMac ($1,099) with more storage space to start. The Mac Mini 2018 may boast incredible performance, but its price point is nowhere near competitive. We’d love to see the same level of performance and a much affordable price if the computer does get an update this year. More storage These days, that is the bare minimum for desktops, and is hardly enough for storing a handful of apps and software, let alone big files, like images and videos. At least 256GB of space to start is essential for a would-be 2019 model. Better integrated graphics Some folks have resorted to adding an external GPU to their setups, but that only adds to the cost and defeats the computer’s purpose. So we’d love to see Apple step up its game, and improve the Mac Mini Intel Iris integrated graphics or even a discrete GPU inside. Perhaps something similar to what the MacBook Pros have, which are considerably better. Separate the power supply Separating the built-in power supply could be an effective way to manage this heat problem, resulting in an even better performance and possibly a smaller form factor (or enough space for a dedicated graphics card). More user upgradability The CPU, RAM and storage in the Mac Mini 2018 may be upgraded when you’re in the process of ordering them, maxing the price out at $3,999, but Apple’s doing it for you and it can get expensive quickly. We’d like to see Apple bring back the old generation’s user upgradability in the Mac Mini 2019, especially if the computer largely sticks to the same specs. Better speakers Though a headphone jack is on hand so you can attach better speakers, it would be a welcome update to give the 2019 model a better speaker – or remove it entirely for an even smaller form factor.
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| MacBook Pro 2019: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:05 PM PDT While the MacBook Pro 2018 is definitely an improvement over the 2017 version, there are still plenty of MacBook users that have started to get tired of Apple’s recent moves. Apple has still been releasing new MacBook Pros and other devices faster than our bank accounts can keep up. And, while some of these upgrades have resulted in improved devices – looking at you, Mac mini – some of these updates have fallen flat. These updates are all due to Apple approaching the MacBook Pro in a different way, starting in 2016, focusing on features that make one of the best Macs more appealing to everyday users by further streamlining the design. This mainstream approach is likely why Apple removed all non-Thunderbolt 3 ports. The MacBook Pro is definitely a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, but there are plenty of old-school Apple fans that feel alienated by Apple’s recent approach. However, the MacBook Pro 2018 did benefit from a substantial internal upgrade, now rocking 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen to date – giving it unprecedented speed. Apple has also improved the display with True Tone tech, fixed problems with the Butterfly keyboard, or some of them at least, all while maintaining battery levels from the 2017 model. However, things might be changing for the MacBook Pro 2019. Famed Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo has produced some leaks that suggest Apple is going to release a 16-inch MacBook Pro 2019, with an “all-new” design. We don’t know if this is true or not, but we’re hoping that Apple delivers a new MacBook Pro that’s worthy of its lineage. Cut to the chase
Image Credit: Apple MacBook Pro 2019 release dateAlthough a 2019 update to the MacBook Pro (as well as the Mac Pro) is expected, there’s no rumored release date at the moment. It’s hardly a surprise, as the last update just dropped in July 2018. We might need to wait a few months or even early next year for a clearer date. However, going by Apple’s previous release dates – MacBook Pro 2017 debuted in June 2017 while the MacBook Pro 2018 model came out under the radar in July 2018 – a summer release for the MacBook Pro 2019 makes sense and is highly plausible. However, after Intel announced the 10nm Ice Lake chips at CES 2019 for a late 2019 release date, we could see Apple delay the MacBook Pro until Fall to take advantage of the new tech. In fact, famed Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo has predicted that the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro may get delayed until 2020 or 2021. So, it looks like we may be waiting quite a while for a redesigned MacBook Pro. But, that doesn’t mean we won’t see a spec bump later in 2019. Either way, we’re stuck waiting until Apple is ready to share MacBook Pro 2019 information.
Image Credit: TechRadar MacBook Pro 2019 priceJust the fact that Apple hasn’t upgraded its non-Touch Bar MacBook Pros this year says a lot about its direction, which is likely to phase them out and continue asking us pay for tech that, while promising, hasn’t been perfected yet. The worst part of the 2018 models is the fact that you need to shell out thousands to get the highest amount of RAM (the 32GB RAM option is only available to the 15-inch models) and the largest SSD combo. Otherwise, you’re stuck with base amount of RAM and a Touch Bar that isn’t even universally compatible yet. Photographers and filmmakers who need a bigger screen? You can forget about getting a non-Touch Bar model. You can also forget about upgrading your 13-inch. The majority of its parts are soldered, so you’ll have to bring in a professional and break your warranty. Then you may have to invest in a third-party docking station because the only ports available to you are the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. Of course, it’s hard to predict these things, but you’ll probably see more of the same prices. At the moment, the basic 13-inch with Touch Bar configuration, featuring 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and four Thunderbolt 3 ports, will set you back $1,799 (£1,749, A$2,699). You’re basically paying 300 bucks more for the Touch Bar, Touch ID and two additional Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Image Credit: Apple What we want to see from MacBook Pro 2019Apple hasn’t been getting a lot of love lately, what with the great keyboard debacle of 2016-2017, the troubled Touch Bar and the soldered RAM, to name a few. But, we’re still hoping Apple takes a new lease on life in 2019 and actually gives the users some of the things they need. More port variety, please However, if we’re really being honest, limiting us to Thunderbolt 3 is inconvenient. MacBook Pro is for professionals who want a more seamless workflow. Yes, the Thunderbolt 3 is powerful and versatile, allowing for charging, output and data transfers; but we’re still using other devices and accessories that don’t support it. If we’re expected to connect this cable to that adapter to plug in to that port, we’re not going to be happy. And, while we’re at it, can we just bring back MagSafe charging, please? Some of us tend to trip over those cables, and it was nice to know that we wouldn’t damage those older models in the process. But, seeing how Apple launched the latest MacBook Air with just two Thunderbolt 3 ports and no MagSafe charger, we don’t exactly have our hopes up that Apple is going to diversify the ports on the MacBook Pro 2019. Improved Touch Bar That’s all fine and dandy and, we must admit, the technology has promise. However, if Apple is going to ask for a few hundred bucks for a new feature, can we please get more use out of it? So far, Touch Bar compatibility is only limited to a few programs and apps, and we want to see more added to this list. Plus, it would be nice to get it properly working without the freezes and fat finger issues.
Image Credit: TechRadar Or offer an alternative We’d like to see an option for such users. Bring back the Touch Bar-free 15-inch model and upgrade the 13-inch model without it, perhaps. Better keyboard, display and sound The MacBook Pro designers should take cues from the iPhone X and get rid of the bezeled display. That’s a lot of precious real estate wasted, and pushing for a bezel-free display will give users a bigger screen without having to compromise the size. Plus, by going bezel-free, it’ll give the update a fresher, more modern look. Also, a laptop designed to edit 4K media should have a 4K screen option. And, while Apple’s at it, we’d like to see it reconsider those speakers. We get that Apple is pushing for a more compact design, but the speakers in the older MacBook Pros are so much better. With all the technology they come up with, it would be welcome to receive a premium set of speakers with better base and more volume. New Intel processor However, at CES 2019, Intel announced Ice Lake, its first round of 10nm Sunny Cove processors for laptops. We’re expecting to see these chips in late 2019, so if Apple wants to include these next-gen CPUs in its next MacBooks – which it definitely should – it would need to delay the next MacBook Pro until late 2019. We’ve also seen rumors that Apple is going to back up whatever processor it includes in the MacBook 2019 with more RAM – particularly in the 13-inch model. Where previous 13-inch MacBook Pros topped out at 16GB, word on the street is you’ll be able to get an extremely portable Mac with a whopping 32GB of memory. This is excellent news, as memory demands keep going up year over year.
