Apple : Google Pixel 5: what we want to see |
- Google Pixel 5: what we want to see
- Best printer for students in 2020: top picks for printing out coursework
- What is AWS Fargate?
- Age of Empires 4: release date, trailers and features
- Breath of the Wild 2 release date, news and trailers for the next Zelda game
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| Google Pixel 5: what we want to see Posted: 11 Dec 2019 01:48 PM PST It's going to be a long wait for the Google Pixel 5 release, but that just means that the search engine giant has time to retool. While Google surprised everyone with the decidedly mid-range Pixel 3a and 3a XL, all eyes were on the Pixel 4 and 4 XL phones. When they launched in late 2019, we unsurprisingly loved their photo capabilities, but found they fell short in other areas. Those shortfalls give us ideas for what we'd like to see in the Google Pixel 5, and since there aren't any concrete leaks or rumors about the upcoming Pixel 5 devices just yet, we've taken this opportunity to make a wish list for Google's next flagship smartphone. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL were popular devices, but didn't get quite the enthusiastic welcome of the Pixel 3 devices, so the upcoming phones could be Google's opportunity to wow buyers who could benefit from what Google does best. Read on to discover where we think the Google Pixel 5 could succeed. Cut to the chase
Google Pixel 5 release date and price
Google Pixel 4 in hand We're not even in 2020 yet, and the Pixel 4 devices are still fresh in our mind (and hands), so it's still a bit early to assert with confidence when the Pixel 5 release date will probably . But given precedent, we can take an educated guess. The Pixel 4 launched on October 24, and we can reasonably expect another release around that point in 2020, given every previous flagship Google Pixel has launched in October. It's unclear when: the first three Pixel phones were unveiled in the first week or so of the month, while the fourth came out at the end. Your guess is as good as ours. In terms of how much you'll pay, the Google Pixel 5 price could will likely be at the same price or a bit higher as the Pixel 4. The phones have been slowly climbing in price, up from above-mid-range territory to true flagship pricetags, and Google seems to be pitching its flagship phones as equal to that tier - so expect them to keep apace with rising flagship costs, too. Of course these are both guesses at this point, and when we hear some concrete leaks we'll update this article. What we want to see in the Google Pixel 5The Google Pixel 4 refined on its predecessor, but it left a lot to be desired in certain very obvious areas (read: The Pixel 5 battery must improve). But there are also features and perks Google still hasn't put into its flagship phone. Here's everything we want to see in the Google Pixel 5. 1. Expand the Google Pixel 5 battery
Will the Google Pixel 5 battery life improve? By far the biggest gripe about the previous Google Pixel phone was its short battery life. While capacity isn't necessarily indicative of how long it takes for the percentage to tick to zero, the 2,800mAh battery is small by 2019 standards - and many users found the battery dying before the end of the day. The Google Pixel 4 XL fared somewhat better with its 3,700mAh capacity, but even that lasted a bit more than a day. If Google wants to play with the big phone boys, it has to keep up with the 4,000mAh-and-greater batteries out there. 2. Bring back the fingerprint scanner
The Google Pixel 4 has no rear-mounted fingerprint scanner like the Pixel 3, nor does it sport an in-screen finger sensor like many premium smartphones as a backup biometric. All it had was facial recognition, and...it isn't the best. Some might find it easier to use, but others are likely frustrated to have to stare into their phone until it unlocks. In the Pixel 5, we'd prefer both facial recognition and a physical or screen-mounted fingerprint sensor. Heck, just put a button on the back - we're not picky. We just want to be convenienced. 3. Add an ultrawide lens to the Pixel 5
Google, we come on bended knee. We entreaty. We plead. Make like every other Android flagship in 2019 and give us an ultrawide lens on the Google Pixel 5. The addition of a telephoto lens was very welcome, justifying a lot of hopes that a second lens would enhance the Pixel's portrait photography and expand its versatility. But this could be so much better, and give so much more range, with an ultrawide camera. We can, and will, still dream. 4. Give the Pixel 5 a microSD slot
A minimum 64GB of storage expandable only up to 128GB? Is this a joke? Google's not-so-subtle nudging for users to offload their storage to the cloud is pretty egregious. People store locally for reasons - especially when they don't have reliable signal. It's frustratingly limited not to cheaply expand what's typically the easiest auto-include in an Android smartphone. Truthfully, we'll doubt it'll be a part of the Google Pixel 5 – it wasn't in any previous Pixel phone, nor was it part of the Nexus series. But there's ample reason to desire a microSD card slot. 5. Stick with the weird design
The Google Pixel 4 smartphones sure do look a bit odd compared to its dual-finish, single-hued predecessor. They're bare-backed except for a questionably stylish camera block, with a matte glass finish encased with a rubber frame around the edges. Odd, distinct aesthetic. And, of course, a return to a top bar bezel instead of a notch. All in all, the Pixel 4 devices are far from 'conventional' Android phones - far from the nearly full-screen sleek flagship phones put out by Samsung or Huawei, but darn if they aren't unique and particular in a market of gleaming black rectangles. More Google Pixel 5 leaks and newsCheck back for more Google Pixel 5 news and leaks, as clearly we're a bit early into the process to see anything concrete. That should change over the next few months and maybe even weeks, as manufacturing of Google Pixel 5 prototypes commences. Google, last year, actually provided its own 'leak' of the Pixel 4 in shadow in June, so we can keep our fingers crossed that it spoils its own surprise when it comes to the Pixel 5. Stay tuned for more updates as that happens. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best printer for students in 2020: top picks for printing out coursework Posted: 11 Dec 2019 01:32 PM PST We're now entering the back to school period, where parents and guardians of students (as well as the students themselves) are looking to buy equipment to help their studies, and this is where our guide of the best printer for students in 2019 is here to help. Buying the best printer for students can help them with their studies, printing out notes, homework and research. Having the best student printer means you don't have to go to an internet cafe or library to print out your stuff. This can help save time, money and stress when those deadlines loom. Of course, if you're looking for the best student printer you're probably on a budget, so we've picked the best student printers that don't cost the earth. We're not just talking about initial outlay when you first buy the printer, but we've also picked the best printers for students that have low running costs as well. With our list of the best printers for students, we've put together our top picks that will suit a student's needs, no matter what educational institute they are at. If you're also looking for a laptop, make sure you check out our best laptops for students 2019 guide.
By providing three-years worth of ink and three years service in the price, Brother’s unique proposition would suit students on a three-year course well. The printer itself is a capable three-in-one inkjet device that can print, scan and copy at a fairly high resolution and turn out crisp and colourful duplex pages at a reasonable rate. It’s not as fast as Brother’s other business-oriented printers, but the refillable ink tank solution is ingenious and makes it far more economical to run than cartridge-based printers. It comes with Wi-Fi Direct connectivity and a colour touchscreen interface for easy operation.
Brother’s entry-level inkjet 3-in-1 bundles all of the features a student could need in one compact and compact unit. With USB ports front and rear, an SD Card slot and Wi-Fi, it’s well connected, with high print and scan resolutions and a low price point. It prints somewhat slowly at 12ppm in mono, but duplex documents appear crisp and consistent and photos on glossy paper look lifelike enough for a budget model. Read the full review: Brother DCP-J774DW
This neat three-in-one printer provides virtually every feature a student is likely to need and a few more besides. Colour printing, scanning and photocopying are a given, but you also have an auto-duplex mode so that you won’t waste paper and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in for easy wireless connection to a laptop and/or smartphone. It can print on a particularly wide variety of media up to A4 in size and that includes Canon’s own magnetic photo paper and fabric iron-on patches. It’s an impressively compact unit, so there’s only room for 100 sheets of A4 inside and it’s not the cheapest inkjet out there, but by upgrading the cartridges to XL-capacity carts you can bring down the running cost to a competitive level.
As the smallest member of Epson’s Premium range of home printers, the XP-6105 is well suited to student accommodation. Apart from a fax facility, it is fully featured with Wi-Fi, auto duplex printing, USB and SD card slots all built in and the ability to print on any kind of media from blank CDs up to A4 photo paper. It lacks a touchscreen display, but it’s easy to use and the for the money, the performance is impressive.
Thanks to its two-way cloud-based network connection, you can operate this ‘smart printer’ from your mobile device with or without a Wi-Fi network. It has no USB or Ethernet ports and no scanner either. Instead it relies on wireless connectivity while the Tango companion app harnesses your smartphone’s camera to scan and straighten images for printing. All this allows the Tango X to be smaller than other inkjets and cheaper too. It is particularly user friendly, thanks to the excellent app and can even be voice controlled with the assistance of Alexa. Replacement ink cartridges are rather costly, but you can sign up to HP’s Instant Ink program to make some saving while having replacements sent in the mail.
This inexpensive AIO has all of the features you could need to complete your course, with automatic dual-sided printing, an A4-sized scanner and a copy function. In addition to the USB port, you can connect wirelessly with or without a router using thanks to the inclusion of a Dual-Band Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth. It can print on envelopes, glossy photo paper or any size paper up to A4. As is usually the case, a cheap printer means expensive ink, but a subscription to HP’s Instant Ink service, you can brink the running cost down to a reasonable level and never run out if ink.
At less than £50 (around US$64, AU$90), this fully featured three-in-one printer looks like a steal. It can print scan and auto duplex print and has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in for easy mobile operation. It can handle all kinds of paper up to A4 size and has a clear, albeit mono, display. Ink refils, as you probably guessed, are expensive, but HP’s Instant Ink subscription service eases the cost and currently, a 12-month free trial is included with your purchase.
Canon’s latest range of cartridge-less inkjets includes this entry-level mono printer that’s well suited to student life. Although the initial cost is rather high, the box includes enough ink for 6,000 pages and refills bottles have a much higher yield than cartridges. Perfect for churning out that dissertation. Despite the small size, it can hold 250 sheets of paper in the main tray and another 100 in the rear tray. Duplex printing is quite quick and with Wi-Fi built in, you can scan and print wirelessly using AirPrint and Canon’s excellent PRINT app.
By swapping ink cartridges for bottled ink, this printer has a far higher page yield and much lower per page cost. You can clearly see when the ink reservoirs are running low and with Wi-Fi built in, it’s easy to scan and print using your mobile device. It can auto duplex print and includes an automatic document feed and fax facility.
If you need to print a lot of black and white pages and space and money are limitning factors, this compact print only device has the answer. The up-front price might seem daunting, but it includes enough black ink for 6,000 pages. That’s because instead of a cartridge, you will be filling up a reservoir from the supplied ink bottle yourself and replacement bottles are far cheaper. Wi-Fi is built in and it can turn out duplex pages at a somewhat slow, but steady rate of 15ppm and there’s room in this streamlined machine for 150 sheets of paper.
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| Posted: 11 Dec 2019 12:52 PM PST For any company planning to use cloud services to develop a consumer app (or a larger company rolling out an internal app), it can be hard to predict how many people will start using it. Will your social media app suddenly become the next Instagram or Snapchat? Or will it catch on with a niche audience that uses it every day, all day long? In both scenarios, the tech challenge is to make sure it is always available, the data is clean and organized, and there are no security concerns. While it sounds like a sci-fi television show, AWS Fargate is a powerful and serverless compute engine for running containers used for applications. In cloud computing parlance, a container is an isolated instance that provides the flexible computing power you need. It runs in the cloud, which means there is no infrastructure management to be concerned about. Most importantly, if your application is widely used internally or externally, AWS Fargate can keep up with the demand. Basics of AWS FargateTo understand what AWS Fargate is and what it does (and the benefits), it’s best to start at the beginning. Amazon introduced the cloud compute engine back in 2017. However, the compute infrastructure was already mature by then since Amazon EC2 (Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud) had already existed for over ten years. IT service management, administrators, and web developers were asking for more flexibility in how they use the “elastic” storage, how they manage containers, and how they configure the serverless environments for their apps. Their needs were ever-changing. Think about the typical consumer app. Once it catches on with users, there is a great need for improving performance and managing endpoint security. Data breaches can occur in a heartbeat, and when they do and consumer data is compromised, it can be incredibly costly. It only takes one data breach with an app that exposes customer data like credit card numbers and date of birth before the reputation of a firm is forever altered. And, it only takes a break in the performance of a popular app or a few hours of down-time before customers start finding the exit. It’s become clear that in the modern landscape of consumer apps, business apps, or internal apps used by employees that the expectation is for extremely robust performance, security, and availability. If an app depends on an IT staff to scale the performance, or maintain security, or keep up with cloud storage demands -- even in a semi-automated fashion -- the customer suffers. It’s a curious fact of modern cloud computing initiatives that the landscape keeps evolving -- user demands keep changing, new regulations in certain industries keep evolving. It’s hard to keep up, and even harder if you have to manage the computing environment itself. That’s why AWS Fargate exists -- it makes it easier to keep up with application demands for app development. Benefits and purposeBack in 2017 when Fargate was first introduced, the process of cloud hosting an application (in a serverless environment) was a bit more complicated. It typically involved managing the clusters, optimizing them, choosing the instances and tweaking the settings. Fargate does all of this such that the person setting up the container only has to choose the performance and memory requirements, set the task definitions, and configure the networking policies. The idea with AWS Fargate is to simplify the use of the Amazon Elastic Container Service, which is used to manage containers and is the heart of Amazon AWS for application delivery (and arguably the heart of a cloud computing initiative). Each container can isolate an application, making sure it is secure and runs at the highest level of performance. The reason companies use AWS Fargate is partly related to performance needs and partly related to cost. The key feature with AWS Fargate to know is that it isolates the application. This means if the compute needs increase dramatically, the application can scale to meet demand. Also, companies pay only for the actual compute power they use. The “pay as you go” model was not always available, and that’s a key advantage to AWS Fargate, especially for companies that run multiple apps and services. It’s almost impossible to keep up with the changing demands when you have apps that serve only minor purposes for your industry or customer segment, such as making a connection to another app. In the end, the purpose of AWS Fargate is to keep up with the demand. Admins can see the analytics and reporting necessary to manage containers effectively. Apps are isolated from one another in containers, so admins can adjust compute needs as needed for each app. This also helps with security, because there is no data-sharing between containers. The flexibility, affordability, security, and performance of AWS Fargate is what makes it ideal for companies that need to keep up with consumer demand.
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| Age of Empires 4: release date, trailers and features Posted: 11 Dec 2019 12:24 PM PST After more than 13 years in hibernation, the Age of Empires series is coming back for its fourth outing. In August 2017, publisher Microsoft Studios announced that Age of Empires 4 was alive and kicking, and that it was being developed by Relic Entertainment, the team behind Homeworld and Company of Heroes (which is a hell of a lot of pedigree). It's not been until the tail end of 2019 that we've finally learned more about the game (and even then we'd still love to know more) but we feel like we can finally get excited about the next instalment in the Age of Empires series. Read on to find out everything we know so far! [Update: Age of Empires 4 will have fewer civilisations than Age of Empires 2. Read on to find out more!] Cut to the chase
What is Age of Empires 4?Age of Empires 4 is the latest instalment to the historical real-time strategy series Age of Empires, which began life way back in 1997. Follow-ups to the original were released in 1999 and 2005, and there’s been a couple of spin-offs during that period, including two Nintendo DS titles and the popular Age of Mythology, which took inspiration from myths and legends rather than history. Aside from those DS games, the series is only on PC. Age of Empires 4 is the first game in the series developed by Relic Entertainment – all the other Age of Empires games have been made by Ensemble Studios, which folded in 2009. Relic says it wants to “fuse historical context with deep strategic gameplay, and to bring this franchise back to the forefront of gaming and into the hands of its beloved community”.
