Monday, June 10, 2019

Apple : The best gaming monitor 2019: the 10 best gaming screens of the year

Apple : The best gaming monitor 2019: the 10 best gaming screens of the year


The best gaming monitor 2019: the 10 best gaming screens of the year

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 01:46 PM PDT

The best PC games can take you to places, letting you see things that you never thought possible. This is why you must think about picking up one of the best gaming monitors to bring your gaming experience to a whole new level.

What makes the best gaming monitors better for gaming, you ask? Well, everything ultimately boils down to what you want to get out of it. The market is full of many different types of monitors these days, and the best gaming monitor for you will depend on the kind of games you play.

If you’re someone who just wants to sit and get absorbed into your favorite single player games like Devil May Cry V or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you may want a 4K Ultra HD gaming monitor with HDR. On the other hand, if you’re all about the esports life, playing Overwatch, you’ll want one of the best gaming monitors with a high refresh rate and low response time.

Finding the best gaming monitor can be tricky, and that’s why we’re here. We gathered all the best gaming monitors we’ve tested and reviewed over the last year or so. No matter what kind of PC games you typically play, we’ll help you find the best monitor for your gaming needs.

BenQ EX3501R

BenQ EX3501R

HDR has been a major selling point for the best TVs for sometime now, but the feature yet to gain popularity in the best gaming monitors sphere. The trailblazing BenQ EX3501R takes HDR and runs with it, crafting a curved ultra-wide that is not only what we would deem ‘attainable’, but beautiful as well. BenQ bills this monitor as a ‘video enjoyment monitor’, but from the moment you launch your favorite HDR-enabled games, you’ll know straight away why it tops our list of the best gaming monitors.

Read the full review: BenQ EX3501R 

Alienware AW3418DW

Alienware AW3418DW

The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that offers that level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also featuring a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, lightning fast 4ms response times and a fast 120Hz refresh rate, the AW3418DW offers the best of both worlds. All these features do come with a steep price, so it may not be the best choice for budget-minded gamers. Still, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best gaming monitors 2019 has to offer.

Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW

AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition

AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition

The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we’d used, so when we heard that a follow-up was on its way, with a higher refresh rate and better contrast, we could hardly wait. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition brings back original’s best features and turns those up to 11, making it an excellent display to experience ultra-wide gaming on. It’s expensive, yeah, but if you have the hardware to back it up, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not buying it. 

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition 

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ may just be the most advanced and best gaming monitor to add to your arsenal – as long as you have the budget for it. This display touts a gorgeous 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, as well as G-Sync and a 144Hz refresh rate. These specs make for one of the most incredible gaming monitors that’s ever existed – and when you see it in action, it will blow your mind. The only thing that holds this gaming monitor back from true greatness is its insane price tag. But, then again, if you have this kind of cash lying around, you should be able to afford a PC powerful enough to drive it.  

Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

BenQ PD3200U

BenQ PD3200U

Primarily designed for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is still one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today. This is mostly thanks to its rock-solid focus on graphic design, so it’s able to offer fantastic viewing angles – meaning your friends can watch you play in comfort. Plus, unlike a lot of 4K monitors on the market, you won’t have to mess around with the settings in order to get the best picture – every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before it’s shipped. This is one of the best gaming monitors out there, even though it wasn’t technically designed for gaming.

Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U

Acer Predator X27

Acer Predator X27

There’s a certain group of PC gamers out there that need the absolute best hardware money can buy, and the Acer Predator X27 might be the best gaming monitor for them. The list of high-end features packed into this display is almost as long as our arm – 4K resolution, HDR-10, G-Sync, 144Hz refresh rate – you’d be hard pressed to find a more advanced monitor. And, once you get a look at this monitor in person, you’ll be sold. That is, until you see the price tag – at around $1,600, only lucky lottery winners need apply. Still, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming.

Read the full review: Acer Predator X27

BenQ Zowie XL2540

BenQ Zowie XL2540

With its blinders, the BenQ Zowie XL2540 might rub you the wrong way in the beginning, but trust us when we say it’s right up there on the best gaming monitors list. It sacrifices flashy lighting effects for a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and rapid 1ms response time. There aren’t any adaptive sync options, unfortunately, but if you have a rig that’s capable of keeping up with this refresh rate, it will go a long way. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things simple by supplying you with lots of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and even a pair of adjustable light screens. If you’re a professional gamer, then this is one of the best gaming monitors to consider. 

Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540

Samsung CHG90 QLED

Samsung CHG90 QLED

With this display, Samsung not only brings QLED to gaming monitors in a massive way, but also get bragging rights to the widest ultra-wide monitor on the market today. Coming in at 49.5 inches, this behemoth may take up a lot of space – it’s likely to jut out over the sides of your desk – but with its impressive 3,840 x 1080 resolution and HDR, you’ll at least be blown away by the image. Even if you decide not to play in this resolution (it will require a beefy rig), you can still use all of the extra screen real estate so you have a browser or a movie playing on the same screen. The only real drawback is the monstrous price tag. Still, for a display this premium, it may very well be worth it.

Read the full review: Samsung CHG90 QLED

Samsung CHG70 QLED

Samsung CHG70 QLED

If you have a powerful graphics card that you want to take full advantage of, Samsung’s got something just for you - you don’t mind missing out on 4K Ultra HD, that is. The Samsung CHG70 is a curved 1440p monitor with a blazing fast 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate, which makes it one of the best gaming monitors you can buy in 2019. And, considering it’s regularly going on sale, this screen is a bargain as well, making it a worthwhile investment.

Read the full review: Samsung CHG70 QLED 

MSI Optix MAG271CR

MSI Optix MAG271CR

When you’re playing competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you’re going to require speed more than anything to stay on top of the leader boards. That’s where monitors like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With a 1080p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of latency, you’re going to have super fast, super smooth gameplay as long as you have the hardware to drive it. After all, 60Hz panels are so 2014 – the best gaming monitors are all about the high refresh rates.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR

 How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2018

If you are in the market for the best gaming monitor 2019 has to offer, know there are a few things to consider before making a decision on what display should grace your desk.

By familiarizing yourself with the following terms and specifications, it will help ensure that you’re picking the best gaming monitor for your needs – which also means you're not paying extra for additional features that you might not actually need.

Screen size: When shopping around for the best gaming monitor, one of the most crucial things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences since the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also need to make sure you have the room to store a large monitor. Of course, it goes without saying that larger monitors will usually mean a higher price.

Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor dictates the width and height of the screen. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3, which will look pretty outdated in 2019. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wide view of your games, which is why many ultra wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2019.

Resolution: Another important factor to consider when looking for the best gaming monitor for your needs is the resolution. Here, the higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K).

Refresh rate: When you’re primarily looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is especially important. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, which leads to a much smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is most common in 2019, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more and more prominent.

Response time: The best gaming monitors boast low response times, which means fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we’ll get to this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s crucial to keep this number as low as possible in order to combat latency.

Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels have the lowest response times, and they are usually cheaper as well. However, they generally don’t have great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels sit between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world.

Viewing Angle: Even though most people play games directly in front of their gaming monitor, this isn’t always be the case, particularly when you have an audience. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below.

G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably notice that many of the best gaming monitors in 2018 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. This helps keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combats screen tearing and diminishes input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so you'll require an Nvidia GPU, and the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. On the other hand, there’s FreeSync, which was developed by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are typically cheaper.

Check out our HDR Explained video below.

Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article

Image Credit: TechRadar

  • Looking for a more general monitor? Check out our list of the best monitors

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Watch Dogs Legion: release date, news and trailers

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 01:35 PM PDT

Ubisoft has officially announced Watch Dogs: Legion during its E3 2019 conference. Rumors suggested the latest instalation to the Watch Dog series would take place in post-Brexit London and it turns out they were spot on. 

Ubisoft officially announced the game alongside lengthy gameplay footage that sees you playing as Ian (a character straight out of a Guy Ritchie film) navigating the streets of futuristic London including Camden Market and Piccadilly Circus.

Here'a all we know about the third Watch Dogs game, coming in 2020.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The next game in the Watch Dogs series set in post-Brexit London
  • What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One and PC
  • When can I play it? March 6, 2020

Watch Dogs Legion trailers

Ubisoft revealed the first trailer for Watch Dogs 3 - officially titled Watch Dogs Legion - at E3 2019. 

Watch Dogs: Legion seems to see you taking on an organization called Albion who have distributed riot drones all over London to keep people in line. You're a member of the resistance: DeadSec.

What's interesting about Legion is that you play as more than one character (a whole host actually), with permadeath wiping out the one you're playing if you happen to end up on the wrong end of an electric bullet. You can apparently play as anyone - with every Londoner being recruitable and fully simulated.

Check out the trailer below:

Legion seems to be much more combat-heavy than the previous entries we've seen in the Watchdogs series and offer a much more developed open-world. But what's really caught our eye is the realistic interpretation of London - even if it's a Bladerunner, neon feverdream.

Watch Dogs: Legion is due for release on March 6, 2020.

  • E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor. 

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Best gaming keyboard 2019: the best gaming keyboards we've tested

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 01:26 PM PDT

If you just dropped a bunch of cash on the best gaming PC, you might be tempted to pick up a $10 keyboard and call it a day. If it works, it works, right? Well, for your gaming experience’s sake, it’s in your best interest to invest in one of the best gaming keyboards, especially after spending so much on your PC. Otherwise, you’re only doing yourself, and all your new PC games a disservice by not picking up one of the best gaming keyboards. 

