Saturday, November 23, 2019

Apple : Wilder vs Ortiz 2 live stream: how to watch boxing online from anywhere today

Apple : Wilder vs Ortiz 2 live stream: how to watch boxing online from anywhere today


Wilder vs Ortiz 2 live stream: how to watch boxing online from anywhere today

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 02:13 PM PST

Tonight's the night Deontay Wilder returns to Sin City to defend his WBC heavyweight crown in a potentially dangerous rematch with Luis Ortiz. Will the champ remain undefeated after the day is out? Or will King Kong climb new heights and exact revenge? You can find out by grabbing a Wilder vs Ortiz live stream wherever you are using this handy guide.

The challenger dominated the early rounds when the two fighters first met back in March last year, only for Wilder's class to eventually show in the 10th round when he delivered a TKO.

For Wilder, all roads currently look to lead to Tyson Fury and a win against Ortiz should ensure a rematch with the Gypsy King. The champ also has his hugely impressive 42-fight unbeaten record to protect.

Forty-year-old Cuban star Ortiz may have age, height and reach against him as he goes in to face Wilder once more, but he knows he can hurt the champ following their last back-and-forth encounter. Ortiz also has some momentum going into the fight, having chalked up three impressive wins together on the spin.

Saturday's fight has all the ingredients for being one of the year's best dust ups. Read on to find out how to get a Wilder vs Ortiz live stream from absolutely anywhere in the world.

How to watch the Wilder vs Ortiz fight from outside your country

You can scroll down this page for information on who'd broadcasting the fight in different territories. But if you want to watch the boxing outside of your country you may find that the content is geo-restricted. That could mean that, despite having access when on home turf (and having potentially paid for pricey subscriptions), you are blocked while away. Fret not, that can be rectified with the use of a clever piece of software called a VPN and won't involve lurking around dodgier parts of the internet for a ropey old stream.

How to watch Wilder vs Ortiz: US streaming

How to stream Wilder vs Ortiz live in the UK

How to live stream Wilder vs Ortiz in Australia

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Huawei MateBook 15-inch is a ports paradise, but will it come to the US?

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 01:33 PM PST

Huawei MateBook 15-inch is coming, but whether or not it will be available in the US is still anyone’s guess.

According to MSPoweruser, leaker Evan Blass discovered what could be the first complete renderings of Huawei’s upcoming additions to its MateBook laptops: a 14-inch variant, and a slightly larger 15-inch. And, it’s looking like Huawei’s largest MateBook yet is looking to give Apple’s MacBooks a run for their money – at least, port-wise.

Based on the renders, the Huawei MateBook 15-inch, codenamed Bohr, will be rich in ports, with one USB-C port (likely thunderbolt-enabled and could be used for charging), a full-sized HDMI port and two USB-A ports – not to mention, a headphone jack. In comparison, the MacBook 16-inch also has four ports, but they’re all Thunderbolt 3s, which considerably limits many users still using USB-A compatible devices.  

It will also feature Huawei’s fingerprint reader-cum-power button, impressively thin bezels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. While there’s no word yet on what the specs will be, however, the Huawei MateBook 15-inch could be a great alternative for folks who need more of a variety on ports.

Huawei MateBook 15-inch in the US

Unfortunately, Huawei’s woes in the US has left its devices’ fate in the country up in the air. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce blacklisted Huawei while President Donald Trump signed an executive order preventing American companies from using any telecom equipment produced by firms that are deemed threats to national security.

This led to Google suspending its business with the company, which effectively prevents Huawei from using the Android operating system that’s been powering its smartphones. 

However, the Trump administration has been issuing 90-day reprieves, allowing companies to continue selling to Huawei as trade discussions between the US and China continue. On August 19, the US gave Huawei its third 90-day reprieve, Financial Times reports, an extension that will let Google to continue updating its Android software on Huawei smartphones.

This could be a good sign for Huawei, especially since the U.S. has yet to provide sufficient evidence to prove its case. So, all is not lost.

If things go well for Huawei and the US ban doesn’t happen, we could see the Huawei MateBook 15-inch and 14-inch variant hitting the US streets in Spring 2020.

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Microsoft is showing interest in Project xCloud exclusives

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 12:41 PM PST

Microsoft is apparently potentially interested in securing some exclusives for its Project xCloud streaming service.

During a roundtable at XO19, Microsoft's Kareem Choudhry said (via Stevivor) that the company is having discussions with first and third-party developers but emphasised that these talks are still in their “early stages” and Microsoft doesn't “have any announcements to share” at the moment. 

According to Choudhry, new content and IPs can take around two years to develop so it's likely to be a long while before we hear anything about any potential exclusives. In an interview with TechRadar, Microsoft made it clear that xCloud is very much a "multi-year journey" for the company so it's possible we're talking about years down the line, if at all.

Project xClusive

Just now, Microsoft is naturally prioritising getting existing Xbox titles into the Project xCloud preview library and ensuring the service is running smoothly so that users can play the games they want at launch.

During the XO19 show itself, 50 new games were announced for the service which is currently in public preview for Android devices in the US, UK and Korea. Project xCloud is expected to launch on Windows 10 PCs and roll out to more markets sometime in 2020.

If Microsoft did decide to move forward with this idea and secure strong exclusives for its streaming platform, it would certainly make the service an even more compelling proposition and stir up trouble for competitors like Google Stadia. Especially as Microsoft has a leg up on Google in terms of its first party studios with its growing Xbox Game Studios.

At the moment, though, Microsoft's main focus is likely to be on Project Scarlett which is due to launch in late 2020, marking the start of the next console generation alongside the PlayStation 5

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Instant Pot DUO60 for $79 leads wide range of pressure cooker Black Friday sales

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 12:13 PM PST

We're merely days away from the Walmart Black Friday sale and the retailer is getting a head start with early deals that you can shop - including some great deals on Instant Pots.

You'll find massive price cuts on popular Christmas gift ideas, like the best-selling Instant Pot pressure cooker, where Walmart has the Instant Pot DUO60 on sale for $79

That's a $20 price cut and it's the best price we've found for the six-quart programmable pressure cooker.

The Instant Pot DUO60 is the most popular model and is always a best seller during Black Friday. The six-quart pressure cooker prepares fast and convenient meals by combing seven kitchen appliances in one. 

The pressure cooker can saute, steam, stew, and slow cook and includes a high and low-pressure setting. The DUO60 also features 14 built-in smart programs so you can make soup, rice, yogurt, and more with a press of a button.

You can also find the Instant Pot Lux60 on sale for $64 and the Instant Pot Ultra on sale for $109. If you're interested in an air fryer and Instant Pot, Walmart has the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven on sale for $99.95.

This is a fantastic opportunity to score an Instant Pot deal before the madness of Black Friday officially begins. We don't know how long Walmart will have the pressure cookers on sale, so you should take advantage now while you can.

The best Instant Pot Black Friday deals: 

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.

Shop more fantastic offers with our roundup of the best Walmart Black Friday deals that are happening now.

Shop more Instant Pot promotions with the best Instant Pot deals that are currently available.

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Big Black Friday gaming deals: save up to £100 on Razer, Thrustmaster and more

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 11:58 AM PST

The Argos Black Friday sale has arrived, bringing a raft of impressive gaming deals. While there aren't any console bundles on sale yet (a situation we expect might change over the coming days), this is the perfect time to grab a huge discount on racing wheels and headsets from the likes of Razer, Thrustmaster and Steelseries.

These aren't just any old accessories – many of them feature highly in our roundups of the best racing wheels and the best gaming headsets, which makes these deals all the more impressive.

Snap up one of these bargains while they last and transform your gaming experience, whether it's on PC, Xbox One, PS4 or Nintendo Switch.

Racing wheel deals

Gaming headset deals

If you live outside the UK, we've also rounded up some great deals on racing wheels and headsets where you are, including some Black Friday bargains:

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.

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Resident Evil 3 remake rumored to be in development

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 11:13 AM PST

A recent report has suggested that Capcom is currently developing a remake of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, with a plan to release it sometime in 2020. 

The report comes from YouTube channel Spawn Wave, which has published a video detailing the findings. Naturally any rumours should be taken with a pinch of salt, but both Eurogamer and VGC have stated that Spawn Wave's report aligns with things they have heard from sources close to the project's development. 

Although none of these rumors have been confirmed or denied just yet, Capcom itself has said previously (via IGN) that it is willing to continue down the route of remakes, especially if fans show continued interest. And that was before Resident Evil 2 knocked it out of the park with its sales. 

Nemesis next?

In fact, given the success of Resident Evil 2’s remake, it would be more surprising if Capcom didn’t decide to go down the same route with the third instalment. 

At the moment, much of Capcom’s focus is likely to be on its multiplayer Resident Evil spin-off known as Project Resistance, which had a closed beta earlier this  year. 

This makes it pretty difficult to try and predict when we might hear more about a possible Resident Evil 3 Remake, if we’re going to hear anything at all. Rest assured, however, that we will be watching closely for news. No doubt an announcement would be welcomed by fans who would prefer a more traditional outing than the multiplayer Project Resistance. 

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Unlimited data for only £18 a month - Three's SIM only deal is our Black Friday fave

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 11:05 AM PST

The SIM only market has very quickly lit up with the Black Friday festivities, throwing out deal after deal to compete for your interest. However, one offer has quickly floated to the top, forming a benchmark for the rest to follow.

That offer comes from Three and can be summed up very simply as 'the cheapest unlimited data SIM only deal...ever'. Last year, on Black Friday 2018, Three gave us unlimited data for £20 a month and this year, its dropped down to £18.

That puts it far below even its closest SIM only deal competitor - Smarty Mobile and well below the rest of the market. And while this will be the ideal option to pair with a Black Friday phone deal of the SIM-free variety, it is likely to sell very rapidly so don't wait around too long.

If you're looking for something cheaper or happen to have missed Three's bargain SIMO, then don't worry. Black Friday has provided us with a host of top SIM only deals for you to get your hands on.

Three's mega SIM only deal with unlimited data:

Why should you choose Three Mobile?

If you haven't already been won over by this amazing offer from Three then you'll be excited to hear that the network doesn't shy away from offering up some extra incentives as well.