Age of Empires 4: release dateUnfortunately, no release date has been announced for Age of Empires 4 – not even a rough one. It could be a way off though, because all we’ve seen of the game is a trailer filled with concept art in 2017, which suggests that at that point development was in its early stages. Even in 2019 the game still isn't far enough into development to give a rough launch window—we're looking at 2020 before some kind of announcement. What platforms will Age of Empires 4 release on?So far, all we know is that it’s coming to Windows 10 PC – so bad luck if you’re running an older version (although this could be a good excuse to upgrade). However, with Microsoft Studios as the publisher the door is open for a release on Xbox One. Nothing is certain in that department but in an interview with Stevivor Microsoft's Shannon Loftis and Adam Isgreen said that while the team's "number one priority is to make it work great with keyboard and mouse" they're still going to "explore our options ... Once we have a wonderful PC game, then we'll start looking at other ways that we can show up." That's not a solid commitment to an Xbox release by any means but it makes it at least slightly more possible that we could see the game come to Microsoft's console further down the line. Don't expect, however, to see it on PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. Age of Empires 4: trailersXO19 finally brought us a gameplay trailer for Age of Empires 4 which showcased a beautiful and colorful Medieval world. The announcement of the game was marked with a trailer – and it’s still the only one we’ve seen to date. It’s exclusively concept art for the game, depicting large scale battles between various groups. Check it out below: Age of Empires 4: news and rumorsFewer Civilisations than Age of Empires 2 We don't know exactly which civilisations will appear in Age of Empires 4, nor do we know how many there will be. What we do now know, however, is that there will be fewer than in Age of Empires 2. The news comes from creative director Adam Isgreen, who revealed during an interview with PCGamesN that players "can expect to see fewer than the 13 that shipped with Age of Empires II, as we’re aiming for more uniqueness with each civilisation rather than quantity.” Despite this lower number, it seems that the game's developers are aiming for depth and uniqueness with each one which should make things more interesting. No to microtransactions, yes to DLC In an interview with PCGamesN, Age of Empires 4's Creative Director, Adam Isgreen, has said that the game won't feature microtransactions. “The idea of microtransactions in a real-time strategy game isn't a thing,” he says, “DLC, expansions – all of that is things that we're going to be exploring for Age 4.” Any expansions will be worked on by World's Edge studio. It will bring about some modernization Age of Empires 4 may be set in Medieval times but in an interview with GamesRadar, Creative Director, Adam Isgreen, said that he and his team are looking at the game as "a fresh start" which will allow them to "modernize the series" and "do things differently". That said, it won't be so different that it won't be immediately recognizable as an Age of Empires game—Isgreen made it clear that they want to "do right by the players" and really keep the spirit of the series. But given its been 13 years since the last new game in the series a few things have had to be done to bring it into the age of modern gaming. According to Isgreen, they're "doing things that no other RTS game has done before". Nothing has been revealed about the civilisations that will feature but there is some intense historical research going on to make those involved in the game more authentic. Set in Medieval times After missing E3 2019, Age of Empires 4 finally made an appearance at XO19 in November with a brand new gameplay trailer. This trailer confirmed that the game is to be set in the Medieval period and it looks set to be a more detailed and colorful game world than we've ever seen from the strategy series. We don't know which civilisations will appear in the game just yet, though the trailer does at least reveal the Mongols and the English. It could be worth intense study to glimpse hints for more. News is coming After Age of Empires 4 was announced at Gamescom in 2017, everything went somewhat quiet. Those who were hoping to see some kind of update during Microsoft's E3 press conferences for 2018 and 2019 were left disappointed too. However, shortly after E3 2019 in an interview with PC Gamer Phil Spencer confirmed that the game is still making progress and that more news will be revealed in 2019. Spencer didn't give much away but he did say that Relic is making "good progress" on Age of Empires 4 and that they'll be ready to "talk about it more this year" when it's in "the right context". When exactly in 2019 we'll hear more about the game isn't yet known but there's another Gamescom conference still to come, which would be the ideal place for Microsoft to make an update given the game was first announced there. We'll just have to wait and see. Age of Empires 4: gameplay featuresPrevious Age of Empires games have focused on one period of history: Age of Empires 3 chronicled the European colonization of the Americas, for example. However, judging by the trailer above, Age of Empires 4 could paint with a broader historical picture, with lots of empires from across time returning from previous games in the series. In the trailer, you can glimpse Native Americans, British Redcoats, Romans and Japanese samurai. It’s possible that this could just be demonstrative of the art style and themes, but we’d be surprised if they didn’t end up featuring in the final game in some capacity.
That said, it’s unlikely to break history by pitting armies from two eras against each other in the campaign, so expect a story that plays out over an extended timeline. And then perhaps the Romans could clash with the Redcoats in online multiplayer. In terms of actual gameplay, we wouldn’t expect it to deviate too far from the formula that fans of the series know and love – it would be odd for the developer not to mine that ore of support. So, there will be the usual 4X fare (explore, expand, exploit and exterminate). However, the last Age of Empires game was more than 10 years ago, so we’re expecting some changes in terms of UI and mechanics. Age of Empires 4: what we want to seeA sleeker UI The Age of Empires games have always had decent UIs – most of the stuff you need is two or at most three clicks away and, generally, if you hover over a button you can find out what it does. But going back to it now, it looks a bit old fashioned, with a large box covering most of the bottom section of the screen, and can be overwhelming at first glance.
If the series is going to attract new players (and the more the merrier) then the UI needs to be sleek and inviting. Age of Empires Online, another spin-off, might perhaps be a good guide: that game had much less on screen at any one time, allowing you to see more of the battlefield. Smaller, contextual menus that only appear when you click on certain elements would work well. Revamped unit tactics The Age of Empires games do boast military tactics, and the positioning and stances of your units can turn a battle. But largely, fights are won by the biggest army, and they are over quickly. We’d like to see tactics play a bigger role in battles, and for it to be easier to make small adjustments to groups of units so they do exactly what you want. There’s hope here: Relic has a lot of pedigree in this field. Imagine Age of Empires with Company of Heroes-style unit movement when you got close to an enemy’s base. That’s not what Relic will be shooting for (this is about clashes of large armies rather than small strike forces, after all), but we’re confident it will be more finessed than anything else we’ve seen from the series so far.
Multiple cities Age of Empires revels in its smaller scale. You start with a town hall and build out from there, never really expanding beyond a single settlement. Rise of Nations, also published by Microsoft, could be a good yard stick for how the game should expand; in that game you could build multiple cities and combine them into large territories. If you apply that to Age of Empires then you get multiple hubs of production: one town could focus on food production, and transport the finished product to another nearby town, which is itself churning out military units. Planning out the structure of your empire, rather than just a single city, would add another layer to the game.
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| Breath of the Wild 2 release date, news and trailers for the next Zelda game Posted: 11 Dec 2019 12:15 PM PST Dust off your climbing boots and paraglider, gamers: Nintendo has confirmed that a The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel is in development, with a breathtaking trailer pointing to a darker turn for the next mainline Zelda game. But what will Breath of the Wild 2 do differently from the first game, and when will we finally get our hands on it? Nintendo dropped the bombshell at the end of its E3 2019 presentation – via an online-only keynote, given Nintendo doesn't host its own presentation in person anymore – confirming our suspicions after the Japanese publisher appeared to be hiring for a 3D level designer last year. Breath of the Wild was a masterclass in open-world game design, breathing a huge gust of fresh air into the Zelda franchise while somehow retaining everything that made the series special. Widely considered one of the best games of 2017 – if not all time – it's no surprise Nintendo is working on a direct sequel. And it may release sooner than expected, with a leak suggesting we may see Breath of the Wild 2 as soon as 2020. It's still early days, but here's everything we know – and want to know – about Breath of the Wild 2 for Nintendo Switch. [UPDATE: Nintendo has released a handful of behind the scenes shots of Breath of the Wild 2. Read on to find out more.] Cut to the chase
Breath of the Wild 2 release dateNintendo hasn't shared much information other than the trailer and a few sparse comments – run through below – but the trailer did close off with a line stating the Breath of the Wild sequel was "in development". We certainly won't see the game being released in the coming months. However, according to leaker Sabi (via wccftech), Breath of the Wild 2 is due for release in 2020. But, as Sabi points out, "Zelda release dates are historically delayed, internally or publicly". Check out the tweet below: While it's always worth taking rumors with a big pinch of salt, Sabi is a pretty reliable leaker. The Twitter user leaked most of the big announcements from E3 2019 before they happened – reportedly even earning himself a cease and desist order from Nintendo. Breath of the Wild 2 trailersWe got our first glimpse of BOTW 2 at E3 2019, with this spooky trailer that shows Zelda and Link exploring an underground chamber – with some mysterious runes, glowing hands, and a brand-new haircut that has set the internet on fire. Suffice to say: we're excited. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 trailer is just 82 seconds long and there's no dialogue whatsoever – but there are some clues to be gathered from it. It features a torch-carrying Link and Zelda traversing a dark dungeon beneath Hyrule (no big surprise there). Spirit-like tendrils creep around the musty tomb they're exploring, with the pair riding a large elephant-like beast. Something shocks the pair, and then we cut to what appears to be the resurrection of some long-dead (and creepy looking) warrior. Could this be the return of Ganondorf? The video then cuts to a long shot of Hyrule Field, with Hyrule Castle in the distance. There's a tremor, the castle is smothered with dust... and that's the end. The clip finishes with a message that reads: "The sequel to Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is in development." We wouldn't usually expect so much animation to be done so early in development, but it probably helps that Nintendo already has the in-game engine from Breath of the Wild. Breath of the Wild 2 news and rumors
Could Zelda have a bigger role this time around? (Image Credit: Nintendo) Behind the scenes Nintendo is attempting to entice developers on its careers site with images that show how the development team put together the E3 trailer for Breath of the Wild 2. The images don't give much away but it's interesting to look at for fans invested in the development process. We haven't seen much from the game since this trailer but some are hoping that, like the original Breath of the Wild, the sequel could make some kind of appearance at the upcoming Game Awards in December. We don't have long to wait to find out if that's the case. A 2020 release date? More hiring calls The latest hint comes from a Nintendo Japan tweet regarding some job listings for a “scenario planner” and a “level designer” for the game. The fact that such core roles are still being filled suggests that the game is still in the fairly early stages of development and isn’t likely to be a 2020 release. We can’t know for certain, of course, until Nintendo confirms an exact release date but we’re inclined to say later rather than sooner. All the DLC that never was "Initially we were thinking of just DLC ideas," says Anouma. "But then we had a lot of ideas and we said, 'This is too many ideas, let’s just make one new game and start from scratch.'" A darker turn for the series We've heard from Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma that the game is going to have a darker tone than Breath of the Wild, and will even be "a little bit darker" than Majora's Mask (via IGN). The trailer certainly supports this, with what looks like Ganondorf's corpse being resurrected by a disembodied hand, and seemingly imagery from 2006's Twilight Princess, which saw Hyrule turned into a bleak shadow realm – largely in response to the far cheerier and cartoonish The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.
A Gerudo corpse, possibly Ganon, is grabbed by a mysterious force (Image Credit: Nintendo) The Twilight realm We know that BOTW's dev team originally toyed with the idea of an alien invasion, and seeing shadow creatures teleport out of the sky could well have been what they have planned this time around. A clue in the audio u/ReroFunk also suggests we could see the demon king Demise return for the next Zelda game. Demise was the final boss in Skyward Sword, and revealed to be the original form of Ganondorf. The below still from the Zelda trailer also looks a lot like Demise when you think about it.
Ganon, Demise, or something else entirely? (Image Credit: Nintendo) Lots of dungeons (and an extended map) Zelda's turn in the spotlight? Zelda's devs have seemed pretty dismissive of the idea of a female Link in the past – sadly – but we may in this game see sections playing as Zelda, or at least with her playing a more active role in the story. Breath of the Wild 2: what we want to seeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely considered one of the best games in the series, and there'll be a lot of pressure to deliver a game not only as good – but also good in its own way. Here's what we're hoping Nintendo will be able to bring to the sequel when it lands. Some new environments
Soaring over Hyrule gave us some of BOTW's best moments (Image Credit: Nintendo) Save data carrying over Allowing for certain DLC items to carry over, and making reference to your individual decisions in the previous game – such as certain quests you did or didn't complete, or how many Divine Beasts you recruited before facing Ganon – would really help to make the sequel feel like a meaningful extension of the previous game. Some larger-scale dungeons No more Korok seeds Everything BOTW did so well
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| Top VPN brands join security initiative Posted: 11 Dec 2019 12:10 PM PST In an effort to drive awareness of and trust in VPN technology, the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) has announced the launch of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI). The VTI is an industry-led and member-driven consortium of VPN business leaders which will focus on improving consumer's digital safety by building understanding, strengthening trust and mitigating risk for VPN users. Alongside the i2Coalition, founding VTI members include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, VyprVPN, Surfshark and J2 Global's NetProtect which owns encrypt.me, WLVPN, SugarSync, IPVanish, StrongVPN, OverPlay and SaferVPN. However, AnchorFree, CyberGhost and HotSpot Shield have yet to join the initiative.
The i2Coalition's aim behind introducing the VTI is to foster cooperation in the industry while leveraging collective first-hand knowledge and insights to advocate for beneficial VPN technical standards and business best practices. The VTI will serve as the voice of the VPN industry by working together to strengthen public trust in VPNs, promote appropriate guidelines and help consumers make informed VPN choices. VPN Trust InitiativeVPNs provide consumers with crucial benefits which protect their digital privacy, security and rights. However, to provide these benefits, VPNs need to follow best practices to ensure the safety of their users and also to protect their reputations. The VTI will focus on advocacy, awareness and education in order to reach consumers, legislators and technologists. The initiative will also provide accurate information to policymakers, inform the tech industry and establish solutions to pressing VPN challenges. Co-founder of the i2Coalition, Christian Dawson explained in a press release how the VPN industry as a whole can benefit from the launch of the VPN Trust Initiative, saying: “Connecting to a Virtual Private Network helps ensure your activity isn’t being intercepted, especially when you’re using a shared Internet connection. VPNs are a foundational technology for a safer Internet, so it’s important that VPN providers adhere to best practices. However, it’s also important that new legislation doesn’t inadvertently limit the effectiveness of VPNs. “This initiative offers a vital and unique opportunity for the industry to come together as a collective and spearhead real awareness, education, and progress. In doing so, we not only position our members as stewards of the Internet with active and dedicated interest in the global Internet’s safety and efficacy, we also deliver highly valuable, beneficial, and transformational action as digital security concerns grow and the technological world evolves.”
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| Final Fantasy 7 Remake release date, trailers, news and features Posted: 11 Dec 2019 12:03 PM PST First released in 1997, Final Fantasy 7 immediately cemented its place as one of the best JRPG titles around and introduced millions of gamers around the world to the genre. Now, due to the success of Final Fantasy 7 over 20 years ago (and the pleads from die hard fans), Square Enix is releasing a remake. Unfortunately, those high expectations have been both a blessing and a curse for the game as the path to release hasn’t been smooth. But now, four years after it was announced at E3 2015, we finally have a Final Fantasy 7 Remake release date: March 3, 2020. We've now seen the game a half-dozen times in trailers – and even got hands on time at Gamescom 2019 and E3 2019 – but, with news and rumors still churning around the great wide web, we’ve gathered up everything we know has been confirmed, what we've played and everything fans suspect right here for your perusal. [Update: Final Fantasy 7 will apparently be a timed exclusive on PS4. Read on to find out more.] Cut to the chase
Final Fantasy 7 Remake trailersThe first trailer for the game was released upon the remake's announcement at E3 2015. The trailer is largely cinematic and you can watch it for yourself below: A further trailer (this time featuring gameplay) was revealed at PSX in 2015: There's also the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trailer that was revealed during Sony's May 9 State of Play event this year. In it, we got a great look at what the action-heavy combat would look like (think Kingdom Hearts and you'll be on the right track) and one of the series most well-remembered protagonists, Aerith. Check it out below: The most important trailer we have is the one that was unveiled at a Final Fantasy 7 concert held in Los Angeles, where the game's director, Tetsuya Nomura, unveiled Remake's official March 3, 2020 release date. It's only a minute long but it's important. Another Final Fantasy 7 Remake trailer was released as part of Tokyo Game Show 2019 and showcased a first look at characters, summons, mini-games and more. Check it out below: Naturally everyone wants an update on the hero of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Square Enix provided with a short trailer starring Cloud Strife on Twitter in November. Final Fantasy 7 Remake release dateThe Final Fantasy 7 remake has had something of a troubled development, which makes it all the more surprising that we'll be seeing the game as early as we are. The date Square Enix has given us is March 3, 2020 – but it's unclear if that's for all of the episodes (remember, FF7R is an episodic game with more than two Blu-rays worth of content) or if that's just the release date of episode one. The latter seems likely as development on episode 2 is still underway. For some, that date is much sooner than expected considering the game's recent setback, but others will likely say it's arriving later than they wanted. For what it's worth, the game has been in the works since 2014 but there have been few significant official updates since the E3 2015 reveal. In that time, development of the game has moved from external developer CyberConnect2 to Square Enix’s in-house team. Overhauls like this can cause big delays to a game’s progress but according to Square Enix's Naoki Hamaguchi the decision was made out of a desire to maintain “control quality as well as keeping the schedule stable.” The good news is now that release date is set in stone and PS4 players will get to play then. Fans using other platforms could potentially see a release in 2021 which is when the game's period of exclusivity on PS4 apparently ends. We're also expecting Final Fantasy 7 remake to be a cross-generation release, likely releasing on both PS5 and the next Xbox alongside current generation consoles.