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| MacBook 2019 release date, news and rumors Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:04 PM PDT Last year came and went with no sign of the new MacBook, instead Apple launched the new MacBook Air – which some would argue replaced it. However, because the latest thin and light has been out for nearly 2 years, we’re ready for the sequel. However, looking back, the MacBook 2017 is everything we’ve wanted since the thin and light rebirth back in 2015 – at least on paper. Thanks to the powerful 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors it experienced a massive boost to power, and the Butterfly keyboard was better than ever, even if it still has some frustrating issues. However, now that we have Intel Amber Lake processors, we expect the MacBook 2019 to use these to take a huge leap over the 2017 model. Hopefully it’ll be as dramatic as the leap the new MacBook Pro experienced. So, be sure to keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll update it with any new information that comes our way. Cut to the chase
MacBook 2019 release dateNone of the most recent reports, rumors or leaks give any idea as to when we’ll see the 2019 MacBook. Of course, we’ll gladly speculate based on the previous three releases of Apple’s 12-inch laptop. In 2015, Apple released the first MacBook during April, directly following a March keynote. That’s an increasingly common time for Apple to release a device, but that obviously didn’t happen this time. However, Apple went all of 2018 without releasing a new 12-inch MacBook, and while we initially thought the blame was on Intel’s 14nm shortage – the Cupertino behemoth had no problem putting out the MacBook Air 2018. So, will we see the MacBook 2019 at WWDC 2019? Well, that event lands on June 3, but last year’s keynote didn’t feature any hardware. However, word on the street is that Apple will split iTunes into four separate apps with macOS 10.15. Apple could use that opportunity to show off a MacBook that’s ostensibly designed for entertainment – the MacBook 2019. Still, we’ll have to wait until Apple is ready to show the MacBook off, so we’ll just have to wait.
MacBook 2019 priceRight now, we think that Apple will launch the MacBook 2019 around the same price as the current models. This is another aspect where we’ll have to speculate based on the current pricing of the MacBook. The entry-level MacBook will run you $1,299, £1,249 or AU$1,899 to start. Only one more model, with more storage and power, goes for another 300 to 450 bucks on top of that. However, there is speculation that Apple is going to be releasing a cheaper 13-inch MacBook, but that turned out to be the new MacBook Air. With the pricing so tight here, amounting to minute differences in hardware between offerings, we probably won’t see a price drop. The only way we see the current version of the MacBook budging in price is if Apple introduces more capacious storage or higher power options, which will send the price up, rather than the opposite. For the MacBook price to come down, or for Apple to release a cheaper MacBook model alongside more expensive version, something has to give. Apple could lower the memory down to 4GB from 8GB, but we don’t think that’ll happen. Instead, we believe the only way we’ll see a cheaper MacBook 2019 would be a MacBook with a 128GB SSD instead of starting with 256GB. We’ll look out for new rumors and update this article as soon as the MacBook 2019 price begins to crop up as we inch closer.
What we want to see in MacBook 2019All of this uncertainty surrounding a possible MacBook 2019 release is fertile ground for a well-crafted wishlist. So, while we wait for any kind of official word from the Cupertino behemoth, here’s what we hope to see Apple improve about the MacBook for 2019. MacBook 2019 keyboard and screenThroughout 2018 there were plenty of rumors that Apple was planning on making a MacBook with dual screens. One of these screens would be a capacitive touch keyboard. We’ve seen a recent rumor that the touchscreen keyboard would have raised glass and haptic feedback, so it feels as much like a traditional keyboard as possible. However, it’s easy to expect this to raise the price in any MacBook that implements it. Even if this touch-screen keyboard doesn’t make its way into the 2019 MacBook, that doesn’t mean the Butterfly mechanism keyboard won’t be improved upon. Apple has recently admitted that some of the keyboards in recent MacBooks are faulty – and will even repair them for free. That’s why we’re pretty sure that the MacBook 2019 will feature the same third-generation Butterfly keyboard as the new Macbook Pro and MacBook Air with a membrane that makes it less prone to jamming up. More ports, pleaseOne of the biggest problems with the 12-inch MacBook, ever since its initial launch has been the sheer lack of ports. With only one Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port and a headphone jack, this absolutely needs to change in the MacBook 2019. Maybe just one more port? We’ve already seen Windows laptops accomplish this feat, like the Huawei MateBook X with its two USB-C ports. Even the similarly priced MacBook Pro has two. Maybe there’s room for a microSD card reader too, but that may be pushing it. Punchier processorsCosting what it does, Apple really needs to inject some more power into its 12-inch MacBooks. Then again, the MacBook has consistently used energy efficient Intel Core ‘M’ and ‘Y’ series CPUs up to this point, we wouldn’t bank on seeing full-fat Ultrabook processors, as they’d generate too much heat for the tiny chassis. But, now that Amber Lake Y-series CPUs have been launched by Intel, we’d like to see Apple shove these latest 8th-generation processors into the new MacBook. but those are essentially old tech already, we’ll just have to see. We’ve also seen some rumors that Apple is planning on crafting an ARM-based MacBook at some point, and if the iPad Pro 2018 is any indication, we could definitely see this happening. Apple would just have to work out some kinks in getting macOS to run on an ARM system. It’s also safe to assume that Apple will shove its T1 or T2 processor into the MacBook 2019 – as it has with all of its latest Macs. Since the 12-inch MacBook doesn’t have a Touch Bar, it’s safe to assume that if one of these co-processors is implemented, it will be used for the automatic wake and ‘Hey Siri’ functionality presently exclusive to the iMac Pro, MacBook Air 2018 and MacBook Pro 2018. Sturdier buildThe Apple MacBook already feels remarkably sturdy in hand, but over time it can become covered with scratches – even if you are extremely careful. Luckily, Apple has recently filed a patent that details plans for making ‘indestructible’ hardware, through some unique coatings. Not only will this be a great option for a premium device that most users won’t upgrade for four to five years, but it’ll keep the MacBook looking as gorgeous as the day you opened it. We don’t know if this patent will ever surface, but this approach along with the improved Butterfly keyboard found in the MacBook Pro 2018 could make the MacBook 2019 a much more durable device. Stronger audio and videoSpeaker performance and webcam quality are two corners that Apple obviously cut through in crafting the MacBook. With the MacBook 2019, this needs to stop. Tinny speakers and a sub-HD webcam for a laptop this expensive simply isn’t acceptable. All Apple needs to do is simply beef the webcam up to 1080p, like its price tag suggests, and problem solved. The speakers, though, are a problem we don’t necessarily have a solution for. Supporting the speakers with down-throwing bass modules in the base might work?