Whether that be free exclusive prizes or extra roaming. You can see all of best parts of a Three SIM only deal or Three mobile deals down below.

  • Wuntu - Exclusive offers and freebies with Three's rewards app
  • Go Roam - Roaming abilities in 71 worldwide countries at no extra cost
  • Travel Swagger - Get travel upgrades with Easyjet with bag drop and early boarding

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for. 

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Incredible iPhone 11 deal for Black Friday is better than we've ever seen before

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 11:04 AM PST

Usually, when a new iPhone comes out we find ourselves patiently waiting ages for prices to shift into what we'd call 'affordable'. But with the iPhone 11, things have been different. In the lead-up to Black Friday Apple's latest handset has been a battleground for the best price, but we think we just found the victor...already.

Starting at £33 a month and £75 upfront, this offer was already a good few laps ahead of the rest of the market but, just for you readers of TechRadar, it gets even better.

At the checkout, entering the exclusive code TRIPH11 will knock the upfront cost even further down to £50, pushing this iPhone 11 deal's lead that extra bit further. That brings the overall two year cost down under the £850-mark, which is pretty extraordinary considering the RRP for the handset alone is £729!

Somehow still not convinced? There's a massive 60GB of data attached and unlimited calls and texts.

Need we say more? You can see this iPhone deal in its entirety down below or see just how much you're saving by comparing it to the other best Black Friday iPhone deals.

What makes the iPhone 11 so good?

The iPhone 11 is the cheapest of Apple's latest trio and yet, really isn't much of a downgrade. You still get Apple's new incredibly fast CPU, a 6.1-inch screen, IP68 rating and even a 3046mAh battery, enough to keep you going all the way through the day on one charge.

Read our full iPhone 11 review

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for. 

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You have until Monday to get a free Nintendo Switch or TV with EE's Black Friday phones

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 11:03 AM PST

We might still be a week away from Black Friday officially kicking in and yet, we have already seen a plethora of incredible bargains come our way. Of all of these pre-Black Friday goodies, EE has taken our top slot thanks to its impressive freebie offer.

The promotion is simple - buy one of a select list of phone contracts from EE and get a free Nintendo Switch. Not really the gaming type? Not a problem, EE will throw in a 4K TV instead.

As far as free gifts with phone contracts go, this offer from EE is leading the way but with the end date labelled as November 25, time is running out to grab one of these bargains.

You would expect your options to comprise of a list of budget handsets and yet EE has thrown in some top handsets. Options include the Huawei P30 Pro, P30 Lite, Samsung Galaxy A70, Samsung Galaxy A80 and a host of other options. We've got the full list of options for you below.

Huawei phone deals + free Nintendo Switch or 4K TV

Samsung phone deals + free Nintendo Switch or 4K TV

Why should I get my next phone deal from EE?

EE is the UK's fastest 4G network and that fact alone has drawn in a lot of support for their contracts, it has steadily become the most popular network in the UK. You'll also find that it frequently has some of the best phone deals out there on almost every new phone.

EE also offers a few incentives to its customers that sweeten the deal. You can get six months of free Apple Music when you pay monthly with EE and the ability to use Wi-Fi to make calls when you just can't find signal anywhere.

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Frozen 2 Black Friday deals: move fast to get 20% off all Frozen toys at Argos

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 09:48 AM PST

To celebrate the launch of Frozen 2, there are huge savings on all Frozen toys for a limited time as part the Argos Black Friday sale.

The deal includes all toys except video games. To claim your discount, just add your chosen items to your shopping trolley and enter the code STAR20 at the checkout when prompted.

This deal ends at midnight on November 26, and the most popular toys are likely to sell out fast, so move quickly while stocks last.

There are some great savings available. For example, the code brings the Disney Frozen 2 Sven Figure (which is big enough for your kids to ride) down from £120 to £96. It also brings the Lego Disney Frozen II Elsa Jewelry Box Creation Set down from £38 to £30.40, and the Disney Frozen 2 Ultimate Arendelle Castle Playset down from £150 to £120.

You can also use the STAR20 code to claim 20% off all Marvel Avengers and Star Wars toys. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker due to arrive on the big screen next month, these are sure to be some of this year's most popular toys too.

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.

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Bose Black Friday headphone deals live on Amazon: QC35 Series II just £249

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 09:06 AM PST

It's the weekend before Black Friday, but we're already seeing amazing Bose Black Friday headphone deals popping up. If you're after a high quality set of noise cancelling headphones this shopping season, this Bose QuietComfort Series II headset is just £249 this weekend at Amazon. That's a fantastic price considering these flagship headphones were £329 at launch last year. That they rarely see discounts of this caliber is testament to their long-lasted quality and appeal as a set of top-performing audio cans at a mid-range price point. 

With the release of the Bose 700 noise cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort range has dropped nicely in price for Black Friday. That doesn't mean they're lacking in functionality, however. With incredible sound quality and updated support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, these are superior headphones with a robust support for 2019's tech. Plus, you're getting class-leading comfort and a noise cancellation potential you'll rarely find at this price point. 

If you're looking for the perfect Black Friday headphone deal to satisfy your commute or upcoming travel plans, these lightweight but incredibly powerful headphones are just about the best thing going at the moment for their price. Bose Black Friday headphone deals are just getting started, but this is a tidy price reduction on a solid pair of cups that prove you don't have to spend big money for high-quality audio. 

Amazon have also knocked £10 off the latest Bose 700 range (coming in at £339 this weekend) in their Black Friday headphone deals as well as listing their popular Soundlink II headset for just £169. These QuietComfort Series II headphones offer a best of both worlds scenario, however, with the high standard of audio and noise cancellation of the 700s and the low price tag of the more entry-level Soundlink range.

Check out this Bose Black Friday headphones deal

There are plenty of Black Friday Amazon deals going at the moment, so be sure take a scan through our top picks before hitting checkout. Or, if you're set on a brand new pair of headphones but want to take a look at some other models, we've got all the best noise cancelling headphones deals around. Fancy something a little more slimline? This amazing AirPods Black Friday deal might just suit your fancy.

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.

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Get this Huawei P30 Pro deal for the same price as the standard P30 this Black Friday

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 09:00 AM PST

The Huawei P30 and P30 Pro are two phones that perfectly compliment each other. The P30 Pro has, since launch, been the go to flagship from Huawei, boasting top of the line specs at a higher price. The P30 was its smaller brother, condensing those specs into a weaker, but far cheaper package.

But, in the run-up to Black Friday, there seems to have been a glitch in the system, with both the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro costing almost identical prices. For just an additional £10 upfront, you can currently upgrade to the P30 Pro with Three.

Obviously, the Huawei P30 can give reasons to choose it over its bigger brother - its easier to hold and some may not be such fans of the curve of the P30 Pro screen but for the very large majority of people, the £10 addition in cost will be an obvious upgrade.

We've listed both of these affordable offers from Three down below so you can compare. With both offering the same 100GB of data and almost identical prices, the P30 Pro is standing tall as the obvious choice.

How good is the Huawei P30 Pro?

The Huawei P30 Pro has won praise for being one of the most innovative devices out there, with a lot of that aimed at its camera. Sporting an incredible 50x zoom camera, smart AI camera features and an overall impeccable quality, nothing can quite match it.

Backing up the camera is a high quality inifinity display screen, tonnes of power and a massive battery. In other words the Huawei P30 Pro is here battling for the spot of the world's best smartphone – with a few reservations.

Read TechRadar's Huawei P30 Pro review here

Read more:

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for. 

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PS5 games: all the games confirmed and expected on the PlayStation 5

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 07:30 AM PST

Once upon a time the PlayStation 5 merely seemed like a gamer's dream but, now Sony has dropped the first solid details of its next-generation console and an official release window of late 2020, things are starting to get very real.  

So we can't help but speculate about what PS5 games Sony has in the works and what these next-generation titles could look like. 

While Sony has confirmed some of the games coming to the PS5, we can assume that a lot of the developer's upcoming exclusive titles will be coming to both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. 

So without further ado, we've gathered together this handy guide to all the PS5 games Sony has confirmed – and some that we expect to see.

Confirmed PS5 games

New Bluepoint Studios game

PS5 games

It's taken months, but we've finally got our first confirmed PS5 game. That's not to say we have a name, a release date or even a concept, but this is the first time a company has come out into the open and said that it is indeed developing a title for Sony's next-generation console.

That company is Bluepoint Studios, the team best known for ports of classic games, having put out the incredibly well received Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and astonishing Shadow of the Colossus remaster.

Talk early in 2019 pointed to the studio's next project being yet another re-imagining of a classic game, and with rumors swirling around a Demon's Souls remake happening (an IP owned by Sony unlike the rest of the Bandai Namco franchise), it's looking like a relatively good guess that'll be the company's next title.

Watch Dogs: Legion 

First announced at E3 2019, Watch Dogs Legion was initially confirmed for a March 2020 release. However, since then Ubisoft has confirmed that the game will now be delayed into the next financial year which runs from April 2020 to March April 2021, meaning Watch Dogs Legion could see a delay of as little as a month or up to a year. 

This delay does, however, make it more likely than ever that Watch Dogs Legion will launch on the PS5 platform, which was officially confirmed by Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot earlier this month.

Gods and Monsters

Just like Watch Dogs Legion, Gods and Monsters is another title from Ubisoft announced for PS4 at E3 2019 that's been delayed from its original early 2020 release into the next financial year. 

We could see Gods and Monsters released any time between April 2020 and March 2021 and have now had official confirmation that it'll be coming to the PS5. 

Rainbow Six Quarantine

Rainbow Six Quarantine was first confirmed during Ubisoft's E3 2019 press conference. It was never given a solid release date but it has since been delayed into the 2020-2021 financial year. 

So, while we still don't know a release date, this delay has pushed the game closer to the PS5 launch. And, according to Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, it's one of a number of games that's been officially confirmed for the next-gen console.

Rumored PS5 games

Cyberpunk 2077

PS5 games

Image credit: CD Projekt Red

CD Projekt Red has been reticent to say whether or not its upcoming title will be releasing on the next generation of consoles. 

