Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Apple : Symantec reportedly in Broadcom takeover talks

Apple : Symantec reportedly in Broadcom takeover talks


Symantec reportedly in Broadcom takeover talks

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 02:04 PM PDT

Broadcom may be set to take another major step forward as it looks to expand behind semiconductors into the software business.

A report from Bloomberg has revealed that the company is in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity firm Symantec according to people familiar with the potential deal.

The chipmaker could even reach an agreement to buy the California-based security company within weeks. However, no deal has yet been finalized and the talks could still fall through.

Neither Broadcom nor Symantec has commented on the news, but the report helped Symantec's shares rise by 22 percent in extended trading.

If the deal goes through, it would be the company's second big software acquisition following its $18bn takeover of CA Technologies last year. 

That followed Broadcom's ambitious attempt to purchase rival chipmaker Qualcomm, following US President Donald Trump's decision to block the transaction over national security risks.

Symantec acquisition

According to its recent annual report, Symantec is the world's largest maker of cybersecurity software and it provides products and services to over 350,000 organizations and 50m people.

However, in the past year, the company has faced a number of challenges including increased competition, the sudden departure of its CEO and a financial investigation. Symantec's shares have increased by around 17 percent this year after a 33 percent decline in 2018.

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan recently said that he acquires “franchises” or groups of businesses within companies that have sustainable market positions through technology leadership. He invests in these companies to maintain their leadership and runs them as distinct parts of Broadcom instead of trying to integrate them with its existing offerings.

Via Bloomberg

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Chile vs Peru live stream: how to watch Copa América 2019 semi-final online from anywhere

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 01:56 PM PDT

While tensions between Chile and Peru have very much thawed since they both fought in the War of the Pacific from 1879-84, there remains a lingering edge to proceedings when the two countries meet on the football field. It all adds up to a potentially fiery showdown - keep reading to discover how to watch tonight's Copa América semi-final clash with our Chile vs Peru live stream (it's ESPN+ if you're in the US).

The two teams' last encounter in a competitive game was a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Lima which was marred by Peruvian fans booing Chile's national anthem. Many Chile fans also feel Peru conspired with Colombia to play out a draw in the final match of the qualifiers which ultimately led to Chile missing out on last year's tournament in Russia.

Both Chile and Peru will feel like they've already gained some glory in the competition. Despite being two-time defending champions, no one expected Chile to get this far with their ageing and seemingly past it squad (eight of their regular starting 11 are well into their thirties). The tournament has nevertheless proved that the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas shouldn't be written off, despite their struggles at club level.

Peru have similarly beaten the odds to get this far, picking themselves up after a demoralising 5-0 humbling to hosts Brazil in the group stage.

Chile have won 44 of the 80 matches played between the two countries, and have has won seven of the last eight game, including their semi-final clash in the 2016 Copa América.

If you want to know where you'll be able to watch today's game in the Copa América - it's ESPN+ if you're in the US - we'll tell you exactly where you can catch them online with our Chile vs Peru live stream guide.

How to watch the 2019 Copa América 2019 from outside your country

Our handy guide below gives you a full rundown of your viewing options for the 2019 Copa América across different countries - check out how to watch in the US (where ESPN+ will be streaming the tournament in its entirety), the UK, Canada and Australia.

As ever, the problems start when you try to watch your domestic coverage online while out of the country, where you'll find your stream is most likely geo-blocked.

Help is at hand however. Using a Virtual Private Network - or VPN - you'll be able to select a server in your home country and then watch as if you were sat back at home on your couch.

How to live stream Chile vs Peru in the US

- Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites

How to stream Chile vs Peru live in the UK 

How to watch Chile vs Peru: Canada live stream 

How to live stream Chile vs Peru in Australia 

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Parallels and Winzip developer Corel acquired

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 01:47 PM PDT

Months after acquiring Seattle-based desktop virtualization company Parallels, Canadian software company Corel has now been acquired itself.

The New York-based global investment equity firm KKR recently announced that it had acquired the company from Vector Capital. Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, early reports from TechCrunch and others valued the deal at over $1bn.

Corel CEO Patrick Nichols praised the deal in a press release, explaining that it would provide new opportunities for the company and its customers:

“KKR recognizes the value of our people and their impressive achievements, especially in terms of our commitment to customers, technology innovation, and our highly successful acquisition strategy.," he said.

"With KKR’s support and shared vision, our management team is excited by the opportunities ahead for our company, products, and users.”

Corel acquisition

While neither Corel nor its former owner Vector have publicly disclosed the software company's financials or user numbers, Vector has said that the company is “highly profitable” with dividends of over $300m to date. 

According to an internal memo obtained by TechCrunch, Corel (and the recently acquired Parallels) has millions of customers across its various software platforms and apps.

Additionally, an internal email from Nichols has revealed that there will be no layoffs as a result of the KKR deal.

The founder and chief investment officer of Corel's former owner Vector Capital, Alex Slusky explained how Corel improved under its ownership and that it is in good hands with KKR, saying:

“Corel has been an important part of the Vector Capital family for many years and we are pleased to have achieved a fantastic outcome for our investors with the sale to KKR. Under Vector’s ownership, Corel completed multiple transformative acquisitions, grew revenue and meaningfully improved profitability, highlighting Vector’s proven strategy of partnering with management teams to position companies for long-term success.  We are confident the company has found a great partner with KKR and wish them continued success together.” 

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The best VR laptops: these notebooks are ready for the Rift

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 01:24 PM PDT

You’ll need one of the best VR laptops if you’re looking to explore the virtual worlds in their highest fidelity, but don’t have room for a PC.

Lucky for you, this is the year of VR. Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR have been on the store shelves for quite some time now, and Valve Index has just hit the streets, bringing virtual reality out of the realm of '90s cyberpunk fantasies and into our homes. And, more and more of the best gaming PCs and the best gaming laptops are VR ready.

However, no matter how you slice it, VR is still cutting-edge, pricey tech. The barrier for entry into the virtual world is, at minimum, about $700 (about £619, AU$1,029) for a PS4 and a PlayStation VR headset.

Taking virtual reality to the next level with a PC headset costs considerably more, with the Oculus Rift headset priced at $599 (£499, about AU$1,100 with shipping) and the HTC Vive at $799 (£689, about AU$930 with shipping).

None of those costs include a VR-capable PC.

Eventually, prices will come down as the technology bends to the will of Moore's Law. For now, early adopters will need to pay a hefty toll to cross the bridge into the VR space, and those who want to take their headsets on the road should brace for the costs associated with the best VR laptops.

If you're dead set on a portable VR experience, we've got a guide to help you pick out your beastly new computer. Both the Vive and Oculus require some pretty solid specs, so the best VR laptops on this list are definitely built for the enthusiast with deep pockets.

MSI GS65 Stealth

One of the most impressive Nvidia Max-Q gaming laptops we’ve tested to date, the MSI GS65 Stealth tops our list as it outclasses most of its rivals as far as performance, looking good and classy doing so with its thin and sleek chassis. Of course, it’s VR ready as well, topping our list of the best VR laptops in 2019. It’s not faultless – the audio could be better, as could its heat management – but it more than makes up for those in power and aesthetic.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth

Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701

The Asus ROG Zephyrus GX701 is one of the most powerful thin and light gaming laptops right now, boasting a 9th-generation i7 chip, Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics and 16GB RAM in its 0.7-inch thick chassis. That will get you through most powerful VR games, and the only thing that’ll be breaking a sweat is you. Its svelte design will let you squeeze in some gaming discreetly at a cafe, if you turn down the RGB lighting, though you might want to play some non-VR stuff then.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701

Razer Blade 2019

The Razer Blade 2019 is sharper than ever, touting powerful innards that will get you through the most demanding games, with the advanced model breezing through your favorite VR games. It comes with a much improved battery life as well, not to mention the Windows Hello camera that was missing in its previous version. All that power and frills come with a high price tag, but with a gaming laptop this intense, you’ll be more than satisfied with your albeit lofty purchase, which is why this is high on our best VR laptops list.

Read the full review: Razer Blade 2019

MSI GT75VR Titan

The MSI GT75 Titan is already an incredible gaming laptop, so much so that we gave it high marks on our review. Yet this gaming desktop replacement also boasts a few VR models, taking gaming to the next level and you through the most demanding and best VR games without much effort. This isn’t something you’d carry with you to work or when traveling, as it is thick and hardly portable. Plus, the price tag is pretty steep. But if you want one of the best VR laptops on your desk, this one’s a win.

Read the full review: MSI GT75VR Titan

Alienware 17 R5

The Alienware 17 R5 is designed to delve into virtual reality experiences, though considering how powerful it is – with an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 chip, Nvidia GTX 1070 and up to 32GB of memory, it can handle whatever demanding game you throw at it. Couple those internals with a decent battery life and a stunner of a display, and this is without a doubt one of the best VR laptops money can buy.

Read the full review: Alienware 17 R5

Asus ROG G703GI

The VR-ready Asus ROG G703GI is easily one of the most powerful gaming laptops we’ve ever tested, so it makes sense for it to make our best VR laptops list as well. Playing your favorite processor-hungry, graphics-intensive games on it at the highest settings – VR or not, and you’ll feel like a pro. Just be ready to shell out a bit of cash and have that charger handy at all times, as it is expensive and not very energy-efficient.

Read the full review: Asus ROG G703GI

Origin EON17-SLX

The Origin EON17-SLX has room to breath when it comes to powering a VR headset. Inside the EON17-SLX is a desktop-grade GeForce GTX 1070 chip with 8GB of VRAM and one of Intel's new Skylake processors, the i5-6700K, running at 4GHz, to start. The laptop made mincemeat of our benchmarking tests, running GTA 5 on Ultra at a respectable 41 fps at 1080p. However, all that power comes with great responsibility, and in this case, you'll be responsible for not using it more than 2 hours without plugging it in. The virtual reality dream can be experienced away from home, just not for very long.

Read the full review: Origin EON17-SLX

MSI GT73VR Titan Pro

Also available with a 4K display, the portable powerhouse that is MSI GT3VR Titan Pro is indeed worthy of its moniker, a place in our best VR laptops list and as a gaming desktop replacement. There are many things to love on here: the gorgeous 120Hz screen, the premium programmable keyboard and the immersive attempts they made on those speakers. Plus, even if you’re not a fan of that gaming look, you’ll find its design quite appealing. All those add up to the perfect candidate for the best VR laptop, if you’re willing to splurge.

Read the full review: MSI GT73VR Titan Pro

The Aorus X9 has a few accolades under its belt. At the time of its release, it was the world's thinnest Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 laptop and the world's thinnest chassis with true laptop mechanical switches, not to mention the world’s first 17.3” laptop boasting quad fans. Accolades aside, it also offers uncompromising power in an ultra-thin body, allowing you to play any hardcore gaming without blinking. This is definitely one of the best VR laptops on the market today.

Read the full review: Aorus X9

  • It's VR Week on techradar – read all the great content here

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Copa América 2019 live stream: how to watch semi-finals online from anywhere

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 12:51 PM PDT

You can argue that the 2019 Copa América hasn't exactly displayed the most glorious football ever, but you can't deny that the prospect of seeing Brazil and Argentina go head-to-head is a truly mouthwatering prospect. We can't tell you who will win, but we can answer the most important question of all - how to get a 2019 Copa América live stream from wherever on Earth you are.

The Copa América is the talk of the town across South America right now as one of the world's biggest football tournaments is taking place in Brazil for the first time in 30 years.

Having failed to mirror his trophy-laden club career with Barcelona on the international stage, all eyes are on Lionel Messi to once again attempt to end his tournament hoodoo and lead Argentina to some silverware. His country are a long overdue some glory in the competition having not won the Copa América since 1989. But they'll have to get past the intimidating hosts first - Brazil have won the tournament on the four previous occasions that they've held it.

