Friday, February 28, 2020

Apple : Facebook sues analytics firm over alleged data harvesting

Apple : Facebook sues analytics firm over alleged data harvesting

Facebook sues analytics firm over alleged data harvesting

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 12:11 PM PST

Facebook has filed a federal lawsuit in California against the New Jersey-based data analytics firm OneAudience claiming it allegedly harvested data from the social network.

The social networking giant claims that the firm paid app developers to install its Software Development Kit (SDK) in their apps which was used to collect data on Facebook users without their knowledge.

According to court documents obtained by ZDNet, the SDK was embedded in a wide variety of apps and some were even made available through the official Google Play Store. In its complaint, Facebook provided more details on the kind of information OneAudience allegedly harvested, saying:

"After a user installed one of these apps on their device, the malicious SDK enabled OneAudience to collect information about the user from their device and their Facebook, Google, or Twitter accounts, in instances where the user logged into the app using those accounts. With respect to Facebook, OneAudience used the malicious SDK – without authorization from Facebook – to access and obtain a user's name, email address, locale (i.e. the country that the user logged in from), time zone, Facebook ID, and, in limited instances, gender."

Data harvesting

Twitter was the first to discover that OneAudience was secretly harvesting data in November of last year and in a blog post, the social network confirmed that the company was also targeting Facebook, Apple and Google users.

Facebook's lawsuit against the company comes after its investigation into the matter has been closed. The company also revealed to ZDNet that it first learned about the suspicious behavior of the OneAudience SDK from a bug report submitted to its Data Abuse Bounty program which it created after the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

In response to the accusations that its SDK was harvesting user data, OneAudience published a statement on its website claiming that the company never intended to collect any user data at all, which reads:

“Recently, we were advised that personal information from hundreds of mobile IDs may have been passed to our oneAudience platform. This data was never intended to be collected, never added to our database and never used. We proactively updated our SDK to make sure that this information could not be collected on November 13, 2019. We then pushed the new version of the SDK to our developer partners and required that they update to this new version. We believe that consumers should have the opportunity to choose who they share their data with and in what context. Today, we are shutting down the OneAudience SDK.”

Facebook responded to OneAudience's behavior by sending the company a cease and desist letter and it also requested that the firm participate in an audit. However, OneAudience refused to cooperate according to Facebook and now the social network is asking a judge to order the data analytics firm to comply with its audit request.

  • We've also highlighted the best VPN services

Via ZDNet

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Intel is adopting one of AMD and Nvidia's most useful features in its latest graphics software

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 11:49 AM PST

Intel released its Graphics Command Center way back in March 2019, but it obviously wasn't finished. Instead, Intel has updated it with one of the most useful features that both Nvidia GeForce Experience and AMD Adrenalin offer: gameplay recording. 

Intel has announced that video recording and broadcasting will be coming to IGCC (Intel Graphics Command Center) through a Twitter post, bringing its gaming-focused UI more in line with what's offered by competitors AMD and Nvidia, notably before Intel Xe. And, luckily if you want to try it out yourself, you can download the beta version of the software through the Microsoft Store. 

While it doesn't look quite as robust as what you can do with Nvidia Shadowplay, which allows you to assign a hotkey through GeForce Experience to record the last 15 minutes or so of gameplay, it will at least allow you to actually record gameplay. However, because right now Intel graphics are limited to integrated GPUs, performance will likely take a dive – but this is about the future – the far future if rumors are to be believed. 

That's right, it looks like Intel wants to make sure its software game is up to snuff when Intel Xe graphics cards eventually make it to market. That will likely be a while, since the Intel Xe DG1 GPU we played with at CES 2020 is still in its early stages, and will likely not be in the hands of consumers for quite a while. 

However long we have to wait for Intel's graphics cards in the mainstream, we hope to see many more software features like this make their way into its software. Who knows, maybe by the time we actually get our hands on an Intel Xe graphics card, Intel Graphics Command Center will be as fully featured as Nvidia GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin. 

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Intel is coming for AMD hard, if this latest performance leak is any indication

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 11:47 AM PST

Intel's 10th-generation Comet Lake-S processors for desktop still aren't here, and while we haven't heard anything from Intel itself, there's a deluge of performance leaks out there. 

The latest of which comes via famed hardware leaker @TUM_APISAK and shows a supposed Intel Core i7-10700KF scoring 294.33GOPS on the SISoftware CPU Arithmetic benchmark. For comparison's sake, an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X can score around 308GOPs according to SiSMark's results browser. 

This would mean that Intel's next generation processors won't quite catch up to AMD's mainstream platform, but because Comet Lake-S is, by all indications, going to still be on the 14nm manufacturing process, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise. In fact, its promising that Intel is able to come so close on its aging manufacturing process at all. 

This is likely largely due to the processor boosting all the way up to 5.3GHz, which is an amazing boost clock for any processor, especially when it comes with 8-cores and 16-threads. Only time will tell if this is an actual boost clock and not an overclock – if this benchmark result is even real. However, it's still promising. 

We are fully expecting Intel to unveil its Comet Lake-S processors any time now, and these chips will show us whether or not there really is any life left in the Skylake architecture. We'll just have to wait and see. 

Wait, there's a catch

According to some juicy speculation by our friends over at Tom's Hardware, Intel may end up launching its 10th-generation Comet Lake-S chips with three different levels of TDP (thermal design power): 125W, 65W and 35W. 

It's extremely likely that the Intel Core i7-10700KF shown off in this benchmark is going to come with the 125W TDP rather than a 65W, which would be significantly higher than the 105W TDP of the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X. 

You also have to take into consideration the fact that TDP is measured differently by Intel and AMD. Here at TechRadar, we didn't review the 3800X, but we reviewed a large portion of the AMD Ryzen 3rd Generation lineup, and the Ryzen 9 3900X stays closer to its 105W TDP with a peak power draw of 145.75W than something like the Intel Core i9-9900KS which is rated for 127W but draws up to 202.75W. 

It's likely then, that if the Intel Core i7-10700KF ships with a 125W TDP, it could see power consumption spike much higher than the Ryzen 7 3800X, which would make it both slightly slower and much less efficient. 

Still, this loss in power efficiency may not be a dealbreaker for some users, especially if Intel manages to keep its lead in single core – and thus gaming – performance with its next-generation CPUs. The benchmark leaked here is definitely geared more towards multi-core performance, so its possible that Intel could still maintain its lead elsewhere. 

We'll have to wait until we manage to get our hands on these processors ourselves, of course, but until then we'll report on any other major benchmark leaks leading up to the release of Comet Lake-S. We can't wait. 

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AMD solves some huge problems with its latest Radeon drivers

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 11:44 AM PST

AMD is making big strides with its hardware, as CPU sales have dominated and even its GPUs marketshare has grown, with AMD even beating Nvidia for market share in Q4 2019. But, that increased prevalance put some of AMD's Radeon graphics cards' bugs in front of more users. Now, AMD has released updated drivers to address the biggest problems.

A number of stuttering and black screen bugs are covered by the Radeon Software Adrenalin 20202 Edition 20.2.2 update. These black screen bugs would be an especially big issue on computers running an AMD CPU, as it would more than likely not have an iGPU to help users troubleshoot. 


Task switching with certain features on or applications running hardware acceleration could cause black screens. Launching games and programs could also cause a black screen if Instant Replay was enabled, as could toggling on HDR in Battlefield V, specifically. Playing Battlefield V for too long could also cause graphics cards to hang. 

Problems extended to other games as well, such as Grand Theft Auto V, Monster Hunter World, and Metro Exodus. And the cause of the issues could come down to having an app with an on-screen overlay or even just choosing a particular dialogue option. Outside of gaming, even Chrome could suffer from the black screens, or partial black outs, when using hardware acceleration. 

