Apple : You can now use an iPhone as a security key for Google accounts |
- You can now use an iPhone as a security key for Google accounts
- ExpressVPN will now come pre-installed on all Dynabook laptops
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons release date, news and features
- Overwatch 2 release news, rumors, modes and trailers
- Resident Evil 8: release date, news and trailers
- VIZIO 2020 lineup is a march of constant improvement
- BioShock 4: everything we know about the new BioShock
- These popular apps may be leaking personal details online
- Sony PS5 controller release date, news and confirmed features
- Xbox Series X and PS5 expected to take a chunk of flash storage and DRAM market this year
- AirPods Deals: save big in cheap Apple headphone sales
- E3 2020: what to expect from the year's biggest gaming expo
- All smartphones could soon use the same charger
- This Nintendo Switch Lite deal is inching closer to Black Friday prices right now
- Best turntables 2020: the best record players for any budget
- Star Wars leak reveals Colin Trevorrow's superior version of Episode 9
- Best over-ear headphones 2020: the best-sounding, most comfortable cans
- SD card bargain alert: get 50% off these new waterproof Manfrotto memory cards
- Plusnet's effective £17.82/pm fibre broadband deal is coming to an end tomorrow
| You can now use an iPhone as a security key for Google accounts Posted: 15 Jan 2020 02:17 PM PST Last year Google enabled Android users to use their smartphones as security keys and now the company has expanded this feature to iPhones. Google users will now be able to register their iPhone as a two-factor authentication (2FA) method for their Google accounts in the same way in which they would register hardware security keys such as the company's own Titan Security Key. After setting up an iPhone to be used a security key, users will have to enter their username and password and turn on their device's Bluetooth connection the next time they log into their Google account to verify the login attempt.
However, to use an iPhone as a security key for a Google account, users will need an iPhone running iOS 10 or later and they will also have to install Google's Smart Lock app from the Apple App Store. Interested users can find out how to set up their iPhone as a security key by following a step-by-step tutorial in a support document from Google. Google's Advanced Protection ProgramGoogle's Advanced Protection Program (APP) is designed for users who face higher security risks than others such as politicians, business executives and journalists. These users can now enroll in Google's APP at no extra cost to benefit from extra security protection for their Google accounts. Before the search giant allowed smartphones to work as de-facto security keys, a separate hardware security key was required to enroll in the program. However, now that smartphones can serve as security keys, this is no longer necessary and interested users can sign up for the APP with just their phones. This feature could also be quite useful for those who live in countries where security keys are not readily available for purchase. Adding extra protection to your Google account is now easier than ever and those working in sensitive fields should consider doing so to protect their account from being hijacked.
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| ExpressVPN will now come pre-installed on all Dynabook laptops Posted: 15 Jan 2020 12:54 PM PST ExpressVPN and Dynabook have announced a new global partnership with the aim of providing all of the PC maker's users with increased internet protection on their devices. As part of the partnership, Dynabook will preinstall ExpressVPN on all new and future Dynabook PCs beginning with the new Satellite Pro L50 which launched at the end of last year. Dynabook users will receive a free 30-day trial of ExpressVPN's service that will provide them with additional security and privacy protection right out of the box.
ExpressVPN and DynabookThis new strategic partnership marks the first time that Dynabook has worked with a VPN provider and in a press release announcing the news, President of Dynabook EMEA Damian Jaume explained why the PC maker chose to partner with ExpressVPN, saying: “VPNs have become an indispensable tool for internet privacy and security, so we’re excited to bring a safer experience to our users right out of the box through this partnership. We chose to partner with ExpressVPN because they are absolutely unparalleled in the industry when it comes to cutting-edge security, super fast connection speeds globally, and ease-of-use. They share our deep commitment to building a safe and open internet experience.” ExpressVPN will help Dynabook customers around the world secure their internet traffic and guard their online activity from prying eyes. With just a single click, ExpressVPN provides valuable peace of mind to users, especially when they're working remotely on public Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, hotels, co-working spaces and more. Dynabook appointed ExpressVPN as its official partner following a rigorous selection process in which its team conducted thorough tests on the VPN provider's software.
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| Animal Crossing: New Horizons release date, news and features Posted: 15 Jan 2020 12:37 PM PST Nintendo has finally given Animal Crossing fans what they want. During a Nintendo Direct in September 2018, the company announced (via a short teaser trailer) that Animal Crossing is coming to the Nintendo Switch sometime in 2019. Unfortunately, however, that news was overturned when Nintendo's Yoshiaki Koizumi announced that the game would be delayed until March 20, 2020 during the company's E3 2019 Nintendo Direct presentation. While the Nintendo Direct and Koizumi brought us some disappointing news at the show, they also brought us our first look at actual gameplay, plus some needed story details of what we're doing on the island and why. Bringing Animal Crossing to the Switch will entice fans old and new, plus we think the game is a perfect match for Nintendo’s hybrid console. Animal Crossing’s sandbox nature makes it ideally suited to long play sessions on your TV, as well as shorter on-the-go bursts on the Switch’s handheld mode. Here's what we know so far about Animal Crossing: New Horizons. [Update: Famitsu is generation some more Animal Crossing excitement with some brand new screenshots. Check them out for yourself below.] Cut to the chase
Animal Crossing: New Horizons release dateBoth a huge disappointment for fans and a huge relief for those working on the game, Nintendo recently announced that New Horizons will be available on March 20, 2020. We'll likely hear more about the game later this year, probably around September and October when Nintendo drops its next Nintendo Direct. Animal Crossing: New Horizons trailersNintendo brought in 2020 with a brand new Animal Crossing trailer. It's a short video at only 30 seconds but naturally it's charming and fans will see some familiar excited faces in the crowd during the Nook presentation taking place. September 2019 brought a brand new gameplay trailer which gives us a better idea of what we can expect from life on the island between crafting, decorating and shopping. While it doesn't hold a lot of information, the game's first trailer was shown off back in September of 2018 – promising a late 2019 release date that we now know won't happen. Still, it serves as a nice introduction to the game and one of its most illustrious characters, Tom Nook. The arguably much more important trailer came to us during E3 2019, when Nintendo dropped a slew of new details about the game. Based on the trailer we know that crafting will now play a major role in the game, and subtle tweaks like being able to place furniture anywhere on the island will really help make everyone's home base look different from one another – a huge step in the right direction for a franchise that can come off as a bit too vanilla. Check out the E3 2019 trailer below: Animal Crossing: New Horizons news and rumorsNew screenshots Japanese outlet Famitsu has shared some new screenshots from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The images give a glimpse of the game world as well as the day-to-day activities that can be engaged in while there. Check out some of the images below and find the rest on Famitsu itself. A look at customisation A handful of new images from Animal Crossing have emerged online and have been shared by GameXplain. These new images don't give much away in terms of gameplay but they do give a good insight into the more extensive range of customisation options players will have available to them when creating their New Horizons character. Players will be able to change hair, eyes, mouths, noses and outfits to create a character that suits them and you can see the images in the video gallery below. Nook Miles In a September 2019 gameplay trailer we got a look at Nook Miles, the game's new currency which will sit alongside Bells. You can earn Nook Miles by doing tasks around the island and you can then exchange them for things like recipes and items, though what the full range of things you can get with Nook Miles isn't confirmed just yet. Multiplayer On online multiplayer, things get bigger as up to eight players will be able to play on the one island. As far as talking to one another goes, Animal Crossing will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch Online app. Saves Region Setting
Crafting Farming Expanding the home Officially announced
Nintendo’s trademark As well as this, the trademark also covers stuffed animals, game machine controllers, board games, playing cards, protective carrying cases, and trading card games, so it’s clear that Nintendo still has big plans for the series. It’s been a long time since the last mainline release What’s also interesting is that the Wii U never received a mainline title (no, Amiibo Festival absolutely does not count) despite the fact that many fans expected to see one. It’s possible that Nintendo started work on an Animal Crossing Wii U or settled on waiting to launch one for the Switch. The success of previous releases Given one of Nintendo’s most staunchly handheld titles, Pokemon, is now confirmed to be coming to the Switch, we don’t think it’s likely the company will keep Animal Crossing languishing on the 3DS for much longer. What we want to see from Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Wider, more dynamic, cast More furniture Bigger spaces or more areas
More chances to craft your own story Of course, for those interested in continuing along the mayor route that would still be there, but it’d also be exciting to see shopkeeper or cafe owner paths open up. Creating your own designs or crafting furniture to sell to the locals, or collecting ingredients from your town and others to add some interesting flavors to your cafe menu – all of these sound like enjoyable pursuits in an Animal Crossing world. Mobile tie-in It’d actually be nice if Nintendo managed to tie the mobile and console releases together in some way so that players can get more depth out of the mobile game, and give us another way to enjoy the console release. Whether that’s unlocking and transferring items, earning money or improving relationships, we’d just like a way to keep playing even on days where we can’t carry our Switch. Now that we've seen it's possible with Pokemon Let's Go, our hopes are even higher. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Overwatch 2 release news, rumors, modes and trailers Posted: 15 Jan 2020 12:23 PM PST After months of speculation, Overwatch 2 made its official debut at BlizzCon 2019. The sequel to Blizzard's team-based shooter was revealed by creative director Jeff Kaplan at the annual event, accompanied by an emotional cinematic trailer (which you can find below). Overwatch 2 is a bit of a deviation from the series' usual format. The sequel will feature new PvP modes, with Push being the staple of competitive play, as well as new maps, cosmetic items and characters – including Sojourn, who was unveiled during the event. While these new PvP modes are expected, new for the series is the addition of story and hero missions that allow for cooperative play – a first for the Overwatch series. In these "highly-replayable" missions, you and five friends will attempt to complete objectives together against the AI, which should serve as a welcome reprieve from the intense online PvP modes the series is known for. There's quite a lot to wrap your head around – but don't worry, as we've gathered together everything we know about Overwatch 2 so far below for your perusal. [Update: Another Twitter account has suggested a 2020 release date for Overwatch 2. Read on to find out more.] Cut to the chase
Overwatch 2 release dateBlizzard officially unveiled Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon 2019. Apparently the sequel is still in early development and Blizzard doesn't know when it will release. "I don't know. I have no idea," creative director Jeff Kaplan said during the Overwatch 2 reveal panel. "Like, just let us make it great, that's what we care about more than anything. We don't have a date in mind." In January 2020, the official PlayStation Brazil Twitter account caused some excitement when it tweeted that "2020 will be the year Overwatch 2 comes to PS4" before deleting the tweet (naturally now preserved in screenshot form by Voxel). This was then followed up a matter of days later by a tweet from the official account of the Overwatch League team Vancouver Titans (via Dexerto) which also mentioned a 2020 release date before being deleted. But with no official comment from Blizzard this should be taken with a pinch of salt. It might be a simple mistake rather than a leak.