Despite having won the competition twice on the spin, Chile came into the tournament way down the list of favorites according to Betfair. But they've responded strongly and qualified for the knockouts with relative ease, followed by a nail-biting penalty shootout win over Colombia in the quarters. Peru's round of 8 game ended in similar fashion, sending Uruguay and a teary Luis Suárez out.

If you want to know where you'll be able to watch every single match - it's ESPN+ if you're in the US - we'll tell you exactly where you can catch them online with our 2019 Copa América live stream guide.

How to watch the 2019 Copa América 2019 from outside your country

Below we have a full rundown of your viewing options for the 2019 Copa América in different countries - check out how to watch in the US (where ESPN+ will be streaming the tournament in its entirety), the UK, Canada and Australia.

The problems start when you try to watch your domestic coverage online while out of the country. Give it a go and you'll quickly find your stream in geo-blocked.

That's super annoying, but not unavoidable. We've found that using a Virtual Private Network - or VPN - to be a handy solution. You select a server in your home country and then watch as if you were sat back at home on your couch.

Who's playing next? Upcoming 2019 Copa América fixtures

All times in Brasilia Standard Time (BRT)

Tuesday July 3
Semi-finals
Brazil vs Argentina (9.30pm)  

Wednesday July 3
Semi-finals
Chile vs Peru (9.30pm) 

Saturday July 6
Third-place play-off
SF1 loser v SF2 loser (4pm BST)

Sunday July 7
Final
SF1 winner v SF2 winner (5pm)

How to watch the Copa América: US live stream 

- Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites

How to stream the Copa América live in the UK 

How to watch Copa América: Canada live stream 

How to live stream the 2019 Copa América in Australia 

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

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 12:49 PM PDT

You must think about picking up one of the best gaming monitors in order to bring your gaming experience to the next level. The best PC games, after all, can take you to places, showing you things and worlds you never thought were possible.

But what makes the best gaming monitors better for gaming? Well, everything ultimately boils down to what you want to get out of it. These days, the shelves are full of many different types of monitors, and the best gaming monitor for you will depend on the type of games you play.

If you’re someone who wants to get immersed in 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. But, if you’re all about the esports life and playing Overwatch, you’ll want one of the best gaming monitors with a high refresh rate and low response time.

With so many options and features to consider, choosing the best gaming monitor can be confusing, 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 gaming monitor for your specific gaming needs.

BenQ EX3501R

BenQ EX3501R

HDR has been a major selling point for the best TVs for a while now. Unfortunately, the feature has yet to gain popularity in the best gaming monitors sphere. Yet the trailblazing BenQ EX3501R takes HDR and runs with it, creating a curved ultra-wide that is not only what we would call ‘gaming monitor goals,’ but a stunner as well. BenQ bills this monitor as a ‘video enjoyment monitor.’ However, 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 offer a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also touting 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 gives you the best of both worlds. All these features do come with a steep price, so it may not be the best option for budget-minded gamers. Still, it’s not difficult to see why it’s one of the best gaming monitors 2019 has to offer. And, it’s definitely worth saving up for.

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 ever used, so when we heard that a follow-up was on its way – one that comes with a higher refresh rate and better contrast – we could hardly wait. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition has inherited the original’s best features but turns those up to 11, making it a dazzling display to experience ultra-wide gaming on. It’s costly, 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 – not to mention, best – gaming monitor to add to your arsenal... as long as you have the budget for it. This display boasts a stunning 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, as well as G-Sync and a speedy 144Hz refresh rate. These specs add up to one of the most impressive gaming monitors that’s ever existed – and when you see it in action, it will blow you away. 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

While mainly designed for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also 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 incredible viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your game in comfort. And, unlike a lot of 4K monitors on the market, you won’t have to mess around with the settings to get the best picture, as every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. This is definitely 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 that money can buy, and the Acer Predator X27 might be the best gaming monitor for them. The menu of high-end features packed into this display is almost as long as our arm – 4K resolution, HDR-10, G-Sync, 144Hz refresh rate – and you’d be hard pressed to find a more advanced display. Once you get a look at this monitor in person, it’ll be hard to look back. That is, until you see the price tag – at around $1,600, only those with deep pockets need apply. Though you can always save some money to take it home.

Read the full review: Acer Predator X27

BenQ Zowie XL2540

BenQ Zowie XL2540

Don’t be put off by its imperfections, as the BenQ Zowie XL2540 definitely deserves its place 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 setup that’s capable of keeping up with this refresh rate, this gaming display take you a long way in gaming. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things easy 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. This is one of the best gaming monitors to consider, if you’re a pro gamer.

Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540

Samsung CHG90 QLED

Samsung CHG90 QLED

With this monitor, Samsung not only brings QLED to gaming displays in a massive way, but also gets bragging rights to the widest ultra-wide monitor on the market today. Coming in at 49.5 inches, this goliath takes up a lot of space – it’s likely to jut out over the sides of your desk. However, with its impressive 3,840 x 1080 resolution and HDR, you will 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 that extra real estate to browse the internet or watch movies on the same screen. Its price tag is Herculean as well, but for a monitor this premium, it may very well be worth it.

Read the full review: Samsung CHG90 QLED

AOC Agon AG322QC4

A little HDR is always a welcome treat, even if it’s not true HDR. And yet, the AOC Agon AG322QC4 has more than that ace up its sleeves. With 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync 2 and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, this is among the best gaming monitors of 2019, offering users gorgeous, super smooth visuals and looking good while doing so. While it’s not exactly a steal, the Agon AG322QC4 is still pretty affordable for gamers who aren’t looking around in the bargain basement.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG322QC4

MSI Optix MAG271CR

MSI Optix MAG271CR

When you’re doing competitive first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you’re going to need speed more than anything to stay on top of the leader boards. That’s where displays like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With a 1080p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of latency, you’re armed with 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 in 2019 are all about the high refresh rates.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR

How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2019

Are you in the market for the best gaming monitor 2019 has to offer? Before you make that purchase, you must know that there are a few things to consider before choosing which display should grace your desk.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to help guarantee that you’re investing in the best gaming monitor for your needs. It 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 important 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 that you have the room to keep a large monitor. Of course, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the 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 might feel 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: One other essential factor to consider when looking for the best gaming monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, need 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 mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more important. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading 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 offers 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 vital to keep this number as low as possible in order to avoid 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, which are typically more affordable, have the lowest response times. However, they usually don’t have great viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction. They 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: While 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 2019 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and diminish 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. FreeSync, on the other hand, was created by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are typically less expensive.

Check out our HDR Explained video below.

Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy 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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The best Chromebooks 2019

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 12:33 PM PDT

The best Chromebooks of 2019 are more powerful, more flexible and with longer battery lives than ever before. In this list of the best Chromebooks, we put together the top devices that show exactly what these affordable Chrome OS-based laptops are capable of.

Before you buy the best Chromebook for your needs however, it might be worth knowing what exactly a Chromebook is. Chromebooks don’t just feature fantastic battery life, but they’re also very affordable. This is because the top Chromebooks don’t need the latest and greatest processors – as they run Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system, and they only pack what they need to get the job done. Plus, the best Chromebooks are getting more advanced by the day.

Some users may be wary of picking up one of the best Chromebooks because of their limitations, and that’s totally fair. However, if your computer use just boils down to word processing, emailing and watching Netflix, with very little video editing or gaming, you really can’t go wrong with one of the best Chromebooks.

Google Pixelbook

The Google Pixelbook is the best Chromebook of 2019

Shortly after announcing the Chromebook Pixel’s demise, Google revived it in a way nobody expected. Now, it’s the Google Pixelbook, and it stands completely independent of its predecessor. That’s because, unlike the Chromebook Pixel, it can run Android apps natively, on top of building upon Chrome OS. When you factor in the huge amount of storage space, fantastic stylus and Google Assistant, it shouldn’t surprise you when we say the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook 2019 has to offer – even so long after its launch.

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

Asus Chromebook Flip

The best convertible Chromebook

Before Google released the Pixelbook, and showed us exactly what the best Chromebooks should be, the Asus Chromebook Flip was our perfect Google laptop. With a full Intel Core processor and a full-HD display, the Asus Chromebook Flip was a game-changer. Put simply, if you want key features that the Pixelbook offers, but you don’t want to deal with that steep price tag, the Asus Chromebook Flip is the next best Chromebook. If you're on the budget, this is one of the best Asus laptops to consider.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip 

Samsung Chromebook Pro

A brilliant Chromebook for productivity

When Android apps started heading to the best Chromebooks, it was only a matter of time before Samsung came into the picture to craft something truly beautiful. With a 12.3-inch QHD touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge, the Samsung Chromebook Pro also boasts a built-in stylus – the first of its kind to show up in a Chromebook. Not only does it give many of its competitors a run for their money, but it’s better than most Android devices as well, even if the keyboard could use some tightening up. 

Read the full review: Samsung Chromebook Pro

  • This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.

best Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Spin 13

Another top convertible Chrfomebook

When you think of Chromebooks, education is one of the first things that comes to mind. But, with the Acer Chromebook Spin 13, Acer wants them to be synonymous with business, too. Beautifully built from aluminum with a gorgeous QHD screen, it won’t just fit in the office, but it may actually draw some envious looks. It’s more than just an appealing chassis, however: the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 is backed by full-fat Ultrabook processors, so it can get work done in style.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 13

Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1

Another great 2-in-1 Chromebook

The best Chromebooks are affordable devices that anyone can get their hands on. And, in that spirit, the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 flawlessly fits the bill. This isn’t the most powerful Chromebook on the market, mind you. But it boils Chromebooks down to what they need to be: affordable, easy to use and durable. This Chromebook will be great for doing all your web browsing and video editing, and may just be one of the best laptops for kids, as it won’t break from a simple drop. What more can you ask for?

Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1

Acer Chromebook Spin 11

Acer has made one of the best Chromebooks ever with the Chromebook Spin 11

The best Chromebooks are perhaps the most compelling student laptops, and that’s exactly where the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 excels. Whether you’re a student or a parent of one, this is a cheap, capable and, more importantly, durable machine that can get some schoolwork done on the go. Sure, you can’t get any hardcore gaming or video editing done on it, but if you just need to write up some papers and watch some YouTube in your downtime, then the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 should be at the top of your list. 

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 11 

Acer Chromebook 15

Another brilliant Chromebook from Acer

With a solid build quality that rivals a MacBook, it’s easy to forgive the Acer Chromebook 15’s aversion to 2-in-1 form factors. Still, given that the best Chromebooks releasing this year are fully convertible, thanks to the wide adoption of Android app support, the Acer Chromebook 15 had to prove itself to us with more than great style. And, beyond its ability to lay flat using a 180-degree hinge, this beautiful 15-inch Chromebook also makes a great impression with its battery life lasting nearly 17 hours in our battery test. 

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15

Acer Chromebook R11

Acer Chromebook R11 has a 360-degree hinge

We wouldn’t be surprised to see Acer replacing the Chromebook R11 – at least, judging by the recent release of the Chromebook Spin 11. Yet it still holds up to this day as one of the best Chromebooks to hit the streets. Sure, it isn’t the most powerful choice out there, but it still offers full access to Android Apps on the Google Play store. What’s more, it does so on a touchscreen display that can be rotated around into tablet mode, fitted in an all-metal finish that you would be proud to show off. 