The best gaming keyboards, unlike many other PC components and peripherals, can actually make you better at the PC games you play, especially if you use a mechanical keyboard. Before you to pick up the best gaming keyboard for you, make sure to consider the kind of switches you want. Membrane switches are typically considered the worst for gaming, so finding a mechanical keyboard is ideal. And, don’t forget about RGB lighting – it wouldn’t be 2019 without having your desk light up like a Christmas tree.

So, what makes the best keyboard for gaming? Even if you don’t have a large budget, there’s an excellent gaming keyboard for you. If, on the other hand, money isn’t an issue, there are a ton of feature-rich keyboards with all the bells and whistles. 

Let’s dive into all the best gaming keyboards you can buy today, all of which have been tested and reviewed by us.

Razer Huntsman Elite

Razer Huntsman Elite

Razer is taking speed to a whole new level with the Huntsman Elite, due to its new optomechanical switches. That sounds like a mouthful, but Razer has managed to do the unthinkable – combine mechanical switches with optical sensors. This combination allows the Huntsman Elite to take actuation to the next level, and you would be hard-pressed to find a faster keyboard on the market. But, switches aside, it’s remarkably comfortable to type on, and it’s covered with more RGB lighting than you can shake a stick at. Sure, it needs two USB cables for power and costs a small fortune, but with tech like this, it’s absolutely worth it.

Read the full review: Razer Huntsman Elite 

Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo

Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo

If you just want to get a keyboard that looks good, then Roccat Vulcan 120 should be at the top of your gaming keyboard wish list. This svelte keyboard uses Roccat’s own Titan switches, rather than the Cherry MX switches found on most other keyboards on this list. And, we can vouch for how awesome they are. Not only does this gaming keyboard have amazing tactile feedback, but it’s comfortable to type on and won’t keep your roommates awake all night. It really isn’t hard to see why this is one of the best gaming keyboards on the market today.

Read the full review: Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo 

Logitech G513

Logitech G513

One of the biggest issues with Cherry MX Red keys is that while they’re good for gaming, they’re not ideal for typing anything other than your Steam credentials. And, that’s where the Logitech G513 and its Romer-G Linear switches steal the show. With its brushed metal finish that, miraculously, is practically immune to fingerprints, it all adds up to one of the best gaming keyboards on the market in 2019.

Read the full review: Logitech G513 

Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768

Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768

When you think Alienware, “value” is probably the last word to come to mind. But, if we’re being honest, the Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 is a genuinely great deal. At under 100 bucks or quid, you’re getting the toughest gaming keyboard with mechanical keys, dedicated macro keys and slick aesthetics. It’s not the most feature rich gaming keyboard in the game, but at this price, it really doesn’t need to be. This gaming keyboard gets the job done, and looks good while doing it – that’s enough to make the Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 one of our favorite gaming keyboards.

Read the full review: Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard AW768 

Cooler Master MasterSet MS120

Cooler Master MasterSet MS120

Not everything has to be super high-end, and the Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is a testament to that. It’s a keyboard and mouse set, and while the mouse isn’t all that great, the keyboard is the star of the show. Sitting at just under a hundred bucks, the MasterSet’s keyboard is affordable while being up there with other, more premium ‘mem-chanical’ keyboards. The switches on offer bring a ton of tactile feedback and deep travel, and won’t keep your whole house awake at night as you’re furiously pounding away on it during an intense late-night Overwatch match. The Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 is, without a doubt, one of the best gaming keyboards under $100.

Read the full review: Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 

Corsair K63 Wireless

Corsair K63 Wireless

We have seen plenty of wired gaming mice over the last few years, but not many wireless gaming keyboards. Until now. And, with the Corsair K63 Wireless keyboard, the computer peripherals company takes what made the wired version of the K63 so great, and put it into a wireless version – without compromising on much at all. Packing tight Cherry MX Red switches, full RGB lighting and convenient media controls, the K63 wireless is proof that wireless keyboards can be very capable in 2019.

Read the full review: Corsair K63 Wireless 

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

A $159 price tag on a gaming keyboard might a tad too steep, but the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, one of the best gaming keyboards we’ve tested in the last few months, really does give you a lot of bang for your buck. And, we’re not talking the more trivial bells and whistles like fancy RGB lighting – although since we are on the subject, this one’s got a whole lot of them, not to mention its integrated 19-zone light bar and the 16.8 million color options, to boot. By a lot of bang, we mean that its 6 dedicated macro keys, 8MB on-board storage and aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame.

Read the full review: Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard

Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard

You might be thinking that if you’ve seen one of the best gaming keyboards, you’ve seen them all: big, garish hunks of metal with bright RGB lighting. And, while the Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard definitely has the RGB lighting, it leaves the rest of the cliches in the past where they belong. This appealing and responsive keyboard is only as big as it needs to be, and is thus extremely comfortable to type as well as game on. There are no multimedia buttons, but we’d happily make that trade any day for a keyboard this good at such a low price.

Read the full review: Havit Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard  

Razer Cynosa Chroma

Razer Cynosa Chroma

Are you new to PC gaming, and in the market for a keyboard that’ll perform admirably without the high price tag that a lot of mechanical keyboards have? The Razer Cynosa Chroma might be for you. It might not have the tactile clickiness of a higher-end board, but the hybrid mesh switches perform well enough, boasting a 1ms polling rate and 10-key rollover. That’s not to mention the sick RGB lighting.

Read the full review: Razer Cynosa Chroma 

Corsair K68 RGB

Corsair K68 RGB

Accidents happen – it’s just a fact of life, especially when you’re gaming. Luckily, it’s becoming more common for the best gaming keyboards to be able to handle anything you could throw at them, even Mountain Dew. The Corsair K68 RGB takes an excellent keyboard design with Cherry MX Switches and makes it water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a surprise soda shower during a frantic play session. And, with its subdued, stylish design and reasonable price tag, it’s not hard to recommend the Corsair K68 RGB.

Read the full review: Corsair K68 RGB  

Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article

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AMD Zen 2 specs, price and release date: all about AMD's newest processor tech

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 12:48 PM PDT

Over the last couple years, AMD has been coming out with some of the best processors (CPUs) on the market, and it doesn’t look like it plans to slow down any time soon. Back at CES 2019, AMD announced its Zen 2 architecture, trimming the manufacturing process down to 7 nanometers (nm), and promising greater performance and efficiency. 

Then, at Computex 2019, AMD pulled the veil off of its Ryzen 3rd Generation processors. These chips took advantage of the smaller manufacturing process, bringing a 12-core, 24-thread processor to the mainstream at less than half the cost of Intel’s 12-core HEDT chip. 

And, if that wasn’t enough, Microsoft took the stage at its E3 2019 keynote, saying that the system-on-a-chip powering the next Xbox, Project Scarlett, is using Zen 2 cores and AMD Navi graphics. Zen 2 is on a roll, and we haven’t even seen what AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation can do yet. 

There is so much more to Zen 2, so we decided it was time to dive in and explore everything that this 7nm CPU architecture can do. And, be sure to keep this page bookmarked: there are surely many more Zen 2 processors on the way, and we’ll keep the article updated with all the latest information.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? AMD's 7nm CPU architecture
  • When is it out? The first Zen 2 processors come out July 7, 2019
  • How much is it? Starting at $199 (about £160, AU$290)

AMD Zen 2

AMD Zen 2 release date

Right off the bat, we already know that AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation processors will be hitting store shelves on July 7. These chips are going to be the first consumer-ready processors based on the 7nm Zen 2 architecture, and will also be the most affordable. 

We also know that AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3rd Generation will be based on Zen 2, but the release date for that is a bit more fuzzy. Threadripper processors typically launch a few months after the mainstream Ryzen chips, so we could see it by November if we’re lucky. However, word on the street is that Threadripper 3rd Generation may be delayed until 2020, so we might be waiting a while. 

The final Zen 2 product will probably be the next-generation consoles. We know that Zen 2 is going to be inside both the PS5 and the next Xbox, but we only have a vague release window for the latter: "Holiday 2020." We’ll probably see both the next gen consoles release around November 2020. 

AMD Zen 2

AMD Zen 2 price

Right now, the only Zen 2 parts we have pricing for are the AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation parts. The good news, however, is that these largely fall in line with the reasonable prices of Ryzen 2nd Generation. Prices are listed below: 

  • AMD Ryzen 9 3900X: $499 (about £390, AU$720)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3800X: $399 (about £310, AU$580)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3700X: $329 (about £260, AU$480)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600X: $249 (about £200, AU$360)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600: $199 (about £160, AU$290)

Based on these prices, we expect Threadripper 3rd Generation prices to generally stay the same over the last generation. We listed those prices below, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they saw a slight price increase, especially considering the rumored delay. 

  • Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX: $1,799 (£1,639, AU$2,679)
  • Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX: $1,299 (£1,159, AU$2,039)
  • Ryzen Threadripper 2950X: $899 (£809, AU$1,415)
  • Ryzen Threadripper 2920X: $649 (£583, AU$1,019)

It will be interesting to see, however, if the massive boost to technology will see the next generation consoles get a price bump. With all the lofty technology Microsoft and Sony are promising, we wouldn’t be surprised if these consoles are more expensive than previous generations. 

AMD Zen 2

AMD Zen 2 specs and performance

With the move to 7nm, the biggest improvements are going to be to power efficiency. AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation processors will see power requirements rapidly decrease, which should result in lower temperatures, better overclocking and, of course, lower power bills. For instance, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X will have just a 65W TDP, which is extremely low for an 8-core, 16-thread processor. 