Overwatch 2 trailersOverwatch 2 was officially revealed by Jeff Kaplan at BlizzCon 2019, alongside an eight-minute cinematic trailer titled "Zero Hour". Check it out below (but have some tissues at the ready): During BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard also dropped a three-minute gameplay trailer for Overwatch 2 which showcases the sequel's new look. Watch it below: Overwatch 2 news, rumors and confirmed featuresWe've gathered together all the news and rumors surrounding Overwatch 2 below, alongside the confirmed features so far: Another release date tweet Not long after the official Twitter account for PlayStation Brazil tweeted about a 2020 release date for Overwatch 2, the official Twitter of the Overwatch League team, the Vancouver Titans, has done the same thing. Like the tweet made by PlayStation, this latest tweet has since been deleted but it's been captured by Dexerto. The tweet says "Overwatch 2 is coming out this year" before going on to express excitement about "all the new game modes". As before, Blizzard hasn't made any official comment so it remains possible that this is just another mistake from an official Twitter account. Though it's now a touch more suspicious that two groups who potentially have close ties to Overwatch 2 have made this error. Regardless, we won't know the truth of the matter until we hear from the developer itself. Release date leak? The official Twitter account for PlayStation Brazil has caused some excitement amongst Overwatch fans after tweeting out that "2020 will be the year Overwatch 2 comes to PS4". The tweet has since been deleted but a screenshot has been captured by Voxel. There's been no official comment from Blizzard on the matter but it's quite possible this was a simple mistake on the part of the PlayStation Brazil Twitter team. We won't know for sure until we get an official comment; previously Jeff Kaplan has flat out said he doesn't know when the game will launch as it's still in its early stages. Teasing another hero? Blizzard has been fairly tight-lipped when it comes to the hero roster for Overwatch 2 but fans who tuned into Jeff Kaplan's Yule Log livestream have been left wondering if the director was teasing a new hero for the next release (via ComicBook). During the course of Kaplan's livestream, while building an Overwatch Lego set at around the 6 hour and 11 minute mark, he mentions established Overwatch character Junker Queen and threw out some questions on whether or not she's "ever going to be a hero" and what role she might take if she was one. It was far from a confirmation of anything but it's been enough in an otherwise quiet livestream to grab the attention of Overwatch fans. We imagine if Junker Queen is going to be a hero in Overwatch 2 we'll get a confirmation closer to the game's release whenever that may be. Larger maps and more heroes In a recent interview, Overwatch 2's assistant director, Aaron Keller, and lead writer, Michael Chu have expanded a little on the team's ambitions for PvE play. According to Keller, there are "lots of heroes" in the work for the game and that its PvE maps are "2x larger than regular Overwatch maps." This increased scale is all in the service of telling more story in the Overwatch world and that the new co-op story missions will allow for “a more traditional way to tell a story in the Overwatch universe.”. A story which, Chu said, will have a "beginning, middle, and end". Naturally, as stated before, PvP is still a focus for the team and progression in PvP will be "entirely separate" from PvE. According to Keller, “we don’t want gameplay changing talents and abilities to give an unfair advantage in PvP. We’re still exploring what players can earn in PvE and building out the progression system for that. Our goal is to make a robust meaningful progression system that feeds into our Hero Missions where players can play and replay for many hours or as their main mode of play after they complete the Overwatch 2 story.” Narrative focus PvP is still a focus In fact, according to Kaplan, a huge focus for the Overwatch 2 team is making PvP as good as it possibly can be – which includes new maps, new modes and new characters further down the line. Cosmetic items will cross over Hero missions
Overwatch and Overwatch 2 are compatible Co-op missions Overwatch 2 Play Story missions
New engine upgrades BlizzCon 2019 Overwatch 2 will feature new PvP modes, with tug-of-war Push being the staple of competitive play, as well as new maps, cosmetic items and characters, including Sojourn. While the new PVP modes are expected, new for the series is the addition of story and hero missions that allow for cooperative play – a first for the series.
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| Resident Evil 8: release date, news and trailers Posted: 15 Jan 2020 12:12 PM PST When it was first released in 2017, Resident Evil 7 was a much-needed rejuvenation for the classic horror franchise. Capcom departed from its usual formula in a big way and even took the opportunity to embrace new experiences with PlayStation VR. This risk paid off and a large proportion of fans and critics embraced the changes, with a keen eye on what the next game might bring. Following on from Resident Evil 7's release, a very successful Resident Evil 2 Remake and a now confirmed Resident Evil 3 Remake, Capcom still isn't ready to confirm that Resident Evil 8 is in the works. But we're hopeful and think that the next chapter of the core Resident Evil series is inevitable. There's not much in the way of solid information but here's everything we know so far about Resident Evil 8 including news, rumors and what we want to see. [Update: Capcom is inviting Resident Evil Ambassadors to play an unrevealed game. Read on to find out more.] Resident Evil 8 release dateCapcom hasn't confirmed Resident 8 is in the works so we don't have a release date yet. But we expect we won't see the next chapter in the Resident Evil franchise until at least 2020—perhaps for Xbox Series X or the PS5? Resident Evil 8 news and rumorsTesting for an unrevealed game According to a recent Reddit post, Capcom has invited members of its Resident Evil Ambassadors programme to test an unrevealed game. While there are hopes that it's the still-to-be-confirmed Resident Evil 8 there's also a rumor that it could be a new entry in the fossilised Dino Crisis franchise as Capcom has recently filed for a trademark related to the series. This isn't the first time Capcom has invited Resident Evil Ambassadors to test an unannounced title recently; last time the testing turned out to be for the multiplayer Resident Evil experience, Project Resistance. Does the fact that the previous round of testing was related to a Resident Evil game make it more likely to be a similar scenario this time? It's impossible to say, but the most likely candidates for this unannounced title at the moment new entries to the Resident Evil or Dino Crisis series. We won't know for sure until Capcom makes an official announcement. Resident Evil 3 Remake confirmed As suspected, Capcom has confirmed it's working on a remake of the classic Resident Evil 3, following on from the success of the second game's remake. This is an exciting reveal, but it's not the Resident Evil 8 confirmation we're holding out for. Project Resistance confirmed
Testing on an unconfirmed title The email, translated from Japanese to English and published by fansite Biohaze, reads: “To all Resident Evil Ambassadors, thank you for your patronage regarding the Resident Evil series. Today, we are letting you know that we are recruiting testers for a game that’s in development! “We are interested in incorporating the feedback of all Ambassadors into our development, so please read the details below and, if you are interested in participating, click the entry button.” It's possible these emails referred to Project Resistance, however it may be that they reference Resident Evil 8. Capcom has numerous unannounced titles in development
Work has already started It’ll build on the work of Resident Evil 7 The first thing that he confirmed was that Resident Evil 7 was the start of a new direction for the series and that it was “the start of a new kind of survival horror, and of a new series.” “We’re already thinking about various plans for the next game,” he revealed, “but we also want to see how we can continue to evolve survival horror itself. In the next few years technology will continue to advance and what players want may also change.” It is, admittedly, hard to draw any solid information from this. When Takeuchi spoke in this interview it’s clear that planning was still in the very early stages and it’s quite possible that things such as plot and setting were still yet to be nailed down. While we’d surmise that Resident Evil 8 will build on the fresh new feel of Resident Evil 7, Takeuchi’s comments on wanting to evolve the genre as well as capitalize on changing technologies and player desires suggests that the team aren’t locking themselves into a formula just yet. Just as Resident Evil 7 integrated virtual reality in an interesting experiment that played on the new first-person perspective of the game, Resident Evil 8 could do the same all over again. We could see another perspective change, the team could find new ways to integrate virtual reality technology, or it could even delve into new augmented reality technology. Part one of the "making of" documentary gives a good insight into the kinds of gameplay experiments the team were looking into.
It seems that Takeuchi is telling fans not to assume there’s a new formula from which the developers won’t waver. Resident Evil will be taking a survival horror approach to the creation of survival horror – adapt, change and stay on your toes because you don’t know what new technology or fan request is around the corner. One thing we do know, however, is that the Resident Evil team will “always want to create horror experiences where the characters overcome a difficult situation.” Takeuchi said he believes this is what survival horror is “all about” before adding that “the next Resident Evil game, and the one after that, every future Resident Evil, will feature characters getting through crises like this.” It’s this essence of “core survival horror concept of people overcoming the odds” that Tekeuchi says the series will “always retain.” From this, at the very least, we can assume that the future of the series will place a heavier focus on the survival horror elements showcased in Resident Evil 7, rather than delving back into the more action-heavy gameplay of releases such as Resident Evil 4. Shinji Mikami could come on board That could change though. In an interview with PCGamesN Mikami was asked if coming back to direct Resident Evil 8 was something he’d consider. He would, of course, have complete creative freedom to with the game as he’d like. His answer was short and far from finite: “I might.”