Image credit: Square Enix Final Fantasy 7 Remake news and rumorsTimed exclusivity It seems that, as rumored, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be a timed exclusive for PS4. The North American box art for the game was posted to Twitter recently, with a banner stating that the game will be a timed exclusive until March 3 2021—a year after its first release. This isn't an outright confirmation that the game will be coming to other platforms but it does suggest it's a possibility. After all, Microsoft is adding a raft of the Final Fantasy games to its Game Pass service in 2020 which could be a precursor. Work is underway on part 2 We already know that Final Fantasy 7 is going to be released in at least two parts but we don't know how much of a gap there's going to be between the release of part 1 in March 2020 and part 2. At the very least, we do now know that development on part 2 is well underway. In a recent Square Enix blog, Tetsuya Nomura said "We’ve already begun working on the next one as well, but I’m confident that playing through this title will expand your expectations just like the world that extends beyond Midgar." From what Nomura has said with regards to the "density and volume" of part 1's Midgar, we may need a little space between releases to get through it all anyway. New Ghost look Check it out below: Pre-orders available If you would rather pick up the 1st Class Edition, you'll get all the Deluxe Edition content, the Carbuncle Summon Materia DLC, as well as a Play Arts Kai Cloud Strife and Hardy Daytona box set. Those who pre-order any version of the game will also receive the Chocobo Chick Summon Materia DLC at launch. Those who pre-order any digital edition from the PlayStation Store will also receive the Cloud & Sephiroth Dynamic Theme for the PS4. Mini-games Those Xbox One rumors However, Square Enix confirmed in a statement to IGN that Final Fantasy 7 will only release on PS4 on March 3, 2020 and that there are “no plans for other platforms”. Whether this means there are no plans for other platforms just on March 3 or whether there are no plans for other platforms for good is unconfirmed but so far it seems like the game will be a PS4 exclusive. Microsoft has deemed the Facebook video which was quickly removed an “internal mistake”. Preview Midgar Cast change
Image credit: Square Enix Deeper into story and characters Tactical Mode FF7 Remake is based around core values E3 2019 news - Two Discs and new ATB system So what's worth pointing out here is that the sedentary turn-based combat you may remember from the original has been replaced with a FF15-style approach that allows you to control the characters and move them around the battlefield. You'll still have some familiar options in combat - like Limit Breaks - but expect combat to be a bit more engaging this time around. During E3 2019 we also learned that Final Fantasy 7 Remake is not only episodic, but actually requires two Blu-ray discs to hold all the content. The first disc, released on March 3, 2020, will actually only take place in Midgar - that futuristic city you've seen so much of in the trailers. Nomura admits an announcement was premature "I am well aware of the fact that we announced it too early," Nomura told Italian gaming mag Multiplayer (translated by Kingdom Hearts Insider) . "But even in the industry, word was beginning to spread that we were working on the game, so we just decided not to keep it more secret and officially reveal it."
Image credit: Square Enix It’s a reconstruction, not a shot-for-shot remake Considering it’s so beloved there’s a lot of pressure on Square Enix to not stray too far from the original source material but according to director Tetsuya Nomura it won’t be a completely direct recreation. In an interview with Wired, Nomura said “We're not intending for this to become a one-to-one remake, or just the original Final Fantasy VII with better graphics.” Nomura has said that he wants the remake to "apply to the current era" and "the current generation of players." He added the caveat that he doesn't "want to change it so much that it's unrecognizable" but it has to be offering something "fresh and new." To accommodate modern consoles and gamers, changes will naturally have to be made to the game both in terms of gameplay, mechanics and perhaps even to some elements of the story. For starters, early trailers show a game more akin to Final Fantasy XV mechanically, with fixed viewpoints and static backdrops swapped out for full-3D terrain, and a turn-based battle system removed in favour of a real-time action-orientated one.
Image credit: Square Enix It’s episodic The reasoning behind the decision, according to series producer Yoshinori Kitase is that “a proper HD remake” just wouldn’t fit into one instalment and maintain the “same feeling of density of the original.” “We've seen everyone's comments and reactions to the news that Final Fantasy 7 remake will be a multi-part series and many have speculated correctly as to the reason why we have made this decision,” he said, “If we were to try to fit everything from the original into one remake instalment, we would have to cut various parts and create a condensed version of Final Fantasy 7. We knew none of you would have wanted that. “I hope that by explaining a little more about our design decisions that you can appreciate the size of this project and what we have planned for this remake. Going beyond the scale and depth of the world, narrative and gameplay from the original to deliver something that feels familiar yet new. As I said before, we like delivering surprises.” Each episode will apparently be its “own unique experience” but as yet we don’t know how many episodes there will be or how they’ll be structured in relation to the original story.
Image credit: Square Enix No more turn-based battles In an interview with Famitsu, Nomura said that battles in the remake will be “action-based” rather than command-based. Nomura didn’t go into much more detail with regards to the game’s combat system but it’s widely expected that we’re going to see a formula more similar to Kingdom Hearts and FFXV. This would mean a more active and seamless style of battling involving party members whom the player will be able to switch between. Though the loss of turn-based combat will be mourned, a move towards a system like Kingdom Hearts will be more accessible to new players. A PS5 release? For Sony, it'd be a system seller right out of the gates for the new console generation, and for the developers you'd imagine it'd offer more processing grunt and a little longer in terms of the development window. This is speculation at this point, but as the sun sets on the PS4, and titles like Final Fantasy 7's remake being no closer to even having a release date, it starts to seem like the looming next generation machines may be now what they're being aimed at. (Image credits: Square Enix) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| iPad sale at Best Buy: the all-new 10.2-inch Apple iPad gets an $80 price cut Posted: 11 Dec 2019 11:38 AM PST If you're looking for a price cut on the all-new iPad, then you've come to the right place. Just ahead of holidays, Best Buy has the 10.2-inch Apple iPad on sale for $249.99. That's an $80 discount and the best price we've found for the 32GB tablet. Interested in other iPad models? We've listed even more of the cheapest iPad deals that are currently available. If you're not in the US, you can see today's best deals on the Apple iPad where you are below. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 1&1 hit with million-euro GDPR fine Posted: 11 Dec 2019 11:09 AM PST Germany's federal privacy watchdog has handed out one of the largest fines to date to 1&1 Telecommunications for violating the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The firm was fined €9.55m by Germany's Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) for failing to put “sufficient technical and organizational measures” in place to protect customer data in its call centers. In a press release announcing the fine, Federal Commissioner Ulrich Kelber explained why the privacy watchdog decided to issue such a heavy fine, saying:
"Data protection is fundamental rights protection. The fines imposed are a clear sign that we will enforce this protection of fundamental rights. [GDPR] gives us the opportunity to strongly sanction the inadequate security of personal data. We apply these powers in the light of due consideration." Article 321&1 Telecommunications SE is one of Germany's largest internet and mobile service providers and the company is part of the United Internet Group which also includes the popular web hosting firm 1&1 IONOS. According to BfDI, the privacy watchdog fined 1&1 Telecom after it discovered that callers to its call center could obtain customer information by simply providing their name and date of birth which meant that its customer's personal information was not properly safeguarded. In its announcement of the fine, BfDI explained that the company had violated Article 32 of GDPR, saying: "The BfDI had become aware that callers could obtain extensive information on further personal customer data in the customer care of the enterprise even by giving the name and date of birth of a customer. In this authentication procedure, the BfDI sees a violation of Article 32 of GDPR , according to which the company is obliged to take appropriate technical and organizational measures to systematically protect the processing of personal data." Since BfDI criticized 1&1 Telecommunications' inadequate data protection, it has added an extra step to require additional information before obtaining customer data. The company also plans to provide each customer with a personal service PIN to access their account soon. 1&1 Telecommunications will be appealing the fine on the grounds that it is disproportionate but the BfDI did succeed in sending the message that under GDPR customer data must be protected.
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| The best student laptops: all the best options for school Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:26 AM PST When picking out one of the best student laptops for you or your newly-minted college kid, there are certainly a few considerations to keep in mind. Not every laptop can be a good laptop for students, even if it’s one of the budget laptops and is such a huge money saver. Laptops can skyrocket in price when looking at upgrades and features, and the best laptops for students are those that are able to walk that tightrope between performance and price. The best student laptops should be able to handle any coursework a student has without bankrupting them. This is especially true if you’re a college student, and have college loans and other expenses. They don’t need another reason to increase their consumption of instant ramen. The best laptops for students need to be able to pull double duty — see you through schoolwork and important projects as well as allow you a bit of streaming or gaming after school. As for the operating system, there are some great Windows 10 laptops on here, as do macOS and ChromeOS ones. In fact, the best Chromebooks now offer better performance than ever before, which makes them a better value for students than other offerings. The best student laptops 2019 at a glance:
The Huawei Matebook 13 strike a balance between price and performance. We’re massive fans of laptops that can skillfully strike a balance between price and performance with hardly any compromises, and the Huawei MateBook 13 comes closer to than anything else in 2019 so far. It’s light and compact, perfect for carrying in your backpack while you hurry from class to class; but it’s fast and affordable as well. This stunning 13-inch Ultrabook will make sure you’ll get all your work done in style, without burning a hole in your pocket. Sure, you might need to keep that charger on hand if you want it to last you the whole day, as the battery life is underwhelming. However, there’s still no doubt that the Huawei Matebook 13 deserves its lofty spot on the best laptops for students list. Read the full review: Huawei MateBook 13
The Dell XPS 13 is affordable enough for college students once again. Dell’s flagship laptop has always been rated as one of the best laptops for students, not to mention among the most ideal devices for professionals and casual, everyday users. This time around, the Dell XPS 13 2019 welcomes back the entry-level model, making it affordable enough for college students once again. Dell has also addressed our biggest frustration with the XPS lineup – the webcam. It has finally been moved back above the display where it belongs. This means that your family and friends won’t have to stare up into your nostrils when you’re video chatting ever again. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
The Google Pixelbook Go has earned our coveted "Editor's Choice" award in the Chromebook category. Have you been waiting for the day you can finally afford the premium price of Google Pixelbook? Well, with Google releasing Pixelbook Go, your wait is finally over. Granted, it isn’t quite the actual luxury device you’ve been dreaming of. However, rest assured, you will love this Chromebook, just as we have during our time with it. We love it so much, in fact, that it earned our coveted “Editor's Choice” award in the Chromebook category. It boasts incredible battery life, an even more impressive keyboard and a 1080p webcam, which you don’t see often in the more budget-friendly laptops even in 2019. And, that’s just to start. Read the full review: Google Pixelbook Go
The Surface Laptop 2 has considerably improved on its predecessor. While the Surface Laptop was arguably one of the 10 best laptops for students, it was still held back by its below average performance, a lack of ports and Windows 10 in S Mode. Luckily, the Surface Laptop 2 has considerably improved on its predecessor – with the exception of the ports. It’s now packed with 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake Refresh processors, full-fat Windows 10 Home and a black color option. We only wish it included even a single USB-C port. Still, you will get all your tasks done in style with this laptop with little to no effort, making it deserving of a high spot on this list. Read the full review: Surface Laptop 2
The Microsoft Surface Go is one of the most beautiful devices on the market. Even if you’re only in the market for a laptop for school that strikes a balance between cost and performance, it can’t hurt to factor in a splash of style. The Microsoft Surface Go isn’t just one of the best Windows tablets, but it’s also one of the most beautiful devices on the market. Better yet, it also gets our vote as among the best laptops for students, especially from a value perspective. Don’t be duped by the low-power components: Microsoft engineered this tablet to take on all your general schoolwork and more without breaking a sweat. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go
The HP Envy x360 13 (2019) has premium build, delivers up to 9 hours of video playback. There are so many compelling reasons why the HP Envy x360 (2019) belongs to our best laptops for students like, and its slim, sleek design is the least of them. This 13-inch 2-in-1 has premium build, delivers up to 9 hours of video playback and a performance that will get you through most of your schoolwork and project, all without burning a hole in your pocket. Read the full review: HP Envy x360 (2019)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 boasts a beautiful display, excellent performance and an impressive battery life. The Microsoft Surface lineup has made a name for itself for being among the best Windows devices on the market, with beautiful touch displays, excellent performance and a battery life that lasts a long time. The Surface Pro 6 continues that tradition, even if it doesn’t improve much on its predecessor. You’re getting a fast Windows tablet that can effortlessly turn into a laptop with the addition of the Surface Type Cover. What does that mean for you? Simply that you can get your work done then effortlessly transition into Netflix time, making it one of the best laptops for students. Read the full review: Surface Pro 6
The Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 is the best laptop for students on a very limited budget. Most schoolwork that’s not specialized (i.e. engineering) can be done on a Chromebook. So if you aren’t anticipating to do a lot of projects that require the use of processor-hungry apps, getting a Chromebook can save you hundreds of dollars. If you’re a student on the market for one of the best laptops for students to help you with all your research, type up papers and not much else, the Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1 might fit the bill. The Dell Chromebook 11 2-in-1 won’t be able to handle much heavy lifting, but at this price, it doesn’t need to. This is the best laptop for students on a very limited budget. Read the full review: Dell Inspiron Chromebook 11 2-in-1
The Apple MacBook Air has been refreshed for 2019. Apple takes the MacBook Air (2018) and gives it a bit of refresh, adding True Tone technology to its display and an even more reliable keyboard. Unfortunately, it hasn’t upgraded the specs, but seeing as the 2018 version has already made our list of the best laptops for students, this improved version is just as deserving because of the improved hardware. But the best part is yet to come: this refresh is even cheaper, so you’re definitely getting more value for less. Read the full review: MacBook Air (2019)
The MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019) is juiced-up. Apple’s most powerful MacBook in existence has just juiced-up, which means that the 15-inch Cupertino powerhouse is faster than ever. Whether you’re doing school projects, photo editing or light gaming, this will blow you away as one of the best laptops for students. What’s behind this refresh? To start, an improved keyboard, as well as some of the latest and most powerful processors from Intel. Now, you not only have the option to take one home with an 8-core Intel Core i9, but also configure one to rock a Radeon Pro Vega 16 or Pro Vega 20 GPU to give you a boost in graphics. Read the full review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019) Bill Thomas, Michelle Rae Uy and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article. Images Credit: TechRadar
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| Best Windows tablets 2019: all of the top Windows tablets reviewed Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:25 AM PST The best Windows tablets have been making a splash, and it looks like they’re not going away anytime soon, even with the popularity of iPads. They’re just the perfect portables for media consumption, video chatting with family and friends, and web surfing, as well as a bit of light gaming. And, perhaps surprisingly, they pack a good deal of power in their thin and light form factor. In fact, they’re giving the best 2-in-1 laptops a good run for their money. They’re excellent laptop alternatives for folks who need a more portable option to do light computing on — whether that’s just watching movies on Netflix and playing PUBG Mobile or writing emails and typing up work documents on Google Docs. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight tablet or one that hides a good deal of power under the hood, there’s an option out there for you. We’ve just simplified things by putting together a list of the best Windows tablets, some of which you’ll find on our best tablets list as well. Best yet, we’ve tested and reviewed them all, so you know you’re getting a quality device, whichever one you choose. Best Windows tablets at a glance:
Microsoft Surface Go is thin, light, portable, elegant and affordable. The Microsoft Surface Go meets that large demand for a budget Surface device, while also being among the best Windows tablets for anyone who wants to do a bit of work on the go. It’s thin, light, portable and elegant like its more expensive cousins, but it has a price tag that’s a bit more affordable for regular users, thanks to Microsoft packing in everything they could in a device with a reasonable price tag. If you’re a student, or just someone who wants to consume some media while traveling, including playing some of the best laptop games on an airplane, then you can’t go wrong with the Microsoft Surface Go. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet offers great value all around. Touted by Lenovo as ‘an IT admin’s dream,’ the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet indeed offers many of the makings of such a device. That includes dual Thunderbolt ports for faster data transfers, Windows Hello login via fingerprint reader, and the optional IR camera for a more secure login and Microsoft AutoPilot readiness. And, that’s without mentioning the SSD and battery that are field serviceable so that you can get a certified technician to come to you if you need parts replaced. But that’s not all; it’s also got a light and sleek chassis, and it comes with the ThinkPad Pen Pro, which means it’s great value all around. Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 easily one of the best Windows tablets you can buy today. Microsoft’s Surface Pro lineup is the epitome of what other Windows tablets should strive for – and the Surface Pro 6 has followed in its predecessors’ footsteps. While it doesn’t bring anything particularly fresh to the table, it does iterate in a relevant way, inheriting all the best parts of the previous model then rolling out with more powerful hardware and a new black color option to boot. The Surface Pen and Type Cover are still for purchase and not included in the box, but that’s just the reality we have to live with these days. Either way, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 easily one of the best Windows tablets you can buy today. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 6