As for core counts, the chiplets containing the physical cores have shrunk for Zen 2, meaning each processor can fit more cores. This hasn’t been reflected in most of the lineup, as the Ryzen 7 processors still have 8-cores. However, we are getting the Ryzen 9 3900X, a 12-core, 24-thread processor, thanks to this die shrink. 

Before Ryzen 3rd Generation’s announcement, we did see rumors that a 16-core processor would hit the mainstream, but that hasn’t happened yet. However, we have seen rumors of a 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X. We’d take that with a grain of salt, however. 

Beyond core counts, Zen 2 allows for better performance overall. Not only do clock speeds see an improvement – up to 4.6GHz on the Ryzen 9 3900X out of the box – but also a massive boost to IPC (instructions per clock) performance. AMD engineers have supposedly squeezed an extra 15% IPC out of Zen 2 cores. We haven’t had a chance to test that claim yet, but if it’s true, Ryzen processors may end up being the best processors for gaming, and the inclusion in the next-generation consoles would make so much sense.

What will be particularly interesting, though, is how this will all translate to AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3 processors. These HEDT processors already boast up to 32-cores and 64-threads, so an increase in core counts, along with more power efficiency will be an amazing boost to performance for creatives and professionals. 

That’s all we know about Zen 2 at this point, but be sure to come back, as we’ll update this article as soon as we get our hands on Ryzen 3 processors for review. 

Images Credit: TechRadar

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Salesforce snaps up Tableau in biggest acquisition yet

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 12:23 PM PDT

Salesforce has announced that it will purchase the big data firm Tableau Software for $15.3bn in its biggest acquisition ever as the company aims to offer improved data insights to its customers.

Tableau shareholders will get 1.103 Salesforce shares as part of the all-stock deal and the offer values the company's shares at $177.88 per share which represents a premium of 42 percent on its closing price last Friday. The company currently has over 86,00 customers including streaming giant Netflix and Verizon Communications.

Salesforce's deal to buy Tableau comes just a few days after Google announced that it would acquire the big data analytics firm Looker for $2.6bn.

Salesforce chairman and co-CEO Marc Benioff explained how the acquisition will bring together two market leaders, saying:

"We are bringing together the world’s #1 CRM with the #1 analytics platform. Tableau helps people see and understand data, and Salesforce helps people engage and understand customers. It’s truly the best of both worlds for our customers--bringing together two critical platforms that every customer needs to understand their world."

Salesforce and Tableau

By acquiring Tableau, Salesforce will play an even greater role in driving organization's digital transformation efforts by enabling firms to tap into data across their entire business and gain deeper insights which will in turn lead to smarter decisions, connected customer experiences and accelerated innovation.

The deal is expected to close during the the third quarter and Tableau will continue to operate independently.

The company's chief executive officer Adam Selipsky will remain at the reigns along with its current leadership team.

Following the announcement, Salesforce shares fell by 5 percent to $156.43 while Tableau's jumped by 35 percent to $169.50.

Via CNBC

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Baldur's Gate 3 aims to pay deep respect to 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 12:12 PM PDT

During PC Gamer's PC Gaming Show 2019 event at E3 2019, game developer Larian Studios took the stage to share more details about Baldur's Gate 3, the long-awaited sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed PC game series of all time.

Studio founder and creative director Swen Vincke, and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) creative Director Mike Mearls, discussed what the two companies have been doing together for the past two years of the game's development. Namely, they've been playing lots of D&D together – the 45-year-old tabletop role-playing game (RPG) on which the Baldur's Gate franchise is based. 

In particular, we know now that Baldur's Gate 3 will be based on the latest rule set for D&D, known popularly as "5th Edition," which launched via new books back in late 2014. This is especially interesting considering the open-ended and lightweight nature of that rule set in comparison to 2nd Edition D&D, which is what the first two Baldur's Gate games were based on.

"To me, it's the crown jewel of D&D computer games," Mearls said on stage. "It's so exciting to see it come to a new generation of gamers. It's so important to the D&D franchise as a whole."

Tied in tightly with 5th Edition D&D

"So, we started with the Player's Handbook, and we ported as much as we could to the video game," Vincke said.

When pressed, Vincke elaborated that Larian Studios used the 5th Edition D&D Players Handbook as the source material for the Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay systems. However, Vincke did note that not every aspect of 5th Edition D&D will make it into the game, as many mechanics get lost in the translation.

Despite all that, Vincke presented an in-game scenario that sounds as if it would be impossible in most video game RPGs of today.

"Let's say we get into a fight because you asked me a question and I don't like it, and I want to grab a chair, set it on fire and throw it at your head, we need to add a system to the game to make that possible," Vincke said.

However, it appears that Baldur's Gate 3 will be tied in even more tightly with the tabletop RPG. Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus, a new module for the tabletop RPG coming this September, will serve as a prequel story to Baldur's Gate 3 on the PC. 

This is a levels 1st through 13th campaign involving an adventure into the first layer of the Nine Hells in the D&D setting's Forgotten Realms, a story that will prime players for the Baldur's Gate 3 game. It may well be the first time a tabletop RPG module has served as a prequel for an attached video game.

As for when we can expect to play Baldur's Gate 3, Vincke simply stated, "When it's ready."

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.

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Shenmue 3: release date, trailers and news

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 11:18 AM PDT

It's been 18 years since the original release of Shenmue 2 on the Sega Dreamcast, and for ages, it looked like we would never see another installation in the action-adventure series. But thanks to unrelenting and passionate fans, the persistence of director Yu Suzuki, and a successful Kickstarter, we're finally seeing Shenmue 3 release on November 19, 2019 (assuming it isn't delayed...again). 

Continuing on from its predecessor, Shenmue 3 will keep following the story of teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki as he searches for his father's murderer in 1980's China. 

So, without further ado, here's everything we know about Shenmue 3 so far.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The third instalment in the Shenmue action-adventure series
  • What can I play it on? PS4 and PC (first on Epic Games Store)
  • When can I play it? November 19, 2019

Shenmue 3 trailers

The PC Gaming Show 2019 trailer

The most recent trailer for Shenmue 3 revealed more information about what we can expect from playing the game. It appears that this version of the game will focus much more on martial arts combat than previous entries. Ryo seems to be studying under a new kung fu grandmaster to learn new martial arts skills at a new dojo.

You will use these arts to both defeat your enemies and save civilians in cinematic moments. This trailer also revealed that the game will launch first on PC through the Epic Games Store.

Check it out:

The Prophecy trailer

This recent Shenmue 3 trailer gave us a closer look at the game's story and finally revealed an ambitious release date of August 27, 2019. This has since been delayed a few more months to November 19, 2019.

Take a look:

Teaser trailer

The first teaser trailer for Shenmue 3 showed us small slice of an in-development build of the game, and gave us a sneak peek at the new look of the main characters, new characters, as well as the re-imagined Shenmue world. 

Check it out below:

Shenmue 3 news 

Delays

Originally, we were due to get our hands on Shenmue 3 in December 2017 but, unsurprisingly, the release date was delayed into 2018. Publisher Deep Silver then announced the release window was once again being pushed back to 2019. It was finally revealed in August, 2018 that Shenmue 3 will release on August 27, 2019, and then delayed again until November 19, 2019. Better late than never, right?

Mini games and QTE will return

It looks like mini games will be making a return – while new games will be added. A poll on the Shenmue 3 Kickstarter suggested the YS Net was trying to survey which were the favorites among fans. If you're a Lucky Hit fan then you'll be pleased to know that it seems to be returning – and apparently you can win special prizes from playing it and other mini games. 

In addition, Suzuki has confirmed quick time events will also be returning, so get your reflexes ready.

Image credit: YS Net

Open-world

Speaking to GamesRadar, Suzuki said: “I decided to go all-in with making the world-building distinctive. There are a lot of open-world games out there, but I don’t believe many, if any, are quite like Shenmue.”

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Shenmue 3 will launch first on the Epic Games Store for Windows 10 PCs

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 11:04 AM PDT

Shenmue 3, one of the most anticipated game franchise revivals of 2019, will launch first on Windows 10 PCs through the Epic Games Store. Publisher Deep Silver revealed the news alongside Epic during the 2019 PC Gaming Show at E3.

Creative head and game director at developer Ys Net Yu Suzuki came on stage during the show to talk up a new trailer, which revealed this dedication to Epic Games's platform. A logo for Valve's Steam platform was not shown during the trailer.

This trailer revealed more key details about what we can expect from the gameplay. It appears that this version of the game will focus much more on martial arts combat than previous entries.

As the game's protagonist, a young Japanese man named Ryo Hazuki in 1980's China, you will study under a new kung fu grandmaster to learn new combat skills at a new school. You will use these skills to both deal with enemies and save innocents in cinematic moments.

It's already known that Shenmue 3 will release on November 19 on both PC and PS4, but it's currently unknown whether the game will at some point release on the Steam store for PC. As of right now, we only know that it's coming for PC through the Epic Games Store.

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.

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Call of Duty: Mobile gives series veterans the edge in battle royale mode

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 10:41 AM PDT

Call of Duty Mobile is a pretty good adaptation that preserves the tension and flow of its console counterparts, we found when trying out the game at E3 2019. That’s the simple news: when it officially launches (it’s currently in closed beta testing outside the US), the free-to-play title is worth a download for any fan of the shooter franchise. 

But the real news is that its battle royale mode is hands-down the easiest to get into of any in the genre... so long as you’re a Call of Duty fan, that is.