Resident Evil 8: what we want to seeMore enemies A different location
More answers VR support
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| VIZIO 2020 lineup is a march of constant improvement Posted: 15 Jan 2020 12:09 PM PST Everyone is thirsty in the desert. From phones with cameras that disappear to robots that bring you spare rolls of toilet paper to concept cars that breathe, there absolutely is no shortage of products at CES 2020 fighting for even just a brief glimpse of attention. Walk into VIZIO showroom in the Vdara Hotel and Spa in Las Vegas' ARIA Campus, however, and you get the sense that — well, everything seems the same on the surface. That's not to say that VIZIO newest televisions aren't worth a look. They most certainly are. And that's not to say that there's nothing noteworthy about its 2020 lineup. There most certainly is. But you also get the sense that it's very much business as usual for VIZIO. That in this futuristic world of 8K televisions and modular displays, VIZIO is content to just do its thing. To make great televisions for normals folks at price points normal folks can afford. Probably. We don't yet have pricing information on this year's V-, M- and P-Series sets. We don't yet have any sort of pricing on the gorgeous new OLED television VIZIO has rolled out. We don't have any idea how much its new selection of soundbars will run us. But spend even just a few minutes with any of VIZIO new kit and you'll come away thinking "I want this." So with the caveat of not knowing just how expensive the top end of things will run, here's a breakdown of where things stand going into 2020 — and what a steady march of improvement can do in a world in which everyone else is trying to make a bigger splash. The 2020 line of VIZIO televisions
VIZIO's first OLED television is gorgeous. Let's start at the low end. The V-Series TV has been (and remains) the least expensive 4K UHD series. It lacks the advanced picture quality features of the higher tiers. The series doesn’t have local dimming—a contrast-enhancing feature-- but still utilizes a full array backlight, for a smooth, consistent image. The V-series enjoys plenty of other bells and whistles, like Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. It’s also packing a new IQ -Active processor and V-Gaming engine. Considering that the 2019 V-Series tops out at about $850 for a 75-incher (and bottoms out at 40 inches for about $240), expect that trend to continue this year. The M-Series is where I'd start looking, though. Televisions are long-term purchases. They're big and kind of a pain to swap out. So I'd spend a little extra and get a little more for my money. First is that the industrial design of the M-Series Quantum TVs is better. You've got a couple of flavors of the new M-Series from which to choose, with the M8 offering 90 local dimming zones. (More dimming zones means parts of the screen can be darker while other parts are lighter. Having more dimming zones is better.) The M8 also has a high peak brightness, hitting 800 nits. And don't expect the price to break the bank here, either. If you're really looking to step things up, though, the P-Series is still where it's at. And there's a sizable shift in the P-Series itself. The P9 is still a hell of a TV. It's available in 65 inches or 75 inches, with up to 240 local dimming zones (depending on whether you get the larger of the two models) and peak brightness of up to 1200 nits. The P-Series also ups the processor to the new IQ Ultra scheme. And VIZIO is going one further. The P-Series Quantum X is available in 65-, 75- and 85-inch models. It has 792 local dimming zones on the large end and take the peak brightness up to 3,000 nits. It's nuts. It's gorgeous. It also removes the bezels and does away with the "VIZIO" badge and opts, instead, for just the logo on the bottom right. This is, in all likelihood (again, we don't have pricing) the upgrade TV to have if you want the upgraded option from VIZIO. VIZIO's first OLED
VIZIO new OLED TV provides true blacks. And the stand can be used to mount the new Elevate sound bar. But it's still not OLED. And that's the biggest splash VIZIO has up its sleeves this CES — its first Organic Light Emitting Diode display. Remember all those local dimming zones we were talking about before? OLED turns off the individual pixels. Black spaces are truly black. That sort of contrast makes the colors pop that much more. If you can afford an OLED TV, you want an OLED TV. And VIZIO's will come in either 55 or 65 inches. It really is beautiful. The inside baseball is that this OLED TV — it doesn't have a snazzy series name or anything — lets VIZIO more directly compete with the manufacturers that already have been on the OLED train for some time, and it gives it a slight leg up on the less-expensive MicroLED panels you'll find elsewhere. It fills a hole atop the VIZIO lineup and should give it a pretty consistent contender in all the best-of lists this year. But the question remains: How much is it going to cost? Fun, but not actual products yet
An outdoor TV isn't yet in VIZIO's product pipeline, but it's at least something the company has thought about. VIZIO had a couple other sets on display that were a sign of what it's at least playing with, if not actually something it plans to bring to market in the future. First is an 8K-resolution panel. Companies are always working on everything, and there's no way VIZIO hasn't been working on 8K. But there's also absolutely no reason for a normal consumer to purchase an 8K television, so it's a nice change of pace to see someone say "Yeah, it's a thing. But it's also not a thing, ya know?" Another thing VIZIO is toying with is a television that's meant for outdoor spaces. Again, to reiterate, it's nowhere near a finished product. It has nothing to announce. But what at least sparked a brief moment of excitement was the possibility of a television meant for the outdoors that doesn't look like was built 15 years ago — bulky and unsightly and something that makes you want to buy a $250 TV and sacrifice it to the Weather Gods every couple of years instead. Which, for what it's worth, is exactly what I do on my covered porch. So the prospect of something bright enough for outdoors and hardened for the outdoors without possibly — again, that "not-a-thing-yet" caveat — looking like a piece of 1990s military surplus would be a very good thing. VIZIO's new voice remote
VIZIO has finally redesigned its aging remote control, and it's added voice commands. Nothing ruins a good television experience like a bad remote control. And it's not that VIZIO's remotes have been bad — they've just looked the same for quite some time and also have looked like the've been trying too hard. That's changing in 2020 with the new VIZIO voice remote. As the name implies, it's also adding voice control via the remote, which is something that's been missing. (Support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enabled devices is still there, too.) VIZIO is using SoundHound to crunch all that data in the cloud, and it worked well enough in our demo. And it was nice to see it employ the sort of contextual computation you'd expect to see in 2020, so that you don't have to explicitly state a question or command one at a time. So you can say "Show me James Bond movies" and it'll show you James Bond movies. And then you can say "Just the ones with Sean Connery" and it'll show you the ones with just Sean Connery." That's the way things should work. The remote itself has been greatly simplified, too. No more number buttons, which makes sense for the streaming era. There are a half-dozen branded shortcuts up top, and VIZIO's own "WatchFree" channel gets prime placement. And after that everything's where it should be. SmartCast 4.0
Televisions from as far back as 2016 will be updated to VIZIO's SmartCast 4.0 operating system, and benefit from its speed improvements. Along with the new hardware for 2020, the other biggest announcement was the next generation of VIZIO's SmartCast operating system. It's long been a pain point for VIZIO's TVs. Previous iterations of SmartCast have just been too slow. I can't quite tell yet if the new SmartCast 4.0 has done enough to change my mind on that. Our demo was decidedly pre-production, and there were occasional hiccups. But the improvements also were pretty obvious, and VIZIO needs kudos for speeding up its top-level home screen experience. Questions remain, though. How will the third-party apps behave? And will SmartCast have all of the services you want to watch? It's getting close to having all of the majors, and so maybe 2020 will be the year in which we see VIZIO start to take on Roku in the arena of all-in-one TVs. We'll just have to see. But it's also very much worth noting that VIZIO says to expect the SmartCast update on TVs dating all the way back to 2016. Obviously newer hardware should speed things up that much more, but it's tough to find any company outside of Apple that keeps its software up to date that long. VIZIO's soundbars in 2020
I've long been a fan of VIZIO's soundbars, too. You can greatly improve the quality (and experience) of your TV viewing with just a few hundred dollars of kit — and having rear speakers and a subwoofer connect wirelessly to a soundbar means your living room doesn't need to be rewired. The biggest change for 2020 is a continued improvement in the industrial design. There's less cloth and more plastic. And everything just looks more sophisticated. The soundbars also have gained better branding, joining the M-Series and V-Series schemes, making it easier to have a general idea of what tier audio equipment you're looking at. (And it makes keeping track of this sort of thing so much easier.) And then there's the new high-end VIZIO Elevate Sound Bar. It's got Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. And it has speakers that rotate depending on the sound profile. It's a really cool thing to hear, and sort of space-age to see in practice. And the sound? Spectacular. Expect VIZIO to also heavily push the Elevate in conjunction with its new OLED TV. So much so, in fact, that should you mount the OLED TV on a wall, the attached stand becomes a mounting point for the Elevate Sound Bar. VIZIO also has redesigned its audio remote controls, too — casting off another legacy pain point. We don't have any pricing here, either, but figure it to be in the affordable-to-wow range again. The bottom line
There is a fair amount of commonality here that I've left out. All of the new displays come with 4K resolution and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and HLG. All of them feature HDMI 2.1 ports, so latency should be lower and the overall experience should be better. Apple's AirPlay and Homekit are now standard. Same for Alexa enabled devices, Google Assistant integration and Chromecast. And the M-Series TVs on up feature a ProGraming Engine that allow for a pretty killer experience with an Xbox One X or PlayStation 4. (Or, eventually, the PlayStation 5, we'd gather.) Combine that with VIZIO's soundbars and you get its take on surround sound that really does take you into the game. That's all standard now. It's table stakes for the VIZIO experience. And between the new televisions in 2020, and the new soundbars, and the new software, and the new remote controls, this much is clear: VIZIO's fine being VIZIO. It's going to continue to make televisions that are great, and affordable across all kinds of price points. And they're going to continue to keep getting better. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| BioShock 4: everything we know about the new BioShock Posted: 15 Jan 2020 11:19 AM PST There's officially a new BioShock game in the works. While we don't know if it's called BioShock 4 or something entirely different, publisher 2K Games has announced that it's definitely on the way in a tweet announcing Cloud Chamber Studios (the game's developer) and restated again on Cloud Chamber's own website. While this may be your first time hearing about a new Bioshock, the first substantial rumors emerged in April, 2019 in an article about the current goings on at Mafia 3 development studio, Hangar 13, where Kotaku reported that there’s a studio located right next door and the team within is working on the early stages of the next BioShock game, codenamed Parkside. Turns out that the rumors were true and, according to another Kotaku article, this new game "has been in the works for years". Kotaku couldn't point to a release date, unfortunately, but 2K Games has stated BioShock 4 will be "in development for the next several years" - so don't pack your HYPOs just yet. As Andrew Ryan once said: “There's two ways to deal with mystery: uncover it, or eliminate it.” We're choosing to uncover it - well, kind of. We've gathered together all the news and rumors about BioShock 4 below, alongside our hopes for the next BioShock game. BioShock 4 release date
While we're certainly excited for the next BioShock game, it looks like it'll be a while before we actually get our hands on it. In a tweet officially announcing a new BioShock is in the works, publisher 2K Games stated that work has begun on the next iteration of the BioShock franchise but that the game "will be in development for the next several years". It may not be the most welcome news, but this does give us an idea about what platforms BioShock 4 will release on. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X releasing later this year, we'll almost certainly be seeing a new BioShock releasing on those platforms (and probably on PC too). Whether the title will also release on current generation consoles is less certain, it kind of depends on when the sequel releases. BioShock 4 news and rumors
In the works for years "What 2K didn’t say is that this project has already been in the works since at least 2015, although it’s been rebooted since then," writes Kotaku's Jason Schreier. Official announcement While there's no indication of where the game might be set, and its connection to the existing characters and environments established in previous titles, we do know that 2K is setting up a whole new development studio – "Cloud Chamber, purveyors of fine videogames" – to work on the unnamed Bioshock title, which will be "in development for the next several years". Initial rumors - confirmed BioShock 4: what we want to see
Return to Rapture Perhaps BioShock 4 could see us returning to a new Rapture, one that society has tried to reclaim and spruce up following the events of the previous games. If not, then we would love another wonderfully atmospheric city in a similar vein. Big Daddies and Little Sisters Explore the lore more New Vigors
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| These popular apps may be leaking personal details online Posted: 15 Jan 2020 11:00 AM PST A new study has revealed that many popular dating and women's health apps share users' intimate data with dozens of companies involved in the advertising business. The data shared with these firms could even be used to indicate users' sexual orientations and religious beliefs but these apps are also sharing other personal information including birthdays, GPS data and ID numbers associated with users' smartphones that could be used to tie all of the data back to a single person. The advocacy group Norwegian Consumer Council (NCC) conducted the study which examined 10 apps, including Grindr, OKCupid, Tinder, Clue and MyDays, and found that they were collectively sharing users' personal information with at least 135 companies.