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| MacBook Air 2019: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:03 PM PDT After years of waiting, the new MacBook Air finally released in October 2018. And, with it, Apple made some changes to the MacBook Air lineup, like an awesome new fingerprint sensor, but we think more could have been done to bring the popular laptop into the modern age. And, that’s why we can’t wait to see what Apple does with the MacBook Air 2019 – if a MacBook Air 2019 does indeed come out. We’re not sure what Apple is planning for 2019, which is not out of the ordinary, so we’re not sure a MacBook Air 2019 will even happen. However, we do know that Apple is planning to revolutionize at least one Mac, in the Mac Pro, so we can make some educated guesses about when we might see a new MacBook Air, and create a wishlist of what we want to see. Don’t worry, we’ll keep this page updated with all the latest MacBook Air 2019 rumors and leaks, so be sure to keep it bookmarked. Cut to the chase
Image Credit: TechRadar MacBook Air 2019 release dateTrying to predict the next MacBook Air release date is going to be tricky, thanks in large part to the strange history Apple’s had with the mainstream laptop lineup. Ever since Apple redesigned the MacBook Air in July 2011, a new MacBook Air came out within the same April-to-July timeline. At least, until 2015. After that, Apple skipped 2016 altogether, waiting to release a simple refresh of the MacBook Air with the same 5th-generation processor and a faster SSD in June 2017. Then, Apple released the new MacBook Air in November 2018, with a redesigned chassis and updated internals. Now, we don’t think a MacBook Air refresh will come out this summer – that’s far too soon. Instead, if a new MacBook Air does come out this year, we’d bet on a November launch. We probably won’t see it until 2020 at the earliest, though.
Image Credit: Apple MacBook Air 2019 priceThe MacBook Air has always been the cheapest way to get macOS running on a laptop. And, while that’s still true, Apple raised the price from $999 (£949, AU$1,499) to $1,199 (£1,199, AU$1,849) with the MacBook Air 2018. We believe Apple will keep the price the same with the next MacBook Air, barring another complete redesign – in which case the price would more than likely just go up. We don’t think we’ll see a lower price, unless Apple launches a MacBook Air with an ARM processor. Of course, that’s more likely for a 2020 release at the earliest.
Image Credit: TechRadar What we want to seeThe MacBook Air 2018 did a lot to bring it to the modern age, with 8th-generation Amber Lake fanless processors, modern SSDs and a Retina display. However, it wasn’t quite as revolutionary as many were hoping it’d be – there’s a lot of room for improvement. So, here’s what we want to see in the MacBook Air 2019. Let’s see some faster processors So, we’d like to see Apple shove some full-fat, Ultrabook-class processors in the MacBook Air, and maybe design a fresh cooling solution. Who knows, maybe once Intel’s Ice Lake hits the market, we’ll see some Ultrabook-class processors that don’t produce so much heat. Fix that keyboard, Apple The third-generation Butterfly keyboard placed a rubber film below the keyboard that was supposed to stop it from malfunctioning. But, the MacBook Air is running into its own problems, with key presses repeating. We’re not sure how Apple can fix this problem without designing a whole new keyboard, but we’ve seen a patent that suggests it’s doing just that. We might see a touchscreen MacBook keyboard with raised, tactile keys. This might be Apple’s answer to its keyboard problem. Cheaper storage upgrades The base MacBook Air comes with a paltry 128GB SSD, which might be fine for people with cloud storage and not a lot of app use. . However, to upgrade to 256GB of SSD storage you’re looking at a $200 (£200, AU$300) price jump. That’s huge by itself, but if you want a 1.5TB SSD, you’re looking at a whopping $1,200 (£1,200, AU$1,800) price jump. For that price, you could literally buy a second MacBook Air. Apple’s SSDs are admittedly some of the fastest in the business, but there’s no way a 1.5TB SSD costs that much. The SSD upgrades for the MacBook Air 2019 need to be cheaper.
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| Windows 10 October 2018 Update: release date, news and features Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:03 PM PDT Microsoft, in its continuous mission to make Windows 10 better than ever, finally released the Windows 10 October 2018 Update at the end of last year. This update follows in the footsteps of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. The Windows 10 October 2018 Update, much like previous versions of the OS, brings a ton of new and exciting features to freshen up your PC experience. With new features like the Windows 10 News app and improved phone integration, the Windows 10 October 2018 Update revolutionizes the way we use Windows 10. The Windows 10 October 2018 Update also brings some improvements to Windows Mixed Reality and even some Hololens improvements. If this sounds attractive, you’ll be happy to know that – after getting pushed back due to it deleting user data – the Windows 10 October 2018 Update is available now. However, problems seem to keep emerging. For instance, the latest Windows patches are experiencing conflicts with some antivirus apps, like Avast and Avira, causing users PCs to slow down or lock up. But, hey, at least you can remove a USB drive without ejecting it now. So, now that you can download and install the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, we thought it was about time to jump into all the details. So, keep this page bookmarked and we’ll update it with any new information that comes our way. Cut to the chase
Windows 10 October 2018 Update release dateThe Windows 10 October 2018 Update is finally out now, even though there are plenty of problems. It was initially launched back at the beginning of October, but it was pulled after bugs were discovered that were deleting user data. But, Microsoft has lifted that restriction, and it’s available to download once more. Then, earlier in March, Microsoft released a patch that fixed some performance issues related to the ‘Retpoline’ Spectre fix. But, this same patch broke some PC games. Either way, if you haven’t updated yet, we’ll show you how to download and install the Windows 10 October 2018 Update. Or, if you just want to wait until the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (we don’t blame you), you’ll be happy to know that update has entered the last stage of testing, and should be out at the end of May 2019.
The Fall Creators Update came out in October Windows 10 October 2018 Update nameWhile Redstone 5 is what it was called during development, the actual name is going to be the Windows 10 October 2018 Update. It’s not as catchy as past launches like the ‘Anniversary Update’, or the ‘Creators Update’, but at least it has a very clear title, we guess. Windows 10 October 2018 Update confirmed featuresNow that the Windows 10 October 2018 Update is available, we know all of the features that made it into the final update. From the Cloud Clipboard that lets you copy and paste between devices to the new release of DirectX Raytracing, which takes advantage of the new Nvidia Turing cards, here are all the features that are included in the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
Improvements to Windows 10 Fluent DesignMicrosoft introduced elements of the Fluent Design user interface with the April 2018 Update, and at its Build 2018 event, it showed off more effects and features that will come in Redstone 5. So, expect more apps, including standard Windows programs, using the Fluent Design interface, and there will be some eye-catching 3D effects for Mixed Reality experiences. Improved Game Mode and Game BarWindows 10 Game Mode was already a clear benefit to gamers – even if it’s barely noticeable. With Windows 10 Redstone 5, Microsoft has stated that it’s adding more options to game mode to further optimize gaming performance, but it didn’t really get into specifics. However, the improvements to Game Bar might be more noticeable, and even actually useful to PC enthusiasts and power users. Instead of having to run a third-party program like MSI Afterburner, users will be able to see visualizations of system utilization – think GPU, CPU and RAM usage, as well as frame rate. This will be an amazing addition, and will go a long way to informing users why their games start to run slow.