In an interview with VG247 last year, CD Projekt Red revealed that Cyberpunk 2077 will be able to work with future gaming technology.

“Next gen hasn’t been announced yet, so we can only speculate,” CD Projekt Red president Adam Kiciński explained. “Technology-wise, Cyberpunk is very advanced. Our technology is ready to interface with future generations.

“The game is developed in such a way that it can use very powerful future equipment."

However, since this time the developer has admitted (via GameSpot) that while the possibility of a PS5 release is being explored it's not in its "area of interest right now". Instead, the studio wants to focus on what it's doing right at this moment, rather than look too far ahead and lose sight of what's important: launching the game well. 

This is perhaps unsurprising as Cyberpunk 2077 is due for release in April 2020 and the PlayStation 5 is not due to launch until late 2020. If the game did launch on PS5 it'd be a cross-generational title. At the moment though, as far as CD Projekt Red is concerned, this is still only a "maybe."

Death Stranding 

PS5 games

Image credit: Kojima Productions

Hideo Kojima and Sony have been pretty tight-lipped about whether we will be seeing Death Stranding as a PS5 game. 

Death Stranding has already launched on the PS4 but in an interview with Wired, Sony's Mark Cerny hinted that we could be seeing the allusive title on PS5 too.

When asked by Wired about the transition from PS4 to next generation, and how Death Stranding will fit into this process, Cerny gave a "pregnant pause" and a glib smile before a spokesperson interjected that game would be released for PS4. 

It's not exactly a confirmation but Cerny's response has definitely fuelled speculation that Death Stranding will be a cross-generation release.

Ghost of Tsushima 

PS5 games

Image credit: SuckerPunch

Perhaps more wishful thinking on our part, but we haven't heard much in the way of Ghost of Tsushima news since the new IP was revealed at Paris Games Week 2017. 

We do know that SuckerPunch's historical open world adventure will take players back to Feudal Japan and that development is well underway, but we have little information about when Ghost of Tsushima will release - or what consoles we will see it on.

Given the high-quality graphics we've seen in the trailers to date, we wouldn't be surprised if the title releases on both PS4 and PS5. However, Sony and SuckerPunch have remained tight-lipped about whether Ghost of Tsushima will be a PS5 game. 

The Last of Us: Part 2

PS5 games

Image credit: Naughty Dog

We now know that The Last of Us: Part 2 will release on May 29, 2020 - much earlier than the PS5's late 2020 release date. However we think it's a safe assumption that any Sony exclusives coming in 2020 will likely be cross-generation titles.

It would seem slightly odd for Sony to release one of its most eagerly anticipated sequels for just the PS4 at the end of the console's life cycle. So we think it's a safe bet to assume Joel and Ellie will make their way to the PS5, instantly becoming one of the best PS5 games.

Starfield 

PS5 games

Image credit: Bethesda

Bethesda has quite a lot of projects in the works, but the one we seem to know the least about is Starfield. All we know so far is that Starfield is the gaming behemoth's first new IP for 25 years and will be a single player RPG set in outer space.

Having only seen an announcement trailer, we don't expect Starfield to release until at least 2020 which means it will land in the prime window to become a PS5 game. Bethesda hasn't let slip if this will be the case but it seems likely we will be venturing into Bethesda's galaxy on next generation consoles.

The Elder Scrolls 6 

PS5 games

Image credit: Bethesda

As we said, Bethesda has been pretty busy behind the scenes since E3 2018. Not only is Starfield on the cards, but the long-awaited Elder Scrolls 6 has also been confirmed to be in the works. 

Bethesda's Todd Howard has already stated that The Elder Scrolls 6 won't be coming out until after Starfield. So it'll be a while before we venture into Tamriel again, likely on next generation consoles. 

Grand Theft Auto 6 

PS5 games

Image credit: Rockstar Games

Ok, yes, we are being a bit hopeful here - mainly because Grand Theft Auto 6 has not been announced by Rockstar Games. But it's almost guaranteed that we will see a new instalation in the Grand Theft Auto series, and it's not going to be for a while. 

Therefore, it is likely that a release date will fall into the next generation, making GTA 6 a PS5 game.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

PS5 games

Image credit: Square Enix

Again, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake has not been confirmed to be a PS5 game but Square Enix has confirmed the title will come to PS4 first - with an Xbox One and PC release likely in the future .

Given the age of the PS4, and the ambitious nature of the game, a cross-generation title with next-gen platforms isn't out of the question. So we're definitely hoping to see the Final Fantasy 7 Remake on PS5.

Horizon Zero Dawn 2

PS5 games

Now, it's worth noting this title hasn't been officially confirmed nevermind being confirmed for PS5. 

Sony has had huge success with its PS4 exclusives, particularly post-apocalyptic RPG Horizon Zero Dawn. Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best-selling games on the PS4, selling over 10 million copies and cementing itself as a must-have title. So it would make perfect sense for Guerrilla Games to develop a sequel, right?

It seems that is exactly what's happening. While neither Sony nor Guerrilla Games have announced a Horizon Zero Dawn 2 is in the works, one of the game's voice actors spilled the beans earlier this year and essentially confirmed a sequel is on the way. But with no release date in sight, it looks likely that Horizon Zero Dawn will land on PS5.

God of War 2 

PS5 games

Much like Horizon Zero Dawn 2, God of War 2 hasn't officially been confirmed to be in the works. 

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

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

At this point, it's most likely that God of War 2 will come to PS5 than the PS4.

Battlefield 6

PS5 games

Electronic Arts has confirmed that Battlefield 6 is on the way, and that it's coming to next-generation consoles. 

EA didn't confirm which consoles (so we will keep Battlefield 6 in the rumored section for not) but, regardless, it'll be a few years before we see the shooter on any next-gen consoles as the publisher wants to give the platforms time to build a strong player base. But a PS5 looks very likely.

Gran Turismo 

There are rumors abound that the next Gran Turismo title will be a part of the PS5's launch lineup. While nothing has been confirmed, it does seem likely that a Gran Turismo game will appear on the console at some point as it's PlayStation's landmark racing series. Wired has reported that developer Polyphony Digital has Gran Turismo Sport running on a PS5 devkit while an even more recent leak has suggested that Gran Turismo 7 will release on November 20 as a launch title for the console. 

We don't know for sure when a Gran Turismo title will appear on PS5, or what form it will take, but we think it's likely it will happen at some point. 

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

PS5 release date, specs, news, and rumors for Sony’s PlayStation 5

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 07:08 AM PST

It's official! The next-generation PlayStation console is called the PS5 (PlayStation 5) and it's landing at the end of 2020.

Earlier this year we heard from Mark Cerny, the chief architect on Sony's next console, that Sony is working on the successor to the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro. While he didn't share the official name or release date, Cerny did shed some light on a few choice details about what we could expect from its hardware. 

We found out that the PS5 will still play discs, for one – but as to the exact hardware specifications, and how it will link up with Sony and Microsoft's plans for game streaming, we've remained largely in the dark.

Although, in recent months, Sony has been drip-feeding us juicy titbits such as an official PS5 release window, name and a few details about features.

In addition, we've had some surprising leaks, in the form of a Sony-registered patent that seems to show off the PS5's general shape, button inputs, and cooling vents – confirmed to be the PS5 dev kit in a leaked photo – though we expect the end product design will be different for the PlayStation 5's late 2020 launch.

Sony made the tactical decision to skip out on E3 2019, with no big announcements at Gamescom 2019 later in the year either. Microsoft has been more keen to show off its Xbox Project Scarlett console – which we know is also landing at the end of 2020 – but it's still early days so we're not entirely sure how the inevitable PS5 vs Xbox Project Scarlett battle will play out.

With 2020 creeping closer, Sony can only keep the finer details of the next-generation PlayStation a secret for a little longer. But between the rumored specs, likely next-gen titles, and official features we are aware of, there's plenty to keep us busy for now.

Here's everything we know about the PS5 so far, and what we hope will be revealed the closer we get to launch.

[UPDATE: Recent leaks have given us a better idea of what the PS5's price and release date will be, if they're to be believed of course. Read on to find out more.]

PS5

PS5 FAQ: quick questions answered

  • What is it? The Sony PS5 will be the next-gen PlayStation console, replacing the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro.
  • When will it release? "Holiday 2020" so between October and December 2020. 
  • What can I play on it? Nothing's confirmed yet, but expect all of Sony's big franchises – as well as in-development exclusives like Ghosts of Tsushima.
  • Will PS5 have VR? Oh yes. The next-gen console will be compatible with current PSVR hardware and there are rumors of PSVR 2.
  • What will the PS5 cost? The PS4 and PS4 Pro were both $399 / £349 at launch, but we expect the PS5 will cost somewhat more. Recent leaks have suggested around the $499 mark.

PS5 confirmed specs: things we know for sure

PS5

Ghost of Tsushima (Image Credit: SuckerPunch)

A bespoke 8-core AMD chipset based on third generation Ryzen architecture, with a GPU taking the best bits of the Radeon Navi GPU family; a built-for-purpose SSD storage system; 3D audio; backwards compatibility with PS4 games and PSVR hardware; 8K TV support. It's all been revealed by PlayStation top-dog Mark Cerny, the man behind the construction of the PS4, and now in charge of the next-gen console's development.

While the look of the console remains a mystery, its internals are coming into focus, and they're very promising. That AMD one-two-punch of CPU and GPU unlocks the powers of ray tracing, an advanced lighting technique that can bring next-level immersion to gaming visuals. It's a Hollywood technique that's used in big-budget CGI spectacles, putting the level of visual fidelity you can expect into context.

Ray tracing is done by GPU hardware rather than software level, Mark Cerny told Wired. “There is ray-tracing acceleration in the GPU hardware,” Cerny explained. “Which I believe is the statement that people were looking for.”

With 8K TV support comes far more detailed textures, and much larger ones at that. The news of a bespoke SSD drive will be heartening then – just because the games will be becoming more complex, that doesn't mean they'll be slower to load too. It's estimated that the new SSD is 19 times faster than traditional SSD storage methods (but given the speed difference between the SSD and the optical drive, instalation of games will be mandatory) .