Much like the Blackout battle royale mode in late 2018’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, the mobile game created its massive playing field by stitching together maps from past games. But the console version only had access to prior Black Ops titles; the mobile game can pick from the entire franchise catalog reaching back to 2007’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. 

Image credit: Activision

So if you’ve played any Call of Duty over the last decade and put time into multiplayer, chances are you’ll find a slice of the mobile game’s battle royale map that you know, from Nuketown to Launch to Shipment and more. Unlike Fortnite’s constantly-shifting terrain, you’ll be able to find familiar area to get your bearings as you learn the ropes in CoD: Mobile.

Ditto for the classes, attachments, and guns that transition over from the console games. There are six entirely new classes introduced for the battle royale mode, true, but many of their abilities are carried over from perks and equipment in older CoD titles.

In short, battle royale newbies and veterans alike should find it easier to try out CoD than any other new BR game. The brand familiarity is strong.

There are other reasons to find CoD: Mobile appealing over other mobile shooters - more modes, customization and newbie-friendly features, in summary. Heck, just including a standard multiplayer mode makes the game deeper than the competition. And yes, we did see an icon for a Zombies mode in the Early Look UI (the team didn’t officially confirm whether it’s coming to the game, though they admitted there have been hints). 

But specs on paper is one thing; playing is another.

Image credit: Activision

 How does it play? 

If you’ve picked up a mobile shooter before, you’ll find CoD: Mobile laid out similarly, with a movement pad overlaid on the left half of the screen and a cluster of buttons on the right. The biggest one, a bullet, fires your gun; others perform various actions, like crouching, jumping, or switching to grenade. One activates a special ability, if the mode allows.

And there are other buttons - one to text chat and one to ‘ping’ objects, a system seemingly lifted from Apex Legends, and an entire row in the bottom-center housing buttons for ‘scorestreaks’ and weapons. It’s definitely cluttered and potentially confusing, though no more than other mobile shooters, and a member of the team told TechRadar that “we don’t think our UI is as good as it can be,” suggesting it might be changed before launch.

But if you want, you can move around any of the buttons, or even turn them transparent to clear out your visual space. Mobile gaming still requires a compromise giving up screen real estate to situate controls, but at least this flexibility softens the blow. 

There are several of these little innovations that help onboard newbies. Initially, players will have their guns auto-fire when their reticle hovers over enemies, leaving them to focus on movement until they’re ready for more complex controls. And initially, they won’t even be able to access battle royale mode - they’ll have to put a little time into multiplayer until they’ve learned the ropes.

Other refinements simply make the mobile gaming experience less jagged. For instance, level/weapon/scorestreak progression carries over between both regular multiplayer and battle royale mode. It’s the first battle royale game with clans, the team proudly stated. If you just want to play with friends, you can set up private matches. 

Aside from the familiar Frankenstein of its base map, the battle royale mode sounds a little more developed than others. Classes are appropriately in-universe, from the macho-aggro Ninja whose silent footsteps and grappling hook work great for ambushes to the Clown, which throws loud toys that summon zombies from the ground (seriously). There are air, ground, and sea vehicles to scoot you along.

Image credit: Call of Duty

 A global phenomenon? 

Activision has been testing CoD: Mobile in beta in markets outside the US (specifically, China and Australia), partially to field-test before a big launch in CoD-friendly markets, but also to test global waters. It’s no secret that mobile gaming markets in Asia are far bigger than in the US and Europe, and CoD: Mobile might be able to make a bigger impact there than other mobile titles from western developers.

And CoD: Mobile could have the right DNA to connect with Asian players. Not just its IP, but who made the actual game: Tencent’s TiMi studio, which previously crafted one of the mobile PUBG versions available in China (not the one eventually released worldwide as ‘PUBG Mobile’). 

Tencent isn’t just a partner to help get the game in other markets, according to the Malaysian-based publication The Star: CoD: Mobile is part of the tech giant’s bid to expand into the international market while it’s still feeling the Chinese government’s freeze on the games industry.

In any case, the CoD: Mobile team didn’t reveal any big content adjustments to appeal to gamers in all markets, aside from tweaks for countries more sensitive to blood. Instead, all the changes are under the hood, increasing efficiency so players in areas with lower-bandwidth mobile networks can still enjoy the game. In the process, they also whittled down the system requirements: by launch time, CoD: Mobile should run on iPhone 6 and anything with Android 1.5 (“Cupcake”) or newer.

This is all to ensure a good mobile experience, and we’ll have to see how the game actually plays when it publicly launches at an unspecified date in the future. But when it does, you’ll be able to try it out for free - and see if your Call of Duty skills transfer to playing your smartphone.

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor. 

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AI could boost GDP by millions

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 10:41 AM PDT

Artificial intelligence (AI) could provide a 22 percent boost to the UK's GDP by 2030 according to new research from McKinsey and Quantumblack.

The research also revealed that British companies which fully incorporate AI tools into their organizations could increase their economic value by 120 percent by 2030.

However, organizations that are late to adopt AI or fail to do so all together, could lose around 20 percent of their cash flow compared to today.

Despite the fact that the UK is ahead of the rest of Europe on McKinsey Global Institute's AI readiness index, it continues to fall behind the US and China.

A welcome boost

McKinsey and Quantumblack's research also suggests that increased AI adoption would be a “welcome boost” in the UK where productivity growth has been weak over the last decade.

Although AI adoption by UK firms has been slow, Britain remains a European leader for AI startup success.

Deepmind and Swiftkey, which were acquired by Google and Microsoft for $500m and $250m respectively, are some recent examples.

Chief operating officer at Quantumblack, Helen Mayhew explained how the UK can help close the AI adoption gap, saying:

“We need to be proactive in both the development and diffusion of AI technologies to stop the gap widening. The UK is well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities, and so the potential rewards for businesses, and society more broadly are significant.”

Via CityAM

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Samsung announces the CRG5 – its first G-Sync-compatible gaming monitor

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 10:31 AM PDT

Samsung has announced the CRG5, a 27-inch curved gaming monitor that not only runs at 240Hz, but is also Nvidia G-Sync compatible, making for a buttery smooth gameplay experience. 

The Samsung CRG5 was unveiled today at the E3 2019 PC Gaming Show, and it will be out in July for $399 (about £315, AU$580). But, for that price, you're getting a lovely, curved Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) panel, running at 240Hz with G-Sync compatibility. 

This balance of price and performance should make it stand out among the best gaming monitors.

And, unlike many other fast gaming displays, the Samsung CRG5 sports a VA panel, which allows it to boast a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. Combined with the 1500R curvature of the display, you don't have to substitute immersion for a high frame rate. 

Just keep in mind that this is a G-Sync compatible display, so instead of having native G-Sync support, it has passed Nvidia's specifications, just like any other FreeSync monitor for G-Sync.

Samsung CRG5


What is playing on the CRG5 like?

We recently laid our eyes on the Samsung CRG5 personally, and we can let you know right now that it looks pretty great. 

Even if we were testing Devil May Cry V with a mouse and keyboard – and we wouldn't advise anyone go through that particular experience – gameplay seemed extremely smooth. 

Sitting in front of the curved VA panel, running that fast action game at 240Hz was definitely an appealing experience. Devil May Cry V feels like it is designed to go fast. But, that's all to be expected on a monitor with this kind of refresh rate. 

What's especially notable here is how the display actually looks. Thanks to that 3,000:1 contrast ratio and the high color accuracy, the dark scenes in Devil May Cry V look amazing. We don't see any of the details get lost, nor does any of the blackness get washed out. 

The monitor itself is lovely, too. While the bezels aren't the thinnest in the world, they're thin enough where you're not going to notice them while in-game. The bottom bezel is predictably thicker than the others, and only has a subtle Samsung branding. 

Around the back, you'll find all the inputs, and they're all contained in an easy to access area. The cables are able to be channeled down into the laptop stand, which should make your desktop a lot neater. 

At the end of the day, while we had limited time with the CRG5, it's easy to see that it's going to be a popular display. And, at just $399 (about £315, AU$580) it's hard to find any faults worth complaining about. 

Image Credits: TechRadar

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.

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Microsoft warns users about email security scam

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 09:36 AM PDT

Security researchers at Microsoft have issued a warning concerning an ongoing spam wave which utilizes malicious RTF documents to infect users' systems with malware.

According to the company, the spam wave is specifically targeting European users as the emails are sent in various European languages. The Microsoft Security Intelligence team explained how the campaign worked, saying:

"In the new campaign, the RTF file downloads and runs multiple scripts of different types (VBScript, PowerShell, PHP, others) to download the payload."

The final payload is a backdoor trojan whose command and control servers went offline around the same time Microsoft issued its warning on the campaign. 

Equation Editor vulnerability

As the initial infection vector relies on an older Office vulnerability, users can be completely safe from this spam campaign by updating their software as Microsoft patched the vulnerability back in November of 2017.

The vulnerability is referred to as CVE-2017-11882 and is a codename for a vulnerability in an older version of the Equation Editor component included with Office. Security researchers from Embedi discovered a bug in this older component back in 2017 that allowed hackers to execute code on a user's device after they opened a weaponized Office file containing a special exploit.

Once a second Equation Editor bug was discovered in 2018, Microsoft decided to completely remove the older Equation Editor component from Office. However, as organizations and individuals often fail or forget to install software updates, cybercriminals were still able to exploit the vulnerability even after the company released an update that would mitigate the issue.