Intelligent multitasking with SetsWhile Sets is one of the more hotly-anticipated new features, Microsoft recently pulled it from Redstone 5's preview builds. According to Microsoft’s Dona Sarkar in a blog post announcing the 17704 preview build, “we’re taking Sets offline to continue making it great. Based on your feedback, some of the things we’re focusing on include improvements to the visual design and continuing to better integrate Office and Microsoft Edge into Sets to enhance workflow”. So what is Sets, anyway? Well, the basic idea is to bring the concept of tabs from the web browser to the entire interface of the OS in general, so you can have windows with tabs that contain web pages, apps, folders – a mix of everything essentially. At Build, Microsoft showed off more about the potential of Sets in Windows 10, showing how you can have an open document, and clicking a web link will open the web page in a tab next to the document, with everything you open organized in that Set. You’ll then be reminded with prompts while your working about the tabs, which should give you intelligent help when working across a variety of documents, apps and websites. It doesn’t look like Sets is going to make it into the final release of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, but we might get it in the next major Windows 10 release. Storage SenseIn the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Microsoft implemented a new storage feature called Storage Sense. This will automatically free up storage space on your hard drive by getting rid of old files you don’t use anymore. It’ll take these files and back them up on OneDrive, so you’ll still have access to them – without clogging up your hard drive. You’ll have to manually enable this feature in Redstone 5, but it could be a great option for anyone that doesn’t want to manually sort through hundreds of files to optimize storage performance. Better Progressive Web AppsProgressive Web Apps (PWAs) are websites (or web apps) that are implemented as native apps and act just like a normal app would, giving users notifications, live tiles, and even working offline in Windows 10. At Build 2018, Microsoft showed how these web apps will integrate better with Windows 10 in Redstone 5. They will look and behave more like standard Windows 10 apps thanks to an improved interface, and Microsoft also revealed that you’ll be able to download the apps directly from its Edge web browser.
Improved Your Phone appMicrosoft is making a big deal of having Windows 10 work with all manner of devices, and with Redstone 5, we should see a radically improved Your Phone app that will allow you to easily interact with your smartphone through Windows 10. This is done by downloading the Your Phone Companion App (previously named Microsoft Apps) on Android. This app still has the ability to highlight other Microsoft Android apps, though will now allow you to interact with your PC through your phone. You’ll be able to read and reply to text messages from your Windows 10 device, as well as easily share files, photos and more between your PC and your phone. Windows 10 News AppWith Windows 10 Redstone 5, we’re going to get a more refined News App, which will let users gather all the news relevant to them in one curated spot. Including hints of Microsoft’s fluent design, it’ll fit right in to all of the other recently revolutionized tools in Windows 10. Microsoft is hoping to use this news apps to take on services like Apple News or Google News, with a focus on an easy, intuitive news experience.
Cloud clipboardA new feature spotted by people using an early version of Redstone 5 is the cloud clipboard, which will allow users to copy and paste across different devices thanks to the new cloud-powered clipboard. User can trigger the new function by simply hitting Windows Key + C. The copied content will then be available in other Windows 10 devices, and in the future Android and iOS devices as well. Microsoft Mixed Reality improvementsIt wouldn’t be Windows 10 without improvements to Mixed Reality, and the October 2018 Update should have them in spades. In one of the most recent Windows 10 Redstone 5 builds, Microsoft included a variety of improvements to Mixed Reality quality of life, including the ability to seamlessly take screenshots and immediately import them into an email. And, if you’re using a backpack PC to fuel your Mixed Reality desires, you’re in luck. Microsoft has removed the requirement to connect a monitor to use a Mixed Reality headset. Improved search previewsAnother feature due to arrive with Windows 10 Redstone 5 is improved search previews. These now support apps, documents and other files, and should make searching Windows 10 even easier.
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| Windows 10 May 2019 Update release date, news and features Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:02 PM PDT The Windows 10 May 2019 Update will be the first major update for Microsoft's constantly-evolving Windows 10 operating system this year. Also known as Windows 10 version 1903 or 19H1, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is yet another part of Microsoft’s plan of releasing major free tentpole updates that bring new features, tools and apps to Windows 10. This update will follow in the footsteps of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update and the April 2018 Update. These both brought a number of new features (and bugs) to Windows 10 – even if the most recent of which is having trouble convincing users to update. These updates, along with others, aren’t strangers to controversy. Still, with the help of updates like this, Windows 10 has reached 800 million users and is being used by more than two thirds of Steam users. And, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is starting to look like quite the upgrade. Not only is there a ton of new features coming like a system wide Light Mode and the ability to pause updates, but we’ve seen rumors that the new Windows 10 build should be able to play native Xbox One games. The current plan is to have the Windows 10 May 2019 Update roll out at the end of May, as its name suggests, avoiding some of the awkward problems of the last update. In fact, this update has entered the final stage of its testing, so it really does look like it will make it out in its titular month for once. With the launch of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update approaching, Microsoft has begun releasing early versions to Windows Insiders – who are customers who have signed up to try out the latest version of Windows 10. Because of this, we've got a good idea of what sort of new features are coming with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. So, read on to find out all the latest news, rumors, features and release date details about the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Cut to the chase
Windows 10 May 2019 Update release dateWe don't have an official release date for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, but it looks like Microsoft is aiming to get it out by the end of May, as it has entered the final stage of testing. However, be prepared for the May 2019 Update to be delayed. That's because last year's April 2018 update only just released in April. After a few delays, it emerged on April 30, which is cutting it a bit fine. Meanwhile, the October 2018 Update was even more tardy, finally releasing on November 13 – and that's not counting the times the update rollout was paused while Microsoft fixed numerous Windows 10 October 2018 Update problems. With any major update to an operating system, delays and problems can arise, so the May 2019 release date isn't guaranteed. Luckily, even if it does launch with problems, Microsoft will allow users to delay installing the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Given that Microsoft has given it the May 2019 Update title, though, that could mean that it’s finally confident that it will release the update during that month, as it won’t want the embarrassment of releasing a Windows 10 update with an outdated name again. Windows 10 May 2019 Update namePreviously known as the 'Windows 10 April 2019 Update', Microsoft recently revised that to 'May 2019', and officially it's referred to as 'Windows 10 version 1903' or by its codename Windows 19H1. The 19H1 codename gave us a clue to the release date and possible name, as it suggests the update will be released in the first half of 2019. Rumours had been swirling that Microsoft would choose 'April 2019 Update' as the name, following on from its April 2018 Update last year. Another recent rumor all-but confirms the name of the update as the Windows 10 April 2019 Update, as a reference to the April 2019 Update was spotted in the Windows Powershell tool when the "Get-VMHostSupportedVersion" command is run. This reference, which was found by Twitter user Tero Alhonen, was the strongest evidence so far that it would be called the Windows 10 April 2019 Update. Microsoft was apparently running a bit behind schedule, however, and the final name has been revealed to be the 'Windows 10 May 2019 Update'. At this point, Microsoft looks like it's sticking to that name, and the May release date looks firm – so there isn't much chance it will be delayed until later in the year. Windows 10 May 2019 Update confirmed featuresBecause an early version of Windows 10 May 2019 Update is available for Windows Insiders (like ourselves) to try, we've got a good idea of some of the new features that will be heading to Windows 10 with this update. As always with early versions of these Windows 10 updates, this list doesn't have every new feature, but we'll update it when major new features are announced. Also, bear in mind that some of these features may be removed from the final version of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update for various reasons. A new Light theme
Image Credit: Microsoft The Windows 10 May 2019 Update will bring a new Light desktop theme, making a nice contrast to the Dark theme that we're used to with Windows 10. Not only does it make the taskbar and Start Menu lighter, but new icons have been created that better suits the new Light theme. Best of all, you can mix and match parts of the Light and Dark theme to get a look that best suits your tastes. A better Start menu