Physical games for the PS5 will use 100GB optical disks, inserted into an optical drive that doubles as a 4K Blu-Ray player and the next-generation hardware will boast a completely revamped UI.

Speaking about on new UI to Wired, Cerny said: "Even though it will be fairly fast to boot games, we don't want the player to have to boot the game, see what's up, boot the game, see what's up.

"Multiplayer game servers will provide the console with the set of joinable activities in real time. Single-player games will provide information like what missions you could do and what rewards you might receive for completing them - and all of those choices will be visible in the UI. As a player you just jump right into whatever you like."

Audio will reach a new "gold standard" on PS5 too, according to Cerny, thanks to a new audio engine that will deliver immersive sound – particularly if you're using headphones. While the details remain unclear, expect something resembling the experience seen with a Dolby Atmos set-up.

  • PS5 games: all the games confirmed and expected 

Sony's PS5 next-generation console will also offer improved cloud gaming performance and "dramatically improved graphics rendering" power.

That's the word straight from the company itself, as it showed off a sneak peak during a corporate strategy presentation.

In a statement sent out following the presentation, Sony said the "two keywords for the future direction of PlayStation are 'immersive' and 'seamless'", with the 'immersive' experience "created by dramatically increased graphics rendering speeds, achieved through the employment of further improved computational power and a customized ultra-fast, broadband SSD".

The company also reinforced the importance of its cloud-gaming plans with Playstation Now, and somewhat surprisingly doubled down on its underused Remote Play feature, saying the "evolution" of this would in the future "provide a seamless game experience anytime, anywhere".

Remote Play is already available as part of the PS4 package, enabling you to stream a game direct from the console to a computer, smartphone, tablet or PS Vita handheld console. But Sony says that going forward it will be "leveraging the latest computing, streaming, cloud, and 5G technologies" to allow it, and the performance of PlayStation Now, to improve.

Sony also showed off a demo of the custom SSD storage system that will be employed in its next-gen machine, again hammering home how it expects super-fast load times to improve the player experience:

It appears to be the same demo that PlayStation hardware architect Mark Cerny revealed back in April, with Sony suggesting then that the SSD in use is 19 times faster than a standard issue one. In fact, a patent from Sony describes a type of loading software designed to essentially do away with loading screens altogether.

The SSD marks a big step forward for the console and in a recent interview with OPM (via GamesRadar), developers of Control say the SSD "really stands out" as it will allow developers to create more detailed game worlds:

“For something like Control, that could translate to an even deeper destruction system, richer, more detailed worlds, and simple quality-of-life improvements like instant reloading after dying.”

Not only that, by harnessing the power of the SSD, developers could potentially reduce the install sizes of games as “there is no need to duplicate data to compensate for slow seek times that optical drives and HDDs have.” 

Sony has also confirmed the PS5's 'incredibly powerful' backwards compatibility will let you play online with PS4 players.

There have also been rumors that the PS5 could be backwards compatible with the PS4, PS3, PS2, and original PlayStation, meaning its games library could stretch right back to the glory days of the mid 90s. The PS4 element of that rumor is now confirmed, at the very least, as well as PSVR support. Sony has also confirmed that PS5 players will be able to play online with PS4 players thanks to this powerful backwards compatibility. 

When it comes to the rest of Sony's vintage catalog? That remains to be seen.

PS5 release date

PS5

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Image Credit: Naughty Dog)

Sony has officially confirmed the PS5 will release "Holiday 2020", aka between October and December 2020. A recent leak has suggested that the release date will be November 20 2020 but that's yet to be confirmed. It's in the right window, though, and it does leave time before Christmas to get those orders in.

This will put the PlayStation 5 in direct competition with Xbox Project Scarlett, which is releasing during the same period.

PS5 controller

The PS5 will come with its own controller, according to Sony. The PS5 controller (we don't know the official name yet) will include haptic feedback to replace the DualShock 4's rumble technology. This aims to improve the controller's feedback and therefore player's immersion. 

The PS5 controller will also feature adaptive triggers which Sony says have "been incorporated into the trigger buttons (L2/R2)". These adaptive triggers will allow developers to program the resistance of the triggers to simulate actions more accurately.

But what will it look like? According to a Sony patent for a new controller, published by the Japanese patent office (via VGC), the PS5 controller could look very similar to the DualShock 4 - with some key differences.

For a start, the potential PS5 controller seems to have a slightly chunkier design, built-in microphone, larger triggers, no light bar and smaller sticks. It also seems the DualShock 4's micro USB port has been replaced by a smaller USB-C port, which is placed on the top rather than the bottom of the controller.

The lack of light bar does make us question how the PS5 would track the controller via when it comes to PSVR and PS Camera games. Usually this is done via the PS Camera, so we're hoping the console will have a different means of tracking the controller otherwise compatibility will suffer. Unless, of course, Sony is gearing up to move solely onto PSVR 2. However, this doesn't seem likely as Sony has promised the PS5 will be backwards compatible with PSVR.

It also looks like the stereo headset jack and extension port at the bottom of the headset has been replaced by two larger circular ports. We think these will still be for plugging in headsets, but the two jacks could be headphone and microphone slots respectively, to increase compatibility with headsets. There's also a rectangular design that seems to wrap around the headset, which is potentially for compatibility with a charging dock. Again, this is all speculation on our part. 

PS5 Price: how much will it cost?

Sony hasn't confirmed a price for the PS5 just yet so we can't say for sure what it'll be. There have, however, been rumors. A recent leak has suggested that the console will cost $499 in North America when it launches. Naturally, this should be taken with a pinch of salt but it would be welcome news if the console did launch at this price as it's only $100 more than the launch price of the PS4 and PS4 Pro. 

We can expect that the console's price will be in line with the technology it uses but Sony will also have to be aware of its competition. It's unlikely that Microsoft will want to make the same mistake it made in the last generation with the prohibitively high price point of the Xbox so Sony will have to ensure it doesn't make a similar mistake in this generation by being undercut.

PS5 competition

PS5

PS4 dashboard (Image credit: Sony)

We have been hideously impatient for the PS5's release date, but we finally know the console will release at the end of 2020. We can't fault Sony for taking another few years to really milk the last of the PS4, given its huge and loyal player base. After all, the PS4 Pro is still relatively new to the market and its direct competitor, the Microsoft's Xbox One X, is an even more recent release. 

It looks like Microsoft will release its next-generation console in the same release window as Sony, putting the two in direct competition.

In addition to the next Xbox, the PS5 will also have to contend with the Google Stadia – a streaming-focused gaming service from the kings of the internet. With streaming undoubtedly set to be a key component of any console going forward (and Sony's cloud streaming patent already being leaked), Google's expertise in internet infrastructure could make them a dark horse entrant into the gaming race.

But Sony and Microsoft may end up eating their own offerings if appetite for streaming renders powerful home consoles somewhat redundant.

PS5 news and rumors

Solid news on the PlayStation 5 is starting to come into shape, but as always, we do have rumors about what could be coming down the line – and we've collected and assessed them right here.

PS5

External SSD?
Sony has patented a new gaming cartridge that could be used in a new PlayStation handheld device. However, it's possible that this PlayStation cartridge may actually be an external SSD for the PlayStation 5.

LetsGoDigital spotted the patent published by INPI (Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial) in Brazil. Loosely translated, the patent is for 'configuration applied to / in data recording and storage device' and the artwork shows an old school-style gaming cartridge.

While the cartridge, could be for a handheld device, there are suggestions it could actually be an external SSD for Sony's next-generation hardware.

We already know the PlayStation 5 will have a built-in SSD. However, while it will certainly improve loading times for games, it's like the amount of storage will be limited - especially considering how large PS5 games are likely to be.

Therefore, it's likely an external SSD will be needed to improve the amount of storage - especially as external SSDs are much more expensive than the external HDDs typically used with current consoles.

So it would make sense for Sony to patent its own external SSD, even if it's in the form of a gaming cartridge, that could easily be slotted into the PS5 to increase it's storage capacity - which we expect it will need.

LetsGoDigital has rendered a 3D image of what the external SSD could look like, check it out below:

While a Sony SSD could prevent players from buying any old SSD for the console, it may also bring down the overall market price of the PS5 - especially considering the high price of the PlayStation 3 resulted in lower sales than the company expected. We're already bracing ourselves for the PlayStation 5 price tag, so this could curb the financial impact.

Again, this is just speculation and it's still possible the cartridge could be for a handheld device or for another piece of Sony hardware altogether.

Easier transition
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, SIE CEO Jim Ryan revealed that Sony wants to move its PS4 community over to PS5 as quickly as possible.

"As we move towards the next-generation in 2020, one of our tasks - probably our main task - is to take that community and transition it from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, and at a scale and pace that we've never delivered on before," Ryan explained.

"One thing that makes me particularly optimistic that what we're hearing from developers and publishers, is the ease in which they are able to get code running on PlayStation 5 is way beyond any experience they've had on any other PlayStation platform."

PS5 games will "make or break console"
In the same interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Ryan stated that he's personally focused on PS5 games "that will make or break PlayStation 5, just as they do every platform".

Development is on track
During an earnings call, Sony's senior EVP and chief financial officer Hiroki Totoki stated that PS5 development is on track ahead of the console's release in late 2020 (via VGC).

“Development of the PS5 is progressing according to plan and we believe development of game titles by our software development partners is progressing smoothly,” Totoki stated. “We anticipate providing the highly engaging gameplay experiences that both current users of the PS4 and potential new users have come to expect.”

A real dev kit, in the wild
After many months of leaks and rumors pointing towards a development kit with a v-shaped, heavily-ventilated cavity in its chassis, we finally got a spy-shot of the apparent PS5 machine. While it tells us little about the consumer console, it does add weight to what we'd already heard about the dev kits, and by extension the sort of experiences that the aforementioned dev kit could deliver.

PS5 is the "world's fastest console", apparently
A job listing on Sony Interactive Entertainment's website made the bold claim for the next-gen console, suggesting that the PS5 would be faster than even the Xbox Scarlett. Processing power will be a big part of why people upgrade their gaming machines, though we may only find out which console is faster when it gets to launch.