According to a report from Recorded Future as well as one from Kaspersky Lab, the CVE-2017-11882 vulnerability was one of the top exploited vulnerabilities of 2018 as hackers continued to prey on users that had yet to update their software.

Via ZDNet

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Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals: now is the time to get the world's best smartphone

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 09:02 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals have proved to be the ultimate waiting game. Delaying your purchase for the price to drop down low enough to own the world's best smartphone without selling all of your worldly possessions. Luckily, that day has finally come.

While we may have led slightly over-dramatically there (you can hold onto your possessions for now) these deals really are great. The standout offer here is a free upfront EE deal, boasting a hefty 50GB of data. Hitting a monthly spend of £43, this is a huge drop in costs for this mammoth device.

Or for some slightly more manageable monthly costs, a £38 a month Vodafone offer. However, dropping the monthly costs pushes the upfront up to £99 - a slightly cheaper contract overall if you don't mind that upfront spend.

You can see both of these impressive Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus contracts down below. Or if the price is still a bit too much, check out our guide to the best mobile phone deals for everything else on the market.

These excellent Galaxy S10 Plus deals in full:

What makes the Galaxy S10 Plus so great?

Samsung's latest and greatest, the S10 Plus is about as good as phones come right now - it's gone straight to the top of our best smartphone charts. The S10 Plus has a beautiful infinity-O display, in-screen fingerprint scanner, strong battery life and a powerful processor. But obviously with all of these features comes a big price, which is where these affordable offers come into play. 

Read our review on the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus 

Or if you still can't quite bring yourself to pay the prices of an S10 Plus, then Samsung Galaxy S10e deals could be a great alternative. Rocking many of the same features at a lower price, the S10e might be better for those on a budget.

  • Not convinced by this Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus offer? Check out our mobile phone deals page for all of best tariffs on every device.

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The best cheap 4K TV deals and sale prices in the US - June 2019

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT

We've gone through top retailers such as Amazon and Walmart to find the best cheap TV sales and deals that are currently going on (we've also got a roundup of UK retailers). You can find Black Friday like prices on a variety of best-selling 4K TVs from brands such as Samsung, Sony, LG and more. You'll find discounts on 4K TVs, smart TVs, different model sizes, and a variety of prices that will fit any all TV viewing needs.

You will find all of our curated deals below. We've divided them into three different size categories as well as our pick for the best cheap TV deal of the week. These days you really don't have to pay much more to get a Ultra HD 4K set instead of an older-style HD one. If you're after the hottest tech in TV though, you may want to take a look at the cheapest OLED TV prices.

Whether you want a small TV with a price tag to match or something to show all the colors of the rainbow (and a few million more) with HDR, we've found plenty of options. Read on to find the TV you want at a great price!

cheap 75-inch TV deals prices sales Sceptre

TechRadar's cheap TV deal of the week

Cheap TV deals (40-49 inch)

Cheap TV deals (50-59 inch):

Cheap TV deals (60-85 inch):

More cheap TV sales:

Not found the right cheap TV for you today? Or maybe you'd prefer to directly browse the TVs at your favourite retailers instead of our highlights of the best cheap TV deals? We're updating this page on a regular basis, so you may have better look another day. If you want to take a look for yourself now though, here are the direct links to a the full collection of TV deals at multiple stores. 

Learn more about Prime Day with our guide on Amazon Prime Day 2019: everything you need to know for the July deals event.

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Are electric scooters legal? Know the law where you live

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 08:52 AM PDT

Electric scooters are a relatively new way to travel, and the law is still catching up with the technology.

Wherever you live, it’s unlikely that you’ll be allowed to ride on pavements or sidewalks. Electric scooters can typically reach speeds up 25mph, which makes them dangerous on walkways shared with pedestrians.

We believe that all the information in this guide is correct at the time of writing, but always check with your local authorities to make sure you’re clear on the law regarding electric scooters where you are.

North America

Are electric scooters legal in the United States? It depends exactly where you live, but probably. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “scooters lacking seats that are operated in a stand-up mode” don’t qualify as motor vehicles, which means they aren’t legislated at a national level. Instead, it’s up to city authorities to decide what to do when a cocky startup dumps a fleet of scooters on its streets (as Bird did in Los Angeles in 2018).

Authorities in LA weren’t too pleased and ordered the company to put its toys away immediately. However the city has since relaxed its stance and approved a pilot program for dockless vehicles.

May other cities have followed suit – not legalizing electric scooters outright, but beginning pilot schemes to find out how well the little vehicles play with others on the streets.

In Canada, the rules on electric scooters vary by province. They aren’t recognized as a type of motor vehicle by current laws in Alberta, British Columbia or Ontario, which means they can only be ridden legally on privately owned land, and sometimes on pavements.

However, there are exceptions – Calgary is currently in the middle of a two-year pilot project, which could result in the city’s laws being reviewed to make electric bikes and scooters road legal. A similar pilot is also underway in Quebec with strict rules regarding driver age, training and equipment compliance. Falling foul of the law will result in a substantial fine, so take care.

Electric scooters

Image credit: FerrizFrames/Shutterstock

Europe

Are electric scooters legal in Europe? For the most part, year – or they will be very soon – unless you happen to live in the United Kingdom. We’ve covered a handful of nations, but check with your national transport authority if you’re based elsewhere.

The Dutch love their bikes, but many are taking to electric scooters instead.  It’s legal to ride an electric scooter in the Netherlands provided it’s been authorized by the country’s vehicle authority, the RDW. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and all electric scooters must be insured (and fitted with a plate to prove it). Electric scooters must be ridden in bike lanes and travel no faster than 25mph.

Electric scooters are a popular way to get around in France, but the country’s transport minister has announced that it will be illegal to ride electric scooters on pavements from September 2019. Anyone scooting along the pavement after that date will face a fine of €135 (about $150, £120, AU$220). Electric scooters will still be legal to ride on the road, or in cycle lanes.

At the time of writing, Germany has just legalized electric scooters on public roads (riding on pavements will only be allowed in ‘exceptional cases’) provided the rider is over 14 years old, is wearing a helmet, and doesn’t exceed 20kmph (12.4mph). It hasn’t been a universally popular decision, but at GreenTech festival in Berlin, TechRadar saw a raft of German startups desperate to spread their pay-to-ride scooters throughout their home country.

Electric scooters have recently been legalized in Italy, and sharing schemes in Rome, Florence and Pisa makes them a popular choice for tourists.

UK residents, however, are out of luck. Electric scooters are illegal on both roads and pavements in the United Kingdom, and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

Changing the law would mean a change to primary legislation, and electric scooters simply aren't at the top of anyone's to-do list. At the time of writing, the UK government has recently appointed a new minister for transport. The country will soon have a new Prime Minister too, who might very well reshuffle the cabinet again.

Then there’s the summer recess, plus the ever-looming specter of Brexit and potentially a general election. Even if there was appetite for changing the law, it’s a process that would take several months.

Tulip Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead Heath, asked the new transport secretary about electric vehicles in June 2019, and he repeated that they are currently illegal on UK streets and pavements. It’s not clear whether that’s his personal view or he's just sticking to the party line, but we won't see a flock of Birds accompanying the pigeons in London soon.

Electric scooter and bicycle

Image credit: Spic/Shutterstock

Asia

In Japan, if an electric scooter is capable of speeds over 9kph (which they pretty much all are), it’s classed as a motor vehicle and therefore needs a license, registration, turn signals, and everything else that you’d need on a motorbike or moped. Without those, unless you’re riding on privately owned land, electric scooters are illegal. Traffic violations are taken very seriously; breaking the law can mean a hefty fine, points on any driving license you already own (or one you apply for in the future), and even time in jail.

Electric scooters are legal to ride in India without tax and insurance, provided their motors are under 250W and their maximum speed is no higher than 25kmph.

China has just tightened its laws on e-bikes, requiring owners to register their bikes and apply for plates. There are also new power and weight guidelines. However, the rules don't mention electric scooters, which are banned on roads in most cities, including Shanghai, where they have been involved in several serious accidents.

Rules in the United Arab Emirates vary from city to city, but while Dubai’s transport authority has banned scooter rental companies like Lime and Bird on safety grounds, it’s legal to own and scoot about on one that’s privately owned.

Electric scooters

Image credit: Bakdc/Shutterstock

Australasia

In Australia, electric scooter laws vary from state to state. Brisbane was the first Australian city to trial Lime scooters, which can only be ridden on pavements (not cycle lanes or roads) and require a helmet. Lime's permit was extended into 2019, but after several accidents, its future in Australia looks less bright.

Elsewhere in Queensland, scooters like Lime's are illegal. The Queensland Government website states that electric scooters must have an electric motor no more powerful than 200W, and a maximum speed of 10kmph. If Lime scooters are found outside the Brisbane trial zone, they're duly confiscated by police.

Laws in Victoria are similar, but a little more permissive. Any scooters that are too fast or powerful won't be confiscated, but riders must own a motorbike license and the scooter must be registered with the authorities.

The rules in New South Wales are the same as the United Kingdom (ride on private land, or not at all), but following electric bike trials in Sydney, e-scooters might make their first appearance soon.

In New Zealand, in order to be classed as an electric scooter, "the wheels must not exceed 355mm and the motor must have a maximum power output not exceeding 300W". Provided those conditions are met, the scooter isn't classed as a motor vehicle, and you can happily scoot along without a license.

Electric scooters are allowed on footpaths or roads, but not in designated cycle lanes. You're not required to wear a helmet, but you are obliged to give way to pedestrians, ride carefully, and generally not make a nuisance of yourself.