While Amazon, Facebook and Google are some of the more popular companies these apps are sharing data with, they're also sharing personal information with companies that are not widely known outside of the tech industry such as AppsFlyer, Fysical and Receptiv. Data sharingAccording to the study, the data sharing isn't limited to these apps and the in its report, the NCC explained that this is likely a widespread practice, saying: “Because of the scope of tests, size of the third parties that were observed receiving data, and popularity of the apps, we regard the findings from these tests to be representative of widespread practices.” Many of the companies involved make money by compiling details about individual consumers to build comprehensive profiles to serve targeted personalized ads. For instance, hedge funds and other businesses buy location data in order to analyze retail sales and plan investments while political campaigns use personal data collected from users' smartphones to identify potential supporters for targeted outreach. While conducting its study, the NCC found numerous violations of GDPR by these apps but the LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr was the worst offender. The organization is even planing to file an official complaint against the company as well as other businesses that received data from Grindr. Now that GDPR has been in effect for two years and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) has just went into effect at the beginning of this year, expect government agencies and other consumer organizations to not let this massive amount of data sharing continue.
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| Sony PS5 controller release date, news and confirmed features Posted: 15 Jan 2020 10:41 AM PST Looking for the latest news on the PS5 controller? Then look no further. Sony has officially announced the next-generation PlayStation 5 will land at the end of 2020 - along with a brand new PS5 controller to complement it. Although we don't know what its official name will be (or what it will look like), we do know that the PS5 controller will have a big focus on player immersion and feedback. This means shaking up the typical PlayStation controller formula with new features, and even doing away with the DualShock 4's classic rumble technology. Despite adding some great new features, it looks like - when it comes to design - the PS5 controller may stay true to the DualShock 4, with some minor aesthetic adjustments. While we're hoping to hear more about the PS5 and its controller in the coming months, we know for sure that we won't get any more details at E3 2020 as Sony has confirmed it won't be attending again this year. We've gathered everything we know so far about the PS5 controller right here for your perusal, including confirmed features, the latest news and the juiciest rumors. Cut to the chase
PS5 controller release dateThe Sony PS5 controller will release alongside the PlayStation 5 at the end of 2020 – sometime between October and December. We're expecting that the PS5 controller, like the DualShock 4 before it, will work not only on the PlayStation 5 but also with PC. PS5 controller priceA price for the PS5 controller has not been confirmed yet, but with the PS4 controller retailing for around £40/$50, we expect the new controller to be just a bit more expensive – maybe around £60/$70. This is pure speculation at this point, based solely on the confirmed features and Sony's previous price strategy for controllers.
PS5 controller confirmed features
The PS5 controller will include haptic feedback to replace the DualShock 4's rumble technology. While rumble technology seen the PS4 controller vibrating intensely during particular in-game events, it wasn't particularly fine-tuned to the player's experience. Haptic feedback simulates touch, meaning the controller will output vibrations or movements to replicate a real-life touch experience. This aims to improve the controller's feedback and therefore player's immersion. The PS5 controller will also feature adaptive triggers which Sony says have "been incorporated into the trigger buttons (L2/R2)". These adaptive triggers will allow developers to program the resistance of the triggers to simulate actions more accurately. In an interview with Business Insider Japan (translated by Gematsu), SIE CEO Jim Ryan said: “3D audio and the haptic feedback support of the controller are also things that, when you try them, you will be surprised at how big a change they are. Even just playing the racing game Gran Turismo Sport with a PlayStation 5 controller is a completely different experience. While it runs well with the previous controller, there is no going back after you experience the detailed road surface via haptic control and play using the adaptive triggers." PS5 controller news and rumors
Is this the PS5 controller? We don't think so Despite the cleaner asking people not to share the images, they obviously made their way to Reddit where posters began speculating, not only about the kit itself, but about the controller attached and whether it could be the PS5 controller. We don't think it is the controller, though, and here's why. The leaked images are very similar to those that we've seen before. The dev kit looks the same, a bulky V-shape with a disc drive in the front and a small screen. What we already know about the PS5 dev kits is that the final model is very unlikely to look like that. As the leaker pointed out in these photos, this is prototype 1. So the final model will look different to that, just in case you worried that thing would end up underneath your TV. What's potentially more interesting is that these images give us a much closer look at the controller attached - which some are speculating to be the PS5 controller. But there are plenty of signs that this isn't the case. For one, the controller looks exactly like the current Sony DualShock 4 controller (minus the branding). Now, based on leaked patents, we think the PS5 controller will look very similar to the DualShock 4. However, if these leaked patents are to be believed, there's a lot of key details missing from the controller hooked up to this dev kit. The PS5 controller is expected to have a chunkier design, larger touchpad, back buttons, a built-in microphone and smaller sticks. This controller doesn't have that. The PS5 controller is also meant to lack the lightbar, but we can't exactly see if that's the case here. While the gamepad in these images doesn't seem to be the PS5 controller, then, there is some good news. If the PS5 dev kit is being tested with a DualShock 4 controller then it suggests that the next-gen console could support backwards compatibility for PS4 accessories. That would make sense, seeing as Sony has already said PSVR will work with the PS5 and rivals Microsoft have announced this feature for Xbox Series X. It would also be welcome news as it means we won't have to upgrade all the PS4 controllers we have at home right now - hopefully, anyway. Back buttons? The design shows two larger buttons that can be moved up and down, and two smaller buttons that can be pressed (and that can detect the pressure of a press). There seems to be some scope for adjusting the positioning of the buttons to suit the size of your hands. As for how these buttons are going to be used, the patent doesn't go into too much detail: except to say that they'll be used to control video game characters, so no surprises there.