Image Credit: Microsoft Microsoft has continued to tweak the Start Menu, and the changes it's made in the Windows 10 May 2019 are definitely welcome. First of all, the Start menu when you first use the update is much less cluttered, with tiles and shortcuts for pre-installed apps not taking up as much space. However, there are still a number of apps and games that come pre-installed, and there are probably some that you don't want to use. With the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, you can now uninstall more pre-installed apps that you used to. Another notable change comes in the form of switching the Start menu to have its own dedicated process – StartMenuExperienceHost.exe rather than it being hosted by ShellExperienceHost.exe. That might sound like a complex change under the bonnet, but the only noticeable ramification for the user will be that the Start menu runs more smoothly, and is protected from potential issues which might be caused by other areas of the OS. The end result is a more reliable Start menu, according to Microsoft, and a more responsive one too, because Start doesn’t suspend itself any longer, so that makes for a slightly quicker launch time. Cortana is no longer integrated into the search box
Image Credit: Microsoft In the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, Cortana will be separated from the search box in the taskbar. As well as splitting search and Cortana on the taskbar, settings for these two have also been split up in Windows 10, along with group policies. So now when you click search, you get a straightforward operating system search. And if you want to summon Cortana, you have to use her separate icon. You can now pause updates
Image Credit: Microsoft The Windows 10 May 2019 Update will allow people using Windows 10 Home edition to pause Windows updates for a set number of days. This is a very handy feature that allows you a bit of breathing room when an update is released. It gives you time to check out to make sure that the update is working correctly, and if there are issues, you can pause the update until they've been fixed. In a perfect world, a new Windows update would arrive without any problems, but as we've seen in the past, that rarely happens. This features has been available to Enterprise and professional Windows 10 users, so it's good to see it come to the Home version as well. Reserved space for updates
Image Credit: Microsoft One of the more controversial features that the Windows 10 May 2019 Update brings is that it will now reserve 7GB of space on your hard drive which will be used to store temporary files. While some people may not like Windows 10 helping itself to yet more storage space on your hard drive, the idea is that this will make downloading Windows 10 updates easier in the future, and will prevent people experiencing an error where an update fails to install due to lack of space. Windows Sandbox lets you experimentIf you're running Windows 10 Professional, then the new Windows Sandbox tool could be of interest. It allows you to easily run a virtualized version of Windows 10 in a window, allowing you to run software and test out settings and code without it affecting your main Windows 10 installation. This is only a taste of the new features that are coming to Windows 10 with the May 2019 Update. We'll continue to update this list as we discover more.
Image Credit: TechRadar Helpful error messagesThe Blue Screen of Death is infamous at this point, popping up whenever Windows runs into a critical error, but they’ve never been very useful to average users. But, it looks like that might be changing with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Microsoft is finally changing error messages to be more helpful – they’ll now tell you how to fix the problems. The error message will pop up when a problem is encountered, and users should see options to try and fix it. The error messages will also have a link to a knowledge base, rather than forcing users to rely on Google for answers.
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| Surface Studio 3: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:01 PM PDT The Surface Studio 2 recently launched at the tail end of 2018, packed with 7th-generation Kaby Lake laptop chips and high-end Nvidia Pascal graphics. It’s designed first and foremost for digital artists and illustrators, and the price tag reflects that. But, 7th-generation laptop chips are already looking long in the tooth, with the advent of Coffee Lake and the upcoming 9th-generation Intel laptop chips, so the Surface Studio 2 is arguably out of date. So, we’re left wondering: what will the Surface Studio 3 look like? Now, we’re not expecting any hard information to surface about the new Studio, especially since the Surface Studio 2 is still new. But, we can still craft a sort of wish list, right? So, be sure to keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll keep it updated with all the latest news and rumors as they arrive. Cut to the chase
Surface Studio 3 release dateWe’re just going to come right out and say it: you probably shouldn’t expect to see the Surface Studio 2 any time soon. The original Surface Studio is more than two years old now, launching in December 2016, with the Surface Studio 2 following in November 2018. Just based off of these two releases, we can assume we won’t see the Surface Studio 3 until the end of 2020.
Surface Studio 3 priceBoth the Surface Studio and its sequel are expensive computers. Both represent a massive expense for artists. And, it would be safe to expect the Surface Studio 3 to be at least as expensive. The Surface Studio 2 already bumped the price up by $500 (AU$800, about £390) over the $2,999 (AU$4,699, about £2,390) original, setting users back $3,499 (AU$5,499, about £2,720). If Microsoft does decide to hike the price further, we just hope it means that the Surface Studio 3 is packed with some more up to date hardware upon release.
What we want to seeThe Surface Studio 3 is already an incredibly niche product, so it’s kind of hard to draw comparisons to existing devices to try and create a wish list. But, because we here at TechRadar don’t believe a perfect product exists, here’s what we want to see in the Surface Studio 3 if and when it comes to market. Come on, Thunderbolt 3 There are so many storage drives, monitors and other accessories that rely on Thunderbolt 3 to get the job done, and this is especially true for professional products. By 2020, when we’re likely going to see Thunderbolt 3 on flash drives, it will be all but essential. The Surface Studio 2 already has the USB-C port – it just needs to go that step forward. For a device that wants to take center stage in the professional artist’s setup, the lack of Thunderbolt 3 – especially at this price point – is inexcusable. Hardware that’s actually up to date But, Intel launched Coffee Lake H-series mobile processors way back in April 2018 – more than six months before the Surface Studio 2 hit the streets. We’re not saying that the Kaby Lake chips aren’t going to get the job done, they will – but, Coffee Lake processors would get the job done faster. Is it too much to ask for an up-to-date processor, though? We aren’t sure which “Lake” Intel will be on in late 2020, but, Microsoft: please include the latest processor. Because, if you’re forking over thousands for a computer, you deserve up-to-date hardware. Up the screen resolution So, we’d like to see the Surface Studio 3 take screen resolution to a whole new level. We’re not saying go straight to 8K, but maybe we could see something in between – outclass that iMac Pro display to make it a better sell to would-be Apple converts. At the end of the day, no one knows what the Surface Studio 3 is going to look like. But, keep it locked to this page, and if we hear anything, we’ll update this article.
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| Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:01 PM PDT The original Surface Laptop is nearly two years old these days, but when it first came out, stuck with Windows 10 S Mode, it didn’t make that much sense compared to the rest of the Surface lineup. Still, when the Surface Laptop 2 finally released last year, it refined the formula enough to become one of the best laptops on the market. So, that leaves us thinking: what will the Surface Laptop 3 look like? Beyond obvious upgrades to the internals, like Intel Whiskey Lake or Ice Lake processors, a higher resolution and Thunderbolt 3 are the highest on our wishlist – but Microsoft would likely have to be willing to abandon its proprietary Surface connector. Now, we obviously don’t have any solid information about the Surface Laptop 3 – even rumors are thin on the ground – but that doesn’t mean we can’t craft a wish list of what we want to see in the third Surface Laptop. So, be sure to keep this page bookmarked, and we’ll update it with any Surface Laptop 3 news or rumors that we find. Cut to the chase
Surface Laptop 3 release dateUnlike something like the Surface Pro 7, there have only been two Surface Laptop releases, and it’s a product line that’s been around for less than two years. So, we have less info to work from when guessing at a release window. The original Surface Laptop came out in June 2017, alongside the Surface Pro. However, the Surface Laptop 2 saw an October 2018 release. So, we might end up seeing the Surface Laptop 3 sometime in 2019, but it’s hard to predict exactly when we’ll see it. We could see it launch during or before September, as it’s popular for students. However, if Microsoft does launch it then, it’d have to use Intel Whiskey Lake processors instead of the next-gen Ice Lake chips, and that may not be a substantial enough upgrade from the Kaby Lake Refresh chips in the Surface Laptop 2. So, we could see Microsoft waiting until 2020 to launch the Surface Laptop 3 – depending on when Intel launches its new processors, of course. This is all speculation, of course, so you should take it with salt. We’ll update this section as soon as we hear anything about the Surface Laptop 2 release date.