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11

HP Chromebook 14

A brilliant value Chromebook from HP

The best Chromebooks are the ones that balance a rock-bottom price and speedy use of Chrome OS – and the HP Chromebook 14 is a perfect example. While it’s similar to the Acer Chromebook 15 in a lot of ways, this 14-inch Chromebook is a tad more compact and looks slightly better. Complemented by a bright blue finish and a screen made to astonish, the HP Chromebook 14 offers the best value of any Chromebook out there. Even if the battery life and performance are average – the HP Chromebook 14 is easily one of the best Chromebooks to date.

Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14

There’s a handful of things we don’t love about the Acer Chromebook Spin 15, namely the fact that doesn’t take full advantage of the space it has and that its trackpad isn’t the best. Yet we have easily forgiven its shortcomings, as it more than makes up for them with enough power for over-the-top multitasking, a battery life that will outlast yours and a beautiful touchscreen that surprisingly premium for the price. All those certainly warrant this Chromebook a spot in our best Chromebooks list, and that’s without considering the fact that it’s very affordable. If you’re not convinced that you should jump on the Chromebook bandwagon, this one will make a convert out of you.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 15

Watch the video below for the top 7 things to consider when buying a laptop:

  • Images Credit: TechRadar

Juan Martinez and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article.

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The best PC gaming headsets 2019

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 12:20 PM PDT

Thanks to Intel Coffee Lake Refresh processors combined with Nvidia Turing graphics, the best gaming PCs on the market right now have never been more powerful. 

That means there’s never been a better time to pick up one of the best PC gaming headsets. Having high quality sound, after all, is essential for an immersive gaming experience, especially since many gaming monitors don’t have built-in speakers these days. And, while there are some that do, they just won’t do your PC games justice like a dedicated PC gaming headset will. 

The best PC games provide rich audio, so you don’t want to miss out. Whether you’re looking for an immersive audio experience as you die over and over again in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, or you just want to get some end-game grinding done in the Division 2, you’ll want either the best computer speakers, or one of the best PC gaming headsets.

The best PC gaming headsets we've chosen have all the bells and whistles that the best computer speakers will offer, but with one key difference – privacy. For anyone that wants to avoid waking their roommates (or neighbors) late at night, check out the best PC gaming headsets on the market 2019 has to offer instead.

HyperX Cloud Revolver S

HyperX Cloud Revolver S

When we first sat down to review the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were a tad divided. On one hand, it boasts fantastic 7.1-channel surround sound, delivered through Dolby's trademark digital signal processor. On the other, it's extremely pricey when compared to other similar headsets. Fortunately, as one of Kingston's most subdued pair of cans we've ever seen (or heard), the pristine comfort and top-notch sound more than make up for its high price and oddly placed detachable mic. And that’s why this tops our list of the best PC gaming headsets.

Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S

SteelSeries Arctis Pro

SteelSeries Arctis Pro

SteelSeries is known for offering impeccable audio, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes things to another level. This headset doesn’t just give you immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro also serves you well when listening to your favorite tunes. One of the best PC gaming headsets to date, this one’s a little on the expensive side, but when you consider just how comfortable and excellent sounding this headset is, well, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro 

Astro A50 Wireless

Astro A50 Wireless

Back when the original Astro A50 launched, we called it a ‘game-changing, experience-enhancing headset.’ Thankfully, its wireless successor follows in its footsteps – while adding in wireless functionality. It’s not ready to rock with your PC, but with PS4, Xbox One and legacy consoles as well – a headset that’s robust and versatile.

Read the full review: Astro A50 Wireless

Beyerdynamic Custom Game

Beyerdynamic Custom Game

While it’s pricier than we’d like, the Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best PC gaming headsets we’ve used in a while. It doesn’t feature flashy surround sound or wireless functionality, unfortunately. However, this headset excels in two of the most important categories: sound and comfort. Seriously, once you put it on and experience your games in headphones this good, there’s no looking back.

Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Custom Game

Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset

Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset

Usually when you're buying anything, including gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for. You don't go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away, at least typically. Well, Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head. The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best PC gaming headset you can buy today. Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound and mic quality that rivals headsets that are twice as expensive. Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. If you don't mind giving up some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50.

Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset 

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

Compromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually likes making them. Lucky for you, you won’t have to with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. With it, you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset. And, when you add the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity to the mix, you have a recipe for one of the best PC gaming headsets we've ever gotten our hands on. If you have the cash, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless 

Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition

Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition

Creative has made a name for itself over the ears for crafting sublime audio products – and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. Instead of just sitting and iterating on the winning formula of its previous products, Creative gives the Sound BlasterX H7 a complete overhaul, resulting in a PC gaming headset that looks just as good as it sounds. If you’re looking for a comfortable, solid and meaty-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition is one of the best PC gaming headsets today. 

Read the full review: Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition 

Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset

Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset

The Logitech G Pro gaming headset boasts raw performance over your traditional ‘gamer aesthetic’, and it’s comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. This headset doesn’t offer much else, but it doesn’t need to. The Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset focuses squarely on providing excellent quality, rather than filling out a sheet of bells and whistles. If value is what you’re looking for, the Logitech G Pro might be the best PC gaming headset for you. 

Read the full review: Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset 

Razer Nari Ultimate

Anyone can simply listen to their games, but with the Razer Nari Ultimate, you could feel them as well. This gaming headset has haptic motors in the ear cups that makes your ears vibrate. That’s enough to make this at least an interesting headset, but when paired with the long battery life, amazing sound quality and comfortable build, it’s easily one of the best gaming headsets out there. Do yourself a favor and turn off the haptic feedback, even when you’re listening to music.

Read the full review: Razer Nari Ultimate

Astro A20

Astro A20

If you're looking for one of the best PC gaming headsets, but the $300 price tags on those high-end headsets make your stomach turn, you should take a look at the Astro A20. Boasting solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the stunning 15-hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary features that you might want in its price range. Sure, it doesn't have surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life.

Read the full review: Astro A20

Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700

With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals that constantly meet consumer standards. The Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 joins their ranks. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset offers excellent sound quality without being tethered with a wire. It’s even compatible with other gaming platforms, so you won’t have to juggle around different headsets. It’s a little expensive, but considering how good this headset sounds and how versatile it is, we’d say it’s worth it. 

Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 

HyperX Cloud Flight

HyperX Cloud Flight

The HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset that boasts up to 30 hours of battery life. This means you’ll likely get two full days of gaming in between full charges. There is a catch, however – unlike the Cloud Flight’s competition, namely the Astro A20, this gaming headset only has stereo sound, ditching any surround sound implementation. You can thankfully get around it by playing around with the Dolby Access app, though, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this a non-issue, making this one of the best PC gaming headsets in 2019.

Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight

Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset

Corsair rolled out one of the best PC gaming headsets late last year with the Corsair HS50, and now, it has made it even better by making it wireless and flourishing it with virtual surround sound capabilities. These features on their own would make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, it makes a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup.

Read the full review: Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset 

Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless

Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless

It wasn't that long ago that Corsair was solely known for PC components. However, over the last five years or so, it has arguably become better known for its gaming peripherals. With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, it's not hard to see why. While at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and – perhaps most importantly – RGB lighting. Plus, if you've already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in nicely, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine.

Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless 

Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament

If you're the type of gamer who isn't afraid to let the world know you're playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament might just be the best PC gaming headset for you. Not only is it supremely comfortable to wear, but its 50mm drivers mean that sound quality is always top notch – even if it could use a bit more bass in the mix. You really do have to be into the 'gamer aesthetic' however, as its plastic build and orange highlights personify the style. Still, if you can get past the looks and the price tag, there's a lot to love about the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament.

Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament  

Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

Image Credits: TechRadar

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Netherlands vs Sweden live stream: how to watch Women's World Cup 2019 semi-final from anywhere

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:58 AM PDT

Netherlands and Sweden. The 2019 Women's World Cup semi-final. Lyon. It's very straightforward...win today and play in the World Cup Final on Sunday. And to make sure that you don't miss a minute, we've created this guide to getting a Netherlands vs Sweden live stream - regardless of where on Earth you are.

If tonight's 2019 Women's World Cup semi-final between the Netherlands and Sweden can match the intensity and drama of yesterday's, then we're in for another treat - subject to VAR, of course.

While the teams look evenly matched on paper, the Netherlands go in to the game as slight favourites with Betfair, largely due to them being reigning European champions. Sweden are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition but have shown they're capable of big performances having pulled off shock wins against Canada and Germany.

While they may be European champions, this is the furthest the Netherlands have reached in the women's game's biggest tournament. Key to their success in France so far has been striker Vivianne Miedema.

The Arsenal star slotted home her third goal of the tournament against Italy in the quarter-finals to extend her lead as the all-time leading goalscorer in the Netherlands national team at the age of just 22.  Sweden will need to stop Miedema linking up with winger Lieke Martens - a combination that has proved almost impossible to nullify for the Oranje's opponents so far in the competition.

Sweden have managed to set a record for the largest spread of scorers at a single edition of the World Cup with eight different goal-scorers netting in France. That sort of team effort will be required if the Blågult are to make it to their first final since 2003.

Who will get to face the USA in the 2019 Women's World Cup final on Sunday? You'll be able to find out as it happens from anywhere on Earth, by following our Netherlands vs Sweden live stream guide below.

Watch a FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 live stream from outside your country

If you're in UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we've got your viewing options listed below. If you're out of the country for today's match, you may find that geo-blocking will prevent you from watching your regular domestic coverage from abroad. You don't have to risk watching the match on a dodgy stream, however.

With the option of using a VPN service, you can tune into the match no matter where you are in the world, and its super easy to set up.

How to stream Netherlands vs Sweden live in the UK 

Live stream Netherlands vs Sweden in the US

- Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites

As well as opening up your viewing options for the Women's World Cup, using a VPN allows you to watch all your domestic sports coverage from abroad.

How to watch a FIFA Women's World Cup live stream in Canada

How to watch Netherlands vs Sweden live stream in Australia

How to watch a Netherlands vs Sweden live stream in New Zealand


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Best gaming laptops 2019: the 10 top gaming laptops we've reviewed

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:40 AM PDT

We’ve got the best gaming laptops on here that will satisfy your gaming needs, whether you have the space for a thicc desktop replacement that boasts the most powerful graphics and processors so that you can run the Division 2 and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice with the settings cranked, or you just want a thin and light gaming laptop that’ll let you play your favorite games while on the go. Yes, that includes affordable ones that will help you stick to your budget.

The best gaming laptops have evolved so much in such a short amount of time, and now they’re more powerful than ever before. Thanks to more powerful components like the Nvidia RTX graphics, the top-of-the-line gaming laptops can run the best PC games at the highest resolutions and frame rates. You won’t even need to build the best gaming PC to get powerful hardware and performance anymore, not when the best gaming laptops come in every shape and size.

So, don’t judge a gaming laptop by its cover. Thanks to Nvidia Turing Max-Q graphics for laptops to start, many of the best gaming laptops hide great power inside their relatively compact chassis. Look at the aptly named MSI GS65 Stealth, for instance. And, if you want a beastly desktop replacement, that option is still open to you, with devices like the MSI GT75 that demand attention from anyone that steps in the room.

And, we’ve tested these best gaming laptops ourselves, so you know they’re up to snuff.

Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701

These days, the best gaming laptop manufacturers are scrambling to design the thinnest gaming laptop that also showcase raw power. At the moment, the one that might be leading the charge might just be the Asus ROG Zephyrus GX701. At just 0.7 inches thick, this beast of a laptop boasts an Intel Coffee Lake Core i7 chip, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics and 16GB of RAM. That means you can play any PC game under the sun on Ultra, and also take it with you wherever you go – excellent for travelers with a penchant for gaming. Plus, it’s packed with RGB lighting that’ll dazzle just about anyone.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 

MSI GS65 Stealth

Play some of the best PC games on the move and very discreetly with the MSI GS65 Stealth, which might just be the gaming laptop of your dreams. Coming in at just 0.69 inches thick and featuring impressive hardware like Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-series – refreshed with RTX 20-series graphics at CES – the MSI GS65 Stealth packs a punch in its very svelte package. There’s nothing you won’t be able to throw at this thing that’ll slow it down. And, thanks to the smart aesthetic, you’ll be able to lug this beefy rig everywhere you go, making it the best gaming laptop to hit the streets.