New rendered images
Based on leaks of the PS5's design, LetsGoDigital has created new 3D renders of what the PlayStation 5 could look like with updated colors.

Check it out below:

PS5

PS5 controller
The PS5 will come with its own controller, according to Sony. The PS5 controller (we don't know the official name yet) will include haptic feedback to replace the DualShock 4's rumble technology. This aims to improve the controller's feedback and therefore player's immersion.

The PS5 controller will also feature adaptive triggers which Sony says have "been incorporated into the trigger buttons (L2/R2)". These adaptive triggers will allow developers to program the resistance of the triggers to simulate actions more accurately.

PS5

God of War (Image credit: SIE Santa Monica Studio)

Choose what to install
The PS5 will boast more simplified game data due to its SSD, this will allow players to have more control over installing and removing games. "Rather than treating games like a big block of data," Cerny told Wired. "We're allowing finer-grained access to the data."

This will allow players to install (or remove) only certain parts of a game. So instead of installing the full game, you could choose to just install the single-player mode and then do multiplayer later - or vice versa.

Revamped UI
The PlayStation 5 will have a brand new user interface. "Multiplayer game servers will provide the console with the set of joinable activities in real time," Cerny told Wired. "Single-player games will provide information like what missions you could do and what rewards you might receive for completing them—and all of those choices will be visible in the UI. As a player you just jump right into whatever you like."

Physical discs
Physical games for the PS5 will use 100GB optical disks, inserted into an optical drive that doubles as a 4K Blu-Ray player.

Official release date and name
The PS5 will release between October and December 2020, according to Sony - we also know the console is officially called the PlayStation 5.

Leak reveals next-gen streaming, built-in camera and codename Prospero
A hefty leak may have revealed some new details about the highly-anticipated console.

The PS5 will be codenamed 'Prospero' and feature a built-in camera for focus on next-generation streaming, according to a new report by Gizmodo.

This information comes via an anonymous tipster who claims to be working on a next-generation title for both the PS5 and Xbox Project Scarlett, according to the report. 

The tipster claims that new models of the PS5 dev kit were sent to studios during the summer and that Sony is referring to the next-generation hardware as 'Prospero' - though it's official name is PlayStation 5.

If that's not enough, the source also claims that both the PS5 and Xbox Project Scarlett will have a big focus on streaming - with both consoles boasting built-in cameras. However, Microsoft has since denied that Project Scarlett has a built-in camera.

Could boast 3D holographic gaming screen – with no glasses needed
Sony has filed a patent for a 3D holographic display screen that we may see implemented in the next-generation PS5.

As reported by Dutch site LetsGoDigital, Sony Interactive Entertainment has developed and patented holographic display screen technology which will allow users to view 3D video (videogames and movies) without the need for 3D glasses. 

The patent was initially applied for back in 2017, but was officially published by USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) on September 3, 2019. 

PS5

According to the patent, this technology will work by harnessing at least one display and plural pixel elements. At least one of these pixel elements will include a light emitter which will work with several movable micro mirrors to reflect light in various directions and create an image for the viewer. 

To create a 3D image, eye-tracking is implemented by use of an external sensor, which sees this light modulated so that the left and right eyes each receive different images – meaning you don't need uncomfortable 3D glasses.

Sony Alpha cameras are known for their eye-tracking technology, Eye AF, which the company has also used in its Sony smartphones – so it makes sense that Sony would seek to repeat the trick elsewhere.

In addition facial recognition is discussed, which would allow the technology to decipher how many people are actually viewing the screen, along with the ability to recognise facial gestures such as blinking or head moving – adjusting the image as needed. If that's not enough, the technology should even be able to detect how far you're sitting from the screen.

It's likely we could see this new technology brought to the PS5 (as it's compatible with Sony consoles), however it's possible we could see it on Xbox Project Scarlett and Nintendo Switch too.

In the patent Sony clarifies that the holographic screen could work with Xbox and Nintendo consoles, as well as laptops, virtual reality, augmented reality, smart TVs and even mobile devices.  

Most eco-friendly console to date
In an effort to work towards sustainable gaming, Sony has revealed the PS5 will be much more energy efficient than its predecessor, the PS4.

Jim Ryan, Sony president and CEO, announced in a post on the PlayStation Blog that the PS5 has a gameplay suspension feature that uses less energy than the PS4 - with Ryan estimating that the PS5's consumption can be achieved at 0.5 watts.

"The next-generation PlayStation console will include the possibility to suspend gameplay with much lower power consumption than PS4," Ryan wrote in the blog. "If just one million users enable this feature, it would save equivalent to the average electricity use of 1,000 US homes."

PS5

PlayStation 5 Pro could launch alongside standard model
A new rumor has cropped up suggesting that Sony will cut to the chase and launch the PlayStation 5 Pro at the same time as its base-model PS5.

As spotted by Wccftech, noted Japanese games journalist Zenji Nishikawa made the claim in a new video on his YouTube channel, and while that kind of thing normally wouldn't be considered a rock-solid lead, Nishikawa has proven accurate in the past with his predictions of the PS4 Pro and Switch Lite.

According to Nishikawa, the PS5 Pro will cost around $100-$150 more than the basic PS5 console. The report states that Sony is taking this approach because it has "acknowledged the interest in a high-end model and wants to give players what they want right from the beginning of the generation".

PS5 patent leak – with a lot of cooling vents
We got a surprise look at the PS5's possible shape and design (above), via this patent leak (from LetsGoDigital). Registered by Sony through the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office), it could only really be the PS5, and shows off a substantial cooling system that would likely be needed for the console's substantial power output.

The V-shaped design also makes sense as a reference to the Roman numeral 'V', meaning '5'. You can also see USB ports for DualShock controllers and a thin line seeming to designate a disc drive.

This could be a placeholder image, or a design outline open to change over the coming months, but it's given us our first good idea of what the PS5 could actually look like.

PS5


Leaked reveal date?
According to a 'leaked internal email' from Sony (and posted to NeoGaf), the PS5 will be unveiled at a "PlayStation Meeting 2020" launch event on February 12, 2020. This meeting, according to the rumor, aims to showcase "the future of Sony PlayStation to the whole world".

It's worth taking this rumor with a huge pinch of salt as it hasn't been verified that this is an official internal email.

In response to a request for comment, a Sony spokesperson stated: "We don’t comment on rumour and speculation".

Ghost of Tsushima PS5 launch exclusive?
The same 'leaked internal email' claims that Ghost of Tsushima will be a PS5 exclusive.

PS5 could mark the end of loading screens after Sony patent
A patent from Sony describes a type of loading software designed to essentially put an end to loading screens.

Sony's patent, 'System and method for dynamically loading game software for smooth game play' outlines a technology that tracks the player's movement through their environment, loading relevant assets as you move into certain areas. 

The patent describes the process as follows: 

“A system and method are disclosed for dynamically loading game software for smooth game play. A load boundary associated with a game environment is identified. A position of a character in the game environment is then monitored. Instructions corresponding to a next game environment are loaded into a memory when the character crosses the load boundary, such that game play is not interrupted."

Technically this patent is a continuation of a previous patent filed in 2012, but with added functions for when a player / character passes the aforesaid "load boundary". Those might be additional events triggered when passing certain points, certain sections of game environments being visible despite not being adjacent areas, or previous areas being loaded again when back-tracking through the boundary.

This seems like a version of the technology used in games like God of War, which famously achieved a continuous camera shot throughout the whole game, without loading screens. 

Using dynamic ways to load or remove sections of levels, including the kinds of character, creature or enemy assets found there, is going to be increasingly crucial for ensuring an immersive experience that isn't regularly interrupted – ensuring that loading is something that happens dynamically in the background of your games rather than at set points that render the game unable to do anything else.

PS5

Marvel's Spider-Man (Image credit: Insomniac Games)

PS5 will prioritize AAA games over indie games
Indie games may take a bit of a backseat on the PlayStation 5 at launch as Sony has stated that the company will invest in marketing for bigger AAA games, new features like 8K and focus on ‘serious gamers’.

The comments were reportedly made by Sony Chief Executive Officer Kenichiro Yoshida at a strategy meeting according to The Wall Street Journal

According to Yoshida, instead of prioritizing indie developers, Sony will instead prioritize marketing for AAA content which will likely be key for the company to maintain its momentum after outselling Microsoft’s Xbox One two-to-one over the last five years.

Sony's cloud streaming patent
According to an accepted United States Patent and Trademark Office patent (spotted Digital Trends) filed by Sony back in 2014, the company is working on a "system for combining recorded application state with application streaming interactive video output". 

In other words, a cloud gaming service which could rival the Google Stadia (or a cloud streaming new Xbox) and could potentially launch with the PS5.

Players would be able to stream a game through a hosting server. So if you have a device that connects to the internet, be that a mobile device, console, or PC, you can connect to that server and the game you're wanting to play will be streamed to your monitor or screen, allowing can play using your preferred input device. Imagine Netflix for gaming. 

Rather than downloading a game, it is instead streamed directly to your device and you would play real-time, cutting the need to delete games to make storage room on your device and reducing the hardware requirements - although you wouldn't technically own the title.

PS5

A diagram illustrating how the streaming service would work, included in Sony's patent (Image credit: Sony/ United States Patent and Trademark Office) 

Sony also points out that this cloud gaming service would benefit game developers as the service would prevent piracy (as the games exist only on the server) and developers would be able to design games to specifically utilize the service's capabilities. 

But how would player's pay for this service? Sony details two particular models in its patent. The first would see Sony itself collecting a subscription fee from users, then paying royalties to the developers. The second sees the developers themselves collecting a subscription fee from players, then paying Sony a fee for using the hosting service. However, neither model specified a price range. 

We expect Sony would implement this cloud gaming service alongside the PlayStation 5, although the company hasn't specified if this is the case.

The next Xbox will be more powerful than the PS5 – say industry insiders
According to a tweet by reporter Ainsley Bowden (via T3),  "very reliable" sources for Xbox and Microsoft information have confirmed Microsoft's flagship next generation console will be more powerful than the PS5.