Surface Laptop 3 priceThe original Surface Laptop launched a $799 (around £560, AU$1,000), with an Intel Core m3 processor and Windows 10 S out of the box. But, the Surface Laptop 2 significantly raised the price of entry, charging users $999 (£979, AU$1,499). This higher price point did come with full-fat Ultrabook processors in every configuration, plus the full Windows 10 Home. We think Microsoft will continue to charge the same $999 (£979, AU$1,499) for the Surface Book 3, to keep it competitive with similar Ultrabooks, like the Dell XPS 13.
What we want to seeThe Surface Laptop 2 already improved so much on the Surface Laptop, that it’s hard to think of what else Microsoft could do to make it even better. Still, we’ve come up with a few things we’d like to see in the Surface Laptop 3, using our tech expertise as a guiding hand. Faster processors There are technically faster Ultrabook-class processors out already, with Intel’s Whiskey Lake, but they provide such a small upgrade in performance, that it really isn’t worth upgrading. However, at CES 2019, Intel announced its 10nm Ice Lake processors, promising to increase performance two fold in certain workloads. While Intel’s performance claims should be taken with a grain of salt, the gains to performance and battery life that a 10nm process would afford are still exciting. Thunderbolt 3, please Fortunately, Microsoft has patented a new magnetic USB-C charger, that would have the best of both worlds. We just hope the technology is ready before the Surface Laptop 3 hits the streets. Freshen up the design And, it’s not like Microsoft isn’t pursuing thinner designs. Microsoft has patented a thinner Type Cover, with a touchpad built right into the printed circuit board. This could lead to the Surface Pro 7 to have a smaller footprint overall, but we’d be interested to see if this design philosophy would carry over to other Surface devices. Thinner laptops are always in demand, so a thinner and lighter Surface Laptop 3 is definitely possible. However, we have seen a recent patent from Microsoft that could make the fur-coated design of the Surface Laptop 3 make a little more sense. The patent describes a touch-sensitive fabric, that could give the Surface Laptop 3 more touch controls on the chassis of the device. Maybe for volume or brightness – like a fuzzy Touch Bar. Image Credit: TechRadar This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Surface Book 3: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:01 PM PDT When the original Surface Book hit the streets, it was massively successful. But, awesome as it was, we didn’t expect the sequel, the Surface Book 2, to improve on everything the original did, culminating in a device that made the MacBook Pro look like a cheap toy. So, it’s not hard to see why we can’t wait to see what the Surface Book 3 looks like, even if we probably won’t see it for a while. Just think about it, a Surface Book 2 with a sharper, brighter display, more powerful components and Thunderbolt 3. It could be the best 2-in-1 laptop ever made. With these features, the Surface Book 3 would be the perfect foil to Apple’s pro laptops. If Microsoft is able to bottle up what made the first two Surface Book devices great, and distill it into the third model, the Surface Book 3 might end up being the best laptop to date. Now, while there is little to no concrete information about the Surface Book 3, we can at least do a bit of speculation based on past releases and our tech expertise. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into what we think the Surface Book 3 may look like. Cut to the chase
Image Credit: Microsoft Surface Book 3 release dateThe Surface Book 2 was released in late 2017 – it’s more than a year old. But, if we follow the release pattern of Surface devices that aren’t the Surface Pro, you shouldn’t expect the Surface Book 3 until late 2019 or early 2020 at the earliest. Now, a couple new Surface devices launched in October 2018: the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. Still, we didn’t see any sign of a new Surface Book. And, now that Microsoft has recently given the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 a quad-core processor, we don’t see a Surface Book 3 coming out any time soon. Until we get more concrete information, or even rumors, we’re going to stick with our late 2019 or 2020 Surface Book 3 release date speculation.
Image Credit: Microsoft Surface Book 3 priceUnfortunately, because there’s no concrete information about the Surface Book 3 right now, we don’t really know anything about its price. However, we can look at the pricing of the Surface Book and the Surface Book 2 and do a bit of speculation. Right now, thanks to a new lower-storage model, the 13.5 inch Surface Book 2 starts at $1,199 or £1,149, while the 15 inch version still sits at a $2,499 or £2,349 (AU$3,649) price of admission. If you ask us, that’s already enough scratch. Still, let’s hope and pray that the would-be Surface Book 3 stays well within that price range, as we likely wouldn’t be able to afford much more.
Image Credit: Microsoft What we want to see in a Surface Book 3Because the Surface Book 3 is so far off, and we don’t have any solid information on what it’ll look like, all we can do is create a wishlist for what we want to see improved in the next Surface Book. So, here’s our Surface Book 3 wish list, based on speculation, leaks and rumors. More powerful internals And, if Microsoft waits to release the Surface Book 3 until Ice Lake hits the streets in late 2019, the Surface Book 3 could be both powerful and battery efficient. Use the extra space accordingly Thunderbolt 3, please And, it looks like it may actually happen. Microsoft has patented a magnetic USB-C connector that would sort of function like the existing magnetic Surface charger. Whether or not this will actually support Thunderbolt 3 remains to be seen, but we don’t see why it wouldn’t. Better power management A 4K display would be nice All accessories included Black color option Just imagine, a Surface Book 3 that could not only compete with the MacBook Pro 2018, but one that has a more beautiful color option than the Space Gray on the latest Apple flagship.
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| Microsoft Surface Pro 7: what we want to see Posted: 16 Apr 2019 12:00 PM PDT Microsoft has consistently pumped out some of the best Windows tablets and 2-in-1 laptops over the years with its Surface lineup. But, back in October 2018, when the Surface Pro 6 launched, there were relatively few changes over the 2017 model. So, we started wondering when we could expect more impactful improvements to the Surface Pro formula. Enter the Surface Pro 7: we’re starting to see all kinds of patents for the new Surface Pro coming out of the woodwork that may just change how we use Microsoft’s tablets. For instance, there’s a new USB-C magnetic Surface charger, which we really hope comes to fruition. Couple that with Intel’s new Ice Lake processors that should launch sometime this year, that is if Microsoft doesn’t pack it with new ARM processors, and the Surface Pro 7 may end up being the most powerful yet. However, because nothing has been confirmed, you should keep in mind that this is all informed speculation. Still, we’ll definitely update this article with any new information that surfaces. Cut to the chase
Surface Pro 7 release dateBecause the Surface Pro 6 essentially just came out, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the next one any time soon in 2019 much less this year at all. The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 6 both launched in October 2015 and 2018, respectively. However, the Surface Pro 2017 saw a June release date. It’s possible that the Surface Pro 7 will launch in October 2019, but the release cadence for Surface Pro devices appears to be approximately every 16 to 18 months. So, we might see the Surface Pro 7 until Spring or Summer 2020. We could see it hit the streets in October, if Microsoft wants to target that annualized release, but we’ll believe that when we see it. Don’t worry, though, we’ll update this article just as soon as we hear any word – official or otherwise – on the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 release date.