Read the full review: MSI GS65 Stealth 

Razer Blade

For a few years now, the Razer Blade has consistently been named as one of the best gaming laptops on the market. And for good reason, as it packs some powerful components and boasts a beautiful display in its elegant chassis. That’s true for the 2019 model as well, which now rocks up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080. That is, frankly, a ton of power for a laptop with this thin. If that’s not enough graphics power for you, you can use the Razer Core for future expansion. Make no mistake: it is pricey; but it might be worth it if style and power are equally important to you.

Read the full review: Razer Blade

Lenovo Legion Y740

The Lenovo Legion Y740 packs a lot of muscle inside its stylish yet accessible chassis, combining a very high refresh rate, Nvidia Turing graphics and a powerful processor with a gloriously effective thermal cooling, a cable management system and a number of applications for customizations. It’s as close to a complete package as you can get, wrapped in a stunning chassis that you’d be proud to show off to friends and strangers. It still has the remnants of that gaming aesthetic, but it’s made elegant so that you could be gaming in public and no one would be the wiser. Despite its shortcomings – unfortunate keyboard and webcam placement, as well as its subpar battery life – it’s still one of the best gaming laptops to date.

Read the full review: Lenovo Legion Y740

MSI GT75 Titan

A small number of gaming laptops just don’t pull any punches, enabling you to run any game you can imagine on Ultra without breaking a sweat – and the MSI GT75 Titan is a terrific example. It’s a behemoth of desktop replacement, packed with 6-core Intel Coffee Lake processors, plenty of RAM and powerful Nvidia Pascal graphics. Aptly named, this is indeed a titan, and is neither portable nor cafe-friendly. However, if raw power is what you’re after, this is the best gaming laptop for you, as long as you’re prepared to shell out the money.

Read the full review: MSI GT75 Titan

Asus ROG G703GI

Yes, thin and light gaming laptops are trending right now. However, if you have no problem with a thick, heavy and monstrous laptop, as long as it can breeze through any game you throw at it, then the Asus ROG G703GI is the best gaming laptop for you. This gaming machine is massive – not to mention, one of the more expensive Asus laptops – but it does justify its gargantuan size and price with gaming performance that can give the best gaming PCs a run for their money. With its two power bricks, it’s not exactly an ideal travel companion. Leave this one at home where it belongs.

Read the full review: Asus ROG G703GI 

Asus ROG Strix GL502

It may not have the most original or inventive design, trading in the usual black and red aesthetic for one that makes it feel like Halloween all year round (no complaints here, but some might not find it particularly appealing). Yet, it’s still one of the best laptops when it comes to gaming in 1080p. In fact, we are able to crank the settings all the way up in Overwatch without ever dipping below 60fps. It doesn’t offer the longest battery life, but just have your charger on hand at all times. Plus, the screen, power and onboard sound system more than make up for it.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix GL502

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Alienware 17 R5

Acer Predator Helios 500

If you’re seeking a gaming powerhouse, but you don’t have the cash to shell out for one of those svelte gaming laptops, the Acer Predator Helios 500 is the obvious choice. It’s packed with up to an Intel Core i9 processor and full-fat Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics, and therefore will be able to handle any game you throw at it. It’s not the most portable device in the world, and the speakers and trackpad are mediocre, but when it comes to gaming, you’ve still got an ace here.

Read the full review: Acer Predator Helios 500

Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GX

Thin like an Ultrabook, yet powerful as any gaming machine should, and with an incredible cooling system to boot, the Asus Zephyrus S GX531GX is one of the best gaming laptops we’ve reviewed in 2019. It boasts an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 backed by Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics and up to 24GB RAM, which means that this beast should take you a long way in gaming, whether you’re a casual gamer or a pro. We’re huge fans, though probably not of how much it costs. This pricey powerhouse is not for the shallow-pocketed, but with premium components come a premium price. Only invest if you’ve got the tenders.

Read the full review: Asus Zephyrus S GX531GX

Gigabyte Aero 15

Fitting the svelte yet cheap bill, on the other hand, is the Gigabyte Aero 15, which – at 0.74 inches. Despite its thin chassis, it still delivers top-notch gaming performance. That’s mostly thanks to its Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 and an Intel Core i9 CPU. It’s also ray tracing ready, making it even more future-proof. However, its thin form factor is a double-edged sword: the Core i9 gets way too hot and can throttle. Keep that in mind if you plan on doing any sustained creative work, like editing all your videos. And, maybe have a desk fan or cooler on hand.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15

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

Images Credit: TechRadar

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Popular cloud storage app hides a rather nasty surprise

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:35 AM PDT

Mobile technology company Upstream has discovered that the popular app 4shared has been triggering suspicious background activity on Android devices by delivering invisible ads, generating fake clicks and carrying out purchases of premium digital services while reporting real views, clicks and purchases to ad networks.

The firm's security platform, Secure-D, managed to detect and block over 114m suspicious mobile transactions initiated by the app originating from 2m unique mobile devices across 17 countries.

If Upstream had not blocked these transactions, they would have subscribed users to premium digital services, potentially costing them up to $150m in unwanted charges. The suspicious activity, which is still ongoing, is mostly centered in Brazil while Indonesia and Malaysia were the other top affected markets.

Upstream's CEO Guy Krief provided further insight on the company's discovery, saying:

“The growing sophistication of disguised malware in the form of seemingly benign and quite often very popular applications together with the scale of the issue can no longer be ignored. No entity in the mobile ecosystem remains unaffected. From app developers, ad networks and publishers, to advertisers malware is putting a dent in both their credibility and earnings. Mobile operators, more often than not, are taking the blame while consumers not only remain widely unprotected and unwarned but are called to foot the bill. Mobile ad fraud, a $40 billion industry, will reign unchallenged unless increased mobile security rises up in the industry’s priority list”.

4shared

4shared is a popular and highly-ranked Android app that allows users to store and share video and audio files. The app has generated over 100m downloads on the Play Store and is ranked second in its category in Austria, 7th in Italy and 10th in Switzerland.

Back in April of this year, the app was abruptly removed from the Play Store and the replaced the following day. Instead of updating the app, its developers submitted an entirely new app which kept the original 4shared icon. The new app has already been downloaded over 5m times and it does not contain any of the code responsible for the suspicious activity. However, over 100m users who installed the old version of 4shared remain affected.

The Secure-D investigation found that the old 4shared app contains Software Development Kits (SDKs) with embedded and obfuscated hard-coded links to Command & Control servers that access online ads via a series of redirections. A JavaScript file is then downloaded by the app that triggers automated clicks and sets cookies to determine whether a “click” has already been made for a specific ad in the past.

The app also sends personal data to several servers located in the British Virgin Islands and the US after receiving user consent. Secure-D also discovered that 4shared is attempting to mask its identity while conducting suspicious activity by assuming the names of legitimate apps.

If you have 4shared installed on your device, it is recommended that you uninstall it immediately and those who wish to learn more about the incident can read the full report on the investigation.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare release date, trailer and news

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:31 AM PDT

Call of Duty Modern Warfare is going back to the series' roots. Forget the zombies. Forget the WWII battles. Forget the jetpacks, exo launchers and all the other future weaponry – Call of Duty is going back to one of the most beloved series within the franchise with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, a reboot of the highly-lauded 2007 first person shooter that's set in today's battlefields.

It’s all about the gritty realities of war this time out, with the ‘modern’ of the ‘Modern Warfare’ title referring to the high-tech gear of today, the cutting-edge killing machines employed in combat right now in places like the Middle East and Russia, rather than the far-flung fantasies of science fiction.

With the battle royale genre taking up many shooter fans’ spare gaming time, Call of Duty’s crown as the king of competitive shooters has slipped in the past few years. Can a return to its most-popular roots bring it back to glory? 

Read on for what we know so far. 

[Update: Infinity Ward has revealed a new feature for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Aim Down Sight reload. Read on to find out more.]

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The sixteenth Call of Duty game
  • What can I play it on? PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
  • When can I play it? October 25, 2019

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare release date

Announced right before E3 2019, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare leaked ahead of the event but a trailer gave us our first glimpse and a variety of details for the game.

It included the release date, which is set for October 25, 2019. You're already able to pre-order the game on the official site too.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare screenshots

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare trailers

So far the first and only trailer we've seen for Modern Warfare was the release trailer that debuted on May 30. 

In it, we can see series protagonist (and all-around badass) Captain Price light up, and some intense - and dare we say great-looking - nightvision sequences. 

You can watch it below:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare news

Aim Down Sight reload

Infinity Ward has confirmed in a blog post that Modern Warfare will have Aim Down Sight reload, the first time the feature has appeared in a Call of Duty game by default.

Aim Down Sight reload will mean that, while aiming down the sight of your weapon, your view won't be pulled away to watch an animation when you reload. Instead, you'll stay on target.

Animation director Mark Grigsby offered some details on the feature in the post:

“One other thing we added this year is the ADS [Aiming Down Sight] reload. In the past, if you're ADS, and you're shooting and you reload, the weapon would go off to the side, and you'd have to retrain to get to your target. This time if you reload, it stays on the target, so you can stay in the battle.”

"Ripped straight from the headlines"
We watched a behind-the-doors demo of the new Call of Duty during E3 2019 - and it wasn't for the feint-hearted. The demo (which was cut short from other press demos earlier in the week) firstly showed a cutscene of a terrorist incident at London's Piccadilly Circus before launching into gameplay from a mission called 'Hour of the Wolf'. 

This mission sees you tracking down the instigator of the terrorist attack (AKA The Wold) to a townhouse in North London. As a member of the SAS, the player creeps up a ladder and into the back of the dimly lit home where they methodically assassinate the plain-clothes terrorists occupying the residency. There's even an unsettling situation involving a woman using her baby as a shield. 

It's pretty rough but Infinity Ward claims the new Modern Warfare sees missions "ripped straight from the headlines" and investigated the "civilian collateral damage" that comes hand-in-hand with war.

What was peculiar was that our presentation was shorter than those who had attended earlier in the week. We were only shown the London townhouse mission, whereas other journalists were shown an extra - more controversial - segment which seen players taking on the role of a child soldier in an unspecified war-torn country. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Image Credit: Infinity Ward

Is this a reboot of the classic Modern Warfare?
Not exactly. If you want to relive that Call of Duty 4 experience you'll want to dust off your PS3 or Xbox 360, or play the recent remaster of that game.

Instead, Infinity Ward is using the Modern Warfare name here to evoke a similar feeling, and some of the same characters will return but this is an entirely new storyline set in a different timeline. 

It's totally separate to what we've seen in the previous games as here those events haven't occurred. We'll still follow Captain Price in this different timeline, and it may mean we see over returning characters throughout too.

Price features heavily in the trailer above, and he ends it by saying there's a team of his "old comrades" so it may well be that we see the return of other fan favorite characters such as Soap or Gaz.

This new timeline is also why the game isn't called Modern Warfare 4. It should mean it's a good place for new entrants to the series to pick up the game, but there's sure to be a few nods to the original series for die-hard fans.

Narrative director at Infinity Ward, Taylor Kurosaki, also noted that the game's storyline is still being tweaked but it's anywhere between five and nine hours long. 

