Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Apple : Azure Arc lets Microsoft cloud run on AWS and Google Cloud

Apple : Azure Arc lets Microsoft cloud run on AWS and Google Cloud

Azure Arc lets Microsoft cloud run on AWS and Google Cloud

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 02:14 PM PST

At its annual Ignite conference, Microsoft previewed Azure Arc which allows users to utilize Azure's management tools and data services on virtually any platform, including those of its competitors such as AWS and Google Cloud.

The new service extends Azure's management capabilities to Linux and Windows servers as well as to Kubernetes clusters on any infrastructure across on-premises, multi-cloud and edge.

Using Azure Arc, developers can now build containerized apps using their tools of choice and IT teams can ensure that these apps are deployed, configured and managed uniformly using GitOps-based configuration management.

Microsoft has also made it easier to implement cloud security across environments using Azure Arc with centralized role-based access control and security policies.

Azure Arc

In a blog post announcing Azure Arc, corporate vice president of Microsoft Azure, Julia White explained how the new service can help speed up deployment while also providing customers with a complete view of all their Azure data services across on-premises and clouds, saying:

“With Azure Arc, customers can now realize the benefits of cloud innovation, including always up-to-date data capabilities, deployment in seconds (rather than hours), and dynamic scalability on any infrastructure. Customers now have the flexibility to deploy Azure SQL Database and Azure Database for PostgreSQL Hyperscale where they need it, on any Kubernetes cluster. From the Azure portal, customers get a unified and consistent view of all their Azure data services running across on-premises and clouds and can apply consistent policy, security and governance of data across environments. Customers can get limitless scale by seamlessly spinning up additional Kubernetes clusters in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) if they run out of capacity on-premises.”

Just as Google did with its open platform Anthos, Azure Arc uses Kubernetes to enable customers to build out their hybrid cloud deployments across platforms.

As of now, Azure SQL Database and Azure Database for PostgreSQL Hyperscale are the only two Azure services users will be able to bring to other infrastructure providers though Microsoft will likely extend this to other Azure services over time.

Via TechCrunch

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The best cheap monitor sales and deals for Black Friday 2019

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 01:17 PM PST

Improve your computing experience and make reading, browsing, and viewing that much easier with a new monitor. Finding a cheap monitor, though, can be a difficult task, and that's why we rounded up the best monitor sales and deals that you can find online. This includes monitors for gaming, displays with 4K resolution, massive screens, and more.

Because you can use pretty much any device with an external display these days, we think you should use a monitor for everything from your iPad to your more powerful Surface Book 2. Otherwise, you’re depriving of yourself of some much-needed screen real estate – and, with these best cheap monitor deals, you don’t even need to spend much to jump in on the action.

Monitors aren’t as clunky as they once were either. In fact, many of them have wielded bezel-less designs and high refresh rates for years, while your smartphones are only now beginning to adopt these features. For the best monitor deals on the market, keep reading down.

The best Black Friday monitor deals and prices

There are still several discounts that you can shop below, but there's no harm in looking forward to killer deals during Black Friday 2019. To help you find the top sales, we've put together a guide on how to find the best Black Friday deals. We'll also tell you everything else you need to know about the November sale event such as the date, what prices you can expect, and what will be this year's top-selling items.


The best cheap monitor deals

The Dell UltraSharp U2414H is the cream of the crop of standard, 24-inch displays. It offers a sharp, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) picture with vibrant, but accurate colors and deep contrast. Best of all, Dell personally calibrates every U2414H unit, so you won't have to screw with the gamma, contrast or a multitude of other settings just for a decent picture.

If you're looking for a little more sharpness in your computing life, a QHD monitor is the way to go, and the Omen 32-inch QHD screen from HP offers the best frequent deals we've found so far. With 2,560 x 1,440 rich pixels, this Omen display can make everything from movies, games and even websites look that much better. The display also comes packed with AMD's FreeSync technology to reduce gaming frame rate drops, though you'll need an AMD graphics card to use the feature.

We're officially entering the 4K age, and finally we're beginning to see some sizable deals on the Ultra HD monitors we've been wanting for so long. The 27-inch ViewSonic XG2700-4K is arguably one of the best 4K monitors around with a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution. Its SuperClear IPS panel tech is no slouch either, with the ability to produce rich colors while outputting a gamer-grade 144hz refresh rate and 5ms response time.

Gaming is a pricey hobby, but there are plenty of ways to penny pinch with mid-range components, budget accessories and, of course, excellent deals on displays. The Asus VG245H is one of the most budget gaming monitors we've ever tested. It's no 1,440p panel, but you do get a 75hz refresh rate, blue-light filter and, thanks to its TN panel, response times as quick as 1 millisecond.

Read the full review: Asus MG248Q

21:9 monitors are deal for movie buffs; however, their price tags can be scary. Fortunately, the LG 29UM68 is a steal of a deal. Though it's technically just a Full HD monitor with its 2,560 x 1,080 pixel count, you'll likely be too busy immersed in its visual wingspan to care. This IPS panel produces 99% of the sRGB color gamut. Plus, that 21:9 aspect ratio is just too wide to pass up if you're tired of seeing letter-boxed movies on traditional, 16:9 screens.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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The Google Pixelbook Go gets even more useful with virtual desktops

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 12:25 PM PST

Google has at last released Chrome OS 78 to Chromebooks, scheduled to land this week on the wide range of Chromebook laptops in the wild today, bringing some major new features.

Those new features bring Chromebooks – like Google’s brand-new, Editor’s Choice award-winning Pixelbook Go – much more in line with the more established macOS Catalina and Windows 10 operating systems (OS). For instance, the marquee change here is the introduction of virtual desktops to Chrome OS.

This allows users to hide away open apps into virtualized versions of their own desktops, creating discrete environments according to whatever they wish, whether that be projects or entertainment tasks. And, it appears to work much in the same way that it does on those competing OSes.

Send numbers to your phone, and print more easily

Google has also implemented a new feature that will allow you to more easily make phone calls while browsing the web. That is, so long as you have an Android phone connected to the same Google account as your Chromebook.

When this feature is set up, you’ll have the option to take phone numbers that appear in Google search results and on web pages and send them to your Android phone with a right-click. No longer will you have to copy the number down or dial it into your phone while looking at the Chromebook display. It will, at the very least, be a minor time saver.

Finally, Google has both reduced the number of steps required to set up printers with your Chromebook. First, pressing Ctrl + P on your keyboard brings up a new printer menu to sets that compatible printer up with a single click. Then, you can now easily set up a default printer through the Chrome OS settings pane.

Bonus: you can now also share feedback about Chrome OS directly to Google more easily. There’s a new button for the function placed directly beside the “Power off,” “Sign out” and “Lock” functions when you press and hold the power button for one second named “Feedback”.

Google’s latest Chromebook, and every Chromebook before it, just got a whole lot more useful and that much closer in functionality to its rivals.

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KSI vs Logan Paul 2 live stream: how to watch the rematch online from anywhere

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 11:46 AM PST

After the epic draw they fought out in the the boxing ring last year, KSI and Logan Paul are stepping back into the squared circle to see who truly deserves to be crowned the YouTube king of boxing. Don't want to miss any of the action? Read on to find out how to watch a KSI vs Logan Paul live stream - no matter where in the world you are.

Last year, 18,000 devoted fans came to watch as America fought Great Britain in one of the biggest events ever organised by YouTubers. Streamed by hundreds of thousands of fans, it was a fight as well watched as the top UFC and boxing fights in history - but are you ready for round two?

After an epic six rounds in their first head-to-head match, a draw was called leaving fans on both sides wanting a re-match. Since then both Paul and KSI have been in training, improving their fighting styles and stamina and it looks like this year, anyone watching a KSI vs Logan Paul live stream could see a knockout go down.

KSI is at a height, weight and reach disadvantage going into this fight but is the more experienced fighter of the two, leaving Paul wobbling a good few times in their first fight. Since then, he's been the bookies favorite for round 2, but it honestly feels like anything could happen.

Ready to stream KSI vs Logan Paul live online? We've included everything you'll need to know about broadcasters down below so you can be ahead of the game on the night.

Live stream KSI vs Logan Paul from outside your country 

In North America or Canada? DAZN has you sorted and it's Sky Sports for the fans in the UK. Scroll down a bit further to find out the exact details of how to stream from your country. And for those in Australia, below you'll find some bad news and a bit of a work around.

But if you're abroad this weekend then you'll need another way to watch and avoid possible geo-blocking. That's where using a VPN comes in.

How to live stream KSI vs Logan Paul in the US

How to watch KSI vs Logan Paul from the UK

How to watch a KSI vs Logan Paul live stream in Canada for FREE

How to live stream the fight in Australia 

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Pokémon Sword and Shield leak reveals every new Pokémon – and which ones are missing

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 10:59 AM PST

Pokémon Sword and Shield are less than two weeks from release, but it seems someone has leaked both games' full Pokédex roster. 

Resetera user Atheerios posted several spoilers and leaks about the new games, including a list of every Pokémon we can expect to see in them, including lists of every eighth generation Pokémon, several Galarian forms and evolutions and new Gigantamax forms. Plus, a lot more has been revealed.

Pokéleak

We're not going to post any spoilers here, because it's up to you if you want to go find them for yourself, but the lists highlight which classic Pokémon are returning – and which aren't.

What we will tell you is that there's a total of 81 new species and 13 Galarian forms of existing characters – making for a total of 94 new Pokémon and an overall total of 400 Pokemon.

There have also been quite considerable cuts, which has seen a lot of fan favorites not making the final roster. This isn't a huge surprise considering there's now eight generations of Pokémon to fit into the games.