This is a patent focused on utility rather than design, so the finished product might not look like the drawing above. Also, as with every patent, the fact that it's filed doesn't necessarily mean Sony will go through with it. What makes us think that these could be back buttons is that the sketches look similar to Sony's newly unveiled Back Button Attachment for existing DualShock 4 controllers. Perhaps the DualShock 5 won't need any attachment. Leaked images Published by the Japanese patent office (via VGC), the Sony Interactive Entertainment patent lays out designs for a new controller that looks very similar to the DualShock 4. Compared the the DualShock 4, the new controller design has some key differences. For a start, the potential PS5 controller seems to have a slightly chunkier design, built-in microphone, larger triggers, no light bar and smaller sticks. It also seems the DualShock 4's micro USB port has been replaced by a smaller USB-C port, which is placed on the top rather than the bottom of the controller. The lack of light bar does make us question how the PS5 would track the controller via when it comes to PSVR and PS Camera games. Usually this is done via the PS Camera, so we're hoping the console will have a different means of tracking the controller otherwise compatibility will suffer. Unless, of course, Sony is gearing up to move solely onto PSVR 2. However, this doesn't seem likely as Sony has promised the PS5 will be backwards compatible with PSVR. It also looks like the stereo headset jack and extension port at the bottom of the headset has been replaced by two larger circular ports. We think these will still be for plugging in headsets, but the two jacks could be headphone and microphone slots respectively, to increase compatibility with headsets. There's also a rectangular design that seems to wrap around the headset, which is potentially for compatibility with a charging dock. Again, this is all speculation on our part. Check it out below:
The design we've seen lines up with nearly everything we know about the PS5 controller so far. We already know the controller will include haptic feedback to replace the DualShock 4's rumble technology. Another patent suggests back buttons of some sort are coming to the controller for the PS5 as well. These may well match the official Back Button Attachment that Sony sells for current DualShock 4 devices. Cloud gaming controller? In other words, a cloud gaming controller that works like a normal gamepad but has the benefit of connecting directly to WiFi - improving input efficiency and potentially unlocking next-level functions. "The controller device communicates directly to an access device for connection to a network that connects the controller device to the server without connecting to a client device", the patent states. "Wherein the server receives and processes the inputs to render gameplay video that is transmitted over the network for rendering to a display device that is local to the controller device." While it's possible this technology may be being developed for the PS5, and could be key in the PS5 controller, it's more likely we'll see it used for Sony's game streaming subscription service PlayStation Now. Last year, Sony slashed the subscription price for PS Now to take on Xbox Games Pass, but it could be this is actually part of a longer term plan to improve and invest in PS Now so it's in the position next-generation to take on upcoming game streaming services such as Google Stadia. Sony confirm PS5 controller PS5 release date
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| Xbox Series X and PS5 expected to take a chunk of flash storage and DRAM market this year Posted: 15 Jan 2020 10:30 AM PST The new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are expected at the end of 2020 and, with the suspected upgrades to the internals of each system, they could consume a sizable chunk of market for SSDs and graphics DRAM, TrendForce suggests. The Xbox One family and the PlayStation 4 come with a bit of GDDR5 VRAM and traditional hard drives. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are expected to make some upgrades in that regard, with a shift to SSDs and GGDR6. The VRAM is also believed to reach 16GB in capacity, double the 8GB of GDDR5 found on the original models of the current-generation consoles. The SSDs, meanwhile, are expected to reach at least 512GB or 1TB in capacity. All of the VRAM and flash storage going into these next-gen consoles will mean a lot of demand surging all at once. TrendForce believes that by the end of 2020, Sony's and Microsoft's consoles will account for 3 to 5% of all SSDs shipped globally in 2020. Those numbers are expected to go even higher for 2021. Nvidia also at playThe PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are going to be powered by AMD hardware, with Zen 2 architecture leading the way. They'll make up a chunk of the demand for graphics DRAM later this year, but Nvidia is also expected to playing a part in the demand. Trendforce suggests Nvidia's next-generation Ampere graphics processors could start taking up some of the DRAM market in the second half of the year. That prediction would line up well with recent rumors that suggest Nvidia Ampere will be revealed in March. That will certainly mean even more demand for graphical DRAM, but we'll all be lucky if one more player raises the deamnd even higher. Competition is a good thing, and there hasn't been enough of it at the high end of the graphics card market. But, a high-end Navi card may be coming, and it could compete with Nvidia's best offerings (unless Ampere proves a serious uplift) while also consuming just that much more of the DRAM market. Via: Wccftech
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| AirPods Deals: save big in cheap Apple headphone sales Posted: 15 Jan 2020 09:49 AM PST The latest AirPods deals are still offering fantastic savings on the phenomenon that is Apple premium earbuds. The sales have brought the AirPods price back down to a near Black Friday level of cheap, meaning if you missed out on those sales earlier in the year you still have a chance to pick some up for less. We don't know how long these prices will last, so if you've had your eye on some top of the range buds for a while, we don't recommend waiting much longer. We only saw these AirPods prices go slightly lower than this over Black Friday, an even better reason to pick up a cheap pair of Apple earbuds now if the savings passed you by in November. You've got two options here - the cheaper AirPods deal with a standard charging case, or the slightly more expensive AirPods with a wireless charging case. You'll find the former on sale for just £128 at Laptops Direct this week, but if you can swing the £158.99 sale price on the wireless version you'll reap the convenience rewards almost instantly. Apple AirPods were first unleashed back in 2016, but since then we've seen a second iteration come in 2019 (the AirPods deals below all offer the 2019 version). With their well-known tap gestures and obviously sublime integration with Apple's range of products, AirPods have taken the world by storm in their four years of existence. Not in the UK? Scroll down for the best AirPods deals in your area. Today's best AirPods dealsFind more Apple AirPods sales right here on TechRadar, or check out these Beats headphone deals for another flavour of Apple headphones. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| E3 2020: what to expect from the year's biggest gaming expo Posted: 15 Jan 2020 09:35 AM PST E3 2020 may still be a few months away, but the chatter around this year’s biggest gaming show is already starting. With Sony deciding to duck out of the show for the second year running, and two next-gen consoles set to launch not long after, there’s plenty of change a-foot – and E3 is at the heart of it. Why is E3 2020 so important? As a place where the likes of Microsoft and Nintendo – both of whom will be in attendance this year – tend to announce new hardware and titles, alongside countless third-party publishers showing off their wares to the fans, players, and media gathered for the event, E3 tends to hold some massive announcements that shape the conversation around the year’s games for many months after. There’s little confirmed for the show floor this year, though we’ve brought together the announcements that the biggest names in gaming have made already, and what you can expect to see at E3 2020. Ok, but what exactly is E3?The E3 name stands for ‘Electronic Entertainment Expo’, and it’s been running in some form since 1995. Hosted by the Entertainment Software Association, E3 is a three-day convention to celebrate and showcase all things gaming, usually to publicize upcoming games and consoles – with a smattering of panel discussions and keynotes alongside the excitement of the show floor. E3 2020 will be the 26th time the event has happened. While traditionally only an industry-only event, the ESA has been more willing to allow members of the public into the event, and is increasing the number of available of public tickets from 15,000 (in 2019) to 25,000. There’s also been chatter about an extra day exclusive to industry members, to minimise disruption and queuing times, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
E3 dates: when is the expo?The E3 expo lands every year in June, and will this year be running from June 9 (Tuesday) to June 11 (Thursday) at the Los Angeles Convention Center (E3’s home since 2009). It kicks off on a Tuesday, but the weekend beforehand will see the major console-makers and publishers hosting their own press conferences where the majority of announcements will take place.
Sony at E3 2020 – or not?Sony didn’t make it to E3 2019, and it won’t be doing so in 2020 either. The makers of the PS5 seem content to showcase their wares at other events throughout the year – like the limp logo reveal at CES 2020 – rather than compete for attention at an event also hosting Xbox and Nintendo. It’s clearly a different strategy to the PS4 console, which had its design formally unveiled at E3 back in 2013. Kotaku news editor Jason Schreier has suggested Sony’s doing this due to disagreements with the ESA, but for whatever reason, PlayStation won’t have a presence – beyond third-party devs and publishers working on PS4 and PS5 games. Xbox at E3 2020Don’t worry, though – Xbox will still be there. Phil Spencer was quick to reassure fans they wouldn’t be taking the same route as Sony, and you can expect to see a lot of the Xbox Series X at the event. It's likely we'll get more information on those rumored sibling consoles, Lockhart and Anaconda, possibly offering cheaper or disc-less alternatives to the mainline offering. (They'll probably be called something boring, though.) We expect to hear some new game announcements – particularly exclusives, which are being aggressively courted for the Xbox brand – and possibly more third-party studios brought under the Xbox umbrella wholesale. It’s likely we’ll get more gameplay footage of the upcoming Halo Infinite, and more information on its multiplayer and story, though a playable demo (sadly) may be a bit further off. Their press conference was on the Sunday last year, making June 7 a likely date this time around.
Nintendo at E3 2020What of Nintendo? The House of Mario will be jumping and chortling into E3 as usual, though it’s unclear whether there’ll be new hardware being shown off. There’s been chatter around a Nintendo Switch Pro for a while now, and E3 would be a sensible time to show it off – especially without Sony hogging the limelight. We also got the first trailer for the Zelda BOTW sequel at E3 last year, so we’re hoping to get more of a formal unveiling, perhaps with a title and an idea of when the game is scheduled to release. Metroid Prime 4, too, only got the briefest of teasers last year, so a better understanding of what the game will actually look like, and when we’ll get to wear Samus’ suit again, would be much appreciated. We fully expect Super Smash Bros Ultimate to continue dominating Nintendo's press channels, possibly with information on new DLC fighters to come down the line. Nintendo doesn't host a press conference any more, but it usually releases a video presentation on the Tuesday (June 9), right before the E3 show floor opens.
E3 2020 games: what will be on show?Outside of the big three, there’ll be plenty to keep those on the show floor, in the keynotes, or spectating from a distance occupied. In terms of upcoming games, there are a lot of titles with vague 2020 release dates, so it’s very possibly we’ll see more footage, trailers, announcements, or release dates for the likes of Ubisoft’s Gods and Monsters, Little Nightmares 2, No More Heroes III, Bayonetta 3, Super Meat Boy Forever, Everwild, and Hollow Knight: Silksong (which releases the day after E3, on June 12). Bethesda always has a decent showing, and will likely resume its Sunday (June 7) press conference, though what it will be showing post-Doom Eternal is anyone's guess. The sci-fi RPG Starfield? Elder Scrolls VI? Given neither were shown off last year, either would be great this time around – both, if we're incredibly lucky. With Google Stadia – announced just before E3 last year – now available to play, too, we may well see a bigger presence from Google this time around. Maybe some more games aside from Destiny 2 to play? We’ll no doubt see some brand new announcements too – but you can see a full list of the ones we know about in our best upcoming games guide. E3 2019: what went down last year?Even without Sony on show, there was still plenty to make 2019 a great year for E3. We had that wonderful Keanu Reeves appearance, and the news he was appearing in Cyberpunk 2077, new specs for the Xbox Series X, and that brilliant BOTW 2 teaser. We also got a full unveiling of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and updates on Apex Legends Season 2 from EA, and the announcement that Dark Souls dev From Software and Game of Throne's George R R Martin were collaborating on the upcoming game Elden Ring. Square Enix had one of the better press events we've yet to see at E3 2019, packing in tons of new information on Marvel's Avengers, Final Fantasy VII Remake and the remastered version of Final Fantasy 8. it wasn't all good news, though, with Animal Crossing: Horizons getting delayed, and the long-awaited Dragon Age 4 not getting so much as a mention. Ubisoft also didn't show off a new Splinter Cell game (cowards!) or its much-delayed Beyond Good and Evil 2 – though it did find time for Just Dance 2020, and the announcement trailer for Gods and Monsters. Here's a slideshow of the 15 best E3 2019 games, and the full list of everything that was announced beneath that: Nintendo
Microsoft
Take-Two Interactive/2K Games Electronic Arts and EA Sports
CD Projekt Red
Konami
Bethesda
Square Enix
Ubisoft
Sega
Bandai Namco
Various
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| All smartphones could soon use the same charger Posted: 15 Jan 2020 09:32 AM PST If European lawmakers get their way, all smartphones could soon use the same charger. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) want to require smartphone manufacturers to provide a common charger for all mobile phones. In a recent meeting, MEPs discussed the idea of introducing “binding measures” that would require chargers that fit all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices. Back in 2014, the EU introduced the voluntary Radio Equipment Directive but MEPs believe that "the voluntary agreements between different industry players have not yielded the desired results".