Surface Pro 7 priceThe Surface Pro 6 launched at $899 (£879, AU$1,349) for the base model, but that marked an increase in price over the Surface Pro 2017, the base model of which was $799 (£799, AU$1,199). So, the pricing of the Surface Pro 7 could go one of two ways: another increase of $100, or it may just stay the same price – we doubt the price will drop again, though. If the price does go up by another $100, and start at $999 (about £770, AU$1,380), it’ll put the Surface Pro 7 in the same league as devices like the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Spectre x360 – not to mention the new iPad Pro. Much like anything else here, we won’t know the actual pricing of the Surface Pro 7 until Microsoft is ready to share it. But, we’ll update this article as soon as that happens.
What we want to seeBecause the Surface Pro 7 is so far out right now, it’s hard to predict what exactly will be in the next Surface device. However, with all the patents that Microsoft has filed recently, like a update to the Surface Pen that would make it more accurate, we have come up with a wishlist of updates we’d like to see. Blazing Speed However, we’ve seen some rumors that Qualcomm Snapdragon-equipped Surface devices are “floating around”. It’s unlikely that the top-end Surface Pro 7 would use an ARM processor like this, as there would be problems with software emulation of x86 apps. However, we could see an entry-level Surface device using these ARM chips. If the Surface Pro 7 includes these new processors, you can expect much greater performance, while also getting improved battery life across the board. Thunderbolt 3, please Luckily, we have reason to believe that Microsoft will launch the Surface Pro 7 with Thunderbolt 3 support, or at the very least basic USB-C charging. Microsoft has patented a new magnetic charger with a USB-C input that would function like the current Surface charger. We’re truly not sure whether Surface Pro 7 will support Thunderbolt 3, as it depends upon Microsoft’s willingness to trade its proprietary technology for Thunderbolt 3, which it must pay Intel to license. An improved Type Cover And, we might have an idea of the next generation Type Cover will look like. Microsoft has patented a thinner Type Cover that should reduce the footprint of the device all around. It looks like Microsoft is planning on doing this by using a trackpad that’s built right into the printed circuit board. It would also use haptic feedback in the keys, to improve the tactile response of typing – which would be necessary on a thinner keyboard cover. It’s a bizarre move, but we’re nonetheless intrigued – if Microsoft can make the Type Cover slimmer without falling in the same trap as Apple’s Butterfly keyboards, it could change the game. We’ve also seen a patent that would make the fabric covering the Type Cover smarter. It would feature touch sensitivity, so you could swipe through news stories and photos without having to find the touchpad or the touchscreen. We’re not sure who was asking for this tech, but it’s a cool idea nonetheless.
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| The cheapest Samsung Galaxy Buds prices, deals and sales in April 2019 Posted: 16 Apr 2019 11:58 AM PDT Along with the Samsung Galaxy S10 phone, Samsung has also launched a pair of true wireless headphones - the Samsung Galaxy Buds. The Samsung Galaxy earbuds are available for purchase now, so we've put together a list of the best prices and sales from several retailers below.
Samsung Galaxy Buds pricesThe Samsung Galaxy Buds currently retail for $129 (£139 / AU$249) which is actually cheaper than Samsung's previous truly wireless headphones, the Gear IconX ($149.99 / £157). The only features that the Galaxy Buds lack when compared to the Gear IconX are the ability to load your music to the earbuds, increased water-resistance and audio coaching for exercises. The Samsung earbuds are also cheaper than Apple's Airpods ($159/£159) which makes the Galaxy Buds one of the most affordable high-end wireless earbuds on the market. You'll find all of the prices below from several different retailers so you can find the best deal that's currently available. You can learn more about the Samsung earbuds with our Samsung Galaxy Buds review. You can also shop more of the best cheap wireless headphone deals and sales that are currently going on. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| OPPO Reno with unique pop-up camera and 10x zoom launches in the UAE Posted: 16 Apr 2019 11:31 AM PDT OPPO today unveiled its hotly talked about Reno series at a global launch event in the UAE. The Reno series is the Chinese tech company’s latest premium smartphone range and another attempt to offer a creative solution to the dreaded notch. It has a unique selfie pop-up camera that slides up like a wedge from the top. The Reno series includes two models, the flagship Reno 10x Zoom and a slightly underpowered Reno Edition, both of which will sport the side-swing pop-up camera. Folks in the UAE can start pre-ordering the Reno series in Ocean Green or Jet Black from April 17th and pre-orders open up in Saudi from April 18th. As for pricing, the Reno Edition will be available for AED 1,899 / SAR 1,899 for the 6GB/256GB configuration but you’ll have to wait a little bit longer for pricing details on the Reno 10x Zoom which will come in a 8GB/258GB config. We do expect the 10x Zoom to a bit pricey but OPPO will be partnering with Etisalat to offer 24month smart pay options to consumers.
Reno and Reno 10x Zoom SpecsThe Reno 10x Zoom and Reno Edition will sport sizable 6.6-inch and 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED displays respectively. Both models will have Android P and all the software bells and whistles that come with OPPO’s premium range as well as VOOC 3.0 charging via USB-C ports and in-display fingerprint scanners. They both will also have the most talked about feature, a16MP f/2.0 pop-up side-swing selfie camera on top capable of taking selfies in low-light conditions. The flagship 10x Zoom model will powered by the latest Snapdragon 855 processor coupled with 8GB RAM and 4,065 mAh battery capacity. There are three cameras on the back starting with the main 48MP main sensor capable of shooting 4K video with a 13MP telephoto lens and an incredulous 10x hybrid zoom for super close-up shots. No headphone jack on the 10x Zoom but does have stereo speakers and supports Dolby Atmos.
Specs are slightly watered down for the Reno Edition that has a Snapdragon 710 under the hood with 6GB RAM and a respectable 3,765 mAh battery capacity. It only has two cameras on the back but adds in a headphone jack that’s been ditched on the Reno 10x Zoom. The main sensor is a 48MP lens that can also capture 4K video coupled with a 5MP telephoto lens for those artsy bokeh shots. OPPO will also work with Etisalat and Zain to enhance 5G development in the region by carrying out commercial 5G smartphone co-tests. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 16 Apr 2019 11:15 AM PDT If the first leg was a tad underwhelming, tonight's rematch should be an absolute cracker. To the neutral football fan, Barcelona against Man United has to be the draw of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Two of the very biggest names in world club football meet in the second leg of their 180 minute encounter and we're here to tell you how to live stream Barcelona vs Manchester United from absolutely anywhere in the world. So which way is this huge tie going to go? Manchester United's renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskaer has slowed down a little in recent weeks - culminating in that 1-0 loss at Old Trafford a week ago. But they will still be buoyed by their impossible comeback win against PSG in the last 16. Paul Pogba's Premier League form may have dipped, but the likes of Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard should be on hand to offer the fire power. Barcelona's superstars don't require much of an introduction - Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic...oh yeah, and a guy called Lionel Messi. Between them, they'll be licking their lips at United's defensive frailties and very hopeful indeed that they grab capitalise on their away goal advantage and reach the semi-finals. They have had the liberty of resting players in La Liga, too, with their massive points advantage at the top. We honestly can't predict who's going to come out of this on top - we're just hoping for an absolute feast of football. To ensure that you don't miss a minute, read on to see how to get a Barcelona vs Manchester United live stream no matter where you are in the world.