Even users who performed a factory reset on their computer to address the problems may have run into another issue where Instant Replay could not be enabled if it had been enabled prior to the reset.

Not quite done yet

All the bugs we've mentioned are fairly common and thankfully are addressed by the 20.2.2 update to AMD's drivers. The update also addresses graphics card fan speeds lagging behind changes in CPU temperature. 

But all of the problems users have experienced aren't guaranteed to be fixed, as AMD notes, “Although Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition 20.2.2 resolves many black screen issues, AMD is aware that some users may still experience black screen or system hang issues during extended periods of gameplay,”

In certain situations Enhanced Sync may still lead to black screens. Some games and video capture software may also run into stuttering still. Even Doom, the perfect test case for Radeon to show its chops running the Vulkan API, is still susceptible to random hangs and crashes during gameplay.

Hopefully, AMD can get a handle on all of these issues, especially the overarching issue related to simply playing for too long. If AMD tackles all that in time of the anticipated “Nvidia killer” Radeon RX 5950 XT, it could be a smash hit.

Via PCWorld

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New Zealand vs India live stream: how to watch 2nd Test series cricket from anywhere

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 11:44 AM PST

Well...we didn't see that coming! New Zealand's dominating win against India in the 1st Test of this cricket series took pretty much everybody by surprise. What will happen next? We don't know, but what we can tell you is how to get yourself a New Zealand vs India live stream, so you can watch every moment of the Test cricket no matter where on Earth you are.

While India currently sit at the top of the newly formed World Test Championship, New Zealand will be looking to climb up from the bottom half. And with the confidence gathered up from the brilliant one-day series win and the extraordinary 10 wicket win in the 1st Test, there's nothing to suggest that they can't seriously challenge the visitors again in Christchurch.

As ever, much of the responsibility rests on the teams' captains, Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli - respectively the number 4 and 1 batsmen in the world. But there are plenty of great players in these line-ups, with Ross Taylor in form for the Black Caps and Rohit Sharma such a threat for the visitors.

Although it may be a case of this series being largely effected by the seamers. The awesome Jasprit Bumrah is fit again and firing on all cylinders, while duo Trent Boult and Tim Southee have over 400 Test wickets between them.

Sounds like an enticing match-up. Follow the instructions below to find out how to grab a New Zealand vs India live stream from pretty much anywhere on Earth.

Live stream New Zealand vs India from outside your country

In India, New Zealand, Australia, the UK or US and looking to find out how to watch the Test matches between New Zealand vs India? We've got all the details about the broadcaster with the rights to show the series in your region below. 

But if you're away from home country - maybe abroad on business or on holiday - but still want to tune in to your domestic coverage of the match then you'll run in to issues. Because of broadcaster geo-blocking, you won't be able to watch online from overseas. By using a VPN however, you'll be able to watch the game without having to resort to watching a potentially illegal feed from a dodgy Reddit link.

How to watch the Test cricket series in India

How to watch a cricket live stream in New Zealand

Live stream New Zealand vs India in Australia (for FREE)

How to stream New Zealand vs India live in the UK

How to watch New Zealand vs India: US live stream 

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Google IO 2020 seems like it's still going ahead

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 11:37 AM PST

Google I/O 2020 seems like it will still be held from May 12-14 despite the impact of coronavirus, which led to the cancellation of MWC 2020 and companies dropping out of shows like PAX East and GDC.

In a tweet, The Verge executive editor Dieter Bohn confirmed that, as of February 27, Google was still planning to hold its annual conference, though it will be paying attention to public health mandates:

  • Before Google IO 2020, review what happened at Google IO 2019
  • How likely will coronavirus cancel IO 2020? Check out how MWC 2020 got shuttered
  • Last year's big Google IO reveal? The cheap, fantastic Google Pixel 3a

Moreover, the company opened registration for Google IO 2020 last week and started notifying ticket winners yesterday, per 9to5Google. On the conference’s FAQ page, Google noted that anyone can get a full registration refund up and until April 15 – around a month before the event – should they back out over health concerns.

Google also pledged to continue to supply letters of support for attendees applying for a Business Visitor Visa, though that could change.

Google IO - coronavirus or no?

Google could choose to cancel the event any time, especially based on further info coming from the WHO or CDC. But the company already has the infrastructure to host the show anyway, albeit completely digitally, since it’s been livestreaming and setting up IO Extended watch parties for Google IO for years.

Google’s annual conference is a showcase for its tech efforts, and we expect Google IO 2020 to reveal software coming in this year’s big Android 11 updates and the debut of the Google Pixel 4a phones, as well as broader plans for things like 5G, infrastructure, and maybe even updates on Google Stadia. 

  • We'd also love to hear about what Google is doing to improve 5G phones

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Ethics and VPN: the industry needs to aim higher

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 11:30 AM PST

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are both legal to use and safe to use - perhaps the two most commonly expressed concerns by consumers looking into subscribing to a VPN. 

Perhaps where things can start to blur is (from public perception), whilst the use of a VPN is perfectly legal, any illegal activity carried out online whilst using a VPN will remain illegal. A VPN can help to keep people and their privacy protected online from an internet provider, but using one to say, stream pirated copyrighted information, still remains an illegal activity.

And let us be clear, the notion that all VPNs use is for illegal or ‘shady’ activities is nonsense - a significant volume of VPN traffic is purely business related. For example, there are many businesses (and business customers) who will often have the need to connect to a VPN from a security point of view. 

The case against making VPNs illegal

Of course VPNs can be used to camouflage illegal browsing activities. But that stance is one that is adopted by the user and not the VPN provider. 

Making VPN use illegal would certainly impact those that use VPNs for legitimate purposes - similar to the way businesses use VPNs too. 

Indeed, the analogy is often used that making VPNs illegal because the few use them for illegal purposes should mean that a gun shop is held liable if a customer then uses a purchased gun for criminal activity. And anyway, there’s nothing stopping people from using a normal internet connection for illegal purposes - how likely is it that internet access gets banned due to the actions of (relatively) few users who decide to misuse the internet.

A code of conduct for VPN providers

I feel that the barrier to entry for the VPN industry is so low that it makes it really easy for those so inclined, to launch a new VPN - currently we are witnessing new brands emerging almost every day. 

Under such circumstances, I believe that there is a very high risk that some of these people are in it only for money - their actions might therefore compromise the ethics and foundations that the VPN industry was built on. 

I feel (as somebody who has created a VPN from scratch) that it’s our collective responsibility to do everything we can to ensure that all VPN providers follow a certain code of conduct, one that is purely serving the interest of our users’ privacy, security and anonymity. If we are unable to do this, my fear is that users will find it very difficult to trust even those VPN providers who hold themselves to very ethical standards - and this is not a good ending in my opinion.

Joining an initiative

A very practical way in which the VPN Industry as a whole can take massive strides towards a unification of moral and ethical interests, is to become part of an initiative such as the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) and the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) (a consortium of VPN providers tasked with improving digital safety for consumers). 

The VPN Trust Initiative brings together first-hand insights and focuses on advocacy, education, and awareness. Ultimately it seeks to address VPN concerns, and proactively solve associated challenges by: defining VPN best practices, reinforcing industry standards, providing accurate information to government officials and policy makers, promoting appropriate industry-led regulations and informing the wider technology industry.

Such initiatives could well hold the answers for some countries where a good amount of VPN use is banned. In Iran, for example, VPN use is considered illegal - it deliberately blocks VPN use as part of its wider internet censorship methods. The UAE and China are other places where a general crackdown on VPNs is commonplace. The i2Coalition supports those who build the nuts and bolts of the Internet, and they believe that the continued growth of the Internet is vital for growing an environment of innovation, especially in America. 