That means it's not set to be very long, but at least this time there is a storyline. Call of Duty: Blacks Ops 4 opted to drop the storyline in favor of focusing on online play, which is something we've heard very little about so far for this game.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Image credit: Activision/Infinity Ward

No Zombie mode for Modern Warfare 

Zombie mode might be a staple of the over-the-top Black Ops entries into the Call of Duty series, but the undead horde will not be being reanimated this time around in Modern Warfare according to Campaign Gameplay Director Jacob Minkoff.

In an interview with PlayStation Lifestyle, Minkoff said that the team's goal is to create something on par with today's battlefields - which, unfortunately, don't include any undead wandering around.

"We don't have the flexibility to do something like put zombies in the game. That would compromise the feeling of playing in a world that feels realistic and authentic and relative to today's conflicts and things we face," Minkoff said.

If you want Zombies, you'll just have to wait for the next Black Ops game.  

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Image Credit: Activision / Infinity Ward

Return of the Juggernaut

While Call of Duty Modern Warfare didn't have a huge presence at E3 2019, it did pop up at an E3 Coliseum event where Activision had the first two multiplayer screenshots. One shot shows a sniper in a ghillie suit, while the other shows a juggernaut suit – one of the most powerful pieces of gear from the original game. 

A whole new engine

This title will be the first to use a whole new engine for the series, and that should allow for some drastic graphical improvements over previous titles including Black Ops 4. It's the first time the games will use a new engine in 14 years.

We've yet to learn the name of the engine, but we know that the franchise has been working on it for five years.

We expect to learn more about it in the coming months, but we can expect some more detailed environments, improved volumetric lighting and ray tracing technology too.

Expect controversy

According to ComicBook.com, the game be "heavy on troubling, realistic emotions, very much inspired by the controversial 'No Russian level" 

That mission is in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. It was highly controversial at the time for depicting an undercover CIA agent who takes part in a mass shooting of civilians.

The trailer suggests other terrorist attacks may feature in the story, and children also feature so it may be these elements are used to stir up controversy.

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The best student laptops: all the best options for school

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:17 AM PDT

School can get very expensive very quickly: books, tuition and accommodation – those things add up fast, and that’s without adding one of the 10 best laptops for students to the mix. The silver lining, though, is that many of the best student laptops on the market could save you a lot of cash. In fact, the 10 best laptops for students on our list are budget-friendly devices that exude style and tout power without breaking the bank.

That’s more than a good thing, especially because when you’re spending all that cash on textbooks and instant ramen, saving up for a new laptop can be hard. The prime candidates for a student laptop will put value above having the top-of-the-line processors and graphics cards, yet still boast enough juice to get you through your demanding workload at school – and offer some post-schoolwork entertainment.

You need not limit yourself to Windows 10, either, as some of the best Chromebooks are capable of going head-to-head with some of the best laptops, which means you can get everything you’ll need in a laptop without shelling out some serious silver.

Going to school, after all, can be a stressful time, and you don’t need the added pressure of having to deal with a barely functional laptop. You deserve to have an excellent laptop, and that’s why we sought out the 10 best laptops for students that you can afford with your budget. Because no one should be limited to an ancient relic just to get some work done, but you shouldn’t have to sell a kidney, either.

Huawei Matebook 13

We’re massive fans of laptops that can expertly combine price and performance with hardly any compromises, and the Huawei MateBook 13 comes closer to hitting that perfect balance than anything in 2019 so far. It’s thin and light, perfect for stuffing it in your backpack as you hurry from class to class; and it’s fast and affordable. This 13-inch Ultrabook stunner will let you get all your work done in style, without burning a hole in your pocket. Just be sure to have that charger handy, as the battery life is underwhelming. There’s no doubt that it deserves its lofty spot on the 10 best laptops for students list.

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook 13 

Dell XPS 13


Dell’s flagship laptop has always ranked among the 10 best laptops for students, not to mention professionals and casual, everyday users. This time around, the Dell XPS 13 2019 brings back the entry-level model, making it very affordable for college students again. Dell has also managed to fix our biggest issue with the XPS lineup – the webcam. It has moved the webcam back up to the top of the display where it belongs, so your family and friends don’t have to stare up your nose when you’re video chatting.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 

Surface Laptop 2

While the Surface Laptop was arguably one of the 10 best laptops for students, it was held back by below average performance, a lack of ports and Windows 10 in S Mode. The Surface Laptop 2 greatly improves on its predecessor, however – except for the port situation. It’s now packed with 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake Refresh processors, full-fat Windows 10 Home and a black color option. We wish it had even a single USB-C port, but that doesn’t change the fact that you will get all your tasks done in style with this laptop with little to no effort.

Read the full review: Surface Laptop 2

Microsoft Surface Go

When you’re looking for a laptop for school that strikes a balance between price and performance, a dollop of style can’t hurt. The Microsoft Surface Go isn’t just one of the best Windows tablets, but it’s also one of the best 10 laptops for students, especially from a value perspective. Don’t be fooled by the low-power components, as Microsoft has engineered this tablet to keep up with all your general schoolwork and more without breaking a sweat.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go 

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 has been our list of best laptops for students for a few years now, and Dell has taken that old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach with the latest model. Not much has changed since the 2017 version, but that isn’t a bad thing. After all, you’re getting an Ultrabook that’s not only reliable, but also has enough juice to get you through pretty much any workload. The best part? The Dell XPS 15 is very affordable. The entry level should be just fine for most users and good enough to make the 10 best laptops for students list, but you can also configure this thing with up to an Intel Core i9 processor and 32GB of RAM, upgrading the Dell XPS 15 into an extremely powerful workstation. Now, if Dell would just move that webcam, we’d be gravy.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 

Acer Swift 5

You don’t need some high-end laptop from Apple that looks like it just popped out of a designer catalog… at least, not for school. You need a laptop that’s going to get the job done, and going by that parameter, the Acer Swift 5 should be near the top of the 10 best laptops for students list. This affordable Ultrabook is packed with the latest 8th-generation Intel processors, not to mention enough RAM and SSD storage, to get you through pretty much any homework or project. It’s not the most good-looking laptop in the world, but with that price, looks hardly matter.

Read the full review: Acer Swift 5

Microsoft Surface Pro 6

The Microsoft Surface lineup has made a name for itself for being among the best Windows devices out there, with gorgeous touch screens, impressive performance and long-lasting battery life. The Surface Pro 6 continues that tradition, even if it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. You’re getting a fast Windows tablet that can easily turn into a laptop with the Surface Type Cover, making it one of the 10 best laptops for students. You can get your work done then effortlessly transition into break time.

Read the full review: Surface Pro 6

Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1

Most schoolwork that’s not specialized (i.e. engineering) can be done on a Chromebook, saving you hundreds of dollars. If you’re a student who’s on the market for one of the 10 best laptops for students that will let you do all your research, type up papers and nothing else, the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 might be right up your alley. The Dell Chromebook 11 2-in-1 won’t be able to do much heavy lifting, but at under $300, it doesn’t need to. This is the best laptop for students on a very limited budget.

Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1

Apple MacBook Air (2018)

Much to many MacBook Air users’ relief, Apple has finally ushered the MacBook Air into the modern age, with 8th-generation fanless processors, a thinner and lighter design, and – perhaps most importantly – a Retina display. You won’t have to compromise on modern features anymore if you want an “affordable Mac,” which makes the MacBook Air one of the 10 best laptops for students, especially those in college.

Read the full review: MacBook Air 

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (2018)

If you have deep pockets, and you’re a macOS addict (we get it), the 2018 MacBook Pro is the most powerful MacBook that’s ever existed. With its formidable hexa-core processors and up to a whopping 32GB of memory, this Cupertino powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with, whether you’re doing school projects, photo editing or gaming. It also includes an overhauled third-generation Butterfly keyboard that will not only be less distracting to the students around you, but will be less prone to failure.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 15-inch (2018) 

Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article.

Images Credit: TechRadar

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GTA 6: all the latest news and rumors for Grand Theft Auto 6

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:05 AM PDT

With Red Dead Redemption 2 out of the way, we can now start thinking about the inevitable game in the Grand Theft Auto franchise: GTA 6.

How can we be so confident about Rockstar's next move? Grand Theft Auto 5 has been one of the most successful game releases in the world and even though we're still enjoying GTA Online, it's now been nearly six years since launch which means a new one is only a few years (or less) away. 

What we can say for certain is that we won't see a GTA 6 release date in 2019, so don't get your hopes up. After a hoax release date in some fake pop-up ads spread across the internet, Rockstar came out to inform us that we wouldn't be seeing the game during the next year. 

Details may be thin on the ground, but that doesn't stop us gathering together the best pieces of gossip, rumor and fact for your personal pleasure. So without further ado, here's everything we know so far about GTA 6.

Check out our video below on GTA VI: predictions on characters, locations, story and GTA Online.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The highly anticipated next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series
  • When it is out? That’s the internet’s biggest mystery (but it won't be 2019)
  • Will it launch on PC? Both GTA 4 and 5 made their way to PC (eventually), so hopefully

GTA 6 release date : when can I play it?

With Red Dead Redemption 2 now released into the wild, we're hoping a GTA 6 announcement isn't far away - but we will probably be waiting a while to play it.

According to some reports, we could be waiting until 2020 for the next Grand Theft Auto, which would make sense. Rockstar has supported GTA Online, the multiplayer component of GTA 5, since the game launched back in September 2013 with regular content updates. 

Now, Rockstar is busy focusing on getting Red Dead Online running smoothly - with the online mode currently in beta. 

According to reputable industry analyst Michael Pachter, the game could be as far away as 2022.

In an interview with Gaming Bolt, Pachter said that he thinks a 2020 announcement with a 2021 release would be the best case scenario, while a 2021 announcement with a 2022 release or later would be more likely. 

Basically, expecting any news of GTA 6 any time soon is optimistic. We think it would make sense if the game followed the release pattern of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 5, whereby it'd release at the very tail end of the current generation, comfortably release on the new generation and straddle both for the widest install base possible.

And with the next Xbox and PS5 right around the corner, it looks likely this could be Rocktar's plan.

GTA 6 trailer: when can I watch one?

GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

The thing about Rockstar Games is that it’s incredibly secretive. No trailer is getting out of that game studio unless someone seriously screws up. 

Just look at what Rockstar did with both GTA 5 and Red Read Redemption 2. It teased an announcement a few days before dropping the first trailer for either game. 

If there’s a GTA 6 trailer, you’ll know about it because the internet will explode - and we'll let you know. But we're not expecting one anytime soon.

GTA 6 news and rumors: what do we know so far?

Project Americas

Another day and another Grand Theft Auto 6 leak (via GamesRadar) is making the rounds, though we'd recommend not getting too excited given it's from a now-deleted Reddit post. Admittedly, some of the things that appear in this supposed leak do corroborate previous rumors but this consistency is no confirmation of what the game will be and we won't know for sure what's in store for Grand Theft Auto 6 until Rockstar itself makes an announcement.

Regardless, it's still fun to get our imaginations going for what the future of the Grand Theft Auto franchise may hold. According to the Reddit poster behind the leak, the game, known as Project Americas, has been in production since 2015 though it was placed on ice while Red Dead Redemption 2 was the focus. GTA 6 could be expansive, set across multiple decades (1970s to 1980s) and locations (one of which is Vice City, another Liberty City and another is a fictional city based on Rio de Janeiro). 

The game will apparently deal with one playable protagonist named Ricardo and play through their story as a rising drug lord with heavy inspiration from Netflix's Narcos series. Starting  The story will be told through chapters, with a heavy emphasis on the visuals of changes in time as the story progresses. While there's no estimated release date given, the post says that the plan is to release the game for the next generation only. 