The Acer Switch 5 is the perfect solution for students and professionals who don't want to buy into the Surface trend. The Acer Switch used to be a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro. These days, the Acer Switch 5 will cost you just as much, but that’s also for comparable specs except perhaps an older processor. Price increase aside, this tablet is still one of the best Windows tablets – not to mention, best performing – out there, and it’s the perfect solution for students and professionals who don’t want to buy into the Surface trend. Read the full review: Acer Switch 5
It's second stunning screen that's the biggest selling point of the Lenovo Yoga Book C930. The Lenovo Yoga Book C930 is a truly innovative 2-in-1 laptop, with a second E Ink display that moonlights as a keyboard, a pad for making notes and drawing and a traditional E Ink reader for viewing documents. It's perhaps this second stunning screen that's the biggest selling point of the Lenovo Yoga Book C930. That fact that it's thin and light makes it an excellent tablet as well. If you're looking for a laptop that doubles as a tablet and a drawing pad, this one's an ace in our book. Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book C930 Bill Thomas, Gabe Carey and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article Images credit: TechRadar
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| Best 15-inch laptop 2019: top picks with 15-inch displays Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:23 AM PST The best 15-inch laptops are, in essence, the Goldilocks of notebooks. They’re not too big yet not too small; instead, they are just the right size, which is also why they’re the most common portables on the market. They sit between the large 17-inch or larger notebooks, and the more compact 11 to 13-inch portables. That means that the best 15-inch laptops offer just enough display area for productivity tasks, are portable enough to be carried anywhere, as most of them are slim and lightweight, and have a decent amount of space for the more powerful components – from high-end processors to top graphics good enough for gaming and video editing.. If you’re in the market for the best 15-inch laptop 2019 has to offer, you’re in the right place. From hybrids to business machines, covering all platforms including Windows 10, macOS, Chromebooks and even Linux, this list has something for everyone. The best 15-inch laptops 2019 at a glance:
The best 15-inch laptops of 2019
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 delivers incredibly long battery life and boasts a gorgeous display. Microsoft produced something pretty special with the Surface Book 2. It’s an extremely versatile machine being a 2-in-1, and it has a ton of power packed into its relatively slim convertible form factor. Thanks to its discrete GTX 1060 graphics, its Core i7 configuration can even tackle newer games at Full HD resolution and showing off decent details so you want to kick back and relax. But, there are a few more reasons why this Microsoft laptop gets the top spot on our best 15-inch laptops list. For instance, it delivers incredibly long battery life, as we discovered in our testing, and boasts a gorgeous display that’s impressively light when detached as a tablet. The only thing that may dissuade potential buyers with is that high price tag. Yes, this is one pricey 15-inch laptop. On the upside, there’s decent discounts popping up regularly – and Microsoft has also manufactured a significantly cheaper Core i5 version, though this configuration has no discrete GPU. As usual, if you want the best, it will cost you – but check out our next entry for a great alternative that won’t damage your wallet to anything like this extent. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)
The Acer Swift 3 is an excellent alternative if affordability is a priority. If you don’t want to shell out a lot of cash for the Surface Pro 2, then consider the Acer Swift 3. It’s an excellent alternative if affordability is a priority. This laptop is not a hybrid, but it is feature-rich and can turn its hand to pretty much everything as a result. Bear in mind that there are a number of different configurations and models of the Acer Swift 3 on hand, including 14-inch and 15-inch models that we reviewed, and loved. What we are referring to in this list, however, are its 15.6-inch variants that rock 8th-gen Intel processors, and pack impressively powerful components given their price tags. Some configurations even offer both hard drives and SSDs, giving you space and speed, as well as Intel Optane options. These laptops will see you through any everyday computing task without breaking a sweat, with a spot of light gaming on the side. You also get an impressive selection of ports, along with great input peripherals (including a large trackpad and backlit keyboard), a fingerprint scanner, and sterling battery life. At first glance, Acer’s Swift 3 might look like a bland budget portable, but don’t judge a laptop by its cover. This is a great all-rounder with some tempting deals to be had online. Read the full review: Acer Swift 3
The HP Spectre x360 15T (2019) delivers versatility in spades. If you want a 15-inch convertible with versatility in spades must consider HP’s popular Spectre x360. It’s a gorgeous-looking laptop with an elegant design, albeit with a few oddities, including an awkwardly positioned trackpad. However, this laptop isn’t just pretty – it backs these good looks with enough power to cut through any computing task you might wish to tackle. Of course, it helps that the very latest incarnation of this hybrid has updated its hexa-core CPU to a 9th-gen Intel Core i7-9750H. Creative types will also appreciate the bundled Tilt Pen that can be used for drawing and designing on its exquisite 4K IPS touchscreen display. This 2-in-1 also packs a discrete GTX 1650 graphics card, which means it can even tackle 1080p gaming to boot. As we said, this 15.6-inch laptop delivers versatility in spades, but it also doesn’t come cheap. At least, it’s more affordable than Microsoft’s Surface Book 2. Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15T (2019)
This year, Apple has boosted the power of the MacBook Pro 15-inch. If you’re after a powerful notebook in a 15-inch form factor which is ideal for creative usage – such as video editing or Photoshop – then you’ll be well served by taking the macOS route rather than Windows, with the larger MacBook Pro. This year Apple has boosted the power of the MacBook Pro 15-inch with new 9th-generation Intel processors, with options that run up to a mighty 8-core Intel Core i9. So you most certainly won’t be left wanting on the performance front, with our review benchmarks showing that this 2019 incarnation is a considerably more powerful MacBook than its predecessor. This 15-inch laptop is ideal for heavyweight editing with a choice of AMD Radeon Pro graphics solutions and the possibility to spec up the notebook to 32GB of RAM. And don’t forget the high-quality Retina display along with that improved Touch Bar which can certainly prove a very useful tool with creative applications. Read the full review: Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
The Asus VivoBook S15 (S532F) boasts a 15-6-inch display without compromising its slimline design. While Asus VivoBook S15 has been designed to become among the best ultra-portables on the market this 2019, it also aims to provide a large enough display for those who need it. That’s a hard undertaking, but one that this top-performing laptop has achieved with high marks. It boasts a 15-6-inch display and a solid performance without compromising its slimline design. You might not be able to do some heavy gaming on this, but you should get some photo editing done. Read the full review: Asus VivoBook S15 (S532F)
The Dell G5 15 could easily deal with 1080p gaming. If your budget won’t stretch to something like the MSI laptop above, then this more affordable gaming laptop from Dell makes a great choice for a 15-inch model that won’t make such a hole in your bank balance. We reviewed the Dell G5 15 5590 and found it could easily deal with 1080p gaming, while giving you a pretty incredible level of battery longevity (around 10 hours for movie playback, which is remarkable for a gaming portable). Overall, it’s a really well-balanced machine with a reasonable price tag, and the latest versions of the Dell G5 15 have been refreshed to include 9th-gen Intel Core processors (up to six-core models). Read the full review: Dell G5 15 5590
The Razer Blade 2019 one of the best gaming laptops on the market. Rocking 8th-generation and 9th-generation Intel Core processors – not to mention, powerful graphics and a gorgeous display to boot, the Razer Blade isn’t just one of the best gaming laptops on the market. It’s also one of the best 15-inch laptops to consider, if you’re seeking to update your aging gaming laptop. That’s more than impressive for a laptop this thin that is also upgradeable. Expect to pay a lot for all that, but you’re paying for style and power that will last you a while. Read the full review: Razer Blade 2019
The Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED delivers incredible RTX gaming experience and touting a reasonable price to boot. We didn’t think that gaming ultrabooks were ready for RTX graphics until the Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED proved us otherwise. This isn’t just a solid gaming laptop; this is a solid gaming laptop that delivers incredible RTX gaming experience and touting a reasonable price to boot. It’s not that it’s cheap, especially at higher configurations. However, for what you’re paying, you’re getting a lot of power for your gaming needs. Read the full review: Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch) will last you the whole work day on a single charge. We hoped for great things in the next Surface Laptop model. However, when the 2019 installment of this 15-inch laptop came out, it fell a bit short on both power and versatility. However, if it’s spec above are satisfactory to you and you require a device that will last you the whole work day on a single charge, then the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch) might just be the best 15-inch laptop for you. During our review, this device lasted 10 hours and 18 minutes in our TechRadar battery test. As long as you can forgive the lack of ports. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch)
The good news for those after a business laptop in the 15-inch form factor is that there’s an incredible machine available in the form of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme. The bad news, though, is that the price tag is as extreme as the superb performance levels you’ll get with this portable. It’s difficult to know where to start in describing just how good this machine is. Maybe the 15.6-inch multi-touch display, which in the 4K HDR option is simply stunning and benefits from top-notch color accuracy? Or the speedy performance driven by a six-core CPU, GTX 1050 Ti graphics and superfast NVMe SSD? Or just the little things, like the well-featured connectivity, the refined keyboard, or the potential for upgrades with this laptop? As we already mentioned, the price may cause the odd eyebrow to rise or jaw to slacken – possibly both – but some corporate users will doubtless want to own the ultimate business laptop for their mission-critical tasks. And the ThinkPad X1 Extreme definitely fulfils that ‘ultimate’ billing, and arguably not just in the 15-inch world. Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
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| The best 17-inch laptop 2019: top large screen laptops for your money Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:21 AM PST The best 17-inch laptops tend to stand out from the pack with their hulking designs that feature colorful stripes, large air vents or spoiler-type ridges. In fact, some of them look more like a sports car than a portable PC, which is somewhat appropriate as many 17-inch laptops are built for easy portability. With their massive screens, they’re ideal for spotting your opponents while playing an online shooter, or simply enjoying the finer details of your game’s stunning graphics. More importantly, they tout bigger chassis to fit in more powerful internal components for the best gaming experience on higher settings or heavyweight computing and creative work like video editing and 3D design. Though, don’t take that to mean that the best 17-inch laptops cannot also be thin: even gaming models are slim, thanks to Nvidia’s Max-Q technology that helps such portables shed some weight and millimeters. When you’re ready to upsize your portable gaming or computing experience, we’ve got you covered. These are the best 17-inch laptops on the market right now, each tested and reviewed by us. If you’re not quite ready to go big however, our 13-inch or 15-inch laptop recommendations – or indeed our overall roundup of best laptops – might have something for your preference. The best 17-inch laptops 2019 at a glance:
The best 17-inch laptops of 2019
The Area-51m benefits from a great build quality and striking design. Alienware makes some fantastic gaming machines, including the best 17-inch model on the market in our opinion. The Area-51m benefits from a great build quality and striking design, but more importantly, some supremely powerful components to drive fast frame-rates. This laptop can pack up to an Intel Core i9-9900K processor and GeForce RTX 2080 graphics, all backed with up to 64GB of RAM. All of this helps to make the most out of the Full HD display’s 144Hz refresh rate, with G-Sync on hand to keep everything super-smooth in demanding games. There are plenty of other smart touches with this Alienware model, including the ability to upgrade the GPU and CPU for future-proofing, a quality keyboard, and some very impressive speakers delivering both clarity and bass. Notebook speakers that don’t suck? Yes, they do exist… The downside is the amount of damage the Area-51m will do to your bank balance, particularly for a higher-end spec. Still, if you’ve got the cash, it’s well worth the outlay. Read the full review: Alienware Area-51m
If you're a fan of Alienware laptops, the Alienware 17 R5 will save you some cash. The Alienware 17 R5 may have been officially replaced by the new Alienware m17, but that doesn’t mean that this 17-inch gaming powerhouse has been unseated from its throne. Many third-party sellers still have the Alienware 17 R5 in stock, and excellent deals are abound so you can take home an 8th-generation i7 processor with Nvidia GTX graphics, 8GB of RAM and a massive IPS display for a few hundred bucks less than what the configuration cost at release. If you’re a fan of Alienware laptops, here’s one that will save you some cash. Read the full review: Alienware 17 R5
The Razer Blade Pro 17 2019 boasts enough power and delivers a fantastic enough performance to deserve to be called a workstation. You’d be doing this laptop a disservice by not taking it seriously. The Razer Blade Pro 17 may be a laptop designed for gaming – and an excellent one, at that. But, it also boasts enough power and delivers a fantastic enough performance to deserve to be called a workstation, making it one of the best 17-inch laptops to consider if you work hard and play hard. That comes at a steep price, but this laptop is future-proof and somewhat upgradeable, it should last you a long while too. Read the full review: Razer Blade Pro 17
If affordability is a priority, the HP Omen 17's definitely a shoo-in. The recently refreshed HP Omen 17 comes with many of the most powerful specs in a gaming laptop. The only difference between this and its rivals is, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to take one home. It’s a nice surprise, especially considering that HP can and does charge a premium for many of its best laptops. The thing to really pay attention to here, however, is the display, as HP does offer a number of options that include a couple of 1080p ones with blazing fast refresh rates. If affordability is a priority, this one’s definitely a shoo-in. Read the full review: HP Omen 17
The ROG Zephyrus makes it possible to have an incredibly powerful portable that is svelte. Who says you can’t have your gaming cake and eat it, because with laptops like this ROG Zephyrus, it’s possible to have an incredibly powerful portable which isn’t even remotely hefty, but remains very svelte and, er, portable. It is, in short, a gaming machine for which you don’t have to employ air quotes around the word ‘portable’, being 18.7mm thick (or rather, thin) and weighing 2.7kg. Compare that to the above Alienware which is 43mm and 4.8kg… Yet with this Asus 17-inch laptop you still get a Core i7-8750H hexa-core CPU backed by a GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q with 8GB of video RAM (there’s up to 24GB of system memory, incidentally). All this means you can ramp up the detail levels and enjoy any game you want. The display is also a fabulous piece of work, and what’s more it’s Pantone Validated with 100% sRGB color gamut, meaning the color accuracy is spot-on out-of-the-box, and this notebook can be used for professional photo or video editing. Bear in mind however that battery life is disappointingly short, and the price is disappointingly hefty. For those who don’t have the hefty budget to cope with this, or the aforementioned Alienware laptop’s price tag, breathe easier and check out our next entry for a more affordable gaming option. Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701
The Gram 17 is extremely light for a large machine. As you might guess from the name, LG’s focus with the Gram is on making a very lightweight and thin notebook which still manages to pack in 17-inches of screen real-estate. The Gram 17 is 17.8mm thick, appropriately, and weighs 1.34kg, making it extremely light for a large machine. Unbelievably light, in fact. That 17-inch IPS display, incidentally, boasts a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 and is fantastic for a spot of movie watching on the go. Another major positive with the LG Gram 17 is a good level of battery longevity, which helps if you want to watch a couple of movies while on a long journey. You also get a good selection of ports, and while the SSD may not be the fastest, this notebook still offers great performance for everyday computing thanks to an Intel Core i7-8565U processor capable of Turbo to 4.6GHz, along with 16GB of system memory. The end result is an excellent all-rounder which can cope with everything, bar gaming – but it wasn’t designed for that. Furthermore, LG’s Gram can truly be dubbed ‘ultraportable’, which is a real achievement given the 17-inch chassis – and that’s why this LG machine snatches our accolade for best overall 17-inch laptop.
The Asus FX705DT gaming laptop packs a Ryzen 5 3550H processor with a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. The words ‘cheap’ and ‘gaming laptop’ don’t mix well. Simply put, if you’re on a strict budget, you won’t get a machine capable of playing the latest games at palatable frame-rates – especially if you want a 17-inch screen to boot. So that’s why the FX705DT is our ‘affordable’ pick as opposed to ‘budget’. Remember, if you want to go really bargain basement, you’ll be confined to casual gaming only. This Asus gaming laptop, however, packs a Ryzen 5 3550H processor with a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of video RAM, plus there’s 8GB of system memory. The FX705DT also boasts a roomy 512GB NVMe SSD and a backlit keyboard optimized for gaming. All of which makes it a great choice for tackling the majority of games at good detail levels while still keeping things pretty smooth – and remaining relatively wallet-friendly. At the time of writing, there are some pretty tempting deals to be had on this Asus machine, too.