By seeking to influence decision makers, weighing decisions on whether they are good or bad for the Internet economy and its foundational industries, they seek to foster growth within the Internet infrastructure industry which could ultimately convince government officials in repressive regimes that internet freedom is a good thing (when properly managed / policed).

  • Also check out our complete list of the best VPN providers

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The Pope is getting on the AI bandwagon

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 10:27 AM PST

The Vatican has teamed up with Microsoft and IBM to promote the ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI) while also calling for the regulation of facial recognition and other intrusive technologies.

The tech giants signed the Vatican's “Rome Call for AI Ethics” pledge which asserts that technology should respect privacy, work reliably and do so without bias. It also says that AI technology should consider “the needs of all human beings” and operate transparently.

The document reflects growing concerns among businesses and institutions that restrictions need to be put in place as the use cases for AI continue to evolve. For example, law enforcement agencies have used facial recognition systems to investigate crimes while Fortune 500 companies have turned to AI to vet job applicants.

Both of these cases illustrate high-stakes tasks where deploying an AI system with inaccurate or biased software could harm people instead of helping them.

AI ethics

Pope Francis also warned about the dangers of AI being used to extract data, often without the knowledge of individuals, for commercial and political ends, saying:

“This asymmetry, by which a select few know everything about us while we know nothing about them, dulls critical thought and the conscious exercise of freedom. Inequalities expand enormously; knowledge and wealth accumulate in a few hands with grave risks for democratic societies.”

While IBM and Microsoft have both signed the Vatican's document, it is still unclear as to whether other tech companies will get on board. At the same time, we also don't know how signatories will implement the principles laid out in the Vatican's pledge.

In addition to the new document, Vatican officials also said that they could potentially provide material for a possible papal document on AI.

Via Reuters

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Apple AirPods sale: the latest model AirPods get a $30 price cut at Amazon

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:32 AM PST

Right now at Amazon, you can snag a price cut on the latest model Apple AirPods. The retail giant has the 2019 AirPods with a wireless charging case on sale for $169. That's a $30 discount and the best price we've found for the truly wireless earbuds. You can also get the Apple Airpods with charging case on sale for $139.

The 2019 AirPods feature Apple's new H1 chip, which provides improved connectivity and seamless pairing. Just pull the earbuds out of the case, and they're ready to use with any Apple device. The H1 chip also offers voice control with Siri so you can get directions, skip songs, and make calls completely hands-free.

This specific deal is for the latest model AirPods with a wireless charging case that offers a further 20 hours of battery life and can be charged wirelessly using a charging mat or a lightning connector. The all-new AirPods Pro currently retail for $249, which makes the $169 price tag on the 2019 model quite appealing. 

Apple AirPod deals:

Shop more offers with our roundup of the cheapest AirPod prices, sales, and deals that are also going on.

If you're interested in the latest AirPods you can see the best AirPods Pro prices, sales, and deals that are happening now.

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The best BT Sport deals, offers, and packages in February 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:23 AM PST

We're calling the extensive search and constant hunt off because we have found the best BT deals. Whether you're looking for the best BT Sport offers or you're wondering what the BT Sports schedule is like we have got you covered.

And even if you're wondering if you can watch the Champions League or UFC on BT Sport (you can, although UFC will cost you extra) or how you could add a BT Sport package if you already have Sky TV or Virgin Media - we're here to answer those queries too.

Here, we've got all the information you need on the best offers direct from BT (for new and existing customers) including how to sign up for a BT Sport package if you already have Sky TV or Virgin Media.

We've done the hard part and scanned all the offers with a fine-tooth comb, revealing the absolute cream of the crop. All you have to do now is sit back, relax and pick your ideal BT deal.

How to get BT Sport deals direct from BT

BT Sport deals are available as an add-on to a BT TV package as well as an extra to BT broadband. Keep scrolling to see how much this would cost you per month, and if you are looking for the cheapest price possible then your best bet is to get prices direct from BT rather than going through third parties like Sky and Virgin Media.

If your a new customer and want to get BT Sport with BT, we suggest you do this as soon as possible since the standard price of BT Sport will rise on Friday, February 21. BT Sport on BT TV will be increasing to £15 a month.

Now if you already have BT broadband or a BT TV deal, we have good news for you! You can get BT Sport for less than anyone else on Sky or Virgin, take a look at the latest options for current BT customers below.

BT Sport offer of the month

How much is BT Sport on Sky?

Luckily, rather than put up a wall between their customers, BT and Sky have reached an agreement allowing existing Sky customers access to BT Sport too. That means they'll have the most comprehensive sports coverage in the UK. Sky customers will have to set this up through BT though rather than Sky. 

The options are simple though and BT's website will walk you through the steps, We've included links below and we'll talk you through the various options and how much they cost too.

How to get BT Sport on Virgin Media

Not a BT customer nor want to be? The good news is you don't have to sign up to BT Broadband to get a slice of this cake as BT is keen to let its rivals pay them to let you in on the action too.

There are a few Virgin broadband with BT Sport packages to choose from, sadly they don't include the cheapest Virgin deals. On the plus side you're getting the shiny HD versions of the BT Sports channels in all of them, keep reading to see what the deals are.

And if none of these deals are what you're looking for, make sure you check out our best Virgin broadband deals guide.

What's on BT Sport?

The BT Sport Pack includes BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2, BT Sport 3 and BT Sport ESPN, you can also get these in HD for an extra cost (or for free depending on what deal you select). 

Across these channels you'll find every Champions League match live, so to answer your question yes, you most certainly can watch the Champions League on BT Sport.

Meaning you get to watch all the games from the comfort of your home, without wrestling with people in a pub to get a seat closer to the TV. And don't forget there's a selection of Premier League matches every week.

Any UFC or boxing fans out there? 2020 is set to be an incredible year for combat sports, with fights between Adesanya and Romero as well as Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. However, you will only be able to access these fights on BT Box Office, which you'd have to pay extra for.

Not to mention that you can stream the Rugby Aviva Premiership, European Rugby Union, Moto GP and much more.

Where can I access the BT Sports schedule?

It's super simple, just head over to BT's website, click Sport and then scroll down to the bottom of the page and select TV guide and voila, you're set to go! Can't find it? You can always click here to go to BT's TV guide directly. 

What devices can I watch BT Sport on?

Prefer to watch the latest sporting action on the go? You got it, all you have to do is download the BT Sport app. Below you'll find a list of all the devices that the app is available on and therefore all the devices you can watch BT Sport on.

  • Apple TV 4th generation and above
  • Samsung smart TV 2015 models and above
  • Playstation PS4 and PS4 Pro
  • Xbox One, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S
  • Apple mobile and tablet devices running iOS 9 or later
  • Android mobile and tablet devices running OS 4.4 (Jelly Bean) or later
  • Windows smartphones and tablets running Windows 10

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Here's how you can now stream every episode of The Mandalorian on Disney Plus in the UK

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:17 AM PST

Forget your weekend plans - it's now possible for UK-based Star Wars fans to watch all eight episodes of The Mandalorian via Disney Plus, despite the new streaming service not officially launching in the UK until March 23.

We've discovered that if you take Disney up on its pre-launch discount deal (get a 12 month subscription for £49.99 - saving £10) you can then use a VPN to log in and immediately stream anything and everything in the Disney+ US library which launched back in November - including every episode of The Mandalorian.