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The best Huawei phones of 2019: find your perfect Huawei

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 08:49 AM PDT

After Google suspended Huawei's future access to Android Play Store and security updates, there are serious question marks over the future of Huawei and Honor phones.

While Google and Huawei have promised to support phones currently on the market, it's not clear how long they'll receive Android updates or access to the Google Play Store, which would severely curtail their usefulness compared to the competition.

Huawei is the second biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world after Samsung, and it's got there by offering up some excellent devices along the way.

It's grown in strength significantly over the past couple of years, to the point that if you're looking for the best Huawei phones around, there's a wide range to choose from.

At the top of the range are the flagship Huawei P30 Pro and Huawei Mate 20 Pro, but our best Huawei phones list also includes great, affordable handsets such as the Huawei P Smart.

That means when it comes to picking the best Huawei phone for you, it can be tricky. With that in mind we’ve highlighted the best Huawei phones the firm currently has to offer and ranked them. 

However, not everyone’s budget and needs are the same, so just because something is lower in this list it doesn’t mean it will be a worse choice for you than something higher.

And let's not forget, Huawei's most exciting phone of 2019 is yet to go on sale, with the foldable Huawei Mate X slated to land in stores in the coming months - however, with the recent issues with the Samsung Galaxy Fold it appears all foldable phones are currently on a temporary hold.

While Huawei's current crop of smartphones are great devices, you now need to take into consideration the long-term future of the handsets and whether or not it's worth the risk in investing.

If you're willing to take the risk, our list will show you at a glance their specs, highlights and main weaknesses, so you can make an informed choice as to which is the best Huawei for you.

Best Huawei Phone

Image Credit: TechRadar

The Huawei P30 Pro is the best Huawei phone you can buy right now. It's the best phone we've used when it comes to photography with the cameras the P30 Pro's real party piece, providing staggeringly good 5x and 10x zoom, and a digital 50x zoom with gets you insanely close to objects far off in the distance. Its low-light capabilities are also top-notch.

The large 6.47-inch screen on the P30 Pro may 'only' have a Full HD+ resolution, but it's bright, clear and colorful providing an excellent canvas for your apps and games.

There's no worry when it comes to the P30 Pro potentially running out of juice, the battery life here is excellent. We regularly got to the end of the day with 30% or more left in the tank.

The P30 Pro not only sets a new standard for Huawei, it sets a new standard for the entire mobile industry. Its cameras are quite simply astonishing, the design is eye-catching and the power plentiful. It’s a true flagship smartphone.

Read more: Huawei P30 Pro review

Best Huawei Phone

Image Credit: TechRadar

The Huawei Mate 20 Pro is the best Huawei phone you can buy right now, offering up a heady mix of design, power and performance with a few party pieces thrown in too.

It builds on the excellent P20 and P20 Pro, offering up even more screen, enhanced triple rear cameras and an in-display fingerprint scanner.

The Mate 20 Pro packs a huge 6.39-inch display giving you a huge amount of space for gaming and movies, and its QHD resolution and HDR10 support ensures everything looks great. There is a wide notch at the top of the display though.

It also boasts three cameras on the rear, nabbing the excellent 40MP wide-angle and 8MP telephoto lenses from the P20 Pro - but the third sensor is new. It's an ultra-wide 16MP snapper allowing you to cram even more of your surroundings into each shot.

The Mate 20 Pro is a full-featured phone for a full-featured price - it even has a few tricks you won’t see elsewhere, and more powerful specs than most of its competitors.

Read more: Huawei Mate 20 Pro review

Best Huawei Phone

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The Huawei P30 has a smaller screen than the P30 Pro, and makes do with just the three rear cameras and a maximum zoom of 30x, but it's still one of the best Huawei phones around.

With a 6.1-inch display the P30 is a little easier to manage in the hand than its larger sibling, and with a Full HD+ and plenty of colour it's a top smartphone screen. You can expect to get excellent battery life from the Huawei P30, with the phone often lasting a day and a half on a single charge without issue.

While the three cameras on the rear aren't quite as good as the four on the P30 Pro, they still offer up an impressive shooting experience with 5x, 10x and 30x zoom and great low-light abilities.

There's heaps of power, a handy headphone jack (something the Pro can't boast) and a more manageable form factor for one-handed use. And of course, it's a little cheaper too.

Read more: Huawei P30 review

Best Huawei Phone

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The Huawei P20 Pro may not be Huawei's latest flagship any more, but it still has a lot going for it, with the highlight being its exceedingly impressive and versatile triple-lens rear camera.

That camera allows for 3x optical zoom and proves surprisingly adept at night shots, which is usually a setting that phone cameras really struggle with.

Other highlights of the Huawei P20 Pro include a big, long-lasting battery, and an even bigger AMOLED screen that delivers vivid colors on a large scale.

The Huawei P20 Pro also has a striking design, with a metal frame and a glass back, that optionally comes in a gradient color scheme that sees the colors shift from purple at the top to a turquoise shade at the bottom.

Like any good flagship the Huawei P20 Pro also has facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner and lots of RAM.

There’s no wireless charging and the chipset isn’t quite a match for some flagships, but it’s not far off, and as a complete package the Huawei P20 Pro can compete with any other handset, as its strong ranking in our best smartphones list attests.

Read more: Huawei P20 Pro review

Best Huawei phones

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The Huawei Mate 20 X is a smartphone... just. With a huge display, this Huawei phone is actually closer to a tablet that happens to make calls as well.

Despite the size of its display, the tiny bezels mean it's just about manageable as a phone, and there's plenty of power and features packed into its large frame.

Folks who want to get the most out of their content, won’t mind being encumbered in favor of having the extra screen real estate and sheer power. The OLED display is vibrant with decent contrast and excellent for watching videos or working on documents. 

Gamers will love the zippy performance and extra screen space not obscured by their thumbs. Moreover, the phone can endure pretty much any power-hungry app you throw at it and still comfortably last a day and then some.

Read more: Huawei Mate 20 X review

Best Huawei Phone

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The standard Huawei Mate 20 may be worse than the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, but it’s still a strong phone in its own right and it’s cheaper too.

Other than the lower – though still high – price, highlights include a 4,000mAh battery which in our tests delivered excellent life, and top-end power, thanks to the use of an octa-core Kirin 980 chipset and up to 6GB of RAM.

The Huawei Mate 20 also has a triple-lens camera on the back. This isn’t the same selection of lenses as its Pro-level sibling, but still makes for a versatile setup.

And in some ways the Mate 20 actually has the Mate 20 Pro beat, as its 6.53-inch screen is larger, and it has a headphone port, which the fancier phone doesn’t.

Read more: Huawei Mate 20 review

Best Huawei Phone

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While the Huawei Mate 10 Pro landed back in late 2017 it’s still a very strong handset.

And while there are now larger Huawei handsets, this is still a big phone, with a 6.0-inch 1080 x 2160 AMOLED screen giving you plenty of space to enjoy apps, games and video.

As with the P20 Pro, the Mate 10 Pro also has great battery life, thanks to the big 4,000mAh juice pack inside it. And the design, while lacking the flashy colors of Huawei’s newer flagship, still impresses, thanks to a glass back, a metal frame, minimal bezel around the screen and water resistance.

Elsewhere you get a powerful dual-lens camera, loud stereo speakers and exactly the same chipset as the Huawei P20 Pro, making this a surprisingly powerful phone for its age.

Read more: Huawei Mate 10 Pro review

Best Huawei Phone

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While no match for the P20 Pro, the standard Huawei P20 is still a very strong phone in its own right, and cheaper too.

It has much in common with its Pro companion, including a stylish metal and glass build, a Kirin 970 octa-core chipset, facial recognition and loads of storage.

Plenty more differs though, as with the Huawei P20 you get a dual rather than triple-lens camera, a 5.8-inch 1080 x 2240 LCD screen and a smaller 3,400mAh battery. Still, taken in isolation those are all still very solid specs.

In fact, while neither the camera nor battery is quite a match for the P20’s larger sibling, both are still strong enough for us to praise them in our review. So if you want something slightly smaller and slightly more affordable than Huawei’s headline handset, the P20 is a good option.

Read more: Huawei P20 review

Best Huawei Phone

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The Huawei P Smart is one of Huawei’s most affordable handsets, so its price is definitely a plus, but it wouldn’t be in this list if it was simply cheap.

For one thing, it has an attractive design, with an aluminum back that looks like something you’d expect to pay more for. It also has a fairly sizeable 5.65-inch screen with a trendy 18:9 aspect ratio and a 1080 x 2160 resolution, making it sharp too.

Plus, the Huawei P Smart has a dual-lens rear camera, and though the selfie camera only has a single lens, it and the rear snapper are both capable of background blur in shots.

Performance isn’t perfect, and you sacrifice some features such as fast charging, but overall the Huawei P Smart is a budget beast.

Read more: Huawei P Smart review

Best Huawei phone

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Despite having P30 in its name, the Huawei P30 Lite is no match for the rest of the range and nor is it a flagship. Instead it’s a mid-ranger, but it’s quite a good one.

For one thing, it looks good, with a glass-backed design that’s similar to the Huawei P30, down to the notch on the front.

It also has a similarly good screen to its pricier sibling, as it has a 6.15-inch 1080 x 2312 display with a pixel density of around 415 pixels per inch.

Plus it has face unlock, a triple-lens rear camera, an octa-core chipset and 4/6GB of RAM. However, this is a mid-range chipset and not as good as the ones some similarly priced alternatives have.