While it's unlikely that the whole report is true (even the poster says that the game's pre-alpha status means things are likely to change) that's not to say some elements are impossible. Certainly a next-gen only release seems entirely plausible. Before you get too excited,though, the post has already been debunked by Kotaku's Jason Schreier.

Another rumor leak?
This is definitely one to take with a big pinch of salt but according to a new leak, Grand Theft Auto 6 will return to multiple previous fan-favorite locations, take inspiration from Red Dead Redemption 2, and won't release on current generation consoles. Well, that's according to an anonymous post made on Pastebin, which has since been removed (via Comic Book) .

According to the post, GTA 6 will allow players to travel between several big cities, including Liberty City and Vice City. The poster also claims you start off as a small-time drug runner before joining an infamous gang and kicking it with the big dogs.

In addition, the post claims Rockstar is waiting to see how the new-generation consoles sell (PS5 and Xbox Two) as GTA 6 wouldn't be able to be released on the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One due to memory restrictions. The anonymous poster also claimed GTA 6 will feature both major cities along with a vast stretch of highways and Blaine County-like countryside in the middle of it all.

Finally, the post claims that, despite the game being set in a timed era, there will be flashbacks between missions and Red Dead Redemption 2-type stranger dialogues that implement the greet/antagonise format.

While location rumors seem to be leaking in abundance, the anonymous Pastebin post has been backed up by review on Glassdoor by a Rockstar Games QA tester, which has since been removed (via Dexerto). Alongside reading out Rockstar for its institutionalized crunch, the post leaves a cryptic message that sees the first letter of each sentence spelling out 'GTA6LSVCLC'. This may be pointing to the potential locations of Grand Theft Auto 6: Los Santos, Vice City, and Liberty City. 

Wonder what these locations would look like together as an actual map? Graphic designer RealityDesign posted a concept image on GTA Forums, showing what this map could potentially look like. Check it out below:

Image credit: RealityDesign

Job listings
At this point we're probably just clenching at straws, but Rockstar have been hiring for a tonne of programming positions. We're hoping they're preparing to get development underway, but that is probably just hopeful thinking.

The Know report on Vice City
The most significant Grand Theft Auto 6 rumor came from YouTube channel The Know. It stated that an inside source told it that GTA 6 is coming 2021-2022 and is being developed under the code name Project Americas.

The reason for this code name is apparently because players will be able to fly between the US and South America in the game, though the majority of the action will take place in the former. This in combination with the source's assertion that the game will largely be set in Vice City (the Rockstar version of Miami) suggests there could be a focus on drug running which would draw on the popularity of shows and movies like Narcos and Tom Cruise's Made in America. Particularly if Rockstar holds on to that 80s setting.

With no comment from Rockstar, these rumors remain nothing more than, well, rumors. But they do pose an interesting proposition that would seize upon the particular fondness many fans of the series have for Vice City.

GTA 6 is definitely coming and there are ideas
What we do know about GTA 6 is that ideas are being thrown around for development, even if it’s just in the early stages. Rockstar President Leslie Benzies teased the game in an interview back in 2013 with Develop magazine. 

“We don’t know what GTA 6 will be, but we’ve got some ideas,” said Benzies in the interview. 

Okay, so it’s not much, but it’s certainly a snippet of solid information direct from the source. 

GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Benzies went on to talk about what kind of ideas get the creative juices flowing over at Rockstar. 

“We’ve got about 45 years’ worth of ideas we want to do,” he added. “We’ll pick the right ones.”

“It comes from the idea first. Where it is going to be set is the first question. That then defines the missions; you’re doing different things in LA than in New York or Miami.

“The map and story get worked up together, and the story is a basic flow of how it works out so you can layer the mission in.”

We’re just pleased that Rockstar has so many ideas for what it wants to do with GTA 6. We just hope it sorts them into some kind of organised system and gets that game to us sharpish. 

GTA 6 map: where will GTA 6 be set?

Although there haven’t been any concrete reports as yet, every online titbit and juicy gossip morsel is pointing towards GTA 6’s map being absolutely massive. 

We’re even not talking city-size massive, we’re talking potentially the entire of the United States massive. 

Some rumors are suggesting that GTA 6 may end up spanning the entirety of the US, with some kind of teleportation system that cuts down the journey time between cities. 

There are even some incredibly exciting rumours that Rockstar Games might have a ‘70s theme up its sleeve, so crack out those old bell-bottoms and disco balls.

GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

But there’s also another rumour that’s gathering strength, which would put GTA 6 a little closer to Rockstar Games’ British home – a London setting. 

The reports actually started with a comment from Rockstar Games’ co-founder Dan Houser:

“At the moment, it feels like GTA’s DNA is contemporary-ish, American-ish, English-speaking-ish, because that’s what it has been… But that doesn’t necessarily limit it to those, that’s just what we’ve done so far.”

Rockstar Games sources suggest that London is the only non-US location to be whispered as a potential GTA setting.  

For our money, we think a return to Vice City is on the cards, which would tie in to the rumors mentioned above. A recent report from The Know suggests that a return to Vice City in the 80s is actually in the works and that players will explore the rise in drugs at the time through the missions. In this rumored game, players will move between Vice City and South America, which would create a very interesting and entirely new kind of map.

The GTA 3 trilogy was set across three locations, Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas. This mirrored the original Grand Theft Auto Game, which was also set across the same three locations. 

The most recent Grand Theft Auto games, GTA 4 and GTA 5, have so far been set in Liberty City and San Andreas respectively, meaning that Vice City is the only location yet to be explored by the recent games. 

The only question now is whether Rockstar will be tempted to complete the set. 

Grand Theft Auto (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

GTA 6 rumors

A female protagonist
When asked about a female protagonist for GTA 5, instead of three male heroes (or anti-heroes), Rockstar co-founder and lead writer Dan Houser said in an interview with The Guardian back in 2013 that a female lead wasn’t really on the table, but not intentionally.

“We didn’t really think about it this time,” Houser said. “That’s not to say that we couldn’t or we wouldn’t. This character set is just what came to us: it wasn’t, ‘we’ve got X and Y so we need Z’. We weren’t trying to do it off a checklist – I don’t think that will ever give you something that’s believable or engaging.”

“In the future, could we do a game with a female lead? Of course. We just haven’t found the right game for it yet, but it’s one of the things that we always think about.”

“It didn’t feel natural for this game but definitely for the right game in the future – with the right themes, it could be fantastic. But for GTA 5, this was the organic thing that came up, these were the characters that would display the themes we wanted to think about.”

Likelihood: Strong. Fans have long clamored for a female hero in a Grand Theft Auto game, and it would be a wonderful change from all the murdered prostitutes. 

GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Eva Mendez and Ryan Gosling
Rumors of a female protagonist are super exciting, but there’s more. 

Apparently, Eva Mendez is top of Rockstar’s list for playing said hero

But again, there’s more. There’s a male lead on the list too and it’s none other than global heart-throb Ryan Gosling, who also just happens to be her real-life husband. 

Likelihood: Questionable. GTA is a major gaming franchise that’s incredibly famous, especially outside of the gaming industry, so it’s possible some big names could be involved, but we’re not convinced. 

Full support for virtual reality
Another GTA 6 rumour involves virtual reality and according to the online rumblings, you may be able to play the entirety of GTA 6 in VR. 

Specific headsets haven’t been mentioned, but since this is probably just a rumor we’re not that bothered.

Likelihood: Questionable. GTA 6 might have a VR experience attached to it but playing the whole game in virtual reality would be insane. 

Unless we’ve seen huge leaps in virtual reality in the years between now and the GTA 6 release date playing a whole GTA game in VR would prove testing for most stomachs. 

Fast-paced, action-packed and played in long sessions, a VR GTA (in its current form at least) wouldn’t work. 

GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Time travel or another futuristic twist
With the murmurings of a seriously big map for GTA 6, there are also some rumors of time travelling being a major part of the game. 

Yes… seriously.

This isn’t Saints Row we’re talking about, but apparently there may be a futuristic twist to GTA 6. 

According to a report from ChristianToday – really – the game will give players “the taste of time travel” where “teleportation [is] possible within a split-second”. 

Likelihood: Utterly ridiculous. There are hilarious side-missions in GTA games, but having time travelling as a main gameplay mechanic is just not in Rockstar’s DNA. 

Plus, ChristianToday has no screenshots, sources or any kind of proof, so we’re certainly sceptical. 

Playing as either a cop or a criminal
Another potential for the GTA 6 storyline is that you have the decision to play either as a cop or as a criminal. Or at least, if GTA 6 adopts the multiple protagonist feature of GTA 5, one of the characters you play as could be a police officer. 

Likelihood: Strong. We could totally see this working, especially with the potential mayhem that could ensue if you’re playing a Trevor-style character half the time and a cop the other. 

(Image credits: Rockstar Games)

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God of War 2 PS4: everything we know about the rumored God Of War sequel

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 11:04 AM PDT

It's only been a year since the critically acclaimed (and our Game of the Year 2018 winner) God of War reboot launched exclusively on PlayStation 4, but we're already looking to the future.

Despite Sony remaining tight-lipped on the subject, the success of God of War means a sequel is probably on the way (perhaps another God of War 2?). In addition, Sony Santa Monica has posted job listings for a number of roles across its teams - with one listing clearly citing the God of War reboot. 

At this point, it's most likely that God of War 2 will come to PS5 than the PS4 but, in the interest of not getting confused with the other God of War 2, we've opted to refer to it as God of War PS4. 

So, with that out of the way, we've gathered together all the rumors and news surrounding the God of War sequel for your perusal right here.

God of War 2: release date

God of War 2

Image credit: SIE Santa Monica Studio

Sony Santa Monica hasn't officially confirmed God of War 2 (or whatever the name will be) is in the works but we expect that a sequel won't release until after the Holiday 2020 release of the PS5 - unless it releases as a launch title for the next-generation console.

That means the game will probably release at the end of 2020 or at the start of 2021. Either way, we're expecting God of War 2 will be coming to Sony's PlayStation 5.

God of War 2 rumors

God of War 2

Image credit: SIE Santa Monica Studio

Job Listings
As spotted by GamesRadar, SIE Santa Monica Studio posted job listings for a number of roles across its programming, art, design, and tech art teams – with one listing clearly citing the God of War reboot. 

Applicants for Senior Combat Designer "Must have knowledge of God of War (2018) and be able to speak in depth about the combat systems, mechanics and enemies".

A listing for Facial Blend Shape Character Artist also specifically mentions "next-gen videogame platform experience" for the role: something that should whittle down prospective applicants to relatively few animators, given that the next generation of consoles have yet to launch.

The waters are muddied slightly with a Senior Gameplay Animator posting, which asks for someone "to help us push the boundaries of action and combat movement and set the bar for gameplay feel on the PS4".

God of War PS4 theme
Back in April 2019 a new dynamic theme appeared on PS4 to celebrate the anniversary of the God of War reboot. The theme showed Kratos and Atreus rowing, however the theme contained a secret message (discovered by eagle-eyed God of War fans on Reddit). 

The boat the pair are rowing in has runes etched on its side which translate (in English) to "Ragnarok is coming". Could this be hinting that the God of War sequel will be focus on Ragnarok (essentially the Nordic mythology version of the apocalypse)?

No God of War DLC
God of War director Corey Barlog had said there were originally plans for DLC for the 2018 reboot, but said they were halted for being "too ambitious". That means the studio can invest resources into an entirely new game as opposed to post-launch content.

God of War 2: what we want to see

God of War 2

Image credit: SIE Santa Monica Studio

[Warning: spoilers for the ending of God of War ahead.]

Exploring that ending further
At the end of God of War, we found out that Kratos' wife (and Atreus' mother) Faye was actually a Giant called Laufey. That means Atreus is half God and half Giant and, what's more, he has a different name altogether: Loki. You know Loki, the trickster of Norse mythology. 