It's incredibly simple to pull off - all you need is a valid Disney+ UK subscription and a VPN service to change your IP address. So if you've been desperate to get up and running with Disney+, this is another great reason to take Disney up on that discount subscription offer which will end when the service launches properly on March 23.

How to use a VPN to watch Disney Plus

It's ridiculously easy to get started with a VPN and watch The Mandalorian on Disney Plus in the UK. After paying your £49.99 for the next 12 months of the streaming service (£10 off the price it will be from March 23 onwards), you then need to download and install one of our choices of the best VPN services.

We trialled this with our #1 pick ExpressVPN. Once installed, you need to connect to a server in the US (Express makes this super easy to do) and then open up Disney Plus on your device. Whereas before you will have seen a message telling you that you'd need to wait until March 23 to watch The Mandalorian and the rest, now you'll see that Disney Plus's full US catalogue is available for your viewing pleasure.

Read more:

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The best cheap gaming mouse deals in March 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:13 AM PST

This is a great time to be shopping for a cheap gaming mouse deal - with 2020 kicking off some excellent sales, retailers are keen to discount gaming peripherals to net buyers at every price level. That's why you'll regularly find top brands like Logitech, SteelSeries, and Corsair for far less in these months than you would any other time of year. 

Beyond the price tag, there are plenty of other features and factors to take into consideration when shopping for a cheap gaming mouse deal. We've made everything easier for you by listing the cheapest gaming mouse deals we've come across alongside their specs and defining features. 

When you buy the best gaming mouse, it’s crucial to be conscious of the price you’re paying relative to the specs and comfort that you’ll be getting from it. You don’t need to know what ‘DPI’ or ‘CPI’ means (it’s dots per inch, by the way), but it does come in handy to know the value of 4,000 vs 16,000 of them. 

It also doesn’t hurt to know that a higher polling rate gives you better response times and lower latency. Matching all of these specs with the click feel and customization options that are right for you, as well as balancing a price tag alongside all these decisions can be tough. So we've gathered the best cheap gaming mouse deals from around the internet to bring you high-quality pointers for the best price. 

Whether you’re looking for a gaming mouse that’s wireless or wired, RGB or subtle, you can count on our recommendations to get you where you’re going, no matter what kinds of games you play.

Cheap gaming mouse deals

best cheap gaming mouse deals

The G203 is part of Logitech's budget range designed to provide everyone with high-quality PC gaming gear, and this cheap gaming mouse does just that. With up to 8,000 DPI offering a fair experience in 2020, and six programmable buttons for a decent amount of custom inputs this is a mid-range mouse for an excellent price. While the sensor isn't the fastest of Logitech's range, you wouldn't have guessed it as the G203's performance is as snappy and responsive as many other higher priced mice.   

best gaming mouse deals

This beast of a gaming mouse has seen favour from fans since its release. The Logitech G502 Lightspeed mouse is one of the best in the market right now, and if you're looking to spend a little more you can be safe in the knowledge that an upgrade won't be necessary in the near future. Aside from looking and feeling great, the wireless powerhouse brings sensors and tracking to the top of their game inside a heavily customizable shell. This is a stellar cheap gaming mouse, and one to keep an eye on for great deals. 

best cheap gaming mouse deals

The Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury was the Rolls Royce of gaming mouse deals when it first landed, and now it can be had at an awesome discount. If you want the substantial feel of one of Logitech's more high-end mice but with the price tag of their budget range, this is the deal for you. The G402 is only capable of up to 4,000DPI, which puts it behind a fair few items on this list, but the eight programmable buttons mark a boost up from others at this price. It's a classic gaming mouse that has done the rounds since its release in 2014 but it still holds up today at some excellent price tags. 

best cheap gaming mouse deals

The Steelseries Sensei 310 is a sublime ambidextrous mouse with excellent tracking and design considerations that go beyond left / right handed players to create a smooth mechanical experience. Larger handed players may struggle with the tiny stature of this claw / tip grip wired mouse, but if you're looking for something flexible and cheap while offering a great response and tracking experience this is a great gaming mouse deal. 

best cheap gaming mouse deals and sales

Corsair is a trusted brand for a reason - they develop high quality gaming products at a fair price tag. While the Ironclaw may be a little heavy for some, it's a fantastically tactile gaming mouse with up to 18,000 DPI and an optical sensor. Tracking and response are sublime, and the range and placement of the customizable buttons will serve any genre well. This is one of the cheaper performance gaming mice on this list, so well worth a look if you're looking to save cash. 

best cheap gaming mouse deals and sales

You need speed for a mouse designed for shooting and the Razer DeathAdder Elite has that in bags. The custom 5G sensor from Razer and Pixart will keep your movements fresh and lightning-fast, tracking across 450 inches per second. Plus, the DeathAdder design will sit beautifully on any desk. You are limited in your button configurations, but if you're after performance on a cheap gaming mouse deal, you won't find much better than this. 

best cheap gaming mouse deals

Having all your powers at your fingertips can make all the difference in MMO and MOBA games, and the Corsair Scimitar RGB is among the finest multi-button gaming mice. Not only do you have 12 fully customizable macro buttons, they all also integrate mechanical key switches that ride along an adjustable rail. The Scimitar tops everything off with a 12,000 DPI sensor and four-zone RGB lighting setup.

best cheap gaming mouse deals

Extended gaming sessions can really do a number on your wrist, which is why many are turning to more ergonomically designed gaming mouse deals as opposed to the flashier RGB options. The Logitech MX Vertical may take some getting used to but it will make a hell of a difference once you do. Let's get it out the way, this is an optical mouse with a top DPI of 4,000 but that sensor is incredibly precise. If you're not looking to use your new cheap gaming mouse with a high octane gaming experience and want the most comfortable option on the market, look no further. 

best cheap gaming mouse deals

Wireless technology often comes at a premium, but you can still find some real steals. Take for instance the Logitech G Pro, a strong combination of wireless power and affordability. You don't need to compromise on your tracking speed and response rate if you go wireless, the Logitech G Pro is capable of up to 16,000 DPI all the more improved by their HERO sensor. With a killer battery life and optional extra buttons to add to your gaming mouse, this is a great flexible wireless mouse to start off with. Plus, its unassuming form factor will fit in with everything else you use your computer for. 

What should I look for in a cheap gaming mouse?

If you've found a cheap gaming mouse deal you like the look of, you might be wondering how to tell if it's worth the cash. There are a few things you need to consider here, as the best gaming mouse for one person may be frustrating and cumbersome for another. Plus, you'll want to make sure you're getting the specifications you need for your cash. 

You can find cheap gaming mouse deals in a range of sizes and shapes these days, meaning the options for different grips are larger than ever. You'll find palm, claw and fingertip grips out there all designed for different hand sizes, and styles of holding the pointer. Once you've found the grip for you, you'll want to make sure your cheap gaming mouse is made with the right materials. Steer clear of slippery plastics and flimsy panels and you'll be good to go. 

Now let's talk specs. While it might not be critical to your game plan, picking up a cheap gaming mouse deal with the DPI of a higher price tag always feels good. The higher the DPI count on your gaming mouse, the more responsive the device will be to movement, allowing you to snap into action with twitch reflexes. Don't be fooled by an overly high DPI, however. Often extreme levels can become a hindrance to your game, causing more inaccuracies through over-movement than benefits of speedy reactions. 

Beyond this, finding a cheap gaming mouse deal that fits with your setup will make all the difference. The good news is plenty of the gaming mice on this page offer wireless, RGB and weight customisation options for you to explore.