Nintendo hasn't confirmed if these leaked lists are true, but all signs point to that being the case. We'll just have to wait until Pokemon Sword and Shield officially release on November 15.

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Pokémon Sword and Shield release date, trailers, and brand new features

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 10:45 AM PST

After releasing some of the best games in franchise history on the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo and Game Freak are finally ready to bring the main Pokémon games to the Nintendo Switch – the first of which are called Pokémon Sword and Shield.

The games will release globally on Nintendo Switch this November and will bring with them a brand-new region, features and Pokémon for trainers to swoon over. The official Pokémon YouTube channel has been dripping feeding us with snippets of gameplay and Pokémon designs too – though not everyone is happy with what's been shown so far (more on this below).

The Sword and Shield games will be set in the Galar Region (basically, a Pokémon-ified version of the United Kingdom) and will include a number of creatures including three new starting Pokémon, Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey. We'll also see a new mechanic called Dynamaxing that will replace Z-Moves and Mega-Evolutions – and apparently even Poké Jobs that help your Pokémon gain experience.

So how does Sword and Shield stack up to Pokémon Let's Go: Pikachu and Eevee on Switch? Those games acted as a sort of reboot of the original Red and Blue titles for the Nintendo Gameboy, and for many didn't count as a 'core' Pokémon experience. Players will be looking to Pokémon Sword and Shield to bring the true Pokémon experience to Nintendo Switch, and expectations are much, much higher.

So what do we know, and what are we hoping to see when Pokémon Sword and Shield launch this year? Read on to find out.

[Update: Pokémon Sword and Shield leak reveals every new Pokémon – and which ones are missing. Read on to find out more.]

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The eighth-generation of Pokémon games
  • When can I play it? November 15, 2019
  • What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Image credit: Nintendo

Pokémon Sword and Shield release date

During a special Pokémon Sword and Shield focused Nintendo Direct on June 5, Nintendo revealed that Pokémon Sword and Shield will release globally on November 15, 2019. 

In addition, Nintendo announced pre-orders for a double-pack edition of the games will be available soon.

Pokémon Sword and Shield trailers

Wondering what towns in the Galar region might look like? A trailer dropped during Gamescom will give you a better idea. Rolling verdant hills, quaint train stations and the ever-familiar comfort of the Pokémon Center. Check out the new footage below:

Pokémon Sword and Shield will made battling bigger and better than ever, and we mean the former quite literally. In a trailer released in August 2019, some new battle mechanics are explored. Watch the trailer below to see new Hidden Abilities, moves, items and some more details about Dynamaxing. 

A new day, a new trailer. We were expecting possibly more of an in-depth Pokémon Direct, but this two-minute clip does give us a look at some new Pokémon designs – as well as some 'rivals' you'll be facing off against in the game.

Check out the video below:

Another Pokémon Sword and Shield trailer gave us a closer look at Dynamaxing, new Pokémon and the Galar Pokémon League. Check it out below:

The best glimpse we've had of Pokémon Sword and Shield was during a special Nintendo Direct in June. The Nintendo Direct shed a lot of light on what new features we can expect alongside some new Pokémon pals. 

Check out the video below:

The first Pokémon Sword and Shield trailer didn't give too much away, but you can see the first glimpse of the environments and art style.

You also get a first look at three new starter Pokémon: the fire-rabbit Scorbunny, twig-monkey Grookey, and a sad-looking tadpole (sadpole?) called Sobble.

Check the trailer out below:

Another trailer, released right around the time of E3 2019, highlighted some of the geographical features of the Galar Region and introduced us to raid battles – a mechanic taken from the Pokémon Go mobile game.

Pokémon Sword and Shield screenshots

Pokémon Sword and Shield news and features

Pokéleak
Resetera user Atheerios posted several spoilers and leaks about the new games, including a list of every Pokémon we can expect to see in them, including lists of every generation eight Pokémon, several Galarian forms and evolutions, and new gigantamax forms. Plus a lot more.

We're not going to post any spoilers here, because it's up to you if you want to go find them for yourself but the lists highlight which classic Pokémon are returning - and which aren't.  

What we will tell you is that there's a total of 81 new species and 13 Galarian forms - making for a total of 94 new Pokémon and an overall total of 400 Pokemon. 

Ditching Nintendo Switch Online?
The upcoming Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch are set to launch this November, though players wishing to take part in online bouts with each other would usually require a subscription to Nintendo's paid online service – as you do for the likes of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, or similar multiplayer games.

However, Sword and Shield seems to be doing things a bit differently, with an option to pay for online access for your Pokémon game alone.

The official Nintendo website cites the unusual payment strategy in the text below (emphasis our own): "Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. This game includes an in-game purchase option for users who do not have a membership. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online."

By the sounds of it, even those without a full, paid subscription to Nintendo Switch Online will have a way to partake in online battles, trading, and the like – though we're yet to see whether it would be a cost-effective alternative, given the already low $3.99 / £3.49 / AU$5.95 price.

Another research update
As promised, a new research update was shown on October 16 and it gave fans a peek at some of the new Gigantamax forms that will appear in the game. The video (embedded below) reveals that Pikachu, Meowth, Eevee, Charizard and Butterfree will have Gigantamax forms. 

While Charizard and Butterfree will be generally available through Max Raid battles in the game, Pikachu and Eevee will be available to those who purchased the relevant Let's Go title and still have play records on their Switch, while Meowth will be an early purchase gift for those who get the game before January 15 2020. 

Download size revealed
It's time for a clearout! Pokémon Sword and Shield will take up 10.3GB of storage on your Nintendo Switch.

Glimwood Tangle Livestream
Aspiring Pokemon researchers have tuned into the promised Sword and Shield livestream and what have they discovered over the 24 hours? Well, it looks like there's a Galar region variant of the horse-like Pokémon Ponyta. 

This psychic type will be exclusive to Shield, balancing out the recent announcement that Sirfetch’d will be exclusive to Sword. 

This Ponyta will have two special abilities: Pastel Veil and Run Away. The latter seems fairly self explanatory while the former will prevent Ponyta and its allies from being poisoned during battle. This ability can also cure poisoned Pokemon when they join a battle. 

Autosave
The rumor that Pokemon Sword and Shield will be the first games in the series to include an autosave feature have been confirmed. In an interview with GameInformer, director Ohmori said that autosave will run in the background throughout the game. The feature will be turned on by default, but fans looking for a more traditional experience can go in and turn it off and save manually. 

Exp Share
Another feature that will be automatic in Sword and Shield is Experience Share which will see XP fairly distributed among your Pokemon team by default, rather than subject to the use of an item. 

Meet Sirfetch’d
Nintendo has introduced the new Wild Duck Pokémon: Sirfetch'd. According  to the Nintendo, "Farfetch’d that inhabit the Galar region can evolve into Sirfetch’d after experiencing many battles". However, this new Pokémon is exclusive to Pokémon Sword.

Check out the reveal trailer for the leek-wielding Pokémon below:

Nintendo Direct September 2019
Nintendo dropped a Direct in early September with some brand new details on Pokémon Sword and Shield. 

First up, as we already knew character customization is making a return but it's going to be more wide-ranging than ever before. Now in addition to changing tops and bottoms, you can change hairstyles, apply make up and pull some stylish outerwear. Catching Pokémon in a leather jacket? You betcha. 

There's also Pokémon Camp which allows you to pitch up a tent during your journeys and play with your Pokémon. This will improve their performance in battle and you can even take your Pokémon to visit the camps of other players online. 

Camping also means cooking. Now you can lovingly create dishes of curry and rice for you and your Pokémon with more than 100 variations to enjoy. To keep track of your recipes you'll be using the Currydex (yes, seriously). 

Of course, there are also some new Pokémon. The Direct introduced us to flying-water-type Cramorant and ghost-type Polteagiest. 

Gamescom 2019
Gamescom 2019 came and went, and despite that fact that Nintendo dropped a new Pokémon trailer merely days before the event, more new footage was shown. Aren't we spoiled. 

The new footage gave us a good look at an as-yet-unnamed town in the Galar region. This footage revealed that in addition to the previously revealed flying taxi service in the game, players will also be able to travel by train. Hopefully the attempt to reflect the UK will only be surface level or we'll get nowhere by rail. Towns will also have, as expected, Pokémon Centers, grocery stores and clothing stores to have a look around and spend some money. 

New battle mechanics
In a trailer, some brand new battle details have been confirmed. 

Corviknight is shown to have a Hidden Ability called Mirror Armor which will allow it to reflect any stat-lowering effects back at its opponents. 

Hidden Abilities, it’s been confirmed in a blog post, are slightly more special than standard abilities as they’ll only feature in Pokémon that have been caught in Max Raid Battles (so a Corviknight you catch from a normal encounter won't have the Mirror Armor ability). 

These Max Raid Battles, coincidentally, are the way to encounter another kind of special Pokémon: one that's capable of Gigantamaxing. If you’re really lucky you might go into a Max Raid Battle and come away with a Pokémon that can Gigantamax and has a Hidden Ability but that’ll be a very rare event and you’ll have to take part in a lot of Raids. 

New items will also be introduced to the game. One of these is Room Service, which will lower the speed of the Pokémon holding it during Trick Room. The other is Eject Pack which will switch the holding Pokémon out of battle if its stats are lowered, allowing you to replace it with another from your team. 

Battling online
A few more details on the Online Battle Stadium have been confirmed. Players with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be able to connect over the internet and compete in single or double battles. These battles can be ranked or casual, with the former involving facing trainers of similar ranks to try and earn points to move up, while the latter is, well, just for fun. With things working through the Nintendo Switch Online service, that means Pokémon Global Link is not supported. 