The HP ZBook 17 G5 is a top-performing machine particularly when fully specced-up. If you want extreme performance from your 17-inch laptop, HP’s most recent ZBook is absolutely packed with power. We’re talking Intel Xeon processors at the top end – or up to a Core i9-8950HK – backed with heavyweight graphics in the form of up to an Nvidia Quadro P5200 (with 16GB of video RAM). The ZBook comes with a 17.3-inch 4K IPS DreamColor screen which boasts 100% AdobeRGB coverage (or there’s an option for a more basic 1,600 x 900 panel). There are various storage options for PCIe NVMe SSDs or solid-state hybrid drives, or indeed Intel Optane Memory to accelerate that storage. That display truly is a fabulous thing, and the HP ZBook 17 G5 is obviously a top-performing machine particularly when fully specced-up, but there’s an equally obvious downside in that it’s very (unsurprisingly) expensive. Still, if you want an incredibly powerful PC capable of crunching through heavyweight computing tasks which you can take on the move with you, well, here it is.
The Lenovo ThinkPad P73 represents a somewhat cheaper – and indeed a slightly slimmer – alternative to the above HP machine. This is another mobile workstation, but it represents a somewhat cheaper – and indeed a slightly slimmer – alternative to the above HP machine, with the P73 being ideally suited to content creators. You get the choice of an Intel Xeon E-2276M processor or 9th-gen Intel Core CPU (up to an i9-9880H with vPro), with up to Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 graphics and up to 128GB of system memory. But the display is the jewel in the crown featuring a 4K resolution, 400 nits brightness, Dolby Vision HDR and 100% coverage of the Adobe color gamut. The screen is, quite simply, ideal for serious photo or video editing. The cutting-edge hardware support continues with Wi-Fi 6 on board, and you get a good selection of ports for wired connectivity, including a pair of Thunderbolt 3 connectors. Creative pros need look no further for something that can cater for all their needs, at a relatively reasonable asking price for the workstation market.
This dedicated Linux portable from System76 is a great pick if you want the Linux environment. There aren’t many choices for your operating system if you want an alternative to Windows 10 with your 17-inch laptop – there’s no MacBook, or Chromebook at this size – but you could, of course, run with Linux. And this dedicated Linux portable from System76 is a great pick on that front (although it’s worth noting that some 17-inch workstations do have a Linux option, like the above Lenovo which can be pre-installed with Ubuntu rather than Windows 10 Pro). With the Serval WS you can opt for either Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or Pop!_OS, and choose between a Full HD or 4K display. There’s also a choice of 9th-gen Intel processors (up to the Core i9-9900K) backed with up to an Nvidia GeForce GTX 2080 graphics card. It’s possible to load this portable with up to 64GB of system RAM, as well, and up to 8TB of storage. So there’s a good deal of power on offer here, and you get impressive connectivity, along with quality input peripherals like a very nifty backlit keyboard. Those who want a 17-inch Linux machine can’t go wrong here.
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| The best motherboard 2019: the top Intel and AMD motherboards we've seen Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:19 AM PST Getting one of the best motherboards 2019 has to offer is incredibly important when you're setting out to build the best PC you can muster with your budget. They are, after all, integral to your setup, even if they may not be as sexy as the best graphics cards or processors. They serve as your PC’s foundation, ensuring that your hardware reaches its full potential by utilizing and optimizing every inch of performance. Better yet, they’ll help you overclock better when you’re gaming. Furthermore, the best motherboards are some of the most crucial PC components in building computers. Don’t cheap out on your and settle for anything less, as you might end up having to rebuild your entire PC from scratch. As there are so many different motherboards these days, choosing the best motherboard for you can be a challenge. To help you secure the best option at the best price possible, we put together this list. Every single motherboard on this list has been tested and reviewed by us. Coming to termsIf you’re unfamiliar with the best motherboards out there, use this list as a primer for your next build. Motherboards are available in a broad range of different form factors, the most common of which are ATX and Micro ATX. However, there are plenty of less common form factors including mini ITX and E-ATX. Don’t worry though, most of the best PC cases will support more than one form factor. Moreover, in our rundown of the best motherboards, we detailed the socket type that each mobo adheres to. The socket, for those not in the know, is the part on the motherboard that the CPU locks into. Typically, newer Intel processors use either LGA 1151 or 2066 while the latest AMD Ryzen architecture is designed for the AM4 chipset. Best motherboards of 2019 at a glance
When Coffee Lake Refresh CPUs hit the streets, Intel promised that they would be the best processors for gaming, and we knew that meant kitted out motherboards were on their way. Lo and behold comes the Z390 Aorus Gaming Pro Wifi – maybe one of the best motherboards from Intel right now. It’s packed with gaming-centric features like reinforced PCIe slots and enough RGB lighting to blind you. It’s hard to find a better motherboard, especially at this price point.
When you’re shopping for PC hardware, overwhelmed by all the different features, components and requirements, you might be tempted to throw your hands up and just get the best you can possibly afford. In times like these, you can bet on the Asus ROG Maximus XI Code Z390 Gaming. It’s packed with every feature that Intel’s new Coffee Lake Refresh processors support and then some, with an RGB-lit shroud covering every corner of circuitry on this motherboard, making it one of the best motherboards you don’t have to think twice about choosing.
Now that Coffee Lake Refresh has been available for a while, you’ll want to maximize all the power it has to offer. However, high-end motherboards can get really expensive real fast. If you’re looking for a budget option without many compromises, the Gigabyte Z390 should be at the top of your list of best motherboards to consider. It skips many of the bells and whistles like RGB lighting and built-in Wi-Fi but it does make up for these compromises by providing excellent value. You get all the essential features that Z390 has to offer for a great price. If you want to build a budget gaming system, the Gigabyte Z390 UD is probably the best motherboard for you.
If you’re looking to get an edge on the competition, but you don’t have a lot of extra space on your desk, you’re going to need a Micro-ATX motherboard – more specifically, the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC. What you’re getting here is a Micro-ATX motherboard with all the features a full-sized ATX one offers, but at a fraction of the price. Despite its smaller size, you still get dual M.2 slots, SLI and Crossfire support, and all the fiery performance that Intel Coffee Lake Refresh has to offer. If you’re looking for a smaller motherboard, you can’t afford to pass on the MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge MC.
If you need the smallest possible motherboard available without compromising on key features of your CPU, you should look into the Asus ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming. With this motherboard, you don’t need to compromise on features or power. You don’t even need to settle for a measly 32GB of RAM. Thanks to Asus’ double capacity memory compatibility – you can have up to 64GB of memory in the most miniscule motherboard you’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, like most Z390 boards, its price tag is not for the faint of heart, so prepare yourself to shell out some serious dough if you want the smallest of the best motherboards.
With the X470 Aorus Gaming 7 Wi-Fi, Gigabyte further illustrates its command of motherboard design. Rocking the new AMD X470 chipset, allowing full support of the new AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation processors, this may be the best motherboard if you’re looking to side with Team Red. What’s more, it supports Quad-GPU SLi and lightning fast RAM (up to 3,600 MHz) for peerless expandability, and thanks to its multi-zone RGB lighting, it looks good while kicking butt and taking names.
For the longest time, AMD has been the reigning champion of budget builds, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Marketed exclusively to gamers, the MSI X470 Gaming Plus is loaded front to back with features like two PCIe M.2 slots and quick performance tweaking buttons to make sure you’re on the top of the leaderboard at all times. And, since it’s a gamer-focused motherboard, it comes with flashy RGB lighting that you can even easily customize from your smartphone. Best of all, it’s the best value of all the best motherboards.
These days, small form-factor PCs are all the rage and with one of the best motherboards like the ASRock B450M-HDV on offer, we think that it’s going to stay that way. Now, while this one doesn't do SLI and only supports up to 32GB of RAM– it is a B450 unit, after all – it is still compelling due to its affordable price. Outside of these omissions, you still get a slot for a NVMe SSD and four USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports around back. If you’re looking to build a solid budget gaming PC, the ASRock B450M-HDV is your best bet.
Asus is out to prove that big things can and do come in small packages with the ROG Strix X470-I. Featuring the latest and greatest AMD chipset, everything in this tiny board is designed with excellent performance in mind. That extends down to the BIOS where you can find a stress test for overclocks before you even boot into Windows. This board also elevates beyond the constraints of the Mini-ITX form factor by including an M.2 Audio Combo riser, so that you can install your M.2 NVMe SSD without crowding out other components.
The X-series processors are here, and they are spectacular. But if you want to take advantage of all they have to offer, you need an X-series motherboard. This ASRock X299 is an incredible choice with support for overclocked memory speeds up to 4400MHz(!!!) and 8 different slots for memory modules. It also supports up to 128GB of RAM. Add in an X-series processor and a good graphics card or 3, and this thing will absolutely tear apart anything you could possibly throw at it. If you’re seeking one of the best motherboards money can buy, this is it.
If you want absolutely every feature you can get and budget is not an issue, the AsRock X399 Professional Gaming sTR4 may be the most ideal motherboard for you. Not only does this monster of a board support 4-way SLI configurations, but you can also pack this thing with up to 128GB of DDR4 memory. It even features a ton of flashy RGB lighting, so that people will be mesmerized by your rig. And, keep in mind that this mobo is compatible with Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation chips, so you might need to update the BIOS first. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best free games 2019: the top free games to download on PC Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:13 AM PST The best free games offer you the perfect escape from the stresses of your day-to-day life without costing you a dime. Whether it’s the best PC games you’re after, or fantastic co-op PC games, there’s a plethora of cost-free entertaining to choose from, and we’ve put the best of them on this list. Everyone loves free stuff, after all, and these give you hours of entertainment whether in your spare time or on your lazy day off. Since free-to-play games are a huge hit, you should be able to download the best free games of 2019 from Steam, GOG and even (brace yourself) EA’s Origin client. You might even get a few premium indie titles for zilch through the Epic Games Store app. Best yet, the best free games cover a wide range of genres and styles – from free-to-play Battle Royale games like Fortnite to online CCGs like Hearthstone. When you get tired of one genre, you can switch to another without having to worry about the cost. These are the best free games 2019 has on offer so you can try them on for size. Linux, Windows or Mac - which one is best for you? Watch our guide video below: Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article This extensive, immersive multiplayer role-playing game hailing from South Korea is among the most anticipated games to be launched in the West, fingers-crossed. Lost Ark delivers graphics that are an absolute stunner, an action-centric MMORPG game set in a gorgeous, unbelievably detailed world that you can explore, go on quests and even meet-and-greet other players. Sadly, it’s still not officially available in the Western market. On the upside, the CEO of Smilegate has already voiced the company’s interest in bringing it to the US, Canada and Europe. In fact, rumor has it that the South Korean developer might follow through this year, though when exactly this year, we have yet to find out. When it does, it would make it one of the best free games 2019 has to offer… at least, if it does happen. Things are looking promising though, as the beta is now available in Russia. Release date: Hopefully sometime in 2019 1. Fortnite Battle RoyaleThe Battle Royale is huge right now, and Epic Games has refined it to perfection with Fortnite Battle Royale. Originally designed as a kind of add-on for Fortnite, Battle Royale blew up in a way that nobody expected, fast becoming among the best free games 2019 has to offer. Fortnite Battle Royale is entirely based on a simple scenario: you’re dropped in a map with 99 other players in a free-for-all melee, and the last one left standing at the end wins. Because of its meteoric success, Epic Games is working hard to steadily integrate new game modes and fresh features. Take Playground mode, for example – it drops you in the map and lets you build up structures for a set amount of time before the floodgates open and the carnage begins. What’s particularly cool is that with Fortnite, you can actually play with your friends, regardless of which platform they’re on. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android or PS4, you’ll be able to match up against millions of other players from all these different platforms.
Dota 2 holds its own as one of the best free games of 2019. (Image Credit: Valve) 2. Dota 2The Dota universe may have evolved from a WarCraft 3 mod, but Dota 2 is very much its own entity, and holds its own as one of the best free games of 2019. This top-down arena battler is very dynamic, drawing in multimillion-dollar prize funds for serious tournament players. Yet, it’s not just for the most hardcore gamers. A brief tutorial now shows you how to play, with the Steam Community offering guides to the original MOBA. Don't expect a warm welcome or an easy learning curve from its complex gameplay mechanics. However, bring a few friends, and Dota 2 will have you hooked on one of the biggest crazes in PC history. 3. Planetside 2Two years prior to Destiny, we had Planetside 2, an all-out, epic first-person battle that’s so unbelievable, you’ll want to pinch yourself each time you boot it up just to remind yourself that a game this incredible is completely free. There are in-game purchases, naturally. However, you can still dive into the largest battlefield in gaming and still have a remarkable time with your starter equipment. There's simply nothing as thrilling as taking part in a mass assault on an enemy base and coming out on top, or existing in a world where an enemy convoy might materialize on the horizon at any second. Planetside 2 is proof that 'free' doesn't mean prosaic.
Path of Exile takes its time, more than your standard multiplayer game. (Image Credit: Grinding Gear Games) 4. Path of ExilePath of Exile is a free dungeon crawler that might remind you of Diablo III, and it’s rather different than most of the best free games available in 2019. It’s not just about fragging real-life people until they scream at you in shrill pubescent tones through their Skype headsets. Path of Exile takes its time, more than your standard multiplayer game. But, give it a chance, and you’ll find yourself obsessed. There are hidden mechanics and features to discover after playing for hours, as well as a huge skill tree to slowly progress through. It really is the best free game for former Diablo addicts. Even basic loot can be of use since there's always the possibility to enhance even the simplest weapon with magic. If you’re bored with the grind of Diablo III, it's a good one to check out. 5. League of LegendsPick your champion and charge into battle in this trailblazing free-to-play title from the folks that brought you the Warcraft III mod, Dota. League of Legends’ automated matchmaking, sundry cast of characters and exquisite maps have made it a multiplayer behemoth over these last few years, and one of the best free games 2019 has that will absolutely stand the test of time. It’s an aggressive gameplay experience to be sure, but one that rewards great teamwork and careful tactics. There is a bit of a learning curve as well, but you’ll be taken on a thrilling ride shortly after pressing play. Like Dota 2, League of Legends attracts many high-end players, and the top tournaments offer prize pools of over $1 million. The wacky world of esports, eh?
As a typical Blizzard offering, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft's truly impressive. Image Credit: Activision-Blizzard 6. Hearthstone: Heroes of WarcraftEver played Magic the Gathering? Hearthstone is Blizzard’s attempt at building an online version of it, for free. As a typical Blizzard offering, this one’s truly impressive. It’s instantly enticing, lacking the terrifying learning curve you would expect from an online fantasy card game. Hearthstone plays fast, has a very casual visual approach and benefits from a basic rule set, all of which add up to a very accessible card battler that offers you plenty of fun – especially if you’re a World of WarCraft fan. Not that it's not challenging as well, especially if you go against an opponent that plays their cards right, which is why it gets our vote for one of the best free games to date. 7. Star Wars: The Old RepublicTaking the Star Wars MMORPG mantle after Star Wars Galaxies ended its run (may it rest in peace), Star Wars: The Old Republic was not intended to be free at release. However, it has since, like so many MMORPGs before it, adopted the free to play model. If you want to satisfy your inner Sith, this is the best way to do that for free. Subscriptions are on hand for more in-game potential and end-game content, but in true best free games fashion, all the story missions are still accessible for free – it just might take a bit longer now. It’s worth your time just to experience the Star Wars universe from different sets of eyes, like the hyper-professional Imperial Agent and Bounty Hunter. If you want to go with the dull option and just have a generic Jedi Knight, though – you can totally do that as well.