How to find cheap gaming mouse deals 

Cheap gaming mouse deals are all around if you know where to look. Typically, you'll find gaming mouse sales around key shopping events throughout the year, but the beginning of the year also offers an excellent opportunity to pick up a bargain on the previous 12 months' winners. If nothing takes your fancy today, keep this page bookmarked as we're always bringing cheap gaming mouse deals your way and check back after new range instalments or competitor price cuts. 

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Ends Saturday: fantastic VPN deal with 67% off and a cloud storage freebie

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:12 AM PST

All good things must eventually come to an end - in this case we're talking about a huge discount we've been enjoying on one of the world's very best VPN providers.

Until February 29 you can get a year of IPVanish's superb VPN service for just $47.88 (the equivalent of a mere $3.99 a month). That's 12 months of ultimate protection online and restriction-free exploration of the internet.

Not only is IPVanish a world leader in the VPN game, we also rank it among our top three best VPN service overall. You're getting a fast performance, connection of up to 10 devices, unlimited usage, access to over 1,300 servers and most importantly, the ability to unblock Netflix in overseas countries and other restricted sites.

And, as an added bonus, IPVanish will also give you a year's access to SugarSync cloud storage. That's a full 250GB space for all your photos, tunes and videos. When we reviewed the service, the biggest problem we could find was that it was too expensive...so not a problem with this offer!

If all of this sounds like your ideal package then scroll down to see all of the details in full or check out our best VPN deals guide for all of the very best offers on cyber privacy.

VPN deal: 67% birthday discount from IPVanish

What can you do with a VPN

There are traditionally two main reasons you might want to get a VPN like IPVanish - protecting yourself online and avoiding internet restrictions. In terms of online safety, a VPN uses encryption technologies to mask your IP address so you can't be tracked. Simply, it makes it a lot harder for you to be traced on the internet.

Their other use is a bit wider in its functionality and realistically more popular. VPNs can allow you to work around restrictions online which means watching your favourite channels in other countries, getting cheaper deals on flights and trains and watch any country's Netflix no matter where you are. 

See also:

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The best cheap Chromebook prices and deals in March 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:05 AM PST

After the best Chromebook deals around? We've got top prices from retailers across the world wide web selling the best Chromebooks out there.

If you don't know where to start: don't worry. We've scoured the major online retailers for the biggest Chromebook price drops to save you the trouble – and are keeping this page updated throughout the year for whenever you happen to be on the hunt for a new Chromebook computer.

Certainly, the cheapest Chromebooks are already pretty good for the price, and tend to be aimed at those who don't want to blow all their cash on a single gadget purchase. That said, you don’t need to worry about us prioritizing affordability over quality either. The best Chromebook price is often one that incorporates decent specs at a low cost, and we've found a range of models perfect for a variety of different needs. Without further delay, let’s dive in.

What makes a good Chromebook price?

The cheapest Chromebooks can sometimes be guilty of skimping on their specs. To find the best Chromebook price, therefore, it's important to keep your needs in mind when it comes to processor quality and storage solutions. There are definitely deals that take both power and cost efficiency into account, so it's important to keep an eye out for anything with an SSD capable of storing and managing updates (if you're not running ChromeOS) and RAM above the 2GB baseline that often appears in searches. 

Our favorite Chromebooks on sale

best cheap Chromebook price and deals

This is where you should begin your search for a Chromebook. At 14 inches in screen size and inside an adorable frame, the HP Chromebook 14 offers a fine middle ground for the indecisive shopper. With standardized parts inside, this Chromebook can do essentially all its closest rivals can and then some, with its microSD card reader and slew of ports – unlike similarly-priced, tinier Chromebooks.

Read our full review: HP Chromebook 14

best cheap Chromebook price and sales

It’s almost as if Dell hand-crafted this Chromebook to get work done in the classroom. It’s got an indicator light on the lid that teachers can use as if the student raised his or her hand to answer (or ask) a question. And, it’s rubberized in many places to better survive drops and dents. It’s an awfully mobile laptop, too, making it sensible for work at almost any class level, or if you just want a lightweight web browser and email machine. In the education sector, a Chromebook price can be one of the most important factors so you'll be safe in the knowledge that this Dell 11 is efficient as well. 

Read our full review: Dell Chromebook 11

best cheap Chromebook price and deals

If you’re looking for a large laptop but don’t want to spend too much, a Chromebook price offers the perfect deal for you. Acer’s crafted a strong, 15.6-inch Chrome machine that can house plenty of beefier components than most other laptops at its price range. It doesn’t do much that’s exclusive to its larger size so much that it simply does those things more. For many, that’s a selling point worth trying to find the best deal over, and this just so happens to be the best one.

Read our full review: Acer Chromebook 15

best cheap Chromebook price and deals

The Google Pixelbook Go has only just left its box, but it's already one of the most powerful Chromebooks out there. It does have the price tag to match, but it's nowhere near the $1,000/£1,000 tag on its predecessor. The 8th generation of processors to choose from and the substantial SSD sizes on offer mean you'll be zipping through tasks on an ultra portable laptop with a great full HD screen. 

Plus, the Go can manage all that and still stay alive for 12 hours at a time, which is pretty good going when you consider the power stored inside this sleek shell. It might not be the cheap and cheerful machine you were expecting to pick up, but it's certainly worth a look if you're going to be using your Chromebook for anything strenuous. 

best cheap Chromebook price and deal

The R11's subdued design may not win any awards, but inside that white shell is a surprisingly slim laptop destined to last an entire day's work. It’s even among the first Chromebooks to support Android apps by way of the Google Play Store. So, if you’ve ever wanted to use Firefox on a Chromebook, now you can. The R11 packs day-long battery life, sharp performance and a 360-degree hinge for the touchscreen. It won't burn your wallet, thereby making cons, like an iffy trackpad and barely-HD screen, a little easier to take.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11

best cheap Chromebook price and deals

Acer tends to run the show in our Chromebook roundups, and for good reason: it makes great Chromebooks. If you want the look and near-feel of a MacBook Air, but with the Chromebook price tag this is the model for you. The 14 looks and feels like Apple’s famous notebook on the outside, but of course can’t truly feel like using one with how little it costs. 

Read our full review: Acer Chromebook 14 

Not long after killing off the Chromebook Pixel, Google has revived it in a way that no one was expecting leading into its reveal. Now, it’s called the Google Pixelbook, and it takes a sharp turn away from its predecessor. That’s mainly because we’re looking at a machine that can run Android apps natively in addition to bolstering Chrome OS. With ample storage space, nigh-perfect stylus integration and Google Assistant, the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook you can buy. That said, while Google Pixelbook deals will be hard to come by, it's one of the most-searched laptops right now, so it's worth calling out – not to mention being on the lookout for hot deals. In all honesty, you can afford to save your cash for an all-in laptop with more features - this isn't exactly the price tag for a quick Chromebook purchase after all. 

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook

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

If you're looking for a more substantial machine for speedy multitasking or high performance software, why not check out our best cheap laptop deals of the week. There's also some excellent gaming laptop deals to be had as well!

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The cheapest Xbox One controller deals and prices in March 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:04 AM PST

Cheap Xbox One controller prices aren't too easy to find. That's because retailers rarely lower the price of Xbox controller deals, leaving shoppers to pay full price most of the time. You can, however, find competitive prices online, and that's where we come in. We're here to help you find the best prices on Xbox One controllers. 

Here’s the thing: console deals are awesome, and often come loaded with huge savings, but unless you buy a bundle that specifically packs in a second controller, your Xbox One will only arrive alongside one. Why is that the case? The main reason is that it’s cheaper that way, yet it still makes it seem like the manufacturer is cutting you some kind of deal. 

But just because you’re getting shorted a controller doesn’t mean you should go without a second one - how else would you ever play a local multiplayer game without one? For that reason a second controller is a crucial pick-up. So let's see what Xbox One deals are out there.