Hopefully God of War 2 will explore this further and we'll find out more about Faye's secret past, as well as why she kept it all a secret in the first place. We're also hoping Atreus will embrace the shape shifting abilities that Loki is notorious for instead of simply standing on the sidelines firing arrows at enemies. 

Atreus isn't a boy anymore
The God of War sequel may continue on directly from the events of the previous game, however we think it would be more interesting to see how a teenage Atreus and grumpy dad Kratos fair on an adventure. 

Next-generation
It seems very likely at this stage that any potential God of War sequel will come to PS5 rather than PS4. That means we should be seeing faster loading times, better graphics and a generally more powerful engine for SIE Santa Monica Studios to play around with. 

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Shenmue 3: release date, trailers and news

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:36 AM PDT

For many, the upcoming release of Shenmue 3 is a dream come true. 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 instalation 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, only to get caught up in dozens of mini-games, chores and side quests along the way.

Can't wait to catch up on Ryo Hazuki's latest exploits on modern consoles? Here's everything we know about Shenmue 3 so far.

[Update: System requirements for Shenmue 3 on PC have been revealed and disgruntled Kickstarter backers have been promised refunds. Read on to find out more.]

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 and features

System requirements

The Epic Games Store now has Shenmue 3 listed and along with that listing are the minimum and recommended system requirements for PC players. Better make sure you have 100GB of storage available! The download size for the PS4 version of the game is yet to be confirmed.

Minimum requirements:

  • Windows 7 64-bit or later
  • Intel core i5-4460 (3.40 GHz), Quad-core or better
  • 4GB RAM
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 650 Ti or better
  • Direct X11
  • 100GB storage
  • Direct X9.0c compatible sound card

Recommended requirements:

  • Windows 10 64-bit
  • Intel core i7-7700 (3.60 GHz)
  • 16GB RAM
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070
  • Direct X11
  • 100GB storage
  • Direct X9.0c compatible sound card

Kickstarter refunds

News that Shenmue 3 on PC would be an Epic Store exclusive for a year before making its way onto Steam brought some kickback from unhappy Kickstarter backers who felt that they were being strong-armed into playing a game from a storefront they don't wish to support. As a result, refunds were called for and it seems Epic is willing to honor, and fund, the refund requests. 

In a tweet CEO, Tim Sweeney, confirmed the policy in a show of good will towards players.

Preview
We got hands on time with Shenmue 3 during E3 2019 and, we have to say, it was a bit disappointing. While there are new features such as Ryo being able to train specific skills through balance or timing challenges, we found the game hasn't really aged well. Characters are stone-faced, combat is clunky and limited, while the game's graphics leave a lot to be desired. As fans of the original series, we were disappointed (but not all that surprised) to find Shenmue 3 is stuck in the past. 

Epic Store exclusivity
In an update to backers on Kickstarter, Ys Net has revealed that Shenmue 3 is going to be an Epic Store exclusive for awhile: 

"Development for Shenmue III has been moving forward using Unreal Engine and the support we have received from Epic has been excellent. But most importantly, in looking for the most enjoyable experience on PC, it was decided together with Deep Silver after much discussion that the Epic Games Store would be the best distribution platform option."

Sorry, Steam fans.   

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?

Shenmue 3

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.”

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.

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The best Ultrabooks 2019: top thin and light laptops reviewed

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:35 AM PDT

The best Ultrabooks aren’t just for getting work done; they’re also a status symbol of sorts. Think about it: you’re sitting at a coffee shop, where everyone is either using a Chromebook or some big and bulky laptop relic. And there you are, whipping out an Ultrabook, and its thinner, lighter, faster and more attractive – not to mention, rocking the best processors and SSDs on the market.

These svelte stunners are as much about portability as they are about sheer horsepower. The best Ultrabooks won’t freeze up on you when you’re trying to get an important project done, or run out of battery on a short flight. And, you can easily stow it in your backpack and carry it around with you with hardly any effort.

We took the time to find and test the best Ultrabooks on the market for you, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. From household names like Dell and HP, to brands you might have only heard of in passing (brands like Huawei), these thin and light laptops will get you through your work day in style. We tested and reviewed all the best Ultrabooks on this list ourselves, so you can be confident you’re getting your money’s worth.

Huawei Matebook 13

For a few years now, Huawei has been hiding in the shadows, getting ready to take on the best Ultrabooks, and its time in the spotlight is finally here. Like the Huawei MateBook X Pro before it, the Huawei Matebook 13 packs in a ton of powerful hardware into an appealing shell, all while keeping the price low enough for anyone to afford. Plus, those discrete graphics are worth mentioning – the Huawei Matebook 13 may be one of the smallest laptops out there to pack an MX150 GPU. It’s not hard to see why the Huawei Matebook 13 is the best Ultrabook right now.

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook 13

Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 has been the best Ultrabook for years, but while it’s been dethroned by the Huawei MateBook 13, it’s still one of the Ultrabooks to beat in 2019. This time though, Dell has moved the webcam from the bottom of the display to the top, fixing one of the biggest flaws that plagued the XPS 13 for years. Add the updated internals to the mix, and the Dell XPS 13 is still makes the best Ultrabooks list – even in the face of tough competition.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

Huawei MateBook X Pro

Sometimes an Ultrabook comes along that’s a complete game changer. And, the 2018 model of the Huawei MateBook X Pro was exactly that. This beautiful Ultrabook brings high-end components into an elegantly designed package that puts even the MacBook Pro to shame. It really is one of the best Ultrabooks on the market. Plus, despite the 2019 model touting an Intel Whiskey Lake processor, it was still disappointing, and it’s still the 2018 model that’s captured our computing cores.

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X Pro

HP Spectre x360


If a powerful and stunning Ultrabook fitted with 2-in-1 functionality is what you’re looking for, it’s hard to find a better laptop than the HP Spectre x360. This thin and light Ultrabook isn’t just packed with the latest Intel Whiskey Lake processors and plenty of RAM, but it also may just be the most beautiful laptop you can buy today. The HP Spectre x360 won’t just see you through your workload, but it will also make you look good while doing it – leaving no doubt that it’s one of the best ultrabooks 2019 has to offer.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360

Surface Laptop 2

The original Surface Laptop hit the streets nearly two years ago, and while it was a fantastic Ultrabook, it was held back by relatively weak hardware and Windows 10 S. The good news is that Microsoft rolled out the Surface Laptop 2 in late 2018, bringing quad-core processors and the full-fat version of Windows 10. Its through these core improvements that the Surface Laptop 2 is able to bring the purest Windows 10 experience on a laptop – not to mention, join the ranks of the best ultrabooks on the market – at a price that won’t make you run in the opposite direction.  

Read the full review: Surface Laptop 2

Lenovo Yoga C930

The Lenovo Yoga C930 has many of the makings of the best ultrabook – from 14.5 hours of battery life and dual Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C ports to internal components that will let you breeze through those daily productivity tasks. That’s without even mentioning a 2-in-1 that offers form versatility so you can squeeze in some light gaming and movie-watching post-productivity. It has a few cherries on top as well, namely the integrated self-charging stylus and the fab speaker system.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930

Razer Blade Stealth

Razer has made a name for itself in the gaming world. Yet, with the Razer Blade Stealth, the green-themed manufacturer wants people to know that they’re more than just a company “for gamers, by gamers.” This Ultrabook will indeed change your mind by turning into a 13.3-inch, QHD+ beauty. You can no longer upgrade to 4K, but the performance this Ultrabook offers is more than worth that compromise – especially given how beautiful the chassis is.

Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth

Lenovo Yoga 730

Durability meets portability and performance in this svelte laptop with an affordable price tag. The Lenovo Yoga 730 isn’t the close-to-perfect machine many premium buyers might be looking for, with a few unfavorable flaws like heavier weight, average battery life and weak speakers. However, it will take you through your weekly workload without whining. Lenovo rounds out that performance off with a reliable keyboard and trackpad, sturdy hinges to switch between tablet and laptop mode, and a thin-bezeled display.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 730

Asus ZenBook 3

Anyone familiar with Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop cannot help but compare the Asus ZenBook 3 to the 12-inch MacBook. The similarities are startling, but one look at the specs and the differences stand out as well. Fitted with the choice of a U-series Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the ZenBook 3 is puts-many-to-shame powerful, and that’s considering that it’s less than half an inch thick and weighs only two pounds. The port selection is sparse, but ultimately it’s well worth the sacrifice, and definitely among the best Asus laptops around.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook 3

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing: Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Huawei MateBook X Pro

Asus ZenBook UX310

In many cases a Windows Ultrabook can be just as good as a MacBook Air. Take the Asus ZenBook UX310UA, for instance. With decent 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors, a 178-degree viewing-angle QHD+ display, a USB-C port and an aluminum build, it’s still one of the best Ultrabooks out there, even after all this time.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX310


Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

Image credit: TechRadar

  • Looking for back to school gear? We’ve picked out the best deals for you

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Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super vs RTX 2060: how much has changed?

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:33 AM PDT

The brand new Nvidia GeForce RTX Super graphics cards are finally here, starting with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super and the RTX 2070 Super, launching on July 9. In so many words, these are supercharged versions of the same graphics cards available today.

But, are those super-powered upgrades worth the cost? If you have yet to get into the Nvidia Turing line of Nvidia graphics cards, then absolutely – the “Founders Edition” models of these cards cost exactly as much as the cards available before July 9. If you’re already on board with an RTX card, particularly the RTX 2060, then the proposition loses a bit of its luster.

However, this is the most affordable upgrade to your RTX 2060 that you’ll likely see for a long while, so consider that as we go over the specific differences between this new card and the one that it succeeds.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super vs RTX 2060

Price and specifications

Nvidia wants a cool $399 (about £314, AU$578) for the GeForce RTX 2060 Super Founders Edition that was just revealed, taking the place of the previous RTX 2060 Founders Edition price point. This change has pushed that previous Founders Edition card down to $349 (about £275, AU$505).

For the same price as before, the RTX 2060 Super packs the same Turing graphics processor built on the 12-nanometer (nm) process, but now with more video memory (VRAM), render output (ROP) units, texture units, ray tracing (RT) cores and different clock speeds.

To be exact, the RTX 2060 Super has 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM compared to the previous model’s 6GB. Likewise, the graphics card is house to 64 ROP units to the older model’s 48 units, 136 texture units to the original’s 120 and 34 RT cores to the latter’s 30.

Finally, the brand-new card has a base processor clock speed of 1,470MHz and a boosted speed of up to 1,650MHz. Last year’s card starts at a noticeably slower 1,365MHz and tops out at 1,680MHz – narrowly faster than this ‘Super’ card. We imagine this discrepancy is due to heat management concerns.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super vs RTX 2060

Performance

Now, we’ve yet to have the chance to fully test the RTX 2060 Super with our gamut of benchmarking tests. However, we have used it to play a few games with ray tracing, Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and the highest detail settings enabled at 1440p resolutions.

In that testing, we found the latest Metro Exodus to play at between 50 and 70 frames per second (fps) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider to hover between 60 and 70 fps. Flashing back to our RTX 2060 review of 2018, we generally saw much lower – but still playable – frame rates of between 40 and 45 frames per second at the same settings and resolution.

Granted, this could in part be due to optimization patches issued by these games’ developers since their release, but this is a marked improvement that can’t be entirely attributed to savvy optimization.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super vs RTX 2060

Conclusion: which should you buy?

If you’re just coming into the RTX line of Nvidia graphics cards, and you’re prepared to spend at least 350 bucks or quid on a part, it’s really a no-brainer to save or scrounge up another 50 and go for the RTX 2060 Super. This pricing is likely by design on Nvidia’s part.