Overall, it's a solid mid-range handset, but attempting to say it belongs in the same family as the other two P30 devices feels like a little bit of a stretch.

Read more: Huawei P30 Lite review

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The best Samsung phones of 2019: finding the right Galaxy for you

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 08:46 AM PDT

There are a lot of good Samsung phones out there from today and yesteryear, but how do they rank against each other? We're here to help you find out.

Samsung is the biggest name in Android phones, and for good reason: the company's flagship Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 9 are among the best phones you can buy.

Update: We've recently introduced the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10e into our list of the best Samsung phones. Look down below to see where they've ranked.

Samsung doesn’t only make headline-grabbing flagships with great specs and features – it has a wide range of smartphones which may be the perfect fit depending on your needs and budget.

With that in mind, here’s our guide to the best Samsung phones available right now. It covers new and old(er) devices at a range of price points, along with different screen sizes, specs and features.

Before you buy, you should realize this list may change dramatically in the coming months. We already have the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G in for review, so that is likely to enter this list very soon.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold has been delayed, but the company may soon make its foldable phone available, plus there are lots of rumors already about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 10.

Best Samsung phones

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As Samsung’s latest and greatest mainstream flagship, is it any wonder that the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus tops this list?

It’s a big upgrade over the previous year’s model, with a new all-screen design, enabled by Samsung ditching bezels in favor of a punch-hole camera. Speaking of the camera, you get three on the back and two on the front, making this a very versatile camera phone.

The fingerprint scanner is in the screen now, which is far more ideal than it being on the back, and there’s a big 4,100mAh battery, which gives the Galaxy S10 Plus a lot of life. So much so you might even consider using the new Wireless PowerShare feature to juice up other devices with it.

The Galaxy S10 Plus also has a massive 6.4-inch screen and all the power you’d expect from a flagship in 2019. It’s Samsung’s best and at the time of writing also tops our list of the best smartphones from any manufacturer.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review

Best Samsung phones

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Samsung's Galaxy S10 is a fitting second place in our list of the best phones from Samsung as it's largely similar to its top-end sibling.

You miss a few features by opting for the S10 over the Plus, but if you're looking to save a little money it's still going to offer the core highlights, such as that Infinity-O screen, the slick design and top-end internals.

The fingerprint scanner is also in the screen on the Galaxy S10, plus it looks gorgeous with an incredible 550 pixels per inch on this model. You've got a variety of color options, plus there's the choice of either 128GB or 512GB depending on how much space you'll need.

The battery life on the standard S10 isn't as great as it is on the Plus, but it's not something to turn your nose up at as it can still easily survive a full day of use.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 isn’t just one of the best Samsung phones you can buy today, it’s one of the best phones, period. It’s an expensive device, sure, but with more than double the starting storage of the iPhone X at around the same starting price. It actually comes out to be a better deal over Apple’s comparable offering.

Its key selling point this time around is the unique S-Pen, which no longer requires a charge. Not only will you be able to do normal stylus-like things with the new S-Pen, you’ll also be able to use it to take selfies remotely, giving you shots you otherwise would be incapable of getting. 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also one of the best camera phones in Samsung’s lineup, with a camera that easily outshines most of the competition. 

That’s on top of the improved cooling and battery life, which will see this jumbo device last you through most of the day without burning a hole through your pocket – even if the price does.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review  

Best Samsung phones

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Fancy an S10 but don't want to spend lots of money? Samsung has you covered with its more affordable Galaxy S10e, which is a new addition to the company's range of flagship phones for 2019.

The S10e loses a lot of the top-end features you'll find on the two S10 products above in this list such as the in-screen scanner or high-res display, but it has a slick design for its lower price.

There's a dual rear camera that can take some impressive shots considering the price of this handset, plus you'll be sporting a top-end chipset inside alongside either 6GB or 8GB of RAM.

Overall, the Galaxy S10e isn't anywhere near as impressive as the other two parts of the S10 range but if you're not looking to spend lots of money, this is one of the best Samsung phones for you.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy S10e review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus is big, in fact its 6.2-inch screen would make it very big, were it not for the almost complete absence of bezel and the curved edges, which ensure it’s actually quite manageable in the hand. The screen is one of the best around too – it’s sharp and sports great colors.

The Galaxy S9 Plus also stands out through its dual 12MP cameras, one of which is a dual-aperture one, meaning it can switch between f/1.5 for dark scenes and f/2.4 for everything else.

Other highlights include impressive stereo speakers and a big 3,500mAh battery. There’s flagship power too of course, and all the bells and whistles that tend to go with that, like a stylish metal and glass build, water resistance, wireless charging and various biometric security options, including a fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner and a face scanner.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy S9 is a smaller, cheaper (but still expensive) alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. 

The 5.8-inch screen makes it potentially preferable if you have smaller hands or pockets, and as with the S9 Plus it’s more compact than you might expect, thanks to its slim bezels and curvy screen.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 has many of the same high points as the S9 Plus, including a sharp, vibrant display, a high-end build, plenty of power and various biometric security options.

It’s only got a single-lens camera, but it’s still a very good one, and the battery is smaller, so this is definitely the weaker phone in the S9 range.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S9 review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is an older model of Samsung’s other flagship, designed for those who want a truly massive 6.3-inch screen and a stylus (known as the S-Pen) to help make the most of it.

Other than that, it has much in common with the Galaxy S range, with a similar (and similarly stylish) glass back and metal frame, a QHD curved screen and a dual-lens rear camera.

There’s lots of power too, though it’s using a 2017 chipset rather than a 2019 one, so it’s not quite a match for the S9 or S10 range. But then it’s also now a little cheaper than the S10 Plus and still has water resistance, wireless charging and loads of storage.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review

Best Samsung phones

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We're quite low in our list of the best Samsung phones, but this is the best mid-range phone from the company that has been released specifically for that budget range.

The Galaxy A7 (2018) is far more affordable than a lot of the other devices you'll find on this list but it comes with some impressive spec considering that.

For example, there's a triple camera array on the back that includes a 24MP, 8MP and 5MP shooter. On the front, there's a 24MP shooter for taking your selfies too.

It's not a top-end phone, but if you're looking for a Samsung device that doesn't break the bank it's well worth considering the Galaxy A7.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is a big-screen alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S8, but it’s not just the 6.2-inch display that’s bigger, the 3,500mAh battery is too.

Otherwise this is a very similar phone, with many of the same pros and cons. You get a sharp display with great contrast and colors, a powerful – if now slightly dated – chipset, a 12MP single lens camera that excels in most lighting, and more biometric options than you’ll know what to do with.

It’s also cheaper than the S10 Plus, S9 Plus or Galaxy Note phones, making the Galaxy S8 Plus a slightly more affordable big-screen option – though it lacks the dual-lens cameras of those phones.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy S8 was one of the best phones of 2017 and it still ranks high now. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy S9 is only a fairly minor upgrade - though the S10 range has it well and truly beat.

The S8 has a sharp 1440 x 2960 5.8-inch OLED screen, which of course, is curved. It’s got a great design, with a metal frame, a glass back and minimal bezel, it’s got a 12MP camera that outperforms most phones and even now it’s still very powerful.

It’s also water-resistant, supports wireless charging and has a fingerprint scanner, a face scanner and an iris scanner – though the latter two don’t work as well as on the Galaxy S9 and the former is in a more annoying position. Still, they’re small complaints about what’s otherwise a minor classic in the smartphone world.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S8 review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy A9's big draw is its four rear cameras: a 24MP main shooter, an 8MP 120-degree wide-angle lens, a 5MP depth-sensing camera and a 10MP telephoto lens supposedly capable of 2x optical magnification. (There's also a 24MP front-facing camera, too.) Not bad for a midrange phone!

Of course, the A9 is perched at the top of the company's midrange offerings and just below its flagship S line, so it's pushing the label "midrange." Its specs, however, aren't entirely cutting edge with its Exynos 7885 chip, though its 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and 3,800mAh battery are respectable.

Whether the rest of the phone lives up to its camera cluster will be a far more serious question to answer when more phones replicate its four-lens trick, but for now, the A9 hold bragging rights – and serious photo clout at the midrange level.

Read our hands-on: Samsung Galaxy A9 review

Best Samsung phones

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The Samsung Galaxy A8 finds the sweet spot between Samsung's flagship S range, and the slightly more basic J and lower-numbered A devices with a mix of high-end features and more affordable compromises.

One feature that is unique to the Galaxy A8 compared to most other Samsung phones in this list is its dual front-facing selfie cameras. 

There's a 16MP primary sensor, which sits alongside an 8MP snapper and allows you to access the Live Focus feature, which blurs the background of portrait shots to create a bokeh effect.

The Galaxy A8 delivers many of the core features offered by the flagships. You can get more for your money elsewhere, but if you're set on Samsung there's little to complain about here.

Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy A8

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Prime Day pricing on the latest model Apple iPad at Walmart

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 08:44 AM PDT

Amazon Prime Day is still over a month away, but that doesn't mean you can't find killer deals right now. Walmart has the 128GB Apple iPad on sale for $329 – that's a $100 discount, and the lowest price we've seen for the latest model tablet.

The 2018 iPad features a 9.7-inch Retina display and Touch ID, so you can securely unlock your tablet with a tap of your finger, and includes an A10 Fusion chip for powerful laptop-like performance, enabling you to run even the most demanding apps, including augmented reality experiences.