The more stringent measures proposed by European lawmakers are aimed at reducing electronic waste as old chargers are estimated to amount to 51,000 tonnes of waste per year. Lightning vs USB-CToday the majority of smartphones use USB-C ports for charging but Apple's iPhone still uses the company's proprietary Lightning connector. While Apple has adopted USB-C for its new iPad Pro and MacBooks, the company has yet to do so for the iPhone. Last year Apple argued to the EU that regulations aimed at standardizing mobile phone chargers would hurt innovation, saying: “Apple stands for innovation. Regulations that would drive conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones freeze innovation rather than encourage it. Such proposals are bad for the environment and unnecessarily disruptive for customers.” The iPhone maker went on to argue that switching to a standard charger “would result in an unprecedented volume of electronic waste and greatly inconvenience users”. While the switch from Lightning to USB-C may be an inconvenience at first, in the end it would make it much easier for users to charge their devices as all smartphones would use a standard connector. Apple may in fact be planning to do away with its Lightning connector but the company won't be adopting USB-C for its iPhones anytime soon. Instead, the company is reportedly working on an iPhone with no ports at all which would only charge wirelessly.
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| This Nintendo Switch Lite deal is inching closer to Black Friday prices right now Posted: 15 Jan 2020 09:31 AM PST If you've been waiting nervously for Nintendo Switch Lite deals to drop in price once again, you may be in luck. This excellent £175 Switch Lite price brings the handheld-only console back down to mere spitting distance from its previous Black Friday price tag, making this an excellent time to pick up a cheap console. If you've been keeping an eye on the Nintendo Switch Lite price for a while, you will have noticed that stock of the flagship model has all but run out in the UK. That means the Switch Lite has been fiercely defending its own £199 price tag as demand creeps higher and higher with the turn of the New Year. That was, however, until today. The Nintendo Switch Lite offers a handheld-only version of the Switch experience. While the JoyCons cannot be removed, and the system itself can't be docked, it's a far cheaper, far more kid-friendly version of the Switch that existing and new Nintendo fans alike have fallen in love with. Play all the latest Nintendo titles for less, and save your cash for the games that matter. Even if you already have a Switch, plenty of punters have been picking up cheap Nintendo Switch Lites in deals like this just so they can have a dedicated handheld console. We're not sure how long these Nintendo Switch Lite deals are going to last, but this is one of the best prices we've seen in what's been a very long month for Switch sales. Not in the UK? Scroll down to find more Nintendo Switch Lite deals where you are. Today's best Nintendo Switch Lite dealMore Nintendo Switch Lite bundle dealsFor all things Nintendo, check out our favourite Nintendo Switch sales, including great Nintendo Switch Online subscription prices. Looking to keep your New Years' Resolution? We're rounding up all the Ring Fit Adventure deals out there. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best turntables 2020: the best record players for any budget Posted: 15 Jan 2020 09:09 AM PST The best turntables of 2020 aren't the same dusty old record players you might find in your parents' attic – the best turntables in the world today are thoroughly modern devices, essential for any music lover. You'll find that most modern turntables are well-equipped with the latest tech, like built-in Bluetooth connectivity and USB outputs that allow you to record your LPs straight onto your PC. Nowadays, you can listen to your vinyls anywhere. With the vogue for vinyl still in full swing, sales of turntables having been growing steadily worldwide since 2012 – and there's never been a better time to invest in a new record player. So, whether you want to dust off those old records or you're a card-carrying member of the modern vinyl revival movement, you'll want to find the best turntable for you – that's why we've rounded up our favorite record players for spinning your tunes.
What's the best turntable?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB is a great introductory turntable for any budding vinyl enthusiast. Out of the box, it features the ability to play 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM, which means there will never be an album you can’t play. There’s also a built-in phono preamp so you never have to worry about finding one on your own. New record collectors will love the easy setup and features while more vetted users will love the option to dial in the vertical tracking angle, tracking force and easily replaceable headshell. Sure, it looks like a Technics SL-1200 ripoff but at a fraction of the price, it’s entirely worth it. The AT-LP120-USB also comes with a USB output that allows you to record your record collection if you want. To put it simply, this deck strikes the perfect balance of ease of use for beginners while still including some more advanced features for you to grow into.
If you don't want to spend a fortune on the best turntable in the world and you're not worried about squeezing every last drop of fidelity from your LPs, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is a perfect starting point. It’s portable, can play most vinyl and is by far the most inexpensive turntable we have on this list. It’s also totally automatic, meaning it’ll queue a record and return the arm to resting position without requiring a manual lever. The only caveat with a turntable this cheap is that it won’t grow with you as your vinyl collection expands. The built-in phono preamp means you’re stuck with it, however you can replace the needle once it wears out. While there are cheaper, poorly engineered turntables on the market, it’s not worth it, as you risk damaging your precious records with poorly aligned and improperly weighted tonearms. Vinyl is expensive so we recommend the AT-LP60 for beginners just looking to get started. Make sure you check out our hands-on Audio-Technica AT-LP5x turntable review, too – it's another great starter record player from the Japanese company.
The Denon DP-300F is a gorgeous turntable that sounds just as good as it looks. The included DSN-85 cartridge isn’t the most accurate but it nevertheless manages to make your music sound airy and reasonably detailed, especially for it’s price.You’ll need to spend a lot more cash to hear more detail. While the DP-300F lacks the USB outputs of some of the turntables listed here, it’s still a great starting turntable for anyone who doesn’t want to manually queue their albums or have a habit of falling asleep while listening to music. The Denon’s automatic start/stop feature means your needle won’t be worn down at the end of the record as the arm immediately returns when an album is done. Build quality is decent for an all-plastic turntable, but its buttons feel cheap – a minor problem but shouldn't be a deal-breaker for you. If the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB doesn’t fit your aesthetic, consider the Denon DP-300F instead. Read the full review: Denon DP-300F review
The Fluance RT81 is an excellent starter turntable for the enthusiast. It’s simple to set up and use for newbies but you can switch out the cartridge to squeeze out more performance later on. Newbies also won’t have to worry about getting a separate phono preamp, as one is built in. However, you can turn it off if you want to use a better external preamp. The only downside is that Fluance’s advertised “auto-off” feature simply turns off the platter, preventing excessive needle wear but you’ll still have to return the arm to its resting place yourself. You’ll also have to manually queue records, which isn’t a deal breaker by any means but is something to consider for those looking for a fully automatic turntable. The Denon DP-300F is a great choice for those looking for a fully automated record listening experience. Read the full review: Fluance RT81 review
From here on out things start to get a little bit more ‘real’: The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is in the runnings to be the best entry-level hi-fi turntables you can buy. While vinyl newcomers may cringe at the price, the Debut Carbon is really an incredible bargain. For the money, you get an very well made deck that’s damped properly for fantastic sound quality. The carbon fiber tonearm is lightweight and stiff, and is usually reserved for turntables costing much more. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is for the budding enthusiast that’s committed to the record collecting hobby and because of that commitment, it doesn’t feature niceties like an auto-returning tonearm, buttons for changing speed or an included phono preamp. Newbies may be turned off by the manual changing of the belt position to change speeds and the lack of an included preamp. However, if you want to extract more detail and resolution from your records than the cheaper options on this list, or if you want to get started on the path of being a true vinyl collector, the Debut Carbon is probably your best bet. Like the Pro-Ject Debut III, but want a subtler look? Check out the Crosley C10, which features a chic wooden-look plinth combined with a Pro-Ject tonearm. Read the full review: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon review
There’s a lot of debate whether the Rega Planar 1 or the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is the best entry-level Hi-Fi turntable. It’s a close match and there are no clear winners, each providing an excellent starting place for audiophiles on a budget. While the Rega may lack the fancy carbon tone arm of the Pro-Ject, the Planar 1 still sounds excellent and is well damped with its phenolic resin platter. And for newbies, the Rega Planar 1 is still easy to setup, though you’ll have to provide your own phono preamp. Ultimately, the Rega Planar 1 just sounds so good that it’s hard to fault it too much. Vocals are revealing and you can hear the texture from instruments like the violin. The included Rega Carbon cartridge isn’t anything special but manages to be a great match for the turntable. It’s a tough choice between the Planar 1 and the Debut Carbon but you can’t go wrong with either.
The Marantz TT-15S1 costs a serious bit of change, but you’re actually getting a killer bargain. The Clearaudio Virtuoso included with the turntable is $1000 when purchased separately. Additionally, you get a killer tonearm and gorgeous turntable at a price that’s definitely an investment, but not unreasonable. So what does the Marantz TT-15S1 get you over the competition? Attention to detail. Just about every part of the turntable has been poured over to be the best it can be for the price. The fit and finish are excellent and it’s a pleasure to handle the high-quality components. This is a turntable you’ll find yourself admiring its visual and audible qualities. Newbies should not get this turntable as it requires more knowledge to set up properly than the entry-level turntables on this list. But if you’re ready to take your record collecting and listening to the next level, the Marantz TT-15S1 is the perfect place to start. Read the full review: Marantz TT-15S1 review
If the Clearaudio Concept and Marantz TT-15S1 seem familiar, that’s because the Marantz was built by Clearaudio to Marantz’s specifications. This means everything about the excellent build quality of the Marantz carries over to the Clearaudio Concept (i.e. this is a turntable that is as gorgeous as it sounds). One small but notable difference between the Marantz and the Clearaudio is the ability to play 78 rpm records. While most people will never come across 78s, it’s nice to know that the Clearaudio Concept is capable of playing them. The Concept also has a handy speed dial on the plinth, meaning you don’t have to swap the belt position manually. As for negatives, the Clearaudio Concept has no notable flaws. Yes, it’s expensive but you’re still getting a bargain in this price range. The included Clearaudio Concept moving-coil cartridge costs $1,000 by itself. Yep! Read the review: Clearaudio Concept review
The Sony PS-HX500 is a great entry-level turntable for those just getting started with record collecting. Its standout feature is its ability to record Hi-Res audio from its USB output in 96kHz/24bit resolution. This is an excellent feature for those looking to digitize their records. In terms of sound quality, the Sony PS-HX500 sound spacious and provides good detail. However, the included needle sounds a bit harsh and sibilant at times and lacks the resolution of more expensive cartridges. While some may like the minimalist design of the Sony, it’s utterly forgettable and its plastic build leaves a lot to be desired. Handling the turntable on a daily basis leaves us wanting more premium materials that don’t rattle.