Forza Motorsport 6 Apex consistently looks and feels incredible. (Image Credit: Microsoft) 8. Forza Motorsport 6 ApexWhen Xbox head Phil Spencer said he was going to bring the console's best franchises to the PC, he wasn't joking. Among these notable games is Forza Motorsport. Forza Motorsport 6 Apex in particular brought a complete Forza Motorsport game to PC gamers for the first time – before Forza Horizon 3 arrived in 2016. It’s not quite the full-fledged experience you get from full entries to the series. However, Forza Motorsport 6 Apex is the best free game that we could have asked for from Microsoft’s long-standing racing series. Shunned by petrol-heads and embraced by gamers, Forza Motorsport may seem like an arcade-y offshoot of its biggest rival on PlayStation, but it consistently looks and feels incredible, which is reason enough to add it to our best free games 2019 list. 9. DauntlessDauntless is a household name at this point, after becoming an overnight success on PC, thanks to Monster Hunter World. It offers a remarkably similar experience that’s free and easier on your PC. Drifting away from the clear environmentalist focus of Monster Hunter: World, where you’re trying to preserve the habitats, Dauntless simplifies things a little, just tasking you with slaying behemoths to protect a human colony. The gameplay itself is much more straightforward as well, free of some of the more obtuse gameplay systems that you either love or hate in the Monster Hunter series. The core DNA of the series, however, is there – hunt monsters, craft gear, hunt more monsters, making it one of the best free games to have right now.
World of Tanks is a different kind of MMO. (Image Credit: Wargaming) 10. World of TanksWorld of Tanks is a different kind of MMO, as you may have already guessed from the title. Team-based, massively multiplayer action with a wide array of war machines to drive into battle awaits, with new players able to jump into the fray right away. The upgrade system lets you personalize, while being surrounded by an entire army at all times to remind you that loners won’t make it on the battlefield. But be forewarned: get sucked in, and you may find yourself spending a hefty sum on great big chunks of virtual metal. Some premium tanks go for just a few dollars, while others require a bit more coin. You can see where maker Wargaming is earning some money from World of Tanks enthusiasts. Still, this doesn’t stop it from being one of the best free games right now. 11. Heroes of the StormIt was only a matter of time before Blizzard joined the fray in the MoBA phenomenon, and with Heroes of the Storm, we’re only left asking: what took it so long? It’s an astonishingly approachable esports title, sitting somewhere between League of Legends and DOTA 2 in terms of complexity, but with the added bonus of playing characters you know and love. You read that right: the roster is made up entirely of Blizzard characters from across its library of classic games. If you’ve ever wondered who would win in a fight between Thrall and Kerrigan, Heroes of the Storm can show you how that fight plays out on the battlefield. Blizzard knocked it out of the park here, making it one of the best free games that keeps getting better by the day.
Everquest is back with a vengeance. (Image Credit: Daybreak) 12. EverquestIts future was briefly in question after the sale of Sony's online entertainment division in February 2015, but Everquest is back with a vengeance, swaggering with new expansion packs and continued support by Daybreak Game Company. That’s one of the many reasons why it’s made our best free games 2019 list. The first of its kind to commercially succeed with a 3D game engine, Everquest was released in 1999 as an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) and has since been documented as one of the most important games in the medium's history. Featuring steadily released expansion packs (quite massive in scale, at least early on) with vast new areas, races and classes, Everquest brings to the table just about everything you could want or need from an MMO. Plus, it's notably better at handling co-op than its alternatives. 13. RiftInitially hailed as the game that would finally depose World of Warcraft, Rift had its moment – and is still going strong depending on who you ask. It brought innovation to a genre that was evolving very slowly, letting you change your class whenever the urge compelled you. The whole game is focused on separating giant boss battles and events that inhabit entire zones. It’s ambitious, thrilling, and monumental with dozens of interdimensional rifts that keeps things exciting and unique from other MMOs. And, even after Rift went free to play, Trion has stayed on top of things, bringing out regular expansions for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you can ride a landshark.
Runescape is one of the largest free-to-play MMOs available. (Image Credit: Jagex) 14. RunescapeRunescape is one of the largest free-to-play MMOs available, and now is a good time for a deeper look. In 2013, it entered its third reboot – this is actually 'Runescape 3', although just jumping in now, you may not even realize that it has been around in one form or another for more than 10 years. Despite the overhaul, it's definitely not the sparkliest MMO in the world, but hanging onto this many players shows it's doing something right. The big change introduced in Runescape 3 that made it appear a lot more updated was the ability to see much further. In Runescape 2, the horizon quickly gave way to fog… not so now. You can download the game for free or run it in your browser using Java, making it much more convenient than most other online role-players of this enormous scale. 15. MaplestoryIf you’ve grown tired of the dark fantasy aesthetic of most MMORPGs, you’ll love Maplestory’s creative and inspired flair. Described by Nexon as the original 2D side-scrolling MMO, Maplestory takes the classic Dungeons and Dragons-inspired genre, and makes it kawaii. The lighter tone and customization of Maplestory makes it feel more like Harvest Moon than World of Warcraft or Rift. And, it has more emphasis on improving aesthetics than many other MMOs, letting players a lot more personalization over how their characters look. Maplestory even has in-game weddings and dinosaurs that play guitar. Really, the only thing missing from Maplestory is an Oasis-inspired soundtrack.
Warframe is better looking than your usual free-to-play shooter. (Image Credit: Digital Extremes) 16. WarframeIf you're into third-person co-operative shooters, Warframe may be one of the best free games available. Players take control of members of the Tenno, an ancient race warring against enemies such as the Grineer, the Corpus, the Infested and the Sentients. Your Tenno soldier uses a Crysis-style Warframe armor equipped with guns or melee weapons to fight back. Better looking than your usual free-to-play shooter, there’s a lot of fun to be had in Warframe's player-vs-enemy raids – so much so that some gamers see it as, "The Destiny that never was.” High praise all around. 17. SmiteGods from every pantheon come together in Smite to duke it out in a free Dota/MOBA inspired clash. Even though Smite is pretty overt with its influences – it comes from the same developer that brought us the FPS smash Tribes Ascend, it’s still a completely different beast. The camera is behind the characters this time, which lets you a more direct connection to the action than simply ordering your lord around with a mouse. However, the idea will either be familiar if you've played its inspirations, or a way to get a feel for the style, if you haven't. Gods include Zeus, Thor, Kali, Artemis and... Cupid? Well, at least he has his own bow…
Lord of the Rings Online is one of those titles that most deserves another look. (Image Credit: Turbine) 18. Lord of the Rings OnlineThere are so many MMOs that have been released or re-released as free-to-play games. However, Lord of the Rings Online is one of those titles that most deserves another look. It’s already an incredible game in its own right, but it’s also one of the more mature MMOs on the market. Ultimately, you’ll have to pay to unlock adventure packs. However, there’s no subscription fee and no up-front cost, making it one of the best free games 2019 wants you to check out. If you missed it at launch, or even if you quit playing since then, it’s time to give it another chance. 19. The Awesome Adventures of Captain SpiritLife is Strange and its sequel are one of the best modern adventure games on PC. Lucky for us, there’s now a free way to experience this spectacular series. Unveiled back at E3 2018, the Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit puts you in the shoes of 9-year-old Chris as he, and his alter ego, Captain Spirit, go on a grand adventure. It’s a free-to-play single player adventure game without any kind of monetization – simply a nice prelude into Life is Strange 2. Just don’t go in anticipating the longest gameplay experience in the world, as you’ll likely finish it in just a couple of hours. That still doesn’t stop it from being one of the best free games, however.
Eve Online is unlike any game in its category due to the vast range of activities. (Image Credit: CCP Games) 20. Eve OnlineIn 2003, Icelandic developer CCP Games unleashed Eve Online, an immersive and in-depth “sci-fi experience” that would ultimately grab the attention of well over 500,000 players. Eve Online is unlike any game in its category due to the vast range of activities to participate in as well as its (appropriately) out of this world in-game economy. Unfortunately, the Eve Online player base has been shrinking since 2013. It shouldn’t be surprising that as time goes on, fewer and fewer gamers are interested in paying a subscription fee for a glorified space sim with a steep learning curve. However, since the Ascension Update, released back in November 2016, Eve Online has gone free to play – at least to some extent. The new ‘alpha clones’ system featured in Eve Online is like the “unlimited free trial” feature in World of Warcraft. You can still engage with other players in piracy, manufacturing, trading, mining, exploration and combat, but there are limitations such as certain skills that are off limits. If you don’t want to limit your access to some of the game’s most lumbering ships, you can always opt for the Omega subscription. Otherwise, the game won’t cost a penny, which is why it makes for one of the best free games to grace the gaming world. 21. Apex LegendsTo say that Battle Royale games are popular in 2019 would be a massive understatement. However, the level of success that Apex Legends has reached so quickly after launch speaks volumes. It’s certainly earned its spot on this list as one of the best free games. Not only is the game itself incredible, bringing unique mechanics from the awesome Titanfall games to a Battle Royale, but the game itself has reached over a stunning 25 million players after a week. Apex Legends places 60 players in the middle of a gigantic map, armed with a bunch of unique abilities that make both combat and traversal awfully addicting. It’s not exactly the chaos of 100 player battle royale titles like Fortnite or PUBG, but it feels balanced. If somehow you haven’t joined the Apex Legends bandwagon yet, you’re sorely missing out.
Hawken is a game about mechs, fast mechs. (Image Credit: 505 Games) 22. HawkenHawken is a game about mechs. Not just any mechs, but fast mechs. These aren’t your average slow, lumbering tanks of MechWarrior Online. These are more in line with the Exoskeletons of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Of course, being a free-to-play game, expect to spend some money for upgrades to your starter mech. However, economic players can still get a taste for Hawken without spending a dime. Plus, attach an Oculus Rift, and you can see first-hand what VR games have in store for you. Admit it, you've always wanted to know what it feels like to power a mech for yourself since Pacific Rim came out. 23. Let It DieMuch like Dark Souls – though perhaps not quite as good and elegant, Let It Die is a free-to-play game of PlayStation 4 fans who have a taste for gore, brutality and absurdity in their preferred games. Let Is Die is weird, narrated by a skateboarding grim reaper and features flimsy weapons that break often and Christmas decor in places around the mysterious and ever-changing tower it’s set in. But, it’s also better than expected, great actually for a free game. And, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get to the top of the Tower of Barbs, unleashing bloody carnage as you go.
You should take the time to give the classic The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall a try. (Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks) 24. The Elder Scrolls II: DaggerfallAs we wait eagerly on news about The Elder Scrolls VI, you should take the time to give the classic The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall a try. This 1990s RPG is a precursor to the iconic ones that came after, and is a bit of a classic in its own right. Its game world is many times the size of any of its sequels – indeed it’s the size of a continent, and is absolutely filled with atmosphere. It might look a little rough around the edges by today’s standards, but it’s worth diving into if you’re an Elder Scrolls fan. It's available direct from Bethesda. The publisher started offering it for free to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the game. As if we don't feel old enough already. 25. Starcraft IIAmong the most popular games to ever hit the PC/Mac landscape is Starcraft II, a competitive real-time strategy game whose Wings of Liberty installment is just one of three parts of the campaign. At one time, it was massive in South Korea, but the scene fizzled out a bit when MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 hit the scene. Maybe that’s why Blizzard decided to transform Starcraft II to the free-to-play business model. As a result of its engrossing strategy game mechanics, combined with creatively designed environments and a gripping narrative that can only a video game can tell, Starcraft II is one of the most widely enjoyed eSports in the entire world, not to mention one of the best free games. Of course, being a Blizzard game, you’ll need a Battle.net account to access it. Other than that, both the campaign and the multiplayer are free to enjoy. Only certain characters need your prized coin.
Destiny 2 is a AAA-level game that's only free as it takes advantage of microtransactions. 26. Destiny 2Though not exactly an open world game, Destiny 2 does follow a similar concept, letting players traipse around freely and going to different locations to pick up quests or just exploring aimlessly. This online multiplayer fps lets you start or join missions, run into your friends, follow around other players, or simply stick to doing whatever it is you feel like, eliminating the bad guys you encounter. The graphics are pretty good as well; there’s no doubt that this is a AAA-level game that’s only free as it takes advantage of microtransactions. And, the campaign is better this time around. 27. Team Fortress 2It may be an old vet in gaming terms, but nothing offers such crazy fun as Team Fortress 2. Unlike most shooters of its age, players in this game are still there to have a good time instead of spitting insults at newcomers. And, there's no shortage of cool toys to have fun with. Infinitely silly and incredibly fresh, it's still one of the shooter genre's kings, free-to-play or not. Of course, it makes sense to add it to our best free games 2019 list. As you might have guessed, there are some micro-transactions included. You can buy additional items, often used to personalize your character. You can even create your own. It's fun, and gets you even more involved in TF2. Those cheeky devils at Valve obviously know what they're doing.
An injection of nostalgia is waiting for you in Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links. (Image Credit: Konami) 28. Yu-Gi-Oh Duel LinksIf you grew up in the ‘90s, you probably have a lot of memories of playing Yu-Gi-Oh, or maybe even watching the anime. Well, an injection of nostalgia is waiting for you in Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, and it’s free to boot? In Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, you won’t just have access to the titular card game competitively online. You’ll also get to play against AI opponents voiced by actors from the anime. There are a lot of microtransactions here – you can buy new cards – but it’s a CCG in 2019, so there’s no real way around that. Be prepared to spend some cash. 29. Gwent: The Witcher Card GameCommand an army of Witchers, sorcerers, knights and even monsters, and lead them to an epic battle, using what else but the cards you’re dealt with. This is a card game, after all. Originally a game inside The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Gwent has evolved into a standalone spinoff of the wildly popular fantasy game. You play against other players online in rounds, and to win each round, you need to gain more points than your opponent. The player that wins two out of three rounds comes out the victor. Originally, Gwent was only available for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. However, iOS users can now partake.
DC Universe Online places characters like Superman and Batman into a massive (and shared) public world. (Image Credit: Daybreak Game Company) 30. DC Universe OnlineWhile it's yet another free-to-play MMO on this list, DC Universe Online places characters like Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and more into a massive (and shared) public world. Choose whether you want to be a member of the Hero or Villain faction, then personalize your character. Soon, you'll be thrust out into the world of DC Universe Online at the hands of Daybreak Game Company. After some initial training, the game assigns you a position, either a member of the Justice League or The Society, depending on your choice of hero or villain. Unlike other MMOs on this list and outside it, DC Universe Online is meant to be much more interactive while also keeping traditional MMORPG elements such as leveling, raiding, inventories and post-game progression. It's also easy using real-world currency too, which is why it has our best free games vote. 31. PaladinsIt’s not difficult to see why Paladins gets a lot of grief because its similarities to Overwatch. At the same time, the team-based shooter is also decidedly different from that of Blizzard’s. Abilities are upgraded based on a collectible card system, and can entirely change the way each character plays. What’s more, unlike Overwatch, Paladins is completely free-to-play. While cosmetic items are available to buy using real-world currency, everything else can be unlocked just by playing. For instance, you’ll start Paladins with a single deck of basic cards, and from there, unlock more dramatically impactful decks. Regardless of how you choose to play Paladins, you’ll get XP as you go. As long as you’re completing the daily quests and achievements featured in the game, you’ll be compensated with Radiant Chests and Gold, which can then be used to purchase more cards, costumes and weapon skins to make your characters more unique and skillful on the battlefield.
Pro Evolution Soccer – or PES – is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all-time for free. (Image Credit: Konami) 32. Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 LiteYou may be familiar with FIFA already, but Pro Evolution Soccer – or PES – is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all-time, not to mention one of the best free games 2019 has on offer. It doesn’t have all the flair (or licensing) of its EA Sports rival, but some would argue that it’s the better soccer game series, not to mention one of the better sports series overall. Much like the PES Lites before it, Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 Lite is the more stripped down version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2019, and it’s heavily focusing on Konami’s fantasy football mode. It gives you unrestricted access of myClub mode, in fact. However, you also have access to offline exhibition matches, skill training and 1v1 or CO-OP competitions. 33. Pokemon GoWhen it was first released, Pokemon Go took the world by storm. Not just the gaming world, mind you, but the rest of the population that had to deal with teens and grown folks filling the streets in the hunt for those elusive legendary Pokemon. After all, nothing was more exciting that catching a Pokemon in the actual wild. Unfortunately for Niantic, the frenzy died down, and considerably too, as the game got a bit monotonous. Still, a lot can be said about a game that had practically everyone, even non-Pokemon players, clocking in a lot of steps just to catch and train non-existing creatures. Pokemon Go is actually loads of fun; now, it just needs to get to its next evolution.