The amount of additional performance and future-proofing here you’re getting for the cost of another PC game can’t be overstated. If you’re on a mighty tight budget but crave ray tracing, then go for the RTX 2060 that will likely be even cheaper with aftermarket options. Otherwise, save up another 50 bills and grab this new hotness.

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How to get rid of spyware forever

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:30 AM PDT

Spyware is software that secretly monitors and collects information about your online activity, data on your device, and a wide range of personal information. This information is then exfiltrated from your device and sent to external servers for use in a variety of financial, monitoring, and advertising schemes. In addition to its various tracking abilities, spyware is primarily defined as being installed and operated without your knowledge or permission. There are spyware variants for all of the major operating systems.

Basic spyware features

There is a wide assortment of potential spying capabilities under the spyware umbrella. Some of the most common spyware functionalities are monitoring keystrokes, voice, location, and messages. In addition, spyware is also used to record account login information such as passwords which can be later used to steal a person’s identity. Here is an incomplete list of the primary monitoring abilities:

  • Browser cookie placement
  • Contact lists
  • Device document and file content
  • Device monitor/display
  • Email and chat monitoring
  • Keystroke logging
  • Printer activity
  • Record voices
  • Social media activity
  • Track location
  • Website passwords and account user names

Commercial spyware programs are usually created to collect a wide range of relevant information about user behavior, regardless of what kind of sensitive personal information might be collected. These programs or the data are usually sold to third parties, which can then do user profiling which is harnessed by service providers to place specially tailored advertisements or to simply launch targeted attacks on users’ devices.

Most famous examples of spyware

Some of the most famous cases of spyware have been from government and corporations – not hackers. The XCP digital rights management software from Sony BMG Entertainment used a variety of spyware-like tactics and rootkit.

In the German-speaking regions of Europe, the term “Bundestrojaner” or “State Trojan” is used to describe spyware used by security forces. While this type of software is to be used only after a warrant from the court, the discovery of R2D2 and other variants have touched off efforts by antivirus developers such as the German Avira to include it on their list of malware detections.

More recently, the discovery of the zero-day vulnerability in WhatsApp and its use by the Pegasus spyware from the Israeli NSO group led to the Facebook-owned messaging app rushing out a patch to its millions of users.

Signs of spyware infection

Common signs of a spyware infection are when the device behaves sluggishly, responds more slowly than usual during regular activities such as typing or web browsing, uses an abnormal amount of bandwidth, and connects to servers not related to your regular browsing activities. In addition, for adware connected schemes, the device browser may display an unusual amount of targeted advertisements. However, for more advanced cases such as Pegasus spyware– there are often no visible signs that the targeted device has been infected.

How did I pick up that spyware?

Spyware is spread through both targeted and channeled attacks. For state-run intelligence operations, spyware use is usually targeted on a specific target. Sometimes just picking up a call on your smartphone can be enough to get a spyware infection. That is the case of the Pegasus spyware from the Isreali NSO group and its installation on smartphones. The R2D2 “Bundestrojaner” was allegedly placed on the device while going through an airport custom check.

However, these are extreme – and unusual – cases. For consumer-grade spyware, cybercriminals usually distribute it through defined channels where the spyware features are bundled along with other features into a seemingly innocent downloaded app. Both targeted and channeled attacks can exploit a zero-day software vulnerability and the specific installation tactics will vary according to device and operating system. 

However, the major spyware vulnerability point is you – the person using and installing apps on the device. As part of the installation of a new app or program, a user gives their required permission to place the spyware functionality into the system. Even on Android devices, a user gets the information about the requested permissions, but in most cases, this information is not read carefully or just completely ignored.

Detecting spyware

Antivirus apps have a mixed approach in how they approach spyware detections. For known malware combinations, the security app may directly stop the app from downloading or installing on the device. When spyware features are included in a bundled application – especially without any directly malicious activities – it may trigger a warning to the user that they are downloading a “Potentially Unwanted App,” or based on the degree of severity of the spy functionality, even classify these apps directly as malware.

How can I keep spyware off my device?

Tactics for keeping spyware at bay vary by device and operating system. However, having a quality antivirus/security system and a software updater installed are prerequisites.

For Windows-powered PCs, a good defense starts by not running the device in the Admin mode and having a separate user account for day-to-day operations. This slows down the installation process if any malicious spyware code is accidentally downloaded. Secondly, a software updater should be used to keep the various apps and programs on the device up to date. 

While Windows will usually patch its own vulnerabilities, that’s not the case for many of the other programs and a good updater will search for and automatically install updates. The third security tactic is to be more careful in installing new programs from download sites. These can come bundled with additional apps called “Potentially Unwanted Apps” which may not be directly harmful but have spyware functionalities. Click carefully on those terms and conditions.

Android phones are best protected by checking app reviews and downloading them only from the official app markets. This will reduce to odds of downloading an app with spyware characteristics. In addition, read the fine print about what permissions are requested or which information an app may collect about your during its operation.


Alexander Vukcevic is the director of Protection Labs & QA at Avira.

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The best gaming PC 2019: 10 of the top gaming desktops you can buy

Posted: 03 Jul 2019 10:07 AM PDT

Welcome to our list of the best gaming PCs of 2019. There are many reasons why you'd want to invest in the best gaming PC your bank account can afford. For a start, we saw a ton of incredible-looking PC games at E3 2019, like Doom Eternal and the Outer Worlds. And, that’s without mentioning all the great 2019 PC games that are already here like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Division 2. 

If you want to be prepared for the onslaught of awesome games, it only makes sense to purchase one of the best gaming PCs. No matter which games are on your wishlist, having one of the best PCs can take your gaming experience to the next level, perhaps even win you a few multiplayer games.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer Intel, AMD or Nvidia. Most PC makers will let you choose the best processors and best graphics card for your needs anyway. And, now there are Nvidia Turing graphics cards – not to mention, AMD’s Ryzen 3rd-generation processors, which are slated for release in July – the best gaming PCs of 2019 are about to get even more powerful and better looking. 

We took a break from the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, and sought out to find the best gaming PCs on the market, all of which we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves. From popular manufacturers like Alienware to more exotic brands like Origin, the best gaming PCs cover a wide gamut of use cases. These are the best gaming PCs money can buy right now, and rest assured, they will all handle every PC game you throw at them.

Corsair One i160


The Corsair One has been among the best gaming PCs ever since its debut a few years ago, and the Corsair One i160 only takes things to a whole new level with Nvidia Turing graphics and Intel Coffee Lake Refresh processors. This gaming PC can handle 4K gaming in a chassis that’s not much larger than your average gaming console. It’s expensive – that much power kind of has to be – yet it’s certainly worth it if you’re looking for a small form factor machine without compromises.

Read the full review: Corsair One i160 

Alienware Aurora R7


The Alienware Aurora R7 is a feat of engineering, packing full-sized PC components into a chassis that’s much more compact than your typical mid-tower PC case. At the same time, it manages to be easily upgradeable, and it looks darn good. When you’re spending this much money on a gaming PC, you’d expect at least one of these things to be true, but the Alienware Aurora R7 nails them all. And that’s why it’s not hard to see why this is one of the best gaming PCs on the market in 2019.

Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R7

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the MSI Aegis 3 

Corsair Vengeance Gaming PC


Boasting one of the best Micro ATX cases we’ve seen so far is hardly The Corsair Vengeance’s only accolade. This eye candy has a lot more going for it that makes it not just the best gaming PC, but also of the best PCs to hit the streets. Among its list of amazing features are its easily upgradeable and highly customizable chassis – thanks in large part to its tool-less design – and its breathtaking performance. This best gaming PC definitely holds its own against the most powerful gaming machines on the market. Need we say more? How about that gorgeous RGB lighting?

Read the full review: Corsair Vengeance Gaming PC

  • This product is only available in the US at the time of writing. Australian and UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Overclockers 8Pack Asteroid 

HP Omen Desktop PC

While the Decepticon look this gaming PC is sporting might not be for everyone, there’s definitely something for everybody as far as configurations – whether you’re a casual gamer on a budget or a hardcore one willing to shell out quite a bit of cash for a souped up rig. At less than $1,500 (about £1,180, AU$2,170), you’re getting more than enough power to get you through AAA games, albeit probably not on Ultra. At $2,335 (about £1,835, AU$3,235) or more, you’re getting a massive amount of power and storage. Plus, HP Omen Desktop PC comes in a tool-less design, making it upgradeable. There isn’t any doubt that this one belongs on our best gaming PCs list.

Read the full review: HP Omen Desktop PC

Intel Hades Canyon NUC


If you’re on the market for the best gaming PC under $1,000, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC might just be your dream machine. This tiny gaming PC isn’t just cost-effective, but space-saving as well. In fact, it looks more like a set-top box than a gaming PC. Don’t let its size fool you, however – it packs all the power that the best gaming laptops should, with an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete AMD Radeon graphics. You’ll have to supply your own RAM, storage and your own OS, but if you have extra PC hardware lying around, there are still plenty of savings to be had.

Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC 

HP Omen Obelisk


This rectangular behemoth is definitely worthy of its moniker as it touts lots of power… more than enough, in fact, for most gamers’ needs. When you’ve the funds for an upper-tier configuration, you’ll get a powerhouse. Unfortunately, budget buyers will have to be satisfied with gameplay at medium settings, since the lower end models are not as powerful. Still, because of its high upgradability and tool-less design, such buyers aren’t too far away from the best gaming experience on Ultra or Max settings either. Plus, we’ve honestly seen more expensive machines for those specs.

Read the full review: HP Omen Obelisk review

Dell XPS Tower Special Edition


Much like the excellent Dell XPS 13, the Dell XPS Tower is a lesson in packing beefy specs into a svelte design. This inconspicuous gaming PC looks a lot like the computer that’s been gathering dust in your dad’s office, rather than something that could power the latest and most demanding PC games. Beneath that unassuming exterior however, the Dell XPS Tower is one of the best gaming PCs on the market, fitted with an 8th-generation Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GTX 10-series graphics cards. With the Dell XPS Tower Special Edition, you’re getting one of the best gaming PCs money can buy, minus the off-putting ‘gamer aesthetic’.

Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 

  • This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair One.

Origin Millennium


When you pick up a new computer from Origin, it’s almost like you’ve built it yourself. But, you do have to be familiar with PC components to decide for yourself what goes into the rig and how much money you’re willing to drop. So, our only real criticism of the Origin Millennium is that you can build a similar gaming PC yourself and save hundreds of dollars. On the other hand, because of its svelte design and flexible specs – not to mention, the convenience, we bet you won’t even want to.

Read the full review: Origin Millennium 

  • This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Overclockers 8Pack Asteroid.

Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition


In true Alienware fashion, the Area 51 Threadripper Edition pushes the limits of both technology and your bank account. It’s incredibly powerful, markedly boasting the latest AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X across all of its configurations. The Area 51’s triad-design hasn’t changed much since its introduction back in 2014, but the inside of this machine is essentially tool-less to upgrade, not that you would even need to considering it’s already one of the best gaming PCs of 2019.

Read the full review: Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition 

  • This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair One  

MSI Trident X


It was only a matter of time before the best gaming PCs started rolling out with the latest Coffee Lake Refresh and Nvidia Turing parts, and the MSI Trident X was leading the charge. This small chassis PC doesn’t pull any punches, and will absolutely demolish any game you throw at it, at any resolution. Just remember that the thin metal build is a little flimsy for travel, and its price tag is kind of steep. However, if you’re seeking no-holds-barred power that will fit right in your living room, you can’t do much better than this.

Read the full review: MSI Trident 

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

Image Credits: TechRadar

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