The cheapest Xbox One controller prices

Xbox One controllers in all colors of the rainbow! 

While black and white are the most popular choices for extra gamepads, they're not the only options. In fact, if you really want to add a splash of color to your console, there are plenty of neat controller color schemes to do just that. 

We've listed them below for your perusing convenience. 

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The cheapest Xbox Live Gold deals and 12 month membership prices for March 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:03 AM PST

Let us find you the cheapest Xbox Live Gold deals for 12-month memberships right here with our price comparison technology that searches through loads of retailers to bring you the best price whatever region you're in.

After all we're confident we can beat those auto-renew Xbox Live Gold prices of $60 in the US, £50 in UK or $80 in Australia. We see prices cheaper than this throughout the year and we're in the best place to spot any discounts. The UK sub was priced at £40 for many years, but went up £10 in May 2019.

So as you're probably all too aware, as with past consoles in the Xbox lineup, the Xbox One also requires an Xbox Live Gold subscription in order to play games online. It's not all bad though, as Microsoft took a note from Sony's similar PlayStation Plus offering and now gives out free games each month to members. You currently get two for the Xbox One and two Xbox 360 games to play on the old console or your Xbox One via its backwards-compatible feature. And seeing as Sony's service now only gives you two games a month, Microsoft's service is certainly looking like the better deal.

If you're also tempted by the Xbox Game Pass library, you might want to check out the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. The subscription combines access to the entire Game Pass library with Xbox Live Gold, offering both services for one simple price. You can save big on both services using the deals we've found below! 

Microsoft's Xbox Live service is generally seen as the more stable and reliable network of the two - although Sony's PSN has been fine of late. You'll also get Xbox One Gold member-exclusive discounts in the many sales on the Xbox Live store.

Use Xbox Live Gold to get the best Game Pass Ultimate deal

As of June 2019, there's an even better way to use your Xbox Live Gold membership - turning it into a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Game Pass Ultimate combines the online play of Live Gold and the game streaming library of Game Pass to bring you the ultimate Xbox experience. Plus, Microsoft are offering an introductory $1/£1 price tag on players' first month with the subscription. 

This is where it gets interesting, though. Microsoft is also offering to convert any remaining Xbox Live Gold months you have left when you sign up into Game Pass Ultimate months. As long as you add the Live Gold months to your account before you sign up for Ultimate, you can stack gift card codes to save an amazing amount of cash on 30 months of game streaming - taking you up to the June 2022 limit. 

You're still spending money on the Live Gold subscription, but it's far cheaper Xbox's most expensive membership. You could spend the next three years playing every major game as soon as it's released to Xbox and saving money while you do it! 

Plus, Microsoft is fully supportive of the lifehack, so there's no need to worry about being told off! 

We generally find that CDKeys is one of the cheapest prices to buy a 12-month Xbox Live Gold deal, but technical gremlins sometimes mean the prices don't show up in our comparison chart below. Feel free to check the following CDKeys links though, just to make sure you're getting the best Xbox Live Gold deal. Prices are usually hovering around £34-£38 in the UK and $46-$50 in the USand $60-$65 in Australia.

If you'd prefer to go down the official route, you can buy directly from Microsoft's website. There are discounts sometimes, but we generally find prices stick to the full RRP. If you'd like to take a look, that'd be $59.99 in the US or £39.99 in the UK or $79.95 in Australia.

cheapest xbox game pass ultimate deals and price

If you want to combine your Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, you can save with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. On top of your free monthly games courtesy of Live Gold, you'll also get access to the entire Xbox Game Pass library for one price. 

While you can only grab three month memberships at the moment, buying both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass separately through a rolling subscription with Microsoft will set you back $59.94/£44.94 for those three months. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will save you at least $15/£12, and that's before you've even taken a look at the great deals below. 

We'd recommend starting off with the $1/£1 introductory month available through your Xbox console, before cancelling your auto-renew and grabbing one of these amazing discounts. 

You can also get a shorter three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription. However, we don't think this represents as good value as the cost per month works out much higher. If you want to dip your toe into the world of online gaming though, this is a good place to start, and doesn't commit you to a full year. It's worth checking if you could get a free month-long trial directly from your Xbox menu first though.

What are the free Xbox Games with Gold this month?

We've got you covered. Each month we update the list of extensive freebies for the Xbox Live Games with Gold promotion. Why not bookmark the page below to make sure you never miss out?

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The best Now TV pass offers, boxes, smart sticks and deals in February 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:02 AM PST

If you're looking for the best Now TV offers (pass related or not) then you're in luck as that just so happens to be our speciality here at TechRadar. We constantly analyse and search through all the offers to find the cheapest and best Now TV deals.

And you can rest assured, as we regularly update this page - we will always have the best and latest offers for you, especially as we compare the current deals directly from the website and retailers around the UK, to get you the best prices and deals. 

The best bit? We've got the best Now TV offers on everything - including passes, voucher deals for new and existing clients, boxes, the Now TV Smart Box 4K and the Now TV Stick (both of which come with a voice-remote control).

But don't worry if you don't want these gadgets, you don't need a Now TV Smart Stick or box as you can get the Now TV app on plenty of devices including smart TVs, tablets, or even on your PS4/Xbox One.

And of course, if you also are looking for broadband with your TV, the streaming service also has some tempting Now TV and broadband deals. 

Ready to find the best Now TV offer for you? Just keep scrolling.

Now TV pass offers

You can go directly to Now TV to check out the latest pass offers...or we can tell you about the best ones right here!

And the good news is, you probably already have a device which is very capable of running the Now TV app (tablets, gaming consoles, Smart TV etc), so once you select your Now TV pass offer you're set to go! 

Now don't be disheartened if you don't happen to have a device, because we've also listed for you further down this page how you can get a cheap Now TV Smart Box or Now TV Stick and which are the current best deals on both devices.

The only bad news we have to deliver is that these offers are usually for new members only, but you can often find other discounts by picking up Now TV passes from other retailers instead.

now TV box 4K

Now TV Smart Boxes

The Now TV Smart Box 4K is ideal for anyone who wants access to a wide range of apps, which includes Netflix, YouTube, and all the UK TV catch-up services. It's easy set-up and reasonable pricing which include the voice remote make it an easy choice.

However, it is important to note that you'll only be able to stream Netflix along with Sky Sports Pass channels and select Entertainment and Cinema pass channels in 4K, as the rest of the services such as BBC iPlayer is limited to HD.

And currently, Now TV is only selling the smart stick, it seems they are focusing more on promoting the device as it's much smaller and easier to transport yet still has the same functions as the Now TV smart box.

 So, basically you won't be able to purchase the Now TV smart box from the website - but you will be able to get it from other retailers, you've got a few options below.

If you don't want the Now TV smart box, the good news is you probably already have a device which is very capable of running the Now TV app (tablets, gaming consoles, Smart TV etc), so once you select your Now TV pass offer you're set to go. And if you don't have a device, why not get a Now TV smart stick instead?

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Now TV Boost

Finally, after two years of waiting - you can now watch Now TV content in HD (at an added cost). If you pay an extra £3 a month, you get access to the streaming platform's bolt-on Now TV Boost, which you can add to your Sky Entertainment, Sky Sports or Kids Pass.

However, this is only available on Sky Sports channels, Entertainment except Fox and Gold, all Sky Cinema channels and all kids channels except for Cartoonito and Nickelodeon. So Hayu isn't included in there.

Not to mention, Now TV's mobile app isn't included in the list of supported devices. So you'll be stuck with plain old 720p - so it's not great value for money.