Neverwinter sets the bar high for itself as it's based on perhaps the most iconic role-playing game of all-time, Dungeons & Dragons. (Image Credit: Perfect World) 34. NeverwinterAs a free MMO, Neverwinter sets the bar high for itself as it's based on perhaps the most iconic role-playing game of all-time, Dungeons & Dragons. Like everything else in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, the game is set in the Forgotten Realms, specifically, as the name suggests, in Neverwinter. Touting eight character classes with groups of up to five players supported, Neverwinter is based on the fourth-edition rules of Dungeons & Dragons. However, the rules are somewhat different, as it allows players to heal their allies in addition to allowing for the use of special abilities in combat after racking up enough action points. 35. Doki Doki Literature ClubAn ostensibly charming visual novel on the surface, Doki Doki Literature Club is a game that’s best experienced blindly. It comes from Dan Salvato, a game developer most known for his work in the Super Smash Bros. Melee modding community, who says he developed Doki Doki Literature Club because of his indifference towards anime. It’s ironic, considering that the main character in Doki Doki Literature Club is consumed by anime and manga, and has minimal experience with the writings of more prestigious authors. As absorbing as the trio of female supporting characters appear to be in Doki Doki Literature Club, we would advise against getting too attached to them. Without spoiling the story, the first thing you see when you boot up Doki Doki Literature Club is a content warning, indicating that those with severe anxiety should consider NOT playing. It’s not entirely unfounded, as you’re certain to learn the hard way that Doki Doki Literature Club is more horror than generic fan service.
Dark Seas introduces factions and player-versus-player (PvP) combat in a way unique to the Steam release of Puzzle Pirates. (Image Credit: Grey Havens) 36. Puzzle Pirates: Dark SeasFor nearly 15 years now, Puzzle Pirates has been a household name for kids with unfettered access to the computer labs at school. It’s a massive, totally free-to-play multiplayer online role-playing game – among the best free games, in fact – originally created by the Sega-owned Three Rings Design. The objective is to join a crew and eventually become a captain by completing puzzles alongside other players. Puzzle Pirates: Dark Seas, on the other hand, is the Steam-exclusive version of Puzzle Pirates that includes an entirely new ocean known as Obsidian. Dark Seas introduces factions and player-versus-player (PvP) combat in a way unique to the Steam release of Puzzle Pirates. It also comes from a different developer, a nonprofit called Grey Havens, which was established by several former members of Three Rings Design. Before the advent of Dark Seas, you could only get the multiplayer portion of Puzzle Pirates on Steam. Now, the single-player mode can be downloaded and installed from Valve’s client as well. 37. Phantom DustDespite its development cycle being a disaster, the Phantom Dust remaster still succeeded. A new IP in the form of a Japanese budget card game for the original Xbox, it seemed too good to be true when Microsoft announced back at E3 2014 that a complete remake was in the works… and, as it turns out, it was. The remake was shelved in 2016, but Microsoft still wanted to revive the cult classic one-off. And turns out, the company did so with a remaster, instead of a remake. Luckily, the new version of Phantom Dust for Windows 10 (and Xbox One, for console-goers) is free to play unless you opt to purchase some of the in-game “multiplayer cards”.
Dwarf Fortress took simple text-based graphics and turned it into a reasonably modern, 2006 piece. (Image Credit: Bay 12 Games) 38. Dwarf FortressInspiring the creation of Minecraft was no small feat for 2D sandbox game Dwarf Fortress. Dubbed a construction and management simulator, Dwarf Fortress took simple text-based graphics and turned it into a reasonably modern, 2006 piece of software. It’s often deemed a cult classic, thanks to its open-ended nature, and serves as one of the most iconic examples of a procedurally generated roguelike. This means Dwarf Fortress both randomizes its environments and makes the game's permadeath system a much harder problem to avoid. This led to the unofficial motto for the game "Losing is fun," which was either ironic or an accurate description of what happens in the game. Hard to say either way. One thing's for sure. If you’d like to play an important part of gaming history, Dwarf Fortress is a solid start. It was even exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City back in 2013. Can't say that for a lot of free-to-play games, making this one of the best free games 2019 has on offer. 39. Fable FortuneSurviving a troubled development cycle, Fable Fortune is the collectible card game that you undoubtedly expected to never see the light of day. Either that, or you’ve never even heard of it. We can’t blame you. The team behind the Fable franchise – the illustrious group of individuals at Lionhead Studios – closed their doors two years ago. In the time following Lionhead’s closure, its parent company, Microsoft, licensed off Fable Fortune to a group of former Lionhead developers at a new company called Flaming Fowl Studios. It was there that Fable Fortune found private funding in spite of a failed Kickstarter campaign. The end result is a moderately competitive card game that’s absolutely free to play. Skeptics will be quick to compare Fable Fortune to Hearthstone. But other than the fact that they both make our best free games list, the two games differ quite a bit due to Fable Fortune’s more complex set of hero powers, less randomness and a morality system that rewards a grasp of its ‘good’ and ‘evil’ points.
Fallout Shelter doesn't feel that much different on PC, and that's a good thing. (Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks) 40. Fallout ShelterIf you prefer the property management systems of Fallout 4 rather than the great majority of the role-playing game's content, Fallout Shelter is an excellent place to start. Up until recently, the simulation game was only on the mobile Android and iOS platforms. However, with the introduction of Quests in version 1.6 of Fallout Shelter, Bethesda Softworks also decided to port the game to PC by way of the Bethesda.net client. All in all, Fallout Shelter doesn't feel that much different on PC, and that's a good thing. Mouse controls work well in lieu of a touchscreen, graphics look good even for low-end hardware and with windowed mode enabled by default, it's easy to find yourself caring after your vault residents during your downtime at work. With an unquestionably manageable price point (free), however with micro-purchases on hand, Fallout Shelter could very well become the next Solitaire in your office or at school. 41. BrawlhallaHave you been missing out on the action, just watching all your friends play Super Smash Bros Ultimate, because you don’t have a Nintendo Switch? Well, with Brawlhalla you’re in luck. Brawlhalla is a 2-8 player 2D brawler that pulls quite a bit of inspiration from Nintendo’s classic franchise. And, it pulls it off. It’s an exceedingly fun way to pass a few hours. With an esports league, you can rest assured that you'll always have people to throw down against. It might not quite be the same as playing some Smash on a friend’s couch, but it’s close enough to be worth your time. That’s why Brawlhalla makes it to our list of best free games.
There isn't much to separate this hero shooter from other free-to-play games on the market. (Image Credit: 2K Games) 42. BattlebornCEO and president of Gearbox Software Randy Pitchford will tell you differently, but Battleborn is free-to-play. Officially branded as a “free trial” on Steam, there isn’t much to separate this hero shooter from other free-to-play games on the market. You can play for as long as you want using six of the game’s 30 characters, rotated weekly to shake things up. Battleborn originally hit the market in May 2016, the same month as Overwatch. The main distinction is that Battleborn is influenced by MOBA games. Overwatch, on the other hand, is a more traditional PvP shooter with an eccentric cast of characters. Battleborn also has a single-player campaign, which can be purchased using real-world currency. 43. The Elder Scrolls: LegendsThere appears to be this never-ending arms race developers are caught in to put out the next Hearthstone. That is, an incredibly popular collectible card game (CCG) that’s “easy to learn but challenging to master.” Those are the words, verbatim, publisher Bethesda Softworks is using to describe The Elder Scrolls: Legends. A CCG that takes inspiration from the lore of the firm’s beloved RPG franchise, The Elder Scrolls: Legends distinguishes itself from the likes of competing virtual card games such as Hearthstone and The Witcher 3’s Gwent by using a two-lane system that keeps players on their toes when it comes to devising strategies. And, if you simply want more Skyrim, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Heroes of Skyrim expansion for The Elder Scrolls: Legends packs in 150 additional cards, some of which are familiar faces like Aela the Huntress, J’Zargo and Delphine. It’s no doubt this one’s earned its spot on our best free games list.
Robocraft is what you get when you take traditional vehicle combat and twist it into something completely new. (Image Credit: Freejam) 44. RobocraftWhether you loved or hated World of Tanks, you’ll be delighted to learn that Robocraft, a worthy addition to our list of best free games, is what you get when you take traditional vehicle combat and twist it into something completely new. From independent developer and publisher Freejam, Robocraft allows you to commandeer jet cars (not jets and cars, but jet cars), tanks, flying warships, helicopters and drones. In doing so, you’ll spend a lot of your time engaging in combat with other players online. Like a vehicle-based Fortnite, you’ll also play with different combinations of 250 preset blocks using a simple crafting interface, letting you equip the vehicle of your choosing with the weapons of your choosing as well. Likewise, Robocraft lets you create or join clans with up to 50 members. Within those clans, you can invite friends to ‘parties’ and play cooperatively in an effort to beat other teams. When everything is said and done, and you’re happy with your creations, you can showcase them at the virtualized Community Robot Factory to get likes and shares. 45. Total War Battles: KingdomReal-time Strategy (RTS) games don't get much grander than those in the Total War series, and the latest entrant, Battles KINGDOM, is free-to-play. Available to play on iOS and Android, as well as PC, you can pick up where you left off even when you're not at your main battle station. Total War Battles: Kingdom is set at the turn of the 10th Century and combines army management with kingdom building to deliver a bite-sized RTS game you can dive into and play anywhere, anytime. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The best free tablet and PC games for children Posted: 11 Dec 2019 10:11 AM PST Save money, and get one of the best free tablet or PC games for children. Just because they’re free, it doesn’t mean your kids won’t be entertained. We’ve carefully handpicked the best free games for kids on both tablet and PC, ensuring that everything on this list is appropriate for boys and girls. Many of these games encourage creative problem solving and critical thinking, while others are simply excellent pastime alternatives to passively watching TV. As the best free tablet and PC games for children can be beneficial, we’ve made sure to choose the best of the best for all genders from ages 5 through 11. Every game on this list is a complete, as-is experience, combining depth and immediacy as well as feature no violence. And perhaps even more importantly, they’re all a blast to play – no matter how old your kid is. So you can sit back and relax while keeping your kid entertained. 10 great children’s games for Android tablets and iPadThese days, kids are more likely to first experience computing and gaming on a tablet than a home computer. To that end, our tablet selection skews a little younger. Everything on this list is rated 3+, according to Google, and should be safe for even very young children. However, Apple rates most of these games with a more conservative 4+, except for Super Stickman Golf and Spaceteam, which are 9+. The games are all simple to control, easy to get into, and fun to play. A note on IAPs and ads: Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a free game that’s not out to make a buck somewhere, so several games listed here will offer in app purchases for in game currency. And, some others will feature ads. In the former case, you can disable IAPs at a system level on your device before handing it over to a kid. With the latter, you should play the game yourself to ensure the ads are OK to show to your kid.
1. Sago Mini FriendsThis sweet-natured set of mini-games encourages creativity, dexterity, and puzzle solving. It starts with you selecting a colorful character, who then explores a neighborhood of cartoon houses. Knock on a door and you’re invited inside for an animated, entertaining playdate. This might involve dress-up, hammering nails into a birdhouse, or enjoying a tasty snack. Everything’s bright and cheerful, and the game promotes empathy, with one friend looking glum if spoils aren’t evenly shared. Get Sago Mini Friends for Android and iOS. A Windows PC version is also available. This game has no IAPs/advertising.
2. Lego Creator IslandsIn all honesty, we’re sure most parents would be happier seeing kids playing with real Lego rather than virtual bricks on a tablet. But when the real thing isn’t an option, this official game’s a nice substitute. The game takes place on the Lego Creator Islands, where you’ll collect bricks in order to buy Lego sets that are constructed with a few taps. While playing, you’ll collect all kinds of houses, vehicles and even cute blocky critters that roam around. As an added bonus, there’s no chance of painfully stepping on a plastic brick. Get Lego Creator Islands for Android and iOS. This game has no IAPs/advertising.
3. Toca Kitchen 2If your child regularly uses a tablet, you’ve likely already installed some Toca Boca games. They’re a smart mix of education and play, and Toca Kitchen 2 is no exception. As you’d expect, Toca Kitchen 2 is all about cooking. This game invites you to create meals – however you prefer. Devise your own recipes and foist your creations on a colorful cast of characters, whether you’ve carefully constructed a burger, or decided to throw a watermelon into the microwave and cover it in sauce. Get Toca Kitchen 2 for Android. This game has no IAPs/advertising. A paid version exists for iOS.
4. Llama Spit SpitLlama Spit Spit is an oddball shoot ’em up, featuring a flying llama blasting crazy cartoon enemies with a mix of spittle and high-powered weaponry. The controls are incredibly simple, meaning even younger players can get on board. Power-ups and collectable llamas (with their own background imagery) keep things interesting over the long term. The one snag is it’s the spit of Shooty Skies (Android/iOS), which is the better (and more surreal) game – although the lack of ads and IAP means the llamas get the nod for this particular list. Get Llama Spit Spit for Android and iOS. This game has no IAPs/advertising.
5. Disney Crossy RoadThe original Crossy Road cleverly reworked Frogger, with blocky characters hopping across chunky endless landscapes, trying to avoid a dunk in a river or getting flattened by a train. But the masterstroke was a raft of unlockable characters. Disney Crossy Road is much the same, but uses Disney characters that often radically overhaul the game’s visuals and gameplay mechanics. Over 100 figurines are there to be found, and although IAP lurks, playing and collecting coins in the in-game worlds is all you need to snag them all. Get Disney Crossy Road for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for buying new characters.
6. Frisbee Forever 2You’d think flinging a plastic disc about would make for a rubbish video game. Fortunately, Frisbee Forever 2 is more akin to a set of rollercoasters, with you guiding your disc through gates, collecting stars along the way. There’s a hint of Nintendo about this breezy arcade experience, with its vibrant visuals, smart level design, and a basic control system suitable for all. And although there are freemium underpinnings, you’re rewarded with in-game currency for every second played – even if an attempt at a level ends in failure. Get Frisbee Forever 2 for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for more rapidly unlocking discs and zones.
7. Fruit NinjaIn the fast-paced Fruit Ninja, your digit becomes a virtual sword, hacking pieces of fruit lobbed on to the screen in two, and attempting to avoid cutting into game-ending bombs. It’s ideal fodder for a tablet, since you can make pleasingly large swipes across the display. But also the game offers local multiplayer, so two kids can zealously pit their fruit-slicing skills against each other. Get Fruit Ninja for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and has non-essential IAPs for purchasing in-game currency.
8. MekoramaWith its tiny isometric worlds you spin with a finger, and landscape-flipping mechanics, Mekorama brings to mind Monument Valley. But this game has no Escher-like optical illusions; instead, it concentrates on straightforward pathfinding as you help an ambling robot reach its goals. It’s a charming, thoughtful, tactile experience, and on a tablet is suitable for parent/child play, with you working through the puzzles together. Once you’re done with the 50 built-in levels, you can download more from the internet, or make your own. Get Mekorama for Android and iOS. This game features optional IAP for tipping the developer.
9. Super Stickman Golf 3For many kids, golf won’t excite. But the Super Stickman universe doesn’t partake in normal golf. Instead, you’re thwacking balls across larger-than-life side-on courses – massive castles; laser-strewn bases; floating islands. Even though it’s fun to play by yourself, and makes full use of bigger screens (by letting you see more of each course and therefore aim more precisely), it also has fantastic multiplayer game types. You can play turn-by-turn matches with friends, or try your hand at frenetic, madcap ‘race to the hole’ skirmishes. Get Super Stickman Golf 3 for Android and iOS. This game features advertising, and IAP for unlocking a premium upgrade (more courses and slots for turn-based multiplayer) and in-game currency.
10. SpaceteamIf you’ve several kids with devices, Spaceteam’s a delightfully bonkers way to have them all yell at each other in a vaguely productive manner that in theory helps them work as a team. Specifically, a ‘spaceteam’ in a ship trying to outrun an exploding star, with control panels designed by a sadist. Once devices are connected, instructions appear on your screen – but the controls may be on someone else’s. So you’ll have people yelling nonsense like “someone turn on the dangling shunter”, while figuring out if their own screen has a ‘spectrobolt’ slider. Just like in Star Trek. Get Spaceteam for Android and iOS. This game has a single optional IAP that unlocks new features and themes PCs are inherently more complex than tablets. Whereas even very young children can grasp how a touchscreen works, figuring out mice, trackpads and keyboards may take longer. This is why our selection of the best PC games for kids skews a little older, although there are still games here that’ll fit a five-year-old. Note that several titles are browser-based, although none require plug-ins. We recommend Google Chrome for these titles.