Pokémon have jobs now
An official listing on the Pokémon Sword and Shield's website shows a way of earning experience points by freelancing your Pokémon out to random employers. Exploitation, or a fun summer job? At the very least it's a great way of ensuring your boxed Pokémon aren't languishing while you take your main team on your adventure as can sometimes happen. It seems something of a shame that you can't go along with your Pokémon and take part in a mini game for some jobs but either way it's a great way to keep your Pokémon training and to bring in some special items as rewards. 

Region variants
Regional variations of familiar Pokémon always make exploring new areas even more fun. The region variants for the Galarian region really play up that U.K inspiration. 

There’s Galarian Weezing which is clearly drawing heavily on the Industrial Revolution with its chimney pipe hat and Victorian factory-owner vibe. 

Meanwhile Zigzagoon and Linoon have taken on a more badger-like appearance.

There’s also an entirely new Pokémon confirmed for the Galar region: Morpeko. This little hamster-like creature is adorable until It gets hungry. In perhaps the most relatable Pokémon behaviour ever, when Morpeko enters hangry mode, it goes from electric type to dark type and looks utterly merciless. 

The bad guys
Pokémon grunt organisations are very rarely subtle and Team Yell are continuing that trend with their name, their fashion and their utter adoration of Marnie. 

Marnie is one of your main rivals in Sword and Shield and she’s hell bent on becoming a champion. Team Yell are her followers who will get in your way in order to help her get there. 

Bede is your other rival. He’s a little more mysterious than Marnie (and looks a little more like a grandmother too). While he’s also aiming to become champion, he’s got other motives you’ll be aiming to uncover. 

Brand new models
The Pokémon Sword and Shield development team has been facing ire from fans following the news that every single Pokémon ever won’t be available to catch in the new games with the latest rumors suggesting that Game Freak has been utilising old 3DS creature models for the Switch game in order to cut costs. This theory has been shot down by an older Famitsu interview with Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori (via Polygon) in which it’s stated that the models for the new game have been created from scratch. 

It was also said that the more intensive graphics of the Switch has lengthened the time needed to render Pokémon so the limited Pokédex would have come at some point. 

Version-exclusive Gym Leaders
Pokémon Sword and Shield will have version-exclusive Gym Leaders. In Pokémon Sword you will battle karate prodigy Bea, while in Pokémon Shield, you take on emo king Allister.

Gigantamaxing
Previously we had heard of the Dynamax feature that allows Pokémon to become super-sized during battles, however Nintendo has now revealed the "phenomenon" of Gigantamaxing. 

While Dynamaxing can only occur in specific areas of the Galar region, and is a common occurrence for Pokémon from the region, Gigantaxmaxing is only specific to certain species of Pokémon and kicks things up a notch by not only increasing a Pokémon's size but also its appearance.

In addition, Gigantamaxing boosts the power of the Pokémon and allows it to use a unique move known as a G-Max Move - each G-Max Move is particular to a specific species of Gigantamax Pokémon.

More new Pokémon

In a recent trailer Nintendo introduced us to some more new Pokémon we'll be encountering in Galar, including the walking ice-cream sundae Alcremie, adorable puppy Yamper, coal chunk Rolycoly and steel dragon Duraludon.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Image credit: Nintendo

Doubling Down
Pokémon producer Junichi Masuda has reiterated the news that not all Pokémon would be available to catch in Sword and Shield in a statement to fans on the official Pokémon site. In the statement, Masuda thanked fans for their love of the Pokémon series but reaffirmed the decision to limit Pokémon in the game to those within the Galar region. 

He did, however, add that "even if a specific Pokémon is not available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, that does not mean it will not appear in future games."

Fan backlash against the news has been severe but it seems that Game Freak is sticking to its guns. Masuda added in his statement that the Galar region will see “the world of Pokémon continues to evolve. The Galar region offers new Pokémon to encounter, Trainers to battle, and adventures to embark on. We are pouring our hearts into these games, and we hope you will look forward to joining us on this new journey.“

Can't catch 'em all 
It's been confirmed that Pokémon Sword and Shield will not feature every Pokémon from the franchise so far, making them the first mainline games to do so. Given there are now more than 800 species of Pokémon this is, perhaps, not all that surprising.

The reason, according to Game Freak producer Junichi Masuda (via Famitsu), is that on reaching generation eight there will be more than a thousand Pokémon in the Pokédex. Such a large number means "it has become extremely difficult to make Pokémon with a new personality play an active part and to balance their compatibility" as well as to make sure they'll all be balanced in battle.

Not only that, it would be too difficult to have so many in-game models with a high enough graphical quality. 

Though the choice saddens Masuda, he says that it's a decision he "had to make some day" and that he's opting to "choose the quality". 

Poké Ball Plus

Pokémon Ball Plus
We didn't hear much about Pokémon Sword and Shield during Nintendo Direct at E3 2019, but it was teased that the Pokémon Ball Plus can be used to take your in-game Pokémon for "a stroll". However, the ball cannot be used as a controller.

In addition, it was teased that "good things" will happen if you build up a strong connection to one Pokémon in particular.

Release date revealed
Nintendo held a special Pokémon Sword and Shield focused Nintendo Direct on June 5 that revealed both games will release globally on November 15, 2019.

Max Raid Battles
Much like Pokémon Go, Sword and Shield has a feature which allows trainers to team up with up to three others online to take on more powerful Pokémon.

Legendaries
Pokémon Sword and Shield's wolf-like Legendary Pokémon are Zacian (sword) and Zamazenta (shield).

Dynamax Mode
This new mode allows trainers to make their Pokémon giant and super-powered. This mode can only be activated once during a battle and lasts three turns before a Pokémon reverts to normal size.

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Image credit: Nintendo

More new Pokémon
Alongside the starter Pokémon, Nintendo has also revealed a few more new Pokémon joining Sword and Shield: Wooloo (sheep Pokémon), Gossifleur (a fancy lady Pokémon that evolves into Eldegoss), Drednaw (who resembles a snapping turtle) and Corviknight (a raven and glorified taxi service for the Galar region).

Wild Area
Galar features a Wild Area where trainers can explore, battle and capture Pokémon. Which Pokémon appear depends on the environment and weather.

Stadiums
Trainers will battle Pokémon leaders in Stadiums rather than the usual gyms. These stadiums are huge and packed with a cheering audience. 

New characters
Nintendo revealed your new rival is Hop, whose older brother is the Pokémon champion of Galar. Meanwhile Professor Magnolia and her assistant Sonia will act as your guides.

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Image credit: Nintendo

Trainer outfit customization will be a feature
While it's not a brand new feature, trainer outfit customization has been popular with Pokémon players since it was introduced in X and Y. And it's a feature which a recent Uniqlo competition has confirmed will be in Pokémon Sword and Shield. 

In a collaboration with The Pokémon Company, the clothing brand asked fans to design a top which would then be sold in stores. Now that the winning entry has been chosen (a design featuring Magikarp and Gyrados) it's been revealed that the top will also be wearable in Pokémon Sword and Shield as a trainer outfit.

Just how many more outfit options there'll be in the games isn't known yet.

Made for handheld
While the Pokémon Let's Go games were developed with TV mode in mind, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has stated that Pokémon Sword and Shield will "emphasize the fun of playing Nintendo Switch in handheld mode." Furukawa made the comments during Nintendo's March 2019 Financial Results Briefing (via Nintendo Life).

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Image credit: Nintendo

A whole new world
We know the game is set in a brand new region of Galar, rather than a rehash of Kanto or a previously visited territory. Galar seems to be loosely inspired by England's cities and countryside, with rolling hills and brickwork cities to explore.

The trailer also showed glimpses of jewel-encrusted mines and what might even be a football stadium (see the kit below), though we're waiting to see whether competing in a Pokémon-themed Football World Cup will be possible for players.

Brand new Pokémon
Yup, this is a new generation of Pokémon, meaning you'll be seeing a lot of new faces – as well as a lot of old ones. The trailer gave us a mix of familiar Pokémon like Pikachu and Hoothoot along the new starters, and we're hoping Game Freak manage to keep the new designs interesting (no ice cream or candelabra Pokémon, please.)

Modern to the core
Sword and Shield look to retain the look and 3D animation style of the Pokeémon Let's Go games that launched on Nintendo Switch last year.

Pokémon games haven't been flat 2D games in years, and has increasingly been moving towards full-size avatars and 3D environments. Some may miss the old-school pixel charm of the earlier games – and find the 3D creature models a bit bland – but for better or worse this is what we're getting.

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The Mandalorian trailers, cast, release date, and whether Boba Fett will return

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 10:38 AM PST

What is The Mandalorian? The incoming Star Wars TV show is pegged as one of the most hyped series being developed exclusively for the Disney Plus streaming service, and launch day is looking closer than ever.

The first episode of The Mandalorian hits Disney's platform on November 12, with staggered weekly releases thereafter – so you can't binge the whole thing in one day – likely to keep us talking about the show beyond the 24-hour news cycle. You'll now find three trailers for the show below, ahead of its launch next week.

The show charts the story of a galactic bounty hunter, in the vein of Boba Fett – the iconic, if briefly appearing character from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (though more on him below). With a star-studded lineup that include's Narco's Pablo Pascal in the lead role, and the massive support of Disney and the Star Wars franchise backing the live-action space western, this is set to be a big one.

It's not the only Star Wars TV show coming our way either. A Rogue One prequel series, following the life of Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) is set to come to Disney Plus down the line, while we also have word of an Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series with Ewan McGregor reprising his role.

But The Mandalorian will be the first show of its kind for the platform, and all eyes will be on whether Disney manages to keep the magic of Star Wars alive in what looks like a grittier take on the universe (compared to the mainline films). 