The latest iPad offers an upgraded 1.2MP front-facing camera that allows you to FaceTime in HD, features Apple Pay, and boasts impressive all-day battery life of 10 hours. And with 128GB storage you can store movies and pictures, and download apps and games, without having to worry about filling up your tablet.

This is a fantastic price for a newer model iPad, but this deal from Walmart is a limited-time promotion, so you should take advantage while you can.

If you don't need as much storage and want to save some money, Walmart also has the 32GB Apple iPad on sale for just $249 – that's an $80 discount, and the best price we've found for the tablet.

Interested in other iPad models? We've rounded up more of the cheapest iPad deals that are currently available.

Learn more about Prime Day with our guide on Amazon Prime Day 2019: everything you need to know for the July deals event.

Shop more deals with our top picks from the Father's Day sale at Walmart.

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Best iPhone 2019: which Apple phone is the best?

Posted: 10 Jun 2019 08:40 AM PDT

You'd imagine that the best iPhone would just be the most recent, but now that Apple releases three models each year, like it did in 2018 with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone X, there's a little more to think about – does physical size justify an increased size?

When Apple's smartphones cost so much, even when you find the best iPhone deals around, it's important to find the best iPhone for you, that's why we've set out to rank the powerful devices. 

We'll help you check out how the three newest iPhones compare to each other, and see which handsets to check out if you don't want the very latest devices.

This way, if you're not looking to spend maximum cash on the latest and greatest features, you can find a more reasonable pick in an older iPhone, like 2017's iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, or one of the budget-minded options, like the iPhone XR.

Each of the top iPhones we recommend runs iOS 12, and they're all going to receive iOS 13 when that rolls out later in 2019, but iPhones later than the ones included on this list won't, so bear that in mind if you decide to stray from our recommendations.

So without further ado, here's our list of the best iPhones you can buy right now – at least until the new iPhone 11 rolls out later this year.

Best iPhone: which one should you buy today

Best iPhone 2019

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The iPhone XS Max is the best iPhone you can buy right now. It's Apple's biggest and best iPhone – if your hands and wallets are large enough. It has an expansive 6.5-inch OLED screen with HDR10 support to make colors pop. It's the perfect phone if you want a giant screen.

Behind that huge screen is an improved dual-lens 12MP camera. Apple outfitted it with Smart HDR and increased the sensor size to capture larger pixels. Don't let that static 12MP number fool you. The iPhone XS Max (like the XS) has new depth-sensing capabilities for adjustable bokeh (background blur) during and after a shot.

The TrueDepth camera returns with faster Face ID recognition, and your 7MP selfies get better depth control and Smart HDR, too. And, of course, Animoji returns with the iOS 12 benefit of having Memoji now. 

The iPhone XS Max is more expensive than the iPhone X and iPhone XS that replaces the X, of course. But if you're paying for it over the course of two years in a contract (or through the Apple Upgrade Program), it's not that much more month-to-month.

Read our in-depth iPhone XS Max review

Best iPhone 2019

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Believe it or not, the iPhone XS is Apple's best 'small' phone. It has a 5.8-inch screen, so it's more one-hand-friendly than the Max, but still a sizable upgrade for some people. 

It's an upgrade over last year's iPhone X, our previous best iPhone recommendation, though you'll have to look more closely for the changes – the design isn't different at all. It has a Smart HDR-capable 12MP camera, enhanced TrueDepth front-facing camera, and a fast A12 Bionic chipset, exactly like the larger iPhone XS Max.

In fact, this all-screen phone is pretty much the iPhone XS Max in last year's smaller form factor. It does have a smaller battery than the Max and obviously a smaller screen, but you will still capture the same great photos and videos on this device and play the same games. There's no different there. 

Read our in-depth iPhone XS review

Best iPhone 2019

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The iPhone XR is a great upgrade for the average consumer who doesn't want to pay for the most expensive iPhone money (a lot of money) can buy. This is Apple's 'cheap' iPhone, at least when it comes to recently launched handsets. It's also the best iPhone of the new trio for battery life.

It stands out with a variety of iPhone XR colors: Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Coral, Red. This contrasts heavily with the rather muted colors of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Yet it shares the same internal specs: Apple's fast A12 Bionic chipset and a 12MP dual-lens camera with a single lens on back. 

You don't get the dual-lens camera like you do on a higher-tier iPhone, so you miss out on telephoto shots. But Smart HDR is the real perk to taking great photos, and that's here.

It's cheaper, it's more colorful and it has a big 6.1-inch screen. That's enough for most people, especially those who aren't insistent on an impressive OLED screen.

Read our in-depth iPhone XR review

Best iPhone 2019

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The iPhone X is as impressive as it is expensive, but if you really want the best iPhone today and don't want to wait for the iPhone XI, this is the one to get today. Millions of Apple fans already have since it launched almost seven months ago. It's the future of Apple's smartphone.

It has a large all-screen display, except for a notch cutout at the top that houses a new TrueDepth Camera. This takes selfies to another level and can also map your face to an iPhone X-exclusive Animoji. If you don't know what that is by now you probably won't care.

The iPhone X is Apple's 10th anniversary smartphone and has just about everything iPhone users have been asking for, from a more forward-leaning design to faster specs and new features. You'll just have to get used to Face ID instead of reaching for that non-existent fingerprint sensor.

Read our in-depth iPhone X review

Best iPhone 2019

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The iPhone 8 Plus is the best iPhone if you're not willing to take the plunge into Apple's proposed smartphone future and need that Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It remains popular due to its screen size, cheaper price and physical home button.

It does have several key features you'll like, however. It's among the first iPhones to have both wireless charging and fast charging, and the camera has improved. Its dual-lens camera doesn't have OIS in the telephoto lens (a feature saved for the X), but it's still a great way to snap a photo at long distances.

It won't turn nearly as many heads with its bezel-heavy design, but the iPhone 8 Plus is the iPhone built for big hands and slightly smaller wallets than the new iPhone X.

Read our in-depth iPhone 8 Plus review

Best iPhone 2019

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This is actually the best-selling iPhone from Apple, and for several good reasons. First, we get it, you refuse to budge from the 4.7-inch iPhone screen size and, frankly, we don't blame you. Every time we go back to this iPhone with 'normal' dimensions, we feel like we just went on a smartphone vacation. Second, its price is way more reasonable for a lot a folks than the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus.

Just because the size is the same as iPhones of old, doesn't mean the technology behind it is, though. The iPhone 8 features the same A11 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, and it too debuted wireless charging and fast charging on an Apple smartphone.

The camera is still fantastic, even if it doesn't have the dual-lens capabilities that are exclusive to the X and Plus, and you'll dig iOS 11 at this size more so than the even smaller iPhone SE.

Read our in-depth iPhone 8 review

Best iPhone 2019

Back in 2016 the iPhone 7 Plus was the best phone Apple had ever made, and it remains a winner for its longevity and price. It's larger than the iPhone X though despite its smaller display, so if you're after a smaller phone with a bigger screen, this won't be the best choice for you with its 5.5-inch 1080p display.

The big upgrades over older iPhones are the waterproof design and a new dual-lens camera that allows you to snap with two 12MP lenses at the same time. It allows for better optical zoom as well as a bokeh mode to blur the background of your photos and put the main focus on the foreground.

Battery life on the iPhone 7 Plus is much improved upon the iPhone 6S Plus, and while it's still a costly option it's much cheaper than it was at launch, making it one of the best iPhone choices for people looking for a deal.

Read the full iPhone 7 Plus review

Best iPhone 2019

Despite the iPhone SE's small size and relatively modest price tag, it's still an upper mid-range phone. It has the same boxy yet premium design as the metal-clad iPhone 5S and the same powerful Apple A9 chipset and rear camera as the iPhone 6S.

It lacks the 3D Touch features and higher-resolution front-facing camera of the iPhone 6S and beyond. The screen is also less impressive all round, thanks in large part to a lower contrast ratio. But it compares well to many mid-range handsets.

It's also the most powerful 4-inch iPhone you can get, so for fans of compact form factors this is an obvious choice. But the best bit is its price, as it's one of the cheapest iPhones you'll find on the market and it's something of a bargain by Apple standards.

Read the iPhone SE review

Best iPhone 2019

Don't fancy the large iPhone 7 Plus above? Why not opt for the iPhone 7, which is a smaller and cheaper alternative.

This was one of the first iPhones to lack a headphone jack, but it does come with a water-resistant design that means your phone is likely to survive the odd dip in the sink rather than just being frazzled right away.

There's no dual-lens camera on the iPhone 7, but you can still take some absolutely incredible photography with the 12MP sensor.

If you own an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S, you may not see much difference with the this phone but the newer processor and camera tech may be enough to entice you to buy it if you can't stomach the high price of the iPhone 8.

Read the full iPhone 7 review

Best iPhone 2019

The iPhone 6S, as you probably know, is Apple's flagship from 2015. The Apple A9 chipset and a chunky 2GB of RAM, up from 1GB on the previous model, make it far superior in raw power to 2014's model and still reasonably speedy by today's standards, and it's got some other tricks too.

It has a 12MP rear camera and a tried-and-tested 8MP front-facing camera, which at the time was the best selfie shooter Apple had on a phone.

It does sport largely the same design and screen as the iPhone 6 though and the latter in particular is starting to feel a bit dated in the face of super sharp QHD screens from rivals - and from the newer iPhone X.

This was the first iPhone to sport 3D Touch though, which makes the screen pressure-sensitive and offers new tricks for enhanced emailing and shortcuts around the home screen.

Read the full iPhone 6S review

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