$1700 / £1500 (around AU$2750) for a record player is expensive no matter the brand, and it’s Cambridge’s most expensive-ever turntable by a mile. But it’s uniquely specified, and intends to deliver all the many and various advantages of the vinyl format with very few of the compromises. The fact it’s able to stream wirelessly to a 24bit/48kHz aptX HD standard makes it number one in a field of one. No other record player from any better-established brand in this sort of market - Rega, for instance, or Clearaudio - is able to come close to this level of convenience. Read the review: Cambridge Audio Alva TT review
With a budget-friendly price, easy assembly, and the convenience of wireless playback, the AT-LP60XBT could make a fantastic first turntable for any fledgling vinyl enthusiast. While the plinth does feel somewhat insubstantial, and the sound might not be detailed enough for some, it's brilliant price more than makes up for that – and the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity makes the AT-LP6XBT feel like very good value for money. Audio-Technica is known for producing high quality cartridges, and the one used on this turntable is no exception; the ATN3600L conical stylus fits perfectly into the grooves of the record and reveals details in songs you may have never noticed before – in short, it makes your music an absolute joy to listen to. Read the review: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT turntable review
Meet the budget-friendly Technics SL-1500C that will only set you back £899 / $999 / AU$2499. It's still not the most affordable turntable on the market, but it's first the reborn Technics has so far delivered really remind listeners of what they loved about the brand in the first place. Sound-staging is impressive, with recordings given plenty of elbow-room for individual instruments to make their presence felt. There’s depth and height to the Technics’ stage, as well as width, but despite all this breathing-room there’s no lack of unity to the sound the SL-1500C delivers. Read the review: Technics SL-1500C Turntable review What makes a good turntable?One downside of the renewed interested in turntables with all their modern trappings and tricky naming conventions, is that navigating the market for the best record players can be pretty confusing – but stick with us and we’ll help you find the best turntable for you. To start, we'll walk you through all the little details that go into choosing the best record player for your listening needs and budget. Do you want to go on the high end with a belt drive? Or how about a more user-friendly direct drive turntable or a Bluetooth-enabled model? What about phono preamps? Do you need one? All of these questions will be answered right here, so before you know it, those dusty old records will be spinning once more on your brand new turntable. On of the most vital components to look for when you’re shopping for the best record player for you, is how well damped it is. Damping is essentially the method by which manufacturers combat vibrations – whether internal or external. They do this through the use of different motor configurations, and through the use of various components. Most of the time, belt-driven turntables are going to be a lot quieter and offer higher fidelity than their direct drive brethren, as direct drive turntables have a motor that is directly connected to the platter. However, there are some great direct drive turntables out there, so don’t write them off quite yet. Your own personal needs are important too, though, so don’t forget about them. If you’re just starting out, you probably don’t need to be fooling around with a complex turntable with an adjustable vertical tracking angle, anti-skate and azimuth. You may even want a turntable that connects to your speaker wirelessly over Bluetooth. Do you want to rip your vinyl to your digital library? If so, look for a turntable with a USB output and reliable software to get the job done. Best turntables 2020 at a glance
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| Star Wars leak reveals Colin Trevorrow's superior version of Episode 9 Posted: 15 Jan 2020 09:01 AM PST The Star Wars Leaks subreddit has a surprisingly good track record when it comes to spoiling events in a galaxy far, far away ahead of time. For example, the entire story of Episode 9 was doing the rounds three months before The Rise of Skywalker arrived in theaters, and key story details on the game Jedi: Fallen Order leaked almost a year before release. This latest reported leak, though, is something else: it's a summary of the original script for Star Wars Episode 9 before original director Colin Trevorrow departed the project, back when it was subtitled...Duel of the Fates. This came via YouTuber Robert Meyer Burnett, and the breakdown of it on Reddit is pretty extensive. While it's worth considering as a rumor, The AV Club says it was able to independently verify the leak as the real thing. If you didn't like The Rise of Skywalker, it's a fascinating look at what could've been. For one, it doesn't feature Palpatine as the villain, though he does appear in a limited capacity. The script was co-written by Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, and is apparently dated as December 16, 2016. Trevorrow left the project in September 2017. Let's get into the key details, then...
Another storyFirst up is the opening crawl, which establishes that the First Order now dominates the entire galaxy, save for a few planets. The movie starts with a raid on a First Order shipyard, revealing that Rey has forged a double-sided lightsaber from her weapon and Luke Skywalker's. The raid goes wrong, but Rey, Poe, Finn, Rose (who seems to have more to do in this opening than Episode 9 itself) and BB-8 make off with a First Order star destroyer. Hux is now Chancellor on an oppressed Coruscant. Kylo Ren, meanwhile, is on the Episode 3 planet Mustafar, haunted by Luke Skywalker's ghost. He finds a Sith Holocron containing a message from Palpatine meant for Vader, encouraging Vader to seek out Palpatine's master, Tor Valum, in the event of his death (what happened to two Sith at a time, eh?). Rey is training as a Jedi, and communicating with Luke's ghost. The ultimate goal of the Resistance in this draft is to activate a beacon that's situated under Coruscant designed to put out a distress call to 50 planets, which they almost achieve before the First Order stops the message from going out. Kylo Ren meets Tor Valum, characterized as an ancient 'Lovecraftian' Sith alien. Leia teams up with Lando to arrange help from smugglers in overturning the First Order's rule, and the final battle occurs on Coruscant, off the back of civil unrest sparked by Finn and the droids. Rey defeats the Knights of Ren in battle, and she finally confronts Kylo Ren himself. Kylo Ren reveals he killed Rey's parents at the behest of Snoke. Failing to turn to the light side despite the appearances of Luke, Yoda and Obi-Wan as Force ghosts, Kylo simply dies. The First Order ultimately loses. There are big gaps in the story from this synopsis, but the choice of Coruscant as a centerpoint for the story seems like a cool idea. Well, better than lots of secret star destroyers coming out of the sea at the behest of a cloned Palpatine, anyway. It reads like absurd fan fiction in some ways, but it's less of a breathless MacGuffin chase than the finished Episode 9 is. It also treats Kylo Ren as truly lost to the dark side of the Force, which was clearly the point of the decisions he made in The Last Jedi. There's also no suggestion that Rey is a Palpatine, which was one of Episode 9's most divisive choices. Check out the full write-up for yourself and see what you think. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Best over-ear headphones 2020: the best-sounding, most comfortable cans Posted: 15 Jan 2020 08:59 AM PST Nothing can beat the best over-ear headphones if you value good quality sound and best-in-class performance when it comes to listening to music. It's a fact: in terms of soundstage, sound quality and comfort during extended listening sessions, no other form factor can compete. Plus, if keeping your ears healthy long into your twilight years is just as important to you, these headphones also tend to be better for your ear health overall, because you don't need to amp up the volume to get a great audio performance and noise-cancellation. New additions to our best headphones round up for 2020 include the Philips PH805, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, and the Sennheiser PXC 550-II – all of which are wireless models. To make things easier for audiophiles, this guide will focus on sound quality above all else – if you're looking for other cool features, make sure you check out our guides to the best noise-canceling headphones and the best wireless headphones.