Here's everything you need to know about Star Wars: The Mandalorian, including when it launches, where you can find it, and what formats and resolutions you can expect to watch it in.

The first image from the Star Wars live action show The Mandalorian, showing a person wearing Mandalorian armor

Pedro Pascal plays the helmeted Mandalorian protagonist

The Mandalorian FAQ: quick questions answered

  • What is it? The live-action Star Wars TV show, created by Jon Favreau 
  • Where can I watch it? Disney Plus
  • When will it be released? November 12
  • How many episodes? Eight episodes in the first season, released weekly
  • When is The Mandalorian set? Seven years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and 23 years before The Force Awakens
  • Is the Mandalorian Boba Fett? No, the series will feature all-new characters
  • Who's in The Mandalorian? Padro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Taika Waititi, and others

The Mandalorian was first announced in an Instagram post by Jon Favreau, who is credited with creating and writing the series. We know the show will take place seven years after the end of Return of the Jedi – meaning this is long before Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren from the current trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker) enter the picture.

The Mandalorians are a military people in the Star Wars universe, from the planet Mandalore, and have appeared in both the Star Wars Rebels and Clone Wars animated series. They've had a checkered history in the Star Wars canon, with the Tales of the Jedi comic series from Dark Horse seeing the Mandalorians even siding with Sith forces against the Jedi, so you can expect some gray moral areas or alliances beyond the light and dark sides of the Force.

As per Favreau's post, it will follow a "lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy", meaning we'll get a look at some brand new locales not previously touched upon in the Star Wars films – though still with some Stormtroopers to fight (as in the trailer below).

The Mandalorian trailers

We got our first The Mandalorian trailer at August's D23 expo, showing off the eponymous bounty hunter in action – with what looks like a robot companion joining the fight too. Are robots to Star Wars heroes what pets are to Disney princesses? We'll let you decide.

Just two weeks out from its November 12 release date, Disney Plus dropped another trailer for The Mandalorian, and this time we even get to hear the mysterious bounty hunter speak for the first time. You can check out the action-packed second trailer below.

And just one week from release, a short trailer introduced several brand new characters, including Ming-Na Wen's Fennec Shand, an assassin in the series. 

The Mandalorian release date: when can I watch it?

As a launch title for the Disney Plus streaming service, the Mandalorian will be landing on November 12 as the service goes live in the US, Canada, and The Netherlands. The service then launches in Australia and New Zealand on November 19 – though there's still no Disney Plus UK launch date.

It sounds like the show will be releasing episodes weekly, too, rather than dropping the whole season at once.

The Mandalorian cast, crew, and directors

Carl Weathers in The Mandalorian

With Jungle Book director Jon Favreau – who you may know as handler Happy from the MCU Spiderman movies – at the helm, and the weight of Disney and Star Wars behind him, it's unsurprising that The Mandalorian will have some big-name talent attached to it.

Pedro Pascal, who played Javier Peña in the Netflix crime series Narcos, will be taking the lead role as the eponymous Mandalorian bounty hunter (via StarWars.com).

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Pascal described the character as a "mysterious, lone gunfighter," adding that “He’s got a lot of Clint Eastwood in him."

Other actors include Carl Weathers (from the Rocky and Predator series) and Gina Carano (Deadpool) – the latter of which you can be sure will be taking part in some kick-ass action sequences. Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Emily Swallow (Supernatural), Omid Abtahi (American Gods), and Nick Nolte (Affliction) are also attached to the series.

Taika Waititi voices a droid, likely providing some comic relief

Legendary director Werner Herzog will even be taking on an acting role – though whether it's a small cameo or a notable lead is yet to be seen. More Herzog, please!

There'll be numerous directors for the first season's episodes, including Dave Filoni (Star Wars Rebels), Deborah Chow (Jessica Jones), Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Bryce Dallas Howard (Solemates), and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) – the last of whom will also be voicing the IG-11 droid seen busting caps in the trailer.

So, is Boba Fett not in it?

The Mandalorian played by Pascal in the trailer isn't Boba Fett, apparently. However, since Disney clarified the characters survival after what many thought was a grisly demise in Return of the Jedi, we wouldn't be surprised to see him in some form, especially since The Mandalorian is set only seven years after the events of that film. We'll just have to wait and see...

Where can I watch The Mandalorian TV show?

Disney Plus will be a one-stop home for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content

The Mandalorian will be exclusively available on the Disney Plus streaming service, which will come to browsers, iOS, Android, Android TV (for Nvidia Shield TV, Sony TVs, and Hisense TVs), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K, Google Chromecast, and Xbox One. More devices and providers are likely to follow too.

The Mandalorian: 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos


Of course, if you've gone to the fuss of buying a 4K TV, or one that can support HDR (high dynamic range) for enhanced contrast and colors, you'll be wanting to know if The Mandalorian will make the most of these premium TV technologies – and it will! 

The entire season of The Mandalorian will be available to stream in 4K HDR. From what the trailer has shown us, the sweeping desert landscapes and galactic skies will no doubt benefit.

Unlike Netflix, which requires a premium subscription plan to access high-resolution content, Disney will be throwing in 4K and HDR streaming for its baseline monthly price ($7 in the US). Disney Plus will support HDR10 and the dynamic Dolby Vision HDR format, though not the HDR10+ format found on Amazon Prime Video. 

Dolby Atmos surround sound audio will also be supported – for TVs or Dolby Atmos speakers able to play the format.

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The Mandalorian teaser trailer reveals a brand new Star Wars character

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 10:36 AM PST

With one week to go until The Mandalorian arrives alongside the launch of Disney Plus, we're getting more glimpses of what to expect from the first live-action Star Wars TV series, including an introduction to a brand new character. 

The first thing that jumps out from this 30-second trailer: you get to hear dialogue from Nick Nolte's alien character, Kuiil. What's arguably the main event comes at the teaser's end, however, as the assassin Fennec Shand, played by Agents of Shield actress Ming-Na Wen, is revealed. 


Vanity Fair has more details on Fennec, whose name is partly inspired by the pointy-eared fox of the same name (Star Wars remains dependably weird with the names of characters in its universe). Wen compares her character to Han Solo in her moral ambiguity - that kind of Jedi-less grey area is what we're excited about seeing from The Mandalorian, and this character embodies that.

That said, the article also explains she's a hired killer who's worked for a bunch of different criminal organizations throughout the Star Wars universe, which doesn't sound that ambiguous. Her preferred weapon in battle is "a big, big gun. A big boy."

Not long to wait now...

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian's cast is an eclectic bunch, with Wen and Nolte joined by supporting characters played by Werner Herzog, Taika Waititi, Giancarlo Esposito and Carl Weathers. Eventually, there'll be so much Star Wars content around that it'll be easier to make a list of actors who haven't appeared in the galaxy far, far away in some form. 

As mentioned, we're now just seven days from the first episode of The Mandalorian. It arrives alongside Disney Plus on the November 12, and then the rest will roll out on a weekly basis. 

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Dropbox rolls out file transfer service to all users

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 10:26 AM PST

Following a four-month beta period, Dropbox is now rolling out its file transfer service to all users to allow them to easily share large files.

The cloud storage company unveiled Dropbox Transfer back in July and the new service provides users with an easy way to share files with others who they don't necessarily need to collaborate with, such as when delivering a finished product like a video or a contract.

When using the new service, the sender is able to access key stats such as the number of times a link has been clicked on or how many times the files they're sharing have been downloaded. With Dropbox Transfer, users can also choose to receive download alerts whenever someone accesses their files, set passwords for security or set an expiration limit so that a file disappears automatically after a set period of time.

Dropbox's shared-links feature also allows users to set expiration limits and password protect their files but this feature is intended for situations where an end-user needs to be able to access files that change frequently while Transfer is better for one-off sharing.

Dropbox Transfer

Dropbox Transfer is available to users on all pricing tiers but the features available will vary depending on which plan you have.

For instance, the free tier allows users to share files up to 100MB which will expire after seven days. Paid users on either the Professional, Business Advanced, Enterprise or Education plans can set the expiration limit for their files to seven, 30, 60 or even 90 days and they will also be able to share files up to 100GB. Users with a Dropbox Plus or Business Standard subscription can transfer up to to 2GB of files at a time though they still have the same seven-day expiry limit.

Since unveiling Dropbox Transfer over the summer, the company has made several changes to how the service works. Users can now start a transfer from within Dropbox's desktop and iOS app as opposed to just via the web and iPhone and iPad users can now access transfers they've been sent directly from their mobile devices.

WeTransfer and Mozilla's Firefox Send both offer similar functionality to Dropbox Transfer but the new service already has a leg up on the competition by being directly integrated into one of the world's most popular cloud storage services.

Via VentureBeat

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Disney Plus Marvel TV shows and movies: every superhero coming to the service

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 10:00 AM PST

When Disney acquired Marvel in 2009, we were only at the very beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe phenomenon. Since then, the MCU has blown up on a massive scale, with three phases of films and a handful of TV shows already behind us. Some releases have been more successful than others, but all play a part in the big picture of the Marvel universe. 

Now, as Marvel's game-changing Phase 3 comes to an end, and we move into Phase 4 of the studio's grand plan, Disney is launching its Disney Plus streaming service. Marvel will be a core pillar of what the service has to offer, and now the studio's original TV shows will be closely linked to its movies – unlike the previous Marvel TV offerings on Netflix that were largely of inconsistent quality and lifespan.

It’s pretty clear that Disney has big plans for its Marvel TV shows as well as its movies in the coming years, and Disney Plus will allow you to catch up, and keep up, with the Marvel universe in 4K/HDR.