Now TV Stick deals

Now TV Smart Stick deals

This is by far the cheapest hardware option for the Now TV family, not only is it quite affordable but it is excellent value for money. Most purchase options from our price comparison chart now include a Now TV Entertainment or Cinema pass too to get you going. 

It's extremely similar to the Amazon Fire TV Stick, but a fair bit cheaper - simply plug it into an HDMI slot on your TV and get streaming. The added bonus is that it comes with a remote control that supports voice-commands and search too!

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Now TV pass deals

If you’ve already got a Now TV box, gaming console or another device that can stream the service (such as a Roku player or a Chromecast) then all you need is a Now TV pass to get subscribed to the various streaming packages offered on the service.

There are currently four passes available for Now TV; Entertainment, Sky Cinema, Kids and Sky Sports. These are available for subscription periods as short as one day (for Sky Sports), or as long as one month.

Ironically, the cheapest way of getting your hands on cheap passes is often to get them bundled in with a Now TV box, but you can also find cheap Now TV passes available. Below, we have compiled a selection of the best deals around for each pass below.

Now TV entertainment pass offers

The Now TV Entertainment pass gets you access to Sky Atlantic shows like Chernobyl, Tin Star, Catherine the Great, Watchmen and more. With this pass you also get access to Sky Living, Sky 1, FOX, Comedy Central, MTV and many more - so you can watch all the movies and shows available on these channels. 

It costs £8.99 a month, but this pass gets you fresh content to watch on a regular basis across multiple genres and you won't find the same programs on the likes of Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

Below you can see our favorite Now TV Entertainment pass deals from a few retailers.

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Now TV Sky Cinema pass (aka Sky Movies pass) offers

If you're more interested in film than television, then the Now TV Sky Cinema pass is the subscription for you. With this you'll get access to an immense amount of films, as well as the added bonus that Sky Cinema has a new premiere every day! Make sure to check the Now TV website for offers, our current number one pick is below - and don't forget that we have our comparison chart below that always shows the latest and best Now TV Sky Cinema pass deals (so make sure you keep an eye on this page!)

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Now TV Sky Sports pass deals

Sky's sporting selections are all represented and available via a Now TV Sky Sports pass, which also has the added benefit of not needing a lengthy and expensive contract commitment.

With the Sky's Sports Pass you get access to all 11 Sky Sports channels including: Sky Sports News, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports F1, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football (for Football League, La Liga and more), Sky Sports Mix, and Sky Sports Racing. 

This pass is usually £33.99 a month but if this seems a bit too expensive you can always get a mobile month pass for £5.99 (although you'll only get five Sky Sports channels). 

And the mobile pass isn't your only option - if you're just looking to watch one event or you just want to try it out then the day pass at £9.99 or the one week pass for £14.99 might be the one for you.

At the moment, Now TV isn't doing any Sky Sports Pass deals but it's not all terrible news, you can still get some pass deals in the comparison chart below.

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Now TV kids pass

At just £3.99 a month, the Kids pass is one of the cheapest of the Now TV subscriptions, and as such, it takes some beating. It features a range of shows such as Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and plenty more, making it ideal for the little ones. The best news? If you're unsure if you want to get it or not it does offer a seven-day free trial, it has no contract but it does have a rolling monthly membership. As things stand, the cheapest way to get the subscription is to buy it from Now TV directly at the link below.

Sign up: for just £3.99 a month

Now TV Hayu pass

cheap now tv pass vouchers offers deals hayu

If reality TV is your thing then a mere £3.99 a month Hayu pass is ridiculously hot value for all the reality TV fans out there. We're talking Project Runway, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, all of the Real Housewives saga, The Simple Life and much more! So if you're looking for your reality TV fix this pass is the way to go.

Sign up: for just £3.99 a month

  • Fancy a look at our roundup of the latest cheap TV deals?
  • Really treating yourself? Then check out the latest OLED TV prices
  • TV stands: finding the best TV stand to suit your living room cinema needs

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Buy Windows 10: the cheapest prices in March 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:02 AM PST

The deadline to get a free upgrade to Windows 10 has sadly now passed. Not to worry though as you can rely on TechRadar to help you buy Windows 10 for the best price. Windows 10 brings back the beloved Start button as well as all the features and integrations you've come to expect from your PC. 

So, if you're building a brand new system or want to upgrade to Windows 10 on an older device, you're going to need to buy Windows again. Don't worry though, because we check the prices of Windows 10 every day to make sure you get the best deals.

Why buy Windows 10? 

You may still be running your computer on Windows 7 or 8, and if so it might be time to buy Windows 10. This isn't just a performance update, Windows 10 brings new features and security settings to your machine that are crucial to getting your work done in today's operating systems. From the ease of the Cortana assistant to the speed boost you'll notice instantly, upgrading your older system to Windows 10 will be well worth your while. 

buy windows 10 home prices

Buy Windows 10 Home for the best price

The perfect version of Windows for home users

Windows 10 Home is the version that most people will need. It's for home use and includes game streaming from Xbox One and other consumer features like Cortana, as well as Windows Hello for logging into your PC via a fingerprint scanner or your face. If Windows 8 was the steepest learning curve imaginable, Windows 10 is like meeting a great friend you once knew again - it's just that they've bought some new clothes of which you really do approve. If you're looking to buy Windows 10 Home today, you'll find some excellent offers to save you some cash below. 

windows 10 pro deals

Buy Windows 10 Pro for the cheapest price

Go Pro if you think it's worth paying more for the Pro features

Buy Windows 10 Pro if you need the extra security and management improvements over the Home version above. It includes Hyper-V for virtualization, BitLocker whole disk encryption, enterprise mode IE, Remote Desktop, a version of the Windows Store for your own business and assigned access (which locks a PC to running only one modern application, to use like a kiosk). Network admins can also schedule updates so they don't happen at important times.

windows 7 deals prices

Buy Windows 7 deals

Windows 7 - because we fear change

What's this? Windows 7 deals on a page that advertises Windows 10? We understand some of you really want to stick with Windows 7, maybe even on a new machine. Don't worry, we totally get it. Maybe it's because you have some hardware/software that works better on the old OS or it just feels better. Or maybe it's because you've no time for the ridiculousness of the tiles format. If any of the above sound like you, buy Windows 7, a PC traditionalist's choice. 

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The cheapest Nintendo Wii U prices, sales deals in March 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:02 AM PST

This had to happen eventually, cheap Wii U prices are seemingly a thing of the past in all honesty, well if you want a new unit at least. Nintendo no longer produces the Wii U, making unopened boxes shoot up in price. So the latest Nintendo Wii U sale prices might be a little hard to look at in our price comparison charts below.

However, it is worth keeping an eye out for any pre-owned or refurbished models as we're seeing them go for hundreds less than new models. Yes hundreds. On this page you will find all of the best remaining Wii U deals on standalone consoles and bundles, actually most of the items in the comparison chart below come bundled with a game once you click through. 

The Wii U might be unable to compete with the Xbox One and PS4 in raw power, but it's a console packed with some unique features and good ideas. So if you don't fancy the hardcore gaming experiences of those other two consoles, the fun and light-hearted orientation of the Wii U experience could be for you. There are some strong games in its lineup, but considering the still-high costs, you may want to consider a Nintendo Switch bundle instead.

Keep clicking the 'Show more deals' button on our comparison chart to see more options as the new units generally sit at the top, but there are cheaper refurbished options available too.

Wii U game deals

The Wii U hasn't enjoyed the same success as the original Wii console, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of incredible exclusives to enjoy. We've rounded up some of the best ones in a comparison chart below. So if you decide to add a Wii U to your console collection, be sure to take a look at these games while you can. It's looking like the new Nintendo Switch won't have a disc drive, so don't expect it to be backwards compatible.