From the specs we've seen so far for both consoles, this seems to be the case.

PS5

The Last of Us: Part 2 (Image credit: Naughty Dog)

Patent suggests backwards compatibility – now confirmed
According to an uncovered patent, the PlayStation 5 may be capable of emulating the PlayStation 4, PS3, PS2 and original PlayStation, as well as souped up next-gen titles. Mark Cerny's interview confirmed that, at the very least, PS4 and existing PSVR titles will work across generations and backwards compatibility will allow PS4 and PS5 players to play online together.

John Kodera talks life cycles
PlayStation's John Kodera discussed the future of the PS4 at a Sony Corporate Strategy Meeting and, by extension, inadvertently creating space for prospective PS5 release year rumors.

During the meeting, Kodera made it clear that Sony is still very much behind the console but warned that sales are expected to slow, in line with expectations as market saturation approaches. As a console gets to this point in its life cycle, it's natural to start looking forward to the next iteration. 

The PlayStation Plus news - now confirmed
An announcement in relation to the PlayStation Plus service ignited some speculation. It was announced that from March 2019, PS Plus will no longer offer free PS3 or PS Vita games and will instead focus on PS4 titles. This led to some wondering over whether or not Sony is attempting to phase out these older generation titles in preparation for a new generation. Turns out it is.

What the analyst says...

PS5

DualShock 4 controller (Image credit: Sony)

We spoke to Matias Rodriguez, VP of technology for the Gaming Studio at Globant, about what it will take for Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles to get the lead on the competition and, at this point, whether the next Xbox or PS5 looks to be more powerful.

He told us: “While hardware advantages such as CPU and GPU are often criteria people look at when it comes to the business and sales performance of a console, more telling signs of the performance of a console include software SDKs, bindings to game engines (such as Unity and Unreal), and, most importantly, the toolchain that allows gaming studios and publishers to build content for the console’s platform.

“Given this, and how statistically speaking, Xbox and PlayStation have taken turns being the reigning-supreme console, I predict Microsoft will take the lead this time.”

But what are the key factors in the next-gen console war? Rodriguez gave us a rundown of the attributes he believes will sway players’ preferences when it comes to picking up one of the consoles.

God of War (Image Credit: SIE)

Exclusives
“The first key evaluation criteria consumers consider when they are in the market for a new console is exclusives,” says Rodriguez. “Currently, Sony is the clear leader in this area with exclusives such as God of War and Uncharted. Microsoft fell short with Forza, Sea of Thieves and Halo Wars 2, but has acknowledged the shortcoming; and Phil Spencer, executive vice-president of gaming at Microsoft, went on a crusade to bring top first-party studios into the Xbox ecosystem. 

“His crusade proved successful with the addition of Obsidian and Ninja Theory studio – preparing Microsoft for next-gen consoles. It was also revealed that Microsoft will be delivering the new Halo game, Halo Infinite, which is expected to outperform and replace the current Halo that is on the esports ecosystem.” 

Currently Halo Infinite is one of the only first-party titles from Microsoft that we're expecting on the next Xbox (apart from perhaps Gears 5), and, while the series is definitely a huge draw to fans, it may not be enough to sway PlayStation players towards the next Xbox. 

Meanwhile the PS5 is offering the possibility of The Last of Us: Part 2, Ghost of Tsushima and Death Stranding as exclusives on its next-generation console. When it comes to exclusives, Sony seems to have the edge.

PS5

Death Stranding (Image credit: Kojima Productions)

Backwards compatibility
“This is where Microsoft has the advantage over PlayStation in the current generation, due to its native support and not having streaming as a requirement,” says Rodriguez. “PlayStation acknowledged Microsoft’s advantage and Mark Cerny, lead architect at Sony, has already teased that the next-gen PlayStation will be able to support more than next-gen games, though specifics haven’t been disclosed. 

“Microsoft already has the current functionality for back compatibility, and seems to be partnering with Nintendo to deliver Xbox content to the Switch platform, which is assumed to be streamed.”

Microsoft definitely has the upper hand when it comes to backwards compatibility. As Rodriguez points out, Microsoft already has backwards compatibility integrated, allowing Xbox players to play select Xbox 360 titles, and will no doubt implement the same strategy in making the next Xbox compatible with Xbox One titles. 

While Sony has said the PS5 will be backwards-compatible with the PS4, it still lacks the ability (as far as we know) to let us play PlayStation or PlayStation 2 titles – something which would go down a treat with players. Whether this is something Sony plans on allowing in the future is unclear, but it doesn’t seem likely right now.

Cross-platform / progression
“Microsoft has been more publicly open when it comes to allowing cross-platform and cross-progression on their titles between Xbox and PC,” Rodriguez explains. “Additionally, there have been announcements around streaming into the Nintendo Switch which could give Microsoft a leg up over PlayStation.”

It’s no secret that Sony isn’t a fan of cross-platform – the only titles which actually allow for full cross-platform play between PlayStation and other consoles are Rocket League and Fortnite. Despite Sony claiming it’s “open for business”, some developers have accused Sony of “playing favorites” (via Kotaku). Whether or not Sony is going to ease up on its cross-play restrictions isn’t clear, but mounting pressure from fans and developers may sway the company in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is pretty open to cross-platform play, allowing play between Xbox One and PC, Switch and even mobile in some cases. For players who love playing online with friends (without the restrictions of which platform that friend may be playing on) then cross-platform could be an important factor in choosing a next-generation console. Get with the times, Sony.

PS5

Th evolution of Tomb Raider (Image credit: Sony)

Cloud game streaming
“Both Sony and Microsoft have platforms and services in place to support cloud game streaming, so the advantage will come in the form of exclusive content and accessibility,” Rodriguez tells us. “In regard to exclusives and in terms of delivery mechanisms, both Microsoft and Sony have solid distribution channels, but it seems that Microsoft may have an advantage over Sony by delivering to Nintendo Switch consumers – representing potential access to millions of players that most likely have a PC or Xbox at home.”

While Microsoft does seem to be going digital with its disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital (and rumors of a disc-less next-gen console), Sony has just had a patent approved for a cloud gaming service that could rival both the Google Stadia and next Xbox. We don’t know much more about this streaming service from Sony (or whether it’ll launch alongside the PS5) but if it does then it will be a game-changer, and will potentially prevent the Stadia having the edge over its competition.

Developer relationship / dev environment
“This has been a key element for success for Microsoft as they work to make sure that Xbox development is aligned with game PC Development,” Rodriguex explains. “This area was a huge learning curve for Sony with its PS3, and as a result the PS4 has improved significantly in its dev environment. It’s expected that Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will continue providing a solid development environment, as well as an indie-friendly publishing ecosystem.”

Arguably, Microsoft is the most friendly of the gaming giants when it comes to indie titles. The ID@Xbox program allows indie developers to self-publish titles for Windows and the Xbox One, and it’s likely the program will continue into the next-generation (or some form of it at least). In addition, Microsoft titles tend to run across both PC and Xbox One, making life easier for devs. 

If Sony can kick it up a notch and get the PS5 onto a PC level (which seems to be the case), then the platform may become more hospitable to devs and players alike.

PS5: The VR effect

Sony became the first console manufacturer to embrace virtual reality, thanks to the PlayStation VR, but if you examine PlayStation VR closely – and observe how it operates on the PS4 Pro – it invites speculation about how a PlayStation 5 console might take VR to a new level. Sony's Mark Cerny has confirmed that existing PSVR headsets will work with the next-generation PlayStation console, but wouldn't be drawn into confirming a PSVR 2 release just yet.

Currently, PlayStation VR operates at lower resolution than the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive – but, as it stands, even its current incarnation almost pushes the base PlayStation 4 beyond its limits. Running a PlayStation VR on a PS4 Pro brings improved frame-rates, which are very handy indeed in terms of the overall VR experience, but even the PS4 Pro can’t overcome the resolution constraints set by the PlayStation VR headset.

Sony will want to return to the market with a second, markedly higher-tech iteration of PlayStation VR

So it’s a good bet that, seeing as PlayStation VR has proved incredibly successful, Sony will want to return to the market with a second, markedly higher-tech iteration: which would provide an obvious selling point for the PlayStation 5. 

And if a PlayStation VR 2 headset could be sold without an external black box, it should be markedly cheaper, further accelerating VR’s march into the mainstream. A  report from SemiAcccurate, which claims that the PS5 will have virtual reality capabilities built-in at silicon level, suggests this will indeed be the case – a feature that was hinted at by Cerny, too.

PS5

PlayStation VR (Image credit: Sony)

Rebellion’s Kingsley makes another good point about second-generation VR. “Anything that reduces the leads has to be a good thing,” he says. 

The umbilical cord which currently attaches VR headset-wearers to their consoles or PCs obviously goes against VR’s entire immersive nature, and we’re already beginning to see, for example, a third-party implementation for the HTC Vive that renders it wireless. Oculus is pushing the wire-free space forward to with its Oculus Go and Oculus Quest hardware. It’s a safe bet that the capacity for running a wireless PlayStation VR 2 will be built into the PS5. 

But Kingsley’s PlayStation VR 2 wish-list goes further: “Wide vertical and horizontal field-of-view would be top of my list, and of course, that would require 4K resolution per eye, and high dynamic range would be great too.” 

HDR and wider fields of view should be achievable but sadly, we don’t reckon full 4K VR is likely to be a possibility even for the PS5. As Kingsley points out, that would require 4K rendering per eye, which equates to 8K rendering overall, which we expect to be beyond the PS5’s capabilities. 

That said, perhaps Sony will find some clever technological bodge to get around that before it releases its fifth PlayStation console. Foveated rendering techniques, using eye tracking to render only the items you're focusing on in high definition while other elements are reduced in quality, could be one potential technique used.

In addition, according to published patent (spotted by Upload VR), Sony is working on "prescription glasses with eye gaze tracking and electro optical signaling to a HMD". 

These Sony developed prescription glasses would be custom-designed for the wearer and gaze would be able to be detected by the VR headset via an encoded sensor. In other words, glasses-wearers could use VR much easier. We don't expect these glasses to come cheap, but the implementation of eye gaze software does mean we can probably expect it to arrive in the PSVR 2...