With Marvel assembling alongside heavy-hitters like Star Wars, Pixar and Disney itself on the streaming service, fans are naturally wondering just how much it will cost them to keep up with the exploits of their favorite heroes. If that’s the case just head to our Disney Plus price guide which has all the information you’ll need. 

So, curious about what Marvel treats are actually coming to Disney Plus? Here’s everything that’s been announced so far. 

Disney Plus Marvel Movies: what's available at launch?

There are 23 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but unfortunately they won’t all be available on Disney Plus at launch. The reason for this is kind of convoluted – some of the existing Marvel movies are tied up in existing licensing deals and are, therefore, not able to be streamed consistently around the world. 

The rights of other titles, like the 2008 Hulk movie and the Tom Holland Spider-Man films, are also owned and distributed by other studios and can’t, therefore, appear on Disney’s streaming service. 

Outside of these legal constraints, it’s possible that Disney doesn’t want to make its entire Marvel movie catalogue available right away – there are DVD and Blu-ray sales to maintain after all. 

The seven MCU titles confirmed as being available at launch in Disney’s mammoth Twitter thread are as follows:

  • Iron Man
  • Iron Man 3
  • Thor: The Dark World
  • Guardians of the Galaxy
  • Avengers: Age of Ultron
  • Ant-Man
  • Captain Marvel

As for the rest? Well, we at least know that Avengers: Endgame will be coming to the service on December 11 2019, but dates for others remain unconfirmed. 

It’s likely that most of the MCU movies will appear on Disney Plus eventually, it just won’t be straight away so you’ll have to hold off on that binge session you have planned.

Disney Plus Marvel TV Shows: what and when?

One of the most exciting things about Disney Plus is the prospect of a deluge of new and exclusive Marvel TV shows that might actually hold up against their cinematic counterparts – and make up for previous misadventures. Given the big names attached to the shows, and reports that each episode of each show could have a budget of as much as $25 million, expectations of quality are high. 

Disney has already confirmed a handful of shows that will be coming to the service over the next couple of years and we know that there’ll be a mix of live-action, animation and documentary on offer. But it’ll be a while until the new offerings start, with the first big series starting in 2020. 

The first new and exclusive show out the gate will be The Falcon and the Winter Soldier with Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprising their respective roles for the small screen. 

After that we know Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany will be reunited as Scarlett Witch and Vision in WandaVision; Tom Hiddleston will also be causing havoc as Loki in his very own branch of reality, courtesy of the Tesseract. Like Loki, Hawkeye will be getting his own show, starring Jeremy Renner, although we’re not expecting to see it premiere until 2021. 

On the animated side of things, What If…? will explore a whole range of alternative storylines within the Marvel universe, including what might have happened had Peggy Carter taken the soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers. And just because it’s animated doesn’t mean the stars are stepping back – 25 of the biggest Marvel stars have been confirmed to be returning to voice their characters, including Hayley Atwell and Samuel L. Jackson. 

Disney will be using its TV shows to introduce new heroes as well as delving deeper into the stories of its existing stars. It was confirmed during D23 that Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk and Moon Knight will be making their debuts on Disney Plus with their own dedicated shows. When those debuts will be, however, is still unknown.

Disney Plus Marvel TV shows: release schedule

  • Marvel's Hero Project documentary (November 12, 2019)
  • The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Late 2020)
  • WandaVision (Early 2021)
  • Loki (Early 2021)
  • What If? (Mid-2021)
  • Hawkeye (Late 2021)
  • Marvel's 6161 (2020)
  • Ms. Marvel (no release date)
  • Moon Knight (no release date)
  • She-Hulk (no release date)

Disney Plus and Marvel: the next phase

So, the future looks busy and bright for the Marvel universe on Disney Plus. While things on the TV front won’t be getting properly started until 2020, we know at the very least that the shows will be going strong through 2021 and beyond. Between the introduction of new characters and expansions on the stories of those we already know, there's plenty coming – and if you’re invested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney Plus is likely the best place to be between the big movie releases. 

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LG er måske på vej med et foldbart TV

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 09:37 AM PST

Skal vi gå ud fra et nyligt afsløret patent, arbejder LG måske på et foldbart TV. Patentansøgningen blev opdaget af LetsGoDigital og stammer fra marts 2019 – omkring samme tidspunkt hvor det kom frem, at LG havde planer om en serie af OLED-tv på 48 tommer. Skærmen ser ud til at bestå af seks paneler af samme størrelse, som kan foldes sammen som et stykke papir eller en harmonika.

Hague International Design System godkendte patentansøgningen d. 13. september. I patentet står der, at rammerne omkring skærmen skal fungere som ”holdere” der holder den stående og at en soundbarvil blive bygget ind i panelet: 

”Designet omfatter en TV-modtager med en fleksibel skærm, som kan foldes. De firkantede rammer på hver side fungerer som stand såvel som sound barer”.

At folde eller ikke folde

Så er spørgsmålet – vil vi overhovedet have et foldbart TV?

Foldbare skærme klarer sig ikke for godt for tiden. Tænk blot tilbage på den første udgave af Samsung Galaxy Fold, som tydeligvis ikke kunne klare anmeldernes kritiske blik og ganske enkelt virkede for skrøbelig i sin konstruktion.

Har LG vitterligt planer om at lancere et foldbart TV – sandsynligvis i størrelser på mindst 55 tommer – må vi tro, at de også har teknologien, som kan fungere i denne skala. LG skabte overskrifter, da de forrige år fremviste sit foldbare OLED-TV LG Signature Series OLED R, selvom de fortsat ikke har givet os nogen lanceringsdato for samme, til trods for, at de har sagt, at det ville kunne købes i 2019.

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Want a free Xbox or LG Smart TV? Take your pick with BT's new broadband deals

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 09:33 AM PST

With still a good few weeks to go until Black Friday, you probably wouldn't expect to see freebie-filled fibre broadband deals hitting the virtual shelves already - but BT is proving that little theory wrong.

BT is no stranger to offering freebies with its broadband deals, but its latest offers are well worth a second look. With its pair of Superfast Fibre deals you can either get a superb LG 43-inch 4K-ready Smart TV or a Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.

To score one of these mouthwatering gifts, you will have to sign up for a 24-month fibre contract and subscribe to a TV package. A complete dream for all sports fans out there, BT Sport will be included so you're getting access to tonnes of Premier League fixtures and UFC 245 around the corner, too (as well as much more).

Below we've got the BT broadband deals detailed and outlined so you can pick the best option for you. Of course, they don't quite suit you or you don't really want to pay extra for fibre broadband make sure you check out our guide to the best broadband deals to compare every package out there worth caring about.

But be warned...with a broadband deal this high in quality, it comes as no surprise that it is only available for a limited time - it ends on Thursday, November 14.

Get your choice of gift with BT's broadband deals:

Upgrade your BT broadband deal and get even more

The prices that are displayed above are the base costs for the two packages. Once you click the base package you want and before you get to the checkout, you can choose which BT Sport package to go with. Your options range from the BT Sport app only to 4K toting TV packages with extra channels.

Compare BT to the best broadband deals around

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Dark mode for WhatsApp: everything you need to know

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 09:15 AM PST

Dark mode for WhatsApp is expected to appear very soon, and we've managed to glean several hints and previews suggesting what it will look like when it arrives. In fact, the most recent developments hint that the app will be receiving not one, but two different dark modes

Since the launch of Android 10 and iOS 13, both of which feature their own system-wide dark modes, developers have been rushing to create dark versions of their apps. Google Chrome, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter all have smart dark options available, but so far WhatsApp has remained pale and interesting. That all looks likely to change, though.

If you want to be the first to try dark mode for WhatsApp when it arrives, we recommend joining the beta program so you'll be able to test it before it rolls out worldwide. If you use an Android device, you can sign up and download the beta through the Google Play Store.

The beta program for iOS is currently full, but it could re-open at any time. If it does, you'll need to install TestFlight on your device, then sign up to join the program.

What to expect

According to WABetaInfo, which specializes in dissecting WhatsApp beta releases, the app's developers are currently working on two different dark modes, and optimizing the new designs before its release.

WhatsApp dark mode

Exploring the WhatsApp beta's install files reveals various assets labelled 'night mode', including these new black and dark teal message bubbles

Even if you're a member of the beta program, you won't see an option to activate dark mode, but trawling through the app's APK files reveals various graphic assets that will be used when it's eventually released.

It originally looked like the new color scheme would be mainly dark blue/green rather than black or gray, and will be activated automatically if you've selected your phone's system-wide dark mode. The app's splash screen is also expected to be darkened, which will avoid the problem some apps have where a person using dark mode is startled by an unexpected burst of white light.

Now, however, it seems the designers have switched tack slightly, and are now developing two different dark modes: one with a dark gray background, and another with black.

It's possible that the black version is specifically optimized for AMOLED screens. Black pixels on these screens are actually turned off, which uses less power (at least in theory).

WhatsApp's sticker and emoji menus have been updated with dark backgrounds, and developers have been hard at work adapting the app's signature message bubbles with a new look that will be used for both dark modes.

WhatsApp dark mode wallpaper

A new dark wallpaper for WhatsApp, extracted from the Android beta

We could also see a handful of other new features arriving along with the two dark modes, including self-destructing messages that are deleted after a certain period of time. Based on leaked screengrabs, it looks as though you'll be able to set messages to be erased after a period between five minutes and an hour.

Rival messaging apps Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Signal already offer a similar feature, so it's an overdue addition to WhatsApp.

Beta releases have also revealed a new option that will allow you to completely hide updates from muted contacts. Currently, if you mute a contact, their updates will appear grayed out, but still visible. When the new update rolls out, you'll be able to hide them fully, and only see them if you choose to.