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Best dedicated server hosting providers of 2020

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 09:00 AM PST

Opting for a dedicated server means that you get an entire server to yourself. There's no sharing of CPU time, RAM or bandwidth, which means your website stays responsive at all times.

Shared web hosting can appear to be amazing value, with feature-packed products available for just a few pounds every month. But the reality is often very different, and they're not always the bargains they seem.

Very low prices probably mean the host is cramming more customers onto each server, for instance. Performance will be poor as there aren't enough resources to go around, and the extra load could mean more server problems and downtime.

Dedicated hosting implies that you also get far more control over how the server is configured. You can add and remove software, install updates or tweak all settings, allowing you to optimize the server for your specific needs.

Best of all, dedicated hosting contracts often come with fast and knowledgeable support. The best providers will even monitor your server for issues, like failed services, and can often fix them before you've realized there was a problem.

This kind of power doesn't come cheap, and although there are some good signup deals around, you can easily spend $50-$140 a month and more on just a basic package.

With that kind of investment, it's important to make the right choice. In this article, we're going to highlight five top dedicated hosting providers who you might want to check out first.

Bluehost is a popular web hosting service with powerful and flexible plans, and their dedicated hosting plans follow the same principle. 

The pricing starts with the Standard plan which is priced at $73.99 (£61.85 for UK) per month for the first term, $119.99 (£98.64 for UK) per month afterward. The plans might be a bit more expensive compared to rivals but they sure don’t lack the features. For the Standard plan you get 4 cores at 2.3 GHz, 500GB of storage, 4GB RAM, 5TB bandwidth and 3 IP addresses. Free domain and SSL certificate are also included. 

In addition, there are plenty of advanced features too, like multi-server management, secure shell (SSH) access, custom-designed database manager and more. For users that want more, they have the option to upgrade to a faster CPU, more storage, more bandwidth and pretty much more of everything.

Some optional features are also available, so if you want domain privacy and protection, SiteLock or spam protection you can get those as well.

Bluehost is a capable hosting provider with 24/7 support so you can call for help any time you need it. If by any chance you’re not satisfied with the service, Bluehost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Hostwinds is a capable hosting provider which crams a huge range of features into all its products, from the most basic shared hosting plans to its enterprise-level cloud-based range.

Its dedicated server range may start at just $79.50 (£60.6) a month, for instance – $106 (£76) on renewal – but even these baseline products include features that are premium extras elsewhere.

All systems have 1Gbps ports, for instance (some providers start at 100Mbps). Every server is fully managed, ensuring you're not wasting time running operating system updates or other basic maintenance tasks. Hostwinds monitors your server to detect problems as soon as they crop up, and automatic nightly backups ensure you can quickly recover from even the worst of disasters.

Storage is extremely configurable, too. Some servers have four drive bays available, and they can be equipped with any mix of 1TB to 3TB SATA drives, or 120GB to 1TB SSDs. That's considerably more flexible than providers like 1&1, where you can only use SSD drives on some products, and even then they're often available in fixed configurations only (1TB SATA or 800GB SSD, for instance).

There's more good news with the choice of operating system. Not only do Linux fans get a choice of CentOS, Debian, Fedora or Ubuntu, but Windows users can choose Windows 2008, 2012 or 2016 Server for a low $25 (£18.8) – we've seen charges of up to $50 (£35.70) elsewhere.

Put it all together and the Hostwinds dedicated range is refreshingly honest. Servers aren't crippled by low specifications to hit a price point, and yet final costs remain low, with most updates very fairly priced. Well worth a look for anyone who needs a reliable, highly-specified server for a low price.

German-based 1&1 (as October 2018 called 1&1 IONOS) is well known as a budget hosting provider, but the company doesn't just offer value for website newbies: its dedicated server range starts at a very low $45 a month for the first six months, then $65.

As you might imagine, 1&1 has had to cut a few corners to hit that price point. The cheapest plans are relatively basic, with limited hardware, although network bandwidth got an upgrade with 1Gbit/s. Features like SSD drives and server management (1&1 updates, monitors and manages the server for you) cost extra. Oh, and there's also a setup fee of at least $50 (entry level plan doesn't have setup fee).

But there are plus points, too, including unlimited bandwidth, bundled Symantec SSL certificates, and the Plesk Onyx server control panel thrown in for free. Overall, even the most limited 1&1 dedicated server plan has enough power to handle many tasks. Additionally, you get a personal consultant free of charge.

Demanding users have plenty of paid upgrades to explore, including a faster CPU, more RAM and storage, a bundled backup service and more. Some of these add-ons include more than you might expect, too. Paying $14 a month for management doesn't just mean 1&1 will look after server admin: you also get a website builder, simple analytics, a photo slideshow service, automatic backup and restore for WordPress sites, and more. Sounds like a good deal to us.

Opting for dedicated rather than shared hosting will speed up your website in itself, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. A2 Hosting's managed server plans blend multiple tricks and technologies to try and ensure you see the best possible performance.

This starts with a powerful set of server components: OPcache and APC may speed up PHP processing by 50%. Memcached holds key MySQL data in RAM for faster retrieval, while mod_pagespeed uses multiple tricks to optimize site content. SPDY and HTTP/2 accelerate page loads even further, and support for technologies like edge side includes and websockets allow more fine-tuned optimizations of your site.

A2 Hosting plans also include Cloudflare's free CDN and its Railgun Optimizer, which "compresses previously uncacheable web objects up to 99.6%" and may result in an average 200% performance increase. In reality you might not see anything like that – the boost will vary greatly, depending on your site – but it's still a technology worth having.

Elsewhere, performance-boosting add-ons include RAID 1 SSD storage of up to 2 x 1TB. An optional Turbo Boost feature costing from $35 a month replaces Apache with the LiteSpeed server, apparently bringing up to 20x faster page loads, and another add-on can cache the HTML contents of a page, then speedily reload it later without needing to run PHP. We were happy to see cPanel is thrown in, too (it's often a chargeable extra with other hosts).

These kind of professional features come at a cost, with even the most basic Sprint plan priced from around $99 a month. But if speed is your top priority then this company could be worth a try, especially as A2's ‘Anytime Money Back Guarantee’ will refund your fees if you cancel within 30 days of your order.

Liquid Web is a popular provider of high-end business hosting products ranging from managed WordPress and WooComerce plans, to cloud VPS, dedicated servers and private clouds.

The company's dedicated offerings may look expensive, with a starting price of $199 a month (can be reduced to $149 a month if annual billing is chosen), but they're also far better specified than most of the budget competition.

Even the cheapest dedicated server includes two speedy 240GB SSD drives, for instance. There's also a 1TB SATA backup drive provided, making it easy and convenient to run regular backups.

The plan includes a dedicated IP. Support for Cloudflare CDN should boost your website speeds, and your server can be hosted in one of three data centers (Arizona, Michigan, or the Netherlands). Although, the special entry plans are only hosted in Michigan.

Most importantly, all dedicated servers are managed by Liquid Web's professional support team. They monitor system health, proactively respond to notifications (for example, they’ll restart a failed service), alongside taking care of installing and updating the operating system. If you have any difficulties, support is available 24/7/365, and the company guarantees a 59 second response time via phone or chat, 30 minutes via ticket and email.

Factor in the wide range of optional add-ons – load balancers, firewalls, VPN – and the range has more than enough power for almost any purpose. If you're managing a heavy-duty website, Liquid Web needs to be on your shortlist.

You might also want to check out our other website hosting buying guides:

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