Use a VPN to watch Champions League football outside your countryIf you try to watch your domestic coverage of this Champions League game away from your home country, then you'll inevitably find that it's geo-blocked. Thankfully, there's a way around this, namely via a VPN. That allows you to tune in no matter where you are in the world. And best of all, it's really easy to do, especially if you use our number one recommended provider ExpressVPN.
Stream the Man U game live in the UK
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| Apple's macOS 10.15 could officially support iPad as a secondary display Posted: 16 Apr 2019 10:42 AM PDT Apple may offer a new way to extend its Mac displays to monitors and even iPads in the major macOS release for 2019, according to 9to5Mac The company has long touted the displays on its devices as being among the best around, with devices like the 2018 MacBook Pro supporting the cinematic DCI-P3 color space, and Apple's Retina Displays offer pixel densities that keep visuals crisp. The report suggests a new feature code-named Sidecar is coming to macOS 10.15 to offer new ways to extend Mac displays. While we've seen some curious third-party methods to add Retina displays to a MacBook, native support from Apple in macOS is likely to prove a more convenient way for users, especially those with a suite of Apple devices. While Sidecar appears aimed at making use of multiple displays easier, by adding new options to the green button on the top of application windows in Mac, the biggest perk will likely be the ability to use iPads as connected displays.
A handy little sidekickAccording to the report, Macs running macOS 10.15 will be able to extend their displays to iPads and move application windows onto the iPad displays. Since on-the-go workers aren't likely to tote around a second monitor in their backpack or laptop bag, the option to use an iPad as a display extension can make extra screen real estate a reality while retaining mobility. Another bonus for creative professionals is that they'll be able to use the Apple Pencil on their connected iPads – assuming they're using a model that already supports the Apple Pencil. This would make the iPad an effective drawing tablet without needing to rely on mobile versions of apps. Users would be able to take advantage of full desktop versions of software like Adobe Photoshop while using the iPad's stylus support. One huge detail that remains to be clarified is whether the connected displays will require a wired connection, or whether they'll work wirelessly.
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| The best printer for students 2019: top picks for printing out coursework Posted: 16 Apr 2019 10:12 AM PDT If you or a loved one is at school or college, then our guide of the best printer for students in 2019 is here to help. Buying the best printer for the student in your life can help them with their studies, printing out notes, homework and research. Having the best student printer means you don't have to go to an internet cafe or library to print out your stuff. This can help save time, money and stress when those deadlines loom. Of course, if you're looking for the best student printer you're probably on a budget, so we've picked the best student printers that don't cost the earth. We're not just talking about initial outlay when you first buy the printer, but we've also picked the best printers for students that have low running costs as well. With our list of the best printers for students, we've put together our top picks that will suit a student's needs, no matter what educational institute they are at. If you're also looking for a laptop, make sure you check out our best laptops for students 2019 guide.
Image Credit: HP Thanks to its two-way cloud-based network connection, you can operate this ‘smart printer’ from your mobile device with or without a Wi-Fi network. It has no USB or Ethernet ports and no scanner either. Instead it relies on wireless connectivity while the Tango companion app harnesses your smartphone’s camera to scan and straighten images for printing. All this allows the Tango X to be smaller than other inkjets and cheaper too. It is particularly user friendly, thanks to the excellent app and can even be voice controlled with the assistance of Alexa. Replacement ink cartridges are rather costly, but you can sign up to HP’s Instant Ink program to make some saving while having replacements sent in the mail.
Image Credit: Brother Brother’s entry-level inkjet 3-in-1 bundles all of the features a student could need in one compact and compact unit. With USB ports front and rear, an SD Card slot and Wi-Fi, it’s well connected, with high print and scan resolutions and a low price point. It prints somewhat slowly at 12ppm in mono, but duplex documents appear crisp and consistent and photos on glossy paper look lifelike enough for a budget model. Read the full review: Brother DCP-J774DW
Image Credit: Canon Canon has done well to shrink its smallest AIO to the size of a shoebox without loosing functionality or the big touchscreen display. It can hold 100 sheets of paper in the main tray and 20 more in its second tray and still find room for five ink cartridges, giving it an advantage over its four-ink rivals when it comes to photo printing. Duplex printing is not fast, but colour documents and photos are worth waiting for.
Image Credit: Epson As the smallest member of Epson’s Premium range of home printers, the XP-6105 is well suited to student accommodation. Apart from a fax facility, it is fully featured with Wi-Fi, auto duplex printing, USB and SD card slots all built in and the ability to print on any kind of media from blank CDs up to A4 photo paper. It lacks a touchscreen display, but it’s easy to use and the for the money, the performance is impressive.
Image Credit: Kodak It is unusual to find a printer that’s both cheap to buy and cheap to run, but Kodak has managed this in the Verité 65 Plus and has done so without sacrificing any key features. The coloured inks are combined in one cartridge, but replacements cost less than other brands and the Eco mode eeks out more even more pages per cartridge. It is fully featured too with a duplex mode and both Wi-Fi and NFC built in. It is slow to print and the photo quality is underwhelming, but mono and mixed documents are impressive given the price. Read the full review: Kodak Verité 65 Plus
Image Credit: HP Prices vary widely for this model, but the 2130 seems to be one of the most affordable all-in-one printers out there. It’s a very basic machine, but if you don’t need Wi-Fi (it has an Ethernet port), or auto duplexing, or a display of any kind, this stripped back machine will print, scan and copy much like any other budget AIO. Of course, the real cost comes when you replace the inkjet cartridges and the setup tri-colour cart included in the box is only good for up to 100 pages and replacements are quite expensive.
Image Credit: HP At less than £50 (around US$64, AU$90), this fully featured three-in-one printer looks like a steal. It can print scan and auto duplex print and has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in for easy mobile operation. It can handle all kinds of paper up to A4 size and has a clear, albeit mono, display. Ink refils, as you probably guessed, are expensive, but HP’s Instant Ink subscription service eases the cost and currently, a 12-month free trial is included with your purchase.
Image Credit: Canon Canon’s latest range of cartridge-less inkjets includes this entry-level mono printer that’s well suited to student life. Although the initial cost is rather high, the box includes enough ink for 6,000 pages and refills bottles have a much higher yield than cartridges. Perfect for churning out that dissertation. Despite the small size, it can hold 250 sheets of paper in the main tray and another 100 in the rear tray. Duplex printing is quite quick and with Wi-Fi built in, you can scan and print wirelessly using AirPrint and Canon’s excellent PRINT app.
Image Credit: TechRadar By swapping ink cartridges for bottled ink, this printer has a far higher page yield and much lower per page cost. You can clearly see when the ink reservoirs are running low and with Wi-Fi built in, it’s easy to scan and print using your mobile device. It can auto duplex print and includes an automatic document feed and fax facility.
Image Credit: Epson If you need to print a lot of black and white pages and space and money are limitning factors, this compact print only device has the answer. The up-front price might seem daunting, but it includes enough black ink for 6,000 pages. That’s because instead of a cartridge, you will be filling up a reservoir from the supplied ink bottle yourself and replacement bottles are far cheaper. Wi-Fi is built in and it can turn out duplex pages at a somewhat slow, but steady rate of 15ppm and there’s room in this streamlined machine for 150 sheets of paper.
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