When it's coming

We don't yet know; WhatsApp's developers don't appear to be in any hurry to complete and release the app's dark modes, and have yet to reveal when the option will become available.

When WhatsApp finally receives its dark makeover, we'll provide full instructions explaining how to activate it and start messaging in style.

Other ways to extend battery life in WhatsApp

One of the main reasons you might want to try dark mode for WhatsApp is to extend battery life, but there are other ways to make the app less power-hungry until the setting becomes available.

Enter the app's settings, select 'Chats' and tap 'Wallpaper', then choose 'Solid color' and select something darker than the standard pale gray background. This won't change the color of the message bubbles, menus and other interface elements, but Google's research has found that black pixels drain substantially less power than other colors.

WhatsApp wallpapers

It's not the same as an actual dark mode, but switching to a black wallpaper can help save a little battery life when you're using WhatsApp

By default, WhatsApp will download a lot of files in the background, which can really drain your phone's battery, so you can also conserve power by opening WhatsApp's settings and selecting 'Data and storage usage'.

Here. you can choose when media should be downloaded (when you're using mobile data, when you're connected to Wi-Fi, and when you're roaming). If you turn these off, videos and images sent in messages will only be downloaded when you tap them.

Activating your phone's own power-saving mode is another way to make it last longer between charges. Depending on which setting you choose, this may turn down the brightness of your screen, stop apps sending and receiving data when they run in the background, and limit CPU speed. It's up to you whether you're willing to take the performance hit in order to extend your battery life.

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This is the cheapest 15-inch Windows laptop we've seen before Black Friday

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 09:14 AM PST

If you're looking for a cheap Windows laptop with a sizable screen, Walmart and Acer have teamed up to seriously deliver. The two are selling this 15-inch Acer Aspire 1 laptop for Chromebook-level pricing in the Walmart Black Friday sale that's started early.

With this, you're getting a 15-inch laptop running Windows 10, admittedly with absolutely entry-level parts, but with a 720p display and a full-sized keyboard.

This is, by far, the cheapest Windows 10 laptop we've seen this year, and comes well ahead of Black Friday 2019. Should you wait for that mega sales event to pick up a Windows 10 laptop close to this cheap? That's up to you, but this is a slick deal starting right at you – right now.

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Microsoft trials four-day work week

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 09:05 AM PST

Following an experiment where staff worked a four-day week for full pay, Microsoft Japan has revealed that sales were boosted by nearly 40 percent during the month in which the trial was run.

The software giant's Japanese offices were closed on every Friday in August 2019 and full-time staff were given paid “special leave”. During the experiment, meetings were also restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes and employees were encouraged to have discussions online as opposed to meeting face-to-face.

Japan has some of the longest working hours in the world and according to a 2017 survey, nearly a quarter of Japanese companies had their employees working more than 80 hours of overtime a month and these extra hours were often unpaid.

Of those employees who participated in Microsoft's Work Life Choice Challenge 2019, 92 percent had positive things to say about the experiment when they were surveyed after its conclusion.

Work-life balance

According to Microsoft, electricity consumption was reduced by 23 percent and paper printing was reduced by 59 percent during the month-long trial when compared to the amount of energy and paper used in August 2018.

The company also said that it is planning to implement a second Work Life Choice Challenge this winter, though this time it will not be offering employees the same “special leave”. Instead, staff will be encouraged to take time off in order to “rest smartly”.

While Microsoft Japan is trying to be more productive by working less, Alibaba's co-founder Jack Ma is encouraging his employees to work more by having them work 12-hour days. In April 2019, Ma described the “996” pattern, in which employees work from 9am to 9pm for six days a week as “a blessing”.

However, now that Microsoft Japan has proved that a shorter work week could be beneficial in Japan of all places where working long hours is often a requirement, perhaps businesses in other countries may soon follow suit with four-day work week experiments of their own.

Via The BBC

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The best smartphones from Chinese companies in India

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 08:56 AM PST

The competition for dominance in the Indian smartphone market is over and Chinese companies have successfully established themselves in the Indian market. The previous market leader, Samsung has been lagging behind Xiaomi for more than two years now. 

Aside from the two giants going head-to-head,  Oppo and Vivo are also among the top five brands in India. OnePlus, too, has a cult following in India, with its smartphones leading the race in the premium smartphone category, defeating the likes of iPhone and the Galaxy flagships.

In this list, we comb through all the options in the market so that you have choices across all price points with varied features. Some phones are meant for selfie lovers while others are for fans of Stock Android. Either which way, you'll find a phone that will make sense for you.

Xiaomi promised its new Redmi K series would be “Flagship Killer 2.0” and that seems to be fairly accurate, given the kind of specs that the Redmi K20 Pro offers at a starting price of Rs 27,999. Xiaomi is clearly taking the battle to OnePlus, which has developed a cult-like following amongst people looking for premium specs at affordable prices.

OnePlus constantly increasing the prices of its smartphones has also helped in popularizing the Redmi K20 Pro.

Not forgetting its budget segment roots, Xiaomi has also launched a slightly more affordable version of the Redmi K20 Pro, retaining as many design elements and hardware specs as possible, while still offering a premium smartphone at an affordable price.

If you don’t need a highly powerful smartphone, you can instead opt for the Redmi K20.

With the launch of the OnePlus 7 Pro, the Chinese smartphone maker has propelled itself to the next level. The 7 Pro is supposed to take the fight to the high-end premium offerings like the Galaxy S10 series and the iPhone XS.

Sporting a Quad HD+ panel for the first time, the OnePlus 7 Pro is the most premium smartphone till date. This reflects in its performance, design as well as the price.

Read our full review: OnePlus 7 Pro


The recently launched OnePlus 7T, features a similar design as the OnePlus 7 on the front, however, the back of the device is completely different from what we have seen on earlier OnePlus devices. It features a triple camera setup at the back and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus chipset.

The OnePlus 7T is priced starting at Rs 37,999 in India.

Read our full review: OnePlus 7T

Xiaomi has been delivering blockbusters upon blockbusters with its Redmi Note line up in India, and that seems to be true with the Redmi Note 8 Pro as well. After delivering massive improvements in terms of imaging with the Redmi Note 7 Pro earlier this year, Xiaomi has turned its focus to improving the gaming performance with the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, the Redmi Note 8 Pro lives up to the hype and offers fluid performance. The liquid cooling tech, a massive 4,500mAh battery, 18W fast charging and the 64MP quad cameras on the back seal the deal rather well.

Check out our Redmi Note 8 Pro hands-on experience

Realme has been making a splash since its debut last year. Over the last few months, the company has aggressively expanded its portfolio of smartphones right from the entry-level to the budget segment. The Realme XT is the latest in this line, and offers a versatile camera experience coupled with a vibrant display and a big battery.

The design of the Realme XT is also noteworthy, although it could be slightly over the top for people who prefer sticking to neat lines and patterns. Nevertheless, the Realme XT is a very good option in its segment.

Read our full review: Realme XT

Oppo A9 2020

The Oppo A9 2020 is a refreshed version of the Oppo A9 launched earlier this year. It offers a tweaked design with updated specifications and imaging capabilities.

The primary highlight of the Oppo A9 2020 is its quad camera setup on the back. But beyond that, the A9 2020 also offers ample storage and a massive battery. If you are someone who is on the move constantly and do not want to stream a lot of content, the A9 2020 could be what you need. The ample storage allows you to save plenty of content for offline consumption, and the big 5,000mAh battery means it should last you long enough.

It’s not just the mid-range and the premium smartphone segment that is dominated by Chinese smartphone makers. Coming back to the mid-range, we have the likes of the Realme X that aims to take on the budget king Redmi Note 7 Pro while also luring prospective Redmi K20 buyers.

If you are looking a smartphone that is somewhere between the Redmi Note 7 Pro and the Redmi K20 both in terms of price as well as specs, this is a noteworthy option even now.

Read our full review: Realme X

Not the one to be left behind, Vivo too has been launching several affordable and value for money smartphones of late. The Vivo S1 is the latest in this list. It features a premium Super AMOLED panel and sports a triple camera setup on the back.

Design-wise, the Vivo S1 has a gradient back that reflects light off to give a distinct look at different angles. However, the one area where Vivo could have done better is the camera bump that looks out of place with its golden borders.

The Redmi Note 7 Pro is a smartphone the recipe of which Xiaomi has perfected over the last few years, asserting its dominance in the Indian market. Bringing together factors like value for money, a great blend of specs and a surprise factor in the form of the 48-megapixel camera that is found in far more premium smartphones, the Redmi Note 7 Pro is a great smartphone at a starting price of Rs 13,999.

Read our full review: Redmi Note 7 Pro

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Red Dead Redemption 2 is broken on PC and no one knows how to fix it

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 08:53 AM PST

After a year of waiting, Red Dead Redemption 2 is finally out on PC – not that you'll be able to play it. Many users, including us here at TechRadar, have been trying to launch the game on PC, but can't seem to get it running. 

The main issue that users are running into is an error reading "The Rockstar Games Launcher exited unexpectedly." The error message then leads you to the Rockstar Games support page, from there you can find a troubleshooting page for this issue, but the problem was not solved for us. 


We followed all of the instructions, installed the latest graphics drivers – using both an AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super – and still ran into the same issue. And, according to Reddit, we're definitely not alone in dealing with this issue.

So, we went on a frenzied search across the internet for a fix to this issue, and nothing worked. We ran Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and did a clean reinstall of the latest graphics drivers for both AMD and Nvidia, and nothing. Went into the compatibility settings, ran Red Dead Redemption 2 as an administrator, disabled fullscreen optimizations and let the game override high DPI scaling. None of that resulted in the game launching. 