PS5

Gran Turismo Sport (Image credit: Polyphony Digital)

While most of what we 'know' about Sony's next-generation VR is speculation and rumor, we do know that one developer is already thinking about what it would do with the power of PS5 VR. 

In a roundable interview with GT Planet, Gran Turismo series creator Kazunori Yamauchi revealed that, when it comes to harnessing the power of next-gen consoles, developer Polyphony Digital's focus is primarily on VR. 

“The first thing that’s going to be affected by more power is VR,” Yamauchi told GT Planet. “I don’t think that there’s anything else that requires that much processing power. I really like VR; I’m one to believe in the possibilities of it, and it’s very suited for a driving game.”

As Gran Turismo is a PlayStation exclusive series, it's likely that the future of the racing franchise will be fuelled by PlayStation VR and its likely successor: PlayStation VR 2. 

While Sony hasn't officially confirmed that PSVR 2 is in development, Yamauchi's comments suggest that the company will be leaning into VR in a big way when it comes to the upcoming PS5.

“VR is something that really depends on the evolution of GPU power, and the hardware for it, like display devices even," Yamauchi continued. "It’s something where you can never have enough computing power; there’s always going to be that hardware limit, and that limit is never going to be high enough for us! Obviously that’s going to gradually improve over time and we’ll make sure to follow that.”

Ratchet and Clank

Ratchet and Clank (Image credit: Sony)

What form will the PS5 take?

It has been suggested that future consoles like the PlayStation 5 could take radically different forms to current ones, thanks to advances in cloud computing and game streaming, doing away with the components that make today's devices so bulky. However, we reckon it's unlikely that Sony will take a more Nintendo-like approach and put the PS5 in a tiny box.

One reason for that is that with the PS4, Sony has only just committed to using what are basically the innards of a PC – the first three PlayStation variants used proprietary components (and which in the PS3 impacted sales). Developers, certainly, were massively relieved that the PS4 took the PC route. 

"We always want fast CPUs and GPUs, but lots of fast RAM is also very important – it's no use having fast processors if they are starved of data."

Chris Kingsley

“Developers want the ability to make the best games using the minimum amount of effort. We want to focus on being creative and getting things to just work,” Kingsley says. “So the hardware should be based around current console hardware, which is in turn based on PC hardware. We always want fast CPUs and GPUs, but lots of fast RAM is also very important – it’s no use having fast processors if they are starved of data.” 

All the above are achievable, but will the PS5 still have a hard disk? It certainly will – but not the sort that you know currently. Sony has confirmed it will be employing a bespoke solid state drive in each PS5, allowing it to decrease loading times by an estimated 19 times compared to existing SSD technology.

PS5

PlayStation Now (Image credit: Sony)

PS5 and streaming games

Of course, if games were just streamed to the PS5 that high-res texture storage problem would disappear entirely, and Sony already has a game-streaming service in the form of PlayStation Now. However, we do know that Sony has a patent for a "system for combining recorded application state with application streaming interactive video output" (aka a cloud gaming service).

There would be nothing to stop Sony launching a small form-factor cloud-based version of the console for those with mega-fast broadband

One of the biggest issues here remains around broadband speeds. Even 4K TV requires a minimum of 25Mbps broadband in order to provide satisfactory streaming, and it’s doubtful whether 4K game streaming – with extra information on top of the visual side – would even work reliably at such speeds. There would be nothing to stop Sony launching a small form-factor cloud-based version of the PS5 console for those with mega-fast broadband, perhaps with a mobile phone-style subscription model that has an upfront hardware costs (something Microsoft is thinking about). 

But for the PS5 to sell anything like its predecessors, there would have to be a conventional version with similar innards to the PS4, which going from the Cerny interview appears to be the case.

PS5

Uncharted (Image credit: Naughty Dog)

What games can we expect to see on PS5?

The entire PS4 library, including PSVR games, will be supported by the PS5. That much is known. But there are now games being developed specifically for this new PlayStation 5 console generation and the extra power it's likely to offer.

Already we've seen CD Projekt Red mention that it's developing for this generation as well as the next, and alongside the rumors that there are already developers kits out in the open, we think there's a good chance that Cyberpunk 2077 will be one of the early PS5 titles. Likewise, a knowing glance from Cerny during his Wired interview pointed towards Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding being a cross-generation title, too.

At this point, any first-party PS4 game in the pipeline – from Ghost of Tsushima to The Last of Us 2, would be prime candidates for PS5 cross-gen upgrades. We've also heard enough chatter around a Horizon Zero Dawn sequel and new God of War game to assume we'll be seeing both land on the PS5 console.

Sony has also confirmed the PS5 will prioritize AAA games over indie games in an effort to focus on "serious gamers".

  • PS5 games: all the games confirmed and expected on the PlayStation 5

Check out our PS4 vs PS4:PSVR compared and explained video below.

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This Black Friday Apple AirPods deal is the best right now in the UK

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 07:06 AM PST

Over the past few days, we're starting to see great Apple AirPods deals as part of the Black Friday sales period. While we've seen some sellouts on the regular AirPods, BT Shop still have them in stock, and the wireless charging case version of Apple's truly wireless headphones are still getting a big discount on Amazon.

Right now, the second generation wireless charging case AirPods are £159, a whole £10 less than we saw them discounted ahead of the Black Friday timeframe. Meanwhile, BT Shop still has stock for the regular second generation AirPods at £129. 

These truly wireless headphones have up to 20 hours of battery life and up to three hours of talk time with one charge. It's got a superior H1 Chip that allows for faster pairing and issue-free connectivity. You can also ask Siri questions with the H1, and make hands-free calls. It's hard to see these deals being beaten, but if you'd rather sit on the fence, keep an eye on our best AirPods Black Friday deals page throughout this intense sales period. 

UK Apple AirPod deals

If you're looking for AirPods deals where you are, we can hook you up. See below for the best prices around on the 2019 edition.

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for. 

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Hurry! Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Lights hit lowest ever price in Black Friday deal

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 07:02 AM PST

Whether you're looking to add some festive dazzle to your garden or planning ahead for al fresco summer parties, the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Lights range is a fine way to brighten up your outdoor space – and now they're at their lowest ever price is this time-limited Black Friday deal.

Until midnight November 24, Amazon is offering huge discounts on some of the main Philips Hue Outdoor and Garden bundles. And we've picked out our favorite two to help you decide quickly, with the deals scheduled to expire within hours.

If it's pathways or garden edges that you're looking illuminate, then it's well worth snapping up the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Lightstrip and Hue Bridge bundle, which is currently 31% off at its deal price of £134.99. 

This offer is ideal for Philips Hue newcomers because it contains everything you need to install the lights, including the Hue Bridge and a generous 5m of Lightstrip.  

Those looking to subtly brighten their trees or shrubs, though, should definitely consider the Philips Hue Lily White and Color Ambiance LED bundle above.

It includes four color spotlights, a base unit and extender to help the signal reach into the depths of your garden. Just add a Philips Hue Bridge and you'll be ready to go, with the lights offering a range of 16 million colors and voice control via the likes of Alexa and Google Assistant.

Both of these Smart Outdoor Lights bundles are at their lowest ever prices, so if you're looking to give your garden an impressive dash of color this winter, then these time-limited offers are well worth snapping up.

TechRadar is scouring every retailer and rounding up all the top deals over the Black Friday period, and we’ve put all the best Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals in easy-to-navigate articles to help you find the bargains you’re looking for.

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The best touchscreen laptops

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 07:02 AM PST

Touchscreen laptops have forever changed the laptop landscape since their conception, primarily because the emergence of the best 2-in-1 laptops changed the way we see and use laptops. 

For one, touchscreen laptop users can get into the habit of utilizing their laptop the way they would a tablet to squeeze in some entertainment or a bit of gaming after work. The fact that there are now more touch-friendly operating systems – like Windows 10 and Chrome OS – available only strengthen these touchscreen laptops’ case.

Of course, not all laptops under the sun offer touchscreen capabilities. MacBooks, for one, have stayed the course, leaving Apple’s knack for designing excellent touchscreen display to their even more portable cousins. However, there are many touchscreen laptops out there, enough so that choosing the best one for you may not be an easy of an endeavor as you might think.

That’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed a number of these touchscreen laptops ourselves, and we meticulously picked out the best ones out there. This list should make your hunt for one of the best touchscreen laptops easier.

Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13 boasts that covetable 4K touchscreen feature.

The touch model in the Dell XPS 13 line has every single thing we love about this highly-rated laptop, from its upgraded 8th-gen processor to its battery life boost. Of course, the display also inherits that excellent quality, with top-notch color reproduction, HDR features and 400 nits of brightness – as well as bezels that are practically non-existent. Better yet, it boasts that covetable 4K touchscreen feature, making it all the more useful for many productivity and creative endeavors. Is there any doubt why this tops our best touchscreen laptops list?

Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition

Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition more than meets the standards of videographers, photographers and designers.

Razer has redesigned its best gaming laptop to turn it into a mobile creative workstation touting a jaw-dropping performance that meets the standards of videographers, photographers and designers. This laptop packs a serious punch. But, it also rocks a stunning, factory-calibrated 4K display with the touchscreen model on hand, giving video editors not just incredibly sharp content but also lots of space to work on while they’re editing on the go. If a fast and seamless workflow is of utmost importance in your day to day, then the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is the best touchscreen laptop for you. Just be ready to splurge.

HP Envy x360 13 (2019)

You can't go wrong with HP Envy x360 13 (2019) for productivity or for entertainment and Internet browsing.

If a 13-inch slimline 2-in-1 laptop that gets you through your daily computing routine, whether for productivity or for entertainment and Internet browsing, is all you need, then you cannot go wrong with Envy x360's AMD upgrade. This laptop not only packs the latest AMD mobile CPU, but also boasts a premium chassis that will be the envy of other laptops at your office, making it deserving of its moniker. Better yet, it offers 9 hours of video playback, lasting you an entire work day without charging.

Surface Laptop 2

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 2 has a stunning display.