1. Cube SlamPong was one of the earliest home videogames. Cube Slam is Pong in your browser – only in 3D, and you get to play against a bear (or a friend – but the multiplayer option is flaky). You face your furry opponent, moving the bat left or right to deflect the cuboid ‘ball’, aiming to smash the bear’s shields. Win enough times and the game introduces power-ups, invisible balls, and extra blocks on the table that make the ball bounce around unpredictably.
2. Quick, DrawFor children who enjoy doodling, Quick, Draw should prove fascinating. The idea is to sketch – against the clock – something recognizable enough for Google’s Neural Network to identify. In each case, you’re told what to draw. But this game isn’t about drawing photorealistic objects. Instead, you must quickly figure out the key visual clues that describe something. Which is probably a good thing, unless you can scribble a realistic rhinoceros in 20 seconds.
3. World’s Biggest Pac-ManPac-Man’s one of the most recognizable gaming icons around, and the original game is simple enough that even young kids can get to grips with it. However, its single maze quickly becomes dull – hence our recommendation to instead play World’s Biggest Pac-Man. This online effort has hundreds of thousands of mazes, which you venture between by sneaking out of exits. Other than that, the original game’s compelling mix of munching dots and avoiding a quartet of spectral pursuers remains intact. Play World’s Biggest Pac-Man online
4. Forget-Me-NotThis indie hit takes the basis of Pac-Man and a slew of other ancient arcade games, and then smashes them into an endless bout of modern neon craziness. Again, the basics are simple enough for any kid to understand: march about mazes, grab a key, and make for the exit. But the game’s chaotic nature (the maze’s denizens appear as intent on blowing each other up as taking on the player) ensures it’s relentless raucous fun. Download Forget-Me-Not for PC, Mac, OpenPandora and MorphOS
5. Little Alchemy 2It would be a stretch to call Little Alchemy an educational game, but textbook smarts may help you crack the logic at the core of this match-and-discover puzzler. You begin with a handful of building blocks, which when combined create new things. Sometimes, discoveries are obvious – add water to more water and you get a puddle. But some are more whimsical and funny, like when metal and a pigeon become a plane. It’s ideal fodder when your kids want to play games, but you’d prefer them to relax and think for a bit. Play Little Alchemy 2 online. The game is also available for Android and iOS.
6. Contre JourThis lovely physics puzzler began life on mobile, but its landscape-warping nature works well in the browser. The aim is to get trundling protagonist Petit to a glowing exit. This involves click-dragging malleable hills to influence Petit’s movements, or using catapults and dangling tentacles to fling him about. Petit’s endearingly grumpy demeanor, combined with great-looking visuals and clever level design, makes for a family-friendly puzzler sure to have kids scratching their heads figuring out all the solutions. Play Contre Jour online. The game is also available in paid form on various mobile platforms
7. Escape GoatThe clue’s in the title here – a leaping bovid wants to reach the exit. But doing so requires brainpower, plenty of dextrous jumping, and the occasional help of a friendly mouse. Mostly, you’re aiming to reach and butt switches that shift rocks and create tunnels in cunningly designed single-screen challenges. But planning’s often required to collect keys, and not get squashed when walls start moving. Oddly, when you send the mouse on a mission, you can teleport to its position. Quite why the goat can’t teleport straight to the exit, we’ve no idea. Goats never were the brightest creatures. Play Escape Goat online. The game is also available in paid form on Steam.
8. SpelunkyThis side-scrolling dungeon crawler as a distinctly Indiana Jones feel, and this is probably why it became such a huge indie hit on handhelds – but it began on PC. These days, there are various ways to play early incarnations of the game for free. Although this take is rougher than modern iterations, it remains engaging. You explore caves, bounding about, grabbing bling, and duffing up monsters. Each game is unique – caves are randomly generated, and a single error can bring your quest to an abrupt end, with you impaled on spikes or killed by snakes. So tread carefully and look before you leap. Play Spelunky online, get Spelunky 1.1 for Windows, or download Spelunky 1.3 for Windows and Mac
9. VVVVVV: Make and Play EditionOne for kids who are a bit older and twitchier of thumb, this take on gravity-flip platformer VVVVVV is a special free edition. Like the paid release, it features a little chap who darts about and can leap from ceiling to floor by tapping the jump button. His aim is to escape from a maze comprising dozens of single screens full of spikes and roaming enemies. This free edition includes maps created by fans – and the means to build your own. Download VVVVVV: Make and Play Edition for Windows, Mac and Linux
10. Super Crate BoxThis one’s also in the twitchy thumbs category, and finds a little pixelated chap leaping about, trying to grab crates. All the while, he must blast creatures spilling into the screen, lest they hurl themselves into the flames below and emerge from the top furiously angry. The game is fast-paced, entertaining, and has plenty of weapons and arenas to unlock. And although it’s a shooter, we can’t imagine many parents will be too concerned about their kid taking a cartoon bazooka to a conga of green monsters. Get Super Crate Box for PC, Mac and Linux on Steam This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| AirPods, PS4, Nintendo Switch and more - now is the time to get phone deals with free gifts Posted: 11 Dec 2019 09:25 AM PST Sometimes around Christmas, you've got to get creative with how you get your hands on the perfect gifts. Make it yourself, pour money into big purchases or just pull out the classic 'money in a card' trick. Or scrap all of those ideas because there's one solution you might not have thought of. Also need a new mobile phone deal? We hope so because this next bit relies on that! All year, we see retailers throwing in a host of free gifts alongside mobile phone deals but as we edge nearer to Christmas, those deals are looking better than ever. There seems to be a constant carousel of combinations to go for. iPhone 11 and AirPods? It's there. PS4 and budget handsets? There's plenty. Even the top Samsung phone deals and a free Nintendo Switch. What we're saying is that no matter what phone you had your mind set on buying this year, you will be able to pair it with a top tech freebie. That can then be passed on as a Christmas present for ultimate brownie points or kept for your self (we wouldn't judge). Below we've listed all of the top tech gadgets around right now and a list of retailers you can find them paired with some solid mobile phone deals.
Buymobiles: iPhone 8, iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy A70, Samsung Galaxy A50, Samsung Galaxy A40, Huawei P30, Huawei P30 Pro, Huawei P30 Lite
Buymobiles: iPhone 8, iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy A70, Samsung Galaxy A50, Samsung Galaxy A40, Huawei P30, Huawei P30 Pro, Huawei P30 Lite
Buymobiles: (Xbox One S - All Digital) iPhone 8, iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy A70, Samsung Galaxy A50, Samsung Galaxy A40, Huawei P30, Huawei P30 Pro, Huawei P30 Lite, Samsung Galaxy S10e, iPhone XR
Carphone Warehouse: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, Huawei P30 Lite, iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy A40, Samsung Galaxy A70 How do I know which phone contracts with gifts are best?While there are certainly some bargains to be had here, there are also a lot of mobile phone deals with free gifts where the cost of the gift is just dumped into your monthly cost. Because of this, it is important to check just how much you will be spending and make sure the extra cost hasn't just been dumped on top. You can use our guides to the prices of these gifts and phone contracts below to work out the costs: This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Get a PS4 Pro bundle with Spider-Man for $279 in this holiday deal Posted: 11 Dec 2019 09:21 AM PST Now that we're coming to the end of a generation, it's a pretty good time to get a great price on the superior PS4 Pro. This console lets you play games in 4K, and even if you just play games in 1080p, it lets you activate higher framerate modes in games like Jedi: Fallen Order and God of War for an experience that's closer to playing a PC game. Right now on eBay, you can get the PS4 Pro and the excellent Spider-Man for $279.99. That's a fantastic deal for the perfect beginner's bundle on PS4. Spider-Man is the kind of cinematic, easy-to-play open world experience that could be the first game someone plays and loves. Here's the deal: Check out our PS4 Pro deals page for more great prices in the days leading up to the holidays. We might see more price drops on the console before the end of the year, but since this deal has sold over 3000 units at the time of writing, it likely means the pricing here is resonating strongly. It's worth saying that this particular PS4 comes with Spider-Man's GOTY edition, which includes all the extra downloadable content. In other words, you're getting the complete version of the game, as well as a nice new console to enjoy it on.
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| Microsoft Teams is now available for Linux Posted: 11 Dec 2019 09:16 AM PST Microsoft has officially ported its first Office 365 app to Linux in the form of a public preview of its workplace collaboration app Microsoft Teams. Teams competes with Google's Hangouts Chat, Facebook's Workplace and Slack but it is also the software giant's fastest growing business app ever. Back in March, Microsoft revealed that Teams is being used by 500,000 organizations and then in November the company said that Teams had passed 20 million daily active users.
However, Teams' biggest competitor Slack has argued that while it may have less daily active users at 12 million, its users are more engaged with its platform and its paid users typically spend over nine hours a day connected to the service. Slack is already available for Linux though its app is still in beta. Microsoft and LinuxRecently Microsoft has shown a lot of support for Linux and the company even has plans to bring its revamped Edge browser to the operating system. While Linux currently holds less than two percent of the desktop market share, the operating system is still quite popular among developers and business users. In a blog post announcing that Microsoft Teams is now available for Linux, Microsoft product manager Marissa Salazar said that the Linux version of the app will support all of Teams' core capabilities. Interested users can download the native Linux packages for Microsoft Teams here in order to test out the app for themselves.
Via Venture Beat This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best waterproof speakers 2019: 10 outdoor speakers for any budget Posted: 11 Dec 2019 09:10 AM PST A waterproof speaker is essential if you're planning on spending a lot of time at the pool or beach this year. Bit chilly for a swim? If you plan on taking your music anywhere outdoors, you're going to want to take one of the best waterproof speakers along for the ride. While no one ever really intends to get their portable speakers wet, accidents happen, and when they do the last thing you're going to want to worry about is whether or not your speaker still works. Thankfully, there are a number of impressive IP67 (waterproof) speakers out there, so even if you're not planning on taking a swim with your Bluetooth speaker, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase can withstand an accidental dip. With that said, we've gathered up the best ones for you - not only are these devices rain-friendly, pool-friendly and spill-friendly, they're also the best outdoor speakers you can buy right now. Stick with us and we'll be sure to find the best waterproof speaker that works for your budget and requirements.
The original UE Wonderboom has been at the top of our best outdoor speaker list since its debut and for good reason: It’s rugged, plays louder than its diminutive sound suggests, and could be paired to other UE Wonderboom speakers to amplify sound. And although the UE Wonderboom 2 looks nearly identical to the original, Ultimate Ears packed in a slew of upgrades that make the Wonderboom 2 even better, like the increased battery life (up 30% compared to the original), better bass response, and the new Outdoor Boost feature that helps the speaker get even louder than before. Combined, these seemingly minor upgrades not only keep the UE Wonderboom 2 on our list of the best outdoor speakers for another year, but they help to make it one of the best portable speakers you can buy period. Read the full review: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
If you want a waterproof speaker that doesn't look like a waterproof speaker, get the Denon Envaya DSB-250BT. It'll fit into a classy living room but has IP67 water resistance, letting it withstand a full-on dunk. This is also the best-sounding speaker of its size, with meaty bass and audio balance you might expect from a hifi master like Denon. There's an Envaya Mini if you want something smaller, too. Any complaints? To make the water resistance work, the speaker has rubbery panels instead of clicky buttons, and they aren't half hard to depress sometimes. But if that isn't a minor quibble, what is? Read the full review: Denon Envaya
The JBL Charge 4 may seem like a boring update on paper, but it’s still one of the best outdoor speakers around. For the money, you get a speaker that sound great, is tough as nails, acts as a charger for your phone, and lasts all day. For the money, the JBL Charge 4 is a definite no-brainer. For just $150 (£160, AU$200), you get a speaker that lasts all day, sounds great, can put up with all kinds of abuse, and tops your phone up in a pinch. Yes, there are better sounding speakers but you’ll have to spend much more money. (One of our favorite speakers, the UE Megaboom 3, sounds worse and costs more money.) Read the full review: JBL Charge 4
You might not have ever heard of Anker before, but it's sweeping Amazon as one of the highest-rated electronics manufacturers. Its flagship waterproof speaker, the Anker Soundcore Flare, combines the best features of its competitors into an affordable package that’s tough to beat. For the price, the Flare offers good sound, a tough waterproof build and excellent user experience. The LED light show is a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it's certainly fun and can be disabled entirely. While other outdoor speakers may sound better, you’re going to have to spend much more money. Read the full review: Anker Soundcore Flare
The UE Boom 3 is one of the best outdoor speakers money can buy in 2019. This is a speaker that can get loud and not distort at higher volumes; be light enough to carry on the move but remain durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. It's waterproof as well as dust-proof, and has a one-touch mix button that lets you pull up your favorite playlists without needing to pick up your smartphone. There are certainly more detailed speakers out there (see: Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin down below), but at a price that's relatively affordable to all, the UE Boom 3 hits all the right notes for the third year in a row. Read the full review: UE Boom 3
If you still don’t know about Fugoo, you’re certainly missing out on some of the best outdoor speakers in the world. The Fugoo Style not only offers the longest battery life of any speaker on this list (40 hours!), but it also comes in at a tiny one pound. Fugoo’s design philosophy is to offer different ‘jackets’ (Style, Tough or Sport) to fit around its ‘core’ speaker to fit different styles. The Fugoo Style waterproof speaker offers a great blend of size, sound fidelity and battery life for an affordable price. Read the full review: Fugoo Style
The UE Megablast is at the very peak of Ultimate Ears’ line of waterproof speakers. Its larger size means that the Megablast can get loud and can last up to 20 hours at a sensible volume. Bass is stronger and richer than its smaller UE Boom 3 and Wonderboom 2 brothers, and this is the speaker for anybody who wants to really blare their music at a party. For people who want to save some cash, however, the other Ultimate Ears speakers cost much less and sound nearly as good. Still, it's not a bad option if you want a personal assistant with you at the beach. Read the full review: Ultimate Ears Megablast
Image credit: JBL In terms of sheer audio prowess, the JBL Boombox was a pleasant surprise – it's a monstrous outdoor speaker that not only gets loud, but stays pretty crisp when pumping the volume. It’s heavy, and not the easiest thing to carry around, but it’s rugged enough to handle any pool or tailgate party. That said, we can’t recommend the Boombox as a speaker for the home. You can find comparable sound in form factors that take up less real estate, but if your plan is to hit whatever patio, pool, beach or tailgate party you can find, then this one should be in the running to play the tunes. Read the full review: JBL Boombox
If you believe the old adage about getting what you pay for, you might not expect much from the Tribit XSound Go’s sound quality. Thankfully, that adage has never been less applicable: the speaker gets loud enough to fill up a medium-sized room, and at full volume, there’s only a little distortion on the highs. Honestly, the Tribit XSound Go shouldn’t sound this good for the price, but it does. The speaker impressed with balanced sound, is near distortion-free at high volumes, and lasts and incredible 20+ hours of playtime at medium volume. Plus, the speaker is IPX7 water and dust resistant so it’ll put up with a day at the beach or pool without a problem. While it’s design may be forgettable, you won’t care once you hear how good the XSound Go sounds. Read the full review: Tribit XSound Go
Last on our list is the Braven Stryde 360 that, in all fairness, is a solid outdoor speaker that is average in just about every way. Sound quality is good but the speaker struggles with bass response. Battery life is an average 12 hours and its design doesn’t particularly stand out. For the price, there are better options - see: any of the speakers above - but if you've gotten this far and still haven't found what you're looking for, the Braven could be it. Read the full review: Braven Stryde 360
Waterproof vs water-resistant speakersWhile waterproof and water-resistant aren't synonymous, they roughly translate to "water won't ruin it". When hunting for the best waterproof speaker for the great outdoors, look for its IP rating. This is how water resistance gadgets are categorized. You'll see that IP mark, followed by two numbers – IP67 is one of the most common, and means the speaker can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. This is the one you want and means it's a great option for waterproofing and one of the best outdoor speakers your money can buy. Waterproof is the better of the two, as it usually carries an IP67 rating that means it can withstand to float in around a meter of water for a half-hour before it bites the dust. Water-resistant, on the other hand, means it could survive a splash or two, but it's not the kind of thing you'd just want to casually throw in the pool. Of course waterproofing isn't the only thing we looked for when picking out this list of the best outdoor speakers. We also considered factors such as sound quality, price and feature set, all of which helped establish a set of criteria that we could measure all speakers against. What you see below is the result of that effort – our definitive list of the 10 best wireless portable waterproof speakers. Outdoor speakers FAQ: quick questions answered
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