Now, we have reached out to Rockstar Games for a solution, and it thinks it may be a launcher issue. The Rockstar Games launcher is new, so it makes sense that it would be running into some growing pains launching alongside such a highly anticipated title. 

You're not alone

There are all kinds of people out there that are running into this problem, or even a multitude of other problems. Some people are able to get the game to show a splash screen, then crash with an option to launch the game in Safe Mode – we haven't got that far. 

There are some other people that are able to get the game to run, but the performance is sub-par. We have heard from Nvidia that the RTX 2080 Ti wouldn't be enough to run the game at Ultra settings at 4K, so the game might not be super well optimized – something we aim to test once we can get the game to actually run. 

There are some people that have reported getting the game to run by disabling antivirus and firewalls, so that might be something to try. But, just keep in mind that it is not working for some people, ourselves included. 

There doesn't seem to be a catch-all solution at this time, but we're sure a fix will come soon in some form. Even if it doesn't come from Rockstar, we could see a modder come out with fix. We'll be keeping an eye open for any fixes, and we'll update this article as soon as we find out how to get this game running. 

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Best running headphones 2019: our top choices to soundtrack your workouts

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 08:42 AM PST

A good pair of headphones are vital if you're traveling, commuting or want to enjoy your music with zero interruptions. But for many of us, they're also essential for running. 

We believe that a good pair of running headphones doesn't just make running less boring and more bearable, but can improve your performance significantly – there's actually plenty of research that proves music can enable you to run better.

Of course some people enjoy the quiet solitude of running, but for many running is long, dull and even more difficult without the sound of music or a podcast keeping you going. 

Just as waterproof headphones are best for swimming, so too are running headphones optimized for the unique challenges of staying secure while you pound the pavement.

How to choose the best running headphones

There's lots to consider when it comes to buying a new pair of running headphones. Firstly, make sure that your new buds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating or above; this means that they'll be able to withstand a little sweat as well as a spot of rain.

Fit is also really important, particularly if you opt for true wireless earbuds, which can be prone to falling out – if that's a worry look for earbuds that sport fins to keep them securely in your ear, or better yet, a pair of neckbuds that are connected by a wire.

You'll also need a battery life that will last your longest runs and workouts, as well as your daily commute if your new running headphones will double up as your regular cans. 

These are the basics – some of the best running headphones also go one step further with features like heart rate monitors and AI personal trainers, which means they double up as some of the best running gadgets on the market in 2019.

So, with that all out of the way, let’s get started on our list of the best running headphones for every budget.

Best running headphones at a glance:

  1. Sennheiser CX Sport wireless earphones
  2. 66 Audio BTS Pro Wireless Headphones
  3. AfterShokz Trekz Air headphones
  4. Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
  5. KuaiFit Sport Headphones (US)
  6. Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
  7. Under Armour True Wireless Flash Earbuds
  8. Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Earbuds
  9. Beats PowerBeats 3
  10. Monster iSport Victory In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
  11. Jaybird Vista True Wireless Earbuds

The best running headphones: our top picks

sennheiser running headphones


If the most important aspect of running earphones for you is the audio quality, these wireless earbuds from Sennheiser could be a fantastic choice. 

With a lively, bass-heavy presentation, and a comfortable fit, the Sennheiser CX Sport wireless earphones can really bolster your running performance through sound quality alone. 

They don't come with a heart rate monitor, but the inclusion of ear fins and sporty neon color scheme makes them ideal for casual workouts. 

With a battery life of six hours, they're great for your average running session, or even your daily commute – but marathon runners will want to look elsewhere. 

Read the full review: Sennheiser CX Sport Wireless earphones review

best running headphones


Our sole on-ear entry hails from the relatively obscure start-up 66 Audio and stands out in several key facets. Firstly, the BTS Pro earphones offer a ludicrous 40+ hours of continuous playback from a single charge along with an stunning wireless range of 100-feet.

Most Bluetooth headphones give you about 30-feet of leeway, but thanks to the aptX 3D antenna tech you can wander much further away from your mobile device, which is especially handy for track sessions.

For runners who like as much control over sound equalization as they do their fitness levels, the Motion Control app allows effortless control of the sound output.

The native apps (there’s also one for Apple Watch) also have a useful ‘Find My Headphones’ feature too. But most importantly, the sound is phenomenal for the relatively low price and they offer noise-cancelling microphones. 

This product is only available in the US at the time of writing – UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium wireless headphones. 

best running headphones


Replacing the AfterShokz Trek Titanium is the newer Air model. These are a touch more expensive, but they're lighter and we've found the sound quality has improved as well.

AfterShokz specialize in making wireless options designed in a way that particularly suits urban runners. Sound is delivered through your cheekbones, thanks to bone conducting tech which leaves your ears open, free to hear the traffic around you.

You can keep chatting with those around you easily and if you're in a race you'll be able to hear the cheering from the sidelines too.

What really sets these headphones apart is they're one of the few sets that are 'race-legal' in some countries, as they allow you to hear the commands of marshalls and traffic on open-road courses. If you want to run with music in smaller races, these are really your only option.

We found the Air to be more comfortable than previous AfterShokz models so if you don't mind shelling out a little extra money these will be one of the best for you. Plus they're sweat-proof, have a good secure fit and they can't fall out when you're jogging either as there aren't any earbuds.

Read the full review: AfterShockz Trekz Air review

in-ear running headphones


Now committed to a yearly refresh of the popular mid-range model, the Jaybird X4 manage to outdo both the previous Jaybird X2 and Jaybird X3 wireless Bluetooth earphones, with an upgraded IPX7 water-resistance rating. Whether you're sweating buckets or running doggedly through the rain, the X4 will be able to cope with it.

The Jaybird X4s also manage to keep the series' surprisingly good sound. These earphones are certainly fitness first, but that doesn't mean the other things people look for in a pair of earphones – you know, like music – have fallen by the wayside.

Jaybird's excellent app also provides easy EQ customization as well as the ability to make your own sound profile, with various ear tip sizes to boot. A great all round choice for runner who don't want to skimp on sound – or be wary of the weather.

Alternatively if you're after an even more premium experience, the Jaybird Tarah Pro earbuds offer higher-quality audio and materials for a somewhat higher $159 £139 / AU$229 price tag.

Although we're still big fans of the Jaybird X4 headphones, take a look at the Jaybird Vista true headphones further down the list – they're our top pick if you're in the market for a pair of true wireless earbuds. 

Read the full review: Jaybird X4 review

running earbuds


Whoever came up with the expression ‘jack of all trades, master of none,’ never used the KuaiFit Sport headphones. With 8GB of storage they’re a music player, fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, real-time running coach and a pair of wireless headphones all in one.

KuaiFit sells fitness plans created by Olympic athletes and verified coaches as part of its offering, and its headphones will store and deliver voice notifications based on your progress towards goals – all while leaving your phone at home.

The KuaiFit app for iOS and Android will store all your data and, if you want to link up to your phone, play music from Spotify too – although we do wish that was supported offline too...

best running headphones


If you need your power song to push you through that extra mile, then the Bose SoundSport might give you that extra force you’re looking for. With the unmistakable sound signature of the audio heavyweight, these lightweight earbuds feature a comfortable and secure fit thanks to the StayHear+ tips.

For runners with NFC-enabled smartphones and music players, the SoundSport buds can be paired in the blink of an eye. The Bose Connect app also allows music sharing with more than one pair of earbuds, ideal if you’re out running with a buddy (and we love that they name which device is connected, something that's great if you're carrying around a phone, media player and tablet).

The SoundSport range comes in two flavors. For an extra $50 you can pick up the Pulse edition which features a built-in heart rate monitor. Depending on your training method, this could be a worthwhile investment as we've found their heart rate monitor to generally be fairly precise from the ears with these.

After true wireless earbuds instead? Read our Bose SoundSport Free review

true wireless earbuds


The Under Armour True Wireless Flash earbuds are a solid entry into the true wireless market, with strong audio, ergonomic design, and a hefty battery life (25 hours, including the case's four extra charges) to really make your purchase last throughout the week.

There's also two smart noise technologies that that help these earbuds stand out. Tapping the left earbud once will activate Talk-Thru, which quietens audio for momentary conversation or when you need to be on alert, while Ambient Aware (tap the left earbud twice) recreates outside noise using external microphones.

UA has gone for stamina rather than convenience, though, and the charging case can feel like a bit of a brick to carry around – especially during exercise. You also won’t get any speed charging features here, meaning you shouldn’t wait until five minutes before a workout to plug the case into the wall. But for the sporty among you, the pros should certainly outweigh the cons.

Read the full review: Under Armour True Wireless Flash review


There’s wireless, and then there’s true wireless, and the top-end Jabra Elite Sport are the latter. Beyond the cordless design, the headline feature is the Hear Through tech that allows you to control the way the buds let in or filter out ambient noise – with just a quick button press.

The on-the-go charging case provides 13.5 hours of battery life in total, but with just 4.5 hours available from a single charge, slower marathon runners will probably want to jog on – although for 99% of your training, this won't be an issue.

Although not marketed for swimming, they’re also IP67 certified water resistant. The companion app also utilizes the built-in heart rate monitor to enhance your workouts, along with the internal accelerometer to monitor your reps of squats, lunges and the like.

These are expensive buds, but the amount they can do is incredible – for many, they'll be your go-to choice.

Read the full review: Jabra Elite Sport review

beats neckbuds


The PowerBeats 3 running headphones are yet another pair of Beats headphones that aim to keep your tunes pumping while you keep your legs pumping. They may come with the high price that is a signature of the Beats and Apple brands, but they offer a lot for runners, and especially for Apple users.

With a 12-hour battery life and a quick charge function that can add an hour of battery life in a few minutes, the PowerBeats 3 should rarely run out of juice in the middle of anything short of an insane ultra-marathon. They’re also ready for all the sweat from your brow, and can even handle a run in the rain.