Over the last few years, Microsoft has been hard at work in crafting some of the best touchscreen laptops on the market. Devices like the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Book 2 are brilliant. However, it’s the new Surface Laptop 2 that really takes the cake, expertly combining that traditional laptop form factor with touchscreen technology in the most compelling way possible. Not only is its display dazzling, but it also boasts a charming chassis and a powerful hardware behind it. Some may lament the absence of Thunderbolt 3, but when it already does so many things right, it’s hard not to love the Surface Laptop 2.

Samsung Chromebook Pro

Samsung Chromebook Pro has an incredible touchscreen for handwriting notes.

The Samsung Chromebook Pro is akin to an extremely large Samsung Note device in that it has a stowable stylus and an incredible touchscreen for handwriting notes. What’s even better is that every single thing you write down on the Samsung Chromebook Pro is saved to Google Keep, which digitizes your handwriting into a text document for convenient searching later. Plus, taking into consideration this Chromebook’s access to the Google Play Store for all the best Android apps, it isn’t hard to see why this is one of the best touchscreen laptops. 

HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 is one of the best laptops.

The HP Spectre x360 is not just one of the best touchscreen laptops out there, but it’s also one of the best laptops, full stop. It strikes that perfect balance between tablet and laptop. As a tablet, it has superbly slim bezels for immersive entertainment and is light enough to hold for a long period. As a laptop, it can power through any work you throw at it without having to scramble for the nearest outlet, with its long battery life and powerful full-fat Ultrabook processors. 

Lenovo Yoga C930

The Lenovo Yoga C930 boast high-quality IPS Glossy touchscreen display.

Not only is the new Lenovo Yoga C930 one of the best hybrid laptops we’ve reviewed to date, but it’s also deserving of a spot on our best touchscreen laptops list. It’s all thanks to that high-quality IPS Glossy touchscreen display, which not only offers stylus support, but is also available in both Full HD and 4K – nifty if you work with high resolution photos. Get all your productivity tasks out of the way, and then throw in some decent gaming post-work.

Surface Book 2 (15-inch)

Surface Book 2 (15-inch) boast a larger screen and extremely beefier hardware.

The Surface Book 2 15-inch delivers the same great touch and pen experience as the Surface Pro. However, it also takes it to a new level by boasting a larger screen and extremely beefier hardware. Thanks to its quad-core processor and potent discrete GPU, it’s well-equipped to handle your most ambitious art projects, not to mention some of the best PC games that are currently taking up all your free time. If this isn’t one of the best touchscreen laptops on the market right now, we don’t know what is.

Lenovo Yoga C630

Lenovo Yoga C630 boast a 13.3-inch, wide-angle FHD stunning display with touchscreen functionality.

Budget users seeking touchscreen functionality will appreciate the value the Lenovo Yoga C630 offers. This 2-in-1 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB of SSD storage and integrated Qualcomm graphics. That means that it’s a lightweight option for those folks who aren’t entirely convinced by the Chrome OS environment. It has a few aces to top it all off, including the Lenovo Active Pen, a Fingerprint Reader and more than 23 hours of battery life. And what of the display? It’s a 13.3-inch, wide-angle FHD stunner, with touchscreen functionality, of course.

ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile Workstation

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is among the best touchscreen laptops for you.

In the market for a potent powerhouse and you have the funds to shell out a considerable amount of cash, then Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is among the best touchscreen laptops for you. It has several configurations on hand, depending on your needs and budget. At its most basic, however, it’s already pretty powerful, fitted with a solid graphics card and a 4K multi-touch display that is an absolute knockout. For gamers, this display also boasts the Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) technology for top-notch image quality.

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Nokia teases a new phone for a December 5 launch

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 07:00 AM PST

We're not quite done yet when it comes to 2019 smartphone launches, because Nokia has teased a launch event via Twitter: the "newest addition to [the Nokia] family" appears on December 5.

The short video clip attached to the tweet doesn't give a whole lot away in terms of what to expect: pastel pink tones, a bit of running, a bit of rock climbing... and that's about it.

We do get the vaguest hint of a phone outline, but there's nothing really to see there – it's the same shape as just about every other handset we've seen this year, with the exception of anything foldable.

After that we're just left with the "Coming Soon" message and the #nokiamobilelive hashtag. Rest assured we'll bring you news of the launch when it happens.

So which phone is it?

We're only guessing at this point as to which phone might be next to see the light of day from Nokia. The most recent batch of Nokia phones we saw were the Nokia 7.2 and the Nokia 6.2 in September.

A follow-up to the Nokia 9 PureView could be on the cards, which launched back in February at Mobile World Congress and is currently Nokia's flagship offering.

NokiaPowerUser has some newly leaked shots of what is purportedly the Nokia 9.1, with the five camera lenses on the back, just like the original Nokia 9. The rumor is the phone will come with the Snapdragon 855 installed inside.

Another possibility is the Nokia 8.2 – if only for the reason that the Nokia 8.1 was launched on December 5 last year.

Via Android Police

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Best laptop for DJs

Posted: 23 Nov 2019 06:53 AM PST

Still on the fence about getting the best laptop for DJs, trading in your aging and agonizingly slow portable for a more powerful one? You shouldn’t be. Utilizing one of the best laptops for music production makes perfect sense, even if you’re on a budget and think your old laptop will do.

Such a portable machine, after all, is vital if you’re a musician or a professional DJ. You need one of the best processors and plenty of fast RAM, first of all, to smoothly tackle multiple music tracks at a time. And, you’ll also require a fast and spacious storage drive – or a dual drive comprised of both an SSD and a hard drive should be plenty – to save your massive music files in.

And, especially if you’re on the road a lot, you might even need a laptop that's rugged as well as light and thin like an Ultrabook so that it can take a beating or two and is extremely portable.

The best thing about shopping around for the best laptop to DJs is that your options are practically limitless. The MacBook Pro may be the default for most musicians, but that doesn’t mean that one that runs Windows 10 won’t be ideal for you.

And, on that note, we put together a list of the best laptops of your music production needs. This way, you won’t have to scour the laptop market and get overwhelmed with a ton of choices. Guaranteed, you’ll find something on this list. 

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)

The MacBook Pro has been the go-to laptop for musicians. (Image Credit: Apple)

For years, the MacBook Pro has been the go-to laptop for musicians all over the world, and its 2019 refresh follows in those footsteps. Actually, it fits the bill even more. If you can justify the price of entry, the MacBook Pro is without a doubt the best laptop for music production, particularly if you’re already invested in the macOS ecosystem. With its 9th-generation Intel Core chips and up to 32GB of RAM, you’ll be able to load up as many tracks as you want in Logic Pro X without crippling your laptop or have it suffer slowdowns. It’s also surprisingly robust – you won’t have to worry about things bumping into it in your tour bag or dropping it a couple of times. This is because Apple has designed their MacBooks with a sturdy aluminum chassis that can survive hard falls and bangs.

Dell XPS 13 (2018)

The Dell XPS 13 has had our vote as one of the best laptops on the market. (Image Credit: Dell)

The Dell XPS 13 has had our vote as one of the best laptops on the market for a few years running, so it’s no surprise that its successor, the 2019 model is no different. For budding music producers, the XPS’ move to an 8th-generation Intel Core chips should be alluring, as it will cut the time it takes to process tracks, making your creative process more streamlined and time-saving, which gives you more time to dedicate on other things. What’s even better, the 1TB storage drive configuration is back, which means you’ll have more storage space than ever to save your large files in.

Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition

Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is crafted for creative professionals and content creators.

If you think Razer laptops are only for gaming, then the new Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is here to prove you wrong. Razer takes its ever popular Razer Blade 15, fits it with even more impressive specs and turns it into one of the best mobile creative workstations on offer. This powerhouse has been crafted for creative professionals and content creators, and is therefore ideal for musicians as well. You’ll be spending a lot of money to take this laptop home. But, make no mistake, it will be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. That is, if you can afford it.

Surface Laptop 2

If you don't need Logic Pro X, the Surface Laptop 2 is a perfect match. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

With all the 2-in-1 laptops that can turn into a tablet and is bursting with features you might not even utilize that saturate the market, a more traditional Windows 10 laptop can be refreshing and might be best for what you need. If you’re a fan of the Surface devices, you’ll be ecstatic to know that Microsoft has released the Surface Laptop 2, which is one of the best laptops in its lineup. This best laptop for music production features a quad-core processor and plenty of memory, as well as a stunning touch display and many of the ports you’ll ever need – minus the Thunderbolt 3 port, that is. If you don’t need Logic Pro X, the Surface Laptop 2 is a perfect match.

Surface Pro 6

The Surface Pro 6 is the best laptop for music production that can also moonlight as a Windows tablet. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

If you want the best laptop for music production that can also moonlight as a Windows tablet to do some light gaming and movie watching on in your downtime, the Surface Pro 6 might just be the ideal laptop for you. Not only does this laptop alternative boast powerful internal components that are ideal for music production, but it also has a superb display as well – not to mention, a number of legacy ports for connecting your equipment. It might be missing USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, but if you’re just in it for music production, that shouldn’t matter as much.

MacBook Air (2018)

The MacBook Air brings Apple's thin and light mainstream laptop into the modern age. (Image Credit: Apple)

The MacBook Air brings Apple’s thin and light mainstream laptop into the modern age, flourished with a lustrous aluminum build, Apple’s Retina display and an actual modern processor. All of those add up to the best laptop for music production, especially if you’re invested in the macOS ecosystem but need to save some money in the process. Bear in mind though that you’ll need to invest in a couple of dongles or a port hub, since the two Thunderbolt 3 ports aren’t compatible with many music equipment. 

Dell XPS 15

For a bigger and more powerful laptop, the Dell XPS 15 is the best laptop to meet your needs. (Image Credit: Dell)

If you need a bigger and more powerful laptop for running music production software on, the Dell XPS 15 might just be the best laptop to meet your needs. Touting the same InfinityEdge technology as the smaller XPS 13, the screen extends right to the edge of the machine, which means that this laptop is as small as it’s possible to fashion a 15-inch laptop. It's indeed pricey, depending on which version you get. However, the very top end configuration has a 4K color-accurate display, which gives you a brilliant overview of all the tracks you're working on.

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