While Beyerdynamic may not be as well known as its German brother, Sennheiser, the audio company has a history of creating some of the best sounding audio gear on the market – the company’s DT770, DT880 and DT990 were renown for their excellent build and sound quality. Above them all, however, stands the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, an open-back version of the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro, a headphone which won our Editor’s Choice for its imaging, design and value for the money. Both headphones are priced the same ($599, £589, AU$1,159), so you won’t find a deal picking up one over the other. The difference here comes down to sound. As they’re open-back, the DT 1990 Pro are meant to be used at home or in the studio for serious analytical listening. Sound is able to get in and out but the good news is that the open-back design gives you the DT 1990 Pro a great sense of space. Soundstage is quite wide, too, allowing even the most lackadaisical listener to pinpoint the exact location of where each instrument is playing. If you've been searching for a pair of Hi-Fi headphones that are used by some of the world's leading audio engineers, these are them. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
The Philips Fidelio X2's are a superb pair of headphones offering premium comfort and build quality with a sound that rivals even the most vaunted audiophile cans. Perhaps on sheer sound quality they're a notch off the likes of the top Oppo or Sennheiser offerings – but the fact that you'd be saving vast amounts of cash by opting for the Philips is just a no brainer. Read the full review: Philips Fidelio X2
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pros are a stunning pair of headphones. Are they expensive? To some no, to most yes; but for the sheer listening experience they deliver you'd be hard pressed to take them off after putting them on, even using them with portable HRA players and mobile phones. That said, they really do push the boundaries of what you can do with a dynamic driver. All praise to Beyerdynamic for putting together such a wonderful product. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro
It's almost unfair to stick them in the same category as the more critical listening-focused over-ear headphones, but the Sony WH-1000XM3 are one of the best all-around headphones we heard last year. Not only do they sound great and pack excellent noise-cancellation, but they manage to do this all wirelessly. Other headphones on our list offer superior sound quality, sure, but the WH-1000XM3 manage to offer the best balance of features and performance. And while it's the noise-cancellation that really sell these headphones, they've also got a couple of interesting tricks up their sleeves like built-in Google Assistant and Alexa, plus support for NFC and aptX HD with some Android devices. Offering all of this without a serious price-premium over the competition means the Sony WH-1000XM3 are a great all-around choice for on-the-go music listeners. Read the full review: Sony WH-1000XM3
The fourth entry on our list easily could've been the first if it didn't cost well over $1,000/£1,000. The Sennheiser HD 800 are, hands down, one of the best-sounding pairs of over-ear headphones on the planet, affectionately praised by inner circles of audiophiles the world over. When paired with the proper hardware, they sound absolutely excellent – balanced in every way. Unfortunately, they're supremely expensive and require more audio equipment than the average consumer is ready to buy. Should you find yourself in need – or, let's be honest, in want – of amazing over-ear headphones, these are them. Read the full review: Sennheiser HD 800
If you’re looking for class-leading wireless, noise-canceling headphones and you're not put off by the $399 / £349 / AU$600 price tag, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are well worth considering. With sophisticated noise-canceling, much-improved sound quality, a honed aesthetic, the PX7 could give any of the headphones on this list a run for their money. Plus. they're packing aptX Adaptive for improved stability and latency between the headphones and your device, as well as high-quality (24-bit) streaming aptX HD brought to the table. Read more: Bowers & Wilkins PC7 Wireless Headphones review
The B&W P9 Signatures are simply some of the best-sounding headphones we’ve ever used. They have a tight, refined sound that offers an almost unmatched level of detail. That said, the fact remains that they’re a comparatively feature-light pair of cans. If you want to spend less then you can get a much more portable pair that’ll be better suited to the morning commute or a plane ride thanks to additional features like noise-cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity. But, if you’re looking to invest in a seriously high-quality pair of headphones to listen to a high-quality music collection, then there are few that can match the P9s at this price point. [Update: We've been informed that the last pair of P9 Signatures have been shipped to retailers, so if you want to get your hands on these cans, you'll need to snap them up quickly.] Read the full review: B&W P9 Signature
At $199 / £160 (around AU$290) the Philips PH805 offer exceptional value for money. These are wireless headphones, using Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity – so high-resolution audio playback should be achievable. Using a single Lithium-Ion cell for up to 30 hours of playback time from a single charge, the Philips PH805 have active noise cancellation on board, administered by a couple of mics on each earcup. Read more: Philips PH805 review
Audiophiles typically shun wireless headphones because of poor sound quality. However, Bluetooth audio has improved tremendously over the years. There are now plenty of wireless headphones that can please the music enthusiast, with Hi-Res Audio support being more and more prevalent. That said, the Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT feature some of the best wired and wireless sound quality for a headphone under $200 (£150). They play well with all music genres and offer a near-flat response curve. They're extremely comfortable for long listening sessions and are well built. Battery life is equally impressive with nearly 40 hours of playback from a charge. And while they lack some features of more expensive wireless headphones like active noise cancelling and multi-device pairing, these are tradeoffs worth making for phenomenal sound. Read the full review: Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT
In terms of audio quality, these Sennheiser over-ear headphones sound fantastic, with high levels of detail, warm bass, and natural-sounding highs. Customizable noise cancelation is a great touch, but it doesn't quite reach the class-leading standards set by Sony and Bose. Battery life also doesn't compete with the Sony WH-1000XM3s, and they're more expensive to boot. So, why buy the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless (2019)? Well, if built-in Tile tracking appeals to you, and you like the industrial design and premium materials of the Momentum Wireless, that could be reason enough – and if you do opt for them over the Sony model, you won’t be missing out on any audio quality. In that respect, they’re truly matched. Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum Wireless (2019) review
The build, battery life, and sound quality of the Sennheiser PXC 550-II are all very impressive, upgrading the previous PXC 550 model with the latest Bluetooth standard and enhanced audio and smart capabilities. The PXC 550-II headphones are a bit cheaper than the Momentum Wireless, a bit more sober in appearance and definitely not as big, with a sophisticated sound. Read more: Sennheiser PXC 550-II review
The Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless are the best-sounding wireless headphones you can buy, period. Sound is spacious, detailed, and makes you want to rediscover your music library. Their bulky design and average noise isolation make them terrible for travel but if you’re looking for the best sound from a wireless headphone, this is it. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless
They may not beat the Sony WH-1000XM3's battery life and price, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are still a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones. By applying noise cancelation on both music and phone calls, they offer class-leading technology, and well as a vibrant, lively sound and wide, well-balanced soundstage. If you’re trying to decide between buying the Sony WH-1000XM3s and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, we’d recommend going for the former because of that lower price and better battery life. That being said, you wouldn’t be making a mistake if you opted for the Bose cans instead (and we wouldn’t blame you if you did) – they sound great, look stunning, and the noise-cancelation is out of this world. Read the full review: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
For the money, the JBL Live 650BTNC punch above its weight in terms of sound quality, build, and features. The cons we have listed above – like mapping the assistant to the touchpad and its use of microUSB – are simply nitpicks with none of them being outright deal-breakers. That said, we came away very impressed at the well-rounded package JBL created for the market and would certainly recommend them to anyone in the market for a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Read the full review: JBL Live 650BTNC review
The Focal Stellias sound absolutely fantastic. Their wide-open soundstage and detailed, accurate sound treatment means they make any genre of music sound brilliant. If you listen to songs you think you know inside out, the Stellias' precise separation of the frequencies means that you will probably hear details you’ve never noticed before. So why didn't they make the list? Well, we included them as a bonus option because they're incredible. But they're very, very expensive. They're $3,000. And as good as they are, therein lies the problem: the Focal Stellias are prohibitively expensive for most people, at 10 times the price of our current favorite headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM3s. UPDATE: If you like the sound of these luxury headphones but can't justify the price, check out our initial hands-on review of the new Focal Elegia. They may not sound quite as breathtaking as the Focal Stellia - at least that’s what we gathered from a short listening session – but the Focal Elegia headphones are still very impressive. Read the full review: Focal Stellia review Over-ear headphones: what to look forTo make things easier for audiophiles, this guide will focus on sound quality above all else. When buying over-ear headphones, sound quality is the most important feature to look out for – the more expensive, the better your cans tend to sound, although there are quite a few impressive exceptions to this rule. How you define good sound quality depends on your personal taste. Do you like a warm, well-rounded sound, or do you prefer ultra high-fidelity that allows you to hear every single detail of your music? Are you a dedicated bass head or a classical music junkie? If you're all about that bass, you'll want to look out for dynamic drivers that displace lots of air, leading to a bassy soundstage. If detail is everything, look for large frequency ranges – 20Hz to 20 kHz is the standard, so anything larger than this may allow for more detail in the highs and lows. It's also important to consider the soundstage as a whole; if you love a wide, open sound, try a pair of open-back headphones. Worried about sound-leakage when you're in the company of others? Try a pair of closed-back cans with a secure fit to stop your tunes bothering the people around you. As we mentioned, there are a few wireless and noise-canceling headphones in this list – that's because the sound quality of these models is exceptional. Many over-ear headphones come with these quality-of-life features these days, although they're often pricier than their wired counterparts – if you can't live without these modern conveniences, make sure you're buying headphones with the latest Bluetooth technology and active noise cancelation. Design is also hugely important, as a good pair of over-ear headphones need to be comfortable for long listening sessions – look out for padded earcups and headbands in materials like memory foam for ultimate comfort. Best over-ear headphones at a glance
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| SD card bargain alert: get 50% off these new waterproof Manfrotto memory cards Posted: 15 Jan 2020 08:58 AM PST SD cards can sometimes leave you feeling a little unnerved with their fragility and aversion to water, but that's not the case with Manfrotto's new Pro Rugged range. Not only are they tough and waterproof, these new SD cards are an impressive 50% off until the end of January. The new Pro Rugged line, which also includes microSD and CompactFlash cards, is Manfrotto's debut in the memory card world. The Italian company is better known for accessories like tripods, but has decided to use its heritage to take on SD cards from the likes of Sony and SanDisk. What's so special about the Pro Rugged range? Aside from being 50% off at launch, Manfrotto claims they're the "strongest memory cards around", with a design that makes them three times stronger than a standard SD card, and able to withstand 20kg of impact. The good news for anyone who's accidentally put their SD card through a hot wash is that the SD and microSD cards are also apparently waterproof for up to 72 hours. While that might sound tempting, the Pro Rugged cards are probably overkill for point-and-shoot photography. With its SD card managing read speeds of 280MB/s and equally impressive write speeds of 250MB/s, they're very much designed for those who are shooting 4K/6K video or fans of high-speed raw snapping. That said, if you have a camera that supports UHS-II and are looking for a future-proof card that'll last you a while, the 50% off deal makes the Pro Rugged cards a real bargain – the 64GB version is only $57.50, while the 128GB version is $112.50. Of course, Manfrotto isn't the only company offering rugged, waterproof SD cards –Sony launched its Tough SF-G cards in 2018. Both claim similar levels of toughness, with full waterproofing and the ability to withstand extremes of temperature from -25°C to 85°C. Sony makes additional claims about its Tough line's bend-proofing, stating that they're 18 times more resistant to bending than standard cards. And while Sony's Tough SF-G aren't available in microSD form, its SD cards offer slightly superior speeds to the new Manfrotto Pro Rugged cards, with the ability to read data at 300MB/s and write at an incredible 299MB/s. But with their 50% off launch price, Manfrotto's Pro Rugged cards offer far better value right now, with their Sony equivalents costing well over twice as much for both the 64GB and 128GB versions. If you need a speedy card that'll survive both the wilderness and the washing machine, they're a great buy right now. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Plusnet's effective £17.82/pm fibre broadband deal is coming to an end tomorrow Posted: 15 Jan 2020 08:47 AM PST Need a new internet plan? Willing to act very fast to get it? In that case, the cheapest fibre broadband deal around by a fair distance is waiting patiently for you...well, not very patiently as it is will be gone by Thursday night! Just like distant relatives around the holidays, Plusnet is here to present you with a gift and then quickly disappear, offering up a whopping £75 in cashback on its latest fibre broadband deal. Take that cashback into account and Plusnet's fibre plan drops from an already affordable £21.95 down to an effective £17.78. That puts this more in the realms of ADSL cheap broadband than fibre. Or, in other words, a pretty massive bargain. So when is this Plusnet deal departing? Coming to an end at midnight on January 16, you have just one more day to get this. But don't worry too much if you've miss it...there is a host of other great broadband deals out there that you can see below.
This cheap Plusnet broadband deal in full:What other broadband deals are available right now?Not a fan of the Plusnet broadband deal above? Not to worry, there are a number of other great options if you're willing to spend a bit more. Vodafone's Superfast fibre 2 plan seems like the obvious choice for anyone needing fibre, coming in at just £23 a month. That's the same cost as Vodafone's cheaper fibre plan, effectively getting you a free boost to your speeds. Or, if you're looking for something from BT, it's Superfast Fibre broadband deal is looking like a solid choice. Offering speeds averaging 50Mb for a price of £28.99, this is already cheap for BT, throw in the £70 reward card and it gets even better.
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