While they may not top some of the other wireless headphones on this list for features, the PowerBeats 3 headphones will truly shine for major Apple lovers. They feature Apple’s W1 chip, which makes the Bluetooth pairing process with multiple iCloud-linked devices incredibly easy in addition to boosting wireless range.

Read the full review: Beats PowerBeats 3 review

true wireless


The Jaybird Vista earbuds are the latest true wireless headphones from Jaybird, an audio brand focused on making products for real and budding athletes – or those of us who just want the best fitness gadgets out there.

They're truly astonishing in what they achieve. Despite being fitness-first headphones, they still manage to offer incredible audio alongside water and sweat resistance like the best of them.

They’re certainly at the premium end of the market. But the combination of stark coloring, compact and lightweight design, and premium sound makes them a no-brainer for your next true wireless earbuds – whether you’re training for a marathon or just walking briskly to the office.

Read the full review: Jaybird Vista true wireless headphones review

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How to secure your printer

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 08:38 AM PST

One of the most commonly overlooked security holes in any company often concerns the humble printer.

You may think printers are secure due to the use of a PIN code on the keypad or because you added network security features a few years ago. The truth is that printer security - like all security in a company - is something to analyze routinely, to adjust for new threats and vulnerabilities, and to tweak on a consistent basis.

In fact, printer security has become an even higher priority than previously thought as companies have done a good job of plugging holes in other areas, such as mobile and Wi-Fi access. Hackers have now turned to some alternative methods of breaking into a company and stealing documentation, passwords, files, and images that compromise intellectual property.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to deal with printer security in a way that leads to peace of mind. 

  • Read our review on the Xerox VersaLink C405 here
  • Read our review on the Xerox VersaLink C500DN here

1. Analysis

To start, any undertaking related to security should start with an analysis phase. It’s important to understand exactly which devices are on your network, who is using them, how the devices are being used, and which security precautions are already in place.

Any analysis should start with the overall workflow -- looking at how documents are stories, retrieved, and used in the company. Employees might be storing documents locally or on a network, and they may be using mobile devices. The important point here is to look at workflow holistically in terms of the routine access throughout the day as well as guest access.

Once you understand the use cases, it’s important to analyze which security measures are in place, especially on the network. Trace a document from how it is accessed, edited, stored, and then printed. Analyze how the document is transmitted to the printer, and then how the documents are picked up or used after they are printed.

The more you know about the users and how they print, the better you can understand how to then improve printer security. At this point, after the analysis, it is important to examine the device themselves and then the network used to transmit documents.

2. Local printer security

Companies should investigate all printers and copiers, including how employees use them, where they are used, and how often they are accessed. This is especially important considering that printers are now increasingly advanced and can connect to wireless networks for remote access, which opens them up to new vulnerabilities.

At the printer itself, the security infrastructure should be as robust as a computer or any other endpoint device. As mentioned, this can mean much more than typing a passcode. Companies should look into how the printer could be accessed and hacked.

One advancement in this area is to output documents only at a pre-determined time so that an employee can retrieve open documents in the printer tray. Too often, employees will make a print output and then leave documents unattended, but new technology can help prevent that by only printing when the employee scans a badge and sets a print output time.

Another new technology has to do with digital shredding. Many high-end printers and copiers can store data meant for printing for long periods, even days or weeks. However, that means the data is vulnerable to hacking as it resides locally. Digital shredding is a method of removing all traces of the printed material on the local device after a set period of inactivity.

Companies should investigate several other security issues as well, such as hackers being able to remove a local hard drive, attach directly to printers, tap in remotely over a wireless network, use emerging wireless protocols such as 5G to access a printer, and also the local biometrics measures used to secure a printer, such as fingerprint readers.

3. The network itself

Other than the security issues related to the local device - such as stored data on a printer, stealing or compromising a local hard disk, and the biometrics used for security - companies should look closely at the network used for printers and copiers as well.

This 'last mile' connection is often the most vulnerable because it is the connection between the end-user (who might be located around the corner in the office), the connection into the servers at a company, and then the connection out to the printer. You might have network security measures in place for the servers and computers, but not the actual printing.

Of course, part of the analysis and improvements you make should address user authentication. There may be security precautions in place on the wireless or wired network, but if end-users only have to use a simple password to access an end-point, it won’t matter. Companies should investigate and improve user logins to make sure they are also highly secure.

Several network security protocols come into play here, such as IPFiltering, IPSec and SSL/TLS data encryption. As mentioned, it’s possible to implement network security for most activities on a network but to overlook the local printing, wireless, and remote access for printers.

Companies should also investigate and improve security measures related to compliance. In specific industries such as banking and health care, it is required to add security measures for all documentation stored on a network server, transmitted over the network, and then generated on printers and copies within the office. Often, failure in compliance in these key industries can lead to fines, especially related to HIPAA and PCI regulations.

The good news is that companies can add the local printer security measures, upgrade network infrastructure, and meet required regulations in ways that lead to peace of mind in terms of knowing whether hackers can breach a network through a printer network.

It’s smart to continually analyze printer networks and end-points (printers and copiers) and to improve printer security - all with the goal of staying one step ahead of hackers.

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Best camera phones under Rs 20,000 in India for November 2019

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 08:38 AM PST

Two years ago, finding a budget smartphone with a good camera would have been possible only if you went the seconds route and bought a used smartphone. Fast forward to 2019, though, and the entire scenario has changed for good, bringing multiple sensor-toting shooters to the masses.

Still, it is easy to get lost in the megapixel race. Smartphone makers try to one-up each other by offering higher resolution cameras, but not all megapixels are created equal. A good camera smartphone is a function of many things like the sensor size, image processing algorithms, other software optimisations and the camera resolution is only one aspect of this.

With that being said, there are several very good camera smartphones in the budget segment in India now.

We have prepared a list of smartphones with impressive cameras under Rs 20,000 that you should look out for.

  • If you are looking for a phone under 25K that has a balanced set of features, we've got you covered. Check our list of best phones under 25K.

The Redmi K20, the recently launched mid-range smartphone from Xiaomi’s Redmi brand has been designed keeping in mind the criticisms the company faced with its affordable flagship device, the Poco F1. With the device, the company has offered a premium device at an affordable price to take on the increasing competition in the smartphone segment.

While the Redmi K20 features a glass back, a stunning Full HD+ AMOLED display and an under-display fingerprint sensor, one of the main highlights of the device is its camera experience. It has a triple camera setup on the back with a powerful 48MP camera, an ultrawide camera and a telephoto lens, along with a 20MP selfie camera housed in the pop-up module.

The Redmi K20 now starts at Rs 19,999 in India, making it a great option under Rs 20,000.

With a 64MP quad-camera setup, the Realme XT joins this list as one of the most versatile smartphone camera packages on a smartphone. It is also the first phone in India to sport a 64MP sensor. The others include an ultra-wide lens, a macro lens and a depth sensor.

Not just that, it brings great performance to the mix with the Snapdragon 712 SoC and up to 8GB of RAM. This is also one of the few devices to offer a Super AMOLED display in this segment, with an in-display fingerprint scanner. It has a starting price tag of Rs 15,999 and is available in two colour options.

Xiaomi has dominated the budget and entry-level smartphone segments for a long time now. This is no different this year either - the launch of the Redmi Note 7 Pro changed the market dynamics yet again. Offering a high-resolution, premium-grade 48MP camera at budget prices was the primary clincher for the Redmi Note 7 Pro.

Apart from its imaging capabilities, the Redmi Note 7 Pro offers a great bang for your buck thanks to the great display, a well-balanced chipset and battery life that we've all grown to expect from Xiaomi's Redmi Note series.

Topping it all off is the glass design which gives it a premium look.

It has a great value for money quotient which is why the Redmi Note 7 Pro is the phone to buy.

Read our full review of the Redmi Note 7 Pro


Xiaomi's smartphones have been a hit in the budget segment and that trend has continued for years. However, not everyone is a fan of MIUI and Xiaomi has acknowledged that with the launch of its Android One series of smartphones.

The Mi A3 is the latest in this line of smartphones. It runs on clean, stock Android and should get updates faster than other phones. It also offers a decent camera experience, an in-display fingerprint sensor and a big battery at very aggressive prices, making it a great option if you want all these features.

The Poco F1, the only launch so far from Xiaomi’s first sub-brand Poco is a feature packed mid-range device. It is the cheapest Snapdragon 845 powered device in India and with the recent price cuts, it offers even more value for your money. While the device’s design is something that the company has compromised on, the Poco F1 is durable with a sturdy plastic build.

If you prefer performance over looks, the Poco F1 is the device for you. It is priced starting at Rs 17,999 in India.

Read the full review: POCO F1 Review

Announced at IFA 2019, the Nokia 7.2 has already made its way to India. It retains the company's legendary build quality and design elements, brings some fresh new colours and a new set of cameras.

Implementing ZEISS optics, the Nokia 7.2 has a triple camera setup on the back consisting of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a depth sensor. Low-light imaging has been improved significantly too.

It's also one of the few premium Android One devices and should soon get updated to Android 10. The rest of the specs include an HDR display, the Snapdragon 600 and a 3,500 mAh battery.

The Realme 5 Pro is the latest kid on the black and it truly represents Realme's aim of taking on established smartphone makers in India. Featuring a mid-range Snapdragon chipset and offering a quad-camera setup in the budget segment, Realme 5 Pro could be your next smartphone.

If you want a smartphone that offers great value for money and if you don't want to use MIUI again (we've all been a Xiaomi user at some point of time), the Realme 5 Pro is worth considering.

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